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I like to put my feet up on an ottoman under my desk with one ankle crossed over the other during my long work hours. I recently started having knee problems and suspect this habit may be exacerbating/causing the pain (I have loose joints and tend to hyper-extend my knees.) Nonetheless, I find it far more comfortable during my long work hours to have my legs up. How can I do it without hurting myself? [more inside]
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 5:25 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm helping a friend of hers work on a play and am posting this on her behalf: we're wondering exactly how reasonable it would be for interracial lesbian dating to be going on in 1970. [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:15 PM PST - 12 comments

I am a dual citizen of the US and an EU country, currently resident of a third country (also EU). As I have no intention of returning to the US, and will have the possibility of gaining citizenship in my resident country in the future, I would like to cut ties and renounce my US citizenship. I'm interested in information from those who have gone through this process -- feedback, anecdotes, advice, difficulties -- either in terms of first-person experiences or online resources regarding the process. (Most recent AskMe I could find was from 2011, and the circumstances are a bit different.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:23 PM PST - 4 comments

I've never had a financial advisor or financial planner and I'm not sure I need one. I'd like folks to read a bit about my situation (below the fold) and either (A) tell me I'm fine and can continue without a financial planner / advisor, or (B) if you think I do need one, tell me some specific things they would help with. [more inside]
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 2:36 PM PST - 7 comments

I'd like to have a small firepit on my balcony (propane is allowed, no wood), possibly with an insert that converts it into a table. The ones I've seen in the $200-300 range have some very scary Amazon reviews: a lot of people love and then someone will say "the gas line melted." I'm open to buying the components and hiring someone locally to construct one, but would rather buy. Suggestions, please? Thanks.
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 2:17 PM PST - 3 comments

I am a 30-something female with ADHD and a first generation immigrant with no family. I’ve hit a wall in my life and I don’t know what to do. I’m scared and sad and needing to ask this question feels a little like rock bottom. Can anybody help? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:00 PM PST - 16 comments

A while back I owned some stock in a former employer's company, which I held onto for over a year. Then that company got acquired, and most of that stock was liquidated as part of the terms of the acquisition. I believe that the transfer agency withheld more money for taxes than they should have -- details inside. [more inside]
posted by ambulatorybird at 12:59 PM PST - 3 comments

There are quite a few books about female friendship I can think of without trying very hard at all. But I'm having trouble finding similar books about male friendship. There are some, right? [more inside]
posted by holborne at 12:48 PM PST - 46 comments

My family spent some time last year trying to parse how Los Angeles Unified School District works: how elementary schools are assigned, magnets, gifted programs, charter enrolement, etc. We struggled! We felt dirty! And now we're trying to do it all over again for NYC. Please help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:20 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm a sucker for advertising, and I've been meaning to eat more vegetables, so I subscribed to Misfits Market. My first box arrived today, and on the one hand, I'm pretty excited. On the other... [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 11:23 AM PST - 37 comments

Trying to set up my home office better - how can I share all my peripherals and Ethernet between my two computers? Have already tried a $300 dock and a $50 KVM switch. [more inside]
posted by acridrabbit at 11:14 AM PST - 10 comments

My house came with a ladder that's mounted to the unfinished ceiling / roof of my garage using a rope and a pulley, and attached to a wall with a hinge. I worry that it will fall one day and crush my car - especially if there's an earthquake. What's a better way to safely secure this? Here's some photos of my situation: https://imgur.com/a/eA8zCgP [more inside]
posted by FlatHill at 10:58 AM PST - 5 comments

I would like to have a bunch of people read and comment on a .pdf document. I tried hypothes.is but couldn't get it to work, and I'm not confident asking others to use a tool I can't use myself. ThingLink looks ideal, but it doesn't do .pdfs. I welcome any and all suggestions and creative workarounds.
posted by Morpeth at 10:56 AM PST - 9 comments

After years of using Garageband, I've been playing with Ableton Live Lite, which came free with my Novation LaunchKey Mini. It's been a lot of fun, but I have only a tenuous grasp on what I'm doing--almost exclusively gleaned from watching random YouTube tutorials. Do you have any specific resources (including books, if people still use books) for learning Ableton? A couple other requests inside. [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 10:42 AM PST - 9 comments

This post, back in 2016, touches on anti-fascist resources of a tactical and strategic nature. In contrast, I'm interested in resources that may become scarce and/or more closely tracked if Trump wins this upcoming election. What items might be good to have on hand in the event of a completed fascist coup of the US government? Asking as a Jewish person.
posted by Alex Haist at 10:14 AM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a method of keeping track of a set time. My son will be doing remote schooling this fall. While school allows for breaks and movement with walking down halls and switching classes, I want to make sure he takes short breaks to keep sane but still keeps track of time. It's like a timer that I can time for say, 1 hour. [more inside]
posted by ReluctantViking at 10:11 AM PST - 13 comments

My wife is moving into her first dedicated painting studio. I'm super excited for her. She's sharing the space with another artist, and I'd like to get her a gift to welcome her to her new space. This could be either practical or sentimental, or both!
posted by Sreiny at 9:40 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for help finding an rss screensaver for win 10 [more inside]
posted by Homeskillet Freshy Fresh at 9:25 AM PST - 0 comments

For years I've had the same financial advisor, who keeps an eye on my investments. I want to find someone else. Do you recommend the person who does this for you? [more inside]
posted by gigondas at 8:50 AM PST - 10 comments

I remember reading somewhere an idea that the Mongols were not unique and were instead continuing a tradition of "Plains Empires" that were found both in the Americas and Asia. Is this a legitimate historical view and if so, where can I find anything written on it? [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 8:40 AM PST - 8 comments

I've been working with a budget spreadsheet to keep track of my finances (which has been a raging success). It's something I got from a financial counselor last year and is largely simple to use - but there's one detail that I've been looking at and kind of don't get. But it's only on a conceptual level (think of this as kind of like that TikTok video with the girl asking a conceptual question about math, only for budget tracking). Can someone help? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:20 AM PST - 13 comments

I have been one of the last people I know to get a cell phone. I purchased one that I use regularly a few years ago. My wife also has a cell phone. We're thinking of cancelling our landline. I'm wondering if there are any downsides to getting rid of it that I haven't thought of. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 8:18 AM PST - 40 comments

I've ran out of ethernet ports on my router. The modem has lots of ports free. Is there a way I can connect something to the modem and have it appear inside the private network, rather than internet facing?
posted by jago25_98 at 8:02 AM PST - 13 comments

I love combining exercises from different bodywork disciplines (dance, yoga, pilates, etc) - I learn from videos, classes and books but I forget what I've learnt in the past. I'd like to find a way to document everything that works for me to have it all accessible, so I can improvise and build my own flows and routines. Has anyone ever done anything like this or have ideas? [more inside]
posted by miaow at 7:29 AM PST - 3 comments

What tricks do you all have for clipping your own hair without making a huge mess? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:28 AM PST - 21 comments

We are a small non-profit Canadian theatre company. We are solvent and we have decided to go on a hiatus until things get better. (We are suspending our classes and terminating our lease). Up unti now we've had a professional accountant prepare our financial statements. Given our hiatus, should we ask them to prepare the financial statements for the year just ended (July 2020)? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 6:54 AM PST - 6 comments

I've been searching in vain for a children's book about a time traveling boy who gets (unwillingly?) swept up in some sort of time travel scenario. While I don't remember it as well as I'd like, I do have a few concrete details that I've never forgotten. Can you help me find it? [more inside]
posted by i feel possessed at 6:07 AM PST - 6 comments

As above! I saw her reading Nnedi Okorafor’s Ikenga. Shippable to US on not amazon would be great. Very social justice orientated family. Thank you!
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 5:34 AM PST - 12 comments

Our electricity usage sometimes spikes, and we think it's because our well pump and maybe also our water heater gets stuck running. We're not sure whether it does that because our well is low and needs fracking, because our expansion tank is faulty and needs replacement, or something else. Can you help pin it down? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 3:58 AM PST - 19 comments

I got it in my head tonight that I need to find and reread some books I really enjoyed as a kid. But I can't for the life of me find them! Do these plotlines sound familiar to you? [more inside]
posted by therewolf at 11:13 PM PST - 10 comments

I recently bought a 3L nalgene cantene. On the first backpacking trip it sprang a leak - near the top - where the hard plastic lid base meets the flexible bag. [more inside]
posted by sarah_pdx at 10:44 PM PST - 5 comments

My mother has, finally, created a Will, PoA, and a Personal Directive. What else should we (okay, I), be making sure we get in order before she dies (which likely won't be soon, but who knows)? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:39 PM PST - 12 comments

I am interested in learning the total cost of a political mailer. For example, if I were to receive an envelope from the RNC or 45 asking for financial support, what is the total cost of envelope, paper, printing, postage, etc
posted by goalyeehah at 8:32 PM PST - 7 comments

We have two young kids (1.5 and 5.5) and think we should start to establish some annual family traditions. What are your family traditions for holidays, solstices, or anything else? Thanks!
posted by kdern at 7:46 PM PST - 50 comments

Next week my wife and I will be spending Labor Day week working our way down the Blue Ridge Parkway, north to south. What are the can't miss stops? [more inside]
posted by COD at 6:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Is a quit claim deed sometimes used to transfer only certain rights to a property? Details below. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 5:25 PM PST - 5 comments

My partner had a new driveway put in on Tuesday. We finally opened it today, and a delivery van left power steering marks/scuffs and a divot in the asphalt. We closed off the driveway again, but is there anything to be done? Will they fade over time?
posted by marfa, texas at 5:03 PM PST - 2 comments

What tools are useful and good for putting on a small (from dozens to about a thousand attendees) convention? Asking about this for niches where there is very little budget, and admission would be free or donation only. [more inside]
posted by Sophont at 4:37 PM PST - 4 comments

My 13yo, a former competitive gymnast, is worried about how he will keep busy and moving when the weather gets bad. Help us think about ideas. [more inside]
posted by Orlop at 4:35 PM PST - 31 comments

For years, I've had these occasional "electric shock" sensations in random places in my body (usually limbs). They sound like what some people describe as "brain zaps" but they're never felt in my head. [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 4:07 PM PST - 9 comments

I use both GDrive and Dropbox. I've reached that point where I want to use one for work only and the other for personal stuff only (or should I just chuck one out completely?). Done my research, watched various YouTube videos on this, but my problem is I still can't make a decision. It's 2020—can you share your experience on how you use these two cloud services? Maybe that'll trigger me to finally make a move. [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 3:33 PM PST - 5 comments

I process things by writing (poems and short stories, mainly) and would like to know people are reading my writing. Can't be attached to my name though. Feedback not important. Is there anywhere I can do this? [more inside]
posted by forza at 2:55 PM PST - 14 comments

I have a nearly full can of Elmer's spray adhesive that suddenly stopped spraying mid-project. How can I get it the nozzle to spray again? [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 2:51 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm willing to devote a significant amount of time to campaign volunteering in the next two months. What will make the most difference? [more inside]
posted by fiery.hogue at 2:40 PM PST - 4 comments

I’m looking for a decent sounding microphone for streaming (speaking/vocal only). However, I’d prefer to not have the microphone blocking my face or even on screen, so it needs to be about 6-8 inches away from my face on a boom stand or desktop below the camera. What kind of microphone do I need? [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 1:38 PM PST - 15 comments

We suspect there is a beautiful old floor beneath a less beautiful new floor. How much will it cost to restore? [more inside]
posted by to sir with millipedes at 1:09 PM PST - 6 comments

I have a Coway air purifier with a HEPA filter. I replaced the filter a month ago. It's fire season and I live in a very smoky part of the Bay Area, in an older apartment with very non-airtight windows and doors. Should I be replacing my HEPA filter more often than once/year? Trying to find recommendations from sources who know what they're talking about, and do not gain financially from me buying more filters. [more inside]
posted by rogerroger at 11:10 AM PST - 3 comments

Our lawn was slowly being taken over by yellow nutsedge, and now is rapidly being taken over by yellow nutsedge. What works to stop it? [more inside]
posted by Spathe Cadet at 9:16 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking at sourcing organic fertilizer tablets from a local dutch company. Their product listing describes the tablets as containing "2% beneficial root bacteria" . Can beneficial bacteria actually survive like this in a dry, tablet form, inside a plastic package? [more inside]
posted by PardonMyFrench at 7:51 AM PST - 6 comments

Hi all, I went to a small elementary school in San Diego, CA called Diegueño Country School in the early 90s, where we'd sing songs every week. Some were probably written by teachers there, and this may be one of them. I remembered some of the lines. Can anyone tell me the entire lyrics, and who it was written by? Details in the extended explanation: [more inside]
posted by dmalashock at 7:29 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm thinking of getting a teen in my family a micro:bit or Raspberry Pi to tinker with but I don't know anything about microcontrollers and some of the online reviews gave me pause. Which of these, if any, should I buy? I'd like to hear what owning/playing with one is like, especially as an inexperienced user. [more inside]
posted by M. at 3:53 AM PST - 26 comments

If I buy a car on a PCP deal, is the optional final payment the true cash value of the car? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 3:10 AM PST - 9 comments

I just finished taking calculus III, which while I'm sure is not super high level math to some, is the highest level I've achieved. I did not do as well on the midterm and final exams as I wanted, and it is at least partially because I made dumb mistakes on simple calculations that threw my answers off, or just didn't pay close enough attention on a few questions and came to the wrong conclusion when if I had paid closer attention I would have realized I was wrong. How to not do this? [more inside]
posted by knownfossils at 10:19 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm trying to make a "clickable flow chart" for a friend - though it doesn't necessarily have to be a flow chart. It could be more like a "clickable quiz." I'm putting these things in quotes because I don't really know what I'm talking about. Basically, I'm trying to amuse a friend by making a big, flowy letter with several options. Another way to think of this might be a "choose your own adventure" type story. Halp? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:12 PM PST - 14 comments

Can anyone give us advice in selling and buying their house in the age of COVID - cross country? [more inside]
posted by gregjunior at 5:06 PM PST - 6 comments

I need to match some tile. Eagle eyed detectives of the green, can you help me find this tile? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 3:23 PM PST - 3 comments

I have a little bit of money to play with via a Roth IRA, and don’t know where to begin when it comes to choosing investments. Help? [more inside]
posted by sucre at 1:59 PM PST - 10 comments

My grocery store inexplicably had stacks of 1-gal cans of Cento Roasted Red Peppers - supply chain hiccup? Who knows. But they were only $5! So I got one. Now what....? [more inside]
posted by Miko at 1:47 PM PST - 19 comments

I'd have sworn there was a long thorough discussion (*not* the one about Liberal Fascism) at Orcinus, but I can't find it. Other recommendations for discussions of defining fascism are welcome. [more inside]
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 12:14 PM PST - 2 comments

Please post your long (let's say, anywhere from 30k to infinity) fanfic recs here! [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 12:07 PM PST - 29 comments

I want to quit web design job in an industry I barely grasp (insurance benefits startup) and am clearly struggling with. Should I break a verbal commitment I made for two more more months of work? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 12:03 PM PST - 11 comments

We are looking for a house in our neighborhood ( in Germany) and have found one that needs a bit of updating and a facelift BUT this spring, they have removed the oil heating and radiators and put in gas under floor heating. BUT they didn't update anything else in the house, like not even the toilet seats, and don't appear to be living there now (ie never used the under floor heating). This seems strange. What should we look out for? [more inside]
posted by catspajammies at 10:05 AM PST - 9 comments

Calling all design nerds! I just moved, and am stumped on how to set up the furniture in my combo living/kitchen/dining room. [more inside]
posted by nancynickerson at 9:09 AM PST - 18 comments

The conslusion to this recent article introduced me to the term “substitute focus”:

Social defense systems are insidious. They divert attention from a core anxiety-provoking problem by introducing a less-anxiety-provoking one that can serve as a substitute focus. At our client firm, the core problem was the impossibly long work hours, and the substitute problem was the firm’s inability to promote women.

I’m interested in other examples and further reading on the idea of organizations and groups choosing easy problems as a way of ignoring hard ones. In individual psychology I’ve heard of similar concepts like designated patients, and I’m curious about how this works in social and professional groups.
posted by migurski at 8:47 AM PST - 4 comments

We’ve been saving up and are almost ready to renovate our kitchen (likely last renovated in the early ‘90s). We’re about 90% settled on porcelain or ceramic floor tile but I have zero design sense and need some help picking out a color and style. [more inside]
posted by Empidonax at 8:04 AM PST - 27 comments

Songs that sound great when you play bass and sing solo? [more inside]
posted by signal at 6:02 AM PST - 16 comments

We're looking for a place to do socially-distant tent camping around halfway between St. Louis, MO and Madison, WI. We prefer drive-up sites but could hike in, and would rather be a little ways from RV sites. Where should we be looking? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:26 AM PST - 6 comments

I live in Brooklyn. Our numbers are down here, but they are still high enough to make me nervous. My doctor's offices are in Manhattan and I've barely been inside any other places except my own apartment. I normally see my dentist twice a year and now that I'm in my 40s, I'm supposed to get an annual mammogram. Can I put these off until...things get better? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:26 AM PST - 28 comments

I just moved and definitely noticed it in the walkthrough but I assumed the landlord hired a professional cleaning service. It's very similar to the type of perfume scent used by commercial cleaning services. The apt has a central air unit but I can't find a filter so I'm assuming there isn't an air freshener attached to a filter. Keeping the windows open hasn't helped so it must be something active/newish somewhere. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:49 PM PST - 20 comments

A friend started a small business doing personal training in Los Angeles this year and got a lot a clients much faster than anticipated. Now she's worried about what she hasn't done yet but thought she'd have time to learn. Slowly. Like what she should be deducting for taxes. And business licenses. Getting paid on Venmo. And, well...everything. She asked for my help but I feel out of my depth. Is there some sort of "So you have an LA small business" for dummies out there?
posted by rileyray3000 at 10:12 PM PST - 6 comments

A friend just got a job offer with a small business that has a really weird insurance plan. It's called the "Transcend Benefits Plan." She sent me the video and honestly to me it sounds like some kind of scam. Can anyone explain to me how something like this would work? It seems like you buy really expensive life insurance and then you get benefits somehow? [more inside]
posted by possibilityleft at 9:45 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm making a movie and want people drinking Coca-Cola or driving a Porsche. Do I legally need permission? [more inside]
posted by mark k at 4:38 PM PST - 8 comments

J.R. Hartley asked a question a few days ago about cobbling together a text string in Excel based on the contents of related cells. There were several excellent responses, including flabdablet's elegant use of TEXTJOIN. It solved half of a similar problem for me, and I'd like to see if it can handle the other half. [more inside]
posted by sapere aude at 2:07 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a large collection of stickers; I'm looking for an app to help me track it better. [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 1:41 PM PST - 7 comments

Our house hunt had been on pause because plague year, but a friend alerted us to a listing that might work well for us. We'll see it on Sunday. Given the below stipulations, what would happen if we decided we wanted it? [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 1:24 PM PST - 20 comments

Should I get rollerblades or roller-skates for my daughter? She's a pretty proficient ice skater, but has never been on either rollerblades or roller-skates. For ice skating she used a pair of hand-me-down hockey skates. She was not comfortable on figure skates the one time she tried them. (She was used to the hockey skates at that point.) I don't skate, so I'm also looking for resources that could help her learn how to skate properly, and advice about safety equipment (recommended pads, helmet, etc). [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 12:49 PM PST - 17 comments

My cat was chasing something around the hallway this morning. I figured it would be a house centipede as usual, but it was a big freaking roach. Almost 2" long, and a very dark red/brown. It was fast as heck and I wasn't able to catch it for identification, but it seems to have been an American roach. Is this a sign of infestation? I always hear, "there's no such thing as one roach." I am moving in a couple of weeks and I DO NOT want to bring roaches with me. Also, I have never had roaches before and am not sure what to do. [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 12:44 PM PST - 19 comments

I am visiting a kind and generous friend in a few days time. For reasons, I have decided to take a present of lard. I am currently in a rural town in Worcestershire, and my options are Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Marks and Spencers, and Waitrose. There may also be some independent shops. Which lard is the best lard (my friend is a baker of many things)? It's also got to travel on trains of uncertain temperature for a while, if that is a factor.
posted by Wordshore at 12:28 PM PST - 21 comments

There's two parts to what I'm looking for - great authors in specific genres, and specific accents on the part of the narrators. [more inside]
posted by twilightlost at 12:03 PM PST - 13 comments

I am an US-born American citizen living in California. My father is a Hungarian/American dual citizen living in Budapest. He is currently dying of non-COIVD causes in a Budapest hospital. Can I go to him? [more inside]
posted by Nickel at 11:52 AM PST - 14 comments

Where could I read objective tests of WiFi performance for laptops? I’m interested in knowing how they do going through types of walls, when interference is present, from long distances from the router, and if they have particular issues with 5ghz vs 2.5ghz. Discussions of the specific radios involved would be appreciated. Apologies if this is obvious; Google is failing me and individual reviews of laptops seem to barely touch on the subject.
posted by michaelh at 11:44 AM PST - 5 comments

I like the style (shape and size, basically) of this chair. I know the description says club chair, but when I search that term there are lots of different styles, and only one or two other ones are similar to this one. Are there other search terms I should be using? [more inside]
posted by sillysally at 11:42 AM PST - 10 comments

Is there a small app or tool that would allow me to have a private self-contained group of people rank things using a Tinder-style UI where they can swipe right or left and it will automatically show me who matches? Ideally along multiple criteria? [more inside]
posted by Wretch729 at 11:41 AM PST - 2 comments

name this song! Catchy pop slow motion maybe-single-shot 2010s breakup song music video of a white man in their mid 40s(?) in a tie and shirt who gets yelled at by their boss, walks out of the meeting as other workers stare at him, someone hands him a phone, which he ignores, they shake it repeatedly and he continues ignoring, and at the end a black woman comes out and dances around him, rips off his shirt, and then he dances. Band name might have been "something heart".
posted by i like crows very much at 11:15 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm 44 and shopping for life insurance. I have questions about how much coverage I need, the quoted price I got, and whether my psychiatrist really managed to double my premium quote. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 11:14 AM PST - 7 comments

I used to do freelance contract work for a ginormous multinational corporation, and they set me up with a company laptop. Work dried up 14 months ago. I've emailed thrice about returning the laptop but no cigar. Now what? [more inside]
posted by MiraK at 10:03 AM PST - 12 comments

What should I do to reduce Zoom lag/freezing problems? [more inside]
posted by Mid at 9:33 AM PST - 8 comments

My workplace is allowed us to take a single day off to volunteer somewhere. I would like to involve my 4 year old son, if at all possible - even for just part of the day. I am looking for ideas for things that I could volunteer for. I'm in Ontario, where Coronavirus cases are (currently) low right now, but I'd like to avoid anything that would involve putting me or my son at risk (i.e. nothing at a hospital, nothing involving being in contact with people infected with covid).
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 9:29 AM PST - 2 comments

I bought a vase at Ikea a few years ago, but I can't figure out what flowers to use it for. It's similar to this one, but larger and clear. [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 8:31 AM PST - 9 comments

I loved the first third of Naomi Alderman's The Power, and after reading restless nomad's description of it as a "feminist revenge fantasy concept," that's what I want. I'd prefer book/audiobook options. [more inside]
posted by gladly at 8:19 AM PST - 11 comments

Was that a real candy bar? [more inside]
posted by andrewzipp at 7:54 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for beautiful books for a soon-to-be two year old who is currently obsessed with learning numbers and letters. All suggestions welcome. Thanks!
posted by ChodenKal at 7:50 AM PST - 23 comments

Why was old-timey furniture so uncomfortable?* [more inside]
posted by Literaryhero at 6:02 AM PST - 26 comments

Out of idle curiosity, I wonder if the finds on this UK-based eBay page of metal detector finds are what they purport to be. [more inside]
posted by altolinguistic at 5:52 AM PST - 8 comments

It's about the ridiculousness of how one can feel entitled to things that are actually luxuries or nice-to-haves. I can't remember the specific example it uses (maybe nothing to do with real estate), but the cadence and feel of it was something like "You mean you're apartment hunting in Manhattan, and you refuse to consider anything that's not by the park AND by a subway AND a Trader Joe's? What are you, a billionaire/French king/etc.?!". But funnier ;) [more inside]
posted by Junebug79 at 2:51 AM PST - 6 comments

I am currently dealing with a package delivery nightmare with Tforce (Transforce, previously Dynamex). The package seems to have gone missing. Every time I've called customer service I've been told a different story, or "We need to contact Dispatch to find out more information," and surprise, that information never comes. Asking to speak with a supervisor has gotten me nowhere, as they all seem to work out of an overseas call center and give fake Western names, such as "Diana" and "Brian." How do I find a path of escalation to figure out what happened to my package? [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 11:36 PM PST - 11 comments

Which sites are the most trustworthy sources of medical information when it comes to researching things like drug interactions, diet questions, etc? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 8:57 PM PST - 20 comments

Please help me find upbeat music somehow related to Chicago. The more specific the suggestion the better. This can include songs about the city, songs by artists famously from the city, songs that somehow remind you of something Chicago-adjacent... [more inside]
posted by rip at 8:54 PM PST - 36 comments

I know there are companies that work for employers to evaluate the best health insurance options for their company, but I’m wondering if there’s anyone I, as an individual, could pay for someone knowledgeable to review the different offerings my employer provides, and what my family’s medical needs are, and help us understand our choices better? It’s a confusing process (to me, anyway!) and I would appreciate the peace of mind of having an expert help us make these decisions. Specific recommendations or any general guidance would be most appreciated.
posted by brbmaroon at 8:34 PM PST - 7 comments

I have two questions regarding record players. 1) I'm wondering if my father's old record player can be repaired. 2) I'm looking for recommendations for an all-in-one record player. [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:04 PM PST - 12 comments

