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When I grind coffee, my Apple Watch asks whether I want it to track my Elliptical Workout. So when I work up a sweat while we volunteer at the local community farm or when I'm working in the yard, what predefined Workout should I use? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:31 PM PST - 8 comments

What are the best options for indoor cycling apps on the iPad purely for custom FTP-based interval workouts? [more inside]
posted by drpynchon at 5:57 PM PST - 3 comments

I know there are lots of things I CAN cook in my shiny new Dutch oven, but what MUST I cook in my shiny new Dutch oven? Difficulty level: vegan [more inside]
posted by Dorinda at 4:38 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking to buy some new men's T-shirts that are soft, comfortable, and high quality. Just looking for solid colors. Definitely don't care about brands/designers or anything like that. My dresser is filled with these shirts from Amazon (in a few different colors) that have done the trick, but I'm ready to spend more for an upgrade. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 4:01 PM PST - 20 comments

How do you move on still believing in love, and yourself, when you've had an experience with someone you've loved but who didn't treat you well? [more inside]
posted by bearette at 1:10 PM PST - 13 comments

is this a fair ask? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 11:53 AM PST - 8 comments

I've worn my existing wardrobe to shreds, will be at a posh New England resort around Labor Day and would prefer to look as if I belong. (NB: I will not belong.) My style is a little ... preppy? Classic? But with some fun floral/marine prints thrown in there, too. In the past I've liked Boden and Michael Kors, and will be hunting on Poshmark for well-made durable things, preferably dresses or skirts/tops. Female, short, size M-ish and curvy. Thanks!
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 11:51 AM PST - 18 comments

Lovely Wife's birthday is coming up and she has expressed some casual interest in an e-bike. She needs to balance getting a little exercise most days with not sweating on the way to her office job. She might also use the bike for toodling around the neighborhood or maybe going 10 miles on a paved bike path. Is the REI Co-op e-bike good enough for this? [more inside]
posted by donpardo at 11:41 AM PST - 26 comments

I’m in Germany and bought too much stuff (mainly used books). How do I ship them back to the US as easily as possible? At home I’d have the local UPS or FedEx store pack it up and ship it for me. Does somewhere in Berlin do the same?
posted by fellion at 11:28 AM PST - 8 comments

YANMPT, but I also can't afford a physical therapist or personal trainer at the moment (and am still paying off my PT from last year...). I have been slowly getting better about being active (partially thanks to my watch shaming me with "unproductive" or "detraining" notifications when I'm too lazy), but need to develop a true workout plan that I can schedule and follow instead of just haphazardly choosing exercises. Is ChatGPT's suggestion below a good, or at least not-horrible, one? [more inside]
posted by boisterousBluebird at 10:57 AM PST - 17 comments

How do I prepare a 4-foot-by-6-foot oil painting for storage? Is rolling up the canvas to save space an option? [more inside]
posted by toomuchkatherine at 10:35 AM PST - 4 comments

What was covering the face of this woman in Tokyo? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 9:50 AM PST - 9 comments

Is there an objectively "best"* mouthwash? What about toothpaste? What should I be looking for when comparing brands? Or is it all marketing? *best assuming no extra complications or sensitivity
posted by simmering octagon at 9:10 AM PST - 21 comments

My 2-year-old rescue cat meows at all hours of the day and night (emphasis on night). How can I get her to stop? [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 8:33 AM PST - 19 comments

I may have to take doxycycline for Lyme disease, and I'm extremely apprehensive after what I've read about people’s experiences. I'm hoping there are people who have taken it and had no unpleasant side effects, but I would like to know if you did have unpleasant side effects as well! Any other information about antibiotics, their side effects, and how to manage on them would be helpful.
posted by wheatlets at 7:55 AM PST - 38 comments

I've been thinking a lot about this thread and the (new to me) conceptualization of DARVO - Deny, Accuse, Reverse Victim and Offender. I realized one important person in my life does this repeatedly and we are stuck in a toxic loop. Are there clinically effective tactics and strategies for navigating through these responses to a healthy place? Please assume that this is a relationship I will always have, I desperately want to have - but it has to have so much more care and gentleness. I am desperate to get us off of this train.
posted by Silvery Fish at 7:24 AM PST - 10 comments

I am looking for a specific type of music theory app, which I haven't been able to find yet. I'd prefer a MacOS/iOS app. [more inside]
posted by Oneirokritikos at 9:38 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm interested in cutting 1/4 inch acrylic sheet as cleanly and quickly as possible. A jewelers saw would take too long. This would be for bangle style bracelets...so pretty tight radius and curves. I don't mind a little sanding to clean up rough edges. [more inside]
posted by Czjewel at 6:00 PM PST - 18 comments

My sister is getting married and I’m a bridesmaid. Style is open, but she does prefer floor length. It seems most online bridesmaid dresses are made with extra length for a variety of heights, and I’m 5’4 so probably won’t work without losing some length. I’ve never needed to get anything altered and I don’t know how! [more inside]
posted by Aranquis at 5:13 PM PST - 24 comments

Experts recommend the typical adult get 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and roughly 20-25% of this be REM sleep. Is the 20-25% recommendation based only on active sleep stages (ie do not count awake time) or on total time in bed as the Apple Watch does? [more inside]
posted by TwoWordReview at 2:13 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm slowly working up the courage to publish my first Amazon Kindle ebook, and there may be more in the pipeline. Odds are I will earn nothing, or next to nothing. But what if I'm the next Chuck Tingle? (To be very clear, I am not C.T. and could never be.) What to do about taxes? You are not my tax lawyer or financial advisor. [more inside]
posted by Former Congressional Representative Lenny Lemming at 1:34 PM PST - 6 comments

I noticed this spot on my back a few days ago. [more inside]
posted by wheatlets at 1:00 PM PST - 18 comments

In the Romanovsky and Phillips song Give Me A Homosexual, the singer requests, "Give me a homosexual / One who's perfected his oral technique / I like a man who's had practice / Give me a guy who is fluent in Greek." Why Greek?
posted by one for the books at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments

I am not a computer-games person - at 45 years old, I've probably spent less than 100 hours of my life playing a computer game of any sort. But for some reason, the game Flow Free does something for me. What other games might have the weird effect on me it does? [more inside]
posted by dmd at 12:31 PM PST - 15 comments

I just bought a new food processor ... I have lived my entire adult life without one, but I finally caved, mainly because of its ability to speed up making pastry doughs. What is a good, relatively easy summer pastry recipe that uses a food processor? [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:27 PM PST - 13 comments

A parcel with my name on it had the address of the house five doors down. I have a picture of it delivered to their doorstep by the courier. I've knocked on doors several times, with no answer (but their house is bristling with cameras, so they saw me). I left a note, which has gone from their mailbox. I know someone's around, as their car has moved and their bin went out on trash day. Is there anything else I can reasonably try?
posted by scruss at 12:12 PM PST - 16 comments

For my anxious, autistic kid, I'm looking for a downloadable software program that teaches/practices typing but does *not* display a words-per-minute counter. [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 12:00 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm going to give a presentation on Zoom. I think some of it will be funny, and it scares me that I won't be able to hear their laughter as a group. This just has to be this way, RIGHT?? [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:03 AM PST - 14 comments

We have custom wooden-framed windows. Over the years, they have grown very hard to open. Window guy offered to make all new windows for the cheap, cheap price of $50,000. Naively, it seems like you ought to be able to pop off the molding holding them in, shave them down a bit, and put them back in. (https://imgur.com/a/GqD0dYC). What options might I have? [more inside]
posted by musofire at 10:47 AM PST - 6 comments

It's my first time growing cucumbers and this thing is producing like crazy. Recipes, please? [more inside]
posted by misskaz at 10:32 AM PST - 44 comments

Procrastinated slightly too long on taking the garbage out and when I went to take the bag out of the (stainless steel, lidded) can, a swarm of flies began to emerge. I panicked and slammed the lid shut. What do I do next? [more inside]
posted by perplexion at 10:22 AM PST - 8 comments

Hello all, I am on the Aspergers spectrum, and I tend to overshare too much sensitive information with new people at times and in my professional life, and I am not sure how to refrain or tone it down? I think it also happens when I am under a lot of stress. I actually had one person get cross, which was weird, as most people look a little startled or embarrassed but rarely angry. What can I do to tone it down or not overshare so much? Because to me, everything is not very personal but honest and open to me, but to others, it is not. I am clueless and it can be very difficult to digest and decipher what is too personal and what is not? I do not have the greatest social filter and oversharing some things has made at least one person angry and stopped communicating with me.
posted by RearWindow at 8:30 AM PST - 31 comments

Bebird edition:I may have wasted my money but maybe someone can help. China has been useless. [more inside]
posted by shaarog at 7:47 AM PST - 4 comments

I used a cleaning wipe on a shiny metal table and it is no longer shiny and has white stains on - is there any way to fix it - and what should I have used?
posted by janecr at 5:48 AM PST - 10 comments

Help us settle on a name for our new dog [more inside]
posted by GrimmblyTuna at 12:45 AM PST - 60 comments

Should I change therapists? Should I look for, like, a second one, or group therapy, or what? This question went places I didn't expect. I thought I was just going to ask about how to find a certain type of writing coach. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:38 PM PST - 9 comments

If I say, "Hey Siri, Schedule a meeting with Tom at noon tomorrow," she says "I can't send an invitation to Tom as you don't have an email address for Tom. Who do you want to invite?" Well, I don't want to invite anyone. If I say "No one" nothing gets scheduled. How do I stop this madness? The only way it works is if I use a name for a contact that doesn't exist. [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 6:08 PM PST - 13 comments

We're trying to clean up our house and we have FAR too many kids' toys and things. (Example: One PJ Mask tower is too many, but we inherited a second.) The kids are VERY opposed to giving or throwing anything away. Is this a "do it while they're at daycare" thing or is there some decluttering influencer with a game-changing strategy for getting them on board? [more inside]
posted by Spokane at 4:56 PM PST - 32 comments

I bought a microwavable container of pad Thai. 2 minutes in microwave. I have never had any pad Thai before this. I know it is probably [more inside]
posted by Czjewel at 3:59 PM PST - 15 comments

I am curious about the very specific reason why feral cats have a hard time being feral other than the general answer of "They have evolved to be adapted to human companionship." [more inside]
posted by lesser whistling duck at 3:35 PM PST - 13 comments

I want to ramp up my instructional design consultancy practice. I've generally had term contracts with large companies who need extra capacity in their learning and development departments temporarily. I have not needed to market my services beyond a LinkedIn profile but I want to move beyond that. [more inside]
posted by angiep at 3:29 PM PST - 0 comments

So I did a dumb thing, and left my shaver on charge while going away for a week. Make me feel better about it? [more inside]
posted by Cannon Fodder at 1:53 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm considering a camping cot (Coleman Pack-Away) that gets good ratings, but is called out as having a strap underneath that's uncomfy for side sleepers. Reviews say that a mattress pad fixes the issue, but what mattress pad should I get? Would prefer something that's also stomach and back-sleeper compatible and that's not too hot, since this will get indoor and warm-weather use. [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 1:21 PM PST - 2 comments

This previous Ask has been helpful, but I have some questions below the fold particular to my first time dealing with this. [more inside]
posted by coffeecat at 12:18 PM PST - 16 comments

I moved into a new townhouse about five months ago and smells from my neighbor's courtyard always end up inside my place. I'm not a smoker or particularly fond of the smell of dog poop and would like it to stop. [more inside]
posted by johnofjack at 10:38 AM PST - 8 comments

My granddaughter is starting college in the fall. She will be receiving financial aid. I'd like to send her $20 now and then. Technically, is she required to report this as income? Will she and I go to hell if we deal in this financial transaction behind the back of the "God of Financial Aid"?
posted by SageTrail at 9:15 AM PST - 16 comments

Due to a huge thunderstorm, my power was out for 51 hours, and I can't find answers to all of my questions online. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:32 AM PST - 13 comments

What can I do to encourage my uniquely idiosyncratic cats to use the litter box instead of pee pads? Many feline snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Ms. Toad at 7:20 AM PST - 5 comments

Please tell me about streaming music stations that specialize in a specific kind of music that you would hear only rarely or not at all on more general radio or streaming stations. Ideally those that can be heard through Apple Music rather than only through their own app or website. Any genre or subgenre or style of tight curation that's not widely represented elsewhere! [more inside]
posted by moonmilk at 7:11 AM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for help explaining the usage and origin of a rhetorical device. The only example I can think of off the top of my head is "the new cruelty" from L.A. Story: [more inside]
posted by Threeve at 1:10 AM PST - 17 comments

We're having our landscaping redone and have an opportunity to put in irrigation before we put in plants. Should we? Or is a DIY drip system enough? [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten at 7:41 PM PST - 10 comments

In 6 weeks, I’ll be in a hospital room watching our surrogate (we’re a M/M couple) give birth to our baby. It occurred to me that I have no idea what to expect from the experience. What should I know/read/watch so I don’t freak out the day of?
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 4:24 PM PST - 17 comments

Apparently, I'm having a Berenstain Bears moment, because an advertisement I remember from my youth apparently doesn't exist. [more inside]
posted by emelenjr at 3:51 PM PST - 16 comments

Is the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act of 2022 something that is still going forward? [more inside]
posted by Francolin at 3:16 PM PST - 2 comments

I have serious repetitive strain wrist issues from touchscreens, so I would like to be able to use my phone hands-free. Right now I have a Pixel 4a, and I haven't been too happy with voice control on it. I have had better luck with voice control on my iPad. I'm thinking of getting the new iPhone SE, as they are smaller and lighter and can be unlocked with a fingerprint (the only unlock options for my pixel use my wrists). How is voice control on the iPhone SE?
posted by wheatlets at 1:32 PM PST - 9 comments

There is definitely something going on with my cat but I don't know whether I need to take her to an emergency vet. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 12:23 PM PST - 16 comments

What causes sudden floaters if it's not retinal damage? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:42 AM PST - 11 comments

I need a room in Vegas on the Saturday night each side of Thanksgiving, as we come and go through town on a weeklong camping trip. Everything I've read online suggests rooms should be cheap, as it's not a convention week. Rooms are not cheap. Do I just need to wait and worry about a room closer to the trip, trusting that rates will fall? Or do I need to add about $500 to the trip budget for 2 nights in Vegas?
posted by COD at 11:18 AM PST - 11 comments

My blood is apparently an especially delicious meal for mosquitos, and I'm getting eaten alive! I'm looking for a bug repellent that is effective, easy to apply, and as non-gross as possible. [more inside]
posted by decathecting at 10:12 AM PST - 30 comments

Where should I go for a quick trip to Provence from Paris in early October? I'm reading older questions, but I'd like more up-to-date ideas. [more inside]
posted by PussKillian at 8:54 AM PST - 6 comments

I am interested in getting from YUL to Bonaventure or Gare Centrale via transit. It looks like there is a bus that runs to another Metro station, which can then be taken to Bonventure. That looks like a very long ride, possibly two hours or so. Are there other options to get to downtown, perhaps via commuter rail? [more inside]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 8:24 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for a simple, fast (to learn and use) frontend framework for a PWA [more inside]
posted by signal at 8:20 AM PST - 6 comments

How can I get Microsoft Teams users to stop sliding out of channels and into chats? Teams and channels have many more features and are better for info sharing and discovery. [more inside]
posted by caviar2d2 at 6:02 AM PST - 20 comments

A cousin has unearthed a football photo for which I would love to have some detective help. Here is the picture. [more inside]
posted by rongorongo at 4:38 AM PST - 10 comments

What would the positive and negative impact be of going back to horses as our primary mode of transport instead of fossil fuel powered cars? I've been rolling this around in my head recently as part of a thought experiment, but lack expertise on key points. I'm curious if others can fill in the blanks. [more inside]
posted by EllaEm at 1:17 AM PST - 76 comments

30 years ago or 40 I had this one friend who was not only incredibly well educated but was smart, too. My education totally catch as catch can (read The Sea Wolf by Jack London, the captain of that boat self-edumacated, well read but huge gaps in his knowledge, and that is me, also), I'd tell you that I'm smart but if you've read me here might be you'd disagree. Friend Frank gave me a book to check out, I'm almost positive it was Steppenwolf. [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 11:18 PM PST - 8 comments

I came accross an affordable housing opportunity in Vallejo, CA and I'm seriously considering moving there from downtown San Francisco. BUT I have some questions for people who live there. [more inside]
posted by firemonkey at 9:07 PM PST - 10 comments

Other than hot sauce, what else can I use these pretty babies for? Looking for food dishes that really highlight or benefit from cayenne chilis specifically. [more inside]
posted by General Malaise at 6:00 PM PST - 11 comments

What is the risk of getting Covid from an indoor concert right now while immunocompromised? [more inside]
posted by floweredfish at 5:10 PM PST - 18 comments

I have a couple of gmail addresses. Sometimes I go to address #2. Then (now), even though address #1 is listed as "default," when I click on the bookmark for Inbox - (address #1), address #2 comes up. How can I tell gmail that it needs to go to address #1 as the default?
posted by DMelanogaster at 4:49 PM PST - 11 comments

My brother and I live far apart but we have gotten into playing PC games to keep in touch. We need a new game! Recommendations? Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by Saucywench at 4:21 PM PST - 26 comments

As an adult male in his 70s, do you think I would enjoy the Barbie movie. I am gay, so that might help. [more inside]
posted by Czjewel at 4:14 PM PST - 16 comments

I heard this funky bumper music in a Taxi episode (not sure if they call it bumper music but I hope so!) and wondered: Is there an extended version of this piece? More music like it even if from a different artist? Got a good vibe going, but couldn't find anything but the main theme song on Youtube. Thank you for any tips or suggestions.
posted by circular at 3:51 PM PST - 10 comments

I’m looking for a good tool—or even just the name of this type of tool—that a collaborator and I can use to write the rules or a game we’re cooking up. Shared docs aren’t that great for this, as I’d like to be able to have separate version states for small sections of the document. A little more below…. [more inside]
posted by moonmoth at 3:03 PM PST - 4 comments

Would love to hear from people, what is something that a friend did for you after the loss of a pet that gave you comfort? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 2:05 PM PST - 28 comments

The Mac Mini I had plugged into my TV for the last decade has died. So what are some of the best machines or tools on the market now to watch media on your TV? [more inside]
posted by jaybeans at 1:46 PM PST - 15 comments

Chemical sunscreen stings my skin and doesn’t seem very good for you anyway, so I should probably be using a physical one, but every zinc oxide sunscreen I’ve tried has a terrible texture. It feels very heavy on, and starts feeling weird and dry on the skin later. Are there any that aren’t like this?
posted by wheatlets at 1:27 PM PST - 12 comments

I want to get a screen at least the size of a poster, which I can just set up with a screensaver of photos and pictures I like. But I'd like to do it as large and cheap as possible, because most of the 'art' I have is AI gen stuff and it looks better at low resolution anyway The digital frames I see for sale are both too small and too expensive... there's got to be a better way! [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 1:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Artists of Metafilter - where is the line between mixed media and single medium artwork? When you have a pencil sketch underneath? When you paste something to it? [more inside]
posted by banjonaut at 11:20 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me find a colorful shower curtain/liner that's fabric and not 2 pieces. [more inside]
posted by hydra77 at 10:44 AM PST - 7 comments

One of the best things to come out of the internet is the fine-detail documentation of media. Go on Wikipedia or IMDB, and films, books, even songs and individual chapters are listed. But weirdly, this doesn't cover everything. For example, the Holt Basic Reading System... (longer story follows) [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 9:49 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for TV shows that really feel like they are set in a given area - city, town, etc. Can be integral to the plot or not, implicit or explicit, but watching it should have you feeling like its definitely truly set in the given locale. [more inside]
posted by narcissus_and_ambrosia at 9:41 AM PST - 84 comments

I have to take a medicine three times per week. Um, how do I make that add up? It has to be taken at bedtime so I can't just math the # of hours and spread it out that way. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:21 AM PST - 9 comments

I just switched to iOS. My most used Android app, Bundled Notes, is not available for iOS. What's the closest equivalent that will work on iOS and MacOS (or via a web interface on the computer)? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 8:58 AM PST - 5 comments

In August, I am going to be visiting a friend who lives in a town that is home to a Big 10 University. This school's English department hosts the digital archive of a writer I am particularly interested in, both as a reader and, in the past, a scholar. I would love, if possible, to talk to one of the faculty members who oversees this archive. How should I approach this? [more inside]
posted by Well I never at 8:48 AM PST - 10 comments

I want to have the ability to call my clients from my cell phone occasionally, but I reallyreallyreally only want them to have my work phone number, which is a land line, through the phone company, routed to my physical office in an office building. [more inside]
posted by bluesky78987 at 8:35 AM PST - 15 comments

Someone is crying in public, say on a bus. How ought I, a stranger, respond? [more inside]
posted by gregoreo at 8:14 AM PST - 42 comments

I have an acquaintance who is a single dad of a grade-school-age son. Their living situation is kind of strange, and I'm worried about them but not sure what to do. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:00 AM PST - 21 comments

My Canadian mortgage is up for renewal and I'm having trouble figuring out whether it is worth paying ~$11,000 to a broker to save me money over five years. What would be the break even interest rate the broker would have to obtain for us? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:59 AM PST - 8 comments

