April 2015 Archives
April 30
If you could only read one parenting book.. (Or two or three)
My wife and I are talking about starting a family soon. I'm excited but extremely nervous and also fairly clueless about pregnancy, babies, and children. I've started looking for books to prepare, but there's so (so) much out there, I'm not really sure where to start. Realistically, I expect to read 2-3 books. [more inside]
Nike Wedge Sneaker
Long shot: Can I somehow get these wedge sneakers?? [more inside]
Divorce across state lines
We lived in California. I moved to North Carolina. He stayed. I want to file for divorce in California. I'd like a little internet not-legal advice before I make my first move. [more inside]
Living alone in SF. Difficulty level: postdoc
Is it possible to find a studio in SF proper for ≤$1650/mo? Where (and how) should I be looking? [more inside]
Employment Insurance in Ontario
Hi. I have a question about how employment insurance works in Ontario. I read through the government of Ontario's webpage, but some things were unclear and I was hoping to get some clarity here. (If there's a better place to post this, please let me know!)
I currently work as an actuarial student. In this context, student means that I'm still progressing through exams - I'm actually in my late 20's and well out of university. My job requires that I pass a series of exams. If I fail to pass an exam at least once every 18 months, I'll be fired. I'm writing an exam at the end of April and if I fail, I will meet the condition where the company can fire me. My question is - would I qualify for employment insurance payments if that were to happen?
Sit in the Combing Place and utter the spell MEOW.
My cat loves to be combed. She was fine with a brush, then I tried a comb, and then I tried another comb. She absolutely loves to be combed with that one. I know the benefits of removing cat hair. This is not utilitarian any more, it's a thing she loves and wants. Will my cat ask for more combing than is good for her? [more inside]
posted by jet_silver at 8:08 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by jet_silver at 8:08 PM PST - 10 comments
I don't know whether to live in Boston or SF!
I (29, male) am finishing grad school in Boston in a few weeks. I want to live in either Boston or SF. Either way, I have to sacrifice relationships: if I stay here by rarely seeing my extended family, and if I move by losing touch with my friends here. How do I choose? [more inside]
posted by sninctown at 7:48 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by sninctown at 7:48 PM PST - 21 comments
Help me find a classy petite bridesmaids dress
I'm going to be a bridesmaid and I get to buy my own dress! Great. However, I have a specific brief: boat neck, low (ideally quite low) back, short sleeve or sleeveless. Length is up to me but she'd prefer it be shorter rather than longer. Nothing white or white-adjacent. I'm struggling to find a petite dress that fits the brief and still looks classy. Help? [more inside]
Does SATA airlines still fly direct from Boston to Lisbon?
Searching "direct flights" from Boston to Lisbon turns up vague references and a Boston Globe article from two years ago (http://www.boston.com/travel/blog/2013/04/new_flights_bet.html). I know some people who have flown this route in the past, but neither Google Flights nor any other travel site can actually show those flights. Was this route discontinued? Does any other airline still fly BOS-LIS direct?
posted by Seeking Direction at 6:54 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Seeking Direction at 6:54 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me think of a gift for my awesome teaching mentor!
The instructor for the genetics course I have TAed for for the last two years got laid off, and her last final at the university is coming up soon. Another grad student who taught with her and I would like to get her a small gift as a send-off, but are trying to think of ideas. Difficulty level: gluten free, so my initial impulse to make fancy scones and cookies is probably a no-go. [more inside]
posted by sciatrix at 6:41 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by sciatrix at 6:41 PM PST - 8 comments
ID this 1950s California poster?
The headline is "Better Not Start Anything", and it's shown in this photo from this book, California Surfing and Climbing in the Fifties. [more inside]
posted by a halcyon day at 5:26 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by a halcyon day at 5:26 PM PST - 12 comments
Bur.ri.tos / Ve.ri.tas
A few years ago, I saw someone walking around in a shirt with the Harvard seal on it, except that the "VE RI TAS" part had been replaced with "BUR RI TOS." I would very much like to purchase this shirt or one like it, but can't find it online. Any leads?
posted by delight at 4:42 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by delight at 4:42 PM PST - 3 comments
Hybrid me!
Suggestions, please, for a smallish hybrid vehicle to replace a worn-out Civic. We're in Ontario, Canada, so choices are limited (and dealers entirely apathetic). Likely to keep the car for 10 years or so, and looking for low total cost of ownership. [more inside]
posted by scruss at 4:41 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by scruss at 4:41 PM PST - 11 comments
NYC Elopement Advice
You guys! My fiance and I eloping this Saturday afternoon in NYC! We are having a short ceremony in Central Park, a photography session in DUMBO, and then an intimate dinner for 5 in a restaurant. Advice? [more inside]
How Do I Sell Objects That Turn Out to Be Valuable?
I have had a set of Playboy femlins forever, a gift from a friend 30 years ago.
To my astonishment, I learned recently that there is apparently a market for these figurines. Not only that, my set is in pristine condition, which many of those marketed/auctioned are not.
I would like to sell them. What is my next step?
posted by Short Attention Sp at 4:24 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Short Attention Sp at 4:24 PM PST - 13 comments
How do I cover this brass curly thing?
I am about to refinish an old wooden chest. it has a brass metal thing similar to this on the front that does not seem to be removable. How in the world do I cover just the metal parts of something like that up while I am refinishing it? [more inside]
Host Liquor Liability Insurance
In the midst of wedding planning and I am not sure how to resolve this particular issue. We finally found and booked a venue that we like and where we could bring in an outside caterer. Our caterer happens to be a BYO restaurant. Our venue allows us to serve alcohol but requires proof of insurance. Particularly, Host Liquor Liability insurance for $500,000. Since the caterer is a BYO, he does not have this coverage. How do I go about getting the required insurance? I know there are third party insurance providers. Is this where I should turn to? [Located in Philadelphia, the venue is a township owned building, the wedding date in Summer 2015]
posted by allthingsconsidered at 2:05 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by allthingsconsidered at 2:05 PM PST - 5 comments
Cheap, Light, Portable Rowboat for A Dinky Little Pond
There's a small pond a ten minute walk from my house. I'd like to do some breezy fun rowing, but it would be too expensive and too hard to transport a full-out rowboat, kayak, or canoe there by myself. Is there a not-too-expensive, easily-transported option that's really fun to row around in?
posted by Quisp Lover at 1:46 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 1:46 PM PST - 16 comments
Hack me twice, shame on me. Hack me once, ... crap.
I know that password managers (LastPass, etc) are Good Things™. I know that using the same password for multiple things is terrible. And yet I can't bring myself to let go of my current habits. Help me see reason here. [more inside]
posted by Dilligas at 1:45 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by Dilligas at 1:45 PM PST - 27 comments
Prenatal Screening
Just found out that we are expecting our first child. We are about 8 weeks along! We are lucky enough to split out time between Kentucky and Florida. Currently, I am seeing two different doctors, one in each state, as we travel back and forth a bit. Coming up on 10 weeks, both doctors have recommended prenatal screening. One office recommends a "Sequential Screen" test (also called Integrated Screen as well as a Quad screen). The other office offers a similar NIPT screen called "Panorama Prenatal Screen". I understand that different companies offer different services, but I'm trying to figure out if one of these is recommended over the other. Any insight would be appreciated!
Attachment Parenting = Securely Attached Child?
Have attachment parenting concepts been scientifically validated? do they really increase the chances of raising a securely attached child? [more inside]
posted by serenity soonish at 1:08 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by serenity soonish at 1:08 PM PST - 31 comments
Term for this? "Your Good Thing isn't Good Enough and therefore is Bad!"
I'm trying to come up with a term that describes a phenomenon where someone's genuinely well-intentioned effort is criticized because it's perceived to be not good enough, or ideologically impure in some critical way. Examples inside... [more inside]
posted by spamloaf at 12:42 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by spamloaf at 12:42 PM PST - 39 comments
Furniture delivery problems
I ordered furniture that was delivered to the sidewalk. I live in a three-story walk-up, and explicitly asked the company to send people to carry the furniture upstairs. It's damaged because I had to carry it inside myself. What can I do? [more inside]
Summer sublet question
Would three people sharing a (big) two-bedroom for two months be too cramped? [more inside]
Where can I get 4mm surgical stainless steel wire (online or in LA)?
I have a metalworker friend who's offered to make me stainless steel jewelry for a 6ga septum piercing in exchange for pizza and beer, as long as I can find him the raw materials he needs in the correct size. Unfortunately, I can't for the life of me seem to find 6 gauge (4mm) stainless steel rods/wire anywhere. There are a bunch of people selling jewelry online in this size...where are THEY getting it from?
posted by sirion at 11:54 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by sirion at 11:54 AM PST - 8 comments
Really severe pain in hips/back: What sort of doctor?
My 41 year-old sister has been experiencing intense pain for the past five weeks. She has seen a number of doctors, with no clear diagnosis and no reduction in pain. My question is, exactly which kind of doctor should she see, and are there any particular questions she should ask. [more inside]
Why is this man who is totally out of my league pursuing me?
I dumped a guy who's totally out of my league. Now he is chasing me like there's no tomorrow. Why? And will it last? [more inside]
Bedtime stories redux: looking for short histories of famous women
My daughter is 8 and she loves her bedtime stories, but she doesn't want to be read to, she would rather we recite a story out loud while sitting in the dark. Well yesterday my imagination ran out so I told her the story of Mata Hari as best I knew it and she loved it! [more inside]
Buying corsets in NYC and online
Looking for recommendations for places to buy corsets, both in NYC and online. I am familiar with Orchard Corset. Thanks for any other ideas!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 10:39 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 10:39 AM PST - 18 comments
Directory Mail Merge to Email Messages?
I have a spreadsheet that has students’ names and their class schedules. We want to be able to email the class schedule to the students using an email mail merge. I am willing to use Excel/Word or Google Docs/Sheets. I think I have figured out how to use a directory mail merge in Word to print the schedules, but we really need to email the schedules to the students instead of print them. [more inside]
SMS/Text messaging on computer
I'd like to be able to send/receive text messages on my computer. I have an iPhone and a MacBook Pro, but I DON'T want to update to Yosemite. Is this possible? [more inside]
posted by Questolicious at 9:54 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Questolicious at 9:54 AM PST - 11 comments
Discussion group ideas needed
I am hosting my neighborhood women's discussion group tonight. I am supposed to have some discussion topics ready, but I have absolutely nothing. Help! [more inside]
Using privacy add-ons without breaking the internet
What combination of Firefox privacy add-ons offers the most privacy while still retaining website functionality? [more inside]
posted by koucha at 9:48 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by koucha at 9:48 AM PST - 5 comments
Public transit between SFO and Middletown, CA
Is there any public bus, or other form of public transit, to get me from SFO to Middletown, California, and back again?
My Android phone has deleted Google Play Services. How can I fix it?
I have a Moto G running Android 4.4.4 that has a bad habit of occasionally deleting an app without provocation. This is a small bother normally (I just re-download the app), but this time, it has deleted Google Play Services, which is necessary for all kinds of things. How do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 9:44 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 9:44 AM PST - 19 comments
Best place to purchase a nice desk name plate/sign
I'd like to purchase a friend a nice-looking (probably wood?) desk name plate/sign to celebrate a recent graduation. Probably something along these lines, but open to suggestions. I would want it customized with just her name. (I know this sounds a little random, but knowing her I believe she will get a kick out of it.) [more inside]
posted by rainbowbrite at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by rainbowbrite at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments
Teach me about guitar tone and how to acquire it.
I have a 15-ish year-old Mexican Stratocaster and a 5-ish year-old Fender Super Champ XD amplifier. Together this combination sounds... not good. I would like to fix that somehow. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 9:09 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by bondcliff at 9:09 AM PST - 44 comments
On Quotation and Punctuation
Should a sentence end with a quotation mark or the punctuation mark? [more inside]
Aural Umami?
I like a quality in music that crosses genres and artists. The closest I can describe it is the physicality of a song, when a song has multiple layers and textures to it, as diverse as possible, like a single soaring voice above a dense harsh house base, or multiple stereo-spaced out tracks of different instruments and voices interwoven. I'm looking for more songs like these - below the fold are some favourite examples to hopefully explain this from my spotify lists. And whoot if there's an actual music term for this preference! [more inside]
What are the summer equivalent of my skinny cords?
I'm looking for some new women's pants to wear to work in the summer. Specifics inside! [more inside]
Best Bluetooth ever?
Assuming money is no object, which Bluetooth headset is awesome and totally worth it? i.e., what can I get that would be so much better than the $30 headset I currently use if I upped my budget?
Doodling in a rare first edition
I have purchased for someone I care about very much a somewhat rare first edition of a book by their favourite author. I am considering defacing it by writing an inscription and a profane doodle inside the cover. [more inside]
Aging, depressed parents in another country
A few years ago my parents, who immigrated to the US (where I was born and raised) moved back to their home country, which is in the Middle East. I'm still in the US. About a year and a half ago my only sibling died unexpectedly, causing all three of us untold amounts of grief. Now they're old, tired, and depressed in a distant country and I don't know what to do. What can I do to improve/feel better about this situation? [more inside]
Incorrect phone number listing on Google driving us mad. Help!
Google Plus has an unmanaged page for a local business that incorrectly lists my parents' phone number instead of the correct one. How do we fix this? [more inside]
posted by futureisunwritten at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by futureisunwritten at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments
The computer application migration challenge! Difficulty level: DataEase
Target options: Ffenics, Alpha 5, C#/SqlServer, or ? Elaboration within. [more inside]
We created a household budget! Now how do we keep to it?
My partner and I haven't always been good at tracking or controlling our spending. After looking at a couple of years of spending data from various sources, we've finally nailed down a monthly household budget, and we're hoping to implement it starting tomorrow (start of a new month). Now the question is how to make sure we stay within our spending limits for each category. Herein be snowflakes... [more inside]
Whose physical address do we use for Can-Spam compliance?
We send emails on behalf of other clients. Who physical address do we need to use for CAN-SPAM compliance? Us (the agency) or the organization we are doing work for? Or both? [more inside]
Recommend me a camping trip near Columbus Ohio
Can anyone recommend some nice places to go camping with a small travel trailer in and around central Ohio? [more inside]
posted by Poldo at 6:53 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Poldo at 6:53 AM PST - 6 comments
Sorry, that day's not available
I work for a company that, I feel, is inflexible in regards to work off requests. I'm looking for some outside perspective about what's reasonable to expect in a corporate environment and how to cope with those expectations. [more inside]
Affordable reunion-style wedding ideas? (MN edition)
Mr. Airguitar and I planning a wedding that we're hoping avoids some of the Wedding Industrial Complex pitfalls. Easier said than done! [more inside]
Help me name my new creative venture!
After running a successful food/lifestyle blog for a year with a friend, I'm branching out to do my own thing. I'm having trouble pinning down a name and after thinking of nothing but names for the past week, my brain is mush. [more inside]
Landing at Logan, Staying in Woburn, going to Fenway--train or cab?
First time in Boston and going to go see a Red Sox game this weekend. Flying into Logan, staying at a hotel in Woburn (very close to the Anderson Regional Transportation Center,) and will be going to Fenway on Friday. What is the best way to go? [more inside]
posted by holybagel at 1:06 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by holybagel at 1:06 AM PST - 17 comments
April 29
Very specific driving advice needed, ABQ to Smyer TX and back
My wife and I will be in eastern NM/NW TX from Friday to Sunday for a funeral. We will have a Mustang convertible, a tight time schedule, and a first-timers perspective to the area. We need some good advice. [more inside]
Finding a wood with a specific look in Seattle
I'm so lost I'm having summing up the question here. But: I have a sample of wood and I want to show it to someone, and have them make me something that looks like it, in a specific size. Who would this be? [more inside]
Roommate and new "girlfriend" making me uncomfortable. Solutions?
My roommate/landlord has a new "girlfriend" - my space feels invaded, but complicating factors ensue. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Setting up a fund-raising donation page for a Nepali village
In light of the recent earthquakes, I am looking for the best and easiest way to setup a page that accepts donations for a small, local, Nepali nonprofit. [more inside]
iTunes-how to restore previous version -- can it be done?
Is it possible to move backward in iTunes versions? I'd love to get an earlier one. [more inside]
Dog-proof window treatments?
My 80-lb. German Shepherd destroyed an expensive custom blind today. Help me avoid throwing more money away. [more inside]
Mom wants to keep her independence and you can help!
The fabulous Momquat lives alone and has requested a health monitor service of the "help, I've fallen..." variety to give her some peace of mind. She doesn't need assisted living or a roommate, just the ability to summon help in the rare emergency. Help me select a good system, taking into account her snowflakes. [more inside]
posted by jenquat at 6:22 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by jenquat at 6:22 PM PST - 5 comments
What kind of acoustic foam should I buy for soundproofing?
My nephew is staying with us for the next few months and he is studying opera in school. Like most opera singers he has a HUGE voice. We'd like to make a small box in the corner of a room where he can stick his head in and practice without disturbing anyone. [more inside]
Garage magic! Who pays?
I own a condo in a six unit building. Five of us own spaces in a garage on the other side of the backyard. Some garages (which are separated by walls) have doors opening to the backyard; mine doesn't. So I'm planning to add a door, which will require cutting through the wall of the garage and extending the sidewalk in the backyard to reach my new door.
Should I ask the condo association pay for any part of this?
posted by chimpsonfilm at 5:14 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by chimpsonfilm at 5:14 PM PST - 7 comments
Outdoor adventures in Portland, Maine!
MeFites provided me with some awesome recommendations when I spent some time in Albany, NY a couple of years ago, so I'm looking to you guys to help me out with Portland, Maine! [more inside]
posted by foxhat10 at 3:31 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by foxhat10 at 3:31 PM PST - 8 comments
Purchasing & processing 35mm film in Paris
I'll be in Paris for two weeks and I want to shoot some black & white film while there. I'd prefer to not bring film with me on the plane and instead buy and process my film while there. [more inside]
posted by starscream at 3:29 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by starscream at 3:29 PM PST - 4 comments
Scholarly literature on the effects of ritual?
I would like books and journal articles written by grave people with PHDs out their ass on the physiological and psychological effects of rituals. [more inside]
posted by curuinor at 3:18 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by curuinor at 3:18 PM PST - 16 comments
Chicago Now
I'm going to be in Chicago this weekend. What should I do? Interests and schedule inside. [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:07 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:07 PM PST - 24 comments
Closing Facebook Account. I Have Questions!
I'm getting tired of Facebook and want to close my account. It's becoming too problematic, socially skewed, lacking in cuss words and attention-draining with ad's.
I do want to save all my previous posts and photos. How would I do so?
I also have access to my business accounts through my personal site. Is there a way I can make these stand on their own?
Is it an indian gift or a rip off?
What would you do? My friend Ted and I have a disagreement about a pool cue that has fractured our relationship. Ted says I broke an agreement to trade with him for a cue case. He said I screwed him because when he showed up on Monday with the case I told him another friend, Dan had bought the cue over the weekend. I'll return to this in a moment but there is an element to this dispute regarding Gene giving me the disputed cue back in 2012 three years ago. [more inside]
posted by Jim_Jam at 2:41 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by Jim_Jam at 2:41 PM PST - 31 comments
How to get to Poolesville from BWI on a Sunday?
I have a meeting super early on Monday morning in Washington, so I'm going to fly in on Sunday afternoon and get some time with family in Poolesville, MD. I'd really like to avoid asking my cousins to come get me since they have a newborn and don't need any extra responsibility right now. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by deliciae at 2:36 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by deliciae at 2:36 PM PST - 1 comment
What's my best option for birth control?
My doctor wants to put me on hormonal birth control to help with some health issues I've been having, but I have concerns about the side effects. I'm scared and in pain. Please help me figure out my options (special snowflakes aplenty below)... [more inside]
What kind of duck is this supposed to be?
I need to know what kind of real-world duck this children's book illustration depicts. [more inside]
posted by Biblio at 2:18 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Biblio at 2:18 PM PST - 9 comments
Please don't make me choose between sanity and facebook.
Quit Facebook. No regrets. Except now I'm locked out of a number of websites I joined by clicking that "sign up with Facebook" button. How do I get in to these sites without reactivating my FB account? [more inside]
When did this SNL clip air?
In a research project I'm working on, I'll be citing this (pretty funny) clip of Chris Rock doing commentary on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update. But I'm having a hell of a time figuring out the air date, especially since it's just part of Weekend Update and not a named skit. The presence of Rock and Kevin Nealon narrows it down a little, but not nearly as precisely as I need.
Hoping that the hive mind knows of some advanced SNL-dating techniques that are beyond me.
posted by the phlegmatic king at 2:15 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by the phlegmatic king at 2:15 PM PST - 5 comments
overwhelmed with life- what should I be doing?
I have a BA in Fine Arts and I graduated December of 2012. I've been working full-time at a Chinese restaurant since graduating. However, I feel stuck. Being the assistant manager of a restaurant isn't what I want to be doing at all. I've been looking at different programs to teach English in another country, but it somewhat feels like running away from career decisions. I don't want to be a teacher in the long run. I've never left the country, let alone been on a plane. Is it worth it? I've thought about grad school but with a lump sum of current student loans it seems like another way to kill a few years and resume finding a solid career in my field. I do illustration and abstract impressionist painting...I feel hopeless in the job hunt. I make fair wages to survive comfortably but my passion for art has become considerably numbed.
I don't have much guidance as for being an artist from peers nor family, so any advice would be a huge help. Thanks
Where to watch Mayweather-Pacquiao in Burlington Vermont
I'm going to burlington vermont this weekend for a job interview. I know no one there, and have never been there before. I really want to watch the fight on Saturday night, though. Where should I go to watch the fight and maybe meet a few nice strangers? I have no preference for drinks but good food is always welcome.
How to deal with complicated grief when logic isn't doing the trick?
I recently had a missed miscarriage of a very much wanted pregnancy at 12 weeks. I know logically there must have been a problem that most likely wasn't my fault, that statistically miscarriages happen in 10-20% of known pregnancies....all of that. But this isn't helping my heart - advice? [more inside]
posted by brambory at 12:23 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by brambory at 12:23 PM PST - 18 comments
What is your favorite Q?
I am interested in making a small stamp with a letter Q to use to monogram clothing items. I don't like any of the ones I've seen with an alphabet set. Do you have a typeface with a nice letter Q, either capital or miniscule? I want it to be recognizable/readable and I tend to prefer more modern fonts but I'm open to everything.
posted by bq at 12:23 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by bq at 12:23 PM PST - 11 comments
Am I really wrong for wanting my husband to stay in counseling?
My husband and I have had a terrible past year. He has verbally, emotionally and mentally abused me. We each started into individual counseling last fall. His counselor is extremely perceptive and has keyed in on behaviours that lead to him abusing me, and we've both noticed real improvement at home as a result. After one month without any abuse, now he wants to quit counseling. This led to a nasty fight, where he thinks that I am a bad, manipulative person for wanting him to stick with counseling. Now I feel absolutely awful in every way. [more inside]
posted by chatelaine at 12:15 PM PST - 119 comments
posted by chatelaine at 12:15 PM PST - 119 comments
Pop/R&B Songs Featuring Spanish Guitar?
What are some recognizable Pop or R&B songs that prominently feature Spanish guitar? (By recognizable I mean songs released as singles that were at least somewhat popular.) An example of what I'm looking for is Toni Braxton's "Un-Break My Heart."
What is this plant?
We have two unidentified plants in our Chicago backyard - what are they? Pictures inside. [more inside]
posted by cimton at 11:43 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by cimton at 11:43 AM PST - 8 comments
Tinder: "there was a problem getting your code"
Every time I try to log in to Tinder I get asked to enter my phone number for a verification code. And every single time after I enter my number I get the same error: "there was a problem getting your code. Please try again". I have looked through Google and tried various "fixes" for this problem but none have worked for me. I'm hoping the super-geniuses in the Hive Mind can help me. My phone is a QUE 5.0 running Android 4.4.2. My service is through Net10 (which uses AT&T towers).
Should the 2015 MacBook Pro 13" be my first Mac?
Will this be good for XCode development, and can it drive two WQXGA (2560x1600) monitors reasonably well (no gaming)? [more inside]
posted by SpookyFish at 11:03 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by SpookyFish at 11:03 AM PST - 16 comments
Madeira and Corsica and Sardinia, oh my!
My partner and I are trying to narrow down options for a side trip from our fall family visit to the UK. We're thinking an island might make a nice choice, and I would love some hivemind advice. [more inside]
posted by sabotagerabbit at 10:58 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by sabotagerabbit at 10:58 AM PST - 6 comments
Will a Toyota Sienna help me move a six-foot couch?
I need to get a 6-foot couch transported. Would prefer to drive myself, and a pickup truck is a little too high/intimidating for me (I'm short and usually drive a compact car, same goes for my traveling companion). I've driven a minivan before and was looking at renting a Toyota Sienna from Zipcar. They say it's great for moving furniture, but they don't want you to remove the 2nd row of seats. Um, okay. [more inside]
HPV 16, Abnormal Colposcopy
My gyno says to wait until my next yearly appointment for a pap smear and HPV test. That's 10 months away. Should I wait that long? [more inside]
Buproprion and MDMA
I'm asking this for a friend. She would like to take MDMA (ecstasy, molly) with a friend, who is very MDMA experienced (she has never tried it). However, she is on buproprion (Wellbutrin, 300 mg). She'd like some perspective on the possible risks. [more inside]
Seeking Advice for Visiting Green Bay for a Packers Game
In honor of his retirement, my father and I are planning a trip to Wisconsin to see a Packers game at Lambeau in September or October. Neither of us has ever been to Wisconsin, and I would love any advice about the logistics of traveling around and staying in Green Bay, other interesting or fun things to do, or any other Green Bay or Wisconsin specific advice. [more inside]
posted by Caz721 at 10:01 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Caz721 at 10:01 AM PST - 8 comments
A very, very, very fine house.
We are buying our first home (yay!). Every time we go over there to poke around, I notice another thing that we don't deal with in our current four-unit apartment building. What are some things we need to buy? What are the things we need to do right away? Any tips you wish you would have known? Any thoughts on order of operations -- can we move as soon as there are beds, or when the internet arrives, or what? Please help us rehome. [more inside]
Recommend me a good home improvement/renovation forum
Hi,
We just bought a house which needs some work. For some of the work we'll hire contractors and some small jobs we'll do it our self. So I'll be seeking feedback/advice from others time to time and it could be about taking down a wall, buying appliances, kitchen & bathroom remodel, flooring, garden, etc ...
Rather than posting all of these questions to AskMeFi I'm looking for suggestions on a forum with good user participation.
Thanks. [more inside]
giving away music free for a film -- ruins future sync deals?
An indie film maker wants to use a song my band recorded and released for free. It's written by a friend's band and used with their permission. The film maker is asking to use it for free for a low-ish budget indie film. They have a contract, which states that they will use it for free and how they can use it (and that they do not have exclusive rights). We're pretty much ok with it, and so are the original songwriters. BUT... we've had interest in the past for commercial sync deals with this song. On two occasions, a sync company approached us to present the song to a client for commercials. Although these deals didn't work out, it's not unforeseeable that we get approached again, since this particular song seems to have commercial appeal. My question: if we give the song away for free to this film, will that ruin our chances of selling the song in the future? I know that legally, we can do whatever we want. However, would a sync company or their clients not want to use it if it had already appeared in a film? [more inside]
posted by cejl at 8:22 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by cejl at 8:22 AM PST - 8 comments
7 hours in Stockholm
I have a 7 hour stopover in Stockholm (ARN) next Thursday. Is it worth going into the city, and if so, what should I do/where should I eat? [more inside]
posted by cvp at 8:15 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by cvp at 8:15 AM PST - 8 comments
Can you listen to my AC and tell me what's wrong with it?
We left our air conditioner in the window during a cold winter (stupidly uncovered). Now when we turn it on, it makes a ghastly scraping sort of sound for as long as we run it. I've recorded it and taken a photo; any idea what might be the culprit and how to fix it? [more inside]
What should I keep in my home for overnight guests?
Suppose you're a woman, and you're staying over at a guy's place for the first time. What sorts of personal essentials/amenities/etc. would you like to see in his home? [more inside]
Feeling ambivilant about my PhD program. Should I apply for this job?
I'm finishing up the second year of my PhD program. This is a particularly stressful time in the program--I'm finishing my coursework and should be ABD in a couple of months. I am planning on making a decision at the end of next month whether or not I want to keep on.
But I just found out about a great job opportunity with a nonprofit organization I like and have a relationship with and I am really really qualified for. So now I'm wondering...would it hurt to apply? [more inside]
It's not you, it's your... er, B.O.
My friend has a problem that might be impeding his social life. I'd like to know how to speak to him about it. [more inside]
Songs about living under curfew and military occupation.
Hanging out here in Baltimore. What are some songs about curfew and military occupation? Any genre, any language welcome.
I want to upgrade my Mac OSX from 10.6.8 to 10.7. Free upgrade?
I want to upgrade my Mac OSX from 10.6.8 to 10.7 and then eventually to 10.8. I am looking for free upgrades. Can you point me in the right direction? Thank you hive
What's the best way to walk with my luggage if the handle won't extend?
I'm going on a trip next week. Yay! I have a rolling suitcase. The handle won't extend; it's jammed and the button is stuck down. I would like to be able to walk with this suitcase without either hunching over and hurting my back or having it careen into me in a desperate bid for freedom as I walk down a hill. [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 5:52 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 5:52 AM PST - 23 comments
How is the software sausage made?
If you work at a forwarding thinking company that builds software, what does your process and tooling look like? I realize this is a big question, but I am very interested in how teams are working these days. Starting from an idea, how do you go about discovering, analyzing / estimating, planning / tracking, building, testing, deploying, and documenting your software? [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized at 5:47 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by jasondigitized at 5:47 AM PST - 2 comments
Looking for a mindfulness retreat near a sunny beach in Europe
Recommendations please! More about what I'm after inside. [more inside]
Unlock my Samsung Galaxy S3
A friend of mine has given me their old Samsung Galaxy S3. Yay! It is locked and the carrier won't unlock it without forcing a fee to be paid. Boo! [more inside]
"Like carrying coals to Newcastle"
I used the expression "Like carrying coals to Newcastle" with my wife, who is originally from Ecuador. There is a different version in Ecuador. What other linguistic and regional variations do we know? [more inside]
April 28
What colors go with these bouquets?
I'm thinking of getting these dresses for my 4 bridesmaids: DESSY 2894. Which of the colors on the site would go well if I'm holding a bouquet that's a blend of these? (More details inside) [more inside]
posted by dogcow2015 at 11:50 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by dogcow2015 at 11:50 PM PST - 14 comments
Where is this vest from?
I'm wondering about the origins of a handmade quilted & embroidered vest. The front is beautifully embroidered with birds and flowers, while the back has several circular sections with layered/3D quilting. [more inside]
Seattle-area therapist for depression-related problems
I would like recommendations for a Seattle-area therapist for depression/anxiety problems. [more inside]
How do I deal with these complicated feelings?
At the last minute this evening, my SO changed our plans due to the needs of his ex. This isn't the first time it's happened. How do I handle this type of situation without feeling like a jerk? [more inside]
How to deal with a family who disproves of the partner that you love?
I've seen questions like mine all over the internet. I've scoured the internet for endless hours in search of effective coping strategies, but every situation is unique. I'm hoping to find some valuable information for my own situation, which I fear may crumble if I do. [more inside]
wow, such pants, very flatters
How can I find other men's pants that are cut just like this one perfect pair of pants I have (CPO Provisions "skinny chino" from Urban Outfitters)? [more inside]
Day job blues.
How do I cope? [more inside]
Help me come up with a meaningful - yet dull - alternative assignment.
I am a first-year high school art teacher. I need something for a couple students to do for the next three weeks that is relevant but not as interesting as what other students are working on. I want ideas that aren't just "write an essay on x topic", unless that really is the best option. [more inside]
posted by Donuts at 7:08 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Donuts at 7:08 PM PST - 23 comments
What are female names that are also actions?
I've recently realized, much to my dismay, that guys get all the active, doing, [enter verb here]-er names, like Hunter, Cooper, etc. Female names seem to get inactive nouns, like Rose or Patience. Laaaaame. Can ya'll think of any active, female names of the [Verb]-er construction? Or even any cool verbs that aren't traditional names, but would make a nice name? The best I've come up with is Runner, which I think sounds lovely, but that's just me.
posted by Grandysaur at 7:08 PM PST - 54 comments
posted by Grandysaur at 7:08 PM PST - 54 comments
Societal values only change as generations die out - source?
Which social/academic theorist came up with this idea that societal/cultural values only change as generations pass? The flow on impact of that is it's sometimes not even worth trying to change the minds of people, just wait for them die out. [more inside]
posted by mrme at 7:02 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mrme at 7:02 PM PST - 5 comments
Question about demographic research project
My question is about how to find someone who can appropriately choose a representative set of zip codes from a larger set.
How could I get someone to choose, in an intellectually defensible way, a list of 30 to 50 zip codes that essentially represent my entire state? In other words, how could I come up with a list of 30 to 50 zip codes that economically/demographically are a representative subset of the entire state? [more inside]
Writing a letter to Judge to plead leniency
What does a judge want to read about the person being, uh, judged? [more inside]
posted by Jazz Hands at 5:46 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Jazz Hands at 5:46 PM PST - 11 comments
Negotiation strategy: openly naming the minimum
A couple of years ago I came across a negotiation technique either here or on LinkedIn that has worked well for me, I just don't know what it is called. It involved starting by having each party writing down and sharing what they thought was the other party's absolute non-negotiable, and conceding that. [more inside]
posted by cgk at 4:33 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by cgk at 4:33 PM PST - 7 comments
Getting a Clinical Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
I am a female over 40 and will be getting a clinical psych evaluation from my state rehab agency because I've told them I suspect I am on the spectrum. I'm looking for accommodation and support via the diagnosis. I'm concerned about getting misdiagnosed. [more inside]
posted by Beethoven's Sith at 4:06 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Beethoven's Sith at 4:06 PM PST - 5 comments
Teach me more about bodymods, but less about hatchets and aesthetics.
Ever since I was a kid and saw Luke Skywalker get a robot hand, the idea of modifying my body has been of interest. Over the years I've seen things like Tigerman, Warren Ellis' "What is Best in Life?" series, and plenty of BMEzine. Most of this tends to focus on visual modification which I could care less about, or extreme cases. Still, I want to learn more, but more function, less form. [more inside]
Has anyone had the Foley Balloon Procedure done?
(also known as cervical ripening balloon)
Curious about other's experience with the balloon procedure? How painful or how much discomfort did you feel? [more inside]
What small comforting things would you bring to a disaster zone?
My SO is leaving for Nepal in less than 24 hrs for an int'l disaster relief org he works for on one of his first overseas disaster trips. I'd like to get some practical ideas on what to add to his bag besides the absolute necessities. We just found out he will be there much longer than we initially thought. [more inside]
posted by goodnight moon at 2:34 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by goodnight moon at 2:34 PM PST - 30 comments
Can you recommend some good universities/colleges for me?
I am a 26 year-old Chinese girl who is living in America now holding a permanent resident card. I can speak very good English. I graduated from a university in China and my major was English and literature. I worked for a UN Wetland Project in China for a year as an interpreter and project assistant. Now I am considering to further my study and enjoying college life again. I would prefer to do my Master's Degree. But i am totally fine to just be an undergraduate student again. And the subjects or majors do not really matter too much. Subjects like languages, psychology, medicine, international relations and anything related to culture and the environment are fine with me. [more inside]
The Breakfast Club
Hey Brilliant People!
I'm wondering if anyone knows where the title for "The Breakfast Club" film came from. It's so confusing! Also, does anyone know of any scholarly research done on John Hughes' movies?
Thanks so much :)
Happy Spring!
Help with finding a bra - fibromyalgia, small band, large cup edition.
I have chronic pain, and one way it manifests is rib pain and upper back pain. It occurs regardless of bra wearing status, but bras make it worse. But I can't go without a bra, which is uncomfortable and causes different pain. I think a bra with a really wide band would help, but can't find anything in my size. [more inside]
Please help us name a mini-golf goat.
There is a cute goat who lives in a cute little goat house. With the help of about 5 bunny rabbit friends, he (or she?) keeps the grass trimmed at an abandoned mini-golf (putt-putt) place. We stop there occasionally to talk to the goat and to fantasize about running a mini-golf-ery since it's for sale. But what is a clever name for a goat associated with mini-golf? We are at a loss for a good one, properly punny.
posted by MonsieurBon at 1:28 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by MonsieurBon at 1:28 PM PST - 36 comments
Alaska children's book
Trying to remember two separate Alaska kids' books I used to read all the time that have somehow gotten lost over the years. [more inside]
posted by huckit at 12:56 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by huckit at 12:56 PM PST - 4 comments
Cooling an urban apartment with a fan?
Experienced urbanites: What is the best method to use a fan to cool an apartment that only has windows on one side of the building? [more inside]
But....but....mac and cheese?!?!?!?
Gluten and dairy sensitivity: Kids edition [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 12:18 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by ian1977 at 12:18 PM PST - 31 comments
Definitive test to see if someone is eating strictly vegan?
So, I made a drunken bet with someone. They made the claim to me that they will eat vegan for the next 10 weeks. The stakes are high enough that I don't want to lose. Can the collective mind help me devise a way to verify the claims made are accurate? [more inside]
You better be weave it!
I'm interested in weaving and would like your best resources for absolute beginners. Supplies, books, blogs and websites, etc. [more inside]
What is this little purple flower?
Now blooming on the lawn in New Jersey
The plant is about 7 inches tall
The urn-shaped florets less than half an inch long.
I could not find it in wild- or nonwild- flower lists. [more inside]
posted by hexatron at 11:22 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by hexatron at 11:22 AM PST - 6 comments
The IT Integration and Proprioception Engine. Does it Really Exist?
This is a weird one and I apologize in advance, but I'm short of time and gobsmacked. Can anyone doing advanced networking stuff confirm or deny the existence of a software tool for network architecture modeling called the IT Integration and Proprioception Engine (IT-PIE)? [more inside]
posted by Naberius at 10:52 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Naberius at 10:52 AM PST - 14 comments
How did you come to terms with your chronic pain?
If you've dealt with chronic pain of any kind, how did you come to terms with your condition? [more inside]
If the sand worms from Dune and the worms from Tremors had a baby....
What the actual hell is this thing? Is it some kind of grub? [more inside]
posted by the webmistress at 9:26 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by the webmistress at 9:26 AM PST - 5 comments
Unibody SUVs for light to medium offroading?
Are there any unibody SUVs capable of light to medium off-roading? [more inside]
Michigan girl freaking out about travel to & staying on Florida Island
Flying out to Florida at the end of May to stay on an island resort. Yay sounds exciting, right? Well, I've never flown before. I've never been to Florida before. I've never stayed on an island before. I've never stayed in a 4-star hotel before. I don't know what I don't know to ask what I should know! Please hope me. [more inside]
Minneapolis on Memorial Day Weekend--What to Dü?
SO and I will be in Minneapolis for a bunch of days around Memorial Day. I used to be a frequent visitor, but haven't been back in a few years now. What are things we should do? [more inside]
Feeling adventurous - Omakase Sushi in NJ
I'm not a sushi beginner, but not a particularly adventurous eater as far as that goes (salmon, tuna, shrimp, etc). I'd love to be able to go and eat omakase. [more inside]
The Pill for anxiety?
Would taking birth control help with my (hormonally-driven) anxiety? [more inside]
posted by chainsofreedom at 8:00 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by chainsofreedom at 8:00 AM PST - 8 comments
Tell me about electric lawnmowers.
We are getting to the time of year where I am going to have to start mowing the lawn. Our old reel-style mower died at the end of last year, and it kind of sucked anyway. I do not want to mess with gas. Do you have an electric lawnmower, either corded or battery powered? Is it great? Is it terrible? Please tell me about it. [more inside]
posted by Adridne at 7:11 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by Adridne at 7:11 AM PST - 29 comments
Tomorrow In NYC
I have most of the day free in NYC tomorrow - anything particularly fantastic going on? [more inside]
posted by mikepop at 6:14 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by mikepop at 6:14 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me survive a 6hr tattoo session
After 6 months of research, consultations and sketching, I'm finally getting the bad tattoo on my right arm covered with a beautiful big one next week. The first session may last up to 6 hours. What can I do to endure the discomfort? [more inside]
Where to buy a lace-back tank top?
I recently borrowed a friend's shirt. It was a lace-back tank top from Express, and I loved the way it looked on me. I'd love to buy a similar shirt for myself, but I haven't been able to find one online at Express or a few other similar stores. [more inside]
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Current company is in transition, but... a new job offer has me thinking about leaving. They aren't offering as great of a retirement package. I'm not sure it is even close! What should I do? [more inside]
Good Hotel to stay near St Louis Mo Botannical Garden
I want to find a good hotel for the wife and I to stay in near the Botanical Garden in St Louis Mo. Just a good place that serves breakfast- open to low and hi cost-Suggestions, thanks
posted by Upon Further Review at 4:48 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Upon Further Review at 4:48 AM PST - 6 comments
Help me find this short animated film from the late eighties
I'm trying to hunt down a short film I saw in the late eighties/early nineties. It centres on an animator battling with his own animation. The camera is mostly locked off looking at the paper, and the animator's hand can be seen. The little guy he is drawing is trying to escape from the page I think. The animator draws various obstacles for him and rubs part of his body out etc. [more inside]
posted by Glum at 4:09 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Glum at 4:09 AM PST - 13 comments
I'm hitting rock bottom. How do I pull myself back up?
Everything in my life seems to be spiraling out of control. I'm afraid I'll hit rock bottom soon and will need to rebuild my whole life. Help me not go crazy. [more inside]
But I don't want to give you anything
My side of the family is poor, my spouse's family isn't. I made the mistake of helping a couple of members of my family out in times of need. Now they're coming out of the woodwork, and I'm disinclined to help anyone else. What should I do? [more inside]
How to cope with and prevent bad behavior and bullying on email lists
My wonderfully snowflaky NPO is maybe just flaky, but seems to be turning nasty. Is some of this bullying? If so, what to do about it? Best resources for or good examples of detoxifying an email list that has turned into a cesspool? [more inside]
Bonjour, Mefi! Paris tips for two NY travelers, s’il vous plaît?
inertia and I will be spending a week and a half in Paris at the end of May. I’ve read the relevent wikitravel and tripadvisor pages and I’m familiar with all of the main tourist attractions. But we’re not sure what we should go see. She’s been twice before but I’ve never been. Give us all of your off-the-beaten-path Paris-related travel recommendations! [more inside]
Name That Story part 4928
Trying to remember the name of a short story I read some years ago. It involved a university class and criticism of Walt Whitman... [more inside]
April 27
How do I know?
I asked this question a handful of months ago. Now I need help figuring out when it's mania, and when it's confidence and feeling well and in a good mood. [more inside]
What can I do with the PhD in materials science/graphene
I'm currently thinking about doing a PhD making new carbon-based materials. I find the topic really interesting, but I’m not really sure what one does with the degree after they graduate unless they stay in academia. What kinds of options exist for a PhD graduate with this kind of background? [more inside]
Gantt charts on a Mac?
All I need is to make, then frequently modify, one long Gantt chart — on a Mac, with a local app rather than a web service. [more inside]
Home Wiring (please don't kill me)
Hanging a new pendant light fixture, simple, but can you help explain this wiring? [more inside]
Imagine a clever, slightly modified Pink Floyd quote in this space
My four year old daughter and I will be moving to Davis, California this summer. She will miss the September 1 birthday cut off to enroll in kindergarten and so I am looking into my options for school or day care for her. I will be attending UC Davis and will need around 40 hours of care for her per week so I can go to class, study, etc. I have a few questions about arranging care for her. [more inside]
posted by sacrifix at 8:52 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by sacrifix at 8:52 PM PST - 5 comments
Help me move to NYC.
I got into Columbia for grad school. Yay! But I will be at the Washington Heights campus. I'm moving from SF, and I've never lived on the East Coast. I will be moving with my boyfriend. Please help me figure out where I want to live, how much it'll cost, and also how to actually FIND an apartment in NYC (broker??). [more inside]
Language Resources
I am heading to Denmark to live for 6 months this year. I would like to learn the basics of the language before heading over there and I am looking for resources. [more inside]
posted by Lesium at 7:39 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Lesium at 7:39 PM PST - 14 comments
What are the best activity books and coloring books for grown-ups?
Looking for anything fun, funny, beautiful, or creative. [more inside]
posted by pretentious illiterate at 7:36 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by pretentious illiterate at 7:36 PM PST - 16 comments
Help me monkey-proof these stairs
I'm a single mother of a 2 and a 4-year-old. Recently, my dad decided to look into buying a condo to rent to me, so that my kids would be in a better school district when my daughter starts kindergarden next year. Yay! The problem is, he has found a condo that he is in love with, right across the street from a top-rated elementary school; BUT - it's a two-story, and my older child is a budding acrobat. [more inside]
posted by celtalitha at 7:24 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by celtalitha at 7:24 PM PST - 16 comments
Please Move Out!
I bought a rental property (duplex) in September of 2014. As a condition of the purchase, I wrote new leases with the existing tenants through June 2015. Now I want my tenants to move out of the duplex so I can renovate it. How much notice do I need to give my tenants? I live in Colorado. [more inside]
Skilled trades and manual labor abroad?
Almost all the articles I read on being "location independent" involve teaching english or having some kind of remote computer work based in the US. What about hands on and manual labor work? [more inside]
posted by mrflibble at 6:31 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mrflibble at 6:31 PM PST - 5 comments
How much weight does an alibi provided by a doorman carry?
Simple question: in a court of law (or investigation leading up to trial), in the U.S. let's say (for the sake of argument), how much weight does the alibi testimony given by a doorman/front desk concierge of the person of interest's apartment building of residence carry? Equal to that of a random person's? More, or less, than that of a friend's or a spouse's? Completely dependent on the players involved? Are alibi testimonies weighted at all? Out of curiosity spurred on by recent events.
Looking for film's similar to The Cranes are Flying...
So the qualities I adored about The Cranes are Flying (just watched it yesterday!) were the striking cinematography and the hopeful, humanist melodrama-- it felt like a romantic American melodrama in ways and yet had a sense of dark reality I more so associate with foreign art-house fare... and once again, incredible cinematography!
I cannot for the life of me decide on what to watch tonight so I thought I'd throw it out to the Hive Mind to choose for me!
Can I change the color of my cedar chest?
I have a Lane cedar chest that was given to me in 1995 that is very similar looking to this. It has a light brown oak finish on it but I would like to stain it a deeper brown/red. Is there a wood stain that can be applied over the existing finish? Basically I would like to know if it is possible to just apply something and not sand it down first. Thanks!
How to quell envy?
How do I give my deep feelings of envy the smack-down? for that matter, is what I feel actually envy, or something else? [more inside]
What happened to the short mystery novel?
In my blog, I've been running analyses of the length of mystery novels and have found that the short mystery novel has waned as an art form, the fall-off seeming to begin in the 1980s. Does someone know why? [more inside]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 5:03 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 5:03 PM PST - 9 comments
What's a reasonable part-time schedule for an advertising copywriter?
I'm an advertising copywriter and new mom, currently out on maternity leave and coming to the conclusion that going back to work full time will break my heart. Before my leave started, some higher ups at my agency mentioned that they would be open to me working part time (if the alternative was me quitting). Great! But...how would this work, exactly? Looking for suggestions to make part-time make sense in a creative department. If you work in advertising I would especially value your input. [more inside]
posted by apostrophe at 4:53 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by apostrophe at 4:53 PM PST - 10 comments
Hack my waiting room!
The medical practice where I work is showing some interest in revamping its waiting areas, especially as concerns patient educational resources. What have your doctors done that you like? What might you find useful? [more inside]
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 4:45 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 4:45 PM PST - 38 comments
Car rental for Las Vegas to San Francisco
My partner and I are travelling to the US Southwest from Toronto in early July. We fly into Las Vegas and out from San Francisco. What's the best/most reputable agency for picking up in LV and dropping off in SF 10 days later? [more inside]
Long time quilter / sewing machine noob: help enable my free-motion!
Can I use any old free-motion presser foot with my sewing machine, or do I need to stick with the same manufacturer? If the former, can you help me figure out which kind I'm looking for? If the latter, can you tell me where to find one that's not part of a kit? [more inside]
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 4:29 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 4:29 PM PST - 8 comments
Subterranean Flety Blues
I was recently gifted a tape of underground folk music from the Soviet hippies ("sistema") of the late 1970s. I'd like some help figuring out the lyrics to this Dylanesque tune. Hive mind, can you help? (Note: I don't know a word of Russian myself.)
posted by mykescipark at 4:20 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by mykescipark at 4:20 PM PST - 2 comments
Apartment does not come with parking. How to find stalls for sale?
