December 2016 Archives
December 31
New England lodging you never want to leave.
I love spending my time exploring New England but lodging is normally not a big focus. Now I want to stay in the most pleasant, beautiful lodging with beautiful views and/rooms that will make us happy to never leave. Help me find the perfect place. [more inside]
How to best get in shape to hit the trail?
I want to get back in shape. I also want to do more hiking and wilderness backpacking. What types of workouts should I do? [more inside]
The Dog(s) That Didn't Bark in the Nightime
Last night, a teenage prankster rang our doorbell at 1:30 a.m. We have security cam evidence, but that's not my question. My question is, why didn't the dogs bark? [more inside]
Take my money!
I cannot seem to figure out how to purchase this song or the album it came from (SLYT Korean gayageum: Jung Mina- Whatever We Become). Artist's Wikipedia here. I prefer a downloadable format but realize that may be impossible.
A Haircut in Gaytown
I usually cut my own hair because I have huge Issues about haircuts and hair places. But I need to get a more professional looking haircut. Can you recommend a queer-centric place in either New York City or New Jersey? [more inside]
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 2:54 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 2:54 PM PST - 9 comments
I just noticed fleas on my indoor cat. Panicking, what to do?
Noticed fleas on my cat and need to know what first steps to take. I have a toddler. Please help! [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 2:50 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Everydayville at 2:50 PM PST - 20 comments
What shouldn't we miss in Havana?
We're a couple going to Havana for just three days in February. We are going by ourselves, not on a tour, so we want to make a list of interesting things to do, good restaurants, sites, and music venues (although we don't like to stay out very late, we love to hear music!). [more inside]
What is the best book about each U.S. President?
My project for 2017 is to read a biography, or a history of the presidency, of each President of the United States. I'd like to narrow it down to one apiece to fit the project into a year. Special cases of this question have been asked here and here, but I would like to extend the question to each administration.
Need help finding new audio samples
I'm looking for community-created (i.e. free) samples, loop packs, etc. for modern dance music creation. The WAV-ier, less-proprietary the formats, the better. I like Monstercat-style electronica these days but my sample library is feeling pretty outdated. This is a hobby on which I can't spend much money at the moment.
posted by circular at 1:47 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by circular at 1:47 PM PST - 9 comments
My passion, at arm's length
Seeking perspective: Am I going to regret it if I take a job in my favorite subject matter but am not going to ever interact with said subject matter? [more inside]
Implications of a lease that violates state law
YANML, but say I am under a lease that includes terms that violate state law. Specifically, my landlords state they will not deal with removal of ice or snow (they are required under Massachusetts law to do so). What are the implications here? Does this nullify my lease, or at least give me an enforceable case for wanting to break it?
No, but seriously. How do you start freelancing/get a portfolio going?
I feel like I have half-assedly asked people this for a long time and gotten more encouragement than answers. Meanwhile I have written for a living for years, just in ways that are overly specialized and don't yield much you can show people as a portfolio. Call it a resolution if you must, but I'm pretty determined to write more in the new year and get paid for it. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by Smearcase at 1:10 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Smearcase at 1:10 PM PST - 7 comments
Less expensive dog teeth cleaning options in Seattle
Where can I go to get my dog's teeth cleaned in Seattle without completely blowing my budget? [more inside]
Wedding registry confusion
We are getting legally married soon, but will be having an actual wedding in a year. I have questions. [more inside]
Help me identify this thing in my hotel room
I noticed this thing mounted by the door of my room earlier and no amount of google image searching is helping me to figure out just what it is. Guesses include a room aerosoliser, a wifi booster, a motion detector of some kind, or a camera. Anyone?
posted by theNonsuch at 11:42 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by theNonsuch at 11:42 AM PST - 4 comments
Giving a cat saline injections without assistance.
I'm looking for tips to single-handedly inject saline solution into a cat without another human helper. Details inside, so people can skip the ugly, stabby bits. [more inside]
Where should I set up a simple majority fund for a minor?
If I want to set up a majority fund in the name of a minor, age 10, without the restrictions of a 529, in some way that would be mostly hands-off but periodically rebalanced without much in the way of management costs, what would be the best way to go about that? [more inside]
posted by paul_smatatoes at 10:56 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by paul_smatatoes at 10:56 AM PST - 2 comments
Help us fix Foam Mattress Mountain!
A little under five years ago, my partner and I bought a high-end foam mattress. It was great...until this year. Each side of the mattress now has a roughly body-shaped depression in it, with a ridge between the two. It's putting both our bodies out of whack. How do we fix this? A few more details inside. [more inside]
Receipt-tracking in this modern world
With year- end tax prep, I am prompted to wonder if there's a better way to track receipts than I've been doing, using Paperless and a scanner. [more inside]
Can you recommend a great US politics podcast featuring women?
Post-election I find myself absorbed in political podcasts. I want more female perspectives! [more inside]
posted by possibilityleft at 9:20 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by possibilityleft at 9:20 AM PST - 11 comments
Training kids about media, propaganda, fake news, etc?
I feel like learning how to keep kids safe on the internet has changed a lot recently. I want to train my nine year old boy on spotting fake information online. Any pointers?
How firm are the prices at a La-Z-Boy Gallery?
The entire experience is not unlike buying a car, with all the options and choices and the manipulative sales practices. So it seems reasonable that the quoted price is not firm, and is a starting point. Am I reading the situation incorrectly? [more inside]
posted by Pocahontas at 6:09 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Pocahontas at 6:09 AM PST - 10 comments
Video games were better in the 80s
I have become a grumpy old person who cannot play video games. I'm looking for PS4 recommendations. I've seen other threads, but apparently I'm a special, grumpy, snowflake. [more inside]
posted by OrangeVelour at 6:05 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by OrangeVelour at 6:05 AM PST - 23 comments
Bartenders of Milwaukee, Hayward, Racine and Kenosha unite!
How do you make a Wisconsin Old Fashion? Beyond the googled recipe. [more inside]
posted by blackjack514 at 5:45 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by blackjack514 at 5:45 AM PST - 12 comments
Help me date in 2017
I've been single for almost 18 months now and I'd really like to work towards finding a decent relationship sometime in the near future. Offer me some advice that will help me get there? [more inside]
posted by kinddieserzeit at 3:06 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by kinddieserzeit at 3:06 AM PST - 11 comments
needle on a coatrack
I saw this coat while out and about, and I liked it a lot, but I was too shy to ask the woman wearing it where she bought it. Can you help me figure it out, if that's even possible? In real life, it was a bit more mustard and less brown than the photo suggests. Thanks in advance, sleuths of fashion!
December 30
Mental Health Assistance in South Africa?
Someone overseas has reached out to tell me he is struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. I'm in USA, he's in South Africa, and he tells me there are no resources he can afford. Can anyone help? [more inside]
Rescuing an abandoned pet bird
My immediate family member has abandoned a beloved pet green-cheek conure at a relative's house. [more inside]
How do you survive with chronic pain?
What resources do you use? Background: I am a young career professional (aged 26). I am passionate about my job but have serious back pain pretty much 24/7, as of the age of 20. Doctors have no idea what is wrong, and weed vicodin etc are fun but barely touch the pain. [more inside]
Which Minneapolis-St Paul churches should I check out?
I'm looking to explore faith communities from the mainline Protestant tradition, located in the central cities or inner ring MSP suburbs, that have a strong young adult presence including single folks. [more inside]
Cards Against Humanity, but for eight-year-olds
My 7-year-old joined in a slightly-edited but rollicking family game of Papercuts (Cards Against Humanity, but for literature) over Christmas and wants to do NOTHING ELSE. So now we are making a homemade version for our 7- and 5-year-olds. Create for me little-kid CAH answers and questions! [more inside]
How can I give my family the info they'll need in case I die?
I'd like to provide my family with a document listing my financial accounts & logins. Also social media accounts, and the passwords to my phone and computer. What's the best way to do that? [more inside]
Can I eat it: fridge left ajar
My fridge was possibly* left ajar for... who knows. A day? I immediately measured some food with my accurate-to-+/-2F thermometer and it all came out at 37-38F. I come from a VERY food-paranoid family so I have no concept of what is 'normal food safety'. The only things that really 'need' to be refrigerated are a dozen eggs (bought yesterday, sigh), yogurt, cheese, and some leftover stir-fry (vegetarian) + cooked brown rice... Am I good to go? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 6:12 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 6:12 PM PST - 20 comments
Performance fabric by the yard
Awesome fabric for making leggings and workout tights. But with requirements... [more inside]
posted by Attackpanda at 5:32 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Attackpanda at 5:32 PM PST - 9 comments
Works similar to Cryptonomicon and Mother Earth Motherboard
I recently read Mother Earth Motherboard by Neal Stephenson and enjoyed learning about modern telecommunications hardware. I've also enjoyed reading Cryptonomicon for its investigation of game theory and crypto.
Do you know of any similar works that delve into modern secure communication? [more inside]
posted by lalunamel at 5:20 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by lalunamel at 5:20 PM PST - 7 comments
NameThisKittenFilter
Help me think of a suitable name for my recently adopted kitten! [more inside]
posted by easy, lucky, free at 3:02 PM PST - 69 comments
posted by easy, lucky, free at 3:02 PM PST - 69 comments
How can I be a more responsible dog owner?
I have a wonderful, sweet, and normally very friendly dog. When we got home she was unleashed on her way inside and uncharacteristically went after an unleashed neighbors dog, that we had never interacted with before, on our way inside. Complications, she's a Great Dane and the neighbors dog is a very small Pomeranian. [more inside]
posted by Marinara at 2:55 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Marinara at 2:55 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me deal with post-stress anxiety?
I’m struggling with some anxiety that I would love tips for dealing with. Anxiety issues aren't really an ongoing thing for me - I can be a bit of an over thinker but normally it is very manageable, however that seems to have changed. [more inside]
Looking for a Soviet-era Russian word
When I learned Russian many years ago, I was taught a Soviet-era word that meant something like "failure to over-fulfil your production quota" (in the context of the Stakhanovites/shock workers). It's very apposite to a situation I'm in, and I can now neither remember it, nor assemble a google search to find it. Can anyone help a tovarishch out?
posted by Vortisaur at 1:40 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Vortisaur at 1:40 PM PST - 7 comments
New partner - Ejaculation issues?
I've been dating a guy who I really like for about four months. We have a great time together, laugh a lot, see each other several times a week, and communicate well with one another. We decided to be exclusive about six weeks into dating and started having sex around that time.
The issue? He only orgasms about half of the time that we have sex. [more inside]
posted by orangesky4 at 1:39 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by orangesky4 at 1:39 PM PST - 27 comments
I can't work [looking] like this.
Help me replace a favorite outdoorsy jacket. [more inside]
posted by jon1270 at 1:37 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by jon1270 at 1:37 PM PST - 14 comments
Looking for lost japanese recipe
Years back my ex-husbands friend came from Japan (where he had been staying for years) and brought back seitan(? tvp?) balls and gave us a delicious recipe to make them with. I recently found the balls at my local asian market and want to make them again. [more inside]
Kitten Times Two
So, I got this handsome fella as my husband's Xmas gift. He is world's most awesome kitten. We fell for his sister, too, and plan to adopt her next weekend. (He's on the left, she's on far right.) Any thoughts, hive mind, on raising two kittens from the same litter? I've done two kittens before, but never related ones.
posted by bearwife at 1:13 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by bearwife at 1:13 PM PST - 21 comments
Help me get scrappy!
I want to put together a combination before/after photo album from a major project with other non-photo paperwork. Is this scrapbook territory? Please help think of a good way to display this stuff or help me scrapbook. [more inside]
What's an awesome coffee table book about a singer/band?
What's an awesome coffee table book about a singer/band? [more inside]
How hard is it to raise kids in Chicago?
We're not parents... yet. We were raised in the suburbs and now own a condo in Rogers Park. How hard is it, really, to raise a city kid in Chicago? [more inside]
Help me identify this Commodore 64 game
I'm trying to recall a platformer I played on the Commodore 64 in the late 80s. In it, an explorer climbed up and down tunnels looking for treasure. All the while, an 8-bit version of "House of Fun" played incessantly in the background. Not this one, but it'll give you the idea. Also, this isn't the abandoned "House of Fun" video game planned for the Genesis. Any ideas?
posted by DrAstroZoom at 12:33 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by DrAstroZoom at 12:33 PM PST - 2 comments
(potato) chips are down...
I came up with the idea of making a bunch of different potato chips (crisps) as a small NYE gathering with friends. Please help me make this a better reality. [more inside]
posted by kellyblah at 12:29 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by kellyblah at 12:29 PM PST - 12 comments
How to navigate fears and insecurities in a new relationship?
I have zero dating experience. I met all my exes through school or friends, and I was with my ex-husband for 10 years before we split last year. I've now found myself with a boyfriend, who I met through Tinder, and more fears, insecurities, and general baggage than I know what to do with. Please help me sort through what is normal and what is not, and what is okay to ask him and what is not? [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 12:19 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by keep it under cover at 12:19 PM PST - 15 comments
Ask mefi's favorite game: Name That Cat!
I recently adopted an adorable new kitty friend, but I’m stumped on what to call him, so I've come to the cat naming experts of mefi for help. More pictures and descriptions of New Kitty inside. [more inside]
posted by litera scripta manet at 12:00 PM PST - 64 comments
posted by litera scripta manet at 12:00 PM PST - 64 comments
Help me buy wireless earbuds
I listen to podcasts and radio while commuting by bike in traffic, and walking my dog in an urban environment. I use the earbuds that came with my phone, with only one ear in and the other free. I have HAD IT with the wires! Please help me identify a wireless solution. [more inside]
Should I use my expired frozen film?
I've got a stockpile of various types of black and white film (mostly Ilford and Kodak ISO 400 but a few 125 and 50) that expired in 2011 and 2012, but have been stored in the freezer in their original packaging since purchase. I want to use them for a trip I'm taking next month; how long can film be frozen with little or no degradation in quality? [more inside]
Graduation gift for research advisees?
I'm looking for graduation gift ideas for my research advisees. [more inside]
Moviegoing + Times Square + New Year's Eve = Bad Idea?
My friends want to see Rogue One tomorrow afternoon and have suggested a theater near Times Square. Between the crowds and increased police presence, I think getting around afterwards is going to be a headache none of us need. How wrong am I? [more inside]
Turning art into other things
What are some websites where artists/photographers can have their work turned into nifty products, aside from the usual cards/calendars/mugs stuff? I'm especially looking to have a painting turned into an umbrella for my Etsy shop, but I'm eager to see what's out there beside the usual consumer sites. If you have customer service experiences, please share those too.
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:46 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:46 AM PST - 6 comments
Google Maps and iOS podcasts not getting along
The behavior of Google Maps and iOS podcasts over bluetooth has changed recently for unknown reasons (maybe iOS 10.2) and I want it to change back. [more inside]
Serious work, working less than full time? Examples? Resources?
Looking for information/examples on ambitious/accomplished people working less than full time. Can you do serious work, and take it seriously, while spending less than 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year on it? [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 7:41 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by ManInSuit at 7:41 AM PST - 24 comments
Resolving a gmail bomb
I have had a disturbing issue with my gmail over the past several days. It sees that someone is using my email address to sign up for a massive number of email newsletters and online accounts. Every day, I have been getting hundreds of confirmation emails for sites and newsletters I have never visited or requested. I am looking for help on how to resolve this issue with my email address. Snowflake details, specific questions, and general lamentations inside. [more inside]
posted by dredge at 7:09 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by dredge at 7:09 AM PST - 12 comments
How to tell my bosses I'm bored
I'm bored at work. I don't want to be bored. How do I talk about this with my bosses at my performance review? [more inside]
Ethical Question -- Baby Name Edition Part Two
I didn't take your advice. Now what? [more inside]
What Malthusian catastrophe reverts to middle ages?
To be clear, what population decimation (50%, 80%?) drives our (western) world back to the middle ages, despite our accumulated/combined knowledge (and how)? Assume global event - I can't imagine one developed nation devolving unless all have
posted by b33j at 5:47 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by b33j at 5:47 AM PST - 24 comments
What kinds of crimes do police ignore?
In the experience of MeFites, what kinds of crimes get little if any police attention? Asking as part of research for fiction, not as a knock on law enforcement. Thanks.
Shopping for a heavy duty protective case for an iPhone 7 Plus.
With so many cheap, and often misleading, consumer goods to choose from, I could use assistance with selecting a heavy duty, well-made case for an iPhone 7 Plus. Standard case or flip wallet variety. [more inside]
Home fragrance oil recs?
So I just came across this lovely thread, and thought to myself – what about home fragrance oils? [more inside]
posted by seeminglyshy at 4:12 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by seeminglyshy at 4:12 AM PST - 4 comments
Seeking UK comedy routine 90s - uncle hypes up kids then leaves for pub
This was probably on a channel 4 comedy show, but there was a UK (English I think) comedian who did a routine about going to visit his nephews/nieces, and being the "fun, crazy uncle" while the parents were both tired. He would hype them up and then when they reached their peak he would "go off down the pub" or something similar, and hand everything back to the parents. I heard a weirdly similar routine recently.
December 29
Where in NYC to find the special beans?
I've decided the New Year's Day meal will be a simple Hopping John because of its associations with luck and wealth and folkloric good fortune. I've read this on the history of it and why it doesn't usually tun out well because of the inferior ingredients used now. I don't have time to order artisanal gold Carolina Rice or heritage red cowpeas from here so where in NYC can I find thier equilvents? [more inside]
Turn On, Tune In, Curse Interference
Help me find benchmark stations on the shortwave bands (5.90 - 10.00 MHz & 11.65 - 18 MHz), so I can figure out how to receive stations with my tiny shortwave receiver. Bonus: I also live 750 meters from a very strong AM station's broadcast antenna, and receive interference from it. [more inside]
Remodeling a rental unit with windows but no view
My Dad has a one bedroom vacation rental which is in a nice location, but has windows that charmingly face a fence 8" away. He resolved this by installing frosted glass in the 70s, which now looks very tired. He'd like to update it and I'm suggesting a "view" of a green wall or more modern privacy glass. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Magnetic clasp watch band, 24mm width.
Where to find a magnetic-clasp watch band to fit a watch with 24mm wide spring bars/pins? Can find magnetic in smaller sizes, or non-magnetic in that size, but am failing to find both at once...
Your experience with air fryers
There was a question about air fryers in 2013, but I figure they've become more popular since then plus there have probably been changes and improvements. I'm not finding any other sites I trust with good reviews, and the variety makes the Amazon reviews seem really overwhelming. I'm running into almost no brands I've heard of, but I love my Blendtec blender, and that's a brand I'd never heard of either. A few snowflakes coming. [more inside]
How do you bank in England?
My daughter will be studying abroad in England in the Spring. We are confused about how she banks for the 5 months she is a student in the UK. Her Midwest US bank has no options for her. Wells Fargo, my bank, has no options. We've heard BOA does, so we are going to talk to them. And we've been told that she should just open an account when she gets there and then wire her funds from her US bank.