My former employer never responded to my attempts to return my old work laptop. Now I want to put it to use, and I'm trying to figure out whether I can erase it without knowing the firmware password. [more inside]
posted by ludwig_van at 7:06 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for a short course (1 or 2 days?) that will instill the basics of organization, time and project management for a non-project manager. Something light on theory, but heavy on practical tips and tools to help a younger professional get organized. Years ago my org offered FranklinPlanner training and this had a significant positive effect. I believe that company is now called FranklinCovey, but don't know the quality of what they provide. Recommendations about FranklinCovey or any other solutions?
posted by queue_strategy at 6:53 PM PST - 2 comments

This is a real mystery, because the problem only happens in Chrome on MY computer. I can log in normally on my husband's computer, which is exactly the same iMac. [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 6:00 PM PST - 5 comments

Growing up (1980s, USA) I remember people encouraging tiny kids to eat by pretending their spoon was a train. As in, load utensil up, draw arm back, and “Chugga chugga choo choo! Here comes the train!” it until baby’s mouth opens and accepts the food. Does this happen in other places? Is it always a train, or something else? [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 2:24 PM PST - 36 comments

I just made an image of a fairly fresh Windows 7 SP1 disk using the free version of Macrium Reflect. The used space sizes reported by Macrium for the hidden and main partitions are 28.1 MB (or .028 GB) and 61.78 GB respectively, but the image file is only 18,310,396 K (or 18.3 GB). Could there be this much compression in making the image file? [more inside]
posted by springo at 12:48 PM PST - 10 comments

I’m looking for a very specific type of “everyday” bag that can fulfill multiple roles. A friend of mine recommended the pricey and fashionable—but utilitarian—bags from the Japanese company “Porter”. I am looking at them and can’t seem to figure out if they are water resistant or waterproof at all, which is a must for me as I live in a very wet climate. I want to know if anyone has experience with these, and maybe alternatives. [more inside]
posted by gucci mane at 12:10 PM PST - 23 comments

Can't find my favorite coconut popsicles, I'm a butt and don't like any other inferior coconut popsicles. Can any coconut popsicle enthusiasts help me find their equal near me? [more inside]
posted by moons in june at 11:54 AM PST - 8 comments

I did a microagression and I'm considering whether and how I should apologize further. Details within. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:45 AM PST - 25 comments

A couple of weeks ago I was at the farmer's market and saw a carton thingy of jalapenos and thought well I could do something with that. I decided to try jalapenos en escabeche because the kind in a jar tends to be less interesting than the kind at any old taqueria. [more inside]
posted by less of course at 11:23 AM PST - 1 comment

We are attempting to refinance our lake house. The mortgage processor told us there will be an extra $395 upcharge on the appraisal because it's a lake property. In the 18 years we've owned the property (and 3 refinances), I've never heard of such a thing. Does this sound normal? Do I walk away, even though we *could* afford the extra $395 - it's just the principle!
posted by sarajane at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments

I live in an area that is about to experience a serious COVID outbreak. I'm very lucky, in that I'm in a position to stay at home, and I have a perfectly nice home to stay in. However, I'm worried about all the things that one worries about: how will I handle isolation? How will I manage logistics? If you've been on self-imposed lock-down for a while, what did you learn? What did you do right? What do you wish you'd done differently? [more inside]
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 9:54 AM PST - 54 comments

Can you recommend short stories, novellas, and novels about scavenger hunts or treasure hunts? [more inside]
posted by joycehealy at 9:54 AM PST - 24 comments

Looking for a digital thermometer that would accept at least Type K and Type T thermocouples. Not having much luck finding one that costs circa $150 or less and isn't inaccurate junk, but not sure I know where to look. [more inside]
posted by slkinsey at 9:49 AM PST - 8 comments

I am looking for recommendations for books, ideally non-fiction, of people overcoming adversity, climbing up from rock bottom, or making a seemingly impossible turnaround. Do you have any recommendations?
posted by Erinaceus europaeus at 9:44 AM PST - 23 comments

I am not asking any BIPOC to do labor for me but if you are not BIPOC and are father along than I am in this important work, please share with me resources to help me understand problematic phrases and assumptions that are lesser known offenders. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 8:46 AM PST - 23 comments

I like this recipe for slow-roasted picnic shoulder. However, my picnic shoulder is only 1.5 kg. It's shaped like a thick disk (maybe more like an oval puck) with the skin along the edge of the disk/puck. Bone is in. How should I adjust the cooking times? Also open to "do high heat for X minutes" and then just cook til internal temp is Y, but need to have an idea how long that will take so I know when to put it in the oven.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:32 AM PST - 6 comments

Can you share any examples of websites that have a network map to explore (along these lines), where when you click on one of the nodes, it opens up another branch of the map? The prettier the design the better.
posted by pinochiette at 7:13 AM PST - 5 comments

Recent baby name questions got me thinking: what are good strategies if you have a "noun", concept, or adjective name but don't like the actual object? Your name is Rose and you are allergic. You are an atheist named Heaven. Your name is Pearl and you would like some gold jewelry once in while. That's it
posted by jello at 6:03 AM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for a specific passage, likely written in the introduction or footnotes in a mass market edition of Inferno or Purgatory. Can anyone help me? [more inside]
posted by johnasdf at 5:21 AM PST - 0 comments

I want to visualize some SARS-CoV-2 stats over time for some counties and zip codes in Missouri and Illinois. All I can find is downloads of data at the state level. Is anyone gathering county-level and zip code-level historical data for download? I tried county websites but some just have graphs, not links to their source data.
posted by Tehhund at 4:21 AM PST - 7 comments

Where in the US are cities and/or their citizens actively working to reduce the need for and use of cars? (I know about SF and NYC already, looking for smaller cities.) [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 10:23 PM PST - 10 comments

I live in California. What financial/non-financial things can be done to help support large/small scale GOTV efforts in swing states.
posted by goalyeehah at 10:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Mrs. Eep found a photo with some handwritten German on the back. We believe it's describing the people on the front of the photo where some people were visiting other people. My German is too rusty to guess what may be written here. If you feel properly qualified, can you take a look and help us translate it to English?
posted by Wild_Eep at 9:25 PM PST - 11 comments

When Google stops providing Android security for my phone, how do I minimize my risk? Obviously I'll remove my banking app; what else should I change? This is almost a follow-up of pdb's "what should I do with my phone?" yesterday, but I really want to keep my Pixel 2. [more inside]
posted by anadem at 5:35 PM PST - 5 comments

What are your favourite low-stress, enjoyable literary novels about people just hanging out? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 4:41 PM PST - 29 comments

I received an odd letter from what appears to be a legit law firm that I have never heard of, thanking me for something I never did for someone I don't know. Now I have many questions. [more inside]
posted by SquidLips at 3:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Thinking about naming our soon to be here baby girl Merry. There are both paternal and maternal relatives with the name Mary. I don’t hate the spelling Mary but Merry just speaks to me more. If you are a Merry or know a Merry I’m wondering how you feel about the different spelling. Does it bother you if people spell it Mary? Did it ruin your life? [more inside]
posted by MadMadam at 3:42 PM PST - 39 comments

I really like Brabara Kruger’s Untitled (Questions). I’d like to get a high-quality reproduction of it, but am unclear how. Right now, the best method would seem to be to get my hands on a high-resolution photo of the current version at MOCA and then get it custom printed at some good printer. Does that sound correct? Do you know the right way to go about this?
posted by Going To Maine at 3:35 PM PST - 4 comments

This is my desk for working from home (with a napping coworker cameo). I really like this desk because I bought in it college and finished it myself. But it's not a great computer desk. I'm going to be working from home for a while. Can you all come up with some clever way for me to continue to use it? [more inside]
posted by bluedaisy at 2:27 PM PST - 10 comments

I purchased a one-way ticket to Quito, Ecuador from LA for next week (I'm a U.S. citizen). Ecuador technically requires a return ticket (aka an "onward" ticket) to enter the country. But I am not ready to buy a return ticket yet (I don't know when I will need to return home). Is there any way to get around this requirement? [more inside]
posted by fenwaydirtdog at 1:42 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm in the middle of my career in tech in the Bay Area and I've always been an individual contributor. But I want to start managing people, budgets, and business strategy. I need help talking about why I'm qualified to do an important job like this (or if I am!) Is there an ace coach you can recommend? Do you have any other favorite resources - a subreddit, a book, etc? Thanks in advance.
posted by boghead at 1:07 PM PST - 1 comment

To do (legal) anti fascist work I want a vpn. I don’t want spied on by corporations or governments and i am happy to pay. Something I can use on my iPhone would be great. I am in the UK.
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 1:07 PM PST - 5 comments

I am noticing that the hourly numbers from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District have deviated from the equivalent numbers from the consumer sensors at PurpleAir. Any explanations? [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 12:58 PM PST - 4 comments

I want to enable two-factor authentication on Gmail for myself and my family members, but I first want to know exactly what will happen with the native email apps on our iPhones and Android phones. [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 12:56 PM PST - 7 comments

I lost my job in July. I received an offer for a new job today. The offer is good but not great. I also started interviewing for a great position earlier this week. Can I keep interviewing even if I accept the offer? [more inside]
posted by Tevin at 12:45 PM PST - 16 comments

I am a fourth year student in Sociology and Political Science undergraduate, and I have always been fascinated with economics - especially health econ and development econ. [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 11:33 AM PST - 12 comments

... Or is it just uncomfortable because it's a bad fit? How do you tell?
posted by Cozybee at 11:30 AM PST - 12 comments

For 10 years I've been teaching part-time and a consistent problem I have is saying "um" too much when I lecture. It's getting to the point where it impacts my evaluations (from students and peers). [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 11:19 AM PST - 18 comments

I am a reluctant sunglasses wearer but need to keep from losing an eye to flying insects while bike riding. I bought some cheap ones with polarized lenses that make the world look like mud. I hate them. In these Covid times I can't try things on because I'm sticking to mail order, so I ask you: What kind of lenses would not turn the beautiful vivid landscape dull and depressing?
posted by HotToddy at 9:48 AM PST - 26 comments

I'm posting this AdSense question as a shot in the dark. I have a blog I've monetized through AdSense, but my account was disabled for a Site Experience: Navigation error. Has anyone else ever successfully appealed their account getting shut down if Google won't actually tell you what you did wrong? [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 9:08 AM PST - 4 comments

I've seen a map or tool online noting the various climate impacts and extreme weather conditions likely to continue to worsen in different regions, but I can't find it now. I remember this giving a sense of what regions are likely to be 'least bad' as the climate deteriorates. Do you know of an online tool like the one I'm describing?
posted by latkes at 8:45 AM PST - 2 comments

Please help me solve this olfactory mystery, involving a horse farm and peppermint tea [more inside]
posted by saladin at 8:33 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for a website or app that allows students to post short summaries of books. The hope is that the students in the class will use the summaries to find new books to read over the course of the year, and possibly beyond. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 6:23 AM PST - 6 comments

I bought the iSpring RO system, which uses this feed water adapter. .. and after wasting 2 hours preparing the system for installation, and trying to fit the adapter, it still doesn't fit. If it was twice shorter or if it was an elbow style going sideways, it would fit, but it can't be adjusted in any way it seems. iSpring support haven't responded in 2 days.
posted by rainy at 6:12 AM PST - 8 comments

What relatively cheap wristwatch (up to around £50, give or take?), available in the UK, allows me to set a walk time and a run time for interval training? [more inside]
posted by knapah at 2:53 AM PST - 8 comments

I’m pregnant and I want to cut my aunt out of my life entirely but don’t know if I’m being too harsh. If I should cut her out, what’s the best way to do it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:01 PM PST - 31 comments

I have a Pixel 2 XL that is going to stop receiving security updates this fall. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 8:57 PM PST - 9 comments

I want to streamline my pantry a bit, and am planning to pare down the variety of pasta we have to just three shapes. Which three should they be? [more inside]
posted by destrius at 8:34 PM PST - 30 comments

I read the intro to a great book on either directing or cinematography or sequential art years ago that I only have a vague memory of. Help! [more inside]
posted by petiteviolette at 7:04 PM PST - 2 comments

I do not think this is a ghosting question. [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 5:13 PM PST - 42 comments

For the past, say, decade (?) I’ve just turned on NPR and left it on for basically my entire 10+ hour workday. This has become beyond unhealthy. Looking for an alternative *something* to listen to, that I can literally let run all day without interruptions. [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 3:58 PM PST - 19 comments

Due to mental health I have to step away from the news and Twitter/Instagram/etc. (Even the grey and blue here are a bit angsty for my current state.) However because of lockdown I am socially deprived, and crave social places to "hang out." So I'm looking for topic focused forums, blogs, etc, that are fun and that rarely mention the election, weather disasters, riots, pandemics, etc. [more inside]
posted by hungrytiger at 2:36 PM PST - 10 comments

Is this correct: "His military background was invaluable, as was the engineering experience of both he and Richards." Or would it be "of both him and Richards," or something else?
posted by noelpratt2nd at 2:30 PM PST - 15 comments

I can't log in on a new device [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 2:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Every glass cooktop I have ever used (my past two apartments had them, as does the current condo I own) develops a film of cooked-on grunge that refuses to go away. Anything abrasive enough to remove the grunge also removes the markings on the cooktop and scratches the glass. How can I keep it looking shiny and respectable? Cleaning and prevention tips both welcome.
posted by beatrice rex at 2:19 PM PST - 24 comments

I have such a hard time sticking to books til the end, and a lot of anxiety and, hence, short attention span. But when I find the right novel, I'm so happy. So I'm trying to develop a list of novels that have a higher probability that I'll like them. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 1:13 PM PST - 25 comments

I recently became a first time homeowner in the seattle area and I'm considering adding some improvements to offset as much of our energy consumption as possible, but I'm a little overwhelmed by the options. I've done a little research on what options are available, but I'm having a hard time identifying the most effective option. Given the specifics of my home, what changes should I consider first? [more inside]
posted by cirrostratus at 1:00 PM PST - 18 comments

Frank Sinatra is an adorable wombat*. He also has shit for brains and doesn't reliably hit the puppy pad shown on that tile floor. The unsealed grout is fouled and I need to know how to remove the smell before we (I assume?) seal it. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 11:37 AM PST - 16 comments

...AKA Trials and Tribulations in the time of COVID-19. [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 11:30 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for a 3.5mm TRRS to 3.5mm TRS headphone cable with a built-in good quality mic. Does anybody have any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 10:53 AM PST - 5 comments

I purchased this elliptical, and in putting it together, I've arrived at a step where in order to put two parts together, you need to unscrew a screw...and boy, this screw is STUCK. I have tried: brute strength, WD40, WD40 Specialist, whacking it with a hammer, and more! Fun! Am I "screwed"? [more inside]
posted by fillsthepews at 10:43 AM PST - 22 comments

How best to polish up or dress up a pile of fossilized mollusks I dug out of limestone? [more inside]
posted by Baby_Balrog at 9:44 AM PST - 6 comments

I have a recipe for a carrot-miso dressing that needs fresh ginger. Due to what I guess are supply chain issues, we don't have fresh or minced ginger in a tube in our stores, but I do have some powdered ginger in my spice cabinet. Could this be swapped? What would the quantity swap be?
posted by juniperesque at 9:06 AM PST - 9 comments

I am trying to figure out the exact steps to provide consultation (not clinical supervision) to other MH therapists in WA state. Can you explain it to me like I'm 5? I don't know anything and am overwhelmed by searching. Things like, taxes, do I need to be a company, do I need to declare myself a freelancer somewhere, etc. Thank you!
posted by fairlynearlyready at 8:29 AM PST - 4 comments

Does a prepaid phone include service in the price? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 7:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Need a little help inserting text in a cell based on the condition of another cell. Don't want to do giant nested IFs. Full question and visual aid inside. [more inside]
posted by J.R. Hartley at 7:14 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking for something to help me brainstorm commonalities among various list items, all on the same page, and create sub-lists, preferably with a drag to add functionality. I usually use Chrome (in case there's an extension), and I'll be working on a Macbook. [more inside]
posted by taz at 6:13 AM PST - 6 comments

Baby 2 is due to arrive next month and we are still flailing about with potential names. We have some snowflakey requirements but my personal barrier is coming up with something I love as much as what we named our first born. Maybe the hive mind can help? [more inside]
posted by like_neon at 5:58 AM PST - 75 comments

A bit unanswerable but this guy across the street working at a gas station during the graveyard shift does something a bit weird that I can't come up with a satisfactory explanation for. [more inside]
posted by zengargoyle at 4:31 AM PST - 32 comments

YANML; but I also have no idea what type of lawyer I need to speak with so advice on that is appreciated. This is a multi-part question. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:25 PM PST - 10 comments

I have 5 year old checks I miraculously found that might help me get through a couple months of rent. They're from companies I consulted with, and they're large established companies. One got absorbed by another company and the other is still around. Should I get them reissued or go to the bank? Both say void after 180 days, but I assume that does not void the check? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:46 PM PST - 7 comments

I’m in the early stages of starting a monthly cookbook club at my library. There will be a theme each month (soup, breakfast, slow cookers, etc), participants will make a corresponding recipe of their choice from a cookbook from the library, and then we’ll meet to share experiences, cookbook/ recipe recs, etc. We’ll probably include some other types of foodie books eventually. Here’s where you all come in—I need a catchy name! “Cooking the Books” is already taken by another local organization. Any ideas?
posted by bookmammal at 5:27 PM PST - 20 comments

Looking for a family friendly at-home dinner mystery game for a intergenerational family bubble of 6 adults and a teen (ages 15 to 50) - any recommendations along with what you liked and didn't like? [more inside]
posted by dum spiro spero at 4:02 PM PST - 2 comments

Looking for examples of a professional website that includes a semi-related side project along with the professional content. Maybe it's a therapist's website that's mostly patient-focused but has a section of writing for a different audience, or an architect's website that's mostly about their professional services but has a section for a fun non-architecture design project, or etc etc etc. I'm especially interested in examples of this outside tech, since I feel like I see many more examples in tech than elsewhere. [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 3:48 PM PST - 2 comments

About six years ago, I bought some fleece-lined sweatpants at Uniqlo in Japan. It’s time to replace them, but where/how? [more inside]
posted by veggieboy at 3:01 PM PST - 5 comments

I went for a walk in a different area today and smelled a bunch of pine trees. I instantly felt happier. I'd like to be able to smell that all the time, but I live in an apartment and have never kept plants before. "Pine" candles etc don't do it for me, I need the real deal. [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 2:45 PM PST - 5 comments

My partner and I have been together for over 20 years and are sadly looking at a divorce in the near future. We have 1 child over 18 and are still friendly with each other, we've tried the counseling route to no avail, my partner has had what could generously be called "an emotional affair" over the last year and so we are officially done. We are at the beginning stages of working through the details of this, and are leaning towards working with a mediator instead of going the divorce lawyer route. (I have read many threads on AskMefi about the wisdom of this, I'm not interested in rehashing this question here. Please assume that this question has been resolved.) I know you all are not lawyers, so anecdotal answers are fine here, the biggest question I have is this: I am an only child with an elderly parent who will (most likely) be leaving me a substantial inheritance when she dies. How might this factor into any division (or future division) of assets? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:03 PM PST - 18 comments

I took a look at the other answers, but I think my question is a bit different. I have a work and personal laptop hooked up to one monitor/mouse/keyboard with a pretty simple KVM switch. [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 1:36 PM PST - 7 comments

I am stuck Zooming pretty much constantly for 4 hours a day, from 8-2, with a half hour for "lunch" and then another few hours of work. I cannot leave the building, nor do I have access to a microwave or a fridge. Please assume that those are unchangeable facts. Please recommend me: shelf-stable pescatarian snacks that I could cobble together into something that felt like a lunch in that half hour. I know I should pack a lunch the night before; I also know I am not ever ever going to do that. [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 1:26 PM PST - 23 comments

Do you know a decent auto mechanic in the Cambridge / Somerville area? Or failing that, maybe some red flags to look for before contracting with a mechanic? I've got an 11 year old Hyundai that's got some weird electrical problem and a steering problem, and the NTB just isn't cutting it. Thank you.
posted by turkeybrain at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments

Is there a simple way for me to reconnect my speaker cable to my (slightly broken) Boston Acoustics floor speaker? [more inside]
posted by Marquis at 11:39 AM PST - 5 comments

My 13 year old cat, Flopsy, was diagnosed with diabetes last year. I love this cat, but life, and COVID, has thrown a wrench in all my best intentions and I need advice on how to handle the situation. [more inside]
posted by sharp pointy objects at 11:17 AM PST - 21 comments

My current default relatively healthy meal when I'm tired is baked chicken and steamed veggies (broccoli + cauliflower). What is the vegetarian replacement for chicken in this? [more inside]
posted by bluecore at 11:01 AM PST - 23 comments

Just trying to learn what some different philosophies are. How many hours of sports/activities (music, dance, etc.) outside of school do you aim for with your kids? If the kid doesn't seem into it, how do you decide if/when to quit? What if the parents don't like it? I know the consensus view is that kids should not specialize in a sport yet, but it doesn't seem like there's much consensus beyond that. So just trying to get some different opinions. Thank you!
posted by malhouse at 9:54 AM PST - 16 comments

Can you recommend a plumber in NYC who can disconnect my old stove and connect a new one? Also, if you have a sense of how much this might cost, I'd be grateful. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 9:41 AM PST - 8 comments

My wife plays the French Horn. We would like for her to be able to practice, at volume, at home, at least sometimes. How should we manage this with our apartment building neighbors, or is it entirely off the table? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 8:28 AM PST - 44 comments

It looks increasingly likely that this trinity of foods may become significant in my life in a few weeks time. Are there any good recipes which involve all three (or two of the three) of these? Bonus points for simple plans for someone with poor cooking skills and kitchen phobias (me), and triple bonus points if "cooking brandy" can also be usefully added in some manner.
posted by Wordshore at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments

Incredibly miserable in Silicon Valley. I want to help people, not build apps. Please help me make sense of everything. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:12 AM PST - 12 comments

A relative takes a number of heart meds. We normally get them by mail. Should we continue? Have you had delays? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 8:01 AM PST - 9 comments

In my house that I am moving back to, there are five locations throughout the house that have "blanks" over single gang boxes. Inside the boxes are capped-off 2-wire Romex that is live. It appears as though they are wired for more outlets that were never installed. Can I put outlets there as long as I don't overload the breaker with the total draw of all devices? (Follow-up questions after the break.) [more inside]
posted by TinWhistle at 5:40 AM PST - 8 comments

The ultimate rig. Most of my questions here seem to revolve around the potential or properties of music gear, a consequence of increased acquisition and experimentation in middle age. But everyone here has great advice, and so I turn to you all again. What's the best way of achieving the following... [more inside]
posted by srednivashtar at 3:02 AM PST - 10 comments

I am stuck and unable to make any progress in my life and dreams. How do I cope? [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 8:17 PM PST - 10 comments

If not, what do you suggest? Any recommendations for where to send some money? (From the USA, in case that matters.)
posted by NotLost at 8:15 PM PST - 2 comments

Starting in October 2020, I'm going to be spending about one week out of every month in Kinshasa, Congo, for work. My organization hasn't done much work in that part of the world before, and I have a lot of leeway in figuring out my housing arrangements. I'd love to get some advice on longer-term rentals or hotels in the city. [more inside]
posted by leslietron at 7:52 PM PST - 3 comments

I am creeping around my apartment like Elmer Fudd right now looking for the mosquitoes that have been eating me alive for the past few days. Earlier I realized I had some highly concentrated citrus oil in a toner I bought recently, so I've slathered that all over to ward off additional bites. The thing is that I have bites in places mosquitoes shouldn't be able to get to because they have been protected by clothing or bedding and even water. How is this possible??? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 7:28 PM PST - 38 comments

Can anyone point me in the direction of a tutorial or video that explains in the most basic terms how to quarter a chicken? [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 5:56 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for a regular pick-me-up to give me some moments of happiness during these long months of COVID. I really enjoy receiving food gift baskets so thought a food-related subscription box/delivery might be fun. Does anyone have any recommendations? I don't drink alcohol, but otherwise I don't have any dietary restrictions and am open to pretty much anything else.
posted by dede at 4:52 PM PST - 15 comments

I am getting to know a potential romantic partner and they shared that they experience mental illness, although didn’t specify what type. I in turn shared that I experience depression and anxiety, although I didn’t elaborate. I’m grateful that we were able to start an open dialogue early on. I’m wondering if MeFites who experience mental illness and whose partners also experience mental illness can share their relationship tips. I would also appreciate suggestions for good questions to ask new person as things unfold. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:02 PM PST - 11 comments

I am the proud owner of a 2000 F150 work truck. I want a camper shell on it that I can remove myself (with mechanical assistance if needed) fairly easily. Has anyone used the folding convertible-top type covers? how hard is a bare-bones aluminum shell to remove? [more inside]
posted by genmonster at 1:26 PM PST - 9 comments

I bought a bag of frozen jumbo shrimp from Trader Joe's intending to pan-fry them, but belatedly realized that they are shelled and pre-cooked, the sort you would serve with cocktail sauce or in a salad. The bag says to "Serve thawed or quickly warmed; avoid further cooking". I don't like cold shrimp, so how can I best use these in conventional "hot food" recipes without overcooking?
posted by btfreek at 12:36 PM PST - 16 comments

The pandemic has taught us that, as much as we love the city, we really need outdoor space and that's not going to be affordable for us in NYC. However, we aren't sure how to go about looking at homes given the virus (and some snowflake-y details inside): [more inside]
posted by thecaddy at 12:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Please help me improve my bathroom lighting. The current fixture consists of three bulbs sticking out of the wall with a shade that fits against the wall covering them. I want a much lighter/whiter shade, but I can't seem to figure out what such a thing is called or any new ones for sale. I know pretty much nothing about such things, so any advice is welcome. You can see photos of what I am talking about here.
posted by mkuhnell at 12:13 PM PST - 13 comments