I am a non-resident working variable, part-time hours for an organization in NYC. Presumably I will owe NYS and NYC taxes. How do I ensure that I have sufficient withholdings to cover my tax liability? (Yes, I have an accountant. Who is not licensed in NY and cannot advise me.) I will make less than $10k at this job - does it even make sense to have tax withheld, or should I just pay up when I file? Help.
posted by epanalepsis at 5:26 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for recordings featuring musicians shouting call-and-response backing vocals across the studio. Two perfect examples are "Call it off!" in Harry Connick Jr.'s version of "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Jump!" in Paul Anka's cover of Van Halen's Jump. Do you know any others? [more inside]
posted by spielzebub at 4:05 AM PST - 15 comments

I have been tasked with sourcing some laptops which will be used with double screen-extenders. The unit I'm looking at says it fits 15" laptops, as long as the screen is less than 7mm thick. Anyone got an XPS 15 and a pair of calipers?
posted by pompomtom at 12:00 AM PST - 6 comments

(That title was taped to the outside of the equipment locker at WKRC TV when I worked in the news department. I always wondered where it came from. In a way, it's so random. I'd pass it everyday and think, "OK ...) Anyway, the work I am passionate about is leading me to build a small production studio, which will help me with other radio, theater, print and video/social media projects. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 10:19 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for an alarm clock that makes a gentle sound similar to my iPhone's alarm, so I can sleep in a phone-free room and avoid habitual late night surfing / groggy morning scrolling. More details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by cnidaria at 9:41 PM PST - 14 comments

This is a follow up to my last question, about noticing my mother's infected foot (now leg) before going on a vacation. I went on the vacation, I had a good time! It was much needed (obviously). I returned last week and my mother's foot/leg wasn't much better, I'd say it was worse. Her health issues and dealing with medical professionals with regards to her sends my anxiety into the stratosphere. How do I deal with this situation without getting over-loaded by anxiety? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 9:29 PM PST - 18 comments

There is a radio ad on Tampa-area radio stations that starts with a narrator going "in the opulent homes of ancient Egypt, they used porous clay pots to cool their rooms" (not the exact words, but you get the idea) and then kind of rambles on about the subject. Then, he goes, "there's a tiny mistake; did you catch it?", and it's never explained, just in a generic "we look for the tiny details" kind of thing. It's an ad for an air conditioning repair company. Especially for anyone else who knows what I'm talking about, what's the joke/riddle?
posted by Seeking Direction at 9:21 PM PST - 11 comments

Well, here I am. I’m going away for a few months. It’s Medicaid-funded so not a Passages Malibu or anything fancy. I’ll be in detox for up to five days, then directly into residential treatment for ninety days. I’m looking forward to it but anxious in every way you can imagine. Please MeMail me if you’d like. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 9:09 PM PST - 13 comments

I know this is out of season, but there were a few things I've always wondered about Sinead O'Connor's (RIP) video for her superlative version of Silent Night, if characters were more than they appear to be, etc. Or if I'm just overthinking it. [more inside]
posted by gtrwolf at 7:27 PM PST - 6 comments

How does an unborn baby breath or get oxygen in the womb?
posted by Czjewel at 5:51 PM PST - 13 comments

In a few days I will be purchasing some cookies around 7:00pm from a well known cookie bakery. They are quite possibly 1/2 butter, and have a variety of different chunks of candy bars in them. They are delicious fresh. How do I keep them that way? [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 5:39 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm going through a big catharsis now and releasing a lot of huge emotions. There are books I've found to be faithful companions during times like this. I'd like to read more of them. Details within! [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 5:00 PM PST - 4 comments

I need to learn Angular quickly. The introductory tutorial on angular.io is pretty bad. What text-based (not video) tutorial or (short) book do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by signal at 4:28 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm interested in finding more channels about homesteading, DIY home projects, gardening, etc. More details about the types of videos I'm looking for within. [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 4:04 PM PST - 6 comments

Have you taken the pill or the mini-pill temporarily in order to skip/delay a period? Please tell me about your first-hand experiences. [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 1:03 PM PST - 22 comments

With Evernote's demise, I am at loss for what to use as a web clipper. Can you help me figure out a new app to use? [more inside]
posted by yueliang at 12:46 PM PST - 10 comments

I have a moderate/severe hearing loss and am a life-longer wearer of hearing aids. About 15 years ago, I developed some severe tinnitus and getting new (better) hearing aids, using a white noise machine at night and some CBT helped. It took about six months to get “better” but it never really went away, but I almost never notice it now. Except this morning! I woke up thinking there was construction or drilling happening on our roof — a really loud rhythmic humming noise in both ears. [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 12:05 PM PST - 3 comments

My dad has BPH and a trabeculated bladder (with numerous diverticula, incl one large calcified one). Retains urine to a degree (150-350 ml) which leads to frequent UTIs. We are chasing bugs with cultures and antibiotics including a prophylactic one that misses some bugs. Urologist wants to avoid a catheter, arguing he’ll still get UTIs because there’s a foreign body involved. That’s the medical opinion - looking for anecdotal experiences wrt indwelling catheters + UTIs in seniors with dementia. TIA [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 10:59 AM PST - 7 comments

My team at an all-remote company tripled in size in three years. What are some fun questions we can all answer to help us become better acquainted? [more inside]
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 10:44 AM PST - 27 comments

I've been thinking about getting a few business cards printed, and the design I favor is essentially a heavy deboss of either my name and number, only name, or optionally email as well. But it's expensive and odd online. I figured I might as well try to do some myself - order some precut card stock and some custom stamps and... that's where my brain ran out of knowledge. What's the best way for me to do this? [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 10:41 AM PST - 9 comments

Question in the title [more inside]
posted by kiwi-epitome at 10:31 AM PST - 35 comments

A few months ago I heard a song with the following lyric in the chorus: "I get my kicks anywhere that I can 'cos I'm the phone booth man." What the hell is this song? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 10:15 AM PST - 2 comments

This link goes to the 0:33 mark of a video of Dar Williams and Gary Louris performing. Gary's face in this shot reminds me strongly of... someone. Anyone else see a resemblance to maybe a TV or movie actor? [more inside]
posted by mpark at 9:27 AM PST - 9 comments

I have a jacket that I love (fancy, not outerwear) that I bought years ago. It’s black, in a particular kind of fabric that’s one of the reasons I love it. I would love to have an exact copy of it in navy. Is it possible to have this made, and who would I go to? [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 8:41 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm toying with the idea of traveling to Turkey/Türkiye this December, probably somewhere in mid-December. I know its going to be winter, and it might be cold in some parts, but we're okay with that. There'll be two adults and two youngish kids. Will we be able to have a good time? [more inside]
posted by destrius at 8:24 AM PST - 8 comments

I purchased tickets for a concert I can no longer attend. I'd like to offer them up for sale somewhere so I can get some (all?) of my money back. What is the best site for relisting tickets?
posted by stripesandplaid at 7:26 AM PST - 7 comments

I've been going to classes for a month now. I have been practicing front stroke with the aid of a float, but I'm hitting a wall as I'm struggling with the breathing aspect and I can't figure it out. The instructor isn't being much help so I'm getting a bit desperate, hence this post. [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 7:06 AM PST - 20 comments

At the gym, women have jumpsuits and interesting tops. At the beach, kimonos and coverups. But men have shorts, loose tees, and flip flops. As a man, I'd like to invite a little style (or at least coordination) into my athletic and beachy wardrobe (while feeling masculine). I'd love to be introduced to some ideas. Even better a 'look book' or oher continuing source of inspiration. [more inside]
posted by jander03 at 6:50 AM PST - 17 comments

Within second my levels go from 91 to 94 from 94 to 96 to 97 and down to 94 again. I've done this with 2 separate oximeters and both show the same thing. IKYNMD, have been to several cardiologists. The issue of the oxygen levels fluctuating have not been addressed as there is nothing emergent. My question to hive mind is - technically, why is this happening and could it be due to diastolic dysfunction?
posted by watercarrier at 6:35 AM PST - 11 comments

A friend of mine recently told me he's been having an affair with a past love for a year. He's been in a committed relationship with the same woman for about a decade, and they now live together and share a child who I think is around 4 or 5. He feels terrible about the affair but is too afraid to leave his partner because of the impact it might have on their child. I'm hoping to get insight and resources from you all that I can share with him. [more inside]
posted by lavenderflowers at 4:35 AM PST - 33 comments

Good, and reasonably priced, moisture-wicking socks? Hope me, please! [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 2:57 AM PST - 13 comments

Thinking about starting out our vacation trip to Spokane Washington by taking Amtrak - the Coast Starlight from the Bay Area to Portland and then the Empire Builder from Portland to Spokane. Would that be a great way to start a vacation or would it be exhausting, uncomfortable and expensive? [more inside]
posted by metahawk at 10:55 PM PST - 10 comments

I am in Manhattan until Sunday. Please tell me where I can get a HAMBURGER CLUB sandwich. Not a hamburger, not a turkey club, but a HAMBURGER CLUB. Anywhere on the subway is fine, including other boroughs. That is all. Thank you!
posted by Melismata at 8:47 PM PST - 2 comments

Suggest movies that are fun and entertaining in the same way as the Final Destination series [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 6:37 PM PST - 11 comments

I'll be moving to Philadelphia soon, and was wondering if anyone has interesting tips or helpful hints that would help make the transition easier. I'm moving from Las Vegas, so it's a big change. Details below. [more inside]
posted by JustAnotherPerson at 5:56 PM PST - 11 comments

I found a litter of stray kittens in awful living conditions (old question). Their mother is feral. Is it acceptable to take these kittens to a foster home without mom? [more inside]
posted by toucan at 5:45 PM PST - 7 comments

Where is life pretty good in the US? Qualities I find 'pretty good': - Walkable/bikeable/good transit - Left or at least not fascist local politics - queers live openly here hopefully, not famously racist - Somewhat less apocalyptic in terms of climate - Some kind of art/music/literature community - There are some good restaurants - Access to nature - Not excessively unfriendly I'm sure similar questions have been asked so feel free to point me to those.
posted by latkes at 4:07 PM PST - 58 comments

I recently upgraded to a new laptop, and I have a lot of questions about what life with a PC laptop is like in 2023. Maybe you’ve got some ideas about USB-C and Windows 11, and how this old dog can learn new tricks? [more inside]
posted by knile at 3:52 PM PST - 4 comments

I've have a perfect (for me) shower head for years. Unfortunately, it cracked on one side. I thought it was fixable... [more inside]
posted by Marky at 3:19 PM PST - 5 comments

The first line from the intro of this show Stingray (which looks amazing btw) was instantly recognizable to me but I can't place it. Stand by for Action! I know it's from a song. I thought it was Beastie Boys but can't find it. It might still be, but it could be something completely different. Anyone know?
posted by gummo at 1:21 PM PST - 8 comments

How do gnats do this? [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 12:44 PM PST - 5 comments

At a recent visit, my eye doctor recommended that I get IPL Red Light Therapy to treat my eyes. I want to do the right thing, but it's not cheap, so I just want to be careful before I commit. [more inside]
posted by fingers_of_fire at 12:31 PM PST - 1 comment

Looking for decent evidence bases/research on the benefits of home working to organisations and individuals and the negatives of hot desking. Thanks. [more inside]
posted by tanktop at 11:16 AM PST - 4 comments

Thinking about doing a last minute Chi—>Minneapolis—>Chicago, leaving tomorrow and returning Friday. I’m not pressed for time (lol obviously) but not looking to court a living nightmare. Three hours late, okay; 13 hours late, no thanks. Is this a terrible idea? I know about the derailment/delays yesterday, not sure how they’re impacting things at this point… What should I expect in terms of lateness leaving Minneapolis and heading east? Choo choo, my friends.
posted by Charity Garfein at 10:51 AM PST - 9 comments

I am mulling over what kind of clean and bug resistant space I need for a small A/V production studio. Space heaters, a dehumidifier and a portable AC unit will take care of the climate. There is enough electrical service. Though I'm looking at several other options (see last post), one of them, which is keeping an old shed, seems less viable than the others. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 10:46 AM PST - 4 comments

I need to make a high-res Venn diagram for a scientific poster. It needs to have 4 categories and i would like the size of the circle to be proportional to the number in each overlapping category. I don't know and probably can't learn R or any other statistical analysis type language- most of the things I can bring up on google require these type of skills. I don't mind paying a little bit if it's truly idiot-proof.
posted by genmonster at 10:04 AM PST - 9 comments

I live less than 10 miles from one of the 19 theaters in the U.S. showing Oppenheimer in IMAX 70MM, and that got me wondering about a few things. I don’t remember the last time I saw an IMAX film, probably more than 20 years ago. I’ve watched some YouTube videos that answered my basic questions, which leaves me with a few questions about the theaters themselves. [more inside]
posted by daikon at 9:57 AM PST - 11 comments

A couple of years ago I got a hot compost bin, and I'm very pleased with the results - producing mature compost within a month or so. However, I now have a 5 month old puppy and I've noticed a few sources mentioning that you should keep dogs away from compost, due to potential toxicity from mould. [more inside]
posted by amerrydance at 9:32 AM PST - 10 comments

I have my grandfather's military jacket and no tailoring experience! [more inside]
posted by caitcadieux at 9:14 AM PST - 4 comments

Is this 'nonsense word' an XXXX or a YYYY? 'Luxury brand' or 'Type of apple'? 'Posh British name' or 'Breed of seagull'? I've seen this game / format around but can't find a single actual example. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by litleozy at 8:30 AM PST - 22 comments

This feels ridiculous to type but I think I have an unhealthy relationship with my headphones. Have you had a similar experience and gotten over it? If so - how did you do it and what does healthy look like for you? [more inside]
posted by openhearted at 7:20 AM PST - 22 comments

I need to detect filesystem changes across several dozen machines. Difficulty level: no root access. More inside. [more inside]
posted by queen anne's remorse at 8:41 PM PST - 16 comments

What’s Vancouver Island like in December? Is it worth visiting? We were thinking about visiting the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino on Vancouver Island in later December. Storm watching and just kind of snuggling in for a few days sounds like a relaxing and chill way to end the year, but getting there sounds like a lot, and maybe too much of the opposite of the relaxing disconnect we were hoping for. [more inside]
posted by willnot at 7:46 PM PST - 13 comments

Which is worse: A wedding with a DJ where nobody dances? Or a wedding where people are bored and leave early because there's no DJ? [more inside]
posted by oiseau at 7:13 PM PST - 38 comments

Is there a straightforward resource with step-by-step instruction for a range of basic care tasks (e.g., maintaining personal hygiene, laundry, household chores) that is written for a general adult audience, not specifically for kids, developmentally disabled people, or other specialized populations? Basically, I'm looking for a book, website, Youtube channel, or other resource that could function as a practical companion to KC Davis's How to Keep House While Drowning. [more inside]
posted by theotherdurassister at 7:13 PM PST - 10 comments

There was a long running cancer support group for my cousin on Facebook. Now that she has sadly died of cancer, her mother (my aunt) would like to have a permanent copy of the group. I am not the owner of the group and neither is my aunt, but it is likely the Admin would cooperate if there is a relatively straightforward solution. The group is public. We don't have any reason to believe the Admin will delete it, so it isn't urgent, just something my aunt has asked me to look into.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:30 PM PST - 4 comments

One of the main organizations in my sport has some new transphobic bullshit rules. I'm trying to get them to change but I'm just one mediocre athlete and nobody at that organization cares what I think. What organizations are working on a national level to support trans athletes?
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:38 PM PST - 9 comments

Is there an app that uses AI to show you what you will look like with a variety of haircuts? [more inside]
posted by Jess the Mess at 2:16 PM PST - 3 comments

I have been a "practicing" attorney for over 20 years now but I have never been deeply involved in litigation except behind the scenes (i.e. drafting briefs, complaints). I have never taken a deposition, never appeared in court, and never handled serious settlement negotiations. I know why this is which is that I am deeply averse to people getting angry with me. Help me get over this. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 12:33 PM PST - 14 comments

I just found and loved this curriculum of textbooks and other readings for teaching oneself to a graduate-level understanding of physics (and the math to go with it). Where are some other lists of resources like this for other subjects? (Wouldn't mind more physics resources, as I did just see Oppenheimer.) [more inside]
posted by miltthetank at 11:42 AM PST - 6 comments

I have dragged out my old music gear and I forgotten almost everything I am looking for a chord app for guitar (ukulele would be a nice add-on) with a very specific feature. I want to *easily* select chords, add them to a grouping and print out that grouping. Preferably on a single page [more inside]
posted by lescour at 10:18 AM PST - 3 comments

Ms. Repo and I will be new empty nesters in August with our youngest heading off to college. Due to a company relocation, we will be moving from Chicago to Charlotte in 2024. [more inside]
posted by repoman at 9:08 AM PST - 7 comments

I recently resigned from a toxic workplace after months of deep unhappiness and experiencing bullying and gaslighting but I feel like a made a mistake. I am very confident that I will get another job imminently but I feel so overwhelmed and defeated. How do I handle this period of reflection and in between space before I land my next role? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by foxmardou at 4:31 AM PST - 7 comments

My sister responded critically to a transphobic comment on Facebook about six weeks ago. She is still getting attacks on FB about this. Is there a technical solution? Her FB account is already private and she has turned notifications off, but this has not worked.
posted by anonymous at 10:44 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm reading Moby Dick. It's fun! But I'm sure I'm missing a lot. This is where you come in! [more inside]
posted by wooh at 10:03 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm going to try replicating a chicken dish I had several years ago and was able to get the ingredient list for. Apparently the marinade included cream and lactic acid (plus some other stuff). I'm wondering why the chef — not one with terribly exacting standards — wouldn't have just opted for yogurt. Are cream and lactic acid as separate ingredients in a marinade so different in flavor and acidity from a good full-fat yogurt? I imagine the thickness of yogurt would actually be beneficial in this particular recipe, all else being equal. [more inside]
posted by theory at 8:17 PM PST - 5 comments

I ordered a few things from Amazon that never arrived. Today I got an email from Amazon saying they’ve received my returned items and are confirming my refund. How did my package end up back at Amazon? [more inside]
posted by rodneyaug at 7:49 PM PST - 19 comments

I’ve been curious about projectors for years and bought an inexpensive one yesterday. I set it up and connected it to my network and could project a YouTube playlist easily. There are more hoops to jump through to project Netflix or Amazon Prime - the two streaming services I use primarily - and I’d appreciate some information on how to do this from an iPad, iPhone or a MacBook Pro running Plex Media Server. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 7:09 PM PST - 7 comments

I really like how I look in the mirror. I really hate how I look in photos. What's going on here? [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 6:51 PM PST - 15 comments

If so, what do I do :’( [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 6:28 PM PST - 8 comments

How do you motivate yourself to make meals at home? What motivates you? Whether it's cooking something or putting some ingredients together to make a sandwich or salad? How do you stay on top of fresh produce without it going to waste? How do you keep your fridge and freezer easy to use? [more inside]
posted by AnyUsernameWillDo at 6:28 PM PST - 23 comments

What are some examples of officials removed from office through citizen action (other than voting)? [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 3:42 PM PST - 8 comments

I bought a dremel a couple days ago after years of thinking about it; got here today, tested it out, and I'm already very satisfied with it being a good solution for the soft carving I was primarily getting it for (soapstone, anthracite coal, wood). But now I've got this good tool and no experience with it, so: what else might I want to get for it for carving/shaping art and craft purposes, and, hell, what else in particular have folks found themselves surprised/pleased to be able to accomplish in general with a rotary tool? [more inside]
posted by cortex at 2:05 PM PST - 24 comments

We've been multi-decade DISH customers, but at this point we're paying for their top tier just to access the Turner Classic Movies stream. We can get TCM content through another subscription but not the actual channel. This post comparing live TV streaming services [CNET] has me thinking we could save money. Does anyone have any experience with any of the services that include TCM in this article? I'd like to know what the user experience was like, or just a general review.
posted by hippybear at 1:50 PM PST - 17 comments

am I forgetting anything? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:39 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm preparing for an upcoming talk I'll be giving to my Union Local about the history of Union Songs. I'm super pumped, because this is a topic I'm reasonably conversant in, and extremely excited about! In addition to the talk, I'm also compiling a playlist of music for attendees to listen to at their convenience. But once the "history" catches up to the present, I'm having a little trouble. Who is carrying the Union Song torch in 2023? [more inside]
posted by Krawczak at 1:06 PM PST - 11 comments

Hi! I'm going on a vacation with my 8-year-old. I'm curious if folks have tips on how to make the most of these experiences - how to make them enjoyable and worthwhile for all involved. It's just the two of us (I share custody 50/50 with my ex). My experience of past vacations is that they are fun, but also exhausting. Curious for any tips. Solo parent tips especially welcome! [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 12:56 PM PST - 20 comments

I am on a team of women at work who have a very confrontational style and I am not the same. I've realized that unless I adopt a similar style, they will never give me the chance to speak. This is a big adjustment for me since I am an introvert and it is causing me a lot of stress that is bleeding outside into my life. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 12:50 PM PST - 7 comments

Is there a way to stop my vehicle from re-scanning my thumb drive full of songs every time I start it up? [more inside]
posted by Twicketface at 11:06 AM PST - 9 comments

