May 14
Put a bird on it
Please share your favourite nature-themed t-shirts with me. [more inside]
Change Field of View on Webcam?
I'm trying to zoom in with my webcam (aka change my field of view) so that my whole room is not visible in conferences on Zoom / Teams / Google Meet. Is there no easy way to do this? [more inside]
When is it safe to play with a diabetic cat?
My handsome boy Jasper is diabetic (and a host of other health concerns). I worry about playing with him because I read that the exercise affects blood sugar levels. He gets his insulin at 6am and 6pm - when is the best time of day for us to play without me putting him in danger?
I installed a malware 5 minutes ago
Like a big dumbass. I have never had a virus or malware in my 40 years of computing I feel like a total idiot and my brain has instantly shut down. What's the best course of action re removing, I am changing my mail password from another computer as we speak, but I do also have 2-factor on it. Help fast please!
What vendor can build a reporting system for my client?
An affordable housing funder needs a system for borrowers to submit data (similar to HUD/Low Income Housing Tax Credit data), so the funder can submit reports to community stakeholders. I'm researching external vendors who could create and maintain this system (for 30+ years). So far, all paths have been dead ends. Can you recommend IT vendors who might provide this service? [more inside]
Cut and paste Scrivener help, please
I am new to Scrivener, and am trying to compose in it as I normally do in any Word or Office Libre document. That is, I cut a phrase/sentence and expect to paste it into another place by right-clicking. This isn't happening. The cut phrase seems to be entirely lost. What am I doing wrong, and how do I make it right?
Tips for living in an Easy-Bake oven
It's peak summer here and the outside temperature is only dropping to around 81°F (27°C) at night. I live in a concrete house on a concrete slab and the kitchen floor is currently about 85°F (29°c). It'll only last a couple more weeks, but in the meantime I'd love to hear people's tips.
I spy with my little eye, a gossiping person on Zoom
What can my company see me do on Zoom? [more inside]
Gateways to Fictional Lands?
I'd like to compile a list of significant* fictional places with specific "gateways" or portals to access them, like the wardrobe for Narnia, the rabbit hole and looking glass for Alice, Platform 9 3/4 for Hogwarts, etc. I'm thinking more books or stories than TV, films, or games, but all are fine if it's something especially memorable / interesting. Can you help me find the way there? [more inside]
Toronto travel: walkable ethnic enclaves
Headed to Toronto in June. We are big walkers and would love suggestions for areas that showcase the city’s diversity. We will have a car and are staying in Toronto Metropolitan University student housing. Shopping centers or malls count too if they’ve got interesting stuff
What movie am I thinking of?
About 10 or 20 years ago, I saw a trailer for an intriguing movie. Here's what I remember: A troupe of Shakespearean actors is stranded in a remote location when their train breaks down. I think they were somewhere in Australia. [more inside]
Custom Glyph: Keeping it Legal
I am working on a logo for commercial purposes. I have a font I want to use (and have the license to use it for a logo) however, I would like to change one letter. My googling suggests that editing a TTF font is not allowed. I know there are logos with standard fonts with a custom letter or two, so what's the best way to do this and not get sued or cease-and-desisted? Do I make a separate font with just my glyph and type two different fonts? [more inside]
May 13
Best & easiest way to remotely sign documents for an elderly person
We are working to help support our mom with finances, managing various agreements, investments, bank accounts, real estate management, and so on. We're remote from her, in a different state. Is there easy to use software that can help when we need her signature on something? [more inside]
Hard Stop Reminder
If you are a person who has to leave work at a certain time, say 5pm, how do you remind yourself of the time? Assume you get too many phone notifications for that to be useful and that you may not be sitting in front of a computer, so email reminders might not work.
I was thinking about a super low tech watch with alarm function. Something that doesn't have to be charged frequently.
Any recommendations or other suggestions?
Prefer something not hideous. Some of the watches google suggested were huge and bulky.
Also pondering how likely it is for watch to be worn and not forgotten which is always possible.
How do news outlets come to have such strong political biases?
It's easy to observe that different news outlets have different political biases, but I'd love to have a clear, simple explanation of WHY those biases exist, and HOW they develop and intensify. Can you explain it? [more inside]
Road Trip Tampa to NYC - 5 days in June (difficulty: no major cities)
Please give me your suggestions of places to stop and spend anywhere between 2-6 hours, places to spend the night. We're looking for awesome nature, hiking with a view, picturesque areas. Cute unique towns are good too. No beaches unless there's unique nature stuff to explore. Happy to venture away from I95 and explore more inland than along the coast even if the drive takes longer. So if you have favorite places anywhere along the way, please suggest them. [more inside]
Ain't No Ticks On Me (hopefully)
City kid here heading up to the Hudson Valley for Memorial Day, where I wanna frolic in the country. Gimme your best recs for tick repellant. [more inside]
Specific craft supply search - beadable badge reel for lanyard
I want to put beads on a badge reel and the badge reel on a lanyard. Where can I find the blank that I need? [more inside]
I like ice. I want ice. There is no waterline to my fridge spot.