My dream apartment is for sale, but does not come with parking in the building. Apparently this is the reason the apartment has not sold in over 200 days. Resale without the parking would be extremely difficult.
Would love to FIND a stall for sale in the building but don't know where to start. The building management does not seem to want to help. The building is completely locked down so distributing mail to residents is near impossible.
What else could I potentially try to find a stall for sale?
Tenant woes in Ontario
Are security door chains illegal in apartments in Ontario? [more inside]
personal trainer in Portland, Oregon
Can anyone suggest a personal trainer in PDX (Southeast area or Downtown) who has experience and is sensitive to working with overweight people that are extremely reluctant to exercise? Please explain why you recommend a particular one.
Setting boundaries at work
Please help me think about how to set boundaries in my demanding job, before it damages my marriage even more. [more inside]
Walk me through Loestrin FE.
My doctor put me on Loestrin FE for endometriosis symptoms and pretty terrible cystic acne. I can't tell if I hate it or not. Help me parse? [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 2:05 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by functionequalsform at 2:05 PM PST - 9 comments
I’m gonna get you … diagnosis
I’ve had a slew of debilitating health issues that have even caused me to leave my job. I’m now trying to attack this from all angles since I have the time and need to figure out it. Who should I see? What services are out there? How can I get my life back? I turn to you hive, to tell me who to turn to! [more inside]
Therapy in Somerville/Cambridge
Can you recommend a good therapist in the Somerville/Cambridge area? Near Union Square or Harvard Square a bonus. [more inside]
How do I find a good therapist?
So, after years of shying away from the idea, I'm looking into getting some help for some anxiety/depression issues that have affected me for most/all of my life. The big question that I have is how to go about finding a good therapist. [more inside]
My house stinks
My apartment started smelling like garbage last week and I can't make it go away. What is happening?! [more inside]
posted by sockermom at 12:35 PM PST - 51 comments
posted by sockermom at 12:35 PM PST - 51 comments
negative roman numerals? fractions? imaginary numbers?
Weird pagesetting question: I'm writing an introduction for the reprint of a book that already has a preface (and will be getting a NEW preface for the new edition). We want to retain the original pagination for the reprint. [more inside]
Low motivation relapse
I started cymbalta in February. I have been diagnosed with dysthymia, low vitamin D, diabetes, and Hashimotos. I take metformin for diabetes and klonopin for anxiety as needed, which is once or twice a month.
Two weeks later I had a friend staying with me and while she was there I woke up regularly. I ate breakfast every morning and had a nice routine going. I got a lot of exercise and felt less avoidant and irritable than usual. [more inside]
posted by charlielxxv at 12:05 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by charlielxxv at 12:05 PM PST - 8 comments
CTV News Television Ratings?
How many people watched CTV News Channel from 20:00-21:00 ET on Friday, April 24? [more inside]
Best driving school in Manhattan, NYC?
Looking for a good, reliable driving school in Manhattan. Have checked Yelp and come up with a couple of names, but there are some negative reviews of all of them, including criticisms such as the school taking your money and then not having enough instructor times available.
This is for a 22-year-old first-time driver who does not have a car available and will need to hire the school for lessons plus driving him to test at the end.
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:31 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:31 AM PST - 3 comments
What do the police do?
It occurred to me today that I don't really know what the police do: what's a good breakdown of what a policeperson does with their time?
posted by devnull at 11:22 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by devnull at 11:22 AM PST - 10 comments
Smoked Oyster Replacement
What can I use in place of smoked oysters in this recipe? [more inside]
posted by Julnyes at 11:07 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Julnyes at 11:07 AM PST - 18 comments
Night guard for non-grinders? Worthwhile or just upselling?
I have a dental checkup this week, and I expect to get harangued to get a night guard—a conversation I’ve had with this practice for the past two or three visits. I’m not convinced I need one. Do I? [more inside]
Fashion Rolemodels Needed: Burly Bald Dude Weirdo Edition
I need fashion role models that are stocky and/or balding men. Bonus points if they are also weirdos and/or freaks. [more inside]
Take my uterus, please!
So, what data do I require to backup my feeling it's time to have my uterus removed and show the gyn (newish to me) that it's time and the insurance company to pay for it while I've got insurance? [more inside]
Back rollers--friend or foe?
Is self-massaging with back rollers actually beneficial for you? Can they lead to injury? [more inside]
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 9:49 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 9:49 AM PST - 17 comments
Missed tax filing deadline. What do I do?
I missed the deadline to file federal taxes, and Turbotax says it's too late to file an extension. What do I do? I estimate being able to file my taxes by the end of May, but not before then, but would like to not have the IRS breathing down my neck. [more inside]
Hiring an Android Developer
I'm interested in hiring a developer to build a native Android app. Before anyone gets nervous, I am a fairly experienced in dealing with technical people and I already built the iPhone version of this app myself. Because of time constraints I am choosing not to build the Android myself, there would be too much of a learning curve because I have never done it before. I would be able to provide the developer a designed comp of every single screen. [more inside]
posted by solmyjuice at 9:40 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by solmyjuice at 9:40 AM PST - 5 comments
Turning radius and other stats on moving trucks?
Trying to track down some information for work. The UHaul et cetera sites give very cursory information on the inside dimensions of their trucks, but nothing on overall sizes, wheel base, et cetera. Anyone know where I can track this info down? I'm planning on emailing the various companies but am not super-hopeful on that and looking for alternative sources as well.
toddler discipline, I want to be POSITIVE!! but I'm not sure how...
Ok, so there's a lot I like about the "positive discipline" approach I really like. Basically it feels better for us, and I think my little guy. But I can't figure out what that looks like when he is aggressive (hitting/biting/pushing), especially with his sister. [more inside]
posted by pennypiper at 9:21 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by pennypiper at 9:21 AM PST - 23 comments
Why is it that when I try to sing jazz it comes out opera instead?
I'm trying to sing jazz songs, but am failing big time. Anytime a note comes that is past a certain threshhold it comes out like opera. I'm female if that matters. [more inside]
Falling asleep to an audiobook
I've read myself to sleep all my life, and have been using various e-readers for over ten years (currently using FBreader on a Nexus 5). Books and e-readers have manual page-turning, so picking up from where I fell asleep is trivial. Is there an audio reader app that can use manual paging? [more inside]
posted by anadem at 9:18 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by anadem at 9:18 AM PST - 9 comments
Long plastic tray for window planters?
I'm building shelves inside a window frame for small plants. I want to put a long narrow plastic tray (32" x 4") on each shelf to catch the runoff from the plants. I've searched the internet and the closest thing is something from Alibaba but the shipping is prohibitive.
Do you know of something like this? Or, any DIY advice? I'm pretty handy..
posted by cgs at 9:11 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by cgs at 9:11 AM PST - 10 comments
Why is London waging a war on trees?
When we moved here from New York last Spring we noticed the plane trees along our new street in London had been pruned back to only the largest limbs. It wasn't until late summer that any significant foliage sprouted back. Now the city has done it again and I'd like to know why they do such heavy-handed pruning seemingly every year. There are so few large trees in much of London to begin with... why would you want to limit the lovely leafiness to only a couple months of the year? [more inside]
posted by theory at 8:08 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by theory at 8:08 AM PST - 8 comments
Hope in face of colorectal cancer?
My boyfriend has just been diagnosed with cancer of the colon. I don’t really know what I want to ask here, except to ask for some reason to hope that he’ll be okay, and to ask for advice if he’s not. [more inside]
Brother, can you spare a dime?
What is currently state of the art/best practice/best tool for a tip jar type mechanism for a blog? [more inside]
Where is muscle problem originating and what kind of dr to see?
i need someone who knows about bodies and backs and muscles to explain this to me. I have some sort of problem along the right side of my back/body that i have had for many many years. My scapula area gets very tight at times (especially when stressed) and painful as does my hip flexor, my hamstring, calf and even pereoneal tendon. It's clear that something in the chain is tightening up first and then pulling on the rest, causing them strain. [more inside]
Running a 5K in two weeks and have basically never ran in my life
My sister and cousin are doing a 5k in two weeks and I would love to join them. It would be a fun challenge for me but.... is it realistic? On one hand, I have literally never ran more than a block in my life. But on the other hand, I'm in reasonably good shape and it's only 3.1 miles. Is this crazy? What should I do for last minute training/preparation? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 7:32 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by silverstatue at 7:32 AM PST - 35 comments
Netflix Help?
I obviously need a little help with Netflix. Am I doing something wrong? Missing titles in My List, etc. Extended Details included.... [more inside]
Getting help to someone stranded in Nepal
I have two dear college friends that are currently stranded on a trail in the Langtang valley in Nepal. Their group is ok in that they are all alive and, as far as we know, uninjured, but they are starting to run low on food and water. Their families have asked for ideas / suggestions on who they should be contacting to get them help - does MeFi have any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by pallas14 at 4:58 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by pallas14 at 4:58 AM PST - 9 comments
Overlanding from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires: tips or recommendations?
In August, my best friend and I (both 20-something guys) begin a 5 month adventure across the Americas. We started to research the trip last September, and have basically scoured the internet since then. Instagram has proved to be a great source to connect with the overlanding community and there's a couple of good blogs out there of people currently doing the trip.
Still, we'd still really appreciate if the askmefi community could weigh in. As I start to put together a detailed itinerary I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed by all the details and possibilities. Where to go? What to plan? How much to budget? And, just generally, what level of detail should I plan to? Normally I'd come up with a broad plan in a few days and then wing it but given the dangers, sheer size of this adventure, and the amount of unforgettable places to see I want to really plan it. UNESCO sites, nature, must-see towns and villages... Can anybody help us? [more inside]
Should I try to date? If so, whom should I date, and how?
I’m finally emotionally ready to date with the aim of starting an actual relationship, but my life situation isn’t there yet. How can I plan my life for a solid, equitable relationship, and how should I approach dating? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 12:08 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 12:08 AM PST - 23 comments
April 26
American relocating to Sydney: What should I do before the move?
Moving to Sydney in July. What are the top things I need to do before making the move? [more inside]
How can I ask my boss about expanding my role at work?
When I first interviewed for my position it was for two roles, but I only accepted one role. I would like to accept the other role, in addition to my current one now. This is my first "real" job out of college and I've never approached a boss with a question like this before, details inside! [more inside]
What kind of meetup should I start?
I'd like to start a meetup in my town as I haven't really made friends since moving here two years ago and I'd like to change that. There's a meetup group going already but they do things I'm not that interested in usually - stuff like salsa dancing, pub quizzes and big restaurant meals with 25 people. I'd be more interested in a small group going out for coffee or a picnic in the park. [more inside]
Help us prevent our bikes from getting stolen
After having our bikes stolen from our apartment parking garage last year, my husband and I bought new bikes today. What strategies & locks should we use to make sure we keep these bikes for a long time? [more inside]
Intermittent Manager
I'm finding myself intermittently managing the work of a rotating carousel of people on an ad-hoc informal basis. Help? [more inside]
New lips every day
Within an hour of waking up every day, my lips swell and start drying up. In a couple hours I can peel off a layer of skin, including a bit above the top lip. It's painful, unattractive and annoying. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 8:23 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by bendy at 8:23 PM PST - 28 comments
What are you best ideas for finding a good company
I've been in software for about two decades. It's been a depressing ride. How can I find a better place? [more inside]
Cats may have eaten some garlic--what's the appropriate response?
When we returned home after being away since Friday night we found a (possibly) gnawed garlic clove. Cats are probably responsible. Is this a situation where we should take the cats to an emergency weekend vet? [more inside]
posted by pullayup at 6:36 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by pullayup at 6:36 PM PST - 13 comments
Cessation of SSI after death?
My brother is on SSI and lives with my mom in a mobile home that my mom owns. She's afraid of what will happen to him after she dies. [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 6:03 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by zenpop at 6:03 PM PST - 11 comments
Should I tell interviewers that I was on a Performance Improvement Plan?
I wasn't fired but decided to leave before the plan ended. When asked why I left my previous employer, I give other reasons and try to sound positive about the company I left.
Is this the right approach or should I start explaining the PIP and difficulty I had at my last job? [more inside]
posted by bolquist at 5:41 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by bolquist at 5:41 PM PST - 12 comments
Movie identification: sheep balloons?
What movie did I see in school in the late 80's that featured sheep being punctured with a huge needle-ish poker thing to save the sheep by releasing internal gas resulting from grazing on the wrong kind of grass? And does all that really happen?
posted by NortonDC at 5:38 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by NortonDC at 5:38 PM PST - 7 comments
Managing side effects of med swap
Swapping head drugs from escitalopram (Lexapro) to desvenlafexine (Pristiq). Side effects are not being kind, but from my research so far it seems the medical opinion is: totes normal, suck it up sunshine. I would like to be able to cope with daily life during the adjustment period a bit better than I am at the moment and am hoping you guys might have some practical suggestions. Details within. And yes, I completely know you are not my doctor or other mental health professional. [more inside]
Un-solicited original music
How can I get my original music published? What companies will take UN-solicited original music? [more inside]
(Charcoal) grill me!
Partner and I are going glamping (well, bungalow-in-the-middle-of-nowhereing) this week. Since we live in an apartment, we get very, very, very excited whenever we have access to a charcoal grill... [more inside]
Syncing an iphone to a new computer when the old one is dead
My old computer died. How do I sync my iPhone to a new computer without losing all of my new photos and videos? [more inside]
Google Voice and Gmail for an organization
How can I set up a Google account (Gmail and Google Voice) for a community organization? [more inside]
How to fall asleep in a short period of time?
I've started a new job that requires me being awake CRAZY early. So it's more important than ever that I go to sleep at a reasonable hour. Challenge: My brain likes to keep me awake all night by never shutting off. Looking for tips on how to ease yourself into a restful sleep. [more inside]
How do I get Google to fix incorrect information about a nonprofit?
I run a 2-year old nonprofit and the listing that Google created and displays for us on their search page is full of incorrect information that hurts our organization. It has our hours of operation wrong, it shows a picture of our facility that was taken before we were finished remodeling it, and it shows a logo that we don't use any more. How do these things fixed?
Corner Bakery's Vegetable Dip
What's in Corner Bakery's "signature dip?"
What is the best GPS Traffic Receiver?
My husband drives a Tractor Trailer. He has a Rand McNally TND 510, he bought a accessory for it - a Real Time Traffic Receiver that uses FM Radio Stations that currently uses 98 cities in the USA. He is disappointed in it, it doesn't seem to help him in traffic like he had hoped.
What other GPS units would work better, if any, regarding traffic?
Vegan Portlandia Restaurants With Available Fart Zone?
Six days in Portland, OR, next week (May 3rd-9th). Interesting places to eat, sketch, or both? [more inside]
What are my rights here? Tenant in Virginia
Hi out there! I'm moving away at the end of May from Charlottesville, Virginia for a new job on the west coast and I have a lease that goes until July 30. My landlord has kindly offered to terminate my lease early, and has said that it is on the condition that he finds someone else to take over the apartment. However! [more inside]
posted by ethel at 1:37 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by ethel at 1:37 PM PST - 17 comments
Was he interested or not?
An older guy flirted with me at work. I finally got a chance to give him my number but it's been awhile and he hasn't called. I'm VERY confused. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by divina_y_humilde at 1:33 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by divina_y_humilde at 1:33 PM PST - 18 comments
Inhumana
What does it mean when medical insurance applies a negative exclusion amount to a charge? [more inside]
Please help me transfer my itunes library to my ipod
My old laptop died, and I purchased a new laptop. I was able to recover the purchased songs from my itunes account, and they show up on my new laptop in my itunes library. However, my ipod won't load songs from my itunes library. It will only load the songs I have imported by cd, not the purchases from itunes. Can you help me? [more inside]
how can I get from using tax preparers to doing my own taxes
My partner and I have gotten into the habit of using tax preparers over the past decade, with the end result that I no longer feel like I really understand what's going on with my tax return. How can i get from where I am now to doing them myself with a high degree of understanding of my tax situation. [more inside]
posted by diode at 12:07 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by diode at 12:07 PM PST - 9 comments
Beaver-related bar/brewery near Corvallis, Oregon?
I once had a pint glass that a roommate left behind when moving out. It was a regular 16-oz pint glass, with a drawing of a beaver and the tagline "Where Beavers Go to Eat and Drink." I don't have the glass anymore, but I would like to find it for sale somewhere. Except I can't remember enough about it to search for it, other than that tagline! Do you recognize the tagline? Where is it from? [more inside]
posted by aka burlap at 12:04 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by aka burlap at 12:04 PM PST - 8 comments
Do I need a lawyer for my totaled car accident while parked?
My husbands car was hit while parked. The other guys insurance company has deemed the car a “total loss”. It is almost 3 months since the accident and insurance claim. The insurance company continues to delay resolving this and we have no idea where to go from here. [more inside]
Reading for computer science fundamentals
I work in the software industry and I studied CS in undergrad, but I feel I either didn't get the best education in CS fundamentals or I wasn't paying attention (or both). Most of my knowledge of CS is fairly practical. Now I want to spend a few hours a week re-learning CS core subject matter to deepen my understanding. [more inside]
WHERE ARE YOU YOU LITTLE SHIT
I found an uninvited mouse. I lost the mouse. I want to find the mouse again. [more inside]
posted by kagredon at 11:50 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by kagredon at 11:50 AM PST - 15 comments
Why does my bathroom stink?
A few years ago, I had an attic fan installed to reduce heat build-up on the second floor of my home. Ever since, I have noticed foul sewage odors in my first-floor half bath. The odor is only present when the attic fan is running. What is causing the foul smell, and what can I do to solve this problem? [more inside]
Does anything like the old Etsy Alchemy system exist?
I used Etsy Alchemy several times when it still existed, and it worked well. I know you can still do 1:1 custom requests of individual Etsy sellers (and have used it - it's a little hit and miss), however the old 1:many request system is what I'm looking for. Any decent websites like that around?
posted by inflatablekiwi at 11:43 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by inflatablekiwi at 11:43 AM PST - 6 comments
Identify This Thing
Hello! My mother recently started going through old things she has of the potentially-heirloom variety. This has also revealed some generally old, bizarre things that were passed down that have not been identified. So, people of Metafilter, what is this? Current guess is that it's somehow related to candles? Maybe? Any guesses are welcome.
posted by daikaisho at 11:36 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by daikaisho at 11:36 AM PST - 11 comments
How do I be a better coworker?
I wrote a note at work that read, "Someone threw away my pizza that was labeled and in the fridge for less than a day. I was expecting to have that for dinner. That sucked. Please don't do that."
Now there's drama. I know I handled this badly but I don't know what to do. [more inside]
posted by Night_owl at 11:30 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by Night_owl at 11:30 AM PST - 43 comments
Cordless Mower Recommendation
Does anyone have experience with both the EGO LM2001 Power+ Lawn Mower and the Stihl RMA 370? [more inside]
posted by eabomo at 11:24 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by eabomo at 11:24 AM PST - 2 comments
Joke explanation corner
I just watched Barack Obama's speech during this year's White House Correspondents Dinner, and he made a joke about having something that rhymes with bucket list, which had the entire room bursting into laughter. Can someone explain the joke to me?
posted by Kwadeng at 11:01 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Kwadeng at 11:01 AM PST - 9 comments
Screw it?
I realize this is a long shot, but does anyone know what kind of mounting hardware I need to attach the Pottery Barn Lewis headboard to a standard metal bedframe? Do I need screws or bolts or what? And what size? [more inside]
posted by decathecting at 10:59 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by decathecting at 10:59 AM PST - 6 comments
Baby sleeps at night but doesn't nap
My 7-week old baby doesn't nap. She sleeps pretty well at night, but terribly during the day. How do we fix this? [more inside]
Screen tent for the whole summer
We have apocalypse level mosquitoes where I live and I am fed up with losing so much of our outdoor summer time. Screening in our deck is NOT an option, so we're looking for ways to create a detached screen room for not a ton of money. (ie. looking to spend less than 500$) [more inside]
Is this a bedbug?
A friend of mine came over in a panic this morning because she found two strange little bugs in her bed. She captured one and we have photos. What is this insect?
posted by One Second Before Awakening at 7:58 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by One Second Before Awakening at 7:58 AM PST - 12 comments
How can I get the best price for my clunker?
It's finally time for me to part ways with my 16-year-old car. I've picked out a new car, and had my existing car appraised for a trade-in. Unfortunately, the dealer's appraisal came in way lower than the Blue Book value, allegedly because of two warning lights (ABS and Airbag) that would affect the car's ability to be sold legally in Virginia. Is it worth investigating other options for selling my clunker, or should I just take the dealer's offer? [Details inside] [more inside]
posted by schmod at 7:35 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by schmod at 7:35 AM PST - 25 comments
We have the technology: Skincare regimen edition (BB or CC edit)
I am reviewing my skincare regimen. I am intrigued by Beauty/Blemish Balm or Color Correcting Creams. [more inside]
Where should we live and work in Spain from September through December?
My partner and I looking for the right place to live in Spain for 4 months, starting in September. The main thing we need to do is write like crazy, but we are also interested in improving our Spanish, eating great food, seeing art and theatre, and being active outdoors. [more inside]
Raising a bilingual child in London with monolingual parents -- how?
We live in London and have a toddler! We both speak (woefully) only English, and have struggled as adults to learn another language. We have to find childcare for our daughter anyway, and would love for her to be exposed to another language. But how? [more inside]
small-scale plagiarism: right or wrong?
My friend is currently studying at university, and she asked me to help her out with one of her assignments. I refused, saying I considered what she was asking me to do to be wrong. She became upset, and now I feel lousy, like I've let her down. I would like to gauge others' perspectives here: if you were in my shoes, how would you have reacted? [more inside]
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 3:53 AM PST - 60 comments
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 3:53 AM PST - 60 comments
Choosing the right fit for undergraduate ethnomusicology
I'm an older student transferring from community college to a four-year to study ethno/musicology. I've been admitted, and now it's time to make the final decision. Do I go for a pretty attractive program at a good school (UCSB), or for a potentially less attractive program at one of the top schools in the country (Berkeley)? [more inside]
posted by teponaztli at 3:05 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by teponaztli at 3:05 AM PST - 13 comments
I am a shell of a person because of my NPD mother. Now what?
I'm an "adult child of a narcissist" and have yet to move past most the damage done. I've been anxious, very shy, paranoid, with low self esteem and zero self worth my entire life. I've always felt inherently bad and worse than. I am an underachiever. I feel like an unaccomplished child/loser at life. I'm a shell of a person. [more inside]
posted by atinna at 2:05 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by atinna at 2:05 AM PST - 17 comments
Good educational resources for getting into making electronic music?
What are some good educational resources (Youtube, tutorials, etc) for getting into making electronic music? [more inside]
April 25
Filing US taxes homeless
I was homeless for part of the year last year. I'm filing late (with deferral, sorry I didn't bring this up on Askmefi when it would be more pertinent) because I just now got all the proper info together. Is there anything I should know about filing US taxes for a year in which I was occasionally homeless and/or unemployed?
Does working with the UN have any effect on the US citizenship process?
A friend of mine works with a UN agency that is based in Lebanon. He has a US green card. Does his employment with the United Nations have any effect whatsoever on his status in the US? [more inside]
How do i bring this up again without annoying him?
I posted a question prior to this a few weeks ago, and i need some more advice. [more inside]
I fought the slaw, and the slaw won
Is cole slaw a chopped salad? If not, what's the difference? [more inside]
Tips for indulging in some femme alone time
How do I cultivate a more relaxing/sensual/sexy mood while masturbating, as a trans woman very much over old dudely habits? Vibrators, lube, and Bjork inside.. [more inside]
Baby anarchists are the cutest anarchists
I just picked up this book on collective/anarchist childcare and got intrigued by the concept....help me find more! [more inside]
The Mathematics Of Time
So I have a few years to kill and I'd like to spend them fully understanding what physicists and mathematicians know about time. I'm not looking for any sort of summary, I want to understand the math from the bottom up. I once caught my father going through the Annus Mirabilis papers with a red pen; that's the sort of proficiency I have in mind. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 5:57 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 5:57 PM PST - 12 comments
Awesome Spice Rubs for Grilling Meat and Veggies
Where do i find small batch handcrafted spicerubs to send as a gift. [more inside]
iPod Classic Woes
I have a 160GB iPod Classic that's a few years old. Over the past few months it's needed to be charged more often. But three days ago, it would'nt charge at all. [more inside]
Trying to prevent an online stranger's suicide - need help/resources
I know the bare minimum about this person--her age, the city she lives in, not even her name. A (tumblr) post from her came across my dash about how she is planning to kill herself next week. I need resources, preferably where I could actually talk to someone and get them familiar with the situation. [more inside]
Better than Coney Island (the I didn't look at the calendar edition)
I wrongly assumed that the Coney Island amusement parks (Luna Park, Deno's) would be open weekday afternoons mid May. Having gotten the family excited to spend an afternoon there on our upcoming vacation, I am now left scrambling for an alternative. What's better than Coney Island? [more inside]
Strategies for paying down student loans
I have several federal student loans from graduate school. They are in groups according to interest rate (5-8%) and the balance on each varies, from $2500-$60,000. Is there any benefit to proportioning the payment to each group, or strategy for paying them down while making income-based payments? [more inside]
posted by robertthebruce at 2:56 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by robertthebruce at 2:56 PM PST - 9 comments
Need A Therapist/Psychiatrist ASAP
For a family member. How do I find a therapist/psychiatrist in my area (Colorado Springs) who can help with addiction & mental health issues? [more inside]
posted by j_curiouser at 2:39 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by j_curiouser at 2:39 PM PST - 5 comments
Beer while working on my laptop? Difficulty level: PA liquor law
Where can I go in Philadelphia to get a beer to enjoy while working on my laptop? Strict quiet isn't required, but reasonably reliable wifi is a must. I'd be equally happy with a coffee shop that serves beer or a bar where laptop use wouldn't be weird. Outlets aren't necessary. [more inside]
Can my sunglasses be fixed?
Does anyone have experience with a truly super glue? My sunglasses just snapped in half at the bridge. I've had them forever, so I can't really fault the manufacturer. But they're prescription, and I'd like to avoid having to go out and get a new pair right now if I can help it.
Is there a glue in existence that bonds quickly and permanently?
Will some other type of caster wheels work?
I have a Metro shelving unit from the Container Store that needs wheels. The casters they sell are really expensive. Will another brand of caster work? Needless to say, I don't have a lot of experience with hardware. Thanks!
Community arts/activist/development orgs in Central Asia
Which organizations working with arts, culture, activism, and/or social justice are based in Central Asia (especially Uzbekistan) and would take international volunteers? [more inside]
When does this go away?
I've been separated from my husband for about 18 months. I'm with the person I left him for (that's the short version) and we're very happy. Except. I still miss my ex every day. I dream about him at least a few times a week. When does this stop? I would like to hear from those who have grieved a relationship and moved on. [more inside]
Spanish language school for a duo of new travelers
A friend and I are hoping to find a Spanish language school where we can go for 1-3 weeks, late May-June, somewhere in Latin America. We've been considering going to Guatemala, but hear very mixed things about safety from various anecdotal sources. We're both relatively inexperienced female international travelers and don't really know how to assess what's actually safe for us. Questions: 1) Should we go to Guatemala for this ? 2) If not, where should we go? If so, where should we go? I know there have been questions on this, but it seems things may have changed in recent years. [more inside]
Seal (without insulating) sill plate?
I've got a crawlspace in a 1940 home that is reasonably warm and dry, but I want to seal against airflow and spiders. Is it crazy not to insulate as well? Everything I've found talks about sealing AND insulating. I feel like I can get the sealing done now, and might insulate at a later date. [more inside]
posted by powpow at 8:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by powpow at 8:47 AM PST - 11 comments
Italian Beef
I need a good Chicago-style Italian beef recipe, preferably for a slow-cooker. [more inside]
posted by griphus at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by griphus at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments
West Ireland or Bust!
I'll be attending a conference in June from Sunday - Thursday in Dublin, but I'm flying out of Shannon on Sunday morning. I was planning on taking the train from Dublin to Galway on Friday morning. Where should I stay and how do I get to Shannon in time to make a 11:30 am international flight? [more inside]
posted by msladygrey at 7:08 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by msladygrey at 7:08 AM PST - 3 comments
Help Us Get Excited About Stony Brook, Long Island
My partner and I are very likely going to be moving to Stony Brook, Long Island (or vicinity), because one of us has been accepted to a graduate program at Stony Brook University. We are very excited about the acceptance (it's a great program!) but our excitement has been somewhat dimmed by being waitlisted for programs in locations we might have preferred (in Vermont, or in New York City, where we currently live). While we wait to hear about the outcome of those waitlists, we want to be excited again about the place that has already said "yes!" What are your favorite things about living near Stony Brook and Port Jefferson, NY? [more inside]
Suggestions for childrens foreign language vocab books?
I would like to know what the standard children's books, specifically vocabulary learning books for babies and toddlers, are in each language. [more inside]
Holiday help!
Can any MeFites help two Brits pick the perfect North American holiday? [more inside]
Dealing with an impostor like syndrome when you are an impostor
I have worked in my current job for just over a year. I got it as a combination of luck and a misunderstanding. I am constantly given things to do that I only have very vague understanding of and then have to do a combination of googling and bluffing. How should I cope? [more inside]
How much outside adjuncting is too much?
(Posting anonymously because this is a sensitive workplace issue.) Academics, librarians, instructional technologists, and all other full-time, non-faculty folks in higher ed: does your workplace have rules or guidelines around how many adjunct courses full-time employees can pick up at other institutions? And what if these courses are during normal work hours -- do you allow flex-time? [more inside]
Help me get my face back please!
It appears that when doing a Google search for my name ('Tim Pollard') the result Google features is a weird combination of my details (from Wikipedia) but with an embedded photo of an entirely different Tim Pollard (a motoring journalist). Does anyone know how to change that so my photo appears with my details please? As a performer I want to make sure people know who and what they're getting! Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!
Indian tourist visa from Nepal
I have been planning on heading to India soon, and was going to go through the visa process here in Bulgaria, but I have just found a deal on a multi-city flight, entering Nepal and returning to Bulgaria from New Delhi. Help me sort out my visa situation! [more inside]
posted by jpziller at 12:55 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by jpziller at 12:55 AM PST - 3 comments
April 24
What can I do with a 64MB iPad 3G?
I now have an Apple M1337 64MB iPad 3G. It has Safari. What can I do with it? [more inside]
How can I put a voice changer on my computer audio output?
Is there any software that can change the voice/filter the audio playback of your computer in real time? [more inside]
Can I suggest my colleague we share a hotel bedroom?
A couple of weeks ago a female coworker I hadn´t had much contact with approached me (male) in a more-friendly-than-usual way and after chatting for a while told me she would be interested in attending a seminar she knew I was attending out of town. She asked me if the two of us could travel together. We did and spent the day together at this event sharing the trips, breaks, and meals. [more inside]
posted by Basque13 at 10:38 PM PST - 74 comments
posted by Basque13 at 10:38 PM PST - 74 comments
How to buy a Nintendo Rosalina amiibo in Japan
I have a simple question that I'm unable to answer with English google-fu: How does one buy a Nintendo Rosalina amiibo figurine in Japan? They're outrageously priced in the US and I'd like to beg a friend currently living in Japan to pick one up for me. But how/where? Is it readily available as an online order with domestic shipping?
posted by serelliya at 9:23 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by serelliya at 9:23 PM PST - 4 comments
R is for Rocket, S is for Space
Top space science influencers of today's pre-teens? [more inside]
I've screwed up. Help me keep my job?
Ever really, really mess up without meaning to? I'm there now. [more inside]
F for Fake- scenes from other movies
In F for Fake around 49 minutes (during the War of the Worlds segment) there's a scene with people gathered around a radio- is this from another film, and if so which one?
Looking for a particular type of robe...
Hey hivemind. I saw this video, which starts with a Japanese woman wearing a rather particular type of robe, while at a kotatsu. It's somewhat reminiscent of a kimono, but big, comfy, padded cotton? Sort of like a wearable comforter.
Anyone know what these are called / where I might find them? ... or, if necessary, a pattern for them?
posted by markkraft at 7:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by markkraft at 7:43 PM PST - 7 comments
old educational game on the apple II?
I'm trying to find an old Apple II educational game we used to play in school in the early to mid-eighties. Played in a first-person perspective, it involved puzzles that you had to solve in order to advance from room to room. I remember there being a wine cellar at one point, but not much more than that. I've looked in the Internet Archive and Wikipedia's lists of games, to no avail. This has been driving me nuts for years - any help would be appreciated!
GRR Stupid Samsung monitor!!! Why can't I turn it on?!? Help please!
I have a Samsung SyncMaster B2430 flat screen monitor. I use it as an external monitor with an ASUS laptop. Right now I am not using it because I CAN'T TURN IT ON. [more inside]
Museum aesthetics? why?
It's grey with TIMES NEW ROMAN and lots of ellipses.....where and when did this develop? [more inside]
What are some good NGOs protecting workers' rights internationally?
I'm trying to find reputable and effective non-profit organizations that protect workers from legal or illegal exploitation by their employers. Any recommendations? (I was awarded money in the high tech employee antitrust settlement and suspect that other workers may be more deserving of extra cash.) [more inside]
posted by espertus at 6:05 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by espertus at 6:05 PM PST - 2 comments
Wrist pomodoro for a child?
Where can I find a wrist timer that 1. can be set to alternate between two different time intervals (e.g. 10 min., 5 min., 10 min., 5 min...) with a minimum of button presses, 2. has a silent alarm, and 3. will fit an 8-year-old child's wrist? [more inside]
Finding a therapist who will help me develop a thicker skin
How do I find a therapist who will help me develop a thicker skin regarding failure during the job hunt and keep me on a positive track? [more inside]
"Get Well" flowers?
A close relative whom I love dearly is having triple bypass surgery soon. He lives too far to drive (USA, on the opposite coast). I'd like to do something nice for him, and my first thought was flowers. It was suggested that this might be morbid, and I can see both sides. I'm seeking opinions and other cheery ideas if you have them. [more inside]
posted by onecircleaday at 3:13 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by onecircleaday at 3:13 PM PST - 18 comments
I don't want kids. How can I get my biological clock to shut up?
I don't want kids. I've know this for a long time, and my brain is 100% sure of this fact. However, as I get older (I'll be turning 37 shortly), my biological clock will just not shut up. I really would like to it to. [more inside]
Where do GamerGaters plan their harassment?
In the next few months we're having a convention. It has the possibility of attracting GamerGate attention. We've talked about the possibility that the panels will be disrupted, but if there's definitely trouble brewing we'd like to know about it. [more inside]
Might As Well Face It, I'm Addicted To Gifs
My latest guilty pleasure is Tumblrs that use a crapton of silly, pop-culture-y gifs to give a humorous take on someone's job, like When You Work At A Museum or What Should We Call Stage Management. The problem is that those are the only two I know. Got any more recommendations?
What are the best resources to help me write better reviews?
I've been writing podcast reviews (link to site in my profile if needed) for the last few months. There's no shortage of resources for improving my writing (which I frequently use) but where can I find sources to help me write better reviews, specifically? [more inside]
posted by Tevin at 1:35 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Tevin at 1:35 PM PST - 1 comment
Freelancing for Dollars
I want to know what the market is for freelance reporters to sell their ability to do stories to radio stations across the country (or maybe in general). I don't know what a reporter might charge for freelancing the reporting, producing, writing and voicing of a story or what would compel a station to hire them And does there exist a collective or consortium of freelancers who have managed to turn that into a business model, like a narrowly focused employment agency or maybe even a talent agency. Does anybody know where I can find data on both?
Help me with the logistics of a pizza and pasta wedding buffet!
My fiance and I want to have gourmet pizza and pasta from a great local restaurant to feed the guests at our wedding reception. How should we logistically tackle this? How do we keep pizza hot on a buffet table? How much of each item (pizza/pasta) will we need? Details below. [more inside]
I can quit my miserable job — but should I?
I started a new job a little over a year ago. After starting I realized the job (and company culture) was not for me, but it is very "prestigious," I liked my coworkers and found it tolerable, at least, so decided to stay. After a series of management shakeups and horrendous treatment of my department, all of my coworkers have left... leaving only me. I can quit, but should I? [more inside]
Savory Things to Make with Sweet Pears
My fiance's dad gave us a large amount of homemade sweet canned pears for Christmas last year. I want to get them off the shelf, but I don't like sweets all that much. What can I do with these poor, neglected things? [more inside]
posted by Yoko Ono's Advice Column at 11:35 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Yoko Ono's Advice Column at 11:35 AM PST - 11 comments
The unknowable likelihood that my husband will have a psychotic relapse
How can I get over this constant fear and worry that my husband will have another psychotic episode or turn out to have schizophrenia? [more inside]
Travel size toiletries available in France and Italy?
Are travel size toiletries (shampoo, mouthwash, moisturizer, etc.) readily available in France and Italy? [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 11:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by feelinggood at 11:22 AM PST - 4 comments
Room with a view
I'm looking for a relaxing place to stay in Northern California for two nights in June. I have a few particular requirements. The first, which is non-negotiable: 1) Room must have a balcony or patio. [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 11:17 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by mudpuppie at 11:17 AM PST - 12 comments
How do I mix tape? (2015 version)
Of course, they used to be tapes. The last time I put a collection of music together for someone to listen to, I put it all on a thumb drive, then they just imported it all into iTunes. But my intended recipient doesn't have a desktop/laptop computer. Only an iPhone.
I'm stumped. Thought of Dropbox, but... that's not gonna work.
I could go iTunes gift card, then a list of music... but no. That's not a gift, that's a project!
Halp?
iOS games for building, not fighting
Are there games for iOS similar to Animal Crossing on the DS? [more inside]
Unauthorized persons are not allowed?
What was that story I read once, in which someone comments to their (military?) supervisor that the sign "Unauthorized personnel are not allowed beyond this point" is redundant, because "unauthorized" means "not allowed"? Challenged to rewrite the message, the storyteller goes through a number of increasingly awkward attempts and finally ends up with "Unauthorized personnel are not allowed beyond this point" as the best phrasing.
posted by moonmilk at 10:55 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by moonmilk at 10:55 AM PST - 7 comments
Why do pianists get somebody to turn the page for them?
What about for violinists, clarinetists, and stuff like that? Is it because, since they're basically playing one note at a time, they're expected to memorize the entire score, unlike the pianist? Why don't you ever see somebody turning a page for a violinist?
posted by Opengreen at 10:44 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Opengreen at 10:44 AM PST - 18 comments
Metal Machine... Mystery?
What is this mystery object? It's a metal spike-thing, about 8" long and 1" in diameter, hollow, with a perforated drillbit-looking tip and a flared, mushroom cap-shaped top. My son found it during a family walk near some (active) railroad tracks near our ancestral home in southern New Jersey. Our retired engineer father said, "It appears to be... a nozzle of some sort?" There was a spider living inside of it; he has since been evicted. Thanks, Hivemind!
A boy at school gets laughed at for calling me pretty
How can I help him get over the fact that the boys laugh at him for this? I am a teaching assistant in a secondary school, and he dreads seeing me for this reason, and therefore gets quite anxious when I teach him. [more inside]
Topics for Elderly Reminiscence Group
I am leading a reminiscence group at the skilled nursing facility where I work and am looking for topics for the residents to discuss. Participants in the group are generally pretty cognitively intact and were born between 1925 and 1935. So far we've talked about where they were born (what it was like at the time and how it's changed), favorite trips they've taken, memories about historic events during their lifetime (D-Day, President Kennedy shot, etc.), and favorite foods growing up, but I'm looking for more ideas about things to discuss. [more inside]
posted by odayoday at 10:01 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by odayoday at 10:01 AM PST - 26 comments
How much to charge for work that doesn't feel like work?
unexpectedly landed my "dream job". It's for something I've been a fan of for a while and very specific and is a kind of once in a lifetime random job opportunity. Here's the catch. It's freelance, I have a full time job already and there wasn't supposed to be any pay. After a call with my new boss, she suggested that because of my experience, we should discuss a pay rate today. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EVEN ASK FOR. And google is not helping because they don't take into consideration that this is honestly something I'm so thrilled to work on that I would do it for free. [more inside]
It took two years but she's finally figured out how to watch a video!
I'm looking for youtube videos of people dancing all fancy to share with my grandma. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 9:22 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by phunniemee at 9:22 AM PST - 14 comments
Is there some human-powered book recommendation system out there?
I find that my biggest problem with reading is finding books that sound interesting to read. MyAnimeList has a recommendation system that really appeals to me. Individual users who like two things say "If you like X, try Y because Z." I think the reasoning is what really makes it useful to me, because it makes me easier to choose on the parts of books that I enjoy. Does something like this exist for books? [more inside]
posted by that girl at 8:43 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by that girl at 8:43 AM PST - 15 comments
Finding a B&B near NYC
In about a month, I would like to take myself and my SO to a B&B or similar type location. The town needs to be accessible via train from NYC (Metro North or NJT) and having a place to hike around would be great. This is only for a single night on a weekend. [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 8:35 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Hactar at 8:35 AM PST - 7 comments
Out of morbid curiosity...
A friend tells me that there are few if any family-owned funeral parlors left in the US. Although nearly all funeral parlors appear to be small establishments, they are in fact operated by large corporations. The reason they maintain the family business atmosphere is because people don't want a big company dealing with their loved ones' remains. Is it true?
posted by stinker at 7:54 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by stinker at 7:54 AM PST - 15 comments
How to reduce/alleviate swelling during pregnancy
Pregnancy and swelling: Compression sleeves and other methods to reduce discomfort? [more inside]
posted by meowf at 7:44 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by meowf at 7:44 AM PST - 7 comments
How do I make this happen?
I'm studying on my own for a new career in web development, but "real life" keeps interfering. How can I make this a priority when so many other things demand my attention? Have you successfully done what I'm trying to do--gone back to school or studied for a new career while otherwise working full-time? How did you make it happen? I guess this is a "help me with time management and motivation" question more than anything... [more inside]
Advice for a work trip to Ningxia
Work has me travelling to Zhongwei city in the Ningxia province of China in about a month. Exciting! It's my first time to China, and I've got some questions. [more inside]
Is This Perimenopause
Whether it is perimenopause or is not, it's annoying and I need some coping mechanisms or a decent dressing strategy. I'm having annoying under-boob sweat, leading to soaked bras and a light rash. Details inside. [more inside]
I am a 30-something moron who cannot get my life together. Help?
I have been unemployed for over 2 years and I am finding it very difficult to move on in life. I can barely get jobs and and when I do get a job I cannot hold it down for longer than a week. [more inside]
Children's shows and the Fourth Wall
Is there any research that has spurred children's shows to break the fourth wall? Or, are there any compelling arguments for the practice? [more inside]
April 23
Learning to be the (wo)Man Without Fear?
In the Netflix Daredevil series, he periodically does flips, showy kicks, parkour, and that kind of thing. If you were in your early thirties, and in decent shape, how and what would you do to train for a bit of that? [more inside]
I'm looking for a specific Peter Singer quote.
Hi. Help me find the story Peter Singer tells in one of his books that says he went over to some couple's house for dinner. The couple were fans of his and excited to meet him, I think. They asked him what his favourite animals were. He says something like it is a common assumption that animal rights people are animal lovers who care about cute and cuddly things. He tells the story to illustrate the point that he defends animals not because they're nice, but because it is a matter of ethics and justice. [more inside]
posted by stellathon at 11:32 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by stellathon at 11:32 PM PST - 4 comments
I look 37 at 22, please advise?
Hi there, this is something that's been on my mind a lot lately and I was wondering about the opinions of others.
Has anyone out there actually tried medical treatments that are supposed to make you look younger? Specifically, laser skin resurfacing, laser skin rejuvenation, or the 'dreaded' facelift?? (I say dreaded because it has a bad reputation.)
It's hard to know what the results are without actually asking someone who has undergone it- not to mention that it would be incredibly rude to inquire. I don't trust any of the online review sites, so I'd appreciate everyone's personal anecdotes about these options. [more inside]
Antimicrobial foods?
I have a tendency towards Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). I've noticed that eating potatoes or bananas dramatically alleviates my LPR. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 9:35 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by zeek321 at 9:35 PM PST - 16 comments
Friends, Mefis, Countrypeople... help me write a business case
I need to write a short (1-2) page business case for a cultural institution. I need some mentoring from Mefi! [more inside]
Hacked?
I have a netflix account that appears to be getting hacked, even though I've switched passwords multiple times. [more inside]
posted by aclevername at 8:04 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by aclevername at 8:04 PM PST - 7 comments
Relaxing, inexpensive birthday trip wanted!
I'm looking to do a 4-day weekend for my birthday this year and looking for suggestions for cheap, relaxing travel in June! [more inside]
posted by raw sugar at 7:57 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by raw sugar at 7:57 PM PST - 12 comments
Subcutaneous injections for cat=Beyond frustrating
My cat was diagnosed with kidney disease and as of this Monday she's supposed to get 100ml of sub q fluids for the next 3 weeks every day and then they want to do another blood test. Monday was a breeze because we did it at the vet's with the vet tech showing me how to do it. She administered 50ml and then I did the remaining 50ml. Buffy, my cat, was so compliant. Not a peep out of her. [more inside]
My son broke his tooth -- now what?
My 9-year-old had an altercation with a door today and knocked off half of a top front tooth. We got him to the dentist right away, and they glued the other half of the tooth back on. What happens now? [more inside]
Too many hush puppies, (not the shoes, but the starch).
What can I make with a dozen hush puppies? [more inside]
Looking for a very specific prescription pill (dose, size, coating, etc)
I have a very picky patient (cat...) and need to find a pharmacy that sells a very specific pill - 5mg Fluoxetine (Prozac) small in size, sugar coated (like Advil.) [more inside]
posted by pwb503 at 5:59 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by pwb503 at 5:59 PM PST - 6 comments
How to make it in the Queen City
I'm moving to Charlotte, NC. What should I know before I make the move? [more inside]
posted by lunastellasol at 5:38 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by lunastellasol at 5:38 PM PST - 7 comments
Seattle Wedding Venues?!!!
My fiancee and I (very recently engaged!) are trying to plan a wedding in Seattle for this September (2015) - it's starting to feel a bit short notice, and while we've gotten some great tips and are exploring some fun looking venues, we don't live near Seattle. At the moment, we're really focused on finding a venue. I'd greatly appreciate any tips or thoughts people have! A few more details regarding what we're looking for are inside. [more inside]
How Do I Manage Feeling Overwhelmed By Japan?
OverwhelmedByJapan-filter: I have at least a (solo) week in Japan en route to Indonesia, and despite referencing DVD's, youtube videos, guidebooks & internet, I'm still grossly lacking in confidence as to how I'm going to; use public transport, find my hotel, communicate with hotel staff, order food, and find a public restroom when required. To where do I turn? Is there possibly a service by which I can rent an English speaking guide (not like tourist, but more cultural) for an afternoon? Am I blowing this out of proportion? [more inside]
Dating dilemma: Should I text this guy again or is it done?
I've gone out a few times with a friend of a friend. Although initially he texted me a lot, he's stopped and I want to know if I should text him (again). My minimal dating experience and social anxiety are making it difficult for me to decide what to do. Way more detail inside. [more inside]
posted by peppermintchaya at 2:45 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by peppermintchaya at 2:45 PM PST - 28 comments
Searching within The Searchers
In The Searchers, was there a scene where Ethan (John Wayne) finds some freed white women who have been rescued from the Comanche?
If so do you know why this scene is not in the DVD (or at least not in all DVDs) of the film?
BONUS POINTS for pointing out the time of the scene on youtube.
NOTE: I am NOT asking about the rescue of Debbie, but rather of an episode in the middle of Ethan and Marty's search for Debbie. I am also not asking about Scar's wives in the scene with Debbie, nor about Laurie.
posted by flourpot at 1:52 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by flourpot at 1:52 PM PST - 3 comments
Looking for jazzy, romantic songs
So I really love Sondre Lerche's "You Knocked Me Off My Feet," and I'm looking for something similar to it, with more romantic lyrics and slightly less repetitive, for a wedding first dance. Thank you for any suggestions!
posted by madonna of the unloved at 1:51 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by madonna of the unloved at 1:51 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me create a fake field of scientific inquiry!
