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I want to buy my mom a comfortable, quality pair of flip-flops like the pair of Reefs I bought years ago and still wear - the "Ginger" flip-flops with woven fabric straps and a soft, slightly arch-supported base -- but a bunch of reviewers on their site say that the sandals are not good any more -- too rigid, not true to size, low quality. What should I buy instead? [more inside]
posted by rogerroger at 7:59 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm considering speaking to my vet about anxiety meds for my dog. [more inside]
posted by Aranquis at 7:15 PM PST - 20 comments

My son really wants to read comic books but the ones we have (Uncle Scrooge) are way above his head. What are some good comic books for early readers? He is just getting to the stage of sounding out three letter words. [more inside]
posted by Vatnesine at 7:12 PM PST - 14 comments

I have this Micro adult scooter and I want to ride it more. The only thing is that it moves too fast for my comfort - I don't feel in control of it. When I barely kick, it still goes for a while. Is there a way I can slow down my scooter? Can I (or a bike shop) adjust it somehow so it does this? I know nothing about mechanics, but I probably have or can get tools if necessary.
posted by starlybri at 5:43 PM PST - 8 comments

Please share your advice and experiences visiting Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and/or Zion National Park! [more inside]
posted by smorgasbord at 2:18 PM PST - 33 comments

This is the fixture on my patio. It’s way too windy for a pendant, but I’d like to replace the glass globe with something more Moroccan-ish that casts shadows. Not having much luck with searching. Diameter is about 4” I think. Suggestions (including DIY) much appreciated!
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 1:49 PM PST - 7 comments

What are some examples of mass-printed books with handwritten text, similar to The Moosewood Cookbook (sample page) and Math for Smarty Pants (sample page)? [more inside]
posted by aws17576 at 12:52 PM PST - 31 comments

I remember reading an article years ago that I can't find now. I think it was not a minor news article but instead a new piece of investigative journalism. I remember it having extensive context and background about the modeling world of the 90s, about John Casablancas, and about Donald Trump, through the lens of their exploitation of women. [more inside]
posted by lewedswiver at 12:49 PM PST - 4 comments

How should we tackle a yard renovation featuring ivy, brush, and rocky soil? [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 12:23 PM PST - 9 comments

Main requirements are that the method be discrete and persistent (not easily disabled), would prefer other features as well (e.g., see what is on their screen when in use) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:13 AM PST - 11 comments

I live in a rental property. About two or three years ago, I planted some lavender in front of the porch. I'm thinking about trying to take it with me when I move out. [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 11:10 AM PST - 11 comments

My lawn needs help. I do not have money to throw at the problem. Simple and/or inventive solutions sought. [more inside]
posted by Crystal Fox at 10:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Can you please recommend me some women's leggings that are very high-waisted? Like, up to my ribcage high. Preferably cotton. Must not roll down. For wearing under dresses or long shirts. [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 9:29 AM PST - 17 comments

How have you gained personal benefit from a formal professional diagnosis of high-functioning autism / Asperger's? [more inside]
posted by chiquitita at 7:08 AM PST - 10 comments

When can we touch again? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:00 AM PST - 15 comments

For me, getting strong by lifting heavy weights has been easy. Just 30 minutes of moderate work three times per week and I can deadlift 355 #. It's easy and I can easily see the results. On the other hand, to me cardio suuuucks, and it's really hard to measure any meaningful progress. So is there an equivalent for cardio where you can do easy or moderate work for a moderate amount of time and still see improvement? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 6:59 AM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for a book I had as a kid. It was passed down from my brothers, so it was probably from the late 50s or early 60s. I can't remember the name of the book, but it was like a how things work type of book for young adults with color illustrations and descriptions of various things. [more inside]
posted by Rob Rockets at 1:29 AM PST - 10 comments

I'll be 30 next year and it feels like it might be the right milestone to use to make the leap and change my first name. I've considered this for a while and I think it's something that would be great for my life. First step: do Internet Strangers think my chosen new name suits me? [more inside]
posted by Balthamos at 1:27 AM PST - 67 comments

I am separating a significant number of staff next week as part of downsizing at a large company. I will be doing each call individually over Zoom (given WFH/covid). I will be on video. The separated person can be video/audio (their choice). Thoughts on how to make video conference separations as professional as possible, and, to extent possible, as emotionally less stressful for the impacted staff. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:30 PM PST - 25 comments

How do I make a reasonable cappuccino with a Mr Coffee Maker? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 9:03 PM PST - 8 comments

What should I prioritize in a basic laptop that I want to hang onto for a while? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 5:52 PM PST - 15 comments

My library only has about a dozen of the 41 Terry Pratchett Discworld books as audiobook. Of all the other audiobook services I can find, only Audible has the unabridged books available in the US. But (I believe) I can only get one book per month unless I pay $30-$50 each! Is there any other affordable legal option to listen to them all? Preferably faster than over 3 years?
posted by lemonade at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Please help me to identify this seed pod. This is what the seedlings look like. [more inside]
posted by Dr. Send at 4:27 PM PST - 3 comments

What things do you do to make things easier for future you? [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 3:54 PM PST - 65 comments

Difficulty level: shared custody [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 3:38 PM PST - 43 comments

Our backyard feeders attract nearly a dozen house finches. I'm curious about how far away they might be nesting. Assuming that we are the most convenient go-to meal stop, how far away might that be?
posted by John Borrowman at 3:23 PM PST - 1 comment

I've received some packages from Amazon, addressed to me, with items that I didn't order. The packages included gift notes saying "enjoy the gift" and saying it's from me (my full name). Has anyone encountered something like this? Is this some sort of scam? [more inside]
posted by duoshao at 3:02 PM PST - 3 comments

I’m trying to get better about keeping my personal and business expenses separate. Part of that is looking into getting a credit card solely for business expenses (for easier expense tracking, etc.) but do I need a “business” credit card, or can I just get a second personal card? [more inside]
posted by hapticactionnetwork at 2:51 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm renovating a small bathroom (5x7 now; we are adding some space from a closet but will still be small). I'd like a soaking tub, but it'll be hard to fit a soaking tub AND a shower. How uncomfortable is it to regularly shower in a tall soaking tub (say with a 24-30 inch wall rather than a regular tub/shower that is more like 14 inches high)? Something like this is what I'm envisioning; possibly a slightly taller tub. [more inside]
posted by acidic at 1:37 PM PST - 16 comments

I enjoy running to cast recordings. I normally listen to "Legally Blonde" and "Mean Girls" and would like to find similar shows that you can follow the story through the songs and are high energy. [more inside]
posted by gagoumot at 1:36 PM PST - 19 comments

My older all in one printer has officially just kicked the bucket, and I need a replacement pretty quickly. I'm having trouble sorting out printer wheat from chaff and need your recommendations. Mac OS. [more inside]
posted by kitten kaboodle at 1:09 PM PST - 15 comments

I own a .tk domain via Freenom that stopped redirecting to another domain. I couldn't fix it immediately using Freenom's tools because Freenom experienced 500 errors. When I was able to access the management pages today, I saw my redirect and nameserver info were gone. So I'm interested in transferring my domain, but my preferred registrar doesn't support transfer of .tk domains. NFSN's option to manage DNS for an existing domain also won't work with it. Any suggestions for a reputable, reliable registrar to which I might transfer a .tk domain in the future?
posted by limeonaire at 12:53 PM PST - 2 comments

Whenever I wear a mask, I get severe nausea really fast; when I take it off, then I'm fine pretty quick, too. I've been unable to find any relevant info in web searches, and there's really no one available to ask right now. I'm healthy, fairly fit (BMI 22), haven't smoked cigarettes in 30 years, I do vaporize marijuana. No one has ever mentioned that I might have bad breath, no current symptoms, no shortage of breath. I do have an extremely good sense of smell, though. Could that be relevant?
posted by dustpuppy at 11:30 AM PST - 13 comments

In light of the massive shift from conventional to online schooling, I'm looking for new or emerging online schooling or homeschooling options for English-speaking students ages 14-18. The ideal recommendation would (in rough order of importance)... [more inside]
posted by cocoagirl at 11:11 AM PST - 3 comments

When tutoring someone you don't want to spoonfeed. Striking the right balance can be hard though. What are some techniques you use to support independent inquiry in students while still allowing them to feel supported? [more inside]
posted by Rubbstone at 10:44 AM PST - 11 comments

Is “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” still THE book I should read as a non-white? [more inside]
posted by like_neon at 10:17 AM PST - 3 comments

My hospital has sent us a survey about our experiences as healthcare workers during the pandemic. The survey is apparently from WHO and I really wanted to participate and give them my opinions but the questions are phrased in a truly bizarre way. Can you help me figure out what they are asking? I know I can just skip this survey but I'd rather not. [more inside]
posted by M. at 8:29 AM PST - 20 comments

My mission, as the auntie who loves books, is to distract my ten-year-old niece with escapist fiction that ideally celebrates black girl power. Books where black girls triumph over injustice is ideal. [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 8:26 AM PST - 16 comments

How can I replicate or find food found in Germany? Other countries welcomed too. [more inside]
posted by loveandhappiness at 6:34 AM PST - 17 comments

My partner and I would really like to be as supportive as possible to their youngest child, who has told us they identify as non-binary and their preferred pronouns are they/them. They are a teenager, so above and beyond the usual understanding that it is not the responsibility of the person coming out to educate others, it especially is not this particular person’s responsibility to educate us! I would be immensely grateful to any resources this community might suggest for parents or relatives of teenagers that identify as non-binary (or for the teenagers themselves!) so that my partner and I can bring ourselves up to speed and help this amazing person accept and really be themselves. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:17 AM PST - 5 comments

Hello, As part of my job, I often have to clean up others' VBA code. looking for a little help understanding a specific line of code. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by I_count_crows at 5:26 AM PST - 4 comments

I want to do a woodworking project. A lot of fine sanding with a random orbital sander will be involved. Apparently breathing sawdust is dangerous. I don't own a respirator. It seems like woodworking respirators are all N95-rated or higher. Can I keep my lungs safe without using up supplies that healthcare workers need? [more inside]
posted by henuani at 12:41 AM PST - 13 comments

I am a very flat-chested ciswoman, with especially visible, protruding nipples. I want the comfort of going braless, with the modesty factor of nipple coverage. What bras, nipple covers, pasties, or other solutions should I try? [more inside]
posted by TrixieRamble at 8:31 PM PST - 24 comments

A fair portion of my music has been uploaded to Google music. It does not seem easy to upload the rest and I would prefer to get away from being dependent on Google for a number of reasons anyway. I will pay for online storage and will pay for automatic ID of songs. What are the best current options for someone with a large number of albums? [more inside]
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 8:18 PM PST - 4 comments

These brass rings, sharp edge on one side, rounded on the other, and this shape piece of brass plate, were in my father-in-law's watch repair and jewelry making tools. [more inside]
posted by straw at 6:08 PM PST - 4 comments

You're becoming friendly with someone in a non-romantic context. They communicate with you fairly consistently when you send messages. Then their response pattern changes significantly. What are the rules about this scenario? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 5:31 PM PST - 17 comments

I need a new series of books for my son. He is six (AND A HALF! as he would proudly tell you), and we have finished several book series and he's eager for a new one. We've read the entire Ramona Quimby set (which he absolutely loved), the entire new Amelia Bedelia set (which was fun but he didn't love them), and all the Harry Potter books he's able to handle so far (which he loved but they were getting too scary for him). When we finished the final Ramona book, he asked what series was next, and I have no idea what to try. [more inside]
posted by erst at 3:57 PM PST - 79 comments

I've had a decent sum of money come in recently (mid-five figures), but I'm also saddled with considerable (mid-six figure) debt. Obviously, it doesn't get me out of debt, but I can put take a good-size chunk out of the most pressing debt. I don't have to pay it down right away, so can I park the money somewhere for a while and see it grow? [more inside]
posted by CommonSense at 3:04 PM PST - 27 comments

I have abandoned the sectional couch for a sleeper sofa. I'd like to pay under $1000, looking for a seat depth of 23'' or more, 80'' or longer, fold-out mattress (so not a futon), and it's got to fit through a doorway that is 25'' wide. Or should I throw out the sleeper idea altogether and just get an air mattress? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:57 PM PST - 7 comments

My 70-year-old mother is taking 3 Benadryl every night for allergies and to help her sleep. She says 2 aren’t enough to stop her eyes from itching. I haven’t been able to convince her to stop- she sometimes takes more when she wakes up. What are the risks? [more inside]
posted by dianeF at 2:22 PM PST - 21 comments

Best practices / menu ideas needed! I want to do this as Covid-appropriate as possible, while also getting/making food everyone loves. [more inside]
posted by Chaussette Fantoche at 2:07 PM PST - 9 comments

My wife and I have been AT&T Mobile customers forever, well since the early 2000s. We're on the grandfathered unlimited plan, which once you leave it, it's gone forever. But grandfather is expensive ($170/month for 2 lines) and it seems we can get more bang for our buck by switching to one of the newer unlimited plans. Is there a catch, or is time to say goodbye to grandfather? [more inside]
posted by timnyc at 1:31 PM PST - 14 comments

My company sells equipment for cancer treatment that, among other things, tracks the breathing movement of a patient. In order to test this function, we use a small "breathing box" (video here). This amazingly hi-tec piece of equipment is...a "reborn" doll breathing simulator. They're no longer available and we need something that performs the same function. [more inside]
posted by SampleSize at 1:31 PM PST - 4 comments

Many years in the newspaper business have left me with a large box of unsorted clips. I'd like to send them away and have them made into a coffee table book, similar to what Artkive does, but for grownups. [more inside]
posted by haqspan at 12:59 PM PST - 1 comment

I've had the same phone number for about 20 years, and I now live nowhere near the region its area code covers (in the US). Does this mean that, when I call my representative and senators, they just ignore my calls?
posted by meese at 12:40 PM PST - 15 comments

One that has a decent fan, and is QUIET. A decent filter would be nice; good louver direction would nice. QUIET.
posted by ebesan at 12:06 PM PST - 4 comments

Curating a video program for myself and my friends to educate ourselves on anti-racism and white priviledge. There's great resources here and here but would love to know of other talks and videos that have resonated with team metafilter. [more inside]
posted by wowenthusiast at 11:49 AM PST - 4 comments

I acquired an IKEA (I think) bed two years ago, the people I bought it from set it up for me. I'm moving, so disassembling it to sell it. Was fine until I'm stuck at the actual frame and how to take it apart. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 11:40 AM PST - 13 comments

Welcome to the hotly anticipated follow up to my previous question about repairing a broken dishwasher during COVID-19. I’ve been hand washing dishes during the pandemic, but yesterday I got a bee in my bonnet and went looking for the source of my dishwasher leak. I found it! Bad news is, landlord can’t find a replacement part. Good news is, they will let me install a new unit myself. Please help me decide whether to undertake this task. [more inside]
posted by ceramicspaniel at 11:24 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a definitley-torn rotator cuff plus damage to my bicep and neck, and am looking for icing solutions. Awaiting results of MRI to see if tear necessitates surgery but I have a lot of icing in my future regardless, and there are an overwhelming number of products available. Which do you like? Also any tips for finding a way to sleep with this miserable pain would be great.
posted by HotToddy at 10:16 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for books and essays that capture the sensory experience of rural Vermont. Bonus if it's in the summer. It is my homeland and I won't be able to visit for a long time it seems. I want to pretend I'm there ! [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 9:55 AM PST - 8 comments

My mom's computer died in early March. I loaned her my work laptop until the new computer I ordered for her could arrive. And then the quarantine hit. But I need that laptop now. Is there anyway I can get her the new machine and retrieve my laptop safely? [more inside]
posted by SuperSquirrel at 9:07 AM PST - 14 comments

Howdy, looking for help in locating a good source for purchasing trees for an espalier project? and/or any good sources of information on doing espalier? Thank you metafilter!
posted by hollyanderbody at 8:03 AM PST - 9 comments

These days, is it possible to make anything like a living wage as a proofreader or copyeditor of text? [more inside]
posted by cat friend at 7:49 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a small mortgage loan left on my rental condo for 47k at 4.25% interest rate and have 6 years remaining on the loan. Should I bother inquiring about refinancing? I've never refinanced it before but now that there's talk about record low interest rates I'm wondering if this is something I should be looking into or if it'll even be beneficial for me.
posted by CheeseAndRice at 6:31 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm feeling super awkward about a check I received as a gift and didn't cash in a timely manner. Can you help me out of this pickle? [more inside]
posted by mosst at 6:29 AM PST - 12 comments

Well, my mother has been admitted to the hospital (see previous question). My stress level is at 100 and I'm just frustrated. I took vacation time and this is what happens? My birthday is on Saturday, is there anyway to make it... less awful? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 6:04 AM PST - 10 comments

Hi Folks, I have a kalanchoe plant that I was growing indoors for almost a year. It had very glossy green leaves, and it looked very healthy. I put the plant outside for 3 days, and it does not look healthy anymore. Is it still alive? Will it go back to "glossy green" leafs? What can I do to help it along? [more inside]
posted by stevenpl at 5:58 AM PST - 3 comments

I would like to know what happened to someone I vaguely knew at Essex University. [more inside]
posted by Quillcards at 4:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Photos on imgur Found in a bush in the UK during a ramble. I'd like to plug it in to see if it it has an email address or postcode in it so it can make its way back to the owner. Found in the UK, where there doesn't seem to be a repatriation service run by Fitbit. I also don't know if it is a real Fitbit or something else. What charger would allow this to connect to a computer and hopefully make its way home?
posted by Cantdosleepy at 3:27 AM PST - 3 comments

I think my bed is sloping. Is this related to the warped box spring? And how do I fix it under the circumstances? [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 1:25 AM PST - 2 comments

The three light bulbs over my bathroom mirror have burnt out. I've scraped all of the dead moths out of them and I'd like to replace them. What google words do I use to find these bulbs for sale?
posted by bendy at 12:03 AM PST - 19 comments

In the United States, I have been reading just a little about when and how sports might start back up. This includes some dispute between Major League Baseball players and owners. But I don't see anything about any similar such dispute with any other sport. Is that because MLB players have more power somehow, or what?
posted by NotLost at 11:24 PM PST - 7 comments

My kid loves my dog more than anything in the world, so whenever she sees him she screeches his name at the top of her lungs incessantly, or follows him around, or any number of things to just be constantly in his face. He....is not so enthusiastic. I need to manage this and I don't know how. More inside. [more inside]
posted by cheese at 8:21 PM PST - 26 comments

Please help me get over my anxiety about hosting gatherings. I have huge anxieties about inviting people over because I’m worried that they don’t really want to come, or they’ll say no. This question is mostly to people who are hosts. Do you ever get scared no one will want to come? Do you just keep hosting parties and having gatherings whether people come or not? Do you ever deal with rejection, and if so, how? [more inside]
posted by katypickle at 8:01 PM PST - 20 comments

What I remember: Short story, cyberpunk shadowrun-y sort of setting. Main character illicitly 3d-prints luxury meat and sells it black-market. She? gets blackmailed by a local businessman who wants forged meat for his child?'s wedding. Something fell through and he can't get grown-meat (but needs the prestige of grown-meat), so he threatens her to attempt a near-impossible printing task.
Final twist, as she? escapes it's revealed that something embarrassing was printed on each of the bones delivered to the wedding.
posted by CrystalDave at 7:40 PM PST - 3 comments

What’s the right way to disconnect this wire? I don’t want to break anything I shouldn’t. This connection is behind the power switch of a shop vac. (photo of wire)
posted by michaelh at 6:58 PM PST - 10 comments

Please tell me about any book/story/movie of which you're aware in which a person/animal/whatever visits the North Pole / Santa's workshop. Given that current conditions make library acquisition difficult, I'd be grateful if in addition to listing the book you could tell me a little about it. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 3:01 PM PST - 13 comments

I am a Canadian citizen currently living and working in the US. I need to leave the US and then re-enter for work visa activation. It's tricky, and I'd love any resources/advice/anecdata you might be able to point me to. [more inside]
posted by atetrachordofthree at 2:57 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm working on a piece of writing about how a particular industry needs to have a values shift. I had thought about opening it with the well-known anecdote "two wolves fighting" anecdote, where the moral is that the one that wins is the one you feed. But when I went to look up origins, turns out it's a piece of evangelical glurge that gets passed off as a "Native American" story. I don't want any of the associations of that on my piece. So, do you know of another short anecdote with a similar moral - that you need to make a choice about which values to invest in? Thanks for your help.
posted by Miko at 2:43 PM PST - 13 comments

I want to learn more about art history, and require your book recommendations. Assume I have a base level of knowledge (I've been to some museums here in the US and in Europe and took the audio tours, etc.), so something akin to a college-level textbook (though it doesn't need to be one). If you need more particulars, I'd probably prefer something about art history over a variety of periods vs. diving deeply into one. I'd also love for it to encompass art globally, but Western art would be were I'd concentrate if I had to narrow down the scale. What are your suggestions?
posted by po822000 at 2:37 PM PST - 13 comments

I am interested in adding a small rooftop deck to my home. From previous questions in the green, I anticipate this to be a complex undertaking which could get very expensive very fast. Who would be a person I could consult with to think through how this project could be safely and cost-effectively accomplished (or, someone to break the news to me that that's not going to happen)? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 1:22 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm doing Zoom trivia and would like to make a music category with clips. What is the absolute easiest way to do this? Assume I am extremely stupid about technology and cannot follow the internet instructions that already exist. They always seem to skip about five steps that I need. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 12:50 PM PST - 10 comments

Hi all, I'm looking for an answer about what kind of accessory I should pick up to plug into the AUX hole of my speaker at a drive in movie theater in order to make it pick up the (possibly weak) signal of the theater. [more inside]
posted by ABlanca at 12:34 PM PST - 9 comments

My beloved grandmother died. What are the risks of my attending an out of state outdoor funeral? [more inside]
posted by Brain Sturgeon at 12:23 PM PST - 24 comments

We want to put a sign up that will deter trucks/vans from getting stuck on our street, and I need some help wording it - what works that is short enough but like... "yes, you will get stuck. Trucks get stuck all the time" enough that it will be read & heeded? [more inside]
posted by brainmouse at 12:16 PM PST - 23 comments

It is late spring and that means I start to dream about buying a lake house. We are in Chicagoland and it seems like most people go to Lake Geneva or to southwest Michigan, but are there lakes/towns that you have loved to visit that are less well-known? Preferences are down below. [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket at 12:16 PM PST - 7 comments

We're about to hire someone who's very experienced, and will be working with us basically (after a small initial fee) on commission. It's in the realm of Google Ads and SEO, so any work he does during his time with us should continue to provide benefits for years to come. So, how long should he continue to get his commission, after he leaves us (or we fire him)? [more inside]
posted by omnigut at 12:04 PM PST - 3 comments

Going through my wife's computer, we found this weird looking app name on the Windows "Startup Apps" list (in the Control Panel). Does anyone recognize that from somewhere? Or the characters in there (I could not figure out what alphabet they are from)? [more inside]
posted by tuxster at 11:53 AM PST - 8 comments

I’m priming plaster walls before painting, and it’s not going great. Help? [more inside]
posted by missmary6 at 11:50 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for games to play on my iPad. Current favorites are Stardew Valley and Polytopia, but I'm in the mood for something new. What else might I like? [more inside]
posted by beandip at 11:47 AM PST - 11 comments

We're in the process of a bathroom gut renovation. The bathroom is medium-sized (8.5'x11') family hall bathroom in a 1920s house.We have tried to keep our renovations looking not aggressively modern (e.g. elsewhere we have used 1920s-appropriate hex with inset daisies (like this)). We are not aiming to make it look specifically period; rather, we simply want to avoid it feeling jarring, and ideally create a timeless vintage-esque feel. I need to finalize our floor tile design ASAP, and am hoping for some help on three questions still outstanding! [more inside]
posted by ClaireBear at 11:18 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I reconcile my beliefs with my actual experiences ? [more inside]
posted by gt2 at 9:39 AM PST - 46 comments

Are there good resources like this for someone like myself, a privileged Asian Indian American who is married to a white person and lives in a white world with basically all white or east Asian friends? This is in regard to police violence against black and latino people. [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 9:04 AM PST - 5 comments

Can you tell me what is wrong with these pepper plants? [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:03 AM PST - 6 comments

We are in the process of getting quotes for installing central air. Yay!!! Our house does not currently have ductwork. Our options are: a) Conventional air conditioning with standard rectangular ducts installed b) High velocity air conditioning (Unico) with mini ducts. [more inside]
posted by 8dot3 at 8:34 AM PST - 8 comments

Thanks to the responses to this question, I'm now considering getting a robot vacuum. But I have questions! [more inside]
posted by DrGail at 7:53 AM PST - 12 comments

I have to make a couple of pedigrees (not regular family trees) for a genetics talk I'm giving. They are destined to appear on PowerPoint slides. I see a couple of options online--does anyone have one to recommend? Thank you.
posted by 8603 at 6:55 AM PST - 3 comments

Route tips for a crowded family car on a 1300mile trip? [more inside]
posted by Shutter at 6:36 AM PST - 10 comments

Is it wise to take out penalty free retirement funds for house down payment? [more inside]
posted by turtlefu at 5:11 AM PST - 25 comments