A friend of mine and I have discussed the idea of creating a consulting business for state politicians. However, as we've looked at other companies, many seem, to some extent, to be involved in opposition research. How many of them aren't trying to help their clients by finding the weaknesses of other candidates and how successful are they compared to those that are? [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 12:06 PM PST - 8 comments

Experience or tips for ear training for an (almost) 50 year old guitar player [more inside]
posted by signal at 11:13 AM PST - 8 comments

I have a huge (~2 lb) baked sweet potato that I need to do something with. I'm the only one who really likes sweet potatoes in a savory application. I'm thinking something sweet to take to work (aside from sweet potato pie). [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 9:54 AM PST - 16 comments

We will be on Cape Cod in Sandwich, MA with 3yo and 4yo kids for a low-key week of going to the beach and (cautious, socially distanced) exploring the cape. My understanding is that cape-side beaches are better for kids due to smaller waves and more tidal pools to explore. Any recommendations for specific beaches and/or other activities that are reasonably kid friendly and less likely to be super crowded? We will be there Monday-Friday so hopefully mid-week crowds will be more reasonable.
posted by jpdoane at 7:11 AM PST - 11 comments

I've avoided getting into gaming because of the competitive culture and what seems like a big time commitment in building my skills to be a viable opponent. But I have had some nice experiences with indie games back in the 90s and 00s. What sorts of interesting single player PC games might I be into? [more inside]
posted by serathen at 3:53 AM PST - 24 comments

We're both in our mid 30s. GF and I (male) always knew that our levels of physicality differed. At the beginning of our relationship, it didn't seem like an unfixable problem. Now, it's huge. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:26 AM PST - 37 comments

I've been having some ergonomic issues lately and my work sent me a new desk & some new equipment for home, including this laptop stand. The height adjustment is perfect, but when I type (on a separate, mechanical keyboard), move the keyboard around on my desk or even touch the desk too much, the laptop bounces on the stand way more than I can handle. Does anyone have recommendations for a brand of laptop holder that's rock solid even while typing? [more inside]
posted by terretu at 1:13 AM PST - 6 comments

We live in San Francisco. The wildfires are bad and more lightning/fires are expected Sunday night. We have no car and if we did, nowhere to go. What, if anything, should we prepare for? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 10:10 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking for an article or website about an artist who creates "bomb room" art installations, designed to look like a room where someone was planning some sort of attack - I might have even seen it here on MetaFilter. I think the artist did custom commissions for people in spare rooms in their houses. There was at least once picture of a desk covered in blueprints, bomb plans, misc. schematics... (Obviously they weren't real.) I can find no trace of this anywhere now. Am I imagining this?! Thanks!
posted by reductiondesign at 8:34 PM PST - 2 comments

Tonight while rinsing out our metal tea strainer under the faucet we discovered that if you hold it under the running water at a certain angle it makes a resonant ringing whistling sound. Example here. Not my video, but it is exactly the same as what happened for us. Can anyone here explain in simple terms the science of why this happens?
posted by fancyoats at 7:08 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm being harassed online by a musician I gave a bad review to in 2016. I want the harassment to stop, but I'm not sure how to go about it. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 6:39 PM PST - 4 comments

Tomorrow morning we are painting our bedroom with Sherwin Williams Duration paint. It says it is low-VOC, and the temperatures tomorrow are supposed to be in the 80s. How long before it's a good idea to sleep in there?
posted by hungrytiger at 5:10 PM PST - 9 comments

I just bought an old film camera and light meter after shooting digital my whole life. I have a specific question about how the light meter (Sekonic) specifies 1/10 stop increments alongside, say, shutter speed readings. Googling got me a little closer to understanding but it still isn’t clicking. [more inside]
posted by baptismal at 4:14 PM PST - 9 comments

Especially Bologna and Rome [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 2:51 PM PST - 3 comments

I wish to see the Geminids meteor shower in December this year. I am in Oregon, notorious for rain and overcast winters. Whats a good area away from light pollution and typically have clear winter skies for star gazing? [more inside]
posted by Pantalaimon at 2:20 PM PST - 6 comments

Is there a way to get an old vehicle title after a vehicle has changed ownership/title surrendered to the DMV? Backstory under the fold... [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 1:56 PM PST - 4 comments

My Macbook Pro (2017) has been one disaster after another, first a wonky keyboard (thank you Apple for the butterfly keyboard from hell), and then the display zonked out. And I am just so totally done and ready to send it back. But today, when I went to erase the hard drive, after a ton of troubleshooting, it just won't boot into recovery mode (using an external monitor to do that). I know technically speaking it is not necessary to wipe the drive before trading in, but I am not super thrilled about sending it in without doing that. What can I do, short of erasing the drive, to remove my personal data?
posted by nanook at 12:29 PM PST - 16 comments

In the past few months, I've lost a lot of things in my apartment and am finding none of them. Anybody have strategies beyond "retrace your steps?" [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 12:11 PM PST - 28 comments

I have an ancient car with a clutch that's starting to get a little cranky. My mechanic basically said that I shouldn't even consider replacing the clutch, and at this point I should just drive it until it dies. How can I maximize the life of this clutch? Pertinent details inside. [more inside]
posted by aloiv2 at 11:27 AM PST - 12 comments

For conference calls on my work phone (apple) and long calls with my dad on my Android phone I'd like to find a wired one-ear headset. I need an audio jack so I can use it with both phones (I already have the dongles for each phone.) I had one but it broke and my googling has found a lot of Bluetooth, desk phone, and two ear headsets which aren't what I'm looking for. Does a replacement for my old headset exist? Or can you convince me that Bluetooth is the way go to?
posted by vespabelle at 11:25 AM PST - 5 comments

Younge adult here. My parents operate a busy and successful counselling company (they are psychologists), which I helped them form the past few years using my skills in marketing and website development. I want to launch my own company in conjuction to this, but I have no idea what could fit reasonably under that umbrella. Any ideas?
posted by audio at 9:52 AM PST - 11 comments

I have a stubborn problem with some kind of white mold on some of my plants. I'm trying to control it - help! [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:05 AM PST - 10 comments

Wanted: more songs that sound like sheep singing 'Feels like Summer' from the Shaun the Sheep movie, so we don't go wild and hate it forever. [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 4:05 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm growing tomato plants in pots, and they all have roots growing up out of the soil. Today's mission is to cover the roots with fresh soil. They are also due their regular feed. Having read the warnings about overfeeding, I wonder if it's ok to do both at the same time. [more inside]
posted by Eumachia L F at 3:56 AM PST - 5 comments

lockdown (amongst many, many other things) has been getting to me -- novelty and excitement revives me and makes me happy. all my old favorite things to do are off limits because of covid -- do you have ideas for bringing in novelty within limits? [more inside]
posted by lightgray at 11:43 PM PST - 16 comments

I live in an all-mail-vote state, so most of this isn't relevant locally, and in this year of all years I'm not about to travel to another state to help drive people to the polls or work as a poll worker or watcher. But I'd like to help people vote in the most impactful way I can from home. So...what way is that? [more inside]
posted by potrzebie at 10:02 PM PST - 9 comments

My best friend, who has also been my karaoke buddy for most of our adult life, is leaving our city for a new professional opportunity. Which song can I record for her? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 8:59 PM PST - 5 comments

Even with the windows and curtains closed, my house warms up during the day and cools off at night. How much of this is due to air exchange with the outside and how much is due to heat conduction? How could I go about estimating this? [more inside]
posted by aws17576 at 8:52 PM PST - 13 comments

I've been reading Google News since it was a beta back in 2002. I can almost pinpoint when it changed: Fox News was never featured until just after Trump was elected. And now it's there everyday. Highly ranked, and usually with headlines in opposition to all the other news services. Has anyone else noticed this?
posted by valkane at 8:37 PM PST - 8 comments

I live in a 3rd floor walkup with no shade in the Bay Area, and I think I'm finally going to bite the bullet and try to get an air conditioner. Can anyone recommend a fairly efficient portable unit for a studio apartment? [more inside]
posted by kjnet at 5:54 PM PST - 17 comments

I love reading true crime & would like some personal recommendations, please! Examples of books I’ve really enjoyed are American Tragedy, Bad Blood, Mindhunter, Ann Rule’s books, In Cold Blood, I’ll Be Gone In The Dark... I know there are tons of places to find true crime books online—I’m looking for books that you have personally read & enjoyed. Any type of crime is fine, except books where the main theme is child abuse. I listen to several true crime podcasts and have watched many docs—this question is specifically about books. Thanks!
posted by bookmammal at 5:45 PM PST - 28 comments

I have a pair of the most beautiful chairs a loving god ever vouchsafed to a weary world. But some of the springs that support the backrest are missing or broken, and as far as I can google, these springs are not available for purchase anywhere. And once I had the springs, what then? The springs appear to be attached inside the chair frame. Anybody have any guidance for me? I live in greater LA -- maybe I just need to pay someone $$$ to fix my chairs? Maybe you can recommend that person?
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 4:51 PM PST - 3 comments

I want to take online accredited geology courses, as if I were working towards a degree in geology. Where/what can you recommend? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 4:48 PM PST - 2 comments

My partner really, really wants to get a dog. They say it's vital for their emotional well-being. I trust their judgement and want to be as supportive as I can be. But I don't like dogs, and I don't know how to be around them. How do I prepare for this adjustment? What can I do to maximize the odds that I will have a positive experience with this change in my life? As a bonus, could you recommend anything to read about people who didn't like dogs but grew to like them? [more inside]
posted by a certain Sysoi Pafnut'evich at 3:34 PM PST - 53 comments

This image is from a baptism record in 1854, in the region where Hungary meets the Ukraine and Romania. The people I'm researching are Greek Catholics, so that might have some bearing on the language of the document. (E.g. Roman Catholics in Hungary have documents in Latin.) I've indicated what kind of information is in each column to aid in reading it, because the scan quality and cursive make it difficult. [more inside]
posted by xo at 3:07 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to make wonton soup tonight using ingredients I already have, including frozen uncooked potstickers from Costco. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 3:07 PM PST - 14 comments

My searches (mainly on google scholar) are getting more involved ... and time-consuming. A recent case is an historic hydrocarbon (mostly coal-tar and benzene) site at near sea level. So this is a search looking for field remediation efforts and precedents, preferably at high-latitude, coastal sites. My question is how can I semi-automate complicated searches? [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 3:03 PM PST - 3 comments

So I fell madly in love with the Elie Saab dress that Jennifer Hudson wore to the DNC. Help me make something similar on my own. [more inside]
posted by Space Kitty at 2:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Just wondering why my cat wants to chew my hair and lick my face every morning around 4am? [more inside]
posted by bearette at 2:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Can you recommend me podcasts that interview a wide range of interesting guests in an amusing way that are not curated by cis white men? Think Joe Rogan without the toxic masculinity and terrible politics.
posted by shadygrove at 2:26 PM PST - 15 comments

I want to learn more about my natural surroundings! Looking for some sort of book, app, curriculum, whatever (either analog or digital) that will guide me. [more inside]
posted by dusty potato at 12:53 PM PST - 10 comments

When I launch the Chrome browser while using my Chromebook, it of course takes me to a Google startup page, with an array of links to sites I've visited near the bottom of the page. For whatever reason, the Chromebook seems to think I want quick access to sites I visited once last year and have no interest in visiting again, while sites I visit frequently don't get a link. Any way I can get rid of the ones I don't want - to at least give others a fighting chance?
posted by Epixonti at 12:50 PM PST - 6 comments

I just discovered a huge moth flapping around my bathroom, which is right next to my closet. I know adult moths can’t eat clothing, but they can lay eggs that will hatch into larvae which are eaters of clothes. I am rid of the big moth, but how do I make sure that it didn’t leave any baby moths behind? [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 12:21 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm building a site for viewing and filtering a certain set of geolocated information as maps and lists. The backend will be .SHP files processed through Django+Geodjango. What would be the state of the art frontend for interactive maps, with filters, layers, etc? [more inside]
posted by signal at 12:19 PM PST - 7 comments

For those who’ve worked in the service/restaurant industry I have a question about claiming tips, and what role the restaurant has in making sure you claim cash tips (not credit) made during a shift. [more inside]
posted by ratherbethedevil at 11:57 AM PST - 10 comments

I teach online webinar classes in Drivers Ed for teens. I also train employees how to conduct in-car driving lessons. I found out that my company recorded some webinars I've given and is using them as training videos. Aside from my (many) safety concerns, is it legal to use an employee's likeness/voice to bring in money for the company without the employee's rights being waived, or a compensation agreement in writing? [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 11:48 AM PST - 20 comments

We've wound up with a huge container of yogurt so rich (10% milkfat) that it puts whole-milk yogurt to shame. Too rich for everyday breakfasts. What can we do with it that will really allow it to shine? [more inside]
posted by sesquipedalia at 10:43 AM PST - 24 comments

We have a small patio that doesn't have enough room for separate chairs to sit on and kick back on. We like the "zero gravity" design (e.g. this), but we can't seem to find ones that last more than a few years. Should we just give up on the zero gravity design and go with some other kind of chaise/recliner, or are there models of these things that don't suck? [more inside]
posted by tonycpsu at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments

Return of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis 12 years after cortisone injections and release surgery. What can I do to treat it now? (Seeing doctor next Wednesday, just wondering what I should do until then and can’t ask them.) [more inside]
posted by liet at 9:35 AM PST - 6 comments

Are there any websites, Twitter accounts, etc that document what annual things are happening in the natural world daily / weekly / monthly / whatever? Things like different animals starting migration, different flowers blooming, etc. [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 8:57 AM PST - 17 comments

I have a website built with Wix, and a Constant Contact account. I'm trying to use the code provided by CC to put a form on my website, but CC provides a "universal code" (to put somewhere like the footer) and an "inline code" to put where I actually want the form to be. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble figuring out how to actually place the universal code. Wix does offer a third party app that creates a constant contact pop up when you first visit the site, but I want a form to live somewhere on the site. I feel really dumb, because I must be missing something obvious. Any thoughts?
posted by firei at 7:52 AM PST - 2 comments

Today was supposed to be the opening day for the CNE, an end of summer tradition for my family. We can’t recreate the whole experience but I’d like to have a day at the Ex in the backyard. Any great (easy!) ideas for an at-home fair experience? [more inside]
posted by five_cents at 7:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Is web development increasingly moving to a separation between the visual designer and the frontend developer roles? I was last in full-time web development fifteen years ago and did both visual design and frontend coding (mostly HTML/CSS, but a little Javascript, PHP, and ColdFusion). I am now teaching graphic design college students and have recent alums telling me that they are not really allowed to do frontend coding. I am specifically wondering about the ‘job readiness’ of teaching a tool like Adobe XD. [more inside]
posted by Slothrop at 7:04 AM PST - 10 comments

Does discrimination against "gingers" still exist in the UK? Hoping some friends from across the pond can shed some light: is it still a thing, what its (root) cause is, some examples of it, and so on. Gracias
posted by BadgerDoctor at 6:55 AM PST - 20 comments

I'm a 44 year old, 6'2'', 245 pound dude who has trouble getting a good nights sleep. Please help me sleep. I've steadily become a lighter sleeper over the last few years and it seems like the last year or so I've had a hard time getting a good nights sleep. Specific question inside. [more inside]
posted by tayknight at 5:52 AM PST - 23 comments

Vegan (preferred) or Vegetarian cookbook - NO garlic, onions or shallots, (or as few recipes with them as possible). I looked at Vegonomicon recently and it looks good but too many dishes use garlic or onions, which I don't like. I don't want to substitute shallots either. Less important, but I would also like to avoid fried and/or crisped recipes. Sauteeing is okay. Much thanks!
posted by rainy at 5:21 AM PST - 17 comments

I am finally getting into my chosen field of interest which is developmental trauma. Am looking for any documentaries that are available narrating people's childhood stories, family background, journey in the mental health arenas, interviews, treatment, alternative treatments, addiction, falling into abyss and hopefully subsequent recovery. I know it's a hard task to find, been trying myself for a while. Hopefully you know where to uncover them. TIA
posted by watercarrier at 1:51 AM PST - 11 comments

We are experiencing some air leakage from our brick, wood-burning fireplace we never use and are wondering what the best option is for fixing this situation. We do have a damper in there but it's obviously not doing the job so we're looking into putting something additional, but what? Top damper? cap? balloon? fireplace door? What would work the best? Thanks!
posted by madonna of the unloved at 1:46 AM PST - 7 comments

I‘m thinking about converting an old road bike into a flatbar and convert it to a 1 x 11/? drive train in the process. I know I need new shifters and all but what I’m stuck on is what cassettes are interchangeable and whether the derailleur hangers are in standardized positions on all frames (road bikes and Mountainbikes). [more inside]
posted by mathiu at 1:16 AM PST - 5 comments

How should I refer to all the United States' 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands collectively in an online menu? [more inside]
posted by mistersix at 12:55 AM PST - 17 comments

I bought a pedal for my computer to reduce strain on my hands...now I want to trick out configuration (though in the future this could apply to any sort of input). I'm on a mac, but also use parallels into windows...will lay out what I'm looking for, am hoping to configure this with keyboard maestro and/or karabiner elements but am open to buying new software if necessary. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 11:27 PM PST - 4 comments

My pup takes NexGard once a month to control fleas, and it seems to work. It doesn't prevent bites, but (if the advertising is correct) once a bug bites him, the hoppers die within a short period of time, before they can lay eggs. Would a drug like this, approved for humans, potentially control bedbugs for those infested with them? [more inside]
posted by maxwelton at 10:12 PM PST - 3 comments

The market has been good lately, so there's a lot of retail investors throwing money around making money, and I get that Robinhood and the like are easy to trade with but what's the catch? They don't allow drip, sell off order flow and of course you have the 25k day trader limit, but if you're looking for just a momentum trade the no commission is attractive. Is there something I'm missing? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 9:20 PM PST - 7 comments

Yesterday we befriended and fed a stray cat who was skittish but wanted to be friendly. We called her Low Girl. Today when we got home, we found Low Girl and a LITTER OF KITTENS in an inaccessible crawlspace under the porch. We think she moved her kittens here today - we definitely would have noticed them yesterday. They are adorably loud and we can hear them from the inside. [more inside]
posted by weed donkey at 9:10 PM PST - 12 comments

I'd like to find a support group or accountability partner or pen pal for support on binge/restrictive eating. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:27 PM PST - 3 comments

So I have recently acquired an instant pot and I want to have some fun with it. I get the selling point seems to be cooking quick and easy meals. I am trying to find things that are more along the lines of unexpected and interesting. [more inside]
posted by August Fury at 5:47 PM PST - 15 comments

Suppose I want to immolate some hair in a small fire, and I don't want onlookers to know that the fire has hair in it. Is there anything I can add to either the hair or the fire to neutralize or disguise the burning hair smell? And if it's a chemical additive, how would it work? (This is idle curiosity born of a fictional scenario.)
posted by henuani at 5:25 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm looking for a way of getting MIDI data from a Galaxy S20 into a couple of regular musical instruments. The S20 only has a USB-C connector; I'd like to interface with a 3.5mm MIDI connector (on a Boss RC10R) or a conventional 5 pin MIDI DIN plug (on a Line6 Pod HD500). However... [more inside]
posted by srednivashtar at 4:02 PM PST - 4 comments

Hi, AskMe. This is a weird one. I'm trying to get into Eve Online, the infamous space MMO game, and running into blind alleys, no pun intended, at every turn. I'd appreciate any help doing so or figuring out what might be going on. Walls of text inside for sure. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 3:29 PM PST - 9 comments

Today, I was googling and failing to find the ad I have seen multiple times for COVID-19 pandemic alternatives to the "driving to the beach house" summer experience. Is there a place/way to search for ads that I am unaware of? Also, can someone link that specific ad for me?
posted by hworth at 2:00 PM PST - 10 comments

Will someone please tell me what the music is at the beginning of this old SNL sketch? Thank you.
posted by bryon at 2:00 PM PST - 3 comments

We defaulted on a credit card balance repayment plan through our bank. Their collections arm said they would reduce the overall amount owed, but I'm unemployed and it's still too much to repay. Do I have any other options? [more inside]
posted by cartoonella at 1:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Where in Seattle can I get my watch battery replaced in these uncertain times? Proximity to Capitol Hill or downtown a plus.
posted by mpark at 1:42 PM PST - 3 comments

Which product and set-up should I use to enable me to use my current Macbook to play Windows 95 era games? [more inside]
posted by skewed at 12:57 PM PST - 11 comments

Hi! I'm looking for a slideshow presentation tool that allows you to edit it while you are in presentation mode. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by katesharks at 12:55 PM PST - 2 comments

While listening to the Hamilton soundtrack, the end of Hamilton's piece during the first cabinet battle drops the backing music and is just him spitting fire. There another song, mainstream rap I believe, that has the same spoken-word drop off after the chorus. Does anyone recognize that effect and know other songs that employ it? Lyric in question below the fold as it's a bit nsfw. [more inside]
posted by Behemoth, in no. 302-bis, with the Browning at 12:10 PM PST - 7 comments

About a year ago, some neighbors moved out and abandoned their outdoor cat. Since then we have slowly gotten him used to us by feeding him. He will let us pet him... well, up until today (more on that below). He desperately needs to go to a vet. How the f to catch this guy? [more inside]
posted by cat friend at 12:06 PM PST - 17 comments

How do I know how long to wait to heal before exercising again? [more inside]
posted by umbú at 11:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Run nested virtualizations on a PureOS (debian) laptop, or use a hosted solution? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 10:39 AM PST - 7 comments

I wear glasses always and contacts occasionally. It's been a few years since I've gotten a new contacts prescription, but my glasses are maybe a year old. My prescription for both has been stable for basically forever, 20+ years ago. I don't really want to have go get this confirmed right now with, you know, all this. Is there anywhere that will sell me the contact lenses I want based on my existing prescription without having to verify it through an optometrist? [more inside]
posted by dirtdirt at 10:22 AM PST - 12 comments

I found a 100% natural latex mattress topper, and was warned that it would smell "like rubber" for a while. After airing it out almost every day, with the sheets pulled off it, for ~3 weeks, I'm wondering whether I should return it. Even my male partner says the odor is strong. Would another mattress topper (3", soft - needed for health) be better? I'm get headaches from formaldehyde and other things so am not sure a synthetic would be better. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 10:02 AM PST - 8 comments

ISO my next Windows desktop computer: what is the desktop equivalent of a Thinkpad? [more inside]
posted by mirileh at 9:59 AM PST - 9 comments

Can you give an example in the last 50 years of the U.S. intervening in an international context justified by the declaration of a disaster or emergency? [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 8:45 AM PST - 7 comments

An outside exposed corner of our 100+ years-old house's foundation is quite worn and crumbly. We've been working on it, but I would like advice for how best to proceed and products. [more inside]
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 8:33 AM PST - 6 comments

(Some special requirements inside.) [more inside]
posted by MiraK at 8:08 AM PST - 23 comments

I've had this bit of classical (or romantic?) music on my mind for a while, for whatever reason. The melodies are in my memory, but the composer/title are not… I've made this rough approximation, can anyone tell me what it is?
posted by farlukar at 7:58 AM PST - 2 comments

Can more clear communication with my manager help solve this? [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 7:40 AM PST - 10 comments

I want to do something about online hate. After reading the replies to an infamous FBI tweet, I found myself last night going down a rabbit hole of Pepe the Frog accounts, each one posting over the top anti-Jewish language. Later a blue Twitter banner acknowledged my 30 reports. I'm confused though about whether anything happens when I do this. Am I being silly and naive when I spend 20 minutes clicking "Report" and pretending to be an anti-hate bounty hunter, or is there data suggesting that we make a difference doing this? [more inside]
posted by johngoren at 1:51 AM PST - 12 comments

Across a laptop, cell phone, and iPad, Gmail does not let me attach files to emails. Any idea what could be causing this?
posted by matkline at 12:12 AM PST - 6 comments

I worked as a farmer this year and the season is ending. I obviously would love to get a paying job this winter but realistically that might not happen. I would love to volunteer for an organization that deals with habitat restoration/chemical spill cleanup/ocean cleanup etc. The more hours per week the better. [more inside]
posted by leafmealone at 11:16 PM PST - 7 comments

What do you do when you ask someone out and they essentially say "ask me again later"? [more inside]
posted by aaadddaaa at 8:35 PM PST - 18 comments

One of the US Virgin Islands' delegates wore an amazing hat in last night's DNC roll call vote. It's blurry, but I'm pretty sure the hat says BIDEN across the front. I just don't know what to make of the rest of it... [more inside]
posted by mumkin at 8:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Hi. I have a small inheritance in the form of gold jewelry that is currently in Israel. I would like to get it shipped to me here in the United States. Should I check with customs first? Would I want to get private insurance on it, or is there a shipper in Israel that offers insurance on a shipment worth approximately $30K? Thanks, Hive Mind.
posted by macinchik at 7:56 PM PST - 3 comments

What nonprofit and government agencies should we contact about taking care of their land and living on it while doing so? [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 6:39 PM PST - 1 comment

I am interested in seeing how prevalent Covid-19 has been in different areas of the US and the world, as suggested by random testing for antibodies. Where is the best place to look that up? I vaguely remember a website that was compiling results of such studies, with an interactive map. What site is that? Are there others?
posted by mortaddams at 6:23 PM PST - 1 comment

I would like to set a calendar with recurring yearly events, but some would be recurring on a yearly Western Calendar, and some on the yearly Jewish Calendar. Is there a way to do that on Google Calendar?
posted by andoatnp at 5:53 PM PST - 2 comments

I have a cheese babka. I have to make cupcakes. I want to rip up the cheese babka and make it into cupcakes, similar to making a French toast bake with challah bread. While I know I'm not getting light, fluffy cupcakes, what kind of batter do I use to bind the shredded babka? Just egg and sugar won't work right, maybe a cup of cake flour, eggs, baking powder and sugar? [more inside]
posted by kellyblah at 3:32 PM PST - 7 comments