If you've done this, what worked for you?
Can I eat this beautiful slice of key lime pie?
I bought a slice of key lime pie 8 days ago, on December 21. It has been in my refrigerator ever since. Can I eat it?! Would you? Please say yes.
posted by limeonaire at 7:14 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by limeonaire at 7:14 PM PST - 21 comments
How can I stream Sherlock?
I'm in Canada. I can't seem to determine how I can stream Sherlock online Sunday night. I'm willing to pay. Amazon is offering it, but it's not clear if it'll be available as a live stream of the Masterpiece broadcast or later. To clarify - I want a legit stream at 9:00 PM EST, not some sort of bootleg or proxy method.
posted by davebush at 5:16 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by davebush at 5:16 PM PST - 5 comments
How to be smart vs. the corporate internet behemoth?
All Kid BlahLaLa wanted for the holidays was better wifi at home, so after maaany years of DSL we are switching to cable internet, which in our area is only provided by Spectrum (aka Charter). Help me understand the best way to do this? I have all sorts of questions. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 4:42 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 4:42 PM PST - 14 comments
Roses: for expert gardeners only?
I'm beginning to fancy the idea of planting some rose bushes in my yard this spring. I'm a novice gardener. Am I crazy to consider it? [more inside]
posted by Elly Vortex at 4:35 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Elly Vortex at 4:35 PM PST - 21 comments
Recommendations for Android Home Inventory Apps
You use an Android Home Inventory App and you love it (or at least like it) - please tell me about it. [more inside]
What cool gift could I buy for my wife in Cartagena, Colombia
My lovely wife, myself and our 9yo will be in Cartagena, Colombia this February. While we're there, she will turn 40. Is there some birthday present, probably jewelry, that it would be worth it to buy for her in Cartagena? [more inside]
Good oppression 101 book/webpage (workplace edition)
I try to speak up about sexism/racism/etc at work (I'm a scientist) and would like to finish by saying something along the lines of:" you too can educate yourself, here are some resources..." Can you help me to follow through with actual resources? [more inside]
fitness tips for the lazy and changeable
I'm trying REALLY, REALLY hard to go to the gym 5x a week and eat 1200-1500 calories of healthy shit every day. I am busy, depressed, and lazy. What are your tips for making this kind of lifestyle as painless as possible? [more inside]
posted by there will be glitter at 12:11 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by there will be glitter at 12:11 PM PST - 34 comments
Tips for starting my 40s off right
I just turned 40 and am a father of two young boys (a two-year old and newborn). What are things I can do to take care of myself to ensure that I have the energy needed to be an active and energetic dad for my boys as they get older? I'm thinking largely physical, but mental tips would be great too. [more inside]
posted by buddha9090 at 11:46 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by buddha9090 at 11:46 AM PST - 17 comments
How to turn a viral article into work?
I'm a writer. I don't have a steady job and things are looking a little grim. Yet I recently hit the viral jackpot with an article linked on the blue and BoingBoing and all over the place, and it's sprinting toward 40,000 hits since I posted it Tuesday night. Much of it was timing; it was a way to tie up some surprising (to me) feelings I had about Carrie Fisher. Nevertheless, anybody know how you're supposed to use these things for work/job purposes? [more inside]
Vegan AND gluten-free brunch recipes?
As it says up top, I'm looking for vegan and gluten-free brunch recipes/ideas to accommodate family members in both camps. I'd like to have enough options so that the vegans and celiacs can sample widely.
Please share any ideas beyond hummus and fruit salad...
Thanks in advance!
posted by stillmoving at 11:12 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by stillmoving at 11:12 AM PST - 21 comments
A. Einstein mystery
Grandfather the mathematician took sabbaticals in Berlin in 1927 and 1934. There he became an acquaintance of Einstein. Years later he mentioned talking science to the fellow one afternoon, and I quote: "about a publication of the previous year - on the 'Fünf-bein' as I recall. 'Das ist alles Mist.'"
Google fails me on what what the Fünf-bein might refer to, much less why it is all crap.
Any thoughts appreciated.
posted by BWA at 11:12 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by BWA at 11:12 AM PST - 8 comments
Trying to delete photos from my iphone is making me crazy
I am trying get a fresh start on my photos in my iphone with IOS 10. There are several album that appear under a heading "my Albums" on my iphone. Labeled last import and last 12 months. I can not seem to delete these albums or the photos within.
These albums do not show up in iPhoto on my desktop or laptop allow me to delete through syncing
Is it possible? How hive?
Help!!
Pharmacie Assistance
I'm an English-speaking American in Paris and I have a fever and sore throat. I can read basic French but successfully communicating with a pharmacist is way out of my league. I've managed to get ibuprofen and cough drops but what I really want is a multi-symptom medication like Alka-Seltzer Cold to get me through the doubtless approaching congestion and cough which is going to hit right as I'm boarding a plane back to the States. [more inside]
posted by something something at 10:59 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by something something at 10:59 AM PST - 11 comments
Please help me choose a Christmas gift for myself.
My very kind aunt has offered to bring me a gift when she comes to visit, but she's asked me to choose and I'm stumped. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Chrome tab sync is very confusing
Is there a reliable way to get Google Chrome on a second computer to open all the tabs that were open on the first computer? [more inside]
Apple Health Pedometer for Android
I need pedometer app for Android (for a Google Pixel) that not only counts steps, but keeps an average of steps/day over the past 30 days like Apple Health used to on my iPhone. [more inside]
How to count button clicks on a web site
I have a free Wordpress site on which I want to display a button (or a link) saying "Take action," and above that, the number of people who have clicked it, e.g. "53 people have taken action." Clicking on the button should update the count and take the user to a thank you page. Assume total ignorance of HTML, Wordpress, and whatever else I would need to know to do this. [more inside]
Tropical Bathroom Decorating
What (if any) plants will survive indoors from the light through glass block windows in Chicago year-round? [more inside]
posted by Bunglegirl at 10:13 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Bunglegirl at 10:13 AM PST - 10 comments
Recommendations for prepaid landline long distance?
I've done the searching and found possibilities for prepaid landline long distance services, but would like to know about your experience and recommendations before I buy. Thanks!
Is there a Marie Kondo for widows?
I am overwhelmed by stuff in my house. My husband passed suddenly in April, leaving behind a large house + a large garage mostly full of his hobby items. I have been trying to go through it for months now, but it is overwhelming. Is there some kind of professional that can help me with this? [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 10:01 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by jeoc at 10:01 AM PST - 13 comments
Teaching monster anatomy
Best online resources for teaching speculative anatomy, 8th grade to high school age? [more inside]
No you can't live under the stove
We are moving into a new house, and I discovered this morning that my cats can hide under the stove. This is the stove in question. Since we are still moving, I have it blocked off with boxes for the moment. What can I use that will be safe longer term to keep my cats from hiding underneath it? The stove is inset in the counter, so it's only the front that has a gap for them.
(Obligatory cat pictures - Quasar and Zenith)
posted by Nimmie Amee at 8:37 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Nimmie Amee at 8:37 AM PST - 14 comments
Netgear Router Exploit Announced; Netgear Router Acting Funny
Our Netgear R8000 will not stay connected to the internet. Rebooting either the modem or the router individually will not fix the problem, but rebooting both simultaneously will. It'll stay connected for a few hours, then disconnect again. After poking around, I saw the news about the command injection exploit. I can't possibly think of how my partner or I would have clicked on a malicious link, but maybe? On the off-chance that we got hacked, would going to an open source firmware (i.e., DD-WRT) fix any damage that was potentially done, or is there such a thing as a rootkit for a router that could potentially leave it permanently compromised? [more inside]
What band is in this poster?
Internet detectives, can you identify the band that is in this poster? A friend found this in an old jazz record, and he's trying to determine both the band and the album that this poster was associated with. My Google skills were not up to the challenge.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 7:54 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 7:54 AM PST - 8 comments
Four on the floor
Based on this post, what are some rock songs that liberally use four on the floor but are specifically not in the dance or dance/rock genre?
Where to go on a trip? Difficulty level: Fun for the WHOLE family.
Papa sutel has generously offered to take the whole fam damily on a big trip in 2018. Where should we go? Snowflakey details inside. [more inside]
posted by sutel at 7:28 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by sutel at 7:28 AM PST - 15 comments
Can you have your name changed on your birth certificate?
Or does the original name stay on there? This is in reference to legally changing one's name as an adult NOT via marriage. [more inside]
When it rains, it pours...
First time condo owner, bathroom plumbing leak of mysterious origin. Trying not to fall into a money pit. Ice pellets inside. [more inside]
Book recommendations for my grandma
My 90 year old grandmother is a passionate believer in lifetime learning. Aside from using her free time to learn English and to navigate an iPad, she is convinced that the only way to slow her mental decline is to keep the mind engaged. [more inside]
December 28
Windows 10 no longer detects second monitor
I've been running Windows 10 on a Lenovo B590 for about a year, and have always used a second monitor without any problem... until now. [more inside]
Criterion Collection for Books
I'm looking for interesting publishing imprints. Examples inside. [more inside]
posted by R.F.Simpson at 11:06 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by R.F.Simpson at 11:06 PM PST - 28 comments
What's the minimum Trek needed to appreciate Galaxy Quest?
I love Galaxy Quest and think my kids would too, but they've never really watched any Star Trek other than the Abrams movies. What would be a few key episodes of Trek (or other classic Sci-Fi) that we could watch to get a sense of the tropes needed to appreciate Galaxy Quest? [more inside]
posted by straight at 10:50 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by straight at 10:50 PM PST - 20 comments
Adult-diagnosed ADHD-(Anyone question your diagnosis)? *Esp. educators*
I've been on medical leave from both work and grad school, recently saw a new psychiatrist to make my parents happy and she diagnosed me with adult ADHD? I trust her, and I'm trained to recognize signs of ADHD in children but not adults. I've expressed concerns...I know the disorder is very real but I have strange imposter/guilt feelings for reasons detailed. It would be amazing to hear from educators with ADHD, but if anyone with adult-diagnosed ADHD (so many As and Ds) could chime in regarding similar feelings? [more inside]
posted by WhitenoisE at 10:25 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by WhitenoisE at 10:25 PM PST - 6 comments
How much to charge for a t-shirt design project?
I need help with pricing out a design project. I'm a printmaker / illustrator with a growing Instagram / Etsy audience and have been asked to create a t-shirt design by a seemingly successful small business (from the research I've done!) More below the fold... [more inside]
posted by sucre at 10:09 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by sucre at 10:09 PM PST - 6 comments
Best way to upload tens of thousands of photos to Flickr? 💻 ➡ 🌏
I need a reliable, robust app (or way) to upload an enormous amount of photos from my Mac to my Flickr Pro account. Suggestions or ideas? [more inside]
If a doctor suspects mono should they do a physical exam?
If a family doctor suspects mononucleosis should they do a physical exam? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 9:26 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by aerotive at 9:26 PM PST - 10 comments
What to do with an Egyptian tent panel?
I was gifted an Egyptian tent panel. It is quilted cotton on a heavy canvas backing. I want to display it/use it, but how? [more inside]
posted by methroach at 9:12 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by methroach at 9:12 PM PST - 5 comments
Obscure Graduate Degrees
Just for fun here: any obscure/quirky/fun degree subjects I may never have thought of before? [more inside]
posted by Wanderwhale at 7:53 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by Wanderwhale at 7:53 PM PST - 42 comments
What do you wish your adult children would do more of?
My parents are in their mid-sixties. I'm in my forties. I want to be the best daughter I can be while I still have them around. What things do you wish your adult children would do more of (or less of) to make you feel loved and supported? I know what's needed and possibly appreciated may vary based on people's physical abilities, income levels, etc. I just want to get some ideas from people who have children my age of things they've appreciated that I may not have thought of, so all ideas welcome. Thanks!
posted by ezrainch at 7:46 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by ezrainch at 7:46 PM PST - 14 comments
Help this snowflake find an Evernote replacement.
I've used Evernote for years, but due to recent privacy developments would like to switch. I'm having trouble finding something that fits the bill: [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 7:25 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by HeroZero at 7:25 PM PST - 7 comments
Transgender pronouns in stories
I know two transgender people. In both cases, I knew them when their gender presentation was their birth gender, and I know them now, when they have corrected their gender presentation. When I tell a story to a third person, and that story is about the past, what pronouns should I use? [more inside]
posted by OrangeDisk at 7:23 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by OrangeDisk at 7:23 PM PST - 19 comments
Offline Netflix on Samsung Galaxy S4 to Samsung TV?
My dad wants to be able to download Netflix shows or movies to his Samsung Galaxy S4 phone, using the new "download" function. He then wants to bring his phone to the cottage, where there is no Internet (just cell service) and play the show or movie on the TV there, without using data. What's the best way to go about this? [more inside]
posted by juliebug at 6:58 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by juliebug at 6:58 PM PST - 4 comments
bring me your magical cats
What are books, movies, TV shows, or other media that contain time-travelling or dimension-hopping cats? Cats that can talk or perform magic but do not have the referenced abilities need not apply.
posted by bq at 5:16 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by bq at 5:16 PM PST - 28 comments
Why did my cheeks recently become noticeably asymmetrical?
I know most everyone has an asymmetrical face, but what would cause mine to change somewhat suddenly? [more inside]
Should I be worried about giving my address out to stranger?
I am trying to sell something on Craigslist and someone offered me a check in the mail (yeah I know) and more than asking price (again I know) but figured worse case scenario is check doesn't clear. So I go ahead and send them my address to see what happens. Now I'm paranoid about being robbed for changing my mind and calling them out? Am I being overly paranoid? I have a very uncommon last name so I'm sure with a bit of googling they could find my address anyway. Hell I googled myself out of curiosity and it was on the first page of results. Am I any more likely to be robbed than anyone else?
What 15 things, and nothing else, can I eat forever?
I am bad at feeding myself. I've looked at a bunch of questions and responses here on MetaFilter and I know about Michael Pollen's books including Food Rules. And maybe it's my ADHD but it still seems too hard for me. [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 3:08 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 3:08 PM PST - 24 comments
Questions about The Peripheral by Wm. Gibson
I just finished The Peripheral and have questions. It's great if you haven't read it. Spoilers inside. [more inside]
Setting up Arq for 2 Macs--restoring files from one Mac to the other
I have two Mac laptops. I like Arq, which I have just started using with Google Drive. I want to set up Arq so that I can restore the files on my first Mac to the drive on my second Mac, or vice versa. This is proving a little complicated for a couple of reasons: [more inside]
Faces
Donald Trump has a very distinctive facial expression, sort of a pout with teeth barred. Today I saw a tabloid with images of some famous people where one (the bad guy) showed lower teeth, and another (nice guy) showed upper teeth. What is going on with these mouths? I react to them, but I don't know why. [more inside]
How are professional movers paid?
We've engaged a nationwide moving company to move our stuff about 900 miles to our new home. How are the people who actually do the work paid? Do I tip? (Yes, I'm sure. ) How much? [more inside]
posted by SLC Mom at 1:25 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by SLC Mom at 1:25 PM PST - 17 comments
I have questions about an 'agreement' I've been asked to sign at work.
You are not a (or my) lawyer, but maybe you can give me some relevant info. I have been asked to sign an agreement agreeing to repay my company for a training course that is relevant to my job, if I leave the company within a year. It is fairly standard except that the training course happened about 6 weeks ago. I'm trying to figure out if can be compelled to sign it. Where can I find info that will explain my rights in layman's terms? (I'm in the U.K.) [more inside]
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:22 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:22 PM PST - 15 comments
What happens if a trial witness remembers something important later?
What would happen if a trial witness (or other important participant) suddenly remembered something crucial after a trial had already finished? [more inside]
Adding insulation to top-floor apartment?
We recently bought a top-floor apartment; a 1940's 10 story building in Philly.
It seems to have no insulation above our ceiling (maybe 2 ft. of clearance) according to the Super. It is hot in the summer, cold in Winter. [more inside]
Help me to recover a document in LibreOffice
I overwrote a document and saved it by mistake. Now I need to recover what it was before. Is this possible? I'll spare you the expletives.
You aren't who you think you are...
What are some commercial action/thriller/sci fi films where the main character either wakes up with amnesia (a la Bourne) and has to discover his/her identity, or else discovers midway through the film that his/her sense of self is falsely implanted (a la Total Recall?)
posted by egeanin at 10:39 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by egeanin at 10:39 AM PST - 38 comments
How do I handle this insurance issue from my surgery?
In August of 2015 I had brain surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to remove a tumor. It was benign. I've been back several times for radiation therapy and other follow-up appointments. Everything has been really, really great. I mean, as great as brain surgery can be, I guess. My right vocal cord is paralyzed as a result of cranial nerve trauma, but other than that, I am here, and I am happy. There is, however, the small issue of the bill. [more inside]
Looking For Affordable Photography Prints
I am looking for affordable photography prints. I don't know how to describe the aesthetic that I am looking for. I'd like something "edgy" and maybe a bit dark without being scary or "too much." [more inside]
What Roy Orbison song does this sound like?
I recently saw Eliza Rickman live, and she performed the song Lark of My Heart. Afterwards, she made a joke about how the melody had come to her so easily she suspected she had subconsciously plagiarized it, but fortunately she hasn't been sued by the estate of Roy Orbison yet. The crowd laughed so got the joke but it went over my head! What Roy Orbison song does this sound like?
posted by srrh at 9:47 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by srrh at 9:47 AM PST - 4 comments
Analyses of the Mechanics of Popular Music OTHER than Song Exploder
I’m looking for reporting/interviews/discussions/critique of popular music composition. The Song Exploder podcast is the obvious candidate here, since the host discusses the mechanics of how different songs were built. What else is out there that’s similar? (As a contrast: roughly none of the reporting done in Pitchfork, FACT, or Resident Advisor fits this requirement.)
Is dating really worse in NYC?
What it says on the tin. I realized I don't have a lot of experience dating the modern way (apps for everything) anywhere else, and so have nothing to compare it to. [more inside]
Viewpoints in disguise: books and movies
In the vein of The Education of Little Tree (as discussed on This American Life) I'm looking for books or movies that are typically understood as representing one moral/political point of view, but on closer look actually represent a different viewpoint altogether. The bigger the contrast in meaning between the two analyses, the better. Caveat: the "wrong" interpretation must be due to intentional misleading or obscuring by the work's author. [more inside]
Looking for remote-friendly software leads in NYC
I'm interested in software engineering positions at NYC-based companies that support remote working. Got any leads? Special snowflake details within. [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 8:08 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Cogito at 8:08 AM PST - 5 comments
Spanish travel phrases audiobook?
In the past I've gotten a CD that comes with a Spanish phrasebook that's has you practice "Where's the bathroom?", "My appendix just burst", etc. Is there one you'd recommend? My preference is for something about an hour long, downloadable, and non-interactive (so I can listen in the car). Bonus points for Mexican Spanish and a one-time purchase, so I don't have to deal with an Audible subscription.