Big wedding has been postponed, and we're considering having a small reception with the wedding party in lieu of having our original 150 person wedding "when things reopen". Trying to gauge the viability of this... [more inside]
posted by orangesky4 at 4:45 AM PST - 24 comments

I've been teaching forklift, aerial work platform, and general safety for a mid-size welding company for the last two years. On top of my regular job as equipment manager, I also maintain the company's training records, and I notify department managers when their employees are due for re-certification. [more inside]
posted by jwhite1979 at 4:24 AM PST - 7 comments

My local shop sells sticky labels. They keep them in an old cardboard box. This box is advertising candy cigarettes for 1p. Is there any way of figuring out the approximate age? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 2:44 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm a digital project manager for a small firm. I oversee the entire website creation process and act as a liaison between the client and the dev team, as well as handling client accounts for completed projects. Due to the pandemic, I've been furloughed. And while I can't take on other work during this time, I can get training paid for by my employer. Thinking about the future, what should I study? And who should I study with? [more inside]
posted by Ten Cold Hot Dogs at 2:17 AM PST - 10 comments

With Coronavirus, I've been working from home for the past several weeks. I'd like to know if I can claim any of my household bills on my taxes due to my working from home. And if so, which bill can I claim and what portion of them? [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 9:22 PM PST - 4 comments

I am looking for some recipes for soup for a friend who is going through chemo. She has a sensitive stomach and will be having a procedure that will make it difficult to chew. I am looking for soups that a) can be pureed b) are non-dairy, do not contain tomato or lemon juice, and do not contain cumin or curry, and are not otherwise too acidic b) are hopefully not totally boring. Help me metafilter!
posted by bq at 5:37 PM PST - 18 comments

I wish to roleplay a warlock (in a game). [more inside]
posted by Evilspork at 4:51 PM PST - 7 comments

Asking for someone stuck in a small studio, studying hard, newly living near UCLA Medical Center, who'd benefit from nature: Where to go, not too far driving from UCLA, to get a hike for a mile or a few miles? Preferably it would be off pavement (trail ok) and preferably wooded so having some shade; ideally, unspoiled forest bathing. (I was wonderfully fortunate to hike in the coastal redwoods this morning, sparking this question)
posted by anadem at 3:22 PM PST - 10 comments

I love music that has an atmosphere. It’s a combination of layers of instruments and the quality of the vocals. And lately I’ve been into more soulful, grungy, blues, country, fast tempo rock. Bands inside. [more inside]
posted by Crystalinne at 3:17 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for the most straightforward technical reference, in the US, not something with good interesting recipes. The current Ball guide? The last-but-one Ball guide? Something else? ... This would be quick in an actual bookstore or library, but none of the online snippets I've found are relevant. [more inside]
posted by clew at 2:56 PM PST - 8 comments

Playlist filter: I am in search of dreamy, ethereal music about the night sky, suitable for stargazing. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:37 PM PST - 40 comments

My neighborhood gets a fair number of burglaries and break-ins. I'm considering a video doorbell (aka doorbell camera aka smart doorbell) as a preventive measure, but it's hard to find any evidence to support this. [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 1:33 PM PST - 14 comments

In my quest to make myself ever more enticing food to keep away from my cat in my one-bedroom condo, please help me build a great DIY Charcuterie board for myself. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 1:26 PM PST - 24 comments

I am looking for a rural vacation rental for a romantic getaway later this summer. Looking at West Virginia, Upstate New York, Pennsylvania or Vermont (up to 7 hours from Philadelphia). I'm having trouble finding any rentals with a clean, modern design. [more inside]
posted by jschu at 12:54 PM PST - 12 comments

I'd like to be able to set an alarm to vibrate my apple watch at a given time down to the second rather than the minute. How can this be done?
posted by onya at 12:05 PM PST - 4 comments

I was assigned a project. Another team claims that they are working on it and that I should stop. [more inside]
posted by pando11 at 11:56 AM PST - 13 comments

Creative Cloud is down, and because Adobe is a collective of rat bastards, so is Photoshop. I need to do some image editing that requires the pen tool so I can do custom selections. Gimp is a nonstarter for me. I hate the interface and refuse to use it. What else could I try while I wait for the CC overlords to fix this nonsense?
posted by Kitchen Witch at 11:37 AM PST - 13 comments

For a research project, I'm trying to track down people who were rescued during Hurricane Harvey in Houston in 2017. Especially people who were saved by Coast Guard rescue divers--those folks who lower out of helicopters. I'm already in touch with the Coast Guard, but their records are surprisingly spotty. Any other avenues?
posted by gottabefunky at 11:33 AM PST - 6 comments

A friend has been helping me out with some nonsense, and I'd like to get him a gift. A different friend recently sent me apricots from Frog Hollow Farm in California, and they were frankly amazing. I would like to send my helpful friend mangoes because he loves them. I do not want cheap gift basket fruit. I want really, really good fruit, and just mangoes. Anyone have a source? They'd be shipping to New York.
posted by Alex Haist at 11:25 AM PST - 21 comments

I picked up a 1960's Powr-Kraft table saw at a garage sale, and it runs great. Only problem is, it didn't come with a rip fence or rails, just a miter gauge. Obviously I need a fence to be safe and accurate, but I haven't had any luck finding a replacement online, and searches for 'universal table saw fence' only turn out high-end aftermarket parts more expensive than a new saw. Is there a generic solution I haven’t found, or a safe and effective alternative to a fence, or did I just get a very heavy decoration?
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 10:24 AM PST - 8 comments

We normally take our puffball to the groomer every summer for a shearing. Makes everyone happier with their lives during the heat. The pandemic has shut down our local cat shaving establishments. So. Any recommendations for good shaving equipment for accomplishing this feat of fur removal?
posted by chasing at 9:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Please see the screenshot - i am trying to help my Dad (79. has had an iPad for 6-7 yrs) reclaim his mail app real estate on his brand new iPad. There is a mini-preview pane on the right side which he says he cannot close that shows websites in some emails, but not necessarily related to the email he is currently viewing. Does anyone know what this feature is called or how to disable or close it? (In the screenshot it's the pane showing the Springer website.) Screenshot
posted by chr1sb0y at 9:36 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm buying a house (yay!) and moving soon, and for the first time in my life I can make PERMANENT CHANGES to my living space only to please myself. What to do, though, what to do... [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 9:26 AM PST - 30 comments

The good news: My quarantine buddy makes fresh bread about three times a week. The bad news: I am eating too much bread. I don't want it to go to waste but I also want to stop eating so much at once. Can I salvage this situation? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 8:51 AM PST - 24 comments

How can I achieve the following? I want to be able to keep the videos small (in pixel size, not data size) and have no ugly borders (see IMAGE 1). I want to keep the videos auto-playing. I want to put it in a box off to the side, and have a box next to it with supporting text, (see IMAGE 2). In the mobile view (see IMAGE 3), I want to keep the video small and maintain the box system. (I'll provide links to images below). [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 8:15 AM PST - 0 comments

On my blogs, I keep getting spam comments, often from the same few accounts, and it's maddening to have to delete their garbage several times a day. Is there a way to permanently block specific commenters on Blogger/Blogspot?
posted by orange swan at 8:12 AM PST - 5 comments

With Flash about to disappear completely, is there any organization that is trying to save all the amazing games and sites that were built with it, and creating an emulator of some sort so they can still be played? I'm thinking especially of intricate games like the Submachine series. Or are they about to disappear forever?
posted by Mchelly at 6:31 AM PST - 5 comments

One of us is in Boston, one near Greenfield, MA. We liked to meet up in the towns in between to do things together. Now we've agreed to share risk and are limiting our contact with other people, so being within six feet of each other is ok again. But our go-to activities, like lunch out and a movie, are still out of the question. What could we be doing instead? Bonus challenge: Hiking and even town-center strolling are out, since of us can only walk a limited distance without pain and does not use a wheelchair. [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 6:13 AM PST - 8 comments

I'd like to reach out to some old friends that stopped communicating due to an alcoholic spouse but I'm not sure how to approach this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:43 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I get rid of my upper eyelid wrinkles cheaply without resorting to plastic surgery? [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 2:39 AM PST - 11 comments

Apologies if this is very remedial, but I have no graphic design skills and Google gave me nothing useful. [more inside]
posted by GospelofWesleyWillis at 11:07 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there a program -- free or paid -- that allows you to basically draw an imaginary landmass and plop some mountains on it and then will tell you "what's the climate downwind of these mountains" or "where does it snow and rain on this landmass"? Smashing tectonic plates together to get volcanoes and mountains would also be nice. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:39 PM PST - 10 comments

I own one of these humidor tables (images found online). I'm wondering if the metal rods/rails on the top were intended to serve a purpose, or if they're just decorative? [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla at 7:28 PM PST - 6 comments

I’m noticing some things about my three-year-old during this quarantime. How do I know if these things are a problem? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 7:01 PM PST - 14 comments

I saw the headlines on Massachusetts 'expanding telehealth' during COVID to keep us from making unecessary trips to the doctor's office for things that could be handled by phone...but what does it mean in $$$ and cents? [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 6:29 PM PST - 7 comments

One of my lockdown projects has been building a model boat. This is an odd choice as I do not know or care much about boats, but it's absorbing and I think I'm learning some little things. One thing I can't seem to figure out is how to get the paint not to look absolutely terrible. I may need this explained in very simple terms. [more inside]
posted by less of course at 6:05 PM PST - 6 comments

What websites or software do you enjoy for making mind maps, and why? Bonuses if they work on a Mac, are free, and are fun!
posted by mortaddams at 6:03 PM PST - 7 comments

After many failed rounds of IUI, I am trying to figure out if there is any way in hell I can finance IVF. Is this something you did? I am interested in hearing how people made it work with the following conditions: [more inside]
posted by rabbits plinkety plinkety plink at 5:58 PM PST - 11 comments

I really love cooking with green jackfruit in brine, so when I saw this bag at the local Indian grocery store I got super excited to try it. Sadly it is really not living up to my expectations. Can you help me figure out what to do with this stuff so I don't feel like I'm wasting food? [more inside]
posted by CookieNose at 4:12 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm trying to find a short online game from ~10-15 years ago, but the name currently escapes me and I haven't had luck uncovering it via web searches. Description below the fold... [more inside]
posted by jason and the garlic knots at 3:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Pretty straightforward: looking for a recommendation for an artist for a specific tattoo design [more inside]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 2:10 PM PST - 3 comments

How to search for sofas that will fit into a particular stairwell? [more inside]
posted by soonertbone at 2:03 PM PST - 13 comments

I had a book on tape when I was little and I remember a few details that haven't helped me googling. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by rustcellar at 1:57 PM PST - 3 comments

My little one (3yrs old) wants to put a little color in their hair. Streaks of color. Silly fun. I'm looking for something that's safe for kids of that age, easy to apply, and washes out easily without creating a painful situation or an horrific mess. My googlin' has led me to something called Hair Chalk. Is this the direction to go? Any recommendations? Pitfalls? Is this just an awful idea? Thx!
posted by chasing at 11:53 AM PST - 15 comments

Hi. I am keen on doing a master's in political science in the next year and a half or two, and I am wondering how is the London School of Economics reputation received in Canada and the US? Is it worth going to LSE for a year or two for a master's degree? Or even a PhD? McGill or UWaterloo are definitely my dream schools for Poli Sci). [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 11:38 AM PST - 17 comments

My boyfriend mentioned this book and I'd love to find it for him for his birthday. Searching mainly brings up books about snakes, not 'storybooks' like I want to find. Details below on the plot. [more inside]
posted by CoffeeHikeNapWine at 11:19 AM PST - 5 comments

Does your Chicago area vet clearly have an interest in diagnosing issues and solving problems? Willing to change diagnosis and/or try a different medication if the first doesn't show improvement? Bonus: responds to your questions within 24 hours and has experience with feline asthma [more inside]
posted by pumpkinlatte at 11:10 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm looking for YouTube channels that feature day-in-the-life content of small scale farmers. Whether it's livestock, growing, digging, fence-building, or whatever, I'd like channels that focus on the actual doing as opposed to instructional or informative. Minimal voiceover is a bonus.
posted by Think_Long at 10:51 AM PST - 11 comments

Say someone's income for the last two years was reported as $5,000 and should have been reported as $70,000. Where could they go to find out how much greater their future Social Security benefit would be if their tax returns were amended? Their accountant doesn't know and Social Security has outrageous hold times for the help line. It's a hard one to google because most hits are about the impact of working when you're already drawing SS. Is there a calculator online? Please focus only the question of calculating the difference in future benefit if their earnings record were corrected, and ignore all other legal questions. Thank you!
posted by HotToddy at 10:50 AM PST - 3 comments

Shopping for new masks. Dizzying number of google hits for my questions. I would like a link of reliable information on all or any of the following criteria... [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 10:36 AM PST - 14 comments

Seeking a reasonably priced consultation before attempting to negotiate a reduction on a residential lease. [more inside]
posted by eusebis_w_adorno at 10:32 AM PST - 1 comment

In about 2004 I took an Irish Lit class. We read a short story about two women, who go one to become lovers, who meet when one of them helps the other wade across a river. [more inside]
posted by CMcG at 9:54 AM PST - 5 comments

My dresser is a mid-century walnut veneer tallboy the same as this one but with way more dings and scratches. The handles on the top drawer have been replaced with knobs, but the holes for the handles remain. [more inside]
posted by sizeable beetle at 9:05 AM PST - 7 comments

I set up a recurring Zoom meeting. The next one will happen on Wednesday. At the time I did this the default in my Meeting Settings menu for screen sharing was "host only". However, I now want to enable screen sharing for the Wednesday meeting. If I now go to the Meeting Settings menu and turn off "host only", will this mean that screen sharing will be enabled for all participants in the Wednesday meeting?
posted by storybored at 8:33 AM PST - 3 comments

I wanna hear noises from both computers without having to switch input jacks. How to do it? [more inside]
posted by po822000 at 8:08 AM PST - 14 comments

I need to create an unbreakable code to protect a document. [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 8:00 AM PST - 32 comments

Can I self treat mild depression? [more inside]
posted by Asian_Hunnie at 7:21 AM PST - 32 comments

It's got a Tsui Wah Restaurant signage along with some other Western signage as well. Or is this a composite? [more inside]
posted by querty at 6:44 AM PST - 8 comments

A friend wants to drive from the East Coast to the West Coast around August 1. I'm not convinced this is a good idea, but don't really have any hard data. What states (if any) have restrictions on out-of-state travel, self-quarantine and so forth? [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 5:24 AM PST - 35 comments

I'd like to formalize these for a 12-year-old kiddo. He's helpful anyway (and also gets presents and treats), but I think a more structured allowance (attached to chores or not) would help him to budget. But either way, how much might suitable weekly? Any examples are welcome - thank you! [more inside]
posted by carter at 4:17 AM PST - 12 comments

I’ve always loved a good bubble bath but during corona I notice myself taking them much more frequently. What can I add to make it more enjoyable and also help my skin? [more inside]
posted by LizBoBiz at 4:16 AM PST - 18 comments

I want to do a search of all CHARTED pop songs that ever had a specific word in the title and generate a list. Like "Saturn." How can I do this? If I go to some of the lyrics sites they give you ALL the lyrics of ALL the songs they have. Is there some way to narrow this down to JUST titles and JUST Billboard charting songs?
posted by rileyray3000 at 4:15 AM PST - 3 comments

[Explain like I'm five filter] I'm currently doing a sensory evaluation assignment for uni with imaginary data (because COVID-19) but I am struggling with the data analysis. We had to download the trial version of XLSTAT, and follow minimal instructions including what outputs to report. Got through all that but now I'm left with results that I have to discuss that I do not understand. I Googled the issue and it all goes well above my head. I emailed the lecturer and got told to look at the course material. I can tell you, it didn't help. I would love it if someone could explain the difference between two-way ANOVA and Type lll analysis, or could point me to a resource that explains it. More detail within! [more inside]
posted by BeeJiddy at 10:38 PM PST - 8 comments

Highly experienced tech industry copyeditor seeking a recruiter who could hook me up with ongoing corporate copyediting. [more inside]
posted by lometogo at 9:17 PM PST - 2 comments

My (40 person) NGO organization produces reports and 'communications products' (formerly paper, but increasingly complex/digital), and doesn't have codified processes/protocols/norms/tools to ensure that everyone along a product production line are alerted to changes in status/delays etc. The speeding and halting of production is communicated with patchy person to person emails, and by the communications director physically walking to each desk of every project manager and technician once per week. Inevitably, communication gaps are rising and with our COVID19 shift to telework, exponentially. I'm their advisor on technology and innovation. What can I suggest? [more inside]
posted by iiniisfree at 6:56 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm hoping for recommendations for very lightweight cardigans I can wear over tank tops this summer without becoming a sweaty mess. [more inside]
posted by scrubjay at 6:53 PM PST - 8 comments

My nephew's birthday is coming up. He LOVES to read and I want to get him a few books that are appropriate for his age group. He already loves the Zombie Goldfish series. Any suggestions for similar series that he might enjoy?
posted by koolaidnovel at 4:39 PM PST - 25 comments

What unique and useful thing is your pet (or wildlife) trained to do? Your pet may have taught themself when they figured out it was useful, or you may have taught them. How did they learn it? [more inside]
posted by aniola at 3:09 PM PST - 62 comments

I am trying to find a meme or Tweet along the lines of explaining how voting is not about choosing the perfect candidate, but rather that you choose the candidate who you could most successfully challenge and fight to better represent your values. My search terms are getting me nowhere so I'm hoping the green might know where to point me. Thanks!
posted by Neely O'Hara at 2:27 PM PST - 3 comments

The Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application states on the bottom of page 1 that the forgiveness amount calculation for payroll costs is defined as "total eligible payroll costs incurred or paid during the Covered Period..." [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:53 PM PST - 3 comments

Apparently there is software that will not just upscale a video, but use an algorithm and/or AI to fill in details so what you get has more details than you started with. I guess they're calling it "superresolution" or "AI upscale", if there's a better term let me know. I'd like to try it out - are there good free or FOSS programs that would do this for a video? Bonus points for GUI but I can try CLI if that's what's available. [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 12:37 PM PST - 6 comments

Since many of our fearless leaders worldwide don't want to bother ensuring widespread COVID testing and would rather understate the impact: how will researchers of the future estimate the rates of infections / death toll? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 12:35 PM PST - 5 comments

This morning I was telling a couple socially distanced friends about how I was trying to find new Lego projects/ideas for my kids to build, and we ended up commiserating around Lego storage/organization and the inertia of building when you can't find that one part.. Then I told them about my late night search for an affordable Lego sorter (why yes, likely inspired by the Adam Savage video a couple days ago) help me figure out how this could become a community resource! [more inside]
posted by snowymorninblues at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments

This in the US (California). The section about tenants' responsibilities in the lease of an apartment I applied for seems to be saying that almost all repairs and maintenance are the tenant's responsibility, regardless of what caused the problem. I don't currently have a lease agreement I can compare it to, and the last time I did I had a great property management company and I don't remember anything like this. [more inside]
posted by dogwalker3 at 11:40 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm confused about reopening. Are there good scientific explanations or good people to follow on Twitter who talk about this a lot? Do you want to explain it to me? [more inside]
posted by slidell at 11:19 AM PST - 18 comments

I'll try to keep it short and simple - e-transfer from UK to USA for Canadian (more below) [more inside]
posted by Joan Rivers of Babylon at 10:01 AM PST - 6 comments

I haven't shaved my legs for several years, in part because I have super-sensitive skin that responded poorly to shaving. (I am also lazy.) I'd like to experiment with removing hair from my legs again. Are there any innovations or new products for in-home leg-hair removal from the past 6-ish years that make it easier, quicker, and/or less hard on sensitive skin? Or, any tips, that have worked for other folks with sensitive skin? [more inside]
posted by cimton at 9:46 AM PST - 28 comments

Previously did biofeedback in a clinic for a while, and it was amazing for (my) anxiety. No effect for any other conditions I've got. I know there's a variety of relatively affordable ones out there now. I tried Muse in a retail store before all the covid went down and was not impressed. Suggestions? Personal experiences? I am specifically looking for the best one for anxiety. Thanks mefiters.
posted by bitterkitten at 9:23 AM PST - 4 comments

Online dating just sucks. I hate it. I'm trying to understand all my weird identities and I never know how much info to put in a profile. What are some ways you've found to date when normal dating isn't working? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:20 AM PST - 6 comments

My backup harddrive just died, and I'm thinking that I should finally put my backups in the cloud. I am in Canada and would prefer a service where my data is on a Canadian server. Any recommendations out there? I'm willing to pay reasonable costs. [more inside]
posted by nuclear bessel at 8:45 AM PST - 7 comments

Wanted: a bag or pouch that plugs into the wall on the outside, has three or four USB ports on the inside, and has spaces for three or four USB devices to sit inside while charging. I want to be able to charge my devices in a tidy, contained way on my home bedside table — and then I want to be able to unplug a single plug from the wall, pick up the bag, travel to my destination, plug in a single plug, and have my devices charging in their guest bedroom. [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 8:33 AM PST - 8 comments

I sleep with three(!) conventional blankets, not for the warmth, but for the weight. Seems like I'd be an ideal candidate for a weighted blanket. But based on my weight (~235 lbs.) the interweb recommends a 20-25 lb. weighted blanket for me. My current three blankets weigh ~10 lbs. combined. Doubling that seems like overkill. Is it? [more inside]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 7:02 AM PST - 17 comments

Does anyone else get 'cooking anxiety' and how do you handle it? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 6:31 AM PST - 49 comments

I'm looking for examples of when a big physical banner is unrolled to reveal something but can't seem to find many examples. Am I looking for it under the wrong name? Is there a specific name for this?
posted by rileyray3000 at 6:21 AM PST - 10 comments

I keep misplacing tools that I set down in the dense forest and/or grass where I'm using them. I have ADHD--don't tell me to put them somewhere sensible; it is hopeless. I need some BRIGHT waterproof tape that will stick to plastic and occasionally handles. Must also be able to handle sun. I googled, and there is a lot of tape, there is too much tape, ahhh. Please recommend some tape for this purpose.
posted by Alex Haist at 5:54 AM PST - 8 comments

Could a Windows 10 laptop be set up in such a way even if it means installing a new OS what allows the company to view it as a Surface Pro and proceed to onboard the device as one? [more inside]
posted by gttommy at 5:31 AM PST - 2 comments

My brother wants to find two SFF novels he read at one point, but can now no longer remember the titles or authors of. I told him tales of the fantastic novel-finding skills of Ask Metafilter, and he sent me the details. Help me prove that my boasts of this site were not mere vainglory? Novel descriptions inside. [more inside]
posted by kyrademon at 4:51 AM PST - 4 comments

What animal pooped? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 10:16 PM PST - 8 comments

Weight gain and middle age means no more creme anglais on my signature raspberry bread pudding. Still, for the dessert to work, the tartness and acidity of the raspberries needs a dense, creamy, sweet counterbalancing sauce, only one that isn't as bad for you as CA. Suggestions?
posted by BadgerDoctor at 8:06 PM PST - 17 comments

I would like recent/up-to-date numbers of covid death/cases/etc for U.S. and U.S. without NY. Where can i find this, without having to compile the data myself [more inside]
posted by ish__ at 7:33 PM PST - 10 comments

2 weeks after my primary vet told me our 8 tear old cat had elevated liver enzyme/ALT levels and sent me home with dry food (for metabolism...) and told me to call him in a month, I took my cat to the ER yesterday (Saturday) and I was told he has hepatic lipidosis and would need immediate hospitalization and a feeding tube to fully reverse his condition and get him back to health. The cost is incredibly high. Please help me chart a course given my current understanding and options. [more inside]
posted by indyjones at 7:02 PM PST - 22 comments

Sometime before the pandemic (a couple months maybe?) I read a Twitter thread where someone was talking about a case of erasure of Ancient Egyptian trans history. I'd love to find that thread again. [more inside]
posted by johnofjack at 6:51 PM PST - 4 comments

First, I'll start by explaining who I am. I live in Latin America, in particular Costa Rica. You can live pretty well here for the most part. However, it isn't enough for me and I want to leave. I feel stagnant and I feel that if I stay here I may never achieve my goals. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 5:02 PM PST - 9 comments

I have always wanted to go dairy free and now my body is forcing me to. Happily, I've discovered violife non-dairy cheese. Now I am trying to find a good substitute for chocolate candy, especially peanut M&Ms. I do not like the brand Coconut Cloud. All suggestions welcome. Thanks!
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 4:35 PM PST - 16 comments

Recently I’ve discovered a mystery subgenre I really enjoy—clever, witty first person narrator (often a woman) who gets drawn into a twisty, slightly dark (but not too dark) mystery and decides to solve it. Please help me find more like these! The ones I’ve read and enjoyed recently: Elly Griffith’s The Stranger Diaries, Sophie Hannah’s Perfect Little Children, Nicci French’s The Lying Room, Anthony Horowitz’ Magpie Murders and The Word is Murder. [more inside]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 4:29 PM PST - 20 comments