As I mentioned in a previous AskMe I am a professor who has been developing a long-running, semi-realistic simulation inspired by ARGs in which the players will be challenged to make many business decisions over the course of several months in an evolving scenario. Without going into too much detail, the premise is that the students have been hired by a genius inventor who has created an exciting breakthrough technology and is interested in commercializing it. The name for the technology turns up nothing in Google (because it is fake!), but we want to make it look like a real thing. Help me figure out how! [more inside]
Should I break up?
I'm in a 9 month relationship and have been wrestling with the decision to break up for most of its duration. I don't know if the problem lies with me or if the relationship is truly a bad one. Details inside. [more inside]
Am I an alcoholic on six days a month?
I like to drink booze, and have done regularly it since I was maybe 18 (44 now). Around 18 months ago my habits were a sixpack of beer a day with a binge 3-4 times a month when I had 2-3 times that much. I have never blacked out, don't really get hangovers, don't get into trouble from drinking but was noticing that I was getting sneakier and sneakier in how I got my fix, plus expensive, plus weight gain. I decided that I was a functional alcoholic. [more inside]
Thing & Thing & Thing & Thing
This feels unbelievably trivial, but its ungoogleable nature is driving me crazy. What is the origin of the meme-ish thing where there are four or five characters grouped together with ampersands? The one I see most often involves the Game of Thrones direwolves, but I don't think it originated there. I feel like it's making reference to something I don't understand, and I should understand all the references. Help me out?
posted by missrachael at 1:26 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by missrachael at 1:26 PM PST - 13 comments
How selfish is it OK to be in life?
I struggle with thinking I "should" do a lot of things, and feel guilty about not doing more for charity and for other people. How can I find a good balance between doing what I want to do for myself, and doing my duty as a good person?
posted by sninctown at 12:48 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by sninctown at 12:48 PM PST - 18 comments
how to deal with deceptive students?
I administer an online learning platform for a university in Massachusetts. Whenever a semester ends, I always get several reports from students claiming to have completed work that the system has no record of. In a recent case, I checked everywhere I could and even contacted the vendor, but I didn't find a shred of evidence to support this student's version of events. Yet he still insists he completed the work and won't back off. What can I say to him, and other students like him, without seeming like an asshole who won't help?
No idea what to wear to friend's wedding? (Male)
I am an early 30's dude who was invited to a friend's wedding. It's in two days. I don't have much experience with weddings, and don't have anything to wear yet. I don't have much money, and don't have a suit of my own. Can you give me suggestions on what to wear so that I don't stick out like a sore thumb? [more inside]
Where do women (like me) buy clothes online?
I have a problem buying clothes online. I'm in an in-between point in my fashion life: I'm not dressing like an undergraduate, but I haven't reached the LL Bean stage in my life either, and I don't have an office job that requires wearing business casual. Where do you all shop online? [more inside]
Which should I do first, refinance a mortgage or buy a car?
Can I refinance my mortgage and buy a new (used) car at the same time?
I’m not sure which to do first or if I need time in between, and it’s complicated by the fact that my husband will be seasonally unemployed for the summer, starting in about three weeks. He has employment history going back three years showing this seasonality.
I’d like to do the refinance first because the savings from that will almost cover the car payment, but afraid that the closing will fall through if it takes more than a month and they do employment verification later. Anyone have experience with this?
posted by saffry at 12:16 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by saffry at 12:16 PM PST - 8 comments
Typical reports received from staff to board of directors at non-profit?
I recently was appointed to the board of directors for a non-profit. What are expectations for reports from staff inside organization presented at monthly board meetings? [more inside]
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 12:11 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 12:11 PM PST - 11 comments
Resumes/cover letters for clinical positions
I'm an Speech Language Pathologist looking for a new job (anonymous for that reason). I am looking for advice on crafting a resume/cover letter specifically for a clinical field. [more inside]
Similar books to Walden by Henry David Thoreau?
I'm curious to know if there are any works of novels, poetry, and non-fiction that parallel with the work of Walden? From an individualist, naturalist, and stream of consciousness point of view. Particularly works similar to Thoreau's eloquent writing style. [more inside]
Aerobic exercise on "rest days" for sleep?
I often have a hard time falling asleep; intense aerobic exercise goes a long way toward remedying this problem. I often hear, however, that your body needs a "rest day" for recovery from strenuous exercise. My body certainly feels less sore if I take a rest day, but the sleep I get in return is mediocre at best. MeFites who use exercise partly for sleep: How do you balance the need for relatively heavy aerobic exercise with the need to give your body time to recover? [more inside]
Poor Lame Pooch
Our beloved 5 y/o rescue Pooch has, according to the vet, torn his ACL. We need help navigating this. I have read all the previous AskMe's regarding this, but we have our own snowflakes. [more inside]
Summer Sandal Shopping
I'm looking for a certain kind of sandals for summer and am coming up barefoot. [more inside]
where are my Leslie Knopes
So there's a lot of research that demonstrates the myriad ways that our political system incentivizes politicians to be corrupt, to assent to constituent whims even if it leads to the greater detriment of a system, to follow the money and so on. Are there any modernish examples where this was not the case? [more inside]
posted by runt at 10:33 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by runt at 10:33 AM PST - 11 comments
Please help me rationalize the decision of not becoming friends
After a lot of inner turmoil and stress and hair pulling, I've come to the conclusion that I don't really want to hang out with a group of people that I feel like I'm expected to be close friends with. Please help me rationalize/justify OR change my mind about this decision because I think I'm going mildly crazy over it. [more inside]
Selling our right to buy
My rental house in DC is being sold and my fellow tenants and I are looking into exercising our TOPA rights and selling our right to purchase the house. [more inside]
posted by ropeladder at 10:14 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by ropeladder at 10:14 AM PST - 6 comments
Am I doing compound interest wrong?
I'm hoping Metafilter can help me with a stupid math question, but one that's bothering me about how I was taught to compound interest versus some numbers I'm reading/hearing online about a Supreme Court case. [more inside]
posted by Fortran at 10:07 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Fortran at 10:07 AM PST - 5 comments
Moving phone service to Ting - What is 2G?
We are looking at moving to Ting. This will drop my husband's phone down from 3G to 2G. I don't know what that means. Is it capacity and, if so, for what? Speed? I just have no idea. He uses his phone primarily for texting. Phone calls and data usage happen but are pretty rare. Any help understanding this is much appreciated.
posted by harrietthespy at 9:55 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by harrietthespy at 9:55 AM PST - 14 comments
Outlook vs. Mac Mail
I use Gmail and I'm running Yosemite on my Mac. What's the difference between using the newest version of Outlook vs the Mail app?
My cabinet door started closing on its own one day. What do?
We have a bunch of the same cabinets. This one door just started being very aggressive, and if we open it too far will spring back to about 25% open. This would be fine if it would stay closed, but it doesn't do that either (there's no latching on this or any of the other cabinets).
Is it just a matter of tightening or loosening a screw? Picture under the fold. [more inside]
Can I get these movies from iTunes to a Kindle Fire?
I bought some bluray+DVD+download discs of some movies for my kids. When we're traveling, it's nice for them to be able to watch on their tablet - a Kindle Fire - but when I try to use the download code that came with the DVDs, it only gives the option to download to iTunes. Is there a way to get these onto a Kindle Fire? [more inside]
posted by cmaxmagee at 9:30 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by cmaxmagee at 9:30 AM PST - 6 comments
When you actually have time to cook, what do you cook?
I'm about to have a week off while in-between jobs and one thing I'd like to do with that time is make some amazing dinners for myself and my husband. I like cooking, but as my husband and I are both full time we usually stick to recipes that take 30 mins or less. But if you had, let's say, 4 hours to dedicate to dinner what would you make? Details within... [more inside]
posted by like_neon at 9:29 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by like_neon at 9:29 AM PST - 33 comments
Is going no-contact my only choice here?
I'm a trans woman, and my mom is completely unaccepting of my transition, and I feel like I need to cut her out of my life entirely. Is that my only option? [more inside]
posted by and they trembled before her fury at 9:25 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by and they trembled before her fury at 9:25 AM PST - 29 comments
What could this building be?
I have a photo of my grandfather from the 1930s standing in front of the doorway of a building. I'd like to figure out what the building is and have a few hints that may help narrow it down, but I haven't had any luck just yet. [more inside]
posted by laze at 9:18 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by laze at 9:18 AM PST - 14 comments
Should we be using a Manhattan broker in Brooklyn?
We've been looking to purchase apartments with a broker based in Washington Heights, starting in upper Manhattan, but have now shifted to southern Brooklyn. In the neighborhood that we're focusing on now one brokerage seems to list 75% of the apartments for sale. Are we putting ourselves at a disadvantage because we're 1 - not using a broker from the area (though our broker is very nice and has been very helpful 2 - not just going direct to the local brokerage and asking them to represent us (even if they're the listing agents on a property)? [more inside]
I need a haircut that says "I'm queer!" in Asheville
My hair's grown out a bit over the last two months, but I haven't been in one place long enough to get a cut. But now I'm in Asheville! For a week!
So now I just need to a) find a place to get my hair cut, and b) what sort of hair would look right, given all my snowflake tendencies? [more inside]
posted by you could feel the sky at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by you could feel the sky at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments
One night in Nashville (and the world's your rocky mountain oyster)
In Nashville for a random Wednesday night in May. Where can we stay that will allow us to see a bit of the city and have a fun night preferably without driving? [more inside]
Best hypertext/wiki browser software/freeware 2015?
Creating a collaborative website, and one of my favorite tools in the original version of pbwiki is that you can simply type a word, click a button, and that word instantly became a link to a page of the same name. The updated pbworks doesn't do that, so I'm looking for a new tool. Example inside. [more inside]
iOS and Gmail are not getting along...
I have a gmail account, which I love, but on my iPhone it's seriously misbehaving. read emails are getting marked as unread again, unrelated emails are grouped... hjalp? [more inside]
Which software should I use to create an interactive map?
I've been working on an urban renewal history project with some high school students. I've got a bunch of content (Photos, video, documents, etc.) that I'd like to link to a map. [more inside]
posted by PHINC at 7:51 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by PHINC at 7:51 AM PST - 3 comments
Cheap, easily obtainable full-spectrum fluorescent bulb
I've read and been confused by many other AskMe's about this, so here is all I want to know: What bulb can I go out and get at Home Depot or Lowes, for under $20, that is a full-spectrum fluorescent that will fit into your standard ~24" housing? This is for a bird kept inside. [more inside]
Is Kindle Unlimited worth it?
Mostly what it says on the tin. I read a lot, and I read almost everything on my kindle - I'm missing the part of my brain that makes people attached to print books. I'm curious if anyone has tried Kindle Unlimited, and if you liked it or felt it was worthwhile.
Let's bracket for now any concerns about Amazon as a company and its effect on publishing/writing. I'm familiar with those arguments, and they'll factor separately into whether or not I decide to sign up.
Thanks!
posted by Ragged Richard at 7:10 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Ragged Richard at 7:10 AM PST - 20 comments
covering buyer's closing costs
I am finally selling this long-suffering house, to a buyer with a VA loan. How mandatory is it that I cover her closing costs? She is moving from a state with way, way higher housing costs than this location; she loooves the house, and upped the asking price by $6K to beat out another offer within 5 days of listing. My agent was adamant that I agree to cover her closing costs, somewhat over $5K, because it's routine. [more inside]
posted by mmiddle at 7:02 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by mmiddle at 7:02 AM PST - 15 comments
looking for supreme comfort, discrete headphones for office use
My ears are very sensitive to pressure, weight, and motion. Also, they are slightly different sizes. I'm looking for some IEMs that do not tug, pull, push, wiggle, rattle, or anything else. The option to have different-sized tips would be useful - so, most earbuds are out. Probably, something that has a plastic hook that goes around the back of the ear would be good - but it also can't be too cumbersome because I wear glasses. Finally, they need to look semi-professional - so, no over-the-head straps, headphones are right out, nothing with skulls or diamonds or silly bling. please help!
What Bug Is This? Fuzzy Cocoon, Florida Edition, No Wilfred Brimley.
The exterior of our house has been overrun by these furry little cocoons. I need help identifying the little rascals and also advice on how to KEEL them and keep them from coming back. [more inside]
posted by Major Matt Mason Dixon at 5:34 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Major Matt Mason Dixon at 5:34 AM PST - 2 comments
Options for replacing glass on top of dresser
This morning I dropped something hard on top of a dresser and cracked the glass on top. How do I get this fixed / replaced? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 5:11 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Tehhund at 5:11 AM PST - 6 comments
Why are there colors? Explain like I'm six.
My six-year-old son asked me a question I'm stumped by (one of many). He asked "Why are there different colors?" I half-attempted an explanation about light wavelengths and light reflecting off surfaces and soon realized I was a) over his head and b) over my own head.
How would you explain the concept of color--of what color really is--to a six-year-old? Obviously very simple language is needed here.
posted by zardoz at 4:45 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by zardoz at 4:45 AM PST - 30 comments
Quandary involving a not-well friend
Am in a bit of a situation involving a friend with a mental illness. Long details inside. [more inside]
April 22
How do I find and buy affordable original artwork?
I'd really like to have more art in my house, and I love the idea of having original pieces. But I know almost nothing about art, so I don't know the best ways to go about finding and buying it. [more inside]
posted by primethyme at 10:43 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by primethyme at 10:43 PM PST - 26 comments
Empower my iPhone 5c!
My iPhone 5c has a defective battery that dies quickly. Help me find an external battery/case that will keep it alive longer. [more inside]
posted by Schadenfreudian at 10:21 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Schadenfreudian at 10:21 PM PST - 9 comments
1920x1080 LCD. Laptop graphics max 1366x768. Black bars top and sides.
New 1920x1080 HD LCD -- great. Can't wait to use it for my monitor. But -- INTEL graphics card tops out 1366x768, leaving *big* black bars top and bottom of screen, smaller black bars on sides but still annoying. Adjusted graphics using horizontal and vertical scaling from 0% out to 100%, worked great, filled the screen -- all better. Worked great, that is, until I rebooted the puter -- [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 10:07 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by dancestoblue at 10:07 PM PST - 10 comments
Japan-filter: From Bullfighting to Kurosawa in a Cocktail
How do you say "Blood and Sand" in Japanese? [more inside]
Exorcizing the devil from the details
I'm currently studying undergraduate math and though the concepts are clear, I lose a lot of marks through carelessness or small errors. Please help me pick up on/avoid these better. [more inside]
posted by solarion at 7:33 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by solarion at 7:33 PM PST - 15 comments
Physicist looking to change careers; difficulty level: Rhode Island
I need help evaluating different career paths as I plan a move to Rhode Island; I have a PhD in physics. What careers should I be looking into and what skills should I develop to have a very good chance of landing a job in under a year? [more inside]
Help me design a cheap timecard solution for a classroom
I am looking for a sub $100 way to keep track of the attendance of 20-30 students [more inside]
posted by Acari at 5:59 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Acari at 5:59 PM PST - 15 comments
Can't zoom out on mobile for google sheets
A friend uses a Google Site to host a schedule for a catering company. They make the sheet in Excel, port it to Google Sheets, then link to it from the site. With a recent change within Drive, users have lost the ability to zoom out beyond to less than 100% on the schedule, making it more difficult to navigate. They can zoom in, but can't zoom any further out. Is there anything they can do to get this functionality back?
How do I buy a very inexpensive viola?
I'd like to spend ~$300 on a viola to be used by me for experimental purposes. Should I buy online, from a shop, from craigslist, or? [more inside]
I am suffering from a stupid, stupid work crush
There's a guy at work. I wrote about him in one of my previous questions. He is extremely handsome, extremely well-dressed, very professional and work-savvy, very smooth and seems like a genuinely kind guy. He's also incredibly closed off and hard to read and is generally unapproachable most of the time. He's unpredictable in a lot of ways. I know he's flirty, he's extremely charming, very confident...all these things. We all are 20 somethings working in a stressful, fast-paced, pressure-fueled sales environment where we often spend a ton of time in the same vicinity. We are also NOT allowed to date each other. [more inside]
posted by rhythm_queen at 4:22 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by rhythm_queen at 4:22 PM PST - 35 comments
What is the name of the drugstore fragrance in this ad?
In the early 90s, Bonne Bell had a line of fragrances aimed at teenagers that you could find at drugstores. The line was called Bottle Emotion and I remember a lot of ads for it in Teen and YM magazines. Here's an example.
What was the name of the yellow fragrance pictured in the ad? They all had names like daring, sassy, crazy, shy, etc. I could find all of those easily (mostly through eBay and Makeupalley reviews), but the yellow one (with what I think is a couch on it?) is impossible to find. Does anyone remember the name of it, or have any other information about it?
posted by almostmanda at 4:09 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by almostmanda at 4:09 PM PST - 2 comments
How to encourage someone to get tested for ADHD?
I strongly believe my younger sister would benefit from an ADHD screening. She hasn't been receptive to the idea. In the meantime, her life is often chaotic and there are real consequences to her disorganization. I know she might not have ADHD, but then again she may. Is there anything I can say or do to convince her to at least consider screening? [more inside]
Complicated Unemployment Benefits Question -- Should I File?
Got laid off yesterday and filed for unemployment. Agency rejected my claim because I'm still eligible for a claim I opened a year prior in a different state for a different job. [more inside]
The honors thesis that I never completed
Due to extenuating circumstances, I never finished my honors thesis, and have since graduated and moved on to another institution. I feel bad for disappearing on my PI and for not completing the work. What to do? [more inside]
Should I ask for acknowledgement and apology?
For an almost 2 years, my wife and I were in a rough spot. She was very often angry, her anger was usually directed at me, and her anger often resulted in name-calling and sometimes worse. She never apologized for or acknowledged anything upsetting she said. As detailed 'inside,' this angry spiral ended abruptly (and surprisingly) after a medical intervention for an unrelated issue. Part of me very much wants to talk to her about this episode. I hope for apology and acknowledgement; I fear that it wouldn't be offered. [more inside]
Gift for family in Israel
My brother is going to visit some family in Isreal -- a cousin and her two elementary-school aged children (boys). What might be a nice gift to bring from America?
We don't know the family very well, and we would like the gift to be a surprise...
What is this strum?
I am trying to learn "I Apologize" by Husker Du on the ukulele. I'm working with this tab, and the chords sound right. The strums for the verses (down/up, down/up, down/up, down) and for the first half of the chorus (down down/UP ad nauseum) were easy enough to learn, but I can't figure out the strums for the pre-chorus ("and you get tight-lipped…") or the second half of the chorus ("said I'm sorry…") I've watched videos of Bob solo and Husker Du back in the day, but I haven't figured out what Bob's doing with his left hand. Anyone want to hazard a guess? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 2:30 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by pxe2000 at 2:30 PM PST - 14 comments
Yet another "what car should I buy?" question.
Need a car that will comfortably fit two adults, one child, and a very large dog plus a suitcase or two. Reliable, good mileage. Don't want to spend more than $11K. What are my options? [more inside]
I'll take a home in the woods by myself, if I can
I'm a fairly experienced camper, but I've never gone alone, so I booked a solo trip to spend a week in the woods this summer. I have some stuff (lantern, propane stove, mess kit, sleeping bag) but I'm missing most of the basics: a single person tent, mattress pad, food, mosquito gear. What do I need? What will I want? Once I get out there, what will I be shaking my fist at the uncaring sky for if I forget to bring it along? [more inside]
Gallbladder removal laparoscopically due to gallstones
Hi
I would like to get your experience with laparoscopic surgery? How long did they keep you there? How was your recovery? How much pain? What did you experience after?
I am young-27 and have to get this done. I am simply terrified
How much does it cost to own and maintain a horse?
Curiosity, more than anything, compels me to ask this question. Hop over the fence for details. [more inside]
posted by vignettist at 12:26 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by vignettist at 12:26 PM PST - 9 comments
Using Construct 2 to quickly load HTML5 app on an iPad
We're coding in Construct 2 which exports HTML5 in a number of ways. but we don't want an iOS app. [more inside]
What should I send in a care package for my Spanish friend?
A good friend of mine lives in the Dominican Republic (but is from Spain) and I want to send her a care package. I want to know what fun things I can send her that she can't get there. Things she might miss from the US (where she has lived as well) or Spain. Foods, gifts, etc. Any ideas welcome!
posted by chela at 12:22 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by chela at 12:22 PM PST - 6 comments
Sarcastic celebration in in Baltimore area
I was going to go sky diving to "celebrate" my job being eliminated (I like the symbolism), but weigh too much. Instead, I'm trying to think of something in the Baltimore area to do that I haven't done before to start my forced unemployment. [more inside]
posted by QIbHom at 12:14 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by QIbHom at 12:14 PM PST - 18 comments
We want our money back.
Husband purchased car parts from business in Arkansas over the internet. Some but not all of the pieces were delivered. Money for those not delivered has never been refunded. Help us get this money back - level of difficulty: this happened almost a year ago. [more inside]
The jewel is India.
My boyfriend and I have watched the full run of The Jewel in the Crown (minus the last episode, which is next week) on our local PBS affiliate, and we are entranced. We tried to get the "flavor" of the show by watching other adventure films with similar themes-- Out of Africa was a bust, though The Constant Gardener was pretty good. Maybe what we're looking for is more period British drama, or miniseries with romance and gorgeous locations but also a sense of weight and seriousness? [more inside]
posted by easter queen at 11:56 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by easter queen at 11:56 AM PST - 26 comments
Friendly Karaoke in DC
My friend wants to do karaoke but is nervous. Is there a bar in DC that would be likely to provide a friendly, supportive environment for this? Difficulty level: Saturday night. [more inside]
Please help me not be an admin anymore
How do I transition my career from secretarial work to something else? [more inside]
I don't understand how to do my final project! Gimme a good grade please
Hi everybody,
I turned in a final project for an online class on its due date, last Sunday. The instructor emailed me that she can’t locate part of the assignment. It becomes obvious to me that I didn’t understand the assignment and did it wrong/incomplete. There seems to be a communication failure and I cannot understand what I was supposed to do. I think it may be best to walk away from the project and take the best grade I can get. How do I tell the teacher this yet prompt her to go easy on me? [more inside]
The transition to triathlon
I've played rugby for almost ten years and after all this time, I want to mix it up a little and do a triathlon. My issue: overweight and not just a little intimidated. [more inside]
posted by thefang at 11:13 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by thefang at 11:13 AM PST - 8 comments
Electrical gremlins or real car problems?
My car (2012 BMW 328i xDrive Wagon E91 LCI) has two quirks:
1) battery warning after turning off the car, even after extended drives (never BEFORE starting the car)
2) brake wear warning after car has been parked in the cold for several hours (disappears after warming car up) [more inside]
Is it safe giving my accountant my full bank statement?
I want to file for taxes (Ontario, Canada) and my accountant asked that I can send him my bank statement so that he knows the different payments instead of having me send him all the receipts. Is this safe or advisable?
Most effective way to build political will?
I started volunteering for a group that advocates for a revenue neutral carbon tax. Their main strategies for trying to achieve this goal are: 1) develop relationships with members of congress ("we're betting the ranch on relationships" is one of their unofficial slogans) 2) write letters to the editor and 3) get lots of people to write letters to their congressmen.
Is this an effective approach? If not what else could we be doing? Thanks everybody and happy Earth Day! [more inside]
posted by defmute at 10:03 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by defmute at 10:03 AM PST - 4 comments
I need an ENT.
Evicting Many Thousands of Tiny Unwanted Tenants
Last year, we had carpenter ants, and we asked them to leave. This year, the ants are back. I'm prepared to bring in professionals to explain matters to them more forcefully. However, I'm almost more scared of the solution than the problem. Talk to me about safety issues with poisons used to chase the bastards out. [more inside]
Business math word problem: calculating salary through "growth tiers"
I'd like some help coming up with a formula for calculating annual salary increases. The idea is that a given job description will have two "growth tiers", through which an employee's salary will increase at different rates, and beyond which their salary cannot increase further (except for cost-of-living adjustment). There's also a "base growth factor", which is determined by individual employee performance--e.g. 10% for a stellar employee, 6% for a good employee, etc. Lots more inside. [more inside]
posted by Mr. Professional at 9:43 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Mr. Professional at 9:43 AM PST - 4 comments
"Español español español!" "English english english!" "Español!"
I've noticed a trend on TV: multi-lingual families are shown having conversations in both languages at once. Usually, it's the older generation speaking in their first language and the younger generation speaking in English. Is this something that actually happens? [more inside]
Help Me Get Better at Life
I feel like I'm constantly trapped in a mind game with myself that I lose. [more inside]
Best way to send money to Egypt?
One of the contributors to a magazine I edit lives in Egypt. We usually use PayPal or mail paper checks, but neither of those is an option in this case. What's the most reliable way to send money (to Egypt specifically) from the US? [more inside]
posted by Narrative Priorities at 9:27 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Narrative Priorities at 9:27 AM PST - 3 comments
Do pregnant Japanese women eat sushi?
I'm interested in thoughts and superstitions centred around eating and food in pregnancy around the world. What are you advised to eat or avoid in your country when pregnant? What are you told will happen to your baby (or its character) if you eat specific foods. Also, do Japanese women really give up sushi when pregnant and do the French give up their camembert and brie?
Who are the best UI/UX designers in the Linux community?
Who are the best (most innovative, most polished, most competent) designers of user experiences on various Linux platforms? Similarly, what Linux-based programs or application do an excellent job on UI/UX? [more inside]
Are you familiar with realty practices in PA?
Rental homes are few and far between where I live in Central PA. Click through if you might be able to answer some of my questions! [more inside]
posted by KateH at 9:19 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by KateH at 9:19 AM PST - 2 comments
Woo is me
I met a counselor/life coach I really clicked with. But some of her old blog posts are full of woo. How to proceed? [more inside]
Worthy uses for a beautiful notebook
I was given an ornate and perfect and outrageously lovely purple and silver Paperblanks notebook for my birthday. I feel as though nothing I could write could possibly do it justice. What are some suitably noble and beautiful uses for such a thing? [more inside]
Name-my-bakery-filter
Roadblocked on names for my bakery endeavor. Do you like cookies, and naming things that aren't pets? Come on in. [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:47 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:47 AM PST - 38 comments
Fun video games for a mediumcore gamer
I'm looking for video games (Windows or Mac) that I personally would consider fun. I get bored with casual games but frustrated with ones aimed at the truly hardcore gamer. More special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 8:41 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by yankeefog at 8:41 AM PST - 17 comments
Creating cross-platform fillable PDF Form
For work I need to make some interactive PDF forms that users can fill out and download/print, to then upload to another site. [more inside]
Anything of special interest in Cambridge UK and Norfolk surrounds?
Heading to East Anglia for a couple weeks in late May; have lined up Cambridge (Scott Polar Research Institute!) followed by Cromer and the north Norfolk coast, Holkham, King's Lynn. Any local six-fingered denizens with suggestions for off-beat or interesting things to do and see? [more inside]
Want More Like This, Get...?
I really like the thought behind the Want This, Get This articles on Gear Patrol, however I don't actually want a lot of that stuff in the first place. Are there any other websites that have these sorts of comparisons for a wider variety of objects?
posted by nulledge at 7:29 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by nulledge at 7:29 AM PST - 2 comments
Teach me to drink alcohol like an adult
After over 15 years of abstaining from alcohol, I want to order an occasional drink when out with friends. I don't like beer or wine. I pretty much despise the taste of alcohol. What should I drink? [more inside]
posted by puppet du sock at 7:28 AM PST - 73 comments
posted by puppet du sock at 7:28 AM PST - 73 comments
cats and glass dot com
I'm looking for a domain name that I can use for pictures of glass pieces I made and my cats. Possibly I will eventually sell glass stuff (not cats), but that is not an immediate plan. I am totally out of ideas that do not include my name.
What kind of heart defect killed Joe Strummer?
Clash-frontman Joe Strummer died on December 22, 2002 of a cardiac arrest.
The Coroner (Michael Rose) issued a report saying he died of an undiagnosed congenital heart condition.
I'd like to know which condition specifically. [more inside]
posted by cacofonie at 6:40 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by cacofonie at 6:40 AM PST - 4 comments
Buying Bourbon in NYC and Brooklyn
I'm a new bourbon collector and I'm wondering what stores in Brooklyn and NYC have the widest and best selections?
Also, while I'm at it, what are some of your favorite bottles?
But more importantly, where can I buy them locally?
Recommend me more songs like these!
Which other songs would you recommend for someone who loves 7/11 by Beyoncé and Yoga by Janelle Monae? [more inside]
posted by ellieBOA at 5:22 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by ellieBOA at 5:22 AM PST - 6 comments
Can I use a fake photo for online dating?
I had a stalker years back and I was only able to shake them off by going virtually off grid. I had to stop dating online (because that's how he found me one of the times) and eventually I had to change my name, my home and my job and severe contacts with people I knew for years to get away from them. I would like to try online dating again, but this time maybe with a photo of someone with similar traits to mine, but not my real photo. [more inside]
Sober Summer Me!
So I'm going to a 30-day alcohol rehab soon, and will be starting graduate school in the fall. What should I do in the months between to stay on the good path? [more inside]
Advice needed on phased return to work due to work related stress UK
I could really do with some advice on my rights for a phased return to work after absence due to work related stress, complicated by chronic fatigue syndrome. [more inside]
Help me get over this sudden fear of doing something really dumb.
I work in broadcasting. Lately, I have the awful feeling that I'm about to inadvertently say something that will get me fired. Can you help me work through this, and chase these thoughts away? [more inside]
Best Driving Route from Vegas to Boston
Leaving for Boston in 7 hours. Should I drive Vegas to Albuquerque or Vegas to Denver? Driving a small 2 seater if that matters. Trying to avoid bad weather. Leaving at 8am Vegas time. Won't drive after dark. Any tips on best route to Cambridge would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
April 21
What was the amazing sculpture I remember from 22 years ago in Sevilla?
In 1993 I traveled around Spain as a student, and am kicking myself for not taking a picture of an amazing statue I saw two or three times fleetingly from the tour bus in Sevilla. Feels like a long shot, because I've searched for images of it online many times and keep coming up empty. Can you help me identify and locate it? [more inside]
posted by oxisos at 11:21 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by oxisos at 11:21 PM PST - 3 comments
Legal help in Phoenix
Asking for a deaf friend who needs information about free or low cost legal services in Phoenix in regard to a threat of discontinuation of alimony payments. [more inside]
posted by ms_rasclark at 10:02 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ms_rasclark at 10:02 PM PST - 3 comments
Travel advice for Nashville please!
Hey MeFites familiar with the Nashville area! I am coming to your neck of the woods for work for a day or two, and would like to find some things: [more inside]
posted by bile and syntax at 10:01 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by bile and syntax at 10:01 PM PST - 8 comments
Buyer's agent recommendation for Portland, OR?
Apparently when you are looking for a condo, you need something called a "buyer's agent". I'm in Portland, OR looking for a cheaperish condo. Eastside, or North, or industrial NW preferably. Anybody have recommendations for a buyer's agent? Thanks!
posted by middlethird at 9:09 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by middlethird at 9:09 PM PST - 4 comments
What YA fantasy novel was this?
This is driving me crazy, because I know it's a book I like and have read more than once, but I can't for the life of me put my finger on it. Seems like Diana Wynne Jones but I can't find one of hers that fits. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 8:15 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by skycrashesdown at 8:15 PM PST - 4 comments
Where do I want to be in five years?
I'm in my mid-30s, and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I feel like I need a career trajectory, if not a plan, but I have no idea. How do I figure this out? What kinds of careers should I be considering? [more inside]
How do I handle this interview, for a position that would be a stretch?
The company in question is a small, successful tech startup in a college town in a rural region. In an unusual fit of courage, I wrote and sent in a verbose letter of application for a development internship. I'm already regretting this bout of self-esteem, because I'm not that qualified, and though I made that clear in my letter, they've asked me in for a "short talk". I have no idea what to expect. Difficulty level: social phobia. [more inside]
Music magazines on social media
Please help me find music magazines/groups with a social media presence. In particular, I'd like to find genre-specific ones whose content is carefully curated. [more inside]
CRM that's client oriented?
Can anyone point me to some CRM that's client oriented, rather than sales and sales-team oriented? [more inside]
Find me a fidget widget
I'm looking for an interesting new finger toy because at my desk all day I fidget and fuss with whatever's within reach. I doodle while on the phone. I try not to pick at my nails. I poke the cats. What would be an interesting object to have around that requires only distracted attention? [more inside]
A sticky situation
Blue/white-tac issues. How do I keep my shiz on the walls instead of on the floor?
My posters/notices keep falling off my walls. None are particularly heavy paper or strange glossy finishes. Surfaces I want the paper posters to adhere to are either wooden doors or normal painted walls. 75% stay up for months without issue - others fall down on a weekly basis. [more inside]
A Story about Oxford Boating
A story about a disastrous boating excursion in Oxford, not by Connie Willis or Jerome K. Jerome-- what book is this from/what story is this? [more inside]
How do I know whether it's worth giving my relationship a shot?
I'm so confused about my relationship that I've taken to MeFi to ask for advice – any thoughts would be hugely appreciated. My boyfriend of almost one year is 29; I'm 34. He's kind, caring and all-round deeply lovely, we get on absolutely brilliantly, have loads in common and I feel incredibly comfortable and happy around him. Life is sweet. Except two not-so-tiny things: he's scared of commitment and doesn't ever want to talk about my ticking biological clock. How much time do I give this? [more inside]
posted by considerthelilies at 6:11 PM PST - 67 comments
posted by considerthelilies at 6:11 PM PST - 67 comments
Purchasing a bit of the Newman cool
[MensJewelryFilter] Looking for help with searching for a particular kind of men's ID bracelet as worn by Paul Newman in this pic. [more inside]
posted by kuanes at 5:57 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by kuanes at 5:57 PM PST - 3 comments
Breaking into scheduling (specifically Primavera P6 or P7)
I’ve heard there are P6/P7 classes that hook students up with work afterwards. I guess the instructors/teaching organization have connections...? Do such classes really exist?
Also, I’d like recommendations on how to become acquainted with more schedulers. [more inside]
Assigning keyboard shortcuts to Mac OS services
I want to be able to trigger an Applescript with a keyboard shortcut. I'm confused. [more inside]
posted by roll truck roll at 5:04 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by roll truck roll at 5:04 PM PST - 4 comments
Can you recommend a psychiatrist in San Francisco?
I'm looking for a psychiatrist in San Francisco who specializes in severe depression and anxiety. Bonus points for experience in addiction psychiatry/treating dual-diagnosis patients. Thanks!
Where to buy a car?
I am moving from New Mexico to Boston this summer, and my 30-year-old Toyota pickup will not be coming with me. My plan was to fly to Boston and buy a car there- but evidently rust is a thing that happens. Is rust/salt damage enough of an issue that I should look at buying locally and driving it cross country? [more inside]
How can I fit a new laundry center through the bathroom doorway?
I currently have an old stacked washer/dryer in my condo bathroom that's 23.87" width, 27" depth, 70" height. It doesn't work well, so I ordered a new stacked washer/dryer with the same dimensions that's being delivered tomorrow. But I just measured the doorway to the bathroom, and even if you remove the door and the door jamb, it's 23.5" wide, measured from the inside. Is there any reasonable way to get the old one out and a new one inside without a big construction job? How did they get it inside?
What are these beasties, can they bite, and how do I get rid of them?
I am in the UK. I get several itchy bites per night, mostly on the back of my neck. I also quite often see tiny flies meandering through the air in my flat. Are these flies likely to be biting me? Photo inside. [more inside]
Why is Severnaya Zemlya censored on Google Maps?
Severnaya Zemlya, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia is censored on Google Maps. Anybody know why?
Here it is:
link
posted by tellUwut at 2:41 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by tellUwut at 2:41 PM PST - 7 comments
Best way to read academic PDFs on an e-ink device?
I would like to be able to read journal articles on my Nook ereader, but dislike the scrolling about required when looking at PDFs at a reasonable level of zoom. Is there a (semi-)automated toolchain for converting multi-column academic (humanities) PDFs to reflowable epub? Bonus points for preserving footnote links. I've tried Calibre conversion in the distant past, but didn't have much luck with multi-column documents; has this improved since then?
Opposite sex siblings in the same room?
We are currently expecting our second child at the end of September. Our current child is a boy and we have recently learned that our second child will be a girl. Is there any research-based evidence on whether opposite sex siblings should share a room? [more inside]
New pinhead-sized mole on thumb-- not like the others...
This very dark, very tiny mole on my thumb has me in a tizzy. Is a month too long to wait to see a doctor? [more inside]
Outlook font weirdness
Outlook 2010 has suddenly started defaulting to a different font for emails sent as meeting responses. As far as I can tell, it should be identical to the main email font preference, though. Any ideas on what the issue could be?
Motion/video jobs?
I want to do something involving motion, audio/video, interactivity, multimedia, and exhibits. What jobs should I be looking for? [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 11:19 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 11:19 AM PST - 6 comments
Can an Ontario driver with a G2 license rent a car in ON or BC?
Soon I'll have a G2 license, and I've got some questions about renting cars in Ontario, British Columbia, as well as potentially driving into Washington, Oregon, and California. [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 11:16 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Beardman at 11:16 AM PST - 6 comments
Landlord (probably) refinancing. Should we offer to buy?
My wife and I rent a house (in Philadelphia if it matters). Out of the blue, our landlord had an appraiser do a walk-through today, only a few days after we started the earliest stages of considering buying a house. (We haven't found one we like.) The appraiser said landlord is refinancing, not selling. (I plan to confirm this.) We're thinking about our options. Questions within; experience with (a) buying from one's landlord, (b) selling to one's tenants, and (c) refinancing a rental property especially welcome. [more inside]
What changes might we see as sea level rise = increased salinity?
So I've read predictions about how sea level rise will increase the salinity of current freshwater outlets. What might be some changes one would see underwater as a result of change? Would freshwater flora/fauna migrate upstream? Would salt water species migrate in? Or would there be some dead zone where the water is too fresh for ocean folk and too salty for river folk? [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 10:50 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by angrycat at 10:50 AM PST - 5 comments
Why are random Chinese people following me on Flickr?
I have an utterly unremarkable Flickr profile. I have no one image that has attracted any large amount of attention. I do, however, have followers in China. I get a new one every week or two. I cannot figure out why. [more inside]
posted by caution live frogs at 10:33 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by caution live frogs at 10:33 AM PST - 5 comments
Los Angeles novels
What are the best novels about and/or set in Los Angeles -- with an emphasis on characters of color, particularly Hispanic?
Bueller... Bueller... Movie Quotes Anyone?
I am looking for movie quotes about trying to get someone's attention. Anyone...? [more inside]
posted by Flood at 10:03 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by Flood at 10:03 AM PST - 43 comments
Is there an app for this? Personal dental record/tracking
Is there some kind of personal dental record / tooth history app, or even a way of marking comments on tooth diagrams, for either major tablet OS? [more inside]
Should I try to help a new friend who I believe is mentally ill?
I recently met a really nice, intelligent, fun girl my age. She believes her coworker, whom I've never met, is trying to ruin her life. Because of this belief, she is fleeing her job and even her apartment. I have reason to suspect it's all in her head. Should I meddle or simply turn a blind eye? I feel bad because I really, really like this girl and want her to get professional help. [more inside]
posted by Guinevere at 9:34 AM PST - 49 comments
posted by Guinevere at 9:34 AM PST - 49 comments
More writing like what's on Wait But Why
I really enjoy the irreverent yet insightful way deep philosophical issues are explored on Wait But Why. Any other sites or books I should check out? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 9:33 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by reenum at 9:33 AM PST - 6 comments
Marijuana as an investor
I'm in Oregon where recreational marijuana will be legalized July 1st. I have about $50,000 to invest, but am not sure about where to start. I don't necessarily have any desire to invest time or effort, but I'd love to make an investment with a reasonable rate of return. [more inside]
Recommendations for an allergist in NYC?
Getting a bit desperate for an NYC allergist who will be able to see me sometime before the end of the century. [more inside]
Strategies to overcome insecurity/jealousy of husband's female friend?
In the past several months, my husband has become close with one of my female friends, and they have started spending a lot of time together and texting each other almost daily. I'm uncomfortable with this, but I know this is my own issue to overcome because I trust them both and am 100% confident nothing questionable is happening between them. [more inside]
posted by Librarypt at 8:46 AM PST - 98 comments
posted by Librarypt at 8:46 AM PST - 98 comments
Pimp my dull-ass cover letter
So, I have the most soporific cover letter in the world. Sure, it's professional, but it's genuinely a bore to read. Are there any MeFites who can share some tips on how to craft a rockstar cover letter? [more inside]
Scars from topical steroid, possibly?
I have some scars on the inside of my thighs from a few years ago. I think it's due to the overuse of clobetasol. Has anyone else experienced this? [more inside]
Can you help me find Sindbad the Sailor anime series from 1975?
I am looking for an anime series from 1975 called Arabian Nights: Sinbad's Adventures. Bonus points if you can find it dubbed in English or French, though I don't believe it ever was. As a child growing up in the Middle East I originally saw it in Arabic on TV, so Arabic would work for me as well.
posted by Dragonness at 8:39 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Dragonness at 8:39 AM PST - 2 comments
Unicorn moving, NYC-->PHL edition
For some reason, I have not been able to find a moving service that uses reusable boxes, offers short-term (~1 month) storage, and will move NYC to Philadelphia. Anyone have any ideas? [more inside]
The Feminist sexually active man- a reading list?
I'm making up my spring and summer reading list for a new project and I need books that look at the concepts of masculinity, dating and sex (for boys/men) written from a feminist perspective. Specifically, books that tackles the following subjects:
Gender and sexuality spectrums, dating and relationships (anti Game stuff), teenage boy/young men psychology, parenting feminist boys, sex education, whatever, the whole deal.
Ideally, I'd like more academic texts- but give me anything you like. Even things that you think are tangentially related or reading list links that you think might fall in line.
Thanks!
Remind me to remember to ask this question
I need a reminder system for tasks and follow-ups with some sort of desktop pop-up reminder. [more inside]
Pleasant, repetitive music for the ocarina?
I got an alto ocarina on a bit of a whim. Recommend songs for me to play on it besides Zelda music! [more inside]
posted by rivenwanderer at 8:07 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by rivenwanderer at 8:07 AM PST - 5 comments
Doctor in NYC willing to transfer an Adderall prescription?
I just moved to NYC and would like to have a doctor refill my Adderall prescription. Ideally, I just give them my current script and they fill it after a general checkup. Also my previous doctor and I were on a plan where I'd only go in for checkups every several months and she'd write me a prescription in the interim for me to pickup but not actually have to visit. [more inside]
How does Gmail's "Undo Send" work? Everyone says its just a delay but...
In Gmail Labs there is an "Undo Send" feature, i.e. after a message is sent, for ~5 seconds an "Undo Send" appears. EVERYONE (1, 2, 3) says Gmail just adds a 5 second delay before it sends but its not true!
If I open a new e-mail window, send something to the 2nd address, it will show up almost immediately. If I click "Undo Send" in the sender's e-mail, the e-mail disappears in the recipients box!
ALSO, if I send it, open it immediately in the recipients box, then click "Undo Send" it disappears from the senders box, but Stays in the recipient box.
Obviously not just a simple 5 sec delay, anyone know what really going on?
posted by 1inabillionmistake at 7:18 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by 1inabillionmistake at 7:18 AM PST - 5 comments
New Car, best deal, 2015?
I would like to buy a Toyota Sienna.
I was going to lease because of the financing, but now figure a purchase is the way to go. We are willing to put down enough to warrant 0% financing, our goal is to keep the payment below $300. [more inside]
Examples of norms that prohibit costly behavior and emerge informally?
hivemind!!!! Does anyone know of any cases where a norm informally or organically arises that prohibits a behavior that is costly to others (i.e., has negative externalities) or demands that individuals do something to reduce costs for others? Examples that come to mind are norms against smoking and norms demanding that people cover their mouths when they sneeze. It would be especially great if anyone also knew of some literature about the emergence of the norm, especially in the form of academic articles, though stuff from newspapers, magazines, etc. would be rad too. Thanks!
posted by mrmanvir at 5:43 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by mrmanvir at 5:43 AM PST - 7 comments
Is there light at the end of this tunnel?
So, I am in the middle of a horrible depression/anxiety thing (some of you may remember my question from a few weeks ago when it had just started). I really need some encouragement that there is light at the end of my tunnel. [more inside]
ISO an indestructible diaper bag for a man
10 Years in - there's a lot to wine about!
Just over ten years ago I asked the following Question . So we're now coming up to our tenth Wedding Anniversary. Looking to get my wife something special, we're planning a trip away later in the year so that's sorted, but also want something for the day.
My idea is for me to get a bottle of wine from every year we've been married. Now not knowing much about wine looking for recommendations for each year.
Budget is to spend about £30-40 on each bottle, with the landmark years (wedding, kids born) spending a bit extra.
Looking for positive TV shows that are streaming online
I've been trying to find shows to watch streaming (Netflix US or Amazon Prime) that are interesting and entertaining without being cynical, negative, and/or over-the-top violent and gory, after realizing a lot of things I had been watching were pretty dark. Does anyone have any recommendations? [more inside]
April 20
My cat's been biting humans out of the blue
We adopted a cat a couple of months ago. He's about five, and in good health according to the vet. (He was surrendered to a local SPCA for financial reasons.) Starting about a month ago, he's started biting people. He'll get very close, his eyes will dilate, he'll extend his neck toward an arm or leg and he'll often let out a relatively long, complaining meow and then chomp down on the limb. It's scaring the shit out of me and my wife. [more inside]
How to find a compatible, welcoming kink environment?
After getting burned on our first try, we're trying to look at finding someplace to let our kink flag fly a bit more outside the bedroom. We could use some help/suggestions, though! [more inside]
Car Troubles. I'm stumped.
Recent used car purchase is costing me money. What should I do about this? [more inside]
Avoid sounding bossy or passive-aggressive when needing stuff at work?
I have run into a communication quirk that I have had pop up over written communication that is confusing for me. I often try to suggest my ideas rather than ask someone to do it because I do not want to put anyone on the spot or sound like I think I am in charge. But I find sometimes people take it entirely the wrong way and think I am telling them what to do or being passive-aggressive. Examples inside. [more inside]
posted by AspirinPill at 5:32 PM PST - 87 comments
posted by AspirinPill at 5:32 PM PST - 87 comments
Urban planning, etc...on an island.
With regard to urban planning and similar disciplines, what challenges and techniques are relatively unique to islands or island-centric places, such as Hong Kong, Corsica, the islands of Hawaii, Cuba, etc.?
Cool natural history poster for bathroom contemplation
We have a big, blank wall over the toilet in one of our bathrooms that several of us naturally spend, over the course of the week, a good number of minutes staring at. I'd like to find a graphically interesting, information-dense poster on some aspect of natural history, cosmology, geology, botany, etc. that I can put up there so that we can put this time to better use. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 4:47 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 4:47 PM PST - 19 comments
A bone china tea set with no name, but very pretty
A full tea set, cups, pot, creamer, sugar bowl but no country of origin. Any help with identity would be appreciated. The set, the bottom, marks in lids. [more inside]
What is this thing, and did it come from my car?
I found this thing under my husband's car in the driveway, and I'm wondering if anyone can identify it or at least tell me that it's not a Very Important Car Widget. [more inside]
Name this design!
I am wondering if particular design one can find on the ireland family name crest has a particular name? [more inside]
posted by xarnop at 4:15 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by xarnop at 4:15 PM PST - 3 comments
Training advice for a runner/sprinter
Hello Mefites!
I'm currently preparing for a 100m and a 1000m sprinting test in early June that will be taken into account in an admission exam. My main problem is that I have been having shin splints for over two weeks now from a sudden increase in training, and I don't know what I should do right now. [more inside]
External microphone for shooting video on an iPhone?
Suggest a microphone to plug into my iPhone 5S to improve the audio of my iPhone videos?
Lavalier preferred, but a little shotgun thingie would be ok too.
Hoping to achieve improved voice quality with less roomtone, and I need the audio file to record right onto the video file- I don't want to sync it in post.
Thanks!
Wake me up!
I saw an android alarm clock that disables the phone's ability to be turned off. What was it? [more inside]
Better rental listing sites for Baltimore?
A friend is searching for a rental apartment in Baltimore (in the Charles Village area, if that matters) but is finding that the listings on Craigslist are all pretty terrible. Specifically, there are few listings in his price range (less than $1100 per month) and he has found (upon visiting them) that most are pretty run-down. Are there any better options?