A while back I read about (I thought it was on MetaFilter but I can't find it) a piano album where the gimmick was that it had been recorded on a piano that had been left outside for a year in a field. Memory and searches are failing me. Help!
posted by ropeladder at 11:02 AM PST - 6 comments

We're old. All our friends are old. Our lawyer is old. No close young nieces or nephews. Both our sons live thousands of miles away. Word of mouth is not working. We need suggestions on how to go about finding an executor and someone to give power attorney to. [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 10:38 AM PST - 5 comments

what is says on the tin. something I've always wondered because the site apparently makes gigantic sums of money, but when I've tried to find anything at all, it's been impossible! [more inside]
posted by damedeshou at 10:35 AM PST - 6 comments

Back in March, I asked about how to handle people commenting on my appearance. Unfortunately, last night, two people conflated me with someone else who has a somewhat similar appearance. This cut deep, how do I handle that kind of situation better on the spot? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 9:10 AM PST - 32 comments

I have stair problem. There is a small foyer off of our kitchen that is about 20 inches lower than the kitchen floor. There is a step get down to the foyer which is very difficult for my wife because of a bum leg. [more inside]
posted by charlesminus at 9:05 AM PST - 30 comments

I am looking for a perfect backpack dog carrier for my dog for a hiking vacation -- does it exist? [more inside]
posted by virve at 8:03 AM PST - 4 comments

My family flies to get together every Christmas season (none of us live near each other). We now consist of three generations of several adults and several kids. Where can we go that will fit all of us and have things to do for ages 2 through 80? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by dede at 7:34 AM PST - 17 comments

I had a common problem in my household. I googled for solutions for years and there isn't much on the internet about how to solve this problem in the average household (but you could if you had tons of money). I figured out a way to fix this problem for far less money using basic construction supplies and skills. I would like to monetize this situation. I could build a website showing and explaining the solution, but I believe my concept will be instantly stolen and copied by content stealers because the problem I solved is very common and something that people google a lot. The only solution I can think of is to put up a website that describes the problem and offers to sell my solution to people for a reasonable fee, like self-publishing a small book. But that would probably not do terribly well, and could easily be paid for and stolen. I could copyright the material but that wouldn't stop hard-to-identify people on the internet. Any ideas?
posted by wurly at 4:24 AM PST - 16 comments

I use three websites that tell me their version of the most acclaimed books, films or music. (But the music site focuses on Western popular music). Each site’s rankings are based on broad input from “best of” lists from elsewhere. I am interested in similar lists – with the same general procedure – for other things. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:13 PM PST - 4 comments

I took Lexapro 5mg for a few days last month, which I think triggered a few days of terrible insomnia. Even though I've been off Lexapro for a month, the terrible insomnia is back. I need to work during the day, and first-line meds aren't working. What do I do to break the cycle? [more inside]
posted by glass origami robot at 8:00 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm grieving and bereft and can't figure this out on my own. I just found out that a dear friend of mine and the person who introduced me to metafilter recently passed away. I saved a link to one particular post he had written years ago but had not thought to download his blog. It's really important for me to spend time with the parts of him I still have access to but I think the blog is offline now. Can someone please walk me through how I can download his writings?
posted by Ceridwen at 4:35 PM PST - 7 comments

I'll be in New York City, specifically Manhattan, all this coming week for work. I visit New York often and have lots of go-to places to eat and drink and have fun, but I've never actually gone to a mainstream current-run movie there. What's the best theater to see the Barbie movie? "Best" is open & subjective; I generally prioritize comfort & quality over special events & swag, but if there's a really cool event happening around the movie somewhere, I'm open to it.
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:51 PM PST - 12 comments

Give me your favorite oatmeal recipes. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 3:04 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm looking for a tank top that... [more inside]
posted by wheatlets at 2:52 PM PST - 6 comments

I am on the board for a branch of a combo fraternal order / social club / benevolent society. We have a small restaurant and bar, and need to hire a general manager responsible for overseeing inventory, pricing, books, cooks, bar manager, event coordination, and gambling manager. I have zero experience in these areas, and neither does the rest of the board. Have you done this, and can you help me identify good interview questions and rubrics and models for evaluating candidates? tysm!
posted by 0xABADBABE at 2:52 PM PST - 7 comments

I am MASSIVELY behind on podcasts. Also MASSIVELY pregnant. Having listened to the promo for Within the Wires Season 4, I suspect that it may not be for me right now, but I can't find anywhere with actual content warnings. Can anyone who has listened to the whole thing help?
posted by DebetEsse at 2:30 PM PST - 3 comments

I am a caretaker for my brother who has ALS. We are both in our 70's. He owns a suburban home with about half the mortgage paid off. I have lived in the house, on a seperate level for 10 years as his caretaker. I share the kitchen in the house. He promised the house to me at the beginning of his home care with me. About 4 years ago he had a will written up stating such, plus some monies he has. It hasn't been witnessed and signed as of yet. [more inside]
posted by Czjewel at 1:27 PM PST - 19 comments

I just bought a new MacBook Air. The old one has many problems, which is what led me to get the new one. I haven't yet entirely retired the old one, which, at some point, I'll do. The desktop on the old one is in utter disarray, and I want to keep the new one tidy. But today (maybe after a software update), suddenly everything from the old desktop is now on my new desktop! Is there a a way to undo this?
posted by swheatie at 11:45 AM PST - 3 comments

In the early/mid 2000s, I came across a series of mystery novels with a female witch as the investigator/main character. She lived in a big city (NYC or Philadelphia) and worked as a typesetter in her mundane life. Her witch name might have been Bast, or something similar. She was part of a coven. The series was not gory or violent but it wasn't cozy or cutesy either. Please help me identify the series and author. [more inside]
posted by rpfields at 9:06 AM PST - 7 comments

I bought something, it arrived damaged; I didn’t notice the damage until we were outside of the return policy window, but I contacted the seller and after some back and forth, the company said they would replace it — then, the next day, they said they would not replace it and would only pay for a repair. I don’t want a repair! My preference is the replacement. Can they go back on their promise? Can I get them to keep their word?? Should I involve my credit card company? Details within. [more inside]
posted by HandleCollector at 7:47 AM PST - 13 comments

I am looking for something that will beep or send a msg to my phone or otherwise alert if the outdoor hose is left on for too long. We rent so it has to be something that can be installed as easily as putting a hose on the spigot. [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 7:17 AM PST - 8 comments

One of my family health risks appears to be chronic self-absorption. What are some of the practices you use to work against this and keep yourself in community with others? [more inside]
posted by sockrilegious at 6:22 AM PST - 11 comments

I'll be going on vacation later this year where I'll have a chance to basically just sit and read, and what I'd love to take with are the pulpiest pulp fiction paperbacks imaginable, specifically ones first published in the '60s and '70s. Hoping for recommendations of breezy, wild reads of any genre. [more inside]
posted by eschatfische at 6:15 AM PST - 17 comments

I was once able to solve this puzzle , interlocking the two pieces so that the smaller ring assembly hung down off the square wire piece. And then unlocking them again. I put this puzzle in a drawer a few years ago and now I can't reconstruct the solution. Can any clever puzzle masters help me? [more inside]
posted by SamFrancisco at 1:21 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm deeply burned out and our household finances would not be meaningfully impacted if we lost my income. Should I quit my job and make art full time? I would love (1) honest feedback and (2) recommendations for books, podcasts, or other resources to help me think through the decision and/or (3) hearing about your experience of what worked (or didn’t) when you made a similar decision. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:51 PM PST - 32 comments

I have a large number of skin tags on my upper and lower eyelids. I have two options for their removal. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:51 PM PST - 13 comments

I have ME/CFS-esque (moderate-severe) symptoms. (Long covid; four months in). I've noticed that if I overdo it, it always takes between (2:45-3:15) two hours and forty-five minutes and three hours and fifteen minutes before I can move again. I can set a stopwatch, and it's always in this range. I've collected dozens of data points. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 8:18 PM PST - 9 comments

"Hey Siri, remind me that..." "Okay, I've set a reminder." And I open the reminder app and confirm it's there. A short time later, it's not there. What is happening and how do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 6:35 PM PST - 4 comments

I've got a lot of lavender plants in my yard. When I trim them what could I do with the branches and flowers besides dumping them with my yard waste? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 3:35 PM PST - 19 comments

Have you ever gone a week without talking or whispering outside of a meditation retreat? What was it like? How hard was it to get the support you needed to cope with everyday life? [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 3:18 PM PST - 17 comments

What was the live jazzy weekend morning radio show, produced and broadcast in the Bay Area? Haven't heard it in at least ten or even twenty years. [more inside]
posted by Rash at 2:47 PM PST - 3 comments

I found a bottle of cherry-flavored kefir the other day, and it got me thinking. There are a lot of flavors of kefir. There are innumerable flavors of yogurt. There are even more flavors of ice cream. But when it comes to plain old milk, there's only really three: plain, chocolate, and strawberry. I've seen blueberry-flavored milk before, and banana-flavored milk, and up here in New England there's coffee milk, but that's roughly 7038 fewer flavors than any other dairy product? Why isn't there a cherry milk? Mint milk? Peach milk? We live in a time of unprecedented flavor. Why are we still drinking plain milk?
posted by kevinbelt at 2:32 PM PST - 34 comments

I am planning on doing a maaajor spring clean this weekend. Looking to the hivemind for some advice on a few things to make it a less annoying experience. [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 1:28 PM PST - 13 comments

Why do my left and right AirPods discharge at very different rates? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 11:51 AM PST - 6 comments

I sleep on my stomach with my face smashed into the bed and I really want to stop. I think it's aging my face, it's definitely bad for my neck and it has to be obstructing my breathing. [more inside]
posted by tatiana wishbone at 11:26 AM PST - 13 comments

My husband and I live in the US and are thinking about a Canada road trip in April, partially to gain information about places for us to potentially move to, and partially to visit a friend and see the solar eclipse. [more inside]
posted by happy_cat at 11:23 AM PST - 19 comments

A long-time friend of mine has been house/petsitting for me over the past year and a bit. I have now learned that she has invaded my privacy beyond the expected "snooping in the medicine cabinet" type stuff. To complicate, she has also began gossiping about it to other friends. Looking for scripts to address it/fire her as a housesitter for good, without being cruel. [more inside]
posted by Pemberly at 10:57 AM PST - 53 comments

With a new phone, is it better to reinstall apps from scratch or to copy them over from my existing phone? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 9:57 AM PST - 5 comments

Low thyroid runs in both sides of my family. For the last year or so I've been feeling just really slow, physically and mentally. At my annual check-up this year my thyroid levels were still within the normal range. My understanding from Dr. Google is that it's not that unusual for folks to be within the normal range but also to benefit from treatment for low thyroid. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 9:43 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for more industrial / noise / ambient / experimental music by women/non-binary/trans folks. I have a pretty big list already but it's all starting to get too familiar. Top marks for things that are not tooooo screamy, don't have much if any lyrics, and have more rather than less bass. But honestly just give me what you got. [more inside]
posted by seanmpuckett at 8:20 AM PST - 21 comments

Elevators beep when you pass each floor. Microwaves beep when you press each button. Doors beep when they open. Why is this desirable or necessary, and why does it have to be such a high pitched, unpleasant sound?
posted by wheatlets at 6:05 AM PST - 6 comments

Thanks to Dimension20, my 11-year-old wants to play DnD again. Last time was an outschool class, now she wants me to DM her either alone or with another kid. I have the basic DnD book and dice, and I have a Roll20 account, but the sheer amount of choice is overwhelming. She's not interested in Magical Kitties starter type games and wants 'real' DnD, but I want to start with an easy small game. Shops, keywords, recommendations - help!
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 5:53 AM PST - 11 comments

I have a very similar question to this one about law school in one's 30s, but I'm in my 40s and in the UK. Law school here typically doesn't involve 6 figures of debt, though it does involve some financial sacrifice. Wondering about the questions I should ask myself in order to make this decision. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:16 AM PST - 2 comments

YANMD. I have spinal stenosis, and I had an appointment with a surgeon today that I had hope would go a lot better than it did. I'm looking at three choices: do nothing and live with the pain, have a laminectomy that might only provide temporary relief, or a spinal fusion that will probably lead to other fusions as I get older. Looking for people with any experience and/or advice? So much more below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 3:39 AM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for suggestions for other ways to support myself based on my skills/education/interests. Difficulty level: my disabilities mean I can only work about 15-20 hours a week. I need some hope that I can change my life. [more inside]
posted by cboggs at 1:10 AM PST - 26 comments

I have a collection of mixed up screws, nails, bolts, and such: maybe one to two full shoeboxes' worth. How much sorting does this mess need to be useful? The goal: to be able to find what I need. The problem: I don't know what I'll need. People who actually use their accumulated fasteners, how do you have them organized? [more inside]
posted by Baethan at 9:21 PM PST - 21 comments

Got a new Samsung phone, transferred everything over, and now there is no "secure folder" on my phone, seemingly anywhere. I looked all in settings where it says to look. Ita not just that I don't have the secure folder content, there just is no "secure folder" at all. Also, I no longer have weather displayed on the phone screen even though the app gives me notifications. Any idea how to get my secure folder and my weather display on home screen back?
posted by bearette at 6:38 PM PST - 6 comments

Hello, as the title says, I’m looking for a one piece curtain rod that is not adjustable in length. So far I have turned up nothing. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I’m in the United States and I’ve searched Amazon for fixed length curtain rod and one piece curtain rod. Thank you!
posted by manageyourexpectations at 6:30 PM PST - 8 comments

I work from home and have gotten into the unfortunate habit of grabbing something to eat every time I'm stressed out. I'm looking for substitute stress relieving activities that won't impact my work. [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 4:24 PM PST - 25 comments

I’m trying to relocate a record that came out prior to 2017. A coworker introduced me to an alt-country, indie, alternative etc. record in 2016. Something along the lines of Kurt Vile, Lord Huron, Father John Misty, etc. I’m pretty sure it was an album of covers, but if so they were all obscure to me. The album cover art was very distinctive and that I think I do remember. [more inside]
posted by sevenless at 1:46 PM PST - 3 comments

I work for a small contractor in MA, and we won an affordable housing project — yay! They're wedging us into AIA contracts and procedures — boo! At issue right now is the deposit... [more inside]
posted by feistycakes at 1:42 PM PST - 3 comments

I want to start playing drums, but not in a position to buy drums at the moment. (Eventually aiming to get a digital set along the line of an Alesis Surge.) I do, however, have drum sticks and a drum practice pad. Are there any good practice routines I can do by myself, with a metronome but without a teacher, until I can get drums? In particular, not sure how to practice using a bass pedal.
posted by miltthetank at 1:14 PM PST - 4 comments

I have a friend can get anyone to do anything for her. Going places with her feels magical, like secret new worlds open up that I never would have thought possible. I tend to be the sort who assumes any written policy will be followed (which I’m aware is my first mistake). Still, when I ask for things, people have no trouble saying no to me. [more inside]
posted by wheatlets at 1:05 PM PST - 39 comments

(This is anon only in case someone knows who I am online, bc while she's open about it, medical stuff about someone else isn't mine to tell...onward!) My 70 year old mom was just diagnosed with a tiny breast cancer in the milk duct. Expected treatment is day surgery lumpectomy (maybe a 2nd if margins are fucked?) and meds for 5 years. No chemo, no radiation. We've (maybe) won the shitty cancer wars here. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:37 PM PST - 6 comments

So I've got the game, but it's barely able to chug along on my old laptop. Old laptop is past due for replacement anyway. Please suggest a good value PC, desktop or laptop, that would be more than capable of running BG3?
posted by The otter lady at 12:16 PM PST - 8 comments

A few years ago I remember playing a point and click adventure game where you're an agent for some sort of paranormal containment (SCP like) group. It was less then an hour without very many puzzles and had a minimal pixel art style. You get caught up in an unavoidable apocalypse and switching to other characters who end up watching the start of the apocalypse play out. [more inside]
posted by axlan at 11:59 AM PST - 3 comments

I once read a short story where some endless impenetrable surface was bearing inexorably down on the planet over time, and people just had to accept that their headroom was diminishing by the day. I’m guessing the first sign was the stars winking out. (What about the sun? What about the planet being a sphere? Scientific explanation? No thank you, this story was more magic realism.) And IIRC, eventually this surface was low enough to touch, and then you had to duck to get around, and eventually crawl. [more inside]
posted by scamper at 9:10 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm currently doing jury duty in lower Manhattan, at 100 Centre Street. We get an hour-long lunch break each day. What are your fave places for lunch down here? And what are some fun little spots to check out (parks, shops, art, whatnot)? Thanks for your ideas!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 8:31 AM PST - 17 comments

I am hooked on daily puzzles. I already do Set, Wordle, Guess My Word, Worldle, and Spelling Bee. I have a NYTimes subscription and have enough crossword puzzles. Math, logic, word-based: I love them all. What else might I like?
posted by DrGail at 7:45 AM PST - 52 comments

The Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal recently hired a new Indigenous arts curator who is not an expert in Indigenous arts from north america. I am confused and wondering why. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 6:55 AM PST - 16 comments

We have scant storage space in our newish-to-us house, but we have a large shed with lots of potential. Help me optimize! [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 4:20 AM PST - 14 comments

My 8-year old kid tends to be sensitive to touch. In particular, he hates the feeling of sticky, slimy things on his skin. This generally isn't too much of a problem, except when he has a runny nose: because he dislikes the texture of mucus, he is very reluctant to clear his nose. Instead, he sniffs very deeply, which ends up clogging up his sinuses and leading to an infection. Any suggestions on how we can help him with this? [more inside]
posted by destrius at 1:06 AM PST - 23 comments

The use of almost all Irish dialogue in The Quiet Girl is part of a widely discussed language revitalization through film. Bravo. I am wondering whether it is also realistic in the movie itself. [more inside]
posted by little striped mule at 12:40 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm visiting Canada, and I've just been jolted awake by a horrible alert siren from my iPhone, which was on silent mode. It's an amber alert about a missing child, the third one today. I'm trying to find a way to turn it off but can't find one. [more inside]
posted by Silky Slim at 11:36 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm planning on replacing my ancient over-the-range microwave. I'd like to improve the vent-hood situation at the same time. Does anyone have experience with a microwave with a built-in extendable vent (like the LG Extendavent models) or with an aftermarket extension like the Microvisor? Which is more effective? [more inside]
posted by samw at 7:56 PM PST - 5 comments

Probably from the late 80s / early 90s? The small fragment I have misremembered is "I don't like [city A] and [city B]'s too cold / Winnipeg sucks, Winnipeg sucks" [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb at 7:44 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm hunting all your terrible customer service related songs! I have a Mage: the Awakening game coming up and it's come to pass that all our player characters are battle hardened customer service veterans - after all, if you can survive manning the register during Black Friday, the Technocracy's got nothing. [more inside]
posted by Jilder at 6:26 PM PST - 29 comments

I was in music college back in the late 80s, and one of our music theory class tasks was to go to the music library and spend time with a small white machine that had attached headphones, a button, and sheet music. You would listen to the headphones and hear some music, read the sheet music, and tap along with the sheet music rhythm on the button. [more inside]
posted by dr. fresh at 6:24 PM PST - 7 comments

I have seen y’all come up with some genius names. Please help me figure out a name for my new retail store/restaurant. [more inside]
posted by August Fury at 6:13 PM PST - 40 comments

A longtime problem employee finally resigned from my organization, and we were all happy they were following their bliss far away from us. But now, they're saying that we somehow forced them to leave, and none of us can see how. If you were ever in that situation, what did "they" (management, your colleagues) do that made you decide you had to go? [more inside]
posted by rpfields at 5:37 PM PST - 46 comments

What online and/or app based resources would you recommend for rhythm training aimed at bassists? [more inside]
posted by signal at 5:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Do I really need a million pairs of glasses? I'm 50 and nearsighted for decades, corrected usually with contact lenses, and now dealing with presbyopia. Help me figure out my options for computer work. [more inside]
posted by bluedaisy at 5:02 PM PST - 13 comments

I want to get my fiance a neck massager as a gift, but I have no idea which ones are any good. Do you have one you like? Which one is it? Thanks!
posted by Saucywench at 4:49 PM PST - 3 comments

Are there audio books or podcasts that would school me on basic first aid and emergency treatment or prevention, or other practical skills? [more inside]
posted by slidell at 3:12 PM PST - 1 comment

What can I make with leftover hard cider? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 2:56 PM PST - 12 comments

Best non-fiction about birds and the people who like looking at them? [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 2:21 PM PST - 14 comments

I would like to make some custom tee shirts. Googling custom tee shirts turns up a whole bunch of sites that seem... not shady, really, but fly-by-night-ish and probably not terribly concerned with quality control. Googling best custom tee shirts mainly just shows those same sites each explaining why they're the best. Does anyone know of any online shops that they have been happy with? Some more details inside. [more inside]
posted by Flunkie at 12:52 PM PST - 11 comments

I applied to the big brothers organization to get a buddy for my son, expecting there would be a long waitlist and they would never call us. They have now called us and we are going in for an interview next week. Has anyone been through this recently and can give me advice on what to expect? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 12:44 PM PST - 4 comments

My teenage daughter is considering a career in tech support/IT. She's great with computers (including installation, security, troubleshooting, etc.) but doesn't want to focus on coding or physical repair. [more inside]
posted by lgyre at 12:23 PM PST - 18 comments