Friends and I are looking into buying a house together to live together informal coop style. We need to figure out how to structure the agreement around how people leave down the road, ideally such that they can get their money out ideally without forcing everyone else to sell also. It would help us to see examples of other small intentional communities' agreements and financial structures. Do you have one you could share, or can you recommend a resource along those lines?
posted by spindrifter at 3:49 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm absolutely not looking to get skinny, but I really want to move my body more, with a big emphasis on cardio. I will admit I might be looking for a piece of equipment that doesn't exist, but I come to the fit folks of MeFi for advice! I do have some significant restrictions, and that, paired with me being a bit exercise-phobic - - I'm floundering, afraid to make an expensive mistake. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:30 PM PST - 30 comments

I need a new iron, but since I bought a steamer I ONLY use it for sewing, primarily using the point for pressing seams and corners and other targeted uses. Should I just buy a tiny iron? Are they good quality w/ settings and durability or mostly cheap/novelty? Will I regret not having a full sized iron? Reccomend me an iron please!
posted by wellifyouinsist at 12:53 PM PST - 17 comments

Because we have a fondness for Country Captain Soup and Fire Chicken, we always keep boneless, skinless chicken thighs on hand. But now, for Reasons, we have far more packages of them than we can use in a reasonable period of time making just these two dishes. Please share your favorite recipes for boneless, skinless, chicken thighs!
posted by DrGail at 12:47 PM PST - 37 comments

The last printer I bought couldn't/wouldn't talk to my laptop. In frustration I finally gave the printer away (that I was moving and it was a $40 printer didn't hurt). I've upgraded my laptop, sort of, this HP (15-dy1xxx running Windows 10) seems to have issues of its own but returning it may be problematic in this day and time. I am definitely a Luddite, feel free to explain to me as such.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 12:06 PM PST - 9 comments

Why does the following chart from Vox warn against food sharing during the pandemic when getting takeout is widely practiced? [more inside]
posted by Elsie at 11:28 AM PST - 7 comments

If only I did better in science class. [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 11:08 AM PST - 8 comments

I’m developing my side business in medical fundraising, working with people who need a closed-ended amount for medical and personal expenses due to a life-altering medical diagnosis. I am currently emailing and calling patient navigators at cancer centers in the Triangle area ( I currently live in Cary, NC and spend time in Asheville as well). What other segments of the community should reach out to, who work with people dealing with financial stress due to illness?
posted by Jennifer S. at 10:25 AM PST - 1 comment

Somehow, I've gotten the impression that Ireland is the last place in the English-speaking world where normal people still read poetry. Is this accurate? [more inside]
posted by vogon_poet at 9:34 AM PST - 12 comments

I am working on a project that will help key stakeholders visualize and understand all of the sources currently being used in an enterprise (a big one) and then drill down to the source, how its being used, by whom, for what in multiple dimensions. [more inside]
posted by specialk420 at 9:22 AM PST - 5 comments

The book explored how various artists used the recording studio to sculpt music as opposed to how it's played live. I recall there were specific chapters on the works of Martin Oldfield and Jimmy Page. [more inside]
posted by Ber at 8:43 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm temporarily staying with my sister, who has a stand mixer. As someone who loves baking I've always wanted one but never had the opportunity to use one. Before I move to my new apartment, I'd love to make some recipes with the stand mixer that really take advantage of it. [more inside]
posted by Aranquis at 8:19 AM PST - 22 comments

I used to love a site called "The Baydin Email Game by Boomerang" where you gave permission for the site to access to your Gmail inbox, and it gamified the task of emptying the inbox. But it's gone. Does anything like this still exist? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 8:14 AM PST - 1 comment

I want recommendations for an Android picture editing app that does at least two things easily: crop and add text. I'm tired of downloading apps only to find they basically do filters and drawing brushes but not cropping or text, so I'm looking for help. Bonus points for open source and/or free.
posted by Tehhund at 6:42 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a PayPal check waiting for me and I have to verify my account so I can deposit said check in the bank. My first name on my PayPal account doesn’t match the first name on my bank account. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:38 AM PST - 3 comments

I am a guy who likes fat women. I've recently gotten involved with a woman who happens to be fat. I want to make sure I don't treat her as a fetish object (or make her feel like one). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:38 AM PST - 22 comments

I have a tiny YT channel for the mobile game Design Home. This is the headset I use to record and this is what the output sounds like. How much can I improve the sound output with minimal fuss, and should I? [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 5:31 AM PST - 4 comments

I left a few dozen clear plastic sheet protectors in an uncovered box and now they are covered in dust. Is there a way to clean them quickly and efficiently? [more inside]
posted by M. at 4:14 AM PST - 9 comments

My spouse works in an industry severely affected by Covid, and has leave over the summer. I work remotely in IT. My job requires a stable internet connection, though I can deal with intermittent patches here and there. Spouse wants to buy or rent an RV and tour the US this summer, in places that are open and safe. It goes without saying that we, and our children, will practice safe social distancing, etc. I am more concerned about how to ensure a reliable internet connection - and sometimes I need serious access, if I am encoding a livestream (I am not a blogger, this is for corporate work). [more inside]
posted by heigh-hothederryo at 10:00 PM PST - 13 comments

I need to buy a new car. Because I drive a lot, I want a safe vehicle that will do lots of the “driving” for me (lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, etc). Obviously Tesla has Autopilot, and Honda has Honda Sensing. How do they compare? And am I missing any other good tech suites? [more inside]
posted by chuntered inelegantly from a sedentary position at 9:33 PM PST - 19 comments

I would like to install some floating "cat shelves" for my guys, James and Rory to enjoy. However, I live in an apartment with old fashioned plaster and lath walls, and my lease expressly forbids the use of screws, although it specifies that nails are acceptable. Is there a way to do this? [more inside]
posted by easy, lucky, free at 9:11 PM PST - 16 comments

I just got a new iPhone SE 2020 and my previous smartphone was never my friend so I didn't do much with it. Suggestions for apps that might be useful or fun or distractions, that are essential, cheap/free... and other ways I can be friends with my fabulous new hand computer? [more inside]
posted by hippybear at 7:18 PM PST - 45 comments

I have a low mileage car that's gone about 7 months/2000 miles since its last oil change. I usually try to get one every 6 months regardless of mileage because it's an older car and I use it for a general checkup. Currenly I'm only driving about 20 miles a week thanks to social distancing. Can I wait a while longer for the oil change trip to the mechanic? I'm still trying to avoid unnecessary interactions with the public.
posted by TwoStride at 6:31 PM PST - 15 comments

My cat had PU surgery on Tuesday, and must wear the cone of shame for three weeks. Obviously, this is so he doesn't lick his butt and undo the surgery. Unfortunately, this means he can't lick his butt, which was apparently a major aspect of him being a pleasant creature to be around. Do you have any advice or experience in getting my post-surgery cat to smell less incredibly awful? [more inside]
posted by kalimac at 4:31 PM PST - 14 comments

I like Sláturfélag Suðurlands hotdogs. Does anyone know what might be the closest substitute that's available in North America? [more inside]
posted by aramaic at 3:39 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm looking for a photo that illustrated a recent COVID news article, probably about overwhelmed mortuaries. The photo shows several (probably three) stacks of shrouded/cloth-draped coffins. The short end of the coffins are facing the viewer. There are say 12-20 coffins in the picture. Google-fu is failing me. Can you help me find this image?
posted by shadygrove at 3:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me repurpose a large amount of flatbread so that it does not go to waste. [more inside]
posted by JennyJupiter at 3:18 PM PST - 12 comments

My work will re-open relatively soon. I want to return to bike commuting. Of course I wear a mask whenever I'm outside or at the office these days. But what's the expectation when on a bike? [more inside]
posted by bearwife at 3:15 PM PST - 31 comments

I bought a used e-ink Android phone from someone on eBay. It's got a numerical passcode on it. I want to wipe it, but the recovery menu is skinned and in Chinese and none of the buttons cause a force wipe. Is there another way to reset the device? Or can you suggest a subreddit/forum where someone more-tech-than-me can help? [more inside]
posted by hungrytiger at 3:02 PM PST - 1 comment

The "home security basics" websites I've seen mostly seem to be sponsored by or aligned with some preferred solution, so I'm not sure where to begin. [more inside]
posted by tangerine at 2:56 PM PST - 9 comments

I work at a private, non-profit University in the US where one of our best benefits is a 2:1 retirement match up to 5% (meaning, I put in 5%, they put in 10%). It was a no-brainer to max it out as soon as I was eligible. However as part of a cost-cutting measure, our uni is suspending match for the next FY, beginning July 1. Is it foolish to consider cutting mine back as well (or cutting it entirely) until match returns at least in some form? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:48 PM PST - 7 comments

If you were going to carry a chill largeish cat in a sling like a baby, how would you go about it? [more inside]
posted by doift at 1:55 PM PST - 6 comments

I have a window that pops up very briefly, probably for less than a 100th of a second. It does it about maybe 15 times a day and interrupts some actions, like if I'm typing. How do I find out what it is and kill it? [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 1:13 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking to get back into rollerblading after a 20 year gap. But what should I look for? What brands/models are good quality? How can I compare models online while a pandemic is going on? How much should I budget for a good quality pair? [more inside]
posted by downtohisturtles at 1:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I love the eponymous album Sin Cos Tan, by Finnish duo Juho Paalosmaa and Jori Hulkkonen which came out in like 2012 or so. For one thing, it’s a great soundtrack for driving around an urban city at night. Sample track: Sooner Than You Think; Spotify link. It made me curious what other quality Scandiavian acts I’ve been missing in the same genre. An initial search yielded nothing of merit. Any recommendations?
posted by jimmymcvee at 1:03 PM PST - 8 comments

We live in a ground floor apartment and our only windows face a walkway where people like to gather to smoke cigarettes and sometimes use as a toilet. [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 12:44 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a cotton face mask, and I am a naturally sweaty person, so it's fairly miserable to wear for long walks or extended periods. Is there a better option? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 12:22 PM PST - 11 comments

I am listening to the audio book of Ford Madox Ford's The Good Soldier for the second time in as many months - can you help me find more books like this? [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 12:10 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm not a confrontational person, but sometimes it seems necessary. How do you approach and handle this? Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 11:42 AM PST - 15 comments

I have OCD, anxiety and depression. I'm working with a new Dr who specializes in OCD. I'm not getting better and he thinks that the marijuana may be the problem. Is this lazy psychiatry? [more inside]
posted by kbbbo at 9:36 AM PST - 10 comments

I am seeking safe spaces to explore non-traditional gender issues. Not necessarily transgender issues but non-normative gender identity questioning. So less "I'm a man trapped in a woman's body" and more "the gender that goes with this body doesn't fit right but I'm not sure exactly in what way it doesn't fit right and I need questions to ask myself to help me figure this out." [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 9:15 AM PST - 13 comments

I think I might have reported my side job incorrectly on my unemployment benefits application, and now I'm concerned it might get in the way of my receiving benefits. Do I need to amend my application? And if so, how do I do that? [more inside]
posted by SweetAvenue at 8:50 AM PST - 2 comments

Recently had to reset my iPad for other reasons, and now it fills the Guardian (UK) crossword puzzle in lower-case letters. I don't like it and want my caps back. [more inside]
posted by zadcat at 8:38 AM PST - 5 comments

I've been doing fitness videos on Jitsi with my mother and I'm on a quest for some reasonably body-positive quality fitness videos (ideally available on YouTube, so we can do the simultaneous viewing on Jitsi). Richard Simmons is providing good music and actual people instead of fitness models, but is hard to follow. Kathy Smith's videos are high quality, but dull and have these comments about how you're doing the video to be "toned" rather than for general fitness. [more inside]
posted by hoyland at 8:18 AM PST - 8 comments

So, even though I live with a spouse and children, I am lonely. Would it be OK to ask a friend -- or even a somewhat friendly acquaintance who lives nearby -- to take a walk around the neighborhood with me for 20 minutes or so? (More inside) [more inside]
posted by PaulVario at 7:14 AM PST - 29 comments

I like the whole awe of exploration, optimistic, problem solving, clever protagonist vibes of golden age science fiction (Heinlein, Asimov, etc.) but I'm running out (and also some of it doesn't hold up well). Who's writing that type of stuff, but new and maybe better? Basically the Brandon Sanderson of science fiction, except I've already read everything by Scalzi so I need moooore. [more inside]
posted by anaelith at 5:02 AM PST - 20 comments

About a year and a half ago, my company hired me to replace my co-worker, who was being promoted. I've excelled in my position, and before COVID-19 sent us all home, HR was recruiting for my replacement so I could be promoted as well. Now, in the new age of the perpetual hiring freeze, it's been decided that my co-worker and I are going to switch places: I'll take their current job and they'll go back to their original job, currently mine. Though I worked extremely hard to get this promotion, I feel apprehensive and a bit guilty that this is how it's gone down. What are some things I can do to help the transition go well? [more inside]
posted by obstinate harpy at 5:02 AM PST - 5 comments

After just over 8 long months working in Central Africa, I’m finally able to fly home to Canada next week. I know things are being handled a lot differently (read stricter) there compared to here in Congo, but I have not stayed on top of the news, so I want to know what to be prepared for. Links or personal experiences appreciated. [more inside]
posted by hasna at 2:57 AM PST - 9 comments

So things are looking very rough here in South Africa re covid 19. I'm personally fairly safe at the moment but feeling completely overwhelmed by my knowledge that things are spiralling out of control all around me, and that my husband will be having to go work in an unsafe environment from next week. I need to find tools to manage my anxiety. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 2:11 AM PST - 11 comments

I’m considering subscribing to Apple News+. If you have it, would you recommend it? Are there similar site subscription bundles I should look into? [more inside]
posted by SisterHavana at 10:49 PM PST - 1 comment

I have a garage where a few wood siding clapboards need replacing. I know the pattern I need, but is it possible to buy in small batches? A lot of lumber yards seem to only have the James Hardie / LP type siding in their stocks [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 10:19 PM PST - 5 comments

I do not enjoy exercise, and I particularly don't really enjoy weightlifting. However, I need to build a bit of all over muscle so that I don't become frail as I age, and also I am told it may help my blood sugar. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:48 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm 35 and it's time to give myself a new name, first and last. I'm not in a hurry to change it legally. My current plan is to change it on Facebook/my email account, and introduce myself that way. What else? [more inside]
posted by itesser at 7:32 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm kind of stuck in-between two choices related to renting, and would like a bit of outside insight. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 7:21 PM PST - 5 comments

What's the deal with fancy glasses? To be clear, I'm not talking about the frames made by Luxottica with well-known designer labels slapped on; more the kinds of frames the fancy glasses shop I used to live near would stock. Is it purely a style/cachet thing (I'm sure it is after a certain point), or is there a point where improved quality/workmanship over glasses from Zenni, Warby Parker et al. would be noticeable to the average person who has a pair of glasses on their face every waking minute of the day? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 5:48 PM PST - 39 comments

There's a long planter of bamboo between my house and the neighbor's. I'm pretty sure it's running bamboo, based on how the shoots are growing, but am not 100% sure. I had to trim a bunch of it today (overhanging the driveway) and would like to use the canes for garden stakes. My garden is 100% planter-based, so I don't think there's much chance of the bamboo escaping it, but I also don't want it to take over the planters/soil. If I stick them in the soil are they likely to immediately send out new roots/rhizomes? When are they "safe" to use?
posted by curious nu at 4:32 PM PST - 3 comments

Historically, a vessel coming into port would fly a yellow flag -- called a yellow jack -- to indicate the presence of disease on a ship, to warn port authorities not to board. Yesterday, I learned that the meaning of the flag has reversed, such that in modern times a ship flies a yellow flag to indicate that there's no infectious disease on board. When did it change and why? [more inside]
posted by chrchr at 4:02 PM PST - 3 comments

I have been seeing Facebook ads for a newly published book that interested me, but I can't identify it again. It was a nonfiction book about the murder of a little girl by her mother, which took place in the 1600s or early 1700s in a New England colony. I had thought the title was "Wicked Gashes," from a description in the court records, but that isn't it, and without the girl's name or more details, I can't find it. Can you?
posted by Countess Elena at 3:26 PM PST - 2 comments

Teachers of English in countries where English is not the first language: did you take a course for it and do you think it was worth it? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 3:13 PM PST - 4 comments

Howdy! We're trying to identify if there's a specific name for this piece of exercise equipment you'd find in a public park, or how you'd think it could be used. It's a tall pole with notches, topped with 4 chains with padding. Pic inside. [more inside]
posted by Meagan at 3:00 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm participating in an open-source software project to visualize some data. The testing I've done in desktop Google Chrome's developer mode is not helping me fix Android-specific bugs, which are invariably found when the end user pulls out their Android phone, but which do not show up in Chrome on my non-touch desktop. I'd like to test how the interface works (or fails) on an Android mobile device, without buying an Android phone. [more inside]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 2:45 PM PST - 2 comments

My 24-month old daughter has been playing with her poop during naptime for about 6-months. We have a poop disaster requiring bathing, washing all bedding, the walls and the cursed unfinished Ikea crib on average, once a week. It's a nightmare. Ideas for practical solutions, please! [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 1:48 PM PST - 11 comments

Should I give up moderating in an online community because of one obnoxious person? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:41 PM PST - 25 comments

What program or app can I use to host online trivia? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 12:02 PM PST - 9 comments

I'd like to start re-learning piano at home. I'd like to buy a keyboard to do so. I'd prefer that keyboard to be as close to a piano as possible, in terms of key weight / size / pedals. I'd like to spend less than $300 if possible.
posted by lazaruslong at 12:00 PM PST - 12 comments

I’m living at my sister’s house, and the ceiling fan is really shaky and makes a knocking noise when turned on. How easy is this to fix? If it’s an easy fix, I’m going to ask if we can do it, but I don’t want to ask if it’s hard.
posted by ocherdraco at 11:55 AM PST - 8 comments

I’m lucky to have my job but I still need out of customer service, permanently. Seeking assistance in developing a strategy for a lasting professional transition at the worst time possible. [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeek at 11:36 AM PST - 4 comments

YANML Please help me evaluate this potential job offer. Details below the fold [more inside]
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 10:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Who are some small book publishers you like, and what genre or genres are they good at?
posted by aniola at 10:56 AM PST - 19 comments

My house (which I rent out) has carpenter bees, and my tenants are concerned. Do the bees pose a threat to my house and if so, how do I GENTLY get rid of them? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 10:51 AM PST - 12 comments

I found a beautiful diamond ring but i have no interest in diamonds (plus I waited too long and it's sold out anyway). I'm totally at a loss with how to go about finding this in a high-quality non-diamond... Any ideas?
posted by wowenthusiast at 9:26 AM PST - 10 comments

Where would I have seen soca music (in particular Arrow or The Mighty Sparrow) in Manhattan in 1985?
posted by donpardo at 8:26 AM PST - 4 comments

What is the recommended way to secure window air conditioners that are installed and removed each year? I need to keep the sashes in place to prevent the AC from falling out of the window onto the ground below. But using l-brackets and wood-screws year after year feels like I'm damaging my sashes. [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 7:31 AM PST - 8 comments

My Amazon order seems to be stuck in UPS limbo. Or maybe in Goodyear, AZ. Do I just reorder, or is there a way to tell if it's finally on the move? [more inside]
posted by SemiSalt at 7:04 AM PST - 16 comments

Title pretty much says it all. For lots of very good reasons, my partner, my head and I have decided that our family is complete. My heart feels entirely differently, and I can't stop thinking about more kids! Help? [more inside]
posted by caoimhe at 7:02 AM PST - 9 comments

So, my sister wore me down and we have a new puppy. He's big, 60 pounds at 6 months. They tell me he may double in size in 6 months. He not afraid of barking, but seems very gentle and is shy. So, what should we call him?
posted by Marky at 6:49 AM PST - 66 comments

I'm interested in the functionality offered by apps like Chip and Plum, but they've both received some negative reviews (that I'm not sure are relevant to my situation). I'm also at least somewhat leery of connecting stuff into my bank account, even though both give a pretty sound explanation of how they work and why they're secure. Has anyone used these apps? What's your experience been like? [more inside]
posted by terretu at 5:43 AM PST - 7 comments

Talk to me about sprouts, anything you know, anything at all. Recipes, uses, growing, best sprouts, worst sprouts, growing microgreens, anything at all you want to share about growing, using, cooking and eating sprouts. [more inside]
posted by loquacious at 11:51 PM PST - 18 comments

I called my mother today and her latest medical calamity sent me into a spiral of anxiety. She's aging, she's mentally ill, she does the bare minimum to take care of herself, and... god... I'm just exhausted. It's one thing after the next with her all the time and, likely, always will be until she dies? Aside from therapy (which I'm in), what else should I be doing? I'd like to dial down my stress from, at least, an 8.5 to a 5. [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 9:58 PM PST - 21 comments

My college-bound daughter has virtually locked herself out of her TikTok account. I say 'virtually' because she still has access to it through the app on her iPhone but she doesn't remember the email address she used to open it nor does she have the phone number she used to open it. She neglected to update those things when they changed, not a surprise for a teenager. She's tried to contact their tech support to get this fixed but never gets a response. [more inside]
posted by Jamesonian at 8:25 PM PST - 6 comments

About 10 years ago, I was at a not-small Silicon Valley tech event where I saw this bizarre meme. It was a young black woman (not the "confused black girl") speaking with flat affect, superimposed on a (blue-ish?) background, saying a simple rhyme similar to what I have in the title, and then the image of her spun away on its axis. It seemed familiar to many people in attendance. I had always meant to find out what this was but I see nothing online. Anyone know?
posted by Borborygmus at 7:34 PM PST - 4 comments

I would like to make audible fireworks illegal in Toronto. I've heard of other Canadian cities doing this. What's the process? How do I get this done?
posted by dobbs at 6:50 PM PST - 5 comments

Since the pandemic kicked into high gear I’ve become addicted to podcasts like the fabulous In Our Time over on BBC Radio 4 — (which also streams on Spotify). [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 6:21 PM PST - 25 comments

So this is a question inspired by a thing which happened on Reddit this afternoon, someone contacted me and shared a small telegram bot they've developed, allowing them and anyone else interested to play the Arkham Horror LCG. I'm enjoying the project a great deal and wondered what else was out there. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 6:00 PM PST - 1 comment

I want a mask with pleats or multiple layers of effective cloth that has a filter pocket and elastic straps for behind the head to make it fit snugly, also a metal bendable form-fitting nose piece. I would like effective filters to go in this mask. Got any leads? [more inside]
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 5:30 PM PST - 16 comments

If a US citizen with Canadian health insurance gets Covid in NY State and needs hospitalization... then what? [more inside]
posted by marlys at 3:51 PM PST - 14 comments

"Despite its fragile presentation, bone china is actually the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. " I read online that bone china is the most durable, followed by porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware. However, a relative's fine china set broke itself in storage. I was told it might be because it was stored stacked instead of on edge. I've kept stoneware in stacks with no problem. Help me understand this seeming contradiction.
posted by SandiBeech at 3:29 PM PST - 3 comments

Seeking help in find replacement for a Karcher pressure washer. [more inside]
posted by Ginesthoi at 1:58 PM PST - 5 comments

My priorities are to live in a warmer climate over the winter, maintain a low stress level, recover from a sickness and reduce the likelihood that I have complications from coronavirus. [more inside]
posted by rockyraccoon at 1:52 PM PST - 9 comments

Earlier this year I attended a wonderful concert that included this music. What is the name of this poem? (Full name of work is Concerto for Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band).
posted by WantOyster at 1:44 PM PST - 2 comments

I work with a lot of smart people, who are all across the board regarding social skills. As a woman in a junior position I will often get advice and feedback presented in layers of condescension or other unpleasantness that make it hard for me to separate my initial annoyed reaction from my judgement on whether or not the content is valid, which it often is! It is easy for me to shrug off people who are both annoying and wrong - much harder to recognize comments that are annoying but right. How can I get better at this?
posted by btfreek at 12:28 PM PST - 16 comments

Short rebuttal needed for people who claim "I don't have to wear a mask because it's a free country." I know philosophically that freedom doesn't extend to everything, but quick, precise rebuttals to that person would be nice, Particularly ones that don't incite anger.
posted by Rad_Boy at 12:26 PM PST - 69 comments

My partner has recently been diagnosed with MS, and their first rituximab infusion is next Wednesday. They're expecting histamine reactions following the infusion. In your experience: how severe were they and how long did they last? What were some helpful things a partner did or could have done for you during your recovery from the treatment? [more inside]
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 12:21 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for essays, articles and the like discussing or explaining the rise of people outright denying scientifically backed/evidence based things, and vehemently choosing to believe whatever they want to. contributing factors, history of such movements etc. are a megabonus. [more inside]
posted by speakeasy at 10:09 AM PST - 13 comments

I have a close friend who has been in an ongoing conflict with their downstairs apartment neighbor for the past few months. Without going into details, I think the neighbor is being unreasonable and is the one initiating all of the conflict; however, I think my friend is making the situation worse by responding angrily and escalating the situation. [more inside]
posted by mekily at 10:07 AM PST - 15 comments

I have been contributing to these organizations for over 20 years and wonder, for example, if their work is still valuable and whether they are lean in their operations. I didn't really think about them much until the recent Oxfam UK scandal. There seem to be a lot of people with experience in non profit sector here that may be helpful.
posted by canoehead at 9:47 AM PST - 2 comments

How do I sneak up on a frog? [more inside]
posted by gwint at 9:23 AM PST - 21 comments