From cubicle to rustic cabin, the slow and steady way.
I'm a junior Java/Oracle programmer. Five years from now, I'd like to be skilled and savvy enough to be able to move to a rural town and work mostly remotely as an independent contractor. What should I be learning and doing now to begin work toward this? [more inside]
U.S. health insurance scam of the minute.
I need COBRA health care coverage only for a week in March. Ceridian says I need to pay them for half of March and all of April because of "COBRA guidelines." Rat smelled. [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 2:15 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Sheydem-tants at 2:15 PM PST - 6 comments
Generating photo captions from EXIF data and posting them to tumblr
I have a tumblr that I post images to and my backlog of images is piling up because it's a boring slog to post them all. I want to come up with a way to automate the boring parts so that I can focus on the fun parts (taking and categorizing the photos) instead of dreading the process of uploading them all. Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Business casual for an interview
I have an interview for a legal counsel position at a Silicon Valley tech company on Wednesday, and I've been advised by the recruiter that the dress code is "business casual, sport coat appropriate." This seems fairly specific, but dress codes are often a foreign language to me. Can you explain what I should wear - and ideally, do so as if you're explaining to an alien with no knowledge of men's fashion? (I exaggerate, but only a little.) Like, it's crossed my mind that I can simply wear a suit without a tie, but maybe that's horribly wrong? Thanks.
posted by naju at 1:48 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by naju at 1:48 PM PST - 15 comments
My student lost her battle with bipolar. (triggers ahead)
I'm a high school teacher at a small, therapeutic high school for teens with emotional disabilities. Three days ago, one of my kids suddenly and with no warning committed suicide at her home. Staff found out just as the kids were coming in. We quickly prepared how we would tell the kids, and the next three days were a blur of tears, shock, some hysteria; it was all horrific. [more inside]
What are some good, comfortable black socks that come in packs?
What are some good, comfortable men's black socks that come in packs? White socks also needed! [more inside]
Note-taking Practices for Meetings
I've mostly worked in organizations without frequent meetings or the need for formal minutes. I'm curious about how this works in other types of offices. Do people generally take notes on their phones or tablets during meetings or are those types of gadgets even allowed? Is there a designated note-taker or stenographer? I prefer taking notes on paper but I'm curious about how technology is changing expectations in this regard. Are there any particular apps that are ideal for taking minutes?
Southpaw stew
What meals can I cook with only one hand? [more inside]
My nocturnal neighbor has the loudest motorcycle ever.
Here's the short version: My neighbor has the loudest motorcycle I have ever heard. This thing is a serious chopper monster. I live in a pretty residential part of LA (Albeit, rapidly gentrifying and so this whole thing has weird classist overtones. I am the furthest thing from a NIMBY-ite, but this bike is insane) and it's become a complete terror. The police don't care very much- What're our options? [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 11:34 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by GilloD at 11:34 AM PST - 18 comments
Cinderelly, Cinderelly
I like to write and I want to do it more, but I only seem to be able to get into the "zone" after around midnight. Is this something you've experienced? Can I rewire my brain? [more inside]
posted by theodolite at 11:27 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by theodolite at 11:27 AM PST - 7 comments
Best independent Business practices - Quickbooks and more
I'm a business of one person (an LLC).
I'm doing things much sloppier than I can/should - help me automate it and make it smooth! Need advice on best practices and ideal services. [more inside]
Making up my mind about job search strategy
Trying to find courage to stay in my current city when comfort at home beckons [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 11:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by winterportage at 11:22 AM PST - 4 comments
How to find out if the price is right for this flight
Is there a website which will give me an idea of how much a flight between A and B should cost at any given time? Ballpark is fine. [more inside]
how should I celebrate being done exams?
I am finishing my exams tomorrow. It is the end of my second year of law school, it's been stressful, I want to celebrate. what to do? [more inside]
First Comes Advertising, Then Comes....What?
I've been an advertising creative for almost ten years and have observed that there are very few people beyond their 40s still doing what I do. And, well, I'm in my late 30s. I've started wondering, where do all the ad creatives go? [more inside]
posted by missjenny at 10:49 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by missjenny at 10:49 AM PST - 9 comments
How to get married in Northern Virginia?
I'm looking for recommendations for venue, officiant and dinner. [more inside]
Best way to buy a car & how to borrow money for it.
Mr wwax & I have finally narrowed down our car choice to a Subaru Outback, but now the big questions arise. Do we buy new or certified preowned or just plain old secondhand? Then if we can finally stop going around in circles on that issue, what is the best way to borrow the money to buy the car? [more inside]
posted by wwax at 10:40 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by wwax at 10:40 AM PST - 21 comments
Quasi Mortgage / Refinance Application Scam?
My wife and I awoke to a bunch of emails (and now calls) from mortgage companies responding to "our" request for information about a refinance. The calls and emails are frustrating in themselves, and, of course, it's off-putting to think someone has done something untoward with our information. Has anyone else experienced this? Details inside. [more inside]
Best travel tips around the Annapolis area during a holiday weekend?
Can you recommend Annapolis/DC area travel destinations for me? Complication: Fourth of July holiday weekend. [more inside]
posted by handful of rain at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by handful of rain at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments
Rights of adult child to view parent's body at mortuary?
A family friend is hanging around Atlanta, GA right now trying to figure out what her rights are to see her father's body. The father's wife, who she has never met, has set a "restriction" at the mortuary. [more inside]
posted by AwkwardPause at 9:51 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by AwkwardPause at 9:51 AM PST - 17 comments
I want a color that is my own
Help me find right foundation for cool skin tone with pink undertones? And any other make-up you recommend for this complexion? [more inside]
posted by xicana63 at 9:45 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by xicana63 at 9:45 AM PST - 21 comments
Should I bring up negative Glassdoor reviews in an interview?
I have an interview tomorrow for an in-house copywriter position that's very in line with my skill set. However, the company gets poor reviews on Glassdoor (1.8 stars total). What's the best way to ask about this? [more inside]
How can I improve the readability of my writing?
I think I write in a confusing manner. Folks seem to have a hard time wading through my sentences and paragraphs. Maybe it's because I use peculiar words. Maybe I phrase things awkwardly. Maybe I just don't understand how to properly structure a sentence. I don't know. Do you have any advice about how to write in a way that's easy to read and understand? [more inside]
Where would you have one nice meal in NYC?
I need some help narrowing down options for my one nice ($$$) meal in New York City. [more inside]
posted by Cosine at 8:28 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by Cosine at 8:28 AM PST - 27 comments
Memory Loss
Please tell me everything that is known about preventing dementia. [more inside]
Coping with email anxiety
I have severe email anxiety and it is having repercussions for my work. I'm not sure what to do. [more inside]
posted by D+ at 8:12 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by D+ at 8:12 AM PST - 30 comments
Help me understand this restaurant reservation policy?
Okay, yes, apparently I was raised in a barn. There's a restaurant I'd like to patronize*, but I'm stuck on their reservation policy. Specifically, their use of the term "dinner seating." Please explain to someone who frequently fails to wear a tuxedo, even well past 6:00 pm. [more inside]
does an android app exist that'll hold certain notifications til later?
can you help me find an app to temporarily mute notifications for some apps while letting others come through? preferably one that will hold muted notifications and deliver them later? [more inside]
Are there country-western nostalgia radio stations? How common are they
Rock and pop music have their nostalgia radio stations - your "golden oldies", classic rock, all 80's, etc., stations - and plenty of them. What about country western music? I'm sure such stations exist (and this is something I could easily check), since there are stations for pretty much everything, but I'm also curious to know how common they are. Also, are there different nostalgia categories for it, e.g. 50's and 60's, 80's and on, etc.?
How much should a junior engineer at a startup/consultancy in SF make?
I just graduated from a web development bootcamp and am starting to look for my first job in the field in the Bay Area. I'm getting wildly different advice about how much money I should try to get paid. [more inside]
How can I decline this trip?
I just spent the weekend in Paris with a friend, which was... okay. It wasn't great. We have another trip planned in a month's time but haven't booked tickets yet. How can I weasel out of this without hurting my friend's feelings? [more inside]
posted by teststrip at 6:38 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by teststrip at 6:38 AM PST - 18 comments
"I Just Blue Myself" comedy recs needed for binge watching
I've had a whole bunch of really horrible events happen recently and as I'm on school vacation week, I could use some laughter therapy. Ideally, at least 10 episodes so I can keep them running and crash on the sofa. [more inside]
Web word swap
I have an idea for an online project, but I don't know what technical skills would be necessary, so I don't know where to start finding the right person/people. [more inside]
posted by bwonder2 at 6:25 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by bwonder2 at 6:25 AM PST - 6 comments
Can three wireless routers become one?
I have an old house with three ethernet-connected Wifi routers in it to get coverage everywhere. Can I reprogram them so that they all have the same SSID and password, and devices just pick up whichever is closer, or will that cause problems? Two are Belkin, one is D-link: would some shared open source firmware like DD-WRT help with this?
posted by anotherpanacea at 6:10 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by anotherpanacea at 6:10 AM PST - 10 comments
Cubicle Denizen Dilemma: the name for an “average” if the data are weird
Our company has decided to measure the jobs we do by assigning points to tasks. The problem here is that departments don’t do the same thing, or the same amount of things. What concerns me is that the company wants to publish a company-wide average, against which members in each department will be compared. [more inside]
What might a job recruiter/headhunter be looking for in a cold call?
I'm in company A. Someone from company B in a very similar area to me has emailed to me to talk about something routine, and also to catch up on what I am doing these days. I do not know this person in company B, but they seem interested in my work. Assuming that they might be sounding me out, and also that I have a tendency to over think things, what might a recruiter be looking for in a cold call such as this? Thanks! [more inside]
posted by life moves pretty fast at 4:44 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by life moves pretty fast at 4:44 AM PST - 6 comments
Steaming Media Player? Should I buy?
Just wondering if I should get a streaming media player, such as Apple TV or Roku? [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 4:17 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by dbirchum at 4:17 AM PST - 10 comments
Putting a price on web design
Web design peoples: I am putting together a freelance web site design business and am curious as to how you go about structuring your rates and costs. [more inside]
Turns out, I'm an asshole
It's become abundantly clear that the way in which I lose my temper and the frequency with which I do so is (and it's hard to admit this) abusive. My wife has rightly given me an ulitmatum. I need a plan and I have no idea how or where to begin. [more inside]
should I stay or should I go
My cousin is getting married abroad, and I don't want to go. I can't come to a decision. It's not a big financial/time strain, but I don't want to go, and don't know how to respond. [more inside]
April 19
Are Blue-Filtering Screen Protectors a Scam?
Do the clear blue-filtering screen protectors for mobile devices actually do anything? An example. I have a few at hand, and they are completely transparent, I think the product is just a plain clear screen protector. [more inside]
posted by breath at 11:22 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by breath at 11:22 PM PST - 5 comments
WWYD with a ton of time?
I'm 22, about to graduate, and have a free summer. This is amazing! Might be the last chunk of time I have like this for, I don't know, ever? And omg, what do I do with it? [more inside]
Get off of my cloud! (or at least stop downloading to my iPhone)
Why do things (television episodes) I purchased years ago via iTunes keep popping up on my iPhone? [more inside]
How do I develop my sense of time awareness?
Help a grad student with a very skewed perception of time! How do you train yourself to become more aware of time passing? What mechanisms/tricks have you used successfully to become more timely? [more inside]
posted by melancholyplay at 9:17 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by melancholyplay at 9:17 PM PST - 16 comments
Movin' to the Country... but Eating Peaches isn't a job. What do you do?
Brainstorming assistance please! If you live in a small town (or work remotely), what do you do? What skills are best for keeping oneself reasonably employed outside of a big city? We're likely moving to my husbands small home town in the next couple years, and if I'm going to reskill I should probably start soon. Lots of cafes and bookstores, but I'm a terrible waitress and need to make more than a retail clerk. Have been tracking job ads for the area, but thought Metafilter might have some outside-the-box suggestions. Thanks!
Florida with a 2 month old?
My wife and I are considering flying to Florida for a few days of rest and relaxation. With our 2 month old baby. Would love any thoughts on this. [more inside]
Spectator route for cyclists at the SF Marathon?
Is there a route alongside the San Francisco marathon I could take that would allow me to get back to the designated viewing locations? Bikes are not allowed in the race of course, but I'd like to know if anyone else has tried to follow the race and support a participant by riding ahead and cheering them on at each viewing location. [more inside]
Should I give him an ultimatum?
My boyfriend of 10 months has hit some personal rough patches, that have created some rough spots in our relationship. At this point, this I've decided what are the deal breakers for me in this relationship but he doesn't know that. Should I tell him or would that be an ultimatum? [more inside]
posted by CosmicSeeker42 at 5:40 PM PST - 51 comments
posted by CosmicSeeker42 at 5:40 PM PST - 51 comments
Acquaintaince wants to keep wedding small. How to tell her friends?
An acquaintance of mine wants to have a small wedding. She and her fiance are limiting the ceremony to immediate family and three friends each, plus their significant others. There will be no reception. She's not sure how to handle the possible ruffled feathers of those that don't get invited. Help?
Where to put this money for my child?
A relative wants to give a cash gift to my 12-year-old child, but wants to put it in some kind of account where it can grow for many years before the child receives it. Where? How? It's under $1000 and we're in the U.S. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:06 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:06 PM PST - 15 comments
Highest wattage of fluorescent lights for plant growing?
I am currently growing pothos in a long planter in my bathroom with two four-ft. "grow light" fluorescent bulbs in a regular two-bulb fluorescent fixture. This is almost a joke, because... [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 3:34 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 3:34 PM PST - 7 comments
Tractor work for two?
A teenage you works on a farm. A romantic interest visits and expresses interest in riding on the tractor but ideally you'd like to get some chore-like thing done at the same time. The two of you do what together on a tractor? [more inside]
posted by pie_seven at 3:22 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by pie_seven at 3:22 PM PST - 19 comments
Cat Hair Removal: Floors & Furniture Edition
What tools/products do you use to get cat hair off your furniture and linoleum floors? BunnyCat's fur is extra sticky or something because it takes a LOT of effort to get her hair off my fabric couch and chairs and the crappy plastic baseboards that are everywhere in my apartment. Lint rollers and my vacuum can't handle the density of it all anymore. What's the next step? Bonus points if your method can get cat hair out of a velour papasan cushion!
Is this A Thing? Then, what's it called? If not, what would you call it?
Are there web comics that add voice clips of the "voiced" parts? If so, what is this called? If not, what would you call it or how would you describe it? (Bonus question: Recommend me an audio file publishing site.) [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 2:07 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Michele in California at 2:07 PM PST - 10 comments
Lightbulb broken in socket - dangerous if fixture is turned on?
We have three lights on our hallway/stairs that are all controlled by the one switch. The bulb went out in one of them and when I went to change it, the glass part was broken off from the metal screw part. Additionally I discovered that the breaker for these lights is not in my breaker box - it must be in my landlord's breaker box, so I don't feel safe attempting to remove the broken screw part...
I'm going away for a bit tomorrow (so don't have time to do much!), but my catsitter will be in and out. My question is if it is dangerous for the fixture to be turned on at all - should I tell the catsitter not to turn on those lights or is it fine for it to be on without removing/replacing the broken bulb. I don't want my catsitter to fall on the stairs, but I also don't want to electrocute anyone or cause an electrical fire while I'm away!!
posted by blu_stocking at 2:02 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by blu_stocking at 2:02 PM PST - 13 comments
How can I get better at having eyes only for my fiancee?
I used to think it was OK to fantasize about other women as long as I wasn't emotionally or physically cheating. Fiancee did not, and we would both like me to be start being mentally faithful as well. What are your best tips for keeping thoughts of other women out of my mind? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by tripledrop at 1:39 PM PST - 75 comments
posted by tripledrop at 1:39 PM PST - 75 comments
So, I have a math question
I'm trying to do some online landscape planning but don't have all the information I need. I have problems with simple math. Can y'all help me out? [more inside]
Switching carriers with iPhone 5 from Tmobile?
I want to use my old Tmobile iPhone 5 on Verizon. Is it really true that this isn't possible? [more inside]
Can't connect laptop to TV with HDMI anymore...
My girlfriend and I are trying to connect her laptop to her TV to watch Netflix, play DVDs, etc. It used to work without a hitch, but for some reason, we've been unable to get it to work or even recognize the TV at all. [more inside]
posted by Merzbau at 11:42 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Merzbau at 11:42 AM PST - 11 comments
I need a bra
Do you know a good place to get fitted for a bra in NYC?
Identifying a voice actor in English dub of Operation Condor
Caught the last couple minutes of the 1991 Jackie Chan action film Operation Condor last night on TV. One of the voice actors for a thug working for the villain is someone I know I've heard a million times but I can't place who it is. [more inside]
posted by Ferreous at 11:30 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Ferreous at 11:30 AM PST - 3 comments
Book resources for someone learning to play the piano again.
Haven't played piano in over 20 years, although I was good at it at the time. Looking for recommendations of books to help me learn again. [more inside]
Exercisefilter, broke-ass misanthrope edition
I’ve never been a fitness junkie or even really in shape. But I’m ready to start exercising regularly. I am ready to lose weight and also crank out the endorphins. I am hoping there are some good regimens for broke-ass misanthropes like me. Broke-ass misanthropic details await within. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 10:47 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 10:47 AM PST - 30 comments
Clindamycin 1%/Benzoyl Peroxide 5% alternative?
Generic Benzaclin for acne works but no longer covered by insurance. Antibiotic alone still covered. Might that work alone or with OTC B.Z.? [more inside]
posted by morganw at 10:37 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by morganw at 10:37 AM PST - 2 comments
Best method(s) for learning French as an adult?
I'm a Canadian in Western Canada who is interested in French, but I don't know where to begin or what is the best way to go about it. [more inside]
posted by modesty.blaise at 10:31 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by modesty.blaise at 10:31 AM PST - 8 comments
If you were my personal trainer, how would you schedule my workouts?
I am looking for guidance on how to maximize the effectiveness of my workouts while keeping my overall fitness practice diverse, challenging and appropriate for my body's recovery needs. [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 10:28 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by nightrecordings at 10:28 AM PST - 8 comments
Dealing with being fired
I got fired recently. I'm dealing with some mixed emotions, and while I'm not worried they're abnormal, I'm just wondering how to sort through it all. If you've been fired, how did you bounce back? [more inside]
Job guidance and how to keep spirits up after 5 months of unemployment.
I was let go from my job last November and having trouble securing work. After brief winter period, I've had phone screenings and in person interviews but still have not received any offers. I've reached out recruiters, employers, friends and family. The results aren't fruitless, but kind of grape-sized. It feels like I am trying to get myself out of a hole by digging. My friend is getting married on my birthday in August and I'd like not be unemployed at the time or unable to afford to go. (Further details and actual questions inside) [more inside]
Nice Rack
What is this rack-thing on my new kitchen wall? [more inside]
posted by decathecting at 9:56 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by decathecting at 9:56 AM PST - 4 comments
Millenial-friendly Internet beyond Buzzfeed
I'm looking for websites and/or publications (ha!) that direct their focus toward a millenial audience. Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by R.F.Simpson at 9:45 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by R.F.Simpson at 9:45 AM PST - 8 comments
What Was That Music Videos with an Alice in Wonderland Theme?
There was a music video (probably from the 80's) with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Not Tom Petty. This had a girl dancing outdoors (in a hedge maze?) doing ballet moves.
posted by willnot at 9:38 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by willnot at 9:38 AM PST - 5 comments
Books about magazines?
There are a lot of books about the New Yorker (Gone: The Last Days of the New Yorker; Remembering Mr. Shawn's New Yorker; Here but Not Here; About Town: The New Yorker and the World It Made). What behind-the-scenes, inside baseball books are there about New York , the New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, the NY Review of Books, Texas Monthly, The Atlantic, and other prominent feature-oriented magazines?
Palo Alto without a car
I will be moving to Palo Alto pretty soon -- likely living on or near Stanford campus. I can't drive and do not plan to have a car. How will that impact my lifestyle, and what should I do to mitigate the impact? [more inside]
Librarians rock. Show me how hard. ISO library-related parody videos.
I'm looking for YT videos along the lines of "CheckItOut - Taylor Swift Parody Video for National Library Week" and "Librarians Remake Beastie Boys' 'Sabotage' Video, Win Internet." More like these, please? [more inside]
Name My Derby Alter Ego
I will have occasion in the next couple of whiles to pick a roller derby name. My top 2 choices (Eleanor Bruisevelt and Hermione Danger) are already in use. And here I thought I was clever. Hope me! [more inside]
posted by sockpaperscissors at 9:09 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by sockpaperscissors at 9:09 AM PST - 36 comments
Abundance of Oranges
My CSA box has given me so many oranges that even I, a citrus lover, cannot keep up with eating them. What are some recipes that will use them up? [more inside]
posted by chatongriffes at 8:49 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by chatongriffes at 8:49 AM PST - 19 comments
NYC Housing sites/listserves
Looking for more housing/rooming sites to post to in NYC! [more inside]
Help me understand civic associations/organizations in the US
I'm interested in joining a civic association (like Lions Club or Rotary or Kiwanis or Junior League), but I don't know anything about these organizations, whether I would actually enjoy belonging, or whether they would want me to join. Can you tell me about the characters of the various clubs, any personal experiences working with them, upsides, downsides, membership selection processes? [more inside]
more than playing around with coding, for $150 a month?
I am playing around with small ways to make a file database accessible to a group without using Box or Dropbox. I have been looking at various ways to learn coding html, css, and JavaScript at home for a couple hours each night and would like to hear about study plans self-learners have stuck with to develop apps and websites in three to four months. Any advice? [more inside]
posted by parmanparman at 7:40 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by parmanparman at 7:40 AM PST - 7 comments
How to give a great performance.
I have recently started performing again. How do I develop a kickass performance? [more inside]
posted by futureisunwritten at 7:05 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by futureisunwritten at 7:05 AM PST - 5 comments
Where to Grieve Safely Online?
My mother passed away in December. Still hurting. Want to grieve. It's hard. Need a safe place online to that. Where? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 6:35 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by watercarrier at 6:35 AM PST - 9 comments
Mefi Sydney/Melbourne: Pimp our itinerary
My sister is coming to visit in 2 days - yay! We'll be spending 14 days in Sydney and 5 in Melbourne, I think I have most things covered but can you see anything I've missed/have hot tips to make her visit supercool? She hasn't been on holiday for years. [more inside]
Need a reccomendation for a CBT therapist in Vancouver, BC.
I need some suggestions for psychologists in Vancouver BC, preferably someone who is in the downtown area. I have no idea where to start with choosing someone and would rather not just pick someone randomly from Google. [more inside]
I am jealous of my friend.
I am very jealous of a friend I've known for ten years. Mostly, it seems like he has an easy and fun life, and he doesn't have to deal with the problems that keep me down (like chronic health worries). I also feel like he takes a lot of his privileges for granted; he doesn't understand why I don't just travel internationally all summer. Plus I think he can be a bit spoiled; I've seen him pout when one thing goes wrong out of dozens that go really great. My trouble right now is that all of the stuff I just mentioned makes it hard for me to talk to him and/or remember the things I like about him. I want to be able to put the jealousy and resentment aside and just be friends. I know I mostly need to keep working on my own self-confidence and enriching my own life. That said, what do you think the best ways are to navigate this friendship right now in terms of how I interact with him?
April 18
Two countries divided by a common language
Seeking novels that have been "translated" from British English to American English. [more inside]
Thwarting loneliness in times of trial
How can I cope with the fact that I will likely be single for the next several years? [more inside]
posted by cosmicbeast at 9:10 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by cosmicbeast at 9:10 PM PST - 21 comments
Divorce questions
I'm ending a marriage after 14 years and I have two questions. [more inside]
Salary requirements for a logistics manager position
I am up for my first big kid promotion and have been asked for my salary requirements and have no reference point. [more inside]
posted by Divest_Abstraction at 7:23 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Divest_Abstraction at 7:23 PM PST - 2 comments
WW2 transatlantic travel for spies?
For purposes of writing a novel, need to know what were the most likely method(s) used by SOE & OSS to move agents from US to Europe in mid-1942. Any information, no matter how small, would be appreciated. It seems that the Clipper was no longer an option. If you know of other closed-out options in '42, please advise. Air drops are out due to the plot. Thanks in advance. [more inside]
Where in NYC is this thing?
I'm trying to track down a very unusual gate on a NYC sidewalk. (A friend posted a photo of it on Facebook, challenging us to find it ourselves — she won't give us any clues.) It's a brown, cast-iron gate, with a thick circle in the middle, and there are 11 single-dial combination locks (which look like this) irregularly spaced inside the circle. [more inside]
posted by John Cohen at 6:22 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by John Cohen at 6:22 PM PST - 25 comments
Spore-like space games?
I really dug the space stage in Spore, and I'm looking to scratch that itch. Are there any awesome low-intensity, exploration based space games out there? [more inside]
posted by yellowbinder at 6:17 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by yellowbinder at 6:17 PM PST - 6 comments
I did not get the Angelina Jolie gene! Woo hoo!
Three of my cousins have tested positive for BRCA1 gene mutation, all in the last year. After a 3-month wait, I finally got the good news from the lab - I am negative! I need to tell my cousins... but how? I am elated but the last thing I want to do is add to their pain with my ill-timed, poorly delivered giddiness. [more inside]
Women who have sacrificed their lives
I'd like examples of women who have sacrificed their lives. [more inside]
How do I figure out if a rug is handknotted or not?
I'm thinking about buying a used rug on craigslist. I realize that buying rugs are perilous, and will be purchasing something I think looks attractive on my floor rather than worrying about whether I'm getting an authentic or valuable rug. But I'd still like to know if a rug is actually hand knotted or not. Bonus question: is there a good way to tell if flatwoven rugs are handmade?
Help my girlfriend find a bike: tiny person edition
My girlfriend needs a new bike, but her specifications don't seem to exist in our particular reality. Help us find something that she can sit on comfortably and still keep up? [more inside]
posted by the artless dodger at 2:28 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by the artless dodger at 2:28 PM PST - 18 comments
Mother's Day Lunch In NYC Like The Boathouse?
I'm taking my Mom out for lunch on May 23rd. Normally she'd like to just eat at the bar around the corner when visiting but it's the 'Mothers Day' lunch so I'd like to go up a few notches. Ideally I'd take her to the Central Park Boathouse but they don't do reservations on the weekends. Where can I take her in town that's sufficiently 'nice' to be a special occasion but not overly fancy/exotic/hip and has a full lunch-y lunch menu, not just an egg- brunch? [more inside]
Please help identify this mystery plant taking over our property
This plant is taking over. We first noticed it about three years ago growing in a patch about five square feet (near the hen house if that matters). Now it covers several hundred square feet (mostly in shady areas but it doesn't seem to mind the sun either). [more inside]
posted by Beti at 1:35 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Beti at 1:35 PM PST - 5 comments
Last-minute Maui Windsurfing?
I have a few days left here and have not planned ahead at all. I'd love to make it out somewhere though. My rental car can't carry gear, so I need a windsurfing rental shop close enough to a launch point on a good beach that I can carry the board and sail over. It seems like this shouldn't be that hard to find but Google is failing me. [more inside]
posted by doteatop at 12:10 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by doteatop at 12:10 PM PST - 3 comments
Freeware document scanning program for Canon Pixma MG7520?
I'm looking for a good, free, feature-rich, third-party document scanning program that's compatible with the Canon Pixma MG7520 and Windows 8.1. Do you have a recommendation? [more inside]
Reprimanded at work how to keep my job and my dignity?
Having trouble sublimating myself when I feel attacked at every turn and attitude is given but when I defend myself I'm seen as a bitch. I'm not a bitch but also not willing to be thrown under the bus constantly. Long. [more inside]
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 9:54 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 9:54 AM PST - 28 comments
Why does old email randomly show up in my inbox?
I use Gmail. I read Gmail through Gmail.com, and Mailbox for ios. No other client.
For the past 18 months, I randomly get old, archived email suddenly showing up in my inbox for no reason. [more inside]
If you could send your children to school anywhere...
If you had no ties to your community, family, or career and your only purpose in life was to make certain that your children had the best public school education possible, where would you live? [more inside]
posted by myselfasme at 9:24 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by myselfasme at 9:24 AM PST - 39 comments
Who signed this baseball?
Migration Patterns of the North American Nomads?
I'm looking for a documentary my wife saw at Humboldt State in the late 90's about the migration of vagabond peoples between California and Dixie. I'm afraid I don't have much more description than that, apart from an emphasis on younger travelers, say 25 and under, and the theme being these people move depending on the seasons. It's possible this documentary was actually a HSU student project, but I cannot say for sure.
Best way to transfer money from UK pounds to dollars?
This has been asked before, but not for a long time so I think it may have changed. I have money in a UK bank account I would like to transfer (in the most cost-effective way) to my US bank account. What's the best and cheapest way to do this? Thanks!
Contempt of Court Questions
My brother's ex has taken my 2 year old nephew and moved 1,300 miles away to an Air Force Base with her new husband, who she met only three months ago and who has never spent more than a few days with her. She gave notice of this relocation only AFTER the move occurred and refuses to communicate with my brother, who is desperate to know where his child is. She will only communicate with my mother (the child's grandmother) via text messages. [more inside]
April 17
Google Oauth 2.0 changes - can I have a dummies edition please?
I am not a developer but I am a Google Apps for Education administrator. I've had a few emails saying, "A number of deprecated Google Apps APIs will be shut down on April 20th, 2015". I've read and reread and turned myself inside reading but I am not sure what to do. [more inside]
Face cleaning: Oil Edition
I think I need to change up my skincare routine and am interested in going toward the oil cleansing route. Do you oil cleanse? I have some logistical and experience questions within. [more inside]
How to transition from stay-at-home parent to working parent?
I am a 35-year old woman with 7 and 3 year old kids. I've been a full-time parent for 7 years, and am heading back to a full-time job next week. How have you dealt with this transition? [more inside]
Is it difficult to integrate your website with your inventory?
I'm looking for some examples of e-Commerce / ERP inventory integration... [more inside]
Mitgrating swarms of bees? Is that a thing?
I just moved to the southwest of the US and barely have seen a bee, but now four times in the last week I have wandered into what appeared to be (and sounded like) a moving swarm of bees (once on a hike, once in my car, twice on runs). Literally one second I hear a slight buzz, then it increases to massive buzz, then I see bees everywhere, then maybe 20 seconds later they are all gone. In all four cases the bees completely ignored me.
Do I really keep seeing swarms of bees? Is that a thing? Are they dangerous? Google isn't any help.
Submission service that will let me send a letter and a check?
I'm going to be sending out a lot of packages this summer that include a document and a check. I can use online bill pay to send a check and Mail-A-Letter or other services to send documents. Is there a service that does both? [more inside]
How can I navigate a very challenging living situation?
My parents are controlling, manipulative, and verbally abusive, but I cannot afford to leave. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by summertimesadness1988 at 5:11 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by summertimesadness1988 at 5:11 PM PST - 37 comments
Canceling an appointment on short notice. Charge a fee or scot free?
My client bought a gift certificate for Valentine's day. She made an appointment/reservation with me over 3 weeks ago, to redeem the certificate tomorrow. She didn't respond to any reminders until 2pm today. Do I charge her a cancellation fee, as outlined in my company policy? [more inside]
posted by ChefJoAnna at 5:07 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by ChefJoAnna at 5:07 PM PST - 17 comments
Beer and journal writing in Portland, OR
Say you lived in Portland, and you like journal writing and you like beer. Normally you journal write while working in one of the city's wonderful coffee shops, but you were thinking - "it's the afternoon and I live in Portland - I should replace coffee with beer!" Where would you go . . .?
"You can't handle the truth!" But I need to learn how to...
Last week, my partner admitted that he's been not just hiding things, but outright lying to me. The revelations hurt, but I need honesty if we're to stay together. How do I make it safe for my partner to tell me the truth when it's repeatedly been so startling and upsetting?
Difficulty level: partner is dealing with Major Depression, and has been near-suicidal. [more inside]
posted by Someone Else's Story at 3:41 PM PST - 57 comments
posted by Someone Else's Story at 3:41 PM PST - 57 comments
Help me find English-language Zen Centers in (Eastern) Europe.
I've spent time in and around Zen centers before, though I'm really a complete beginner when it comes to Buddhism. I would like to spend a week (or more?) staying in a Zen center with a program tailored for beginners. Where can I find a center in Eastern Europe that has a program in English that would suit me? I'm willing to travel to Western Europe but would prefer to find something closer to home.
posted by jpziller at 2:56 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by jpziller at 2:56 PM PST - 5 comments
How might my body be thwarting my libido?
I'm female, mid-twenties, and over the past 3-4 months have lost almost all interest in sex. What might be going wrong? [more inside]
Word2010Filter: Auto Update Footer with Date, Time, and Filename
I'm trying to do this for version control of documents that are edited by multiple users. Both electronic and hard copies are used, and we are losing track of hard copies which currently have no filename, time, or date. I need documents to automatically populate with this information when the user saves and closes the document. Not when they print, but when they save and close. Is this possible? [more inside]
Or should I just contact the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows guy?
I'm looking for a term (either a neologism or something that already exists) for a person who so precisely resembles someone from your past, someone whose relationship with you is unresolved and will never be resolved, that they drag up all the feelings associated with that person despite having no actual connection to them. Stuff like "dead ringer," "spitting image," "doppelganger," etc. only covers the appearance, not the emotion.
posted by Spathe Cadet at 1:51 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Spathe Cadet at 1:51 PM PST - 14 comments
In which we make me a less nervous person.
I have now three times in my life developed stress-activated autoimmune problems. The first two times were during huge life changes, and the conditions completely abated after a few months, but today I just got diagnosed with another one, yet there is nothing specifically stressful happening right now. [more inside]
One Thing To Do In...
I've got about six hours in Hamburg coming up. What is your One Thing To Do there? [more inside]
So I've got this brilliant idea for a website....
I'm trying to figure out the nitty-gritty of taking an idea for a website and making it a reality. [more inside]
posted by rkriger at 12:36 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by rkriger at 12:36 PM PST - 9 comments
Favorite Print and Poster Artists On Etsy
I want to buy some large art from Etsy to frame and hang in my living room. But I am overwhelmed by options! Please recommend your favorite Etsy shops for large prints and posters. [more inside]
Shut up, brain, just shut up!
There are some incidents that happened in the past that I'd rather not think about, but still do. [more inside]
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 12:23 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 12:23 PM PST - 24 comments
How do I measure my (monetary) worth?
Let's pretend Glassdoor, Payscale, and other similar websites don't exist. How do you determine what to ask for in salary? How to I determine my value to a company in a role I haven't inhabited before? [more inside]
Motion control-type non-sneaker shoes for men
Hi all, I have super flat feet and have had reconstructive foot surgery. The only kind of shoes that are comfortable for me to wear for long periods of time are motion control-type running shoes. Are there any non-sneaker shoes with similar construction and support? [more inside]
make 'em laugh
Please help me talk about jokes and comedy by linking me to funny videos on youtube. It's for a class, so they have to be 'clean' and not offensive. [more inside]
posted by betweenthebars at 11:47 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by betweenthebars at 11:47 AM PST - 17 comments
Is it possible to preview a font in a gigantic size?
ont-nerd-filter: I'm doing an art project that requires an enormous ➌ and ➒ (those characters specifically, not just a circle with the numeral inside it) in specifically either Helvetica Neue or Freight Sans. Is there a site that will do this for me? [more inside]
posted by Quarter Pincher at 11:42 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Quarter Pincher at 11:42 AM PST - 7 comments
10K Tips
Doing my first 10K this Sunday. Feeling nervous. Main goal is to finish the race and enjoy it as much as I can. What are your fail-proof tips for completing this kind of event and what kinds of things can I do mentally to stay strong and keep pushing myself to the bitter end?
I'm planning to run as much as I can but I'm not worried about walking sections of the race if I need to (Which I will!)
I've been training as best I can - this question is more about the Actual Race than the things I could have done to prepare - obviously!!
posted by JenThePro at 11:41 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by JenThePro at 11:41 AM PST - 20 comments
Where can I find a skirt like this in my size?
I love butt-covering knit miniskirts for wearing over leggings like this one at H&M, but they don't make it in XL/16-18. That is, tight-fitting (NOT flared), knit, short -- shorter than a pencil skirt -- and ideally mostly cotton. Do you know where can I find one? [more inside]
posted by linettasky at 11:17 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by linettasky at 11:17 AM PST - 11 comments
Adaptable Peripatetic Inquisitor
What is the origin of the term API (Application Programming Interface)? Who coined it? What terms did it compete with?
Tall women of MeFi! Give me your sleeping bag recommendations.
I'd like a new sleeping bag that's mine, just mine. It should be perfect. Please advise. [more inside]
Fired :(
So two jobs in a row I've gotten fired. My confidence is super low. [more inside]
How do I go about becoming a meditation teacher?
Mindfulness meditation has had a profound impact on my life and I'd like to be able to teach it to other people. I'm not looking for it to become anything like a career path, but I'd like to feel more confident about it when I am introducing it to somebody new. How can I do this? I'm looking for recommendations on courses (either online or located in the LA area) or reading material, ideally on the less expensive end.
picket lines at construction sites - how do they work?
The construction site next to my house has been picketed by the carpenters' union. As a direct result of the construction I may need to get some work done on my house, and would like to know more about how this could go. This is in Philadelphia. [more inside]
A New Case of Tinnitus
Eight days ago, my friend started suffering from tinnitus. She hasn't yet been able to see a specialist, but her primary care provider and others suspect that it will be permanent. She would like advice, particularly about how to reduce the probability that the tinnitus will become permanent. Thank you! She lives in the SF Bay Area.
How do I observe and improve my hand-eye coordination (in martial arts)?
I have terrible hand-eye coordination, lack awareness of my surroundings, and don’t know what to look at when observing martial arts (aikido) demos (or most sports for that matter). How do I improve my observational skills? Should I focus on nage (attacker)? Uke (receiver of attack)? What do I look for? Can I approach my observations systematically? [more inside]
Why do "walking shoes" kill my shins and dress shoes feel great?
The shin splints questions seem to be mostly about running or comfortable shoes. But my issue is weird, I think. I walk to and from work (about 45 minutes each way) and I have been wearing my work shoes. [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 9:32 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Lescha at 9:32 AM PST - 4 comments
I Can't Picture This
All of sudden I can't attach pictures to my tweets, and I can't find out why. [more inside]
The Cycle Continues
Are my kids forever damaged? Can I teach them to show love? [more inside]
How to handle an affair?
Looking for suggestions on how to deal with the emotional aspects of an extramarital relationship. [more inside]
Books suggestions for graduating college seniors.
I direct an honors program at a SLAC. Next Tuesday, the students who are completing honors theses will be recognized at an awards ceremony. Each is to be presented with a book "chosen by their primary adviser." Unfortunately, two thesis directors haven't sent me suggested titles and I need to make an order this afternoon. What books can you suggest for these two students? (Details relevant to each student inside.) [more inside]
How do I politely bug volunteers?
I run a website. I try to get other people involved in writing, and many start out excited to participate, but that interest drops off. I'm not sure how to "nicely bug" people to encourage that community participation. Help? [more inside]
Wash & fold laundry in Brooklyn Heights?
Pick-up, drop-off, no drama: why is this so difficult? [more inside]
posted by annabellee at 7:28 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by annabellee at 7:28 AM PST - 3 comments
First Try
The famous "pizza on the roof" throw in Breaking Bad - Bryan Cranston got it on the first try. Same with Sigourney Weaver and the basketball in Alien Resurrection. These tickle me. I'm looking for other times when an actor pulled off some ridiculous unlikely thing on film, ideally on the first try. [more inside]
posted by dirtdirt at 6:41 AM PST - 50 comments
posted by dirtdirt at 6:41 AM PST - 50 comments
How Big Can This Ball of Twine Get?
What are the best examples of using Twine for something other than interactive fiction? [more inside]
Looking for a Japanese music video of two women singing at a table
I'm looking for a music video I saw on YouTube within the last six months. Two young Japanese female musicians sitting at a table singing. It's mainly in Japanese but there are few English words here and there. It's a poppy, dancy song. In the background some men in green or black bodysuits are dancing around. One of the women eats a worm or grub with a fork. Towards the end one of the women pulls out a sword and chops the men up, and finally the other woman shoots herself with a gun.
Does that ring a bell for anyone?
posted by UltraFleece at 3:30 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by UltraFleece at 3:30 AM PST - 4 comments
Helen Keller on the queers
Did Helen Keller ever express any position for or against homosexual rights? [more inside]
Is it really me, or is it them? Maybe combo of both?
Okay, so , I am a 27 year old woman, currently in the dating scene , but having bad luck. I have managed to find Two guys, one I was dating ( 27 yr like me,and currently don't know where we stand) and the other just remained a friend (29 yr old male) It has been rocky with Both men, known both for only a few months, met off dating website, and unfortunately,they have Both blamed me for the majority of the rockiness... [more inside]
Time to play another round of Plant! Or! Weed!!
Is my garden overrun with weeds? See pictures inside. [more inside]
posted by slidell at 1:20 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by slidell at 1:20 AM PST - 7 comments
April 16
etymology of "sic 'em"?
When you tell your dog to go attack somebody, we say "Sic 'em!"
Anybody know the word origin of this phrase?
What is the difference between gain and volume?
Like in a standard thingamabob such as the DJ-s use, for example. There is usually a volume knob and a gain knob. There is an absolutely clear audible difference between turning up gain and turning up volume. They are not the same at all. But what exactly is happening in the amplifier when I use one or the other? What do each of these things actually do?
Please tell me if this is a bad idea
I am planning to use a power plug adapter along with a power strip over a long period. Is this advisable, and what should I know? (Chinese/Australian grounded Type I plug and grounded European Type F socket) [more inside]
Alzheimer Homes in Seattle
I am trying to help take some weight off a friend whose mother has Alzheimer's and whose father (mom's caregiver) suddenly passed away and now must bring her to Seattle. [more inside]
posted by lil' ears at 10:10 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lil' ears at 10:10 PM PST - 4 comments
No-Kill pet shelters in Oregon or California?
A very good friend has requested that I make a donation in memory of a loved one who unexpectedly passed away, preferably to a no-kill pet shelter. I can Google or search Yelp, but I was hoping that people here could suggest a shelter they recommend from personal experience - I'm in Portland, my friend is in the Bay Area, and I'd prefer to find a no-kill shelter in one of those areas (but I suppose it really doesn't matter much).
posted by Auden at 9:29 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Auden at 9:29 PM PST - 14 comments
More shows like ATLA and LoK?
What should my family watch to fill the Avatar & Korra shaped hole in our lives? [more inside]
Help my weird, awkward, ugly wall look beautiful and confident!
I have kind of a funny-looking bedroom - it's in a basement that was finished long after being built so it has low ceilings, a slightly uneven floor, limited light, and odd dimensions - but I've mostly managed to make it look really nice except for this one wall that has a cabinet set right into the middle of it. What are some decoration strategies to deal with this weird wall without cutting off access to the cabinet? [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 5:59 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by capricorn at 5:59 PM PST - 22 comments
Is this lyric an example of a a metonym?
U.K.'s song Rendezvous 602 begins: "It's five o' clock/Driving down Park Lane/As London leaves/For the weekend again"? Is "as London leaves" a case of metonymy, or is it something else? No prog rock shaming, please
posted by thelonius at 5:58 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by thelonius at 5:58 PM PST - 8 comments
Orphaned ducklings :(
Our dear, sweet Muscovy duck momma appears to have been snatched by a predator today, leaving behind 5 ducklings. What can we do to help ensure their survival? [more inside]
posted by wats at 5:38 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by wats at 5:38 PM PST - 9 comments
To Take a Year Off or To Go On To Law School?
I want to take a year off start obtaining my bachelor's degree before going on to law school. However, my dad (who is the one paying for my education) wants me to go straight to law school and I am conflicted over what is the right thing for me to do. [more inside]
Moving to another state. Way too many options, help please?
I took a job that means we are moving everyone from north of Boston to north of Philly. This means packing up one house to sell and then moving everything to a new one. We have started working on the selling and buying aspects, what we don't have any clue about is how best to do the packing and moving. Suggestions please? [more inside]
posted by katers890 at 4:36 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by katers890 at 4:36 PM PST - 4 comments
Is it bad to buy a domain that used to be used for nefarious purposes?
I may be able to pick up an obscure but useful domain name soon. However, it was once a domain used for command-and-control systems for a well-known trojan that spread throughout the Internet. For the last five years, it's been held by a security/enforcement group that took it over. [more inside]
posted by Mo Nickels at 4:26 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Mo Nickels at 4:26 PM PST - 6 comments
Is this a good use for a travel agent, and if so, can you recommend one?
I'm planning to fly to Peru this summer with my late 60's mother. She isn't comfortable flying alone, so I need to meet up with her in Dallas or Houston to fly the rest of the way. She lives in Texas. I live in NYC. I am considering whether it would be worth it to use a travel agent. [more inside]
posted by Mavri at 3:48 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Mavri at 3:48 PM PST - 7 comments
Why do I keep unconsciously holding my breath??
Lately I keep noticing that I'm practically holding my breath. It feels like it might be an anxiety thing? What gives and how do I train myself out of it? [more inside]
Career advice for a jack of all trades?
I'm tired of my current job and I'm ready to move on. However, my job search is not going well because, although I have some qualifications for a number of fields, I've never worked for very long in any one field, so I basically lack sufficient experience for any of the positions I'm looking at. On top of which, I've never been able to muster enough interest or passion in any of the careers I've passed through to focus on one of them. [more inside]
What do do with this 35% food grade H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide)?
I have a small dropper container with about half an ounce of H2O2 with a rubberish top (the part that you use to make the drops). I was using it for something a few months ago and I forgot about it and it has been sitting in my kitchen for about 2 months. Today I noticed the rubbery part has expanded a bit. I'm not sure what to do with it because I remember my chemistry teacher saying that H2O2 can be dangerous stuff. Can I open the container? Should I just toss the container?
posted by eq21 at 12:41 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by eq21 at 12:41 PM PST - 12 comments
Not Friday night meatballs
I am looking for an easy, inexpensive, and portable dinner recipe that contains meat to feed eight adults. I don't want to serve pasta, and I want to make the meal at home and bring it on a 30 minute car ride. It can be re-heated there. [more inside]
posted by sockermom at 11:37 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by sockermom at 11:37 AM PST - 28 comments
Name that Artist ?
This painting means a great deal to a good friend - he has no idea who painted it - i would like to surprise him with some background information if possible. Any ideas? [more inside]
How do I duplicate CDs that are full of medical images?
I'm not tech savy at all. I have 2 cds full of medical CT images. One of them is DICOM and the other one is something else that looks more fancy and was taken with a CONE-Beam scanner. I was asked to mail these to someone, but I want to make duplicates of them first just in case they get lost or damaged in the mail. [more inside]
I engaged in PREPARATORY_ACTIVITY for this?!
I originally did a few phone interviews at BIG_COMPANY for a management role related to my Ph.D. in SCIENTIFIC_FIELD. The recruiter at BIG_COMPANY is instead offering me an onsite interview for a much more tedious non-management role — with the intention of "ideally" "probably" assigning me some direct reports over time and eventually transitioning me into the management role I originally applied for. Jobs in SCIENTIFIC_FIELD are scarce, I belong to an underemployed visible minority group, and I feel like I can't afford to walk away. Help me negotiate effectively instead. [more inside]
Help! My browser is going popup mad.
I just got back from a lengthy trip to Asia and I think my computer may have picked something up.
I have a new Macbook Air and I use Firefox for browsing. I am getting many many redirecting of pages clicked. Very annoying. Is there an easy fix or diagnosis? I am not really savy in configuring but I will say that my popups are disabled in the preferences.
Thank you hive
NPR Fund Drive Timing
It's fund drive time at my local NPR station (WOSU) and something I just heard on the radio got me wondering: do all, or most, NPR stations have their fund drives at the same time? [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean at 9:27 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by noneuclidean at 9:27 AM PST - 6 comments
Rough waters in early-ish sobriety
Posting for a friend: "My SO is several months sober, after a few decades of alcohol and drug abuse, and is having a rough time of it. They chose sobriety, and often say they're happy to be sober, that they know it's the right choice, etc. Basically, the sobriety was not court-ordered but a result of "enough is enough." They're seeing a therapist regularly, going to meetings, taking an antidepressant...and still feeling crappy. What can we do? [more inside]
How can I stop repeating certain behavioral patterns?