My fridge broke (again). I like ice dispensing freezers a lot. I am confident I would use the ice function frequently (would also use the water function if I had it, but...). My fridge is located on the side of the kitchen with no water hookup. Can I just fill some tank with water every day and have an ice dispenser? Is this a thing? Can I do it with any fridge or do I need a special fridge? [more inside]
Can I eat it? Instant Pot
Last night around 7:30 PM I put some chickpeas in my Instant pot for 25 minutes. They probably finished cooking around 8:15. I forgot about them until this morning. I took them out at 8:30 and the liquid was still warm. I understand that the IP will keep food at a safe temperature for up to 10 hours, which means that presumably, they were at an appropriate temp from 8:15 PM to 6:15 AM and slowly cooled from 6:15 AM to 8:30 AM. Are they safe to eat?
Advice on migrating work email/calendar from google to outlook
My work is moving from google workspace for mail and calendar to microsoft outlook. I've not previously used outlook. What can I do to make the transition more smooth and to avoid common pitfalls? [more inside]
finding an easy-to-use, modest-budget tv for seniors
Older relatives in the USA need a new TV ASAP. Probably looking for something in the 42" to 50" range based on viewing distance. I offered to do some research for them, but I haven't purchased a TV since 2008, apparently they're all terrible now? I'd be grateful for any advice on what I should be looking for or specific recommendations. [more inside]
Are Dysons worth it vs. knockoffs?
The Great Enshittification of Everything means I can't trust internet reviews any more. Real humans: will a half-cost Dyson knock-off cordless vac meet our needs? [more inside]
Transcript from a recorded Zoom meeting?
Is there a way to get a transcript out of a recorded Zoom meeting? [more inside]
May 12
Maintaining composure in face of an extremely beautiful person.
I lose my voice when anxious but just had an experience of losing it when overtaken by awe. Quick summary: I went to a singing recital of a graduating student because they were singing songs celebrating my ethnicity (in language my grandmother spoke). The performance was amazing and very meaningful to me (lots of crying). It was a small recital room and I did briefly notice the singer was attractive, but didn't obsess about it. Then... [more inside]
Song sounds that evoke hell/the devil - origins?
I was watching the Decemberists play Oh No last night and was thinking about songs with (usually) a repetitive brass line and downbeat vocals that make us think of hell or the devil - the only other two examples I can find right now are Hell by the Squirrel Nut Zippers and the robot devil song from Futurama, but it’s instantly recognizable. Where did this theme originate, or is there anything I can search on to learn more about it? Thanks!
Flatly Philately
Prevent tripping while making a raised floor area?
I'm making a platform area to raise floor level by ~4" in the galley kitchen here. I'm worried about tripping at the threshold, especially if I'm slightly out of it (late night, early morning, headache, etc.). Visitors are a consideration too. Ideas to make this safer? [more inside]
General anesthesia: Should I?
I’m scheduled for general anesthesia tomorrow and I made the mistake of looking up information on the web about it. I’m looking for help to decide whether to cancel it or not. [more inside]
Job Leaving Checklist
I'm leaving my job this week and am soliciting suggestions for things I may have forgotten to do, like spend my FSA money and pre-tax transit money. That's currently my entire list. What have I forgotten?
Mac-compatible Dot Matrix Printer?
I am looking for a new dot matrix printer that will work with my Apple computer. [more inside]
8 day Norway itinerary in August
We'll be in Norway for 8 days with our 7 year old. We'd love an itinerary for how many days to spend where to see as much as we can of this beautiful country. We're flying in and out of Oslo but need recommendations for where else to visit. [more inside]
Help me find this contemporary dance video
Some time ago I saw a contemporary dance video of three women, probably as an Instagram reel, and I'd like to watch it again. It was professionally shot and choreographed in a dance studio with a static wide angle, set to a sixties folk-rock tune, but I can't remember any more details. Help! [more inside]
places to live in SF/Oakland/Berkeley that feel safe?
I live in Oakland, CA and would like to move somewhere in the Bay that feels safer during the day and at night. I am a single Asian woman. Please recommend some neighborhoods? [more inside]
May 11
Can I mount an iPad on a tripod with a protective case?
I have a 10.9 inch iPad (10th generation). I would like to mount it on my photography tripod to film some timelapse footage. I would also like the iPad to be in a very protective case. What case and tripod mount should I get? [more inside]
What's a good way to gift travel funds?
I have a younger step-sibling who has expressed interest in travel this year, and I want to support that as part of my birthday gift to them. There are no specific plans yet, and they life far away from me, so I wasn't sure how to best do this. Does anyone have good ideas for how to gift funds for travel? [more inside]
The fully mobile Autistic young person and aging
I've been asked to design a large garden space to include a young person (twelve-ish, female) who is a high-functioning, able bodied autist (they have a formal autism diagnosis). [more inside]
Resources or support for lifelong monogamist without partner
I'm reaching out to find support and possibly connect with others who identify with lifelong monogamy after their relationship has ended. I was deeply committed to my first and only partner for 20 years, and despite their departure and another two decades passing, I cannot envision forming a similar bond with someone else. I am not seeking advice to change this aspect of myself but hope to find resources and understanding for this kind of emotional and romantic orientation. [more inside]
East Hollywood
How is life these days living in East Hollywood?