Looking to read modern travelogues about Tokyo or Seoul. Any advice? [more inside]
posted by evadery at 12:15 PM PST - 8 comments

I'd like to do something special and I'm opening it up to you folks for some out of the box ideas for an amazing good girl who is surprisingly full of energy.
posted by rileyray3000 at 10:39 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm headed to Skiathos, Greece in about a week to celebrate a friend's milestone birthday. Is there anything we shouldn't miss? Restaurants, museums, culture? I know the beaches are beautiful, but am not sure I can spend an entire week sitting on a beach; I love to explore and do as much as I can on vacation. Day trips that don't have to be booked too far in advance also welcome (we're already spending a day going to Lalaria Beach). Thank you!
posted by ilana at 10:22 AM PST - 3 comments

I live in Portland, OR. I am looking to set up a small production studio with a recording space, light grid and room for a tiny master control area. Besides letting me do contracting work, I see it as a place to do other small scale production work that doesn't rise to the level of some of the larger studios in town. Even smaller than the community access, Open Signal studio on MLK. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 9:47 AM PST - 2 comments

I am really enjoying a subscription I was given to The Sun magazine and I would like to subscribe to another magazine or two (physical copies). I especially like articles about topics I haven't really thought about - for example, in Wired magazine a while ago, I read an article about a man designing bowling balls. In The Sun, the most recent issue had an interview with a pop music expert. Short stories and other fiction are good too. I'm not interested in something political for this question. I'm a farmer so I am not looking for more plant-related info even though that is quite interesting. What other subscriptions would you recommend I look into? Thank you!
posted by Emmy Rae at 9:34 AM PST - 10 comments

I've been tasked with sorting out some entertainment for a well liked colleague's leaving function. There will be over a hundred guests and someone has suggested getting a band to play their fave tunes and making it into a more of a party. With so many listings of bands for hire I am unsure about what is a reasonable cost for different types of musicians and bands?
posted by jallypeeno at 8:43 AM PST - 11 comments

I recently bought a couple of really nice enamel pins and want more. What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 8:41 AM PST - 18 comments

Is it realistic to go to a T14 law school > Big Law in your mid-30s? Or will age be a factor in admissions, hiring, etc.? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:13 AM PST - 34 comments

I have been trying for some time with no success to trap a large aggressive male feral cat, using the standard size EeziSet Cat Trap recommended for TNR, using a variety of smelly tinned fish (mackerel, sardines) and the fancy cat foods that come in little tins. So far I haven't even seen any sign that anything has come near the bait. I'm putting much more detail in the extended explanation, hoping that some MeFites who do TNR might have some strategy suggestions. [more inside]
posted by Rhedyn at 7:34 AM PST - 9 comments

I want to model a person's salary increase over the course of their career. I've built an initial model in which the person is assumed to receive the same percentage increase each year, but this feels wrong; I think that it should increase more quickly in early years and more slowly later. Are there existing rules of thumb or data curves that model this kind of thing? Assume white-collar office work.
posted by Beverley Westwood at 7:18 AM PST - 17 comments

I'm looking to hire a drag queen to dress up as a celebrity for a book launch party in Portland, OR. How much should I charge per hour? [more inside]
posted by knownassociate at 7:03 AM PST - 6 comments

Freddy (dog tax) is a 5-year old miniature schnauzer with a deep passion for barking. We are moving to a new house soon, and I feel like the change of venue might be an opportunity to teach him that the new house is a safe place that he doesn't need to vociferously defend, with the added benefit that our new neighbors will like us better with a quiet dog than a loud one. Help me come up with a strategy to reset the dog! [more inside]
posted by juliapangolin at 5:24 AM PST - 6 comments

Again for a fictional situation: for the renovation of a private (family owned) very large, very historically significant property, the owner wants to hire a special person who will oversee and manage the project from an archeological and preservation and curatorial point of view onsite, probably for many months, if not actually years. This person has a very particular set of skills! [more inside]
posted by taz at 4:55 AM PST - 13 comments

Can you please recommend a shipping company in the sweet spot between reliable and affordable? [more inside]
posted by Carravanquelo at 1:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Trying-to-find-an-old-song-filter, possibly-Canadian-filter: I went down the rabbit hole of nostalgia reading old LiveJournal entries tonight, and in late 2001, shmoopy sappy me was apparently in love with the following lyrics: [more inside]
posted by Pandora Kouti at 10:01 PM PST - 2 comments

A while ago I posted an observation and a question in the blue wondering if there’s a psychological or other term for when a person becomes irrationally furious when they’re caught doing something wrong. [more inside]
posted by pkingdesign at 5:25 PM PST - 31 comments

It's summer 2023. How do I organize and play my music? Looking for tips on organizing and devices. More details, snowflakes, and angsting below the fold. [more inside]
posted by TwoStride at 5:24 PM PST - 21 comments

Ideally, within walking distance from City Hall. Thanks!
posted by Text TK at 5:19 PM PST - 6 comments

What kind of animal is this skull from? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 4:45 PM PST - 6 comments

The pleather (I think) on my 2016 Prius steering wheel has developed a wrinkle / crease and it's driving me nuts. [more inside]
posted by Uncle at 4:33 PM PST - 6 comments

I decided to refinish the hardwood (maple) floor in a small room in our house while my family is traveling. Sanded & stained the floor etc. I bought "Varathane Floor Finish Polyurethane Oil Based Fast Drying. (Clear/Satin finish)" The temperature here is about 70 deg and the poly was indeed drying fast..too fast. [more inside]
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 4:30 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for music thats like Thumpasuarus- punk, funk, synth, and bonus points for brass insturments. Rubblebucket and the Talking Heads would fit on this playlist. Ska need not apply. Something that I can dance to while I clean the house as a former punk kid who might also want to yell and stomp a bit. I've already listened to Spotify suggested "thumpasaurus radio."
posted by Grandysaur at 3:06 PM PST - 5 comments

Help an interested layperson: what is the scientific view of the role of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease? Books, articles, whatever - I would love to learn more. [more inside]
posted by sequel at 2:50 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm trying to automate the creation of SAP transactions from Excel rows, via a user-recorded VBS file. Details inside if you dare. [more inside]
posted by signal at 2:21 PM PST - 2 comments

Can I use Outlook on my laptop under a different email than what I’m using to sign into the laptop/Microsoft 365? [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 1:27 PM PST - 5 comments

While playing around with some math stuff related to finding (complex) roots of polynomial functions, this funky little power series-like thing popped out and I'm not sure I know what it is. [more inside]
posted by Mister_Sleight_of_Hand at 1:21 PM PST - 2 comments

What kind of professional could I look for to help with managing all the financial things an adult should be doing, including long term financial planning, paying down debt, planning for retirement, insurance, wills, etc. It seems to me that financial planners are mostly focused on investments and retirement planning - but I need someone with a wider scope than that. Any suggestions?
posted by kdern at 12:43 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for a PCP accepting new patients in or near Providence, RI— any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by actionpact at 12:11 PM PST - 7 comments

Can anyone think of a place that offers lots of what great cities do (things like interesting museums, parks, food, history, architecture) but is way more low-key than the average world class city? [more inside]
posted by beccaj at 12:08 PM PST - 38 comments

Every summer our home gets visited by lots of small ants. In the past we've had success with Terro Liquid Ant Baits. Now we have a cat, though, and it looks like there's some risk associated with using borax-based products around cats. What should we do? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 8:01 AM PST - 23 comments

I am hunting for a pair of statement earrings to wear with this dress. Must be online, unfortunately I will not reliably have time to wander the city for this. Perhaps you have a go-to seller? [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 7:38 AM PST - 14 comments

Please share your favorite recipes for bean salads that use a lot of other non-leafy vegetables - for example, artichoke hearts with red peppers and garbanzos, or carrots with white beans. [more inside]
posted by kristi at 7:02 AM PST - 19 comments

Got a new bag of ground coffee and noticed it acting oddly when I made cold brew with it. I can't quite find a link that explains if this is a bad sign when using cold water. [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 6:48 AM PST - 8 comments

Does running more and more transactions through services that take a credit-plus cut lead to increases in price-to-consumer? [more inside]
posted by clew at 9:58 PM PST - 24 comments

I'm looking for examples of movies (not TV) where the main character, due to a hidden inferiority complex, is desperate to prove to the world that s/he is worthy. [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 9:40 PM PST - 25 comments

How long ago would paper or other disposable kippot have been available? Ten years ago? Twenty? Even longer? (Trying to figure out what's plausible for a story.)
posted by tangerine at 7:10 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for some new sipping beverages to try. Not high calorie, not caffeinated, not carbonated, non-alcoholic. Not Tea. Unfortunately, I apparently hate all Tea unless it is a Tea-Milkshake. What should I try? Is there anything left? I do like water, but I need flavor!
posted by bluesky78987 at 5:22 PM PST - 40 comments

Are there safe, at-home devices to stimulate the vagus nerve? Cheaper at-home ways to get the relaxation effect of ear acupuncture? Googling brings up a million options that look scammy. Reviews don't seem trustworthy. [more inside]
posted by Former Congressional Representative Lenny Lemming at 4:39 PM PST - 17 comments

I won't go into the details of my 4-year relationship, it's all there in my previous posts. For those of you who have already told me to leave him, it might be best for you to stop reading. The decision to move back into his flat at the end of October is looming and I am having severe doubt, which I am finding difficult to deal with. I keep waking up in a panic and acting out with him. How did you come to a final decision about when you should leave a long-term relationship? What was the final straw? Or for those who pushed through and made it work, how did you get through periods where you must have desperately wished to end it? [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 2:31 PM PST - 96 comments

Please join me in overthinking a hoard of nail polish. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 1:23 PM PST - 34 comments

While on a train trip through Germany, a fellow passenger (stranger to us) mistakenly took our suitcase from the compartment and left their own. We discovered their mistake at the end station - our bag was gone while theirs was left behind. There was nothing left to do but take their bag to the lost and found office at the train station. I am very unhappy with how the situation was handled and am wondering if I should have been more assertive. [more inside]
posted by M. at 1:12 PM PST - 23 comments

Two people, one day, Edinburgh. What to do? [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 12:40 PM PST - 10 comments

I’m obsessed with these frozen veggie fries made from beets, carrots and parsnips. Would I be able to DIY a cheaper, healthier version myself by slicing and freezing vegetables? Could I freeze them raw, or cook them before freezing? [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 12:39 PM PST - 6 comments

I live in the United States (Colorado). I personally know multiple people who have health insurance but ended up with medical bills of $100k to $500k+. What are steps that my family can take to avoid this, when choosing health insurance and dealing with medical issues? We have an ACA for now, and some of my loved ones have Medicare. [more inside]
posted by roastbeef at 11:59 AM PST - 13 comments

My old mobile phone (Android - Moto X4) and my new one (Android - Google Pixel 7) both read me emergency alerts out loud when they come through at what is a nearly indecipherably fast speed. It's approximately 3x, I'd guess? Is there a way to change this? [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla at 11:18 AM PST - 2 comments

My kid is obsessed with a song from the show Bing, and wants to play it on her toy piano. But we're musically ignorant! Could you tell us the notes? I think it's just a handful over and over. Link to song [more inside]
posted by abecedarium radiolarium at 10:58 AM PST - 2 comments

This question belongs to a broad category, "How does all this information end up on the websites?" but in a more specific application, "How do all these lyrics end up on lyrics websites?" [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 10:23 AM PST - 6 comments

Any recommendations for a service that can integrate with Mailchimp to manage event registrations/RSVPs. I don't need to sell tickets or monetize. Some budget is available to spend on the right solution. [more inside]
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 10:01 AM PST - 0 comments

Is there a word or phrase that would be understand as "thank you" across all of the major Chinese language communities? (Bonus for link to pronunciation so I can get the tones right.) [more inside]
posted by praemunire at 9:47 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm a natural early bird, which also means I'm just exhausted by bedtime, and very, very ready for sleep. My partner is the opposite. Till recently, our sex life almost entirely took place on weekend afternoons. Because of various life obligations, we've mostly lost this time. I desperately need to be able to have good sex at night. How? [more inside]
posted by to sockpuppet, perchance to dream at 7:35 AM PST - 33 comments

Our city's water is no longer reliably safe. I'd like to find a water filter that reduces contaminants, and doesn't produce waste (plastic cartridges, water waste). What should I be looking for? What are the options? I'm thinking counter top or under sink, not a "whole building" system, if that makes sense. I'm fine showering in tap water, but don't want to drink it unfiltered any more. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 7:21 AM PST - 14 comments

Due to new draconian state laws we've had to move a family member's surgery from down the street to a different state, a 4-5 hour drive away. There will be one round trip a week for about a month, there will be drainage tubes, etc. The patient will be a passenger, not driving, but it will still be no fun. How to make it as comfortable and safe as possible? [more inside]
posted by Ookseer at 6:55 AM PST - 7 comments

I can play these songs fairly well: Ma vie en rose -- Por una cabeza -- the Il Postino theme. I want to play others that are like these, but I'm struggling to articulate what these songs are like for the purpose of finding more like them. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by gauche at 6:26 AM PST - 6 comments

I've been building out my guitar pedalboard and the last two basic pedals I'm looking for are a delay and a looper. Or a delay-looper combo. I'm having a hard time choosing between getting dedicated delay and looper or a delay that does looping. What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:17 AM PST - 5 comments

I bought an iPad Mini 6 on Prime Day because I’ve been wanting to replace my 10-year-old one and it was a good deal. But I’m a little disappointed, and it’s returnable, so I have two big questions... one about Mini alternatives and the other about Apple News alternatives. [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:20 AM PST - 7 comments

I’m going to sell a used Pottery Barn Rockridge desk. It’s well-made and has great style, but the top surface needs some refinishing. I goofed and listed it too cheaply, got a lot of interest right away, and took the listing down (with apologies). Should I refinish it, and if so, how? If I do and if I don’t, how much should I ask? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:01 AM PST - 19 comments

I picked up an old Singer treadle seeing machine base at a yard sale last month. My original plan was to take it apart, make it left hand drive, and make a small lathe. However, the more I think about it, the more I realize I'll never do this. So I'm going to make an end table out of it. [more inside]
posted by Marky at 2:44 AM PST - 4 comments

From a thermodynamics perspective, what makes a better ice cream scoop, steel or aluminum? [more inside]
posted by klanawa at 2:38 AM PST - 10 comments

I’m looking for memoirs in which a patient has sex/an affair/a relationship with their doctor. I’m tentatively open to novels, with the caveat that they have to be realistic. I don’t want a romance novel or something that’s a fantasy about how someone would have liked it to happen, I want something realistic that shows how that sort of situation could actually play out in real life.
posted by anonymous at 11:22 PM PST - 2 comments

How did you personally overcome social anxiety? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 8:55 PM PST - 17 comments

It doesn't taste like beer, per se. But it tastes more like beer than a lot of NA beers, and it does so with zero calories and zero carbs. I don't understand how this is possible. I guess I was just laboring under the assumption that the flavor of beer is pretty inseparable from the carbs in beer and it's blowing my mind that you can have one without the other. How do they make this stuff?
posted by potrzebie at 7:25 PM PST - 4 comments

I made a mistake when I noticed my adult son did not seem himself...I do not know how to move past it. I don't know what he is looking for as I have apologized. I fear I may have crossed a line I shouldn't have. I deeply regret this and am trying to move forward but he brings this up time and time again. Did I judge his partner wrong, I fear she is manipulating this in the background or am I seeing this wrong? [more inside]
posted by irish01 at 4:09 PM PST - 34 comments

I'm considering making cannabis tea to replace beer and had several questions about the process, costs, and recipe. I live in Austin, Texas, so finding a dealer would be necessary. Google suggests the national average price for a quarter ounce of weed is $68. However, I'm completely new to cooking and working with cannabis. I'd appreciate it if you could review the details provided in the Extended Explanation (it's what ChatGPT told me about the process, costs, recipe) to ensure accuracy and offer any guidance. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 4:09 PM PST - 26 comments

I have a website using WordPress. On every page, the home page content is duplicated at the bottom of the page. It's not showing up in the back end. I can't for the life of me figure out what's going on or how to make it stop. (The blog posts are all normal - no content duplication there.) Help?
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 3:28 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to take some user input, query a set of APIs and display information related to the input in a simple pretty way, without learning Node or whatever. [more inside]
posted by softlord at 2:35 PM PST - 11 comments

You can help me solve this problem in one of three ways. See below. [more inside]
posted by Joan Rivers of Babylon at 1:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Looks like Kiehl's has discontinued the Orignal Musk Oil. What can I replace it with? [more inside]
posted by oflinkey at 10:08 AM PST - 3 comments

There used to be a site called like.com that searched for things to buy that looked like other things. E.g. I'd enter a picture of a shoe that I wanted, and it would return pictures of similar-looking shoes on retail sites. Google bought it and took it down. Is there anything else on the Internet that does what it used to do?
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:13 AM PST - 12 comments

I saw an ad for a tank top I really, really want but its sold on Shein. I am trying to avoid giving money to fast fashion companies with questionable ethics/practices. Where can I find a comparable shirt from a more reputable company? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 8:53 AM PST - 15 comments

Can anyone share a recipe for a sweet bread (or cake: anything baked) that uses a lot of squash? Most recipes I found online use like one cup of squash with one or two full cups of sugar. I would like to swap these quantities. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 5:57 AM PST - 15 comments

Looking for insanely comfortable insanely lightweight loose fitting undergarments of this type in colors of any kind other than: beige, white, black. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:11 AM PST - 4 comments

I’m taking 10 days of annual leave in early August. I live in regional Victoria where it’s cold and dark, and I want to go somewhere warm and sunny to try and turn back this seasonal depression! Needs to be in Australia, no international trips this time. [more inside]
posted by third word on a random page at 11:51 PM PST - 8 comments

Can you recommend books on the Communist Party USA? Most seeking a definitive history but I know there are lots of books about specific time periods, episodes, sub-groups, memoirs.. etc so open to your recs there too. [more inside]
posted by latkes at 9:37 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm in a phase of life where I'm loving baked oatmeal dishes and overnight oats. Please share your favorite recipes in either of these categories! A few specifics inside, but it's pretty much that. [more inside]
posted by carlypennylane at 7:48 PM PST - 19 comments

Thanks to awesome help in my previous ask I have now sanded away the last of the stain and varnish on my probable g-plan astro table and even kinda dismantled it a bit to fix some dodgy repairs. Some follow-on questions if I may. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 2:50 PM PST - 8 comments

How are people subscribing to multiple outlets these days? Individually seems like a lot of subscription management. Is there an easier way? [more inside]
posted by mireille at 2:43 PM PST - 13 comments

I was born an extremely anxious person, and ended up having a life that made me even more so. I’ve made a great deal of progress getting over it, but I can’t comprehend the last piece, which is - to me, it makes sense to be anxious, and I don’t understand how to not be anxious logically. [more inside]
posted by wheatlets at 2:34 PM PST - 39 comments

Lexie is a new-to-us dog, as of six weeks ago, and was just spayed this week. She is wound up like an eight-day clock and has no intention of staying calm so she can heal. How long do we *really* need to enforce these restrictions? [more inside]
posted by DrGail at 1:59 PM PST - 9 comments

I run a small business with an annoying amount of keys, I have keys to my friend's place, I have a car and bike, etc. Currently have 23 keys on my keychain which see active use and I need some way of organizing and finding the right key for the right door. Help me!!! [more inside]
posted by vocativecase at 1:01 PM PST - 23 comments

Later this month I am flying from Vancouver to Yellowknife to help my brother move back to Victoria, BC. We will be spending one night in Yellowknife before the drive. Can anyone recommend an interesting and affordable place to stay? I have looked at the "sleep" section on Wikitravel, but it doesn't provide any information to distinguish one option from another.
posted by sindark at 12:37 PM PST - 9 comments

Can you help us choose an electric cargo bike for cycling with children? From the 'cheaper' Babboe to the premium Batavus or Bakfiet? [more inside]
posted by twirlypen at 11:34 AM PST - 14 comments

I use Simplify 3D to convert STLs to gcode for my 3D printer. Now I need an app for laser cutting. I'll need to massage the gcode regardless so anything that can generate basic paths from a drawing will do. Any favorites?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 10:04 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for songs/albums titled or inspired by different principles, models or philosophies, for example, "Occam's Razor" by Frank Zappa or "Murphy's Law" by Róisín Murphy. [more inside]
posted by socky_puppy at 8:45 AM PST - 19 comments

Now that I'm well into middle age, I'm increasingly feeling the ghosts of my past. The beloved homes, people, and animals of my childhood. Half forgotten memories of playing in forests and attics and hay lofts. Any suggestions of poetry or quotes with such themes?
posted by quiet wanderer at 7:37 AM PST - 17 comments

I have a very old garage, zoning-grandfathered to the property line. I'd like to fix it up, but could use help with ideas and planning; possibly later drawings. What should I look for? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 5:24 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm creating a D&D character for fun and the backstory I'm working with involves an entitled kid who gets passed over for something they think is theirs by birth. I had to have gotten this idea from somewhere, because I am not nearly creative enough to have come up with it on my own. What characters from film or literature or myth have something similar going on? [more inside]
posted by The Adventure Begins at 10:04 PM PST - 39 comments