How did Galileo hand-grind lenses for his telescopes? What did he do to maintain an even curvature? Did he just do it by eye?
posted by musofire at 3:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for a bilingual (spanish/english) wedding officiant for a tiny, non-religious ceremony in Seattle. Any recommendations? Not looking for a traditional officiant that helps plan the wedding.
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:09 PM PST - 1 comment

Tips for online class success for older kids with autism and/or ADHD - let's hear them! General advice welcome, specifics of this kid's particular plan inside. [more inside]
posted by latkes at 2:54 PM PST - 5 comments

Our labor union is looking for ways that our members can very easily set out of office / "vacation" responses in Gmail during non-work hours (we are in contract negotiations and working to book). I know this can be done manually each day by turning on an autoresponse at the end of the day. However, I'm looking for a pretty easy way for this to happen automatically, between, say, 5pm and 8am. [more inside]
posted by rossination at 2:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Does anyone make/sell an alarm clock that runs off of mains power and uses a real mechanical bell(s) to wake the user up? [more inside]
posted by dhens at 1:58 PM PST - 4 comments

In the Golden Age of the internet, I loved browsing sites like Tumblr, FFFFound, Stumbleupon, etc. They were simple, beautiful, and had a diverse mix of visually interesting art, photos, graphic design, fashion, architecture, etc. They were often fairly random and full of unique images, had minimal/unobtrusive marketing or ads, and just exposed you to stuff you might not see otherwise. Where can I find sites or apps like that today? [more inside]
posted by carlypennylane at 1:48 PM PST - 17 comments

I am doing research for an online friend. Can someone talk me through the steps - work experience, classroom experience, tests, certificates, etc - a California resident needs to take to become an apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber? Like, I can’t figure out, for example, whether the c36 license is for journeyman or master, and what exams need to be taken. There’s a surprising amount of SEO fluff obscuring this line of enquiry. Thank you!
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 1:26 PM PST - 1 comment

My husband is a Canadian applying for permanent residence in the USA. We want to move to the States and get a mortgage as soon as he gets his green card and lines up a new job. Since he's not an American (yet), he files only Canadian taxes. (We file separately, if that matters.) Since he works in Canada, he doesn't receive a W-2 but a T4, the Canadian equivalent. When we apply for the mortgage (under his name--I will not be on the loan), will he encounter any trouble for not having W-2s / American proof of income? If any of you have gone through this, did you go through a special process or provide any unusual documents to get approved for a loan? [more inside]
posted by saltypup at 1:23 PM PST - 12 comments

I recently started working at a new lab and have now the opportunity to set up a structure for my research that hopefully will be scaleable, rational, efficient and understandable by others! Unfortunately I got somewhat stuck in the nitty-gritty of deciding on naming convention for files and folders, how to separate actual experiments from preliminary experiments, reports, analysis, documentation of data-analysis pipelines, and so on. I am already constantly hunting for files and trying to remember what was what, where I filed this ambiguous piece of info that is relevant to multiple projects, etc.. [more inside]
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 1:17 PM PST - 6 comments

I wish to have my 3"/7.62cm candles work properly in my 3.25"/8.255cm candle holders. [more inside]
posted by Evilspork at 1:12 PM PST - 7 comments

I've lived in London, LA & (currently) Salt Lake City. I'd like to move on from my current job, but there aren't many positions available in my field. One's just popped up with what looks like a great company in Rock Island, IL, but my research so far shows that there isn't much going on there. Would it be crazy to consider moving there, essentially on the hope that there's more to it/ the area than meets the eye?
posted by my log does not judge at 12:28 PM PST - 26 comments

I have a dentist appointment in SF (near our mostly-shuttered office) coming up, and I'll have to come in from the East Bay where I've been working from home. I'm hoping not to deal with $$ garages (which could be full anyway) or 1-hour street parking, so I was just wondering if it'd be relatively safe (i.e. not a Covid hot-zone) to ride BART at the moment. (The office is on Sansome a few blocks from Market, if that helps).
posted by gtrwolf at 12:08 PM PST - 8 comments

Can you think of ways that I can pay a small amount of money and get myself a surprise on a kind of semi random basis. I would like the timing to be random, the cost to be relatively low and the surprises to be... surprising? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 11:56 AM PST - 6 comments

Hi, does anyone use an indoor air quality monitor that they're happy with? It's fire season here and I would like to see if my air purifier is actually doing anything. Thanks!
posted by massofintuition at 11:23 AM PST - 5 comments

I know the basics about induction ranges, but are there any less-discussed concerns that may, a few years from now, make us all realize that induction ranges are harmful? I guess they just seem like magical technology versus the obvious simplicity of gas, so I am a little nervous. But the emerging air quality concerns of gas have me leaning induction.
posted by malhouse at 10:47 AM PST - 14 comments

My therapist recommended that I buy myself a stuffed animal for myself. Do you have one that you love? Where did you find it? I am finding some that are also weighted which sounds awesome but the ones I am finding seem pricey. Any affordable weighted stuffed animals you are aware of? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 10:26 AM PST - 45 comments

What services or resources currently exist for hosting large videos (2-4 hours in length) online? [more inside]
posted by jammy at 10:25 AM PST - 4 comments

A relative wants a relatively affordable flippable twin spring mattress available for delivery. Flippable is essential. Any recommendations?
posted by Frowner at 10:25 AM PST - 6 comments

Due to COVID, we were unable to get a marriage license in advance of the ceremony. Now that we're married, how can I get a marriage license without having a ceremony? [more inside]
posted by touareg at 8:16 AM PST - 13 comments

Made an online purchase after making some reviews. Prompted to make more, I came across some very, heavy negative responses. My oversight, my mistake. Considering that the purchase was done, and my choice was made, I nevertheless tried to cancel (within less than a day), sending an email, and then calling the Credit Card company for a dispute stop payment, after reading the company's terms (below) they replied that the order was "already begun processing" CC is holding the payment and sent me a letter asking about the transaction. Am I obliged to honor the purchase? Legally, ethically? I DID make the purchase initially. [more inside]
posted by ebesan at 7:44 AM PST - 10 comments

I am having trouble with a page on my wordpress site where I have a number of videos embdedded. The videos don't seem to all be loading. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 7:12 AM PST - 5 comments

My friend loves border collies and snuggly creatures, and I'd like to buy her a border collie made of alpaca fur (NOT felted, not a wave--just the actual soft, soft fur) that is like these teddy bears. Does anyone know where I could make these happen?
posted by Alex Haist at 7:01 AM PST - 4 comments

I want to sew a sports bra but I hate the feel of most technical fabrics. I like the feel of cotton. I don't need much moisture wicking. I do need a good amount of lift and squeeze. What fabric should I use? Please be super specific. (Actual unicorn print not required, but if such a thing exists that would be epic.)
posted by anaelith at 5:04 AM PST - 7 comments

New to cooking and to healthy food! Help me fix this meal. [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 12:21 AM PST - 49 comments

Just enough for a couple of cups of hot chocolate, or two strawberry shortcakes. [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 8:12 PM PST - 31 comments

I recently decided to adopt a cat. I met and loved the cat, but the situation with the foster and the organization is confusing and I'm not sure of my reaction or my next steps. [more inside]
posted by snerson at 7:53 PM PST - 15 comments

There are a lot of artists who curate more music than they create, and are unusually prolific with mixtapes and DJ sets. What techniques/routines/sources do they use to find and sort through new (to them) music? [more inside]
posted by ripley_ at 7:41 PM PST - 6 comments

I don’t have a car and rely on Uber, and it looks like they’re shutting down this week in L.A. Does anyone have experience with RideYellow or other taxi apps? Or any other suggestions? [more inside]
posted by dianeF at 7:29 PM PST - 10 comments

Raw chicken juice leaked in the fridge: toss everything, or just make sure to cook it? [more inside]
posted by waffleriot at 6:21 PM PST - 14 comments

I know two different couples who are referring to their unborn fetuses as ‘Stormageddon’ [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 3:56 PM PST - 3 comments

What is the video with Prince where he is basically turning people on in a club. [more inside]
posted by Quillcards at 3:43 PM PST - 5 comments

Covid-19 lockdown has changed my eating patterns and movement patterns greatly. I've gained weight and I was overweight to start with. I am really, really struggling with my body image, and functioning more generally. What can I do to get myself out of this hole, without exacerbating latent eating disorder and anxiety/depression/OCD around dieting and calorie-counting etc? CW for triggers around weight, nutrition and body image. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 2:59 PM PST - 36 comments

My car key fob intermittently fails in a peculiar way. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by googly at 2:42 PM PST - 11 comments

I ride my bike to work and at the end of the week my legs are pretty dead. What should I be doing on my weekends so that my legs won't be as tired? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:48 PM PST - 21 comments

In the early and mid 1990s, I had a small studio setup with a Korg 01W/FD, an Emu Esoniq Orbit (2.0), a Tascam 424 (which I used as a mixer) and a Mac running Logic. I did some original songs and a bunch of remix work before selling everything when I moved overseas. Now I'd like to get back into making music. I've lost touch with what's great, and the options are overwhelming. I also don't have an unlimited budget... [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 12:56 PM PST - 8 comments

I've got some spicy Italian fudge I bought years ago at a farmer's market. It's still very good, and I'm hoping someone will know of a similar product or recipe. The fudge is slightly grainy. I'm not sure what the spices are, but anise and cayenne are plausible. [more inside]
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 11:57 AM PST - 4 comments

For many years I was an academic. Now I have a real job and I'm realizing that while I know how to do the work (that's why they hired me), I don't know how to "have a job". I've never used outlook (any aspect). I've never had a boss to report to. I don't know how to organize myself. Please help or point me to resources to teach me. Also, I'm working from home so I can't just casually ask people things. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:38 AM PST - 31 comments

My employer's Outlook server deletes emails after a year. I would like to find a way to archive all of these old emails locally so that they don't get deleted, but ALSO leave them sitting in my inbox, so that they remain searchable along with all my more recent emails (like in Gmail, where the inbox is infinite and searchable). Whenever I've tried archiving before, the old emails all get deleted from my inbox and/or moved to a separate folder, which makes running searches on them difficult and cumbersome. Is there any way to do what I'm describing?
posted by decoherence at 10:24 AM PST - 12 comments

I’m looking for a portable photo printer that does not require an app and/or keeps my photos local (no cloud). I’m seeing lots of user agreements that sign over the rights to your uploaded photos. Portable would be ideal but non-portable options welcome.
posted by mrfuga0 at 10:01 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm sending periodic fun packages for the two kids of a close friend to help with pandemic boredom. A nine year old girl, and a 5 year old boy. Needs to be something I can mail (sending notes to each). Having once been a young girl, I have some ideas of what to send. For the boy - I'm completely out of ideas and could use some help [more inside]
posted by darsh at 9:34 AM PST - 21 comments

Looking to get my phone away from my bed at night, and need a simple alarm clock. My ideal qualities are: not super bright (ideally clock very dim at night), no audible ticking, battery or battery back-up power for when power goes out, gentle alarm sound option, dual or multiple alarms. I prefer to buy used, so if you have a fancy alarm clock you bought 5 years ago and still love, that's probably the one for me! [more inside]
posted by latkes at 9:32 AM PST - 12 comments

You are an anxious traveler arriving late at night after a long flight. No restaurants are open and you haven't eaten a thing on your flight (due to Covid concerns) so when you arrive you are ravenous. What would be the ideal snack/meal waiting for you in the car when you're picked up? [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 9:21 AM PST - 37 comments

My flute teacher and I are going to try a lesson via Zoom. She has only a tiny bit of experience; I have none. How best to set up the camera? Her one other Zoom student put a tablet or phone on her music stand. I can see how that might work, but my music stand in fairly narrow and not easily adjusted, so it may or not be satisfactory for me. What has worked for other instrumental music students?
posted by SemiSalt at 8:57 AM PST - 8 comments

I like to make chimichurri, which requires oregano, and most recipes call for fresh oregano, which is a bother (for me) to keep around. Should I just use dried oregano? [more inside]
posted by skewed at 7:59 AM PST - 15 comments

I am thinking of buying a used car and could use some advice. [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 7:52 AM PST - 10 comments

We have two gallons of 2 percent milk. We don’t drink milk (my toddlers drink whole milk; husband and I generally don’t just drink straight milk though it’s ok as an ingredient in something). Help me use it up. [more inside]
posted by millipede at 6:42 AM PST - 30 comments

When ever the electric power fails (e.g. during hurricane Katrina) gas service continues to work. Isn't there some easy way to use gas to generate electricity that won't burn down the house? I'm not looking to run an air conditioner, just would like to charge my phone. Why isn't there a commercial product that can do this?
posted by Obscure Reference at 6:08 AM PST - 13 comments

Which takes more energy: riding on the tram/bus one stop vs walking 20 minutes? [more inside]
posted by LizBoBiz at 4:10 AM PST - 10 comments

I just had this weird realization, almost like an epiphany, which is that I don't know what mayonnaise is really for, or how it is used. I suppose we can all agree that ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are the Big Three of condiments. But the only times I know to use mayo is when I make Russian-style potato salad. Or, more broadly, it's good with boiled eggs. But that's it. I use sour cream / greek yogurt about ten orders of magnitude more often... yet mayo is more famous. So I ask, how and what for do all you good mefi folk use it, so I could try new stuff out?
posted by Pyrogenesis at 10:33 PM PST - 61 comments

Our station's archival service shut down, and I am looking to find a replacement and also have a general question about Mixcloud and copyright. [more inside]
posted by kittyloop at 10:30 PM PST - 1 comment

As you can tell from my recent history, my father in law is very ill so my husband flew back home, and I've been solo parenting a 15 month old for 3 weeks, while working full time. I'm surviving, but can't help feeling that I'm one little glitch away from collapse. There are some of you who do this permanently or often. How do you stay sane? How do you keep yourself and your child(ren) safe? [more inside]
posted by redlines at 7:01 PM PST - 16 comments

Forgive me if the word "mouthfeel" gives you the heebies. I am on my journey to better manage my sugar intake. My current huddle is that I like coffee with sugar. I have tried a couple of sweeteners in the past but while sweet, it has left the coffee with little body and feels "thin." Has anyone found a substitute which also keep the feel of sugar? Also valid is to tell me I am weird about mouth texture!
posted by MandaSayGrr at 6:33 PM PST - 19 comments

I know, another theme cake question. This time, I need to make a dragon theme cake. I can't think of ANYTHING creative. I do NOT want to do a literal dragon shape or fondant dragon. I don't have or want a dedicated cake pan for this. I have seen the Game of Thrones dragon egg cakes. That's not the right thing either. Some level of conceptual fun would be fine, but the birthday kid is turning 6 so not too high art here. THANK YOU!
posted by papergirl at 6:13 PM PST - 22 comments

I have a lot of yellow onions right now (like, at least 5 pounds). What should I do with them? [more inside]
posted by toastyk at 4:37 PM PST - 34 comments

I have access to a washing machine and dryer, but I am lately finding it easier to wash certain things by hand. What hacks are there to make this more efficient, and what can I buy to optimize this process? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 3:11 PM PST - 21 comments

I heard a song on KEXP the other day, although I don't remember what time or what show. The song sounded like it could have been on the album Kaputt by Destroyer, but with a female singer. The only lyric I remember is one at the end that said something like "I had my palm read, would you believe what it said?" I don't think I've got the line quite right, because various googling hasn't worked.
posted by Corduroy at 2:22 PM PST - 4 comments

Please recommend fiction about boys and men who have been sexually abused. Short stories preferred, novels OK too. [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 1:43 PM PST - 26 comments

I was supposed to be the bridesmaid for a casual friend. I accepted until I had some problems arise (medical; I need surgery) and financial (I haven’t been working since the Covid lockdown). My surgery is coming up in the same time frame as the wedding. Now the bride wants me to pay for the brand new/untouched/unaltered bridesmaid dress. Help! [more inside]
posted by chatelaine at 1:01 PM PST - 61 comments

At the beginning of the pandemic I started watching Jenna Marbles videos. I found them to be lighthearted, funny, and just ... real. But Jenna is done for a while or forever, and I need some replacements. [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 12:58 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm trying to duplicate a plastic part for my air conditioner that isn't made any more and apparently not available throughout the known universe. Help! [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 11:56 AM PST - 11 comments

There are some useful tips in this article, but I'm curious to hear what's worked for you with virtual events and meetings beyond Zoom. What's the best non-Zoom platform? How do you engage attendees without it becoming a cacophony of voices? Have you been to any virtual events that you really liked and would recommend? (Feel free to link to them if they're up on YouTube!)
posted by folklore724 at 11:48 AM PST - 7 comments

My six year old daughter loves mystery games. Help me find some more to keep her busy on vacation next week and beyond. [more inside]
posted by gabrielsamoza at 10:48 AM PST - 12 comments

Some time in the past I saw, heard, or read an interview with Isabella Rossellini where she was called upon to attend a ribbon-cutting for some Hollywood-themed ride or attraction that featured a large image/puppet of her mother, Ingrid Bergman. As they would ride by the puppet, she would tell her kids to say hello to granny. I absolutely cannot find reference to this anywhere and would appreciate if anyone else remembers this! (Also I'm curious as to how far off I am from what she actually said.)
posted by 41swans at 10:34 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a vague memory of a Muppets road safety ride in a local mall. What was it? [more inside]
posted by everybody had matching towels at 9:30 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for a new smartphone. I drop my phones VERY often so I'm looking for one that's drop-proof and water resistant. However, I would prefer it to be somewhat streamlined looking and have a good camera. It does not have to be this year's model but I would prefer to buy new, not refurbished. Any suggestions? Thank you!
posted by chaiminda at 9:30 AM PST - 15 comments

Sometime, probably in the early eighties, this piece of advice was delivered to me. I expect it might have been related to under-seasoned food in the sixties and maybe some locally bland food traditions. It went like this: [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 9:22 AM PST - 10 comments

I have an event coming up and we'd like to have branded t-shirts for vendors and to sell to attendees. There seem to be a lot of options for having t-shirts printed and ordered online, and at many different price points ranging from $2 to $15 each. I am looking for the best quality option for a reasonable price. I only need about thirty shirts printed. Do you have any positive experiences with an online t-shirt manufacturer?
posted by Katie8709 at 9:16 AM PST - 5 comments

You are not my vet (or anyone's vet), but has your cat ever eaten a cooked chicken bone? Can you share your experience? The internet is full of terrifying information about the splintered shards of cooked chicken bones. I am keeping an eye on the cat and will whisk him to the vet if there are signs of distress, but how stressed should I be? [more inside]
posted by spamandkimchi at 9:03 AM PST - 8 comments

We've started using Slack at work and sometimes co-workers upload a lot of images, which I need to download. There doesn't seem to be a way to download all the images at once, so I have to laboriously download them one at a time. Is there a way to download multiples files at once in Slack?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:44 AM PST - 5 comments

Is there a place where I can reliably order cleaning products online and be sure I'm getting the real thing? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:25 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm a middle-aged guy with a disability who needs some advice on how to get past a strong attraction to one of my long-time caregivers. Read on for the details. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:51 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm curious to know what is inherently so bad about losing a bit of weight if you are pregnant. I got pregnant unexpectedly while overweight and immediately made a lot of healthy lifestyle changes that could result in gradual weight loss. The internet is telling me this is terrible and I MUST gain weight, even though I am already overweight. I am wondering why that is? [more inside]
posted by piranna at 5:10 AM PST - 25 comments

I went for a blood test today to see if there is anything wrong with my thyroid. This is because I'm experiencing almost constant adrenaline rushes, starting at 3am in the morning. Hopefully I'll get a test result by tomorrow. I've already done too much googling of symptoms and it's exacerbating my anxiety so I'm hoping for some guidance here on what questions should I ask my doctor, once we know what the test result is. Please be gentle. I'm scared. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 4:50 AM PST - 12 comments

I want to make a small batch of cucumber pickles like these, from 1-2 sliced larger cukes at maximum. All the recipes I've seen call for sugar - is this to feed some element of the pickling process, or merely for flavour? [more inside]
posted by terretu at 2:25 AM PST - 8 comments

I’m an only child and love my parents very much. Their time isn’t near (I hope), but I know it will come and I can’t bear thinking about it or facing it. How do I mentally prepare myself for this inevitable event? (Reading Roz Chast’s Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? didn’t exactly help.)
posted by Hooray For Socks! at 12:44 AM PST - 22 comments

What other therapies might I consider for my totally messed up shoulder? I have been in PT twice a week for months and have gone from 60% range of motion to 85% but now I'm stuck. (Therapist is quite good, I've used her for years.) Primary issue is a SLAP tear, but I also have rotator cuff wear and arthritis. Surgeon says inoperable (and regardless, I would try everything else first anyway). A big part of the problem is chronic tightness everywhere--in pec, bicep, teres minor, etc. Who can help?
posted by HotToddy at 4:01 PM PST - 13 comments

Can I use my Pixel to control my Chromebook? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 3:48 PM PST - 5 comments

I recently changed therapists at the same location but I feel uneasy every time I speak to her about my relationships. Am I overthinking it? Should I switch again? [more inside]
posted by chrono_rabbit at 3:44 PM PST - 17 comments

Asking for an american citizen [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 3:40 PM PST - 7 comments

I am currently looking for a new apartment to move into next month. My current landlord is a nightmare, and I wasn't happy with the landlord I had before this place. How do you vet landlords? What are some initial red flags to look out for? [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 2:29 PM PST - 14 comments

googling around has led to frustration.. maybe you guys have some insight - are you running some debian-related distro and having success with a particular webcam you like and didn't give you fits during setup? more, but not much more, below fold.. [more inside]
posted by elgee at 12:50 PM PST - 13 comments

I am considering donating eggs to a wonderful couple of friends who are looking to start their own family and would appreciate advice and reflections from anyone who has firsthand experience being in this position. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:50 AM PST - 9 comments

I haven't had this for that long. I love it, but the lid is sealed, and there's disgusting gunk built up inside the lid. (see picture) Any suggestions?
posted by sholdens12 at 11:19 AM PST - 7 comments

A graduate student I work with is a Chinese national who has been living and studying in the United States for the past several months. She was recently evacuated by the Chinese government, abandoning her apartment in the middle of her lease. Her landlords are refusing to allow her to cancel her lease. She cannot afford to pay for this apartment she's no longer living in, but she's afraid that if she simply abandons the lease without paying, this will be recorded as a black mark against her and she may be denied reentry to the US in the future. Is this possible? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:06 AM PST - 8 comments

My gf used to listen to an early-mid 90's (?) radio show on KUSF called 'Mothballs of Insanity' that focused on the, shall we say, more off-kilter side of the musical spectrum. Might anyone know if/where one can find recordings (either on physical media or non-malware-laden downloads/streaming) of said show?
posted by gtrwolf at 8:57 AM PST - 3 comments

I got a homeschool curriculum for my three year old. It includes art modules that are based on a weekly painting/picture etc. and usually a themed art activity. For example: look at an impressionist painting and try painting with dabs instead of lines/strokes. Please suggest some more diverse artists and art traditions we might look at, and if you have an idea for an accompanying activity, all the better, but if you bring the art, I can come up with activities. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:07 AM PST - 24 comments

Dating someone I have great chemistry with who is kind and seems to be into me. However, he hasn't had a job in a while, hasn't had a relationship for longer than a year and has never been in love. He says he wants kids but is also fine if he doesn't have them, whereas I'm 36 and want to have them - reasonably soon. Is this going to be too much work? [more inside]
posted by catfishlady at 7:44 AM PST - 43 comments

I recently read the short story "All Summer In a Day" to my 7 year old daughter, and she loved it. She asked to hear more short stories like that one. It looks like Tomorrow's Child and The Million-Year picnic, also by Bradbury, might fit the bill. But I'll take any recommendations you've got. Thanks!
posted by unionsquarepark at 6:44 AM PST - 11 comments

I recently got a back payment from the government after it had previously held back some disability benefits, so I guess it's a comparable situation to the bonus American people get with tax refunds sometimes. I feel safest keeping most of it in savings, but have allocated £200 (roughly $250) to get something that might help my mood or enhance my life. Anyone been able to improve things with a modest outlay? Any suggestions welcome. [more inside]
posted by AuroraSky at 4:52 AM PST - 20 comments

I am looking for a picture of an interactive display for makeup that I liked in the 1980s. I used it at a CVS in a mall in Massachusetts. It would ask questions about you (hair color, eye color I think, maybe information about your style?) and then give some output, probably suggestions for makeup products as well as some generalized description of your generic type. I am making a cartoon and I'd love to find an image of the display so I can include it.
posted by stinker at 4:18 AM PST - 7 comments

Looking for recommendations for a women's one speed cruiser. I'm looking most at Huffy and Firmstrong. This is for a person who needs a bike that's easy to pedal and not too heavy. It shouldn't feel too physically effortful to ride short distances and should be very comfortable. Also: Would prefer < $ 350. Thank you...
posted by nantucket at 4:01 AM PST - 8 comments

I online-date extremely infrequently. For the first time this year I've chatted with someone and we'd both like to move beyond the awful in-app messaging interface. How does the "let's meet for coffee and chat" first date work remotely in covid-times? I assume some form of video call is the answer - any tips on making it less awful/awkward than the images my anxiety brain is currently feeding me? There are still people on these apps so I assume someone has to be making it work, right? Please hope me!
posted by btfreek at 10:37 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm writing a story about a character learning to sew cloth face masks. What are the difficulties they might run into? The character has never used a sewing machine before.
posted by SockISalmon at 10:21 PM PST - 43 comments

I posted a factual statement on social media about a confirmed COVID case (nothing that violated privacy). One of the comments to my post was just the word "And?" So, is that kind of reply a classic example of passive-aggressiveness? Or how would you describe it? [more inside]
posted by wwartorff at 7:28 PM PST - 20 comments

Looking for some science fiction recommendations, where the protagonist is sympathetic and the story is more character-driven. I love Becky Chambers's books and Axiom's End, looking for more in this vein. Pluses for women as lead characters.
posted by ellerhodes at 6:20 PM PST - 18 comments