Due to enthusiastic word of mouth regarding KIA vehicles and their warranty, we are leaning towards buying the self-charging model of KIA's Niro hybrid. Questions about whether we should buy it and if we should buy it now are below. [more inside]
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 7:16 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm a kind of person that has half a dozen projects on the go that are nearly finished. Nearly. The last 10% are always the hardest.That's where Pomodoro technique and "Don't break the chain" fail me. Are there any mental tricks to keep going? [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 6:42 AM PST - 7 comments

Trying to ID an SF novel that I probably read around 82 or 83 and probably got from the Yongsan Army Library in Seoul, Korea. Very sure it was SF, and possibly dystopian or post-apocalyptic but not certain. All I really remember is one idea about people being paid for work based on a set of various factors. [more inside]
posted by Awfki at 6:05 AM PST - 7 comments

I've always been the one with the messy desk, the messy room, and so on. I set things down on surfaces because if I tidy things away, I forget they exist. My partner is the same way. Do we have any hope towards a tidy home? [more inside]
posted by Glier's Goetta at 3:46 AM PST - 33 comments

How do I figure out rent vs buy calculations? I own now. [more inside]
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats at 10:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Sometime in the past few weeks I saw a web store selling a variety of products with dubious uses. In particular, I remember the item that looks like a classic rubber eraser, but is actually a crayon. Now I want to show it to someone and I can't find it. [more inside]
posted by Lirp at 9:26 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm working from home and going for lots of walks in my neighborhood these days. I generally bike commute but haven't been on my bike much lately at all. I've been thinking it would be nice to have some low key things I could do on my walks or a bit further afield on my bike. Sometimes I take photos of flowers or interesting things. Sometimes I'm with my partner or my dog, and sometimes both. But it would be great to have some sort of fun goal or structure to give a bit of interest and get me moving in some new directions or for longer walks. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by bluedaisy at 9:03 PM PST - 25 comments

This makes twice now that I’ve ordered something on eBay and it’s actually come from amazon. I don’t shop from amazon ever for ethical reasons; the whole reason I was using eBay was to avoid them. eBay wasn’t helpful. I’ve also tried messaging sellers before bidding and not had much luck getting responses. Do I have to stop using eBay too, or is there some way to ensure an item I’m looking at won’t have any connection to amazon?
posted by Violet Hour at 8:38 PM PST - 9 comments

How effective is the language change setting on Windows 10? I would like to have an English OS, but the computers I'm looking at are offered only with Japanese Windows 10. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 6:44 PM PST - 7 comments

I read it a few years ago, cannot recall the title or author? It starts off like a fairly generic American coming of age story about a lad who grows up in the Midwest, gets to know some beatniks & hippies in the late 50s & 60s, travels around America a bit, but then... [more inside]
posted by ovvl at 5:18 PM PST - 4 comments

It's not on KnowYourMeme.com and reverse-image search tells me nothing. [more inside]
posted by zeusianfog at 4:49 PM PST - 3 comments

I was looking at this photo of David Berman in Pitchfork and while the city in the background looks to me like Berlin, I have no proof. Anybody recognize this city and/or spot?
posted by Beardman at 3:57 PM PST - 3 comments

I loved watching tv shows Medici and Versailles, and just binged The Great (excellent). What else should I watch? [more inside]
posted by pumpkinlatte at 3:12 PM PST - 34 comments

My uncle and aunt (both mid 60s) live in Portugal and are planning to drive up to Gothenburg, Sweden this summer. They plan to isolate in their summer house which is located on an island outside Gothenburg and have promised not to go into the city for the two months they are in the country. Both have high blood pressure, are slightly overweight (they are working on this), and my aunt takes medication for a mild heart condition. Help me talk them out of this plan. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:44 PM PST - 13 comments

Simply what it says on the tin: If you’ve made brigadeiros and love the recipe you used, please share. Also appreciate tips/tricks for getting them smooth and luscious, ideas for things to roll the sweets in, other than sprinkles or chopped nuts. TIA!
posted by Everydayville at 2:05 PM PST - 5 comments

While watching "The Italian Job" last night (the original version) my fellow viewers and I all thought that we'd seen Top Gear episodes done in tribute, but I can't find any. Can anyone think of what segments it might be? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Please help me figure out what I want to do in life. After working with a career coach, I have more awareness around my distinguishing characteristics and what I like/don't like, but I don't know where I want to take it. I'm 30 and have a J.D. but don't want to practice law. Below the fold: (1) my vague sense of what I'm looking for (2) list of likes/dislikes (3) info about me. [more inside]
posted by melancholyplay at 12:34 PM PST - 13 comments

My wife is having a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. For the women who've had this surgery, what helped ease your pain during recovery? Anything in particular that your loved ones did to help? Other general advice and suggestions beyond the medical advice we'll obviously be getting is welcome.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:00 PM PST - 38 comments

Where do I go from here, career wise? Career change, grad school, something else? Nonprofit background. [more inside]
posted by ambulanceambiance at 11:42 AM PST - 3 comments

It's something like "When you have health, you can want anything and everything. When you don’t have health, you only want one thing" -- but that's not exactly it. Where does it come from? Thanks!
posted by Roy Batty at 11:27 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I turn my focus away from my housemate who is getting on my last nerve? [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 11:07 AM PST - 28 comments

Can you help give me ideas for potential cars to buy? Details below. [more inside]
posted by no regrets, coyote at 10:59 AM PST - 18 comments

On a whim, I picked up ruby chocolate chips. What should I do with them? I don't like most blondies but am otherwise open to ideas. I have or can access any typical baking ingredients (I've had trouble sourcing cacao butter lately) and have no allergies.
posted by jeather at 9:15 AM PST - 10 comments

I've been using Duolingo to brush up on my German and start learning Latin, and it is . . . not optimal. Are there better apps for this? Or something besides apps? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 9:07 AM PST - 16 comments

She said since I'm not in pain it's not an emergency [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 8:23 AM PST - 12 comments

For inexplicable reasons, NYC closed the dog runs a couple months ago. But the dog must run! I am at my wits’ end trying to figure out a simple answer that doesn’t result in getting kicked out of a park every other day. The answers on paper have failed me. I need secret sage wisdom from NYC dog owners: where (and crucially, when) can I let my dog off-leash in NYC? No, not where the parks guide says — where can the dog ACTUALLY run? [more inside]
posted by =d.b= at 7:41 AM PST - 20 comments

Over the last several weeks we noticed one of our two cats, George, eating less. He's typically been overweight, weighing around 17 lbs. for the majority of his 8 years. When we weighed him a little over a week ago he was around 12 lbs. I put out some wet food (he is normally on dry food) which he ate. I also brought out treats, which he also ate. However, that night he didn't have a second meal of wet food, or any of his dry food. [more inside]
posted by indyjones at 6:50 AM PST - 16 comments

I need to see a dentist soon about a slight toothache. Should I get a cleaning at the same time? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 6:14 AM PST - 10 comments

I received an unsolicited political text from the state representative in my mom's district. It addressed my mom by name. I live in a different state, a thousand miles away, and my phone number (the only cell number I've ever had) reflects that. How did this happen? Just bad records? [more inside]
posted by unknowncommand at 4:25 AM PST - 13 comments

Was this a fad or part of a specific style in the UK between the First and Second World Wars? [more inside]
posted by Strutter Cane - United Planets Stilt Patrol at 3:38 AM PST - 3 comments

We bought a used Bodum wok without verifying it in person. Well, it's got a number of bad scratches on it and a small part that's rusting. Bodum doesn't make the wok anymore so we don't know what the underlying metal is or what the coating is. [more inside]
posted by perrouno at 2:18 AM PST - 8 comments

Same company, multiple positions with same title, same job description for both, how to handle on resume? [more inside]
posted by blerghamot at 12:41 AM PST - 4 comments

I am helping a relative upgrade their phone remotely. The old phone is a Samsung SM-G361F. I think it is running Android KitKat or Lollipop. We have transferred most of the information to the new phone (a recent Samsung) successfully. However, the contacts on the old phone are stored in the Samsung Contacts app, and are not synced with Google. What is the easiest way to export the contacts, in order to send them to me over the internet? [more inside]
posted by beniamino at 12:22 AM PST - 7 comments

What was this ghost movie from the 80's? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 10:34 PM PST - 10 comments

We are people who love to travel. But our Memorial Day holiday is going to be our umpteenth weekend in a row at home. Help us find a sense of occasion and not go crazy. What are some fun, vaguely vacation-themed things we can do at home? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:54 PM PST - 13 comments

We are camper shopping. Looking for opinions about lightweight pop-up or other smaller campers that you love, or warnings about the camper you hated. [more inside]
posted by COD at 5:41 PM PST - 9 comments

Has anyone recently bought a new appliance during the last few months? My mother needs a new range and microwave and I can't figure out how to make this work... and I'm kind of catastrophizing. Did they install it? Did they haul it away? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 5:10 PM PST - 26 comments

The left shift key on my work laptop has been iffy for the past few months and only worked when I pressed the dead center as hard as I could. Today, in all my infinite wisdom and glory, I decided to see what would happen if I pried off the key so I could see the mechanism underneath. [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 5:05 PM PST - 13 comments

We have one child (9). We are in the process of conceiving a second, and are interested in potentially having a third shortly thereafter. What are some experiences you can have as a three person family that you can’t have as a family of four or more? What should I strive to savor in the next year? [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 4:22 PM PST - 33 comments

I'm trying to find the phone exchange name for Taylorsville-Bennion (Utah) in the '50s/'60s? I've tried the Library of Congress to no avail. And the Taylorsville Historical Society search was just as fruitless. Any ideas?
posted by longhaultrucker at 3:24 PM PST - 9 comments

Let's say I restock groceries every 7 days, and I want to cook a meat dish for dinner one of the following 6 nights, but it could be night 1 or night 6 or any night in between, depending on whim... what's the optimal day & time to move the meat from freezer to fridge for defrosting, to maximize the chances that my spontaneous desire for meat will be satisfied on a given night? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 3:03 PM PST - 11 comments

Recommend me a (noise cancelling?) headset for remote collaboration from a noisy environment. [more inside]
posted by jon1270 at 2:00 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm having some issues saving Tweets to Evernote and am looking for a fix, or an alternate way of doing it. [more inside]
posted by star gentle uterus at 1:58 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm feeling deep ennui in quarantine and approaching that age where everyone is having kids, but that's not my plan. I want to do something else, but I'm feeling aimless and blah. I tried a coaching session but just talking doesn't work for me: I want structure. I want homework. Please point me to something that has helped you set and structure steps towards (not purely financial!) personal goals, whether it's a downloadable PDF, interactive form, or a workbook I can to purchase. Thank you.
posted by thirdletter at 1:53 PM PST - 9 comments

I want fun stickers and bubbly fonts and adorable animal themes when I open up my notes/to-do list/calendar/etc. What apps for iOS will give me a daily dose of cute? [more inside]
posted by danceswithlight at 1:17 PM PST - 1 comment

Spontaneous factory reset of an older (5 yrs) PC after shutting down/turning back on!? PC works fine now minus all files (luckily backed up) - wondering re continued use of PC (& back up immediately) or consider PC unstable (probably so after 5 yrs?; inevitable soon anyway) or likelihood that a malevolent cousin who has used the PC at my place hacked me and can do so again.
posted by Shane at 12:50 PM PST - 12 comments

I've been trying to work on a kinetic art piece that would be arduino to servo powered, however I am unable to access the welding facility i was working out of due to the pandemic. Anyone have any construction advice? [more inside]
posted by keame at 11:47 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm seeing nothing but empty at the groceries where the grapefruit juice used to be; and dear Google isn't doing much for me either. Am I missing something; and I am looking for the higher grade refrigerated stuff fwiw. thanks.
posted by Afghan Stan at 11:25 AM PST - 21 comments

My best friend moved to the St Louis, MO area (she’s actually in Fenton) last year. Today she just called because she had to put her dog that she’s had for 16 years down. If she still lived here, I’d make her some ice cream to try to help her feel better. Is there anywhere in St Louis that would deliver her some? I saw there’s a Jeni’s there that’s doing contactless delivery, which would be perfect, but she’s out of their delivery area. [more inside]
posted by Weeping_angel at 11:15 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm thinking of embarking on a "walk all the streets in my local area" project. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to track where I've been? [more inside]
posted by metadave at 11:13 AM PST - 11 comments

What are some other video game examples of characters/IP that have as much variety as Mario. Examples: Mario in outer space (Super Mario Galaxy), Mario as a sticker or piece of paper (Super Mario Paper series), Mario as an athlete (Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Baseball), Mario as a driver (Mario Kart), Mario as a fighter (Super Smash Bros.), Mario as a puzzle (Dr. Mario, Picross), Mario as education (Paint, Mario Teaches Typing) etc. The Zelda franchise is another character/IP that fits this mold. But I am wanting others, thinking in terms of genre, gameplay, occupation, location, etc.
posted by Fizz at 10:54 AM PST - 7 comments

I recently had a child, and it's struck me how little "good" literature there is about this transformative, sublime experience of becoming and being a parent (and even less so about motherhood). Same with music. Is there a theory for why some experiences are so underrepresented? [more inside]
posted by redlines at 10:14 AM PST - 17 comments

I am hopefully getting my license within the year, Satan willing and the crick don't rise. I am pretty well aware that PTSD is, sad to say, at this point an increasingly important thing to feel comfortable treating and well versed in if I start doing any private practice or other clinical work. I know there are some therapists on here so, if you feel like this is something you treat and know, do you have any resources for how to be more up to speed with this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:10 AM PST - 6 comments

Oh noes, I got bitten by a house for auction that I (very provisionally) WANT and I have questions, some pandemic related [more inside]
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 9:36 AM PST - 6 comments

I have brown hair with some red highlights and some gray streaks. I want to use henna to cover the gray only. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 9:28 AM PST - 7 comments

Microbiologists: Given the host's role in virus reproduction could we theoretically track (with some statistical accuracy) individuals that a particular virus variant has passed through? For example, if 20 infected people visited the old folks' home, could we pick out the one that passed the virus to the residents?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 9:23 AM PST - 6 comments

This news article reports on a jewelry store robbed a couple weeks ago. The suspects shot a guard and stole Rolex watches. They're being charged with a federal crime: "What elevated this to a federal case was the disruption of interstate commerce, the affidavit says. After investigators talked to Stokes, they learned the stolen merchandise, both recovered and not recovered, totaled $207,000. The watches were made in Switzerland, imported to New York and then shipped to the store in Austin, the affidavit says." [more inside]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:19 AM PST - 3 comments

If I buy a tv manufactured in 2019 or 2020, will I be able to see every pixel it advertises? [more inside]
posted by stobor at 9:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Micro-investing for my kids, family financial accounts tracking for me [more inside]
posted by MiraK at 8:37 AM PST - 1 comment

I remember this quote, from a woman, about parenting. It was something along the lines of "We all damage them somehow. You just hope it's not too bad." What was this from? [more inside]
posted by monologish at 8:37 AM PST - 7 comments

I have a nearly 10-year-old monitor that I've been using since I have begun working from home. It's okay, but I think it is giving me a bit of eyestrain. Since I expect to continue working from home for as long as I feasibly can (or until it is safe), I have been thinking about upgrading but not sure of what I should be considering. Details inside... [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 8:12 AM PST - 19 comments

I've started a nightly bedtime story with my 3yo about a knight going to a castle. Help me come up with new episodes for this story. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 8:02 AM PST - 13 comments

Mom of two toddlers here. Working full-time with kids at home. Have exhausted my list of "funny stories" to share with my 3-year-old, who requests them all the time, and feel a little brain-dead. Would love your funny, anecdotal stories to use as my own. Some things that have worked: stories about bird poop, cars breaking down, and birthday cakes. The stories can be real, imaginary, and/or a combo. Please help.
posted by melodykramer at 7:08 AM PST - 29 comments

I've got a work laptop with an Adobe CC subscription for Photoshop that my job pays for. I want to add Indesign, but pay for it myself. The production manager who pays for the other subscription is not someone I can speak to about this and my IT guy is fairly useless, telling me he'll help and then ghosting. What are my options?
posted by nevercalm at 6:26 AM PST - 5 comments

In particular I'm looking for pots and planters. I'll also take recommendations of specific artists if you have any. Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by unannihilated at 5:58 AM PST - 5 comments

I am an introverted freelance worker (content writing) that struggles to get myself out of there and market myself/make connections/make myself visible. Looking for role models, people to follow, things to read. [more inside]
posted by iamsuper at 5:19 AM PST - 3 comments

For the past decade I have been quite depressed and consumed with regrets, which has prevented me living my life fully. Up until 18, I was academically bright but I developed social anxiety and depression and things went downhill from there. The past decade has seen a lot of progress for me (in context), but I cannot stop beating myself up for it not being enough and for all the "wrong" decisions I made. How do I get myself out of this repetitive loop of ruminating about regrets? [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 4:53 AM PST - 20 comments

In the "before times", a neighbor (who I don't know well) asked me if she could occasionally cut through my property to get access to a conservation trail when walking her dog. I need some help trying to phrase the fact that my family has become increasingly uncomfortable with this and we're not OK with the arrangement anymore. As always, relevant details inside... [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 4:23 AM PST - 30 comments

What is this black-and-white children's picture book about a mouse who makes music in colors? [more inside]
posted by colorblock sock at 3:58 AM PST - 5 comments

I would like to replace dryer sheets with something both effective and more environmentally friendly. We have a set of three dryer balls. I don't remember the brand, but they still leave a lot of static, so we don't use them. Line drying is not an option. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 9:15 PM PST - 19 comments

I saw a photograph (well, maybe a collage) a while ago and suddenly I want to find it again. It is a portrait of a famous woman (a designer maybe?), but there are several photographs put together, like one of her face, one of her shoes, one of her bag? I really can't remember exactly. I have no idea who took the picture or who the subject is. [more inside]
posted by Literaryhero at 8:03 PM PST - 4 comments

I love listening to the Sleepcasts on Headspace -- they are basically shuffled up bits of nothing stories set against a soundscape. Where can I find more of this? [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 7:48 PM PST - 4 comments

An online friend (let's call her J) posted last week that her husband (W) passed away. I've known J for more than 20 years through various online platforms and met up with her once for coffee when she was moving cross country and passing through my town. I messaged her my condolences and am sending a card tomorrow. Would be it weird/awkward to send money? Or to ask if there's a college fund for her son I could contribute to? [more inside]
posted by Twicketface at 7:06 PM PST - 12 comments

I've been riding my stationary bike regularly lately, wired up with a power meter and heart-rate monitor, so I can just sit there and watch my stats scroll by. I've noticed that during low-intensity periods my heart rate will occasionally dip about 10 bpm and then bounce back: one of these episodes lasts about 10 seconds from the baseline departure to return. [more inside]
posted by adamrice at 6:40 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me find a good, practical well made mask for all-day use. [more inside]
posted by diode at 6:33 PM PST - 15 comments

I'd love to play Wasteland Remastered, but I only have a Mac—no PC or Xbox, the only platforms for which the remaster was officially released. What, if any, are my options that don't involve buying new hardware just to play this one game? Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 6:27 PM PST - 5 comments

I live on a two mile dirt road shared by about 30 families. I thought the repair costs should be shared by people who drive over a spot. Not "everyone takes care of only in front of their house". Who is right? [more inside]
posted by cda at 6:05 PM PST - 13 comments

You, a US citizen, lived abroad for six years. You've been back in the US for three years now and are on the cusp of moving to NYC, a place you always thought you'd end up. But with Coronavirus and other recent developments, you wonder if it's better to just move back abroad. Am I thinking clearly here? [more inside]
posted by signondiego at 4:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Spring cleaning, and what to do with the stack of old MacOS CDs (OS 7.5, 8.5, 10) and assorted software (Word, Office, etc.) that I keep shoving out of sight. Most are on sale on eBay, and there are sites where one can d/l the zipped install discs for pre-OS X. So...is there any useful purpose (charity?) to which these can be put? I figure hardly any computers run pre-OS X operating systems, but it seems a waste to trash them. Thanks.
posted by the sobsister at 3:41 PM PST - 8 comments

I am searching for a YouTube (or similar) channel where the host/creator is a hoarder or estate cleanup / declutterer / storage locker auction / vintage reseller-type who actually isn't a massive idiot, handles their finds and treasures respectfully, and organises/curates them properly for resale or donation. [more inside]
posted by turbid dahlia at 3:24 PM PST - 6 comments

I want to study and eventually counsel people about all things death related. Please help me fine tune this idea before I have $100k in student loans and nothing to show for it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:00 PM PST - 15 comments

Imagine you buy something on the Internets, but shipping is delayed, and your receipt indicates that you should reach out to customer support to get an updated ship date. You do that and they send you an email (or emails) sorting things out. Do you (or should you?) close out the thread by following up with another email, just to say thank you? [more inside]
posted by un petit cadeau at 2:21 PM PST - 11 comments

I'd like to find stories of people who have made major career changes away from the white collar world. I don't mean parallel shifts, like a lawyer who decides to become a paralegal. I mean like a lawyer who decides to become a carpenter or a landscaper or something. People who have tired of the rat race and responsibility and emails and offices and are looking to work less, simplify, and work only as necessary rather than spend life building a career. [more inside]
posted by fso at 12:59 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for professional check printing software that runs under either Linux (preferred) or Mac. This is for business printing of checks, so the software should be somewhat robust. [more inside]
posted by herda05 at 12:43 PM PST - 0 comments

Doing a search for a random thing today, I found that clicking the link in the results brought me to a different, scammy, site. I ran a malwarebytes scan and found a keylogger (this one) which I removed. Running an AVG scan now. Will change critical passwords, though I do have 2FA turned on where possible. What else should I be doing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I tried a virtual escape room adventure for the first time this weekend, and it was quite fun. I did it with my sister's family over Zoom. Does you have recommendations for other virtual escape rooms we can try? Looking for family-safe adventures.
posted by storybored at 11:46 AM PST - 8 comments

My wife and sons love this other family that are Trump supporters. I can't stand them. It's tearing us apart. How can I navigate this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:28 AM PST - 32 comments

Planning on repainting in a few months and I’m trying to identify and label a few random devices outside to make sure we know what they are beforehand. Is this a gas leak detector - Photos here (imgur link)? It’s right above the main gas meter and the cabling appears to run under where our gas furnace is. The cover, with the word Orion on it, has a hole beneath that looks like there is a sensor of some type inside. [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 11:09 AM PST - 5 comments

I want to change out the light switches in our condo, but I can't find one, and I suspect it's because I don't know what it's called. Do you? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 10:52 AM PST - 11 comments

I'd like to give money to organizations that create media that assertively encourages people to elect Democrats (or to vote against Republicans). Are there any viable ones? [more inside]
posted by Chef Flamboyardee at 10:11 AM PST - 4 comments

For years I've been looking for a poem I read in high school. Google is failing me. Help! [more inside]
posted by sonmi at 9:40 AM PST - 6 comments

I saw a question in 2009 saying maybe cement walls might do the trick, but maybe not for this? What can I do to keep my walls safe when the floor gets wet? [more inside]
posted by debgpi at 8:47 AM PST - 5 comments

I would like to buy a mask (actually 8 adults size and 2 child size) mask that fits the following criteria: At least 2 tight-weave layers of cotton, filter pocket, nose-fitting wire, goes under chin and generally fits well, available in child size for a 3 year old. I would love a mask with the choice of over-the head (with elastic not ties) or behind-ear wearing but that is optional. I am in Toronto, so something local or within Canada would be great, but open to other options. I cannot pick up, so would want them shipped, even if local.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:24 AM PST - 6 comments

A company I freelance for recently asked if I'd be interested in a full-time position. I like these people and I enjoy the assignments, but at the same time, the offer feels very abstract: I haven't met my contacts in person, nor have I visited their offices, and doubt I will until after we return to whatever will pass for normalcy. So — given These Unprecedented Times — what questions should I be asking before I make any big job decisions? [more inside]
posted by roger ackroyd at 8:12 AM PST - 7 comments

What have you done to make yourself more comfortable while Working From Home, without doing something drastic like buying a whole new desk & chair? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 8:08 AM PST - 19 comments

I got in the car yesterday, and a couple drops of liquid dripped on my left foot (where there's an indentation for the foot to rest) Stuck a used face mask (!) down there because I was just curious if it were water or something worse. It looked clear. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 8:04 AM PST - 9 comments

From the "Side Effects" by Woody Allen: An actress I met, who assured me her real ambition was to be a waitress at a coffeehouse, seemed promising, but during one brief dinner her single response to everything I said was, "That's zalid." [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 7:49 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm working from home, my voice is very quiet and hoarse/breathy, and so it is difficult for people at the other end of my Zoom/Teams/phone calls to hear me. (I cannot speak up due to voice issues that have not yet resolved.) I have been using headphones with a mic instead of my Macbook Air inbuilt mic, and that seems to help a little. I'm looking for advice to improve this set up, both products if necessary and on how to use my mic and computer to help me be heard more clearly. [more inside]
posted by sizeable beetle at 7:45 AM PST - 7 comments

In Zoom, is there a way to organize participants so that they are in the same order on everyone's screen in gallery view? I'm playing with a video idea with some of my students, and someone mentioned that there was a way to make it so that everyone is in the same order on everyone's screen, so that we could "pass" a book around. (We could pre-film and just cut together, but I'd rather do it more live if that's possible!) Is this a thing that can be done? I haven't had any luck figuring it out or finding it online anywhere. Halp!
posted by firei at 7:19 AM PST - 7 comments