"We've had this conversation before. I don't want to have it again." I'm finding myself on the receiving end of this line way too often, from both my spouse and my employer. The problem is, I keep repeating bad patterns like forgetting to turn off the light as I leave the room at home, or not managing my project time effectively at work. I'm aware of the problems and I know how to fix them... I just don't think to, in the moment. [more inside]
Emergency lesson plans for family literacy
It was recently sprung on me that I will be teaching not only my usual group of adult ESL students next week, but also their children. I need some ideas. [more inside]
The viability of freelancing for different firms?
I have a question about the ethics and viability of working for firms that might in some vague sense be competitors. [more inside]
Any Paint Stripping Tips or Tricks?
As part of the ongoing effort to spruce up our (relatively) newly bought home, we're currently stripping the paint from our banister. This is proving to be a long and fiddly task - especially as the way it's fitted doesn't really make dismantling it an option (pictures here and here). Do any MeFites have any particular tips or tricks that are worth us knowing about? Or even advice as to things we should definitely avoid? [more inside]
CMarkus Logo Windshield Sticker - Can you tell me something about it?
I imported a Datsun 260z to Europe from the US that has this CMarkus sticker on the windshield. The car is from 1974 but was last driven in '91 (year on its California plates). I think it lived in San Fransisco. Google, Bing image and Tineye can't help. I'm just curious, that's all.
posted by guy72277 at 8:21 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by guy72277 at 8:21 AM PST - 2 comments
Obsessive thoughts after a messy break up
Finally ended things for good with my ex-boyfriend after a long, drawn out break up and feeling down along with obsessive thoughts. How can I feel better about these thoughts and quiet them? Many more details inside. [more inside]
posted by koolaidnovel at 8:18 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by koolaidnovel at 8:18 AM PST - 12 comments
Flipping the verge? Pitching the peat?
We're embarking on the start of a significant earthworks project, and will be having an official "sod turning" ceremony for dignitaries and the like. The problem is, we hate the term "sod turning." Is there another, grander, more dignified term (groundbreaking is one, but still doesn't seem quite right) that the collective genius of the green can suggest? Google-fu is failing me.
posted by liquado at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by liquado at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments
Mental health filter
Advice for helping a friend suffering from a first time paranoid/delusional episode? [more inside]
How to mix various kinds of tasks for maximum productivity?
My workday is made up of many kinds of tasks—studying, writing, coding, problem-solving, Photoshop, and drudge work. I notice that I can write effectively for only about three hours a day. Same with studying. But if I mix up the tasks, I can work longer. Do you know of any studies that have been done to find the optimal mix for maximum productivity?
posted by markcmyers at 8:11 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by markcmyers at 8:11 AM PST - 2 comments
Image Blocking Software
Does there exist software that lets me block images on my computer screen by selecting, sizing and moving other, preferred images with my mouse or my finger? [more inside]
Looking for Monthly Gifts for a Precocious Three-Year-Old
My best friend (really, my sister for all intents and purposes) just had a baby. She has a 3-year-old boy who is super, super precocious (as in, "name all the parts of your mouth" elicits responses including "hard palate" and "uvula"). He's excited about having a baby sister but I know that there will be some dislocation as he adjusts. I want to do something cool for him so that he feels special in this first period of time where things are likely pretty weird. [more inside]
Come and meet the baaaybee! In search of a meet up venue in Chicago.
Chicago Mefites: What public, family-friendly space would work for a casual gathering of a big bunch of friends? [more inside]
posted by sundaydriver at 7:05 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by sundaydriver at 7:05 AM PST - 6 comments
Cheap Notebook Recommendations
I'm looking to buy a very cheap notebook for simple use around the home. Ideal Price Range is between $150-200. Requirements/Nice-to-have's below. [more inside]
posted by Twain Device at 6:54 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Twain Device at 6:54 AM PST - 7 comments
Sweat Equity
I just got a little side gig wear-testing and reviewing ethically-produced workout clothes (think Pettet Endurance Project) for a site that's otherwise focused on general menswear. I have a great group of companies lined up to review and I'm training for an ultramarathon so I'll have no shortage of miles to test them. What I don't have is a title for the series. [more inside]
Bought Car Trouble
Bought a car, and it didn't pass inspection, and it may need an expensive repair. What to do? [more inside]
Where Does Quiet Enjoyment Come In?
Four days ago, we got an email from a realtor introducing herself as the person selling my landlord's house. She's been incredibly aggressive and rude in regards to viewings, and we do not trust her to respect our wishes if we ask her not to show the house at a certain time. It has been incredibly stressful, and it's only been one week. What are our rights here (detailed questions also within)? [more inside]
posted by Ashen at 6:16 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Ashen at 6:16 AM PST - 23 comments
What do I need to know about having a seasonal wardrobe?
I have not lived in a place with seasons since I was 13. Now I do. Help a poor person take good care of her belongings so she don't have to replace them in a few months. [more inside]
Talk to me about crib bumpers and the risk/benefit analysis.
Talk to me about crib bumpers and the risk/benefit analysis. [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 6:06 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by olinerd at 6:06 AM PST - 19 comments
Cabbing from San Diego airport to Ensenada?
Mexico Border Crossing: please explain to me, an East Coaster, the viability of taking a cab from the San Diego airport, rolling my suitcase across the border, and taking a Mexican cab to Ensenada. It sounds insane to me, but people from Arizona insist this is a fine way to travel. [more inside]
Let the honey bees play but keeps the pests away
I have some beautiful heirloom roses that I planted last year. One of them was decimated by rose slugs. It has come back bushy and beautiful thankfully! I noticed that someone had already been sampling this year's goods. Aphids maybe? What can I put on the roses that will keep the pests away but not harm the honey bees? Someone must have a hive nearby because I see them quite frequently.
April 15
Confused and lost about finding a nursing school
I'm a 20 year old living in NYC. I want to be a nurse. I'm in a community college I hate, so I'm leaving after the spring. Problem is I have nowhere set up to transfer to. I want to apply to a bachelor's program for nursing. I also want to go somewhere I have the best chance of getting a job. Should I apply to a school and move to another state? Or stay in NYC? [more inside]
Had an anxiety attack in front of a girl I like who's just a friend
How do you come back from an emasculating, embarrassing event where you most likely weirded out a friend, particularly a friend you have feelings for? Should I just not look back and run, because that's how I'm feeling right now... it's fight or flight, and I'm not showing up to a smackdown. [long] [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 10:23 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by ggp88 at 10:23 PM PST - 39 comments
Same-Sex Wedding Etiquette: Do We Invite Non-Supportive Parents?
My same-sex partner and I have decided to get married. However, on both sides of our family we have immediate family members who are either tepid or outright hostile to gay marriage--specifically, both sets of parents. Should we extend to them invitations to our wedding anyway out of courtesy or deliberately not invite them? [more inside]
posted by Quaversalis at 9:02 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by Quaversalis at 9:02 PM PST - 42 comments
Board Kitty or Hire a Cat Sitter?
We're going on vacation for 16 days. Our cat can't come. Should we board her in a kennel or hire a cat sitter? [more inside]
posted by firemonkey at 8:15 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by firemonkey at 8:15 PM PST - 22 comments
Arts & Crafts for Artless Clutzes
I'd like to start doing some creative hands-on arts and crafts projects, but I'm pretty clueless and no good with my hands. What are some good, easy ideas for a beginner on a budget with too many popsicle sticks? List of "But"s inside! [more inside]
posted by byanyothername at 8:02 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by byanyothername at 8:02 PM PST - 17 comments
How do I better my listening skills at work?
I have a hard time listening to and participating in conversations at work... how can I improve? [more inside]
Cat Tree Shopping Help
Kittehs need a tree. I've found one I like ... spoiler alert, doesn't ship to my country. [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 7:27 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by hilaryjade at 7:27 PM PST - 7 comments
How often do you replace your vacuum cleaner?
It's pretty simple, really: how often do you replace your vacuum cleaner? [more inside]
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 7:12 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 7:12 PM PST - 24 comments
Help me go natural with toiletries...
About six months ago I started loosely following curly girl by using Dr Bronners and botanical conditioner on my hair. It looks great and I want to go more natural with my toiletries. [more inside]
Help me find Hiring EMS/Fire within 1 hour drive of Columbus Ohio?
It's hard to get hired for Columbus Ohio Fire, and I heard if you're willing to commute you can find lots of other services who are desperate for new hires. How can I find these EMS/Fire Departments? I am looking to be an EMT-B/Firefighter and move up to paramedic in time.
Thanks.
He's already ruined my carpet
My dog is showing signs of dementia, including numerous bathroom accidents and quite a bit of bad behavior. I haven't slept through the night in at least a year. Can you help me make this situation better, or at least better assess my options? [more inside]
Same-field-friends, sensitive to each other's success or lack thereof...
Today I had to take a "break" from a long-time friendship because my friend's announcements (directly to me) of her career successes has been making me feel pretty bad about myself. I feel like I did the best thing for now, but would like other people's opinion on my situation. [more inside]
posted by Sa Dec at 5:58 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by Sa Dec at 5:58 PM PST - 29 comments
Do You Love Your Washing Machine?
Our 15 year old Maytag Performa is on life support. The brake assembly is failing, and getting at it to replace it looks like more of a project than I want to take on. Especially since I just replaced the pump in the thing.
We don't need anything fancy. A basic top loader will work fine. Has anybody bought one in the last few years that they are generally happy with?
Beliefs about "what should be" leads to beliefs about "what is"?
Is there any academic argument or scientific evidence that what people believe about "what should be" leads them to develop underlying beliefs about "what is" in reality? A kind of worldview conditioning?
Conceptually, this would be an inversion of the naturalistic fallacy (which goes from "what is" to "what ought"). Does such a thing happen?
Best language/framework/library for voice chat over the web?
I'm thinking about starting a coding project that involves live-streaming and recording voice chats populated by different users of a web app. Does anyone have any recommendations on what technology to use? WebRTC? Something else?
And, depending on the technology, do you have a recommendation on the language I should use? If someone has made a module/gem or an open source project that would make it easier to get up and running, that'd be rad. I have experience with Ruby and JavaScript and would be comfortable using either or both.
Very specific counseling in San Francisco
I would really appreciate recommendations for a counselor for my daughter. She is in the last stages of a long and demanding academic degree. She is brilliant but has always had some difficulty in reading social cues and tends to alienate people with her abruptness. More inside. [more inside]
posted by garbanzilla at 5:36 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by garbanzilla at 5:36 PM PST - 7 comments
Rules for sales with profits given to charity in WA?
My son, a senior in high school, would like to have a class t-shirt made for any of the students who would like to pre-order a shirt. We though it would be appropriate to give any profits from the shirt sales to a particular charity. Living in Seattle, WA, and only selling shirt pre-sales in person to other students, what do we need to know to keep our claim of “profits go to charity” above-board? (…or where should we be looking/asking for these sort of rules?) [more inside]
posted by mboszko at 5:17 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by mboszko at 5:17 PM PST - 4 comments
Foreign Destination wedding and tuxedo rental
Hey folks, need advice about how (logistically) to most easily rent/return formal attire for a wedding where I'll take several buses and flights between home and the wedding, then fly out directly for backpacking. [more inside]
Example/Trope of director imbuing an artistic vision on source material
I'm looking for examples, or what the trope is called, where a director (or screenwriter) takes a source material (a novel, could be a comic book, or even a previous television show) and creates something new with a very particular artistic vision that wasn't there before. Details and examples inside. [more inside]
posted by Dalby at 4:44 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Dalby at 4:44 PM PST - 24 comments
Trouble understanding this Vox/Quartz chart on the IRS
I've having trouble understanding this chart, which was included in this article by Vox. It says that the US government's cost/net revenue is 0.66. Does this mean the US spends 62.5 cents for every dollar it takes in? [more inside]
posted by hermanubis at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by hermanubis at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments
how can I repair small OD copper tubing
We recently purchased a low capacity instant-on water heater for a small building we put up last summer. We left it pressurized during a freeze and had a blowout on the copper tubing. How can I get this repaired? [more inside]
posted by diode at 1:32 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by diode at 1:32 PM PST - 10 comments
Historical data on ad spending by medium
I'm having some trouble finding historical data on (overall) ad spending by medium. What I would really like, is a single graph or at least table, with some numbers going back ~30 years (or more is fine) that goes up to the present (~2014 let's say). I am uninterested in forecasts, and I'm uninterested in data sets with shorter time windows; my search results are just getting swamped by organizations that (i) are selling something, usually forecasting, and (ii) aren't focused on anything older than a few years ago. [more inside]
posted by advil at 1:18 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by advil at 1:18 PM PST - 4 comments
What is the song by Shwayze playing at the end of this video?
Listen to the video here
Thanks
Help me find casual summer dresses before I melt
I live in a hot, humid climate (it is currently 81 F with 75% humidity) and am finding myself in a rage that I have to wear clothing at all. I'd like to wear plain cotton tank dresses for the next 6 months. Please help me find what I'm envisioning! [more inside]
posted by tatiana wishbone at 12:13 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by tatiana wishbone at 12:13 PM PST - 21 comments
Three roads diverged in a wood, and I...
I am looking into making a career switch into programming/development. Which one of these potential courses of action makes the most sense? [more inside]
posted by easter queen at 11:34 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by easter queen at 11:34 AM PST - 6 comments
Finding a psychologist that takes Blue Shield?
I have Blue Shield insurance and am frustrated by the limited search options available on their site. [more inside]
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments
Books of secret knowledge
What was this book or books of secret knowledge I read in the late '80s/early '90s? [more inside]
posted by asterix at 10:47 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by asterix at 10:47 AM PST - 6 comments
I got into nursing school! Yay! Now what? Do I go?
I was accepted into a very competitive BSN program for fall admission. Hooray! I've been working so hard for the past year and a half to make this happen, and now that it happened I'm starting to question whether it's the right thing for me after all. [more inside]
How to I stop or maintain weight gain after quitting smoking?
I quit smoking about a month ago after 10 years of consistently smoking half a pack a day (YAY!). I have been diligent in NOT changing my diet or exercise during this process as I need to focus on one goal at a time. One of my biggest struggles with quitting is fear of weight gain, and it is happening. I would like to stave off some of that effect. I need advice from other people who have gone through quitting either smoking or other serious addiction and how they mentally coped with weight gain or physical changes and in general what can work to get back to your previous weight or accept the extra pounds. More details below the cut. [more inside]
Ebook library for a geographically distributed team?
My work team is interested in establishing a corporate library of books that we can all access. Since we are geographically dispersed, we thought ebooks would be a logical solution, but I can't figure out the best way to handle sharing books with the lending restrictions that ebooks have. [more inside]
Absolutely no sex drive what to do?
I have trouble wanting to have sex. Considering that we just got married 1 year ago this is really a problem for my relationship.
Did this happen to you and how did you fix it?
I am overweight with like 30 pounds extra so obviously loosing the 30 pounds would help I think
I also take birth control- sprintec now- but was put on loestrin maybe that will help better.
I don't know what else to do. What helped you?
Thanks
Student leadership
I've been elected president of a collegiate performing arts organization and am trying to figure out how to deal with very dynamic personalities; furthermore, most of the people on board have more experience with board than I do. My greatest fear is that I will one day lose control of the board as a leader, so what are some ways to approach this issue? [more inside]
Foods with the energy of oatmeal?
I like the energy and state of mind that eating oatmeal gives me. Are there any boxed, packaged cold cereals that have the same ingredients? What other foods generally have a similar nutritional profile in terms of energy?
Starting a grad program in the fall. Do I include it in my CV?
I'm updating my CV to submit with a book chapter proposal. I'm entering into a graduate program in the fall (already accepted, paid the deposit, etc.). If I were enrolled in classes at this very moment, I would include this in the education section of my CV with an anticipated date of completion...but right now what I have is an anticipated start date. Do I include it, and if so, what's the appropriate way to represent my situation?
posted by 2or3things at 7:14 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by 2or3things at 7:14 AM PST - 3 comments
Wanking in the Window
My neighbour directly opposite me has started masturbating in his window whenever I am visible through my window or out on the balcony. How do I get him to stop? [more inside]
posted by rubyrudy at 7:00 AM PST - 58 comments
posted by rubyrudy at 7:00 AM PST - 58 comments
Do I have any recourse with the local power co-op over this matter?
The local power company cleared the ROW along our property but left a mess - who is responsible for it? Snowflakes & ice inside........(long) [more inside]
posted by dukes909 at 6:01 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by dukes909 at 6:01 AM PST - 3 comments
Help me save my shoes!
I have a pair of wedge slingback shoes and the sole is separating from the wedge. I ADORE these shoes and want to fix them. [more inside]
Moving (back) to the Burgh
I'm looking into making a move (very quickly!) back to Pittsburgh. I'm a native, but haven't lived there for 10+ years. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
enrolling a minor in school / obtaining guardianship of a minor?
Our 15yo niece's living situation is changing, and she is unlikely to be able to continue living where she is. She can move to another location, but the schools there are awful.
We've thought about offering to have her live here with us, but are unsure how to enroll her in school without taking over her guardianship. Is there a way? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl at 3:51 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by needlegrrl at 3:51 AM PST - 14 comments
Dramatic irony in movies and TV shows currently popular with teens?
I'm looking for examples of dramatic irony (where the audience knows something that the character doesn't know) to illustrate the concept to a 9th grade literature class. I'd prefer examples from TV shows or movies that they are likely to have seen recently, although popular books might be OK, too.
posted by bardophile at 2:44 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by bardophile at 2:44 AM PST - 12 comments
South American friend is offended that I referred to the US as America?
Among other things. We were having a chat discussion when she expressed how surprised she was that I didn't know more about Latin American culture since my nephews are Latino. [more inside]
posted by lohachata at 1:27 AM PST - 58 comments
posted by lohachata at 1:27 AM PST - 58 comments
Plus Size Androgyny?
So, I'm a mid-30s genderfluid person who would like to start dressing in a more masculine to androgynous manner in a business casual workplace. Complicating factors? I've got an aggressively female body, short with hips and boobs that can't really be minimized, plus I am a fattie (US size 20/22) and slowly shrinking). So what the hell do I do with that? [more inside]
posted by daikaisho at 1:03 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by daikaisho at 1:03 AM PST - 20 comments
Cupboard of curiosities for intensive kindergartener
I want to set up a cupboard with prepared activities and toys that the adult caregivers for my youngest can use to keep her occupied while I get work done. She has the usual books, blocks, playdoh, open-ended toys and art materials, but what she wants and needs are structured activities to do with caregivers. Has anyone else had success prepping activities and resources for their childcarers to use? I'm imagining stacks of ziplocs with craft kits/toys and instruction sheets, and a binder of suggested activities, but is there another approach that would work better? [more inside]
Source for even handed, researched parenting news updates?
Can anyone recommend a source for well researched news and updates on major parenting topics like medical updates, product recalls, new products etc? [more inside]
April 14
Need relationship advice
So this is an interesting relationship situation for sure, but I need advice: [more inside]
Pros and Cons of buying a rental property in Boise while living in NJ?
We are considering buying an apartment or a small house in downtown Boise, Idaho strictly for renting it out. We live in NJ, but have family in Boise. Please help us understand all the pros and cons and the logistics of buying property from across the country. [more inside]
What's a good car for me?
I take public transit to work but drive a few miles approximately twice a week to take kids to activities. Car2Go doesn't work well with carseats and may not be reliable enough for my needs. Given my infrequent driving, what are some reliable, affordable used cars I should consider. With carpooling, there might be 3 school-aged kids in the car in boosters.
Is it possible to get this "Game of Thrones" bottle?
I was watching "Game of Thrones" this weekend and this bottle caught my eye. I know that they have a lot of the glassware custom made, but since this was only one scene, maybe they sent the set dresser to the local liquor store to get one?
Anyone know if I could find one?
posted by Marky at 10:59 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Marky at 10:59 PM PST - 3 comments
Is there a plane with a 3-5-3 seat configuration?
Does any airline currently or previously have a seat configuration with 3 seats on each side and 5 seats in the middle? I could have sworn I was on such a plane a few years ago, but all my searching has only yielded images of 3-4-3 layouts and the proposed 3-5-3 layout for the A380.
Comic strip with a dog-shaped suitcase?
This has been driving me crazy.
I have a strong memory of a comic strip, I think it was a The Far Side by Gary Larson.
I can't remember the setup or punchline, but there was a picture of a suitcase shaped like a dog, with a handle on top of the dog's back as if you could put a dog inside and it would fit exactly. (The dog would probably suffocate unfortunately, but hey it's a cartoon) [more inside]
posted by piers at 10:03 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by piers at 10:03 PM PST - 12 comments
My cat is an awful roommate
For a number of reasons, my partner and I have decided to live separately for the first time in our relationship. I've lived with a partner for the majority of my adult life, and I have no idea how to make living alone not suck OR how to do a grown-up relationship without living together. Snowflakes galore inside. [more inside]
posted by cheerwine at 9:51 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by cheerwine at 9:51 PM PST - 14 comments
My neighbor probably stole a package from us. What to do?
My partner ordered an item through the US Postal Service. He received an immediate text when it was delivered yesterday, but when he stepped outside to get it there was nothing there. [more inside]
posted by tivalasvegas at 9:03 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by tivalasvegas at 9:03 PM PST - 23 comments
How should I tell my 6 year old that my boyfriend and I are engaged?
I asked the love of my life to marry me this weekend, and he said yes! But what's the best way to tell the other love of my life, my 6 year old son? [more inside]
posted by pleasant_confusion at 7:59 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by pleasant_confusion at 7:59 PM PST - 7 comments
Can you figure out what's going on with this image sharing account?
Over on the image sharing site MLKSHK there's this account - thefabulous52 - that posts strange collages and I'm trying to understand what's going on, or why, or ... anything at all, really. [more inside]
Fungus is not fun
Need tips on treating severe athlete's foot. [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist at 6:58 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by ottereroticist at 6:58 PM PST - 11 comments
What was this trashy old scifi book?
A friend has told me about a book he remembers reading as a youth, and I am kind of maddeningly curious what it was. Any help? [more inside]
Can I give blood and not pass out?
There is a blood drive coming up at my workplace and I have always wanted to give blood. I am hesitating, though, because when my blood pressure drops, I tend to faint.
Is there any correlation between donating blood and low blood pressure? Or do people who faint tend to do so due to dehydration or low blood sugar? [more inside]
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 6:00 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 6:00 PM PST - 22 comments
Where can I buy Dutch Crunch bread in SF to make my own sandwiches?
I want to make sandwiches for work on Dutch Crunch bread -- it's amazing. However, the only places I've had it are sandwich shops that are selling finished sandwiches, not the bread itself. Please tell me where in SF I can buy loaves of this crunchy goodness!
What are your favorite diet friendly sweet treats?
My wife and I are both working on dieting, focusing on portion control, eating more veggies, and cutting our carbs.
It's going OK so far, but my wife has found that she's getting really frequent "sweet" cravings.
So, I figured I might as well try asking the internet: What are some good ways to help answer that craving without busting our dieting plans?
Help us plan a road trip through the southern US!
Need help planning our road trip through the Southern United States! [more inside]
Garmin GPS Waypoint Drama
Is there some awesome software to help import finicky .shp files onto a Garmin 62st? [more inside]
Summer road trip from Chicago with infant
My wife and I have a new baby and a serious case of cabin fever/wanderlust. We're considering taking a road trip this summer. Is this a terrible idea? If not, where should we go? Would Gatlinburg, TN be fun? [more inside]
posted by jordemort at 3:45 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by jordemort at 3:45 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me create a super cute, super fun diabetes gift basket!
A good friend was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, thanks to a horrifying trip to the ER. Her life has turned upside down, but she's doing absolutely everything she's supposed to. I want to make a fun gift basket for her - with things like cute band-aids for her finger pricks, etc. Help me make it awesome!
What's the difference between bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets?
What's the difference between bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets? You're right, I could just Google this question, but both the Google search results page and the sites it links to contain horrifying (to me) pictures of bees/hornets/wasps/yellow jackets. I need a text-only explanation to keep the nightmares at bay. Enter: AskMetafilter! [more inside]
Give me the information. All of it!
For various reasons, I've been considering going back to school for information sciences. To aid me in this I've arranged to volunteer for the Texas Library Association's annual conference happening this week, which also means I get to see the exhibitions and go to networking stuff. Hooray! But now I'm getting overwhelmed. So much vocab I don't know! Out of all of the libraries in all of the places in all of the world, Mefites, what sorts of programs should I be talking to? [more inside]
posted by theweasel at 3:26 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by theweasel at 3:26 PM PST - 7 comments
What are some essentials for a second child?
I am expecting my second baby in about three weeks (!). My first is not quite 2, so it feels like we just did this and we still have all of our stuff. Other than newborn diapers I'm not sure what else we need. Please tell me what I'm missing! A list of some of what we have after the fold. [more inside]
posted by apricot at 3:17 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by apricot at 3:17 PM PST - 16 comments
Last-minute 5K training
Much like this question, but I'm slower and have less time to prepare! Basically, my goal is to run an upcoming 5k in 30 minutes or less. I ran two 5ks last fall a couple minutes over this time, and my infrequent training in the interim has hovered just over or just under my goal. Now I have less than 2 weeks and I want to make a last-ditch effort. [more inside]
posted by Slater Sheldahl at 3:01 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Slater Sheldahl at 3:01 PM PST - 5 comments
Starship Troopers 2: Summer Vacation edition
Is a late June family vacation to Ephraim, WI and Door County bound to resemble a family of four battling black flies and other various and sundry killer insects? If so, how to cope? [more inside]
posted by thenewbrunette at 2:47 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by thenewbrunette at 2:47 PM PST - 2 comments
How much gravitational force does the Death Star exert?
What would happen if Darth Vader parked his Death Star in our neighborhood? [more inside]
posted by the matching mole at 2:42 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by the matching mole at 2:42 PM PST - 14 comments
How traumatic is elementary school in a language you don't speak at all?
We recently moved from Toronto to Montreal and are planning to stay here for at least a few years, possibly permanently. Our 5 year old daughter starts Kindergarten in the fall, and we would very much like to send her to a French school, but will this do her more harm than good? [more inside]
Baby coming soon, and I'm stressed out to the max. Can I quit my job?
I'm still stuck in a bad work situation, having a baby in 2 months, my mom is sick, and I don't know how to go on. Should I quit my job? [more inside]
posted by fanta_orange at 2:09 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by fanta_orange at 2:09 PM PST - 21 comments
Trade-in or sell 2013 Prius in Seattle?
My wife has a 2013 Prius Persona Edition with only 10,000 miles on it in perfect condition. After almost two years of ownership, she wants to get something less expensive and more fun to drive.
She got a 0% APR loan and paid nothing down. The dealership has made us an offer very close to what she owes on the loan, so we could essentially pay it off and come close to even.
[more inside]
First & Last: The long and the short of it = N/A
My road to recovery is filled with potholes, and the potholes have alligators in them, and when the alligators open their mouths, piranhas and cobras shoot out at me.
I have found cheaper shelter, but I don't have first and last. I DO have a headache... [more inside]
ISO: Packable Windbreaker
As much as I love it when spring comes to Chicago, these days of 45 degree mornings leading to 65 degree highs drive me batty with my clothing choices. I generally have to choose between either being cold in the morning, or wearing a light weight coat that I'm just going to roll up and stuff in my small messenger bag in the afternoon. I try to travel light -- I hate being the guy on the train who looks like he's lugging around a small luggage store -- and even cramming a light REI coat into my bag is a drag. [more inside]
posted by jammer at 2:03 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by jammer at 2:03 PM PST - 11 comments
Why won't my Pinterest board display properly in Wordpress?
I've tried everything to embed a Pinterest board in a Wordpress page. No matter what I do, some of the pins get cut off. What gives? [more inside]
How can I stay safe in Fruitvale?
Is Fruitvale BART as bad as people keep telling me? [more inside]
Are LA City relocation assistance payments tax exempt?
I live in Los Angeles in an apartment. In 2014 my landlord decided to demolish my building to build condos, so I received a $15k payment of relocation assistance from my landlord as mandated by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance of the Los Angeles Municipal Code and overseen by LA Housing Development (now the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department, I guess). Is this exempt from State and Federal taxes? [more inside]
CPA has gone silent… what to do?
I am really upset that we’re down to the last minute and my CPA has not finished my taxes or communicated with me since April 3. I haven’t paid him yet. I’m about ready to download Turbo Tax tonight and use his draft to double check. Would I still be obligated to pay him? What if I wait until tomorrow (which is going to make me extremely anxious)? [more inside]
What Should I Do When I Give My Elderly Parents an iPad?
My sister and I are planning on giving our parents a combined Mother's and Father's Day gift of an iPad. What can I/we do to help ease their transition from Luddites into users of tablet computers and the Internet? [more inside]
Little sister is watching you: roll-your-own/smart home security
So, last night we apparently interrupted some burglars. The police were pretty negative about traditional home security systems (which we didn't have anyway), and I'm interested in either a DIY system or a modern digital system. Googling turns up a lot of things that appear to be not ready for prime time (e.g. Canary). But surely there are Mefites with good suggestions. Help? [more inside]
Resources to decide whether to buy a home?
How can I decide whether to buy or continue renting? [more inside]
Name our bowling team
My company's new bowling team needs a nickname. We are a tech startup affiliated with the mortgage space. The leading candidates right now are all Lebowski-related, so we need something with a little more creative juice. Any ideas?
posted by So You're Saying These Are Pants? at 12:10 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by So You're Saying These Are Pants? at 12:10 PM PST - 11 comments
Made in China
How to record sounds inside the body?
What professional medical equipment, techniques and possibilities exist to record sounds inside the body? [more inside]
Mac OS X application crashes, but only for one user. Why?
Fairly gnarly Mac debugging / troubleshooting question, concerning an app that crashes on launch consistently, but only when run by a single particular user. So far, it's stumped everyone. Lots of gory technical details inside. [more inside]
posted by Kadin2048 at 11:31 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Kadin2048 at 11:31 AM PST - 13 comments
Cosigners on foreign bank accounts: how do you handle IRS forms?
TaxFilter day continues! In 2014 my mother-in-law made my wife a cosigner on her German bank account. The account is substantial (over €100,000 but under €150,000) and, of course, we need to fill out FinCEN 114 and IRS 8398. The instructions for IRS 8398 only cover "joint" account holders in the context of marriage. How do we approach this? [more inside]
posted by JoeZydeco at 11:21 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by JoeZydeco at 11:21 AM PST - 4 comments
Looking for more catchy, funny, depressing songs!
There are some really catchy up-lifting sounding songs that are absolutely horrible once you listen to the music. My top examples are the Counting Song and the Shop Vac Song. I guess they both share the idea that you're looking forward to this thing (adulthood, starting your life, etc) that is utterly disappointing and completely a trap. I'm looking for similar songs, in style and content, and sing-along-able.
Who was this surrealist?
ArtFilter: I'm trying to figure out who created a number of surrealist images. I remember inversion/fusion of right-side-up and up-side-down things as the main theme, with a lot of castle-islands, boats sailing through the sky, etc. Along the lines of this image. [more inside]
Combine cable and verizon mifi internet with a single modem?
I have comcast cable internet (Bandwidth A). For work I also always carry around a verizon mifi jetpack and good good service at home too (Bandwidth B). Is there a way to combine these to sources with a common router to essentially have Bandwidth A+B?
Thanks in advance for help!
posted by mtstover at 10:26 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by mtstover at 10:26 AM PST - 5 comments
Should I be concerned that my accountant emailed me my tax return?
TaxFilter time! I am out-of-town and to facilitate getting my taxes done, my accountant sent me a copy of the draft and final returns via unencrypted email. Is this a standard practice these days? [more inside]
Catch-all email forwarding
I'd like to forward anything@mydomain to one address. This should be easy, shouldn't it? [more inside]
posted by roll truck roll at 10:18 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by roll truck roll at 10:18 AM PST - 3 comments
Leaving an unethical and unpleasant workplace
How do I balance my need to save a little money right now with an unethical and unpleasant workplace that is really draining my mood and energy? [more inside]
And I'm (Not) Proud To Be An American...
I have this weird hang up about my nationality that I feel is impeding my social progress in a new country. Any and all advice about how to get past this would be appreciated. [more inside]
Lesbian-friendly gynecologist in NYC?
Insurance is obviously the issue: A New York-specific Obamacare offering from Aetna. [more inside]
posted by Drohan at 9:35 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Drohan at 9:35 AM PST - 4 comments
Anyone recall an early group blog/reality show, name riffed on 'cereal'?
The Lore thread reminded me of something else from that era of the web, one of the first group blogs I encountered, and now I am annoyed because I can't remember the name or more details. It was a bunch of interconnected art/tech/media people, mostly based in the SF Bay Area I believe. The name riffed off 'cereal' in some way, but all the keywords are too general to fish anything up out of google. [more inside]
posted by tavella at 9:23 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by tavella at 9:23 AM PST - 4 comments
The eternal search for the perfect bag
Nd a new laptop/everything bag that I can feel better about than the one I'm currently carrying. Myriad specs inside! [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:56 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:56 AM PST - 15 comments
How do I keep my heart beat under a certain threshold to keep running?
I've recently started running with a heart rate monitor affixed to my chest and a watch in tow. I've noticed that I can run relatively comfortably at any pace where my Beats Per Minute (BPM) is under 155 or 160. Once it gets past that, into the 170s range I get tired. More information below... [more inside]
Request for Disguised Veggie Recipes!
My daughter needs to increase her vegetable intake, but refuses to eat most veggies. What recipes will allow us to disguise her vegetables in other foods? [more inside]
What to do in Kennesaw, GA?
My family and I are going to a wedding next week in Kennesaw, GA and will have a couple days to kill beforehand. What should we do? Where should we eat? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by bondcliff at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments
Can you find this Southwest Airlines commercial online?
I'm recalling a TV commercial where a wealthy businessman is walking through an airport, talking on his cellphone. He indicates his tremendous wealth by saying into the phone something like "Ten million dollars, twenty million dollars, what's the difference?" Then he walks up to Brand X Airlines's ticket counter and asks to buy a ticket somewhere. They say it'll be like $3,000, he's stunned, says nevermind and walks over to the Southwest counter to buy a ticket for much cheaper. It was probably on the air between 10 and 20 years ago.
Destination wedding/bridal shower - gifts?
What is the gift etiquette when you are attending both? [more inside]
What would make tiny electronics repair more comfortable?
My husband likes to take electronics apart and put them back together (cameras, smart phones etc.). Right now his setup is ridiculous: he works (mostly) over a big tupperware container to catch the screws that fall into it, unless they fall on the floor, and he holds the flashlight on his iPhone with one hand while trying to wrestle tiny screws into place with the other hand. There has to be a better way; this looks painful. what can i buy him to improve his setup (lights, magnifiers, other things i haven't thought about)? What do you use in your efficient and effective home repair shops?
In the ninth circle of sleep hell
I desperately need some perspective on my toddler's multiple sleep issues. Hope me??? [more inside]
Jobs in China for seasoned, experienced sales/marketing guy?
I will be in southern China (HK, Shenzhen, Guangzhou area) for the next 2 years with a spouse and would like to land a job myself. I want to combine my interest in exporting from China with my 20+ years in international sales/marketing with IBM, Lotus, and other IT companies. Would my sales and marketing stripes be attractive to a trading company who needed an older, polished, confident male to interface with English-speaking prospects or clients? Willing to be employee or freelance. Thanks.
April 13
How to moderate a potentially contentious discussion
I will soon be moderating an election for the leadership in one of my hobby groups, in which candidates are discussed after they leave the room. I have never moderated a discussion before. We're usually a pretty harmonious group, but in past years these discussions have sometimes gotten heated and devolved into personal attacks behind candidates' backs, leading to general unhappiness for all, or people have gotten sidetracked on issues irrelevant to the election at hand. What can I do or say to help keep things under control if people start to say inappropriate/hurtful/irrelevant stuff?
posted by st elmo's fire at 10:07 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by st elmo's fire at 10:07 PM PST - 14 comments
We will not be de-feet-ed
What is the next step up, mainly in terms of quality and price, from Vans slip-ons that are similarly minimalist styled and comfortable enough for everyday wear? Looking for good quality, long lasting, simply-styled, slip-on men's shoes. [more inside]
need to find a therapist (?) who specializes in BDD & eating disorders
looking for recommendations for a therapist or specialist in LA area who can help treat my extreme obsession with appearance. I know I am suffering with a type of eating disorder and I think a form of OCD or body dysmorphic disorder, too. it's ruining my life. I am sick of this pathetic problem. there are actual sick people in the world and I'm worried about such trivial things and I can't help it. I want to stop thinking like this and am ready to get help. more inside. [more inside]
We were promised jet packs....or at least, car phones...
My subaru impreza 2012 Bluetooth system + iPhone 6 do a great job together to provide me with seamless music and GPS, but I want more. Please explain my best options for being able to make calls with normal amounts of background noise. [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 8:42 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Tandem Affinity at 8:42 PM PST - 4 comments
Does the Coast Guard get respect?
Does the Coast Guard get respect from Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines?
Or do Navy guys say it's for people too chicken to join the Navy? I don't know what the Marines or Air Force might say. Something equally contemptuous.
Can a Coast Guard veteran call himself or herself a 'veteran' in the way that we think of Veteran's Day and sacrifice and national pride. [more inside]
How useful are the wage reports at JobBank.gc.ca?
I was poking around the wage reports for various occupations provided by the government of Canada. I was wondering how useful the figures are for someone who is, say, negotiating a salary or trying to come up with a salary range to post a position. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 8:09 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by synecdoche at 8:09 PM PST - 3 comments
What's the best way to find a new doctor (gyn) for specific procedure?
Just realized that the new(ish) healthcare regulations in the U.S. mean that Essure is totally covered by my insurance, yay! Problem: [more inside]
posted by PaulaSchultz at 7:29 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by PaulaSchultz at 7:29 PM PST - 10 comments
Yet another book recommendation
I'm desperately searching for a new series. I'm in the mood for an academic leaning fantasy romance, which is almost too specific. Help me not go crazy in my search? [more inside]
posted by Krop Tor at 7:13 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by Krop Tor at 7:13 PM PST - 37 comments
How to make a call that originates in different province?
I would like to make a call that appears to originate in Halifax. I'm in BC. [more inside]
TVM, cell phone contract & subsidy Vs. no contract & no subsidy
I'm trying to use TVM calculations to determine whether we'd be better off entering a contract and receiving subsidies for new cell phones or if we should go without the contract and pay full price for the phones (which are prorated over 24 months). My question is about how to determine the rate and period for the TVM formulas. [more inside]
posted by atm at 5:39 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by atm at 5:39 PM PST - 18 comments
Best Multi-Line Phone System for 6 Employee Office To Route Calls
What phone system should I use for a small office (6 employees) that would direct callers to the appropriate department or employee and allow us to transfer calls internally? Open to digital options (grasshopper, ring central) or traditional providers (at&t, charter). [more inside]
Things to do in Rhodes (ideally including dancing)
We are going to Rhodes for a week in June. What should we do and see? We are enthusiastic ballroom and Latin dancers, so we would be especially delighted if we could find somewhere where we could engage in a bit of partner dancing. Any particularly lovely spots for swimming would also be wonderful. We would love to hear about a wide range of options, though. [more inside]
posted by sueinnyc at 3:46 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by sueinnyc at 3:46 PM PST - 1 comment
IT lockdown: Help me work like it's 1999
I work for government. Well the new IT director has changed a lot of policy and Dropbox and Evernote are no longer allowed. Unfortunately these are my top two productivity tools which I have been allowed to use for about 5-6 years now. Barring any special dispensation I need to learn how to best work like it was the "old days." [more inside]
Flat out lying about one's salary - that's cool, right?
Are there risks associated with giving your own salary a "bump" when other companies or recruiters ask what you make? [more inside]
Homemade granola bars
I'm hooked on these really dense, chewy granola bars from a bakery in Columbus, Ohio, but I live in North Carolina and it's not reasonable to make them mail me granola bars all the time. I would like to try making them myself at home instead. [more inside]
What Goes In This Box?
What are nice presents that can fit inside a box with the approximate dimensions of 7cm x 6cm x 4cm? [more inside]
Recharging for introverts when "alone time" isn't an option
What are some ideas for recharging one's introverted batteries when being alone for any significant amount of time isn't an option? [more inside]
posted by pennypiper at 2:36 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by pennypiper at 2:36 PM PST - 19 comments
Given my current skill set, what companies would love to hire me?
I'm currently working in prospect research in higher ed, and I'm thinking of moving on to a new position in the near future. While ideally I'd like to stay in the same field, I've managed to become somewhat knowledgeable in a few different areas, and was wondering if there are other industries/companies that might be searching for people with my skill set. Ironically enough, I'm not sure where to start looking, so I'd would love to hear your suggestions! [more inside]
How on earth do people figure out what car to buy??
I'm in the market for a new (to me) car. I've looked at old AskMes and googled, but still have a lot of questions on how to determine which car to buy and how best to buy it. Would greatly appreciate your help! [more inside]
Have you (or someone you know well) had breast implants removed?
I have had silicone implants since having breast cancer about 5 years ago. I'm considering having them removed and would be interested in hearing others' experience. [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 2:05 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by janey47 at 2:05 PM PST - 5 comments
Surface Pro 3 apps?
What are your favorite Windows 8 apps that the pen/tablet aspects of the Surface Pro 3 can take advantage of. Writing/Screenwriting-emphasis appreciated but not required. I recently gave up OS X an purchased a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. There's been a bit of a stiff learning curve and I'm finding few resources for guidance. Further, are there sites that are updated daily with news the way Android Police or Android Central are?
"This is my house" -- name the song
The lyrics to this rock-blues anthem chorus are a frustratingly elusive earworm. I'm not sure where they came from. They are in a Lucinda Williams like style -- emphatic, anthem-like, similar to "Change the Locks". Google isn't helping me. Can you? [more inside]
Large Bust Size
How can I be more accepting of my large bust size? [more inside]
Where should I start setting up a scheduling website?
I have a friend who has inherited the job of coordinating some organized play lines at a local gaming convention. He needs something to help get everyone pointed in the same direction and schedules put together without needing to do it all on paper. I have slightly more web experience and access to either WordPress or Joomla host. [more inside]
How to learn lists of information?
I started a university course after almost 20 years of not learning. I don't have much trouble with learning simple facts (I use Anki - a spaced repetition flashcard program) but I’m having trouble learning lists of (somewhat) longer statements. For example, one thing I need to learn is 4 characteristics of happy people according to Lyubomirsky. [more inside]
Comfort(er) me, please!
I'm looking for the softest, most luxurious comforter available under $500. What factors do I need to consider when looking for one, and do you have any specific recommendations? [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 11:47 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Everydayville at 11:47 AM PST - 12 comments
A few questions about French immersion schooling in Canada.
I'm trying to decide whether or not to put my daughter into French immersion. I have two main questions: Can she catch up if I enroll her in grade 1 instead of in primary/kindergarten? And is it important enough that I should overcome all obstacles to do it? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 11:42 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by kitcat at 11:42 AM PST - 18 comments
Should I stay in retail or go back to school and pursue a dream?
I've been sucked into retail and have put my education on hold due to a lack of certainty on a major. I had tried three different programs, but an impractical dream sits in the back of my mind that I have never even attempted. Do I give up good money in the interim for long term fulfilment with a risk? [more inside]
Best Way For a Team of Writers and Editors to Collaborate Online
We're creating an e-book, and need an online platform helping a team of writers/editors to collaborate. Perhaps some variant of Wiki, unless there are jazzy new services out there I don't know about.... [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:40 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:40 AM PST - 5 comments
Struggles of Booking Shows In The Modern Era
Hi! Are you a music promoter or work for a music venue? Do you throw a weekly showcase, or have you set up a small festival in the past 7-8 years or otherwise had a regular need for finding musicians to play and managing a schedule of musical acts performing in a space? If so, what is it like these days? What struggles do you have and how do you decide who say Yes to and who to reject? And aside from "I know some people" how do you find acts to book? [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments
Where to buy professional video and studio equipment in San Francisco?
What's the best place to go to see, learn about and purchase professional quality video production and sound studio equipment in San Francisco? Things like quality cameras, production lighting, studio quality microphones, etc... [more inside]
posted by shmegegge at 11:07 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by shmegegge at 11:07 AM PST - 4 comments
Short weekend in Detroit
Heading to Detroit the first weekend in May to see the Diego Rivera/Frida Kahlo exhibit at DIA - would love any recommendations for food (hot dogs through high class) and we would dig some "shopping local" recs, too. Thanks!
posted by ersatzkat at 11:04 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ersatzkat at 11:04 AM PST - 11 comments
Home Renovations Tracking: Something better than google Docs!
So pourtant and I are in the process of buying a house (yay and also omg freakout). For practical reasons, our finances are separate. We are planning to make some minor renovations to the house and would like a simple way to track who has paid for what and equity earned and such. Is there such a dedicated tool for this? [more inside]
posted by softlord at 10:20 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by softlord at 10:20 AM PST - 7 comments
What are fun, complicated dessert recipes I can make in my home?
I really love baking although I don't love cooking. I made donuts for the first time over the weekend and it was fun! I'd never fried anything before! I'd like to try some more new challenges! What are your suggestions? I have the basic stuff (food processor, stand mixer, dutch oven, double boiler) but nothing particularly fancy. What desserts -- tarts, cakes, pies, cookies, donuts, candies, new types of desserts I have never before encountered -- will make me try new things in the kitchen and help me feel proud of the tasty and beautiful creation I have created? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 10:17 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 10:17 AM PST - 47 comments
Mosquito treatment for a small yard
Are there any effective mosquito treatments for a small (10'x25') yard? [more inside]
Best Bubble Diagram/Chart/Map Software or Website
Google "bubble diagram" and check Google Images to see the sort of chart I'm trying to make. I'm interested in the sort of chart where I can put different topics in separate bubbles and then draw interconnections freely between any of them. I'm not talking about a "mind map" where everything radiates level-by-level from a central point, although what I'm looking for may be a variation of that or included in the same software or website package. I'd prefer something free since I don't do a ton of graphs, but I'm open to paying for something if it's really good. I like the idea of something online (maybe even with an associated app), but I'm not wedded to it. There's a million mindmapping options out there, but I find very few solutions for the decentralized bubble-mapping I'd like to do, so I'm interested in the best option. [more inside]
Extremely well made office clothes
I've got my personal style pretty well sorted, and am willing to throw money at the problem of hating shopping. Where can I get the most quality bang for my buck when it comes to sweaters, buttondown shirts in non-traditional colors, and pants? Women's sizing, though I do shop on both sides of the aisle. [more inside]
A Furious 7 physics question [spoilers]
After seeing Furious 7 this weekend, a physics question came up about weight and leverage.
Spoilers and such below the break. [more inside]
posted by thecjm at 8:42 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by thecjm at 8:42 AM PST - 11 comments
Best way to get from San Diego Airport to Del Mar?
Flying into San Diego Airport late Friday night. What's the best way to quickly get to Del Mar without spending a fortune? [more inside]
posted by kingoftonga86 at 8:30 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by kingoftonga86 at 8:30 AM PST - 6 comments
How do I negotiate a salary for a new job?
I'm finally switching industries though sticking to my current role of office manager. I will almost definitely be taking a pay cut but I need to know how much I can realistically negotiate and how to do it. [more inside]
Unexpectedly fostering young dog with no doggie experience whatsoever
Can you help me plan the adoption of a foundling dog, and also give me tips on fostering her when I have no experience with dogs whatsoever? [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 8:10 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Tarumba at 8:10 AM PST - 19 comments
What to tell my daughter about her boyfriend's porn habit?
My 17-yr old daughter has been dating the same boy for over a year. She has been intermittently very upset about their relationship without telling me why. Finally she confided in me that he watches porn and it bothers her. [more inside]
How could homeopathic teething tablets possibly work?
Many parents I know recommend Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets, a homeopathic remedy. But how could they possibly have an effect? [more inside]
28 weeks - Help me get through the rest of my high risk pregnacy
I'm dealing with some health issues while being pregnant, and I just don't know how I'm going to get through the rest of it! [more inside]
Post-interview follow-up
Hi, MeFi-- I interviewed for a job a couple weeks ago. I felt like the interview went pretty well. Now I'm not sure if or when I should follow up with the hiring manager. [more inside]
posted by schooley at 6:40 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by schooley at 6:40 AM PST - 6 comments
Help me decide where to move
I'm trying to decide which city to move to and really struggling with a decision that seemingly has no "right" answer. [more inside]
Give me a break on breaking my lease?
