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By "babysitting" I mean having to frequently stir/check on the food. [more inside]
posted by ripley_ at 8:32 PM PST - 31 comments

I need to send email (Gmail) to a document to send as an attachment. The only way it seems to save is "Complete Web Page" when I just need a plain document. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 7:36 PM PST - 7 comments

Any recommendations for a pop-up blocker for Chrome and/or Firefox? [more inside]
posted by nobody at 7:18 PM PST - 6 comments

I really like this pair of shoes, but I don't like the braiding. I'd like a pair that is just smooth leather. Is there a specific name for shoes like this? I can't seem to find any other shoes like it. [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 6:45 PM PST - 6 comments

I am having to face the very real prospect that I will have to sell my house in the near future for a cluster of factors that boil down to my inability to earn a livable income. I’m having trouble coming up with any sort of plan for what I would do and where I would live after that. Hive mind, can you help? [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 6:12 PM PST - 32 comments

Not Libre Office or Pages, freely available online. [more inside]
posted by firstdaffodils at 5:28 PM PST - 13 comments

Is there a support group for this? Therapy helps but I still feel like the only person going through this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:35 PM PST - 14 comments

I had IUDs back to back over the span of 10 years, then got it removed to have a baby, and we've been using condoms but are getting sick of it. However, I am reluctant to get another IUD at the moment because the insertions were terribly painful and we might try for another baby at some point so I don't want to get it put in then taken out in short order. I know there are birth control pills but I prefer something more localized, like the Mirena was. Is there a middle ground option here?
posted by Forty-eight at 3:13 PM PST - 27 comments

I have a gap in my employment history largely due to illness. I've been trying too hard to cover it up and have probably been coming off as disingenuous. I do have some business planning and volunteer work during my gap. Can I, Should I, and how do I include those in my resume? [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 2:29 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm going to Mexico City in three weeks. Obviously there is a ton of things to do. We are going to do obvious stuff, eg Frida Kahlo's place, Tenochtitlan, Xochimilco. What are some non-obvious things my wife and I should do/look out for? Food, crazy shit, art, really suggestions of any sort are welcome!
posted by josher71 at 2:24 PM PST - 20 comments

My father (much loved) died last month. Earlier this week I unexpectedly had to put my dog to sleep after a short illness. I am overwhelmed with grief and anxiety. I am on hydroxyzine for anxiety, but I can't tell that it does anything. What can I do to alleviate some of these feelings? I know it will improve with time, but is there anything (ritual, meditation, music, exercise) that will help me?
posted by mareliz at 1:57 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm nonbinary/agender trans and not close to my family. As part of defining my own identity/presentation, I'm planning on changing my name. I'm stuck on a last name. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:08 PM PST - 38 comments

I'm putting together a financial plan that includes giving away a lot of money. I'm a very unobservant Jew, but Maimonides' levels of tzedakah is a framework that's always resonated with me, and I'm trying to use it as a framework (leaving out the stupid parts like only giving to other Jews). I'm struggling with how to interpret the top two levels in a modern context, with the laws and norms around charitable giving. [more inside]
posted by dorothy hawk at 11:12 AM PST - 10 comments

I was having trouble with my gas-fired water heater (running way too hot) and shut it off. After I shut it off, I noticed a shushing sound in the kitchen, just the other side of the wall from the water heater. Checked the meters and saw that there's no water leak or gas leak. Turned off the gas cutoff at the water heater: no change. Turned off the water cutoff at the water heater: the shushing sound went away. So my question is, if there's no water flowing, why would turning off the cutoff valve stop the shushing sound?
posted by adamrice at 10:07 AM PST - 8 comments

I am moving house. My lease for my current place ends at 11 AM on 5/31. My new place will not be available until the morning of 6/1. Normally when moving house, I try to move in a bit early or get an extension on the place I'm moving out from so there's a bit of overlap. But I have been told on both ends this is not possible. I have the contents of a two-bedroom apartment to move. How do I do this without losing my mind?
posted by LSK at 9:57 AM PST - 15 comments

My shower curtain liners are constantly getting small bits of mildew and mold growth. I am having to wash them once every week or two and would really like a better way! [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 9:21 AM PST - 20 comments

I've got a 55", 37 lb flat screen TV and want to mount it on an interior plaster wall. The building is old (1950) and the plaster is crumbly enough that mounting a curtain rod left little holes around the bracket. I don't dare try to hang the TV myself-- if I go through with this, I'll definitely just get a professional installer. But is it a terrible idea in the first place to even try mounting a TV on this wall? [more inside]
posted by muffin town at 8:41 AM PST - 19 comments

This sounds like a dumb question, but can an ordinary adult change the shape of their foot? I may accidentally have done this. [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 7:17 AM PST - 15 comments

How do you take a picture like this? It is very effective, but I doubt they use anything more than an iPhone to do it.
posted by nothing.especially.clever at 6:59 AM PST - 5 comments

My girlfriend and I have pretty different taste in music but there's likely some overlap. We'd like to more easily find the songs and artists that we both like (so we can generate a playlist of it to play when neither of us wants to stretch our music-listening capabilities) but technology (despite being able to generate so much creepy targeted advertising) has not been useful. Please help. [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:07 AM PST - 8 comments

I have so far received the exact same feedback, 4 job interviews in a row. Can you help me understand it better/understand how to proceed from here? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 3:26 AM PST - 28 comments

What tool(s) should I get for a small desoldering project? [more inside]
posted by Strutter Cane - United Planets Stilt Patrol at 1:39 AM PST - 17 comments

I am looking for a solution to erase TimeMachine partitions on external hard disks, while keeping the data on the rest of the disk safe. [more inside]
posted by panboi at 12:57 AM PST - 5 comments

A young person I know has been enjoying the Japanese anime show, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Today I happened to be there as the end credits rolled and I was absolutely blown away by the closing theme. Any other shows do this kind of thing? Unexpected theme songs, I guess?
posted by circular at 10:26 PM PST - 16 comments

I use Everything for local system searches and sometimes do a regex but it's always laborious. I'm currently searching a group of files which all look something like this: [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 9:33 PM PST - 6 comments

Someone close to me takes Zoloft, primarily to manage anxiety. They typically drink very little, but had a birthday party Saturday night and drank a lot-shots of vodka, mixed drinks. Felt crummy Sunday. Tuesday night had one mixed drink at birthday dinner. Tonight, report that they’ve been sleeping all day, that they are confused, having a hard time tracking. It seems consistent with possible side effects of combining those two substances-but I can’t find info about how long after one could expect to still be feeling ill. [more inside]
posted by purenitrous at 8:19 PM PST - 9 comments

I have the idea that many TV comedies are juvenile. But I am really enjoying the series "Servant of the People". What else can you suggest for me that is light but not sophomoric? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:18 PM PST - 38 comments

What would be good outdoor-wedding appropriate flats to wear with my dress? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 7:18 PM PST - 11 comments

Platform that would accommodate making a different monthly newsletter for multiple nonprofits? [more inside]
posted by oywiththepoodles at 4:17 PM PST - 4 comments

I’m an extremely sensitive person. Sensitive to criticism and sensitive to setbacks in life and easily upset. I want to grow a thicker skin and work on being tougher and more resilient. I’m looking for good self-help books in this vein. I’m not looking for books on why it’s a gift to be highly sensitive, I want advice to toughen up. Thanks!
posted by vanitas at 4:04 PM PST - 13 comments

There are approximately a thousand bajillion college admissions guides, but you guys are the filter, what was your guiding light during this especially joyful milestone in parenting? [more inside]
posted by Jenny'sCricket at 3:59 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm so mad at myself - I got my truck hung up on a concrete lamppost base this morning, and scraped up and dented the front left driver side quarter panel. It's not affecting the driveability, but my concern is rust. I absolutely cannot afford the hundreds of dollars in bodywork right now, so is there anything I can do to prevent rust until I can actually get this fixed? [more inside]
posted by sundrop at 3:32 PM PST - 6 comments

I went to an onigiri restaurant for breakfast in NYC years ago and the oolong tea I got was served with the teabag suspended in the cup with some kind of skewer that rested across the cup. It also held the bag open presumably for better steeping. I could use any type of skewer I guess (or maybe it was just a chopstick) but is this a Japanese thing with a name? [more inside]
posted by sevenless at 3:02 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm staying in Waltham through Monday helping out with a family situation, and I'm trying to do one or two things a day that are renewing and soothing for me. Stuff I like: Being outdoors/nature, art galleries* and art performances, vegetarian food, neighborhood 'ethnic' restaurants, cafes I can sit and draw for a while and eat some kind of hippy food, special magical places. I have a car and I've been to Boston a number of times so have a basic understanding of the city and the central tourist spots - but that would not be my focus this time. [more inside]
posted by latkes at 1:51 PM PST - 24 comments

Why isn't Moonlighting streaming anywhere yet? Or even available to purchase outside of used DVDs? What could be holding it up?
posted by Mchelly at 1:32 PM PST - 10 comments

I want to propose to my management team a new role for me but I am unsure if it might already be covered by other corporate IT / Business roles. Explanation inside... [more inside]
posted by mooders at 1:14 PM PST - 8 comments

I would like to take a basic digital marketing class in Los Angeles.' I know there are extension courses through UCLA. Other schools seem to only offer them for those going for degrees. Are there any independent organizations that offer classes for novices? I would also be interested in on-line courses
posted by goalyeehah at 1:10 PM PST - 3 comments

We are in the early stages of planning a (possible) trip to Italy for our 25th anniversary later this year. Among other things, I would like to spend a couple days exploring the small town in Avellino where my great-grandfather was born. What should I expect? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 11:10 AM PST - 8 comments

Unfortunately, after two years, the rona finally found me. Am quarantining the requite 5ish days, have to cancel my upcoming birthday weekend, am miserable about that (terrible timing). Silver lining—am not in the hospital. My throat is very scratchy/sore, however. What should I use to help soothe it? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 9:36 AM PST - 33 comments

I recently, 4-5 months ago, upgraded my iPhone 11 to an iPhone 13. Now I'm finding that the 13 is not as good as the 11 I had. [more inside]
posted by SoftSummerBreeze at 9:26 AM PST - 11 comments

The cushions and one armrest of our 12-year-old La-Z-Boy couch look a little shabby. Do you know of any options for restoring them besides reupholstering, or is it too far gone? [more inside]
posted by davcoo at 9:05 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm in Raleigh, North Carolina. I'd like to beach for a day or two. I have a car, but know nothing about the beaches nearby (ish.) Where should I go and what should I know? Thank you.
posted by Jacen at 7:55 AM PST - 17 comments

I have a baseball cap with a curved brim. I would like the underside of the brim to be white (it’s currently green). How best to do it? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 7:48 AM PST - 9 comments

My soon-to-be 14yo kid loves BattleBots and associated shows. Lately he's been watching the Norfolk Havoc competition and has expressed an interest in joining a team. He doesn't have a ton of experience with robots aside from the occasional summer camp. He really likes the destructive aspect and is less interested in other aspects. How can he get involved? [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 7:27 AM PST - 8 comments

When did the custom of using a full stop to show respect when someone has died originate and where? [more inside]
posted by feelinglistless at 6:35 AM PST - 3 comments

I will be visiting Montreal soon and will be on the lookout for THC vape cartridges. Any recommendations on a good shop? Bonus for general recommendations on strains based on my typically anxious, unfocused disposition. [more inside]
posted by nandaro at 6:06 AM PST - 9 comments

In this day and age, surely there is a way to keep my face from melting?! I live in a city that has very high humidity and high temperatures for a minimum of four months a year. My office is back onsite, and I have a very long commute in crowded public transport to get to it. I like looking polished and want to protect my skin, but I have a very sweaty face - every brand of sunscreen + makeup drips/slips right off. What am I doing wrong and how do I fix this? Details under the fold. [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 5:45 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm hoping a real Metafilter person can answer this question. I can't stand the prospect of spending my entire day on hold, listening to bad music courtesy of Visa and/or Canada Post. [more inside]
posted by Joan Rivers of Babylon at 4:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Asking for a friend. She was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and was sent to a dietician to get help with her blood sugar. My buddy has seen this professional twice. Buddy has no idea what, exactly, she should be asking dietician about or how dietician can help her. Do you have any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 3:38 AM PST - 15 comments

A young woman/girl is breaking into a house through the balcony sliding glass door in a French resort area, modern nice house. Friends waiting with anticipation. Inside there are some pretty fake flowers, fuzzy blossoms like a ball of fluff in pastel blues and other colors, a but muppet-tuft like, like a large fake thistle tuft - they that move slightly, but there is no breeze inside. Then just inside the house quietly waiting is a person completely enveloped with the fuzzy material with a large tuft for a head. [more inside]
posted by sammyo at 2:57 AM PST - 2 comments

Last year, I interviewed for a job at a tech company. I ultimately didn’t get it but a few weeks ago, I was invited to interview for a completely different type of position. I’ve already had a couple of interviews with a few more scheduled throughout the week.. but it’s become fairly clear that I’m not very qualified for the role, and I don’t even think it’s the direction I want to go in my career. How do I gracefully get out of this situation without burning any bridges?
posted by anonymous at 11:51 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for stories of people who quit academia and have a decent career elsewhere after mediocre PhD and post-doctoral fellowships. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:50 PM PST - 15 comments

I want to ask my housemate, who is heavily financially dependent on me, to leave my home. She agreed to a time limit here that is approaching, and it is clearly the right decision for my mental health and finances. So why am I getting myself in such a bad shame spiral about this situation, and how do I psych myself up to do the hard thing? More about how I got here below the fold. [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 7:09 PM PST - 22 comments

Alongside grad school, I’ve been studying an evening/weekend course tangentially related to my field (modern Middle Eastern history). I enjoy it a lot but the feedback I’ve received for my work is extremely confusing. All the comments are about my writing style and absolutely nothing about my arguments/research. [more inside]
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 5:02 PM PST - 17 comments

I am looking for the perfect bottle / cup / jar for carrying protein shakes. Pickiness inside. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:42 PM PST - 4 comments

I would like to thank a group of people outside of the U.S. (multiple countries) for their help with a project. I wanted to send something like a $20 Visa or Amazon gift card to each person. But low and behold, it may be impossible to purchase gift cards for use internationally. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 2:08 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a Deeper Connect Pico, which I specifically bought as an ad-disabler. Their manual and website are dreadful and following the steps in the manual to disable ads diverges from the real world responses of MacOS at, like, step 2. If you have one of these devices, have you been able to figure it out? How? Thanks!
posted by dobbs at 2:05 PM PST - 3 comments

Partner is European and I'm American - the back and forth of the last two years during covid and travel restrictions & forced long distance has been a serious strain, but our ideal lifestyle is to split time between EU and the US. So we'd like to get married, but have no intentions of sharing any finances beyond a joint bank account for shared household costs, and any wedding expenses (will likely be small / low key). How do we find a lawyer for this and what kind of fees should we expect here? [more inside]
posted by internet of pillows at 1:31 PM PST - 9 comments

My tablet crashed and I am trying to find a document. On the right-hand side in Word it shows the recovered documents with the time and date. is it possible to search this? Or this there a pro tip?
posted by Boyd at 1:10 PM PST - 1 comment

I recently texted this sentence to a friend and we kind of laughed about my extensive use of the verb "to have": Most lasagna that I have had has had mushrooms in it. What can you tell me about the grammar of this sentence? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 12:54 PM PST - 22 comments

I'm trying to remember a quote about suicide, but I can only remember the gist, not the phrasing or the source. [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 12:01 PM PST - 4 comments

For example, if a brother and sister inherit a house, one of them moves in, can the other one sell their 50% ownership of the property (to a 3rd party) without forcing their sibling to move out? Is this essentially impossible because no 3rd party would want such an arrangement? [more inside]
posted by mhh5 at 11:40 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm trying to assemble two different first aid kits, one for backpacking and one for my car. What should go into each one? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 11:29 AM PST - 18 comments

Years ago I saw a video of a city subway exit with one uneven stair and multiple people tripping on it. The point was that each person who tripped probably thought it was their fault (I’m clumsy), and lacked the perspective to see it was a systemic issue that needed to be changed (the stair caught my toe because it was incorrectly built half a centimetre higher than the stairs in the rest of the staircase). Can anyone identify this video? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 10:48 AM PST - 6 comments

Can anyone recommend a good physical therapist (individual or practice) near Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass.? Patient is a very active college guy. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 10:11 AM PST - 3 comments

What are some examples of rating scales where each step on the scale can be represented by a specific object, name, or idea? The Mohs hardness scale is the best example I can think of - each of the 10 steps is represented by one mineral; there's no ambiguity and there are limited number of steps on the scale. [more inside]
posted by expialidocious at 10:10 AM PST - 26 comments

I’m looking for examples of companies that innovated by simply bringing a concept from one industry to another, preferably in services. I can think of printer companies copying razor blade companies by making their money from the ink like razor refills, hit there must be others. [more inside]
posted by shockpoppet at 9:37 AM PST - 7 comments

In search of cookbooks (or websites, or individual recipes) to support moving towards healthier eating. Think along the lines of Michael Pollan's advice to "eat food, mostly plants, not too much." Challenge: picky eater. [more inside]
posted by carlypennylane at 8:35 AM PST - 29 comments

I'm interested in an accessible and engaging book on grammar, that explains features like tense, case, prepositions, phonology and complex things that I don't even know I don't know about yet. Needs to work for a mainly monolingual English speaker. [more inside]
posted by plonkee at 8:34 AM PST - 20 comments

A comedian having an animated conversation with herself by parroting Occupy Democrats style catchphrases. "Mitch McConnell is trying to steal democracy and Nancy Pelosi is NOT HAVING IT!" type stuff. [more inside]
posted by dirtdirt at 8:28 AM PST - 2 comments

Looking for chill Gulf beach recommendations for a day trip. [more inside]
posted by retrofitted at 8:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Is there a secret to searching for hotels by number of *beds* vs number of adults/rooms? I'm traveling with my best friend (we're both 40s women) this fall throughout England and Scotland, and I keep looking at hotels but then spending 10 minutes trying to figure out if the location offers rooms with two twin or double beds. I'm not having much success. Halp? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 8:22 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for poems that use stories, legends, or events that the audience probably doesn't know well or at all. I'm trying to figure out how they balance giving the audience enough information with enriching the story and not just retelling it. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:40 AM PST - 11 comments

I have ~AUD$15 in Google credit that will start expiring soon, so need to find some Android apps to spend it on. I'm hoping that there is something - almost anything - out there, that is A) still running a non-subscription model, and B) relevant to my interests. [more inside]
posted by quinndexter at 7:38 AM PST - 2 comments

I've been going to my stylist for about five years. We've developed a small friendship (do small favors for each other, she got me a thoughtful Christmas gift, that sort of thing). I've changed my hairstyle and she doesn't do it well. I live in a fairly small town and run into her at places like the grocery store. Should I tell her I'm going somewhere else? [more inside]
posted by 10ch at 7:13 AM PST - 2 comments

I have a zoom meeting I need to host tomorrow afternoon, which will unexpectedly now be happening in the middle of a drive from Oakland CA to Wilson WY. I expect to be somewhere near Fernley NV. Help me figure out a wonderful spot. [more inside]
posted by spindrifter at 7:11 AM PST - 0 comments

My best friend K is basically my sister and my family. We are both women. She gets birth control shots every three months, for reasons detailed below. When one shot is wearing off and she gets another one, she gets depressed, has less social and emotional bandwidth, and withdraws slowly over the course of about a month. This triggers a lot of stuff for me, and I'd like advice or anecdotes people have regarding handling this sort of consistent inconsistency in a close relationship, either romantic or familial. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:59 AM PST - 9 comments

How would the response have differed if the current pandemic's pattern of fatality had been the same as the previous pandemic of 1918? [more inside]
posted by fairmettle at 11:33 PM PST - 8 comments

Especially when it is the super who just recently moved into the unit next door? here's nothing against cigarette smoking in the lease (and my friend down the hall smoked in her apartment regularly). I never noticed a smell until the super moved in to the unit next to mine. Unfortunately his unit is right next to my bedroom, and the stale cigarette smoke smell has wafted into my bedroom. How best to handle this situation? [more inside]
posted by Shadow Boxer at 7:48 PM PST - 17 comments

We are purchasing a home in Texas in April but aren't moving in until May. We are wanting to get it ready before we move in. But how do we do that from 500 miles away? [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 7:16 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a "milestone birthday" this summer, and I am wondering if there are any amazing experiences that I should have. I live in Rhode island but would drive a couple of hours to do something awesome. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:55 PM PST - 12 comments

I realize we're kind of 2 years behind everyone else, but Mr. Haptic-Avenger is starting to do TV interviews from home every so often, but not often enough that we need a permanent set-up. Apparently using a Zoom background or blur is not OK on TV. Our house is too small to have even a corner with acceptable wi-fi always at the ready, and there is far too much clutter in his office to just sweep it away at a moment's notice. And our lighting is terrible, even with a ring light. Any ideas?
posted by haptic_avenger at 6:48 PM PST - 15 comments

I have a rather thick journal I would like to write in more often, but I find that it’s uncomfortable to write when I reach the right- and bottom-most edges of each page since my hand doesn’t have a place to rest (I’m right-handed). So I end up finishing my line/page with my hand awkwardly resting on my table, about 3/4 inch below the actual page I’m trying to write on. This is not terribly comfortable. [more inside]
posted by delight at 6:29 PM PST - 6 comments

My elderly parents have old iPhone SEs (first generation) which they got (used) because of a medical app my dad needed and that my mom needs to be able to monitor. Now the batteries are dying. They don't have a huge budget. If they just replace the batteries instead of the phones, will it be worth it? Or will the phones be so obsolete at some point soon that they'll need to get new phones anyway?
posted by pinochiette at 6:07 PM PST - 8 comments

Due to some medical things, I need to find a substitute for coffee. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 5:48 PM PST - 47 comments

I need a step by step guide on how to cut off contact with my father and cease any yearning I have for a relationship with him. [more inside]
posted by antihistameme at 5:47 PM PST - 24 comments

Looking for a travel gift card as a present for a recent college graduate. [more inside]
posted by ugf at 5:02 PM PST - 6 comments

Driving from Oakland to Reno in mid May, what should I do, what should I know? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 2:24 PM PST - 6 comments

Travelling to Copper Mountain, CO this weekend from Utah. I have to take my car in for an oil change tomorrow anyway, and wasn't sure if moving back to all seasons at this point would be ok. It'd be more cost efficient to get done now and would rather not but 13 hours travel on my winter tires if I can avoid it - but if I-70 is still dicey at times I'll keep them on and not be a burden to my fellow drivers. [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 1:57 PM PST - 7 comments

For years I’ve been making orzo pilaf with this basic recipe - 8 ounces orzo to 2.5 cups liquid (usually stock). Just bought some 100% whole wheat orzo and am curious if anyone has an opinion on if I should change the liquid ratio? [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 12:36 PM PST - 2 comments

I have a built in toilet paper roller which does not fit the super mega extreme giganto rolls currently sold in stores. I want your ideas for what I could put on the roller instead. [more inside]
posted by Emmy Rae at 11:33 AM PST - 10 comments

The family (including a 6 and 5 year old) is driving from Indianapolis down to Orlando next weekend, and we have some extra time to stop along the way due to our current schedule. What are your favorite (and preferably off the wall) options for us to get out and review / stretch our legs? [more inside]
posted by RyanAdams at 11:07 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm currently at the point where I have re-(re-re-)read everything in my M/M romance collection too recently, and I need to branch out. I've pretty much trawled through all my Amazon recs, but surely there are more authors out there I would enjoy that humans can point me to! Details and current favorites inside. [more inside]
posted by LadyOscar at 11:02 AM PST - 18 comments

My kids' childhoods are starting to blow past me at a terrifying speed and I know that if I'm not more intentional about our time together, I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning and be sitting at their high school graduations. To that end, I want to know: what are the best trips you've ever taken with your kids and why? [more inside]
posted by anderjen at 10:35 AM PST - 40 comments

Inspired by Mayor West's comment, what is something in your profession that has been proven to be ineffective (or has no basis in science) but is still done by many/most people in that profession?
posted by Mitheral at 10:18 AM PST - 52 comments

How come the Chicago Symphony Orchestra doesn't credit their pianist? [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 9:51 AM PST - 7 comments

I learned recently that a friend of mine has recently come out as gay, is ending their marriage and is taking a break from work because they are experiencing a lot of trauma with the upheaval they are experiencing. In particular, they feel 'broken' right now. I don't have any experience with these issues, and I'm trying to find art, particularly poetry, that they might find comforting. [more inside]
posted by Gorgik at 9:42 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking to travel to Europe this summer for 2-3 weeks with my wife, 4-year old and 2-year old and we're hoping to rent somewhere laid back and off the beaten path but close to the water/beach for two weeks. [more inside]
posted by ghostpony at 9:00 AM PST - 14 comments

As I hit 40, I'm starting to think about living more intentionally, having longer term goals, etc. My life is pretty good without having much of a plan. Have a solid, high paying career that I kind of not tried too hard on steering, loving wife, loving baby, a house I could live in the rest of my life, lots of friends, good relationship with family, pretty solid health. Do I need to change anything? If you shifted from something solid but somewhat directionless to thinking about macro life more intentionally, how did it go? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 8:14 AM PST - 14 comments

The last few Zoom calls I've been on, people have been noticing an echo on my end that they find extremely annoying. When I shut down the external webcam and just use the camera/microphone on my Mac, the issue goes away. Is replacing the external webcam my next step? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 8:11 AM PST - 13 comments

I have a big frame. 18x36. I want to replace the glass with something non-breakable, but I don't want to spend a tonne of money. Having called a few places, acrylic will cost like $75. But I've noticed that some (much smaller) cheap picture frames come with basically a clear flexible sheet of ...? like sheet protector type thing? Could I do that for a big frame or would it "fail" somehow like fall out or I don't know what? Also, where do I buy an 18x36 sheet protector?
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:19 AM PST - 12 comments