I play various daily games (though we don’t always play daily) with people in my life : Wordle, Worldle, WhereTaken, even Flagle and Globle. My favourites are Worldle and Where Taken, because I am learning so much geography and other international fun facts. I like the picture-based or photo-based guessing component, as well as the questions that follow, such as neighboring countries, flag, etc. Do you know of any other free world geography-based games? Am open to other super fun daily games too, as long as they are accessible on mobile phone. Ideally I wouldn’t need to create an account. Thank you in advancele!
posted by leslievictoria at 8:37 PM PST - 9 comments

A wild rabbit visits our yard regularly. We would like to feed it something that the birds won’t eat, and that won’t draw bugs, either. Do you have any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:12 PM PST - 14 comments

I’m trying to remember what I think was a miniseries although maybe a movie. I’m pretty sure it was based on a classic or well-known book. All I can remember is that a poor man went to an orchestra or some other musical concert and met a few sisters. [more inside]
posted by sillysally at 7:44 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a large quantity of home made sugar free blackberry jam. To be clear, this contains no added sweetener whatsoever. It’s therefore extremely tart. What can I use it for, without adding extra sugar, in cooking or baking? I am vegetarian.
posted by bq at 6:47 PM PST - 16 comments

If my husband and I are looking for an idyllic two- or three-day retreat in Normandy, where would we go? It will be in October 2023 for our honeymoon. The rest of the time will be spent in Paris. Merci! [more inside]
posted by tasseomance at 3:55 PM PST - 3 comments

I was thinking last night that english has an oddly large number of rhyming adjectives: ooey-gooey, easy-peasy, loosey-goosey, phony-baloney, etc. I feel like there are enough of them that they should have a specific name, but I haven't been able to find it. Any linguists know if there is one? Alternatively please reply with other examples if you have them.
posted by mikesch at 2:50 PM PST - 39 comments

My 10 year old cat has lost about 4 pounds in 6 months with no other symptoms, and tests are coming up with nothing. I trust my vet but am wondering if anyone else has been through something similar. [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 1:34 PM PST - 9 comments

A recent tattoo seems to have gotten a lot of negative emotions bound up in it, for both objective and subjective reasons. Help me not feel bad when I look at it. [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 1:01 PM PST - 14 comments

I smashed my thumb in a doorway a few weeks ago. Went to the doctor, didn’t break anything, but now it looks like the nail is going to fall right off. :( What do I do when it falls off? Should I let it happen or pull it off myself? Do you just have to wear a bandage for months until it regrows? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of not having it grow in broken or busted? [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 12:21 PM PST - 22 comments

I'm a big fan of the accuracy of medical language but there are times when a naive translation would be a helpful orientation before reading the actual document. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 11:10 AM PST - 7 comments

When I have a Calendar event, I get a text message alert, but the details of the event aren't visible on my iPhone lock screen - it just says "Google Calendar Alert". Is there a way to make that notification more informative? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 10:34 AM PST - 3 comments

I need to rent a flat for a month or two while I get my bearings. I've lived here for a couple years, but I've not been in this situation before. How do Londoners do this without agreeing to live in a shithole on a year lease? [more inside]
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 9:51 AM PST - 6 comments

What is the best adult jigsaw puzzle brand for a smart, 20-something, sophisticated kind of guy? [more inside]
posted by ojocaliente at 7:52 AM PST - 35 comments

I am searching high and low for a long sleeved, button or zip up (doesn’t matter) hickory shirt made for women. These shirts are a specific durable fabric with vertical stripes (link). [more inside]
posted by leafmealone at 7:09 AM PST - 6 comments

I struggle with living life in my second language and probably have ADHD and autism on top of that. The result is that I present with a variable level of social, linguistic, and intellectual functioning. One day I might be near-fluent and outgoing, the next I might struggle to even follow basic directions or make eye contact when speaking. This is really tough on me, since I also have all the baggage of the the typical gifted kid who based their entire self-worth on academics and then crashed and burned in college. I'm looking for writing by people with similar "invisible" challenges to help me to find a way to reframe my self-image to view myself as a person of worth despite the facts that (1) I really am painfully, visibly below average in social situations, absorbing verbal information and basic daily-living tasks and (2) since I seem 'normal' sometimes, I'm often perceived as moody or lazy even when trying my hardest. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:06 AM PST - 4 comments

Is there any list of all the U.N. recognized countries that have a McDonald's? I've seen the Wikipedia list but it includes territories.
posted by matkline at 6:31 AM PST - 4 comments

I've realized over the last few years that I'm nonbinary/agender. I am not especially inclined to be public about this or make any name or pronoun changes, and I want to hear from other people who went this route—or considered it, but ultimately chose to be more public. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:15 AM PST - 30 comments

I usually make pork sausage for breakfast for me and the family, but I want to reduce or even eliminate red meat. But I think protein is important for breakfast. What are some examples of good breakfast proteins? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 7:13 PM PST - 39 comments

I work at a nonprofit as the manager of marketing and communication. I recently got out of a 20 year career as an art director and designer for various ad agencies large and small (so happy to be out). I always had a team of people helping me manage projects. They made the schedules and I only ever had to do short term planning for my work week. How can I get organized and easily see overlapping projects and deliverables at a glance? [more inside]
posted by SoberHighland at 6:55 PM PST - 9 comments

Our family is heading out this weekend on a road trip that will eventually bring us to San Francisco, where we have not been in many years. Last time we were there the Exploratorium was still in the Presidio and our (now adult) kids loved it. Our youngest kid (age 12) has never been; how does the new (or really "new" by now) Exploratorium rate against the original? [more inside]
posted by sencha at 6:40 PM PST - 12 comments

I recently came into this pair of boots (link for example purposes, scroll down). They are much louder than I usually sport, so what can I wear with them? Please give me formulas for outfits and specific suggested pieces of clothing, including colors. [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 4:38 PM PST - 15 comments

A previous question helped me wrap my head around the Cosmic Microwave Background. One thing I learned is that the universe might be infinite in size, and might have always been infinite in size, and the math of the most popular model of the Big Bang assumes that it has always been infinite in size. And this leads to a followup question: If the universe isn't infinite in size, will the CMB eventually go dark?
posted by clawsoon at 4:20 PM PST - 9 comments

Can you give me a broad strokes sense of what's involved in writing a research paper (on ancient Egypt) and getting it reviewed/published? I have an art school diploma but no other academic training. I've made online connections with a few people in the field but wouldn't feel comfortable taking up their time with a lot of very basic questions. [more inside]
posted by brachiopod at 4:13 PM PST - 16 comments

After several years of trouble-free use, our Google mesh wifi connection speed is often now down to ~5 mbps, but after restarting we'll be right back to 75 mbps or better. By restarting, I mean I unplug all three Google mesh units, one on each floor, and plug them in again. Windows 11, if that matters. Any thoughts welcome!
posted by Short Attention Sp at 3:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Alzheimer’s is in the extended family medical history. This article caught my attention. The results were so promising that there is an MIT/Silicon Valley start-up creating a medical device to do this, but I’d prefer to get started sooner and without what I expect to be hefty price tag. [more inside]
posted by Silvery Fish at 3:24 PM PST - 12 comments

I feel like this should be easier than I'm making it. I'm flyering for Artisans Cooperative, and there aren't any Spanish-speaking members yet -- but I think there should be, and there are a lot of both artists and Spanish speaking people near me. It's a short flyer! The web site has machine translation ready to go (its a start)! Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 2:56 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a Brother Laser Printer (DCP L2540DW). It isn't printing because "Optical Photoconductor Life Over". Google has lots of conflicting info about what that means and what I need to buy. Do you know?
posted by nouvelle-personne at 2:50 PM PST - 3 comments

I’ve always had a weird reaction to babies. People would ask me “don’t you think babies are cute?” and my response would always be “yes, but…” I’ve finally figured out the “but”. I feel sorry for them, in the same way I would a pug or a bulldog. They’re cute, but aren’t they suffering? [more inside]
posted by wheatlets at 1:31 PM PST - 45 comments

We just moved into a new house, and the tree in our back yard is covered in these tiny white bugs. What are they and how do I get rid of them? Are they harmful to my tree? [more inside]
posted by azarbayejani at 12:22 PM PST - 12 comments

An American pal will be staying at a London hotel. I want to have a birthday gift delivered on Saturday, July 15. This pal is not widely traveled. What could I have delivered, on time, that would be a delight and not a burden as a birthday gift? How can I get it delivered? It is a milestone birthday; my budget is up to $150 but less than that is totally welcome.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:14 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm going to be selling art for a fund raiser in a coffee shop and am trying to figure out a way to manage payments that is as easy as possible for the customer, the shop hosting my art, and me. [more inside]
posted by blackfly at 11:49 AM PST - 4 comments

Can you recommend a good AV receiver? The goal is good 5.1 sound for movies and music from a connected Mac - no game playing at all. Ease of use and setup is important, and solid remote capabilities (maybe a remote app?). No streaming audio services; no voice control. Thoughts? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 11:16 AM PST - 2 comments

I am a middle-aged bear. I am down with my body shape. (Fat don't crack is a new one I heard the other day.) However: I had to get a piece of furniture up a flight of stairs the other day though and was THOROUGHLY winded, and it reminded me I probably need to do something beyond just walking, which I'm not even doing that much right now because it's a million degrees out. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 11:06 AM PST - 33 comments

I have been using topical betamethasone lotion for a patch of psoriasis on my scalp for over ten years…yikes! It has never really gotten worse or better, though I can’t really see it because it’s under my hair. The lotion controls the itching but unless I use it every day, it will start itching like crazy again. I’ve read about steroid rebound and I’m concerned that I’ve really set myself up to fail here. Should I stop using the betaderm? Should I try something else? [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 9:43 AM PST - 5 comments

All of Wirecutter's suggested wireless earbuds are the type with the plastic cover that fits tight in your ear and blocks out sound. I much prefer Apple-style headphones, but would prefer something cheaper than Airpods. Is there a search term for this type of earbud that I'm missing? Or, is there a model that you would suggest?
posted by no regrets, coyote at 9:12 AM PST - 8 comments

I’m using Insta Trim to caulk my bathtub. (I know this fails various homeowner purity tests and don’t feel like being reprimanded for it - there’s a specific and good reason.) I have a tub surround with curved corners. Is there a strategy? [more inside]
posted by centrifugal at 8:23 AM PST - 3 comments

Guy is re-selling baby formula for cash. Does it matter he is spending the cash on cocaine? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 AM PST - 49 comments

Is there a webpage or application that will generate colorful static on my monitor? [more inside]
posted by mittens at 5:58 AM PST - 6 comments

Everyone is flawed and perfect intimacy is impossible. Rationally, I realize this but feel like, emotionally, I lack the skills to fully manage the reality. As a simple example, if a partner says "does this new shirt make me look fat" and consideration for their feelings demands the answer "no", but the truth is "yes", how do I internally keep the sense of being in an honest, open partnership? [more inside]
posted by Jon44 at 5:27 AM PST - 25 comments

I’m in London for a few days. Where can I find good coffee? I’m staying near Hyde Park, but I’ll be roaming around different neighborhoods, though not going too far out. Outside seating would be nice, or some place where I can sit down, in any case. Also, places that serve a good decaf cup, for an afternoon non-caf coffee break? Thanks!
posted by gigondas at 11:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Do all smart door locks use similar geofencing technology? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 9:21 PM PST - 5 comments

Gonna turn off Spectrum tv. And replace it with...? [more inside]
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 5:58 PM PST - 15 comments

We know about Mont St Michel and Saint-Malo. We will get oysters in Cancale. We know about the Bayeux tapestry. We are not interested in anything WWll related. We will eat butter and camembert. [more inside]
posted by toddforbid at 3:26 PM PST - 15 comments

I want to get a gift basket/box full of vegan snacks for a loved one. What’s the best one? [more inside]
posted by congen at 1:45 PM PST - 11 comments

My aunt's partner died last year, and since then she's had a couple of major operations which have left her weak. The writing is on the wall: she's got to move out of her home and into some kind of senior living situation. I'm helping her. What should I be looking for? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 1:14 PM PST - 20 comments

The instructions for this paint stripper say not to use steel wool. I want to use steel wool. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 1:13 PM PST - 11 comments

We listed our house for sale today. When the listing agreement was presented, the listing price for the house was left blank. As we didn't want to sign a contract without a price, we pushed back and got an amount added. The broker was extremely insistent though. I've never seen a listing agreement without a price. Is it a thing now? If not, what's his angle? [more inside]
posted by mama penguin at 12:48 PM PST - 7 comments

What to get a kid who's into geography? Difficulty level: either available to order online and ship, or fairly easily portable. [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 12:21 PM PST - 19 comments

During election periods, I try to donate to candidates who seem good, and to voter registration organizations. Where should I donate to drive progressive change in the off season? Who's most effective? I'm thinking about Swing Left and The States Project. Who can do the most good with a few bucks to get effective progressives into effective positions?
posted by kristi at 11:47 AM PST - 7 comments

What resources helped you to write good resumes and cover letters? Looking for general advice/resources and also any worthwhile services that will work with my existing resume. [more inside]
posted by switcheroo at 10:08 AM PST - 7 comments

I once read or heard about different levels of wealth defined by the things someone could afford to buy without worrying about the price. I can't remember the levels and would really like to find the list again. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by widdershins at 9:52 AM PST - 9 comments

I recently went off anti-anxiety medication after nearly a decade. Benzos are notoriously difficult to taper, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life — but I'm so proud of myself for doing it. Here's the problem: I now experience persistent, agonizing anxiety from morning to night. If you overcame severe anxiety, what practical steps did you take that worked for you? [more details under the fold] [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 7:41 AM PST - 44 comments

I used to use Joe's Goals for habit tracking, but it isn't well maintained and I'd like to replace it with something more current. I liked it because it was super-simple, just the list of boxes I needed to tick and a bit of info about my streak. It was also free -- I'd pay a one-time fee for an Android app, but this is too simple a function to pay a subscription fee for.
posted by jacquilynne at 7:09 AM PST - 7 comments

I have a little time and thought I'd fly somewhere today and see the solar storm when it hits, and do some aurora photography. But what I can't figure out is where would be optimal. All of alaska is out because by July it never gets fully dark anymore at night. But by the same token I don't want to go to Nebraska and just see a little green on the horizon. What's the right split here geographically?
posted by rileyray3000 at 7:05 AM PST - 7 comments

I want to obtain demographic data on specific people who currently exist in a non-profit CRM. Disclaimer right up front: We will NOT be using this information to market to anyone, at any time. We will not be selling this information to any other parties. We will not be attaching this data to our CRM; hence we will not know the demographic data of any specific person once we get it. The data will be disaggregated immediately upon receipt. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:47 AM PST - 11 comments

My longterm relationship with my partner is triggering trauma responses. I can't tell if these are red flags for abuse, my fight/flight response going haywire, just us being incompatible etc, and whether I should leave the relationship. I'm having trouble thinking clearly given my wildly varying emotional response to the situation at different times. Additional complications due to possible undiagnosed neurodivergence. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:45 AM PST - 29 comments

A news story begins by describing a situation without identifying the protagonists or setting. The second paragraph then says, "You may think we're talking about blah blah, but we're really talking about blee blee." See, for example, this New York Times article about Google+ and Threads. [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 5:46 AM PST - 13 comments

A few years ago, YouTube's algorithm figured out that I was one of probably 35 users who might be interested in the BBC's 1991 adaptation of Richardson's Clarissa. I watched it, loved it, but the videos have since been taken down and I cannot find it ANYWHERE else. [more inside]
posted by peakes at 5:41 AM PST - 3 comments

My experience in France has been that so much shuts down in August that it really takes away for the vacation experience because the smaller shops and restaurants that we’d want to support are closed. Is this similar for Portugal and Spain? [more inside]
posted by raccoon409 at 5:25 AM PST - 4 comments

Another new job post from me. I'm 3 weeks into the job and I'm finding it extremely difficult and deeply questioning my decision to move here and feeling unsure if I can handle it. My new role is doing FP&A and Treasury at assistant level in an insurance company. It's an entirely new sector and an entirely new role and it feels like they are speaking another language. I'll explain the situation below and I would hugely appreciate any thoughts or advice you might have. [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 4:52 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm overwhelmed by too many recipes online -- I need your tried and true vegetarian recipes for kids other than pizza and pasta with tomato sauce. Thanks!
posted by heavenknows at 4:02 AM PST - 12 comments

I have an anti-talent for task prioritization but also an unending list of personal, home, and family to-dos and projects. I want to prioritize: a) the things that will have the most positive effect and b) the things that will prevent the biggest catastrophes. So I need to categorize each task based on potential positive impact or the consequences of failure. Is there a formal method that categorizes & prioritizes tasks this way? Any guides or lists of questions/considerations to think through? If you prioritize in a similar way, what's your workflow or thought process? [more inside]
posted by Baethan at 12:07 AM PST - 7 comments

I formerly lived in a hot dry city, and in the summer I would close all the doors to all the rooms during the peak hours and only AC my living/ dining room. I now live in a hot humid city, and am wondering if not keeping my bedroom cool/ dry (I'm running my AC in dehumidifier mode) during the day will invite mold. I don't want to needlessly cool a room I'm not using, but I don't want ruined bed and/ or closet stuff either, so bedroom door: open or closed during the day?
posted by my log does not judge at 11:22 PM PST - 7 comments

The crawl space to our rental has filled with standing water, seemed to resolve itself, and now is constantly wet and muddy. Should I further bug my landlord? [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 8:49 PM PST - 7 comments

My friend and I are moving to San Francisco. What's Capp St. between 22nd and 23rd like as a residential neighborhood? I've heard varying accounts from "it's fine, just regular city noise, etc." to "there have been shootings here fairly recently". The house we're looking at is really nice, and I'm not super familiar with the Mission outside of work hours, so I'm trying to get a sense of what it'll actually be like to live there. (Obviously, proximity to stuff to do is hard to beat, but I'm mostly concerned about safety.)
posted by archagon at 7:59 PM PST - 9 comments

I am trying to replicate this product from Spain which includes 300mg of plasma proteins per serving. I think liver might be a good source, how much liver would I have to consumer per day to ensure I get 300mg of plasma proteins? is there a different/better source of plasma proteins? thanks in advance!
posted by maxexam at 4:20 PM PST - 10 comments

Need help identifying a novel published in the early 70s (possibly very late 60s) with a teenage prep school protagonist. [more inside]
posted by leonard horner at 4:17 PM PST - 3 comments

My knee hurts and keeps kind of failing under me. No specific injury. It just started over the past couple of days. I'm going camping in a week or so. What can I do now so it gets stronger/better? I should buy a knee brace to take right? But every knee brace I've ever tried sucks. Please help me find a knee brace style that doesn't suck. DVT bonus question inside. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 2:46 PM PST - 12 comments

I have a bunch of old GIFs that I would like to turn into videos, preferably MP4 format. I am using a Macintosh. This should be easy, right? No options, just drop in the GIF and out comes the MP4. But when I search for "GIF to Video" all I get is software that converts videos to GIFs, which is the opposite of what I want.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 2:29 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm trying to remember a science fiction program I saw on TV at the end of the eighties. I only caught the last few minutes. A rich man had paid to have his body cryogenically frozen so it could be revived in the future when medical technology had advanced. When he wakes up, he finds that only his head has been preserved. [more inside]
posted by dunhamrc at 2:15 PM PST - 11 comments

I would like to have a group of people remotely create music together in real time using some kind of fun, intuitive interface. The people should not need to have any musical experience. I have tried Plink and loved it! More things like this please. [more inside]
posted by oxisos at 1:00 PM PST - 1 comment

I see "baking soda and vinegar" recommended as a cleaning solution (for drains, various cruddy buildup, etc) and I don't get it. Vinegar alone, ok, the acid might dissolve something. Baking soda alone, maybe the alkalinity would dissolve something. But if I put baking soda in a drain and then chase it with vinegar, aren't I just making bubbly salt water (or at best, a nearly neutral, only slightly acidic or alkaline solution?) Wouldn't it be better to choose one or the other, maybe with hot water added?
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:54 PM PST - 17 comments

This morning I was in Apple Mail that’s linked to my Gmail account, doing a search for a recipient that I couldn't recall from their email to me a month ago. I couldn't locate them within the thousands of emails on my account. I tried different searches. Nothing. Stopped. And then: Suddenly I notice the inbox column for the Gmail account displayed only the two most recent emails I'd received since last night. All other missives were gone. [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 12:52 PM PST - 6 comments

All the info I can find online says that saltwater pools are unlike regular saltwater (e.g., the ocean) because they have a chlorinator that splits up the sodium and chlorine. But I thought that when NaCl dissovles in water, the water separates the Na and Cl anyway. Is that wrong, and in the ocean the NaCl remain bonded and you need something like the chlorinator to separate them? Or is there some other difference?
posted by Tehhund at 10:51 AM PST - 4 comments

The first round of chemo was very hard. It was difficult and lonely. I've since then realized how important it is for me to be with friends during the "break period" (when chemo isn't at its strongest). I have tried verbalizing this with my friends, but many of them don't seem committed to making time for me. How do I better explain this? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 10:15 AM PST - 26 comments