How to have/join a posse for Worldcon in Helsinki.
I'm going to be attending Worldcon in Helsinki in August 2017. I'm a writer of speculative fiction, with a handful of publishing credits but few connections in the literary world. I tagged along with a more established writer friend at a literary convention last year, and it showed me that it can be hard to fly solo in such a sprawling social environment. I would like to build some connections in advance with other writers who plan to attend so I can look forward to meeting some peers and networking with like-minded individuals. Where should I start? [more inside]
Want tiny desktop network data widget for win7x64 (not legacy Gadget)
I remember that the Windows desktop gadgets? for the sidebar used to be a thing, and they were kinda cool, but then Microsoft said "stop using those, they're a security risk", so I did. There is surely another 3rd party thing that does something like this? But my google-fu is failing. [more inside]
State vs.Federal Programs
I'm having an off and on discussion with a business associate about the election and it's potential repercussions. We're both anti-Trump, but he's wait and see calm about it, where I am just barely below freak the fuck out level. We seem to be having a relatively informative and productive time of it, but I just got stuck on one particular point: the argument against smaller federal government. [more inside]
posted by newpotato at 6:16 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by newpotato at 6:16 AM PST - 15 comments
Navigating Dating Situation - Crush on Other Person Edition
I have been with my partner for 3.5 years. We are largely happy - good sex life, lots in common, and are building a life together. That being said, there are issues, and they are being magnified by a new crush. I need advice on how to navigate this ethically. [more inside]
Do I have to give up my life to take care of my mentally ill mother?
My mother is a 71 year old mentally ill alcoholic, she depends on my father for everything. My father is terminally ill with cancer and will probably die within the next few months. I'm worried that I'll have to give up everything in my life (and give up my future) to take care of her. Are there other options, or am I shit out of luck? [more inside]
December 27
Where can I find someone to help me install PHP Informix on OSX
I need to install Informix support for PHP on my OSX machine, so I can use functions like ifx_connect. Getting this installed has been a command line nightmare - I've exhausted my google options and I'll gladly hire someone to take care of it for me. Looking either for help getting this working on OSX or for recommendations on how to find someone I can hire to get this set up. [more inside]
posted by yorick at 9:20 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by yorick at 9:20 PM PST - 3 comments
I have all my books. Sort of.
Inspired by the question about Kobo and Calibre: I have a library of kindle books that were purchased through a shared Amazon account that are mine, but I don't believe I can get them on to my Kindle due to the DRM. How do I unlock my library? [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 8:32 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Medieval Maven at 8:32 PM PST - 9 comments
Questions about Kobo + Calibre
I have a Kobo Aura H20. I use calibre to keep track of my books, which are stripped of DRM. Three questions: A) Calibre doesn't recognize the Kobo as an ereader. I have to use the save-to-disk not save-to-device function. How do I fix this? B) How do I take books off my Kobo but keep highlights/annotations etc.? C) Given that I've put the books on the Kobo using Calibre, not Kobo software, can I sync reading across decices, so I could, say, pick up where I left off on my phone if I don't have the Kobo with me? [more inside]
Probably no plank poses
You are not my doctor, but maybe you have broken your wrist before: what is okay and not okay to do before you get a plaster cast? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 6:11 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by goodbyewaffles at 6:11 PM PST - 12 comments
Music like early Suzanne Vega?
I'm looking for music like early Suzanne Vega, specifically with intelligent lyrics and sweeping, textured soundscapes, like Night Vision and Language. Any ideas?
posted by dmd at 6:09 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by dmd at 6:09 PM PST - 18 comments
Best practices for activists
I'm becoming involved in what I guess would be called activism work lately. I have little experience, but I'm chairing a couple of teams focused on social justice issues. Not so much with the protesting, more along the lines of say, coat drives for the homeless, educating people about homelessness and trying to encourage changes in the local system (homelessness is not the focus of my work right now, but it's a comparable example). [more inside]
How can I get acceptable CCC leadership experience?
I graduated with my Ed.D in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Educational Psychology from USC about a year ago. I am now looking for a dean position in northern California or farther north specializing in distance education, educational technology and/or instructional design. I would appreciate *any* advice on how i can prove my leadership abilities during a job interview given the "unofficial" nature of my leadership thus far. [more inside]
posted by ConnieL at 4:54 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by ConnieL at 4:54 PM PST - 1 comment
Used mobile phone - will I also acquire the old owner's history?
I am thinking about buying a used mobile phone. Will the previous user's browsing/texting history come back to haunt me? [more inside]
Japanese sample based hip-hop and copyright law
Hello,
I started noticing a lot of sample based hip hop originating
From Japan like the magically named Mass-Hole and others That I'm just learning about.
I'm under the impression that this sort of production
became impractical for most of the world as the sample clearance costs were so high.
Is this the case in Japan? Or are folks just cobbling together original performances to sample?
In any case it's a fun Spotify score.
Thanks!
posted by macadam9 at 4:15 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by macadam9 at 4:15 PM PST - 2 comments
All I wanted was a plaintext movie listings website...
It turns out I cherished movies.google.com as my go-to location to look at movie times. It was up to date, had no frippery, and was fast, and now the jerkwads at Google have shut it down. What can I use instead? I want to set my location, and I want to see theaters and movies and today's times, I want it all in as plain black and white, a poster thumbnail is acceptable.
I want to see all the movies playing today and nothing else, ideally on as few pages as practical. The aesthetic I seek is craigslist, but for movies. [more inside]
Total beginner looking for guidance about User Experience Design
A couple of questions: Do I need to be a jack of all trades in all of the aspects of UX and UI design? Are a lot of companies unaware of the differences between UX and UI and lump it all into one job duty? Can I focus more on the user / usability research aspect and slowly branch out to the strategy and design aspects? Do you have any advice on an incremental and non-overwhelming baby-step approach to learning all of the skills necessary to go into the UX design career? [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 3:58 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by ggp88 at 3:58 PM PST - 6 comments
Looking for a Mercedes garage for a pre-purchase inspection in San Diego
Can anyone recommend a Mercedes garage for a pre-purchase inspection in the San Diego area?
Dealer is located on Miramar Road near I-15, north of the downtown area. I am trying to buy from afar and can't go there to handle this myself. They say they will take the car anywhere in the area that I request. They made a suggestion, but it seems like that's got potential to be a setup...
How can I change the object color in Mac Preview?
I do not have access to photoshop. I would like to change everything that is red in this pic to navy blue.
How to keep my Windows 10 screen fonts blurry?
I dislike how Win 10 renders fonts in apps -- especially in Word 2016. It's too sharp and contrasty for me. But I've found that if I change the scaling of text, apps and other items (Settings/System/Display) from, say, 100% to 125% or 125% to 100% (any change will do), then fonts assume a blurry, slightly smudged appearance that I like and find much easier on the eye. However, the effect is lost when I reboot. How can I make the effect permanent without changing the scaling every time I boot? [more inside]
Trauma therapist in the Boston area?
Asking for a friend. Looking for a female therapist who specializes in working with adults who are victims of domestic violence/abusive relationships and have a long history of trauma. Bonus points for sand tray therapy. Thank you, Metafites!
Google Photos Apprehension
I need a cloud solution for my phone pictures and I hate the lack of individual control with apple's built-in app.
Does anyone else like google photos?
For some reason I feel apprehensive about using such a monolithic company for my personal data. I’m not a luddite. I use their docs extensively and I have two-factor authentication on. But after the icliid fiasco a few years ago, I’m a bit nervous about pictures in the cloud.
Am I being ridiculous?
If you don't ask Metafilter, you're gonna have a bad time
I want to learn to ski! Where and with who? Specific recommendations requested. [more inside]
sticker shock Comcast to Centurylink
I moved my company's telecomm (trunk + Internet) to CTL. We are getting billed for services we were not quoted on the initial proposal. Now experiencing buyer's remorse, what's the best that can happen here? [more inside]
MLK Weekend Retreat on the East Coast
I am looking for somewhere on the East Coast (home is Washington D.C.) that I can go for a three-/four-day retreat for the Jan. 13-16 long weekend. Basically, I am coming out of the first trimester from hell, have a cranky 1.5-year-old, and just need to go *somewhere* alone where I can get some peace and quiet, enjoy nature, read a few good books, and hopefully get fed delicious food. I am not particularly interested in learning things, meeting new people, participating in activities, or being around anything too crunchy. A few people have pointed me to the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health or Omega, though they both seem a bit quinoa and yoga-y (if that's a phrase). Any other suggestions?
What is this (kitchen?) tool?
Here is a picture of a friend's (kitchen?) gadget. Anyone know what it is? (I won't be able to give any further feedback, since it's not in my possession. All I have is the photo.)
posted by The Deej at 12:51 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by The Deej at 12:51 PM PST - 5 comments
Looking for a twitter app
I need suggestions for a twitter app that would just let me type what I want, then then automatically post it broken into two tweets if need be. Is there one that does that? Someone suggested Hootsuite to me, but it doesn't do what I want it to.
I use android. [more inside]
Podcast alarm app?
For some unfathomable reason, I haven't been able to find a single iphone app that will allow me to play a podcast as a wake-up alarm. Surely, SURELY, this incredibly basic functionality must be available SOMEWHERE. Yes I have seen this question, the app marked as 'best answer' no longer exists. [more inside]
Quiet place to read a book + have a drink on NYE in NYC?
All my closest friends are out of town for New Year's Eve, and I'd like to find a quiet spot in the city, have a drink or two, and read a book for awhile. Any ideas of where I can do this? [more inside]
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 10:23 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 10:23 AM PST - 7 comments
how do I get over this?
I've been more or less in love with someone who likely doesn't reciprocate it for more than a year. I need to get out of this head space. What is a good distraction? [more inside]
posted by anonymoosemoosemoose at 10:22 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by anonymoosemoosemoose at 10:22 AM PST - 24 comments
I just got a Le Creuset for xmas!
7 1/4 qt, honey yellow, aka perfect. Gimme all your favorite dutch oven recipes.
Why do I fall so often?
Or, perhaps more precisely, what is it that people do who do not fall frequently? [more inside]
Please help me sleep better after trying Valarian root and failing
Can people suggest some ideas or trinkets I can make to help me get a better nights sleep please (as I have non-restorative sleep issues). (More info inside). [more inside]
iPhone App to Quickly Access Connected Bluetooth Devices?
I am NOT talking about swiping up to turn Bluetooth on or off completely via the Control Center. [more inside]
Conference Call Concentration
I am on conference calls for most of the day. I get a lot out of the calls when I'm a focused and active participant, but sitting at my desk, I find it extremely hard to concentrate and not multi-task. [more inside]
posted by valeries at 8:10 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by valeries at 8:10 AM PST - 18 comments
TV buying advice for dinosaurs. Non-US dinosaurs.
We're Americans living abroad in Europe. We've lived an essentially TV-free life for the last several years but watch a lot of DVDs, and some internet stuff. We have a ˜15 year old CRT tv, but we really want to upscale to a big flat-screen. I'm tech savvy, but feel like a total dinosaur on this. Need some really basic guidance. [more inside]
Food gift etiquette
A question on etiquette - I give you a gift of something consumable (food, liquor, etc.). You open it in front of me, and then offer me some. Should I take some or decline? [more inside]
How is the quality of Threadless tshirts nowadays?
I last bought tshirts from Threadless in 2011. The material of the tshirts was very thin and a bit too easily stretchable, unlike the more sturdy tshirts I've bought from places like ThinkGeek. I've actually grown to like the thinner tees (they work well in hot weather), but given the unexpected quality of the tshirts in my previous order, I'm wondering what the tshirts from Threadless are like now. Thick or thin? Sturdy? Are the prints done well? Thanks hive mind!
posted by destrius at 7:09 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by destrius at 7:09 AM PST - 7 comments
How can I up my hair game while still remaining extremely lazy?
I'm tired of wearing my long, straight hair down, in a messy bun, or in a ponytail. I still don't want to spend a lot of time. What should I try? [more inside]
posted by chaiminda at 5:55 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by chaiminda at 5:55 AM PST - 16 comments
KPIs for Pre-Sales roles
I have a new role. Yay! I have been asked to lead a Pre-Sales team for my company. This is a new team being formed to help the company scale. The question how do we measure if we are successful [more inside]
ADHD meds and side effects
My kid has tried a few different stimulants in varying doses, and invariably, has a crash at the end of the day that leaves her emotionally low, grouchy, physically exhausted, and cumulatively over the weeks, leads to depression. On the other hand, without meds, the kid is unable to do school successfully. I'd like to hear from folks who take these meds and have a similar experience, how do you manage this. [more inside]
Son touched cousin's butt. How to react and how to act?
My six year old put his hand in his cousin's pants and touched his butt on Christmas. It wasn't sexual to him. I'm worried about what this means for him, for family. I don't know how to make sure this doesn't happen again, how to correct the situation and I don't know how to react as the parent. [more inside]
How to get over what I may or may not have done to my fiance?
Not even sure if I cheated, how can we move past this? [more inside]
posted by queens86 at 12:30 AM PST - 60 comments
posted by queens86 at 12:30 AM PST - 60 comments
December 26
Google sign-in alert question
An email alert was sent to me a few days ago saying:
Your Google Account @gmail.com was just used to sign in on Linux.
[more inside]
posted by Kiwi at 11:36 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Kiwi at 11:36 PM PST - 11 comments
What are things I should be looking for after a head injury w/ anorexia?
I had a bad concussion in May, while recovering from anorexia. I'm struggling with potential related issues still. I'm not sure what I should be looking for symptom-wise, and what constitutes a major problem... or how to get my doc to refer me to neurology. [more inside]
Where Can We Get a Shih Tzu?
My husband and I live in the Bay Area and really want a Shih Tzu/Shih Tzu mix (the other breed also having a long/non-shedding coat) puppy or very young adult dog. [more inside]
half a day in the Hudson Valley
What to do with half a Sunday/holiday in Orange County NY? [more inside]
NYC new years eve... non-bar edition
For New Years Eve, we usually have a big group and just hit a local bar that's having a party. This year it's just me and one or two other friends, and I'm not really feeling like hanging around a noisy, crowded bar all night. I'd love to come up with something a little less typical. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Proven Nursing Bra that supports large chest
38D pre-pregnancy and now measured to a 38DDD/E - what nursing bra to you recommend? Must be supportive! [more inside]
Estate attorney in Connecticut
Looking for recommendations for a good estate attorney in Connecticut. [more inside]
Milk Tray Bar In North America?
Did the Milk Tray Bar exist in Canada and/or the USA? [more inside]
posted by cm at 3:56 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by cm at 3:56 PM PST - 7 comments
Manners help for an anxious school-age caveman
My 9 year old is an anxious kid with severe attention deficits. He's seriously lacking in social niceties, e.g., "Why is grandma staying so long? I thought she was just dropping something off!" We may be failing him, and I he's clearly not going to pick these things up alone. Can you recommend an approach or resources that might not make him shut down entirely? [more inside]
how do I transfer videos to a DVD disc
I have windows 8.1 and I have pictures and videos inside the picture library. When I go into the picture library I see photos and I also have videos and those video icons have arrows in the center of them to indicate to me that they are videos. I can't seem to figure out how to transfer those videos to a DVD disc. I have DVD+R discs.
Thank you.
Mitigating static electricity
I live in the mountain west. It's pretty dry here all the time... quadruply so in the winter. I work from home, and constantly shock myself whenever I sit down at my desk. Pretty much year round walking across the carpet and sitting down at my desk will shock me. During the winter merely shifting in my chair will shock me. What the heck can I do to mitigate this? [more inside]
Ongoing Despair Despite Getting Lots of Treatment
Hey all, I've been getting lots of treatment (4x week) for C-PTSD/incest and BPD, and yet nothing is working. All meds on the market have been tried except for one MAOI. Ketamine infusions have been done. Inpatient hospitalization was very traumatizing and inhumane. Nothing works. I'm at the point where I don't really know who I am anymore and I feel hopeless about any future; nothing interests me at all. I can barely go through the motions to make my rent and feed myself. What can I do?
In Slack, how to get notified when people DON'T reply?
When sending messages in Slack to specific people, I would like to have a notification if they don't reply back to me within a certain amount of time. How to do this? [more inside]
posted by ErikH2000 at 1:15 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by ErikH2000 at 1:15 PM PST - 6 comments
Who is Elliott Lusztig
Who runs this Twitter profile? [more inside]
Looking for a forester (not a car)
I need to find a forester in Southern Maine and I don't know where to begin. I have looked at the list on the Society of American Foresters but it seems like there is no division as to who is a employed by a company versus who is available for hire. [more inside]
posted by InkaLomax at 11:44 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by InkaLomax at 11:44 AM PST - 8 comments
Where to find a non-white wedding dress
So my fiance and I have been engaged for two years, and have started the process of wedding planning. One thing I am putting my foot down about is to not have a "traditional" wedding, including a white dress like every other bride. No off-white cop outs like ivory or cream, either. [more inside]
posted by Delia at 11:40 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Delia at 11:40 AM PST - 23 comments
Unscary Detective/Mystery books in "exotic" or "outdoors" locations.
ISO mystery/detective authors where the protagonist is mostly not in danger. Bonus if it happens in an exotic (to me - from urban US) locale, or in a nature setting. Must be NOT SCARY! (Previous likes/dislikes inside). I've seen the other threads on this, but can't tell from that which ones are scadn which not. [more inside]
posted by bluesky78987 at 11:16 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by bluesky78987 at 11:16 AM PST - 17 comments
Media Matters - ISO: relevant essays/articles
I'm coming back from a 5-year hiatus to teach Media Studies to undergrads. I am overwhelmed and find it hard to feel objective these days. Would love a kick start going into 2017.
I am looking to update my Syllabus and potentially make a relevant packet of scholarly articles and essays that provoke thought and discussion to the digital natives. [more inside]
Award-worthy fiction in audio?
I have occasionally enjoyed audiobooks, but it's been hit and miss. My attention isn't 100% with audio, so books that are relatively simple to follow seem best, right? And of course a great reader is crucial. I usually read recent books classified as "literary fiction," and I have a huge to-read list. Which ones should I pick for audio and which should I save for paper? [more inside]
posted by Frenchy67 at 10:53 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Frenchy67 at 10:53 AM PST - 13 comments
Adhering an old sticker to a notebook
I bought this planner for 2017, because I'm one of those people who's convinced that my life will be perfect if I can just find the right organizational system. I want to put this amazing sticker on the cover and have it last as long as possible. The sticker is from 1975 so I'm worried that the adhesive left won't do a great job. What are some things I can do/steps I can take to make sure it stays stuck thoroughly as long as possible? (If nothing else, I was thinking about putting some kind of adhesive around the edges on the bottom before I stick it down, but what kind?) Any thoughts? Thanks!
Can you tell me about the cochlear implant experience?