Woke up this morning to the news of Google patching Chrome for a zero-day Javascript exploit. What’s the best course of action if I might have already been exposed to the hack? [more inside]
posted by hwyengr at 6:56 AM PST - 5 comments

Do you have any experience/knowledge of how a late talker might do a language immersion program? [more inside]
posted by heavenknows at 4:57 AM PST - 6 comments

I’m after your favourite funny parenting fails with babies or very young kids. If you’ve seen a video that made you literally laugh out loud or a story that happened to you where you got something really really wrong, please share! Nothing where the baby or parent gets hurt. Yes, I know there’s a zillion “America’s Funniest Home Video” compilations out there but they largely consist of Dad getting hit in the pants area with a bat or baby falling off a swing and that’s not what I’m after. Cute and funny, not ooowwww that must have hurt…
posted by Jubey at 4:53 AM PST - 18 comments

My daughter is afraid of flying and we're about to take a long trip with two flights each way. She's not an anxious kid, secure and even fearless normally. But we flew last year and she absolutely sobbed for the first 20 minutes, with all her muscles very tense. I held her the whole time, and spoke quietly with her, said she was safe, and she relaxed as we levelled off. Her description was that she hated the bumpiness and it made her body feel strange. Now she's dreading this trip. What can I do to help? [more inside]
posted by abecedarium radiolarium at 2:58 AM PST - 17 comments

For the last 2.5 years or so (starting before COVID-19), several times a month I feel an urge to get out of my comfy bed and lie on the hardwood floor. It usually happens when I wake up in the middle of the night and am still groggy. Actually doing it is not terribly satisfying. Sometimes rotating into some weird orientation on the bed works. It's not particularly distressing and I can live happily the rest of my life without fixing it. But, I'm curious if anyone has heard of such a thing or if there could possibly be some reason to be concerned that it's a sign of something more troubling.
posted by anonymous at 11:04 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm looking to get my (male) other half a real nice grown-up suit for a significant birthday. How do I get this done in the Seattle area? Ideally Eastside but could cross the lake for the right experience. [more inside]
posted by potrzebie at 10:13 PM PST - 6 comments

The website shows a "current issue" of May/June 2021. The blog and forum links on the website are both broken. Are they still in business?
posted by storybored at 8:23 PM PST - 5 comments

I am having doubts about my relationship with my long distance boyfriend of a year - some of this can be attributed to the precarity of his employment situation, and the rest... Well, it might just be my noisy head. [more inside]
posted by antihistameme at 8:18 PM PST - 35 comments

I’m deeply sorry I keep bugging you all with my questions and problems. I’m at a crossroads with very little time to make a decision. I’m at the castle of crossed destinies except that there isn’t a destiny and I am not in a castle. There are only two choices and I think the one I want is the wrong one. Special snowflake below. [more inside]
posted by Didnt_do_enough at 8:12 PM PST - 29 comments

My son is constantly hauling his Pokemon cards around to trade and going through a steady stream of binders and card pocket pages, none of which seem up to being regularly manhanded by an 11 year old and his friends. Is there a good, durable, portable solution here?
posted by ryanshepard at 7:16 PM PST - 3 comments

You recommendations please for a hosted solution for a small volunteer group to store files (preferably with some kind of folder structure, tagging and metadata) where access can be controlled. Preferably by delegating permissions to separate accounts. What would you recommend? Free or cheap preferred, of course. Group is currently using Google Drive with a single Google account, with all the predictable headaches of sharing a Google account to manage it.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 6:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Where does one find the niche community of other sighted spouses of people with visual impairment/who are legally blind? (Either virtual or in-person, in/near NYC preferably.) I am looking to connect with others to understand how they navigated challenging life decisions but am having trouble finding others in this situation. More below. [more inside]
posted by RetrieverReader at 6:32 PM PST - 2 comments

I have a glass-top desk and would like to add a sit-stand desk converter on top. Would this work, or am I likely to crack the glass? [more inside]
posted by acridrabbit at 3:24 PM PST - 5 comments

The Windows/servicing/LCU folder is eating up a lot of time when I run my antivirus scan. Other message boards have suggested deleting this folder but I'd like to get a second opinion from the hivemind. [more inside]
posted by Recliner of Rage at 2:00 PM PST - 5 comments

In the Before Days, I'd go to my alma mater's library and read these articles, but I can't do that anymore. I also don't want to pay $35+ to read them online. Is there any free way to deal with this without going to a library? (I've read the abstracts.) Here are the articles: [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 1:01 PM PST - 11 comments

About 3 days ago, I stopped getting read receipts on iMessages. It's not just one person, but multiple conversations, including my spouse, who confirmed that she is sending read receipts. Has anyone else run into this issue on your iPhone? How did you resolve it? [more inside]
posted by explosion at 11:12 AM PST - 4 comments

I am in charge of getting my company upgraded from our Legacy Free Google Suite. Historically, data handling/management at this company has been.... let's just say less than great. I need to remove a LOT of inactive users that own a LOT of things on Google Drive that current users rely on. I need to do this with the least inconvenience and/or impact to current users. [more inside]
posted by MuChao at 10:57 AM PST - 7 comments

The last few years have left me a diminished person. Death, violent trauma, grief, caring responsibilities, and an almost non-stop series of pretty intense crises have meant that in a 5 period there have only been a few months here and there of relative calm and stability. I’m really feeling this now. I’m quieter, less confident and less joyful than I once was, to the extent that friends and loved ones have noticed and made gentle concerned comments. I would like to hear from others who have experienced this and find out helped them. [more inside]
posted by rose selavy at 10:45 AM PST - 10 comments

I want to find the name of a guy who appeared in advertisements in the '50s, smoking a pipe. Who should I contact to research this? Are there some experts on vintage ads who might recognize his face? He may have been an actor or appeared in TV or movies, or he might have been strictly a print ad model. [more inside]
posted by TreeHugger at 10:15 AM PST - 10 comments

I found a lump in my breast and had a doctor's appointment. I am not happy with how the appointment went. Is it just me, or is any of this problematic? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:00 AM PST - 23 comments

We went shopping for men's sweatshirts, hoodie style, that had a full zipper in front. There were lots of pullovers, but almost none that zip. Anyone else notice this? Is it a fashion thing, or supply chain issue? We shopped in local stores, not online, as we needed it that day.
posted by mermayd at 9:53 AM PST - 11 comments

I'll be continuing to primarily work from home for the foreseeable future. I have a Magic Mouse and an Apple bluetooth keyboard that sit at my desk and are connected to my work Macbook Pro. Sometimes, I like to use my desk and monitor with my personal Macbook Air. Is there any solution that will help me easily switch? [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 9:38 AM PST - 10 comments

My son has been saving for years to "buy a PC". He has a switch and plays Zelda, Pokemon, Mario games, and Minecraft. He is also been working on his school chrome book on simple coding and robotics. In short, he wants more power, speed, and app options. Our family are going to contribute to this purchase for his birthday to supplement his relatively small (but admirable) savings. So probably looking for under $800 for everything. He wants a desktop. Is this even possible? We are largely an apple family so unfamiliar with the PC universe. What do you recommend?
posted by avrobie at 9:35 AM PST - 9 comments

My WFH setup is different than last time I asked a similar question, and I'm again seeking help with peripheral selection as well as organization to have an aesthetically pleasing work space that is also technologically sound and easy to work with. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 9:32 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for advice, tips, and warnings on how to gather research for writing science fiction without getting overwhelmed: How do you organize your information? How do you know when to stop researching? And when to start writing? [more inside]
posted by mittens at 8:49 AM PST - 4 comments

I am looking for anecdotes or articles, opinion pieces, etc, or even knowledge of leftist feminist groups or people, who, in the 90s (I know there are plenty now), spoke out in support of Monica Lewinsky, Paula Jones, or Juanita Broderick, etc. When these incidents became known. [more inside]
posted by bearette at 7:00 AM PST - 14 comments

I want to connect more meaningfully with my overseas nephew (10) and my sister has suggested that he enjoys writing, and being online, so some sort of sentence-trade-off story writing idea seems cool. I have a personal blog on WordPress and also have the skills/hosting to set up standalone WP instances. Is there a plugin that would make this easy for a kid? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 6:58 AM PST - 1 comment

Recommend me a 10”+ Android tablet that is fast with a good drawing touchscreen? [more inside]
posted by lalochezia at 6:44 AM PST - 7 comments

I had Covid symptoms. I got a positive result on a home antigen test. The next day I got a PCR test which came back negative. Looking for data on how to interpret this. [more inside]
posted by lesser whistling duck at 3:50 AM PST - 19 comments

I"m having my Lenovo Thinkpad E450 repaired (needs new fan); it also needs a new battery but the repair place says they can't get one from their usual suppliers (the battery is starting to swell). I see I can buy a new one online myself. Should I do this? Will a battery stated as "new" on ebay or Amazon really be new? Or should I look someplace else (eg NewEgg)?
posted by DMelanogaster at 8:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Are there LCD monitors for sale that use old technology from the 90s? TFT laptop displays had narrow viewing angles and 100ms refresh rates. STN displays weren’t even color but they were sunlight viewable. And everything was low resolution. Fun! Can I buy one to connect to my computer? Just plug in an HDMI cable and go?
posted by Monochrome at 8:13 PM PST - 9 comments

What are your favorite mundane items? I want to own the best box cutter, oven mitts, key ring, wallet, dog collar and lead, notebook, pen, reusable shopping bag, bed sheets, sponge, dish washing brush, lint remover, and _______ on the planet. What's something you own that's amazing and you think everyone should own? Price is no object — what's a thing you bought and never want (or need) to switch to another?
posted by dobbs at 7:44 PM PST - 120 comments

I paid a lawyer to bring a will to court five weeks ago. There has been little progress. [more inside]
posted by llc at 6:47 PM PST - 7 comments

My husband and I will be visiting Denver for a few days in June. It'll be our first time there. What are some unique things to do/things to see besides the beautiful landscape? Something I wouldn't necessarily find on a google search. Basically, this question from 2015, but updated.
posted by cozenedindigo at 5:29 PM PST - 13 comments

I am visiting the wee Montana town from whence my wife sprung, and we found out a couple of days ago that the county commissioners plan to completely defund the library. They are scrabbling to find grants to cover books, periodicals, and other supplies, but coming up short on funding for LIBRARIANS, who deserve a living wage. [more inside]
posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 4:03 PM PST - 3 comments

What are my options to have a local-only, non-subscription electronic ‘notebook’ on a windows PC? [more inside]
posted by janell at 3:03 PM PST - 7 comments

HVAC filter: We've had intermittent troubles with our furnace this winter. We've had our HVAC people out twice now and they haven't fixed it yet. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by hydra77 at 2:50 PM PST - 10 comments

I don’t want to work tax season ever again. I can go part time in the fall to (a) finish my accounting degree, (b) take some exploratory classes with intent to switch majors, or (c) try a coding boot camp. Looking for more information on the coding option. [more inside]
posted by meemzi at 2:36 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm planning a bachelorette trip to Charleston, South Carolina, for a weekend this May. Four of us arrive on Thursday night, including the bride; two of us arrive Friday late morning. Check-out at the Airbnb is 11 am on Sunday and most of us leave town then. I have two questions: one about water activities, and one about nightlife. [more inside]
posted by tasseomance at 2:15 PM PST - 5 comments

How much of a headache is this to do? More than 28 days have passed since the MOT, but only just - the certificate is still valid and hasn't been superseded by a later MOT. [more inside]
posted by penguin pie at 12:23 PM PST - 1 comment

How effectively do smart watches (such as Apple Watch) provide directions for bicycling in cities? [more inside]
posted by Comet Bug at 11:38 AM PST - 7 comments

Seeking online personal trainers or workout videos specializing in diastasis recti (separated or bulging abdominal muscles after pregnancy). Thanks!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 11:29 AM PST - 3 comments

I’m evaluating a remote job with a Seattle company that provides BlueCross Premera insurance with in-network providers in the “Heritage Network.” I live in IL, not WA. I’m planning to call my doctors’ offices to ask if they’d be in network, but generally, has anyone been in this situation and found this insurance to work for them? And any issues with claims when you’re so far away? I’m okay with the deductible and co-pay if the network is reasonably large. All previous insurance has been with in-state BCBS or Humana.
posted by michaelh at 10:58 AM PST - 8 comments

My landlord had a workman working in my laundry room a couple days ago, and since then I've had no hot water. I think the workman turned off the water heater while he was working, so it wouldn't be so hot in there, but the landlord denies that and won't help. Fine. How do I turn the thing on myself? Pics inside. [more inside]
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 10:55 AM PST - 14 comments

What's a good mood-tracking app? A friend is looking for one to help them document their emotions as they adjust their medication. They don't want "mindfulness." They just want to look at data: e.g. Tuesday morning I was angry, Tuesday evening I was happy, Wednesday I was tired all day. Must be an iPhone app. No ads; paid is fine.
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:04 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm planning a road trip down the west coast (Seattle to San Diego) the first two weeks of May, and looking for places to pitch our tent for the night. [more inside]
posted by velebita at 8:02 AM PST - 13 comments

My dear wife used one of our big stainless steel stockpots to make indigo tie-dye shirts with our nephew. He loves his shirt, they had lots of fun. Afterwards I scrubbed the pot clean with barkeepers friend and soap and put it back in the cabinet. But wife took it back out because she thinks it's no longer foodsafe after the indigo dying process. Is it safe? [more inside]
posted by dis_integration at 7:35 AM PST - 27 comments

Checked out this book (As Seen on the Blue) about the Drive-By Truckers. Their catalogue is overwhelming. What top three albums should I start with? [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 7:32 AM PST - 5 comments

Looking for home or garden renovation blogs - people writing about restoring or renovating their own house or garden. (If I can't bring myself to get to work, I may as well read about it...) Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by mersen at 5:14 AM PST - 5 comments

My brother is a great man for walking home from work, 7km (about 4.5 miles). He does this around five days a week. He's about 300 lbs and is surprised to learn that his Vans aren't quite holding up. I suspect there's some good choices that are also suitable for entry level office environment. He is unlikely to warm to the concept of shoes for walking and shoes for working.
posted by Iteki at 4:04 AM PST - 26 comments

I'm thinking things other than reading, sleeping, and listening to music. Which may mean there really isnt anything else. Then again, askmeta never fails to surprise... Context:wife and I have 20+ hours to kill on an upcoming flight to Singapore
posted by BadgerDoctor at 4:02 AM PST - 30 comments

It seems only cast-iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, and glass (and I guess some clay, depending on the coating?) can be said to be safe (with ceramic/silicone very much marketing safety, but less certain around providing it). Am in need of a decent skillet, pan, or wok that can handle *very* low-fat cooking. [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:04 PM PST - 17 comments

GoDaddy used to be beautiful - you could call them 24/7 and get someone almost immediately to kindly and competently help you with your website problem. Now I wait half-an-hour to get to someone who pretty clearly knows nothing about it, and I can only hope they are able to eventually find and read me the correct script. So I'm out, and I want to select my new host on the basis of superior tech support. This is for personal websites that will never get much traffic, so I hope to pay, say, less than $20/month. Who do you recommend?
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 8:42 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm trying to understand why faculty/staff are investigated by the same Title IX policies and procedures as students. Students perpetrators are apparently protected in part because of legal precedent that they have 14th amendment rights to education. But it doesn't seem like that would apply to faculty/staff who don't have a fundamental right to any particular job (tenure aside). Do you understand this? [more inside]
posted by lab.beetle at 7:07 PM PST - 6 comments

I need to replace a 0-1" micrometer with 0.0001" divisions. (Could also be metric.) Can you help me decide how much to invest, and maybe help me find a reliable and not-too-expensive source? [more inside]
posted by BrashTech at 4:57 PM PST - 6 comments

I love Stronger by Science and Ask a Swoll Woman, but I'm a woman in my 50s and often feel like the advice they give doesn't apply to me. Are there any websites, podcasts, etc that are specifically aimed at women who are 50 and older?
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:26 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm interested in making some jams that I wouldn't see at the supermarket. I'm particularly interested in strawberry as a base, but other ideas are welcome too. As an example, I just made this red chile strawberry jam. What unique jams recipes should I try?
posted by andoatnp at 4:16 PM PST - 22 comments

I remember a comment about the end of the world but the metafilter server still posting to the mefi queue. Alas, My Google fu is fu. Can anyone help finding it?
posted by omegar at 3:51 PM PST - 4 comments

I feel like I read this in the New Yorker in the past 10 years. Short story taking place in airport terminal, the protagonist is watching a family wait for their plane. There are 2 little kids, a little boy who is sassy and clearly getting on the mom's nerves and she rebukes him in unpleasant ways and another child, who has to go to the bathroom... [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling Sweetie Darling at 2:39 PM PST - 4 comments

I like the idea of having candles with an interesting fragrance, but my nose is sensitive and easily overwhelmed. I don't want a scent that fills the whole house or lingers--just something nice to notice if I get near and sniff intentionally, or when extinguishing it. Does this exist? Specific brands or keywords to search for welcome!
posted by rivenwanderer at 1:57 PM PST - 10 comments

A friend's vet recommended that she give her elderly lurcher CBD oil, and suggested this one. This is to help with his digestive issues and various age-related things. Friend has been doing this for about 18 months - she doesn't use the internet so I order it for her - and thinks it's been good for the dog. It's now out of stock and she's wondering how to find one with a similar formula. [more inside]
posted by paduasoy at 1:25 PM PST - 2 comments

Hi AskMe, Recently, a collection of add-ons was translated from German, which aims to make a large part of World of Warcraft Classic playable by the totally blind. I'm exploring the possibilities and have some big picture questions… [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 1:18 PM PST - 1 comment

Possibly just the internet being a ninny, but some article went around the other day about someone having horrible medical problems after eating leftover rice and a few people were like yeah, I never do. Is this really a thing? Is there a real health risk there? I eat next-day rice all the time but since I read that, am reluctant. Somebody science me out of this?
posted by less-of-course at 1:04 PM PST - 28 comments

I have it in my head that its Ray Bradbury, but its been bugging me for years. Basically, it's a poem that says that science ruined the fantasy of the nyads and dryads by explaining everything. Googling has just given me a bunch of DnD references.
posted by lkc at 12:28 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm vaxxed & boosted (Pfizer) but it's been about 6 months. I'm not 65 yet, but I'm not young either. Not immunocompromised. I asked my doctor if he could prescribe a second booster shot, and he said he couldn't, but he added that I could probably get one if I just walked in somewhere. How do I go about this? [more inside]
posted by mikeand1 at 12:22 PM PST - 19 comments

My habit is to do the whole writing process at once - writing, editing, formatting, etc. I need tech ways of stopping myself from doing this and doing one at a time. I really want it to be within Word but tell me if you know something else. I would honestly learn VBA if I had to. I want to prevent myself from writing - so nothing other than moving or deleting text. [more inside]
posted by lookoutbelow at 12:06 PM PST - 9 comments

Here is (part of) a photo of an unknown musical instrument being played. This is in Ethiopia, 1939. In the whole photo there are 8 total musicians playing this instrument. This is all the information I have, unfortunately. What instrument is this?
posted by sailoreagle at 11:37 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm working on some photoshopped art for my son's forthcoming big-boy room. I made this composite picture, but somehow it's just not working, and I lack the art/design knowledge to figure out why. Please tell me everything (lighting, composition, sizing, placement, background?) you would change/fix about this (except the subject matter). [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 11:31 AM PST - 18 comments

I just watched a documentary called “The Boy They Call Chucky” on YouTube. It was made in 2004. It’s about a 12-year-old boy in Britain named Christian Cunniffe who flies into uncontrollable rages, and his mother’s quest to find him effective treatment. Can anyone help me find an update on the boy’s situation? [more inside]
posted by jack.brodey at 11:18 AM PST - 5 comments

In the late 1970's I read a young adult novel. It made an impression on me, and I'd like to find it and reread it. Unfortunately, I don't remember much about it. [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 11:12 AM PST - 4 comments

I only use cream for cooking, mostly in sauces, and that only rarely, so I throw it out a lot. Crazy idea: how much alcohol would I have to add to make it keep longer? Could I reasonably cook that alcohol back out again when using it? On reflection I assume this doesn't work or people would be doing it, but I'm curious what the problem is.
posted by nebulawindphone at 11:08 AM PST - 25 comments

My friend is searching for a short story she read in high school in the 80's. She doesn't remember much but here's what we have: The narrator is a travel writer/photographer and it's set in the time when American families drove a lot for vacations. The narrator stops to rest on the side of the road where there are many families stopped as well and he sees a young girl playing in the water. What is jarring to him is the large scar running the length of her arm. The juxtaposition of the scar and the girl's fragility really strikes him. And that's literally all I have. Does anyone have any ideas at all?
posted by sadiethelibrarianlady at 10:57 AM PST - 1 comment

A couple of years ago I went from using Garmin to using Strava on my Apple Watch. I was able to download about a decade of Garmin 205/ Garmin 15 data from Garmin, but it came without any instructions on what to do with it. It looks like plain text files, maybe some are xml, and some .json files. I'd like to move it all to Starva, or have it and my Strava someplace so I can see my whole record in one place. I'd like to move it all at once rather than many hundreds of records one-by-one to where it has to go. I am using iOS and MacOS, if that makes any difference.
posted by nothing.especially.clever at 10:31 AM PST - 3 comments

This is probably a bit of an “I don’t know how to Google” question. Since imbibing a few podcasts and shows about MLMs, I’ve become interested in Amway, the MLM that seems to have really broken big and gotten the system to ignore such pyramid schemes. Is there a good book / film / podcast / radio show / anything about the history of Amway?
posted by Going To Maine at 10:06 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a senior relative who uses apple products exclusively and I would like to help them with their tech stuff, however I am an android user and usually end up googling their questions on my device instead of theirs because it's easier for me. I think I need to get and use an apple product so I become more adept at the apple universe. What model phone should I get? [more inside]
posted by charlielx at 9:25 AM PST - 7 comments

I was watching the Carl Icahn documentary on HBO and noticed something I've seen before: large funds break themselves up, like his competitor had Pershing I, Pershing II, Pershing III. Icahn did this too though I forgot the name of his fund. I'm sure there's a good legal/tax reason for this, but they all invest in the same security. What's the reason?
posted by geoff. at 9:18 AM PST - 3 comments

There's recently been a pretty disruptive departure from my organization and I've learned that I'm now going to be managing someone who has been my peer for the last 6 years. He and I have an excellent working relationship, and I think he's great at his job. He's also 15 years old than I am (I'm an elder millennial) and has been with the company 20 years longer than I have. He will be my first direct-report at this organization. [more inside]
posted by juliapangolin at 9:14 AM PST - 10 comments

I've been struggling for the last few years with a health issue and very unpredictable sleep. I'm doing the best I can to manage it, but day to day work is difficult. I get external requests for speaking appearances pretty regularly and have been turning them all down because I don't want added pressure. But now my job is also giving me (public) speaking requests. [more inside]
posted by pinochiette at 8:13 AM PST - 8 comments

We bought our house seven years ago. Seven years ago I found a drawer crammed full of what I would call forgotten "computer stuff". Seven years ago I also forgot about it and just rediscovered it. What do I do with all of it? [more inside]
posted by Gray Duck at 7:43 AM PST - 18 comments

Last night I got a single episode of sudden, unexpected (isn't it always), crampy diarrhea. Exclusively during my time on the toilet (none before, and disappeared within about 5 minutes after) I also broke out in hives on my neck, trunk, and hairline. The whole event lasted less than 10 minutes and outside of that brief window I have otherwise felt great. I have never experienced anything like this; what on earth happened to me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:03 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me in finding fun/unique/normal things to do on a family vacation to Los Angeles, please! [more inside]
posted by zerobyproxy at 7:00 AM PST - 20 comments

I’m in the middle of a divorce and I have a 4 year old. In my efforts to show her that everything is fine, I think I’ve been neglecting to talk to her enough about her feelings. We talk about feelings about literally everything else but I think because I feel so incredibly guilty for instigating the divorce, I have been hesitant to address it as much with her. I also am very very careful to not say anything negative about my ex and find it difficult to explain *why* Mommy and Daddy don’t live together anymore without disparaging him. Please help me with what to say to my kid. [more inside]
posted by tatiana wishbone at 4:47 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm overwhelmed by the huge task of selling off my old niche hobby equipment. [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 4:05 AM PST - 24 comments

I'm not in the mood to code an involved form system, but I need to put up a long form similar to this in order to (please soon) find local homes for some extremely adorable frogs. Frog tax enclosed. Of course. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 1:07 AM PST - 7 comments

I picked up a couple of super exciting freelance writing gigs this month and boy howdy have they shown me I got problems with RSI in my hands. What tips have you fellow long term keyboard jockeys got for me in terms of keeping my damn hands functional? [more inside]
posted by Jilder at 12:06 AM PST - 16 comments

Can anyone identify for me the lead in music to the Mary Trump Show on Youtube? It's not listed as far as I can find. Thanks
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 11:23 PM PST - 2 comments

We're under contract on a great house, but we're having trouble thinking through the implications of the potential need for radon mitigation. One of the features of the house is that it is LEED platinum certified, and we're concerned that a mitigation retrofit might reduce the house's efficiency. [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 10:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Long story short, I'm going to be in a group setting soon where I'd like to use would-you-rather questions to start an interesting discussion. A lot of would-you-rathers I've found are negative (e.g. about choosing between two bad outcomes) rather than positive, and I would prefer mostly positive ones. Grounded and thought-provoking are better than absurd and ridiculous. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 7:03 PM PST - 15 comments

After betraying his co-conspirators and making off with the loot, a thief lays low at an abandoned mansion. He starts hearing a phrase - maybe 'peekaboo, I see you' or 'look behind you' or something like that - and goes to investigate. He searches the house and keeps hearing someone or something say it, then descends the basement stairs and it says 'peekaboo, I've got you!' The story had a victorian feel to it and was genuinely scary. Have you ever read this? I think I read it sometime in 2008, and I don't think it was a creepypasta thing. I wish I could remember the key repeated phrase, but it was something that seemed innocuous until the very last time when it was terrifying. Please help me find it again!
posted by Archibald Edmund Binns at 4:48 PM PST - 5 comments

