Ask MetaFilter

When I map a desktop shortcut to a folder or file, like Control + ] to open my F:\ drive, it takes several seconds for Windows 10 to react. My PC works normally and pretty reliably, tons of RAM and HD space. Is there some way to speed this up?
posted by 4midori at 10:32 PM PST - 0 comments

I have an Elgato ring light that has an API that uses a weird number for the color temperature. What is it?? [more inside]
posted by chrchr at 9:46 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm shipping a book (with no correspondence) to someone via USPS Media Mail and was going to include about 20 punk badges in the package. Can I still then send the package media mail, or would I have to send it Ground Advantage?
posted by gtrwolf at 8:43 PM PST - 1 comment

I’d love practical tips for noticing this when it happens more often and ways to reframe my responses to be more kind and open to what the other person is saying. [more inside]
posted by chives at 7:24 PM PST - 12 comments

I remember reading SEVERAL years ago, an opinion column sparked by an anti-censorship event at a public library. Here's how long ago this was: the columnist was complaining about the event and calling it pointless because book banning attempts NEVER HAPPEN, there were only (some miniscule number) of events in the past several years. Does anyone else remember this column? Where did it appear? [more inside]
posted by bq at 7:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Upon the encouragement of nurses when I got my immunotherapy infusions in January, I applied for, and was approved for, Kaiser's medical financial assistance program. Would whatever payments they make for my medical services be taxable (ie, me report them on my taxes) next year? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 5:55 PM PST - 2 comments

My college ex-boyfriend continues to reach out every few years since we broke up. It's going on 15 years now. I don't want any contact with him and have remained silent. I want him to leave me alone. I am looking for suggestions to help stop the communication. [more inside]
posted by fies at 5:23 PM PST - 10 comments

Recently diagnosed ADHD, most likely otherwise neurodiverse person in LA is seeking support groups (in person or online) where he can get more understanding of what he is dealing with. He is especially looking for help with how he can best represent himself when job hunting, but any tips on how he can get the most out of life while being neurospicy would be helpful. (He is a developer, if that is helpful.) Any recommendations?
posted by rednikki at 5:05 PM PST - 1 comment

My mother is 75 and lives alone in assisted living in a different state. She uses a walker and/or wheelchair. She is a hoarder. She cannot be convinced to stop with the resources and time available to us, so I'd like to focus on making her hoarding less harmful. Primary problems are papers, plastic food containers, and cheap clothing that she orders. I'm here for a 2-week visit; what can I do? [more inside]
posted by commander_fancypants at 9:41 AM PST - 19 comments

A "friend" (not sure if we're friends anymore) has been less than supportive towards me. He claims it is because of a medical issue, but that's not making sense to me. [more inside]
posted by 8LeggedFriend at 7:05 AM PST - 51 comments

I woke up this morning and tried using my Roku streaming stick, only to find an update to the dispute resolution portion of the terms of service that had only an "Agree" button and no way to close it without clicking on that button. What choice do I have? [more inside]
posted by skoosh at 7:04 AM PST - 3 comments

Recent Battery Life Issues with my iPhone SE. Not sure if its iOS 17 related, or just getting old and nearing end of life. Any tips? [more inside]
posted by konaStFr at 6:06 AM PST - 9 comments

My kid turns 10 in October and the most "tween-y" birthday party theme she could think of was an escape room. We live in Seattle. Attendees would be in 2nd to 4th grade and some of them are various manners of neurodivergent. Please help me figure out how to do this, as the only escape room place I know of is way too creepy AND involves math and geography these kids haven't learned yet. I'm open to something packaged that we can do at home as well. Thank you!
posted by centrifugal at 9:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Mr. Blah and I need a hotel recommendation in Copenhagen that's not too expensive, not a dump, and has decent access to the central train station, Köpenhamn H, as well as centrally located to tourist stuff. The only thing we need to avoid: a ton of stairs. (I don't know if it's common for Danish hotels not to have an elevator?) [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 4:22 PM PST - 10 comments

I filed my 2023 taxes with the free online H&R Block as usual. It calculated a $2 return for federal and no balance for PA. The returns were sent electronically and quickly accepted. Unfortunately I later realized I had never uploaded any of my 1099 forms; I must have missed the prompt. Is there any reason why I shouldn't go ahead and file federal & state amendments? [more inside]
posted by gray17 at 3:26 PM PST - 15 comments

I've been scheduled for this breast biopsy (wire) If that image weren't enough... [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 12:25 PM PST - 30 comments

Somewhere around 4-10 years ago I heard a great set on the podcast Put Your Hands Together. The episode was hosted by comedian River Butcher under his previous name. A male comedian did a well-received set, the highlight was a long bit with some of the following: [paraphrased elements inside] [more inside]
posted by Emmy Rae at 12:04 PM PST - 2 comments

I am beyond burnt out. No energy to do anything. Never feel rested--all the signs and symptoms, I have them. I am also unable to take time off work to recover (incidentally, work is also the main source of my burnout), nor can I afford to see a naturopath. I can, however, get massages, and I regularly see a therapist. I have had my levels tested by my family doctor and all come back in the normal range. [more inside]
posted by figaro at 11:35 AM PST - 28 comments

Can you share your favorite blogs/websites for style inspiration for size 6-10 women? [more inside]
posted by shortyJBot at 7:45 AM PST - 2 comments