Back in the very early 90's I remember reading a very pulpy techno thriller novel, part of a series by the same author, but I can't seem to find it. Some hazy details: I believe it involved a stone that gave the person who possessed it incredibly charismatic power, I think the macho hero had the stone implanted into their arm towards the end, there was possibly a big cataclysmic showdown in India, and one of the main characters former friends had a gender change, possibly forced, early in the novel. Thoughts?
posted by objectfox at 9:59 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm a recovering people pleaser and my family is driving me bananas. Do I need to just say "no" to everything? [more inside]
posted by anotheraccount at 9:56 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm trying out a new recipe for carrot cake, and it calls for a can of crushed pineapple. We have only found pineapple chunks, and my question is would you chop the chunks and add to the mix with all the liquid from the can, or just use the pineapple that's been fished out of the liquid and chopped? Here's the recipe in question.
posted by taz at 8:10 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for a scifi novel I saw in an airport bookstore circa 2004. At the time I decided not to buy it, but now I want to find it. What I remember from the description on the back was a planet with a medieval society, and some prince was going on a journey from one city to another as part of his coronation or something, but it got interrupted by an invasion by another civilization from space. [more inside]
posted by dunhamrc at 7:50 AM PST - 13 comments

It was a short story I read as a teenager, set in a world where the Nazis won World War II, from the perspective of a kid/teenager who doesn't know anything about Nazi ideology but he finds a copy of the Diary of Anne Frank and chooses to publish it at the end? I am very hazy on the details of this story but I'll put what I remember in the more inside. [more inside]
posted by cpatterson at 5:46 AM PST - 5 comments

The human voice has to be one of the most powerful conveyors of our personalities ever. There seems to be tons of books written on body language, conversation, social etiquette and social skills. However, most of these seem to gloss over the aspect of ourselves which is much more visceral - the human voice. [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 4:44 AM PST - 10 comments

After sketchy elective dentistry led to multiple infections, pulled teeth, and almost a year missing a front tooth, the final result is awful. How do I find the best dental cosmetics provider in my metro area? [more inside]
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:19 AM PST - 9 comments

Jonathan, the huge 11-13 pound foster cat with IBD, just swallowed a 4-5" strip of feather from a white feather boa. Apparently it's not possible to induce vomiting safely in cats. The feather strip was flimsy. Self-scolding is taken care of; what next? Wait? Try a reputable online vet service? Is there a minimum length below which swallowing something vaguely string-like isn't too awful? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 10:05 PM PST - 24 comments

My mother wanted to name me something unique, and thankfully got vetoed. But I don't know where the name came from, or how she would have spelled it. Please help me solve this family mystery and figure out the origins. [more inside]
posted by Torosaurus at 9:51 PM PST - 21 comments

What good writing is out there about the Luddite uprisings? Nonfiction or fiction, academic or popular, longform or short -- I'm up for anything. [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 8:51 PM PST - 9 comments

What is the music video/short film I have stuck in my head? It was CGI/animated, maybe black and white or sepia toned, with a lot of car choreography, sort of like RUSH HOUR by Black Sheep Films (https://vimeo.com/106226560). It may have been about electric vs. gas cars.
posted by Baxx_24 at 7:50 PM PST - 1 comment

There's a small (tiny?) tub of the thing in question at nail salons that makes a nail colour chrome/ metallic that's applied prior to the top coat. What is this stuff and where can I purchase it?
posted by porpoise at 7:48 PM PST - 2 comments

Need to up my security game. ATT just put my neighborhood on fiber. I got a BGW 320-500 "modem"/router. Then came a few wireless devices, we use I phones but have game consoles, an extender, sonos speakers, a couple of windows computers, etc. I have ATT Smart Home Manager. For an old man this is pretty cool. Except: I am constantly getting notifications that "a new device has joined the network". They are always "unknown device". Sure, I can block them after they already get in, but it's like playing whack a mole. Is there not a way to make this thing require my permission bore other devices join my network? Being old fashioned, it would be nice if they'd ask first. One of the devices shows "exposed password" but the security tool wont tell me which device.
posted by rudd135 at 6:56 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm very overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I have as a single person and am having wild fantasies of selling everything but the essentials and maybe putting some special irreplaceable stuff in storage. If you've done this by choice and not out of necessity, how'd you structure the purging process? If you put stuff in storage, how'd you get a good deal? Was there anything you really regretted doing? Thanks!
posted by The Adventure Begins at 6:33 PM PST - 24 comments

I googled it and none of the explanations apply to me. My parents said it to me regularly growing up, and they actually did, so it’s not some weird trauma thing where I associate it with something unpleasant. I had good family and friend relationships growing up. I don’t have trouble identifying what my feelings are. It feels incredibly awkward for me to say, though.
posted by wheatlets at 5:26 PM PST - 17 comments

Our four-year-old son speaks a little Mandarin, but only a little. We're considering taking him to Taiwan for a few weeks to practice and learn Mandarin. Have you done something like this? What has worked for you? [more inside]
posted by HoraceH at 4:32 PM PST - 4 comments

I clicked on a bra ad on my Facebook feed and now it's full of fascinating space-age options! Are any of them worth trying? Is there something for me in the brave new world of bras? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:04 PM PST - 12 comments

A few weeks ago I had a revision surgery to implant a CRT-D. Despite me telling them I need more lidocaine than the average bear, I didn't get enough. And the fentanyl and versed barely touched me. Why? (More details inside.) [more inside]
posted by misanthropicsarah at 2:31 PM PST - 10 comments

Will be driving from Dublin to Galway in August. It's not a long drive but we'd like to take in some stops along the way (nothing too far off the M6/R420, please.) We love quirky places, ruins, museums, good food, music, arts and crafts. Any recommendations?
posted by egeanin at 1:37 PM PST - 7 comments

This is a long shot, but here goes...when I was a kid (circa early to mid-1960s) I remember peering out of the car window while my parents drove and seeing these propeller-like things spinning on wires, usually around gas stations or used car lots. They were wind-powered, so I also remember seeing them spinning into a blur when the skies darkened and a huge thunderstorm was imminent. (Call me strange, but I enjoyed the weird, scary, thrill I got seeing those spinning gadgets against a darkening sky.) (More inside) [more inside]
posted by Oriole Adams at 1:25 PM PST - 7 comments

Kaiju are cool. But the human-level plots often feel like a tacked-on excuse for giant monster fights. Because they usually are. What are the exceptions? [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 1:05 PM PST - 16 comments

In my understanding, the basic tenet of nonduality is that there is only 'this', here and now; that 'only this moment exists'. Another tenet of nonduality is that there is no 'person' here, but rather just reality happening. My question is, if nonduality is the truth, and there is nothing but what I am experiencing at this moment, does that not imply solipsism is true? [more inside]
posted by phiellaep at 12:39 PM PST - 16 comments

Are there any reliable companies/artisans who can create custom body jewelry? Specifically, one who can recreate this now out-of-production Stinger Talon? [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 12:20 PM PST - 0 comments

I know lots of fossils from the Triassic/Jurassic boundary have been found at Wasson Bluff. It says that everywhere. But what I can't find anywhere is what species, specifically, those were (except trithelodonts). Especially interested in dinosaurs.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 11:48 AM PST - 4 comments

What's a good replacement for Huy Fong Sriracha? As the shortage drags on, I'm looking for a good alternative (and ideally a good* place to order from online). [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 11:37 AM PST - 11 comments

How do you sort and store Lego for a little kid with a toddler around? How should I think about Lego? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 11:33 AM PST - 13 comments

I know Adderall causes GI issues, but it often helps my stomach when it is feeling bad. I only take it occasionally because I don't love how it makes me feel in general, but when I do take it, it often calms my stomach down. I can't find any info on this reaction through my admittedly cursory searches.
posted by asimplemouse at 10:34 AM PST - 7 comments

...well, actually, it is. I'm asking you all for your favorite love poem that isn't all "I love you love you love you." Which is not to say that it should be equivocal or love/hate or anything like that. A love poem that subtly expresses love between two adults who aren't siblings, parent/child, etc. Thanks.
posted by the sobsister at 9:41 AM PST - 54 comments

Ad agencies will run campaigns for different clients within the same Google Ads Agency account. But do those clients' campaigns compete against each other for keyword bidding, thus driving up the price of they keywords? [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 9:24 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a balau bench that I've failed to maintain for the last three or four years. Can I save it? [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 8:47 AM PST - 3 comments

My Garmin is old, and I'd like to update it. Because of possible theft, I want something that's easy to stash in the glove compartment when I'm away from my car, and that appears to be a challenge. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:51 AM PST - 7 comments

Anon so I can give details not linked to me - I want to figure out if I'm giving myself a reasonable boundary of productive work hours/week for my current job as a tech PM. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:05 AM PST - 17 comments

Would it be odd if I gift a single concert ticket to my girlfriend? My girlfriend is a big fan of Adele and has previously expressed desire to attend one of her concerts in Vegas. One of my idea of birthday gift for her is to give her just one such ticket. I guess the usual thing to do is to buy two tickets and enjoy the concert together but the problem is that I personally don't enjoy that kind of music at all, and find the noisy concert environment quite stressful. [more inside]
posted by Pantalaimon at 11:57 PM PST - 18 comments

I have no idea if my friends will ever make the switch, but I want to offer a space. At most I've ever done is shared hosting (my site runs on WordPress). I'm not considering any Mastodon software at all. I might consider Pixelfed as well. What do I need to know, to set up a Calckey (or Pixelfed) instance in terms of: - what to look for in hosting - what technical knowledge do I need to know or find people who know - where are the admins getting their blocklists these days - related, where do admins mingle to communicate all these management stuff - any movements on the legal liability side of things?
posted by cendawanita at 9:14 PM PST - 1 comment

Does anyone have the Eakin Cohesive small wax/aspic rings in the Seattle area? I can't seem to order them without a prescription, which is totally WTF. And July 4th weeks means no doctors around. I am trying to get them but... I will pay you back!
posted by Windopaene at 8:45 PM PST - 5 comments

There's a cartoon, which I can't currently find, which has someone asking why someone writes/makes such dark art. And the person sends their art on a long chain, over a cliff. Down into the darkness. And a hand reaches out of the blackest darkness, and grabs the chain as a handhold to lift them up a tiny bit.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 8:44 PM PST - 1 comment

I'd like to make a colouring-page style map of Canada and mark on it stops for a road trip. How do I this? I'm envisioning some sort of tool that uses google maps API or something so I can feed it the google maps directions/route map and it will spit out something in a different format. An already-coloured in simple "each province a different solid colour" map would also be acceptable.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:35 PM PST - 3 comments

I finally got Covid, and after two rough days feel more like myself. Except that my senses of taste and smell are mostly gone. What will I enjoy eating until they return? [more inside]
posted by la glaneuse at 7:26 PM PST - 27 comments

I cycle between KOIN, KGW, KPTV and KATU in Portland for TV news. I notice the first three focus almost exclusively on local news, that being west of the Cascades and mostly Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 6:42 PM PST - 5 comments

You controlled a creature made of symbols (or something- very abstract). You ate other creatures and they came apart into pieces. As you progressed you grew in size and things got more difficult and the screen got darker like you were descending into deeper water. What was it? [more inside]
posted by xxx9038709992203 at 6:42 PM PST - 6 comments

Lots of mic Qs in AskMe but I didn't see this in particular: I am thinking of doing a podcast, mainly just my voice, YouTube to begin with, & I'd like good sound quality: Is it worth an XLR mic? If so, what is good and affordable? Or is an XLR mic overkill since computer/Internet/etc considerations take away the advantage over a USB anyway? Thank you.
posted by Shane at 5:19 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm trying to remember a quote where the concept is 'don't get caught up on a pedantic point and miss the big issue coming at you'. The quote is similar to the following (but I made this version up): "Just because you don't see a balm, that doesn't mean you shouldn't duck and cover." Note that balm is a misspelling of bomb with an entirely different and contradictory meaning, but sounds phonetically similar. Any idea what the real quote is? Or are there variations of this quote with a similar theme?
posted by evadery at 4:22 PM PST - 8 comments

Looking for recommendations for a security camera. I would like it to be motion-activated, record to an SD card and delete footage on a schedule (no apps, no subscriptions). It needs to be mains powered, or, if battery-powered, it should be fine to leave it plugged in constantly. It should be suitable for outdoor use and available in the UK. I'm just ticking a box, so I want to do this as cheaply as possible. Somewhat overwhelmed by options. Any advice? [more inside]
posted by busted_crayons at 4:01 PM PST - 4 comments

There's the possibility this Thursday night of a sun storm bringing Northern Lights to a number of US states, including Washington. Are there good spots within 30-45 minutes of Seattle (by car) with minimal light pollution, high elevation, clear views, etc. that might be good for catching a glimpse of them? (no aurora ave jokes pls thx)
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:59 PM PST - 9 comments

My husband has moved into a new job and is in need of new pants that can pass for business casual, are stretchy enough to bike in, and, most importantly, fit his body. He currently has a few pairs of long-discontinued REI brand travel pants that fit the bill well enough, but are on their last legs. The new versions of the same pants don’t fit. [more inside]
posted by rebeccabeagle at 3:11 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for an easier way to sync two computers on the same network, one linux and one windows. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 2:02 PM PST - 6 comments

My android smart phone has stopped receiving updates. How bad is this? Am I doing the equivalent of running pre-SP2 Windows XP? I really hate to throw away something that I probably can keep limping along for another 5 years or so.
posted by SandiBeech at 1:58 PM PST - 4 comments

I have been seeing my hairdresser for about four years, and I am thinking of ending things. How best to do this? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 12:58 PM PST - 13 comments

For years, I have been thinking about the only application which would entice me to get a smartwatch: language learning. I'd like to know if the app I have in mind exists (and if so, for which watch / platform). [more inside]
posted by unid41 at 12:34 PM PST - 2 comments

Is an easement a finite amount of space, or does it continue to widen as it's used? [more inside]
posted by mccxxiii at 12:19 PM PST - 6 comments

I need to buy a polo shirt. I don't like polo shirts. Recommendations needed [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 11:54 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm a decent gardener, but my several attempts at growing dill have not fared well. What can I do differently to get better results? [more inside]
posted by Mechitar at 11:31 AM PST - 7 comments

I received a gift of unroasted (green) coffee beans and the giver told me I can roast them at home! This sounds great to me, but I googled and the results say all options are very smoky and sound easy to mess up. Have you successfully roasted beans at home without needing to call the fire department? [more inside]
posted by southern_sky at 10:48 AM PST - 15 comments

A friend is upset she wasn’t invited when she saw I had gone to a community event, even though I didn’t plan the event and it was very last minute. [more inside]
posted by christiehawk at 9:20 AM PST - 37 comments

I work for a small business still using QB 6. They want to migrate to QB Enterprise Gold.....that's not going to work as a direct import. Who can I talk to that could get this done? [more inside]
posted by diode at 7:13 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for a tool roughly similar to Google Keep – but with some special features. Something more like a personal database with a graphical interface. [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 5:33 AM PST - 13 comments

What should I expect when interviewing with a “Director of Quality” for an IT Sysadmin role? [more inside]
posted by melorama at 5:19 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm wondering if it's possible that a government entity can get away with using protected criteria data to lower standards on customers expectations without outright refusing them service and it slide under the radar? (Cont'd) [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 2:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Next week we'll be flying up to Vancouver, BC, and we plan to get married in a civil ceremony July 24th. [more inside]
posted by Silky Slim at 1:44 AM PST - 4 comments

Sibling, Partner and their 3 kids (ages 8-13) are arriving in a few weeks from the other side of the world. Unbeknownst to our family until a few days ago, they have been separated and cohabiting for years, but are now at an acrimonious point of crisis in their relationship where Sibling has been kicked out of their home, there are accusations of problematic drinking on both sides, the police have been called once (although without incident, but the fact the call was made is worrying) and social services staff are involved because the kids have complained of emotional stress at home due to the parental fighting. It seems they have now both obtained lawyers. Needless to say, we (immediate family) are all completely baffled that they are still planning to travel here as a family unit. How do we navigate this kindly, but with some boundaries in place? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:39 AM PST - 20 comments

We’re having a baby in September! We have read “what to expect in the first year,” and it’s fine—but it and almost every other reference book assumes the reader is the mother. I get why, but it also kind of sucks to read a book that assumes I don’t exist or acknowledge that the kid might not have a mom. Are there any parenting books that are not like this? When I’ve searched for books for gay parents, most of what I’ve found are about how to become a parent, not parenting itself.
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 9:10 PM PST - 7 comments

So I downloaded a few photos from my phone onto my computer like I have done a hundred times, and then opened another program. But when I clicked back over to the phone, part of the file name was in Chinese* characters, and it definitely has always been all English. And then I closed it and opened it again, and more of the address of my phone was in Chinese characters. [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 5:50 PM PST - 4 comments

I get headaches easily from heat or exertion. They come with brain-fog. I'm pretty sure they're not migraines because they're a drag but not incapacitating and they go away with ibuprofen. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 5:27 PM PST - 12 comments

A relative is getting married but doesn't want to have to use an amplifier at the ceremony b/c she thinks it'll be overpowering to the people in front and not sufficient for the people in the back. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 12:38 PM PST - 18 comments

I’ve been following the Chinese TV series based on The Three Body Problem and have been very surprised how many historical Western physicists appear in it. In fact there do not appear to be any historical Chinese scientists presented from the era of Newton through Einstein. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 12:18 PM PST - 8 comments

I am a U.S. citizen visting Serbia as a tourist. I have been staying at an Airbnb in Belgrade for a week, with three weeks to go. In Serbia, tourists are required to register their address with local police. Usually, hotels/Airbnb hosts will do this automatically for their guests. But my host refuses to help me register. Will this cause me trouble if I want to take a two-day return bus trip out of the country next weekend, or when I'm departing Serbia for good via air in three weeks? [more inside]
posted by fenwaydirtdog at 12:17 PM PST - 8 comments

I recently finished Bones and All by Camille DeAngelis, Melmoth by Sarah Perry, and The Vegetarian by Han Kang. I'm finding a lot of catharsis and introspection reading books that address the monstrous while being written from a female perspective, and I'm now seeking more recommendations for my reading list. [more inside]
posted by Pemberly at 11:38 AM PST - 46 comments

The IRS almost certainly has a document or FAQ or rulemaking discussing this, but I cannot seem to locate it; any thoughts? I want to gift a foreign real property (non-revenue producing) to a foreign person. Everything I can find refers to foreign property being gifted to a US person; I need the reverse. [more inside]
posted by aramaic at 11:17 AM PST - 4 comments

Sometime between 2002 and 2007, I read an article in a dead tree magazine that described a history of messiness in UK comedy. I remember it was something of a long-read. The article cited a low-circulation but long-running newsletter or magazine on making messes, and pondered the connection to hygiene anxiety and fetishism. Not only can't I find the article, I can't find *anything* discussing or mentioning such a tradition. Did I dream it? [more inside]
posted by longtime_lurker at 7:56 AM PST - 3 comments

I have an older Galaxy that I’d like to use for an offline music player. Music will be stored on an SD card; songs will be transferred from a Windows computer to the SD card. The only feature I really want is random play mode; I want to be able to press an icon and the player chooses and plays songs in random order. I have no desire to create a playlist. I’ve tried several apps, but nothing seems to work without creating a playlist. Does anyone have any recommendations?
posted by coldhotel at 7:52 AM PST - 10 comments

I love documentaries. I recently encountered a description of an intriguing documentary, but my Google-fu is failing me in finding the name of the movie. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 7:36 AM PST - 4 comments

Tell me what you know about cedar siding (painted or stained) versus cement board. This is my ideal "look" for my house. I think this is probably cedar siding that's been painted. I'm tempted by Hardie board, though, due to the promise of lower maintenance. What should I be considering? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 7:11 AM PST - 25 comments

I got a book of "nonograms for little kids" and one of the first ones is this, which I"m pretty sure is not solveable and if it is, seems like it would be hard for a little kid. Am I missing some easy way to solve this.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:24 AM PST - 4 comments

Some space has opened up in my garden, and I'd like to grow some annuals that will get big fast and flower this season. Obviously this is a little late for spring planting... but I am in the East Bay (SF Bay Area), where summer lasts through October (with the warmest days often late in the season, lots of sun, and no threat of frost). I know from experience that there's still enough time for sunflowers. What else might work?
posted by aws17576 at 9:07 PM PST - 9 comments

What's the best way to set up a Roku device on a TV with Roku built in? Sounds naughty, possibly illicit, I know... [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 5:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Please tell me your so clever way of storing mini pads, pads, and tampons in your bathroom!
posted by tiny frying pan at 4:58 PM PST - 15 comments

What's your favorite way to save links for later(ish)? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 4:38 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking for a pedometer that can sync to my iPhone, meaning the Health app and Fitness app that are built in to iOS. [more inside]
posted by ralan at 4:17 PM PST - 7 comments

I've finally had it with my father and just went and blocked his number on my phone and decided that I'm no longer having anything to do with him, but I've been here before and backtracked because otherwise my brother and his wife (they live next door to him) get stuck with dealing with him and I end up feeling guilty. I'd like not to do that this time, but not sure how and am looking for ideas of how to stay committed to just ignoring him and genuine awfulness. The twist on this is that he's recently landed himself in hospital and I had been coming down to help out my brother so everything didn't land on him and his wife completely, so I feel terrible about just running out like this. But I can't help out and hang onto my sanity; he's just too awful.
posted by lesbiassparrow at 3:43 PM PST - 17 comments