At the end of April I'll be going on my first vacation since the pandemic began that consists of more than socially distanced visits with elderly relatives. In addition to reading entire novels on the beach, I'd also like to use the time for a bit of reflection on everything that's happened over the past few years. Can the hive mind recommend a journal with prompts or other resource that might help me to reflect on some of my experiences of uncertainty, lack of control, and worry that have been frequent over the past few years? [more inside]
posted by frau_grubach at 4:18 PM PST - 5 comments

Solid copper bracelet has started itching. Hope me. [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 1:19 PM PST - 8 comments

I've been reading a lot of music theory recently, although I'm not very talented at any instrument. I'm also not a very good programmer, but I'm better at coding than I am at playing piano. As I've been reading the theory stuff, it has occurred to me that it would be fairly easy to write a program to make music for me. My problem is that I don't have a lot of experience in either field, and so I'm not sure how to actually do that. [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 1:17 PM PST - 17 comments

I would like to honour the memory of a friend who passed away, but can't really think how. It would be nice to have a private tradition I could do annually, in remembrance. What are some ways you have found to honour people you have lost? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 1:04 PM PST - 23 comments

I'm looking for an artist to make a house portrait from photographs, only I'm looking for one who will do it in a sort of vintage haunted house style and maybe even add their own creepy details. I'm scouring Etsy but not finding artists who appear to do house portraits in this genre. I'm thinking 8x10 or 11x14 watercolor, something in that range. Is this a thing? Any leads welcome!
posted by CheeseLouise at 12:37 PM PST - 5 comments

I live in the UK. In the mail, addressed to me, I got a hat I didn't order from a company called Onodo (which does not seem to exist). No packing slip. Nobody would send me this hat. I'm think it must be a scam -- but what? What should I do to protect myself?
posted by heavenknows at 11:15 AM PST - 5 comments

What are some good tricks for getting a professional sounding gmail account in 2022 for someone with a common name? [more inside]
posted by johndoesmith at 10:35 AM PST - 24 comments

Is is possible to use a microphone attached to a boom pole to record audio to a cellphone? I've had trouble getting this to work and would like to know what, if any, combination of equipment will make this possible. [more inside]
posted by washburn at 9:47 AM PST - 9 comments

I might have been exposed to COVID at a job interview in September last year. I did a job interview at an office, I had only had one dose of the Pfizer vaccine and stupidly had not gone for my second one. Anyway, the interviewer told me to move like five/six feet away from her and take off my mask because she wanted to see my face. I didn't want to and actually was/am terrified of getting COVID. And I don't know why, but I did. Then after the interview I freaked out because I was like, what, I could just have refused ... and I was afraid that I had contracted COVID because this was a stranger who had a cavalier attitude towards the virus. [more inside]
posted by Didnt_do_enough at 8:32 AM PST - 30 comments

I read a poem a few years ago. I loved it, but I cannot find it anywhere. I *think* it is by Jack Prelutsky. Here's what I think I remember: [more inside]
posted by papergirl at 8:29 AM PST - 2 comments

The bulb died, so I bought a replacement appliance bulb. It doesn't work. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Kyol at 8:28 AM PST - 6 comments

"So savage and ill-bred I ne'er can prove / Like Diomede, to wound the queen of love." The lines are from Nahum Tate's Ovid translation (late 1600s) - I presume they'd have rhymed cleanly in contemporary speech. Would the rhyming words have been pronounced like modern 'prove' (rhymes with 'move') or like modern 'love' (rhymes with... guv?). And when did this vowel shift take place?
posted by wattle at 8:20 AM PST - 5 comments

In the next few months it's likely that my sister's 15-year-old child will come out to me. I know she's gay, but she hasn't told anyone in her family. I super do not care at all, but I want to react properly and I worry that if my reaction is essentially "I don't care and you're the same to me as you were before you said those words," it won't be the right thing. [more inside]
posted by something something at 7:47 AM PST - 35 comments

One of the players can't make the usual D&D session and I'm not feeling up to prepping something. I'd like some alternative (non-TTRPG) games for the group! [more inside]
posted by xenization at 7:32 AM PST - 9 comments

Looking for advice on buying a power wheelchair - search terms, questions to ask, technical words that might be helpful? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:18 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm in the UK. When we bought our house, we were told that we would essentially never be able to extend it. As far as I can see, we need covenant consent, but there are complications! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:17 AM PST - 6 comments

I'll be starting 5x week radiation for my not-cancer (but I have two oncologists?) brain tumor for about six weeks. I've already had surgery, part of my skull replaced with metal, and now this. Please help me add more metal, or at least rock, punk, and weird music, to my playlist. Part of my playlist is inside. [more inside]
posted by cobaltnine at 7:13 AM PST - 16 comments

The last years have shown the destructive potential of weaponized disinformation. To feel less hopeless, I'd like to read ideas of how society can move through this challenge. I'm open to any sources: futurists thinking about a post-truth society, science fiction writers on the end of memetic warfare, military strategists on responses to Soviet disinformation campaigns, cult deprogrammers on tackling QAnon, anything.
posted by philosophygeek at 6:26 AM PST - 8 comments

In London, searching Google Maps for "ice cream shop" is suddenly bringing up a a bunch of nearly identical entries. They're clearly fake: they have no reviews or opening hours; none of them show up in street view; and I have walked past at least one of the addresses in the past week and there was no ice cream to be found. Plus they all have identical websites. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 5:57 AM PST - 9 comments

I recently bought a new iPhone, because my old iPhone 6 (running iOS 10.3.3) did not have enough memory to update the iOS. Foolishly I didn't back up my LINE chat history to iCloud before installing and setting up LINE on my new phone. I did back up the contents of my old phone to my Macbook, but when I look at the ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ folder all I can see is a bunch of scattered files. Is it somehow possible to restore my LINE chat history using the contents of this folder?
posted by mydonkeybenjamin at 1:00 AM PST - 2 comments

My girlfriend's spiraling into alcoholism. She's refusing help. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 9:08 PM PST - 37 comments

I own a small but popular Toronto business and was just notified by my web host that my site is under a DOS attack. I have questions... [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 7:14 PM PST - 7 comments

I remember reading a major film critic complaining about Hollywood remakes of fine films, then asking a good question. "Why doesn't Hollywood remake *bad* movies instead?" [more inside]
posted by doctornemo at 5:21 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a bunch of images of the same objects from the same angle but at slightly different light levels. I'd like to identify pictures of the same objects -- I would normally use color histograms as a rough pass, but I'm unsure how to modify the histograms to adjust for different levels. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 4:56 PM PST - 5 comments

I am getting married in a few months. My father is very resistant to anything he considers "dressing up," and I am feeling a lot of guilt around considering asking him to be more presentable for my upcoming wedding. I can't tell if I'm being unreasonable in wanting to say something, and if I do decide to say something, I don't know the kindest way to talk to him. [more inside]
posted by Neely O'Hara at 4:44 PM PST - 52 comments

I’ve never been great at gift shopping but managed to get it under control as a young adult and would buy presents for my parents and boyfriend. Eventually I started buying small presents for my four siblings. Now those siblings have had children… six children… and I find myself shopping for 13 people a year, birthdays and Christmas. I am totally overwhelmed and starting to feel like a terrible auntie. I know there is a better way to handle this, what do you think? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 4:22 PM PST - 18 comments

I moved from the west coast to the east coast and am now interested in how writers have conceptualized these regions and their cultural & intellectual differences! [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 3:42 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I find a *truly* fragrance free Airbnb in Denver? I need to travel for a few days in June and am severely sensitive to fragrances. I’m feeling overwhelmed about finding accommodations, and am open to suggestions that aren’t Airbnb! But I have had terrible luck with hotel situations and people in adjacent rooms using heavy fragrance, so prefer something that is free standing. Are there cabins or something else I’m not thinking of? Do I just need to message every host that pops up in the area individually to inquire? If so, how do I word it so I don’t end up somewhere I can’t stay?
posted by Bottlecap at 3:11 PM PST - 4 comments

I’ve had very strange breast inflammation come and go over the last four years. I’ve seen a bunch of doctors and had a ton of imaging and tests. Nobody has any idea what it is. Now I want to find a doctor who can actually figure it out. It’s been suggested I find a rheumatologist — is that right? (Austin-area doctor recommendations are welcome!) [more inside]
posted by liet at 3:05 PM PST - 10 comments

I’m hoping for advice regarding accessible activities and renting a car in New Orleans in June. My family, including my 86 year old dad, will be going for 5 days. I’ve been there before, but not for many years. I’ve never rented a car, but am thinking I need to because of my dad’s mobility issues. [more inside]
posted by Phyllis keeps a tight rein at 2:18 PM PST - 8 comments

Can you recommend horror films with very young child protagonists? Less interested in examples with supernatural stuff than in children in peril from a killer/monster/psycho. Little kids, not teens. Like, single digit ages, generally. [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:55 PM PST - 35 comments

It's my son-in-law's birthday! Can you help me find a good massage therapist in the Oakland area that has excellent Covid protocols? [more inside]
posted by Space Kitty at 1:32 PM PST - 2 comments

I am interviewing candidates for a role that will be collaborating with me significantly. One candidate speaks very slowly. I have ADHD which my manager knows. I want some way to convey that I doubt I can work well with someone who has a very slow pace of communication. It is not their fault that I can't work well with slow talkers, but I absolutely need this to be part of the calculus and I'm not sure how to say it. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 1:30 PM PST - 20 comments

While on vacation at a private residence, we slept on a Sealy mattress that was extremely comfortable, and I'm trying to track down the model number. The tag that has that number was removed, unfortunately, but I have the information on the sewn-on patch on the mattress. (Pic inside, plus cat tax because why not.) [more inside]
posted by pwe at 1:29 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm writing a short story set 500 years in the future, where humans have created a small colony floating in Venus's atmosphere. I'm brainstorming a material that would cause people to want to go to Venus, in a sort of gold rush, to get it. [more inside]
posted by lewedswiver at 1:01 PM PST - 16 comments

Where to stay in Paris? We like parks and music and food and art, but have a baby so won't be able to travel all over the city every day. [more inside]
posted by twirlypen at 12:45 PM PST - 8 comments

This feels silly, but I bought a small greenhouse. Only to realize that I'm not exactly sure what to put in it. I'm confused and I need some help. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 12:38 PM PST - 8 comments

I would like to read stories about people who have had life-long difficulties with their mental health and who have subsequently found a way to live happy, emotionally healthy lives. [more inside]
posted by mnfn at 11:50 AM PST - 5 comments

Like many people, I have pandemic induced inability to concentrate, and I think that reading on an eReader rather than on my phone would improve my ability to actually read books. But is there an eReader that meets my requirements? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 10:44 AM PST - 40 comments

My wife and I recently began seeing a couple's therapist, "Susan." After four sessions, my wife and I would agree that progress has been slow, but therapy has helped us communicate more clearly and respectfully with each other. BUT... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:52 AM PST - 29 comments

A friend is clearing out the house her parents lived in for decades. She has found the cover of a copy of Canadian Bride: The Bridal Book magazine for Spring / Summer 1954. Someone, probably one of her parents, has written "page 29" on the cover. How could she find out what was on page 29? I have looked on Worldcat and cannot see any holdings of the magazine, and there are no copies for sale on eBay. Pinterest shows a copy on Etsy, but it is not now for sale.
posted by paduasoy at 9:33 AM PST - 24 comments

I am looking for the perfect solid color basic T-shirt that I can order in the US that comes in size XL. Very specific constraints below the cut. [more inside]
posted by matildaben at 9:20 AM PST - 14 comments

What can you tell me about the history of Portuguese pastries, different types and where to find them in Lisbon? [more inside]
posted by JaneTheGood at 9:12 AM PST - 11 comments

My partner and I are considering our first international vacation since Covid, and have our eyes on Panama City and other parts of Panama for May. The US Dept of State has a "do not travel" advisory because of Covid and crime, but it seems outdated (January omicron spike) and regional (there are high-crime areas in every country). Any insights into current safety in Panama City and the current Covid situation? Things to do? [more inside]
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 8:45 AM PST - 3 comments

If you've visited, or are from, Central American countries like Costa Rica, you've probably noticed that howler monkeys--who howl intermittently during the day--go absolutely ape-shit during rainstorms. Are there any reasons--scientific, quasi-scientific, or speculative--for why these furballs howl like there's no tomorrow when it rains? Are they basically rain-hating party poopers or is there something else at stake?
posted by Gordion Knott at 5:52 AM PST - 2 comments

My household has been fostering a Great Pyrenees and I love him but his longer, silkier hair behaves differently than the resident lab and resident pit-mix's hair. I know and fully accept nothing I own will ever be hair-free again, but what's the best reusable tool for removing some of this kind of hair from microfleece shirts/blankets/etc? Either something to run over them before laundering or something I can throw in the laundry. The dryer doesn't remove it and adding some unscented dryer sheets (which otherwise I avoid) did not help.
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:22 AM PST - 17 comments

What it says on the tin! [more inside]
posted by wooh at 12:42 AM PST - 3 comments

Idle-medical-curiosity-filter: I realize that "tender points" aren't used as much anymore to diagnose fibromyalgia, but I'm curious if I have them [more description inside]. Also, if I do have them, but my only other symptom is longstanding fatigue, is there a point to pursuing a diagnosis? Are there any treatable fibromyalgia-related symptoms that I might not have noticed yet? Are there any treatments specific for fibromyalgia-related fatigue that *aren't* stimulants? (I'm already taking stimulants for ADD, and it doesn't help the fatigue.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:09 AM PST - 5 comments

If and only if you make or have made monetary donations to help both Ukrainian warfighting and humanitarian work for Ukrainians, how do you divide the donations? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:49 PM PST - 5 comments

We're beyond busy right now, and thinking about grocery shopping is stressing me out. We know exactly what we want from our nearest Trader Joe's (which is in Goleta, California), and I'm trying to figure out if we can pay someone to buy stuff and deliver to our home. Surely this is a thing people do in the "gig economy"? But we've never done that, and I have no idea what service to trust. Do any of you have experiences with shopping and delivery services in Santa Barbara/Goleta? [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 6:35 PM PST - 12 comments

Why does my frozen, cubed rotisserie chicken drop water when it defrosts? More details inside... [more inside]
posted by ivanthenotsoterrible at 4:04 PM PST - 6 comments

Many people say crying makes them feel better, but for me (whether the emotional release felt good or not) my (upper) head always feels stuffy, congested and heavy afterwards, which is physically unpleasant. Is there anything I can do to feel better other than maybe using a cold compress or taking a shower?
posted by needs more cowbell at 2:59 PM PST - 22 comments

A friend is considering a move to Kentucky to stay with friends. They have not been very successful at holding a job over the past few years due to mental health issues, so they've been getting their insurance for free in their current state through ACA, I believe. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 2:45 PM PST - 3 comments

Every so often I have the feeling of 'a string around my big toe' - which the internet is making me panic about. Diabetes, nerve damage. There's a lot going on. My question is, should I see someone about this? Doctor? Podiatrist? You're not my doctor but I am unsure of what the scale of action needed is here!
posted by socky_puppy at 2:26 PM PST - 12 comments

I just watched both seasons of Enlightened on HBO. I thought it was a great show but I could only watch it in small doses. Amy was so cringy and hard to watch a lot of the times. What are some other shows with similar characters? [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws at 1:20 PM PST - 12 comments

I’ve been granted Portuguese citizenship and have my birth certificate (Assento de Nascimento). How do I get a passport now? [more inside]
posted by osmond_nash at 12:59 PM PST - 4 comments

I have dual UK and Irish citizenship, and I'm a UK resident. I'm currently applying for an Irish passport and considering not renewing my UK passport, which expires this summer. Are there any downsides to this approach that I've not considered? [more inside]
posted by terretu at 12:13 PM PST - 12 comments

I want to keep my conversations with friends separate from corporate notifications like "your bank has sent you a code" and "your order is ready." Is there a way to do this? iPhone iOS 14, currently using the regular Messages app, U.S. based. DoorDash in particular is annoying because they text me from a different phone number every time I make a purchase, clogging up my list of recent messages.
posted by danceswithlight at 12:01 PM PST - 6 comments

Last Thursday, my fridge freezer started to beep, indicating the temperature was rising. I made sure the doors were shut properly and went about my business. Unfortunately, the problem was not that the doors weren't shut properly and it kept beeping intermittently... [more inside]
posted by koahiatamadl at 11:45 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for any information (images, video, or a playable download) of an old Macintosh game from the late 80s called "Crush." It was a war game. You would assemble an army and then program each unit using a simple programming language (commands included Forward, Attack, Charge, Turn Right, Repeat etc.). Once all your units were programmed, you would begin the battle, and the units would behave according to their programming. IIRC your army could be made up of Goblins, Trolls, Unicorns, and Blockheads - each of which had different prices and strengths.
posted by Prunesquallor at 11:04 AM PST - 3 comments

I use a CPAP machine at night, and am recovering from COVID-19. What consumables should I replace once I'm well? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 10:25 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm making a climbing wall on a kura bed (like this). It will be for a 5 year old. I need advice on which of two sets of grips to use, and also how to place them. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 10:18 AM PST - 8 comments

My kids are obsessed with Turning Red. I don't want to pay for Disney+ as we already have Netflix and Prime. Do we know whether/when/where it'll be viewable outside Disney+?
posted by Omnomnom at 10:01 AM PST - 6 comments

I just updated my LinkedIn profile in anticipation of potentially applying for a new position that caught my eye. My boss and other people I work with are among my connections, and I realized after the fact that the switch to notify my network of profile changes was toggled to "Notify everyone." Is there any way I can undo this notification? I don't want them to know I'm looking. [more inside]
posted by Fuego at 9:47 AM PST - 8 comments

We're thinking about a trip to walk the Rheinsteig. Give us your recommendations! [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 9:28 AM PST - 4 comments

I am a cord-cutting semi-luddite trying to figure out how to watch the Oscars this year, WITHOUT plugging in any additional thing to my TV or signing up for ANY "free trials" of any service. Help! [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:20 AM PST - 18 comments

I want to make this quick bread (sorry, "savory loaf") recipe but omit the olives. Should I reduce the amounts of anything else to make up for no olives, or is it ok to just follow the recipe as is? I rarely bake and need some reassurance!
posted by cakelite at 9:14 AM PST - 10 comments

A friend who is a straight woman in her 50s has asked me to take some photos of her for her online dating profile. What are people looking for in age 50+ profile photos? What should I aim to produce? How can I take care of my friend in the process? [more inside]
posted by d288478 at 9:12 AM PST - 18 comments

Is there a way to block people from sending me audio messages via text message on the iPhone? Thanks.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 8:22 AM PST - 4 comments

Parent just died, dealing with grief and untangling complicated financial situation. Need scripts for talking with banks/creditors + recommendations for next steps. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:20 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a gyno appt in a few weeks, and you are not my doctor. Still I want to see if other women here have experienced strong urges to squirt almost daily and felt a great sense of pressure relieved after. More inside. Throwaway email: abunchofdandelions@mail.com [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:19 AM PST - 1 comment

I have a three inch by three inch tattoo of a mouse in memorial of a dead relative. I am White and the tattoo is in a ‘tribal’ 2000’s era style. I would like to cover it up with a rat/mouse tattoo that corresponds with the heritage I shared with my relative (Italian, Azores, Portuguese, Russian). I’m looking for either specific artist recommendations or estimates on how much I should expect to pay. I live in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area.
posted by anonymous at 8:19 AM PST - 4 comments

Yesterday we switched internet provider to get FFTP. They installed their own "hub" (BT Smart Hub 2 if its relevant) and since then I've not been able to remote desktop connection to my other computer. [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 8:19 AM PST - 4 comments

I use the Mercury Reader extension for Chrome, and it does a great job of removing the formatting from webpages so they're easier to read. It does almost exactly what I want...but it leaves all of the images intact. Can you help me find something even MORE minimalist? Ideally, I'd like to find a way to do exactly what Mercury Reader does AND remove all of the images from the article. It turns out that there are lots of extensions that will remove images, and lots of others that will reformat pages, but none that will do BOTH of those things. For what it's worth, I'd even be happy if I could find two separate extensions that would work together to accomplish the task, but none of the ones that I've tried so far seem to play well together.
posted by richmondparker at 6:13 AM PST - 3 comments

Hope me figure a quick, simple use for this leftover jalapeño stuffing. [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 6:11 AM PST - 16 comments

My son used an Oculus headset at a friends house, and now he wants one for his birthday. From what I can see there’s a mandatory Facebook login to use it, and seems to require a gaming PC for most apps. We’re a 100% Apple household and I despise Facebook. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by caution live frogs at 5:54 AM PST - 10 comments

I’m about to do some pro bono college advising for a small group of low-income HS students. I’ve actually done a lot of college advising, but this was back in the early 2000s, when I could largely rely on my own experience (HS class of ‘95). What should I read to get myself back up to speed on the process? Cost is no issue because I’ll look for free resources once I myself am oriented. Thanks!
posted by 8603 at 4:43 AM PST - 11 comments

I have historically just divided my life into "work" and "leisure" and really struggled with figuring out the value of "in-between" things that I'm not getting paid for, find difficult or stressful, but choose to do anyway. A conversation with a friend recently opened me up to the idea that there are more... time categories. Any good reading in this space? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 3:15 AM PST - 13 comments

For the first time ever, I received what I've come to learn is a subrogation letter, and googling has somehow left me more confused. Apparently, there could be some sort of lawsuit at play? Is it in my best interest to respond or not respond?
posted by Forty-eight at 2:10 AM PST - 3 comments

I use Ghostery for a browser on my Android phone. It apparently updated (auto update)to "Ghostery Dawn" in the last 10 hours or so, and now my bookmarks are gone. The folders are there but the bookmarks that were in them are gone. [more inside]
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 1:30 AM PST - 0 comments

Has anyone undertaken a budget bathroom remodel? I'd love to make our bathroom a little bit nicer, but I don't think a full remodel is in our budget. Hoping to get some feedback on what is possible or not possible. I have a couple of possible tradespeople in mind but would appreciate a sounding board before raising my plan with them. [more inside]
posted by kinddieserzeit at 1:10 AM PST - 10 comments

I bought untreated wood planks and cut them at Home Depot and put them under one end of my mattress, creating an incline, to help alleviate my GERD symptoms. It's been 2 days of sleeping with a strong wood smell, which got me thinking - is sleeping inches away from a pile of untreated wood irritating/damaging to my health? I really know nothing about home construction... [more inside]
posted by facehugger at 12:09 AM PST - 10 comments

Yet another COVID risk assessment question. tl;dr: Given that my toddler is in daycare, is my risk profile already so high that I shouldn't worry about the additional COVID risk from me returning to the office? [more inside]
posted by Syllepsis at 10:45 PM PST - 9 comments

Seeking the above, needs to double in psychological, psychiatric or somatic therapy in the Detroit or Chicago area. [more inside]
posted by firstdaffodils at 7:40 PM PST - 0 comments

I was awarded $11.83 in a class-action lawsuit and got an online gift card for the amount. The not-so-fine print states that "the amount authorized for your purchase must be less than or equal to your available balance" and that the card can't be used for a split purchase. What can I buy online for $11.83 or less including shipping? No books, music or other media please - I already have so much waiting in the wings to be consumed that I'm overwhelmed. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 7:07 PM PST - 13 comments

I very much need to acquire some sort of wearable recording device -- I have in fact been advised by the police to get one and use it for my own protection in a scenario I can't be specific about. Cell phone options won't work as I don't have a cell phone. I need this device to be as inexpensive as possible as money is beyond tight. Suggestions?
posted by orange swan at 6:29 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm not a Science Guy so I have no idea how to go about answering this question. (I also keep trying to use Google to find an answer, but it keeps returning responses about how to charge USB devices from inside an electric car. THIS IS THE OPPOSITE OF THE QUESTION I'M ASKING.) So, Science Guys and Gals and Nonbinary Pals: Assuming an endless supply of juiced-up USB phone chargers (or whatever) and the proper connection to the car's battery, how long would it take to fully charge up your Tesla?
posted by AngerBoy at 5:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Should my family travel internationally (US to Turkey) in May so that my kids can meet/see their grandparents for the first time in three years? Both children are too young to be vaccinated. Their eldest grandparent is 82. [more inside]
posted by stripesandplaid at 5:50 PM PST - 6 comments

I heard an interview with people who moved to the US as refugees ( from Iraq, Kosovo, Vietnam, etc) All the interviewees said that their lives had been simple until they moved to the US. What specifically does this mean? I’m not disputing at ALL that American life can be complicated. But if you moved to a new country and feel now that your old life was simple I’d like to hear examples of what things were like for you compared with how they are in your new country.
posted by Vatnesine at 5:26 PM PST - 13 comments

What is the best way to get a debit card in Poland, with a small starting sum of cash? If not possible, is there a better way to go? [more inside]
posted by corb at 5:13 PM PST - 11 comments

YANM physical therapist and I am trying a number of medical avenues to help with this issue. But in the meantime I turn to you, oh wise hive mind. What can I do to mitigate horrible back pain from sitting? Particularly looking for cushion recommendations. Specifics under the fold. [more inside]
posted by Threeve at 4:22 PM PST - 10 comments

We're wondering what kind of tree this is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Images as of 3/21: 1, 2, 3, 4. [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 2:55 PM PST - 10 comments

I would like to take a 3d model of a surface (the candle holder), and a 2d image of the shadows I want to cast (on another surface, of course, but for simplicity here, lets say the plane that the candle holder sits on), and then project (reverse project?) what shapes would need to be cut in the surface to achieve that result. Is this a thing? What is it called? What software would help with this?
posted by Nothing at 2:24 PM PST - 12 comments