I am looking for recommendations on a relatively cheap (~$150) projector to stream Hulu, Netflix, etc. in my living room. [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 6:59 AM PST - 4 comments

Asking for a friend: how do I get started making home made cat videos? I have zero knowledge about equipment, procedure, and technique. [more inside]
posted by dragonfruit at 6:12 AM PST - 1 comment

Googling for appliance recommendations is always frustrating because the models that people recommend are hardly ever available here in South Africa. We live in an area where there is often wood and coal smoke, exhaust fumes, and pollen, which exacerbates our sinus issues. I'd like to alleviate that by having an air purifier in our bedroom. Does that sound reasonable? So far this one looks good to me: Solenco CF8500 Air Purifier [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 5:44 AM PST - 1 comment

Bit of a trivial thing, but I've been trying to find this one particular satirical article/column for a year or two now. I could have sworn it was something from The Onion, but none of the searches I've done has turned up anything like what I'm looking for. I'm hoping that these details will be enough to jog someone else's memory. [more inside]
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 5:12 AM PST - 2 comments

My mother was both damaged and damaging, and most times I just get angry when I think about her. Sometimes, though, I get wrenches of pain and sadness at the thought. Am I being selfish? [more inside]
posted by katiecat at 5:11 AM PST - 39 comments

Any books or advice for women who plan on staying single for current times? [more inside]
posted by chrono_rabbit at 5:03 AM PST - 18 comments

How to push through my vulnerability and stop being triggered at work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:45 AM PST - 11 comments

What are your tips 'n' tricks for moving a household across state lines during a slow-moving public-health crisis? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:45 AM PST - 8 comments

What are some books, podcasts, or other resources that explore the importance of slowing down, rest as resistance, the benefits of laziness, or general critiques of the culture of The Grind? [more inside]
posted by mingo_clambake at 2:22 AM PST - 16 comments

Last week I repotted some plants and put one into a red glazed flower pot. Today I noticed that the pot had a spiderweb of white lines all over one side. It looked exactly like the glaze had crazed due to heat from the sun or something. But in fact the "cracks" were made of a powdery mineral. It rubbed off easily, leaving the glazed surface perfectly smooth. [more inside]
posted by henuani at 12:45 AM PST - 5 comments

I've been Maria Kondo-ing, and found this photocopy in an old decorating folder. It's old (I must have seen it before we got a color copier at work) and my searches don't turn up anything. It was painted primary colors with black borders. Anyone ever seen one? I didn't see anything like it on the Sugar Hill site.
posted by Marky at 9:26 PM PST - 3 comments

My dog Ronnie (who was born shortly after Reagan died, so we thought the world was was safer with him reborn as a dog) stopped eating over two weeks ago. He's 16, mostly miniature poodle about 15lb when well, and has had a happy life. He's still drinking but refuses all food so he's fading away. He seems in no pain but is obviously getting frail and wobbly. So I'm wondering what comes next. [more inside]
posted by anadem at 7:43 PM PST - 15 comments

My grown daughter who lives in Northampton, MA, and I have decided we can't wait any longer to see each other and want to meet--safely--next weekend. [more inside]
posted by primate moon at 6:34 PM PST - 8 comments

My current phone is not smart. It has a little keyboard. It's great. It works. It's not so functional that I spend all my time using the phone. I love it. But 3g is going away. What is the equivalent 4g or 5g compatible cell phone? [more inside]
posted by aniola at 6:27 PM PST - 12 comments

Is it possible to paste student folders into Google Classroom via Google Drive? Much explanation inside... [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 6:00 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm trying to buy some dirt to fill holes in my yard, and multiple products on bigbox.com that are marked "topsoil" have specific warnings that say "NOT FOR CONTAINERS". Why would that even be a thing? Does something awful happen if you put topsoil into a container?
posted by mccxxiii at 5:58 PM PST - 8 comments

I’ve been buying the same balsamic vinegar from Trader Joe’s for years - it’s really good and only costs around $6 a bottle. Unfortunately I took the train to TJs, and am obviously not doing that anymore and am limited to what I can get online or from my regular local supermarket. There’s also a Whole Foods within walking distance. [more inside]
posted by nevernines at 5:56 PM PST - 7 comments

Hey mefi, I'm getting rid of old furniture and want to break some of it up and use the wood for gardening. I have an ~25 year old wooden box spring frame that isn't glossy and has a single spot of green spray paint on it, no stamps indicating treatment. Is this safe to repurpose as a compost box or is it toxic?
posted by moonlight on vermont at 5:22 PM PST - 1 comment

Our wonderful old house is a danger zone for our upcoming baby. How do we fix it? [more inside]
posted by donut_princess at 4:09 PM PST - 15 comments

I am a physical wreck with limited mobility in my shoulder and neck and overall stiffness and lack of flexibility. I am looking for the very gentlest yoga/stretching videos, ideally a 30-day course. I already know I like Yoga with Adriene so if you know of something of hers that's not too ambitious, that would be ideal.
posted by HotToddy at 3:56 PM PST - 3 comments

This allegedly true story (the one titled "Woe is her portion") was published in many regional US newspapers between November 1899 and January 1900. How should it be interpreted in the US context of that period? [more inside]
posted by elgilito at 3:55 PM PST - 7 comments

I just finished She-Ra (2018), Steven Universe, and Princess Jellyfish. Can you recommend some other stuff? [more inside]
posted by marfa, texas at 3:23 PM PST - 42 comments

We're not sure when we'll get to be in choirs again, so I'd like a book to work through for possible audition pieces. I would prefer German as it's my best language, but I will take other suggestions for standards. [more inside]
posted by nakedmolerats at 3:05 PM PST - 8 comments

I'd love to compile a list of shows to keep me company that are absurd and tickle that hard to reach funny spot. What are your lesser known comedy favorites? Tv or movies mostly......or really stand-out books. [more inside]
posted by pdxhiker at 2:16 PM PST - 34 comments

I'm trying to figure out what I want to do about summer camp for Little eirias (7). Would you send your kid to a day camp during a pandemic? What would you be thinking about? [more inside]
posted by eirias at 2:09 PM PST - 19 comments

I have a PO box in the SF Bay Area. For pandemic-related reasons, I am going to be stuck outside the state for the foreseeable future. How can I get my mail? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:28 PM PST - 5 comments

I am in Washington State, US. I live alone and have been sheltering in place since early March. My company has transitioned everyone to full time remote work and I have a managerial role. This extended period of isolation and restricted activity has caused my mental health to decline badly enough that I can no longer adequately perform my job duties. My company is offering some COVID-related reduced-schedule and leave options and I am considering taking a leave of absence. How can I effectively negotiate this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:26 PM PST - 4 comments

I live in an apartment building with dramatic 8 ft wooden doors, and almost everyone has a unique door knocker. I want to up my game and have a slightly ominous door knocker that nods to my love of mythology, and have found this image. (This is also awesome, but I kind of prefer Medusa pre decapitation). [more inside]
posted by larthegreat at 12:19 PM PST - 19 comments

I am making this recipe for no-knead bread proofed in an instant pot. I didn't have enough flour for the full recipe so I cut it in half. But now I am not sure how to adjust the baking time. I also have an enormous dutch oven (7 quart I think) and I'm thinking that might not allow my bread to rise well enough. Any suggestions for how to optimize my baby loaf?
posted by Neely O'Hara at 11:20 AM PST - 8 comments

Chipped out spots in cast iron pan -- does it matter? [more inside]
posted by ojocaliente at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments

I’m struggling to decide what to do for childcare for my 3 month old, and running out of time to make a decision. Feeling very overwhelmed and anxious about it. My maternity leave ended last week and my mom was supposed to watch my baby at least until mid June but that fell through due to some unexpected conflict that arose on the very first day of arranged care. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:01 AM PST - 9 comments

We use Google Maps for a GPS when driving. We're in Germany, so this is in German. My 9 year old wants to know whose voice we are hearing. Has an actual person recorded the syllables? (Who?) How do they make it sound fairly natural and not robot-like? She says "I want to know ALL about how they make the voice happen!" I promised I'd ask you!
posted by Omnomnom at 8:55 AM PST - 8 comments

I have fancy lentils. I don't like lentils. How should I prepare them? [more inside]
posted by dogmom at 7:39 AM PST - 44 comments

I have this very nice cheese. I would like to slice it for grilled cheese sandwiches. However, I have no slicing gadget and would like some recommendations from the field. [more inside]
posted by JanetLand at 6:31 AM PST - 18 comments

I am a mid-career public librarian, and I am thinking of positioning myself for a career change within the profession. I've been looking at certificate programs in digital curation, but I can't get a sense of the job market, and whether such a program will pay for itself. I know there are a fair number of librarians here, so I'm hoping someone can shed some light. [more inside]
posted by missrachael at 6:18 AM PST - 4 comments

The video I'm looking for is for a techno track (no vocals) showing a corporate board room for a pork production operation. The board members have graphs announcing things like, "bigger pigs = more pork!" while they caress each other creepily under the table. The big plot twist comes at the end when one board member goes rogue, and the last scene shows said board member on the cover of a popular magazine holding a pig with the proclamation, "Pigs: Our new best friends!" Please help me find this! [more inside]
posted by ldjflut at 2:50 AM PST - 4 comments

Lately I've been volunteering with a group making fabric face masks and I've accumulated a sizeable pile of 100% cotton fabric scraps that I'd like to use for...something. [more inside]
posted by mezzanayne at 11:47 PM PST - 13 comments

I need you to explain what might be a joke? [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk at 10:36 PM PST - 14 comments

Mrs. Proust works from home. Her desk is extremely shallow. Front to back it is 14.5 inches. Is there a high quality monitor 24-inches or larger that she can use with her MacBook Air that will fit in this space and still leave room for her keyboard (and preferably her laptop)? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 9:01 PM PST - 20 comments

I know this presents many difficulties... but have there been any studies done on what percentage of the population is unpleasant in public situations? Like, rude to customer service people, cutting people off in traffic, unpleasant on public transport, etc. etc. I'm not talking about acts rising to the level of criminal abuse and harassment of others (although I'm sure many of those people would be captured in the stats). But how many people are just rude? (Goes without saying but I am NOT looking for anecdotes. Just sources of research.) [more inside]
posted by reshet at 8:09 PM PST - 10 comments

I am a member of a niche club, a subset of photography. Looking for publicity ideas to find new members. [more inside]
posted by Sophont at 4:08 PM PST - 8 comments

In the Time Before The Rona, I was a platelet donor, and a relatively frequent one. I'm tall and large, and I've been told that my platelet count is high, so every time I went they would always set me up for a triple donation. But I live in Brooklyn, and the only place the NY Blood Center did platelet donations in Brooklyn closed up shop last year. So I had always meant to go to one of their Manhattan locations but never did. [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 3:47 PM PST - 6 comments

I'd like to record some family history video chats with my mom. Zoom's built-in video recording feature produces recordings that seem lower quality than what the hardware itself could do (an ~8MB/min low-resolution recording from zoom vs a ~300MB/min high-resolution recording from my phone). Is there an option that would record both sides of the video chat but be higher quality? She'll be using a pixel phone, while I'll be on either macOS or a pixel 4 phone. [more inside]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 3:44 PM PST - 3 comments

I have a tiny little closet - 25" wide, 24" deep and about 7' tall in my bedroom. Rather than having an ugly and not very functional closet, I was thinking about converting this into built-in drawers. What is the easiest way to attractively accomplish this? I was hoping for it not to look like a cheap Ikea organizer stuffed into a closet.
posted by arnicae at 3:24 PM PST - 11 comments

I want to convert a disused unground pool into a pond. What are the best resources for tackling this project? [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 3:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Risk analysis please. My partner is 69. We have had only 24 cases in our county, which is almost entirely opened back up. His son is visiting him and thinks it's fine to be out and about, and his daughter is planning to visit with her family in a few weeks, traveling from the next state over. I realize the risk is low but I feel like the potential consequences are so dire, especially for him but also for me, that I'm just not comfortable with it. I am worried about him but I think the analysis is super low risk of him getting it vs. the 100% certainty of causing family friction if I try to interfere with anyone else's actions. My inclination is to say hey, I totally understand everyone's point of view and do not want to cause a problem, have a great time with your kids and I'll see you a few weeks from now. We don't live together so this wouldn't cause a problem for anyone other than we would miss each other. But maybe I'm being unnecessarily cautious?
posted by Bluesocking at 2:14 PM PST - 10 comments

My client applied for an received a PPP loan. They claim their accountant advised them it’d be best to add me as an employee to their payroll during the 8 week period to help ensure they get total forgiveness for the loan. This sounds totally sketchy and I plan on saying no to this scheme, but I don’t know how to explain why. [more inside]
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 1:18 PM PST - 23 comments

I know nothing about auto racing, but I saw this video on Facebook. It surprises me that the driver is constantly jerking the steering wheel to and fro, but there is no obvious change in direction of the car. If I did that in my car, I think it would zig-zag. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 11:53 AM PST - 11 comments

I recently upgraded Windows from 8.1 to 10, and no matter how many times I set my default to speakers coming from a jack in the back of my desktop to a Pioneer stereo amp with speakers, Windows 10 won't recognize that when I shut down and start my computer again. I have to go through the troubleshooter and restart to have sound again. What's the fix?
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 11:50 AM PST - 7 comments

My 18-19ish year-old kitty needs a veterinarian. She's peeing outside the litterbox, and occasionally puking very liquidy, smelly puke. [more inside]
posted by MuChao at 11:29 AM PST - 12 comments

Siri hasn't been able to figure it out, the original post is in Arabic, and fifteen minutes with Google translate hasn't helped. Does anyone know what this song is?
posted by paul_smatatoes at 8:49 AM PST - 1 comment

Let's say hypothetically that we develop technology to "plug in" our brains to computer implants that enhance (or hinder) our cognition. How might that actually work? [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 7:57 AM PST - 5 comments

I love big, coffee-table books like what DK produces. But I'm running out of room in my apartment and looking ahead to summer (even with social distancing), so I'm trying to find non-fiction books that literally fit in my pocket. [more inside]
posted by Flying Saucer at 7:33 AM PST - 15 comments

So, when I have the urge to poop, I have to poop NOW. I don't have a lot of warning and I need to get to a bathroom fast. This is a problem, especially in the time of COVID where I can't just pop into a public restroom. The poop itself is otherwise pretty normal. Help me slow down the urge to poop. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:13 AM PST - 21 comments

Path.com would have checked all the boxes except privacy. Mastodon, Diaspora won't do. Looking for something with very little onboarding friction and having functional web and mobile apps with a clean and intuitive UI that shows just the updates from friends in a chronological feed and nothing else (i.e. no trending articles!).
posted by amar at 6:04 AM PST - 14 comments

I have no experience hunting but unfortunately coyotes have invade my territory. Laws in my state can say I can use flashlights but not nightvision. I would love to do the moat human thing possible but I noticed my LIDAR can identify coyotes. I need no hunting license but I can’t do anything cruel like poison or traps, oddly nightvision. To be nightvision is the same if not not physically but in principle. Is it legal? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 3:21 AM PST - 6 comments

Our friend is travelling from Edison, NJ to Chattanooga, TN to be voluntarily hospitalized. Where, near Edison, can we take her if the 11-hour car ride isn't possible? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:05 PM PST - 19 comments

Specifically, will there be a delay in paperback editions of hardcover books coming out? [more inside]
posted by unannihilated at 6:26 PM PST - 6 comments

I belong to a choir-based WhatsApp group that is (by accident, not design) almost all middle aged and older women. They are lovely people. The lockdown has spurred a lot of sharing of videos, fun stuff, some inspirational, some rude, some religious. And A LOT of fatphobia. As the fattest member of the choir, how can I ask them to stop doing this? [more inside]
posted by Samarium at 5:56 PM PST - 19 comments

Recently I made this pineapple upside down cake. And it was tasty! But I have questions about the brown sugar caramel because the recipe is fairly vague and googling it mostly gives caramel sauce recipes with cream and such. [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 5:08 PM PST - 5 comments

When you touch a picture for a few seconds this window pops up with various options to share. It has a bunch of text message threads from iMessage along the top. There have been a couple of occasions now where I've almost accidentally sent a photo to someone from this screen. I really want to turn this off, it is only a matter of time before something happens that is embarrassing. How do I do this?
posted by kms at 4:56 PM PST - 1 comment

I've got a post nasal drip that collects in my throat and periodically blocks my breathing. It catches back there, dries out, becomes a sticky phlegm pad and then gets bigger til I hork it up. It used to be a little bit in the morning after sleep. Now it's wads several times a day. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 3:34 PM PST - 25 comments

My 400+ CD collection is outrageously great. Don't want to sell as a collection or individually. I'd like to be able to enjoy them again by transferring to..? I know they're probably mostly available on Spotify, Pandora, etc. Have PC, no Mac or ITunes but would throw some money (and time!) to solve this. What would you do? Thanks in advance.
posted by lois1950 at 3:17 PM PST - 21 comments

So many packages, so few cheat sheets! It seems like pretty much any R package could use a cheat sheet. Is there a respository of R cheat sheets that is not just for the base or commonly used packages, but that includes cheat sheets for specialized packages? Even better, how about a utility that lets you assemble custom cheat sheets from component-pieces? (yeah, now I'm getting greedy, I know) [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 3:16 PM PST - 7 comments

This is a boring question about "media devices." Should we level up our Playstation 3, or consider a different option for entertaining ourselves? HALP. [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 2:50 PM PST - 9 comments

We recently moved interstate and have a 2 year lease on a house in the Washington, DC area with a great deck and backyard. We also have 7.5mo old twins. And it's maybe, finally, about to be eventually warm enough to be outside on a regular basis (well, except for ALL of next week, arrrggghh) . Give us your non-destructive shade advice! [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 1:47 PM PST - 9 comments

I will be moving to Kingston, Ontario in the very near future and will be looking for work. Any suggestions re. decent temp agencies in town? I'll be looking for administrative positions, ideally in the public sector (government, higher education etc.), but I know the job market is really tough at the moment, so I'm definitely open to admin positions more broadly.
posted by PrincessCrouton at 12:37 PM PST - 1 comment

Now that I'm home all the time, I'm either (a) cleaning constantly or (b) leaving messes to accumulate and then cleaning everything in an hours-long frenzy. Neither is ideal. What are some ways to make cleaning less onerous and keep my home at an acceptable level of cleanliness all the time? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 12:03 PM PST - 19 comments

I would like to build something similar to this in my loft. However, I'd want the curtain to be on a track and it to be a perfect circle. I don't know how to do it or what material to use. Know something about building/construction and/or fabric? Come on in! [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 12:02 PM PST - 12 comments

My cannabis experience in the past was *extremely* limited - a few puffs off of Whatever Was In That Joint At The Party. I recently got access to medical cannabis (PA) for anxiety, but (yes, irony alert) the range of options is making me extra-anxious. Help me get started! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:58 AM PST - 13 comments

My beloved Gentle Gum Care floss has been discontinued. Any recommendations for a replacement that is soft and easy on the gums? I find Glide and the like sort of sharp and painful.
posted by erloteiel at 11:02 AM PST - 20 comments

Hi! We'd love to support bars that are doing cocktail delivery in/to Manhattan. We've found a couple so far (Dutch Kills and Threesome Tollbooth), but if you know of any others, please let us know. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 10:50 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm moving into a new apartment with washer/dryer hookups, which is a first for me (and I'm very excited about it!). I could rent, but at $50/month for a very basic model, it doesn't seem to make sense. Still, moving is expensive so I'm looking at $500-600 for the washer and dryer separately ($1200 max together). [more inside]
posted by Aranquis at 10:19 AM PST - 13 comments

We live in California and have already been planning a move to Washington/Idaho or Vermont/New Hampshire. If it weren't for COVID, we would have moved already and bought a home. Now, we are about to receive a bit of an (unexpected) windfall in the next 90 days, and realize we could save quite a bit in taxes if we sped up our move to either Washington or New Hampshire. What factors should we be thinking about, and would you do it? [more inside]
posted by yearly at 9:41 AM PST - 24 comments

Drupal is awful. How, then, is there a market for Drupal? [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 9:38 AM PST - 19 comments

Since COVID began, I have "attended" live literature panels, storytelling shows and dance parties via Zoom and YouTube Live that I never would have checked out otherwise. The way I'm finding out about them is very piecemeal - I will just happen to open Twitter, or I'll feel curious about a cultural group and visit their website, etc. I would love to know about more of these types of events. Are there any centralized listings for Zoom- (or other streaming) based cultural events, classes, performances and the like? [more inside]
posted by rogerroger at 9:05 AM PST - 9 comments

My fiancée and I are buying a house together. The mortgage will be in her name, but I will be supplying the bulk of the down payment. This will exceed the $15,000 gift limit. Do we need to get married to avoid taxes on the remaining amount I'm giving her? If so, when does this need to happen? We live in PA. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:56 AM PST - 14 comments

I would like to be able to bike in my house. I have a bike. I don't have a ton of money. I am somewhat fat. Do I get a cheap bike training stand or a cheap exercise bike and if so, which one? Needs to be delivered by mail. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 7:25 AM PST - 17 comments

I always struggle with proper response to belligerent person who's own chronic anger or paranoia leads them to ascribe a negative motivation to a neutral comment. Example might be I make a joke about a specific friend who's overly devoted to a political figure, belligerent person responds "so you think all [political figure]'s supporters are that crazy?"
posted by Jon44 at 7:06 AM PST - 33 comments

Is anyone familiar with what the ingredient called a "sea mushroom" in this video is called in other cultures? [more inside]
posted by Mouse Army at 7:02 AM PST - 3 comments

My friend is teaching zoom classes from her laptop and is having trouble keeping her eyes focused on the camera. I want to surprise her with a little picture doohickey to hang from the top of the laptop screen to help her - something that would surround the camera and draw her eye, but not cover the camera or very many of the actual screen pixels. Apple doesn't tell me these particular dimensions in the technical specs, of course, so could one of you wonderful mefites please measure your 17" 2018 Mac Book Pro for me? How much space from the physical top edge to where the pixels start, how wide is the camera, and how far is the camera from the edge? TIA!
posted by bluesky78987 at 6:19 AM PST - 12 comments

Poor quality source on Ancient Egypt needed. I want to try and show students the difference between a high quality source and a low quality source, but I'm struggling to find actual examples of lower quality sources. Audience of 11-13 year-olds. [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 3:00 AM PST - 13 comments

I am of the opinion that the second wave coming soon due to premature reopening in many states will be an unmitigated disaster, and many states are going to turn into New York. I feel we are in a brief bubble of respite due to SIP. How are you preparing for the summer mess? I'm assuming it will not be a good idea to go anywhere during the second wave, but am not assuming any complete collapse. What are you stocking up on and attempting to prepare? I know reopening could be done reasonably safely with lots of contact tracing and testing but I don't see the USA getting it's act together at all.
posted by benzenedream at 11:57 PM PST - 24 comments

When a dead actor is recreated by CGI, is the actor’s estate paid? Think Carrie Fisher and Peter Cushing.
posted by Joleta at 8:14 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm hoping to find research on the psychological impacts of laws related to communications. This is to inform a literature review about the possible psychological effects of anti-misinformation laws. Hypothetical example: a study about whether an anti-hate speech law is associated with changes in motivations for posting on social media. [more inside]
posted by far flung at 8:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Today, I had a pretty big disagreement with a coworker about a situation that needs a resolution tomorrow. All of my worst personality traits are coming to the surface, how can I find way to resolve this situation amicably? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:10 PM PST - 31 comments

I need help finding background images to use for video calls that my team has over Zoom and Microsoft Teams. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 7:50 PM PST - 15 comments

How do I make my jump rope routine easier on my legs? [more inside]
posted by thesmallmachine at 7:17 PM PST - 6 comments

I’ve been reading the Harry Potter books aloud to my seven-year-old for the past few months. A few people have mentioned to me that books 5 through 7 get progressively “darker.” I haven’t read them yet myself, and I’m wondering what exactly that means. I am fine with spoilers. [more inside]
posted by Siobhan at 6:50 PM PST - 30 comments

This is another in my series of questions about telephone technology in 1991. [more inside]
posted by swheatie at 6:09 PM PST - 28 comments

Since the quarantine started, I've fallen into a sort of a addiction with this game, especially after discovering Nexusmods.com to jazz up the vanilla version. Eager to hear what your favorite mods are for FO4 - can be any type, category, etc. Which mods make replays exciting and vital for you? Also, bonus points for anyone who can walk me through adding Script Extender without wrecking anything internally with the game - I've heard differing reports about how stable it is.
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 5:28 PM PST - 4 comments

I have long stripped hidden PRIV, COMM, UFIC, NCON, etc. "frames" or tags from MP3 and MP4 ID3 tag sets, on principle. I'm not interested in having personal info embedded in my music. But many previous programs to do this don't have a GUI (eyeD3) or aren't available for Mac (e.g., Windows programs ID3-TagIT and Desiccate). Kid3 works on macOS, but not well. I don't want to have to remove and re-add all the ID3 tags. Can you recommend newer software to remove my personal metadata from MP3's and MP4's?
posted by limeonaire at 5:10 PM PST - 3 comments