I spent several years in the workforce and then chose to return to school in my 30s. I am looking for suggestions on where to get used textbooks online other than through Amazon or Abebooks, which I understand to be owned by Amazon. If anyone has suggestions, I welcome them, for my general awareness and the general awareness of anyone who may be in a similar situation of wanting an assessment of cool used textbook vendors online. [more inside]
posted by Whale Oil at 3:02 PM PST - 14 comments

Looking for a new web-based spreadsheet/db service, but my use case is hundreds of small records (think to-do list or inventory). Loading records one form at a time is TOOO SLOOOOW; displaying all records one row at a time is t-o-o w-i-d-e. I need to display multiple records on one page, with 2-3 lines/rows for each record, so I can see/edit all relevant info for say 10-50 records without reloading the page. THIS IS BASIC PEOPLE. Will EtherCalc or Airtable let me do this? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 12:49 PM PST - 4 comments

A graduate student from Pakistan, who's never traveled abroad, will soon be staying in our US eastern Washington guest room for a few weeks (after a 34-hour trip to the US) while awaiting student housing. I'd like to be respectful and hospitable. Would it be rude, presumptuous, considerate, or otherwise to try to find a small prayer rug for his room before he arrives? Should I try to do this? If so, is it OK to shop local thrift and secondhand stores? What am I failing to consider?
posted by vitia at 12:44 PM PST - 24 comments

I'm considering getting an Echo Dot but would get two if it can do what I'm imagining, which is playing audio consecutively between devices, not simultaneously. [more inside]
posted by mireille at 12:20 PM PST - 6 comments

Oreo came to me under sad circumstances last winter. She's a great cat, but it's time to find her a forever home. How? And how do I do this without feeling like a terrible human? [more inside]
posted by MuChao at 12:07 PM PST - 15 comments

Someone thought they were doing a nice thing for me by giving me a $100 gift certificate for DoorDash. I've never used the service before, and every headline I see talks about how rotten their employment practices are. I'm guessing "use it all up in 1 go; tip generously" is the way to do this, but if you're more familiar with the service I'll take any other hints you have.
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:02 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm 72 and have hypertension. I haven't had COVID yet because I've been very (some might say absurdly) careful. However, I'm being somewhat less careful now, visiting some people in their homes, going on train rides, etc (I still wear a mask a lot, but not in those people's homes, and went to a restaurant indoors once, etc.) I'd like to get a prescription for Paxlovid, fill, it, and have it around just in case. My internist will not write me a prescription (he says he doesn't think it's a great drug (?)) I don't want to start with a whole new internist just for this (recently had my annual physical). is there any way to get a prescription for Paxlovid without having COVID? I'm in Manhattan, New York City.
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:56 AM PST - 17 comments

In my ongoing attempts to let me son take pictures on an upcoming roadtrip, I have purchased this sd drive to transfer pictures from an SD card to my phone or his tablet. But now how do I work it? I plug it into my Samson S22+ and nothing happens. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 11:33 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm interested in trying a distraction-free writing device like an AlphaSmart or a Hemingwrite to see if it will help me write more, but I don't necessarily want to pay for a new device. I have a perfectly functional iPad—is there a way to simulate those kinds of devices with one? [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 11:13 AM PST - 3 comments

Please help me enjoy my patio when I’m very afraid of bugs [more inside]
posted by buttonedup at 10:35 AM PST - 11 comments

The bar at the mouth of the Hudson River was an extremely important factor in shaping Revolutionary War campaigns, but I can’t figure out resources for learning about it and subsequent dredging operations to open it up. [more inside]
posted by norm at 10:24 AM PST - 11 comments

Does anyone know what github thing can automatically archive tweets, as described here?
posted by andoatnp at 10:07 AM PST - 4 comments

Someone has been managing my investments for a long time. I feel like he's just too expensive. I want to change, but I don't even know how to do that. [more inside]
posted by swheatie at 9:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Do they use colored pencils? Pen and ink? Watercolors? I have googled "USA courtroom sketch" and I still can't tell.
posted by PaulVario at 9:50 AM PST - 4 comments

On both my work and home computers, Vimium for Chrome sometimes only shows the letters after a refresh of the page. Half the time it works fine, half the time I need to refresh. Any way to fix, or an alternative extension? [more inside]
posted by catquas at 9:19 AM PST - 3 comments

Trying to help a loose acquaintance who's trying to find wheelchair-accessible housing, specifically in Staten Island. How can they search? Is there an entity that can help? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:36 AM PST - 6 comments

My nephew is in need of support and I am trying to help as much as I can in finding an organization or group that might fit in the Bangor, Maine area [more inside]
posted by silsurf at 8:06 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm moving from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the Salt Lake City area. The person who was going to drive with me probably can't make it. Can I do this on my own? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:00 AM PST - 16 comments

Hi mefites, kind of a strange question title, I know, but I’ll try to explain it - I’m feeling a bit low confidence when it comes to getting back into having a career trajectory. Reasons for the pause in my resume are.. reasons. family medical stuff, a bit of my own.. you know, reasons. Here’s what has helped me in the past to kind of side slide on up to facing the resume and cover letter experience, hopefully what’s below the fold will help make this cohere more.. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 AM PST - 2 comments

I found my way to Louis Prima's The Wildest album and love it. So far my search for more of this fun, bouncy, swinging sound has been met with sporadic success. Please, hit me with some suggestions!
posted by papercake at 6:10 AM PST - 10 comments

I work in a hybrid office/remote job but I'm finding it's better for me to work at work. However, I'm having a hard time motivating myself to go to the office on days when I don't have meetings or other obligations in my office. Help me get myself back to work more often, please. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:25 AM PST - 23 comments

I want to compare two words to see which is more commonly used. ("Shard" vs. "shart") I don't want to compare searches, because people don't necessarily search on a word they know well. Google Ngram seems to stop at 2012, and only measures uses in books. Is there a tool that compares how common words are across the Internet?
posted by musofire at 5:04 AM PST - 15 comments

Let us assume the observable universe is the interior of a black hole in an, uhhh, similar universe. Black holes merge with other objects, including other black holes. How would such interactions affect the fate of our observable universe and the structures therein?
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 4:45 AM PST - 3 comments

Our stove that is. I have to buy a new hood/fan/vent/bonnet for over the stove. This one died with a big spark literally years ago and we just never used it. Now for reasons I have to buy one tomorrow and I had no idea these things were so complicated to choose. [more inside]
posted by little striped mule at 11:31 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a Mac Book Pro running macOS Monterey version 12.1. For no apparent reason, Steam has stopped working. I have tried turning my computer on and off, and also uninstalling and reinstalling Steam several times. [more inside]
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 8:51 PM PST - 2 comments

How can I clean the bottom of my tub (picture) and the corner caulk (picture)? I also want to keep it clean with shower spray, but I'm not sure I can get one of my roommates to use it, does that matter? [more inside]
posted by catquas at 7:31 PM PST - 15 comments

A bit tongue in cheek, but serious question here. I’ve been noticing a general trend of malaise in society lately—just browse r/publicfreakout on Reddit and you’ll see what I mean. As I was a super sheltered kid in the 1990s, the world seemed much safer, with calmer people back then. Was that the case, or am I looking backwards through rose-colored glasses? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 7:27 PM PST - 77 comments

How do you figure out your retirement income as a percentage of your current income? [more inside]
posted by BeeDo at 7:18 PM PST - 11 comments

SD card shows up but says it’s corrupted. I need the data off it. Is Disk Drill Pro, which SEO of google searches suggests is the best method, the best method? Or should I go straight to a pro recovery expert? I have macOS, ios and android systems to hand
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 5:52 PM PST - 3 comments

So apparently Evernote was acquired and fired all its workers and is announcing price hikes. I have a decade or so of notes. Whither to move my stuff to? [more inside]
posted by signal at 5:43 PM PST - 16 comments

Can you recommend other written works that are similar to George Saunders' A Swim in a Pond in the Rain? [more inside]
posted by potrzebie at 5:42 PM PST - 6 comments

There is a recording of W.S. Merwin reading Any Time that I'd like to hear - but I can't figure out what would play it. [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 5:41 PM PST - 4 comments

Because it’ll bug me all day if I can’t figure it out! While driving I switched radio stations to live105 (Bay area indie rock station) I caught the last three chords of a song I know well, but I can’t tell what it is. [more inside]
posted by TwoWordReview at 5:18 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for books, resources, etc that others have used and thought were helpful [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 4:58 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I find a suitable therapist after a disappointing experience with Betterhelp? I've been struggling since my sudden breakup in May 2020, compounded by the pandemic. Additionally, I'm stuck in a minimum wage job despite having a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I feel hopeless and unsure of how to move forward. Investing in therapy is challenging due to my low income, and I fear not finding the right fit after multiple attempts. Any advice on finding a compatible therapist and guidance on navigating my career path? [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 4:26 PM PST - 4 comments

In a day, I’m going to have to entertain 6 five year olds (including my own) for an afternoon indoors. How? [more inside]
posted by inevitability at 3:34 PM PST - 15 comments

I've recently been taking glass bead making classes, and I want to turn some of the beads into necklaces, but I'm having trouble figuring out exactly what I need in terms of supplies and techniques. [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 3:22 PM PST - 8 comments

One of these years, I'd really like to take my kid to see a real rocket launch. Preferably in the next few years. I'd like to some help thinking about the overall experience from folks who know. [more inside]
posted by Acari at 3:14 PM PST - 13 comments

What program do I need to learn to make art that looks like this? Or this? [more inside]
posted by Bibliogeek at 2:13 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm 34 and work part-time at a garden center, earning $17/hr. Despite a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Anthropology, I'm stuck without a career. I've been fascinated by AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion, but need to connect my knowledge to a marketable skill or industry. Marketing is appealing, but I lack a marketing degree. Data entry interests me too, but I lack experience. I enjoy writing, numbers, and organizing tasks. Can you suggest a career path that aligns with my skills and interests? No option to return to college. Feeling lost and seeking guidance. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 12:44 PM PST - 27 comments

So, early this morning, as I went to let my dog in the backyard, I noticed a pretty big animal nibling the clover. When my dog barked, the animal was a groundhog! I live just north of Chicago so not a normal sighting. He ran under my slightly above-ground back porch. My question: So, now what? Should I be in any way concerned for my dog's safety? I truly don't mind it. My garden is raised bed with large rocks in the base. What should I be thinking about?
posted by zerobyproxy at 11:38 AM PST - 9 comments

I have combo skin that gets super shiny in the summer, which means makeup smears off my face in about an hour. I've figured out how to get my eyeliner to stay on and how to get my foundation to stay on (primer + fixative spray) but my blush and bronzer disappear pretty quickly after I apply them, even with fixative spray and setting powder. I'm looking for recs for something long-lasting. Power/stick/cream formulations all OK; I just want something that will stay on my face. [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 11:21 AM PST - 6 comments

I would love to know of a service that prints and mails an 8.5" x 11" color newsletter for a reasonable price. This would be in the US, for about 100 people. Is there a great service that can handle this? I would be flexible on the format, although in the past we have done 11" x 17" paper folded in half and nested. What has worked well for you?
posted by mortaddams at 10:29 AM PST - 2 comments

I live in a place where I generally don't need a car. I got my driver's license as an adult after much badgering from my family, and have literally never gotten behind the wheel since passing my road test. I get by very well in everyday life with transit and biking, but there are rare occasions where I would like to be able to rent a vehicle and drive without it being a huge deal. Is there any way I can get comfortable with driving without literally just driving around a lot? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 10:27 AM PST - 22 comments

I'll be in Dublin 8/4-8/8. There are some cultural institutions/bike rides I'm planning on doing, but are there any special events/shows/exhibits that are happening that weekend? Or recommendations for places to look for those thing? Bonus points for Beckett-themed stuff.
posted by paul_smatatoes at 9:55 AM PST - 2 comments

Two adults in late 30s/early 40s range, no preexisting conditions except borderline high cholesterol/BP, relatively healthy overall lifestyle. Local agency's suggested plan has max medical coverage of €75k in US + full coverage of medical repatriation if necessary (we're both fully covered by public healthcare in the European country where we live). Does this seem like enough, or should I get more? Trip duration is about three weeks, no risky sports but some being driven around in cars by others.
posted by nanny's striped stocking at 9:55 AM PST - 5 comments

I've been a Galaxy Note user forever but am considering switching to iPhone. I would prefer not to pay Apple prices so have some questions about buying used as well as some Android vs iPhone questions. [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 9:10 AM PST - 14 comments

Haven't made this trip in years. Amtrak seems INSANELY expensive! Are there still those cheap buses? What are their names, urls, etc.? Traveling July 20th-23rd or something.
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:10 AM PST - 10 comments

I need to texture the ceilings of four large rooms in a house, and I'm going to do it myself because of reasons ($$). I'm shooting for knockdown texture. What is the "healthiest" drywall compound to use? Same question, but drywall primer? [more inside]
posted by Number Used Once at 8:35 AM PST - 6 comments

I am living abroad and have travel/ medical insurance. I have a hospital appointment in 2 months for a CT scan to find out if I need surgery, but I might have to leave before then if my current visa renewal application is denied. So for the worst case scenario - have to leave before appointment, still need CT scan/ possibly surgery - I need to determine the best countries to move to, and this seems a complex question - surgeons/ healthcare quality/ costs/ waiting times/ language barriers - and I'm wondering if there are services which will help me navigate this? [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge at 6:30 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm in the semi-fortunate position of having a 100% remote job and just barely being able to purchase a house in the US. Looking at home prices, my housing options are in rural areas, yet to be able to continue working without annoying myself and my boss, I need to ensure I also have access to fast and reliable internet service. Is there a resource that comprehensively shows where robust internet (100-300 Mbps range) currently exists? (Any other resources for making this late-in-life, first-time home buyer's dream a reality are deeply appreciated).
posted by Silvery Fish at 6:07 AM PST - 15 comments

After a pretty good run of being generally okay to deal with, I thought my mother was doing decently well (within her limits), but... the day before I leave on a 12 day vacation... well, her health issues surface again. I truly don't know what to do. I can't cancel my trip/I don't want to, but I don't know what to do and why (of course) this has to happen the day before I go on my trip... just like all of her other medical issues. Details inside!! [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:45 PM PST - 56 comments

A few days ago there was a post on the blue about opossums. It made me remember the funny story I saw online in the last few years, sort of a This American Life-type story or maybe a Twitter thread, about a guy who got a job or started a business trapping and releasing unwanted opossums that were in people's yards. [more inside]
posted by lizard music at 7:29 PM PST - 0 comments

I have to edit instructions that contain Linux commands but I haven't worked with Linux in my life. What's the best way to get up to speed? [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 6:53 PM PST - 16 comments

I hosted a party recently, and someone gifted me inexplicably 50 lemons as a thank you gift. I don't know what to do with them aside from regifting them. How long do they last for? Ideas for recipes? Ideally healthy ones, as not baking as much (but I welcome that too)?
posted by pando11 at 6:10 PM PST - 39 comments

I play around with ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion quite often, and I’d say I’m pretty comfortable with it, but I’ve noticed that a lot of courses are starting to pop up about ChatGPT. Two courses are down in the extended explanation section. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 5:53 PM PST - 2 comments

Hello! I've discovered a narrative theme that I think is interesting and produces situations I like reading through. Basically when there are two or more powers (cosmic, mystical, fantastical, alien, illuminati-esque, etc) beyond our ability to destroy or even understand and our heroes are stuck in the middle. Some spoilers for examples below! [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 3:59 PM PST - 20 comments

We want to laugh at this one? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 2:49 PM PST - 20 comments

Someone opened two new accounts under my name at the bank I use. What's the scam? [more inside]
posted by Mid at 2:44 PM PST - 16 comments

Is it rude to tell family I don't have a Christmas list and do not wish to receive gifts? [more inside]
posted by ljs30 at 1:41 PM PST - 43 comments

What is a good, basic investing overview for a young person who now has a little money saved and looking to invest but does not understand the market / the difference between equities, money markets, indexed funds, bonds, etc nor brokers vs advisors vs fiduciaries. Video prolly ideal (e.g., young person)
posted by pmaxwell at 1:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Several years ago I read an article about an episode in which the US almost launched a nuclear first strike on the USSR. I may have read it on Metafilter. A single person, stationed in the western Pacific (maybe near Japan?) was mistakenly sent the launch command. He asked repeatedly for confirmation, and was repeatedly told, "don't bother me, just do what you're told." He did not launch the strike, and was eventually able to get his contact to realize it was a mistake. [more inside]
posted by alms at 12:49 PM PST - 12 comments

We have a roughly ten-year old sofa that has been in the "parlor" and used primarily by cats who sit on the back and look out the windows for the last four years. We're ready to move this sofa or a replacement into the den/regular living space as part of a redecoration/overhaul and need to decide what to do. [more inside]
posted by gentlyepigrams at 12:22 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm thinking about continuing my chemo treatments in California with family, as living alone and taking chemo has been utterly hard, but am not sure of the ramifications if I do that, in terms of taxes? Would I be considered a part-time resident? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 11:58 AM PST - 17 comments

Recently rented a house with my siblings and their respective families. We all have different family configurations and I'm curious what is the best way to split the cost. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 9:53 AM PST - 23 comments

My remote just went. I checked it using my smart phone. It is not sending a signal. The Samsung t.v. will not turn on using the manual button. Do you have any explanation or is there anything we should check before we replace the t.v.?Thanks.
posted by EasternDistrict at 9:46 AM PST - 7 comments

We have some neighbourhood kids who have been mucking around with our house for the past year. About once a month. Usually after dark. They throw the garbage cans into the dog run, or at the front door. During an election last year, they pulled up all the signs and threw them on our cars. We have a freestanding basketball net that they knock over. [more inside]
posted by Ftsqg at 8:15 AM PST - 30 comments

I watched the new Netflix Tour de France series and loved it, but I'm left with some basic questions. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 7:30 AM PST - 17 comments

I'm having a stubborn problem with condensation leaking from the toilet in my apartment. What can I do as a renter? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:24 AM PST - 16 comments

I've been looking for an AskMetafilter comment which went something like: "It's ok to just wander down the path of life turning over interesting stones that you see". I think it was a response to a question worrying about lack of ambition, or aging, or career, or what you feel you 'should' do in life, something like that. It's from recent years (probably last 1-2, max 5 years) - I have checked my favourites and searched/Google searched to no avail. I've looked for variations like stones/pebbles, turning over/looking under, etc. The sentiment has really stuck with me and I would like to find the original wording. Hoping perhaps this might jog someone's memory?!
posted by atlantica at 3:12 AM PST - 6 comments

I hate cleaning my baseboards and my grout, so I never do it. They’re gross. Help me fix it! [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 9:03 PM PST - 14 comments

What spots in and around Ljubljana would you excitedly suggest for a couple of people who've never visited the city before, and have only a short time to dive into all the city has to offer? [more inside]
posted by but no cigar at 6:03 PM PST - 12 comments

What’s the best general purpose itch relief? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 5:54 PM PST - 31 comments

Asking for a Jewish friend: For 2,000 years, Jews have faced social stigma, physical harm, and emotional trauma for the sake of their religion. Why do most Jews maintain their attachment to Judaism?
posted by Kevin S at 5:51 PM PST - 45 comments

I’m eagerly awaiting a sleep study at the end of this month, but do my deteriorating symptoms sound familiar to you? Or if there are other routes you suggest I investigate while waiting? [more inside]
posted by HonorShadow at 5:33 PM PST - 13 comments

Are there any stores in NYC that might sell the vintage fashion magazines I'm looking for? I've done some initial searching and it doesn't seem like there are many options for this, but just in case I'll ask here. [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 4:41 PM PST - 3 comments

I was reading a book recently (autobiographical - so this is real) and the writer was talking about her grandmother's meat salad. The basic ingredients are meat (undefined), beets, walnuts, and pickles. This sounds...not good. But I'm curious, is there a version of this that is delicious? If so, what would it include - seasoning, dressing, cooking instructions (roasted, boiled, raw etc.), served hot or cold? The author is American and white, but her ancestry is not discussed beyond that. She grew up in New England (Connecticut). [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 4:24 PM PST - 23 comments

You have a thick liquid that you have puréed and now it is full of tiny air bubbles. You do not want these bubbles! How best to deflate, without heating? [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 3:57 PM PST - 17 comments

Family has moved to the Chattanooga area (Ringgold) and would like to do some swimming in a clean lake or river. I found a few swimming holes that you can hike into but that won’t work for us. Do you know any spots that you can drive up to, park and go to a nice beach? Family members want someone clean! Thanks!
posted by Rad_Boy at 3:54 PM PST - 2 comments

My air conditioner in my house is currently working double overtime to cool the air on our main floor. But all the cool air is flowing down to the basement, where a) it is already wicked cold and b) there are no people. How can I get the cool air up from the basement? [more inside]
posted by Vatnesine at 3:02 PM PST - 23 comments

Where can I buy an open weave blanket with LARGE weaves? [more inside]
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 2:41 PM PST - 6 comments