There's an Ursula K. LeGuin essay that I'd like to find again. When I read it, it was in a book with plain library binding, and now I don't remember what the title was. I do remember a fictional portion that struck me. Can you identify it? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 1:52 PM PST - 2 comments

If I want to RE-READ a direct message (DM) thread I've had with someone on Twitter, can the other person tell that I am in there now? Or that I've been there again? If they see that and get "creeped," that would really be too bad. If it's a meaningful thing, I may want to read it a few times, esp. if it's long. Or see their picture again. Just like re-reading a paper letter by mail when you want... I can never find my precise questions about tech answered so I come here. Thx.
posted by noelpratt2nd at 1:01 PM PST - 5 comments

Toronto MeFites, can you recommend a general contractor in Toronto? I had an amazing one, but he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth since I last worked with him a few years ago, Home Stars keeps drawing a blank when I try to search for general contractors in Toronto, and I have a porch that is unsafe and needs repair urgently. Message me if you don't want to leave contact info in the thread. Thanks!
posted by orange swan at 12:40 PM PST - 1 comment

My son has what appears to be a pretty mild shellfish allergy (sometimes gets hives on his face after eating shellfish). He tested negative at the allergist last week (skin prick test) after the long spiel about how unusual false negatives are. I'm trying to figure out this means and what, if anything, I want to do next. [more inside]
posted by potrzebie at 12:29 PM PST - 12 comments

After trying and trying to get good medical advice from standard medical providers on my cyclical depression and anxiety I have two prescriptions "to try." They are generic versions of lexapro and zoloft. Any advice or experiences with either or both of these? Would especially love to hear experiences from those in their perimenopause/menopause years. YANMD and all that.
posted by amanda at 11:55 AM PST - 21 comments

I'm looking for recommendations for some good nerdy podcasts. Enjoys : science, history, economics, music. Doesn't enjoy : "comedians" laughing at each others' jokes. Sometimes enjoys : current events, interviews [more inside]
posted by panama joe at 11:53 AM PST - 32 comments

A few weeks of respiratory crud (not Covid) and a course of augmentin left me with a bad case of positional vertigo. I’m due to fly in a couple days and don’t know what to expect or how to offset the symptoms. I have meclizine and have been doing the Epley maneuver. I’m mostly concerned with what flying will be like. Anybody flown with pre existing vertigo?
posted by mermaidcafe at 11:46 AM PST - 5 comments

What are some sounds that seem very masculine to you? And, conversely, how about feminine sounds? [more inside]
posted by nosila at 11:27 AM PST - 17 comments

In our brownstone ground floor, which is four feet below ground level, we have a bad smell. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:11 AM PST - 2 comments

Can you get a refund for quarterly-filed taxes if you’ve overpaid, or is it payments only, with refunds issued only at the end of the year? [more inside]
posted by hwyengr at 10:59 AM PST - 9 comments

A friend posted a photo recently that included a card on the ground. He didn't check to see what it was. This design rang a long-ago bell for me, but I can't remember what game this was – I'm pretty sure it was from a game, and not a regular pack of cards. Do you recognize it?
posted by zadcat at 10:32 AM PST - 7 comments

Is there a way to show a Youtube video in a Canva presentation if the video does not show up when searching within the Canva Youtube search bar? A couple of the videos simply will not show up at all, even when I paste the video's full title (possibly because they are older videos?). I also do not see a way to use a website link or an embed code. [more inside]
posted by asimplemouse at 10:02 AM PST - 2 comments

An underweight friend (mid-30s, ciswoman) who lives in New York City is looking to work with a dietician/nutritionist to sustainably gain weight after having remission from cancer, and is looking for recommendations for someone to work with. Does anyone have any general or specific recommendations in the NYC area? [more inside]
posted by The Sock Puppet Sentience Movement at 9:57 AM PST - 2 comments

I am about to re-enter college this summer to get my masters in Psychology. I want to make sure that I cover all possibilities for grants and scholarship available for those not only pursuing the major, but for those who are 55 yo + returning to study for a second career. As of now, I have little time to do research. Are there individuals or non-profits who do this sort of work and help steer me in all necessary directions?
posted by goalyeehah at 9:49 AM PST - 1 comment

I have a poster for David Macaulay's Great Moments in Architecture... [more inside]
posted by ubiquity at 9:41 AM PST - 1 comment

For a lot of reasons I want to do my video calls over looking the nature preserve behind me. I use my MacBook Pro camera with a cheap ring light, I'm always overexposed. Videos on youtube that address this like this end up turning your room into a studio with an expensive camera, NX filters and halo lighting. I don't need to look like I'm on CNN, and I'm willing to put ~$1,000 into this. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 9:11 AM PST - 8 comments

My partner is no longer masking at work. What is a reasonable amount of anxious to feel about this? (Details below the fold.) [more inside]
posted by Fish, fish, are you doing your duty? at 8:37 AM PST - 39 comments

I'm teaching a unit on literary nonsense to a group of mostly 8^th and 9^th graders. I'm looking to expand my stock of examples of the genre, especially in other media; we've already listened to some "nonsense music" and I would love to extend our scope to visual art, film, or even games! [more inside]
posted by aws17576 at 8:37 AM PST - 46 comments

I was recently sent a message on LinkedIn by a former friend. He asked me to not contact him, not to make any inquires about them, and to leave him alone. Thing is, I didn't contact him or ask about him in the first place. I asked about this previously; how do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 8:32 AM PST - 28 comments

I have worked with an amazing graduate student who will be graduating this spring. This student will be moving to Guatemala later this summer and I would love some tips or ideas on grad gifts that would be useful or fun. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 7:46 AM PST - 5 comments

Whenever I export a pdf from Excel (office 365 version on Win10), the dialog has Active Sheets selected - Excel dialog screenshot, when I want Selection - as shown. How do I change it to Selection? [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 6:23 PM PST - 6 comments

Please help me answer some brief tax questions after I have spent a weekend banging my head against the IRS 1040 and various schedules. [more inside]
posted by bad grammar at 6:19 PM PST - 11 comments

Please give me tips on how to minimize hair breakage so I can have the most beautiful hair I can manage, given what I'm working with. [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 2:40 PM PST - 38 comments

I'm often typing on a laptop while referring to a book. I also sometimes want to photograph things from books. And so I've often found myself hungering for a large thick flat piece of glass, maybe with attached handles or a frame of some kind, that I could put on the book to keep it flat and open with the text or image visible. Surely this must be a thing that exists somewhere, and can be purchased. Please help me find it :) [more inside]
posted by Susan PG at 2:25 PM PST - 16 comments

I want to send something special and treat-ish to my kid, away at college. Difficulty level: he doesn't like sweets, and there are some other parameters: [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 1:59 PM PST - 12 comments

I recently got an iPhone 13 Pro because I needed a new phone and was impressed by the camera. Now I want to make my shots a little better with a minimum of gear, what should I do? [more inside]
posted by phildini at 1:26 PM PST - 4 comments

In the show Life & Beth at the end of the episode “Homecoming,” there is a quiet piano version of the Strokes’ song “Under Control.” Who is this? Shazam and googling both failed.
posted by CMcG at 1:08 PM PST - 1 comment

I know that Lea has a Patreon, and it looks like the latest series in her podcast was early last year- "The Cape", and supposedly explains what she is up to. Has anyone heard the story? Is the patreon worth subscribing to? [more inside]
posted by bearette at 12:26 PM PST - 2 comments

Are there any examples of art shows in which the art itself doesn't exist, and the gallery just has written descriptions imagining the different pieces of art? Basically empty picture frames, projectors that aren't running, stands for sculptures, and a detailed description of each piece of "art".
posted by andoatnp at 9:53 AM PST - 18 comments

Spring is here (just about), and I've suddenly been hit with the energy and enthusiasm to start adding new plants to my property. I'd like to keep records for both tracking and planning purposes, but I'm spinning my wheels on exactly how to do it. [more inside]
posted by velvet_n_purrs at 9:20 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm making a kind of scavenger hunt game (a bit like an alternative reality game, but for people I know), and I'd like a feature where someone has to call a phone number and enter a 4 (or so) digit code to hear a recorded message. I'd like to have this number be able to serve a few messages for a few different codes. I'd also like this to be a UK number if possible. I'm not sure how to Google for this; is anyone aware of a service like what I've described?
posted by Chef Flamboyardee at 8:27 AM PST - 2 comments

Have you heard of a workbook that combines a solo RPG/choose-your-own-adventure game with a little bit of a brain workout? [more inside]
posted by icebergs at 8:26 AM PST - 10 comments

Hi everyone: I have a Tecsun PL-680 and Im a bit frustrated,lol. I have read the owner's manual,but I feel there may be more to this then I know. Living in a 2nd floor apt,with a balcony. When I'm on the SW,I just seem to get one channel cleary,its a religious channel,lol.Can somebody offer me some advice or tips on what I may be doing wrong--I also have a Sangean Reel Antenna that I use,I clip it to the rail on my balcony. Anyhow,advice/tips on how to get more channels? Very new to this stuff,lol. Thank you in advance!
posted by LOOKING at 7:54 AM PST - 6 comments

Inspire me: what specific day-to-day things do you do to be kind to yourself? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 1:56 AM PST - 24 comments

For a few months now, I’ve been struggling with some digestive issues. I’ve been unable to sort it myself, so made an appointment with a dietician. Had to wait 5 weeks for the appointment, then 2 hours before she cancelled due to illness. Fair enough! But looks like I have to wait another 5-6 weeks to be seen and I would like to figure out the best way to utilise that time so I have more data to work with when I see her. Vaguely gross details within. [more inside]
posted by BeeJiddy at 11:32 PM PST - 22 comments

For various reasons I have recently become fairly sure that I have ADHD. How do I access support for this as a 40-year old in the UK? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:11 PM PST - 5 comments

My employer has decreed that now that Covid is over (oh, you sweet summer children), all employees are required to eat meals in "designated eating areas." I have been eating at my desk (off the clock) where I'm able to socially distance from my co workers, as opposed to a crowded communal lunch room. I'm looking for ideas of how to eat lunch and not risk exposure. Additional info below the jump. [more inside]
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 7:57 PM PST - 25 comments

I bought a 7 today. I've got my use-cases for it, but I'm curious what other folks find most useful for theirs. Little-known app that you can't live without now? Synchronicity between your other devices that makes your life wildly easier? Particularly interested in autistic perspectives.
posted by curious nu at 7:25 PM PST - 28 comments

About a year ago, garlic stated making me sick and I'm still sad about it. Especially because a lot of restaurant dishes I like are full of it. I know there are some special FODMAP supplements to buy, but is there a cheaper way to pre-game to help? I'm thinking about eating prepared meals, not anything where I can control it.
posted by mermaidcafe at 6:52 PM PST - 5 comments

I posted a while back about extreme jealousy of my boyfriend's ex. I'm still with him and the problem has not gone away despite him resolutely refusing to speak about her or mention her in any way. I recently found that there is something called retroactive jealousy and wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how they have dealt with it? [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 5:33 PM PST - 22 comments

We just moved, and we find that we may need a lawyer. But what kind of lawyer do we need? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 5:05 PM PST - 12 comments

Did Jonny Greenwood write the music the characters in The Power of the Dog play? (The banjo Phil plays throughout the film and the silent movie score Rose plays before her in-laws come to visit.)
posted by pxe2000 at 3:25 PM PST - 3 comments

What is the distance to the sun of the Jupiter-Sun system's L1 point in km or AU? [more inside]
posted by signal at 3:04 PM PST - 1 comment

In the past, I've moved from NYC to Seattle to Chicago. Cost-of-living-wise, these moves were easy. Everything got cheaper! Now we're contemplating a move back to Seattle, and it feels a bit more daunting. Are there considerations I should be thinking about? Looking for experience from people who have made the switch from lower cost of living to higher cost of living. [more inside]
posted by soonertbone at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments

Dear all, I am trying to figure out a way to organize and compile various types of information regarding the Ukraine response. Then have that be easily shareable and updateable. [more inside]
posted by tarvuz at 2:07 PM PST - 3 comments

I had an episode of acute pancreatitis last week which landed me in hospital. Now I'm back home but crushingly tired. Wondering if this is normal and if I can expect it to resolve. [more inside]
posted by altolinguistic at 1:35 PM PST - 5 comments

My dog is 13-15 years old. He is a chihuahua mix we found on the street and took in and nursed back to health over 10 years ago. I've noticed lately that the bones on his face--especially the side of his head next to his eyes (his temples?)--are quite pronounced and he seems to be losing muscle mass generally. What next? [more inside]
posted by robertthebruce at 1:00 PM PST - 9 comments

I want to start creating educational YouTube content around software development topics - so my face in the corner, but mostly my screen. I'm looking for tips on how to make sure that my output is as high quality as possible - software to use (OBS or something else?), lighting and microphone tips, editing software, ideal length and structure, etc. I know this is a very deep topic, so the more pointers to great material about this the better. [more inside]
posted by simonw at 10:36 AM PST - 7 comments

I am wondering what current precautions, or not, are being taken by people who have generally been cautious of covid-19. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 10:34 AM PST - 40 comments

In the new Coldplay and Selena Gomez song, Let Somebody Go, I was sure the drums (?) or maybe bass line were sampled but apparently not, which song do they remind you of?
posted by ellieBOA at 9:58 AM PST - 4 comments

These 6 foot tall holly bushes encroach on my path. Can I cut them way back or do I need to remove them? [more inside]
posted by freecellwizard at 9:48 AM PST - 9 comments

I need help thinking of gift ideas for my younger sister’s upcoming birthday. She’s going to be 43 in April. I asked her what she might like, but she just said, “Surprise me!” [more inside]
posted by MelanieL at 8:49 AM PST - 10 comments

I need help getting my original Xbox one to work after a system update. It now shows the opening animation and then a blank screen. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 8:33 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm having a mysterious issue with a suddenly deceased PC. tl;dr, it went from working fine to showing a "reboot and select proper boot device" error when I switch it on. More details and things I've tried below the fold. I'd appreciate help from someone who can tell me the next steps to take that won't result in me spending money to fix something that isn't broken. [more inside]
posted by fight or flight at 8:33 AM PST - 9 comments

I have an 8-year old rescue Shi Tzu/Lhasa Apso, Dexter, with a chronic throat-clearing/honk/hairball/bronchitis sounding cough that he does a couple times a day, usually after waking and sometimes after mild exertion, sometimes when doing nothing at all. It sounds horrible. The vet has no answers. [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 8:16 AM PST - 23 comments

Please help me with a "can I eat this?" question featuring meatballs! [more inside]
posted by sucre at 7:52 AM PST - 9 comments

Meaning, not just on its own little proprietary virtual sheet of paper, but also in Ask Me’s description box, and in other apps. [more inside]
posted by BostonTerrier at 7:45 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me plan our trip to NY in August. Two adults and two kids (8 and 6). Hoping to spend 3 nights in NYC and then another 3-4 nights within driving distance where we can hike/be in nature. [more inside]
posted by pear at 6:01 AM PST - 9 comments

Looking for a specific article about Russia’s reserves (gold and FX), published shortly after the sanctions went into effect. All I have to go on is that it quoted a table of figures from Matthew Klein that the Russian central bank had scrubbed from its own site, and quoted him as “the invaluable Matthew (C.) Klein”, though I can’t remember if they used the “C.” or not. Someone else was quoted as “invaluable”, too.
posted by chappell, ambrose at 4:59 AM PST - 2 comments

We are moving to France for a year in six months, and we have very little French. What would you do if you were us to get as far ahead as we can (two adults, two primary school kids with no French who will be in a bilingual school?) Thanks!
posted by heavenknows at 4:56 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm looking for recommendations of places to stay in the West of Germany (roughly) south of Mannheim and north of Freiburg im Breisgau. I'm particularly interested in places that are a bit unusual or have some character (e.g. castles, farms, or places otherwise off the beaten track). [more inside]
posted by sueinnyc at 4:18 AM PST - 3 comments

Is there a resource on the web that will keep me up to date on triggering TV shows in the least triggering way possible? [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 10:47 PM PST - 5 comments

It's a real-life Cio-Cio-san situation (minus a kid or suicide--she's alive) that happened 50 years ago. And it would bring closure for the family to get official US documentation that says the marriage is annulled, that could be used to get the Japanese papers sorted. How do I accomplish this legally and with the least amount of additional trauma to our loved one, without access to a lot of funds or bandwidth to travel? [more inside]
posted by maiamai at 10:46 PM PST - 10 comments

What art materials are best for following the drawing instructions in Ed Emberly’s kids books? The drawings are additive so I’m stumped, since most kids art materials like crayons can’t achieve the additive effect. Thanks!
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 7:25 PM PST - 8 comments

We were given a big bag of peaches, but many of them seem slightly underipe and green. Please advise us, peach experts! [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 7:18 PM PST - 7 comments

I’m going to be looking for a 1-2 bedroom apartment in Westchester County, NY within a couple months. The last time I searched for an apartment from scratch on my own it was… 2011. Then, Craigslist was the place to look. Where’s the best place to look now?
posted by ocherdraco at 6:43 PM PST - 3 comments

I am trying to find the name of a TV series on British TV with Christopher Guinee. [more inside]
posted by Quillcards at 5:07 PM PST - 3 comments

In this video, someone is cooking sausages while in the passenger seat of a moving car: twitter link What interests me more is the song that's playing. I can barely make out the lyrics..."dancing like a jezzy"?? Help me find it!
posted by Maecenas at 3:47 PM PST - 3 comments

Due to neighbor sound issues, I've moved my bed away from the wall and my head sleeps where the "foot" of the bed usually is, not against a wall. My pillow keeps sliding partway off my bed as I wiggle around in my sleep. Besides the normal solution of a headboard, which would look really awkward with the room configuration, is there another option I'm not thinking of?
posted by thelasttango at 2:55 PM PST - 22 comments

Asking for a friend: we're worried about a young university student in London who is experiencing heightened anxiety, panic attacks, depression and general distress. We're outside UK and don't know how to help or where they could turn to. [more inside]
posted by Dotje at 2:48 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm a disabled UK person who gets what I consider a reasonable amount of state financial help, though always with the "sword of Damacles" that I could be reassessed at short notice and need to live on much less money. My mood has it's better and less-well times but in general is a bit "glass half empty". Looking ahead to the next year, I can afford two out of three from the following options - 1) having a cleaner so my living environment doesn't go into decline when my mood does 2) getting at least a dozen sessions with a counsellor I very much respect (until now I have only had student or charity counsellors who I did respect but had much less years of expertise) 3) "enjoyable activities" such as going out for coffees, for lunch in a cafe, to arthouse cinema, books from Amazon. How do I decide between my options? [more inside]
posted by AuroraSky at 2:25 PM PST - 9 comments

What the hell are the things in this tweet thread? [more inside]
posted by cortex at 1:49 PM PST - 12 comments

My CPAP was recalled and finally shopping for another one. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 12:42 PM PST - 10 comments

There is a piece of music being played here (link to a youtube video that will start playing at 9:50) and I would love to know what it is. Can anyone identify it?
posted by cider at 12:36 PM PST - 4 comments

Every morning when stretching, I look out my bedroom window towards distant mountains. Some days, I can see the distant mountains clearly above the horizon, some days it's only the tips of the peaks, some days they aren't visible at all. Why? [more inside]
posted by Superilla at 12:00 PM PST - 6 comments

My wife is a 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in-class math tutor at a local elementary school in Massachusetts. She works with several students that do not speak English, or have a very limited English vocabulary. [more inside]
posted by GernBlandston at 10:45 AM PST - 3 comments

I help to create Zoom webinars which consist of presenters answering questions raised in the live text chat. We want to play back the video file along with the chat. Is there any solution for this? [more inside]
posted by Busy Old Fool at 10:39 AM PST - 6 comments

Where in Cancun would be best for a one night stay, assuming our plane will land in the early evening and we'll be heading to a ferry to Holbox in the morning? [more inside]
posted by wuzandfuzz at 9:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Assuming no aftermarket body mods, what kind of modern sedan type car, if it exists, could withstand (by 'withstand' lets say, nothing more than minor cosmetic dents), some 10mph or less hits from an SUV? [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 9:54 AM PST - 12 comments

Do you have a low mess, low waste way to flatten chicken? [more inside]
posted by soelo at 8:36 AM PST - 18 comments

At the moment I use a combination of a desktop tripod ring light aimed at the ceiling/wall and a lamp behind a white curtain (to diffuse the light) in an attempt to emulate daylight for Zoom calls. I'm not sure how well it works and it takes time to set up and put away. Does anyone have any better ideas? [more inside]
posted by rose selavy at 8:26 AM PST - 5 comments

My Father-in-Law remembers an author who wrote short stories back in the 1930's. The characters were two men living in Alaska during the gold rush days. They worked at a gold placer mine and had various adventures. He had no other recollections about the stories. Can anyone identify this author?
posted by Raybun at 8:18 AM PST - 5 comments

I have windows 10 Home on both my work and home pc [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 7:21 AM PST - 4 comments

The ceramic soap dish in my 1950s bathroom has come off the wall. We are planning a bathroom remodel, but want to reattach this to the wall in the interim. What is the best way to do that without impacting the remodel (if that were a concern)? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:31 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me craft the best new-neighbor gift basket (degree of difficulty: I'm an idiot) [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:40 AM PST - 15 comments

If you were to draw a line from Earth to Gliese 876 but then keep drawing that line for 380 light years, where would the end of the line be. [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:43 AM PST - 7 comments

In my daily work life, I reply to or compose about 50-60 emails a day, in 4 different languages. I have an email signature at the bottom of my mail. I have to manually modify the greeting and some words in the signature to match the recipient's language. Is there a more effective way? I'm sure google recognizes the language I'm using in the text. How to link that to the correct signature? [more inside]
posted by PardonMyFrench at 12:44 AM PST - 7 comments

What do contracts between Youtubers and companies that sponsor them look like? [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 12:36 AM PST - 2 comments

My father-in-law is transitioning to a wheelchair. He's getting more comfortable with the actual wheelchair and is doing well when he's in his Manhattan apartment. Unfortunately, he is struggling with extra planning associated with going out while in a wheel-chair. We looking for a reputable organization/person in NYC that he can hire to call restaurants, museums, and other places on his behalf. A little help would make it a lot easier for him to navigate this often wheelchair-unfriendly city? [more inside]
posted by eisenkr at 9:54 PM PST - 12 comments

I want a piece of material with these dimensions: 2-3"D x 161"L x 1-1.75"H. (Or, it can be two pieces with an 80.5"L.) I don't care if it's wood, plywood, MDF, or something else, as long as it's rigid and can bear weight. Ideally it will be paintable. Where can I buy this exact thing? [more inside]
posted by Susan PG at 8:18 PM PST - 9 comments

My new toy is a 4K TV and I am loving watching TV and movies in glorious 4K. However I notice that some media has a high frame rate, probably 48fps or 60fps, while other media stays at the "standard" 24fps. How can I control the frame rate on what I see? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 7:12 PM PST - 18 comments

stopped someone jumping off london bridge and now wondering what might’ve happened if i hadn’t. google gives press reports but no collated data. [more inside]
posted by inire at 6:57 PM PST - 11 comments

I searched and learned that the gofundme for Ukraine relief that was started by Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis has reached its $30 million-match goal and is going for more. Great! I gave to it, but have not heard anything since. [more inside]
posted by mmiddle at 5:26 PM PST - 9 comments

Our dog Stevie Nicks has learned that if she bashes into the screen door on our patio enough she can get it open and go through into the non-dog part of the yard. How can we keep that door closed even if she bashes it? [more inside]
posted by dirtdirt at 2:08 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I become less physically lazy? I'm tired of trying to force and push and chivvy myself into not being lazy. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 2:05 PM PST - 47 comments

I'd like to read some writing about performance art — what people's goals with it tend to be, how they go about it, etc. A little pretentious is good, but not overly so. [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 1:12 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking for songs about werewolves, either explicitly or implied. For example, Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" and Toto's "Africa"
posted by Sophont at 1:05 PM PST - 51 comments

I'm having a hard time finding information about large-scale outdoor exhibitions that will be open until at least summer ... a lot of what I'm seeing online has closed or will be closing very soon. What are your favorites? Thanks!
posted by cyndigo at 12:09 PM PST - 21 comments

No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to make gay friends. Somehow, this doesn't seem to be a problem when I try to just make friends. [more inside]
posted by chernoffhoeffding at 12:08 PM PST - 19 comments

I have a frame that is 18" by 36". I have a piece of (digital) art with ratio 8*22. The image has a lot of detail and looking at the details is of the pleasure of the art. I'm thinking printing it up 36" long and thus having visible matte only at the top and bottom (not the sides). Is that awful? Can you show me examples? Should I just leave the matte blank/white? Should I try to make it the same colour as the wall that will be behind it? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 11:53 AM PST - 5 comments

My lovely neighbor gave me a plant, and neither of us can figure out what it is. Please help -- google searches are yielding nothing! It doesn't appear to be flowering, although hard to tell. Some kind of lilly, maybe? House plant in question
posted by Anonymouse1618 at 11:19 AM PST - 10 comments

I've recently finally had a cassette recording of my elementary school's chorus digitized. Yay! Despite the liner notes, some tracks are difficult to properly identify with known pieces of music. In addition to some help identifying individual pieces, I'd also like a sense of where I stand with regard to putting the entire work online. [more inside]
posted by jackbishop at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking at making a few ambient nature videos similar to this one in a dog park. What equipment do I need to do this and is there anything I should think about regarding the process for shooting this other than setting up a camera and pressing record? [more inside]
posted by shesbookish at 10:46 AM PST - 5 comments

I am obsessed, OBSESSED with the green silk dressing gown Jennifer Coolidge is wearing in this recent Uber Eats ad. Can you help me find one like it? [more inside]
posted by mochapickle at 10:23 AM PST - 13 comments