I am currently being evaluated as a candidate for a cochlear implant in one ear. I would like to hear from others who have had an implant. I understand that I will have to re-learn how to hear in that ear. I am most interested in what this experience is like, and what I could expect. [more inside]
posted by amusebuche at 10:32 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by amusebuche at 10:32 AM PST - 6 comments
Does meal prep make me high-maintenance?
Calorie restriction and eating a high-protein diet is difficult for me, but I need to do it. The only problem is I feel like an anal-retentive jerk for prioritizing my self-care with meal planning and more attention to my diet. How do I not feel this way? [more inside]
posted by blerghamot at 10:11 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by blerghamot at 10:11 AM PST - 39 comments
Can you see Brittany from a cliff in Cornwall?
I'm reading a novel set near Polruan in which the author claims that you can see France with the naked eye from the top of a cliff on a clear day. I've tried a number of searches, including a horizon calculator, and it doesn't look feasible. Is this just a case of poetic license on the author's part?
posted by mareli at 5:39 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by mareli at 5:39 AM PST - 13 comments
testing tap water - home chemistry
I'm looking for resources and advice how to do precise enough quantitative chemistry for determining why chicken broth cooked in my hometown and in my wife's hometown tastes different. I can get some basic glass and labware, but no fancy reagents or advanced tools (obviously). Is it possible to do this using simple but precise measurements and common reagents? Culinary detective story inside. [more inside]
posted by kmt at 5:18 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by kmt at 5:18 AM PST - 7 comments
December 25
Just found out my family's Jewish--how do I learn more?
My maternal grandma died recently, and we found out after her death that she was Jewish. I want to learn more and go to a service, but I also don't want to blunder in there, and I'm feeling sort of overwhelmed. Any advice for how to go about exploring this? [more inside]
posted by ElizaDolots at 11:02 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by ElizaDolots at 11:02 PM PST - 23 comments
How to help efforts at preventing a conservative Supreme Court appointee
The GOP long made it clear they will do everything they can to help Trump appoint a conservative Supreme Court justice. What can be done to prevent this or at least mitigate the possible impact? [more inside]
Can you recommend a comprehensive book on Polynesian mythology?
I am interested in finding a book that is a good introduction to the differences and similarities of the mythologies of the many Polynesian islands. Can you recommend something that is for adult readers, but not overly academic?
posted by abirdinthehand at 3:53 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by abirdinthehand at 3:53 PM PST - 1 comment
YANMDietician, but...
I'm a fairly healthy 32yo lady with a few issues that may be related to what I eat. I have some extra time in January and would like to use it to cook and eat a more healthy diet. We are also planning to TTC in January. What diet changes will give me the most bang for my buck, so to speak? [more inside]
Co-op lan games for older machines
We're doing some co-op in-person lan gaming over christmas. Previous years we've played a lot of terraria / killing floor / battlefield 1942 / team fortress 2. We're looking for other recommendations for games that suit some of these criteria, especially newer things we haven't heard of.
* run on non-current-topline machines (we have a lot of spare older machines but limited current gamer machines)
* drop-in/drop-out (terraria was particular good for this)
* low barrier to entry
* cheap in bulk (steam 4-packs are great)
* co-op [more inside]
Because we haven't eaten enough butter yet
My family used to make this delicious cardiac abomination from a 1970s Super Shooter cookbook. It was called something like "gnocchi Alfredo," but these "gnocchi" were made with flour, eggs, and butter - no potatoes or ricotta. We've lost the cookbook and can't find the recipe online - can you help? [more inside]
posted by DingoMutt at 1:54 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by DingoMutt at 1:54 PM PST - 7 comments
Technology for conflict zones, on a tight budget!
I'm leaving in about 5-6 weeks to (finally!!!) start my dream job overseas. I won't find out where until about 2 weeks before my departure, but it will most likely be in a remote location in Sub-Saharan Africa, probably a conflict zone. I will be there for 9-12 months, but plan to continue with further assignments for many years to come. Great, right? Well, my laptop and camera are on their last days, and I need to replace them with something suitable, but cheap. [more inside]
Last minute planning season is upon us NYC edition
I was last minute tasked to be responsible for a friends tomorrow birthday celebration. The friend is a quirky artsy New Yorker in her early 30s. In the past she has enjoyed burlesque shows, various sex-positive events as celebration. It can also be a really cool music performance somewhere in Bushwick or Williamsburg - essentially anything marginally non-mainstream and interesting. With short notice and it being the holidays I am unable to find anything relevant or even where on the interwebs to look. Hive mind's input would be much appreciated!
Need urgent ham help!
I have a "smoked, uncured" ham from my local hipster butcher. I didn't ask them what I needed to know about cooking it when I picked it up, and now I feel like an idiot. How do I cook it? [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 12:06 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by olinerd at 12:06 PM PST - 6 comments
Best non-vacuum travel mug
I'm searching for dishwasher friendly (both the body and the lid) travel mugs. A few snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Candleman at 12:01 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Candleman at 12:01 PM PST - 6 comments
Amplifying Music From My Phone 101 - 2017 Edition
We asked for "speakers to play music from our phones" for Christmas. Some generous soul gave us an Echo. The thing is, we don't think we'll use the voice activated services, and we have mild privacy concerns. Could you point us toward something practical for doing things like listening to music (mostly from Spotify), NPR, podcasts, and audiobooks? [more inside]
Patriarchy wars: episode vi - return of the feminist
What are some big and small actions I can take to stick it to the man?? [more inside]
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 8:54 AM PST - 40 comments
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 8:54 AM PST - 40 comments
Wild Turkey roast reccomendations
This year I went fancy and got a 'wild turkey' from a local farm, described as having "a more refined taste and contain less fat than the domestic turkeys". After googling I'm not sure what to do with it. Search results for wild turkeys say it can be dry, tough, gamey and should be treated differently, but those are from hunters and my bird may not be that wild. [more inside]
posted by platypus of the universe at 8:06 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by platypus of the universe at 8:06 AM PST - 8 comments
December 24
Can you mail a copy of a book to an author & ask them to sign it?
I remember reading a short piece by Isaac Asimov talking about people sending him books asking him to sign them. That was a long time ago. Is it still common practice to do this? Can I just send an admired author fan-mail that includes a copy of the book and return postage? Or do most authors nowadays only do that at designated book-signings? Are there any standards of etiquette in making such a request that I should know about? [more inside]
posted by Sleeper at 11:46 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Sleeper at 11:46 PM PST - 12 comments
Teach me to be vulnerable
I am not able to be vulnerable. I am ok with getting to know anybody, but when it comes to real vulnerability, no dice. [more inside]
posted by Kalmya at 9:09 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Kalmya at 9:09 PM PST - 9 comments
How to find what is making my right tabs disappear
I am learning all things tab & hanging indent related. I am following a tutorial for this (gcflearningfree.org). When I attempt to right align by selecting a paragraph and adding a right tab, the tab is ghosted out and will not stay. [more inside]
how to wait tables?
I have a gap year due to a career change and would like to make some money during this time, preferably at a part time job waiting tables. I'd like to see how a restaurant works, and I like the chaotic energy of restaurants. [more inside]
posted by flyingfork at 8:02 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by flyingfork at 8:02 PM PST - 16 comments
Go or no?
I am having some kind of emotional crisis and I am supposed to appear at a relative's house for Christmas tomorrow. I need help deciding whether to go. [more inside]
posted by xyzzy at 5:29 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by xyzzy at 5:29 PM PST - 23 comments
Christmas-themed beach movies?
My FiL wants to watch a Christmas movie with a beach theme. Think Elvis / Frankie Avalon & Annette Funicello, but he might be perfectly content with something more modern.
posted by radiosilents at 4:36 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by radiosilents at 4:36 PM PST - 4 comments
Is it ok to bring a water bottle to a job interview?
I have a job interview on Tuesday. I also have a post viral cough. Would it be OK to bring a little bottle of water with me to the interview or would that be really unprofessional? [more inside]
posted by ilovewinter at 12:45 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by ilovewinter at 12:45 PM PST - 29 comments
Is the data for WSOP Main Event Final Table available for download.
I am looking for the full dataset on the recent World Series of Poker main event final table. Ideally this would include folded hands, stack sizes, pot sizes, bets, flops etc. Failing this I'd be happy with a comprehensive data set of any final table of a high ranking professional real world (not online) poker tournament. Holdem is a given (not interested in other poker formats thanks). Any data format is good I'd prefer not to have to scrap the data from the source.
Many thanks.
Podcast recommendations that are like dudely trashy TV?
I'm trying to get my dad into podcasts, so I'm looking for suggestions for podcasts he might enjoy.
Can you recommend podcasts that he might dig, based on his interests? [more inside]
Should I trust the dealership or a shop with my new car?
The Ask: We love our new car, and want to be good parents to it, and we're able to pay dealer prices for maintenance and repair. BUT we want to get our money's worth, we want to last for a very long time, and we have other expenses (like our upcoming wedding) to pay for. So, should we place our trust in a dealership or a private garage? Which have you had better luck with, and why? The saga continues inside. [more inside]
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 11:01 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 11:01 AM PST - 19 comments
How do we prepare to be pregnant soon (maybe)?
So my husband and I decided to start trying to conceive. I'm facing my first month in 14 years without birth control. Up to this point in life, I've pretty much ignored any pregnancy related info about what to do to prepare. I have questions. [more inside]
posted by LizBoBiz at 10:41 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by LizBoBiz at 10:41 AM PST - 31 comments
Primer on how to recognize bullshit and misinformation?
With the topic being in the news, I recalled a fairly lengthy and detailed primer that made the rounds a few years ago on the subject of identifying misinformation, propaganda and bullshit. It may also have had tips on proper research and how to find good sources of information, and was primarily focused on the media. I can remember it's title, though, and I can't find it! Does anyone have it bookmarked or know it?
Filo (phyllo) dough seems undercooked and overcooked at the same time
Tried to make some spanakopita, it didn't go so well. I took it out of the oven after 45 minutes, it looked beautiful. I cut off a tiny corner to see if it seemed OK and... [more inside]
December 23
What are some tips to help navigate a psychiatric diagnosis in the UK?
I'm finding it difficult to maintain the significant momentum needed to seek a diagnostic interview for ADHD in the UK (NHS). I'm not looking for medication, just a meeting with a psychiatrist to see if 'ADHD' is even applicable to me. Is there a magic phrase I should be giving my GP? A map? Brief snowflake-y details inside. [more inside]
I live on a busy street. What kinds of plants or walls will help?
I live on a busy suburban thoroughfare in the pacific southest of the US (planting zone 10a). I'm wondering what if any plants or walls I could erect to reduce the noise? I had imagined a 6' tall stucco wall or perhaps a jade plant hedge (I know someone with excess jade plants, so I could get an instant 4' tall hedge at little cost). What would work best?
posted by arnicae at 10:49 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by arnicae at 10:49 PM PST - 14 comments
How to find the IP address of someone who CREATED an email address?
Is it possible for someone to find out the IP address and location of someone who set up a GMail account? If so, how? [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 8:16 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 8:16 PM PST - 18 comments
Lamb Shanks + Sous Vide = ?
I have six lamb shanks. I need to cook them for Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow. [more inside]
posted by thack3r at 7:38 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by thack3r at 7:38 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me name a project to make it easier for survivors to find important
I want to start a project to make it easier for survivors to find important info about their loved ones by leaving a note on your kitchen cabinet door. But I need a name for it. [more inside]
2017: Just read a Dilbert and go to sleep.
Help me come up with the wittiest motto for 2017. [more inside]
On moving from major cities back to somewhere smaller (have you?)
Of course there are a lot of posts about where to live and lately I have a lot of conversations about it. Some of them involve what is probably just a fantasy (fueled by traffic and expense) of moving somewhere much smaller, with much less going on. [more inside]
posted by Smearcase at 12:56 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Smearcase at 12:56 PM PST - 21 comments
Affordable beach vacation in Jan/Feb, flying from SFO?
I would like to spend a week or so in January or early February lying on a sandy, sunny beach where the water is warm enough to swim. That's literally my only criterion. What is the least expensive way of accomplishing this? I'd be flying out from SFO (or OAK). I don't have a specific budget at this stage -- just trying to come up with a shortlist of relevant locations that are cheapest to get to and stay in.
How to find an architect for a very small job in Boston
I need an architect to draw a very simple plan for a building permit. The project is an outdoor, first-floor deck. The two architects my contractor knows weren't interested, presumably because the job is too small for them. How do I find the right person or company for this? [more inside]
posted by john hadron collider at 10:11 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by john hadron collider at 10:11 AM PST - 12 comments
Looking for Gemba Academy video that starts with "I love lean!!"
I'm looking for a specific video from the Gemba Academy that starts with the speaker - i think he's the president or ceo of GA? - yelling, "I LOVE LEAN!". It's an awkward start but it gets a lot better.
Can anyone provide a link?
How do I get off some sort of suspected shoplifter list.
Almost every retail store I shop at, large and small, thinks I'm a shoplifter. I have never shoplifted and have never been arrested for such. I have passed it off as profiling but because of comments made and the universality of the response, even in different parts of state( Michigan) I believe I am on a database that retail stores subscribe to. How does one appeal to get off the list. [more inside]
NYC lease with one working spouse
Will we have trouble finding someone to rent to us when only one of us is working? [more inside]
posted by enn at 9:48 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by enn at 9:48 AM PST - 10 comments
Last-minute Christmas gift for Minneapolis sibling
I need to get a last-minute gift for my mid-20s sister who just moved to Minneapolis and would like to get some kind of subscription/membership-type gift instead of something physical. What would work best? [more inside]
Flying without benzos
The last few times I've traveled by air, I've had to take benzos to stave off panic attacks. I'm flying tomorrow and don't want to take them this time. Give me your tips for drug-free and panic-free flying. More details under the fold. [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 9:16 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by mudpuppie at 9:16 AM PST - 33 comments
What otherwise unremarkable work has the greatest, most creative fandom?
On Chat last night, MeFite tedious and I got to talking about fanfics and fandom (later joined by freelance demiurge). I'm not very fan-ish, so the whole phenomenon is amazing to me. Partly prompted by my Chatmate's username, I started wondering about the most unremarkable work (film, tv show, book, song/album) with the most passionate fandom. [more inside]
It's not you, it's me (I guess?)
How would you game OKC's quizzes to generate matches in a specific direction? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:45 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:45 AM PST - 12 comments
Is there an Android app to periodically remind me of items in a list?
I’d like to be periodically reminded me of various life lessons I’ve learned and/or inspirational quotes – things that I don’t need to reminded of constantly, but if left long enough, I will forget.
I was wondering if there was an Android app that could help me do this. [more inside]
posted by strekker at 8:09 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by strekker at 8:09 AM PST - 4 comments
Can I take beef jerky on a cruise?
That's pretty much the question. I'm going on a Caribbean cruise in a couple of days and have run recently into some food allergy issues. I'm pretty sure I can find something to eat most places most days without running into the five or six things I'm sensitive to (and I'm taking my epi pen), but just in case I wanted to take a little bit of beef jerky along maybe some nuts. Is the cruise going to say hell no or customs or something? I have it sealed from the store it's not like it's homemade.
posted by tilde at 7:32 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by tilde at 7:32 AM PST - 6 comments
Iphone reset conundrum
How can I remove restrictions on my iphone without erasing my son's pokemon go data? [more inside]
posted by umbú at 7:09 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by umbú at 7:09 AM PST - 11 comments
Part time law jobs in NYC
Wife will be transitioning from her intense attorney job to spend time writing for 6 months+. Financially we're good, but to keep being able to do all the things we love (travel, socialize with friends) some extra money would be nice so not to hit the "slush fund". Any thoughts on part time/flexible jobs that would utilize her skills? [more inside]
Simple postnuptial agreement for american expats.
My wife and I (one child) need to make a *simple* agreement that concerns only one thing: money that will potentially be given to her by her parents to purchase a property here in Germany. I have several questions about this before going to a lawyer or notary. [more inside]
How do I tell my close friend that Other Friend is toxic to me?
I'm one of 8 people Debbie has invited to her birthday celebration. She and I are close friends. All the invitees are great and I am fine with them. Except for Eric. [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 3:05 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 3:05 AM PST - 27 comments
Prison pen pals?
I'm considering becoming pen pals with a prisoner in my home state of California. I know nothing about this, other than that being a prisoner must be so lonely; and if I can help a bit, I'd like to try. Do any MeFites have experience with this? Should I do this? How would I go about doing it?
posted by persona au gratin at 1:05 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by persona au gratin at 1:05 AM PST - 13 comments
So my life has come to this...
Probably dumb post-breakup question: Is it a terrible idea to contact someone I dated before my ex to ask them if they'd be willing to hug me while we watch documentaries about space? [more inside]
posted by Chrysalis at 12:46 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Chrysalis at 12:46 AM PST - 19 comments
December 22
Short term housing in the University of Miami (FL) area?
Any advice on how to go about finding short term, furnished housing in the Coral Gables/Coconut Grove/Dadeland area? [more inside]
How To Fail 101
My 9 year old has anxiety, newly diagnosed ADHD, and has a tendency toward perfectionism. What activities, hobbies, kinds of conversations, etc can we engage in to encourage and celebrate the imperfect and to reframe the meaning of 'failure'? [more inside]
posted by sealee at 8:27 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by sealee at 8:27 PM PST - 38 comments
Emerson Lake and Palmer song featuring a banjo?
A friend swears there is one but of course could not name it. I was hoping one of you can.
Will this iPad update ever go through?
My iPad Air 2 won't start. I keep getting stuck at about 3/4 of the way through before the update fails. I really don't want to reset my iPad to factory settings since I don't really have it backed up properly. [more inside]
Chapter 1. Chapter 1. Chapter 1....
Looking for a novel that for structure reasons has more than one Chapter 1. [more inside]
posted by otherchaz at 6:25 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by otherchaz at 6:25 PM PST - 17 comments
Multi-platform food & symptom diary app (or website)?
Is there a good multi-platform app for tracking daily meals, meds, and symptoms? The closest thing to what I see out there is mySymptoms, a mobile app that appears to do everything I need, only there's not a desktop version or web interface and I'm also unclear on whether data is stored in the cloud for access from multiple devices. Ideally the app or site should allow entry of free-form notes as well.
posted by Creosote at 6:22 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Creosote at 6:22 PM PST - 2 comments
Where to buy a 110V to 230V transformer?