I'm looking for some perspective on what my options are for breaking a lease in Cook County, Illinois. My wife is 2 months pregnant and we currently live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment in a nice suburb of Chicago. We want to move into a larger apartment closer to my parents, just a town over, before the baby arrives. [More after jump.] [more inside]
Do you even leggings, bro?
I want to get in on the leggings trend (seriously I would wear my snug yoga pants all day if I could get away with it) but I have never bought/worn/thought of how to wear them successfully. Anxious fashionable snowflakes within! [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 5:18 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Kitteh at 5:18 AM PST - 19 comments
Two romantic weeks in Tuscany (Delayed Honeymoon)
My wife and I are planning a two week trip through Tuscany the first couple of weeks of June, and I'd love to get some tips. [more inside]
Name our data consultancy business.
I'm setting up a data consultancy with an ex-work colleague. Our core business will be to provide analysis relating to children's services in local government, advice on what services should be monitoring, trends and benchmarking, setting up performance frameworks and so on. We are having difficulty finding a business name. [more inside]
What should I buy with £75 at Liberty (luxury department store)?
I have a £75 gift voucher to spend in Liberty (the luxury department store in London). I don't buy a lot of stuff and when I do I don't really spend a lot of money, so since I have this opportunity I would like to buy something more luxurious / higher quality / aspirational than I would normally. I'm a guy, and there's nothing in particular I want or need, so up for consideration is anything from menswear, men's accessories, stationery, homeware, jewellery, furniture, random objects, etc. What would you go for? [more inside]
Can a sabbatical cure work misery?
I'm a newly-tenured faculty member in a very toxic department in a US university. I'm pretty miserable at my workplace, but it's difficult to find a job in my field. I am also interested in taking a sabbatical for the 2016-2017 academic year, or perhaps later, but that would commit me to staying at my university for another year past that. Is it possible a sabbatical would make things much better for me at work? Or should I go ahead and focus on finding a new job? [more inside]
Is abstinence reasonable in this case?
A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with a common but non-lethal STI. Since then, I have become somewhat of a recluse and decided to be completely abstinent moving forward. I'm looking for some perspective from others to see how reasonable my decision here is. [more inside]
becoming a true social justice warrior
What would a Social Justice Warrior put on her shield? (Also, the rest of her?) [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 1:00 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by NoraReed at 1:00 AM PST - 21 comments
April 12
Better ebook sync for my Mac and iPhone
I'm using iBooks to read ebooks on my Mac and iPhone. But I generally don't buy my ebooks from Apple, and iBooks will only wirelessly sync books that one bought from the iBooks store. If I want to copy a new ebook from my Mac to my phone, I have to connect the two over USB and use iTunes to sync. Ugh. There has to be a better way. What apps should I be using to get better wireless sync? [more inside]
posted by Banknote of the year at 9:58 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Banknote of the year at 9:58 PM PST - 6 comments
Kill my weeds (wandering jew, black eyed susans)
How can I kill a rampant infestation of wandering jew and black eyed susan? The weeds are making my dogs itchy itchy itchy! Manually pulling them out makes me itchy itchy itchy! [more inside]
What computer do I want?
So, my 15mo old daughter poured a cup of coffee in my 2011 Mac Book Pro, and now the keyboard and none of the ports work. I am trying to figure out what to replace it with, if anything (at the moment). [more inside]
posted by annie o at 8:41 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by annie o at 8:41 PM PST - 17 comments
Random, Intermittent Laziness when it comes to Self and Home Care
When I'm at work, at a party, going shopping, in a coffee shop - I am a ball of energy. As soon as I enter home, I become extremely lethargic to do even small tasks. If I have laundry, dishes, sweeping to do it will take me HOURS to pry myself from bed, the computer, etc. all because I feel an overwhelming lethargy, laziness to do this one task. Not doing these tasks means I live in dishevelled, messy, dirty conditions that make me unhappy. Truly unhappy. I know these tasks won't take that long. I live in a bachelor, for god's sakes! However, I find it extremely hard to get moving. [more inside]
posted by rhythm_queen at 8:31 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by rhythm_queen at 8:31 PM PST - 32 comments
Big House in the Vermont Woods
Do you know of a place that could house lots people for a week in the Northeast? [more inside]
Neat place to stay between DC and Winterthur?
We want to stop overnight somewhere around Winterthur, so we can wake up, drive to the museum, see the gardens, and head back to the City. What towns along the way are worth staying in? Any notable hotels or B&B's? We're driving back from DC to NYC around June 22. [more inside]
posted by musofire at 7:59 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by musofire at 7:59 PM PST - 3 comments
I don't know what I don't know and that concerns me greatly
I'm suddenly in charge of IT and I need a crash course on preparing Windows images. [more inside]
I used to make money writing. How can I do that again?
I like to travel. I also like to make money. I have always heard about the internet being a great tool these days for doing both. A very long time ago, I made money doing journalism writing for legit media outlets. I don't have a degree, just a natural talent. For the better part of the past decade, I have focused on screenwriting and have even optioned a script but other than that I haven't made any serious traction. What resources exist for doing this remotely and where should I look? What would I need to do get started? I do still have articles from my journalism days that I could provide as samples. I would also be open to other forms of writing/online work if it was easy to pick up on. Thanks!
it probably won't make my head explode. (scanners!)
the neat desk scanner or the fujitsu scansnap ix500? [more inside]
Help a girl on a budget have a spa day in the privacy of her own home
I can't afford to go to a spa but I've always been enticed by the idea of a mud bath, getting a massage, etc etc. Sometimes I take some time to do a clay face mask and polish my nails which make me feel pretty good about myself not to mention relaxed. I'd like to create some sort of budget-spa/pampering experience in my own home. [more inside]
Headphone recommendations to replace Koss TD-80s?
I have a beloved pair of Koss TD-80s that I now have to admit are ready for retirement - and of course they've been long discontinued. What should I replace them with? [more inside]
Simpsonsfilter! Homerpalooza: The Director's Cut?
I am possibly misremembering an edit of the Homerpalooza episode of the Simpsons that had someone getting beaten up in the crowd. Do you remember who it was? [more inside]
How to fun-ify my mom's 50th bday afternoon in LA...with seniors in tow?
I want to make my mom's birthday special. It's this coming Saturday, but I recently found out that my grandparents, who are visiting from overseas, will be joining us that day. What would you do if you had to take people around LA for an afternoon, with limitations? Where would you go? [more inside]
Breathing and running at the same time is hard!
I am making an appointment with my doctor to talk about exercise-induced asthma. She expects to prescribe me an inhaler. What will that be like? Has an inhaler significantly helped any of you with running or other cardio exercise? [more inside]
Improving battery life for a Droid 3: energy management or rooting
I have a new-old Droid 3 (bought new, only started using it recently) and it's not holding a charge very long, even when I'm not actively doing anything with it (it can drop from 100% to 70% over night). I looked at its battery usage, and the bundled apps that I didn't want or use were using a lot of battery (YouTube was the worst, at 27%). Should I try some cellphone management apps (examples), get a new battery, root it to uninstall bundled apps I don't want or need, or root it to run a custom OS? [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 3:07 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by filthy light thief at 3:07 PM PST - 8 comments
Best practices for upstairs neighbor
So the upstairs neighbor keeps complaining that WE are too noisy. This is insane -- we hear every footstep, every word, and their dog barks for hours. I'm pretty sure they have a bowling alley in their living room. The landlord is on my side, but doesn't really care because they're a large management company. How to best get neighbor to stop bothering us? [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 2:53 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by DoubleLune at 2:53 PM PST - 17 comments
What's this picture book about an invisible dog?
ASKING FOR A FRIEND: She is trying to remember the name of an old picture book that was about an invisible dog. We think it was originally published in the 30s, then re-released in the 90s at Costco as part of a set of three picture books, one of which was about a lion. [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 2:40 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by exceptinsects at 2:40 PM PST - 3 comments
New Lappy Needed -- which & how much?
I want to buy a new laptop/notebook/tablet and here are the requisites:
- Windows OS
- Light and compact (fits in a backpack)
- No frills: only need Word, Internet/email, Spotify.
Windows 7 preferable; do they come like this anymore? Thinking I could do Windows Easy
Transfer, which hopefully will transfer my Word 2007 too.
Currently have Dell Inspiron 1525 and similar -- needs to be much lighter than these.
Can anyone help by giving some initial direction, including price range...links?
posted by noelpratt2nd at 2:33 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by noelpratt2nd at 2:33 PM PST - 8 comments
Any information on Snake River Jet Boat Tours?
I'm planning a very special getaway and would like to go up the Snake River on one of the jet boat tours that are available out of Lewiston, ID. However, there are multiple vendors out there and I'm at a loss as to which tour would be the best. I'm looking for your experiences and suggestions. Hotels, restaurants, and golf course recommendations would also be appreciated.
Can anyone identify these shoes?
Can anyone identify these shoes? Or a style of shoe that looks identical?
Doc martens look kinda similar but not the same.
posted by Griffinlb at 2:12 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Griffinlb at 2:12 PM PST - 3 comments
Feral Cat Shelter Materials
I'm making a shelter for a feral cat (born outside/ has always lived there, can't adjust to indoor life.) I'd like it to be wood for durability/longevity. Treated plywood is okay outside but not inside with kitty due to toxicity. What is the ideal inside material? No direct water exposure but it will endure much moisture. [more inside]
posted by Shane at 1:40 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Shane at 1:40 PM PST - 9 comments
Formalwear-filter, modesty edition
My (Orthodox Jewish) friend is getting married in June in New York. Appropriate dress for the wedding has been described as "fancy" and "very fancy." Which retailers offer very formal, relatively affordable, modest dresses? [more inside]
posted by femmegrrr at 1:27 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by femmegrrr at 1:27 PM PST - 17 comments
Pop Song that quotes the Habanera from Carmen?
This is driving me nuts: there's a pop song, probably from the 70s or 80s, that starts out with a solo violin playing the Habanera from Carmen. Then it transitions into kind of a soft, midtempo song, kind of western-y. [more inside]
Any idea who created this teacup and saucer?
I have a beautiful teacup and saucer that looks to be English in manufacture, but unlike all the other bone china i have this one has no manufacturer or mark of any kind. Can anyone point me to a reference for finding out this information?
Thanks. [more inside]
posted by ptm at 1:09 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ptm at 1:09 PM PST - 3 comments
Practical Tips for Living in Barcelona -- esp. Ikea
We're going to Barcelona for several weeks! Yay! Tell us some practical tips. [more inside]
Self-publishing a children's book
Thinking of trying my hand in the on-demand self-publishing space with a kids' (0-3) book. But I am more or less a noob, so lay some knowledge on me. [more inside]
posted by pyro979 at 12:13 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by pyro979 at 12:13 PM PST - 4 comments
How do I sign myself out of Google (not Gmail) on other computers?
For nearly a year, I've been plagued by my Google searches periodically defaulting to the Swedish Google page (and all of my Google activity turning into Swedish language). I have clicked on "sign out of all other web sessions" in gmail lots and lots of times. I have recently worked out that this happens because I signed into Google on my girlfriend's mother's account last summer. How can I make this stop without involving my girlfriend's mother? [more inside]
posted by cincinnatus c at 11:41 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by cincinnatus c at 11:41 AM PST - 12 comments
Have you experienced derealization as a child bipolar?
As an adult bipolar (BPD II) at 32 I'm still trying to make sense of odd things from my childhood. I have been able to figure out that a lot of incongruent behaviors as a kid relate to childhood manifestation of BPD: Night terrors, a certain precocious tendency, bouts of mania and depression, generally boilerplate things. But as an early teen I had some interesting derealization/quiet euphoria experiences that don't fit my notions of how Bipolar and I work together. More after the break. [more inside]
Sending large files for free
Somebody is trying to send me a 500 mb file from across the pond. Looking for the fastest free service. [more inside]
Biblical verses of comfort for the dying
As a hospice volunteer, I am often called to sit vigil with those that are dying, and many of them are life-long churchgoers. As I spend time with them, on occasion a friend or relative may stop in and read a verse or two (most often the 23rd Psalm) and it seems to immediately create a sense a peace for the person, especially if they have been agitated and in distress. [more inside]
Rigid gas permeable lenses in NYC?
One of my rigid gas permeable contact lenses just broke. I would like to get it replaced (and should probably get an eye exam while I'm about it, so no internet-only options, please). Does anyone have a recommendation for a good optometrist in NYC who will do this and who won't try to persuade me to switch to soft lenses?
Don't want kids but....
I realized the other day that I'm starting to "nest" kinda, in my own way. How to deal? [more inside]
posted by DisreputableDog at 10:55 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by DisreputableDog at 10:55 AM PST - 35 comments
Right to a Schedule of Condition as part of Party Wall Act [UK]
I have received a notice of works with regards the Party Wall Act for some work that will commence soon. I'm fine with it but plan to suggest my neighbour gets a Schedule of Condition written up.
What happens if he doesn't? Should I then dispute it, or let it go? [more inside]
Hit me with your rhythm stick
I'd like to learn how to make pop songs with strong groove. (Aiming to make classically structured, actual pop songs, with the groove arising through syncopation repeated and varied through all sounds/instruments, not just the percussion). What are some good songs to study? Can you point me to other kinds of resources that describe and parse what I mean? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 10:16 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 10:16 AM PST - 13 comments
What's the best folding shopping cart?
After dragging my cat litter and paper towels six blocks this morning thanks to a snapped wheel, I want to know what the Cadillac of rolling shopping carts is. [more inside]
Can I send a condolence card under these circumstances?
I just found out that a colleague of mine from a while ago died suddenly. I'd like to send a condolence card to her brother, but I'm not sure it's appropriate. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Hacking a practical balcony garden for herbs & veggies
This is my fifth year troubleshooting a balcony garden, but I always end up with either a jungle (where there's no longer any space to enjoy sitting at my small bistro table), or the plants just poop out because they can't handle the intense sunlight in the latter portion of the day. [more inside]
Need some office network tech advice
I need to know what realistic options are for connecting some tablets to a server in my office. I say realistic because I'm working for a boss who thinks he knows way more about tech then he does and he keeps suggesting these complicated scenarios that he thinks is going to save money. [more inside]
Chromebook media player question
Does the Chromebook media player display timing info when playing audio? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 6:44 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by popcassady at 6:44 AM PST - 1 comment
Not happy in new town but husband loves it...
We moved to a new town in the UK a year ago because we wanted a bigger house and we used to live in the expensive south east. My husband worked from home and he didn't have many friends in our old home town but he doesn't need them like I do. I moved jobs and our 2 kids moved schools and we live in an amazing house we would never have afforded before. We pretty much picked this area for no other reason than it is a nice town and is cheap but we knew no-one here and it all felt brave and exciting at the time. [more inside]
posted by privatepeanut at 6:26 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by privatepeanut at 6:26 AM PST - 38 comments
Turn Galaxy S3 into a DumbPhone for my Daughter
I have a Galaxy S3 I'm upgrading this week, and want to be able to brick it so that my 10 year old daughter can use it for the basics (calls, texts, calculator, etc.) without all the extra Internet and games that will turn her into a zombie at school. I've seen the dumb phone app and similar, but they are all time limited. I want to brick the dang thing permanently. Any advice? Different OS? Ways to block she can't get around? A phone plan with no data? [more inside]
How do you judge "good" writing?
Several friends of mine are published writers in various platforms. I see them - or even my non-writer friends - comment on an article someone had written and all totally agree some piece is terrible, which I had read, but I'll have no idea why. I usually just nod my head, because I feel too sheepish to ask about something which is apparently so obvious to others. [more inside]
posted by meeeese at 5:32 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by meeeese at 5:32 AM PST - 21 comments
What dish (dessert?) can I make with Vietnamese coconut chips?
I have a large bag of these Vietnamese coconut chips, which are sweet and delicious. While I could easily eat them a handful at a time until they were all gone, I'm wondering if there are any dishes where the crunchiness might add something. For example, I understand some people eat them with fruit and yoghurt; in Vietnam we also had them as part of a fruit drink layered with ice and coconut milk, which was amazing (would love that recipe!) Any ideas?
April 11
Help, I've got a type-I hypersensitivity to studying
I've been studying full-time (and then some) for board exams. I am enjoying this study period and I think my schedule is pretty balanced and healthy, but the rest of my body doesn't agree. I'm breaking out in hives and feel like I'm an overall inflammed state (think general urticaria, hives, ulcers, 熱氣). Help me push through these next few weeks. [more inside]
US tax deduction for donating a third-party service?
We donated a service provided by a third party (i.e. "not us") to a deduction-qualified church. The service has a clearly established price of $150. We didn't pay for the service, because the right to the service was given to us in compensation for the provider botching another instance of the service. Can we claim a deduction on our US federal taxes for the normal price of the service? [more inside]
What to expect as a character witness, and how to do a good job?
I've agreed to be a character witness for a friend who has been accused of a crime. I feel that I can honestly attest to the good character of the friend but I am nervous about what exactly this is going to entail. What will the experience be like? What sort of questions will I be asked? Are there any general dos and don'ts when acting in this role? [more inside]
Did I shoot myself in the foot post-interview?
Had great first interview with partners. Had great second interview with operations manager. During follow-up call with HR, I mentioned that I was also interviewing at other places in a different industry. Did I screw up? [more inside]
Baby bedtime woes
My 4 month old wakes up every 30-45 minutes for three hours after bedtime. Can you help me think of something I haven't tried? [more inside]
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 8:17 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 8:17 PM PST - 22 comments
"I'm desperate" is probably not the right answer.
Only a few graduate programs have invited me to interviews. One of the programs isn't highly ranked or well-known and isn't in the greatest location (let's just say it would be unusual for someone from my state to go...where? THERE?), but I need to think of a compelling explanation for why I would choose their program over others during the interview. To be frank, they'll probably develop as good a reputation as any other, but there's nothing special about their program that would make people rush halfway across the country. Still, how do I avoid sounding desperate or contrived during the interview?
How can I best share photos with my families?
I recently had a few hundred family photos scanned and I'd like to put them up somewhere everyone who's interested can see them. This includes people across several different families and with vastly different technology access/knowledge (though everyone can browse the Internet). I'd strongly prefer not to use Facebook. What's the best solution? [more inside]
What Emotional Decision Points Led to Your Good Relationship?
I'm writing a novel, and this is a research question. Essentially, I want to understand, both in general and in specific, what emotional decisions lead to a good relationship. The protagonist and the love-interest have hit it off, and Act 3 is about how their relationship deepens and intensifies. So, I want to know, what choices, and especially what emotional choices, have you made that turned out well? [more inside]
posted by Alex Haist at 5:17 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Alex Haist at 5:17 PM PST - 13 comments
Name that deli?
What Italian specialty foods shop, located in NYC, was described on a semi-recent episode of either Slate's Culture Gabfest or Slate's Double X Gabfest? [more inside]
posted by mellifluous at 4:49 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by mellifluous at 4:49 PM PST - 3 comments
sertraline for life?
is it ok to be on antidepressants long term, and can anyone share their experiences if they have? [more inside]
posted by fumbducker at 3:33 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by fumbducker at 3:33 PM PST - 28 comments
there's no place like home unless you haven't gone one
I'm looking for comforting words and concrete advice on going through the growing pains of finding where I belong. Of course there are special snowflake details. [more inside]
posted by quadrant seasons at 3:06 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by quadrant seasons at 3:06 PM PST - 8 comments
What is this story with a model town in it?
Forgotten Story Source Filter: I recall a short story or episode in a novel where a reclusive member of a town builds a detailed scale model of the town, which also reveals he knew the townspeople's secrets. What was it from? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 3:02 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by mccarty.tim at 3:02 PM PST - 4 comments
Dearest Mefites: Please help me name my bath-and-body product line!
Last year I learned how to make soap, and it turned into a rabbit hole of DIY bath products. Help me sell some of them with a clever business name! [more inside]
posted by torisaur at 1:31 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by torisaur at 1:31 PM PST - 18 comments
How to create my own worksheets
Hello All,
So Etsy has some really cool worksheets that folks sell. I would love to have someone design a worksheet for me, do you know how I could go about this?
Or, how can I create my own worksheets like the ones post below. I am not looking to copy the work of the authors, I am wondering what programs they used and how I can learn on my own, is there a youtube video, perhaps? Links: 1, 2.
ATL Atlanta airport questions
LAX to ATL. Need tips from expert travelers. [more inside]
Married and having dreams about exes. What to do?
My partner is having mental health problems that prevent him from being a full partner to me right now. I don't know if it's causal, but for the last several months I've been having dreams of (and thinking about) a specific ex. What does this mean and how should I deal? Complications inside. [more inside]
posted by sockmeamadeus at 11:17 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by sockmeamadeus at 11:17 AM PST - 26 comments
Short story ID: marketer helps niche group hide from marketers
Trying to identify a short story in which someone whose job is to identify emerging groups of people with specialized interests and target them as niche markets turns those skills to helping some group hide their purchases and whatnot to evade that kind of targeting. Maybe the group being helped contained some relatives of the marketer? I'm pretty sure I read it within the past 15 years, and it's possible it was in one of those annual collections of SF short stories (like Dozois's series).
Where and what should we eat across America?
I'm going on a road trip from Boston to San Diego in June, and we want to find some fun places to eat--restaurants (from holes-in-the-wall to fancy), cafés, ice cream, food truck, foods found in only your town. Anything and everything goes! We've got time, so we can veer off our path, too. I can use the internet of course (and I will), but I would love to hear from locals who know stuff the internet doesn't (especially in smaller towns/rural areas). Here's our route. And a map is also attached [more inside]
Most comfortable seat cushion for a long drive...we needs it.
We're taking my 2013 Jetta on a 2000 mile drive this spring and while it's a blast to drive and great on gas mileage, the seats are not butt friendly at all. [more inside]
posted by the webmistress at 9:18 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by the webmistress at 9:18 AM PST - 7 comments
Losing weight as a vegetarian
My girlfriend is a strict vegetarian. She is trying to reverse weight gained steadily over the last few years. I am trying to help her and to be supportive. I believe that to address this ultimately she has to make longterm dietary changes. But as someone who is not a vegetarian, I find it difficult to provide concrete advice on positive changes that she can make to her diet. [more inside]
Chaos: The Next Generation
The family is growing, but not in good circumstances. As a concerned, but not directly involved party, how much involvement should I strive for? [more inside]
Starting to shoot in manual mode
I'm looking for, ideally podcasts, but websites will do too, that give advice for starting to use a dslr in full manual mode. I have reasonable familiarity with the various settings on the camera so looking for advice on bringing them together. Guides on 'what to do on you first day shooting in manual' and the like especially welcome. As are any tips you might have.
He may be cheating but maybe not?? What to do?
I have a dear friend that I've known for over 10 years. Went to visit her and her husband last weekend. While we were there, her husband told my husband that he's been spending time with a younger "party-girl" during his recent business trips. They hit the bars and stay up late drinking. My husband asked if he'd cheated and he answered "no comment". My husband was stunned and not sure how to handle the situation but is now quite upset about it and feels stuck in the middle. He also doesn't want to interfere in the situation any further. [more inside]
Cross-cultural family problems with elderly parents
My parents and I are simply not getting along and I’m struggling to stay true to myself. [more inside]
Looking for free sign-in/attendance software
Hey there,
Basically I run an afterschool program where students are free to drop in and out whenever they want, on the condition that they use a computer to sign-in and sign-out.
The easiest way is to have them write their names in a Microsoft Word document, however I want something more sophisticated that will allow me to collect statistics over the course of the year about how often they attended, how long they stayed, as well as being able to look at gender and age categories (e.g. I would be able to see that 60% of my students in January were male, while 40% were female, and so on)
Any ideas would be great. Free is preferable but if it's really cheap and does everything I need then I could probably afford a $50 one-off fee.
Thanks in advance
How do I check if a World of Warcraft CD key has been used?
I recently purchased a used World of Warcraft Collector's Edition to sell. I'd like to know if the CD keys have been used (especially the one for the special companions), since that effects the value. Is there any way to check that? I don't have a WoW account.
April 10
Looking at people's mouths when they are speaking?
Is this weird? I notice I tend to look at people's mouths when they are speaking to me. When I catch myself doing it, I try to look them in the eyes more, but for some reason I just find my eyes are drawn to someone's mouth when they are talking to me. I'm not sure if they notice it or not or how much I actually do it. [more inside]
posted by peachpie at 10:25 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by peachpie at 10:25 PM PST - 21 comments
Books to explain depression?
I want my family and friends to better understand what I'm going through when I'm depressed and/or anxious. Are there good books (fiction or nonfiction) that explain what being clinically depressed is like? [more inside]
What can I expect for the next-generation of new macbook
The new macbook is incredibly sexy. However, like most of you already know, it has tradeoffs compared to the current Air. So I was thinking that the 2nd generation next year might hit the sweet spot for me. [more inside]
posted by iliketothinknu at 8:06 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by iliketothinknu at 8:06 PM PST - 17 comments
What causes an external disk to not be available in Final Cut Pro X?
One external HDD does not appear listed in Final Cut Pro X's Event Library and Project Library, but a second external HDD does. What other factors prevent a disk from appearing in Final Cut Pro X? [more inside]
posted by kidbritish at 7:09 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by kidbritish at 7:09 PM PST - 5 comments
Advice for a novice tap student
I am learning to tap dance as an adult. I am in the Boston area. I need advice. [more inside]
Short corporate workshop ideas
Our team hosts a monthly forum get-together for team members at a similar stage of development. I'm hosting the next one (which is more informal), and I'm at a loss about what I should do. What are some 60 minute-ish corporate workshoppy things with general skills you have done that were actually useful? [more inside]
posted by smoke at 5:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by smoke at 5:43 PM PST - 7 comments
How did you organize your decision making around divorce?
I'm debating getting divorced. I'm interested in the decision-making process. If you've debated getting a divorce - whether you ultimately decided to or not - what did your process look like? What did you do? [more inside]
Speeding up the Organizing of Movies in iTunes Library
I am running iTunes 10.6.3 on an external HD for my iMac 2.93 Ghx Intel Core 2 Duo with 4 GB Memory. Movies are mp4. I want to organize in bulk by selecting a bunch of movies and putting them under "Horror", "Action", and "Unwatched", for example. [more inside]
posted by chicaboom at 5:16 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by chicaboom at 5:16 PM PST - 5 comments
Too Many Wired Clients Uverse?
I just had a uverse tech over because my tv signal kept getting lost. Well he replaced the modem but, he said the problem might be my gigabit switch? I have a 3 consoles and a fire tv connected to it and don't want to go wireless when my rg is right next to the tv. All my tv clients are connected directly to the modem. Does this sound feasible? Should I take off the ps3 and see if it helps at all? Should I wait for repeat of problem before I do anything? I wasn't having any internet problems just tv problems
Manga title required
My friend described a film: "Japanese Lesbian Swimsuit Sisters Fighting Water Zombies". Any ideas what it could be? Most likely Manga, or possibly something more x-rated given the nature of her unique restaurant.
Bookfilter: Which is louder?
Looking for a creative thinking workbook from my childhood. The one line I remember clearly: "Which is Louder, Yellow or Black?" [more inside]
posted by polymath at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by polymath at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments
How do I "come out" to my new office that my partner is trans?
I (cis het male, 30YO) just joined a new company a month ago, and my partner has asked that I ask my coworkers use preferred pronouns when talking about them. I've not even done this with my closest friends - not sure how to proceed. What do I say? To who? How? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 2:03 PM PST - 53 comments
posted by rebent at 2:03 PM PST - 53 comments
How to study while on the move (Is augmented reality accessible yet?)
I'm going to be starting anatomy and physiology and many more "sit down and study" type classes. Sitting down and studying kills my back and my knees. I want to be able to study while I'm hiking, but I need visual in addition to audio, too! Is there ready-for-prime-time hardware that can help me accomplish this? [more inside]
It's like the engine inside me has died
Since quitting caffeine a few weeks ago, I've lost all motivation to do anything except lie in bed doing nothing all day. [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 1:32 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by Jacqueline at 1:32 PM PST - 31 comments
Haircut anxiety with curly hair. How do I figure out what works for me?
I'm a male with curly hair, and I feel extremely anxious whenever I get my hair cut. I just don't know what to tell my hairdresser! I prefer to cut my hair fairly short and then grow it out for a few weeks/months without having to worry about it, but I don't really know how to precisely explain that other than "uhh... short?" [more inside]
Consequences of a voluntary psychiatric hold in Massachusetts?
YANMD, but I'm in a bad way & wondering if I should be considering a voluntary psychiatric hold. This truly would be a proactive preventative move, but I'm concerned about future consequences affecting health insurance, life insurance, background checks, & things of that nature. Snowflakes after the jump. [more inside]
I need more of this pen!
This pen was anonymously left on my desk at my job a few months ago, and I need more of this pen in my life. [more inside]
How to EFFECTIVELY report buildings code violations in NYC?
A few years ago, my roommate and I were screwed by a dishonest landlord. (So were her previous tenants, we found out later...) Now the apartment we lived in is on the rental market again, but having lived there, I know it's not up to code. I'd really like this landlord to get her just desserts from the NYC housing department. What's the most effective way to make that happen? [more inside]
posted by the_blizz at 12:02 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by the_blizz at 12:02 PM PST - 7 comments
What is the most popular videogame ever?
I want to know what the most popular videogame in the history of the medium is. I suspect it's Tetris, but that's just a guess. [more inside]
Where are the ethical, affordable and well fitting clothes?
I want to buy some new clothes and I'm keen to do this ethically, so organic cotton and fair trade. I'd also like to do this without breaking the bank. When I search online, I can quickly find affordable, ethical t-shirts, but struggle to find any jeans, shirts or v-necks that are ethical and not designer-label priced. Are my Google skills lacking, and if so where do you purchase your clothes from, or is there a reason why clothes that are organic/fair trade also come with designer price tags? [more inside]
posted by jonrob at 11:10 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by jonrob at 11:10 AM PST - 21 comments
Plans for Vintage Honey
While cleaning out my parents house for their upcoming move, I discovered and inherited seven large jars of honey that have been lurking in the basement for 20-30 years. What are some interesting things I can do with what appears to be 5-6 liters of honey? [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 11:05 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by FatherDagon at 11:05 AM PST - 17 comments
Excel is being mean to me.
I need to have two Microsoft Excel documents open side by side, on my monitor, at the same time.
However each time I open a second document, the first one disappears and turns into the second, so only one of the two documents shows on my screen. [more inside]
posted by elf27 at 11:04 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by elf27 at 11:04 AM PST - 7 comments
How spoilery are the Battlestar Galactica podcasts?
I'm working my way through BSG (just started season 3) and I've learned of the existence of Ronald D. Moore's BSG podcasts (details here). How spoilery are they? Should I wait until I've finished the series to dive in, or is it safe to listen episode to episode?
posted by freem at 10:50 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by freem at 10:50 AM PST - 8 comments
Pets for people with little time but big hearts
What are some breeds/animals that fill that newly single lonely-feeling, but are compatible with a busy workday? A few details and I get emotional inside. [more inside]
Digital solutions for planning out complicated logistics?
I work as a project coordinator for a research study. Managing the movement of staff and equipment has turned into a logic puzzle that is increasingly hurting my brain. I am looking to find software that could help me manage who and what goes where. [more inside]
Help me find heroes too bright for their own good
I love books with extremely clever protagonists. Help me find more! [more inside]
Battle-ready or removable-blade lightsaber?
Is it more important that my new lightsaber be battle ready or have a removable blade? And is ultraforce still the go-to source for all my lightsaber-shopping needs? [more inside]
posted by MrMoonPie at 9:09 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by MrMoonPie at 9:09 AM PST - 4 comments
What cities, towns or regions have pursued a visionary goal?
I am looking for examples of cities, towns or regions (but especially smaller towns or regions with less than 25,000 population) that have set singular visionary goals for themselves, and have made significant progress in that direction. Links appreciated. [more inside]
Best place for fresh roasted espresso beans in Ottawa?
The cafe in the Glebe where I have been buying Francesco's espresso beans for years burned down last night, and I only have a one week supply left. This is not good. Does anyone know another location that carries their beans? I can't get them from Francesco's retail location as they are only open weekdays until 5 pm. Any other recommendations for good beans in the Glebe/Old Ottawa South area?
New and interesting in Rome and Venice?
My girlfriend and I are going to Italy in three weeks. We both love Rome, but neither of us has been in a while. I am a "foodie" (sigh) and am fluent in Italian, if rusty. Some things we're seeing: Palazzo Altemps, S. Luigi dei Francesi for the Caravaggios, Villa Borghese, MAXXI, the Quirinale. Is there anything new, or newly open, that we should be aware of? Any musical happenings in early May we shouldn't miss? [more inside]
posted by lackutrol at 8:39 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by lackutrol at 8:39 AM PST - 6 comments
How do I communicate better when I'm about to, erm, get my freak on?
Exactly as it says on the tin. How do, without faking it, I be more upfront about my dating/sexual inexperience with my potential partners, and when? [more inside]
Small agencies vs. large agencies?
I work as a copywriter at a small advertising/branding/web development firm. There are about 12 people on our team. I’m considering what it would be like to transition to a much larger agency (e.g., 100 to 1,000 people). Do you have experience working in both types of environments? In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of each? (I’m especially interested in answers from creatives' perspectives, but would also be interested in hearing from account managers and other folks.) Thanks!
Anonymice? Anonymoose?
Should I stop using my name online? Everywhere? Somewhere? With several pseudonyms? Details after the jump. [more inside]
Tell me how to go to a concert by myself
So there's a concert I want to go to at a dive-y bar in my big city (for Toronto folks: Lee's Palace). None of my friends like the music that's going to be played, or at least none of my friends here. I want to go anyway. How do I go to a concert by myself? Do I? [more inside]
posted by hepta at 8:14 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by hepta at 8:14 AM PST - 36 comments
Save me from my own big mouth and help me make this little passport
So I agreed to help with a "Library Passport" project which is going to be GREAT except I'm in a bit over my head, could use template help or item sourcing. [more inside]
posted by jessamyn at 7:52 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by jessamyn at 7:52 AM PST - 13 comments
When to push your kids, when to let them give up?
My daughter (7 years old) is constantly begging us to let her try new extracurricular activities -- dance, ice-skaing, T-ball, soccer. These activities are not cheap. However, she displays a strong propensity to quit and sulk at the first sign of not being an expert during the first go-round and obstinately demands to abandon the activity, saying she "hates" it. Given that some of these activities represent a significant non-refundable investment, when do you force your kids to keep going and when do you cut bait? [more inside]
Help me complete my lunch!
I need suggestions for something green or vegetable-y to include in my lunch box every day. [more inside]
posted by Chorus at 6:47 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Chorus at 6:47 AM PST - 21 comments
Website template for academic conference
Looking for a simple, clean html template for an academic conference in computer science. What I found via Google was mostly too flashy, complicated, or confusing. Will consider WordPress if need be, but just html or php would be preferred. [more inside]
Hired to come in and organize your online/email life - is this a job?
So, there exists such a thing as professional declutterers and organizers, who'll come to your home or office and help you get your stuff together.
My question: is there an analogous gig where someone exclusively helps someone else get their personal email/digital/workflow life together (no other apartment/home organizing involved)? Like, say, getting to Inbox Zero, or at least having a system for how they can handle email without feeling overwhelmed? Or helping them track their work more effectively? (Details/background inside.) [more inside]
Why has my car's radiator cracked 3 times in 3 years?
The radiator on my 2009 Honda Civic has cracked yet again. Why does this keep happening? [more inside]
Increased cerebral blood flow in 3rd trimester?
Hand! My wife and I went for an ultrasound today at week 27 and the Doppler measured increased blood in the brain, it was normal last week. (We have a high risk pregnancy and have frequent ultrasounds) they will have another look next week. My wife had fasted since the night before for the gestational diabetes test which we had right before, so she skipped her usual morning coffee and had a headache herself, could that be the cause? What are the implications of increased blood flow to the baby's brain?
Overthinking Flowers -- Japanese Edition
I would like to send a colleague a housewarming gift. Tomoya has recently moved from Japan to the UK with his wife and two babies, and they are finding the change challenging as none of them lived in the UK before. They have moved out of temporary apartments into a house, and I would like to send flowers as a welcoming gift. Is this an appropriate gift and should I avoid any particular colours/flowers? [more inside]
What's up with the F# in Elvis Costello's 'Welcome to the Working Week'?
Remedial music theory question: I've been playing along to this song (which is amazing) and the chords are E, G#m, C#m, A, B – all fairly common E major stuff. However, the song includes both an f#m and also an f#maj chord, the latter of which is not part of E major. [more inside]
posted by Cantdosleepy at 3:54 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Cantdosleepy at 3:54 AM PST - 8 comments
April 9
Ghost-writing my own Letter of Recommendation?
Hurrah, my ex-boss agreed to write sign my a letter of recommendation! But I have to write it myself. How do I sound like him? [more inside]
posted by mannermode at 8:11 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mannermode at 8:11 PM PST - 8 comments
Import and display email messages
Is there a Mac OS X program that will import email messages from text or RTF source files and display them with the fields in a grid, so that they can be sorted or filtered by date, sender, recipient, etc.? This seems rather basic but I am striking out.
Please help give me hope that downward spirals sometimes end.
I have a situation with a sibling who has been in trouble with mental health issues and general life stagnation for the past several years, and this year things have taken an ominous turn. Have you ever had a close friend or family member get into a really low functioning state/suffer from treatment resistant depression for a similarly long period of time and emerge from it successfully? If so, was there any particular trigger or thing that helped, or was it basically that they just decided not to live like that anymore? Can you give me anecdotes that might help me have hope for the future? [more inside]
Resume Objective Statement for someone looking to switch careers
This question isn't for myself so much as it is for someone I know very well who is looking for a job that will hopefully be a radical departure from her previous career. For the sake of argument, let's refer to her previous job as a position within what I will call the "bartgage industry" from here on forward. The challenge for her will be to frame her resume in such a way that effectively illustrates her prior experience while also emphasizing her desire never to work in the field of bartgage ever again (so help her God). [more inside]
posted by surazal at 7:46 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by surazal at 7:46 PM PST - 10 comments
Chromebox Compatibility Issue with Fidelity website
Sudden problem with Chromebox and fidelity.com [more inside]
msp acupuncturist?
I was hit and knocked down by a car last night as I was crossing a street (I had the right of way). Took tylenol last night for back and leg pain which didn't do much, went to ER this morning and was given oxycodone which helped some but not completely.
Does anyone know a good acupuncturist? I'm staying in downtown Minneapolis and would prefer one in that area.
posted by brujita at 6:09 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by brujita at 6:09 PM PST - 12 comments
Low profile arch support ankle brace.
I need a very low profile (such that it doesn't drastically alter the fit of a shoe or boot, especially at the opening), ankle brace, for regular daily wear. [more inside]
How do I deal with this?
I’m 24 (but I feel like I am 65) years old and I live with my 56 (but emotionally 16) year old mother. We’re facing financial ruin over something that seems insignificant. [more inside]
should I feel like shit? cause I kinda feel like shit.
I am new(ish) to dating. I went on a couple of dates(?) with one person, and with another person a platonic meeting turned romantic and now I feel really guilty. Can I get some goddamn perspective, please? (other stupid complications within, obvsly. Just look what website we're on.) [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 5:28 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by FirstMateKate at 5:28 PM PST - 13 comments
ISO life
A professional setback from several years ago is affecting my ability to move forward. I’ve been floundering around and drifting for years. I want to get my shit together, but I don’t know how to proceed. How do I figure out wtf I should do with my life now? [long] [more inside]
Important Tortilla Question
Why is the texture of restaurant tortillas different than the ones that you buy at the supermarket? Where can I buy ones that are like that? [more inside]
posted by mermily at 5:04 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by mermily at 5:04 PM PST - 14 comments
Any downsides to a wood burning fireplace?
Are there any downsides, or things I need to know before looking for a house with a wood burning fireplace? [more inside]
Am I overreacting?
Hi, Meta peeps. So I recently went on a short trip with my friends and I've come back feeling a bit...frustrated. I wanted to get some objective opinions to see whether my feelings are justified. [more inside]
Indesign quarks the photo
InDesign: why would the file name be visible within the photo placed in a doc? [more inside]
Flowers that are super easy to grow in patio containers?
My balcony faces east and gets direct sun until 2pm. I live in Portland, where spring and fall are cool & wet but summers are warm and dry. I'd like to plant something this week that will look nice through the summer. I'm a TOTAL BEGINNER! I have three containers: 7 inches deep, 11 inches wide, 24 inches long. What will be super easy to grow that will provide a nice pop of color? [more inside]
posted by 2oh1 at 3:47 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by 2oh1 at 3:47 PM PST - 24 comments
Oh, the places you'll go! Wait, but where?
First time in life that I have the freedom and resources to truly adventure for a while, and would like to do so without totally destroying my savings. What are the options? [more inside]
Introduction to the Marvel B-List
I'd like to read some of the graphic novels that are behind the new Netflix/Marvel series that are coming out, but with all the re-boots and multiple story lines I have absolutely no idea where to start. [more inside]
posted by kanewai at 2:44 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by kanewai at 2:44 PM PST - 13 comments
What are some examples of social mobility among English servants?
My understanding is that in 18th and 19th century England, most people born into the servant class remained as servants (or took other working class jobs). What examples are there of servants who rose above their station? The only one I can think of is Rosa Lewis, immortalised in "The Duchess of Duke Street".
posted by dontjumplarry at 2:41 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by dontjumplarry at 2:41 PM PST - 7 comments
Where should I be shopping? Difficulty level: Dresses
As a woman in her early-mid 30s I'm finding that my old standby clothing sources no longer really work for me, but I have no idea where to go from here. Everything seems to be either too young or too old, and the current silhouettes that are in vogue are absolutely the LEAST flattering to my figure imaginable, so more trendy places seem to be right out. Where should I be buying my casual dresses these days? [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 2:35 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 2:35 PM PST - 31 comments
Where is the best shopping in Tokyo for amazing/ridiculous baby stuff?
Clothes, toys, whatever. Not interested in American or European designer goods, I can get that stuff anywhere and I'm not really looking for $100 onesies.
posted by tealcake at 2:25 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by tealcake at 2:25 PM PST - 5 comments
Where to find a historic video demonstrating how a computer CPU works?
I once saw a film, made in the early 60s, that demonstrated the basics of what is now called "Computer Architecture" using players at a card table as a metaphor. The film is shot from above and each of the "players" serve roles like "instruction fetch", "memory", "arithmetic unit", etc. The dealer plays the role of the clock. Can anyone point me to an official credit/source for this film? [more inside]
Take me out to the ballgame (A's)
Coming in from out of town, and aiming at the Dublin/Pleasanton station. [more inside]
Ghost in the Machine
My laptop is being wacky. Without me touching the volume keys when typing, the volume keeps re-adjusting--up, off, down, whatever. Additionally, iTunes is opening up when I have not tried to open it. I can quit, force quit, restart, whatever. It just keeps happening. MacBook Pro mid-2012 running Yosemite 10.10.2. iTunes 12.0.0.140. I could update iTunes, but I am out of the country with limited bandwidth. Any ideas what is going on?
posted by Stewriffic at 1:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Stewriffic at 1:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me find an older article/book excerpt about office productivity
A few years ago (3?) I read a brilliant article/book excerpt about radical office productivity. It detailed an office structure where employees were instructed to only communicate to eachother through email and IM even if they were in adjacent cubicles. The idea was to minimize disruptions and maximize productivity. I want to say the writing was akin to Chip & Dan Heath or was by a high-profile author but that is a guess, really.
Cost-effective way to print large photos and frame them for hanging?
The empty walls in my office are driving me batty. I'd like to take a few high quality photos that I've taken over the years, have them blown up, matted, and framed. What's the cost-effective way to do that these days? [more inside]
Solving the name game.
I want to purchase a stamp or return address labels for our family. My husband and son have the same last name and I have a different one. What is the best way to do this (and keep it simple)?
How can I approach HR on this ridiculous pay stub issue
In the latest in my several-year nightmare in negotiating with SSA about my work activity, this latest wrinkle came up. I work as an adjunct instructor. I am a contract employee. My pay stubs accurately reflect when and how much I was paid, but fail to reflect when I actually earned those hours. And because of this, I'm in danger of losing my SSDI benefits. YANML [more inside]
I'm happy -- what's your problem?
I'm ending a postdoc, and accepted an academic job that I'm excited about, with the bonus that it's located in the same city as my spouse. It wasn't my first choice, but was high on my list. Sadly, my colleagues are not reacting positively -- the most common comments are "well, at least you get to move to [spouse's city]!" and "it could be worse!". I'm bewildered and hurt, since it's not a bad job in any sense. How do I react to such comments to explain that I am happy about it, and that it's a good option for me, without sounding defensive? [more inside]
Letting go of something on your bucket list?
What's a good way to 'give up' an item on your bucket list without feeling resentful? I don't mean giving up a life-long dream (like becoming a successful writer) or an impossible wish (like being an astronaut), I mean giving up something small like 'Before I die, I want to go to Paris for a few days' (my actual example is something else that's about the same level of effort as visiting Paris). [more inside]
posted by Mogur at 11:49 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Mogur at 11:49 AM PST - 13 comments
I'm pretty sure this one is unsolvable.
My sister and I are trying to find the name of a Mac shareware or freeware game from the early or mid 90s. It involved going to a spooky hotel and becoming trapped in the hotel room. You had to solve a series of puzzles to escape. [more inside]
Recommend a laptop for running Pro Tools Elite?
I am looking to purchase a dedicated Windows laptop for running Pro Tools Elite for use in a public program. I don't know much about computer hardware, and I know nothing about audio software. Can anyone help me out with some laptop recommendations? [more inside]
help me play food swap
I signed up to participate in my first area food swap. Do you have any suggestions for either food/beverage things to make for it, or strategies on how to best play the swap? [more inside]
posted by tangaroo at 11:24 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by tangaroo at 11:24 AM PST - 4 comments
What the $)(&$)(*$&?! is going on with Google Contacts?
For the past few years, I've been using Google Calendar and Google Contacts in Mozilla Firefox. A few weeks ago, I was no longer able to use Contacts - the URL flickers in the address bar and contacts don't show up. As of about an hour ago, the same thing is happening in Google Chrome.
. [more inside]
posted by Schadenfreudian at 11:15 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Schadenfreudian at 11:15 AM PST - 2 comments
My face is numb, and a bunch of doctors don't know why
Hoping someone can help me with my medical mystery, or at least give me some talking points for my neurologist visit this week. [more inside]
Tumblr chaos
How do I stop having to get a new password each time I sign into my Tumblr account? How can I give access to another person to the account? [more inside]
Exhausted with school but have to decide about M.A. program
I got into an M.A. program and I only have 4 more days to decide whether I want to do it. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 10:39 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by winterportage at 10:39 AM PST - 9 comments
Nervous plus questions about going to a festival
We have priority tickets to go to the BST (British Summer Time) festival in Hyde Park this June. I really just wanted to see Paul Weller, but can't figure out what time he'll be on (any way to find out?). Also I'm nervous about standing around for hours, about the crowds, etc. Yes, it's a very minor problem in the scheme of things, but I could use some advice on it please. [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by hazyjane at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments
Best housewarming gift for small apt living?
A friend recently downsized from a large house to a small apartment near the beach. That makes two adults and a dog living in a (700 sf? I can't be sure) home.
What is a gift that I could give that wouldn't just be clutter, or better yet could improve their household? Obviously it should be small, and it has to be something the TSA won't confiscate because I will be flying across the U.S. to visit.
posted by Monochrome at 10:10 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by Monochrome at 10:10 AM PST - 27 comments
I have a couple specific questions about tipping in the UK.
I'm from the US, so I'm accustomed to the tipping customs here. I understand they are different in the UK and want to know what is customary. [more inside]
It's an illusion, Michael.
At our next scout meeting I want to have my girls earn the Brownie Senses badge (omg it is the cutest!) by playing with some illusions, and I need some more ideas to round it out. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 8:26 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by phunniemee at 8:26 AM PST - 18 comments
Baby Shower Invite Etiquette?
Received a baby shower invitation from an acquaintance who I would like to turn into a friend. Unsure of how to handle this and other social events. [more inside]
posted by Malleable at 8:09 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Malleable at 8:09 AM PST - 17 comments
American ex-pats (present or former) I need your help!
Please, someone tell me how to get insurance for the several months I am in the US without being a permanent resident. [more inside]
Looking for a nice doctor in North Brooklyn!