Gandysaur's question reminded me of Rocket Gibraltar and Breaking Away, niche movies that I loved. What are the excellent movies you're fond of that didn't get gobs of marketing and a big audience? And that are slower-paced, not violent or horror.
posted by theora55 at 9:40 AM PST - 66 comments

I was prescribed bupropion SR 100mg once a day to start for depression, which seemed to have SOME positive effect, but we determined it wasn't enough at the last visit. She increased the dose to 150mg SR once a day. But I think the issue is maybe coverage, is this normal? [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 9:01 AM PST - 7 comments

As per a previous post, I thought that I might be suffering from complex PTSD. However, after some further investigation I am finding I seem to match quite a few of the symptoms of EUPD as well (previously borderline personality disorder); most notably I feel I have an unstable sense of self, moodswings, self loathing and feelings of emptiness. Does anyone know what, if any, are the differences between these two conditions? In addition, does anyone know of any good books to read around EUPD (emotionally unstable personality disorder) that might help me begin looking after myself a little better? I'm in the process of seeking help, but would like to be able to self support in the interim.
posted by Sunflower88 at 8:45 AM PST - 13 comments

My 70+ year old parent had a detached retina a few months ago, and recover from the surgery to repair it was tough on them in terms of not being able to do house work, walk the dogs, multiply eye drops multiple times a day. She now requires cataract surgery. For those with experience with both, is recovery likely to easier than for retinal repair, or similar?
posted by sizeable beetle at 8:42 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking for recommendations for quality nonprofits that raise money to help people with substance-abuse disorders, specifically opioids.
posted by rhymedirective at 7:27 AM PST - 2 comments

I have windows 10 [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 7:07 AM PST - 10 comments

I am considering a job offer from a Chinese (PRC) firm, to be their sole US employee, as their first step towards what they eventually hope will be a small US division. I have no particular expertise in any aspect of China, Chinese language, or Chinese culture, nor have I worked for a Chinese company. I'd be very interested in hearing about people's experiences when working, as non-Chinese professionals based outside of China, directly with teams that are otherwise in China. and for Chinese firms. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:54 AM PST - 4 comments

When applying for an ACA subsidy, I estimated that my income in 2021 would be just enough to qualify for one. My income in 2021 ended up actually being substantially lower. I can't for the life of me figure out whether I will need to pay a clawback or how to estimate what it will be. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:54 AM PST - 7 comments

I've been working on a YouTube channel for a pretty unique and specific community. It's starting to make an impact. I have some engagement. Especially giving all the things going on right now, I want to turn turbo charge the growth to build this community faster. I'm willing to spend some money to promote this because this is for a good cause. I did some googling and found a bunch of services - but who knows if they're legit. Does anyone have any experience advertising a youtube channel? How did you go about it? [more inside]
posted by Mushroom12345 at 12:35 AM PST - 4 comments

I’m staying at a fancy hotel in South Beach in a few days. The whole point of the trip was to sit by the pool or the ocean, read books, drink some frozen drinks. (And enjoy a little nightlife.) We got an email from the hotel today that for two of the three full days of our trip, the pool will be closed for a “ticketed event.” Noooooo! I want to lounge by that pool! [more inside]
posted by Charity Garfein at 10:57 PM PST - 10 comments

I know SF is notoriously unaffordable, but I wanted to reach out and see if anyone had tips for less expensive places to stay in SF. [more inside]
posted by dokodomo at 10:08 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm trying to do the math of moving a food truck from a generator to electricity on the grid (i.e. plugging into the grid). For whatever reason, the math is not working out - maybe you know better? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 8:24 PM PST - 14 comments

I have ADHD. I put all the loose items I didn't want to lose (including my passport and medication) into a small zip pouch when traveling. I then, predictably, lost that zip pouch. All of the lost item claim forms assume I do not have ADHD and therefore remember where I lost the item. (Literally anywhere in the Atlanta airport or possibly on a plane or maybe even at LaGuardia?) This is approximately the 1000th time I have lost a form of identification and I want to crawl into a hole. Help me think of anything else I haven't done to possibly help get my stuff back? [more inside]
posted by sparkling at 7:57 PM PST - 20 comments

I am on a John Prine kick. What movies will keep the vibe going? Whimsical, smart & depressing Americana. [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur at 6:36 PM PST - 34 comments

Looked at my iphone today and my entire imessage history with my husband is just -- poof! -- GONE. Researched several approaches to recovering them, but need help thinking this through. [more inside]
posted by leticia at 6:10 PM PST - 9 comments

I see everyone recommending uBlock Origin, but that doesn't work with Safari. [more inside]
posted by soylent00FF00 at 4:11 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm looking for a cheap (say, no more than $0.11 / 4x6 print in quantities > 1000) photo printing service which will print the filename of the photo on the back. [more inside]
posted by dmd at 3:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Posting this for my girlfriend who is crawling her way out of a deep dark depression in New York State and hasn't filed her taxes since 2016. Who do we need to call to get her back on her feet and in good standing with Uncle Sam? Her help request inside. Please be gentle, I told her you were the kindest bunch around. [more inside]
posted by bingbong at 12:50 PM PST - 31 comments

The first track of the Fela and Africa 70 album "Live with Ginger Baker" starts off with a track called "Let's Start". Before it begins, he says, "(...) the first tune is called O l'oun t'awa se n'yara Je k'abere. Now, which means... let's start what we have come into the room to do." What was Fela referring to, here? Is it a specific reference, or more of a general statement? [more inside]
posted by summerteeth at 12:04 PM PST - 5 comments

You purchased an air source heat pump for your home in the last few years. How do you like it? [more inside]
posted by instead of three wishes at 12:02 PM PST - 5 comments

Quite some time ago, someone told me an elaborate story about working at a family-owned jewelry retailer/wholesaler in the mid 1990s. I've always wondered: Could any part of their story be even remotely true? [more inside]
posted by mochapickle at 11:23 AM PST - 11 comments

Suddenly I'm seeing a lot of tweets by people who are followed by people that I follow. These are not labeled "Dave Liked..." or "Dave Retweeted...", they are labeled "Dave Follows...". It is my understanding that they appear in my timeline not because one of my follows highlighted them, but because Twitter did. Is this new? How do I turn this off? [more inside]
posted by rlk at 9:55 AM PST - 8 comments

Is the difference between the names Volodymyr and Vladimir because they are the Ukranainian and Russian versions of basically the same name -- along the lines of Joseph/Jose and Mary/Maria -- or is it something more? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 9:24 AM PST - 7 comments

Inspired by this question: I am ALSO now looking for a room planning site, but one that is very VERY simple to use, and free. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:21 AM PST - 8 comments

I just moved in to a new flat and I am planning to put in a new laminate floor. When I lifted up the carpet, I found what looks like a wet patch in the corner. [more inside]
posted by Chenko at 9:05 AM PST - 18 comments

There was a 20th-century illustrator (a woman, I believe), who specialized in slightly-too-cutesy, sometimes even saccharine, cartoon pictures of children, usually at play. Very often featured on scrapbook paper and greeting cards. My grandmother was fond of her work. Does this ring any bells? Thanks in advance.
posted by Bufo_periglenes at 9:04 AM PST - 7 comments

Hanes Cool Comfort Cushion Crew are my go-to socks: they're not too thick, not too thin, they don't pill, and my feet don't slide around in my shoes. But now I need blue socks and the Hanes only come in black or white: which socks (preferably multi-pack, multiple shades would be cool too) come in blue and could be comparable to my beloved Cool Comfort Cushion Crews?
posted by my log does not judge at 9:01 AM PST - 1 comment

I know how to change the alert sounds in Messages. But I would like to use my own sounds, not Apple's. Is there a way to do this? [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 8:36 AM PST - 4 comments

if I have a browser tab opened on my desktop PC with Gmail displayed in it, and I have a bunch of events on my Google calendar, how do I get the Gmail browser tab to display a notification for a calendar event some number of minutes before that event begins? [more inside]
posted by Old Kentucky Shark at 8:34 AM PST - 5 comments

When I was active in the recruiting world some ten years ago, Linkedin was an important tool. It was how recruiters identified people to headhunt - at least at levels below C-level exec - and it was a necessary part of one's public information profile. Is this still true? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:31 AM PST - 23 comments

A work situation has me stressed, and I need some tunes to help me connect with my inner bad bitch. The vibe I’m looking for is Nicki Minaj’s verse on Monster.
posted by bluloo at 8:18 AM PST - 20 comments

Do you keep a practice log (for any kind of practice - music, language study, art, anything)? What exactly do you put in it? What makes it work well for you? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 8:12 AM PST - 10 comments

Years ago, I posted on Apartment Therapy to get ideas for decorating my new apartment, and found it incredibly helpful. Apartment Therapy seems a bit crowded and overloaded for that purpose now. What are other forums which will let me post pictures of my room and get ideas that align with my urban-millenial aesthetic? [more inside]
posted by redlines at 7:45 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a few non-hardy plants that are planted in the ground in their pots during the summer, and are dug up, cut back, and spend the winter semi-dormant in the basement. Is there a permanent or semi-permanent pot that's designed for this? [more inside]
posted by pullayup at 7:14 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm beginning my journey to understand ADHD and how it has impacted my life. I believe it is possible to use CBT to increase focus and decrease impulsivity, but to what extent is it worth it, or a good idea? How much should I try to "train" myself to pay more attention, vs accept myself the way I am and create support structures, vs wait for the medicine to kick in? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 6:54 AM PST - 9 comments

Is there a more formal way (in US English) to say "First-come, first-served"? [more inside]
posted by Rock Steady at 6:33 AM PST - 7 comments

Seeking music videos with obvious agendas, essentially. It needs to be in English, preferably easily understood (perhaps not SOaD), and appropriate for middle schoolers. [more inside]
posted by Trifling at 6:14 AM PST - 8 comments

I'll be in Houston for the 1st time for a wedding this weekend, and have a free day on the other side of it - I'm going to hit some of the museums, and am looking for some add-on recommendations. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 6:05 AM PST - 7 comments

What's in an independently-ordered autopsy report? If location matters, the examination was performed in Queens County, NY. Now that the toxicology portion's done, I'll have the final report for my father in a day or two. Will there be photographs? (Yes, I ought to have asked the pathologist I hired.) Thanks in advance.
posted by Iris Gambol at 1:26 AM PST - 2 comments

I own a collection of irreplaceable ceramics, many of which have weird skinny or especially breakable bits sticking off of them. The actual monetary value isn't super high but many were made by artists who are no longer producing that piece. I'm also moving 1000 miles cross-country in a month's time. What's the safest way to pack my collection for the move? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 12:08 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm digitizing my old family videos and was wondering if there is a way to have who's who in various clips. Either in the clip that can be shown,like a subtitle or a file that I can have time stamps and who's in the video.
posted by blackmage at 9:03 PM PST - 5 comments

I am having a lot of trouble finding curtains. Help? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 9:00 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for, I think, a house with garden space in Durham/Chapel Hill. What's the best approach? The bulletin board at Weaver St. Market is gone :( Why can I still not search for "bathtub" and "landlord who values cleanliness"? Or even "minimal stairs, you clever thing!" [more inside]
posted by amtho at 8:49 PM PST - 6 comments

I just purchased this sofa at a consignment shop near by. It hasn't been delivered yet, so this is the only picture I have, but I can't find anything quite like it online. It has this version of the Thayer Coggin label, which seems fairly contemporary. I'd like to get an idea of the age of the sofa, and any other info I can get about its design. [more inside]
posted by deadcrow at 6:26 PM PST - 2 comments

I often have trouble figuring out the formality level of a dress. I've linked to a few specific dresses that I own - are they appropriate for an upcoming wedding? Can you help suggest situations in which you think it might be appropriate to wear them? [more inside]
posted by chaiyai at 4:43 PM PST - 27 comments

If are one of those people who finds things on the ground or sidewalk and you did this in the 90s or 00s, have the things you found changed over time? [more inside]
posted by bdc34 at 2:42 PM PST - 74 comments

I have an electric fireplace that I don't need, and I am wondering how much of a hassle it will be to remove. [more inside]
posted by credulous at 2:20 PM PST - 2 comments

If I'm doing something that doesn't occupy my entire brain, it likes to randomly remember a minor and incredibly cringy error I did or said in the past. I find myself swearing or apologising out loud to "defuse" the feeling, particularly if I'm alone in the car. Have you dealt with something like this in therapy or otherwise? How does it work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:09 PM PST - 16 comments

I want to move to Portland, Oregon, and find 1BDRM apartment in a nice neighborhood. Due to many years spent in mold-compromised lodging, I am sensitized to it, and must ensure that my new apartment does not have mold issues. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:08 PM PST - 5 comments

My wife and I are running a film club, we're interested in screening some cli-fi films (climate change related science/speculative fiction). Give me some ideas. [more inside]
posted by multivalent at 1:46 PM PST - 24 comments

Does anyone know of a news source, preferably not Chinese, that has an anti-American bias? [more inside]
posted by small_ruminant at 1:25 PM PST - 15 comments

My sister has a check written to her name from my mother who has a Bank of America account. It's for about $7,000 and the bank won't give her the cash. I have my mother's POA, and am willing to call them and raise hell, because I KNOW there is more than sufficient funds to cover it, but am I missing something here, before I call and start yelling?
posted by mmf at 1:09 PM PST - 25 comments

I have to send something to an organization in Paris (France) and I need to make sure I have the correct address, but I'm confused by the postal code. Am I doing this correctly? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 12:38 PM PST - 7 comments

Since having bell's palsy I've been much more sensitive to high-pitched buzzing sounds many electronics make. The smoke detector above my bed is driving me nuts. I asked to have it replaced (I rent) and the owner did, but the new one is just as bad. Are there smoke detectors that are quiet? It's a wired, but otherwise standard, model. [more inside]
posted by lab.beetle at 11:53 AM PST - 15 comments

My six year old bites her nails. A lot. [more inside]
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 11:06 AM PST - 26 comments

https://i.imgur.com/CeTdvEf.png I was driving past Taylorsville Tire in Edinburgh, Indiana when my friend made a joke about "Used to Be a Pizza Hut”. And it wasn’t, the building is much larger, the roof taller, etc. But was there a chain that used this style of building? I was thinking something like Iron Skillet or Country Pride, but maybe not.
posted by andrewzipp at 10:34 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm a social floater; I float from group to group, from friend to friend. Nothing wrong with this formula; but lately I've kind of been finding myself feeling loneliness. I want suggestions on how to fix this. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 9:55 AM PST - 10 comments

I have a low tolerance for COVID risk and I'm trying to figure out how long to remain cautious about close contact with someone who had a risky encounter. [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 9:47 AM PST - 12 comments

My city of Seattle is increasingly overrun with anti-homeless hatred and dehumanization. For some reason this is affecting my emotions personally. How best to deal? [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 9:25 AM PST - 16 comments

I have a small statue made out of solid Andean turquoise (I think). Sadly, while cleaning my apartment I accidentally broke the statue in two. How can I go about fixing it? Is there some kind of glue or cement I could use? Photos inside. [more inside]
posted by panama joe at 9:19 AM PST - 8 comments

A few of my fellow board members are rotating off our nonprofit board this summer and we want to give them plaques or awards with the nonprofit's logo on it. A Google search shows umpteen"fill in the text" awards. But I can't find one that says "add your logo here". Any suggestions?
posted by mono blanco at 7:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Outward Bound looks awesome, but it's expensive. It also gets some mixed reviews. Do you know of any other summer programs like Outward Bound that would cover a couple of weeks in the summer? My daughter is completely out of shape but is willing and loves cold weather. She's done one outdoor week in Wyoming in the past.
posted by atchafalaya at 7:37 AM PST - 13 comments

My sister is 51 years old. She recently was diagnosed with lymphoma and is now undergoing tests to determine the type and extent. She has developed new and frightening symptoms but refuses to see her doctor, saying they can't do anything until all her test are done. [more inside]
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 7:23 AM PST - 13 comments

What is the best indoor pool at a hotel near Boston for a 5 year-old? The hotel doesn't need to be fancy. A Hampton Inn would feel luxurious. There are only two features we care about: Great pool for a kid to chill and easy commute into Boston for touristy activities. [more inside]
posted by TurkishGolds at 6:48 AM PST - 6 comments

My wife has entered hospice care, with me as her primary caregiver. So there can be a lot to do and cooking takes up time, hence considering a meal service. Do you know of why that'll allow other people to donate funds to our account? That way faraway friends and family could help out in tangible ways.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:58 AM PST - 15 comments

I have been approved to receive 6 sessions of online EMDR therapy focussed on a loose but traumatic experience a few years ago. What should I know or prepare before starting? The assessor told me that it would focus on nightmares and flashbacks. I haven’t particularly been having these lately (because 3yrs have passed and they’ve faded, and I haven’t been triggered lately). Will it still work? How should I prepare?
posted by d288478 at 4:12 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm overwhelmed with all the variables in figuring out how to manage my father's covid risk and keeping him safe, while balancing that with his mental and physical health needs. Especially now that everyone around me seems to have decided the pandemic is over. Please help me understand how much he is at risk, and what measures are non-negotiable, vs where we can maybe relax a bit? [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 3:30 AM PST - 12 comments

All I want to do is replace the plate, but alas, the screw is so old, there's nothing the screwdriver can hold on to. How do I unscrew the plate without ruining the electrical part? Can I drill through it? What does that result in? I'd rather not have to replace the whole thing at this point but if I have no choice, will.
posted by watercarrier at 12:28 AM PST - 9 comments

I’ve had persistent hemorrhoids for the past several months, including one that has become an external skin tag-sort of thing. I want to get this bit removed and learn to fix/manage everything else. I can’t figure out what kind of doctor I need. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:16 PM PST - 6 comments

My partner's kids are completely rejecting me and my family. My partner doesn't agree it is a problem. It is a problem for me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:15 PM PST - 58 comments

What it says on the tin. Snowflake details inside! [more inside]
posted by wooh at 11:01 PM PST - 14 comments

For fiction-writing purposes: would Welsh people in the early 1900s (or Londoners with recent Welsh ancestry, specifically) give their children typically Welsh-language names like Bethan or Ffion? I am aware that such names got popular in the later half of the twentieth century and seem to have coincided with a resurgence of Welsh independence / nationalism and a rejection of the imposition of English culture. Would Welsh families have been discouraged from giving their children non-English names during that time? Would having a Welsh-language name denote anything politically about the person's parents at that point? Also, if anyone has any knowledge of what names specifically might have been commonly used, please let me know!<
posted by maighdeann mhara at 9:02 PM PST - 9 comments

What's the difference between anti-inflammatory foods and NSAID anti-inflammatory pills? Why are the former considered healthy and good for longevity, while you should not take the latter on a regular basis?
posted by musofire at 5:16 PM PST - 18 comments

I'll be joining some friends and their eighteen month old child on a trip this weekend. I would like to entertain and delight said child! I have experience with toddlers, but not the under two crowd. Hit me with your best tips! [more inside]
posted by prewar lemonade at 4:55 PM PST - 16 comments

How to derive the volume of a sphere from the area of a circle, integrating along rotational angle. [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 4:40 PM PST - 7 comments

Hi all! Due to a move, I'm looking for a new dentist. Due to COVID (and before that, having a busy job and a young kid), it has been too long since I've been to see a dentist. What should I look for beyond the basics? [more inside]
posted by slidell at 4:21 PM PST - 7 comments

If I, nearing age 50, get LASIK, will I be able to use a computer without glasses? [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 4:01 PM PST - 3 comments

I realize this is a long shot question, but I went to an exhibit in the early 2000s in San Francisco and was struck by a piece of art. The artist had created a young woman's desk with journals and notes and all the detritus of our lives. It became slowly clear as you interacted with the desk that something bad had happened to her and she had (I think) passed away. I'd love help finding out more about it or the artist if possible! [more inside]
posted by Carillon at 3:12 PM PST - 4 comments

Seeking ideas for something fun or otherwise positive that will encourage our kids to get dressed and get in the car for school. [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 2:41 PM PST - 18 comments

I loved these hoodies Old Navy used to sell, and would love to find a replacement. They were in the men’s section, cotton, regular fit, very lightweight (like t-shirt material almost) and had a full length zipper with silver teeth but a white background. The hood cords were also white. I had this in black and wore it all the time and love the look of it. Any ideas?
posted by fleecy socks at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a light infestation of clothes webbing moths. I am also moving in about a month (locally). How do I not bring these assholes with me? I am prepared to go scorched earth on them.
posted by sugarbomb at 1:18 PM PST - 7 comments

Here are some cards. I don't know what they are for. Maybe you know what they are for? One,Two, and Three
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 12:56 PM PST - 11 comments

I am in love with a crazy expensive, out of stock painting at Anthropologie. All you painters out there: Can you help a complete novice pull off a replica? [more inside]
posted by uncannyslacks at 12:37 PM PST - 25 comments

My knuckles on both ring fingers are a bit scaly. What could be causing it? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 12:19 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm looking for tips for travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon to Santa Fe and back to LA in May of this year. [more inside]
posted by Red Desk at 11:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Can anyone recommend places to board an elderly, medically complicated dog in Seattle? I usually board her at the vet's office, but my vet is getting rid of their boarding program and I need to find a new solution. [more inside]
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 11:03 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm questioning my relationship with a long-time friend and unsure of how to handle things from here. I've tried to include a lot of examples here to paint an accurate picture of the situation so it's a long one. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:15 AM PST - 26 comments

I have a big empty wall and am seeking two things: 1) a display case to display some things and 2) suggestions for how to paint and fill the space. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 9:17 AM PST - 3 comments

I found an old kerosene lantern on the street this weekend. Right now I have it as a cool object d'art, but what else can I do with it? (Note: I AM NOT ELECTRICALLY HANDY) [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:34 AM PST - 15 comments

My oncologist has OK'd me flying Detroit to Salt Lake City with N95 mask and no eating or drinking on the plane. I haven't been on a plane since January 2020. Is there anything I need to know? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:58 AM PST - 27 comments

My latest translation request - I still haven't learned to read Japanese! [more inside]
posted by Joan Rivers of Babylon at 7:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Shower was already haunted, has now become pathetic (and haunted). Looking for first-hand experience of potential fixes that don't involve a landlord or plumber. [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 7:12 AM PST - 19 comments

I want to host a Portrait of a Lady on Fire (POALOF)-themed dinner for my friend’s (A) birthday and could use some ideas. She has only recently come out, and I’ve been recommending some queer films/TV. She has fallen in love with POALOF and me and her other queer friend (B) have this idea that we could host a themed dinner/party for her 40th birthday in a few weeks. I'd be grateful for creative ideas ideas for food, decoration, and some fun stuff to do relating to the movie. [more inside]
posted by sedimentary_deer at 6:20 AM PST - 7 comments

Showers hurt me. My city alternates between chlorine and chloramine and my skin and sinuses seem to be sensitive to both. I'm having a hell of a time finding a shower filter that a) filters both and b) actually measurably works. [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 6:09 AM PST - 4 comments

Thinking of vacationing in Dubai. Anyone know of a resort or a hotel that has pickleball courts for their guests?
posted by rsol44 at 5:58 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm going on a drive under stressful circumstances from Erie PA to Springfield MO. (1-90 W to I-271/71 S to 70 W to I-44 S.) What can you tell me about interesting geography, visible landmarks, or history of the areas I'll pass through along the way? [more inside]
posted by kutsushita nyanko at 8:48 PM PST - 12 comments

I really hope to be able to visit Spain and Portugal after I submit my dissertation later this month. I’m interested to explore the Jewish histories of these countries. What sites would you recommend? And any reading suggestions - literature, art and architecture, history? [more inside]
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 8:07 PM PST - 9 comments

My mom has a type when it comes to TV shows. Monk. Lucifer. Dr. House. The title alien from Resident Alien. She likes 'em smart, self absorbed and witty. (Well, I don't know if you can call the latter witty, exactly, but you see the similarity.) Got other shows to recommend? [more inside]
posted by rednikki at 7:45 PM PST - 65 comments

I feel like this must exist: Free software for planning a room. The room in question will be virtually ALL Ikea furniture, so something where I can create a room with all the room measurements and then add (and re-arrange) IKEA furniture and actually picture it (i.e. 3D pics of room). Where does this exist? Web/Windows.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:33 PM PST - 9 comments

I have a small kitchen. I want to hang a fruit basket from the ceiling. The best place to hang it in terms of space is over the toaster oven. Will this mess with the fruit? [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 7:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Are there any QBO integrations or add-ons that a campaign, PAC, etc. could use to quickly generate their FEC reports from their QBO data? Thanks.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:46 PM PST - 0 comments

Apparently the Ukrainian tryzub/trident was included in a UK list of symbols associated with white supremacy, due to its appropriation by a far-right nationalist party. Others angrily dismissed this interpretation. What would be the meaning of a Ukrainian flag with this emblem on it to the average Ukrainian/member of the Ukrainian diaspora? [more inside]
posted by ceramicspaniel at 6:23 PM PST - 4 comments

My parents had been reporting that the range of our wireless router had shrunk, and was no longer including the entirety of the house as it had before. Unrelatedly, the power company came by today to fix a problem of "loose voltage" going into the ground of our neighbor's house. Now the problem has resolved itself? ::confusedjackiechan.jpg:: [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 5:31 PM PST - 6 comments

This is Rosemary, a sweetheart of a cat who is having a tough time of it. She's about to turn 15 and was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease. Lately things have taken a turn and her behavior is worrisome. She's been to the vet and everything checks out ok, but she clearly is not happy and I'm trying to brainstorm solutions. [more inside]
posted by Banky_Edwards at 1:52 PM PST - 16 comments

I want to buy simple, brightly coloured clothes and my usual shopping venues are not serving me well. Help? Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by Balthamos at 12:15 PM PST - 15 comments

I have a pair of Merrell Jungle Mocs that I love so much that I recommend them in just about every thread I see about comfortable shoes. The uppers are still in great shape, but the molded sole has worn through in the heel. Can one repair or replace this kind of sole? [more inside]
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 11:56 AM PST - 6 comments