I've recently moved to the US and I want to buy a voltage transformer, but Google isn't showing me reliable companies from which to buy this kind of equipment. Any recommendations of stores that will sell me a reliable and safe transformer ideally with a warranty? [more inside]
posted by ElliotH at 5:26 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by ElliotH at 5:26 PM PST - 5 comments
New Parent Advice
My husband and I just had a baby seven weeks ago. What helped you to get through the newborn stage? We both get up during the night. I am pumping/some nursing. What sleep strategies helped you and your family? My mom is able to help in the evenings also she helps one day a week when i work otherwise my husband watchs the baby on the weekend. She is able to watch her when we need help as well. What meal planning was beneficial ? [more inside]
What could low glucose but normal H1ac levels mean? (YANAD/YANMD)
Saw my primary care doc for annual physical. She did a metabolic panel and my glucose came up as 64 (70-110 is normal for this lab), 2 hours after eating, and my H1ac was 5.1 (Which falls within normal limits for them). I have an appointment with an endocrinologist in a week, which in my experience is very quick. However, what could I be looking at with this? Yes, you're not a doctor/my doctor, but thanks for any insight! [more inside]
posted by ShadePlant at 4:59 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by ShadePlant at 4:59 PM PST - 13 comments
How is cuppul formed
How do relationships that don't start out as friendships develop over time? I know that every situation/person/relationship is different, but I think it would still be useful to me to hear others' experiences with how things look/work as time goes on. [more inside]
Is there a term for 'the fear of terrorism'?
Fear of terrorism is one of the defining forces in politics today, but as far as I can find there's no memorable term or phrase for it. [more inside]
Accepting Limitations
How do I learn to live a more manageable life? [more inside]
Sabotaging myself with lateness and over-sleeping
I've always had difficulty with waking up early and being on time. I've struggled through school and lost jobs because of this. I'm on the brink of being fired again despite my best efforts and I'm feeling desperate and furious with myself. Help! [more inside]
posted by selene_sophia at 3:03 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by selene_sophia at 3:03 PM PST - 44 comments
heartbreak, long-repressed emotions, and betrayal
I want out of my marriage. I have been faithful, but probably can't hold out much longer. Everything is complicated. Help. [more inside]
How to take photographs of Christmas trees and Christmas lights.
I almost never take photos, but I'd like to take a few this season for sentimental reasons. I can take photos of a Christmas tree (and have), but I am embarrassed to admit that I haven't the faintest clue how to take a photograph showing the tree covered in lights. The photos I take never show the lights. In fact, you can't even tell whether the lights are on or not. How can I get the lights to appear in the photo? The camera I'm using is an old A series Canon. I think around 5meg. [more inside]
Is there some place I can rent or borrow a color calibration device?
I would like to color calibrate my MacBook Pro, to improve the results I get from printing photos at whcc. However, I'm not a professional and I don't want to spend upwards of $125 on a colorimeter. Is there some place in the Boston area (preferably Brookline) where I can borrow or rent a colorimeter for one-time use? [more inside]
Large-format flatbed photo scanner in Toronto or GTA?
I have a drawing by an old friend that measures 15″ x 20″ (38 x 51 cm). It's on a kind of stiff foam board. I'm looking for somewhere I can get it scanned and converted to a digital file. This is a one-off; I don't want to buy one. All the places I've talked to have some kind of roller scanners that the original needs to be flexible for.
Does anyone know of a place where I can walk in and get this done? Preferably in or near Richmond Hill.
Thanks.
Tell me your old dog stories.
We adopted a senior dog 2 months ago. This week we found out that he has cancer. Talk me through all of this. [more inside]
posted by kmr at 11:59 AM PST - 41 comments
posted by kmr at 11:59 AM PST - 41 comments
"What Are You Reading?" book lists
Today's release of the UofC Law Faculty's annual What Are We Reading? list reminded me that one of the many (many, many, oh god so many) things I'm going to miss about the Obama administration is the President's Summer Reading List. Do you know of any similar annual lists? [more inside]
Where can I live alone for ~$1000/month?
I'm looking for places in the US where it is fairly easy to find a studio or 1br apartment for ~$1000 or less, including heat/electricity. Needs to be someplace where I'd be reasonably comfortable/safe as a liberal, queer gender-nonconforming woman (I have a crewcut and mostly wear men's clothing but ID as female.) City or smaller town is OK but new-development suburbs don't feel good to me. [more inside]
What artist is this?
I want to get this as a Christmas present. I spotted this while walking past but not sure who it is / where to get something similar. Help? [more inside]
posted by pando11 at 11:16 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by pando11 at 11:16 AM PST - 3 comments
Difficult in-laws and holidays, yay
Surely I must not be the only one with a difficult family-in-law. I am at a loss and extremely nervous about the holidays. How do other people deal with this? [more inside]
Who is the painter mentioned in R.Crumb's Art & Beauty #3?
Does anyone know who the painter is that is mentioned in R. Crumb's Art & Beauty #3? You can see portraits of her here. Crumb thinks she might be a genius. I would like to see her paintings.
Help me find a new Psychiatrist in SE MA or RI
I am desperately seeking a new psychiatrist in SE MA or RI. Details inside. [more inside]
How to ask about engagement rings without proposing
I'd like to ask my SO to marry me. I'd like to get her a ring. I'd like to have her input on the ring. I'd like to have the ring before the proposal. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 8:36 AM PST - 48 comments
posted by Hactar at 8:36 AM PST - 48 comments
Can/should I bring a dog into my life?
I find myself wanting a dog but am not sure it's a realistic to fit into my schedule as a person that works full time and lives alone. I'm envisioning an older or even elderly dog from an animal shelter- my only requirements are at least medium sized and short haired. I had a rescue greyhound as a kid who was PERFECT, but I'm aware they're not really typical dogs.
Please tell me if my life is dog-compatible: [more inside]
Tips on writing for ESL readers.
I do a lot of work-related communication with people whose English is less than 100% fluent, and sometimes there are miscommunications that I think result from incomplete comprehension of the things that I say. I'd like to do what I can to minimize that. [more inside]
Legitimate Chinese Visa Processing service?
Can you recommend a Chinese Visa service that offers expedited processing? [more inside]
Give me more music for the stairs to nowhere!
After six weeks of being immobilized by the election, I'm back to the gym. I need more music. There are many "music for the gym" recommendations on metafilter, yes, but I've looked at those. I need more! I need different! Snowflakes are inside! [more inside]
Oh, there's no place like Rome for the holidays
ItalyFilter: What's good in Rome on New Year's Eve for a family of six, who range in age from 22 to 60? [more inside]
What do your kids watch?
What does your 7/8/9 yo kid watch on Netflix or Amazon? [more inside]
Math review for wannabe computer science student
Next semester, I will be taking a university class on the mathematical methods used in studying computer science. My last math class was a very, very long time ago. What topics should I review in the next month so that I won't be totally lost in my class? [more inside]
The Pied Piper, Cat in the Hat, & Frosty the Snowman are all ___ figures
Is there a more specific literary description for the kind of trickster who arrives abruptly, seems fun and magical at first, quickly upends the social order in a malevolent, often horrifying way, and then disappears again, just as abruptly? [more inside]
PresentFilter: coffee-table book of furniture?
I have a relative who's a woodworker and carpenter, a very visual and creative guy. I was thinking a nice Christmas gift would be some kind of book of interesting / unusual / beautiful furniture, for browsing and inspiration. Any recommendations? (ideally available on amazon prime...)
Visby / Gotland
Visby and Gotland Island questions (about Fårö, Stora Karlsö, and other outdoor adventuring that doesn't require a car) [more inside]
December 21
Looking for a career counselor in Toronto
My cousin and I hold BFA degrees from Europe, so that rules out finding career counselors via universities here. I really want to find someone who can advise us both in our career paths--preferably someone who is experienced in terms of design-related and (operations) management careers. [more inside]
Is this teapot safe?
I bought a teapot from an outdoor market in Israel. The seller said it's meant for making coffee/tea in and said it's made from bronze. It's beautiful but pretty cheap (less than $15). It's clearly made from metal but I'm not sure if it's actually bronze. Do you think it's safe to use?
I want the stain *in* not out!
I have two sets of white cotton wash cloths -- one old, one new. I want to keep the old ones for cleaning, but I want to permanently mark them so I can visually differentiate between the two when I'm folding/organizing laundry, with very little effort. [more inside]
posted by liquado at 8:19 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by liquado at 8:19 PM PST - 18 comments
Never gonna happen?
What is this song? All I have trapped in my head is a fragment that goes "Never gonna happen, never gonna happen; never gonna happen, never gonna happen." starting out at a high pitch and progressively getting lower; the first syllable of the word never in the first and third repetition of the phrase are stretched out. Googling it is getting me songs that are not this song.
posted by vegartanipla at 8:10 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by vegartanipla at 8:10 PM PST - 6 comments
The state of ereaders, end of 2016 edition
As I hope that a 30 minute charge re-sets my wife's sad, half-frozen Kindle with a cracked case , I'm also looking to plan b: a new ereader. What's the best device out there that's just made to read books? Bonus feature: built-in reading light, or a case with light. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 7:40 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by filthy light thief at 7:40 PM PST - 24 comments
Reading material about corporate to farm life?
I'm looking for reading material - blogs, books, longreads - about people who went from a corporate lifestyle to living on or operating a farm or vineyard. [more inside]
Two-sided printing issues with Mac OS Sierra upgrade
I upgraded to Sierra on my iMac.
Immediately the printer and computer couldn't communicate and I couldn't scan (printing worked, though). After many long and many conversations with Mac and HP tech support, we figured out a workaround.
Now, I just noticed that when I print multiple page Word documents, it only prints 2-sided. The Print dialogue box no longer has the two-side box option.
I've again talked to Apple and HP and have looked online into known issues between Sierra and Word, all to no avail
Any ideas, anyone?
Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl at 5:19 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by holdenjordahl at 5:19 PM PST - 5 comments
Sound Advice!
Lately, I've been listening to Ruelle and Alina Baraz. I'm looking for more in this genre and I'm kind of surprised to be having such difficulty finding more of the same but I think it's because I'm looking for something very specific. [more inside]
posted by a knot unknown at 5:01 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by a knot unknown at 5:01 PM PST - 9 comments
High quality, affordable dietitian or dietitian app?
Does anybody have any experience with working with with an in-person dietitian or subscribing to a dietitian app (like mydietitian.com or noom)? I'm looking to lose 10-15 pounds, feel better, and avoid overeating/snacking habits. I'm willing to pay for these services, but I'm not sure what's worth the money or how to get the most value for my money. Any suggestions, reviews, or relevant stories/experiences welcome!
Flying into Phoenix to do some hiking
We are planning a trip to Arizona in late February with the primary goal of doing some backpacking/hiking. We're flying into and out of Phoenix with about 5 days in between but have no other fixed plans. [more inside]
Creativity and Distraction
I'm fascinated by this episode of Brain Craft arguing that it's distraction, not deep focus, that boosts creativity. Besides riding public transportation or playing improvisational jazz, I'm curious what suggestions folks here may have for other 'distracted' or 'spontaneous' activities that could create an ideal breeding ground for creative brainstorming. [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 4:32 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by nightrecordings at 4:32 PM PST - 16 comments
I turned down a job I'd accepted. Should I contact the hiring manager?
I work in a smallish industry where everyone knows each other. I recently applied for a job at a competitor, accepted it verbally, but was then offered a counter from my employer, which I decided to take (essentially because they offered me a promotion to a level I realistically expected to achieve in 2-3 years time, plus more money than new job). [more inside]
Best men's polo shirts that are not wildly pricey
Looking for the best quality men's polo shirts that can be had in a size XL for a non-exorbitant ($35/under?) price. [more inside]
posted by fairlynearlyready at 2:38 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by fairlynearlyready at 2:38 PM PST - 18 comments
Our nonprofit needs a payment and donation solution
I work for a small nonprofit and we are having trouble coming up with a solution to a multifaceted problem because there are too many options and we can't tell which one would be the best. Hivemind, please join me inside for snowflakes: [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 2:37 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 2:37 PM PST - 5 comments
What can I do with 300 card-sized white envelopes?
Because wedding planning is the worst, I now have 300 blank white envelopes. Is there some way to use them? [more inside]
Help me cope with mountain lion stress
I love hiking. It is great cardio and I enjoy it, unlike running which is a boring slog for me. The closest hiking area too me is wonderful, but there has been a lot mountain lion activity there in the past year it is starting to creep me out. Am I just being paranoid? [more inside]
posted by insoluble uncertainty at 12:25 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by insoluble uncertainty at 12:25 PM PST - 30 comments
How much competence/sharpness can I reasonably expect from an attorney?
I've been through four lawyers (two firms) in the last two years for the same matter. Each time, they keep either making errors or overlooking things and priorities, which I find frustrating. I feel like these things would not happen with an attorney in the place I used to live. Are my expectations around this reasonable? [more inside]
posted by corb at 11:18 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by corb at 11:18 AM PST - 18 comments
Downloading indexed US Census data and images?
Is there an easy way to download or scrape the complete U.S. census images and index data for a particular town from familysearch.org? I'd like to analyze data for a smallish town, but not so much that I would like to transcribe a few thousand records manually.
Rural living - what is there to do?
Finally moving back to the countryside after spending my adult life living in cities. As a kid I ran around in dirt and climbed trees but now I'm an adult, what awesome things can I fill my life with? [more inside]
Would you like a snowflake with your appetizer?
I need help finding an appetizer for Christmas Day! Complications: travel, dietary preferences, pregnant cousin. [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 9:51 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by DoubleLune at 9:51 AM PST - 9 comments
Experience gifts in Spokane, WA?
I'm looking to gift experiences (e.g. flexible-date tickets to a play, museum memberships, quirky activities, restaurant gift cards) to a 30s-ish couple with expansive, quirky, and nerdy tastes and a 3 year old. Many suggestions are welcome--they've already got some subscriptions/memberships so I'd like to cast a wide net. Spokane, WA area. [more inside]
Need help deciding between 2 jobs that both have pros and cons
Both seem interesting in their own way, I'm not too motivated by money [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 9:35 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by winterportage at 9:35 AM PST - 15 comments
Trope/examples of scenes featuring secret meetings in movie theaters?
Can you give me examples of scenes in film or television either featuring two characters clandestinely meeting up in a movie theater to exchange intelligence/money/drugs, or in which an assassin goes to the movies to kill his mark? Is there a TV Tropes name for this? I seem to remember one specific example of this happening in a theater showing X-rated footage, but can't pin it down.
posted by lizzicide at 8:14 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by lizzicide at 8:14 AM PST - 31 comments
ID Actress: from a WWII USO film
Does anyone know the name of this actress, (or she might be a singer)? She was featured in this WWII era USO film. Thanks in advance!!
posted by stanleyhuff at 7:56 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by stanleyhuff at 7:56 AM PST - 3 comments
Can I fake a tuxedo?
Going to a black-tie wedding on NYE. Already putting in a significant amount of money and time for this, and would love to avoid dropping another couple hundred dollars on a tux rental. I have a 3-piece suit (might be this one)and a tuxedo shirt. If I get a black bow tie, am I pretty much at a tuxedo, or am I gonna look like an idiot? FWIW, I'm doing all the music, so I'll be a little more visible than the average wedding guest.
posted by jeffjon at 7:56 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by jeffjon at 7:56 AM PST - 35 comments
How do I ring?
So, I am recently engaged to a fabulous guy, yay! And I am wearing an engagement ring (which I like very much and which we picked out together) pretty much every day now. It is simultaneously really difficult to get off over my knuckle, and often spins so that the stones are on the inside, which is not the end of the world (it's a channel setting so the stones don't snag or anything) but is not ideal. What do I need to ask/tell the jeweler to get the ring to fit correctly? [more inside]
posted by mskyle at 7:50 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by mskyle at 7:50 AM PST - 19 comments
What are the best features to have in a newer (2015+) car?
I'm finally buying myself a newer car, and having only owned cars 2005 and older, every new feature sounds like a magical car wonderland. What are the most useful ones you've experienced? [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 6:02 AM PST - 86 comments
posted by rachaelfaith at 6:02 AM PST - 86 comments
Help me stop grinding my teeth
I grind my teeth and want to stop. My current idea for how to stop is to find the right pressure sensor, hook up a set of them to a computer and make the computer klaxon every time it feels pressure. I know the basics of soldering, and I've taken an electronics class, though it was a while ago. I know how to write code. How do I learn what I need to know to be able to find and pick pressure sensors, wire them up, connect them to something that connects to a computer, and receive the signal in a computer program?
Also welcome - other ideas for how to _stop_ teeth grinding. I've tried the SleepGuard and various supplements and drugs, but am always open to ideas.
It puts the lotion on its skin
I've noticed a recent change in my skin's texture on my chest and shoulders/upper back. Seems to have happened overnight & it kicked in about a month back.
They're these new, small areas (about 2x2cm) where the skins surface/texture has changed from smooth to bumpy, kind of like when you get goosebumps, but very small, and hard to see by eye, easily felt though. These little areas don't itch, there is no redness or color changes. What could be the reason for this?? [more inside]
posted by speakeasy at 5:13 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by speakeasy at 5:13 AM PST - 18 comments
Kitchen gardening with one indoor windowsill
We live in a small apartment with no outdoor space and one available sill, and we also like cooking and eating green things. In an ideal world, I'd have a small kitchen garden to supply us with salads and herbs. Can you help us get a little bit closer to that? [more inside]
Help me identify these leather tools!
I am trying to figure out the names for each of the tools in a "leather work tool set" (images here) that came with no accompanying text whatsoever. Please help?
December 20
Help us Chill with our Kid while Drinking in our New Town
We're relocating from San Jose to San Diego and while we're pretty set on most of the details, there are a few specific questions that we need help with since the last time we lived in San Diego we were single/newly-in-love and now we're married-with-preschooler. [more inside]
Divorced alumni of Metafilter: help a freshman out
Finally I am really, truly going through with divorcing my husband after about a year and a half of delay and repeatedly destroyed optimism. The legal and logistical problems are getting figured out. I'm asking more for emotional coping mechanisms and whatever other wisdom you post-divorce Mefites have to share. [more inside]
posted by a strong female character at 8:24 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by a strong female character at 8:24 PM PST - 31 comments
In the name of all that is holy, let the nice lady clean you.
The top panel of my washing machine appears to be rusted shut. Is there anything I can do to open it up without trashing it? [more inside]
posted by pepper bird at 8:04 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by pepper bird at 8:04 PM PST - 10 comments
Being kind to sore ankles?
Looking for non-medicinal ways to help relieve sore ankles. My medications shifted, and it's a fun new symptom that flares up with migraines. Painkillers work, but seem like overkill. They just ache, like a healing bone fracture. My feet feel fine and it's not related to shoes, activity levels, or food. I'm looking for tips on symptom relief. Heat/ice packs barely touch the pain. I'll be running ideas past my doctors, but am looking for tools or ways to manage the pain without more meds.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 7:44 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 7:44 PM PST - 13 comments
A tiny quiet hum.
We got a new microwave (Panasonic, 1.3cu feet). Yay! When it's plugged in, clock on, but not heating anything, a very quiet hum can be heard in a quiet kitchen. It's bugging my fiance and I (it sounds very similar to a hum something else makes when it's acting up, so we debug Other Appliance only to realize nope, it's the microwave), and we're wondering if this is normal? Googling only resulted in VERY LOUD HUMS and this is, uh, the opposite of loud. [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 7:19 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 7:19 PM PST - 12 comments
Maximum nesting, minimum time
I return home on December 30. I start intensive studying for my med school board exam on January 1. I'd like to spend the day of December 31 making my studio apartment as nice an environment as I can in anticipation of five weeks of not going beyond the minimum cleaning/chores/etc. What should I do with this one day to make my place as nice as possible?