James Madison helped write the Federalists Papers with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton. I am having difficulty understanding this quote. I am trying to read through some of the Federalists Papers and Anti-Federalists Papers. [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 5:10 PM PST - 3 comments

I have some goat meat. I would like to make goat curry using a Trinidadian recipe, but the recipes I'm looking at call for a commercial curry powder. How can I approximate the right one? Do you have a homemade curry powder recipe you like for food from the Caribbean specifically? Alternatively, do you have a sense of which spices are most prevalent in curry from Trinidad?
posted by yarntheory at 5:06 PM PST - 7 comments

When I originally setup my PC a couple of years ago, Windows 10, I put in a username that at the time I thought was funny. Now, not so much. [more inside]
posted by jtexman1 at 4:18 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm tired, exhausted really, of this, seemingly eternal, spiral of behavior that includes regular and predictable symptoms that absolutely meet those outlined by DSM-V PMDD diagnosis criteria. What is the best way to bring that up in a sensitive and effective fashion to someone who is perhaps less than receptive and is also intensely self depreciating, not just during the impacted timeframe but also in general? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:33 PM PST - 23 comments

I’m looking for some phrases or terminology from academia that could also be applied to flirting. I’m writing a lighthearted, but ultimately sad, short story about a girl having an emotional affair with a classmate who’s a few years older than her. [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 2:24 PM PST - 17 comments

When our baby first started eating solid foods, at 9 months, he would happily eat vegetables. Now, aged 15 months, he almost always refuses them. I'm not sure what to do about this. [more inside]
posted by HoraceH at 1:51 PM PST - 16 comments

When your cellphone provider says you are eligible for an "upgrade" on a new phone based on having been a customer with them for a period of time, do you imagine this as a discount on the new phone they sell you? Or as a regular priced new phone with an "upgrade fee?"
posted by nantucket at 1:22 PM PST - 6 comments

Two years ago I gave TMobile 55$ prepaid, and they gave me a phone. The 16G memory is full and the phone is starting to glitch some, screen errors and the like. My girlfriend says that I should get a new phone, but I have no idea what I'm doing. I would not like to spend too much money. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 1:18 PM PST - 9 comments

I ran a 10k virtual race because of Covid 19 and have no comparison for women in my age group as I usually receive at the end of a real race. I find that motivating and goal orienting. I ran 10k, in 1 hour and 17 min, and 32 seconds. How did I do?
posted by Tziv at 1:12 PM PST - 7 comments

When I send email from any of my Gmail addresses using Mail.app, Google now drowns me in security alerts. Details inside... [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 11:23 AM PST - 12 comments

One lens of my wife’s glasses has popped out, and nothing we can do will get it back in. Is anyone in the area open for what should be a simple repair? I’ve tried unscrewing the frame, but am unable to fit the lens back in and close the frame again. She has no spares and can’t do anything without them. [more inside]
posted by lhauser at 10:59 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm trying to think of food that is vaguely space-themed or astronomy-themed -- but NOT astronaut food -- for a birthday celebration. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 10:34 AM PST - 44 comments

I have a pre-teen daughter whose (mostly male, same age) friends are hanging out on Discord, and I am trying to figure out whether it's possible to give her access in some way without exposing her to the site's very nasty underbelly... [more inside]
posted by cgs06 at 10:20 AM PST - 10 comments

I have a new computer that is having trouble connecting to the internet. So, it's the computer, right? But, my old computer also has trouble accessing the internet. So does my phone. So does my roku. So, it's the router or the modem or the service, right? But right now, I'm using the old computer to ask this question with the same router and cable modem that doesn't seem to be enough for the new computer. [more inside]
posted by stuart_s at 9:46 AM PST - 7 comments

We need a new dishwasher and between the "incentivized reviews" and the sheer number of models I am completely unable to make a decision. Please help me. Requirements below the fold. [more inside]
posted by a22lamia at 9:09 AM PST - 27 comments

I'm looking for nicknames of literary or historical figures, especially, although not exclusively, ones that take the form 'The X of Y'. Example: 'The Bard of Avon'.
posted by Acheman at 8:08 AM PST - 47 comments

I'm working on an online business process dashboard. We need to make animations of business processes, showing the flow of each purchase from one node to the next, visualizing time/resources spent at each node and bottlenecks. [more inside]
posted by signal at 8:00 AM PST - 1 comment

For remote access to work for the next few months, I need a smartphone, solely in order to generate a one-time password each time I log on. I currently have a non-smartphone I'm very happy with and want to go on using. How can I manage this? [more inside]
posted by paduasoy at 7:31 AM PST - 18 comments

Today I expressed some concerns to my partner regarding the uptick of racist attacks against asians in our city. He responded with a surprising degree of indifference. He is white, and I am asian. I'm not sure how to process this or if I overreacted. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:24 AM PST - 41 comments

Help me find some information about the history of plastic six-pack ring design, specifically when this nifty feature was added (or whether it has been there all along)? [more inside]
posted by zebra at 6:50 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm not necessarily looking for books - I just don't have that attention span right now - but definitely long, well written articles about various elements of the pandemic in 1918. Articles behind paywalls are fine. Thanks!
posted by tafetta, darling! at 6:04 AM PST - 9 comments

I am looking for public (past or present) examples of a particular personality type. Let me explain. They are the type of person who even in a fog of distractions and red herrings see the core of an issue very quickly. [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 5:04 AM PST - 31 comments

Okay, here’s a long shot. For his upcoming birthday, my husband has requested “Italian chocolate bread.” It is not any of the versions I can find on google. Perhaps you can help with the info inside. [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 5:00 AM PST - 21 comments

Over the past few weeks, our cat has developed a limp, which went away after a vet visit but is now back. What's going on with her? [more inside]
posted by emelenjr at 2:55 AM PST - 10 comments

My dogs are used to a premium dog food which I buy in 5 pound bags. The store where I buy it cannot import this brand into Indonesia anymore, so they kindly sent me a 15 pound bag for the same price. However, I have two chihuahua mixes. Even a five pound bag lasts nearly two months. Difficulty level: Tropics & Covid-19 [more inside]
posted by frumiousb at 2:11 AM PST - 9 comments

If someone would like to recommend some nice names from classical antiquity that begin with the letter I or J, that would be fine. [more inside]
posted by Sterros at 8:52 PM PST - 22 comments

I've been listening to the soundtrack record from the movie Diva a lot lately. I love the movie and that's why I got the soundtrack, but I've been finding that I also like the really broad variety of music that's represented (a few opera tracks, a few very consonant modern classical tracks (think Scott Cossu), and a few electronica tracks that range from aggressive to mellow ambiance). What are other compilation albums or soundtracks/scores that have this much variety in style? [more inside]
posted by C. K. Dexter Haven at 7:59 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm in a private group on facebook, about a unique regional industry that's now almost gone, and is poorly documented. A vast number of photographs and comments have been posted to this group over several years. The historical record they represent is irreplacable, and the people posting are getting old and passing away. I don't trust Facebook to preserve all this for posterity. How can I retrieve it? [more inside]
posted by automatronic at 7:48 PM PST - 4 comments

I have been watching the really incredible Asian American Experience on PBS and would like to learn more about this section of American history. What can you recommend? [more inside]
posted by basalganglia at 4:49 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm looking for some kind of app or reminder service I can put on my phone that will remind me at random intervals, ~45 minutes apart or so, to stop and be mindful. Can't seem to find something that matches the specifics. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by forza at 4:18 PM PST - 12 comments

I recently installed a Blink security system outside my home and it's great, but the one on my deck is constantly going off because it appears to be where a Carpenter Bee is protecting a nest. The bee keeps setting off the camera. I don't want to hurt a pollinator. How do I convince the bee to move, or adjust the camera to stop noticing the bee? [more inside]
posted by Stanczyk at 3:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Listening to two songs and certain parts keep sticking in my head. What type of beat is this? What other songs sound like this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:55 PM PST - 10 comments

I want to read more books where the character is a fun person in their own right, someone I'd get along with (Like Tuesday Mooney in Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts). I just re-read the Anastasia Krupnik books and it was fun to hang out with her, but I'm curious what is out there in adult fiction. I'm interested especially in general adult fiction, but any genre with a character who is a loveable weirdo sounds good to me. What are your favorites?
posted by azalea_chant at 2:58 PM PST - 16 comments

An acquaintance recently had a Tupperware party and now I’m fascinated. Is this really better than generic storage containers? Is this a worthy rabbit hole to go down, or should I quit while I’m ahead? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 2:43 PM PST - 31 comments

In a fit of desperation I tried one of te electric scooters plaguing our city and, reader, I loved it. So I bought a Segway Ninebot G30. [more inside]
posted by J.R. Hartley at 2:09 PM PST - 1 comment

Customer support folks are telling me I have too many devices for my wifi to handle and are recommending setting up my own wifi, rather than use their router's wifi. Should I purchase a new wifi router, or push for them to fix this somehow? [more inside]
posted by hanov3r at 2:07 PM PST - 12 comments

What's some super-simple and easy ways to get employee ID cards made for my tiny 4-person outfit? [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 1:45 PM PST - 4 comments

I do interviews. But I've also recently written a book and am trying to promote it. So, I was happy to get contacted by the Enterprise Podcast Network to be interviewed. Thing is, I've never heard of it before now. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 1:38 PM PST - 2 comments

My 4 - 5 year old PC died this morning and is currently in the hands of a techie friend. He suspects it may be the hard drive and beyond his capabilities. If I have to take it to a shop and if it can be repaired, given that it's that old and I could presumably get another one for $800 - $1000, what should be my cutoff for repairs? [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:12 PM PST - 8 comments

I’m looking for fiction/tv/film that features technology so advanced relative to the norm that even stuff that’s not supposed to be weaponized or super powerful is a game changer. Very spoilery examples below the fold. [more inside]
posted by ftm at 1:10 PM PST - 23 comments

I despise my chest freezer and upright freezers are out of stock forever everywhere. I have a bad shoulder and neck that make digging around in there torture, I’m short so I can’t reach the bottom, and all the packages of frozen meat slipsliding around when I’m trying to find something make me want to scream. Any suggestions?
posted by HotToddy at 10:37 AM PST - 20 comments

What are some outdoor activities that can be done in NYC during the weekend while respecting social distancing? Something like, a NYC audio walking tour or riding the NYC Ferry on the East River. Anything that is outdoors, can be done while wearing a mask, and where I can hopefully stay six feet away from others.
posted by andoatnp at 10:37 AM PST - 10 comments

Our social service group has started a Paypal donations page. We set it up and paypal verified our bank accounts through 2 small deposits. Paypal allows us to make donations through debitcards with Paypal membership. The bank shows the money being taken out of the debitcards but the money is not showing up in our group account. How can I get Paypal to help? Their virtual assistant is useless. They appear to have no live support due to Covid-19.We are losing donations because we won't link to the page if it's not working.
posted by Xurando at 10:26 AM PST - 17 comments

Like many people, I'm now working from home full-time. I'm in a small apartment though, and looking for ways to optimize space. I have a work laptop and a home desktop. [more inside]
posted by Pademelon at 9:28 AM PST - 30 comments

Hi folks. When I use Gmail, and I type the words "my address is," Gmail will autocomplete with a full home address (109 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield IL). However, I live at 123 Evergreen Terrace (not really). It's almost exactly my address, just off by a little. Is there any way I can fix this?
posted by Slinga at 8:41 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for smart & cute videos, memes, web pages, etc. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 8:28 AM PST - 4 comments

I have to go in to work, and I bike. Am I being overly paranoid about my laptop? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 8:03 AM PST - 18 comments

The number of Covid-19-related deaths in Illinois jumps up by ~ 100-200% every Tuesday. Any idea why? It's extremely pronounced for the past three weeks. Before that, there are days with fewer deaths spaced several days apart, but it's not as clear a pattern. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 7:38 AM PST - 9 comments

I work for a public university in the US. My employer is in the very early stages of crafting a phased re-opening policy as we navigate a possible return to work while still dealing with coronavirus. My questions here are more about employees, not students. In the draft policy I've seen, there's an intention to let as many folks continue to work from home as long as is practical in early stages; there was also a suggestion that, in some stages, employees who are medically vulnerable or who have family members who are medically vulnerable could continue to work from home even while others are back on campus. Can you help me think through the ethics of this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:13 PM PST - 39 comments

I live in a state with legal medical marijuana, and I have used it routinely for the past year for chronic pain. I am also in final interviews for a director level position in a health care organization. I am a highly favored candidate for this position, and because of reasons, it turns out there will be a urinalysis. I have stopped use for a little bit, but is is at least possible that I will fail the test. I am not interested in trying to spoof it; if I fail, I fail. I know that if I were in the hiring position here, I would certainly be open to conversation about this and not let it sink a promising investment. I am preparing to advocate for myself if this happens. My plan will be to say that use in my state is legal, and that my partner and I have used it only lightly at night to help with our yoga and pain, which is true. As soon as I found out there would be a drug test for this position, I stopped use, which is also true. What else would you say in my position? I appreciate the help and guidance.
posted by anonymous at 11:12 PM PST - 20 comments

I have a lot of personal mental health work that I need to do, and I've finally admitted to myself that I need professional assistance to get there. But I have absolutely, positively, no idea what I'm doing. And that's an understatement. How do I go from knowing almost literally nothing about the subject to actually talking to a therapist? Anxiety inside. [more inside]
posted by gregoryg at 9:07 PM PST - 20 comments

My 14-y.o. Maine Coon Cat is not feeling well. Details below the fold (warning: minor cat poop and pee details), but briefly: a UTI and elevated kidney markers. He has (and takes medication for) hyperthyroid, and chronic kidney disease is not unexpected for a male cat of his age and breed, though his most recent blood work in February was fine. He's been to the vet, has started antibiotics, and I know what and when the immediate next step is (collect urine sample early/mid next week and bring it back to the vet for analysis). I've read all the old asks about cats with kidney issues, have poked around on the Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease page recommended in several asks, and have googled info on UTIs in cats. I'm looking for reassurance from other cat people of metafilter and/or your own experiences specifically around the timeline of his diagnosis and treatment. [more inside]
posted by eviemath at 8:37 PM PST - 8 comments

I have this vague memory of a website from at least ten years ago called Cat Town. It was a collection of ridiculous stories illustrated by photos of cats in hats, originally from a Japanese website. There were recurring characters and I think they revolved around the mayor, who could have been a tuxedo cat who said "doo doo doo" a lot. This is all I remember but I loved it! I hope someone else remembers this - thank you!
posted by Neely O'Hara at 6:15 PM PST - 11 comments

Can you help me list out the top universities for undergrad and graduate degrees in cognitive, developmental and counseling psychology. [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 5:49 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me find Adobe InDesign CS6, an online back-up system and/or advice on updating my Mac OS please [more inside]
posted by biscuits at 4:58 PM PST - 8 comments

I am wanting to partially redo my front yard that consists of a small piece of lawn (that I'm gonna keep) and then a mulchy/rocky area that encircles it. [more inside]
posted by Forty-eight at 2:34 PM PST - 11 comments

So, I'm looking to buy a used motorcycle in the 600-1000cc range. This would be bike no. 3 for me. My first was a Yamaha RD400. No. 2 was a Honda Interceptor 750. It's been about 30 years since the Interceptor. [more inside]
posted by kaymac at 2:15 PM PST - 11 comments

So I was recently told that people think I look sloppy at work. And I realized they’re right. I take absolutely no care in my appearance. But I’m not better for fashion advice. [more inside]
posted by aclevername at 2:01 PM PST - 34 comments

Somewhere back around 2014 (ish? give or take a year or two) I had a collection of links to music videos on You Tube that I really liked. I've lost the links and I don't remember song titles, or names of bands, but I would dearly love to find the songs again. All I remember is parts of the videos. Can you help me? More after the jump. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 1:30 PM PST - 4 comments

One or both of my partner and I would like to approach our respective management about continuing to work from home, remotely, in perpetuity. Any advice on how to approach management for the best likelihood of success? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 12:55 PM PST - 13 comments

I was laid off recently from a tech company in Boston, and I'm luckily looking at several job offers, mostly in the NYC midtown Manhattan area with relocation expected after the quarantine ends. I have no idea what the housing market is like these days within a reasonable commute. What are some towns/neighborhoods I should consider? How do I best plan finding a place when I may have months to plan rather than weeks? I appreciate not rushing but I also don't know how to use the extra time. [more inside]
posted by ikea_femme at 12:20 PM PST - 15 comments

Makers, tinkerers, oculo-gadgeteers of MeFi, it looks as if it would it be fun to make some kind of hyper-specific recording apparatus with the new raspberry pi “high quality camera.” I have a pi but I don’t quite know what to do with it. The camera looks promising, but I am afraid it’s above the skill set of someone who still gets excited when they make a circuit and the led glows. Thoughts?
posted by Morpeth at 12:08 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm making over my bedroom starting with my bed! I would like help finding specific links to sheets, duvet covers, throws, etc that will make my bed a lovely place to be. Details inside! [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 11:28 AM PST - 15 comments

My toddler loved Netflix’s Dancing with the Birds. Are there other documentaries you’ve watched that are toddler-friendly? I don’t want to screen ahead of time.. [more inside]
posted by inevitability at 11:27 AM PST - 9 comments

The last several weeks I have woken up with very sore hands, because I've been clenching them so hard while asleep. Not every night, but many nights. I know it is stress and whatnot, but that isn't going away soon. I have nighttime wrist braces that I could wear, but I could easily clench my fist in them when I tried them on. Suggestions for what I can do to mitigate this?
posted by misanthropicsarah at 11:17 AM PST - 6 comments

My father passed away almost a month ago. We didn't have a terrible relationship, but it wasn't the best. Now, I'm having what borders on nightmares every night about him still being alive. I feel horrible about it, because I should be sad that he's gone...but I just want him to stay gone. Why? [more inside]
posted by jspierre at 10:23 AM PST - 29 comments

A friend has to care for an elderly relative who may have been exposed to covid and is having trouble understanding what is going on at the moment. Can you point to resources (e.g. video) that might help to explain and reinforce social distancing, need for added hygiene etc.? [more inside]
posted by roolya_boolya at 10:07 AM PST - 2 comments

What resources would you recommend for someone who is starting a new job remotely, where that job involves managing a large-ish team (20 people)? [more inside]
posted by buddha9090 at 10:03 AM PST - 2 comments

My 60 year old broke and depressed mother living in a different country is declining mentally and financially. She is wanting more and more money and also to live in with me. [more inside]
posted by Sentus at 9:50 AM PST - 15 comments

My wife wants a karaoke machine for our home. 
I’m tech savvy, but couldn’t carry a tune, even if it had a handle. Help me find the perfect little system for her! [more inside]
posted by Bill Watches Movies Podcast at 8:08 AM PST - 6 comments

I live in Los Angeles. I live alone and work remotely. I have been following local guidance and have been sheltering in place since March 6, 2020. I have a housekeeper (she brings a helper) who I have asked not to come since mid-March. I have continued to pay her. Now that we are contemplating opening up businesses and offices by late May, is it time for her to come back safely? I would be gone during the time she is here, and she could wear a mask and gloves. I could also do another quick disinfecting of the commonly touched (counters, door knobs, etc.) after she leaves. Is this safe?
posted by parkerposey at 8:02 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm going to be sending my best friend 30 postcards leading up to and during the week of her 30th birthday. I'd like to include a pun/joke on the front of each postcard. Can you help me come up with my 30 puns/jokes? [more inside]
posted by lucy.jakobs at 6:14 AM PST - 16 comments

I saw some pictures of donkey nannies who carry lambs up pastures before they can walk. But in a couple of the pictures the donkey also has what appears to be a hat on its back. Do any donkeyologists know what this might be? It seems the wrong shape for a saddle.
posted by mosswinter at 4:51 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a lot of long-standing anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse issues. I've done a lot of things to try and deal with it on my own, and when that didn't work I tried a few different counsellors and medications, none of which have made a dent. I was in a bad place already when coronavirus hit and now it's obviously worse (I live on my own and the isolation is getting to me). I have very little optimism about the future, and things have been bad for a long while. I'm not getting any professional treatment at the moment but I would like someone just to talk to. What should I look for? Is it even reasonable to look for counselling right now when I have no motivation to change? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:09 AM PST - 16 comments

I set up a bird table recently, and it's being regularly visited by a few crows. I'd like to continue to give them things without making them dependent. [more inside]
posted by lucidium at 3:38 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me draw up a reasonable freelance work from home weekly schedule? [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 10:12 PM PST - 19 comments

My mom is looking for books to cheer her up, particularly in the realm of science fiction and romance (but thinks like A Year in Provence are also up her alley). Things with a comic bent, though not necessarily "comedies" per se. I have found some that she enjoys but I'm suddenly blanking on every funny book I've ever known, so I'm looking for recommendations. Likes/dislikes/etc. inside! [more inside]
posted by rednikki at 9:04 PM PST - 31 comments

I’m a sole proprietor with no employees, and I've been offered both EIDL and PPP relief loans from the SBA. Phew! But now I need someone to explain business loans to me like I’m a 5-year-old. [more inside]
posted by Yo Soy La Morsa at 8:15 PM PST - 6 comments

It turns out my relief check from the U.S. government has arrived. I live in Japan, and I would rather send it to family back home, as they need it more than I do. Can anyone help me figure this out? Tons of weird complicating details inside. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 7:50 PM PST - 9 comments

Marijuana is now legal in Michigan, but I don't know how to feel about consumption habits, in my social circals or personally. I've heard lots of extreme stories and benign stories, but I'm looking for rules of thumb to help set expectations. More questions inside! [more inside]
posted by rebent at 5:43 PM PST - 22 comments

The Doki watch company is no more. I need to be able to track via GPS my child and have said child be able to do emergency signalling. What are the options? [more inside]
posted by jadepearl at 4:10 PM PST - 8 comments

Have there been any documented cases of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 between people who did not share the same physical space? [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 4:00 PM PST - 7 comments

I just got a new job, and when I’m allowed to go back into the office, the dress code is going to be more conservative than my last company’s. Between that and general wear and tear, I’ve been looking to buy some new clothes. But most places I’ve looked online have been out of stock on a lot of items, and low inventory on the rest. Is this a temporary aspect of the quarantine? Or do I need to start shopping at new stores? [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 3:20 PM PST - 10 comments

I grew up poor and with bad financial role models. Now, as an adult, I feel like I missed the equivalent of the birds and the bees talk that my responsible friends’ families instilled in them. How can I learn this and improve my financial situation (or at least my relationship with money)? [more inside]
posted by robertthebruce at 1:50 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm an American who has been looking into countries with better healthcare systems in the hopes of relocating. It looks like I would be a good candidate for Express Entry to Canada. But... Is it worth it? [more inside]
posted by Penguin48 at 1:35 PM PST - 21 comments

What are some movies or books where the main character comes to realize his/her significant other is actually an android? I'm specifically interested in stories which are devoted to exploring the emotional challenges/difficulties of a robot-human romantic relationship -- not Robot erotica. Thanks!
posted by egeanin at 1:31 PM PST - 22 comments

If you need to have close contact with Person A who lives with Person B, and Person B has had a one time extended visit with Person's B's parents (with no known symptoms or positive test), how long would you wait to have close contact with Person A, assuming no other close contacts with others? [more inside]
posted by Karaage at 12:16 PM PST - 15 comments

I've invented something marvelous and I really need help. I've got several working prototypes and I've put in a provisional patent application, but getting this to market is beyond me. How would I find someone with the expertise and the aptitude to build these ideas into a responsible company? [more inside]
posted by MrVisible at 11:59 AM PST - 6 comments

What are the best online and ideally free resources for a complete beginner to learn to play the harmonica while quarantined? [more inside]
posted by waffleriot at 11:36 AM PST - 6 comments

Hi! Asking for a relative who has Parkinson’s and is therefore taking levodopa, and is also taking blood thinners. He has severe hip pain that is making his mobility even worse. YANHD but do you know of any medical or non-medical treatments that could help alleviate pain? [more inside]
posted by leslievictoria at 11:28 AM PST - 8 comments

I have all the ingredients needed to make a Corpse Reviver No. 2, except for absinthe (or pastis). Nor do I currently have any other anise-flavored liqueurs around, and would prefer not to buy one just to make this drink. I don't have any anise seed either. What I DO have is star anise. Can I use that instead? If so, how? Boil a pod in some water for it a bit, and use some of that water? Or how about if I just skip the absinthe, since only a dash is called for??
posted by Mechitar at 11:28 AM PST - 15 comments

My old Raleigh that I used to commute for the last 12 years was totaled in a car crash this weekend (I wasn't riding it). I need to buy a new one, would you have any recommendations based on my snowflake details inside? [more inside]
posted by benbenson at 11:24 AM PST - 5 comments

I know this is a strange question. Briefly, I have given up on trying to make sourdough bread but we love this recipe for sourdough discard crackers. What can I use to create a substitute cup of sourdough discard? An equal amount of flour and water? Or? And how much yeast? (Yes, I have yeast. That makes giving up on sourdough bread a lot easier.) Strange times generate strange questions, I guess.
posted by uans at 10:51 AM PST - 11 comments

Made an important update to my business social media accounts. I included an image to accompany the post. Just realized the file name has some verbiage that is supposed to be for internal use only. Is this visible anywhere, or can I chill out? [more inside]
posted by jschu at 10:43 AM PST - 2 comments