Every manual egg beater I've personally used and can find online have reports of jamming except this one which instead has reports of breaking after a couple of years of use. [more inside]
posted by derbyshire at 7:32 AM PST - 16 comments

My primary method of watching shows (a 17” MacBook Pro) has recently aged out of the OS the main streaming sites require. I don’t follow tech advancements, but I know many of you do! What are my options when I want something in the realm of 17-20” that I can put away when not in use? [more inside]
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 11:39 PM PST - 17 comments

The governance committee of the MetaFilter Interim Board is collecting some sample bylaws. I'm looking for bylaws from groups that are roughly similar. So far, I have samples from: * Free Software Foundation * Open Education Consortium * Organization for Transformative Works * Wikimedia Foundation [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 10:02 PM PST - 8 comments

I have this Schirmer's Library book of Mozart sonatas. It seems to use a different convention for numbering sonatas than the rest of the world. For example, it identifies k.300i as Sonata 16, but it's conventionally known as Sonata 11. Meanwhile, the famous k.545 is called Sonata 3 in my book, but elsewhere is Sonata 16. Why the discrepancy? [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 4:42 PM PST - 6 comments

My family is going through a positive change. We've done about as much leg work as we can to prepare. Now we have to wait. We don't know for sure if the change will come to pass, but we are hopeful it will. I find myself wanting to keep researching, searching, training, but I sense that this is about anxiety and control. It's ruminating in a way that is not good for me. How can I handle waiting? [more inside]
posted by CMcG at 3:29 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me find this song from MySpace. [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 2:27 PM PST - 1 comment

A friend is looking for an iOS app where they can hum or sing notes or melodies and have the app record/transcribe the notes and chords into music notation, and/or other useful info. [more inside]
posted by loquacious at 2:02 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm a young-ish queer nonbinary AFAB person who recently started dressing in a less feminine fashion (no dresses, no purses, no super form-fitting tops) and have found it incredibly freeing and wonderful. I am looking for resources or potential retailers that might have clothing items that fit my new style--specifically looking for nice slacks, button-downs in fun prints or bright colors and shoes. [more inside]
posted by lizard2590 at 1:39 PM PST - 17 comments

I have a Brother printer that won't connect either by wireless or USB. I've tried the push button wps setup, attaching it with a usb cord, putting the printer next to the router, nothing seems to work, turning both off for a few minutes - the printer is invisible to the computer. It can't find the SSIDs from local wireless connections, it just sits at 'looking for WLAN' for a few minutes then prints an error sheet. I've reset settings a few times, no change. I will reinstall drivers on the computer, but i feel like the issue must be with the printer as it can't find any wireless connections at all. Is there a reflash option for printers like that? Does anyone have any ideas on this one? The printer is a few years old but was working ok a few days ago.
posted by Sebmojo at 12:16 PM PST - 6 comments

What do I need to know about starting a new meetup group? My specific interest (standup paddleboarding) is not currently represented on meetup.com in my area, or with any other clubs I can find nearby, but I do believe that there are folks locally who would be interested in joining such a group. So, I am thinking about starting it myself. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by TurkishGolds at 10:56 AM PST - 7 comments

What is the best way to sell tickets to tomorrow’s Stardew Valley concert in Seattle without getting scammed? [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:24 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm finishing up my Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology this summer. YAY! It only took me 30 years. I'm throwing around the idea of continuing to get my Master's degree, but I don't even know what that looks like. Is it just taking more classes? Is it project-based? I guess each program varies, but in general, what does a Master's degree entail?
posted by Sassyfras at 10:16 AM PST - 14 comments

For the first time, I see clearly that the common denominator of almost all of my problems in life has been that I don't trust my own perception. I know what I think and feel and want, but convince myself that I'm hormonal, or have unrealistic expectations, or am imprudent, etc., ad infinitum. Needless to say, I'm a woman. This feels like a knot hole in the fence through which I can see a whole other version of my life. What can you recommend on this topic? Novels, self-help, movies, your own experiences, whatever. I'm hungry for more perspective.
posted by HotToddy at 8:35 AM PST - 11 comments

Looking ideally for Teams certified bluetooth headset with ANC, good quality sound (microphone and output). I can see offerings from Jabra, Bose, Sony, Sennheiser.... what do people recommend? I would just go with Jabra but I suspect I wouldn't be thrilled with the sound quality for music but maybe I'm wrong? [more inside]
posted by dance at 7:37 AM PST - 6 comments

Can a 5G hotspot cost-effectively serve wifi to a meeting of 30-40 people in a larger US city? Is it possible to purchase the hardware but only pay for the cell service for the one week every three months that it's needed? [more inside]
posted by mcstayinskool at 7:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Going to be in the Chelsea area overnight to see Sleep No More. Looking for recently verified outdoor places where two people can eat in Manhattan, hopefully within a 30 minute walk/walk+transit from 10th Ave and W 27th. Heating is preferable but we will do without if needed. Definitely need someplace for an early dinner; a place for breakfast would also be good. Ideally someplace that serves food suitable for vegetarians.
posted by rednikki at 6:52 AM PST - 3 comments

Juniors at work are indignant about the fact that I (younger woman) have authority over them and are acting out. I’m frustrated. What the hell am I supposed to do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:27 AM PST - 31 comments

Helping a friend clear out her garage, which contains decades of family stuff, and we've found this. Possible scribing tool or measuring equipment? (And subsidiary desk function question.) [more inside]
posted by paduasoy at 1:08 AM PST - 7 comments