Get thee (and thy dog) to the airport
First, pet tax. Tomorrow my dog and I fly home for the holidays! Only problem: I don't have a car, and my dog's crate is a big one (30" x 27" x 40"). [more inside]
What the hell is this clippy thing with a hole in it?
We found this weird clip thing, and we have no idea what it's for. As noted on the pics, it's about 3-1/2" x 4-1/2", with a weird sort of "pipe" coming out of the front. Anyone recognize it?
posted by Etrigan at 6:28 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Etrigan at 6:28 PM PST - 8 comments
Best savings account interest rate in the US?
I'd like to find a savings account that has a higher interest rate than what I have now. 2% would be great and 3% or more would be amazing. My current savings account is 100% online. All I do is transfer in some money every month from my checking account at another bank. I am looking for a similar setup. It has to be a bank that accepts national customers since chances are if there's a good regional bank that only accepts regional customers, I don't live near it. What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by cokelessrome at 5:56 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by cokelessrome at 5:56 PM PST - 16 comments
iCal/OS X Calendar/Fantastical help - copying items from read only Cal
Mac OSX - Using Fantastical and/or Calendar (or even through Google Cal), I'd like to automatically copy past events to a separate (archive) calendar. [more inside]
Where can I download all the stock trades for all the stocks each day?
Yeah, crazy I know but I have a need. I want to evaluate stocks based on every 15 minutes so I need the data from say the NASDAQ or NYSE daily. Where can I do this?
One day in Cancun: cenotes and souvenirs?
I will have one day at the end of a Yucatan vacation in Cancun or Puerto Morelos and would like to 1. do some souvenir shopping and 2. go swimming in a cenote or two. Where should I stay, and where should I go for these things? [more inside]
Let There Be Ham and Cheese on Earth
I'm hoping someone here will be able to help me find a lost recipe from my early-80s childhood. It consisted of deviled ham, Kraft Old English cheese, poppy seeds and mustard (plus some other things I am definitely forgetting) spread between soft rolls and baked in the oven until hot. The recipe was likely one my mother clipped from a Woman's Day or Ladies' Home Journal. [more inside]
posted by little mouth at 2:26 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by little mouth at 2:26 PM PST - 11 comments
How to call out and back out of disingenuous political conversation
I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my extended family, but dreading political conversations. I'd like a way to back out of any political conversation raised by relatives. I want to be crystal clear that I am not engaging anymore with disingenuous arguing. [more inside]
posted by whodatninja at 2:17 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by whodatninja at 2:17 PM PST - 27 comments
Have PTO, will travel
I'm off until January 3rd. Can I score some type of last-minute international travel deal? Not having luck with the resources I've found so far. Looking for help and suggestions. [more inside]
Fix my hoarseness from coughing in 24 hours!
My voice is shot from overuse and a bout of coughing/sinus problems. I will be leading a fairly important conference call in 24 hours. What can I do to sound less-croaky? [more inside]
What should I get my friend in Australia?
I have a friend who lives in Sydney who's been having a string of serious health issues while completing a graduate degree. She's on a grad student stipend, so money is tight, and I know that that is a stressor for her. What should I get her that will enhance her day to day life? [more inside]
posted by MFZ at 12:44 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by MFZ at 12:44 PM PST - 11 comments
Pants Pants Revelation! (Help me procure the perfect pants, please.)
I really like Old Navy Pixie Pants, but I find them too prone to fading and shrinkage. Are there any slightly higher end alternatives that are worth my money? Wayyyyy too pants-related details inside. [more inside]
Short story / book help needed
There is so much information that I do not know about this book of short stories.
I don't know the name of the author. I don't know the name of the book. I don't know any of the story titles. I don't have any actual quotes.
All that I do have are below the fold. [more inside]
Songs to Sing Along To At The Top Of My Lungs In My Car
I am looking for songs of any genre that are happy/strong and/or defiant (NOT SAD/DEPRESSING) that I can sing along to in the car, while driving back and forth to visit a relative in the hospital. [more inside]
Examples of indirect gift exchanges between cultures?
I'm looking for examples, descriptions, anthropological terminology, etc. of non-physical contact exchange of gifts between two cultures. One example is the, bucket drop, where missionaries in Ecuador would drop and retrieve a bucket on a rope from an airplane circling above settlements of the Huaorani; the bucket would contain gifts for the Huaorani, who would put in their own gifts for the missionaries. [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 11:13 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ShooBoo at 11:13 AM PST - 11 comments
Best way to frame a thin partition wall.
I'm planning a renovation in our century home. The plan only works if I can construct a partition (non load bearing) wall less than 3" thick total. I have an idea how to build this wall. Tell me if this design would work... [more inside]
posted by Popular Ethics at 10:57 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by Popular Ethics at 10:57 AM PST - 24 comments
Hero, come and get your love: The Playlist
I need songs like Redbone's Come and get your love or like the song I need a hero. [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 10:32 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Michele in California at 10:32 AM PST - 19 comments
New car blues
My newish car has given me what seems like an inordinate amount of grief. Is this a normal amount of problems for a new car to have, and if not, is there anything I can do about it? [more inside]
Best or most interesting indoor plant for this wall planter?
What is the most interesting or pretty (but low-maintenance) plant I could put in this small indoor planter box? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 10:01 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by critzer at 10:01 AM PST - 10 comments
One Gift For A Group Of People. Ideas?
So I am on dialysis and I wanted to get a gift for the specific group of technicians that service me 3 times a week. The obvious answer is a gift basket but I was hoping to come up with something a bit more clever/interesting. There are 7 in total and my budget is $100. Ideas?
Looking for the manual for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD.
Hey everyone, I'm looking for a PDF copy of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD manual. Hyundai's website hasn't been much help and the only other manuals I've been able to find are for the regular Santa Fe. While I'm sure there's a lot of similarity, I wanted to get the manual for this specific model. Does anyone know where I might find it?
posted by Aanidaani at 9:34 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Aanidaani at 9:34 AM PST - 4 comments
Router booster / amplification recommendations?
I live in a 4 story rowhouse that is currently using a single wifi router - signal strength is strong in the front rooms of the house, but weak in the back, and we'e hoping to find something that will boost it enough to be serviceable. What do you recommend, hivemind? [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 8:43 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 8:43 AM PST - 11 comments
Gun gifts minus the gun...
Can you please suggest a nice gift in the $30 range for my gun-loving brother in law that is not a gun, or any part of a gun (including bullets) and that won't make progressive me feel dirty for buying it? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 8:39 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by anastasiav at 8:39 AM PST - 30 comments
Dating in your 30's in Indianapolis?
I'm considering moving back to my home state of Indiana to be closer to my family and eventually start my own family. But I'm nervous about being 30 years old and single for the first time in years and could use some good insight into the Indy dating scene. [more inside]
Help my thumb turn green
I'm pretty bad at houseplants (although I'm getting lots better). I want to become good at plants. All kinds of houseplants. HALP. [more inside]
posted by holborne at 8:32 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by holborne at 8:32 AM PST - 13 comments
What tablet should I get for watching movies/TV shows?
I haven't had an Apple product in years, but I'm thinking of buying a tablet for entertainment on some long flights I have coming up. [more inside]
posted by Mavri at 8:17 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Mavri at 8:17 AM PST - 18 comments
Teach me how to daycare drop off.
How one person can get an almost 6 month old and an 18 month old into daycare. [more inside]
posted by donovangirl at 6:15 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by donovangirl at 6:15 AM PST - 34 comments
A Single Word That Means Something is Both Secure And Private
I'm looking for a word that I can use to describe something that is both Secure AND Private. It would be great if this word is English and an actual word. An actual word in any other language would be fine. A portmanteau might just work as well.
Security and Privacy are related, but yet 2 different things, and I'm hoping there's a word I can use that would mean BOTH. e.g. "Our goal is to build something that is Secure & Private"
(Inspired somewhat by This Question looking for a Symbol that represents Security)
Poem about differences of introverts, extroverts, ambiverts.
So years ago I found this small bit of poetry which really seemed/seems to nail that question. I had it taped to a bathroom mirror, somehow it got lost in the shuffle of my life, moving here there etc and etc. I can remember the first bit, about the introvert, and I remember the general gist of the bits about the extrovert and the ambivert. I have no idea where I clipped it from, no idea who wrote it, search engines are not helping, I'm hoping that you can. [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 3:19 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by dancestoblue at 3:19 AM PST - 2 comments
Tip for in-home daycare provider?
I can't seem to find straight information on the internet! Our son is in a 12-kid in-home daycare five days a week--it's run by the owner, her mom, and two other women. We're in the D.C. suburbs. Should we be giving them a tip for the holidays and, if so, how much? Many thanks!
December 19
That's not what I typed!
I use SwiftKey on my HTC 10. Every so often the keyboard will add "&oq" to the end of a word for no apparent reason. I don't know how to stop it from happening. Once it happens to a particular word that word is marked for life. It's driving me nuts, but I love this app so I don't really want to change it. I haven't had much luck Googling solutions to the problem. Does anyone know what's going on and how to stop it?
Fleas Navidad
I accepted a gift of two hand-me-down throw pillows from a friend who recently had a bad flea infestation. How do I ensure that a flea infestation doesn't come along with the gift? [more inside]
Insurance for Prescription Drugs Only
Is there such a thing as an insurance plan that covers just a formulary of prescription drugs? [more inside]
posted by lilies.lilies at 5:12 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by lilies.lilies at 5:12 PM PST - 10 comments
Redirect Confusion in Chrome
There is a specific website that I visit that I have to log in to. On my home network, Chrome throws me an error message when visiting any part of the website that the page redirects me too many times. Yet when I use Chrome at work (with the same user profile), the site remembers my log in/password (as I've instructed Chrome to do so) and I am able to browse the site just fine. Any ideas as to what's going on? [more inside]
Finishing high school online as an adult
I'm preparing to return to college in my 40s - outside the United States. They want my high school diploma and transcript, dispite the fact that I do have some college. A GED will not do. I left high school halfway through my junior year. Are there accredited online high school programs where I can do more independent study and take college courses? [more inside]
Help me maintain my terrible sleep habits
I just got an iPhone 7 plus and remembered OH YEAH, this thing doesn't have an audio jack anymore. That's a problem since I like to listen to movies on my phone while sleeping, and thus need to use the Lightning port to keep my phone charged. What is the best solution here? Is there some dongle that will give me power AND audio via the Lightning port at the same time? Are there bluetooth earbuds with >5 hours of battery life? Halp! [more inside]
posted by joan_holloway at 2:37 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by joan_holloway at 2:37 PM PST - 13 comments
Should I accept job offer?
I've been looking for a new job and have just received an offer that meets many of my criteria, including location and salary - in fact, by many measures, I'd be silly not to accept - but for some reason I'm leaning towards turning it down. More details inside. [more inside]
Recovering a Stolen Phone
My phone was stolen. I have video of them from the store we were both in when it was taken. I also have a Google Map that tracked the phone to an address within 20 meters. The account has been deactivated and phone has been locked but I'm told a good hacker can get in any phone. There is video on the phone that may be used in a medical malpractice case that is very important. So letting this whole thing go is not my first choice. I didn't call the theif or erase the phone but the locking process sent them another number with a request to call me. [more inside]
Clothing/luggage for Friend's daughter's trip to Australia?
She is going to Sydney for a semester abroad. What will she need? (first trip abroad!)
How to discuss home life with your coworkers when you're polyamorous
I've been polyamorous for a long time, and kept it quiet at work for most of that time because it's seemed unprofessional to do otherwise. But now I work at the kind of place where my teammates and I all know the names of each other's partners and kids's partners and parents and pets and blah blah blah — and I'm in a serious, stable, committed long-term relationship with two people who I hope to spend the rest of my life with, so hiding the existence of one of those two people is starting to feel Real Weird. I also expect to stay at this company for a long time. How can I navigate this situation other than "Keep lying forever"? [more inside]
How do I check winter weather road conditions?
I am driving from North Carolina to Indiana for a few days around Christmas, but I happen to be blessed with a not-entirely-rational fear of winter weather on roads. How can I make sure before I embark that I won't be encountering any? [more inside]
Best solution for navigating at sea?
I am looking for the best way to electronically navigate at sea in a recreational ~30 ft sailboat with GPS. I've considered a few options but I have no expertise at all:
1. App for iPhone (con: too small screen, difficult to find good app)
2. USB-GPS and laptop (con: have to bring laptop on boat, battery life is short, no 3G/Wifi on boat)
3. Dedicated unit, like a Garmin eTrex (con: expensive, seems outdated)
4. iPad (con: need to get the expensive cellular model for GPS)
5. ???
Any suggestions? The best iOS app would also be appreciated! Thank you!
Help me make tursu (Turkish pickles)
A few months ago I went to a Turkish cooking class and tasted lots of delicious food, inlcuding a selection of vegetable pickles. That class did not teach pickle-making, but a later class I did not attend did. One of the participants took rough notes and gave them to me. I have questions, pickle experts of MeFi. [more inside]
Bakery recommendations near DePaul University
My cousin is a first-year student at DePaul University in Chicago; I'm 99% sure he lives on or near the Lincoln Park campus. I would like to get him a gift certificate for a local bakery (or other eatery) so that he can have delicious snacks to study with next semester. Can Chicago-based MeFites provide me with any recommendations? [more inside]
Help understanding the timing of a new podcast launch on iTunes / acast
Hi! I’m working with a few folks on a new podcast. We’re trying to understand some questions around the timing of how to submit our podcast to itunes (and acast). We’re finding it hard to figure out, so I’m asking here. [more inside]
Butterfly pea jam?
Can anyone enlighten me about a jam I ate at breakfast on Thai Airways? It was labelled "butterfly pea with lime". [more inside]
posted by Logophiliac at 9:10 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Logophiliac at 9:10 AM PST - 7 comments
Delightful absurd complexities
My friend is writing a book, in which a character makes a list of things that are absurdly complex in a delightful way. But we need more, especially from the non-US/UK world!
See inside for some examples... [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 9:07 AM PST - 53 comments
posted by exceptinsects at 9:07 AM PST - 53 comments
What are the best XBox sites?
Does anyone have any recommendations for grown-up, well written sites about XBox gaming? I've read RPS for years to keep up with the PC scene, but am just about to get an XBox One and would like a go-to place to learn about both big-ticket new titles and smaller indie titles.
How can I backup my iCloud photos with Time Machine?
I have my photos stored on iCloud, but have it set to 'optimize storage' so it only downloads the thumbnails and stores the full photos on the cloud. If I backup my computer using Time Machine, do my full photos get backed up? [more inside]
How much of yourself do you show to your coworkers?
I try to be friendly and jokey with my coworkers, but I seem to get burned by it pretty frequently. How do you strike the right balance between professionalism and "casual" in the workplace? [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 6:40 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by deathpanels at 6:40 AM PST - 43 comments
My, how you've grown!
Can you help me think of examples of this longstanding creepy trope? The trope is when a man saves/helps/knows a girl in her youth, and has a paternal relationship to her if any.
Then he leaves (presumably to go on adventures) and he returns to the girl, who is: omg a *woman* now.
And they get together and it's not creepy at all (by the movie's standards). [more inside]
Holiday job change ethics
Are all two-week-notices created equal? [more inside]
Looking for sassy Facebook posts that went viral
I'm interested in reading opinion-heavy, probably political, Facebook posts that went viral. Stuff like this and also this and this. [more inside]
Where can I buy overalls like these Chimala ones except not $700?
Chimala makes a lot of nice-looking denim overalls for women: e.g. these ones for sale at Madewell or these at James Perse. [more inside]
December 18
Seeking holy grail of cat litter catchment
My cats are excellent at tracking cat litter everywhere. I wish to contain it. What is the absolute best cat litter mat available? [more inside]
posted by bookdragoness at 9:30 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by bookdragoness at 9:30 PM PST - 17 comments
How do police and support workers pin their hair up for safety?
How do longer-haired police, support workers, corrections officers, psych nurses, soldiers and others pin long hair up to keep themselves safe? [more inside]
Are there any good books that get into how imperial China worked?
I know that that spans a long period of time, and that ambiguity is ok. I guess what I'm interested in is how the government was actually structured... what sort of intrigue went down? How were regions governed? I've heard a lot about the fairly sophisticated bureaucracy that existed for a very long time in China, and I'm very curious to know more about the nitty gritty of how society actually functioned... the time period is open to whatever time period someone found fit to write a book about!
Explain how to use a phone internationally to me like I'm a total moron
I have a prepaid plan (text and phone only, no internet) in Australia. I'm going to the US for a month in January. I would like to somehow be able to use my phone there without it costing a huge amount. How? [more inside]
posted by forza at 7:09 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by forza at 7:09 PM PST - 14 comments
What's the connection between a music file and iTunes?
I'll admit that I don't really understand how iTunes works. I just keep pushing the buttons and hoping for the best. But I need to know what I can do with a music file after I move it to iTunes. [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 6:41 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Joleta at 6:41 PM PST - 6 comments
I just want to do flats
I'm looking for an analog art tool that will enable me to create large swaths of consistent flat value easily. Should I use charcoal, watercolor, markers, or something else? And how? (Examples inside.) [more inside]
posted by glass origami robot at 6:41 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by glass origami robot at 6:41 PM PST - 14 comments
Long Distance, Long Timeframe Supply Chain Management
In a new business with no historical sales data, how do you project how much inventory you will need when working with Far East suppliers needing long lead times? [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 6:29 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by DarlingBri at 6:29 PM PST - 5 comments
Rare, hand-made electric guitar: fret repair in Bay Area?
I've got a hand-made, non-standard, one-of-a-kind electric guitar with a buzzing fret. As far as I can tell, the extent of the job should be to whack it in a little and then set it, but I'm a bit nervous to do it myself. (Plus, surely a specialist would use something better than a mallet and super glue...) What are some reliable guitar repair shops in the Bay Area I could turn to, and how much might the job cost me?
How to play music from phone in new (to me) Honda Civic
A couple of weeks ago I bought a 2012 Honda Civic sedan. It has AM/FM radio, a CD player, and a USB port. The only other sound option, beside radio and CD, is AUX. My phone is an Android (low-end LG). [more inside]
SongFilter: "The X Riff"?
Can you help me identify a song whose name I half-remember? It has mellow guitar work, next to no vocals, and the title is something like, "The X Riff", where X is Compton, or Mumford or something. Naturally, I also don't remember the artist name. My gut feeling is that is was one word and began with an M, but don't quote me on it.