YANMD, YANMT. Over the last year I’ve been having some new and different mental health issues and I’m trying to figure out if it’s just what life is like now or if this is something I could get help to improve. I’ve dealt with anxiety since birth but this seems to be a different animal. [more inside]
posted by rogerroger at 11:13 AM PST - 17 comments

Y'all, what's up with these jacked up lemons on my tree? Also some leave mutation... [more inside]
posted by latkes at 11:12 AM PST - 8 comments

I have an apple watch series 6 with 32 gigs storage. I don't have any sort of mobile data for it, I just set it up through an old, unused iphone. Can I put mp3s onto the watch (not streaming) to listen to without data access while out and about? How?
posted by Iteki at 9:10 AM PST - 4 comments

I’ve changed it on the AppleID website. I’ve changed it in the iCloud account settings on my phone. I’ve changed my Apple Card billing address. My phone still thinks I live at my old house. Which setting am I missing?
posted by hwyengr at 8:45 AM PST - 5 comments

Which James Bond movie had a small scene where as James was walking through a room, he picked up an apple, tossed it in the air, and effortlessly caught it behind his back as he passed. It was so suave and I can't find it. [more inside]
posted by mochapickle at 8:39 AM PST - 3 comments

So there it is, my kid is approaching four, and I want to be the dad to teach him tons of cool things. Thing is, there are some cool things that I have never learned to do myself (I'm 45). So, since I'm mostly working at home (remote work), I've started using my lunch time (roughly an hour) to teach myself cool things... so that eventually I can teach him. I'm looking for more ideas of skills to learn from the comfort of my couch! Examples within! [more inside]
posted by XiBe at 7:24 AM PST - 56 comments

Do you know when and where I can watch Lena Dunham's latest movie, Sharp Stick? [more inside]
posted by loveandhappiness at 6:54 AM PST - 2 comments

I recently rediscovered I wanted to tell her by Ministry. What else is like it? [more inside]
posted by conifer at 5:20 AM PST - 25 comments

I've been using one long docuwiki page for years to log the recipes I love or want to make in the future. Recently I keep getting "Internal Server Errors" - and the volatility of Docuwiki becomes frustrating. So I'm looking for a better solution. Or other suggestions of how people log their recipes without being dependent on an external platform that might be bought up by competitors. [more inside]
posted by Thisandthat at 4:54 AM PST - 11 comments

We planned on being in a LDR for 3 years, but after 6 years we still didn't manage to close the gap, and the situation between us is getting worse. I am looking for advice on how to handle it. [more inside]
posted by Roe99 at 4:19 AM PST - 22 comments

Looking for a *virtual* coach to help someone find and apply to jobs, BUT needs to be able to handle all three of their specific needs (anxiety/executive dysfunction, post-academic to tech or digital game industry, large gap in resume).... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:33 PM PST - 2 comments

So, my spouse and I would really like to buy a home in our mid thirties. We both work full time; we also don't want to leave the city we live in, which is LGBTQ friendly, accessible, has public transport (both non drivers) and good air quality. However, the market just keeps climbing and climbing. We have discussed the following options and are really unsure which is the best of a bad bunch: [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:32 PM PST - 18 comments

I've recently been (re-)reading James Michener's The Source, and have noticed a number of inaccuracies in its historical account. Does Michener's writing reflect genuine historical consensus (or informed reasonable opinion) from the 1960s? Or was his take as a novelist idiosyncratic even when he wrote it? [more inside]
posted by biogeo at 10:40 PM PST - 6 comments

I developed an inappropriate crush on a girl who is half my age. Tell me about books that deal with crushes so I can find out how other people handle this. Preferably fiction. [more inside]
posted by Vatnesine at 8:37 PM PST - 19 comments

I have found myself with an entire week off, and there's no better way to spend it than to scratch a literary itch. I want to be immersed in that feeling you get when you think about the vastness of the universe, the complexity of consciousness, the sheer strangeness of "existance" -- I want to read things that make me feel this way. Where can I start?
posted by Anonymouse1618 at 6:48 PM PST - 27 comments

This is for the Mac (Monterey). I frequently have to sign lots of Microsoft Word documents. I need a Shortcut or some other way to quickly open the word document and convert it to pdf and then sign it in Preview (with my signature in Blue ink). I looked at Automator/Keyboard Maestro options but I really couldn't get it to work. Any suggestions?
posted by dhruva at 6:39 PM PST - 9 comments

Why are the lecture pages for the Harvard's Justice course loading sometimes...and how do I get the pages that aren't loading to load? [more inside]
posted by lemonade at 6:30 PM PST - 4 comments

It's been a fortnight since the catastrophic floods decimated the Northern Rivers region of NSW. I'm only now getting to clean a record collection belonging to a dear friend. They smell. What is the best way to clean them without damage? Particularly keen to know about the paper centre - how to stop that from going mouldy - as well as the a cleaning crud and stuff from the vinyl itself. I have most cleaning resources to hand except sunlight.
posted by Thella at 5:30 PM PST - 11 comments

So I was thinking about traditional hunter gatherers and how once they’d caught their prey and gathered their food for the day, or done their day to day necessities, these people probably enjoyed life more than modern day people. Chances are they had more free time with their families or tribe to tell stories or make art. I appreciate that they probably died earlier or succumbed to diseases that modern medicine has eradicated but overall, would the quality of their day to day life be better than ours? Has modern day civilisation actually made our life worse?
posted by Jubey at 5:26 PM PST - 37 comments

In multitasking distracted mode I clicked on a nefarious spoof link in my email. I got a big red warning and clicked away. I don't *think* I downloaded anything but I did click. Then I installed Sophos to run a virus scan. It is taking all day. Meanwhile... [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 5:11 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for movies and TV shows where someone blocks a door with their foot. [more inside]
posted by Ms. Toad at 3:25 PM PST - 12 comments

Having discussions on estate planning with some friends and family. What's a good way to frame the question about how much to leave to charity vs how much to leave to family and loved ones? There is no definitive answer, but what are the ways of approaching the question?
posted by storybored at 2:48 PM PST - 6 comments

I have an outrageously hard "what's this movie" question but hey, I'm just gonna ask it anyway. I saw a glimpse of this on TV -- probably in the very early 80s -- and watched no more than 1 minute of it because the weird thing I saw scared the heck out of me. Only I was a kid, and I acknowledge that this probably wasn't even meant to be a scary movie at all. Spare details inside. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 2:07 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm dealing with a tattoo artist who takes forever to reply to emails, and we've been emailing back and forth for months to finalize an appointment date, etc. Sometimes I can be a people-pleaser, and I probably give people the benefit of the doubt too often, so I bet I'm being too lenient about this... [more inside]
posted by trillian at 2:00 PM PST - 20 comments

I'm gonna buy my daughter an awesome Bowie shirt. Help me make it the AWESOMEST one! She wears a US women's 10. References to individual songs welcome as well as the artist as a whole.
posted by metasarah at 1:42 PM PST - 3 comments

Internet sources say it is possible to extend USB lines with Cat 5 or 6 Patch cables. The cables are used with RJ45 cable USB adapters. I am using 15' cables with USB 2.0 terminus cords when needed. [more inside]
posted by Raybun at 1:31 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm trying to find out the name of a kung fu movie I once saw on late night television (saw it back in the early 80's, but I believe it dates from the 70's) and was wondering if the MeFi hivemind can help (plot spoilers inside) [more inside]
posted by gtrwolf at 1:26 PM PST - 5 comments

I use a lot of Yupo and similar craft plastic in my art . Sometimes I need to use a heat gun, but even the heavyweight Yupo can warp quickly. I have a stack of warped Yupo and Grafix pieces that I’d like to unwarp, but flattening with books doesn’t work and ironing is out. Any ideas?
posted by mermaidcafe at 12:10 PM PST - 3 comments

I would like to watch Spanish-language television/movies/YouTube with Spanish subtitles. I have the following questions: [more inside]
posted by rhymedirective at 12:04 PM PST - 8 comments

My power company gives me a putative stable 135V. I’m not convinced. I was going to use a DC converter and step-down circuit plugged into an Arduino for long term sampling, but I thought I would see if anyone had a better suggestion first.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 11:53 AM PST - 13 comments

I have a dvd that I'm trying to rip. I've managed to rip the video, but I'd also like to rip the subtitles as an .srt file. What's the easiest way to do this? I've tried following a few guides online, but I've struggled to have any success. I'm using a Windows 10 PC.
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 11:38 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm working on a short piece about how "____ should be run more like a business" arguments are... ill-founded, to put it charitably, and hoping to broaden my scope of business disasters, especially ones that caused large social harms. [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 11:17 AM PST - 41 comments

I am a public librarian and I received a call from someone asking how he can invest in insurance reserves. From my searching, I didn't see any information on a market for those funds. Those funds are the money insurance companies are required to set aside to meet future claims. It seems to me a strange type of fund to want to invest in, anyway. Any idea what this guy actually wanted?
posted by zzazazz at 10:59 AM PST - 5 comments

I asked this question and was feeling pretty optimistic-we paid expedited fee, postal employee helped her complete forms/verify docs, and we contacted our congressperson. And no passport and no response from his offfice in last two weeks. Help! [more inside]
posted by purenitrous at 10:53 AM PST - 7 comments

I am being treated for the above mentioned actinic keratosis. My doctor is having me cover my whole face, unlike a previous treatment some years ago that just had me treating several spots. [more inside]
posted by LaBellaStella at 10:47 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for a seat cushion with an attached back cushion, to put me in a good singing position. [more inside]
posted by JimN2TAW at 10:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Hi AskMe, I know this is a stretch.... Does anyone have a crochet pattern for a baby blanket that has sharks and dinosaurs (t-rex preferred)?
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 10:06 AM PST - 4 comments

Where does the South African Surfer slang use of "lank" come from? Could it be a Scottish word? It can mean "very" as in "I'm lank tired" or "many" as in "there will be lank cars during rush hour".
posted by Zumbador at 9:51 AM PST - 9 comments

Further to my previous question, I'm glad to say that my spouse (they/them) is starting to get the help they need. Whilst that is going on, I need to focus on supporting both them and myself. I'm working on finding myself a therapist (the last couple of potentials have been a bust, sadly), and in the meantime I'm looking for advice from people who have been in the position of caring for the SO through a mental illness, whilst remaining a functional, productive member of society. [more inside]
posted by six sided sock at 8:46 AM PST - 22 comments

My 11yo son has logged into my windows 10 PC and now there are parental controls everywhere. [more inside]
posted by thenormshow at 8:37 AM PST - 3 comments

We have a week at the end of April and want to visit Northern Chile and especially one of the astronomical observatories. Would like to combine it with a a trip to [more inside]
posted by lapsang at 8:26 AM PST - 1 comment

In 1978, the clanged in the chess world-championship match wore mirrored glasses — or maybe sunglasses — because the KBG was allegedly trying to have him hypnotized during the match: Is it possible to get mirrored glasses that *aren't* sunglasses anywhere? I’m look for just clear glasses — not tinted glasses — that are mirrored. Does that sort of thing exist?
posted by thursdaystoo at 8:21 AM PST - 6 comments

Years ago I used to read xojane/xovain and found that there were lots of make up tips and tutorials which were helpful to people with less knowledge of make up. They also had recommendations for products at different price points, especially drugstore brands. Since xojane is no more, what else should I check out instead? [more inside]
posted by kinddieserzeit at 11:47 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm trying to remember a particular story published in Heavy Metal Magazine sometimes I think in the 1990s. [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 10:37 PM PST - 1 comment

Help me understand this preposterous thing my boss said. [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 7:46 PM PST - 20 comments

CW: Suicide
Someone very close to me successfully completed suicide last night. This person was 25, and in the USA on a student visa legally. They are from Kazakhstan and they wish to remain in the USA for their burial. More below. [more inside]
posted by erattacorrige at 7:25 PM PST - 14 comments

I was a fantasy duology or trilogy...(details inside) [more inside]
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 7:09 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm taking a weekend trip to Washington, D.C., very soon. I plan to attend some of the city's great museums on Saturday and Sunday. I was hoping to tour the Capitol as well, possibly on Monday... but my congresswoman's office has not gotten back to me about when or even if I'll be able to do that. I see that most of the museums are closed on Mondays. So I'm trying to figure out what, if anything, I could do that day. [more inside]
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 4:37 PM PST - 14 comments

I’m in the U.S. and would like to use a vpn to access international tennis streams. In the past I’ve used ExpressVPN but I guess they got purchased by some sketchy company and we shouldn’t use use them now? So curious what people would recommend as a replacement. [more inside]
posted by imalaowai at 4:11 PM PST - 21 comments

A friend in the East Bay is getting out of an abusive relationship and needs to move out of the home they co-own with their ex by the end of this month. They're in the middle of an overwhelmingly difficult time; I'm doing my best to help from afar, but it's been a while since I apartment-searched, and I live out of state. What do I need to know about the current rental market in the Bay Area? Lots more details inside. [more inside]
posted by adastra at 3:50 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm about to go on a long-delayed trip to the archives, where, among other tasks I must complete, I need to take photos of a 14th century illuminated manuscript. It's bound into a larger 17th century volume, and I need something to hold down the pages while I take the photos. How can I rig up a flexible library book weight, aka a snake? [more inside]
posted by pleasant_confusion at 3:37 PM PST - 17 comments

What can you tell me about what this sharp-dressed man is wearing? [more inside]
posted by John Borrowman at 3:04 PM PST - 5 comments

You know that spatula that maybe you purchased in 1992 in a grocery store, that has a very thin metal, uh, blade or tool part on the end that's as wide as your hand and a little rusty, that has a cheap partly melted black plastic handle, and a nicely angled metal neck? The one you use all the time for eggs but always wonder if it's time to replace it? Yeah, I'm having a hard time finding a new one. Totally different spatulas linked inside. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 2:33 PM PST - 29 comments

I am slowly going back outside after spending much of the last two years at home during the worse of the pandemic. I've always loved cities but find that as the city reenergizes and I try to venture out a bit more, I no longer enjoy it. Is anyone else having a time with readjusting to big city life? What has been helpful to manage? When do you know it is perhaps time to move to a smaller locale? [more inside]
posted by fies at 2:00 PM PST - 11 comments

Some months back, I ended an emotionally abusive friendship. Now they are saying they plan to attend a mental health support group that I facilitate. I am currently the sole facilitator, though others could be asked. Am I out of bounds to ask them not to attend? Please help me figure out what to do. CW: Emotional abuse. Massive wall below. [more inside]
posted by teekat at 1:40 PM PST - 28 comments

What wood are my kitchen cabinets made from? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 1:38 PM PST - 12 comments

I love this style of chair [more inside]
posted by Ftsqg at 1:04 PM PST - 9 comments

I am an organizer for a group of academics at similar institutions who work on similar things. We have a mailing list, which right now is just hand-maintained and copy/pasted into new e-mails. This is kludgy and prone to error, and I would like suggestions (if you have any) for ways of setting up a listserv that (1) Will be easy to maintain (in case I hand it off to someone else, there's not too much of a hurdle) and (2) not Google Groups (which is a no-go for various unimportant reasons). [more inside]
posted by dismas at 1:00 PM PST - 12 comments

My five-year-old son has become reliant on adult reminders to go to the bathroom. We need to break him of this habit and teach him how to be independent. Has anyone dealt with this? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 12:56 PM PST - 12 comments

This is a tiny thing in a smaller scope of things, never mind in the larger scope of things. I am not an intellectual, and I am not deeply educated. Also, I am smart. How can I accept that some things I will just not understand because I’m not willing to devote the time and energy to understand them? Life is short, I cannot understand everything. Right? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 12:13 PM PST - 32 comments

I have the opportunity to take a month-long sabbatical in 2023. I will put in my official request for this sometime later this year and I have zero clue what I should do with myself (I'll need to have some sort of plan when I put in my request). I'm looking for ideas! [more inside]
posted by GoldenEel at 11:44 AM PST - 8 comments

When I buy 2% skimmed milk, I look at the ingredients: some - e.g. Meadow Gold - have "Reduced fat milk", and others - e.g. Trader Joe's - have "Powdered skimmed milk". This leads me to assume: (a) one is 2% skimmed milk, the other is water added to powdered skimmed milk, (b) the first is in some way better than the second. I have no basis for the latter assumption, beyond that an original thing should be better than a reconstituted thing. Are there differences between the two, and do other folks seek out the non-powdered version like me?
posted by my log does not judge at 10:44 AM PST - 9 comments

Archival researchers: When it comes to photographing written documents, do you have a rule of thumb for estimating how much material you can get through in a given period of time? [more inside]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 10:00 AM PST - 9 comments

I started playing Classical & Flamenco guitar a year ago, (after several decades of playing other stringed instruments), and it's going great! I began taking a small remote group class on Skype last fall and I love the teacher and class so much. My playing has improved dramatically. As the complexity of our pieces has increased, I also seem to have a serious case of remote-stagefright when I play for my teacher. I get flooded with adrenaline and my fingers just lose all strength and dexterity. How should I deal with this? [more inside]
posted by oxisos at 9:31 AM PST - 9 comments

I just used a personal loan to refinance my credit cards at a MUCH lower rate. Would now be a bad time to ask for a credit limit increase on one of my cards, to improve my debt to credit ratio? [more inside]
posted by sock puppy at 8:49 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm planning a visit to Albuquerque to visit my cool aunt. What are some queer spaces I should check out? I'm also seeking recommendations for trans-friendly spas and similar pampering opportunities.
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:18 AM PST - 5 comments

Impossible or not: I’d like to mount a heavy-duty hook inside the shower, probably on the surround, that will hold a heavy bath chair. Is this possible or should I look for other storage options? [more inside]
posted by pepper bird at 5:46 AM PST - 15 comments

There was a fat blogger I used to read back in the height of the Shapely Prose era, who had connections with the View Askew fandom and New Zealand (though I think they were American). Who were they? I loved their writing [more inside]
posted by Gin and Broadband at 4:03 AM PST - 2 comments

Someone asks me for an intervew for their publication. I want to know if this is a free (i.e. journalistic) interview request or if they'll expect payment (i.e. advertorial). This happens to me a lot, though usually not in English. What is the customary expression PR-people use to ask?
posted by Omnomnom at 1:05 AM PST - 15 comments

I finally ripped all my old CDs and put them on a homemade media server. Plex did a good job finding most album covers, but a few I've had to hunt down and fix myself. This is the last one I can't find, and I have gotten rid of all the physical CDs at this point. [more inside]
posted by kiblinger at 10:46 PM PST - 5 comments

The NW Examiner is a Portland Oregon neighborhood paper serving that part of the metro area. Months ago, a friend suggested I pick up the Nov 2021 edition. The cover story was the publisher decrying what he felt was an abuse of his freedom of the press. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 7:45 PM PST - 6 comments

I bought a set of nice paperweights years ago at the store in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. They're little leather or suede (or fake versions of those) squares, about 2" on a side. [more inside]
posted by TimHare at 6:37 PM PST - 7 comments

I want to plug an electric guitar into a Mac and be able to hear it. I also want to be able to hear whatever audio I am playing on YouTube or iTunes or whatever on my Mac. That is ALL I want to do. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 6:03 PM PST - 18 comments

The radiator of my new car, purchased in August 2021, was apparently punctured by an errant rock. I was told by the service folks at a dealership that radiators are backordered until late May, so the car will sit in their lot until then. Is the inability of the manufacturer to have replacement parts grounds for lemon law action? [more inside]
posted by hoboynow at 4:06 PM PST - 9 comments

This question is primarily directed to people of color of Metafilter. We're a young biotech company in the process of choosing the fancy regulations-compliant software to store our documents. One of the top contenders is a company named Master Control. This name is... obviously less than ideal, to put it mildly. Would you personally feel uncomfortable working with this software, or knowing that others work with it? If you were in the position to choose the software, would the name be a dealbreaker? [more inside]
posted by Questolicious at 3:39 PM PST - 28 comments

I ran into a quote that I found kind of funny today: "Only primitives and barbarians lack knowledge of houses turned to face the Winter sun" - Aeschylus. Are there more quotes like it? [more inside]
posted by weewooweewoo at 2:23 PM PST - 15 comments

I’m surprised how hard it is to find specific information about this. I imagine it was an electric toothbrush or razor since I think they were among the first rechargeable devices. Would it maybe not have been considered a notable innovation, as the only apparent difference would’ve been the absence of metal contact points on the base of the device?
posted by theory at 2:17 PM PST - 3 comments

I am in the market for a headphones that will not make my ears hot. I'm not an audiophile, and they don't need to be especially high quality. I use them for recording audio, so they have to be closed-back, as open-back headphones suffer from audio leakage. Comfort—particularly keeping my ears from roasting—is my top priority. I appreciate any suggestions!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 2:03 PM PST - 10 comments

In the market to buy some amla powder for the first time. Does anyone know a good, reputable brand to try? I know that powders/supplements can sometimes be contaminated or not even contain what it says it does. Thank you!
posted by madonna of the unloved at 2:02 PM PST - 4 comments

I’m trying to decide whether to become a stay-at-home parent to my two young kids and changing my mind every day. What else should I be considering as I make this choice? Many more details and additional questions inside. (And please know that I’m aware of how much privilege I have that this can even be a choice at all.) [more inside]
posted by onesocktwosockredsockbluesock at 1:53 PM PST - 39 comments

I love Peet's coffee, but I'm trying to trim the budget a little. Is there any supermarket coffee that's as good as Peet's but cheaper? I have tried Bustelo and didn't like it much (muddy). If it matters, we're Melitta cone users and don't want to grind our own beans. And if possible I'd like to avoid Dunkin' and Starbucks, but you can try to convince me if you want. Thank you!
posted by scratch at 11:22 AM PST - 21 comments

Hi, all! I am visiting London next month for the first time in over 20 years. If I tell you some of my favorite places in other cities and experiences I'm looking for, can you recommend some things I should make time for there? [more inside]
posted by minervous at 9:54 AM PST - 43 comments

Is there an advantage to getting Netflix, Apple, etc through platforms instead of directly? I created my accounts years back on the web and pay directly to each service. I watch Apple TV, HULU, Netflix & PBS via their channel apps on my Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ (plugged into Samsung UN40KU6300F 4K TV). I also use Apple tablets, phones, and laptops. [more inside]
posted by Jesse the K at 9:46 AM PST - 10 comments

I am going to need/really want to buy a new (to me) car in the next couple of months when the one I am currently borrowing returns to its real home. Is it likely that the very high price of gas will increase or decrease the price of new and/or used cars in the short term? I'm in Ontario, if that's relevant.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:10 AM PST - 5 comments

How can I get sound from my Remote Work computer? [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 7:57 AM PST - 6 comments

My doctor removed his mask during my appointment, and I don't know whether I should continue to see him. [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 7:52 AM PST - 22 comments

I really like the smell of paperwhite narcissus and would love to have oil that smells like them to make either my house or myself smell faintly like them sometimes. I see a handful of options on etsy but as someone who typically leads a lower-scent life I don't have experience with this stuff. Are these oils all going to be roughly the same product? Is it probable that they're all real and not synthentic? And if anyone is specifically familiar with paperwhites, will other narcissus oils smell similar or should I look for something that's specifically made from paperwhites?
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:27 AM PST - 3 comments

Thinking of taking the family (3 kids, 10,6,2) to DC for a hotel + stay near the Smithsonian and visit one or two of the museums. It's $50 to just park at a hotel - and I thought it might be a GREAT way to have them experience the Metro...especially if it's just a couple of stops out. Bonus points for a better (cheaper) hotel experience as well (and avoid the direct traffic). [more inside]
posted by filmgeek at 6:51 AM PST - 15 comments

Recently I've noticed a few patches where my eyelashes seem to have broken off in half. Like if they were 0.5 cm long before, now they are barely a couple of millimeters. I'm hoping to understand why and how, so that I can prevent them all from being this way, and also looking for tools and tricks to conceal this with makeup. [more inside]
posted by knotty knots at 6:35 AM PST - 14 comments

Do "row scrolling" (I don't know what they're technically called) web sites like this one affect SEO? [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 6:27 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm a high school English teacher. We have an ongoing debate in my school between the English department and the guidance counselors. English teachers want to teach literature that deals with difficult topics, whether that be tragic plays or texts about racism. Guidance wants us to avoid literature that might upset students, many of whom have experienced a great deal of trauma. I'm interested in RESEARCH on either side of this question. Is there a way to teach this kind of literature that won't upset students? Is it better to keep to texts that have no difficult topics? I know that a lot of folks will have strong opinions about this on one side or the other, which is why I'd rather read actual studies, or at least scholarly articles. Thanks!
posted by chaiminda at 6:17 AM PST - 7 comments

I’d like to make a few hoodies for work with the work logo. Work supplies us with a limited set of work uniform items which does not include hoodies. I might make some for other coworkers at some point. Should I try to make my own or get a company to do it for me? If I should make my own, what will I need to accomplish this? If I should pay someone to do this, any suggestions as to which company.
posted by sciencegeek at 4:57 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm broke out in hives over roughly 30% of my body seemingly out of nowhere. It has happened twice before, once when I was a child and then I recall having them everywhere I had skin even my mouth. The other time was 1 1/2 years ago. I have also (more to come) [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 2:54 AM PST - 20 comments

Hi skincare people! I am aging and that's cool but I look wiped. My eyelids are suddenly drooping, for one thing. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by athirstforsalt at 9:19 PM PST - 23 comments

I have a list of total sales made per day over a two year period, but need a formula that will summarize this on a "per week" basis. Help!? [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 8:18 PM PST - 7 comments

Since when did the word 'complication' has the medical meaning? Could you name the source? Although I looked up the word in some etymological dictionaries I couldn't find it.Thank you for helping my English study!
posted by mizukko at 7:35 PM PST - 4 comments

I'd like to make a kids' scrapbook showing cool places in the global South - to counter the stereotype that hot places are under-developed or primitive. Can you suggest human-built modern locations that a 6 year old would think are interesting, that highlight technological advancement and artistic achievement in the global South? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:59 PM PST - 20 comments