Can anyone tell what's eating my plants? [more inside]
posted by jeb at 9:54 AM PST - 11 comments

These past couple of months I have been progressively looking worse and worse. To the point that friends ask me if I'm feeling okay. I'm not sure if it's just part of aging, or if something is going on with my health. [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 9:37 AM PST - 16 comments

Preface, have exhausted my own capabilities in knowing how to proceed. I don't take medications, background history is hyperparathyroidism and impaired glucose fasting. Tested 3x negative for ANA, Rheum Factor. Contracted Lyme 20 years ago. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 8:24 AM PST - 13 comments

Looking for a cheese/wine gift box type to be delivered in Houston, ideally from a local shop. Anyone from Houston or know of a place that do this? [more inside]
posted by monologish at 7:51 AM PST - 6 comments

I find most bras uncomfortable and during "these times" I have chosen to free-boob a lot of the time. However, I am tired of looking in the mirror and seeing 100-year-old breasts hanging under my t-shirt. I am interested in finding a comfortable "at home" style of bra, but I want one that doesn't pull on/off over my head. Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 7:22 AM PST - 28 comments

As above, we just bought a house whose backyard is fully shaded, although the three will come down in the fall. Both the front and back yards are just sun-blasted dirt and construction dust. How do we even get started here? [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 7:21 AM PST - 25 comments

Canners of MetaFilter: Where are you finding the best prices/shipping deals on wide mouth and regular lids in bulk? (I'm all set on jars and rings, thanks, just after lids.) I know about Fillmore, and have a local source as a back-up--just wondering if there's somewhere else I should be looking.
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:08 AM PST - 3 comments

This is a post about butts and things that can happen to them, and not in the fun way. probably nsfw, idk, ymmv [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:01 AM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for a really great, extremely autism positive therapist who is currently taking new patients for online therapy. Since this will be a digital interaction, I'm easy as to geography. [more inside]
posted by Acheman at 5:51 AM PST - 5 comments

How different, really, are car insurance companies? Should I be suspicious of one that is much cheaper than others? (USA) [more inside]
posted by mosst at 5:14 AM PST - 19 comments

How can I time my intermittent large-scale grocery trips in a way that doesn't overlap with people getting fixed-income type funding so that I don't take the last jar of peanut butter from someone who can't shop for another two weeks, or a month? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:37 AM PST - 16 comments

I filed electronically and my return was accepted on 3/12. I'm owed a refund. In looking it over now, I see that my 1040 does NOT have my routing and account number on it as I meant it to -- I filed using Credit Karma for the first time, and it seems not to have filled in those fields, even though it did for my state return. On the IRS's status checker, it says my return is still being processed. There's no one answering phones. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:30 AM PST - 9 comments

I have multiple tumblr blogs. When I am logged in and enter the full URL for most of them, I see the page as any visitor should, with the option of going to my dashboard using the 'home' button at top right. Weirdly, one particular URL automatically redirects me to my dashboard. [more inside]
posted by srednivashtar at 3:34 AM PST - 3 comments

What are some great online/book/podcast etc resources about plotting a story? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 3:29 AM PST - 9 comments

It appears that using my iPhone as a hotspot on my Windows 10 PC (which only has Ethernet, no Wi-Fi card or Bluetooth) stopped working sometime between March and now. Can I fix this, or do I have to wait for an Apple update? [more inside]
posted by macdara at 1:31 AM PST - 10 comments

Today (5/10/2020) at 10:00 am Pacific Time, I was channel surfing and happened to catch a female African American telling Mother's Day jokes. What show was it? [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 8:36 PM PST - 3 comments

I am considering buying these steeply discounted pants as a gift for my sister. But she works at REI and gets employee discounts on their merchandise. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 7:55 PM PST - 4 comments

What's the minimum software/hardware I need to compose & record music? [more inside]
posted by mono blanco at 6:18 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm thinking of renting a house for a week this summer, something I never do. When it comes to travel, I usually go far, or not at all. If I could have anything I wanted, I would be overlooking the mediterranean. But I'll have to settle for New York. Are there any coastal places nearby that would come anywhere close to what I'm hankering for?
posted by swheatie at 5:40 PM PST - 8 comments

I am wondering if someone knows the answer to this, google has entirely failed me. I have a liquid general-purpose fertilizer (Dr. Earth's). The directions instruct you to mix up four tbsps. with one gallon of water. Okay, fine. But the directions don't let you know how much, say, you would then use for the plants/shrubs/trees you are using it on. Does anyone know?
posted by nanook at 4:01 PM PST - 6 comments

I want to upgrade my home office desk with a KVM switch so I can use one keyboard/mouse/screen for both my personal PC and my work laptop. While I'm changing things, I also want to upgrade at least one display on my personal PC, which I'd then share with my work laptop via the KVM. I haven't properly researched new monitors in close to 15 years. And of course I have relatively particular needs and I'm not sure how to balance them. [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 3:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Over the last few months my niece has repeatedly expressed the conviction that I know how to do "real magic" and will teach it to her once we're allowed to see each other. Is there a way to handle this that will delight her but not set her up for disappointment in the future? [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 3:46 PM PST - 14 comments

I've been disabled my whole life, but the virus greatly magnifies the role my disability plays in my day to day. I am finding myself unbelievably upset when friends or colleagues tell me that they are relaxing their social distancing guidelines. How do I navigate my own feelings around this without alienating or hurting my relationships? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:47 PM PST - 15 comments

Pretty much what it says in the title. I want to travel from the comfort of my couch. [more inside]
posted by Constance Mirabella at 2:15 PM PST - 42 comments

I find both white and grey skies depressing which is highly unfortunate as I live in the United Kingdom. [more inside]
posted by ihaveyourfoot at 12:55 PM PST - 32 comments

A plant in our yard grows some pods that look like peas but have no peas inside it. What is it? [more inside]
posted by Gucky at 12:42 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm an experienced baker, but I want to kick my styling game up a notch with a more professional look. Can you recommend some cake decorating books or online classes I can work through at home? [more inside]
posted by marfa, texas at 9:55 AM PST - 5 comments

Most kitchen mechanical timers seem to be for an hour, making it hard to precisely set for, say, 3 minutes. Do you know of a good mechanical (aka wind-up) timer that is good for short durations? [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 9:45 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm considering purchasing a console for the first time as I think I'd enjoy the new Animal Crossing. However I'm not much of a gamer so I'd want to choose one that has other games available that I might like. [more inside]
posted by mireille at 9:38 AM PST - 9 comments

In our home, we have built in cabinet with six wooden drawers. The drawers ride on wooden side sliders which have sort of an L shaped profile. The sliders are severely worn from 100 years of being pulled in and out (old house!) and the less worn parts at the very back are almost 1/4" higher than the worn parts, causing the drawers to be difficult to close fully. I'm having trouble deciding how best to fix this. [more inside]
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 9:31 AM PST - 15 comments

I am making my mother a coconut cake for Mother's Day and her preferred icing is cream cheese frosting. However, our curbside grocery pick up omitted the cream cheese in our order. Does the hive mind have any suggestions about a substitute icing that would approximate cream cheese frosting? Plan B is butter cream frosting which will be tasty but is not my mom's favorite. [more inside]
posted by pineapplerunner at 9:04 AM PST - 7 comments

I need a sign to hold at my grandson's graduation parade. [more inside]
posted by eleslie at 8:43 AM PST - 3 comments

I enjoy playing video games and it’s my main, if not only, hobby. My partner generally dislikes them but has been more or less tolerant of my gaming, until I discovered a new game during quarantine. [more inside]
posted by ariadne_88 at 8:14 AM PST - 37 comments

Parents (and cat parents) of MetaFilter! I'm looking for small water pistols that don't leak. [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 5:24 AM PST - 11 comments

I am a cis woman, happily married with one child. I had my kiddo when I was 34, and had a very easy pregnancy and delivery. I love being a mom. I'm considering having another child. I'm also agonizing over all the social/political/personal reasons about having another kid (collapsing state of the earth, financial costs, career risks, my own anxiety issues,) but these answers are pretty personal and not this question: right now I want some SCIENCE. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:01 AM PST - 4 comments

I want to buy a waterproof sex blanket like the Liberator Fascinator. The Fascinator as a product marketed for sex purposes is very expensive (£110-120) compared to products that appear similar but are marketed as pet incontinence blankets (£15-20). Is there any reason why I should pay an extra £100 for the sex-specific version? Some TMI inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:00 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm a fairly small person with a soft spoken voice. I would like to change my body language to show that I am confident and assertive. What are some exercises that I can do to change this?
posted by sheepishchiffon at 12:11 AM PST - 11 comments

Looking for a way to transcribe my decently-lengthy genetics lectures that doesn't thoroughly stress me out and take 8 hours. [more inside]
posted by BeeJiddy at 9:15 PM PST - 20 comments

I'm pretty sure I've got a sinus infection coming on. All the usual symptoms. I shopped for guaifenesin and got some guaifenesin/dextromethorphan tablets, because that's what the store had. Now I'm rethinking my purchase. I don't have a cough, and I'm not eager to take a medicine I don't need. Would it be a bad idea to take this?
posted by bryon at 9:12 PM PST - 9 comments

I run a website that posts interviews with Oregon political candidates as a service to Oregonians in advance of the 2020 election. The state primary is in 10 days and I wanted to post this factoid, but I want to make sure my math and my assumptions are correct. Can you tell me if they are? [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 6:18 PM PST - 9 comments

Please recommend charitable organizations/NPOs accepting donations, which are working to support people suffering from the coronavirus (in the sense of livelihood/jobs/housing/education issues etc.). Some possible specs below the fold. [more inside]
posted by huimangm at 5:52 PM PST - 9 comments

Every day, week and weekend all feels the same. I've taken the "create a routine" to almost too much heart, and now it all blends together. I am occupied, but am in need of something to break up the routine and also give myself things to look forward to. What are some ways that I can create unique, varied experiences during this time of sheltering in place? What are ways I can make this week feel different than last week, this weekend feel different than last weekend, this month feel different than last month? I miss looking forward to something/anything.
posted by ellerhodes at 5:50 PM PST - 18 comments

My friend's daughter would like an "animal mod" for Minecraft. What's the best way to do that these days? I've seen this already, but it's a bit old.
posted by unknowncommand at 5:50 PM PST - 4 comments

I want to make a version of this Sicilian orange cake, but I am vegan. Can you see a way? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 5:19 PM PST - 12 comments

I feel old. I need to use phone audio for a zoom meeting, but my meeting password is in letters, not numbers. How do I enter it? I tried to use the numbers that matched the letters, but that did not work. I am sure this is something obvious, but, obviously, not obvious to me. Apologies for such a stupid question...
posted by MountainDaisy at 4:45 PM PST - 2 comments

Can I just use indoor tile outside or what? Please comment on my naive attempts to half-ass this project. [more inside]
posted by slidell at 3:24 PM PST - 9 comments

In shallow water at the lake (Seattle area) this morning, I found what looked like a mostly-intact half lower mandible of a large fish or raccoon or something with four or five teeth attached. It doesn’t look like anything on the internet, so what could it be? [more inside]
posted by Chris4d at 3:13 PM PST - 7 comments

How do you manage to be a thoughtful, empathetic listener when your interlocutor primarily wants to put others down, complain about other people, and cast blame? [more inside]
posted by mkdirusername at 1:46 PM PST - 10 comments

I bought a new Weber grill and the regulator was leaking so Weber sent me a replacement. I cannot get the regulator hose to unscrew. I’ve now stripped one of the nuts. How can I get the regulator and hose attachment off? [more inside]
posted by BooneTheCowboyToy at 1:20 PM PST - 3 comments

Clip on Facebook
posted by drunkonthemoon at 1:10 PM PST - 2 comments

What's an easy Bob Ross painting/episode to attempt, for someone who's never painted before? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 12:30 PM PST - 3 comments

I have a macbook pro. Its keyboard is clackety. I also have an iPad that I could use for most of the things I need to type, but don't like typing on the screen. I would like to be able to type quietly. Help! [more inside]
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 12:25 PM PST - 7 comments

How do you get to the point where you can play a piece of music consistently without mistakes (and sounding good)? [more inside]
posted by knownfossils at 12:18 PM PST - 15 comments

What's the best way to be able to access Facebook on my phone while giving the least amount of additional information to Facebook? [more inside]
posted by platypus of the universe at 12:14 PM PST - 7 comments

Buying in the suburbs vs renting in the city? We are living in Vancouver right now, and we love a lot about it, but we could buy a place in the suburbs right now (which might not be true six months or a year from now). We are really torn, and I want some perspective on what moving to the suburbs is really like, and if owning is that much better than renting. [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman at 9:59 AM PST - 10 comments

I am trying to find the paid death notices section in the NYT. I am a bit frazzled and can't find them with the newspaper's own search engine or with Google. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 9:50 AM PST - 2 comments

My mom is 90 and the new Samsung we got for her is so newfangled even I can barely figure out its set up and functions -- especially related to SOUND as there is NO headphone jack, no Bluetooth -- only the new optic sound hookup for a wireless headphone arrangement -- which is constantly failing and needs resetting -- which she is clueless about. [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 9:24 AM PST - 14 comments

Twitter has announced it is shutting down its "Legacy Version" on June 1, 2020. I use the legacy version to get the functionality of Legacy Twitter that allows you to have a window open with a Twitter page up, and when a new Tweet happens, a "(1)" shows in the browser tab. How can I get that functionality? The solution needs to work in Chrome & Firefox, and whether I have a twitter account or not. I want to be able to open 3 or 4 or however many tabs with twitter accounts I'm waiting for an update from, and see a notification in the tab header that there's a new tweet.
posted by cashman at 8:40 AM PST - 4 comments

I've been working with this Excel formula for a month or so. It comes from Leila Gharani's Youtube tutorial. [more inside]
posted by jwhite1979 at 7:45 AM PST - 2 comments

I’m going to be moving from a 1 bedroom on Long Island to a studio in Manhattan sometime in June. This will necessarily involve a certain amount of downsizing of stuff and furniture. Normally I’d donate items. What are my options to get rid of stuff now? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 6:45 AM PST - 15 comments

I recently finished Margaret Renkl's Late Migrations. It was the perfect book for right now, accommodating my fractured attention span, frequent insomnia, and deep grief and despair at the state of the world. Almost every chapter was less than 3 pages, and most involve nature intertwined with family memories. What other books are like this? [more inside]
posted by mostly vowels at 6:38 AM PST - 20 comments

My city (a close-in Boston suburb) is offering COVID-19 tests (viral, not antibody) to all residents, regardless of symptoms. I have no symptoms and probably lower-than-average risk of exposure but I'm considering getting tested. In a perfect-except-for-coronavirus world, who would be getting tested, and how often? [more inside]
posted by mskyle at 6:27 AM PST - 20 comments

A couple of weeks ago when I went to log into Yahoo, I got the following message right after typing in my user name: 'Sorry, we were unable to proceed with your request. Please try again.' Since then, no amount of trying has gotten me further. Can you help me retrieve my account? [more inside]
posted by doggod at 4:37 AM PST - 6 comments

I stopped wearing contacts for a few months and now they make my eyes red and unhappy even if I only wear them for a few hours. What have I done wrong? [more inside]
posted by velebita at 4:37 AM PST - 9 comments

This is not a question about social distancing procedures as much as it is about the psychology of it. [more inside]
posted by M. at 4:17 AM PST - 7 comments

Inspired by the whodunit question, and also that I am almost done watching the Americans and know I will miss it sorely... [more inside]
posted by athirstforsalt at 2:58 AM PST - 51 comments

I just bought a Kindle for my Luddite poet friend and I want to fill it up with poetry from the last 50 years or so. Universally acclaimed, critically hailed, all-killer-no-filler, BEST POETRY EVAR is what I want. Difficulty: in English or Hebrew, published after 1970 or so, little or no free verse. Thanks for any suggestions!
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 2:07 AM PST - 5 comments

Asking for friend: Normally my temperature tends to run a little low: 97.8-98.3 is typical. For the past two months, my temperature has been consistently around 99.5, about a degree and half above what is normal for me. What would cause that? [more inside]
posted by metahawk at 7:04 PM PST - 23 comments

I have a very large amount of papers that need to be counted, to the extent that doing it by hand will take dozens of hours. I have considered doing it by weight with an accurate scale, but I require a lot of accuracy, and some of the groupings of papers need to be separated, so I need to work in smaller batches. I was thinking of using a printer for this purpose - load up as much as it can hold, then "print" blank pages in groupings of 50 for example. [more inside]
posted by unid41 at 6:50 PM PST - 8 comments

The one vector between me and total isolation is my apartment laundry room. Am I overestimating my risk? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 4:09 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm sewing masks to donate, and a lot of the fabric in my stash is the Alexander Henry "Leis, Luaus & Alohas" print. What do we think about it? Is it racist? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:08 PM PST - 12 comments

Me and my partner have decided to form a shared social distancing "bubble" with another of our couple friends. I believe we are following safe protocols for this but wanted to get an honest outside opinion as to whether we could be managing this better/safer/etc. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:52 PM PST - 26 comments

Hi. I am looking for the best Mexican tamales in the South Bay/Torrance/Gardena/Lomita area of LA. [more inside]
posted by calgirl at 3:46 PM PST - 4 comments

I want to teach myself to sew by replicating this apron, probably many, many times. I bought the apron; what next? [more inside]
posted by slenderloris at 3:33 PM PST - 19 comments

Working from home on an entry-level 16-inch 2019 MBP running Catalina. [more inside]
posted by praemunire at 3:28 PM PST - 6 comments

I was suppose to "visit" the Middle East, but due to the virus my trip was canceled. Now I'm just daydreaming while I doddle away at home in the midst of quarantine. So I just wanted to know, where are some super underrated/unknown/unvisited areas of the Middle East/N. Africa that people don't commonly go to? [more inside]
posted by gucci mane at 1:05 PM PST - 10 comments

These sweatpants are my everyday wear while we shelter in place. I'm looking for something similar but in a much lighter, summer weight. Key features: - elastic waist - roomy in the belly (that's where I carry my excess weight) - pockets (!) - full length pants (31" inseam so not "Tall" but a little longer than some) - made in USA
posted by metahawk at 12:08 PM PST - 9 comments

Years ago, when Fullmetal Alchemist (the first one) aired, someone released an mp3 of the seiyuu/voice actor for Roy Mustang either counting sheep or just plain counting in Japanese, probably from 1 to 100 or similar. It was extremely soothing. I have since lost my copy, and haven't had any luck finding it on the internet--does anyone know where to find this audio file?
posted by yhlee at 11:53 AM PST - 4 comments

How can we prepare for and mitigate the effects of economic depression as residents of a major US city (NYC)? [more inside]
posted by lalochezia at 11:47 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm trying to place a video that I believe someone put in a comment in the blue a while back. It's an animated YouTube video (with stick figures IIRC) by a fairly well known channel that's about why, especially online, taking an aggressive stance, always attacking, and never admitting error works so well (it makes you look like you're winning even if you aren't and that's all that matters). Just can't seem to track it down in search or in my head. Thanks!
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 11:26 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm in the US. I'd like to buy US-made glasses online. Is this possible? [more inside]
posted by pullayup at 10:09 AM PST - 12 comments

Two organizations I belong to publish Google calendars of events. I would like to subscribe to these from my Macintosh and iPhone, so they appear on the calendars I look at every day. I don't want to change which calendar apps I use. How can I do this most easily? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 9:11 AM PST - 4 comments

I have requested reversion of rights for my novels from my publisher. I figure I'll self-publish them for people to buy if they want. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by Peach at 8:53 AM PST - 8 comments

Trying my hand at sauerkraut for the first time with red cabbage, beets, and carrots. Please look at this picture and tell me: Will I die because there are bubbles in what is supposed to be an air-free environment? (Bottom left of the jar.) [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 8:34 AM PST - 17 comments

My driver's license expires in late August. I live in Minnesota, where infections are rising dramatically and are expected to peak in July. Should I go to get it renewed now or wait until mid-August? Also, what time of day and where to go? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 7:43 AM PST - 22 comments

Looking for recommendations for inexpensive ($60 max) noise-cancelling headphones. I was considering Anker Q20s when they were on sale for $40 a few weeks ago, didn't jump on that fast enough but am now resigning myself to maybe just paying full price. I've never used noise cancelling headphones before so I don't have a sense of how much variation there is or if most things in that price range will meet my needs equally. [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:38 AM PST - 12 comments

Is there a way to get a new pair of glasses right now when my prescription is expired? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 7:12 AM PST - 21 comments

I’ve never had a cat die at home. I don’t know what I should be doing- I’ve never been sentimental about a pet after death, opting for group cremation at the vet. But this is different. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 4:16 AM PST - 44 comments

I am looking to describe some windows in a piece of writing. Long vertical glass strip windows divided by thin concrete/metal frames/dividers, most often found in swimming pools, leisure centres and municipal buildings of the 1950's and 1960's - photos within. [more inside]
posted by mani at 3:54 AM PST - 3 comments

Which shoes do you recommend for someone whose feet heat up and are blister prone? [more inside]
posted by bquarters at 10:32 PM PST - 18 comments

I wish to order food in for a special occasion in West Hollywood this Sunday or Monday. I wish to avoid intermediaries like GrubHub - will tip the driver and restaurant directly. But I never eat out so have no idea where to take my business, and am not learning much from Eater, or the recent L.A.Times article on delivery. Can be any cuisine but sushi. If the restaurant(s) offer dessert, even better, as we're celebrating two birthdays. 3 people, and I'll spend up to $300. No drinks necessary. Help me out?
posted by goofyfoot at 9:32 PM PST - 5 comments

What platforms can I use to move a large TED-like talk/celebration on-line and done professionally with minimal expense? [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 8:51 PM PST - 5 comments

Nineties or aughties sitcom, I think. Female character would say “iiii KNOW!” and (playfully) shove the other person. What character, what sitcom? Thanks in advance!
posted by ftm at 5:52 PM PST - 13 comments

my interest in this lifestyle started in 5th grade, with "my side of the mountain." now i really want to do it for real. [more inside]
posted by megan_magnolia at 5:39 PM PST - 25 comments

I've been trying in vain to get a new job at my previous organization, with no success, even after three in-person interviews for three separate positions. I'm starting to suspect foul play/being blackballed. Are my concerns unfounded? [more inside]
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 5:00 PM PST - 29 comments

I recently rearranged my apartment to better fit current times --- I now have an office space and a sanitizing station near the entry. And, even better, I finally have space for a lovely bedside table, which means that I should be able to at long last read in bed. BUT to make that happen, I need to find a way to sit up in bed. More specifically, the top of my bed is up against a window and my bed does not have a headboard. When I try to prop up on pillows, I just end up pushing them into the blinds and making a horrible noise. What else should I try? [more inside]
posted by ASlackerPestersMums at 4:48 PM PST - 12 comments

my lease on my nyc apartment ends at the end of june - my boyfriend and i have been subletting since mid-january, then covid hit. our subletter has not paid rent in two months. we can't renew the lease and want to stay in california until we figure out our own career/money/future. there's still a significant amount of our things in the apartment -- a lot of the furniture i'm fine with just getting rid of, but there are some things (my boyfriend's desktop computer) that we have to mail back to california or put into storage. more details beneath! [more inside]
posted by lightgray at 4:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Years ago I read a science fiction story or novel that I'd like to find again. Time travel was a major aspect, and a lot of the setting was neolithic Beaker culture in Europe. I'm sorry, that's all I've got.
posted by qurlyjoe at 4:04 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm giving a lecture on CBT for anxiety to psychiatry residents who are skeptical of CBT and I want some pop culture examples. I'm looking for TV/movie clips of (1) people gradually confronting things they're afraid of and overcoming their fears, and (2) people having conversations about something they're worried about where the conversation partner asks them gentle Socratic questions, and as a result, the worried person gains a new perspective. Ideally, I don't want examples involving a therapist- I just want to show the *mechanisms* of how CBT works. [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 2:42 PM PST - 8 comments

I enjoy a wide range of podcasts and am looking for podcast recommendations across several genres, particularly those which tell a good story. Would love to hear your favorite podcasts within these categories! Honestly, even if your favorites are outside of these genres, I’d still love to hear them! Thank you in advance. [more inside]
posted by panther of the pyrenees at 2:18 PM PST - 27 comments

I feel like I got caught with my pants down on this SiP and I don't want it to happen again; but I also don't want to go down a rabbit hole of antisocial paranoia. Can you recommend resources for me? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:02 PM PST - 9 comments

My blessed, blessed GP has prescribed me a muscle relaxant and an NSAID and an opiate for a shoulder in spasm. To my surprise, I can take the Valium 3x a day, the codeine 4x a day, but the Etoricoxib only once per day. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 1:43 PM PST - 9 comments

Has anyone ever tried restuffing a La-Z-Boy recliner sofa? This is basically the sofa we have had for about 5 years. The wooden bones are solid but the cushions have been sat on to the limit of what they could handle. We could get a new one but it kind of seems like a waste and a hassle when everything else about it is fine. I see some things on google to investigate, but I was wondering if anyone had first-hand experiences and/or warnings. Thanks!
posted by bleep at 12:24 PM PST - 4 comments

I need help trying to find the font-family represented in this logo: PUNCH. Something very similar would be sufficient. Especially if it is a free font! Thanks for any suggestions!
posted by Don_K at 11:30 AM PST - 8 comments