Thanks!
posted by Behemoth, in no. 302-bis, with the Browning at 5:15 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Behemoth, in no. 302-bis, with the Browning at 5:15 PM PST - 3 comments
Books that are like The Last Samurai
Just finished reading The Last Samurai, and enjoyed its intellectual bent, the way it switched narrators, and slightly improvised feeling structure. Are there any other books that would surprise me like this? [more inside]
Hermit Santa requests accommodating elves
Secret Santa. $30 limit.
Difficulty: Lives three time zones away. I am crap at this sort of thing. [more inside]
posted by Freelance Demiurge at 3:46 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Freelance Demiurge at 3:46 PM PST - 14 comments
Anti-fascist tactics reading list?
In the interest of preparing for both the inevitable (fighting terrible policies at the national level) and the worst (full-on totalitarianism, war, etc.), I am seeking books and articles about practical tactics for survival and resistance. [more inside]
NO YOU CAN NOT BE BROWNSHIRT
I am live-in girlfriend of 2+ years. Adolescent son of SO is very much into guns, showing some disturbing behavioral signs, and is eager to join the armed forces. Mother of son is encouraging the guns and military. SO is unhappy but very passive. I have completely lost my state of zen. Help. [more inside]
Wall Art for a Super Picky Art Snob
I just moved into a small apartment. I have a real minimalism vibe going on. Contempary/modern. The walls are extremely bare. I need some art to spruce up the walls. I am super picky, and perusing Pier 1 and Home Goods isn’t cutting it. Way too generic [more inside]
Nevernude: Plus-Size Ladies Sex Wear Edition
Plus-size woman seeking clothing to bone in, which is not TOO obviously meant for boning in. [more inside]
posted by sock puppy at 2:06 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by sock puppy at 2:06 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me make Crock Pot Mac & Cheese
My girlfriend needs to make a "comfort food" to serve at a work lunchtime potluck. We decided on making Mac & Cheese. Since we have never done this in a crock pot, we gave it two test runs, and have not been very happy with the results. [more inside]
posted by cschneid at 2:03 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by cschneid at 2:03 PM PST - 27 comments
Finding Butter in Seattle
Let's say that you live in Seattle and want to do a taste-testing of fancy "butters from around the world"... where would you go to locally procure these butters? [more inside]
posted by jimmereeno at 1:59 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by jimmereeno at 1:59 PM PST - 16 comments
Everything will work out because magic
I'm pregnant and due in February and terrified of loosing my job because I can't find childcare. I have no family help, my fiance is useless, and I don't qualify for FMLA. I need tips, strategies, hope, anything to help with cobbling together somewhere for a kid to go and/or extending my leave. [more inside]
Leave first real job after 2-3 months or stick it out? Lots of anxiety.
I'm a recent nursing grad who wants to leave the field due to anxiety. I recently started an administrative nursing position in a skilled nursing facility but it's making me miserable. I want to start a career in medical records and I am very conflicted about how to make this transition. I may be able to leave after just 2-3 months for a temporary medical record auditing position. Should I? [more inside]
I'm still not sure if she is the one. Is that ok?
To elaborate a little more - I've been 2 years in a relationship. We are engaged and are looking to get married later next year but I have some hesitations. I cannot tell if these hesitations are warranted or if its steming from my fear of commitement or both. [more inside]
Valentine's Day on Etsy
I know it's not even Christmas, but I'm thinking like a corporate thug. This will be my first V Day as an Etsy seller (link in my profile), and I don't even know how big V Day is on Etsy. I'm also trying to figure out if I should offer anything different that's still in keeping with my shop's vibe. I will, of course, tag for the holiday. Finally, is it still a thing to have a lot of red/pink? [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 12:39 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 12:39 PM PST - 3 comments
How far do you please your inner Neanderthal?
When eating meat off ribs, chicken, etc., do you basically leave the bone clean or leave arguably valuable bites on a bone you're "done" with? My spouse leaves what seems to me as precious extra bites on his chicken (R) compared to mine. [more inside]
Off Label BCP Usage - Pregnancy Risks
Yes, I'm going to ask my doctor this when I'm in in about three weeks, YANMD, etc. Just wondering what other people's experiences are here with taking birth control pills off-label. [more inside]
posted by juniperesque at 11:50 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by juniperesque at 11:50 AM PST - 8 comments
Help me spend my FSA/Health money - Fast!
I had a Health flexible spending account for the first time this year and I have 2 weeks left to spend the rest of the money or I lose it - $355 to be exact. I could buy lots of pair of reading glasses but am looking for recommendations of other items that are covered for FSA that I might not be aware of. Thanks!
posted by mulcahy at 11:37 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by mulcahy at 11:37 AM PST - 20 comments
Predicting icy road conditions
I just watched the very informative series of videos at Icy Road Safety. It says that freezing rain is the most dangerous driving condition there is. As a new Vermonter, I have so many followup questions, some general and some specific to this winter storm... [more inside]
Therapy cat home visits in Austin?
I'm looking for a service or individual person who is willing to bring a therapy cat into a home where a senior is receiving at home hospice care. So many snowflakes. [more inside]
posted by mrcrow at 10:14 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by mrcrow at 10:14 AM PST - 2 comments
Why is parking free on Sundays?
In many places street parking is free on Sundays. Why?
posted by notyou at 9:32 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by notyou at 9:32 AM PST - 15 comments
Song + cartoon for toddler singalongs (like Lava)?
My little boy and I discovered the song and video for "Lava" and watch and sing along with it all. the. time. It's a sweet little thing we enjoy so much. Any suggestions for a similar song/video combo he might like? The YouTube suggestions didn't really click. Thanks for any ideas!
Seeking solutions for cracks in homemade soy candles
I've been making soy candles and have run into a small problem. I've poured the wax too soon/quickly and it has shrunk and cracked when it dried in the cups/jars. I'm looking for solutions to fix this please. Would putting the candles in a warm oven work? Pour new wax over? I can't find an internet solution so far, only what to do different for the next batch.
How would fusilli Jerry prepare this pasta for Festivus?
I have a bag of chestnut fusilli pasta that I’d like to use for an x-mas brunch, and am coming up empty on how to tastily prepare it. Can the hive mind suggest any vegetarian ways of serving it that will be a crowd pleaser? What kinds of sauce and/or vegetables go well with chestnut?
posted by raztaj at 8:16 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by raztaj at 8:16 AM PST - 8 comments
Pimp my Mac
Lifelong Windows user, recently got a Macbook Pro. What do I put on it? [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 5:55 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by sailoreagle at 5:55 AM PST - 34 comments
Surprise birthday planning tips
My husband is turning 50 soon and I've invited his family (brothers, sisters, parents, children, nieces and nephews) for a surprise party weekend. I've gotten the basic planning done but could use some advice please on how to make it special. [more inside]
Girlfriend has Facial Hair - what should I do?
I've been with my girlfriend for 5 months but am finding it hard to get past the fact that she has noticeable facial hair. I'm looking for some helpful advice. [more inside]
Eyeball Weirdness
WHat is going on with my eye? [more inside]
Best online or at-home courses for learning Indonesian?
I'm looking for a resource that will allow me to learn/develop my very limited Indonesian skills from home. I have used Learning Indonesian, the website/podcast, previously. I am looking for something a little more structured/organised around the assumption that I want to take this fairly seriously. [more inside]
posted by jojobobo at 12:29 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by jojobobo at 12:29 AM PST - 9 comments
December 17
Where Have I Seen This Tower Of Televisions?
Please have a look at these two stills taken from Cowboy Bebop (Session #23). They reminded me so much of an image (motif) I had seen before in some other sci-fi feature. Does it ring any bells with anyone?
How-to tangy coffee
I drink mostly bad gas station coffee. A few times, I've had coffee from proper coffee shops that tastes a bit tangy. I really like this. What is it that gives the coffee this tanginess/slight-sourness? How do I make this at home? [more inside]
How to not be a nag
A family member needs to be told more than once, but then gets angry at me for 'nagging.' How can we get out of this dynamic? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 6:40 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by ficbot at 6:40 PM PST - 32 comments
Wood enclosed porch + water + subzero temps = ??
Tenant issue, convencing landlord and her "handy" cousin to do the right thing whatever that is. [more inside]
Star Trek, for toddlers.
Recommend me some specific episodes of Star Trek (any series), Doctor Who, or (your show of choice), that would be good for a toddler. [more inside]
posted by gregglind at 4:52 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by gregglind at 4:52 PM PST - 17 comments
Seattle recommendations!
A bunch of people in my office left for the holidays, and I suddenly find myself in charge of planning a team offsite for early January. I'm up for the challenge, but I need some recommendations... [more inside]
posted by handful of rain at 4:44 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by handful of rain at 4:44 PM PST - 11 comments
Stinky Orange Lifeform (No. Not that one)
This strange entity showed up in Southeastern NC this week. There's a bonus secret hidden entity within the strange orange topper.
Is there a knowledgeable mefite willing to identify it's name and any additional information? [more inside]
posted by mightshould at 4:23 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by mightshould at 4:23 PM PST - 6 comments
RIP, Dr. Heimlich...but something is bugging me
We all know that the great Dr. Henry Heimlich, inventor of the Heimlich Maneuver, passed away today at the age of 96. I'd like to phrase this as respectfully as possible, but I could've sworn that I heard of his passing (or at least having some kind of health problem) about 1-2 weeks ago. But it seems like he passed away suddenly from a heart attack in his home. I know that this sounds like some outlandish "Mandela Effect", but what other news could I be confusing this with? (No, not John Glenn's passing.)
posted by Seeking Direction at 4:05 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Seeking Direction at 4:05 PM PST - 3 comments
My dog sucks at walking.
I adopted a dog about a month ago and she is awful at walking. It's driving me crazy. How can I stop the pulling, circling, leash-tangling, etc? [more inside]
posted by hafehd at 4:01 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by hafehd at 4:01 PM PST - 20 comments
Should I pursue an MBA or a second bachelor's in CS?
I'm trying to decide what to do next in my career, and I feel very stuck. I would love to hear your advice. [more inside]
It crawled into my food, honest
This larval unit was discovered under the stove top. What is it? [more inside]
posted by ptm at 2:31 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ptm at 2:31 PM PST - 3 comments
2 users 1 Mac
One new iMac. There were two old iMacs, separate user accounts. How to add the separate external time machine backups on this new computer? [more inside]
How to make work... work?
I've worked a lot of crappy, low paying jobs. In fact, that's all my work history has consisted of. I'm looking to change this but I'm really struggling in doing so. So how do I make work work for me? [more inside]
YouTube inventory
Please help me extract a list of all the videos on my YouTube channel. [more inside]
Android Email: old account name, not new account name
In a nutshell, I was changing email accounts on a Nexus 7, and the account name remains unchanged. Is there a fix? [more inside]
Great Sex Scenes in Good Books
Can you recommend books that have explicit and hot sex scenes? The book has to be good enough writing and plot-wise, but it's the good sex that I'm really in the mood for! I'm not looking for romance genre or erotica. [more inside]
posted by jeszac at 10:58 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by jeszac at 10:58 AM PST - 19 comments
How to package up a video file.
If I have a video file I downloaded off the internet and re-edited in Adobe Premiere. Now I would like to send it to friends & fam for Christmas. The dimensions are 1280x720. Is that high enough resolution to let people watch it on their TVs? What's the best way to distribute it? I don't want to put it on the Internet. [more inside]
Is there a limit to phrasebook size on Google Translate app on Android?
I've been saving translations to the phrasebook on my Google Translate app on Android but as I add new phrases it seems to be deleting older ones. I have (ironically) googled all kinds of questions to find out whether there is a size limit to the phrasebook but can't find anything. Any ideas?
how to deal with negative work contact
I recently started a new post as a service manager for a small non-profit organisation. One of my volunteers resents me and has also consolidated her power within the organisation so that she is now in a position where I am, in some ways, accountable to her. How do I deal? [more inside]
posted by quadrant seasons at 10:25 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by quadrant seasons at 10:25 AM PST - 14 comments
Karaokify My Dad
Help make my dad's Christmas dreams come true with a Julius LaRosa karaoke songfest. [more inside]
One song, multiple overlapping chord charts
I'm looking for songs in two (or three) arrangements for ukulele that can be played simultaneously. Say, a simplified version using only three or four easy chords for beginners; and a more advanced version, adding more advanced chord changes, for more experienced players. If there's a site or songbook devoted to such things, that would be ideal; otherwise, links to individual songs would also be appreciated. [more inside]
Festive-ish Meal That's Easily Cooked, Transported, and Eaten?
I am visiting my father for Christmas, and he's in a physical rehab center after complications from surgery. I'll be staying at his house, which is about an hour away from the rehab center. I would like to cook something for Christmas day and bring it with me when I visit him, but there are constraints on equipment, ease of eating, and ability to transport the meal. [more inside]
Wireless devices can't chat with each other. Replace router?
So, this is one of those router questions. I'm having a problem with wireless devices not being able to talk with one another. [more inside]
Does it help organizations to have me on their mailing lists?
Like many people, I have stepped up my charitable donations and political letter writing and petition signing in recent weeks. This has, of course, resulted in a trillion emails. My inbox is out of control and I would like to unsubscribe to some of the lists, but hesitate because they're all for worthy causes. Hence, my question: Does it benefit a nonprofit or politician in any way to have me on their mailing list, or should I unsubscribe for the sake of my sanity because it makes no difference either way? [more inside]
posted by ferret branca at 7:35 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by ferret branca at 7:35 AM PST - 8 comments
Umbilical Hernia to mesh or not to mesh?
H has been diagnosed with an Umbilical Hernia, he is 62 yrs and very healthy. Hernia looks about 2 inches long, no pain, not bothering him. Info on the web is confusing. regarding types of surgery (open or Lap, robotic), and repairs (mesh, no mesh, special thread). We are in the NYC area:
1. Recommendations for Dr's
2. Opinions on choices in 2016
I know YANMD...Thanks
posted by drthom at 7:21 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by drthom at 7:21 AM PST - 8 comments
How can I safely install Nest thermostats to replace line-voltage units?
My apartment has in-wall heaters in each room, with a separate line-voltage thermostat each. I'd like to replace those with Nest thermostats, but my understanding is that it requires special work. [more inside]
posted by ChrisR at 7:04 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by ChrisR at 7:04 AM PST - 7 comments
Seeking methods of contacting retiring antiquarian dealers
I buy and sell old books, maps, and prints. I want to buy them in large quantity. [more inside]
Holiday movie memory
I was thinking holiday thoughts, and a movie memory came to the surface after many years of dormancy. The only thing I remember about this movie was that it was about a black youth who was asked what he wanted for Christmas and he said "I want me this cat I found". [more inside]
posted by ambulocetus at 6:29 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ambulocetus at 6:29 AM PST - 5 comments
Streaming, interesting Christmas music
We are having a Christmas party tonight and I hate the Christmas standards that have been playing 24/7 since the day after Thanksgiving. I was supposed to download some interesting music (any genre) but didn't so we will be streaming something. Is there anything better than the generic Pandora station?
posted by shothotbot at 5:54 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by shothotbot at 5:54 AM PST - 17 comments
Uncle may be trying to take over Grandpa's assets. Do we need to act?
My (fairly naive, big-hearted) mom and aunt have started to suspect that my uncle's family's sudden interest in my ailing grandfather's care is an attempt to get close to his assets and spend his money before he dies. Should they do something to prevent it? Is it possible at all? [more inside]
What's it like to go in-house if you've never done it before?
After 12+ years of working in marketing and technology on the agency side, I've finally taken an in-house job. I'm very excited, but also can only really guess what I'm getting myself into. Have you made the same switch? [more inside]
Fighting boredom & finding adventure (quarter-life crisis edition)
I shouldn’t be listless. Living in London, one of the best cities in the world. Been here eight years, in a great job that pays well, and with (a few) close friends. Things, objectively, are good. So do I feel so bored? [more inside]
December 16
Pay parking ticket for leased car that I'm turning in?
I got a not-super-large-but-still-annoying parking ticket, but it's for a leased car that I'm turning in in about a week. Can I get away with ignoring this..? [more inside]
posted by leafmealone at 11:09 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by leafmealone at 11:09 PM PST - 13 comments
Please help me find interestingly decorated men's hoodies!
Pretty simple: looking for men's hoodies (the typical zip-front kind) with interesting designs or patterns of some kind. See inside for details! [more inside]
Name this fragment of a tune
In this video of the 12 Days of Christmas, what is the tune being quoted at about the 5 min. mark?
Are there professionals one can hire to help an alcoholic dad?
My friend's dad is a bi-polar alcoholic veteran who is currently living in a motel and he may soon become homeless. Are there professionals my friend can hire to work with his dad to determine what government assistance might be available? [more inside]
posted by grayber at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by grayber at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments
Shopping for a Thermal Coffee Maker - I like my coffee hot...
I have a Mr. Coffee brand thermal coffee maker (model PSTX) that I have had for a year and just doesn't do a good job keeping the coffee hot after it brews. When I first pour a cup after it brews it is hot enough, but when I go back after about 15 minutes it is just warm - I have to put it in the microwave to heat it back up to drink. [more inside]
Yet Another Relationship/Sleep Question
My partner routinely sleeps much later than I do on the weekends. I'm able to entertain myself when we're at my place, but sitting awake quietly with nothing to do at her place really frustrates me. Any thoughts on coping strategies? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 6:47 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by Alterscape at 6:47 PM PST - 33 comments
Contemporary Japanese Literature (in English)
Any recommendations? I'm particularly looking for reasonably priced paperbacks - novels, short stories, anthologies.
posted by andrewcooke at 6:37 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by andrewcooke at 6:37 PM PST - 11 comments
From Oxford with love
A close friend has recently been missing our student days together in Oxford. I'm sending her a Christmas gift, so I was thinking of including something small that would remind her of the city. What should I send? [more inside]
posted by jejak at 6:13 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by jejak at 6:13 PM PST - 7 comments
Looking to identify a French BD
Years ago (2011), I read a graphic novel in France that I would like to find again. It was in color, decently big in print size, and featured this white liquid that would create statues(?) as it dried in-motion. Someone dipped themselves into a pool of the liquid, jumped from a tall height, and behind them was a statue trail of them falling. Unfortunately that's all I can remember; does this ring any bells for anyone?
posted by lesser weasel at 5:41 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lesser weasel at 5:41 PM PST - 4 comments
Maintaining a Private Road
A few years ago I bought a house that is in a small area where there are a few houses that all share a gravel road. The road comes off the main road across my property before it reaches the other houses that use the road. I have some questions about how maintaining the road should work. [more inside]
How to live with the dying
My father was diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer earlier in the year and things were going pretty well until about a month ago. Now everything has taken a turn for what I assume is the worst (what I assume is the end) and I'm really struggling with coping. I'm an only child and I've become the main caregiver/contact person and I am, already, utterly exhausted. How am I supposed to survive until my father (eventually) dies? What if I don't want to be his caregiver? [more inside]
FMLA, Resignation and Health Insurance Coverage
I need health insurance until I start my new job, when should I submit resignation to ensure I am covered until my new one kicks in? Questions on scenarios inside - [more inside]
How do I gym?