Purposely keeping this wide open to get the widest range of responses. But thinking about safety, vibes, feel on the street, good places to eat and hang out, etc.
"Talky" sitcoms that you can listen to without watching
I've just discovered audio described TV. Can anyone recommend sitcoms or comedy-drama TV shows you've watched that are dialogue-heavy, don't rely too much on visuals, and might translate well into this format? No need to have seen an actual audio described version of the show to answer! I'm just looking for suggestions to try. [more inside]
I make money mooooves... could it not take 3 business days though?
How can I make small deposits from my checking account to my savings account at a different bank, that happen instantly? [more inside]
LLC You See
I currently have an LLC registered in New Mexico (USA). I will in a few months I will be located wholly in Colorado. Do I need to or is it beneficial to register an LLC in Colorado? [more inside]
Bay Areans: Best spot to see aurora tonight? But pls be *specific*
We live in the east bay and didn't have any luck last night, but I wasn't able to drive too far out from city light pollution. More under the fold... [more inside]
Famous places not really in places?
What are some examples of famous locations that are not technically in the places/cities we associate them with? Examples below the fold. [more inside]
Help Me Randomly Divide A Group
I am leading an in-person group where we will discuss a band. I want to get the group excited about the discussion by having them vote on their favorite band member using a poll. How can I then use the poll to evenly divide the group into subgroups, not based on their answer, but randomly? [more inside]
Sadness is on me
Does the Irish language / culture have a particularly philosophy of viewing emotions as fleeting? Or is it just the way its grammar works? [more inside]
which newsletter platform should I use?
A previous ask on this was focused on ethical questions, mine are more basic. What are the options, and how do they stack up for my needs? [more inside]
Please help expand my playlist.
I would love some help finding new tracks for my playlist. [more inside]
Side effects of Trazadone and reasonable subsitutions
I'm not satisfied with the drug my doc's sub gave me. She is using it off-label, which I have no problem with. What are some alternatives? [more inside]
Milan Photographer Recommendation
I am looking to have family photos taken when traveling to the city this summer. Surprisingly, my children who won’t let me take a posed picture of them are willing to go for this! Please share either a referral for a local photographer, or places to find recommendations. Thank you! [more inside]
How as an Old, accept that your parents didn't love you
This is hard to type, anonymous for obvious reasons. I'm almost 60. Both of my parents are finally dead ... my mom for 7 years (Alzheimer's) and my dad a few months ago at 90. My dad walked out the first time when I was 6 months and the last time when I was 12 ... he had some charm but truly never gave one single fuck about anyone except himself and didn't ever support. [more inside]
May 10
On The Road and Need Trolley Bag Wheel Repair
I'm in Bangkok traveling and have noticed a wheel on my trusty 15 y/o North Face 35l roller is damaged. I don't have a Thai phone number so can't buy replacement wheels on Lazada, I can buy these ones on US Amazon and get them shipped from China, or maybe I can fill the gap with a strong glue - is that worth a shot?
Help a family see the Northern Lights tmrw eve (pdx area)
Hi pals, my family and I (6 adults) would like to go see the Northern Lights (or have a good shot at it) tomorrow evening somewhere 1-2 hours in pretty much any direction from Portland, Oregon. We would need it to be accessible by car, as a couple folks in our party aren't able to hike. Where would you go for this, PNW explorers? Thank you!
Help pinning down a few childhood books/movies?
I need help identifying a few childhood books/movies that I forgot the names to. [more inside]
How shallot I use all of these shallots
It's another recipe question with a large amount of one ingredient. I have So Many Shallots. Help me with some recipes or suggestions for lots of shallots. Optional difficulty: Vegan, not required but appreciated.
Can I switch back and forth between a paid and free zoom account?
I have the basic free zoom account. Ocasionally I have to conduct interviews via zoom, and while they usually run about 30 minutes, there's always a chance I could bump up against the 40 minute cut off. For this reason, I'm thinking of getting the paid version. [more inside]
Battery Backup Sump Pump Installation
I’m looking for recommendations from MeFites who have installed their own battery backup sump pump. [more inside]
What's behind the walls of my kitchen?
There's a funny smell. [more inside]
How can I read the Trump Trial transcripts with a screen reader?
It's a simple question, and I thought the answer was on this page, but it's not accessible with my screen reader. I am interested in reading the transcripts and other evidence as much as is possible, for curiosity if nothing else. [more inside]
How to get an overzealous neighbour to chill out?
I've recently become friends with a neighbour, but she wants to see me and talk to me waaaaaay more than I want to see and talk to her. How to get her to cool her jets without making her feel bad? [more inside]