I'm looking for a new doctor in North Brooklyn or downtown Manhattan (along the L line would be ideal). He or she needs to take Oxford insurance, and most importantly, needs to have evening or weekend hours because I can't miss any work right now. [more inside]
Dealing with Facebook friend/acquaintances tragedies
They shouldn't affect me this strongly, should they? [more inside]
posted by wannabecounselor at 6:43 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by wannabecounselor at 6:43 AM PST - 18 comments
Mapping site to let multiple users to plot points on a map?
Basically what I am looking for would be a map I could post on a facebook page or group, and everybody who sees it could add their general location. The points plotted would need some sort of key or the ability to let viewers hover over a point to know who is at each place marker, an possibly a few detals. [more inside]
What's for lunch?
For the past couple of months I have been eating the same thing each day at work for lunch. This has been a soup made up of steamed chicken breast with frozen vegetables and a teaspoon of miso paste. It has worked surprisingly well. Now I need some more simple ideas. [more inside]
Is this how this scam works?
I manage a webshop. We have received a very odd order. We believe that it's a scam and we have a theory on how this will play out. Do you think that we are right? [more inside]
April 8
Book recommendations for 4 ½-year-old. Theme: just be yourself.
My little girl just declared that maybe if she could be prettier, then maybe a boy in her preschool class would be better friends with her. [more inside]
What movie am I thinking of?
Trying to remember the name of a movie I only saw a clip from about 22 years ago. It was a color film, definitely arthouse/independent -- possibly foreign. All I can remember is a piece of fruit (a pear?) playing an important symbolic role, and in the scene either the fruit (or perhaps it was a ball) was rolling incongruously across the floor of a nice manor room where elegant-looking people were sitting.
Ring any bells?
posted by egeanin at 9:43 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by egeanin at 9:43 PM PST - 4 comments
romantic flower-inspired gifts that are not flowers?
My girlfriend likes when I give her flowers. I do not like to give her flowers. I just stop at the corner store and spend some money and then she puts them in a vase for a few days. I'd much rather give her something novel or useful or that would be interesting for me to obtain or that we could enjoy together, like a pound of butter. Are there any things that meet these criteria, and also reference or resemble or involve flowers in some way? (My girlfriend does not like it when I give her butter.) [more inside]
Resources to learn about Hong Kong's domestic & foreign sovereign debt
Where can a non-finance person go to learn about domestic and foreign sovereign debt in Hong Kong? [more inside]
I think I screwed up with this Verizon Edge plan
A couple of months ago, I ditched my Verizon iPhone 5s to get an iPhone 6 Plus, which I (stupidly) did under their Edge agreement. Now, I realize I'd prefer a smaller phone. Please help me think through my options. [more inside]
Has anyone made a hard science fiction video game?
Are there any good games that are based on hard science fiction, such as discussed on Project Rho? There are a lot of great SF books that draw on relativity, vast distances and solid physics to make their stories of interstellar warfare and commerce exciting (e.g. Charlie Stross, Alaistair Reynolds, Benford, Westerfield, etc.) but all video games, mainstream or indie, seem to be much more Star Wars-style science fantasy. Are there any exceptions? FTL is the closest I can think of, and that is pushing it...
posted by blahblahblah at 6:55 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by blahblahblah at 6:55 PM PST - 25 comments
WYSIWYG HTML Editor
I have thousands of Firefox Bookmarks in hundreds of subdirectories. I need to do a merge-and-purge and reorganization.
Editing the bookmark list within Firefox is limited and clumsy. I can export the list to a JSON file, but that's unreadable. I can also export it to export it to an HTML file, but that's filled with coding. [more inside]
Examples & name for this category of puzzle?
Do you have a name and/or other examples for this class of puzzle like Sudoku, or 0h n0 or 0h h1? [more inside]
Starting late and slow as a self-taught programmer
As someone who's supposedly passionate about programming, I've read a lot of profiles, interviews, and forum threads about people's self-propelled programming careers. I invariably hear one of two stories: 'I started at 12 on an Apple II/Commodore 64' or 'I started learning from nothing two years ago and now I'm a paid junior developer!'. I fit neither of these stories. Do I still have a snowball's chance, or should I give up the ghost? [more inside]
posted by dee lee at 5:04 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by dee lee at 5:04 PM PST - 20 comments
Solar installer info for Bay Area, CA
I'm interested in buying a solar system for my roof (not interested in a lease option) and am not sure I'm getting the best consumer info from various review sites. [more inside]
posted by quince at 4:50 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by quince at 4:50 PM PST - 2 comments
Good room renting sites, or making ads work better on Craigslist?
I'm leaving my apartment at the end of the month. I need to find someone to take over my place (yes, I've talked to my landlord about this), and I posted an ad on Craigslist. It's a pretty nice room, especially for NYC standards, and I've only gotten one hit from Craigslist, even though I've posted several photos and listed all the good points of the apartment. [more inside]
posted by EggplantPizza at 4:00 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by EggplantPizza at 4:00 PM PST - 26 comments
Airline rescheduled our flights to an impossible itinerary
Friday we're scheduled to fly from Seattle to San Jose, Costa Rica on tickets bought in January on American Airlines. On the way there we have a connecting flight in Dallas, and on the return Miami.
Today I received an email confirming our flights and when I looked at the departure times, they had been moved later so that our connecting flights leave before we arrive in Dallas and the same thing on the return to Miami. There was no notification that the itinerary was impossible
What do we do? [more inside]
Over 2000 Songs on Three And A Half Compact Discs For Only $2.98!!
Inspired by a recent FPP, I went to iTunes to buy Charles Mingus' Ah Um. I found the standard 12-track album (9 original, 3 new) for $9.99, a $16.99 50th Anniversary Edition (24 tracks), a $4.99 album (9 original tracks), and also for $4.99, Charles Mingus Complete Recordings: 1957 - 1960, a 9-album, 68-song collection including the 9 original Ah Um tracks. Being no dummy cheap, I got the latter, and am now wondering if there are any other festivals of musical bargains which may be lurking on the iTunes, and have some other questions about how to tell a good compilation from bad, and the differences in editions and releases of the same albums. [more inside]
Seriously, how do we get out of here?
How do you open the doors from the inside on the Boston MBTA commuter rail double decker cars? [more inside]
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:23 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:23 PM PST - 11 comments
How do I convert the contents of a CD to a zip?
These CDs consists of radiology CT scans. One of them seems to use something called INFINITT. I want to convert the scans to a zip file so I can send them to someone. I have no idea how to do this.
i'm so tired of chicken
I need the least disgusting protein powder available with a few limitations. [more inside]
posted by poffin boffin at 3:19 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by poffin boffin at 3:19 PM PST - 25 comments
Dreading the negative review I have been asked to write about coworker.
I have to write an honest but negative review of a co-worker I have shared a room with for nearly five years. We are friendly and she considers me an ally in the office and she is going to feel betrayed and I feel terrible about it. [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 3:04 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Glinn at 3:04 PM PST - 25 comments
Smokers and non-smokers living in the same apartment building?
I live in an apartment building where smoking is allowed in individual apartment units, just not in the hallways or common areas. I smoke a few cigarettes and have a glass of wine when I get home at night, and about 1/3 of the tenants in the building are also smokers who smoke in their apartments. It's just one of these low-cost, kind of dirty apartment buildings occupied mostly by college-age kids.
Two days ago, a family with a newborn baby moved in above me. They left me note this morning telling me that they will not tolerate me smoking in my own apartment because they are concerned for their baby's health... [more inside]
When is a layover stop too short?
I was booked via Travelocity to fly through Washington Regan with about 36 minutes between flights...same airline, same terminal, different aircraft. I thought that was cutting it close. Since then the airline has changed flight times and now there would be only 30 minutes between flights. Do I stand any chance asking for an earlier first leg? They have a flight every hour. Complication: Non-refundable ticket.
Help me identify this movie.
Hazy memories of this DVD seen a few years ago. Neo-noir mystery with an indie feel. Dream-like with stylized, almost campy dialogue. Mostly black and white, heavy noir shadows, with occasional switch to color (red dress?). A classic blonde bombshell is caught up in a mystery she doesn't understudy. There is a second sultry blonde who seems to understand what's going on but offers only cryptic comments.
posted by Jackson at 1:17 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Jackson at 1:17 PM PST - 11 comments
Classic car identification
Two-seater low-slung convertible, sounded like a significant engine, spare tyre mounted on the back, big headlights at the front. What was it? [more inside]
How do I handle a contract consultant who submitted bills VERY late?
A contract consultant who has been working for my business just submitted invoices and expenses that are very, very overdue. He submitted hours incurred 4-6 months ago and expenses that stretch back to 2013. With this latest bill, my business partner expressed his frustration and asked me what we should do. Has anyone else had to deal with such a situation? [more inside]
Insoles for minor ball-of-foot pain?
I've been having some minor pain (about 1-2 on a scale of 10, and it comes and goes) along the ball of my right foot for the past few months, and I've gotten to the point where I don't think it's going to go away on its own without a change somewhere. [more inside]
Weird Urinary Issue
Lately, I'll feel a very mild urge to urinate, but when I do, the output is high volume and seems disproportionate to the urgency. It's a little unsettling because this is unusual for me. [more inside]
posted by Enemy of Joy at 11:36 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Enemy of Joy at 11:36 AM PST - 5 comments
Transform our ribs, please
This weekend my husband and I made a rack of pork ribs, and have a lot of leftovers. How to not get bored? [more inside]
Auntie Awesome needs help being Awesome
I have no kids of my own, but I do have 24 nieces and nephews. The oldest one is getting married in a month. My husband and I want to start a tradition of giving them something really great for the big milestones in their young adult lives. More inside... [more inside]
Dust allergy + LASIK severely affecting my eyes. How to treat?
Side-effects of LASIK, plus a dust allergy, have made my eyes miserable. What are some effective ways to reduce irritation, inflammation and vulnerability of my eyes? [more inside]
HBO Now on Macbook Pro
iTunes allowed me to download the new HBO Now app. Site said available on Apple products with IOS. But, while it took my money, I cannot find or load the downloaded app. I admit to being an idiot understanding and managing my Macbook. But shouldn't the download appear somewhere? Neither iTunes nor HBO make it easy to troubleshoot. Any ideas/ directions??
Help interpreting 1960's spacecraft iconography in a Kuna/Guna mola
Kuna/Guna women in Panama make beautiful applique textiles, called molas, to decorate the front and back of their blouses: info. on molas. Inspiration for the mola designs can come from the natural world, national symbols, religion, or popular culture (in other words, you can find everything from plants to Tony the Tiger). I'm trying to better interpret the design on one particular mola; here is its information and photo. It came into the museum new in early 1968, which would be not long before the Apollo 8 mission that orbited the moon. At the top of the mola, it says, in Spanish, Los Rusos (the Russians) ep and vehiculo (vehicle). The spacecraft on the right has the words United States on it, and my interpretation of it would be that it may represent an Apollo Lunar Module (LM). The spacecraft on the left is the one I'm having more issues identifying, and am wondering if it could be a Russian Soyuz, or U.S. Apollo Command Module, or??? Any thoughts on identification would be appreciated.
posted by gudrun at 9:41 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by gudrun at 9:41 AM PST - 6 comments
Good looking footnotes in Instapaper from Wordpress
Is there any documentation on how Instapaper's parser handles footnotes? [more inside]
Graduation gift for RA and would-be counseling psychologist?
What is a good gift for my unpaid undergrad research assistant that says "thanks for all your hard work as part of the team" that will support her in her current or future endeavors in counseling psychology, but won't highlight next year's uncertainty about grad school? [more inside]
posted by nicodine at 9:15 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by nicodine at 9:15 AM PST - 8 comments
Welcome to New Jersey
I'm moving to New Brunswick, NJ or somewhere in that area this coming summer and plan to be living there for the foreseeable future. Help! [more inside]
How to stop ruining my career
Have bipolar disorder, using all my sick days, and burning through all good will at my office. Is there any way to dig myself out of this hole? [more inside]
Infographics for the total novice
I have some library statistics that I need to turn into an eye-catching 1 page infographic. I have never done this. I need recommendations for effective, reasonably intuitive tools to get the job done. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 8:04 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 8:04 AM PST - 6 comments
Help me find cheap workspace for school club in Seattle
How do I find a cheap workspace and/or storage space for a school club? [more inside]
Consultant Transitioning Out of Gypsy Mode, Please Help!
Being project based is awesome! Volunteering is fun! Traveling is exciting! But it's been 3 years since I've had any kind of stability in my life. I want a home base, and a steady job with a good salary. I just don't know how to get there from here. Hope me? [more inside]
Artisinal Beanplating
I want your recipes for rice and beans, using combinations of beans, rice, and spices that are tasty! [more inside]
What is this cat cup toy thing?
Couponing for the lazy
Looking for an app (on android) where I can load my grocery store's savings card then be able to load various manufacturer's coupons on to my card as well. Does such an app exist? I already have one specific to my grocery store, but those are all store specific coupons. I'm in the US and my local go to store is Kroger.
Applying to Brooklyn's "Gifted & Talented" Program
My wife and I prepped our first-grade kid for NYC's Gifted and Talented entrance exam and now we need help to apply for specialized schools. [more inside]
posted by cowlick at 3:57 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by cowlick at 3:57 AM PST - 8 comments
A List of Key Continental Readings of Plato by Dialogue?
I've been going back over a bunch of Plato's Dialogues lately as a long-term philosophy project and it would be good to also read a few significant readings of particular dialogues as I'm reading them. However, I am having trouble finding what / who has written on each particular dialogue. I am mostly interested in continental philosophy, and mostly 19th / 20th century philosophy. Although any significant Modern Philosopher's readings of Plato might also be of interest. [more inside]
April 7
Help identify this song used in a British TV show.
Can you identify this song from this short clip of its intro and a partial first line? http://picosong.com/VDGt/ More details (including possible lyrics) inside. [more inside]
posted by Glum at 11:59 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Glum at 11:59 PM PST - 3 comments
Making your own totobobo filters?
I live in a city with lots of traffic and air pollution, and I cycle to work in heavy traffic. I started wearing a Totobobo face mask while cycling to reduce the amount of gross stuff I'm forced to breathe during my commute. Thing is, those damn little filters look the same as a cotton pad, but they are 10-20x more expensive. Has anyone tried making/DIYing their own Totobobo filters? [more inside]
Best practices when calling a do-over is not an option.
I applied for a job, I got a phone interview, I got rejected, and now the search has been reopened. I think I want to make inquiries. How should I go about it? [more inside]
I'll get a tiara later.
I want to have a crown braid, the more imperious and intimidating the better. I'm thinking something along the lines of Yulia Tymoshenko or St. Vincent. Problems: I have extremely fine and limp hair, it's barely shoulder length (currently - willing to grow it out), and I have never braided anything in my life. Do you have any newbie-friendly directions, or know a Youtube clip I could look at?
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I don't need luck, man, because you're the one on the Titanic.
Until an hour into my shift today, I was a salaried manager at a big-box retailer. A year into the role, with a glowing evaluation two weeks behind me and a district-wide expectation of having my own store in four years, I walked in, did my job for an hour, snapped, threw all of my company-owned property down in the office, and left. My boss apparently wants me back. [more inside]
posted by coast99 at 9:08 PM PST - 85 comments
posted by coast99 at 9:08 PM PST - 85 comments
The Bobcat or the Tiger?
I got accepted to two PhD programs in physics, one at Clemson University, and the other at Ohio University. I have one week to make my decision and I'm frankly terrified of making the wrong one. I don't really know how either school is seen in terms of what a degree from either one would mean for my future career. I know that neither is particularly well known or prestigious (at least I'd never heard of them before I applied). So, can anyone, especially anyone who knows the ins and outs of grad school, and particularly anyone who has attended either (or both!) help me make my decision? [more inside]
posted by runcibleshaw at 7:19 PM PST - 73 comments
posted by runcibleshaw at 7:19 PM PST - 73 comments
Help me identify the Make-Model of this Vehicle-Chevy??
Help me identify the Make and Model of this Vehicle-Chevy?? link
Please help us find a way to rehome two lovely cats, near Toronto
We've been hit with the perfect storm of awful over the last few weeks. We've found a way around a lot of it, or through a lot of it, but all leads for rehoming two cats (who are just lovely, and sweet) have failed us. Can you point us to someplace/one that could help, potentially? Any ideas we may not have thought of? The location is Oakville, Ontario, near Toronto. [more inside]
posted by routergirl at 6:17 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by routergirl at 6:17 PM PST - 37 comments
Can I throw CFL lightbulbs in the garbage?
When a compact florescent lightbulb dies, what is the right way to throw it away? [more inside]
But I'm NOT The One Who Knocks!
I went to pick up cold medicine today. Because I don't mess around, I went to the pharmacy counter to get something with pseudoephedrine. But the pharmacist scanned my ID and said that according to the FDA records, I'd already reached my pseudoephidrine quota for this month and she couldn't sell me any. I have not purchased any cold medicine in three months, though. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:22 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:22 PM PST - 26 comments
How do I, a non-scientist, recognize quackery in science and tech?
Lately I've been running across a lot of highly theoretical science and technology information that I don't understand. I would like to be able to recognize quackery and fringe science, as well as when technologists (especially programmers) are reinventing the wheel and claiming to revolutionize things, so I don't get steered in the wrong direction. I'm looking for heuristics. [more inside]
posted by Beethoven's Sith at 5:08 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Beethoven's Sith at 5:08 PM PST - 17 comments
What song features a chorus of "CEEEeeee JAAAaaay?"
I'm ashamed to be using a question on this, but what 70s (?) song features a chorus that is the band singing the name "CJ?" It's about a girl named CJ, I think, and all I can remember about it is that the refrain goes "CEEEEeeeee JAAAaaay." (I presumed it was called "CJ" or something similar but Google and Rdio fail me.)
posted by AgentRocket at 4:58 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by AgentRocket at 4:58 PM PST - 7 comments
Does this software exist
Is there an existing software, perhaps for scientists, that facilitates making a list of observations to make, and then facilitating the user recording those observations and analyzing them? [more inside]
Should I accept a risky (but fun) job or stay at my decent, stable job?
I’m a 32 year old male and I currently have a very good government job working as a CFO in Finance. I have a great title, freedom, and excellent benefits (4 day work week, pension, plenty of vacation/sick). However, I'm not sure if I want to stay at this job or accept a riskier job that is more aligned with my passion/interests. [more inside]
posted by TurboNerd at 3:24 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by TurboNerd at 3:24 PM PST - 39 comments
How to get over an inferiority complex...when I am actually inferior
Most of my former college and high school classmates are doing really well (academically/professionally) and I am...not. I'm upset at myself for not taking advantage of opportunities I had in the past and the fact that I am so far behind them and may not actually be able to ever get to a similar level. How do I get past this? [more inside]
posted by hejrat at 2:52 PM PST - 52 comments
posted by hejrat at 2:52 PM PST - 52 comments
1000 Days In A Small Place Under The Tuscan Sun
I'm going to be spending almost two months in Tuscany, and I want reading material. But I'm picky. Book recommendations for the traveling jaded literary snob? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 2:50 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Sara C. at 2:50 PM PST - 24 comments
Answer-only (dumb) cell-phone for USA and Canada
I'm a US resident, looking for a cell-phone I can use both in the USA and Canada to receive phone calls. Any outgoing calls would be a case of a very serious emergency, and I don't particularly care what they cost. Minimal if any texting. No smartphone. Minimal minutes. I'm looking for a way to have a phone on which a few select people can reach me if they need to, and which will work across the widest area possible. Long standby battery life a plus. Suggestions for phone and plan appreciated. [more inside]
posted by DaveP at 2:40 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by DaveP at 2:40 PM PST - 11 comments
Reusing an ancient cellphone
I have a deactivated Samsung Stellar that's not worth the effort to sell, but would be a serviceable Spotify MP3 player if I used WiFi to download playlists to the drive. I think it would be best to root it and replace the bloated OS with something smaller to accommodate the hefty Spotify offline files. What's a relatively painless guide to someone who's never jailbroken or rooted a phone before? [more inside]
posted by codacorolla at 2:04 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by codacorolla at 2:04 PM PST - 3 comments
Can I wake up alone (without having to sleep alone)?
I need to wake up at least an hour before my wife does. Alas, she's a light sleeper and I'm a fairly heavy one. I've had my phone set for a vibrate alarm and keep it in my pajama pocket -- and it still wakes her up before it wakes me up. So I need something... subtler, but not too subtle (or else I'll sleep through it). The only thing I can think of is a wearable alarm a la Fitbit. Would that be likely to work? Anyone else in a similar situation?
posted by sesquipedalia at 2:00 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by sesquipedalia at 2:00 PM PST - 25 comments
Tell me about Morocco, in particular Rabat
My daughter is planning on spending her semester abroad in Rabat, Morocco. I've looked through Wikipedia/travel, but what should I know about the place beyond that information? [more inside]
posted by Runes at 1:26 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Runes at 1:26 PM PST - 5 comments
Gluten-free, dairy-free cake in San Francisco?
Surely I can get good gluten-free, dairy-free cake in San Francisco. Where is it? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 12:53 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by kristi at 12:53 PM PST - 8 comments
Best practices for online chat rooms/communities?
How does an online chat community (i.e. IRC, Slack) work best? How does it function and what is it good for? [more inside]
posted by alicat at 12:30 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by alicat at 12:30 PM PST - 3 comments
Psst .... Beatle boot
For far too long I've coveted high-heeled mens shoes of the kind stereotypically worn by Beatles, mods, and (IIRC) many men hundreds of years ago. But just searching randomly for "winklepickers" or "cuban heels" tends to yield shoes that are, well, ugly, and I don't really see many options in stores. This is nice but I don't want boots, really. WHERE can I get, or at least look at, nice examples of men's shoes with some heel on them?
Need a soul mate for my Jira
Our organization uses Jira or managing agile development and we use a plug in called Tempo to do time-tracking and resource forecasting. It's not the greatest combination. Looking for recommendations on other software or plug ins that help Jira out in terms of enterprise portfolio management [more inside]
Looking for a Scene from "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius"
I'm looking for a specific scene from Dave Eggers' A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.
In it, the main character is in a bar, talking about wasted potential. The characters are discussing all of the things they could accomplish if they weren't in the bar.
I've been trying to locate the scene within the book, but haven't been able to - if you know where it is, could you provide a quote or page number?
SAS/proc phreg code
Anyone familiar with proc phreg (Cox regression/survival analysis) in SAS who could help me figure out if my code is right? I'm new to survival analysis and my data are set up a little differently than the examples I'm seeing online so I'm not sure I'm doing it right. [more inside]
Damn you Loud Morning Kitties!!!
These damn cats won't let me sleep in the morning. Need tips / tricks to make them leave me alone! 3am is NOT waking up time :0/ [more inside]
posted by JenThePro at 9:48 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by JenThePro at 9:48 AM PST - 27 comments
Ways to cope with traumatic preterm labor now I'm home from hospital?
2 weeks ago I noticed the tiniest bit of mucus discharge and walked myself over to the University Maternity Hospital just to be on the safe side and I was in preterm labor and my cervix was almost open, luckily they found the right moment to do surgery and after another week of observation I am home on limited mobility but I feel seriously rattled and would like advice on how to move forward. [more inside]
posted by catspajammies at 9:42 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by catspajammies at 9:42 AM PST - 14 comments
Hair for grownups slash dummies, part 2
I have, on a morning when I take a shower, nice wavy/curly hair. I would like to find a way to get it to look about the same when I shower at night after the gym and get up in the morning. Possible? How do I hair? [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 9:10 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by charmedimsure at 9:10 AM PST - 14 comments
Best current ways to sync Outlook and gmail?
I know this is a common problem and there used to be a Google utility for it, but what are the best current methods? I'm on a standard corporate Windows/exchange network, though with a fairly helpful/flexible IT department. I don't need/want my Google Calendar events on my work calendar, but I would like to have the work events in google (ideally as a separate calendar from my personal one, since they can be overlaid).
What to bring as host gift when I can't bring food?
I'm having dinner at a friends house tonight, and for Passover-related reasons, I'm a bit leery of bringing my usual bottle of wine or dessert over. But I feel rather rude showing up empty-handed. Any suggestions for non-food/booze related host gifts? [more inside]
A six-to-eight week, carless, cabin-ish retreat in the US?
I have a chunk of work to do this summer that doesn't require me to stay where I live (in NYC). I'd like to sublet my apartment and find a place to stay for about a month and a half or more that's close to nature but has electricity and Internet access. Unfortunately, I don't own a car, which complicates things, and I'm floundering with options. I'd love any recommendations, experience, or advice about thinking through how to do this. [more inside]
Haven't paid city taxes in a long time. What should we do?
My partner works in one Ohioan city but lives in another. For the past 20 years, his employer has been taking taxes out for his work city, but not his home city. My partner doesn't really think about taxes, so it never occurred to him that he would need to do something extra to pay his city taxes. Consequently, he hasn't paid any city taxes to his home city for 20 years. [more inside]
posted by sam_harms at 8:03 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by sam_harms at 8:03 AM PST - 11 comments
I'm unhappy with my career at 32, but I'm lost on where I go from here.
I'm 32, and have been in my current career field for about ten years. I'm frustrated with my current job and I feel like I've lost all enthusiasm for my broader career, but I have no idea what I can change to or what I'm really qualified for. [more inside]
posted by googie at 7:54 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by googie at 7:54 AM PST - 19 comments
Where can I find Excel exercises that will help me ace my job interview?
I will be having a job interview that requires me to have some knowledge of Excel. I know this is vague but it includes, I presume, filters, hlookup, vlookup, and establishing filters to search out education data. The interview is to get a data analyst fellowship in the education setting. [more inside]
Sex Therapy Books or other resources
My wife told me last night that she has lost interest in sex. We'd like to go see a couples sex therapist, but that's not something we can afford at the moment. Until that changes, can you recommend books or online resources that might be able to help us?
posted by moonroof at 6:58 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by moonroof at 6:58 AM PST - 15 comments
I require more old and/or unusual dance music for the gym
I have an excellent gym mix. Unfortunately, I've listened to it approximately one million times since the fall and it is slowly, inexorably ceasing to motivate me. Because I have unique, special, snowflakey music preferences and am out of touch, I need assistance in finding more music. [more inside]
Are Chinaberry trees as weak as Hackberry trees (In Texas)?
I'm having a hackberry tree removed today and I'm wondering if I should go ahead and take out the chinaberry tree. They're both close to my house and mature and therefore will severely damage my house if (when) they fall.
posted by kristymcj at 6:15 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by kristymcj at 6:15 AM PST - 6 comments
"POLICE! SEARCH WARRANT! APT. XXX!"
I live in an apartment (that I moved into less than a month ago) and was awakened this morning about 6 a.m. by a very loud bang that I thought was a gunshot. Immediately rolled out of bed and hit the floor and went to my closet. Then I heard a mechanical woman's voice, sounded pre-recorded for sure, say the street address, and then repeated, "POLICE! SEARCH WARRANT! APT. XXX!" over and over and over. About 7-8 minutes later I could see flashing lights. At some point after that I fell back asleep. [more inside]
posted by fiercecupcake at 6:14 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by fiercecupcake at 6:14 AM PST - 23 comments
I have the best week-night dinner recipe. Please help me find more?
Sukuma Wiki is hands down the best weeknight recipe. I'd like to find more like it. Keep reading for the particulars. [more inside]
What do you feed a finicky cat?
My cat was perfectly fine eating wise until she was 6 months and got spay surgery. I feel that now she is very different- stopped eating dry food and she only eats maybe 1 can of hills I/d gastrointestinal prescription diet per day. That if I force feed her with a spoon.
I tried forti flora and even heating up her food. It only helps so much. She does eat a little but simply not enough for her age/ weight.
How do I get her to eat more or not be such an ordeal every single feeding time?
I did set up feeding times evening and mornings and nothing in between .
What else should I put in food to entice her to eat or what type of canned food did you try?
Tutoring Agencies- Or help me pay my NYC rent!
Hi, I'm considering taking the leap from HS teacher to PhD student but despite funding availabilty, I still need to pay my NYC rent! Do any of you lovely mefites have any tutoring agencies to recommend or other reliable/structured ways to make part-time money for an experienced Math teacher with a Psychology background? Thank you!
MeFites with ADHD experience: help me structure my life (if possible)
I find it frustrating, and more than a little ironic, that some of the most common advice to adults with ADHD is to "find and stick to a routine," or "make a schedule and hold yourself to it."
But that is exactly my problem; I CAN'T DO THOSE THINGS. Or am I still missing something? [more inside]
April 6
How can I help my new love interest not feel like 'the other woman'?
Recently separated after long but loveless marriage. Re-conected with an old colleague. Like her a lot. (I'm wise enough to differentiate btw a rebound and the real thing). Don't want to hide this relationship to friends and acquaintances. But she's worried about my kids running into us together and she doesn't want to be 'the (perceived) other woman' in their eyes. How do I help quell her fears or is she right? [more inside]
Not my debt, not my problem.
So, you all have been very helpful when it came to the Life Insurance question. Good news! I found a policy! Bad news! It's so small that it barely covers the cremation expenses, of which I paid out of pocket. I've now tallied up his assets and his debts, and the debts far outweigh the assets. Like, there'll be enough to recoup my costs for the cremation, but really not a lot else.
Now, I know that I'm not liable for his debts, but how do I communicate to the creditors that the Estate is Insolvent, and consequently they're not getting paid? [more inside]
(Insert clever pun about phone games here)
Very briefly: I need a handful of fun Windows Phone games that can be played without a data connection. Help? :) [more inside]
posted by Dilligas at 9:33 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Dilligas at 9:33 PM PST - 7 comments
What are some weird podcasts for late at night?
What are some podcasts with strange stories (fiction & non-) that sound good late at night?
Some Examples:
posted by Going To Maine at 8:35 PM PST - 21 comments
- Getting On with James Urbaniak
- The surreal monologues of Joe Frank
- The musings & investigations of Jon Ronson and Scott Carrier on Jon Ronson On..., Home of the Brave, and This American Life
- Tales of the weird and conspiratorial on Coast To Coast AM
posted by Going To Maine at 8:35 PM PST - 21 comments
Email blasts with seperate reply-to
We want to send email blasts to our staff that have a different reply-to email but also doesn't have Unsubscribe buttons like a normal mailing list. Is there a free service we could use that does that, or is there also maybe something we're missing? [more inside]
posted by Deflagro at 7:46 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Deflagro at 7:46 PM PST - 11 comments
Name that story
In the future, people trade social reputation (gained via upvotes on live-streams of their days) for goods and services. Drama ensues when a young woman meets a young man who has gone back to the horrid old way of life: cash! Name that sci-fi short story. [more inside]
posted by isnotchicago at 7:46 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by isnotchicago at 7:46 PM PST - 3 comments
Hotels and hostels in Barcelona, Spain
I would love your recommendations for conveniently-located, secure, and moderately-priced accommodations in Barcelona. [more inside]
posted by smorgasbord at 7:45 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by smorgasbord at 7:45 PM PST - 8 comments
Why isn't there a cheap AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?
I've been shopping for AEDs and they're all extremely expensive. In theory an AED is just a battery, some circuitry, a case, and the pads, right? Couldn't a much cheaper one be made? I would think someone could have designed a much more affordable one. Am I missing something?
Landlord charges a deductible for repairs on the property?
Can my landlord apply a charge to every repair that is made on the house, necessary or cosmetic, while I live in the home? [more inside]
posted by ASoze at 6:58 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by ASoze at 6:58 PM PST - 14 comments
Looking for a silly nautical / pirate movie from the '80s or early '90s
The details I remember: the crew reach a Greek / Roman themed paradise (think togas and grapes and naked attractive people with palm fronds), and run away comically when they go to a concert which consists of weird noises coming from a clockwork / steam powered machine. [more inside]
posted by idiopath at 6:34 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by idiopath at 6:34 PM PST - 9 comments
Songs with a twist?
What are some notable (or your favorite) songs with twist endings revealed through the lyrics? [more inside]
Online registration Systems and payment processors for Non-profits?
I am looking for a website/service to manage the purchasing (a la shopping cart) and tickets for a very small non-profit's events. After some brief googling, there are a lot of options, I'm overwhelmed, and looking to separate the wheat from the chaff for what we need. [more inside]
What is draining my car battery and how do I make it stop?
I have a 2007 Mazda 3 with battery problems. I'm looking for: 1. Any thoughts as to what the underlying issue might be (and how expensive it should be to diagnose/fix); and, 2. Recommendations for anglo mechanics in Montreal (specifically Verdun, ideally). [more inside]
posted by 256 at 5:57 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by 256 at 5:57 PM PST - 16 comments
The Psychology of Theatrical Illusion
This is a long shot, but I am writing a paper on the psychology of theatrical design (or at least trying to) and am having a hard time finding good resources on the subject. Looking for books, films, scholarly articles, ANYTHING discussing how any and all aspects of live concerts or theatrical productions (music, lighting, architecture and theater design, etc) effect the audience to create a "magical" or transcendent group experience. [more inside]
Teaching sample: Narrow but deep or shallow but wide?
I have a job interview coming up for a community college (full-time, tenure-track) position. As part of the interview, I have been asked to do a 15-20 minute teaching demo on an assigned topic. I have a question about how to approach that assignment. [more inside]
Are my mattress expectations too high?
I'm having a really hard time finding a mattress I like, to the point that I am wondering if my expectations are just too high. This is kind of a weird question to post, but I really need a reality check. So, do you actually LOVE your mattress, or is that a marketing fiction? [more inside]
Why won't this code open a file for output?
I'm learning C++ and I have this code that's supposed to ask a user for the name of a file to read from, then perform some editing of what it read, and then write the result to another file, the name of which was also provided by the user. The code opens and reads and performs the edits just fine, but reports that it cannot open the file for output. Out put to the screen works fine with cin >>. [more inside]
posted by johnofjack at 4:59 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by johnofjack at 4:59 PM PST - 13 comments
New job in Watertown (MA), so many logistics
I have a new (awesome) job in Watertown, MA. My new challenge is figuring out how to do a move quickly, and without too much misery, and then how to have an awesome life. Questions inside, about housing, commuting, awesome things to check out, and a few other details. [more inside]
posted by modernhypatia at 4:59 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by modernhypatia at 4:59 PM PST - 16 comments
Help identifying makers mark on mid-century modern (maybe) chairs?
We've found a great pair of chairs, and I've found the makers mark at the bottom, but for the life of me can't make it out. I've tried googling for variants - buhn, buhk, bahn, bahk - but no luck. Does anyone recognize it? Mark Chair
I need a career, STAT
Help me find a career; I have sales experience, can talk to anybody, and enjoy mentoring. I'm looking for a job with low barriers to entry, and ideally one where I could help people or the world. Consider me as a fresh canvas. [more inside]
Language Arts for Kindergarten Kiddos
I've been asked to sub in a Language Arts class tomorrow. I'm having a hard time coming up with fun activities. Help! [more inside]
posted by I_love_the_rain at 4:46 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by I_love_the_rain at 4:46 PM PST - 8 comments
Unsolicited Confirmation Code Text Messages
In the past week, I've received multiple unsolicited confirmation/verification code text messages from Facebook and Google, and a welcome text from Wells Fargo Text Banking. What gives? [more inside]
posted by kalanchoe at 4:38 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by kalanchoe at 4:38 PM PST - 7 comments
How can I get away with dusting less often?
Please help me be a domestic god and a lazy person at the same time. Spring has sprung and I am getting my house nice and clean. I am dusting, sweeping, mopping, cleaning baseboards and windows, washing bedding and other fabrics and just basically doing things up right. My problem is, it doesn't stay this way. Does anyone know some magic to keeping a clean house with a couch based lifestyle short of getting worse lighting? [more inside]
In search of the perfect socks
I'm a woman, and I'm looking for socks to wear to work with dress shoes when it's too cold to go sockless. I need thin socks, similar weight to tights, but crew/ankle height. [more inside]
posted by radioamy at 4:16 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by radioamy at 4:16 PM PST - 10 comments
How can I win this appeal vs. my insurance company?
I have breast cancer. My health insurance company, which has paid out tens of thousand of dollars in the past two months with not a peep of protest, has now denied the $6000 genetic testing to determine whether I have the BRCA (and other) mutations. I am not really surprised, but I don't want to pay $6000 out of my pocket, either. [more inside]
posted by something something at 2:47 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by something something at 2:47 PM PST - 12 comments
Asking for a book.
Is a Jewish person's clone Jewish? [more inside]
How safe is leftover raw kitfo?
Ordered raw kitfo about 24 hours ago and got the leftovers into the fridge an hour later. Still safe to eat raw?
posted by BrotherCaine at 1:59 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by BrotherCaine at 1:59 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me find my dream socks!
My favorite line of socks has been discontinued and I would like to see what my options are for a replacement. Basically, I like solid black boot socks with plenty of cushioning. [more inside]
Why would an army of spoofers hammer my cell phone?
I've gotten 30 spam phone calls in the last 7 hours. Why? How do I make it stop? [more inside]
posted by reverend cuttle at 1:08 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by reverend cuttle at 1:08 PM PST - 18 comments
I need a crash course in information security
I have until tomorrow to acquire a broad (though not necessarily deep) understanding of the basic concepts of information security, current hot topics in the field, and who the major players are in education and training. I realize this is a complex field, but I don't need to become an expert. I just need to be casually and comfortably conversant. Can you point me to some online reading that can serve as a crash course? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:05 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:05 PM PST - 14 comments
What the monk is he doing?
In Eduard von Grützner's painting Vor der Brotzeit, the monk has something in his hand. What is it?
posted by naturalog at 12:59 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by naturalog at 12:59 PM PST - 8 comments
Big difference in age/experience on a first date and if something more.
So I am a 34 male and I knowingly asked a 19-20-21-ish-year-old on a coffee date. I mentioned the age difference to her when I did so. She said, "Sure." If we go on more dates after this date and/or become physically intimate, how can I minimize the chance that she will retrospectively feel preyed upon or taken advantage of in X years? [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 12:38 PM PST - 118 comments
posted by zeek321 at 12:38 PM PST - 118 comments
How to manage a no-coffee GERD diet while also needing to do shit?
Asking for a friend: I have been in a challenging engineering graduate program for about three years now. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with acid reflux / GERD. It seemed to be chronic but I found I could manage it with OTC medications and eliminating coffee and other caffeinated drinks from my diet. If I do this and don't overeat, I barely notice any symptoms. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 11:01 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 11:01 AM PST - 44 comments
how to smoke less pot & avoid weed hangovers?
I love smoking pot but it's beginning to make me feel lethargic, and of course less productive. My schedule for the next few months is way too busy to accommodate the laziness brought on by the pot. Help me lessen my pot use to where it is more of a "treat" that I can enjoy on weekends or something. Also, help me find a replacement activity that can help me relax before bedtime. [more inside]
What's the best way to track my bike trips, past and present?
I've recently started counting calories and tracking my exercise. I understand that accuracy can be difficult with this sort of thing, but I refuse to accept My Tracks' statement that I only burn 158 calories on my 7 mile bike ride to work. Is there an immediate answer to this, and is there a $100ish fitness tracker that would do a better job in the future? [more inside]
posted by redsparkler at 10:17 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by redsparkler at 10:17 AM PST - 12 comments
What's still unnecessarily hard to do in HTML?
I've been out of the HTML-writing game for a decade or so. Last time I did it, lots of seemingly simple things were very difficult to do (and not always because of IE! Vertical centering comes to mind, or truncating wrapped text to a fixed number of lines). I'm collecting examples of things that an HTML-naïve designer might want but which are technically impossible, poor-performing, or require crazy contortions to implement. Let's not worry about old browsers, and assume modern technology.
Gift ideas for nanny/parents of children who host nanny-share?
We're moving away. We want to get a present for our amazing part-time babysitter, as well as a gift for the parents of the children who share her, and who host this arrangement (we drop our daughter off at their house two days a week, where the babysitter watches our daughter and their two kids). What should we get? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 9:42 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by saladin at 9:42 AM PST - 11 comments
Full body dumbell workout videos on youtube.
I'm looking for basic full body dumbbell workout videos similar to this one by Gabriel Davidson. I'm not looking for a cardio workout or exotic this month's fitness magazine injury inducing exercises. I just want a youtube workout mirror situation. [more inside]
Best credit card for traveling outside of the U.S.
What credit card is best in life for traveling abroad? I'm in the U.S., headed to Israel next month. Would like to get a new credit card that has no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee. Any recommendations welcome. Thanks!
Social mobile games recommendation
Please recommend to me mobile games for Android AND iOS that I can play with other people in the same room. The games should be fairly easy to learn and a session should take 5-30 minutes.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 9:04 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Foci for Analysis at 9:04 AM PST - 6 comments
Lend Me Your Earphones
Are there relatively inexpensive in-ear earphones with roughly the same form factor as Apple's EarPods? [more inside]
Songs about traveling, 2015 edition
My RV-living friends are leaving Mesa, AZ on Wednesday for another season of traveling. Please help with the playlist. (Already covered what's in this ask from 2006.) Thank you!
Can I grow tomatoes in my yard?
Is there any good reason why I can't grow tomatoes in area with grass? Snowflakes inside.... [more inside]
posted by dukes909 at 8:36 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by dukes909 at 8:36 AM PST - 13 comments
What Would Kathleen Hanna Read?
Who are some actually-radical feminists and what (and where) are they writing these days? [more inside]
posted by melissasaurus at 8:31 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by melissasaurus at 8:31 AM PST - 14 comments
Windows questions I should know the answers to but don't
Questions are acquiring a legitimate copy of Windows OS and installing it on a family's computer. [more inside]
Reporting a house insurance claim 101
While I was away, someone caused some minor damage to a corner of the house with their truck (chipped/cracked masonry, missing mortar, etc). My neighbour dealt with the initial incident, and I have the culprit's insurance details, and will be initiating a claim. Having not claimed on my house policy before, do I need to contact my insurance as well? Or do I just go through the insurance of the person who caused the damage? Thank you!
posted by carter at 7:20 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by carter at 7:20 AM PST - 3 comments
Difficult Wedding Guest Quandary
A wedding guest just told us that her plus-one has tricky dietary restrictions our caterer cannot handle. What are our obligations? [more inside]
How to make a career decision when I'm 32 and depressed?
I'm 32 years old and recently began suffering from depression. I'm getting help but feel stuck in my job and overwhelmed by life and indecision. Any advice? [more inside]
Job hunting with a gender neutral name - how to be less awkward
I'm a recent grad and a woman with a first name that is sometimes shared by men. Although I have a linkedin profile with a photo and the name of a women's college on my resume, when applying online for jobs I occasionally get positive response emails that begin with "Dear Mr. Lastname." Should I immediately give a quick correction in my reply? (If so, polite suggestions for how to phrase this would be helpful.) Or should I just wait until we meet in person and they figure it out for themselves?
Note that I'm not offended by being addressed as male, I just want to minimize embarrassment or awkwardness for anyone who might be in a position to hire me.
posted by horizons at 6:35 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by horizons at 6:35 AM PST - 30 comments
Installing porch rail balusters
I'm repairing the railing on our wood front porch/stairs and ran into some issues installing the balusters. I tried using a nailing strip as in the video here (attaching the balusters to the strip then installing the strip between the top and bottom railing) but it didn't really work. [more inside]
posted by exogenous at 6:12 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by exogenous at 6:12 AM PST - 4 comments
What song is Buffy's song "something to sing about" reminding me of?
In the musical episode Buffy's song (as well as the melody from that song in the opening credits) sounds incredibly familiar. I know that "walk through the fire" was a cover, but I can't find anything on this one. Does anyone have any clue what songs it is reminiscent of?
Increasing pressure into tankless water heater
The water supply to my house has rather low pressure, and today I'm about to buy a tankless water heater (haven't decided on gas or electric). Is it advisable to use a pressure bladder tank to raise the water PSI before it reaches the heater? Also, is there a way to estimate PSI without a gauge? (more detail inside) [more inside]
How do VC firms support marketing for the startups they invest in?
How do venture capitalist firms support marketing and communications for the startups they invest in? Is there an established model, or does it vary by firm? Is it direct support, or coaching? Looking for examples, first-hand experience, insider knowledge. [more inside]
Taking the Train to work: Tips & Tricks
I am going to start commuting via the Commuter Rail (train) to Boston next week after driving myself to work my entire career. The trip will take about 1 hour. What are some tips & tricks to taking the train to work? Boston specific tips (heading to North Station from North Shore and walking to work from there)? Best way to carry my computer & lunch (commuter luggage)? Which car should I sit in? Can I have conference calls on the train? Work on my computer? Best way to purchase monthly tickets? How to make sure I get a good seat on the train? Other stuff I haven't thought of yet but would be good to know?
Thanks!
posted by GernBlandston at 5:22 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by GernBlandston at 5:22 AM PST - 13 comments
Ruzzle Tournament Rules
For the iPhone game Ruzzle - what are the rules of the new tournament gameplay mode? [more inside]
posted by Flood at 5:19 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Flood at 5:19 AM PST - 2 comments
How can I get back into music again?
The short of it is that I've always been fairly obsessed with music. I burned out at music school and now I seem to have lost my interest in listening to music like I used to. Is it possible to go to school for something you love and ruin it for yourself? [more inside]
How do I return this rental car since I can't drive?
I have a rental car that's due back this morning. But I injured my back yesterday, and I can't drive without a ton of pain. My boyfriend could drive it, but I am the only driver on the rental agreement. What should I do?
posted by ocherdraco at 4:47 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 4:47 AM PST - 6 comments
Is this mania?
I know YANMD, but I've been feeling some things and I don't know if they're worth going to my actual doctor about. [more inside]
posted by mymbleth at 2:24 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by mymbleth at 2:24 AM PST - 15 comments
April 5
Yellowstone in April - what's open?
Considering a trip to Yellowstone starting on April 17th, but the information on the site is sparse about what's really available. Any MeFis with experience here? [more inside]
posted by hampanda at 10:23 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by hampanda at 10:23 PM PST - 8 comments
Dear John....sell me your house!!!
Can you help me craft the perfect letter that will get me a house? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 10:07 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Toddles at 10:07 PM PST - 14 comments
I need suggestions for fitness programs to build upper-body strength
I am a dragon boat paddler and while I love the sport, I've hit a plateau and I'd like to supplement it with another fitness activity. Also my dragon boat coach has said that I lack upper body strength. So I really really need to build up. The problem is that I either suck at everything I've tried so far, or my hearing loss makes it so that I can't fully participate in it. [more inside]
What's the right method for this?
I am undertaking a fun statistical project, and I need help... [more inside]
Does Columbus Fire Department train their own paramedics?
According to Columbus Fire Webpage FAQ, you will be trained and preform both medic/firefighter duties.
Does Columbus Fire have its own paramedic program? Where can I found details about it? And is it different than the fire academy?
I was considering going to Columbus State community college to do their paramedic program, but according to Columbus fire's page, they won't give paramedics any preference.
Where can I find data or statistics about failure rates in the program?
Thanks.
Telling Parents About Depression
I was interviewed for a national podcast and spoke frankly about my depression and my occasional suicidal thoughts. It airs in six weeks. I've not told my family about my depression. I want to tell them before the podcast airs. How do I do that? [more inside]
Let's play "Identify the Mystery Object!"
My father recently acquired this item at a second-hand store in Maryland. He's trying to identify it. Can anyone shed some light on the situation? [more inside]
DIY Dig Defence
I need to install something like this against my wood fence. I would happily mallet away on them, but they seem ridiculously expensive for what is basically a connected set of metal spikes. Is there any DIY solution to this or is Dig Defence(tm) being sold as a more expensive repurposed version of a cheaper product? If so, what should I be looking for?
posted by asockpuppet at 4:47 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by asockpuppet at 4:47 PM PST - 13 comments
Has Blanche DuBois ever been played by a man?
My Google-fu is failing me. Does anyone know of a production of A Streetcar Named Desire where the role of Blanche has been played by a male actor?
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 4:40 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 4:40 PM PST - 5 comments
BookFilter: Half-remembered mid-century European chick-lit
I'm looking for a book I read as a child in the 1980s. It was about a young married woman who moved to a mountain village with her husband who has had health problems, and their struggle to be happy in a new setting.
It was set in a European country and was likely to be originally written in the language native to that country, as it seemed to be a translation into English.
Unfortunately that's about all I've got... [more inside]
Christmas 2015 in Punta Cana are, Dominican Republic - hotel suggestions
My adult daughter and I are planning on spending the week of Christmas 2015 in the Dominican Republic, in part becasuse we can fly there in one day from Montana.