So, I really like 4X games (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate -- like Civ where you make your little dudes explore the world and exploit resources and then kill everybody) except that I find the "exterminate" part really boring. I really like exploring and founding my little cities and making them prosper, and researching a tech tree, but I don't like a) micromanaging my cities or b) having to fight all the other dudes. I lose interest once I've explored the world and founded all my little cities and they're all pottling along happily. Are there games that focus just on that explore-expand part? With some exploiting maybe? [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:16 PM PST - 18 comments

I am a WA state resident and registered to vote there. Circa October 1 I will be moving from WA to CA. It is very important to me that I be able to vote in the upcoming presidential election without any hint of delay or improper action on my part. What is the fastest/cleanest route to maintaining a valid voter registration? [more inside]
posted by 4rtemis at 6:09 PM PST - 3 comments

I've inherited a house that I can't live in it because I live many states away. My experience with property management companies has been terrible and so I'm not sure how reliable they are. I would like to keep it in my family even though I'm feeling my only real choice is to sell it. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 4:43 PM PST - 15 comments

With choirs out of the picture for a while, our three-person household has decided an occasional sing is a good idea. My knowledge of rounds is sparse and has already been exhausted, however; and search engines mostly turn up pieces for children or schools. Can you recommend some pieces? [more inside]
posted by solarion at 4:22 PM PST - 12 comments

What's a good rain cape/poncho for a bike commuter? In the past I've depended on a disposable poncho that is basically a trash bag with a hood, but I can do better, right? [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk at 3:46 PM PST - 5 comments

I recently moved to NYC, where this Florida native has been able to regain his access to Yuengling. But I can literally buy a 12-pack here for $10.99, and other 6-packs are literally at least 12 bucks. Even other craft beers, such as Brooklyn Brewery, have way higher prices. So what's the deal? I've shopped at quite a few stores and the prices are all similar too. I couldn't even get Yuengling this cheap in FL. Is this less about distribution cost and more about the market? Are there some articles that can help me understand this better or perhaps some relevant insight from you MeFites?
posted by signondiego at 3:15 PM PST - 12 comments

I finally gave in to the 'you need to read Murderbot' recommendations on MetaFilter and loved the books. But it also made me realize that I've read like three sci-fi books since I've been able to read and would like to remedy that by adding to my TBR pile. So if you enjoyed the Murderbot series, what sci-fi book should I read next? [more inside]
posted by later, paladudes at 1:45 PM PST - 24 comments

Title says it all. Have tried sprinkling with baking soda and oxiclean, to no avail. Other recommendations?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:44 PM PST - 18 comments

My son’s distance learning program had two math games that I got hooked on: Motion Math’s Cupcake and Pizza. In both of them you run a restaurant, gradually upgrading the store, getting new ingredients and making money. We don’t have access to the program now, and I’d like a replacement game that has similar elements, is on iOS, and is NOT free to play! [more inside]
posted by shirobara at 12:56 PM PST - 3 comments

So, Google Play is going away and I need a new place to deposit my library of digital music. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 12:51 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me find an official government website that talks about how the border closure has been extended through September! [more inside]
posted by mollywas at 12:26 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking into building a little tool I've thought about making for years, but lacking anything other than some basic CSS/HTML skills I've never been capable of it. I'd like to build a working prototype that runs in a browser and could conceivably be ported in part or concept to a mobile app. Where should I start as a total newbie? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 12:00 PM PST - 4 comments

I've found a new place, and plan to move tomorrow. I have communicated this with the summer sublet tenant earlier this week, and offered to leave her my loveseat leather couch for free, which she accepted. However, plans has changed and I'm in a bind. Am I missing any options? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 10:53 AM PST - 15 comments

Just started taking mirtazapine. Does it get better? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 9:30 AM PST - 23 comments

I'm looking for a new everyday scent because my faves keep getting discontinued, and maybe you can help. I was happily wearing Korres (Greek company) Iris Lily of the Valley Cotton (similar to Prada Infusion d'Iris) for years, and for several years before that Ivoire by Balmain (not the flanker Eau d'Ivoire!), also discontinued. Now I'm wearing Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Bois d'Iris, but it's not quite right for me... [more inside]
posted by taz at 9:17 AM PST - 14 comments

We have mice coming into our home, through the downstairs, [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 7:10 AM PST - 12 comments

My wife suffers from a number of health conditions. Each condition has a doctor. Each doctor assigns treatments and medication. She is part of a health plan where all doctors, theoretically, can see each other's notes and make decisions in her best interest from that collective knowledge. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:28 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm part of a private Facebook support group for folks with a rare medical condition. I'd like to do some data analysis on the posts and comments. Is there any way to scrape the posts and comments from the group?
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 12:35 AM PST - 5 comments

I was organizing my photo library to put the high resolution images together so I could order prints. Mysteriously, some images that should be high-res aren't, and many of those were taken by photographers who no longer have the files. Where could these files have gone / are there ways I can try to access them? [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 9:50 PM PST - 3 comments

I've come to strongly dislike one of my co-workers. How can I be professional, yet keep my distance? (And stop thinking about how much I dislike them??) [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 9:10 PM PST - 14 comments

Please help me in my research efforts, details inside... [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb at 9:00 PM PST - 6 comments

I am looking for good recommendations of post-2010 fiction, especially genre fiction. Specifically, it has to be available in mass-market paperback. [more inside]
posted by vogon_poet at 8:20 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm going to convert old VHS home movies to digital files. What's the best way to do it? [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 7:49 PM PST - 5 comments

A lot of early episodes of Friends utilize a certain joke structure (examples and TV Tropes article below). Basically, the characters will talk about something, but it's written in a way where it sounds a lot like another, completely unrelated conversation trope for comedic effect. The characters don't acknowledge the parallel, but the audience does. I swear I learned a more academic term for this, but can't find it. Am I overthinking, or does some type of rhetorical device describe this? [more inside]
posted by galleta monster at 7:37 PM PST - 10 comments

I’m looking for clear and simple instructions on how to set up a very limited, very private - LinkedIn profile. [more inside]
posted by BeBetter at 7:12 PM PST - 5 comments

Today is my 40th birthday, so to celebrate, I bought a 40oz bottle of Bud Light in order to post a jokey photo on Facebook. I had no intention of drinking it; I don’t drink beer, and even when I did, I didn’t ever really drink BL, as they used to call it in high school. But I am intrigued by the possibility of cooking with it. How? [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 7:02 PM PST - 29 comments

What is involved in a standard LEO handgun "qualification", in general terms? (My assumption is hitting a target correctly at a predetermined distance...) Is it possible to qualify like this in 30 days, with no prior serious shooting experience? What would it take?
posted by OmieWise at 6:41 PM PST - 3 comments

My partner and I have been struggling lately with stressful ongoing medical issues (unrelated to the pandemic). I read a lot, especially when I'm stressed — it helps to take a break from reality, and lets me come back to my problems with a new perspective. But many of the novels I've picked up lately had unexpected plotlines related to our medical issues, so they ended up being triggers rather than therapeutic distractions. Help me avoid this? More details below the fold. (CW: infertility.) [more inside]
posted by Harvey Manfrenjensenden at 6:13 PM PST - 17 comments

My wife was prescribed Ortho-tri-cyclin lo and she received both of these. [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 3:25 PM PST - 5 comments

I am learning to play the bass part from 'Blister in the Sun', and I came on the tonic-minor third-major third run at the end of the chorus and started wondering about the theory behind it. [more inside]
posted by signal at 3:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Can you point me to a good book on the history and establishment of the four Marian dogmas of Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, the Assumption, and being Mother of God? (Or maybe four books?) [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 2:09 PM PST - 4 comments

So the reader of the online article could click the link and get an current look at 30 minute slots in my schedule?
posted by John Borrowman at 1:48 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for a good quality low latency gaming mouse with a small USB-C dongle that I can leave plugged into my Macbook Pro all the time. [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 1:26 PM PST - 2 comments

It's my understanding that wood finish is an infinite topic on the internet but here we go. This is about using a stain and paste wax. [more inside]
posted by less of course at 1:21 PM PST - 6 comments

Who is the woman on the screen behind Kamala in this photo? [more inside]
posted by theodolite at 12:09 PM PST - 5 comments

My relationship with my housemate (who happens to be my brother) is fraying. I'm not sure it's really salvageable at this point. How can I manage the situation? [more inside]
posted by osmond_nash at 11:25 AM PST - 33 comments

I might have a chance tonight to briefly speak to Elizabeth Warren, and I am debating what to say. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 11:08 AM PST - 21 comments

Let your pollinator friendly imagination run wild....need suggestions! [more inside]
posted by Ginesthoi at 10:55 AM PST - 23 comments

I’ve been in my little apartment ten years and likely to stay for the foreseeable future. All the floors are tile, plus the shower stall is tile. The grout is looking pretty ugly. I’m not a big DIY person and I googled and found that there is such a thing as professional tile/grout cleaning. Has anyone done this and in your experience, was it worth it? How much difference did it make? How long did it last? [more inside]
posted by Salamandrous at 9:40 AM PST - 10 comments

Doing a lot more cooking these days. But the skin on my hands is sensitive to water especially cold water and can't take a lot of abrasion either. How best to handle this? I'd prefer not to use anything like disposable gloves for environmental reasons.
posted by storybored at 8:43 AM PST - 11 comments

I manage a building in midtown Manhattan. We're refreshing the listings on streeteasy and I need a catchy little phrase for us. Something like _________ at My Building. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 7:36 AM PST - 17 comments

So, for a while I wanted to learn a new language. I started doing so this year with French. In part because I want to go to Canada and while French isn't necessary over there I am sure there are benefits to knowing both official languages. At first I wanted to learn German but settled on French because of Canada. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 7:32 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm in the market for a heart rate monitor, and my searches are turning up mostly multi-hundred dollar smart watches that go far beyond what I need. There are some specific features I want. Which product(s) out there fit the bill? [more inside]
posted by FishBike at 7:30 AM PST - 6 comments

I have a lovely, sweet young toddler who is learning how to use their body, how to get a reaction, etc. Not a hitter/kicker/biter but does do those things on occasion to be silly and/or explore (e.g., during a diaper change, might windmill their legs against my chest). I have no inclination to hit back or yell, but I have a history of being physically abused, so my child's behavior can be triggering. How have you managed this? (Other examples below the fold) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:57 AM PST - 15 comments

I have 3 freestanding window boxes that are currently on my extremely hot and sunny balcony and that I will overwinter inside. What can I plant them with? [more inside]
posted by rue72 at 6:49 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm looking for articles or anecdotes on the impact of covid on relationships - not specifically romantic relationships. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 6:31 AM PST - 11 comments

I want to suggest a modification to my large organization's website, without resorting to muddy, improvised language that displays my ignorance of website mechanics. [more inside]
posted by jon1270 at 5:15 AM PST - 13 comments

While I am pretty confident that many people believe that interrupting another person's meal is considered bad form etiquette-wise, I cannot seem to find good examples of this rule online. Can anyone help? [more inside]
posted by jammy at 5:03 AM PST - 12 comments

Two months ago nagging pain and stiffness developed into real pain and hard time rising, sitting, going downstairs etc. My bodywork person said they were worried about my meniscus. Physio and doctor etc were thinking no trauma, no meniscal problem, but MRI confirms damage to outer meniscus and some ACL involvement. Fucksticks. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 1:43 AM PST - 7 comments

I work in PR in Europe. My longterm client has self published an inspirational book about his life story. I have never dealt with that kind of PR before. I have been added to a meeting with him and the PR-agency of the self publishing plattform (so presumably they have some things planned themselves). Please give me general pointers on what avenues I should be exploring. [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 12:45 AM PST - 3 comments

I bought this wireless lavalier mic specifically for use with a computer and/or iPad. I bought it in a rush and I now see it says "Not compatible with phones, computers, and Apple products." Can I make it work, or should I return it and get a different model? If so, any suggestions for a different wireless clip-on mic? [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 10:08 PM PST - 19 comments

I want my camera to have an unobstructed view of the night sky down to about 10° above the horizon. There is a large thunderstorm several counties away which my weather app tells me has cloud tops up to 60,000 feet / 18,250 meters. My camera is 5 feet / 1.5 meters off the ground. Assume that I am on a level plain with no other obstructions. How far away do I need to be from the storm so that its top is less than 10° above my camera’s horizon? What would be the equation for this?
posted by theory at 8:17 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm a long term RSI sufferer who had, until recently, largely had things under control. I have symptoms brought on by repetitive clicking (a switch controller; a mouse button; the enter key) and am weighing my options. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 7:29 PM PST - 22 comments

Movies & TV to bolster up confidence after a false start dating situation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:13 PM PST - 9 comments

How can I find this album? [more inside]
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 6:04 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for a 90th birthday gift for my grandma. She's a huge history buff and also normally a frequent patron of art museums. I remember hearing some news stories in passing a couple months ago about creative ways that artists/musicians/museums/etc were reaching out to people virtually, but I'm not turning up much with google (maybe bad search terms). Any recommendations for something like this? I'm vaguely imagining like a virtual performance or some kind of online special museum access (or maybe something totally different).
posted by Gravel at 4:34 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I cook 4 lbs of chicken for future use? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 2:16 PM PST - 12 comments

My boss just quit to take another opportunity, and I’ve been tapped to lead my small team as an interim manager. I’ve been a lead developer before, but never an on-paper manager. How do I set myself up to take the best possible care of my people and grow into this? What do you wish you had known? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:02 PM PST - 15 comments

I salvaged an older 5.7" TFT LCD panel by Sharp (part #lq057V3dg01). How do I find a driver board/controller that will talk to it? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 2:00 PM PST - 6 comments

My girlfriend has been an avid hobbyist beer drinker for her entire adult life. Beer makes her sick, now, though, and we’ve been talking about getting into wine. Her birthday is at the end of the month, and I’d like to do a fun blind tasting of three red wines at different price points. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by baptismal at 12:35 PM PST - 18 comments

I have to transfer a combination of 401k contribution and cash to my wife during a divorce. It's a very significant sum. I have a 401k, equity in a house, and some savings, and she's amenable to paying some in installments. I'd like to sit with a professional on a limited-time, fee-for-service basis and figure out the best way to do this with the least taxes and penalties. Who do I want to talk to?
posted by ftm at 10:37 AM PST - 5 comments

We're thinking of dividing our apartment into two. Other than going direct to the local planning department, who would we go to for advice on the planning applications? [more inside]
posted by anadem at 10:06 AM PST - 8 comments

I need to lead some meetings on Zoom as well as do one-to-one consultations using a Mac laptop. I understand a headset mic would help sound quality both for speaking and hearing. I'm fine with plugging it in via a wire and don't need "professional" studio quality, just something decent. Any recommendations?
posted by 5Q7 at 9:44 AM PST - 15 comments

Since last August, my two indoor tv antennas (same model) have been working just fine. Every once in a while there would be a little interference with a station, but if I moved the antenna just a little all would be okay. But for the last two months both of my televisions are have a lot of trouble getting several stations at a time. (more below) [more inside]
posted by ydaltak at 9:40 AM PST - 6 comments

I have diagnosed anxiety and compulsive disorders that are making me second-guess and regret a breakup every few minutes of every day for the last 4 months — how do I break the cycle? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 9:35 AM PST - 21 comments

I have a relative that is allergic to cotton, and most face masks are made out of cotton. I am looking for a face mask that is not made out of cotton material at all, but with polyester, spandex, nylon, et cetera. Are there any face masks made out of cotton on the market? We are also in Canada, so not sure if international shipping always ships to Canada.
posted by RearWindow at 9:26 AM PST - 18 comments

For about a week now I've had a sore muscle in my left forearm. I have no idea what caused this -- I didn't do anything to exert or strain my arm, and I'm not doing anything to use it particularly much but it's not getting better. [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 9:00 AM PST - 8 comments

Each weekday morning, I share the day's data with a small group of witty and literary-minded colleagues on Slack. Previously, such posts included standard intros ("data for today is:"). This week, I made one of the intros a faux-Bible verse ("Then came the presenter of the data unto them, saying:") and phrased one in telegram-ese (STOP SEE CHART STOP). Great success! What other distinctive writing styles can I use? [more inside]
posted by picopebbles at 8:50 AM PST - 41 comments

Eddie, our elder cat, is in rapidly declining health. According to the vet (who we're getting to know very well), he's mostly deaf, mostly blind, and can't really smell, but he's not in pain. Unfortunately, he's also decided that being unable to really tell where he is, is a great excuse to do his business wherever he happens to be. This is a big stressor for my wife and I. Help. [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 7:53 AM PST - 13 comments

For some reason, lockdown has made me decide I really want to try snorkelling, especially as I've always wanted to go to Okinawa. However, I'm short sighted. Do I really need to invest in a prescription mask if I want to do so? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 7:23 AM PST - 24 comments

Help me pick a book club selection to subtly highlight social justice issues to my midwestern, white, suburban group of ladies. [more inside]
posted by exoticlikeomaha at 5:03 AM PST - 23 comments

A few minutes ago, I tried to use the Paypal app to transfer a small amount of money to my bank account. Somehow, my entire balance was transferred! Is there any way to stop this? I called Paypal support, but they are currently closed.
posted by matkline at 11:14 PM PST - 4 comments

What are you legally allowed to say about the trial after you are excused from jury duty but before the trial is over? [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 10:12 PM PST - 9 comments

I have created a Squarespace website for my business and a Facebook business page. I’m trying to connect Pixel, but the tutorial I’m watching isn’t matching up with what I’m seeing on Facebook. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 8:10 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm interested in accessible books written for the lay reader on the history of Africa during the period contemporaneous with classical antiquity, especially the parts of the continent that are not generally considered part North Africa. Broader overviews and regional histories alike would be great. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 6:08 PM PST - 6 comments

My nose is prominent. All the face masks I’ve tried (mostly the fabric ones that have a seam down the center, but the one pleated mask I tried was worse) squish the tip of my nose. Is there a specific mask you’d recommend - preferably from experience? [more inside]
posted by Kriesa at 4:17 PM PST - 14 comments

I have been realizing more and more that I've forgotten most of the history I learned in primary school and college. I work/study in a STEM field, but in my free time I am very interested in leftist politics and organizing. However, I think having a good baseline understanding of US history as well as major events in international history is really important to discussing politics with people at a deeper level. Details on the types of resources I'm looking for below the line. [more inside]
posted by unid41 at 2:50 PM PST - 9 comments

We are renting a house in a rural place (25+ acres!) and have a big yard surrounded by conservation land. We also have two little kids who probably won't be in preschool this year. What can we put in our yard to make it more fun and fascinating? [more inside]
posted by amoeba at 2:45 PM PST - 28 comments

My mom was discharged from the hospital today following a knee replacement surgery, and her cold therapy machine does not work. How can we get a replacement as quickly as possible? [more inside]
posted by alleycat01 at 2:26 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me understand bike fit. I am 5'0" tall. My step-through bike has a 44 cm frame on 26" wheels. With the seat set in the lowest position, my knee is just ever so slightly bent with my foot flat on the pedal in the lowest position. Yet when I consult fitting charts, they tell me I need more like a 35 cm frame. How can that be? I mean, the pedals have to be a certain distance from the ground, and my ass a certain distance from the pedals, so how would a smaller frame size even work? I would love to be able to get a foot on the ground while seated, but how?
posted by HotToddy at 2:04 PM PST - 14 comments

I've been a long-time Dorothy L. Sayers fan, and from there branched out into reading lots of mysteries from roughly the 20s-30s. I've read (or am aware of and am getting to) many of the major authors, and I'm looking for new books to queue up next. [more inside]
posted by PussKillian at 1:36 PM PST - 23 comments

I have a "check-in" conversation with the head of our IT department tomorrow. I have been waiting for a promotion for a long time. I don't know if this is the right time to bring it up. Or how to bring it up. Can you advise and give me some good phrases to use? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 12:42 PM PST - 29 comments

I'm putting click-together laminate flooring in an upstairs 8'x12' room. I had to pull up about 3 feet of floor to level it by sistering in some 2x4s and putting a 3/4" sheet of plywood over those. The line between the old and new floors isn't perfect. There's a 1/8" height difference in a few spots. [more inside]
posted by donpardo at 11:34 AM PST - 5 comments

A close relative in his early 70s, I’ll call Jim, has experienced rapid hearing loss and the onset of other systems (dizziness, tiredness, jaw pain) within the last two weeks. Their primary physician is on vacation. They have sought care from the ER twice and walk in clinics. They are on their 2nd antibiotic. The don’t seem to be getting any better. Until now, this relative has been in fairly decent health. We have just become aware of the current hearing loss situation over the past few days. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 11:05 AM PST - 7 comments

Can you recommend any excellent writing about writing, be it creative/technical/academic/professional etc? [more inside]
posted by Edna Million at 10:59 AM PST - 18 comments

One of my goals for 2020 has been to get professional mentors. Now that I have really ace individuals taking me on as a mentee, I feel I am partially squandering the opportunity, especially with the mentors who are multiple rungs ahead of me experience-wise. I need help figuring out how to be a better mentee! More below. [more inside]
posted by Goblin Barbarian at 10:57 AM PST - 4 comments

What are some good discussion-based games for 6 adults to play as a group that don't involve supplies other than pen and paper, and ideally help us learn more about each other rather than just passing the time? [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 10:51 AM PST - 18 comments

Feels super strange to say this, but I guess it makes sense given my age. I recently took a trip back to my childhood home, and realized I had a binder of some of my old TCG cards from the earliest days of the Pokemon craze. I don't want to go through the hassle of selling and shipping, etc. Is there someone I can send these to that will do all that work and take a percentage? [more inside]
posted by baptismal at 10:02 AM PST - 6 comments

I like my job, and really want to do it well. But with the combination of working from home -- which has its perks, but makes it difficult to separate personal and work life or connect with coworkers, personal stress, lack of sleep due to parenting a young child, and my close family going through difficult times far away, it's been hard to concentrate. Give me your tips to help me concentrate better and work effectively. [more inside]
posted by redlines at 9:56 AM PST - 8 comments

My physical therapist and his staff have been absolutely amazing at helping me with a chronic pain condition and I’d like to thank them with a gift. [more inside]
posted by Gusaroo at 9:34 AM PST - 8 comments

It’s mid-August and I’ve yet to see a single blossom on my tomato plants, so I think it’s safe to say that they’re not going to produce anything. What went wrong? [more inside]
posted by mekily at 9:34 AM PST - 23 comments

I have a raised deck, part of which is inaccessible from the ground without going through doors. It's about 15 feet off the ground not counting the railing. I used to have a young weigela out there. Today I went to water it and it was just gone. Which animal can climb on a roof and would eat an entire shrub? I have other plants on a different part of the deck I'd like to protect! [more inside]
posted by teremala at 9:08 AM PST - 11 comments

After years of small hatchbacks and similar cars, I've come to realize I really prefer driving "taller" cars, where I'm seated higher off the ground. What cars should I be looking at purchasing for a daily driver? [more inside]
posted by cgg at 8:24 AM PST - 19 comments

Looking to sell a single lot of digital items for a videogame. I'm not sure where to do it or how to go about it. [more inside]
posted by jamesdtj at 7:47 AM PST - 4 comments

I want an app that will tell me how much time I've spent today on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I want it to sync across laptop and Android phone. I don't need annoying reminders or a general screentime tracker, nor to have a program block websites or lock my device to save me from myself. Just a time tracker for these specific sites/apps. Hope me?
posted by shadygrove at 6:51 AM PST - 3 comments

I don't feel that secure at my current job, and it looks like I'm about to be offered a new job... at a 17k pay cut. Also some yellow flags? I shouldn't take it, right? Or should I? [more inside]
posted by sockypuppeteer at 6:01 AM PST - 16 comments

How do you hook up a basic light fixture when you have two light switches AND the original, non-grounded two-wire is being used from the breaker box? (Photo and disclaimers inside.) [more inside]
posted by TinWhistle at 5:48 AM PST - 4 comments

I am a US passport holder. I am in Russia on a visa and need to leave by Sept 15th. I will need to reenter as my family is here. Where can I find info on where I can go? [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 2:16 AM PST - 14 comments

I’m losing weight, but I’m also going crazy. I’m stressed out, irritable and can’t think about anything else. How do anxious people diet without going off the deep end? [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 11:20 PM PST - 31 comments

We are exploring having my recently-widowed mother in law move in with us in the next year. I adore her and we have planned that someday this would happen, and now it's maybe here. We are starting to talk through this, and I'm wondering - what are some things you wish you'd known or talked about before setting up a multi-generational home? [more inside]
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 9:40 PM PST - 12 comments

If I want to see how long a letter with a first-class stamp would take to get to Arizona, based on the current reported increase in delivery times, is there some way to verify that average delivery time independently of the USPS's own numbers? For example, a a site with an API I can query with two zip codes? Should there be?
posted by paul_smatatoes at 6:38 PM PST - 4 comments

Is this a terrible idea filter: Towing my Mazda3 Hatchback behind a 15-foot U-Haul truck through the Appalachian mountains, on the Interstate mainly, as part of a "moving all my stuff" trek from Chicago to NC? I've never towed a car, and the idea of going downhill at interstate speeds with a trailer seems... risky. No? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 5:54 PM PST - 34 comments

My friend just received a job offer for a position she hoped to get. It's a clinical research coordinator position at a top-tier university around SF. This would be her first time working in this type of role (her previous job was in healthcare but in a different role). She will be speaking with the person making the offer soon. What should she ask about, or discuss? [more inside]
posted by aielen at 5:41 PM PST - 10 comments

So I, a person who has for most of my life lived in small apartments with roommates, have inherited my late fathers home. My issue with this are two fold: how do I get over my idea of this as "my dad's house" and start to feel comfortable living here? Also how do you utilize the space an entire house best for a solo person? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by spaceraddish at 5:32 PM PST - 18 comments