What difference can hugging make? (hear me out) [more inside]
posted by Cosine at 11:23 AM PST - 20 comments

Is Sofi generally speaking a good lender? Is there anything you do or don't like about them? We're getting a mortgage refinancing. Assume that I am getting good terms and understand these terms in comparison to other lender's terms. I want to know about other things: was your mortgage resold, were they smooth to work with, did you get scammy vibes, that sort of thing. Thanks!
posted by cacao at 11:18 AM PST - 5 comments

My partner and I had planned to spend the coming two weeks in Italy, but that trip's long since been canceled. Instead, we're doing a short staycation at home in NYC, and we want to make it as Italy as possible! [more inside]
posted by DavidNYC at 10:38 AM PST - 24 comments

My spouse has a new bipolar diagnosis as of a few weeks ago, as a result of a very serious manic episode (including psychosis and involuntary holds). They’re currently in residential therapy, likely to leave at the end of the month, though they currently deny their diagnosis. We have minor children who have been through more than they should have had to. As someone with no meaningful knowledge (though I’m learning as fast as I can), does anyone have experience here they can share?
posted by DoubtingThomas at 10:14 AM PST - 15 comments

I would like to watch some cheesy/dumb action movies, preferably streaming on Amazon Prime or Netflix in the US. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 9:54 AM PST - 51 comments

What are some tasty things I can make or buy to add to a gift set of fancy marmalade, other than bread? [more inside]
posted by acidic at 9:38 AM PST - 17 comments

Please recommend a work from home desk (desiderata inside) [more inside]
posted by Mid at 9:06 AM PST - 9 comments

Hypothetically, let's say you are frustrated with the United States for political and cultural reasons and wanted to leave - but for real. Where would you actually go? Bonus points for: -A federal government that actually seems interested in governing -A strong sense of community, including a strong social safety net -English spoken (or tolerated while we muddle through learning the native tongue) -Good for kids -A culture that would welcome newcomers Obviously economic opportunity is crucial, but let's leave out that whole can of worms for now.
posted by Anonymousness at 8:48 AM PST - 35 comments

I've recently developed a small pilonidal cyst (do not recommend googling if you are unfamiliar!). It is minimally bothersome at the moment (barely painful, not draining) but I am freaked the hell out after reading about the associated horrors online. Plus, even if I wanted to get surgery RIGHT NOW, my understanding that anything "elective" is not happening at the moment (I'm in MA). So how do I 1. calm down and 2. prevent some sort of quarantine buttpocalypse?? [more inside]
posted by catoclock at 8:30 AM PST - 19 comments

I copied my large music library to dropbox and would like to stream it to my wife's iphone? [more inside]
posted by silsurf at 5:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Our life science lab is closed so my boss decided to overhaul our inventory managment. At the moment we are only one group, but after the apocalypse is over this should expand to several more. We would like everybody to use the same system so we can pool our ressources more efficiently. [more inside]
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 2:09 AM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for books or TV shows set in a tropical paradise while also fulfilling other criteria (some romance, good plot). Basically, cozy and dreamy stories that aren't too dumb or only focussed on steamy romance. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:58 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm pretty sure I'm going to outlive everyone in my family, except my younger sister and her family - I believe they're doing very well financially - and I don't want my estate to go to her by default next-of-kin. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 10:06 PM PST - 8 comments

Online role playing game communities for queerdo young adults? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 8:20 PM PST - 3 comments

What I remember: several characters (who may be aliens?!) are observing people on the street, maybe in L.A., and are being weirded out by the breast implants and lip augmentations they're seeing. They have a pretty long conversation about how embarrassing it is to see people's anxieties playing out in such a public way, visible to strangers. [more inside]
posted by Susan PG at 8:04 PM PST - 3 comments

When I was in 7th grade we had to memorize and recite a poem. This would have been around 1988 or 1989. I remember a few things about it, but I can't remember it now. I think the title was "Suburbia" or something similar I think the author was "John Cianci" - I feel good about the last name, not sure on the first [more inside]
posted by RustyBrooks at 8:02 PM PST - 3 comments

Because of Covid-19, I don't get to see my nieces that often (girls, 5 and 7). I would like to send them fun letters and small packages to keep them entertained and in touch. Any suggestions about what I can send them? [more inside]
posted by Foci for Analysis at 7:02 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm having an issue with Pocket Casts not downloading certain podcasts episodes. Is it time for a different app or can this be fixed? [more inside]
posted by too bad you're not me at 6:24 PM PST - 4 comments

John Jay was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and I am wondering what does this quote mean and how can it be put into context for democracy today? [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 5:15 PM PST - 16 comments

Please help this frazzled parent help two 12yo girls find a brief comedy skit they can record via Zoom or Google Hangouts or FaceTime. [more inside]
posted by ellenaim at 4:49 PM PST - 12 comments

For latest iOS: If I'm actively using my phone, DND doesn't seem to work -- this is annoying when I'm trying to get lost in a book, long article, etc. Is there a way to force all incoming texts to obey DND at all times?
posted by curious nu at 3:23 PM PST - 1 comment

Curious about DoNotPay and their data scrubbing/data breach "auto-suing" capabilities, but is it a legit service? Does anyone have experience? [more inside]
posted by windbox at 2:36 PM PST - 3 comments

As it says up top, how do you see yourself as the world sees you? What sorts of reflective practices do you have that provide you withobjective sense of self? Details and particulars below the fold. [more inside]
posted by robertthebruce at 2:12 PM PST - 11 comments

After a successful treatment on alemtuzumab, my father will be getting an autologous stem cell transplant, going in on Monday for chemo. For obvious reasons, he will not be allowed any visitors. What is the best video chat option? [more inside]
posted by sockingjay at 1:55 PM PST - 9 comments

The first recorded version of Charles Mingus' 'Fables of Faubus' appears, as an instrumental, on 1959's Mingus Ah Um, on Columbia Records. A later recording, 'Original Faubus Fables,' has lyrics. Did 'Fables of Faubus' have lyrics when Mingus was recording Mingus Ah Um, and did Columbia refuse to let Mingus and Dannie Richmond record them? [more inside]
posted by box at 1:34 PM PST - 2 comments

I tried compacting it to a zip file and it's still too big [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 1:13 PM PST - 12 comments

My grandfather has been pretty ill over the last few months with mild heart failure. He has stabilized for now and his doctors are treating him with medication. He has really lost his appetite and we don't want him to lose anymore weight then he has already. The doctors haven't give much diet advice other than protein shakes like ensure. I'm looking for any other good quality food sources that are calorie dense that can help him maintain his weight, and are relatively easy to make. [more inside]
posted by ajax287 at 12:18 PM PST - 30 comments

I would like to get a small (<20) batch of challenge coins made for my team and some adjacent coworkers who worked with us to commemorate our project. If you have a vendor you've worked with or have heard good things about, please provide a link! [more inside]
posted by jeffamaphone at 12:14 PM PST - 2 comments

Is there any good windows music software with smart playlists (not itunes)? [more inside]
posted by medusa at 11:58 AM PST - 3 comments

I studied to get a job in a particular field. Within that field, there is sometimes program evaluation involving surveys, or research into what kind of programs work best. I'm in a job that does evaluations, which often consist of surveys and then manipulating the data from the surveys. I'd like to learn more about data manipulation and how to harness that for problem-solving. [more inside]
posted by azalea_chant at 11:52 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm going to plant some columnar fruit trees (apples, peaches, etc.) in Zone 8a, and I would love to support smaller tree farms during COVID. Do y'all have suggestions of small tree farms that have columnar fruit trees?
posted by gregr at 9:54 AM PST - 6 comments

Can I force my phone to use WiFi calling first? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 9:45 AM PST - 9 comments

At some point in the last 5-10 years I saw a video online showing the vocal cords, via laryngoscope, of two or three women (I suppose it could have been one woman recording herself doing multiple parts) singing an old-fashioned love song. I want to say the lyrics were sort of silly and repetitive, something like "my lips....aren't your lips, and my lips..." but I can't be sure. I can't find it anywhere, not even on my own social media accounts, which is odd, because I'm pretty sure I shared it. It's almost like I imagined it. I don't think anybody will be able to find it via Google so I'm posting here on the off-chance someone saw it and remembers where!
posted by Trespassers William at 9:40 AM PST - 3 comments

I got a community garden plot in Anchorage. What do I plant? [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk at 9:19 AM PST - 12 comments

What are best practices for shipping from the US to Thailand? [more inside]
posted by mhaw at 9:11 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm hoping to be prepared for the real prospect that I might be teaching online next fall. The end of this semester I made the best of what I had, but I want to be able to do better. I use a Linux laptop and teach mathematics; if they let us pback into our offices next semester I'll have a Linux desktop instead. This semester I used Zoom but my institution isn't, at present, mandating any particular teleconference software. [more inside]
posted by jackbishop at 9:02 AM PST - 12 comments

So, because everything wasn't already enough of an unending waking nightmare, it looks likely that my mother's breast cancer has returned. What do I need to know about how people get non-COVID medical care these days? Are treatments being postponed or delayed? Are people in treatment regularly getting access to testing or is that a pipe dream? Any info would be much appreciated.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 9:01 AM PST - 17 comments

I'm looking for an exercise I came across years ago, the kind that help you decide what you want your life to look like. I believe it had you split a paper into four quadrants, then you were to write 1 thing in each. It might have been things that made you happy, or were important to you, or things you wanted in your life, I don't remember exactly. I don't remember if there were restrictions such as 1 x thing, 1 y thing, or not. But they key was they were not family, friends, relationships, etc. It took for granted that you wanted those things, and the exercise was to dig deeper and find the second-level things you want/value in your life and not the few things that most everyone wants. Sound familiar to anyone?
posted by sillysally at 8:26 AM PST - 2 comments

One of the few ways my kids (10 and 6) will eat veggies is blended up in smoothies. They like a particular soy protein powder, chocolate-flavored, but as they make it with soy milk, I'm concerned that this is just too much soy, as they drink one every day. Can you recommended other "bases" for smoothies that are chocolate-flavored? [more inside]
posted by pipti at 8:25 AM PST - 13 comments

I hear water running. It sounds to me like what you hear when a flapper needs to be replaced, in that it's intermittent, but I can't even tell for sure whether it's my condo or my neighbor's. The sound is in the wall, not coming from the toilet itself. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:37 AM PST - 15 comments

My brother is expecting his first child in July. I am clueless about what newborn and infant kids and their parents need, but I am very skilled in online shopping. Due to extended shipping times however, I need to order things, well, now! What should I get them? [more inside]
posted by cgg at 7:31 AM PST - 21 comments

As part of WFH, I have to take pictures of various clothing items. Since I don't have access to the photo studio at the office, I'm shooting in a subpar setup in my apartment using my iPhone. Is there an app that can easily remove the background and substitute a plain white (or different colored) backdrop? [more inside]
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 6:57 AM PST - 5 comments

My wife and I love to garden, and it has become our main recreation during the lockdown. We have a jumble of tools we've bought cheap or been gifted from others, but would like to upgrade to great tools that will last many years. We're happy to pay for quality. [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:31 AM PST - 23 comments

I think this guy I'm dating (which at the moment means lots of video calls) is great. We have a lot in common, and get on really well. Very similar ways of being and thinking about the world. We've just come back into each other's lives after working together many years ago, so he's not a stranger. But as I get to know him the more I keep feeling like he is 'better' than me in many ways. He's quite focused on achievements and accolades, which is probably making me feel a little on edge. And he was in the past an avoidant person but now feels he has moved past this and is very keen to settle down. I can feel myself going from feeling secure with myself to anxious, and I don't like it (this is not uncommon for me in relationships). And I keep also getting this feeling he's better for my super successful friend, in lots of uncanny ways. I realise this is odd. Could it be that he just....is? And I should set them up, or is this just self-sabotage? [more inside]
posted by starstarstar at 4:22 AM PST - 17 comments

Our nineteen month-old really loves jump rope chants, and songs or even poems with a similar fast and highly rhythmic sound. For example, two of her favorites are Engine, Engine Number 9 (though our version is different) and Moses Supposes from Singin’ in the Rain. What else ya got? [more inside]
posted by lieber hair at 8:50 PM PST - 19 comments

Is there such a thing as underwear that has all of the same qualities as these? [more inside]
posted by bleep at 8:23 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm not dying anytime soon (I hope) but inspired by this article urging people to get their affairs in order due to the sudden nature of the coronavirus, I thought I should too. [more inside]
posted by Roy Batty at 7:53 PM PST - 12 comments

I am in search of reading recommendations about unrequited love, please. [more inside]
posted by joycehealy at 7:07 PM PST - 14 comments

In a late night isolation mental health moment I bought a random packet of salt and vinegar powder. It arrived and is a lot bigger than I expected. I'm using it on popcorn and it's fine, but are there other interesting ways I can use it too?
posted by lollusc at 7:02 PM PST - 17 comments

Does anyone remember a counterfactual short story about what happens to Susan from Narnia after she is exiled--like she went to America, became a journalist, worked against the war in Vietnam, as a kind of riposte to Lewis' original?
posted by PinkMoose at 6:08 PM PST - 8 comments

Hey all, I’m in the Bay Area, and some neighbors of mine appear to be violating the social distancing orders by having guests over. I would like to narc them out without calling the cops, as they are endangering basically everyone in the apartment building by doing this. What’s the best way? The building manager? Some local services number?
posted by Going To Maine at 6:06 PM PST - 19 comments

I have come to be the guardian of this sickly peace lily. A lot of its leaves, both the newer and older ones, are substantially browned. I don't know much about plants, how would you recommend nursing this plant back to health and keeping it happy?
posted by ITheCosmos at 5:20 PM PST - 7 comments

New container with expiration date early June. It has chunks of what must be congealed milk fat. No bad smell and tastes ok. Looking for reassurance before I consume it. [more inside]
posted by elf27 at 4:46 PM PST - 18 comments

My 8-year old son and I are doing a deep dive into Ancient Egypt as we shelter in place, watching a lecture series on Kanopy. It touched on the Biblical stories of Joseph and the Exodus, so I showed him the Dreamworks movies The Prince of Egypt and Joseph: King of Dreams. He enjoyed them, but they were both stories of outsiders to the Egyptian culture, and he wanted stories with an insider POV. Can you recommend any stories set in Ancient Egypt, from the perspective of someone from that culture? [more inside]
posted by shirobara at 4:32 PM PST - 9 comments

I am in my mid-forties and I'm beginning to believe that I was sexually abused by my father when I was six or seven. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:01 PM PST - 6 comments

Spending 24/7 in our rental apartment has driven home how much I hate the beigey-brown shag carpet and brown accent wall. My decorating aesthetic is more in the direction of modern, black and gray and white with pops of jewel tones -- which totally clashes with our carpet and wall. How do I live with this for another year or two before we move out? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 2:47 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm thinking about getting an iPad to use for illustration and noodling around with animation, but until I can justify it I've been borrowing my partner's iPad in the evenings, when he's done using it for work. I'd like to buy a few apps (Procreate, for one). How can I avoid re-purchasing those apps when (or if) I get my own iPad? [more inside]
posted by tapir-whorf at 2:19 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I use a Zoom virtual background WITHOUT a green screen? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 1:42 PM PST - 24 comments

Hi there - I'd like to show my landlord how easy it is to clean a window AC unit (when you have access to a hose, and strong people to carry it, which I don't). There are a lot of videos showing how to do this - what's the best one? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 1:40 PM PST - 1 comment

Upstairs neighbors did something that resulted in a little water dripping from my ceiling. It appears to have gotten behind a wall outlet as well, and I’m now concerned as to whether it’s safe to use. [more inside]
posted by Sakura3210 at 1:33 PM PST - 12 comments

I am enthralled by the opening credits sequences in a lot of shows I watch. I'd like to take my existing skills and experience, and turn them into a job making those sequences myself, but I don't know where to start. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 1:21 PM PST - 7 comments

I am soon to be the owner of a used synthesizer. Unfortunately it has a European power supply, and I am in the United States. I could of course buy a step-up travel converter, but I’ve found these unreliable and would not want to damage my device. This synth has a “backpack” style transformer and a six pin connection that could easily he re-wired. However, it has some strange requirements... [more inside]
posted by kyliej at 12:37 PM PST - 18 comments

Looking for Kindle Unlimited series or author recommendations in the Regency romance genre (though other romance genres also OK). Descriptions of authors/series I like, and why I like them, inside. [more inside]
posted by tinydancer at 12:22 PM PST - 15 comments

I live in a downtown urban centre in a small city surrounded by a forests susceptible to fire. This will be my first full fire season in this area. I live in a condo downtown, so it's relatively unlikely that I would need to evacuate, but as we know, anything can happen. What should I get now so that I am prepared for this year and not battling everybody else in stores/online in an already stressed world? [more inside]
posted by Juniper Toast at 12:18 PM PST - 8 comments

In the sentence, “A mutant coronavirus strain has emerged according to a study”, what tense is “has emerged”? Based on this page, my guess is present perfect progressive. Is that right?
posted by andoatnp at 11:19 AM PST - 4 comments

So, Firefox (76) has this drop-down menu that appears when I click in the URL field. It includes some addresses I've recently visited, and Wikipedia and YouTube, etc. Fine. It also includes Facebook, which is not fine. [more inside]
posted by Kirth Gerson at 11:10 AM PST - 7 comments

"Conceptual requirements". "Business case". "Business requirements document". "Business requirements specification". "TDD". I left academia for industry and am utterly lost with regards to business terms and processes. I would like some kind of business reference or glossary or crash course. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:02 AM PST - 9 comments

Looking to buy a condo in Minneapolis over the next few weeks. Complication: I live in a different state and don’t have any connections in Minneapolis. [more inside]
posted by ttyn at 10:59 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for historical fiction which provides an in-depth look into the worldview of characters in any time and place. [more inside]
posted by louxloux at 10:25 AM PST - 29 comments

I'm probably worrying unnecessarily, but there are few answers out there and I don't think the media is accurate when it reports on certain things. I don't feel they are doing it on purpose, but I get the feeling that they do not have an understanding of the big picture as a whole when it comes to reporting scientific findings. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 8:15 AM PST - 12 comments

I am in a unique financial situation with the pandemic and want to make a good decision. What would you do? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 8:11 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for an eyebrow tint product I can use while my salon is closed that will cover some grey hairs and last at least 3 weeks.
posted by Tziv at 6:35 AM PST - 8 comments

Maybe it's too early, and maybe the COVID situation is too different, but I'm looking for stories/articles/anecdotes where a couple have both lost their jobs and they have come out on the other end. [more inside]
posted by kmr at 6:33 AM PST - 4 comments

A few days ago I came across a website that provides a crowdsourced list of online stores that aren't Amazon. Like this Verge article but crowdsourced, and the website is devoted to the endeavor. Thought I bookmarked it, can't find it. May have had "green" in the name, and I think it's fairly new (like, popped up this year). What is it? Thanks!
posted by brainwane at 6:27 AM PST - 2 comments

Hi. I have the first gen iPad Pro (lightning port, rounded corners). It has a smart connector. I know Apple aren’t officially supporting this model with the new 2020 Magic Keyboard (though oddly 1st gen 11” is supported). But won’t the smart connector allow it to work anyway? I’d love to use the Magic Keyboard as a dock for working at. If this would work, presumably the magic connector would also let the iPad charge from the Magic Keyboard’s built-in USB-C port? Thanks for any advice on this!
posted by dharma rascal at 4:31 AM PST - 5 comments

I’m looking for recommendations for backyard games or equipment I can buy for my husband, who enjoys physical challenges. Slack line is a great example. He also has paralettes that he likes to use for practicing handstands. What are some other solo or 2-player backyard toys I can get for his birthday? Bonus if we can bring it indoors during winter. Thanks!
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 3:37 AM PST - 21 comments

Looking for apps and suggestions for (re)creating a resume after being in the same job for seventeen years. [more inside]
posted by Halloween Jack at 10:13 PM PST - 6 comments

I had always expected that the coronavirus situation would get worse before it got better. Now that is more clear. I am in the USA, where most states are opening up before seeing a decline in cases. And news sources are saying that we can expect, at best, a “slow burn” of more cases for a few years. So how do we live like this? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:00 PM PST - 17 comments

A month ago, I posted about a noise problem. Here's what I know now: There is a rumbling in my apartment at odd hours, as well as a low-frequency sound that feels more like pressure than sound. The sound can be mitigated with white noise and/or earplugs; the rumbling cannot and it keeps me from getting good sleep. I've contacted everyone in my apartment building asking if they had any insights, and nobody has any idea. What _is_ this shaking/rumbling? [more inside]
posted by LSK at 6:23 PM PST - 18 comments

Given that everyone is home all the time now, I have been bothered more by neighbor noises and decided to try a white noise machine for sleep. I have two from Amazon -- the Big Red Rooster and the LectroFan. More below... [more inside]
posted by madonna of the unloved at 3:21 PM PST - 13 comments

An instacart shopper purchased about $15 worth of the wrong food, as part of a larger order, that ignored my specified exclusive substitution. (This, that, or nothing.) I would sort of like my $15 back. But, I also want to stress out a gig worker approximately zero. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 2:27 PM PST - 14 comments

I found the perfect shampoo... but it's quite pricey [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 2:19 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm an employee at an acquaintance's shop, and I've discovered that there's creative labor that I can do for the business that seems to be popular among patrons. How do I make this work for me? [more inside]
posted by sibboleth at 2:13 PM PST - 8 comments

My kid is constantly borrowing my company laptop to do writing (mostly in Google Docs) and log in to their school portal to do whatever they need. They don't really game at all. It's mostly YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, all of which is really done on their phone. So I think the primary purpose of this machine will just be writing with occasionally streaming videos on Hulu/Prime/Netflix. [more inside]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 1:40 PM PST - 22 comments

My adult daughter is enamored of the Midnight Gospel cartoon show. Part of what she loves is that the protagonist is apparently a NEET - no serious job, no higher education (that we know of), no amazing badass skills (and can be pretty clueless sometimes), but he's not treated as a pathetic loser. What other shows have similar characters? [more inside]
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 1:24 PM PST - 18 comments

Like many of us, I booked air travel that I couldn't actually take. Now Frontier is offering me a lot of frequent flyer miles in lieu of my travel credit. What's the catch? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 1:11 PM PST - 15 comments

Now that our seedlings can start to dream of living outside I've been given an assignment to make some concrete planters. I've only ever used concrete to bury posts before. What are some techniques/materials to make concrete planters that are only as thick and heavy as they need to be? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:05 PM PST - 13 comments

How does it work? [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 1:04 PM PST - 10 comments

I handled some raw chicken. I got distracted. I fully cooked the chicken for a wrap (for sure - used a meat thermometer), assembled the wrap with raw-chickened hands and ate the wrap with raw-chickened hands. Am I for sure going to get sick? [more inside]
posted by thebots at 12:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Can you suggest an easy, digestible, reputable source, explaining what 5G is and what its effects could be? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 12:35 PM PST - 6 comments

Every Mother's Day since forever, we have gone to Indiana Dunes National Seashore/Park. It is my wife's favorite thing in the world. This year of course we cannot do that, but I really want to find a place where we can at least still enjoy a nice view of a beach and the lake while we sit safely in the car. Do you know of a Chicagoland beach/viewpoint that is particularly nice from the parking lot?
posted by AgentRocket at 12:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm trying to send someone under lockdown in Baltimore some tomato plants and other garden-y things and I'd like to support a local business that's not a box store if possible. Are there any nurseries/farmstands that have converted to doing deliveries while we're in lockdown that anyone can recommend? Contact-less pickup is an unlikely possibility.
posted by TwoStride at 11:54 AM PST - 2 comments

Two of our neighbors have always been loud talkers. It was no big deal in the Before Times, but now that we are all home all the time, it is becoming more problematic. I wonder if there is any way to ask for a bit more quiet while still being respectful of the fact that they, too, are going through a stressful pandemic. [more inside]
posted by shb at 11:50 AM PST - 14 comments

How can I cram more stuff onto a new external monitor for my work laptop? [more inside]
posted by AwkwardPause at 11:24 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm planning to start a website where I will post videos that can be purchased to help students at a local college prepare for their exams. The school is named something like Northwestern College. Is it a legal problem (copyright or trademark or something?) if I named my website something like NorthwesternMathPrep.com? I plan to have a disclaimer on the site indicating that the site isn't affiliated with the college. I'm located in Canada.
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 10:56 AM PST - 11 comments

I want to buy a big art print of General Leia now that I have wall space, and a lot of places are having sales today for May the 4th, so it seems like a good time, but I can't find anything I like! [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:36 AM PST - 4 comments

Please help me understand how much better the processor is in the new 2020 MacBook Pro is as compared to one from 2012. [more inside]
posted by past unusual at 10:28 AM PST - 13 comments

We are due this week to receive our stimulus $2,400, and co-incidentally, my additional weekly $600 in unemployment benefits will begin this week. Yay! But, the dark shadow of Adulthood glooms over all. [more inside]
posted by BostonTerrier at 10:17 AM PST - 12 comments

I am the owner of one of these woks. On a long-ago move, I lost or mis-placed the wooden handle that screws into the wok. How can I buy or create a replacement? [more inside]
posted by Betelgeuse at 10:13 AM PST - 8 comments