I've done due diligence at looking at hotels but I'm asking Mefites for some help in finding a great place to stay. [more inside]
Where to forage (ramps, morels, etc) in Northwest Indiana?
Recently moved to South Bend IN from Southern MN. In MN there were plenty of local parks and areas that allowed foraging on their land. Around here it seems every single park disallows foraging. Outside of just going to random people (I don't really know anyone around here) and asking to forage on their land are there any areas that allow for open foraging?
I've been seeing ramps coming up and it kills me knowing I can't take them.
posted by Ferreous at 2:58 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Ferreous at 2:58 PM PST - 5 comments
I need automatic grouping with my flocking algorithm.
I'm very familiar with boids and flocking; I implement the algorithm for Space Whales in my game, Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator. But I'm frustrated by my arbitrary code for sorting boids/whales into groups. Right now, I simply generate 10 whales assigned to group 1, and 10 whales assigned to group 2, and the whales move together in their groups.
I'd rather... [more inside]
posted by Techbear at 2:13 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Techbear at 2:13 PM PST - 11 comments
Stolen debit card used at ATM... how?
I lost my debit card in a crowded bar/concert venue and someone used it to withdraw cash from an ATM twice. How were they able to do this? I can't think of a scenario where they could have figured out my PIN. [more inside]
posted by pimmscup at 12:54 PM PST - 49 comments
posted by pimmscup at 12:54 PM PST - 49 comments
Google Maps for FSX?
Is there some way to get Flight Simulator X to use terrain and ground texture from Google Maps or Apple Maps as scenery? I don't mind streaming on the fly. [more inside]
posted by pjbw at 12:35 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by pjbw at 12:35 PM PST - 3 comments
What bad parenting habits should I make sure I don't start?
I now have a toddler, and I realize I don't know much about toddlers! I can already feel myself slipping into some bad habits. What do you wish you would've known about this age -- and what habits should I prevent? [more inside]
Grass is greener? Job edition.
Considering leaving a teaching career for something completely different. [more inside]
Canine hospice...
We think our sweet mutt's days our numbered, and I need advice on how to handle the whole shebang in the best, least invasive and least financially crippling way possible. [more inside]
posted by pennypiper at 11:20 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by pennypiper at 11:20 AM PST - 15 comments
Anything to hide my Scoliosis??
I'm a healthy 30 something year old who has had scoliosis all her life but didnt show until I started developing. As a performer I have to keep in shape and look extremely camera ready. Please help. [more inside]
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 11:06 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 11:06 AM PST - 7 comments
Need Health Insurance, Will Travel
Leaving California for a while for life on the road. Health insurance only covers me in CA, and not very well. What are my options for changing insurance? I do not qualify for any subsidies under the affordable care act. [more inside]
The truth is, Mom I just don't like you.
I need some advice and strategies on how to deal with my mother and survive seeing her without feeling like crap for a week afterwards. [more inside]
How to reduce audio distortion
I use my computer to play music via iTunes and my computer uses two BOSE companion speakers for output. In order to play music I am faced with a total of 3 volume controls each found separately throughout iTunes, Windows 8, and my Bose speakers. How should I adjust each volume setting to achieve the best sound quality?
posted by isopropyl at 8:53 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by isopropyl at 8:53 AM PST - 9 comments
Running for broke
I'm training for a 10K - what equipment do I need, and what are my cheapest options? [more inside]
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 8:19 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 8:19 AM PST - 26 comments
Must-do, must-see New England activities for a family
Mrs. Ferg and I are planning a trip to New England in June with the smaller Fergs. Since my previous questions about travel activities have been successes, I'm here to query the hive-mind about what our agenda should include to get the maximal "New England" experience. Of course, there's [more inside]
posted by jferg at 8:19 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by jferg at 8:19 AM PST - 22 comments
Your thoughts on visiting Greece?
When I go to Greece this summer, will I regret it if I don't visit one of the islands? [more inside]
Low on $$, need help deciding on doing nude photography...
I've been unemployed for some time, receiving unemployment, savings dwindling. I got a seemingly lucrative offer to model for nude, specificly fetish-art modeling pics, and need help deciding whether to take it. [more inside]
Pan-European Mobile Phone?
I need a mobile phone/SIM plan that will allow me to cross an international border every day. Someone told me that she paid €100/month for a plan with unlimited data, no roaming within the area encompassing the EU and Schengen, calls and texts all included. Unfortunately I can't find this mythical plan online. Does anyone know of an inclusive plan that allows users to cross borders within the region(s) without going to roaming?
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 4:09 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 4:09 AM PST - 8 comments
hvordan kan jeg tvinge et museum for å ta min fars penger ?
How can I get a subscription to a Norwegian Museum's magazine sent to Australia?
My father has been reading and enjoying Tromsø Museum's magazine Ottar for many years, courtesy of a Norwegian friend who paid for a subscription. The friend died last year... [more inside]
April 4
Are Hotmail passwords supposed to be case sensitive?
My mother's hotmail password appears to be completely case insensitive, any combination of upper and lowercase letters seems to work. On the other hand my father's hotmail has a password that only accepts one captializaton, as I was expecting. What's going on here? Why are the two accounts displaying different behaviour with this?
It's all (stuck in) the wrist
My favorite action figure has a broken-off ball joint in one of its wrists. Can it come out? Difficulty: no sophisticated power tools. [more inside]
posted by curagea at 6:45 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by curagea at 6:45 PM PST - 4 comments
How To Host a Focus Group For Kids + Parents
How does one organize a focus group for parents and kids? Are there any standardized guidelines for product testing and data collection, or better yet, groups that will perform this service for a small fee? I am in charge of getting a kids product out in front of 100+ kids and their parents and I have no idea how to do this so that a) it's not a huge mess and b) the feedback we collect is actually useful. I'm in California. Target age for kids is 4-6.
Herbal Equine/Animal Medicine Resources...
I have been asked by a friend with no Google-fu to try and track down online or paper resources for herbal medicine for horses/small farm animals. This is proving harder that I expected, so I am turning to the hive mind. Details inside [more inside]
posted by Northbysomewhatcrazy at 5:50 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Northbysomewhatcrazy at 5:50 PM PST - 5 comments
ghost or rats or raccoons?
Recently, I've heard noise in my attic only near the wall in the bedroom. It sounded kinda like marbles at first but when i moved closer it sounded a bit like scurrying but hard to tell. It was only from about 4-6am. No noise before midnight when I go to sleep or after 6. In the past, I've heard some thumps in that area outside the house like something jumping down but it could be just something outside. No visible openings on the side of the house. Anyone have a clue what animal it could be?
posted by gyroscope at 5:48 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by gyroscope at 5:48 PM PST - 15 comments
food safe timber treatment options
What should I use to preserve the timbers (old and new) in my basket press? [more inside]
Jamie Fraser on Starz: TV blocking. Help me not blow up my tv.
TV/Cable filter: New LG HDTV, can't get to higher channels, need to access a free preview weekend of Starz, which is in the triple digits for my cable company. Manual is pointless, customer support of both cable company and LG offline for the weekend, googling has been futile: help me access channel 463 by 9pm tonight? [more inside]
"For entertainment purposes only"
I want to get more familiar with the tarot — especially its use as a symbol system and personal religious/artistic/introspective tool, and to some extent also its (actual nonfiction real-world) history. What books or blogs should I read? Study tips for improving facility and speedy recall of card meanings would also be helpful. [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 4:39 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by nebulawindphone at 4:39 PM PST - 14 comments
Songfilter: five, six, seven, eight
Sounds like disposable 80s pop, female vocals, chorus ends with "Five, six, se-ven, eight..." Help! [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 3:23 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Beardman at 3:23 PM PST - 4 comments
"Confessions of a ...?"
I'm a big fan of Kitchen Confidential and other "insider", confessional-type memoirs. After just finishing the rather disappointing Heads In Beds, I need recommendations for some really juicy tell-all memoirs about working in the service industry or pretty much anything interesting. [more inside]
Wanted: Vegetarian-Friendly Beach Resort
Please help us find our perfect special snowflake vegetarian-friendly beach resort. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Ms Vegetable at 12:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Ms Vegetable at 12:43 PM PST - 7 comments
Examples of under-enforced rules, laws, taboos, norms?
Hivemind! Does anyone know any examples of rules, regulations, laws, or norms that are under-enforced (e.g., violations go unpunished), leading the rule to completely destabilize (i.e., no one follows it)? I'm sure that there are A LOT of examples of this - stuff from any and all disciplines and scales would be welcome. I'm preferentially searching for unconventional examples (e.g., rules of children's games, supernaturally-sanctioned laws of hunter-gatherer bands) and I'm also looking especially for primary literature (e.g., experiments, case studies, etc.), but ultimately anything would be awesome. Thanks!
posted by mrmanvir at 11:50 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by mrmanvir at 11:50 AM PST - 35 comments
Please help my girlfriend back out of a bachelorette party!
My girlfriend was invited to a bachelorette party, which will be held in two weeks. She RSVP'ed a week ago, but realized that she’s made a big mistake in agreeing to go. She now wants to back out, and would like to know how to do so without upsetting the bride. Details inside. [more inside]
Is there an adoption registration for disowned gay youth?
I would totally be willing to take in a kid who has been disowned by his/her parents for being LBTG. Is there somewhere I could register for that?
Note: I am legally married cisgender woman with three young children of my own. Not being gay myself, there should be no legal obstacles in that regard. I'm just trying to connect with a disowned population.
Help me build a dollhouse
This Strawberry Patch dollhouse kit is sitting in my house and I've promissed my daughter I'll turn into something recognizable.
What do I need to know that isn't in the instructions to make this happen? What are your tips and tricks for working with miniature houses?
posted by samhyland at 10:56 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by samhyland at 10:56 AM PST - 3 comments
Help me find this comic. Google-fu failed.
I'm looking for a particular comic strip--a web-only comic, I'm pretty sure. The plot, more or less, opens with a small child tormenting an animal (cat? dog? mouse? can't recall). The child grows up, becomes an upstanding member of society, a model citizen, an all-around gem of a human being. He eventually dies of natural causes, and--hello, plot twist!--goes to hell, which consists of a cat/dog/mouse torturing him for eternity. I'm googling my damned fingers off here, and can't track this comic down. Any help?
posted by duffell at 10:54 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by duffell at 10:54 AM PST - 2 comments
Should I move from private sector to public sector for work/life balance
Hi MetaFilter,
Putting it out for the group to help me weigh the pro's and con's of a career move. I am 44 years old, marketing professional with 10 years experience in health care marketing communication. I recently got my MBA last year and got recruited to go to another large Chicago health care system. The new job pays more and is OK but we are going through a reorg and merger and my position will change going forward. My current boss is leaving the organization and said that he is putting me forward for a better position with more responsibility going into the reorg but it is hard to trust that this will happen since that is all going to be in flux. About a month ago I applied for a federal marketing communication project manager position with the General Services Administration at the Federal Acquisition Service and this past Friday I was offered the job as a GS-13 Step One and they want my answer on Monday. [more inside]
posted by washateria at 9:49 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by washateria at 9:49 AM PST - 9 comments
Trying to make quinoa salad a spring staple -- what's your fave?
What are your favorite (cheap & simple) quinoa salad recipes? [more inside]
posted by kylej at 9:27 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by kylej at 9:27 AM PST - 19 comments
Stovetop simmer --> crockpot?
With recipes that call to "bring to a boil and then simmer for 2 [or 3 or 4] hours," how do I translate this to a crockpot? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque at 8:51 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by andrewesque at 8:51 AM PST - 8 comments
What's wrong with this recipe?
Last night, I attempted to make creme brulee tarts using this recipe. But something didn't work. Did I do something wrong? [more inside]
posted by SquidLips at 8:01 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by SquidLips at 8:01 AM PST - 12 comments
What are the rules for explanatory notes?
I was reading a book of petry by T.S. Eliot with notes in the back half by Frank Kermode explaining the references, which got me wondering—what's the style for writing these kinds of footnotes? [more inside]
posted by KChasm at 7:47 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by KChasm at 7:47 AM PST - 5 comments
Still not over Astrid
I loved Astrid and haven't found another app that does what I used her for.
Also ps I am on iOS now. [more inside]
posted by you must supply a verb at 7:30 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by you must supply a verb at 7:30 AM PST - 5 comments
Life After No-Drinking-Allowed: what's the next step?
I gave my problematic-drinker boyfriend an ultimatum to stop drinking for at least 30 days, and he accepted the challenge. Which is great... except I have no game plan for what comes next. [more inside]
April 3
Nerd Idol
Has there been any contestant on a singing or dancing TV competition that has performed something "nerdy", such as songs from video games, cartoons, or Internet media? The one example I can think of is a Dancing with the Stars routine to Super Mario.
I need your best grill-your-dinner ideas
Our old grill gave up the ghost, and I'm springing for a good one. How do I best optimize my newest tool? [more inside]
Arranging an interhospital transfer from a good hospital to a great one
My last question was about coordinating care among physicians at different hospitals. It's not working. Now I need to know the safest (but also insurance-covered) way to get my baby to the better hospital in a future crisis. Please share your interhospital transfer (or other related) experiences. [more inside]
posted by telepanda at 8:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by telepanda at 8:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Is it ok to date/meet new people now?
I am in the process of getting a divorce. I have separated from my wife, have filed for a divorce but have not been able to serve her summons because she has been avoiding that. So, in a sense, the divorce process has not really started.
Now I need to figure out when I should start dating or meeting new people again. [more inside]
posted by questionsquestions at 7:21 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by questionsquestions at 7:21 PM PST - 29 comments
Did you go to a Montessori school?
There's lots written on ask about putting kids into Montessori, but I'm curious about the grown-ups who experienced it themselves. We are thinking to enroll our daughter in a Montessori program, but it's hard to evaluate what's best in general, let alone specifically. If you grew up in a Montessori school, would you say it was a positive experience? Did it feel like it prepared you for the world, or sheltered you from it, or neither of those? Just curious what kinds of adults Montessori kids grow up into, and what you attribute to that experience. [more inside]
What teen book has this plot?
for the life of me i can't remember!
the main character's uncle took her on a tour of a house and told her that her favorite author had lived there. Then after the tour was over, he told her he was mistaken - the author hadn't lived there after all. He did this on purpose, to teach her some kind of lesson, and he had a name for the phenomenon of the let down of learning that something you saw in a certain way wasn't really that way at all.
help?
Suspended Google account - need to reinstate
My new google account was suspended. I believe they think I'm a spammer. But I am working for a small non-profit. Our email contact list is legitimate.
My initial request for account reinstatement was denied. Need help getting reinstated. Details below: [more inside]
posted by valannc at 3:51 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by valannc at 3:51 PM PST - 15 comments
Loud Boombox to Discourage Bad Buskers?
My neighborhood is full of buskers in the summer. Some are excellent musicians. Some are easy to ignore. Some of them can't hit two notes in a row, and sing the same five songs over and over. I generally ask them nicely to move a block away, but some won't do it. Unfortunately, I can't work in the presence of off-key singing.
I would like a powerful boombox to play Louis Armstrong at them until they move away. Recommendations? Bonus points if it pairs easily with an iPhone.
posted by musofire at 3:10 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by musofire at 3:10 PM PST - 11 comments
How can I boost my portfolio ranking on Google?
I currently pay for a Cargo membership, but my ranking is really terrible even though I have a steady stream of visitors according to Google Analytics. Do I have to switch over to something custom like Wordpress (or any other service), or can I boost my ranking with some low-cost tricks?
Any way to save a misshapen shirt?
Hello askmefi! I've sadly ruined a favourite top by drying it in a way that has stretched it out. Please hope me reshape it! [more inside]
Do at-home laser hair removal devices work?
Have you used the Tria 4x? Does it work? [more inside]
OK Cupid for the uninitiated
…and various other OKC questions and discomforts [more inside]
posted by miorita at 2:06 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by miorita at 2:06 PM PST - 19 comments
Is this a feature? I hope this isn't a feature.
Simple question, I hope, but this is driving me nuts. On an iMac with Yosemite, I would like to be able to leave the keyboard for, say, ninety minutes—without getting automatically logged out. [more inside]
posted by bricoleur at 1:42 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by bricoleur at 1:42 PM PST - 6 comments
Is it possible to print black ink over gold on an invitation?
I need to print invitations and the design I have has a couple gold starbursts behind black text. The lines are thin, and I'm told this means thermography/foil stamping/letterpress won't really work. I'd be fine with just digitally printing it but how hard is it to make sure it actually looks gold tone and not brown or yellow? Who can print this for me? [more inside]
How do I get rid of junk html on my Lycos website?
"Undefined" appears at the top of the website? [more inside]
Take me from woodworking zero to woodworking hero!
I'd like a better working knowledge of practical furniture design for wood, along with general woodworking best practices—and I feel like there's probably a better way than my current system of building lots of frustrating projects and learning what not to do one thing at a time. Please point me to the resources—books, magazines, communities, etc.—that got you over the hump. [more inside]
Grad school - last chance to make friends, but how?
I finally start my grad school program this coming week. I attended the new student orientation last week and most of the people seem like cool and interesting people. But how does one go about making friends in grad school? + Special Snowflake details [more inside]
posted by lana0112 at 12:12 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by lana0112 at 12:12 PM PST - 17 comments
Mile-High Expectations
I'm in the market for a used pickup, 2005 or newer, but they all seem to have very high miles. Is this normal? [more inside]
posted by AzraelBrown at 11:56 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by AzraelBrown at 11:56 AM PST - 4 comments
Trying to create a *pretty* report, no design experience, sites to view?
I am trying to create a *pretty* report. I have no design or publishing experience.
A friend told me of Lucidpress and Canva any other ideas?
posted by TRUELOTUS at 11:53 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by TRUELOTUS at 11:53 AM PST - 14 comments
How to design a bet?
Hello!
I read a history of my hometown and in the 1920s they would have a bet on which day the ice would crack on the lake every spring with half of the proceeds going to charity and half to the winner. I would like to do something similar in my city regarding the first day the temperature rose over 100 degrees. [more inside]
posted by Duffington at 11:44 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Duffington at 11:44 AM PST - 5 comments
My computer stopped working!
I just got home from 6 weeks of holidays, moved house, reassembled my desktop and when I turn it on the monitor doesn't get a signal. Is the most likely cause a motherboard failure? [more inside]
posted by Silentgoldfish at 11:20 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Silentgoldfish at 11:20 AM PST - 5 comments
What happens if you exceed your limit of social security cards?
I lost my social security card and need to get a replacement. This is my first time losing it, so no big deal, but while I was researching how to get a replacement, I found out that you only can get ten replacements in your lifetime. [more inside]
Wifi Consultants?
Are there any wifi consultants in Austin, TX that could help diagnose why a high speed connection drops throughout a house? Alternatively, are there any good guides to do a self-diagnosis?
What to do - Card and Flowers for a dying friend?
A friend of the family is dying, and soon. She was diagnosed recently with cancer and given days to live. She is in her home and aware, but under hospice care.
Rather than send flowers when she's dead I thought I should send them now while she is alive to know we are thinking of her.
What should I put in the card? I'm leaning towards just "Thinking of you" and our names. Any better suggestions for the card?
posted by arniec at 9:33 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by arniec at 9:33 AM PST - 8 comments
Did I emotionally violate myself, or did he emotionally violate me?
I've been getting closer and closer to the guy I've been dating for six months. He's very lovely. The other week I worried a little that we weren't close 'enough' for where I want to be, and mentioned in passing that I usually would've told past boyfriends some pretty big (dark) things that haven't come up yet in our relationship. I explained that this was less because I didn't trust him and more because I guess I'm experimenting with the idea that these things (child sexual abuse, a very abusive relationship with an alcoholic in my teens) don't define me and I don't need to 'fess up' as being 'damaged' like I have previously. However, he took it to mean that there was lots about me he didn't know which he has said he finds 'distressing', and he also wants me to trust him with these things. He's mentioned it twice since, and I ended up just telling him the other night mainly to reassure him, but I now feel a little....emotionally exposed, and not sure whether I did that to myself (he didn't force them out of me, but I did feel pressured), or whether I should let him know that it made me feel uncomfortable and that I wasn't quite ready. I don't want to offend him again, or cause a rupture in what is otherwise a great relationship. [more inside]
posted by starstarstar at 9:20 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by starstarstar at 9:20 AM PST - 32 comments
How can we make our wedding celebration at a bar more...weddingy?
About a month after our small civil family-only wedding ceremony, we're throwing a party at a bar so we can celebrate/get drunk/dance with about 50-60 of our friends. Open bar and our playlist: done and done. We'd like to put some creative, inexpensive touches on this event to make it feel more like a wedding and less like a big birthday party. (Inexpensive is key. We love the idea of a photo booth for example, but they're rather pricey to rent.) I'm hopelessly uncreative. Any ideas?
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 9:10 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 9:10 AM PST - 29 comments
How to insure we have wifi while out of town?
Vacationing for 2 weeks in Southern CT. One of us will technically still be working and will need reliable internet access. The house we rent has no TV or internet, and the general location has somewhat iffy mobile phone signals. Looking for a way to guarantee we can get online as needed. Bonus points if you can explain the solution in terms a kindergartener would understand!
Defining "low budget" for a wedding
I've never thought about weddings and now I'm engaged, I need to and they are *expensive*!!! Please help me figure out realistic expectations for a dog-friendly wedding for 100 in DC. Also recommendations please. [more inside]
Canon HV 30 Connection issues
Sorry, yeah, I know this isn't 2008 but I'm still using a Canon HV30 anyway. Problem is firewire is dying and I don't know how to capture the video to computer anymore. Anyone have/had this problem and found solution?
posted by PHINC at 8:25 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by PHINC at 8:25 AM PST - 2 comments
Cheap sexytime thrills possible?
Help us choose a toy for my wife. Snowflake details inside... [more inside]
Is there really a mouse?
My SO recently heard some type of disturbance in the kitchen in the middle of the night and thinks we might have mice. If the traps haven't worked, is that sufficient proof there aren't any mice? [more inside]
Getting Back Into Reading
I love to read and have been a quick reader in the past. However, since I've dealt with so much anxiety/depression/PTSD the past few years, my ability to finish a book has suffered greatly. I frequently pick up books and abandon them even if I like them. Now that I'm feeling better and able to function more, I want to finish some of the books that have been on my list for ages. Does anybody have suggestions for rebuilding a reading habit? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:40 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:40 AM PST - 17 comments
Balm, Gloss, Oil, or Wax
What beard styling products, tips, and tricks should I know about? [more inside]
Currency speculation for dummies
My wife and I are planning a trip to Europe in the next two years. Right now the Euro seems to be crashing. Would it be a good idea to buy about $3,000 of Euros as a hedge against it rising in the future, or am I an idiot for even considering this?
Note: I will be flying from the U.S. [more inside]
Trying to find a Social Security "administrative message"
What a Dickensian nightmare the Social Security system is! What is its "administrative message" document type, cited as "AM ###[date]" -- where can I find these -- and, if you are a practitioner, what if any force does it have? I have done a fairly diligent search, but maybe I'm out of it today, or maybe it's one of those things that's just part of the lore of a practice area.
posted by mmiddle at 7:12 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by mmiddle at 7:12 AM PST - 4 comments
Chemistry ruined my face - somehow?
Despite using mostly products on my face that I've used before, I have a horrid red blotchy rash all over my face. Is it a particular combination of ingredients that's made this happen? And how should I make it better? [more inside]
Questions for Elem Teachers in the Tri-Cities, WA
I am thinking of moving to the Tri-Cities and as a teacher who has been teaching in the same district for way too many years I am a bit nervous about finding a new teaching position. It has been a long time since I've gone through an interview.... ;) What info and help can you offer? [more inside]
Help me rescue my knitting from the neighbors' yard!
A knitting project I had pinned out on my roof blew down into my neighbors' walled-off backyard. I don't think he understands what happened. I want it back ASAP. What's the best and fastest way to make my intentions clear and get my project back? [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 5:33 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by ActionPopulated at 5:33 AM PST - 35 comments
A cool night's rest
Please share your bedding (or other) recommendations for staying cool while you sleep. [more inside]
Doing the Charleston...
So, a couple of dear friends are going to Charleston the week of April 13-19. They already have a place to stay, but I'm looking for suggestions as to the coolest, most wonderful things to do / eat / see while they are there. [more inside]
Celebrating spring with a small side plate of 'Easter'
While we aren't religious, we still celebrate Easter as a holiday by branding it as a celebration of spring/renewal/rebirth/life etc.
I am looking for ideas we can add to that tradition. [more inside]
April 2
What do I do about my new tires on my dying car?
What do I do about my new tires on my dying car? Just found out my car is on its last few journeys, but I recently purchased expensive new tires. [more inside]
Messy Feline Eaters
Any recs for a good mat to go under cat food bowls? [more inside]
do do doodoo, do do doodo.... WHAT influenced this SONG?!
"No More Shoes" by Steve Malkmus clearly has a strong 70's influence. Husband and I have been trying to figure this out for an hour. Can any Mefites save the day? [more inside]
Looking to fix a hole in my tubtrug
I have a tubtrug that I let get too close to my baseboard heater last night. There is now about a 1-2" hole in the side, which I'd like to repair. [more inside]
posted by onehundredand80 at 8:01 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by onehundredand80 at 8:01 PM PST - 12 comments
Theory that the biblical holy land was not in present day Israel
I'm trying to find an article by some historians that posited that the places described in the Bible we not actually in present day Israel. The historians had done some theorizing that the mountains and valleys mentioned in the bible (can't remember which book) fit better with an area in Saudi Arabia off the coast of the Red Sea.
I've searched the Google but can't find any mention of this theory. I would love to find it again.
Thanks, MeFi!
posted by drinkmaildave at 7:20 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by drinkmaildave at 7:20 PM PST - 5 comments
Feminist writing that's recent AND not under traditional copyright
I'm looking for interesting feminist texts of any kind (poems, prose, speeches...) that are not under traditional copyright in the U.S. and are from the last few decades. So, most will be 1) works prepared by a U.S. government employee as part of that person's official duties (such as any politician's speeches written by govt employees), or 2) anything the author CC-licensed or otherwise released outside traditional copyright. Very broad definition of feminist / female-positive. Especially great would be any intersections between feminist and anti-racist or anti-war ideas.
Maybe "It Follows" was a metaphor for timeshares?
So I've read a lot of horror stories about timeshares, and it just doesn't make sense that our legal system lets anything that insane exist, seemingly without any restrictions. Can someone with some legal knowledge (or personal experience) explain them to me? I'm not looking for legal advice (thankfully don't need it), I'm just curious. [more inside]
what can I cook with this person?
I am spending some time with a new person, and we've cooked together and are enjoying it. I am having a tough time coming up with things for us to cook, though, because of preference and dietary requirements. [more inside]
As a person who tries to avoid conflict with other people ...
how can I become a good writer? [more inside]
Neither big nor tall, just a long torso ...
I am having a heck of a time finding casual shirts for my husband that cover his entire top half. He's not tall, he's not big, but regular shirts are just not long enough. [more inside]
RV insurance pointers - medium term living.
I know a lot of people have asked questions about RV's and living but we're having a specific issue: We will have an RV (Class A) as our sole transportation and accommodation as we move from Canada to the US. Insurance seems to be a sticking point. [more inside]
Motivational Songs For Workouts And Work
Can anyone suggest some motivational songs that you can use for working out, running, and work? [more inside]
How do I talk to authority figures?
I have difficulty interacting comfortably with people I see as authority figures, like professors and senior figures in the legal profession. (My job requires me to do both pretty often - I'm a junior academic and my research involves talking to judges and lawyers). I sometimes get the sense I make them feel uncomfortable by being awkward/ overly deferential / stammering etc and, more often, even when an interaction seems to have gone smoothly, I'm deeply uncomfortable and anxious myself. What do I do to get over this? [more inside]
posted by Aravis76 at 3:23 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Aravis76 at 3:23 PM PST - 12 comments
Low carb passover
Say I wanted to start a low carb diet after my Seder meals. Say I try to observe kosher rules during Passover and I won't eat any grains, rice, beans, soy, or derivative products like corn syrup. Say I don't like Brussels Sprouts and am trying to please three other picky eaters with meal planning. How would I survive this hypothetical situation? [more inside]
Help me make my curtains as noiseproof as possible
I live on a busy London street and am making curtains for a second-floor room with 2 large wooden sash windows that face the street. Guests sometimes sleep in this room and I'd like to minimise street noise for their sake. My curtain materials are 1 layer of this heavy woven tapestry fabric (mostly cotton) and 1 layer of blackout fabric. Should I also be interlining the curtains with some kind of fluffy stuff, like quilt batting? Or would that be overkill? [more inside]
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:06 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:06 PM PST - 12 comments
How old is too old to buy a house?
For various reasons, I'm in my late 40s and my husband and I still rent. I'd like to buy a house (well, an apartment, actually) eventually, but am wondering if it's too late to do that now and I should just resign myself to renting. [more inside]
The Lottery, Hiring Gamblers and Games of Chance
I've noticed, in the last few months, a new disclaimer added to the old disclaimer at end of commercials for the lottery. The old disclaimer says for entertainment purposes only. The new disclaimer says something like the lottery is not to be used for investment purposes. That made me wonder if people ever hire professional gamblers to play and win on their behalf. Does that happen, and if it does, how would it work?
Bowdoin vs Middlebury campus life?
Our daughter is looking at both Bowdoin and Middlebury for college this coming year. She's got a pretty good idea of what they're about academically but not much of an idea of how campus life (physical campus, social life, student body mix) might differ. Anyone with knowledge (of both care to offer a comparison? We live in Seattle and visited Middlebury during the summer (no students) and have not seen the Bowdoin campus, so her direct experience is very limited. [more inside]
posted by skyscraper at 11:44 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by skyscraper at 11:44 AM PST - 10 comments
Should we tip our cat-sitter?
Should we tip our cat-sitter? [more inside]
Reno for the weekend...for the non-gambling man
Spontaneously decided to book a hotel in Reno for this coming weekend. Not big gamblers by any means. What else can/should we do? [more inside]
I WON'T AND YOU CAN'T MAKE ME
My son is 8 yrs 9 mos, non-neurotypical. He refuses to do a lot of things, causing lots of issues and ugly scenes. Other parents of non-neurotypical children, what strategies do you successfully use to fight inflexibility and refusal? [more inside]
What do I do with this big honkin' mirror?
When we bought our new (to us) house, we discovered that the previous owner had left a big slab of mirror in the attic. As we don't have a big mirror anywhere in the house, I would like to frame it and hang it, but... I am having a hard time working this out.
The mirror measures 76" tall, 36" wide, and is about 3/16" in thickness. More within. [more inside]
Best way to get a driver's license in Ontario?
I'm finally getting off of my ass and getting my driver's license after 20+ years of not needing or having one. Some friends have recommended Young Drivers as the best way to get the training necessary to pass the test (and learn how to drive) but it's pretty expensive ($1000+ the last time I checked). Does anyone have any other suggestions for someone like me who knows mostly nothing about driving? [more inside]
Bleach Everywhere; Worried About Fetus, Cat, Plants
Help! Own a condo; HOA told us the wood porches would be painted this week after a spray wash. Workers just began to spray bleach everywhere on the wood to kill black mildew (wood was untreated after porches built 4 years ago). Concerns: 8 months pregnant asthmatic (me), our partly-tamed feral cat who spends much time on the porch, and a host of plants. I just watched as bleach misted down from the above porch coating everything on my porch. Help! [more inside]
Where should I move where I'll be accepted?
I'm an unwanted immigrant in the UK. I want out. Where to go? [more inside]
Poetry activities for kids with low literacy
What are some poetry activities that might be fun for kids ages 8-13 who struggle with reading and writing? [more inside]
Humor books for 12 year old
We're going on a plane trip and I'm looking for light humorous reading for my 12 year old bookworm. [more inside]
What are some audio resources on gentrification and new urbanism?
I'm interesting in better understanding the roots of gentrification (on both a historical level and a systemic level) and what some of the ways that new urbanists, activists, community groups and city planners are working to make cities and small towns more equitable. I know its much more complex than "rich people move in and push the poor out." [more inside]
posted by minicloud at 7:36 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by minicloud at 7:36 AM PST - 9 comments
I'm dorky enough to wear the bracer.....
So, Thinkgeek's EnCounter - Wearable Interactive Quest real life RPG/stat toy isn't real.... but what is? [more inside]
Potential triggers to increased Tinnitus intensity
I have a friend who suffers from tinnitus which is variable in intensity and am looking for triggers or insight into the pattern. There is a rough pattern to the intensity of the train wheel-like screeching – generally, he has 3 days when it’s bearable and then 2 when it is unbearable. I’m not looking for coping or masking strategies but trying to understand what could be causing the rise in intensity. [more inside]
Baby starts fighting purées
Our 10-month old has eaten purees happily since about month four. She's now transitioning to solid foods (steamed carrots, puffs, rusks), but has not yet mastered it well enough that she's getting significant nutrition from it. But she's now spurning the purees--both old favorites and new additions, homemade and store bought. No worries she'll starve, but we'd love her to eat her purees happily again. Any tips? [more inside]
How to handle murky contracting situation
How much more unpaid labor do I give in an unfair contracting situation? If the answer is "now," how do I leave professionally? [more inside]
posted by Yellow Silver Maple at 6:54 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Yellow Silver Maple at 6:54 AM PST - 13 comments
A quick way to record which mail packs have been dispatched for postal?
Using the traditional postal service, I would like to sent out a 1000 mail packs. I would really like to be able to easily record which mail packs have been sent out on a particular week. Ideally, this system would also prevent duplicates being sent out. [more inside]
Intermittent Fasting
Is this diet considered "intermittent fasting"? [more inside]
posted by BillyAnne at 6:31 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by BillyAnne at 6:31 AM PST - 6 comments
I Want To Build My Own Google
What I'd like to do is crawl a list of 5000 to maybe 10,000 max URLs on a weekly basis, searching for a couple of specific terms. I don't see a way to set that up with Google Custom Search. I have access to server space and am comfortable enough with PHP or Python to configure a dB and script if needed. There are countless options out there. Anybody have specific experience to point me in the right direction?
10th birthday party, fantasy theme: what fun ideas do you have?
My son is having his 10th birthday party later this month and the theme is 'fantasy' (witches, goblins, wizards, dragons, elves etc). What are some fun games/activities that you recommend for the day?
posted by h00py at 5:46 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by h00py at 5:46 AM PST - 10 comments
How to remove or encapsulate floor adhesive in attic subfloor?
We are doing a total gut renovation of our house, and the glue holding down the old attic tile is this black stuff that smells like tar.
What do we do about it? Paint over with Killz? Steam and scrape off? Something else? [more inside]
posted by teragram at 4:18 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by teragram at 4:18 AM PST - 11 comments
Dealing with evangelical family members
Hi wonderful ask commenters, I’m seeking advice especially from people who’ve tried to get along with religiously conservative family members. [more inside]
posted by airing nerdy laundry at 3:45 AM PST - 52 comments
posted by airing nerdy laundry at 3:45 AM PST - 52 comments
What‘s good at Whole Foods?
I'm looking for prepared meals or food they sell in their cafes, specifically. I like to grab a meal when I do my shopping that I can eat as soon as I get home. Less than 10 minute prep time required. Thanks!
Indoor Dubai
I'm on honeymoon in Dubai at the moment.
Dubai is in the midst of a huge dust storm.
What's fun to do in Dubai that's indoors? Any nice bars/restaurants that aren't largely outdoors or on rooftops? We're both freaking out that our honeymoon is going to be a total bust. [more inside]
Can you recommend any games for Mac similar to Myst?
That's basically the question. I'm not a gamer AT ALL but decades ago I enjoyed two games, Ceremony of Innocence and Myst and haven't played since. I'm now in the possession of a new three day old 13 " MacBook Pro and thought I'd take advantage of the retina graphic aspect of it with a visually stunning game. Games with riddles and puzzles and stories like the above, the first one in particular are the only ones I've enjoyed. Do you know of any others?
posted by Jubey at 1:29 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Jubey at 1:29 AM PST - 12 comments
April 1
Symbol identification
iPod drifting out of sync: why?
I have no idea whether everyone with an ipod has this issue or if it's just me doing something wrong: the track listing on my ipod in iTunes on my computer is way out of sync with the ipod's real contents. [more inside]
Should I break up with my enployer's group legal plan?
Thinking about ditching the group legal plan I have through my employer even though I expect needing some legal help in the near future. Is this a stupid move? [more inside]
posted by ttyn at 10:06 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by ttyn at 10:06 PM PST - 5 comments
How do I go about filming ChefStep style videos?
I'm interested in making cooking videos in the same esthetic as ChefSteps. How would someone without professional videography experience going about replicating the "glowy" look-and-feel?
Understanding that these properties are a combination of technique and equipment, what would one need to procure to achieve these results? Would an iPhone 6 be sufficient to replicate say, 80% of the way?
posted by angermanagement at 9:30 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by angermanagement at 9:30 PM PST - 4 comments
Authors and novels recommendations for improving writing craft?
I have always been fond of writing poetry, but lately I seem to want to expand my writing craft towards short stories. I think the most notable clincher for writers to improve their overall craft is simply by reading voraciously; with an eclectic wide range of authors and literary works. What are some wonderful literary works, authors, playwrights, short stories, non-fiction, fantasy work, et cetera. Can you recommend for me? To further my own voice and writing craft. [more inside]
I am not a writer but need to create a manual
Help I know what I want to say, have it in text files. But I am not a writer!
I need to write a small book / manual to support a training that I am putting together. [more inside]
posted by Mac-Expert at 8:51 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Mac-Expert at 8:51 PM PST - 11 comments
Best practices when dealing with mentally ill stranger
How do I politely and professionally handle a situation with a mentally ill person when hosting public events? [more inside]
posted by Rage-chel at 8:07 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Rage-chel at 8:07 PM PST - 10 comments
What is the best shampoo for oily hair?
I have the oiliest scalp. If I wash in the morning, it's oily by 5 and I look like a greasy wreck. Is there a shampoo that will help with this? [more inside]
doctors and midwives and doulas - oh my!
I'm pregnant - do I really need a midwife or doula? [more inside]
I'm close to adopting a dog but I'm facing an ethical dilemma
I have the choice between two dogs. Which one to choose? [more inside]
posted by Sijeka at 7:33 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by Sijeka at 7:33 PM PST - 31 comments
How do you motivate yourself to do useful things at the end of the day?
I have all these goals that I want to pursue right now, and I am making very slow progress. A large part of it is being tired after a day of work. Have you successfully pursued personal-growth activities after work during the workweek? How did you motivate yourself? [more inside]
Help me recover my Samsung Note (1) - which ROM to use?
Samsung note, first model model number GT-N7000, Needs a new ROM but I'm not sure which one. [more inside]
Restaurant in Portland area that is like El Pollo Loco
You move from place to place in life, and you miss the weird things you could only find in your old locations. [more inside]
posted by MoxieProxy at 5:08 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by MoxieProxy at 5:08 PM PST - 6 comments
It is one of the certainties
Who is the best professional to call on before 2015 taxes are due? [more inside]
posted by youdontmakefriendswithsalad at 4:34 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by youdontmakefriendswithsalad at 4:34 PM PST - 4 comments
Give me your best bug repellent, oh pretty please
Please tell me your best bug repellent product/strategy for dealing with gnats? And mosquitos, but more generally small flying swarm insects. [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 3:35 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by serelliya at 3:35 PM PST - 12 comments
What are the best brands of frozen pizza?
I fed my kids a Totino's frozen pizza last week and it was bad. They complained. I'm about to get real busy at work for a few months and I may end up feeding them more frozen pizza. What brands do you recommend? Are there any low-priced brands that are still tasty? (I'm located in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States of America. Please don't scold me for not cooking for them. I'm usually better than this and even frequently make homemade pizza on my baking steel.)
Extremely paranoid(VERY long). Help please?
**DISCLAIMER: This is very long, tediously written, incoherent, etc., so I don’t expect you to read all of it. I have listed my main problems in numbers 1., 2. and 3., and I don’t care how much you have read, as long as I get as many opinions as possible. The therapy section is in number two, just in case you were going to suggest that. I need some advice on what to do now, not what to tell my therapist** [more inside]
How to fixing my tap handle that won't stay on?
In my bathroom, I have a wall mounted faucet with the spigot in the middle and the taps on each side. A bit like this.. [more inside]
Will mosquitos fly over gazebo walls?
I want to build an open top gazebo over a fire pit. If there were screens around the sides, will they fly in through the top? [more inside]
How do I find out information on an Amazon seller?
I work at a small manufacturing company. A number of our products are being sold on Amazon at far below retail. If I can identify the customer who purchased them from us, I contact them and they raise the price. The problem is that I can't always match the Amazon seller to one of our customers. I've tried so many different ways and I'm stuck.
? [more inside]
Mildew or mildon't?
We bought a house a month ago and moved in immediately. Since moving in we have found a couple (some significant) moisture-related issues. We have fixed most of the issues, but now all of our belongings smell of mildew/mold. What I need now is a) reassurance that everything will one day be okay and b) some guidance on practical steps to get from here to okay. [more inside]
What kind of bug is this? Does it also wield the power of telekinesis?
I found a weird looking bug in the bathroom that didn't kick the bucket when I nailed him with a magazine. What is this hardy creature? Link to pics inside. [more inside]
posted by ben242 at 1:00 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by ben242 at 1:00 PM PST - 10 comments
The Medium is the Message
Suggestions for finding iconic book designer for young student's book about space and future? [more inside]
Specific I Love Lucy Episode Help
I need help finding a specific I Love Lucy episode I remember from childhood. It involved Fred seeing the price tag of something and exclaiming the price out loud while fainting from sheer disbelief at the cost. Can you point me to the correct episode or, even better, link a clip of that specific scene? [more inside]
posted by Falconetti at 12:16 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Falconetti at 12:16 PM PST - 5 comments
hip to be square?
I used to be a granola hippie. Now I'm more average. How do I shake the feeling that I'm dishonoring my past identity by being who I am now? [more inside]
posted by serenity soonish at 12:00 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by serenity soonish at 12:00 PM PST - 32 comments
Need to get a grip on spending. Serious help needed.
I live paycheck-to-paycheck like nobody's business (and spent a windfall of $10,000 in 2 months). How do I get a handle on this? Why can't I make myself care that I'll never have savings? [more inside]
What does it look like for financial values to fundamentally change?
My SO & I are in our 30’s, have been dating over a year and have been talking about marriage. We are having a crisis over our differing financial values. [more inside]
Why does the iPhone Mail app change the order of mail recipients?
I've noticed that the iPhone Mail app automatically lists me as the first recipient when I am on the To: line of most emails. When I read the same email in Outlook, however, I am not listed as the first recipient; sometimes I am even the last on the To: line. Why is this happening? [more inside]
What should I do about my expired license plates?
Why does it cost so much to renew vehicle registration? This is bullshit. How much trouble could I get in if I don't do it? Is there some sort of loop hole to register more cheaply? This question involves California and Oregon. [more inside]
posted by peachpie at 11:02 AM PST - 48 comments
posted by peachpie at 11:02 AM PST - 48 comments
My colleague has disappeared
My colleague and somewhat friend has not come into work for three days and doesn't answer her phone or doorbell. I am starting to worry and don't know what to do. [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 10:51 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 10:51 AM PST - 47 comments
Podcast management
1) What is your podcast management strategy? I need a system that works better than what I'm doing now. 2) Is there an app that will let me organize/subscribe to podcasts or create playlists on my Mac and then sync that with my Android? [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 10:19 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by mudpuppie at 10:19 AM PST - 12 comments
How to open an exterior door that is glued shut?
My roommate improperly weatherized an exterior door a few months ago. It is caulked shut and won't open. What can we do? [more inside]
Appointment(s) with new dentist: is this normal?
Is it normal for a new dentist to expect one appointment for an exam/x-rays, a separate appointment for a cleaning, and then another follow-up appointment for any work that needs to be done (and I'm fairly sure I need at least one filling, possibly a crown)? Also, is it true that no dentists offer warm rinsing/jet water? (Do you know one that does offer this near Durham, NC?) [more inside]
deciphering survey notations
Recipes to use Patak's curry paste
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I now am the proud owner of a jar of Patak's Madras Curry Paste (hot) and a jar of Patak's mild curry paste (coriander and cumin sauce base). I only have one recipe that uses the Madras Hot Curry Paste. Hoping someone on MeFi might be able to help out with recipes to use them up. I'm open to meat or vegetarian options, and have no allergies/diet restrictions. (Things that go well with rice appreciated.) [more inside]
posted by gudrun at 8:34 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by gudrun at 8:34 AM PST - 19 comments
The syrup would be a better gift if not exploded all over the ziploc bag
Cargo holds for international flights are pressurized, right? Will that prevent plastic containers with thick gooey liquid type stuffs from exploding all over my luggage? [more inside]
posted by ovenmitt at 8:32 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by ovenmitt at 8:32 AM PST - 16 comments
Give me your prom-related photography tips
This weekend I'll be the photographer at a small high school prom dance, but I've never shot photos in this setting. What tips do you have for the technical aspect, and the social side of getting kids to pose and liven up for better photos? [more inside]
What is the smallest x86 computer I can buy that supports a 3.5" hdd?
What I really want is an 8TB hard drive with an ethernet port on the back side. The Intel NUC is almost right but it only supports a 2.5" drive at best. Is there a product that does what I want? It must run Linux but doesn't need to be particularly fast.
posted by Skorgu at 7:41 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Skorgu at 7:41 AM PST - 14 comments
In need of free online resources for service now.
So I'm in need of free online resources for learning how to use Service Now. My colleague at work provided me with the training manual they give you for the course, which they don't sell. I lost it, and while he doesn't personally care that much as it was no longer of much use to him and was for Calgary (the oldest version currently in use) anyway, it sucks for me because now I'm not sure what to do other than just look at the wiki, which isn't nearly as useful as it doesn't have all the exercises and stuff. I managed to find this, but it's for Aspen (a version no longer in use) and my colleague said looking at that would be a waste of my time. Can anyone help me out here?
posted by bookman117 at 7:13 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by bookman117 at 7:13 AM PST - 3 comments
Musta Been the Wrong Place, Musta Been the Wrong Time
Travel error filter: Booked a ticket to the wrong place at the wrong time. Have prepaid hotel room in another location. Seeking solutions and ideas. [more inside]
70s and cloudy
I'm type 1 diabetic on a low carb diet taking a basal dose of Lantus. I notice that within a wide range of daily units, I fast at a nearly constant blood glucose level of 69-72, determined with a continuous monitor and fingerstick calibration/confirmation. Why would this be happening? (I'm looking for a good explanation or resource, but not Medical Advice™ as I have a doctor I consult with before making changes to treatment.) [more inside]
How to love a fearful-avoidant partner
I've seen these questions about how to change a fearful-avoidant attachment style, but I can't find any information on how to help a partner who is fearful-avoidant feel loved and secure. [more inside]
Help me find new music with really good lyrics!
One of the things that I reliably love in music is lyrics that sound like good poetry. Help me find more musicians who reliably include this trait in their work! [more inside]
Which phone can I buy to pair with a cell phone at home?
I'm looking for some residential cordless phones that I can pair with my cell phone (an iPhone 6). There are a load of link2cell phones out there , and I'm having trouble figuring out which is the best - and simplest - option. [more inside]
What to do with ridiculously fast Internet?
Gigabit Internet has come to where I live. For the first time in a long time, I finally have an upload of more than 10Mbps and no data transfer cap. What are some ideas to actually do with it? [more inside]
Eyefi Mobi Pro card vs. Nikon WU-1a Wireless Adapter
Has anyone compared an Eyefi Mobi Pro SSD card to a Nikon WU-1a Wireless Adapter in terms of useage/ease of compatibility? I have a Chromebook I'm looking to automatically transfer high-res photos to, and am interested in the pros/cons of both products.
posted by Neale at 3:56 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Neale at 3:56 AM PST - 3 comments
Husband Quit Smoking. How Can I Help Through This?
Aaaaand we've had an argument almost everyday since. I've gotten better at holding my tongue and realizing things are incredibly tough for him right now. What else would you suggest? [more inside]
Why is my 8-year-old cat suddenly defensive to touch near her flanks?
My 8-year-old cat is defensive when touched on the flanks on both sides. This is out of character for her and I interpret it as pain. Is this familiar to anyone? [more inside]
posted by tel3path at 12:23 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by tel3path at 12:23 AM PST - 8 comments