About five years ago I bought a 2002 PT Cruiser from my cousin for $1500. He lived in the city, and drove it only occasionally, so even with my more frequent usage it still has less than 100K miles over it's 18-year lifespan. Recently it's developed a problem, and I wonder how much it will cost, and is it worth it. [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 5:27 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm stressed and depressed about current events, and stressed and anxious about things in my life. I can feel myself needing to cry, but I'm having a hard time opening up to it. So I'm looking for heartwarming tear jerkers. A great example is this self-written obituary. I like that it's philosophical, whimsical, human, life affirming. What else might fit the bill?
posted by spindrifter at 5:18 PM PST - 24 comments

I would like to contribute money to a family friend's college costs in a way that does not reduce the amount of financial aid they get. What's the best way to do that? I can add details if necessary.
posted by sepviva at 4:27 PM PST - 12 comments

My Grandma (previously seen in Fancy Food for Grandma) has had low morale lately. However, she loves owls. Her birthday is coming up and I’ve already have the owl piñata and party favors. Is there somewhere we could see owls in-person in the Bay Area? Good organizations to make a donation to? What about a good livestream of owls? Party ideas also welcome.
posted by likethenight at 4:13 PM PST - 9 comments

I watched a fictional series on TV or Netflix several years ago about maybe Mayan or Aztec life and war. I remember one moment where one tribe got raided by another tribe and a mom and a daughter hid down a steeple cliff and waited for their husband/father. It was in subtitles I think and long and dramatic, maybe 3 to 10 episodes. It was somewhere near central America maybe 500 to 1500 years ago.
posted by maxexam at 3:02 PM PST - 2 comments

I’m trying to find as many TV commercials as I can that open with the line “Are you tired of ?” followed by an exhortation to buy their product that will fix the issues. The more weird and related to some niche interest the issue being fixed is, the better. [more inside]
posted by Joe Chip at 1:33 PM PST - 7 comments

After a string of majorly gross incidents with take out salads, I need to find another way to get my greens so my diet doesn't consist solely of brown, yellow, and orange foods. So far I have been putting spinach and spirulina into my smoothies. Now I'd like to expand into soups. Vegetarian recipe recommendations, please? (No kale. I will not eat it ever.)
posted by Kitchen Witch at 12:39 PM PST - 41 comments

Exercise is one of the only things that helps to beat back my anxiety and depression, even more than medication. I have problems that keep me from running, but weightlifting has always done the trick. With gyms closed, I'm not sure what to do.. [more inside]
posted by Alvin80 at 12:29 PM PST - 17 comments

My house has wood siding, two floors, 1500 square feet livable area (not exterior area). How much should I expect to pay someone for exterior paint? I'm getting estimates 3-4 thousand dollars more than what online sources list as the upper limit for exterior painting.
posted by spacefire at 11:04 AM PST - 12 comments

I have Thai chilies. Want to try making sauce or oil. Snowflakes abound... [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 9:42 AM PST - 11 comments

Wikipedia has two lists of historical dramas: one for those set in Asia, and one for those set in Near Eastern and Western civilization. Please tell me about period dramas set elsewhere, or overlooked by those lists, and how good they are ("good" meaning entertaining and historically accurate).
posted by NotLost at 7:36 AM PST - 15 comments

In January, I bought Mrs. W Papa and Barkley's Hemp Infused Balm on a whim after reading a recommendation from Janet Varney on Cool Tools. She really liked it. When trying to reorder it a month ago, it seems to have been repackaged as CBD Relief Balm. But the ingredients are not the same. [more inside]
posted by wittgenstein at 6:46 AM PST - 5 comments

Like nearly everyone, I am anxious about public speaking. Somehow I thought that a webinar format would be better, since you can't see the audience, but it's way, way worse. Since this is apparently The Way We Live Now, any suggestions or ideas for improvement? [more inside]
posted by basalganglia at 4:26 AM PST - 16 comments

My senior mother is taking risks to see her boyfriend during the pandemic and lied to me about it when I expressed my concerns. I'm upset and afraid that this has permanently damaged our relationship. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:19 AM PST - 49 comments

Many of the groups that I am in are being flooded pre-election with QAnon propaganda. It starts off with a relatively harmless #savethechildren and then they're off and trying to bring people into Q. I'd like to have a simple copy/paste list of links explaining a few key points. I'm looking for good, clear links on the following topics: [more inside]
posted by frumiousb at 10:44 PM PST - 12 comments

Lately I've had the phrase "Would that not be trusting to works?" running through my head and it's driving me nuts. I know it's from a novel I studied in undergrad 20 years ago, almost guaranteed to be a Victorian (perhaps Romantic) era book. I believe it was said by a female character and the novel had something to do with Calvinism, or at least the characters struggled with the issue of whether their salvation was preordained or a matter of "works", i.e. "good deeds". I don't think it was by one of the 'big' authors - probably not Dickens, for example. Googling just brings up a lot of results about trusting your employees and so on. I know this is a long shot, but if any one happens to know what novel I'm remembering, I'd be forever grateful!
posted by The Hyacinth Girl at 10:02 PM PST - 3 comments

During the winter, we had a large snowfall and the weight of the snow on our gazebo caused the top of the metal frame to collapse. The pictures linked here show some of the damage. Does anyone know if this is repairable? And if so, what kind of person we would need to find in order to get it repaired?
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 9:16 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm set to teach a college class on Greco-Roman antiquity in film this coming semester. What movies should I use? Some criteria within. [more inside]
posted by hoist with his own pet aardvark at 8:59 PM PST - 21 comments

In a conversation with me, for example, you are expressing a query of your point of view and giving clues that you need an opposing viewpoint or agreement or some other input. (Conversation is not heated) while you finish your statements and wait for my conversation to start you look at me and I am stone silent. I'm staring at you and theres no indication of a statement forming across my lips. I'm staring at you for a whole minute maybe two. You start speaking again and ask for my opinion, what do I think, should it work? Whatever ...(cont'd) [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 8:57 PM PST - 42 comments

The rent check we were expecting, said to have been sent on 7-28 from elsewhere in town, arrived today. Envelope was carefully cut open along top, but envelope was stapled shut in the middle top, (so check wouldn't fall out I guess). No other damage to envelope. Envelope was stamped 8-4 from Oklahoma City. (letter sender, and i live in Arizona). Any ideas on how to explain this? Thanks Metafilter!
posted by hollyanderbody at 8:41 PM PST - 6 comments

I've recently discovered that Category 4 sunglasses (3% to 8%, 5% is what I know at this point) are the solution to a lot of my woes with light sensitivity. However, I do not see a good place where you can get replacement Category 4 lenses for an existing frame... Does such a place exist? I've looked online for a while now, and my search skills are apparently failing me. [more inside]
posted by MysticMCJ at 8:31 PM PST - 2 comments

I want some shade on my small deck, and the idea of mounting an umbrella to the deck itself seems perfect to me. I found this but it’s not available through Amazon.ca. Is there somewhere in Canada to get something similar? I’m also willing to try DIY, as long as it would be sturdy and not damage the deck. Thank you!
posted by to recite so charmingly at 7:57 PM PST - 8 comments

Hey y'all, I'm a white person looking for more books to read about racial justice. What books have you read that most impacted the way you think about race or gave you important ideas or perspectives that you use often? [more inside]
posted by switcheroo at 6:51 PM PST - 16 comments

My daughter has 2 years of school left and after she has graduated we would love to move our lives from Australia to New Zealand. Although it's a while away, we are both excited and wondering if anyone who has moved countries has any advice on what they wish they had started getting organised 2 years in advance, if anything? [more inside]
posted by Youremyworld at 6:10 PM PST - 4 comments

What savory meals can I make with fillo (phyllo) dough? [more inside]
posted by juliaem at 5:54 PM PST - 13 comments

How do you organise and rearrange your stuff in order to have the best working experience possible, one which maximises productivity and makes you work smarter? [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 4:57 PM PST - 10 comments

Later this week I'll be in Cody WY with the kiddos (7 & 11) and I want to take them to Yellowstone for a day, probably Friday. I haven't been there since I was 7 myself. I need a plan. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 4:27 PM PST - 5 comments

In the early 1980s, the success of Kit Williams' solve-the-puzzle-and-dig-up-the-hidden-treasure book Masquerade led to the inevitable spate of imitations. One, The Piper of Dreams by Terry Pitts Fenby, is noted mainly for the fact that someone found the buried item mere weeks after the book was published. I have looked online for more info on this book with little success. Does anyone know more about it? Was the riddle just easier to solve than the publishers thought, or did someone find a shortcut to the answer somehow?
posted by Epixonti at 4:24 PM PST - 1 comment

What is the word that describes differing ways to express the same point or concept? [more inside]
posted by loveandhappiness at 3:49 PM PST - 19 comments

I've just read some of Camus, the Myth of Sisyphus. I like what he said about nature and beauty ... [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 3:39 PM PST - 2 comments

My ex's new OKCupid profile says that he doesn't want to be part of toxic masculinity culture. On the other hand, he clearly has entitlement issues (the key reason that we broke up). Now that some time has passed since our breakup, and in the interest of our community and the future people he might date, I'm considering bringing this up with him. My question: If I choose to do this, what are some strategies/ways to make the conversation go better? [more inside]
posted by Questolicious at 3:19 PM PST - 37 comments

This morning, I took a home pregnancy test and it came up positive. I'm in disbelief and freaking out because I'm in a complicated situation where I want to have a baby, and so this would be good news, but my husband is still on the fence and we were very much NOT trying yet. Help me regain a sense of control by helping me understand what went wrong. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:03 PM PST - 22 comments

I find YouTube videos of people having their ears cleaned to be really interesting and engaging. What is the right hobby for me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:02 PM PST - 18 comments

Are there any life insurance companies that offer life insurance for people who are rated as totally disabled (SSDI, etc)? Or companies that will insure you for anything other than the disability? [more inside]
posted by corb at 2:02 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for some suggestions on what to do to our outdoor space to keep it comfortable and inviting through the fall and winter. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 2:01 PM PST - 2 comments

Is there a cycling navigation/tracking tool that plans loop routes? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 1:58 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a Singer 4411 Heavy Duty sewing machine. The needle can be moved to left, center, or right by a dial. If I turn the dial so the needle is as far to the left as it can go, it comes down in the middle of that little gap in the presser foot. This is true for various types of presser feet, from various companies. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:47 PM PST - 12 comments

What motivates you to write or make art? [more inside]
posted by Crystal Fox at 12:37 PM PST - 20 comments

What are good digital microscope options out there for iOS devices? [more inside]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 12:08 PM PST - 0 comments

I'm worried my baby gecko might eat pesticide-exposed beetles who make their way into his cage...am I over worried? [more inside]
posted by mingodingo at 11:37 AM PST - 4 comments

After four near-misses of drivers almost hitting me on my cycle home this evening, I think it's time to get a bike camera. It seems that having both a forward facing one and a rear-facing one is the way to go, but I'm totally new to this and would appreciate any advice. Previous questions on this are several years old, so I'm thinking that options might have changed. I'm in the UK, as this might change availability of some options. [more inside]
posted by Vortisaur at 10:52 AM PST - 9 comments

there was that time, in my fatheaded 50's, that I decided to move my woodpile to a spot along my border garden. As we grew older, we didn't use the fireplace as much, and let some of the wood lay under tarps. My senses restored, and hoping for more beauty out of my backyard, I am in the process of clearing this mess out. About half of the wood has been salvaged, the other half has gone back to the earth in the same area. My question is, I am replanting in the space this fall with highbush blueberries. what additives would I need to balance the soil?
posted by rudy26 at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments

I have decided to get a treadmill designed to pair with a desk to help me fight pandemic related weight gain. This is the model I am getting. What do I need to know about having a treadmill desk that might not be intuitive information? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 6:40 AM PST - 5 comments

My town contracts a third-party to pick up both trash and recycling, and I have noticed that the service uses one truck and loads both the trash bin and the recycling bin into the same truck and the same space on that truck and then crushes it all together. Is this a legitimate way to recycle? [more inside]
posted by archimago at 6:19 AM PST - 8 comments

I've been working with someone, helping him write his memoir. He's done this as something to pass on to his family, not for general publication. We're just about done with the manuscript, and I'd like to help him move on to next steps to create a finished book, but I don't know what they are. Money is not an object, and I imagine he wants it to look nice. What does he do now? Can you point me in the best direction for this?
posted by swheatie at 5:17 AM PST - 7 comments

I am 90 percent sure I am doing most yoga postures at least a little wrong. I'm convinced there's a YouTube channel that can help me. [more inside]
posted by troywestfield at 5:00 AM PST - 6 comments

In case of a power outage, we wouldn't have running water because we're on a well. We live next to a brook. I'd like a good way to get water from the brook, to use for flushing toilets if a power outage lasts for days. [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:51 AM PST - 21 comments

I will be recording video for a handful of people and will likely need to use a teleprompter app. Have you used one? Did you like it? [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 3:52 AM PST - 10 comments

I live on a the route of a popular annual road race. It has become a tradition to host a party for watchers and runners. I'm anticipating that it will be canceled because of COVID-19, or severely limited. After seeing many ads for virtual 5ks, I'm wondering how I can plan a virtual party. [more inside]
posted by Shadow Boxer at 1:43 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me remember the title of this play set during the Troubles? [more inside]
posted by catesbie at 9:21 PM PST - 9 comments

Does anyone know of a good primary care doctor in the Miami area that doesn't blame overweight people for their health problems? Friend of mine is looking for a new doctor.
posted by Sheydem-tants at 8:14 PM PST - 1 comment

Hi, AskMe. I just discovered the delightful Mythago Wood, and am very interested in exploring more of the series. Unfortunately, my search for electronic editions of the books has thus far come up nearly empty, and I wonder why, and what might be done about it? [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 8:12 PM PST - 7 comments

When I was in college and took difficult science courses, I would engage in problematic behaviors such as compulsive eating and hair pulling, especially around the finals period. In the end, I could not cope with the behaviors and chose a non-science college major that made me happy. I am working on some programming projects right now, and similar behaviors have cropped up. They very intensely crop up when I work on math and I don't know what is going on. [more inside]
posted by kinoeye at 8:09 PM PST - 12 comments

Is it terrible that I just put decomposed granite over a weed barrier and plan to plant under / through it? [more inside]
posted by Spokane at 6:47 PM PST - 3 comments

So, usually this sort of thing would not be an issue for me but it is becoming one right now due to the pandemic. Before this whole mess I had found some language speaking groups, I've been learning French and I found two groups where I could practice the language. Unfortunately, I found them one week before this crap got out of hand. I've dealt with this damn pandemic as best as I can but there isn't much for me to do. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 5:55 PM PST - 13 comments

Assume I know nothing about belonging to a Gym. I have just signed up to a fabulous new facility opening next week. I'm an outdoor person, but it's a miserable cold winter. I love to cycle and run, but I fear my running days are past given hopeless knees and a diagnosis of CIDP and I have numbness in my feet and legs, and increasing effort to move them in the way I should. Cycling is OK once I get started, although I have little strength and am in the lowest gear on the flat much of the time. When it's cold I find it hard. [more inside]
posted by Flashduck at 4:42 PM PST - 11 comments

A young friend of mine is living in a building without laundry. Moving the laundry to the laundromat is difficult for her. [more inside]
posted by Ftsqg at 2:49 PM PST - 24 comments

I have two live albums of him with The Modern Lovers, and have heard the solo stuff he did for There's Something About Mary. In both cases, to my ears, his songs have such an off-beat (figuratively, not literally) and light-hearted feel to them that I can't help but think he's joking around. At the same time, it's quite an insult to call someone a joke who's not trying to be funny, and I'm wondering if maybe there's other sides to his music that I'm not familiar with. What can people tell me about him?
posted by BadgerDoctor at 2:00 PM PST - 32 comments

It's an LG Thin Q 7 with fingerprint recognition. I am almost positive that the battery is non removable and there is no SIM card. I reset it to the factory settings with data wipe out. Is there anything else I need to do?
posted by tafetta, darling! at 12:51 PM PST - 2 comments

I appreciate all the help I had from Metafites when I was offered this work at home job, which required a landline and a certain speed of computer. Well I got everything, and now I can't find any phone jacks. (This is so laughable since I have already spent probably 4 hours with their hire paperwork.) [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 12:30 PM PST - 20 comments

Mademoiselle Zhou Li is five, roughly, and a pleasingly chonky 12.6 lb/5.7 kg. Please help improve her diet. [more inside]
posted by cyndigo at 12:01 PM PST - 9 comments

YANML. I may be moving from DC to MD, and hit a snag when I found out that it seems like DC has eliminated their part-year resident scenario, and now requires all residents who live in DC more than 183 days to have their whole yearly income be deducted, regardless if they moved out. I'm trying to understand if I'm reading that right, or if there's something I'm missing. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 10:35 AM PST - 7 comments

My partner has picked up (or made worse) habits since shelter in place started: drinking a few too many every single day, loading up the pantry with sweets, not exercising or even walking anywhere. My attraction to them is dwindling because of this behavior as well as the weight they’ve put on. I feel lonely and guilty but I can’t seem to fake it til I make it on this. I’ve tried gently cajoling, exhibiting positive habits, inviting them to join exercise etc but it’s not working. I recognize that everyone is depressed. I am too. But I would like to rescue my attraction to this person somehow. Recommendations on paths forward that aren’t “go to therapy!!!” sought, please.
posted by anonymous at 10:13 AM PST - 25 comments

I seem to repeatedly run into the same problems with my (beginner-level) indoor plants. They're doing fine, and then all of a sudden they die on me quite abruptly. How can I spot issues with them sooner? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 9:39 AM PST - 15 comments

I have cookbooks. I have recipes printed out and shoved into cookbooks. I have recipes in Evernote. I have recipes pinned on Pinterest. How can I get all of my recipes in one spot and display them while I cook? [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 8:45 AM PST - 30 comments

I have a 20" diameter frame drum with a removable lambskin head that I'd like to paint in black, red, and possibly white, with roughly 2cm-scale features. What kind of paint should I use? I don't know how the leather has been treated, but it's natural color and fairly rough to the touch (closer to a suede jacket than a boot or a snare drum, but less nubbly.) The drumhead flexes a lot when in use. [more inside]
posted by eotvos at 8:06 AM PST - 8 comments

I need a whole new set of bras -- I haven't bought a new one for at least five years. Good bras are very expensive, especially in the [cough] larger sizes. I can sew fairly well, and have a good sewing machine. Boob and sewing machine owners of MeFi, have you had any success with making your own flattering and supportive bras? If so, do you have any tips to share, and can you point me to resources for patterns and supplies?
posted by orange swan at 4:56 AM PST - 14 comments

We have an internal email list at my organisation. My boss insisted we send an email where the entire email was one JPG. Literally, text and images were laid out on a single JPG image, and that image was hyperlinked to the destination URL we wanted people to go to. Help me strangle this travesty at birth. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 3:47 AM PST - 19 comments

At least once a week, I see a YouTube recommendation where a good person supposedly CRASHES/annihilates/stuns/silences a bad-faith opponent. In reality, either the actual clip is more ambiguous, or the jerk actually has the upper hand, at least in terms of the outcome. And I would so much like to see the good guys actually win, even if just for a moment. [more inside]
posted by M. at 3:12 AM PST - 16 comments

The Portland Police Bureau produces a quarterly report called "Stops Data Collection" which tabulates the number of vehicle stops in each of the city's three precincts. But each precinct consists of dozens of smaller police districts. I assume information by district is combined to get precinct numbers. How can I find stops data for those districts, which more closely correspond geographically to Portland's 95 neighborhoods than the much larger precincts?
posted by CollectiveMind at 2:48 AM PST - 2 comments

Hi, I just realized that my son's (6) EU passport expired a few months ago. We live in Germany and are travelling tomorrow morning to Greece. No chance of an emergency passport. We both have Greek passports (mine's not expired) and valid US passports. I'm wondering if this will be a problem and getting anxious right now. I will bring both his passports and our registration (Anmeldung), birth certificate ... should I worry? Flying with Condor. Thanks!
posted by melamakarona at 1:21 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for a new primary care physician in NYC. They have to be a really, REALLY, REALLY great one. Really, the best. [more inside]
posted by colorblock sock at 12:33 AM PST - 4 comments

My work (land consulting) is changing fast with larger, messier contracts (area and $). This is the result of a lot of networking. The people side too is more complicated. Some of this is irksome (I've never liked the games people play) but successful agreements (and my fee!) make it worthwhile. I act well but am inherently asocial so group things (mostly) feel like a conscious(and tiring) act - INTJ is part of me. So I'm looking for media on taking listening, watching and talking to the next level. Anonymous as my real name on my profile is publicly viewable and I'm being open about the real me in my business context. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:05 PM PST - 3 comments

I've seen ads for mail-order night guards for teeth grinding: the company sends you a kit to make an impression, then they fabricate and send your guard to you. Some have replacement schemes as well where you can get replacements sent to you. Is this a good option? Anyone have any positive experience or can recommend one of the companies out there that does this? I'm in California, USA. [more inside]
posted by pupstocks at 9:22 PM PST - 6 comments

A male family member in his 20s has had about two weeks of a debilitating headache and fatigue. The ER today ruled out meningitis and he's had two negative COVID tests. What should his GP test for on Monday? [more inside]
posted by bananacabana at 9:15 PM PST - 12 comments

We need a name for our foster cat who's quickly becoming a foster failure (in the best way). [more inside]
posted by hollyholly at 8:51 PM PST - 35 comments

I have rats AND mice. Which size snap trap should I use? Or can I somehow arrange so each rodent will go for appropriate trap? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 8:07 PM PST - 6 comments

I was wondering where to live and how much I can afford to spend on fixed expenses with a nest egg of $250k, expected earnings of about $50k annually, with 20 years to retirement when social security should kick in. No debt, US citizen. I'm thinking, for example, Arizona 50 plus communities, but not sure how much those cost. How should I go about thinking about this? What kind of professional would help?
posted by perdhapley at 7:19 PM PST - 10 comments

I want to buy some rubber stamps from this Japanese company in Kyoto, but they currently do not ship to the U.S. Can anyone recommend reshipping companies who will take delivery in Japan and send onward to me in Los Angeles? Another option is to post it on MeFi jobs - in that case, what is the shipping method (Japan post office? UPS? FedEx?) that ensures the package gets to me in these times (TM)?
posted by Atrahasis at 6:25 PM PST - 9 comments

It's time to install shelves in my new bathroom closet. I'm trying to figure out at what heights they should go, and how many there should be. Tentative plan inside. [more inside]
posted by ClaireBear at 4:53 PM PST - 9 comments

I’m helping to spearhead a regular social media video series at my library where staff members will take turns videotaping short book talks (3-4 min tops) promoting a single fiction or nonfiction title of their choice. The audience will be adult patrons. We need a catchy name for the series! Any ideas? Book Buzz is already taken, but I like the alliteration and crispness of that name. (I know this isn’t as much fun as naming new pets, but ...)
posted by bookmammal at 3:10 PM PST - 26 comments

I left an 8 year marriage last year and we’re finalizing things. My spouse never did a single thing wrong and was blindsided, but it’s amicable. If you’ve been in her position, is there something your ex did for you that genuinely made you feel better? [more inside]
posted by ftm at 2:48 PM PST - 20 comments

On the rare occasions I needed to print documents I'd go to the library, which is only a few blocks away. My current solution is the FedEx Office center, which has those kiosk printers that allow you to print individual pages for $0.14 (b&w). FedEx is a bit far though - I'm wondering if other stores have those same type of kiosk/ cheap self-serve printers?
posted by my log does not judge at 2:00 PM PST - 9 comments

We are once again staring down a large surplus of black currants and gooseberries. What do you like to do with them that is NOT jam or jelly? [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 1:27 PM PST - 16 comments

Obviously, human trafficking is bad. But I've been seeing a growing amount of social media memes suggesting that it is "way more likely" than dying of COVID19 or [insert crazy semi-racist concept].... Is there a (US focused) report that isn't "political" that might give me a better idea of how vast human trafficking is?
posted by lostguy at 1:13 PM PST - 19 comments

After more than two decades of downtown apartment living, I've sold my condo and am moving with my pug to a rented house in the near suburbs. I haven't lived in a house since the last century, and I'm sure there are things I haven't thought of. What do I need to know about the differences between life in a suburban house vs downtown apartment? [more inside]
posted by rpfields at 1:10 PM PST - 19 comments

I want to buy a personal locator beacon for outdoor adventures in remote areas. Something waterproof with excellent battery life. If it could send out a GPS signal to track my location remotely that would be great too--doesn't have to be continuous (actually, I would prefer it not be). That said, I am unsure as to what I really need. I'm not a crazy serious outdoor person (though I would like to be), I just want to be safe. Could you offer advice and/or recommendations? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:05 PM PST - 14 comments

Do you sigh, grunt, or otherwise vocalize when getting up from seated positions (whether getting up from chairs, getting out of vehicles, standing up after sitting or lying down on the ground)? If you do (or someone you live with does), when did you start doing so and do you feel like vocalizing happens when you need to exert more effort? [more inside]
posted by spamandkimchi at 11:36 AM PST - 29 comments

Is it safe to use a vinyl MacBook skin that would act as a palm rest? [more inside]
posted by sineala at 11:34 AM PST - 3 comments

We have 87 days until Election Day, and I have a LONG white picket fence out front and an extraordinary amount of internal disgruntlement. [more inside]
posted by instead of three wishes at 11:32 AM PST - 9 comments

How would you even begin to write a novel set in the Roman Republic? [more inside]
posted by lewedswiver at 10:57 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm having a mattress delivered and need an answer quickly please. It's coming in the next 1-3 hours. [more inside]
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 10:41 AM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a paperback compendium of puns, jokes, and riddles for children, published between 1965 and 1985 (give or take), featuring Mr. Punch on the cover. [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 9:49 AM PST - 7 comments

Over multiple years (4+?), the outlets in our kitchen are dying. I have enough knowledge to swap out outlets and have done more extensive electrical work in theatre to begin to troubleshoot, but now things went weird.... [more inside]
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 9:41 AM PST - 9 comments