I enjoy it in media when characters truly act like the professionals or highly skilled individuals they are. Often it is action oriented - a flawlessly executed heist (Rififi), driving a car (Ronin, Grand Prix), hand to hand combat (many martial arts movies), tactical and strategic thinking (Mamet films), gunplay (Sicario, John Wick). But it can be other things as well: deduction or logic, cooking, games, sports, etc. What are some movies, TV shows, or books where the characters genuinely give off the feeling that they are highly trained and talented professionals?
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 6:52 PM PST - 57 comments

Due to various reasons, including the inability to read and write Ukrainian (although we have family members who can speak it), we've lost touch with relatives in western Ukraine. Speaking to people with family in nearby areas, we think are relatives are safe for now--as far as we know. But we'd still like to get in touch with them. And we can use some help. [more inside]
posted by sardonyx at 6:35 PM PST - 3 comments

My partner and I are planning a vacation in Greece this June. We're so excited! Looking for suggested island-hopping itineraries and any tips for places to stay, play, and eat. [more inside]
posted by rabbitbookworm at 6:31 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm making a store-bought corned beef this year, and I'd like recipes to make it better than "good enough." I'd like to make cabbage, carrots, and potatoes with it. Please give me your complete recipes (not just suggestions for improvement). [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 5:21 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking to get a sample of real-world emails for a writing class. Is there a central place to find emails which have been discovered and made public in various trials over the years? [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 5:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Thanks to the excellent suggestion here about Masklab, I got some great patterned masks before Christmas. Unfortunately, the US store only ships to US/Canada and HK shipping is currently borked. [more inside]
posted by ec2y at 5:11 PM PST - 1 comment

Looking for some fantastical punch recipes in honour of finally being able to have friends around for game night! [more inside]
posted by Pemberly at 2:46 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm pretty advanced in my career. I've written large, complex applications and compilers. I still fall flat on technical interviews mainly because they tend to ask niche questions. An example being "what's the difference between a clustered and non clustered index." Which as soon as I looked it up I knew but that is definitely not a day to day thing for me. Is there anyway to prepare for these interviews other than "any technical question that can be asked ever?" [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 1:58 PM PST - 13 comments

Because of reasons, I'm interested in Jewish clothing during the Hasmonean dynasty. I have had very little luck searching online. What can you tell me about Hasmonean Jewish dress, or failing that, contemporary clothing in the Levant?
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 1:38 PM PST - 4 comments

Are there round smartplugs (I have outlet space constraints) that directly connect with Google Home (ideally) or with Alexa (must less preferred) without an additional app? I am having difficulty determining how a lot of the options actually integrate. [more inside]
posted by srboisvert at 1:21 PM PST - 4 comments

I love that crisp 280-character humor some comedy wizards simply excel at (here's one of my all-time favorite examples that just slayed me), so please tell me about your favorite Twitter accounts that crank out the best stuff. Thanks!
posted by DavidNYC at 12:51 PM PST - 13 comments

An acquaintance is starting an expensive drug that their insurance doesn't cover (even though it's FDA-approved and standard of care? This is confusing but it's apparently a pretty standard situation). They're looking for a "research helper" to explore charities and insurance possibilities that might help them bring the out of pocket cost down. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 12:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Hi, I'm starting to notice electricity usage go up significantly. I wanted to get some analysis from Mefi's if I should commit to a major purchase on my home. [more inside]
posted by DetriusXii at 11:40 AM PST - 9 comments

My partner and I developed a ritual of asking each other trivia before bed when we acquired the Good Job Brain book and are looking for more of that style. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by JJtheJetPlane at 11:14 AM PST - 1 comment

We are thinking about taking on a 12-18-month project to figure out where we want to/can settle down. [more inside]
posted by Lyn Never at 11:02 AM PST - 23 comments

Can anyone recommend snorkel gear for a first-timer, which also packs small? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 10:45 AM PST - 14 comments

I assume I can, but I want to be certain. Every single search talks about running ios apps on M1 Macs. But what about ipads. The new iPad uses an M1 chip - does it run all the goodies that are out or will there be issues?
posted by nostrada at 9:33 AM PST - 5 comments

My long-deceased father spent months on business in Tehran in the mid-1950s. Later he occasionally told a story about having a few drinks and pleasant conversation with a gent at the bar in his hotel. My dad, not being much of a film fan, didn't recognize him, but when they finally got to introductions, the guy said he was Cary Grant, in town to make a movie. I have searched in various places including IMDB, but can find no film he was ever in that was made in Iran. Can anyone shed light on whether Grant actually visited Tehran for any purpose?
posted by beagle at 9:14 AM PST - 4 comments

I have a strong memory of a painting that, like far too much fantasy art, features a woman wearing minimal armor and matching patriarchal beauty standards. What's unique about this painting is that there's a large red dragon curled around her, larger than she is, and their body language suggests some possible interspecies sexual tension. I thought this was Frank Frazetta's work but my Google searches haven't been able to find the painting. Help?
posted by overglow at 9:12 AM PST - 13 comments

Currently taking Spanish classes, and looking for an app to supplement my learning. Would also appreciate any other advice, resources, or strategies you have for learning a second language as an adult. [more inside]
posted by panama joe at 7:55 AM PST - 10 comments

We are planning a visit to Vienna this summer in early August, and are looking for some smaller day or weekend trips from there. We are two adults and two kids, 9 and 11. Bilingual French and English, and I speak extremely rusty college German. We've got the Vienna part covered, but what else is nearby? [more inside]
posted by Liesl at 6:56 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking to get a small birthday treat delivered tomorrow morning in NYC (chinatown) for my boyfriend's birthday. Something sweet and low-carb/keto. Cupcake, brownie, donut etc would all be acceptable. I need to be able to order it online from Europe and have it delivered to his hotel. Do you know of options available on UberEats or similar? [more inside]
posted by PardonMyFrench at 6:53 AM PST - 1 comment

I'll be in Montreal in June, and we're looking for some standout restaurants to make reservations for now, or just your favorite restaurants (any cuisine). Also, any recommendations on where to see some jazz? We're staying in the Hochelaga neighborhood, and we'll get around by public transport, car-share, and walking.
posted by ShooBoo at 6:45 AM PST - 9 comments

The hdmi port in the back of my work computer has a sticker on it that says "disabled" I asked my employer/IT person why this is and he has no idea. [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 6:41 AM PST - 11 comments

I like puttering in our lovely garden and would like to do a good job of my spring garden pruning and cleanup, but I don't know exactly what plants we have in the garden and how best to care for them. What is a good resource for plant care that would be helpful both when we know what something is, and when we don't? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 5:57 AM PST - 6 comments

I had a really hard time growing up, leaving me with a lot of fear of other people. At a deep level, I reflexively look for reasons to reject people rather than let them get close to me. This has left me isolated and lonely, and I want to stop. I want to like more people. Extended explanation after the fold. [more inside]
posted by SmockTheSock at 5:36 AM PST - 15 comments

Hi! I'm someone who is pretty much a complete failure as an adult. Should I try to move to a foreign country? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:55 AM PST - 19 comments

I have just discovered that there is a Japanese font available in Word that is much easier for people with dyslexia to read (UDデジタル教科書体 / UD Digital Kyoukasho-tai). I'm planning to switch to this font from now on when making handouts in Japanese for my university classes, and would like to choose a better font for handouts in English, too, but I'm uncertain which one is the best option. [more inside]
posted by mydonkeybenjamin at 4:28 AM PST - 8 comments

I have a wall-map in my bathroom. In the XKCD dating method, I could time-bracket it as having one Germany, but also only one Sudan. What else is wrong on it? [more inside]
posted by pompomtom at 4:04 AM PST - 19 comments

Bring Back the Time by New Kids et al., and 90s Kids by Jax are my recent jams. Are there more songs like them? [more inside]
posted by aclevername at 3:03 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm headed to Portland, OR for a conference at PSU in late April from Thurs - Tues and taking my young family with me. Looking for some tips for where to stay and what to do! [more inside]
posted by sxtrumpeto at 2:53 AM PST - 6 comments

I knew Elden Ring was reputed to be relatively difficult, but after banging my head against the first boss for a while I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything. [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 12:36 AM PST - 13 comments

I have the benefit of access to an Indian sweet shop with a long and well-stocked, case of delicious and freshly made sweets. However, I have basically no knowledge of Indian sweets. So tell me, if I were to purchase a selection of sweets, what should I get and why. And, sure, I could buy one of everything, but let's take it as a given that I need to be selective and will purchase 4 items.
posted by brookeb at 10:29 PM PST - 14 comments

I have a narrow file cabinet in my desk, and I somehow lost track of the metal bar that would let me hang folders left to right. Manufacturer no longer makes that piece. Googling to find a replacement makes me wonder if I'm not understanding something... [more inside]
posted by praemunire at 9:44 PM PST - 3 comments

Different methods. [more inside]
posted by firstdaffodils at 8:20 PM PST - 23 comments

I’ve kept my son isolated for the first year of his life to protect him from COVID. There’s no end in sight and I fear the isolation will eventually harm him more than the disease. When do I throw in the towel? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by The Monster at the End of this Thread at 7:25 PM PST - 30 comments

In 2022: Do you still tell jokes? Does anyone tell you jokes? [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 6:42 PM PST - 50 comments

I have type 2 diabetes that’s well controlled by diet (at a level considered “in remission”). My doctor hasn’t suggested putting me on any medications. However, I started reading about metformin recently and wondering if I should request to try taking it, since it appears to have a lot of general anti-ageing benefits for things like cardiovascular health, dementia, and cancer risk. People on metformin seem to live longer in general. [more inside]
posted by music for skeletons at 5:05 PM PST - 7 comments

I get cranky and disagreeable when I am hungry or tired, it seems (to me) more so than most people. I’ve been working on this by being more attentive to when I’m starting to feel it coming on, and having a quick solution on hand (having a snack or excusing myself to close my eyes in a quiet room, for instance). But sometimes it’s just not possible or practical to do anything about it immediately - is there some way I can “train” myself to function better when I’m feeling this way?
posted by btfreek at 3:15 PM PST - 16 comments

I am suddenly experiencing back pain for the first time. What can help? [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:08 PM PST - 8 comments

My husband has a pretty large noggin and he's been complaining that our Powecom KN95s are uncomfortably tight on him. He can still wear them on short trips to the store and such but would love something bigger that he can wear for an entire workday. Any suggestions?
posted by massofintuition at 2:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Our team of five would like to be able to track which external players members of the team are meeting with in a way that gives everyone else visibility of those meetings (but we don't want a calendar app). [more inside]
posted by ssg at 2:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Hi folks! Let's say I'm planning to leave my job to do full-time daytime caregiving for a new child. Let's pretend I also have a mortgage refinance going through with a partner, and during the process I have provided proof of employment (projected to close 3/26, with money in account 3/31). Should I give my employer four weeks' notice? [more inside]
posted by Mr. Professional at 12:30 PM PST - 17 comments

This is something of a nagging philosophical question. My late mother’s long-deceased immigrant Jewish father died when she was in her teens. When she described him, she would say he was Russian from near Kiev, which was all she knew. Fast forward to 2020 when I started getting interested in genealogy, and suddenly I am confounded by what I’ve learned. Can you help me frame my heritage? [more inside]
posted by Violet Blue at 12:00 PM PST - 45 comments

I’d like to buy a book of riddles as a gift for an adult who currently finds two or three riddles on the internet a week to give to kids. Clean, appropriate for middle-school age, not super-common riddles. There are a million books of riddles - what is the best one? I specifically am NOT looking for a novel with riddles incorporated into the text or books or short mysteries like encyclopedia brown.
posted by bq at 11:52 AM PST - 0 comments

Are there any studies that show Americans are less likely to engage with a business (of any kind) if their signage, website, advertisements, etc. are in bad English? Especially if it's clear that the bad English comes from Latinxs whose first language is Spanish. [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 10:52 AM PST - 11 comments

I am close to accepting this position that is particularly in graphic design, animation, and video editing for a tech startup marketing & sales. However, the more I think of it the more worried I became. [more inside]
posted by lanhan at 10:41 AM PST - 3 comments

I feel like I read somewhere about a short story that I *think* was by Chesterton that was kind of genre-subversive because it was about a family and it seemed like something was going to go wrong or there would be dysfunction or conflict but everything was fine and nothing much happened. Does anyone have any idea of what I am talking about? [more inside]
posted by virve at 10:22 AM PST - 2 comments

I've lost my Yahoo contacts (doesn't matter how) but I have my Yahoo inbox. I want to get the email addresses from everyone who has sent an email to my yahoo address. There are various 3rd-party programs out there that claim to be able to do it. Sobolsoft, bitrecover, KMTTech, MacUncle, and Mailsware are some of them. Anyone have experience with any of these? Prices range from $30-$99. Any non-obvious cautions? [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 9:58 AM PST - 3 comments

I am trying to understand better the professional aspects of practicing medicine in the U.S. [more inside]
posted by dragonfruit at 9:24 AM PST - 3 comments

Can you tell me what Art Basel is like and whether I’d find it fun? I am visiting my friend in Switzerland and can either go (1) when Art Basel is or (2) when another good friend of ours is visiting. [more inside]
posted by watermelon at 8:54 AM PST - 5 comments

In 2009 I skimmed an etiquette book in a bookstore. I've used two things from it, and they've been helpful enough that I'd like to go find the whole book. More inside. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:32 AM PST - 6 comments

I (38, no major health issues) just started a temp job where I will be on my feet for 12-hour shifts. I want to try some inexpensive compression socks to help prevent fatigue and vein issues, maybe the 15-20 mmhg range? Advice for what to look for, recommendations for specific brands, etc? Size range is 7.5 womens shoes & about 8" ankle/15" calf circumferences. I know in previous asks people recommended Sockwells but I'd like to try something less expensive first if that makes sense.
posted by needs more cowbell at 8:29 AM PST - 10 comments

How to stop a site from repeatedly asking us to verify our humanity? [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 7:37 AM PST - 14 comments

I want to buy a book or books for an 11-year-old relative. He loves dragons, superheroes, and anime. I'm hoping for a book that features dragons or similar creatures. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by southern_sky at 7:13 AM PST - 23 comments

Are there any good ways to maximize my chances of successfully getting from Terminal F in Philadelphia to Terminal A in 45 minutes? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:54 AM PST - 11 comments

A few years ago I bought a robe that has turned out to be the perfect nightgown. The same garment is no longer available and rather extensive searching has not turned up a similar-enough replacement. Hive mind, I'd appreciate your help! [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 4:06 AM PST - 9 comments

My brother-in-law has decided to end his marriage with my sister. They have a 10yr old autistic son who I look after regularly. So far things seem amicable, but it’s very early days and my nephew doesn’t realise what’s about to happen. I am wondering how to best support them all through this difficult time? If you’ve been through a divorce or have supported someone else through theirs, what advice would you give? What actions/attitudes are helpful and what aren’t? What did people do that they thought was helpful but actually wasn’t? What was helpful for the partner on each side of the divorce? And what helped the children (bonus points for autistic children)? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:42 AM PST - 10 comments

I am looking for help with the next law school application cycle, but I'm a few years out of undergrad and can't get assistance from my bachelor-granting institution. Is there a way to find personalized advice elsewhere? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:42 AM PST - 2 comments

I moved myself and my blind cat into a large house with 2 cats in December, with the caveat that I would lead the introductions. But it's now March and I'm no further along, I'm struggling to follow guides like Jackson Galaxy's and cats.org.uk because a core part of the process is letting the cats see each other before they can interact. [more inside]
posted by sarahdal at 3:13 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm seriously considering getting a consumer DNA test, with significant anonymizing obfuscation. They don't provide much medical info in my country, but they do provide raw data. What are the best tools to turn that into readable information, for a tech-savvy person who knows nothing about biology? Are there specific things I should look for when choosing between companies, with regard to data they provide? [more inside]
posted by eotvos at 12:40 AM PST - 6 comments

I live in the UK and am considering hiring a private investigator to find out if someone has a history of domestic violence or other criminal conduct. I've never done this before and need advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:19 PM PST - 3 comments

People write paragraphs and the meaning gets obscured. So here is this: I am very morbidly obese, AMAB, am near 50, and recently discovered I'm transgender. (most of paragraph moved inside) I guess if I am asking a question I kind of don't know where I go from here, I kind of need post-realization and post-coming-out advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:19 PM PST - 12 comments

I know you're not my doctor. A decade ago I randomly developed a condition practically overnight: my skin became very itchy. And if you pushed it (elastics from socks/underwear, light scrapes, even hard chairs) very itchy hives would develop. I saw a doctor who checked for parasites (nope) and then basically said try a few anti-allergy meds. For a decade I've been on zyrtec and it's been under control. Since Friday, it has not been under control. I'm so sad. I wish I knew what the cause was. I wish I could find a doctor who might have some more will to figure out what this is. I wish I could find others who have a similar issue. I wish I could just go back a week somehow. Ideas on what I should do? [more inside]
posted by Mushroom12345 at 10:14 PM PST - 17 comments

Is a hand-crank food mill the right tool to make my vegetable-mashing dreams come true? [more inside]
posted by Comet Bug at 9:43 PM PST - 11 comments

I've been watching my friend's bodies deteriorate lately and noted that there are only x-rays (for example) taken after the fact when something goes wrong. I'm looking for ideas of what to record at a thorough checkpoint instead: skin cancer screening, colonoscopy, comprehensive x-rays of the entire skeleton and brain scans for a start. What else do you think I need for a real baseline? [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 8:56 PM PST - 17 comments

All of the youtube videos I watch now are preceded with ketto.org videos asking me to donate to campaigns for people in India. I have a hard time saying no to sobbing parents on my computer screen asking me to save their child and I want to know if I should be cautious about this service. [more inside]
posted by Emmy Rae at 7:44 PM PST - 2 comments

I got my timing wrong and I am exhausted halfway through making a batch of kimchi. Can I store the rinsed wilted cabbage and what I’ve cut for the paste in the fridge and finish the process tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 7:12 PM PST - 3 comments

Is there a running list anywhere of multinational businesses that are either supporting Ukraine or Ukrainians, or still doing business in Russia? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 6:56 PM PST - 2 comments

I have recently been diagnosed with SAD, and unsurprisingly, have long observed my desire for more light (AZIZ LIGHT!), either moving to it or putting a fuckton of light in my living space. I'm now living in a dorm apartment that is dim as all heck. It's not windowless, though the interior rooms (kitchen, living room, bathroom). I want to get some light in here, but as cheaply and temporarily as possible. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 6:55 PM PST - 24 comments

Hello! I have a song that is missing basic information and I was wondering if anyone can ID it. It is from 2001, and is labelled "Jack Black - Another Mexican Car Chase." [more inside]
posted by user92371 at 6:28 PM PST - 4 comments

So, I had a couple of watercolor pieces accepted into a hyperlocal art show (8x10 and 9x12) and I have to provide them to the show framed. Whaaaaaat should a frame for an art show look like? (I know I need to provide a hanging wire, not a sawtooth.) I've never framed anything except for hanging at home. Constraints inside. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 3:53 PM PST - 11 comments

I have trouble sticking to the smallest goals and just cannot wrap my mind around how to set any goal without setting myself up for failure. I have felt like this for at least 40 years. Is there any way out of this? [more inside]
posted by Neely O'Hara at 3:52 PM PST - 25 comments

Hi! I'm going to be spending a lot of time with some kids (ages 8 and 11) in the near future and I'd love some TV recommendations that can keep them and me engrossed. Are there any TV series that have the fun adventure vibe of, like, Goonies or Indiana Jones? Or Stranger Things but for younger kids? They've seen The Mandalorian. I'd prefer hourlong shows if any come to mind. Thanks!
posted by Anonymousness at 3:49 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for a purse/handbag recommendation that's all-black or otherwise classy goth-ish, big enough to fit a hardback book in, and that will last a good long while. If this describes a purse you've loved, please tell me all about it! [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley at 3:12 PM PST - 8 comments

My son needs to dress up as Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) for a school project. I'm having a hard time finding glasses he can use (without lenses, obv) and I'm hoping some other MeFite can point me in the right direction. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean at 2:20 PM PST - 11 comments

Mr. BlahLaLa and I, cat owners/lovers for 30+ years, have adopted a cat who is deeply unhappy, and we want to make sure our happiness strategy is on point. Experienced cat people, please advise. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 1:44 PM PST - 34 comments

Please share interesting / novel / surprising web tech, tools & sites, so that I can keep up with the bright young things I work with... [more inside]
posted by protorp at 1:26 PM PST - 6 comments

Seeking anecdotes about queerplatonic partnerships, especially people transitioning into one from a (nominally) sexual relationship. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:51 PM PST - 5 comments

We need a new vacuum that will actually work for dog hair as well as just upgrade our cleaning game. We have a 1-bedroom apartment, hardwood floor with some rugs, and a shed-y double-coated dog. Everyone online recommends a Dyson, but 400-500 CAD for a vacuum seems insane to me. Does anything at a smaller price point actually work? I was hoping to pay under 200 CAD but could shell out a bit more if need be. We don’t have a lot of storage space so another stick vacuum would be ideal.
posted by vanitas at 11:59 AM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for quick, casual, party style games that people can pop in and out of, preferably with simple rules that don't need a huge amount of explaining. An ideal example of this is UNO, which people can join for a round or two and and leave without a big fuss. Most people know or can pick up the basic rules quickly. Another example would be Apples to Apples. Ages teen to adult.
posted by roaring beast at 11:33 AM PST - 26 comments

I've been watching The Chosen, about the life of Jesus of Nazareth (yeah - I'm usually at least a year behind on media). I'm wondering about its historical accuracy, but I'm not finding anything. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 11:31 AM PST - 4 comments

In addition to donating money to several highly recommended organizations that are delivering help to people in Ukraine, I have been looking to “rent” Ukraine airbnb’s as a way to get money directly into the hands of Ukrainians. Looking for tips from those savy about using airbnb [more inside]
posted by Lylo at 11:00 AM PST - 8 comments

I think I remember seeing a comedy sketch of some women celebrating another woman's birthday -- maybe age 40? 35? -- in which a sign of her maturity that emerged late in the sketch was that she had sudden onset of uncontrollable eye rolling. Can you help me find this? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 10:56 AM PST - 10 comments

Hi! My car was stolen. I'm trying to figure out what to do about getting a new vehicle in a pretty epic used vehicle market. Also, new to having a vehicle stolen, so general advice is much appreciated as well. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 10:41 AM PST - 10 comments

A good friend did not file several tax returns. They are now looking for someone to help them out. Is there anyone who has a California tax lawyer (or an accountant who deals with this stuff) that they recommend?
posted by rednikki at 10:25 AM PST - 5 comments

I (cis male in the US) usually tip my barber — I have one regular barber I go to — $8 on a $32 haircut. Last week, I had to cancel an appointment on very short notice, literally 15 minutes before the appointment. I've rescheduled for this week. I feel bad that I had to cancel on such short notice, which I imagine left him with an unused block of time, unless he happened to get a walk-in. Do I tip extra when I go this week? If so, how much?
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 8:20 AM PST - 15 comments

I purchased my first new computer in over a decade, after tons of research. It's a Dell XPS 15 laptop, purchased in November. Within two weeks, I started getting a black screen when I logged in - even though the computer is on and the keyboard lights up. I have to hold the power button down until eventually the login screen pops up. [more inside]
posted by racersix6 at 7:53 AM PST - 7 comments

I stepped on my 5yo who had gotten out of bed and fallen asleep in our dark hallway. Reading about abdominal trauma and freaking out. Can anyone either reassure me this is recoverable or tell me how bad it is? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:01 PM PST - 9 comments

I am in between jobs, normally work in bay area biotech doing bioprocess development, but now I'm starting to rethink things. Aside from that, whenever I do get a new job, it would be nice to have someone who can help guide me through it seeing as how a few of my jobs in the past had some hairy office politics that I simply didn't know how to navigate. I don't just want someone to throw a personality quiz at me and then charge hundreds of dollars. Can anyone make any recommendations?
posted by picklenickle at 3:51 PM PST - 4 comments

A few members of my family in their 90s have passed away, and I've inherited two mid-century fur shawls/short jacket thingies that were very popular in the 50s. I will never ever, not never ever wear them. They are in beautiful condition, and I'm sure someone would love them for a collection, where do I even start trying to find a new home for vintage furs?
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet at 3:00 PM PST - 13 comments

I have a set of books that are possibly valuable. How do I sell them? what's the best way to balance give-me-all-the-money with not wanting to go to a tonne of work to sell them. Toronto Canada. They would be quite heavy and I do not want to have to cart them around town. If I were to ship them...well how do I avoid getting scammed and make buyer pay shipping without them just giving me a lower price to compensate. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 2:28 PM PST - 14 comments

Looking for a cultural and linguistic introduction to signed languages for background on a sci-fi short story. [more inside]
posted by signal at 2:25 PM PST - 20 comments

I did read through previous questions but it's been a while so I wanted to consult the hive mind: what plus size fitted shorts do you wear to prevent chub rub? [more inside]
posted by possibilityleft at 2:20 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm doing some major renovations on my house, and the contractor has asked to get out of the contract. What should I be asking for here? [more inside]
posted by sepviva at 1:04 PM PST - 2 comments

My parents used to have an old bath towel, maybe from the 1960s, that was made from a very thin terry with a raised paisley pattern. At the point I was using it, decades later, it was very worn, so it was even thinner. It was perfect for drying my hair. Are there any similar towels made now? [more inside]
posted by pinochiette at 11:25 AM PST - 15 comments

Helping a pair of friends working it out. [more inside]
posted by firstdaffodils at 10:02 AM PST - 23 comments

When inspecting my car emergency kit, I found all of the instant cold packs already activated... Which was not unexpected, but do any exist that will survive summer car trunk conditions? Similarly non functional but less important were the air activated heat packs, and the AAA batteries in the head lamp had exploded. Items with button type batteries were dead but not exploded... Are there better choices for all of these items?
posted by lemonade at 9:47 AM PST - 9 comments