I have a Sony STR-K700 tuner/amplifier. It's a great unit that continues to serve me well. The only thing is, the display on it has gotten less easy to read over the years. I don't know if this is because the plastic in front of the LEDs has darkened over time, or if the LEDs themselves are more dim than before. Is this something I can fix by maybe putting a new piece of plastic in front of the display, or does the display need replacing? And can that be done? Any information about fading LED displays on old stereo tuner/amplifiers is probably helpful.
posted by hippybear at 2:37 PM PST - 3 comments

My partner just had a death in the family. I’ve been as supportive as I can but I feel like they’re not including me as much as I was expecting. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:59 PM PST - 27 comments

We have a really pretty Fire King lid and not the faintest idea what it goes to. We'd like to purchase a dish so that it can be used, but are not sure what to get. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 1:57 PM PST - 3 comments

This is kind of a random question but I was pondering how "normal" my relationship to listening to music is and just wanted to know if my experience chimes with anyone else's. This was triggered by having a conversation with someone at work who is deeply into music and goes to festivals and concerts all the time and it bothered me because I've always felt like there's something I'm really not getting about music. [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 1:22 PM PST - 33 comments

You know how there are lists of, like, foods that one can check off and create grocery list subsets of? I want one with exercises. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:03 PM PST - 3 comments

Hi, for various difficult reasons, I need to stay off my phone for 3-4 days. I tend to check my phone often, almost compulsively to fill up time, and during work breaks. I also text a lot of people. I can't switch phone off as I can't miss work calls. Tips and tricks? I really need this. Thank you.
posted by Nieshka at 12:36 PM PST - 23 comments

I would like to have a talented high-school student create a piece of artwork for me. They are shy about prices (though have done a few commissioned pieces before) and I want to make sure I am paying a fair price as I fear they may be low-balling themselves. [more inside]
posted by Blissful at 11:55 AM PST - 23 comments

I don't hate the new Apple Weather application, but I don't love how it presents humidity data. Is there any application that does what I'm looking for? [more inside]
posted by thecaddy at 9:16 AM PST - 5 comments

I'd like to build a single-page web app, but there are so many choices for front end, back end, and in between, I don't know where to start. What do you recommend? Details of my situation follow. [more inside]
posted by mr_bovis at 9:05 AM PST - 6 comments

I need to find a substitute for diced ham that will hold up in a soup. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 8:09 AM PST - 25 comments

This should be an easy question, but I am getting vexxed with every headset I try. [more inside]
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 7:29 AM PST - 3 comments

My daughter's traveling to South Korea at the end of the month and wants to use her phone whilst there (iPhone SE, doesn't support an e-SIM). Only data required. [more inside]
posted by tomp at 7:20 AM PST - 3 comments

As you can see from my last Ask, I have been contemplating where/how to live now that we have a kid. Somehow this question has kindof eclipsed all other questions. I have been lonely since becoming a parent to a young child (yes, have joined neighborhood parents' group and have tried to meet parents through work since all of our pre-kid friends are child free). And have become very preoccupied with whether moving closer to family would help. [more inside]
posted by Sophiaverde at 6:57 AM PST - 16 comments

My 8-year-old is a huge mincraft fan. They play on a Windows PC, which is starting to fall apart. We want to get them a new computer, and are thinking of a Mac (which is what his mom and I mostly use). Can we easily do that? My understanding is the editions are different. Are there downsides? Can my kid keep all the stuff they've built? Anything else I should know?
posted by ManInSuit at 6:48 AM PST - 1 comment

Unfortunately, I moved about a year ago and lost contact with all of my friends. To the point that when I changed phones I lost their numbers. I did not make new friends yet. I’m going through a patch where it would be useful to talk to someone. Is there a paid friend service or something I can use? Assume I’m already trying to use therapy but that’s not sufficient.
posted by Krop Tor at 5:44 AM PST - 10 comments

I’m making a webzine with a friend. We have some, but limited, web design skills, so would like to use some website hosting platform that makes things relatively easy, such as Wordpress, Squarespace, and the like. Our requirements are simple, we’re aiming to publish four issues a year, with four stories in each issue. We’d like the website to look simple and minimalistic, with no ads. Ideally we’d like to offer the option to download the stories as epub and mobi files, but that’s not a dealbreaker. What hosting platform would you recommend?
posted by Kattullus at 12:36 AM PST - 9 comments

OK, this is a very low-stakes question, but I love my pets like children and my electronic devices like pets. I have somewhat unexpectedly obtained a new laptop to replace my veteran MacBook Pro, and before I turn it on and get to know it, I need to know its name. I am terrible at naming things (see: the pets), but traditionally I name devices after their color and/or animals. I'm also very fond of sci-fi and terrible puns. The laptop's color is "midnight". Help me, hivemind, you're my only hope!
posted by LadyOscar at 10:12 PM PST - 52 comments

If you're following my roadtrip plans, you know I got out my old point and shoot camera to give to my 6 year old. The camera has been unused for maybe 10 years. the battery was in there and appears undamaged. I have the charger. Will the battery still be good or will it not hold a charge. How can I confirm. If it's not good, [how] can I buy a replacement if the camera was last sold years ago presumably any batteries sold for it have also been unused for years. Also, this makes me want to take out my old DSLR. So same question about those batteries.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:19 PM PST - 8 comments

I will be meeting up with my elderly parents in Zurich where they will be staying for a week in late September. Looking for suggestions on the best area for them to stay and what to do with elder folks who can't walk for too long. [more inside]
posted by monologish at 6:54 PM PST - 4 comments

My husband needs socks and I am the online researcher. Please help me come up with socks that meet his requirements and will fit his large, wide (13 1/2 extra-wide) feet! [more inside]
posted by gentlyepigrams at 6:29 PM PST - 9 comments

I’m embarrassed to admit I can’t get past the “easy” Sudokus in the NYTimes! Help? What’s the best source to learn the strategies so I can crack a medium? I can do the easies in 6-9 minutes but flop at the mediums.
posted by haptic_avenger at 5:35 PM PST - 12 comments

I recently got a one plus nord n300 5g phone, and want to change a couple of features. The phone home screen and pull down bar has a clock, which is fine. But the hours start with a red number, which is very bad. Ie, 11:23 the 11 will be red, and I hate that. How do I change it? Do I download a better clock? I'll disable it entirely if needed. Two, I play a browser game in sideways/landscape/ horizontal mode, using AdBlock browser. The web address bar and the bottom of screen back/home buttons remain showing, blocking part of the game and interfering with play. How do I make those go away? Thank you!
posted by Jacen at 5:30 PM PST - 2 comments

My fridge quite suddenly got this weird yellow markings. What could be causing it?
posted by dhruva at 4:52 PM PST - 20 comments

Trying to figure out early August vacation plans and my wife and I are both intrigued by Juneau, which we visited briefly on a cruise a few years back. Would this be a good destination to spend a week at? [more inside]
posted by DingoMutt at 4:51 PM PST - 5 comments

I would like to replace my small, sunny, dry front lawn with plants that I can ignore. So far, roses, peonies, salvia, and solomon's seal have thrived. I like purple flowers. What should I plant? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 4:50 PM PST - 18 comments

I inherited a rattan (?) I think armchair from my aunt a few years back. She sourced most of her furniture from the streets of NYC, starting in the 1950s and continuing into the early 2000s. I suspect this chair is from the end of her collecting years, but I don't know. Maybe you do? Pictures and [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 4:27 PM PST - 1 comment

A few years ago I took a week-long bread baking workshop at the John C. Campbell Folk School. It was a wonderful experience and I'm wondering if any of you have done something similar at a place you'd recommend? It doesn't have to be cooking-related, although that would be fun. Art and craft type things for beginners would be nice, but I'm pretty open to anything! I'm located in Southern CA but I'd be willing to travel in the US or internationally. [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 3:45 PM PST - 10 comments

My grocery deals was a website where you could compare prices in supermarkets on a certain item in a radius around a zip code. I’m not sure why they shut down, but I’m looking for a replacement. Thank you.
posted by DTHEASH1 at 3:30 PM PST - 2 comments

specifically, i'd really love to do non-fiction audio book narration but open to other kinds of voice over work. i'd love some advice on equipment i should consider as well as advice on how to get started and anything else you think would be helpful for me to know. ty!
posted by violetk at 12:51 PM PST - 8 comments

We have a baffling new problem in our 140-year-old house. A circuit breaker, which controls (bizarrely) the lights to the stairwell to the second floor and a random selection of outlets on the second floor (one bathroom outlet, a couple of outlets in the master bedroom, but not ALL of them, an outlet in a spare bedroom... but no other lights or anything) has started tripping at random times. There is nothing new plugged into any of the outlets, and no new light fixtures, bulbs, etc. [more inside]
posted by maryellenreads at 12:45 PM PST - 13 comments

I will be hosting houseguests soon, for somewhat longer stays. The sofa-bed they will be sleeping on unfolds into a 'full'-sized mattress that's 7" thick. Please help me find good-quality bedding that will fit this couch well and make my guests' stays comfortable! [more inside]
posted by kickingtheground at 12:34 PM PST - 7 comments

I try to text frequently with two people, one on iPhone and one on Android, on a three-person group text from my own iPhone. But the iPhone user doesn't get the texts half the time, and when she does, she sometimes doesn't get photos or videos. Is this something that can be sorted out quickly? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 11:10 AM PST - 16 comments

I've run into multiple situations recently where I've struggled to advocate for myself in business settings, either as a customer or at work. What women or nonbinary writers have written about how to better advocate for yourself and negotiate in these situations? [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 10:49 AM PST - 12 comments

I have an older house that we recently renovated in part. (And then the new part got flooded). There's multiple bathrooms, with toilets that are respectively 6 months old, 2 years old, and the other undeterminable (at least six years old, Kohler brand.) Every single toilet has overflown within the last year, and I would love to find a toilet that has a failsafe, and install new ones in every bathroom. [more inside]
posted by Happydaz at 10:17 AM PST - 17 comments

I would like to record an EP at my library’s recording studio/innovation lab. The only mics they have are Harman AKG C 214 condenser mics. What’s the best way to record a banjo with this kind of mic? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 10:03 AM PST - 11 comments

How do we set up my daughter's phone to have international calling or at least data? Our provider does not provide international service for the phone she has. [more inside]
posted by RajahKing at 8:03 AM PST - 10 comments

Thanks to all who responded to my question about whether some prematurely cancelled shows have a decently satisfying resolution or leave the viewer hanging. I’m now curious about a new set of shows: [more inside]
posted by staggernation at 7:46 AM PST - 21 comments

I have hyperacusis, so I wear construction earmuffs and/or earplugs often. One thing I hate about them is how they make eating noises sound louder. I'm wondering if there's a solution that doesn't - or better yet, that muffles eating noises. Sometimes I find myself wanting chips or an apple, but deciding not to because it's going to be such a loud experience.
posted by wheatlets at 7:43 AM PST - 10 comments

The recent post about Party in the USA got me thinking: we generally refer to Los Angeles International Airport as LAX when talking about it; similarly, PDX for Portland International. But we don't usually say "LGA" or "ORD," for example, preferring their names instead. Are there other airports that we do usually call by their IATA codes in the vernacular?
posted by uncleozzy at 6:56 AM PST - 65 comments

After posting my recent question about getting a digital camera for my son I realize that instead of buying his a used camera, i could let him have my used point and shot that I haven't used in years. But I'd like the photos to upload to google photos so he can see them on his tablet. I remember there used to be SD cards you could buy that were wifi enabled somehow so you camera could sync automatically. Are these not a thing anymore? I can't find one. Canada.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:25 AM PST - 4 comments

So, I've been watching the TV show Unforgotten, which is a crime drama. And Apple TV keeps asking me, EVERY EPISODE, to click to affirm that I am over 15. I am 46 years old, is a way that I can get it to remember that I am over 15?
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 1:15 AM PST - 2 comments

I'll be working with a home-built laser cutter and the potential for wacky mishaps makes me think this isn't the time to skimp on safety equipment. What would be the industry standard to work with a 450 nm laser?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 8:48 PM PST - 5 comments

My partner mentioned having a memory of watching an Assassin's Creed Lets Play, likely with me, that also taught you about the historical period. Can anyone help me figure out what Let's Play this was? It was likely Assassin's Creed 1 or 2, and if we watched it together it would have been in 2013 or 2014 most likely. [more inside]
posted by Canageek at 8:25 PM PST - 6 comments

On my Samsung tablet, I'm getting several messages a day urging me to delete Android System Update because "it's insecure and may harm the device." What's to do? [more inside]
posted by SemiSalt at 6:36 PM PST - 3 comments

Is there a Tik Tok star or stand-up comedian who is basically Irene Tu but with a buzzcut bleached blond? I saw this person in Brooklyn, and I almost certainly recognized them, but I can't come up with a better description than the previous.
posted by andoatnp at 1:34 PM PST - 5 comments

I'll be in Denver for work this month from the 17th-23rd. I've read the many (quite helpful) questions advising about what's great to see in Denver, so I don't need to hear about the obvious stuff, or even the next tier "wanna see Denver like a local" somewhat less obvious stuff. But I'm a snowflake: beer makes me sleepy, pot will get me fired, and other snowflaky, specific stuff. [more inside]
posted by cross_impact at 1:21 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm going to a big concert and also have the pleasure of. being sent to review it and take photos during the first two songs. What camera/lens should I rent that will be easy and quick enough? [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 12:50 PM PST - 7 comments

I found a copy of the 1960 edition of The Labyrinth by Saul Steinberg in my attic. It's in very good condition. Similar books on Amazon are listed for $40-$50. Is there practical way for me to sell it? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 12:34 PM PST - 6 comments

I find it very difficult to proofread my own work and have built up some anxiety around it based on past negative feedback for not proofing well. I work in the legal field and need to fill out a lot of forms. I'm newish in my position so the forms aren't second nature to me yet. The information I need to fill in varies, and I use a lot of different forms. I'm not catching all my mistakes which can cause issues later. How can improve my proofreading? [more inside]
posted by jane addams at 12:24 PM PST - 16 comments

So there was a one-panel comic from News of the Weird (I'm pretty sure) a while back. Two people in it, tiny little flying people above them. One person says "Look, tiny flying rich people!" The other person says "Let's pull their wings off!" [more inside]
posted by Slinga at 11:53 AM PST - 1 comment

Within the last year or two, I saw a cartoon (probably on Twitter), probably a four-panel one, where someone says something like "AH, finally a day off. Time to get lots done!" and her anxious brain says something like "Oh no, you're much too anxious to get anything done," and she says, "Oh, okay then, a day to relax?" and her anxious brain says "LOL no, not that either." Or something like that? Do you remember/can you point me towards the cartoon?
posted by Ollie at 11:12 AM PST - 3 comments

My son's expensive mountain bike team shirt and shorts stink of spoiled whipped cream. How do I destink them? [more inside]
posted by pleasant_confusion at 11:08 AM PST - 14 comments

The latest New Yorker contains an article on plastics pollution, and how humans and other animals are inadvertently ingesting the stuff. The writer refers to polyester fabric, which we all know was was crap from the get-go, but what about other synthetics? [more inside]
posted by BostonTerrier at 10:03 AM PST - 4 comments

My mom is moving from Vermont to Seattle and needs to drive across the country sometime roughly between August 15th and November 15th. What do we need to consider from a weather/fire perspective in deciding when to go? [more inside]
posted by hoyland at 9:45 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm trying to find an Android app for managing screen brightness in a certain way, but there's a so many apps and none of them do it the way I want. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by Rhomboid at 6:56 AM PST - 2 comments

The Maharaja Restaurant in Harvard Square used to serve these fabulous over-the-top brunches on the weekend. Those stopped during Covid, and I can't tell whether they have resumed. The website hasn't been updated. There are old, unanswered questions about it on Yelp. Has anyone from Metafilter been there recently? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 6:12 AM PST - 5 comments

I want to learn some survival skills. This is deliberately broad - it could mean anything from gardening, preserving food, advanced first aid, wilderness survival… I just want to feel more equipped to survive a natural disaster or societal collapse, and to be a more confident, self sufficient person in general. What would you recommend?
posted by anonymous at 3:53 AM PST - 12 comments

I asked a question about how to get data roaming for a trip and one suggestion was an Esim card. The price looks right, but i can't figure out what these ARE, or how they work or if they work with my Samsung Galaxy S22+. Can someone please explain. As before this would be in Eastern Canada. More specific confusion inside. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 1:06 AM PST - 8 comments

I am not a coder but sometimes use Python (with numpy etc) for generating “in silico” datasets I need or running calculations on such datasets and have found ChatGPT to be a really useful tool for helping with that. That said…. [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 10:19 PM PST - 12 comments

Playing the kalimba hurt my thumbs/hands. Will I have the same problem with a jaw harp? [more inside]
posted by Hex Wrench at 8:37 PM PST - 6 comments

My car is undrivable due to a car accident where I was designated at-fault. I want to offload my car and need help figuring out how to do this in a sensible way. Car-savvy folks of MetaFilter, what do I do? More snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Goblin Barbarian at 4:58 PM PST - 10 comments

One of my favourite bands will be performing in an assortment of small towns/cities in the UK in November and December. I want to go but don't really know any of the places or how to get there. [more inside]
posted by Bektashi at 3:40 PM PST - 21 comments

A Colombian friend of mine would like to do an online degree program in Mathematics. Ideally this would be from a somewhat well-regarded school in Spain or another Spanish-speaking country. Any recommendations?
posted by matkline at 3:03 PM PST - 4 comments

I’m looking specifically for books about the politics, culture and history of the country.
posted by dead_ at 3:03 PM PST - 3 comments

Do you have experience using Patreon or competitors (Ko-fi, OnlyFans, other?). How did you pick which service to use? How did you research the costs to you? Especially interested in communities/organizations experiences but will take any advice or ideally a link to a side by side comparison around price, ease of use, etc.
posted by latkes at 2:57 PM PST - 0 comments

[Fiction filter] A character is about to blow the whistle on something very big and public, in the US. Folks will be angry about this, might raise a furor online, might threaten them or their family, might try to dox them, etc. -- all the classic bad crap that might happen nowadays. How could they guard against this before they go public? What could they do on their own, and what might they hire a security or IT professional to do? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 1:31 PM PST - 25 comments

Trying to remember a kids’ or YA book where a girl’s family tells her they’re going to move and so she puts something on her wishlist that she’s sure her parents will never be able to find: a tower. But they do find exactly such a house. [more inside]
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 11:20 AM PST - 6 comments

It’s very well established that they’ll never lift a finger. Already tried being angry, doesn’t help. Quashed that down for a few years but as COL goes up and I remain unemployable because I’m either at the hospital, cleaning, cooking, or managing behaviour until a spot opens up in adult daycare (if that even works which is highly in question), I’m more and more angry, and I don’t know what to do with it. [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 10:48 AM PST - 41 comments

My mother was telling me about a book she read a long time ago. In it, a couple brings home a bird (possibly an eagle or hawk), and the woman eventually falls in love with it. She's been Googling but hasn't been able to find it. Does this ring a bell for anyone?
posted by wheatlets at 9:46 AM PST - 11 comments

Computer? Phone? Tablet? Kindle? Paper? I know we've delved into this, but I suspect the answers have changed over the years, and there are details: [more inside]
posted by Cobalt at 9:11 AM PST - 22 comments

Like today??? Teens and adults. I require wine. We are currently stuck in traffic.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 9:00 AM PST - 11 comments

I've read a few recent articles on the discovery of gravitational waves (like this and this) that have unexpectedly captivated me. What books on similar topics might I, a non-science person, enjoy? [more inside]
posted by fiery.hogue at 8:40 AM PST - 8 comments

I have a metal pantry door organizer, similar to this, that faces into the kitchen. I don't really need to use it for spices or other pantry staples. I've been thinking about repurposing it, and would like some suggestions. [more inside]
posted by La Gata at 7:21 AM PST - 7 comments

I evaluate houses in person, and usually print out a stack of these forms that I fill out quickly in pen while I look at a house in person. I'd like to start doing this with the App notion. The problem I have is I want to do this quickly on my phone, so I just want to be able to fill out the white space, I want the words "address" and "list price" to be un-editable, as I keep accidentally clicking into them and typing the answer inside the word. Total Newb here.
posted by maxexam at 7:21 AM PST - 4 comments

I walk in to a reputable coin dealer and sell one troy ounce of fine gold, 9999. How much cash do I get? [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 6:29 AM PST - 6 comments

Which apps on the Google Play store are the safest to connect my credit cards to so I can auto track expenses? Is Mint still okay? By safe I mean secure. Thank you!
posted by The Adventure Begins at 6:13 AM PST - 4 comments

My personal data is a complete mess. It's spread over multiple external hard drives and devices, a Windows PC, iCloud, various other cloud services, many manual backups over decades. There's a lot of confusing duplication and uncertainty about whether some things are backed up at all... The photos are particularly bad. How can I get started organising all this, removing duplicates, checking that cloud services are on my local machine too, and so on? I'm fairly techie (can use Linux tools if needed) but very disorganised. [more inside]
posted by d288478 at 5:26 AM PST - 11 comments

My daughter is 39, unhoused and self medicating with opioids in LA. I have attempted to contact her monthly since November to no avail. Her email boxes are full, her phone numbers have been assigned to others. Her grandmother (my mom) recently died and left her around $80,000. Not a life changing amount, but significant. How to best use this windfall to help her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:03 AM PST - 30 comments