I work in an office and like to listen to podcasts and occasionally music and both earbuds and headphones hurt my ears over time. Not sure what to do. [more inside]
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 9:35 AM PST - 10 comments

I'd like to pay someone to sew me some very simple sleeveless shirts / tanks out of fabric that I choose. Is this something people do? If so, what's the best way to find someone either online or in-person? I asked a few tailors in my area, but none of the folks I talked to provide this service. [more inside]
posted by cimton at 8:56 AM PST - 7 comments

It's looking like my district is planning on going back and I'll be in the school building anywhere between one day to five days per week. I'm scared about getting the virus and I'm horrified about passing the virus to my kids to bring home to their families. I'm trying to figure out what supplies I want, and starting to amass them now (in case they get even scarcer as we get closer to the date). I'd like to hear from other teachers and people with knowledge of PPE about what makes sense for the classroom/school building that an individual can reasonably acquire and use. [more inside]
posted by Salamandrous at 8:17 AM PST - 6 comments

Specifically, Tom Hanks. I want to typewrite him a letter. Do I contact his publisher, agent, literary agent? If so, how would I find that information?
posted by BostonTerrier at 5:53 AM PST - 5 comments

We've been paying our beloved dog walker for the duration of the COVID pandemic. Now we're kinda-sorta moving, and our financial situation is changing. What are our ethical responsibilities here? How should we approach this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:33 PM PST - 22 comments

I’ve been lucky enough to build up a net worth of about $2m through a combination of hard work, a high paying profession, small inheritances and a series of good investments. How do I protect it from being wiped out by emergency U.S. medical expenses? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:33 PM PST - 27 comments

My 80-year old mother needs a hip replacement. She has seen multiple doctors and had imaging done and the consensus is she has a bad hip and it needs to be replaced. [more inside]
posted by Dragonness at 11:04 PM PST - 17 comments

I don't need to remind myself of what I did 15 years ago, I tried going to facebook.com/memories and turning off the memories by setting notifications to none. This has not helped at all, I still get memories a couple times a week. Not critical, but am I missing anything? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 8:12 PM PST - 4 comments

Please help me re-create this waffle. When I lived in Boston about 12-14 years ago, I often went to brunch at a place in Jamaica Plain. I forget the name (JP Cafe??), but they always had a ridiculously long line. Anyway—they had these sourdough yeast waffles (I think sourdough?) that just had this perfect ... tang. They were wonderful and I’ve never had anything like them since. [more inside]
posted by namemeansgazelle at 5:42 PM PST - 10 comments

So we are taking the plunge and going remote learning for both kiddos this school term. We are hiring a Teaching Assistant to help them both (K and 3rd grade) with school work during the day, and then effectively being childcare from "school" end till Mrs Inflatablekiwi and I finish work. Trying to figure out the best approach on handling employment and taxes etc. More info and questions inside.... [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:28 PM PST - 9 comments

I'd like to send money to a Democrat running for senate in 2020 against a Republican incumbent where 1) the Democrat has a chance of winning and 2) their having more money might make the difference. Can anyone suggest a candidate and write a few words saying why they would be a good choice? Also, does anyone have any wisdom about the timing of such a donation -- i.e. is it better to choose and/or give now or closer to election day or when?
posted by bertran at 5:06 PM PST - 12 comments

Hello. I don't have cable, so used to watch the Fox News Bret Baier 6:30 news when YouTube broadcast it later. I realize it's pirated. But now you can't find it anymore. So I would like to know of an evening newscast of the same kind of 20 minutes or so that the mainstream media do, but which I can stream either live or afterward. Covering general important stories, headlines. [more inside]
posted by noelpratt2nd at 3:57 PM PST - 8 comments

The video and song for Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran is the closest piece of media I've ever seen that reflects where I grew up-- in a tiny town in West Virginia. Is east England really like that? What are other books, shows etc that reflect the area?
posted by sandmanwv at 3:51 PM PST - 7 comments

Let's say the teacher asks, "Can you tell me the capital of Wyoming?" Now he's really asking, "What's the capital of Wyoming?", but he's opened it up for some smart aleck to say, "No." and then demand credit because she's correct, she can't tell the teacher the capital of Wyoming. Is there a word for this type of figure of speech? And if so, what is it?
posted by themanwho at 3:46 PM PST - 14 comments

I was walking along the path to the Burlington [VT] Bike path ferry, and I saw a sticker on a pole that looked just like this. Googling, I found just two images, but no context. Any idea what it's about?
posted by MtDewd at 2:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Over the last year, I've learned a lot of ways to up my Excel game with VBA. Now, I'd like to extend those skills to other Office apps (primarily Outlook, Powerpoint, and IE/Edge). I'm looking for resources to teach VBA for non-Excel apps. [more inside]
posted by philosophygeek at 1:53 PM PST - 4 comments

Challenge: Convince a beet-hater to love beets.
posted by HotToddy at 1:50 PM PST - 46 comments

My father, a disabled veteran, was removed from his housing the week by social services. He's been living with my brother who has been neglecting him. I live in a different state and cannot go down there to help him (for non-Covid reasons). How can I get him assistance remotely? (More inside, c/w neglect and bugs) [more inside]
posted by JimBennett at 1:17 PM PST - 9 comments

Today, there was a question in AskAManager from someone who is concerned about wear and tear on her laptop using it for her job. Is this something I need to think about? Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 12:43 PM PST - 14 comments

I bought these curtains. I have been putting a lot of energy into getting nice colours that 'pop' into my living space. I wanted these to be a deep dark red. They are too orange. I'm more than a little bummed. Other pics of my colour schemes inside. The colours seem pretty true - my wall is a purple-y grey. Which is an iffy match with red, I know, but I've seen it work with my Christmas decorations. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 12:26 PM PST - 22 comments

I received a old used car with a street value of perhaps $3.5k as a gift from a family member and am trying to figure out the most efficient way to transfer the title. Car is in California, title (and family member) are in Washington, we plan to register it in Washington. [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 12:20 PM PST - 4 comments

We're going to need people to load a moving truck in Chicago around Aug. 30. U-Haul has some recommended listings, but there are 55 of them, and the price estimates range from $108 to $560. Does anyone have recommendations? This is for near Armitage & Sheffield.
posted by amtho at 11:35 AM PST - 2 comments

What do you call it when someone is shouting at you without raising their voice? Berating is the nearest I can come, but you know where you want to say "stop screaming at me" but they just say "I'm not" and you realised they haven't actually raised their volume? But where you're speaking loudly enough to speak over the other person, but without actually shouting. Word please so I can properly describe my shitty boss's behavior.
posted by Iteki at 11:32 AM PST - 32 comments

I'm at a loss in finding a poem that I might have read years and years ago via a link on MeFi: it describes in a detailed, precise, almost fastidious way the formation, growth and behavior of sand dunes, and takes a sudden, unexpected turn at the end, stating that grief follows exactly the same pattern.
posted by _dario at 11:25 AM PST - 1 comment

What can I do to get my new yard smelling fresh after I pick up all the trash and pet waste that the former tenants left behind? [more inside]
posted by sparringnarwhal at 11:08 AM PST - 9 comments

A couple questions about lawn irrigation systems - Orbit timer operation, and converting spray to drip. [more inside]
posted by Rash at 11:05 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm retired, and finding work-from-home hasn't been successful. My retirement funds have taken a rollercoaster ride. At the moment, they're where they were pre-Pandemic, but that could change quickly. I've set an appt. with an adviser from my retirement investment company to discuss and possibly re-balance as I would like to be in more socially responsible investments and have a better sense of things. Comments on some articles to read and approaches to take on investing during Pandemic. It's not gobs of cash, and it's what I have to supplement Soc. Sec. [more inside]
posted by chekhov's sock at 9:54 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for fictional scenes in which room service is delivered. Happy to accept scenes in any medium, and from any era, though the earlier the better.
posted by dizziest at 8:47 AM PST - 26 comments

Bandcamp is doing another no-fee Friday where artists get 100% of the revenue. I've already bought Robyn Hitchcock's The Man Downstairs: Demos and Rarities, and have a substantial collection. What else should I buy? I'd love to support more great musicians / bands today. More favorites inside... [more inside]
posted by jzb at 8:43 AM PST - 14 comments

I’ve recently made a couple of friends who are vegan (I am not). Due to COVID we’ve mainly been hanging out in parks. Potato chips and hummus are great but I can’t bring those every time, so I’d like to expand my repertoire of easy vegan snacks to bring to our hangouts. What are your favorites? [more inside]
posted by mekily at 8:33 AM PST - 20 comments

I'm 100% happy with my old iPhone case, made of black silicone rubber. Now I have a new iPhone (different size), and I can't find a similar case. The most important quality: it is grippy, almost sticky. It will not slide off an open palm held at a 30º angle. [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 7:56 AM PST - 12 comments

Has anyone here fixed their body dysmorphia? If so, how? [more inside]
posted by existentialwhale at 7:31 AM PST - 10 comments

I'd like to make gifts for loved ones this year since I haven't been able to see much of them. I'd like to make things that will be inexpensive, but the final product doesn't seem cheap. I'd like the message sent to be "here's something with a personal touch" vs "we went frugal this year". [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 7:25 AM PST - 13 comments

Was recently enraptured by the following audiobooks : Robert Caro's multivolume Lyndon Johnson bio, and Mary Beard's SPQR. Looking for more history audiobooks that I'll love! [more inside]
posted by panama joe at 7:02 AM PST - 12 comments

Depression filter: I'm a person who suffers from chronic depression and have for years. I'm curious what things others do to manage. If you're in this camp too, what are 5 things you to daily to help you manage? I'm looking to add a few things to my repertoire. [more inside]
posted by eggs at 6:58 AM PST - 18 comments

I am anticipating another full shutdown in my area in late fall due to the plan for our schools. Where I live, parts of the fall and winter are icy and gross, so although we will have all the gear, we may feel trapped inside. In the first shutdown, thanks to Zoom crafts, we ran out of tape. What items are you stocking? After reading the snowflakes below, what would you add to our stores? [more inside]
posted by warriorqueen at 5:24 AM PST - 17 comments

The cover image on the box for Sid Meier’s Civilization might be the most iconic box art of the DOS era of PC gaming, so I figured finding out who made it would be a cinch. When I went to MobyGames two candidates seemed most likely, Laurie Baker and Moshe Milich, credited with illustrations and package design respectively. The former, presumably not the famous architect of the same name, has no other credited work I can find, and nothing the latter is credited with resembles the Civilization box art. Who made this image?
posted by Kattullus at 2:48 AM PST - 12 comments

All my husband wants for his 40th is to finally have a record player. I've thoroughly consulted Wirecutter, but we have some snowflakey factors that are making it hard to figure out what our setup should be. Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by nerdfish at 1:58 AM PST - 17 comments

Here it is. Found as a decal on some kind of utility cabinet in a friend's basement. Google and Tineye haven't been helpful. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by klanawa at 8:06 PM PST - 10 comments

I know a lot of people must be feeling this. . . [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 6:53 PM PST - 13 comments

...but I will still need to find time to sleep. How do you do school and work at the same time and get enough sleep? [more inside]
posted by knownfossils at 5:18 PM PST - 16 comments

So my wife and I recently bought a home in Putnam County, New York, and there was bit of organic growth on the bottom of the wall of a lower level room (kind of a half basement - the wall is half under-grade and half above-ground). We had someone in to tear out the drywall to fix it the day after a major rainstorm, and he found that the concrete behind the drywall was damp. We're now wondering what to do and, if anything, who/what type of person to contact. [more inside]
posted by slide at 5:09 PM PST - 13 comments

My external hard drive died. Is there a way to bring it back to life? [more inside]
posted by mr_bovis at 4:42 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for clothing in vibrant colors. Specifically, comfy cotton clothing. I am looking for tights and dresses especially. [more inside]
posted by azalea_chant at 4:16 PM PST - 26 comments

It's a poem, written by Ursula K. Le Guin. I need it and I can't seem to find it. Help. [more inside]
posted by madamepsychosis at 4:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Example of a system would to write what you accomplished daily and at the end of the week gather the weeks worth of accomplishments and send it to your manager. Anything like this, where it's an ongoing and easy effective system?
posted by schleppy123 at 3:29 PM PST - 15 comments

A real estate listing for a private island with a cottage and some outbuildings had me curious about what rules govern these things. If someone bought such a property—private island, ghost town, land that is otherwise not part of a city—could they do whatever they wanted with it? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 2:58 PM PST - 10 comments

I read this poem in either Harpers or New Yorker years ago. I have searched the archives of both sites and can't find it, so my last thought was perhaps Metafilter will know. The poam is about a person (can't remember man or woman) who shares a glance with another passenger on a train, i'm almost certain is the NYC subway. The train continues and the writer imagines this entire life with this other person... [more inside]
posted by carlodio at 2:55 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking for a breezy, readable history of what happened to the economy between Nixon's rejection of the gold standard and the age of Reaganomics and Thatcherism, that includes its effects on the Global South. [more inside]
posted by mittens at 2:51 PM PST - 1 comment

I have about $1K in professional development funds from my employer, and I'd like to choose something that will best prepare me for other, more lucrative jobs as well. Currently thinking a Python course makes sense, but could use specific, recent recommendations and help coming up with alternatives. [more inside]
posted by momus_window at 2:24 PM PST - 8 comments

I've been putting off thinking about this for too long, and am tired of tripping the occasional emotional landmine when something forces me to think about my gender and gender presentation. So ... can anybody suggest an online community for nonbinary people and people who think they might be nonbinary? [more inside]
posted by DingoMutt at 2:14 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm struggling to write a paper for one of my grad school courses. It's for a Linguistic Policy class, and I'm feeling overwhelmed. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent disruption of in-person classes hasn't helped, but even without everything going on in the world, I would be daunted by the length of the paper (15-20 pages). [more inside]
posted by Shadow Boxer at 1:30 PM PST - 14 comments

I pay 3.7k/month in rent for the apartment I'm about to move out of. After giving my 30 day notice, I saw they listed it online for 3k/month?? Can I... get that money back? [more inside]
posted by involute at 12:12 PM PST - 11 comments

One dish I never had while in the Americas was mole, and now I feel like I will probably not ever have that chance. Can you help me make a not entirely unreasonable version myself, within my limitations? [more inside]
posted by taz at 11:31 AM PST - 13 comments

My 14 year old would like to build his own gaming computer. The deal is we will split the cost 50/50. That's about all we've decided on so far. [more inside]
posted by Cuke at 10:27 AM PST - 17 comments

I would love to leave the U.S. and be an ex-pat in some other country that has a minimum basic quality of life that feels unachievable here. I just don't know how that would be possible for me - if you have info on a way forward, I'd love to hear as much as you can give. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by carlypennylane at 10:07 AM PST - 24 comments

I am going to spend a week in a lean-to in the woods of Vermont next week, out of cell service. I am very burnt out on work and school and [gestures broadly] and I am mourning the very recent loss of my dog. I am seeking out That Book - the sort that one feels better / wiser / more grounded upon finishing. [more inside]
posted by lazaruslong at 9:41 AM PST - 41 comments

On the Steve Hoffman music forum, on a thread about identifying a mystery cassette tape, one user points out "something similar "turned up" a few years ago that ended up being a deliberate hoax. A new "unknown" retro-sounding band cooked up their scheme with similar mystery tapes. Can't recall any more, sorry. Anti-climactic it was." I feel like I remember hearing about that as well. Obviously not Klaatu (which was in the '70s). Who was it?
posted by Seeking Direction at 9:33 AM PST - 6 comments

I'll be returning to in-person work soon and will need to wear a mask all day. I've never had to wear a mask for more than say 30 minutes at a time. I'd like some suggestions on making it easier. [more inside]
posted by Aranquis at 9:15 AM PST - 24 comments

Are there distinct small towns in the Northeast/Mid Atlantic (Virginia and northern) that are diverse and at least moderate/liberal? Small town for me is defined with 25,000 people in town and immediate surroundings, distinct from a major metro area. Diverse in this case basically no place all white (80% is fine, 90% probably too white). Moderate/Liberal means basically a place where Biden has a good or distinct chance of winning in November. Ideally is not a college town, but seems like these all are college towns. My guidelines are pretty loose.. [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 8:57 AM PST - 19 comments

At work, we want to attend this webinar that requires Adobe Connect/Flash. Our IT dept will not allow this to be installed on work computers. What can we do? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 8:16 AM PST - 15 comments

At a deep subconscious level I have a fundamental belief that white people (and men) are superior to me. Help me decolonize my mind. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:05 AM PST - 23 comments

Inspired by a comment in a recent thread, I thought it'd be interesting to have people share erotic media, or links to platforms they like, forums, whatever. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 12:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Please help me find the right discussion / communication / file storage solution(s) for a group of relative strangers to collaborate on a community project. [more inside]
posted by andraste at 11:57 PM PST - 4 comments

What sources exist for getting masks that actually protect the wearer and have been government certified in some way? I prefer masks that have nose bridges and firm edges that actually leave a mark on your face. I've looked at KN95 and Korean KF94 masks. Is anyone in the US actually testing these in real-time to see how bad certain brands are? I am open to buying directly from other countries. I really do not want someone to buy a bogus mask that is worse than useless because of a scammer on eBay. [more inside]
posted by benzenedream at 11:29 PM PST - 14 comments

My walk back from the grocery store is usually about 30 minutes in 95 to 100°F heat. The contents of my backpack are noticeably warm when I arrive at home. For this reason I’ve avoided buying refrigerated chicken, pork, beef or fish to store in the refrigerator but I don’t know if I’m being over cautious. Assuming it’s safe, is the temporary rise in temperature going to affect the taste or texture?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 9:59 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm a mid-twenties student at a university in Manhattan who left the city to visit my parents in California "for spring break" back in March. Long story short, it's now August and I've recently decided that I won't be returning to my apartment as I had initially planned - instead, I'll be staying with my parents in my childhood home through at least this upcoming new year. Unfortunately, I left some valuable stuff behind in my bedroom (along with some generally-personal items) and I'm at a bit of a loss as to how I should best proceed from here. [more inside]
posted by second banana at 9:07 PM PST - 24 comments

My grandfather in Mexico is indegenous blood, and very ill. He and our family want to 23andMe test his blood to find out what tribes his blood is from. I can order a kit on amazon but they don't deliver to his village. I can send it myself USPS to him, but it will take weeks and I fear his saliva might go bad, or he may pass before the kit arrives. In case he passes in the next few days, would spitting in a ziplock and freezing it be good enough? Can he get a 23&me in Mexico somehow? Any advice would be great.
posted by maxexam at 6:21 PM PST - 13 comments

I have a 2013 version of Adobe Premiere Elements 12. There are a number of tutorials for what seems to be Adobe Premiere Elements Pro, but the setup screens are much more complex than then setup screens for my version. Although it seems to have a function for blue and green screen keying under FX Effects, I can't figure out how to make it work. Understandably, it is a less advanced version. but the option seems to be there as well as ten other mattes and luminance keying. Is there a tutorial for my version?
posted by CollectiveMind at 6:08 PM PST - 1 comment

I may be in the market for a commercial grade bicycle cargo trailer, does anyone have experience with one? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Viceroy at 4:52 PM PST - 5 comments

I haven't been to a restaurant in 5 months and it's destroying my soul. What is the closest I can get to the experience of going to a really, really, really good restaurant in Chicago during the plague times? [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 4:43 PM PST - 10 comments

So I’m nearing my goal weight after a year of low-carb (but not keto) and intermittent fasting. Now I want to plan what maintenance will look like. How do you maintain your weight? What is the range you aim for? Is there an app that really helps you? [more inside]
posted by erloteiel at 4:23 PM PST - 8 comments

I am thinking of going there to get my Masters in Social Work. I have only driven through once and only know of Humboldt County by reputation. What is HSU like? What is in Arcata of interest? Restaurants? Bookstores? Coffeehouses? Farmer Market's? Hot Springs? Music? Give me the whole kit and kaboodle :)
posted by goalyeehah at 3:23 PM PST - 8 comments

After 5 years of dealing with myelofibrosis, my spleen has decided to set up shop to produce its own blood cells. This means my spleen, which like most people, I never previously thought about, is now tender and swollen. The problem is bra bands, which are causing me quite a lot of discomfort. I'm considering a wider band or long-line bra because regular bras, even sport bras, are hurting me. Suggestions appreciated, budget is a consideration and input from anyone who's gone through something similar is appreciated more than anything. (I'm tired and sore and scared)
posted by alltomorrowsparties at 3:14 PM PST - 9 comments

I am looking for a transportable computer monitor. It does _not_ need to be strictly portable - I just need to be able to take it on an airplane, ideally in the second pocket in my laptop bag. A good portable monitor would be perfect, but all the ones on the market seem flawed in some way and are much more expensive than conventional monitors. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 3:12 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm currently working in finance doing a variety of accounting things in a small but financially complex company. I have an aptitude for it and some background in accounting and financial analysis that is self taught, and was largely for new sole props or nonprofits. I'm interested in studying accounting more deeply. What are the best online courses for this? [more inside]
posted by ananci at 2:47 PM PST - 1 comment

I recently vastly expanded the storage space on my moto e5 play (128 free gigs?? Inconceivable!!) And I'd like to add some games for casual play. [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 2:30 PM PST - 4 comments

I have basic cooking skill and would love recommendations for something delish I can make! [more inside]
posted by sucre at 2:08 PM PST - 18 comments

I've been dating online across a number of platforms with varying degrees of success for years. One thing that confuses me is when to unmatch when I accept that the conversation is going nowhere. My therapist and friends all have different answers. [more inside]
posted by Juniper Toast at 1:57 PM PST - 24 comments

I do not have fond childhood memories of meatloaf, but we’re getting desperate for easy dinner options that can be made ahead and frozen in serving-size portions. What are your most flavorful meatloaf recipes? [more inside]
posted by expialidocious at 1:21 PM PST - 15 comments

For the last several months I have had terrible, vivid nightmares almost every time I go to sleep. I recently realized it started around the same time that I started a new medication which has vivid dreams as a side effect. I can't go off this medication, but I can't deal with this being my life every time I wake up. Help? [more inside]
posted by joan_holloway at 1:04 PM PST - 15 comments

I need a new hobby come September [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 1:04 PM PST - 9 comments

I am a mediocre* graphic designer working in-house for a huge company. It's not a great place to work and I'd like to move on in the next 6 months. I don't think I'd enjoy working at an agency, nor do I think I have the chops or past experience for it. I'd rather stay in-house, but I'd like to bulk up my skills to make me a more desirable candidate (and also to have more fun and challenge myself). What should I learn? [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 12:34 PM PST - 8 comments

I love making no knead bread using this easy recipe. Today I added some grated cheddar cheese, and now I’m looking for ideas for other ingredients to add to the dough before baking to provide some more variety—even though the original is delicious on it’s own!
posted by bookmammal at 11:44 AM PST - 12 comments

Okay, so it seems to me like it would be pretty simple to make a color changing lava lamp by having the light bulb in the base be a color changing one--is there something I'm missing? Like do LED lights not produce enough heat? [more inside]
posted by overglow at 11:09 AM PST - 7 comments

Let's say I want to build a small very cheap off grid cabin* and am reasonably intelligent, if ignorant in the ways of construction. I have access to land already and a large building near the construction site that can house material and tools securely. Are there smarter ways to construct a small off the grid cabin quickly as a single adult? [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon at 10:35 AM PST - 22 comments

I'm involved with planning what is typically a large in-person event involving tours of lab facilities, food, and beer. It's going virtual this year. I am in search of ideas to jazz it up. [more inside]
posted by telepanda at 9:49 AM PST - 10 comments

It's our first summer as homeowners in the PNW. I need help dealing with the spiders. [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 9:24 AM PST - 13 comments

We have to drive from Belfast to London (taking the ferry to Stranraer, I think, unless you can think of a better way to go!) at the end of August/early September. We have young children who are hardly ever in cars (and will struggle with the long distances) and so will need to stop once, or probably twice, overnight. Ideas? General tips for car travel with kids? [more inside]
posted by caoimhe at 9:24 AM PST - 13 comments

My wife and I are expecting twins, and are also avid readers. I'd love for y'all to recommend some good fiction books involving twins as main characters! [more inside]
posted by DynamiteToast at 9:15 AM PST - 21 comments

[Non-Western culture filter] I have a jar of **opened** salted soya beans in sauce, similar to this. My Chinese mother opened the jar 3 months ago, and says it can be kept at room temperature because it's fermented and salted, i.e. preserved. It does say "refrigerate after opening" though. Can I cook this and eat it? Safe to eat? Only answers from people who know fermentation or salted soya beans please. [more inside]
posted by moiraine at 8:32 AM PST - 11 comments

Here are some examples: 1) Each user has a joypad. Both users share the screen but are pretty much limited to playing games and stuff designed specifically for this scenario. 2) Each user uses a section of the keyboard. The device sits between them. What else is possible? [more inside]
posted by jago25_98 at 9:06 PM PST - 11 comments

Are you a well-adjusted person who enjoys long-form erotic content (traditional novels, visual novels, comics, manga, hentai, movies, whatever)? Help me feel less guilty about this extremely guilty pleasure! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:43 PM PST - 21 comments

For a couple years now, I've been experiencing severe disorientation and anxiety in the dark. I've seen two eye doctors and last year I had an MRI. I'm not even sure what kind of dr to see next or how to approach this. YANMD. More inside. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:06 PM PST - 9 comments

I’m moving cross country and therefore driving cross county. My friend and copilot has his heart set on seeing the Grand Canyon. I’d love to see it too, but have to be following super stringent social distancing. Can you “see” the Grand Canyon without leaving your car or encountering others? [more inside]
posted by nancynickerson at 7:44 PM PST - 16 comments