What are the best mens’ jeans and trousers available in the UK from the perspective of “quality / unit price”, regardless of their absolute price?
posted by chappell, ambrose at 9:20 AM PST - 13 comments

Store brand (generic) pasta often has a sort of cinnamon-y flavor/aftertaste to me. The more expensive pastas don’t. What causes this? (Assume my cooking method, sauces, etc. are the same in all cases). [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 7:44 AM PST - 10 comments

There used to be a web comic that I liked a lot, that I followed on Facebook and frequently shared. At some point it completely disappeared from Facebook. It took me a while to notice it was gone, and now I can't remember what the name of it was, and my history is full of unhelpful "Content is unavailable" posts. Can you help me find it again? [more inside]
posted by jordemort at 6:49 AM PST - 2 comments

Let's say you met a couple of new friends, one of whom doesn't drink. You happen to be going to an event (a wine and liquor tasting that also features non-alcoholic drinks and gourmet food) that you thought about inviting the new friends along to. [more inside]
posted by MarnieSrpings at 6:18 AM PST - 27 comments

My son's room is dim. please help me find lighting that will meet the following needs: a) Plug it in and that's it for installation. b) Bright light. Like ideally figure equivalent to 2 100W bulbs. c) Can be placed/attached ideally on top of a shelf (like this, but actually bright lights, not picture lights) or less ideally in a kallax nook. d) Dimmable would be nice e) I need some sort of hack to ideally turn it on from a wall switch. Bonus if I can turn it on/off from two wall switches. e) Need I say: cheaper is better. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:02 AM PST - 11 comments

I am trying to research various interior design schemes of the prior decades. But I don't know what this type is called. [more inside]
posted by jtexman1 at 5:41 AM PST - 7 comments

I am seeking advice on how to handle an at-times brutal commute. [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 3:32 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm ready to stop occasional daydreams about a person I broke up with ten years ago, in difficult times that weren't their fault. It's been very easy to be nostalgic about the good times with them and part of me always thought we'd get back together. I'm ready to accept that reunion with this 'first love' this isn't going to happen, even if I felt it was 'meant to be'. Do you have novels or articles about accepting this? Thank you!
posted by anonymous at 1:24 AM PST - 7 comments

I am trying to combine two documents with different formatting. One is a theater script with its own character, scene, dialogue and screen direction formatting. The other is song lyrics with its own tabs and indentations for chords, lyrics and dialogue. Both documents need to look exactly as they do separately but need to be interwoven into one document the composer can use to help her with orchestration. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 10:03 PM PST - 9 comments

I am moving. I have to be out by March 31. I have a cleaning service booked for March 22nd. I need recommendations for 1. A mover 2. A junk hauler. [more inside]
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 8:46 PM PST - 12 comments

Currently rocking an old 'Cambridge Soundworks' 2.1 system which is breaking down. We can't trust Amazon or Wirecutter. Appantely the reviews on Reddit are compromised. Help! [more inside]
posted by soylent00FF00 at 8:13 PM PST - 9 comments

My recent effort to make the best chicken cacciatore I could came out so well that I'm inspired to make something else I haven't tried before - the kind of thing that's crafted with loving care and the resulting flavor nirvana justifies hours of effort and many intricate prep steps. Please, suggest me a new involved-but-worth-the-extra-work taste sensation to tackle next! [more inside]
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:34 PM PST - 24 comments

We're planning to move to New York in Summer 2023. Our son was born October 2017. He will therefore turn 6 in the calendar year 2023. I can't find a definitive statement of how NYC handles six year olds, but "Your child will enter kindergarten in the calendar year they turn 5" seems to imply that children enter first grade the calendar year they turn 6. Is this correct, i.e. will NYC DoE recommend (or insist) that our son enters in the first grade? Is this true even if he spent the previous academic year in "TK" or "DK" in an elementary school, or even "Pre-K" in a standalone preschool? In other words, will the DoE insist that our son skips Kindergarten? Or is this totally case-by-case and a conversation with the DoE/school? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:23 PM PST - 6 comments

I have smoked for six months and plan to quit when I go to bed. However, I am really tired of hiding the fact I want help because I feel at this level I am only using pot to deal with jobs which don't really have a structure, except for the number of projects I manage. I win or I learn<. So how do I be upfront and centre about being an addict and seeking help from a prospective employer from a place of personal strength and control? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:46 PM PST - 16 comments

Can anyone suggest articles or websites aimed at non-technical laypeople that explain Bitcoin and make a moral or environmental case for not investing in it? [more inside]
posted by aneel at 6:29 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm in my 50s, and live in southern california, where Omicron had been extremely high, but has been dropping rapidly. I teach, and my school is still on full COVID precautions (vaccines & boosters mandated, masking full time indoors). My parents have been in town visiting, and my covid precautions seem extreem to everyone. Needing a reality check. [more inside]
posted by soylent00FF00 at 5:13 PM PST - 39 comments

I want to donate to the Association for Legal Intervention, a Polish NGO that provides legal advice to migrants and refugees, but the suggested dollar amounts are making me worry that there's something I don't understand, because they range from 10 to 50 zloty, or about 2 to 11 US dollars. Can anyone explain? Am I missing something?
posted by HotToddy at 5:10 PM PST - 3 comments

I've been using a Canon Vixia HF-M500 as a webcam for years, through a HDMI capture dongle. Now the camera's HDMI connector is failing, and I'm trying to find a replacement that won't break the bank. Used / eBay is acceptable. [more inside]
posted by tigrrrlily at 4:42 PM PST - 1 comment

Asking for a friend. Her needs are this: 1) must be online (and does not want to support Amazon) 2) ideally with free returns (since she finds it really hard to figure out her size) 3) she is not in the corporate world or anything, so it does not be super formal but should still look professional. I guess what you'd call "business casual" 4) she wears pants, skirts, dresses, blouses - so is pretty open to different types of clothing. 5) would rather not spend a lot, so nothing too expensive. Thanks!
posted by coffeecat at 4:17 PM PST - 8 comments

I used bike rollers like this over the winter. Underneath them, on a synthetic rug, there’s now a patch of rubber compound dust that was shed by the rear tire and has somehow fused with the rug fibers. I was only partially able to vacuum it. It's not chain lube (it was a freshly waxed chain and flakes from that were easy to vacuum up). Neither the tire nor the rollers ever touched the rug — the rubber dust has just been accumulating on this spot for 3 months. How best to remove it without making things worse?
posted by theory at 3:27 PM PST - 2 comments

What is a well known and apt fable/myth/literary/historical episode for capturing or evoking the following: the realization and need for someone or something once powerful, but now fading, to make arrangements or secure safety to prevent things from going really far south?
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 2:10 PM PST - 17 comments

If a plant could grow in a way that would tell a joke, or at least be amusing, how would it do it? I'm not talking about growing in a way that writes something or as a representative sculpture of something funny. Maybe a visual pun, or something else entirely. What could a plant do to cause a laugh? [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 1:42 PM PST - 20 comments

My friend was laid off from his job last summer. He had been with the company for over 20 years, and received 2 months of "outplacement assistance" to help with the transition, which was mostly webinars on networking, updating your LinkedIn profile, that sort of thing - not services specific to his situation. He is over 50 years old, so not yet retirement age, but it's been tough for him to figure out how to find a new job, as many of his skills are out of date, thus the layoff. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations for recruiters or career coach-types who have had success with clients in this type of situation? The field is Business Analyst - supply chain/sales operations.
posted by bookworm4125 at 1:21 PM PST - 6 comments

A dear friend loves mai tais—both consuming and creating—and they’re doing something nice for me. Would love to show my gratitude with a cool gift for their home bar that could really take the mai tai game up a notch. [more inside]
posted by lovableiago at 12:25 PM PST - 9 comments

Through our Real Estate Scavenger Hunt game, we've found yet another object I cannot identify. Can anyone help?
posted by DrGail at 12:20 PM PST - 8 comments

My husband is studying for a spray applicator license. We have a math question on one of the study guides - I'm hopeful someone here can help. [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 12:07 PM PST - 5 comments

I am not the meeting facilitator. I want to turn chat on and off at will. Is there a way I can do this??
posted by goalyeehah at 11:55 AM PST - 1 comment

It's pretty simple: is there a website or resource where I can look up what rallies and/or protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, DC on a given date? [more inside]
posted by amro at 11:42 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for the citation to an article in a 1978 (probably September?) article on Robert Kennedy Jr. It was a searing but semi-sympathetic biographical account, memorable particularly for description of abuse by male friends of his uncles. This is not the same as an August '78 article about his father. Thanks in advance if you can provide.
posted by mmiddle at 11:34 AM PST - 4 comments

During an online Boxing Day sale, I bought this top from Athleta and I am in love with it. So much that I want a couple more of them but the regular price is a bit steep. Hope me for something similar in the $50 price range? [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 11:13 AM PST - 3 comments

I know that bread is traditionally for celebrating the first year of a pandemic, but I have highly-fluctuating executive function and can't manage fully homemade bread and have only now caved and purchased a bread machine. [more inside]
posted by Lyn Never at 11:08 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm scared that at some point I may be violent against my wife. I have had thoughts about being violent in middle of arguments (i.e visualizing me pushing her or slapping her). At worst I've punched some pillows, but nothing violent, and arguments have died down extremely quickly. I've told her about this and she just sort of thinks it a joke (I haven't hit anyone in 25 years and we have a pretty loving relationship). How does one even get help for this? Will a therapist report me if I bring this up? Do you have any suggestions on books or else? or suggestions?
posted by anonymous at 11:03 AM PST - 13 comments

Our oven is dying and it's time for a new one. Have you bought one recently that you love (or despise)? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 10:34 AM PST - 4 comments

Can you point me to retrospective writing and analysis about the McMartin Preschool trial, the Satanic Panic, and/or 80s and 90s conceptions of recovered memory? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 7:58 AM PST - 11 comments

Please tell me about picture books where kids (or adults, I guess) interact with numbers somehow. Like ideally anthropomorphized numbers. Like Numberblocks, but with kids. If you can't think of any such books (I can't), how about books where the plot is solidly math-based -- not just counting (e.g. The Doorbell Rang, Sir Cumference books). Title/author? Premise/plot? Gimme what you got. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 5:22 AM PST - 16 comments

My bathtub drain plug lever was stuck. I pulled it apart and found part of a rocker-arm style plug system. Can I replace it with a plunger-style drain plug? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer at 5:20 AM PST - 6 comments

This here is my favorite. It is "Diorskin by Christian Dior Nude Air Serum Foundation" in 010 and 020 (I blend depending on skin tone in time of year.) [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:38 AM PST - 11 comments

Somewhere some years ago I ran across a pithy sentence saying that a sense of humor is about recognizing absurdity. That humor starts with seeing the fitness of things. Or something like that. It may not be a famous quote. Does this ring a bell with anyone?
posted by goofyfoot at 3:03 AM PST - 4 comments

My son (8) suffers from a fairly mild eczema. For several years it was just red spots on his cheeks in the winter, and we didn't need to do any treatment. But last summer he had a much more serious breakout (inner elbow, chest, inner knee), which coincided with a molluscum contagiosum infection (the dr. said the latter took hold because skin barrier was weakened because of the eczema). He has been doing a regimen of daily strong moisturizing balms (with high lipid content, for example Avene Trixera) and occasional hydrocortisone. [more inside]
posted by melamakarona at 2:14 AM PST - 17 comments

So much old clothing to dispose of! I found a site online but I can't tell if it is legit. [more inside]
posted by prewar lemonade at 1:54 AM PST - 10 comments

Why do I get so sad and vaklempt for former homes and other places? [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 9:15 PM PST - 13 comments

Can you recommend any writing from the perspective of queer or Trans women describing their experience with pregnancy? [more inside]
posted by Acari at 9:08 PM PST - 11 comments

I have never seen About Time before. I swear I recognize this piano tune from either a pop song or something else I recognize. Was it used anywhere else?
posted by ftm at 7:51 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm having a hard time with what I think should be a pretty basic task. I have a digital print of my son's school photos and I want to resize it to get it printed off so it fits in a locket for my wife. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 7:37 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm teaching in Japan, and my school is using Google for everything, Classroom, Forms, Sheets. My students submit writing assignments on Docs. It looks like they don't have access to spellcheck. Is this a language setting issue? [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 7:36 PM PST - 1 comment

For years, my friend supported himself working every crappy job (while physically disabled), studied on his own, earned a CCNP, did an internship -- and has now been hired as a brand new junior database administrator. Please give me your best/worst DBA puns and inside jokes (the more arcane, the better) to put on a coffee cup as a congratulatory gift!
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 5:46 PM PST - 6 comments

I won't delve into The Great Upholstery Dilemma of 2019-??? but today, I thought it was over. After spending 2 hours in the wholesale upholstery warehouse, it was there. Like a bright and shining sample of fabric. I ordered it. And then, they said ... so sorry, that is discontinued. Surely somewhere in the universe, there must be eight yards of THIS. Does anyone know how I could locate a remnant? Thanks so much!
posted by cyndigo at 5:35 PM PST - 9 comments

What is the best package (or packages) for regression in Python? [more inside]
posted by Valancy Rachel at 2:00 PM PST - 7 comments

What have you done when life feels as though it's on a rapidly changing course? [more inside]
posted by firstdaffodils at 1:43 PM PST - 18 comments

There's an object in a cabinet that I can't identify. It's a cylinder of metal, with a thin shellac or painted round surface, mounted on a wooden board with 3 adjustable leveling screws. 127mm diameter, 91mm height, just over 10kg including the base. The top surface is smooth but not optically smooth and visibly pitted, with no obvious signs of use. What is this thing? [more inside]
posted by eotvos at 1:22 PM PST - 7 comments

I am trying to lower my electric bill. I have two choices for heating my small home office: 1) the 750W built-in electric baseboard heater (on a thermostat) or 2) a 1500W portable oil-filled radiator (with two power settings and a temperature dial). Which one will be cheaper to run?
posted by HotToddy at 12:11 PM PST - 12 comments

Is it plausible that Putin could be removed from power by high-ranking officials in his own government? I'm imagining something vaguely along the lines of the 1991 coup attempt against Gorbachev. What (if anything) would it take for that to happen, and what would the outcome look like? [more inside]
posted by Gerald Bostock at 11:23 AM PST - 6 comments

A potential grant funder wants to help people avoid eviction by funding programs upstream. Of course, eviction is the (last) result of numerous, long-term financial hardships such as surprise bills, loss of income, change of family size, etc. Therefore, I'm hoping to find an overview of current research and thinking about healthy and unhealthy finances, the many causes of financial instability, and data showing effective ways to build financial stability. I am hoping for something more data-driven than "Nickel and Dimed"
posted by rebent at 10:57 AM PST - 7 comments

Well tonight is an annual even at the school where I work and the theme is Medieval Fantasy Faire. I am now a bard because I'm musically inclined, and I need just like, medieval appropriate chord progressions to strum as I amble about, or little lute-sounding things to pluck on a ukulele. [more inside]
posted by wellifyouinsist at 10:43 AM PST - 13 comments

Asana, Trello, Monday, whatever you want: Do any of these project management / team collaboration make it (easy to make it) automatic to ask for time estimation when adding/editing tasks, or in some kind of post-just-make-a-list now-add-time-estimates step? Deadlines do not do it for me. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 10:42 AM PST - 12 comments

Awkward Viagra question. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:38 AM PST - 42 comments

We are desperate to take an actual vacation in April! Could you help us think of some options? Main priorities are: somewhere quiet and very relaxing, warm or at least not cold weather, good vegetarian food easily available, 6 hours max (door-to-door, so including flights, driving, etc.) from Chicago. [more inside]
posted by cimton at 10:07 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm in the US and will be starting a 1 year 9 month language course in Japan in July. This is all great, but my biggest concern is that I don't know how to handle coming back - i.e. I won't have a job, health insurance, a home or a vehicle, and all my stuff will be in storage. I've done this before and it took a *really* long time to get back on my feet - how do other folks who do/ have done this handle it? [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge at 10:02 AM PST - 6 comments

First, I don't really like these questions. I think they're dumb and don't really say much about anyone other than they know some specific knowledge about CS. I feel that they just prove you're good at solving trick problems. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 7:07 AM PST - 16 comments

We just moved into a house with zoned HVAC. I know nothing about using this system, other than sort of how it works (dampers close off the parts of the house you aren't trying to heat/cool at that time). For example, right now the temps are fluctuating wildly - High of 75, low of 45. It's conceivable that we might use heat in the middle of the night but want air by 4pm. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 5:55 AM PST - 8 comments

Need a way to hang bath towels without bars attached to walls. Do you have a freestanding or leaning towel management method that you love? [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:17 AM PST - 6 comments

I have been thinking about Parasocial Relationships (PSR), but not from the angle of "creepy obsessive fans". Instead, I want to explore the human relationship to art itself, and then how that is projected onto the artist to form the basis of a PSR. To begin, is there a term (or concept) for the relationship between audience and art? n inextricable part of your personality. [more inside]
posted by pol at 4:38 AM PST - 16 comments

I want to move but I'm worried about not being about being able to come back to my current town if things don't work out. [more inside]
posted by fern at 5:42 PM PST - 15 comments

I live in the northern midwestern United States and normally heat my house to between 68 and 70 degrees in winter, while typically wearing jeans and a short-sleeved t-shirt. I find these temperatures to be completely comfortable. I have recently been wondering how cold I could keep the house and remain comfortable if I were to wear very warm clothes indoors: thermal underwear, a long-sleeve t-shirt plus a heavy sweater, maybe some light gloves, maybe a hat and some kind of scarf. [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup at 5:35 PM PST - 56 comments

Two plus-sized women, looking for basic white t-shirts with at least elbow-length sleeves, preferably 3/4 length sleeves. We've looked at hanes, womanwithin, and justmysize, but it appears that they only sell short-sleeved shirts. Any ideas where else we might find these elusive magical t-shirts? Thanks!
posted by mcbeth at 3:19 PM PST - 17 comments

Please suggest more songs that are "about" club music, without necessarily being club music - I mean songs that evoke the sounds of being in a dance club. Like "Pursuit of Happiness" (Steve Aoki remix) by Kud Cudi, "Blinded by the Lights" by the Streets, and "Forever" by Chris Brown. I'm not sure I've explained it well, but those three songs all do what I want. Thanks for any help!
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 2:41 PM PST - 28 comments

Just started a new job and was told my health insurance benefits won't start for another two months. What are my options here? [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 2:00 PM PST - 9 comments

I have to collaborate with a different department and they consistently do a crap job on their end. I'm finally fed up and got permission to send one of those cc everyone and their mother emails with reference materials proving why they should handle this better. I hate the feeling I've got now, related to being aggressive or calling people out or something, and want to not do this to myself. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 12:34 PM PST - 21 comments

A summer camp I'm applying to wants private medical information about my child just to get on the wait list. Should I lie? [more inside]
posted by sockrilegious at 12:32 PM PST - 10 comments

We have electric baseboard heaters in our toddler's bedroom. We're about to remove the sides from his crib so that he'll be free to roam unsupervised. How much of a fire hazard are the baseboards? [more inside]
posted by Prunesquallor at 12:16 PM PST - 7 comments

I followed a blogger in the early 2010s who posted fashion, design, and cooking (including molecular gastronomy). Who was it? [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 11:34 AM PST - 4 comments

Our new dog, Dixie, is quite active, running around our fenced yard and has worn a number of paths into the grass. Now that things are warming up, the paths are a muddy mess. What can we put over the muddy patches until we can get the grass to regrow.? [more inside]
posted by sarajane at 10:55 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm back taking music lessons after a many-decades break. I'd really like to brush up on sight-reading and ear-training. Does the hive mind have recommendations? I'm happy to pay for a good-quality product. Also, are there any other apps that are good for someone playing piano?
posted by nuclear bessel at 10:15 AM PST - 7 comments

What advice or experience do you have breaking into publishing your SF short-form fiction? [more inside]
posted by signal at 9:25 AM PST - 14 comments

I have abandoned using Facebook and Instagram and generally loathe social media. However, I like a certain artist who only posts on Twitter. Until last week I could open their page and look at all the art I wanted. [more inside]
posted by a humble nudibranch at 9:23 AM PST - 34 comments

I know this has been asked previously, but the questions are on the older side. We are staying in Koloa (though I am trying to convince my husband to spend 2 nights in Hanalei!). We love to snorkel! We like to frolic in calm ocean waters. We LOVE food (especially tropical fruit and other just-Hawaii items). We like walking and easy hikes. We like a pretty chill and relaxed vacation. Give me your best suggestions! Thank you.
posted by bookworm4125 at 9:01 AM PST - 23 comments

Looking for a specific episode of the TV series about people building their dream homes. This episode was a London couple with a young child who lived in a small London apartment. They bought a piece of land in central London that other people deemed impossible to build on. It was only accessible by a small alley and surrounded on all sides by other houses. It was a grueling building process but the house in the end was amazing with all kinds of new and cool technology. [more inside]
posted by victoriab at 8:26 AM PST - 9 comments

I had a physical yesterday (for the first time in 4 years) and some of the test results indicate I really really need to get into better shape. But: I'm still getting over a broken knee. Help me figure this out. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:15 AM PST - 22 comments

Please just tell me which laptop to buy! [more inside]
posted by Salamander at 10:49 PM PST - 18 comments

Found through a recommendation thread here for detective stories with female protagonists, I picked up ‘The Golden Slipper and Other Problems for Violet Strange’, a series of detective stories from the early 1900s, featuring a young New York socialite who solves mysteries involving interpersonal elements and ‘delicate’ situations. One of the stories includes some details about architecture that seem like shorthand for readers of the day. I am confused and curious about what the subtext of certain window types could mean in the context of a murder investigation. [more inside]
posted by jolenex4 at 8:46 PM PST - 14 comments

I’m entering my mid twenties with not much to brag about or look forward to. Looking for advice on how to build a meaningful life when one has lost most of their youth to abuse and disability. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 PM PST - 36 comments

Is there a characteristically-MLE way people ask "how many"/"how much"?
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 6:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Another apartment, another indecision, requesting neutral perspectives. An update as well with the smell situation in my apartment. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 6:08 PM PST - 24 comments

I want to preserve 3 printed sheets of paper for 10,000 years such that should someone stumble upon them they'll be able to see the symbols legibly. [more inside]
posted by roue at 4:39 PM PST - 24 comments

I'm considering buying a GNSS (mainly for landscape survey - so I don't need millimetre accuracy) and asking here if anyone has one, what your make/model is and what you use it for, and the sort of wrinkles and bugs you have found with various models. [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 3:55 PM PST - 6 comments

The parents of one of my kid's classmates are from Ukraine and Belarus. I want to drop something off for them but what? We aren't close but our kids did have some playdates 3-4 years ago and now we'll chat if we're both dropping our kids off at school. I was thinking of giving some cookies from a local bakery but is there something better I could give?
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 2:16 PM PST - 9 comments

Recently got an iPhone 13 Pro, and am exploring how much it can replace my DSLR gear for photography. One option I'm considering is add-on lenses like the ones from Moment and Shiftcam, but I can't find reviews of them with recent iPhones (say, models 12 or 13). Have you tried them? Are they worth getting, considering the iPhone 13 Pro's has wide and telephoto lenses built-in? [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 1:58 PM PST - 2 comments

Can anyone recommend a YouTuber (or something similar) who provides informed coverage of the high-profile legal cases of the day - but does it in videos of ten or fifteen minutes? I love me some Emily D. Baker when I’m in the mood for something hours long, but these days I yearn for the same kind of thing but more concise.
posted by Epixonti at 1:54 PM PST - 2 comments

Apparently my son (18) has a little bit of money saved up that he doesn't want to spend frivolously. It's not a lot, only about $2k, but it's a lot to him. He wants to "put it away" until he decides he needs it, but he would like if it grew a little bit while it sat there.... [more inside]
posted by niteHawk at 1:34 PM PST - 23 comments

Over the course of a several year-long (5?) family feud, I did not feel comfortable opening birthday/ Xmas gifts from certain family members - so I put them all in a storage container in my basement. The feud has now largely subsided, and so I have this container of gifts, and I am confused: part of me wants to open them, part of me not, part me only the obvious Amazon Gift Cards. This is a very weird situation about which I have no data: has anyone else been in this position? [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge at 11:57 AM PST - 16 comments

I am the primary caregiver for a mostly bedridden person. Part of that involves cleaning them up after a bowel movement, which presents a certain issue. [more inside]
posted by clocksock at 7:35 AM PST - 15 comments

So the other day I followed a link to this Japanese site of pixel art, which led me to these portraits. The last three are famous paintings I recognize. What is the leftmost one? [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 7:18 AM PST - 21 comments

This morning, I received a notification from the Gmail app on my iPhone that said "New sign-in on Windows: Your Google account was signed in to. Not you? Secure your account." I was on my phone at the time so I don't know what prompted this. I have changed my password and nothing seems amiss, but what could have happened here? I have 2-step verification turned on and have occasionally gotten messages in the past that asked "is this you logging in?" so why would that not have happened here?
posted by oakroom at 6:55 AM PST - 5 comments

Where do you go to talk about feminism in 2022? [more inside]
posted by pelvicsorcery at 5:44 AM PST - 5 comments

Go Fuck yourself." is obviously a translation into English. Was the original in Ukrainian or Russian? What would the transcription be in the originating language? [more inside]
posted by Mitheral at 5:30 AM PST - 7 comments

This must be possible, but I can't work out how! I know how to tell Sheets to run a custom function when a custom drawing I've inserted into a cell is clicked on, or when the document is opened, but what about when a checkbox is clicked on? [more inside]
posted by wattle at 1:40 AM PST - 1 comment

I would like to get a email notification the day before the new moon. What service will let me do this? [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 12:40 AM PST - 13 comments