The beloved Lithuanian place near here closed so the guy who ran it can run for parliament back home. I'm going to try making balandėliai (cabbage rolls) though I understand they're kind of a pain in the ass. Internet recipes sound sorta....underspiced to me? I'd swear I bit into a little bit of clove last time. Anyone have a more or less native/borne-of-deep-familiarity knowledge of what goes in these, spice-wise?
posted by less of course at 7:27 PM PST - 12 comments

I've got to increase my fluids. Sugar and high salt are helpful. Are there good basic drinks or DIYs for this?? [more inside]
posted by Crystalinne at 5:00 PM PST - 35 comments

About ten days ago my debit card was hacked and used fraudulently. I've been using my spouse's card while I wait for the new debit card, but then today my spouse's card was hacked and used fraudulently, too. What should my next steps be? [more inside]
posted by hungrytiger at 3:32 PM PST - 11 comments

Bought inexpensive goggles from Amazon that pictured it worn over glasses. It did not fit, no seal around face. Looking for a good brand/model or alternatives. [more inside]
posted by Sophont at 2:41 PM PST - 6 comments

How low do you think mortgage rates will go in the next six months to a year? Depending on circumstances? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 1:11 PM PST - 14 comments

Hi - my son keeps expressing interest in learning how to skateboard. I thought I could get him individual lessons this summer but that's not in the cards with covid. Nevertheless I am considering buying him a skateboard so he can slowly start to learn on his own. [more inside]
posted by JenMarie at 1:03 PM PST - 6 comments

I regularly create video content (think educational tutorials) for my international audience. My viewers speak either English, French, or Dutch. How/where can i host those videos so that the viewer can toggle the audio track in the language of their choice? The same way you're able to do it on a Netflix video, for example. [more inside]
posted by PardonMyFrench at 12:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Every so often, I'll sort of fall off a cliff and get plunged into a very disturbing sense of vulnerability and inadequacy. I try not to paper over the feeling with reassurance-seeking and distraction, but those are the only things that seem to bring relief (along with time). What else can I do? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 12:04 PM PST - 16 comments

Because the US Govt. is shutting down the census count a month early, I bought some sidewalk chalk to write out messages encouraging passersby to get counted. My neighborhood is home to a lot of Spanish-speaking people that I would also like to reach, and I don't want to entrust Google Translate with important messages. [more inside]
posted by Sparky Buttons at 10:42 AM PST - 7 comments

The actual written language that appears in the rulebooks for board games is obviously copyrighted. But would an implementation of those rules violate copyright? For example, if I built a web-based version of Scrabble (or Monopoly, or 2nd Edition AD&D) – without using the commercial game's name or imagery – would it get sued out of existence?
posted by escape from the potato planet at 10:37 AM PST - 12 comments

Where can I buy black garlic in Chicago? If you have any ideas, please name specific stores. I have been to a few Middle Eastern markets in the City so far, and haven't had any luck.
posted by Mechitar at 10:32 AM PST - 7 comments

So I've been a user of Google Play Music for as long as it has existed. I still pay the introductory rate of $7.99 a month because I was an early adopter. But as of October, they're sunsetting that app and service and want people to move to YouTube Music. Unfortunately, YouTube Music is hot garbage and seems to balk at even the most basic requests that you'd make of a music player, like playing an album. So what are my alternatives in 2020? I've been using Play Music on Android, ChromeOS, Windows and on Google Home devices so I assume that any Apple solution is off the table. Amazon? Spotify? My general use-case has been to play albums or Google's curated playlists and my own Favorites playlist. I'm willing to pay a fee, especially if it means no commercials.
posted by octothorpe at 10:14 AM PST - 28 comments

We (cis woman and cis man) are fat and are trying to get un-fat. We are looking for some sort of guided exercise we can do in our home with minimal equipment. I am not buying a stationary bike or big weight bench or anything like that. My ideal scenario would be a YouTube series that does not feature only women doing aerobics and is achievable for fat people who are not in shape. [more inside]
posted by tatiana wishbone at 10:12 AM PST - 22 comments

I'm making an escape room. It's nearly done. I'd like to document what's where, to help with future maintenance. Are there any good tools or even just approaches to documenting the locations of wires and electronics in a suite of rooms, when the stuff's not on the floor, but on/in the walls and ceiling? [more inside]
posted by aubilenon at 9:52 AM PST - 2 comments

Is there a way to customize notification sounds on a Mac such that App X makes a different sound from App Y when each is trying to get my attention? And if this is not possible natively in MacOS, are there any third-party apps that allow you to do this? Thank you!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 9:11 AM PST - 2 comments

My most-cited paper has suddenly been deleted from Google Scholar. Other articles from the same issue of the same (very established academic) journal are still on there. I'd like to have the problem corrected. If I just wait, will the bots get around to restoring it? Or is there anybody I can/should contact? [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 8:54 AM PST - 2 comments

A tree in a neighbor's yard split, fell over the fence and into my yard. This has caused 2, possibly 3, problems that I don't know how to proceed to have them fixed. 1)The tree fell onto a brand new (3-4 weeks old) pergola that I just finished assembling, and completely destroyed it 2)Tree removal 3)Fence damage (didn't have time to wade in the mess to see if there was any before work, but a precursor look says no) [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 7:56 AM PST - 8 comments

We have an....area which used to be a gravel-covered drive. It's entirely overgrown now. I've found all kinds of instructions for creating a totally new gravel drive but few for fixing an old one. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 7:42 AM PST - 21 comments

I recently bought this Wusthof 6" cook's knife which I use for everything/ is my only nice knife. At some point it will need sharpening - any recommendations for a sharpener (preferably less expensive than the knife itself)? Also, how often do folks sharpen their knives/ can you sharpen a knife indefinitely?
posted by my log does not judge at 7:34 AM PST - 24 comments

During lockdown some friends and I have taken to playing co-op games online, but we've been having trouble finding good ones. Many have been expensive, or limited number of players, or multiplayer didn't work because they're too old. What games have you played online which have been co-operative and fun. Oh and can take 4 players. [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:57 AM PST - 20 comments

I'd like like stop being serious/sincere/vulnerable with the whole world, and start building more relationships with that funny light sort of chemistry. I just don't know how to get there. [more inside]
posted by miaow at 4:39 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm trying to get this straight in my head and there's no-one else around to ask. Can anyone help, please? Thanks.
posted by Paul Slade at 2:43 AM PST - 8 comments

My (M28) relationship with my girlfriend (F30) has been a difficult one, particularly over the last year (I've made previous posts on here). Lots of this has been related to struggling to properly deal with very different lifestyles. How big does a lifestyle difference have to be before it just becomes unworkable? [more inside]
posted by sofastyle at 2:31 AM PST - 53 comments

How much risk (if any) is there of a new single-family residential central air conditioner with a UV/HEPA filter creating excess ozone that would have negative health impacts? And if there is a risk, what's the best way to determine whether that's happening?
posted by beryllium at 1:11 AM PST - 5 comments

Have a sodastream, the canister is empty. Live in San Francisco. I'd like to buy a 20lbs tank full of c02 that can be refilled. I think I can do something to attach it to the sodastream directly, or refill the little canister from it, and I'm not sure which is better. I'm unsure where to start, and what the trade offs are for different setups, and also want advice on local prices. [more inside]
posted by gryftir at 12:51 AM PST - 14 comments

IF, if I choose to eat in five hours of the day, can I just pick any five? Like today was my first day trying. I did 5-10pm,give hours, workout at seven so I see I should have maybe had a Larabar or any granola bar but it was good for today and I don’t want to ruin my big meal. So then can I consider that 5:19? I’m confused how people are so specific with timing certain foods and shuffling hours ( mostly coffee). Isn’t it easier to keep the pattern?
posted by femmme at 10:12 PM PST - 4 comments

Hello. Short and sweet... I have a need for a quick translation of this 10 second Chinese video. Any help or direction would be appreciated. https://youtu.be/EUkZkPq7OTg Thank you in advance.
posted by jimmereeno at 8:58 PM PST - 2 comments

My wife and I have a Google Home in a few rooms in our house. Recently, I tried saying "Call [wife's name]'s cell phone". It called the wrong number. I'm trying to determine where it found that number. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 7:58 PM PST - 4 comments

I have a stupid brain that likes to follow the rules and then feel guilty for following them. Please help me work through my “COVID good girl” angst. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 7:44 PM PST - 24 comments

I'm looking for a game that I THINK was posted here on Metafilter years ago. The whole game was one big scene, either a giant house or a ship, with lots of rooms, and you find particular objects in each room. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 5:48 PM PST - 8 comments

If one uses Embedly, for a blog, as a source of content, will SEO be negatively effected? https://embed.ly/
posted by DreamStar at 5:30 PM PST - 1 comment

Another ID this short story (?) question: late 90s, road trip, diamond ring carving a smiley face on the window [more inside]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 5:26 PM PST - 2 comments

My identity theft monitoring service pinged an alert this morning that someone had applied for an SBA loan from the "US SM BUS ADMIN ODA" in Fort Worth Texas. (I don't own a small business anymore, it's fraud.) The operator at the SBA center connects me to their fraud department, but the hold times are 2hrs, 45min and the office is closed when I'm not at work. Is there another way of contacting the fraud dept of this SBA center? Snail mail? Fax? E-mail?
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 5:09 PM PST - 7 comments

Apart from Rhiannon Giddens and Tracy Chapman, who are some contemporary Black folk singers who are influenced by Odetta? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 5:02 PM PST - 8 comments

I have read that if an all-wheel drive vehicle has a flat front tire, then a rear tire must be swapped to the front before then replacing the rear tire with the spare. Is this true of all all-wheel drive vehicles? [more inside]
posted by jedicus at 4:31 PM PST - 8 comments

My friend really wants to join my other friend and I as roommates. I like them a great deal and don't know where the two of us stand as potential dating partners. How can I navigate the situation in a way that turns away disaster without turning away happiness, for everyone involved? [more inside]
posted by icosahedron at 4:21 PM PST - 11 comments

We're thinking of buying a car with catalytic converter issues (check engine light). A product called "seafoam" was used and now the check engine light is only sometimes/rarely on. Is this a car that we should buy or pass on? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:41 PM PST - 32 comments

i just found out you can ferment all kinds of fruits and vegetables in just honey! especially excited to try garlic, ginger, pomegranate, and peach... but how to find real raw honey? [more inside]
posted by squiddish at 3:07 PM PST - 11 comments

Editor-in-chief would like to do more editing, less chiefing. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments

Hi all, back for a book recommendation, this time on Splunk. [more inside]
posted by bfranklin at 1:52 PM PST - 2 comments

After I asked about beach places, we found one! It's a charming little place, 100+ years old, a few blocks from the beach. It was recently taken down to the studs and gutted by a "flipper." It shows really well and we are having a professional inspection soon, but I'm wondering what I should be focused on. Are there any "DON'T MISS...X" items to keep in mind? Any tell-tale materials/workmanship that might teach me more about the overall quality? Anything else you'd advise at the inspection/due diligence phase?
posted by AgentRocket at 1:15 PM PST - 9 comments

Should I go with wirecutter's recommendation or buy one on sale? [more inside]
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 1:13 PM PST - 6 comments

I got a new pair of running shoes and they're fine except for a hotspot in the right inner heel where it's rubbing. Should I trim the insole or just tough it out? [more inside]
posted by GuyZero at 1:08 PM PST - 4 comments

Continuing the project referenced in this question of several weeks ago... [more inside]
posted by Joan Rivers of Babylon at 12:55 PM PST - 1 comment

How can we make our front yard fun for a 3 1/2 year old for 15 minutes? [more inside]
posted by past unusual at 12:53 PM PST - 18 comments

Several novels and short stories I've read, such as Radcliffe's Mysteries of Udolpho, Flammenberg's The Necromancer, and Le Fanu's Spalatro, have parts that focus on the rather rough and lawless world of the 14th-18th centuries in rural Europe. Details inside, but I'm looking for more along the lines of banditti, evil innkeepers, and corrupt barons. [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 12:44 PM PST - 15 comments

I need to anchor an aluminum post with a 4" base and eight mounting holes to a concrete porch. Easy, right? Just use commercially available concrete anchors like TapCon or RedHeads, right? Problem is that the slab is only 2" thick. [more inside]
posted by Thistledown at 12:11 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for something not as woo as mothering.org, but more thoughtful than babycentre. [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 12:00 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for webcomics with all or some of the following characteristics: great art, fun/interesting storylines, unique/unusual twists. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 10:06 AM PST - 22 comments

I have a camera on which I have removed the leatherette. How do I get rid of the gunk underneath so that I can put on a new covering? It needs to be 'clean' before I set to work... [more inside]
posted by mippy at 9:26 AM PST - 13 comments

As someone who works in schools I may need more face masks by the end of the month. I'd love to support an entity doing good in the world with my purchase. [more inside]
posted by DingoMutt at 9:25 AM PST - 12 comments

I need some help deciding how to proceed with demo and repair after a kitchen water leak during a pandemic. [more inside]
posted by outfielder at 7:50 AM PST - 9 comments

I need to get two chromebooks for my kids for school in the Fall there are so many options my head is spinning. Requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by a22lamia at 7:19 AM PST - 10 comments

I am on a walk right now, something I haven't done since last December. Whenever there's been a long period of time between excercising, my legs become extremely itchy and tingly and it takes a lot of willpower to not spend the rest of my walk itching my skin into oblivion. What's going on and how do I mitigate it in the future?
posted by Kitchen Witch at 6:59 AM PST - 9 comments

The site is published by a large contractor, who is posting Gbs of docs related to the consultation process for a very large and potentially hazardous local infrastructure project. They are also posting notices of public meetings, feedback from public meetings, etc. From a community history/activism point of view, it would be nice to snapshot this. I'm using a Mac. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by carter at 5:53 AM PST - 4 comments

Should I write the thing that I love writing, or the thing that could get published? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 4:12 AM PST - 38 comments

I'm helping a friend who is on a team trying to save a historically significant mural in a building that University of San Francisco intends to demolish. One of their ideas is a symbol for their website, literature (and graffiti?) done in the style of an artist doing stenciled graffiti she remembers from either the 1980s or 90s. [more inside]
posted by Homer42 at 3:48 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm waiting for my second baby to be born. I was induced with the first so I have no idea what spontaneous labor is like. [more inside]
posted by Paragon at 12:13 AM PST - 31 comments

CW: Question below the fold discusses guns, shooting, killing, media sensationalizing and capital punishment [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 9:38 PM PST - 8 comments

How do you deal with being openly disliked when you've grown up so used to people pleasing/basing self worth on being liked? And does being disliked mean you've done something horribly wrong? [more inside]
posted by buttonedup at 8:41 PM PST - 20 comments

Are the custom Xbox controllers from the Xbox Design Lab definitely model 1708 (The model compatible with iPhones & iPads)? Is there any documentation for this, preferably from Microsoft?
posted by kidbritish at 8:37 PM PST - 3 comments

I helped my friend A do a favor for his friend B. Later, B sent to me (via A) a check which was unexpected and way way too much for the work I did. I don't feel right accepting B's money. How would you handle this? [more inside]
posted by mpark at 7:37 PM PST - 18 comments

Many undergrad Psychology textbooks have a blurry high-contrast photo of a Dalmatian dog sniffing in the snow. Google image search results are just variations on the image. Is there a more "original" image of that particular photograph that is not doctored so high-contrasted, which is viewable on internets? To make a comparison to the high-contrast version? [more inside]
posted by ovvl at 6:28 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm starting to wonder my son's next group experience may welll be in kindergarten, September 2021. Even if he goes back to daycare before then, it won't likely be until at least January. Right now we're just hanging out. We read a lot and play a lot, but I'm not really "teaching" him anything, beyond life-skills/human-skills explicitly/deliberately. Should I consider getting a homeschool curriculum for preschool and running with it? If so, how do I find? Can you recommend one? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:25 PM PST - 13 comments

After 19 years, I’ve decided to replace my old tube television. I’ve picked out a new tv but the challenge is to get rid of the old one. Despite being only 32”, it weighs 210+ pounds which makes it too heavy and awkward for me to move solo and mrs. mmascolino doesn’t feel safe in helping. I probably could rope some people to help me but at the same time I don’t know where I would take it. [more inside]
posted by mmascolino at 6:06 PM PST - 16 comments

My sister and I would like to be election judges or poll watchers on election day. Our state is not likely contested and we have universal mail in ballots. Where/how can we go somewhere to ensure election proceeds fairly in a state where it may not? [more inside]
posted by ChristineSings at 5:58 PM PST - 9 comments

Brazil is approaching the 100K deaths milestone and it got me thinking: If a revolution killed the rich at the same rate, starting from the top, how much money would be expropriated? I got some data inside, can you help me come up with a spreadsheet formula? [more inside]
posted by Tom-B at 5:23 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm thinking about buying a new car. It seems like all cars now have pretty poor visibility out the back window and expect you to use the backup camera to navigate in reverse. When I have driven a car with a backup camera I found it extremely disconcerting—I couldn't mentally map what I was looking at with how I should turn/adjust. Is this something that you get used to over time? Or should I push to find a car with decent visibility through the back window?
posted by radioamy at 4:50 PM PST - 30 comments

I noticed, skimming through the Dragon splashdown today, that the techs on the boat seemed to just walk up and start working on the capsule right after they plucked it from the briny deep. That seems weird. What's up with that? [more inside]
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 4:28 PM PST - 7 comments

I’m a resident physician. On my current rotation, I’m doing 24 hour shifts every three days. For reasons relating both to COVID and to the particular hospital I’m rotating at, if the shift happens to land on a weekend, I’ve got 16ish hours of mostly nothing where I’m by myself in a windowless work room or a windowless call room. Help me brainstorm ways to make this pleasant solitude instead of mind numbing isolation. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 3:57 PM PST - 29 comments

Would you recommend any podcasts, or individual episodes, on edicational community engagement? Specifically, university-level STEM educators engaging with school-age children or the wider community but anything similar will be useful.
posted by AndrewStephens at 2:38 PM PST - 2 comments

My father in law went through severe septic shock. He’s been in the ICU for 12 days on a ventilator, in critical condition, but is awake and relatively alert for part of the day. I am still hopeful he pulls through, and have been reading about the PTSD that accompanies the recovery process. Is there anything we can do for him now that may help his future recovery? I am mainly looking for thoughts from people who have experienced extended ICU stays for themselves or their loved ones. [more inside]
posted by redlines at 2:06 PM PST - 7 comments

What is this tall spiky plant with super thin leaves? Images here. [more inside]
posted by beandip at 1:38 PM PST - 12 comments

I saw a Lincoln Project video about a week ago on youtube but can't find it now. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 12:51 PM PST - 2 comments

Are there any apps for writing/journaling that allow you to "tag" your entries like MeFi allows you to tag your posts? I'm interested in something that lets me write short entries, but also lets me choose, say, from a variety of topics in a tag listing, and then at a later point see my entries by day OR by tag. [more inside]
posted by juniperesque at 12:31 PM PST - 6 comments

I've been asked to a 15 minute interview via Google Meet for a job I'm applying for. What are some tips for doing a remote interview? [more inside]
posted by diode at 12:23 PM PST - 15 comments

I've never been able to swallow pills. Now I need to and every day is a struggle. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:25 AM PST - 56 comments

I want to have a watch party with friends with a quite long video (4:36 or so.) I have this video on my computer, as I torrented it. I don't think it's available commercially, but I'm not absolutely sure. What's the best way to watch it more or less simultaneously with friends so we can chat about it if we feel like it? Will youtube let me upload it--just from the standpoint of "will it load?"? I'm guessing it would eventually get removed. Vimeo? Should I give up and just try and dropbox it to everyone or something? D) Other? Thanks.
posted by anonymous at 11:25 AM PST - 7 comments

I had a 6x6 PT porch beam warp and pull the rail away from the other wall. I added a cleat, used Timberlocs and a wrench to force everything back in place, and screwed the railing into place. Will the warped beam eventually relax into its new position? I’m wondering if I should leave the cleat or if I can take it off in days/weeks/months.
posted by ftm at 11:24 AM PST - 3 comments

Male coworkers act different depending on who is around. Snowflakes inside... [more inside]
posted by lawgirl at 11:06 AM PST - 22 comments

I am trying to assemble an exercise bike that I bought on Amazon. The first step is connecting the main frame to the front "stabilizing bar" -- picture a half cylinder that goes over a thick metal rod and has a couple of bolts to hold it all together. The problem is that one side of the "half cylinder" is slightly bent on one side so it won't fit flush against the rod. I've tried bending it with pliers and banging it with a hammer, all to no avail. Any other ideas for bending the corner out?
posted by Clustercuss at 10:37 AM PST - 7 comments

My subleasing situation is almost over. I've gotten whiplash (tongue in cheek) from the main tenant, and I found a really nice place in Maryland, so I'm a bit torn in-between. Negotiation questions inside. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 10:15 AM PST - 12 comments

Growing up in Massachusetts in the 80s and 90s, I remember there being at least two different slots in the post office lobby drop -- one for local mail and one for out-of-town mail. Am I remembering this right? How were these slots actually labeled? Is this still a thing in some places? BONUS Q: can you tell me about similar divisions in other postal systems? [more inside]
posted by Narrative Priorities at 9:55 AM PST - 23 comments

Is there an adapter that will allow a 201x-era MacBook Pro to display on a 2020 4K monitor with only USB-C inputs? [more inside]
posted by spacewrench at 9:34 AM PST - 6 comments

Something I've noticed a lot in the UK (usually on houses built from the 1900s through the 1930s, though sometimes on houses that look a bit older) are seemingly random bricks or stones on otherwise smooth rendered walls. Like the left hand wall on this house. Is this a decorative architectural reference to something specific, or is it just a purely decorative flourish that doesn't reference or represent anything? It's certainly not actually functional, right?
posted by cilantro at 9:27 AM PST - 6 comments

I used to have this quote taped to my wall many years ago. My recollection is the source was a jazz musician, but googling doesn't bring anything up.
posted by 6thsense at 9:04 AM PST - 2 comments

I’ve recently accidentally read a string of sci-fi books that deal with existentialism/mortality/entropy/etc. and would like to continue that theme. Can you recommend something? [more inside]
posted by LizBoBiz at 8:47 AM PST - 16 comments

My friend has a daughter. She lost her job and is moving back home after quarantining. After she then joins the family viral group. Obviously, she needs to observe the basic rules of masking and social distancing when in public, shopping, interacting with others. Question - What about her boyfriend and his roommates? How do they interact?
posted by ebesan at 8:24 AM PST - 14 comments

Please see the 2 photos of the trunk of a tulip tree in my yard. There’s a 1 cm opening in the bark and it’s weeping sap or some dark liquid. Should I be concerned or is there any tree first aid action I can take? I really do not want to lose this tree - it was planted 3 years ago to replace the loss of an awesome shade tree.
posted by chr1sb0y at 7:42 AM PST - 2 comments

Where can I learn more about how to parent kids through social situations (ie fights with friends, bullying or being bullied, etc)? [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 7:05 AM PST - 3 comments

Now that our little one is about to hit 7 months old, my partner and I realized we'll probably have to start REALLY parenting soon! We're in search of an online course to help us through. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by knownassociate at 6:42 AM PST - 9 comments

I’m about to get one of those wrist straps with emergency information to wear when I’m running or cycling, so emergency responders can assist me better if I get hit by a car or whatever and I’m unconscious. Should I get my psychiatric and thyroid medical history on there, or do they not need to know that? If they do, how do I abbreviate it? [more inside]
posted by sock puppet du jour at 6:29 AM PST - 6 comments

What are rules of thumb for adding garnishes to pickles? Looking to add a few black peppercorns and a pinch of hot pepper to pickled garlic. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 6:11 AM PST - 5 comments

Should I be worried and what can I do about my newborn's noisy breathing, particularly at night? [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 4:31 AM PST - 20 comments

For the last many years, whenever I hear or think about a certain kind of physical pain/trauma, I get this electric-zap feeling in my legs. I'd like to understand it a bit better (and ideally get rid of it), but I have no idea what it is! Does this ring any bells to anyone? [more inside]
posted by sxtrumpeto at 3:49 AM PST - 9 comments

I would like to donate funds to relief initiatives focused on the Yemen crises. Some of the organizations I've been looking at need money transfers through Western Union. I have never done a money transfer through a bank before. What should I keep in mind as I embark on this, and do you have recommendations for other Yemeni-focused humanitarian initiatives I could donate to? I am in California.
posted by Kitchen Witch at 1:21 AM PST - 2 comments

How can I stop emotionally interpreting my mother's inability to give me her full attention in a conversation as having the message "I do not consider you worthy of my full attention"? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:04 PM PST - 28 comments

I'm a junior engineer trying to grow into a senior engineer. There are non-technical aspects of this process that I'm not handling well. I don't have anyone in my life to discuss this with, I'm hoping folks from the green can give me some advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:04 PM PST - 27 comments

I know the basics but am in a funk and struggling to find some good beginner-to-intermediate level knitting projects to pass the time while the pandemic continues. (Crochet would be fine too.) Recommendations welcome! [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 8:50 PM PST - 19 comments

I feel extreme embarrassment and anxiety after some fairly harmless oversharing. There's the context of trauma though. Help me recover from this. [more inside]
posted by miaow at 8:40 PM PST - 8 comments

... for this work-at-home job I am going to be offered probably next week. Which will be nice since both of my other jobs went away in March due to Covid-19. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 7:36 PM PST - 11 comments

Looking for quotes that celebrate the pleasures of fighting, bloodlust and mayhem! I am writing a character in a short story who derives his meaning and his joy of life through violence. And I'd like to equip them with a battery of quotes that they drop from time to time into the conversation.
posted by storybored at 6:48 PM PST - 18 comments

I use Insightly CRM for lead/contact info and to set calendar events I can see both via the web and as an Android app (I can add contacts and events from Win and Android). Initially it made a huge difference to my mobile working life. Insighly (it's starting to feel like that) is not being developed in a useful direction for me so I need another solution, also price keeps rising and payment is not simple. Also wary of saas apps as they tend to die. [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 6:00 PM PST - 5 comments