I’m going to start going to the gym again and I’m looking for hacks on how to simplify this and integrate it into my routine. Married, no kids, one dog, Mon-Fri 9-5 job. One location of this gym is 10 minutes away from home; a couple locations are on the way to work. I’m looking for advice on things to do, think, change, or even buy that will help me remove any friction in getting to the gym on a regular basis. I want to build motivating, long-term habits--what helps you?
Where can I buy Toreta?
I've been trying to track down a Japanese sports drink called Toreta! ever since I saw a character drink it in my favorite new Kdrama Goblin. It's sold out on Rakuten, and Amazon doesn't seem to carry it at all. Where could I order it from instead? Is it too new to be carried in Asian markets in the US? Thank you!
Climate change advocacy in Canada
Which advocacy groups are doing the most effective work on climate change in Canada? [more inside]
posted by Gerald Bostock at 12:28 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Gerald Bostock at 12:28 PM PST - 4 comments
What are the trends in endings for YA dystopian novels?
I'm looking for information about how common various endings are in the massively popular genre of YA dystopian novels. Bonus points for scholarly analyses, both quantitative and qualitative, but also people's personal reflections based on their own reading are welcome. Open to more nuance, but most crucially: how often does the dystopia get overthrown in the end?
I've Fallen and I'm Really #!@$*&! About the Options
Over Thanksgiving, my super-hip and modern 80yo mother mentioned that she wanted to get one of those "I've fallen and I can't get up" devices and a lockbox with a code for helping first responders get into the house. My sister and I talked with her, and I bookmarked some options for her on her iPad, and she said she'd research things when she got back home. And then she fell down, went boom. We need advice. [more inside]
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 11:34 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 11:34 AM PST - 16 comments
Massive increase in electrical usage, possible culprits?
My mom's house, which normally uses around 10-20kWh/day, has risen to 150kWh/day. Where is this electricity going? [more inside]
Practical details of moving to the Bay Area
Boyfriend and I-- a non-engineer and an engineer-- moving to the Bay Area for a job offer. I don't know many people out there, so trying to get a realistic picture. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 11:02 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 11:02 AM PST - 29 comments
I just can't take this anymore, but
... am I just too sensitive? If I get out, how do I do it? Work edition [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 10:50 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 10:50 AM PST - 33 comments
Setting referrer in a .htaccess redirect with parameter override
I've recently moved some of my sites from subdomains, into folders on a single domain, and am trying to maintain as much referrer information as possible through a redirect (including manually passing values via url). I'm not great with .htaccess though, and my current slipshod solution could be better. [more inside]
posted by Jezztek at 10:22 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Jezztek at 10:22 AM PST - 2 comments
Where do we move to next? Software Developer edition
I'm a degreed software developer with 7 years experience. My husband works for a large Internet retailer and could possibly transfer (but that's not a deal-breaker). After a move from DFW back to Michigan to be near my family, we've decided that this weather is for the birds. [more inside]
posted by getawaysticks at 9:21 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by getawaysticks at 9:21 AM PST - 20 comments
How do you create that fuzzy, slowly resolving synth sound?
What is the common term for the synth sound in, for example, Retrograde by James Blake? I'm talking about the detuned, dissonant horn-like sound that slowly resolves to a more pleasant chord. I expect expensive DSI Prophets are involved, as it seems these are suitable for producing this sound. What is going on, from a synthesis aspect? I'm not a synth expert, but I'm familiar with the main concepts.
Should I feed a wild rabbit?
A wild rabbit made my summer garden (perennials) into its home. Now the garden is covered in snow and negative degree temps. The rabbit is still living there, I guess just hanging out on the snow. I want to feed it, give it warmth, etc. is this a good idea or not? What would I feed it? How could I give it warmth?
Help me replace my husband's (old) favorite shirts
My husband's favorite winter shirts are aging, and I'd love to find him something similar, as a replacement. It's the shape of a long sleeve Tshirt, but double layered with polarfleece and reversible. The inner layer is t-shirt weight knit, laminated to the outer layer of microfleece (or maybe I have the nominal inner/outer swapped). I didn't think my google-fu was weak, but I can't find it - maybe nobody makes anything like it now? [more inside]
posted by aimedwander at 8:58 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by aimedwander at 8:58 AM PST - 6 comments
Can I make this veggie-heavy lasagna the day before?
I've made Cook's Illustrated delicious vegetable lasagna several times but it has been a few years. I'm not a very experienced cook. Do you think I could assemble the lasagna today and bake it tomorrow evening? It's very vegetable heavy and I'm worried the spinach will get wilted or the noodles soggy in the fridge. Thank you!!
posted by pintapicasso at 8:29 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by pintapicasso at 8:29 AM PST - 7 comments
Oh, The Places You've Gone With Your Infant! Tell me about them
My husband and I used to travel regularly but since my daughter was born, we've barely traveled more than 20 miles from home. I know he'd like to go on a vacation and I certainly would but I'm nervous about traveling with a baby. Where are good places to go with a baby? What do we need to know? What was the best trip you took with your infant? [more inside]
What should I put in a vegan food gift basket?
Recipients are kind of foodies and items will probably be purchased at Whole Foods. Also, they drink...so I won't be including alcohol, but related food items (or other small gifty items) are ok.
Easiest way to sell my Macbook Air?
I have a late-2010 model Macbook Air that I'd like to sell. It's in good condition. What is the easiest, most reliable way for me to sell it, avoid scammers, and just get money in my pocket as painlessly as possible? Thanks!
Awesome Kickstarter as a Christmas present
Our 19 year old niece is a college freshman, and I am out of gift ideas. I'd love to contribute to a Kickstarter with an excellent product so that she can receive such a thing when it's fully funded. Does anyone have a hot take on something like this?
Optimize my Apple watch?
How do you use your Apple watch as a health tracker? I need help optimizing and personalizing mine. I find the apps confusing and thought I would at minimum get a pedometer out of it. All the googling in the world has not helped me figure this out. [more inside]
posted by Stewriffic at 6:58 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Stewriffic at 6:58 AM PST - 14 comments
Men's Cotton & Silk Sweater/Shirt
I bought (at a thrift store) a heavy shirt/light sweater made by the GAP that is a cotton/silk blend. I like it because it is soft, light, warm, and seems to resist pilling and to generally wear well. Can you help me find another source for shirts like this? There are some on Amazon, but they are "fitted," which means that they cannot handle my voluptuousness. I'm male, and I'm looking for men's/unisex styling.
Should I tell him he risks losing his job?
A friend of mine is on the verge of being fired from his job. What do I tell him? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:16 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by anonymous at 4:16 AM PST - 33 comments
Should I respond when I see postings like this?
Post-election, I keep struggling with the urge to respond to comments on news sites when I strongly disagree with the comments. I can't seem to stop looking at them, yet I know it's a futile, life-destroying game of whack-a-mole at best. What are other people's strategies for dealing with this? [more inside]
December 15
Another texting and dating question
Argh! Communication in dating is hard ... is technology the culprit? Or just lack of enthusiasm ...? [more inside]
Please help me become a temp 2017 & Minneapolis/St. Paul filter
Please help me become a temp 2017 & Minneapolis/St. Paul filter
Looking for suggestions of specific agencies in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and suggestions as to skills one should learn/emphasize to increase the likelihood of being hired for a temp position.
As always, snowflakes inside... [more inside]
posted by wonder twin powers activate form of a sock puppet at 9:42 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by wonder twin powers activate form of a sock puppet at 9:42 PM PST - 6 comments
Make my toddler entertain me
My older daughter taught my 2 year old to say " Rock and rolll baaaaby". It Is very amusing. What other phrases can we teach her that are fun?
Guitar gift for kid with most guitar things already
Any gift suggestions for a 12-year old boy who plays guitar? He has a nice acoustic and just was given a decent electric. He has a tuner, a capo, a bag, a stand, straps, picks, and a pick case.
Budget is like $25-30. [more inside]
Fitness programs for the older set?
Where are the role models or influencers or programs for older people who want to get fit? Like 50+? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 6:21 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 6:21 PM PST - 12 comments
Has anyone weaned off of antipsychotics?
I know this isn't a psych forum, but you all are a very bright and insightful group and I tend to see worst-case scenarios elsewhere on the web.
So my question to you is, have any of you weaned off of an antispychotic, such as Latuda or any other atypical? Of course I would only do it under a doc's care and would take quite awhile doing it but I'm curious to hear other experiences and input. Also, if you did, how long were you taking meds for and were they high or low doses? [more inside]
posted by GospelofWesleyWillis at 5:53 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by GospelofWesleyWillis at 5:53 PM PST - 9 comments
Tips for divorcing my phone?
It didn't even happen all that slowly or imperceptibly: I turned into someone who immediately reaches for my iphone if the person I'm dining with leaves the table or I'm walking somewhere or almost any other thing happens. [more inside]
He likes money, right?
I want to crowdfund a scheme to monetarily reward Donald Trump in exchange for a swift resignation. Is that legal?
Race-aware essays about Westworld?
I've been watching the HBO series Westworld and am interested in reading writings applying critical theory to the depiction of race in the show (including race/gender/orientation intersectionality). Everything between pop-culture articles/tweets/Tumblrs and academic papers is welcome. PoC authors especially preferred.
Niche recommendation - Chinese sci-fi short story about war?
For a discussion group, I'd like to propose reading some sci-fi outside the US/European tradition. I have some background in Chinese politics, but not Chinese literature and definitely not the newly-emerging sci-fi genre there. I'm aware of sci-fi anthologies like Ken Liu's Invisible Planets and Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy, but I'm hoping someone can recommend a sci-fi short story or novella that's specifically about some aspect of war. War technology, battle strategy, experience on the battlefield, social responses to apocalypse, etc - I'm open to just about anything in that silo.
Gothic, strange & spooky personal essays and creative nonfiction?
I'm putting together a syllabus for an introductory creative writing class. It's not themed, but my taste in fiction runs towards the dark and Gothic (Shirley Jackson, Joyce Carol Oates) and I'd like at least some of the personal essays I assign to fall into the same vein. [more inside]
MIDI Source issues between controller and synth
I’m very new to all this but I just got an Arturia Keystep controller. Its hooked up via MIDI to my Korg Monologue.
On the Arturia my choice for sync are internal, USB, MIDI, and Sync IN.
On the Monologue I have options for internal, USB, and MIDI.
I want the controller to trigger the synth without triggering the synths built in sequence (use the sequence saved to the keystep)
Any help would be really appreciated.
Thanks
posted by captainscared at 2:38 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by captainscared at 2:38 PM PST - 6 comments
What's your favorite app for breaking news push alerts?
NBC is unfortunately discontinuing the Breaking News app, which has great push alerts. What's the best replacement? [more inside]
Can't connect to spotify over wifi on phones (both Android & Apple)
Our family is unable to connect our phones to Spotify over wifi at our home We can both connect over data. My search has given me the answer that this is issue with our router settings. But from there I am lost.... [more inside]
Video game from 80's - hunt for source of rats or mice
Way back in the 80's my dad worked for Datapoint. On a visit to his office I played a game (on a green monochrome screen/terminal) where the object was to search a large area for rats/mice, destroy them, and ultimately find the source of said rodents. My dad doesn't remember this game. Anyone in the MetaHiveMind recall this game or something similar?
Seeking task/project management software organized by client.
I'm looking for task/project management software for a very small consulting company with specific needs but am encountering solutions that are far more feature-heavy than we need and are missing elements we're considering "must-haves". Hoping for some options, either specifically meeting these needs or that can be re-purposed to fit. [more inside]
posted by mireille at 12:53 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by mireille at 12:53 PM PST - 9 comments
what to do when you don't enjoy being pregnant
I am 4 1/2 months pregnant and I sort of hate it. This was all very planned, so I am feeling extra awful for feeling this way. Can you help me figure out strategies for dealing with these feelings for the rest of my pregnancy? [more inside]
Help me untangle Aleppo?
I'm looking for credible unbiased sources for information about what is happening in Aleppo. In this video, Eva Bartlett states that the White Helmets are not, in fact, helping on the ground. What is true? [more inside]
posted by lizifer at 12:06 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by lizifer at 12:06 PM PST - 11 comments
How to plan multiple errands using online maps?
I'm looking for a map site online that will allow me to plan my errands by inputting the chain stores I'd like to go to and allow me to visualize which part of the city has branches of them all in the same vicinity. [more inside]
Looking for more Swedish indie-rock bands.
I've been on a huge Radio Dept. kick lately and am looking for more bands to listen to. I've been really into Makthaverskan and Westkust as well. I know about stuff like Peter, Bjorn, & John and I really want to find more! What else is there? What's up-and-coming out of those music scenes (ones like where Makthaverskan came out of)? Where do bands like that play in Sweden?
posted by gucci mane at 11:36 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by gucci mane at 11:36 AM PST - 21 comments
How best to deal with a torn knee ligament?
Rehabilitation and injury care advice wanted. [more inside]
Popular podcast about "tulpa"?
I'm trying to find a podcast episode that focused on a woman who started exploring the concept of tulpa (basically, physical manifestation of an imaginary being*) in order to help with her depression and shyness. [more inside]
posted by queensissy at 10:11 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by queensissy at 10:11 AM PST - 8 comments
Help me assess the future of my first ever relationship
Male here, in my thirties. Help me figure out if I will carry on with my long-distance relationship. [more inside]
What's New In Edinburgh?
Visiting Edinburgh in January and wondering what the hot new things to do, eat, see, or experience there since my last trip 3 years ago. We usually enjoy unusual museums and collections, vintage menswear , fine dining, LGBT stuff, and historical tours and sites like the Mary King's Close tour (We're both suckers for the macabre). [more inside]
How to fill a trump piñata?
What sorts of candy or other small items would make for the best Trump piñata?
Books about morals & civics to give to civic-minded moral Trump voters
I am looking for inspiring books that highlight the importance of moral and civil values as the foundation of democracy. By moral and civic values, I'm thinking of simple things like honesty, integrity, compassion, compromise, and a willingness to look at evidence. [more inside]
Fixing large rough spot in cast iron skillet
I recently got a Lodge 12" cast iron skillet. Before using it, I cleaned it and did 3 seasoning cycles in the oven with Crisco, and it was reasonably non-stick for a new skillet. I burned some food during the first cooking attempt, and now part of the skillet is messed up. [more inside]
What visa should I get to India -- and how?
I am not a journalist per se, but I am traveling to India for work on an article in a book I am writing. What kind of visa should I apply for? And is there any way to speed this up? [more inside]
help an aging third culture kid
I'm from Country A (Asia) but have spent most of my life in Country B (the west) from the time I was quite young. In all this time, I've never felt truly at home in Country B. Country A, my home country, is where my heart is, but for a variety of practical reasons, I couldn't settle there. How do I decide where to live in the future? Is there a happy medium or will I always have to choose between what feels right and what is best from a practical point of view? Have any other Mefites ever experienced this? [more inside]
What is there to do in Boston tomorrow night?
I land at Boston Logan at 5 pm Friday night and have nothing to do until Saturday morning. What is there to do in Boston this Friday night? [more inside]
posted by Mr. Justice at 7:09 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Mr. Justice at 7:09 AM PST - 10 comments
How do I stop feeling responsible for other people's happiness?
My friend group of over 10 years mostly knows each other because of me. These are all women in their early 30s. There are A LOT of different personalities which I love one on one, but as a group, not so much. [more inside]
How to relieve alot of pain from stomach massage?
ice or heat pad i guess ? Really sore stomach after stomach massage to encourage blood flow and bowel movement i couldnt sleep i was nearly in tears its inflamed from chronic migraines and rock hard. Im on a special diet Paleo since today by a Naturopath so i dont know if tynenol is allowed . it feels better than before it s common sense to use ice etc but i wasnt sure ive never had stomach massage before. [more inside]
Dating and family post-divorce
Finally dipping my toes back in the waters after years of separation and divorce proceedings (see previous AskMe posts ...). I don't need dating tips as such - it seems complicated at this age and stage in my life - what I am really interested in here is what happens if any dating turns into something more serious, and how to bring a partner into an existing household with a kiddo. So: How can I think about introducing any new partner to the current household? Thank you! [more inside]
posted by life moves pretty fast at 5:57 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by life moves pretty fast at 5:57 AM PST - 7 comments
News you can trust - are you kidding?
What is solid print / online Media in today´s viciously spinning and false News world. [more inside]
Novels featuring airline life
I just finished reading Noah Hawley's excellent "Before the Fall", and the sections I most enjoyed were those focused on the lives of the pilots and stewardess. It brough back to me how much I loved the non-fiction book "Skyfaring", about the life of a civilian airline pilot, and also - in a slightly different key - the movie "Up In The Air". Any suggestions for novels - or, alternately, memoirs or movies - focusing on people who live their lives in airplanes and airports? Not particularly interested in military pilots, but novels that never actually leave the terminal would be OK. Thanks all!
posted by LingeringMoon at 1:45 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by LingeringMoon at 1:45 AM PST - 19 comments
Finishing the conversation. How exactly?
How does one 'end' a conversation in a casual setting? [more inside]
Left luggage/coin lockers inside customs a Kansai International Airport?
Are there coin lockers or other left luggage services inside customs in the Kansai International Airport? I have an overnight layover in Osaka, and I've also newly started taking a medication that's prohibited in Japan (but legal with Rx everywhere else I'll be). Is there a way to leave it in coin lockers or with other left luggage before I go through customs? And overnight? [more inside]
I just gave many, many personal details to a fake Paypal page, now what?
I received an email from 'Paypal' stating that an unknown device had attempted to change my password and to click on the link to verify my account. I went to the link and provided a stupid amount of details and as soon as I submitted them I realised what I had done. [more inside]
December 14
Dachshund with swollen feet needs help!
We have a wonderful seven year old female Dachshund that has a recurring issue with swelling feet. The frequency has gradually increased as she ages. Primarily effects the front paws. Our old vet wanted to do exploratory surgery on all four to look for ingrown hairs! We declined and tried another doctor. A high dose of antibiotics were given back in August with short term success. Now the problem has returned and it’s the definitely the worst round yet. She has a doctor’s appointment in the morning. Any similar issues/solutions?
Consider the ???
What's a fitting vegetarian plate at a lobster dinner? [more inside]
posted by postcommunism at 7:13 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by postcommunism at 7:13 PM PST - 25 comments
Songs about close friendships / chosen family?
Trying to make a playlist of songs for my Most Important People - any suggestions for songs about ride-or-die friends, chosen family, best friends forever, companions, that kind of thing? (Bonus points if there's something about keeping you safe.) [more inside]
What regular wellness activities should I invest in?
Now that I have a little disposable income, I'd like to start taking care of my skin better by getting monthly facials. I also do go to a gym about five days a week. I had never considered getting facials when I had less income, which got me thinking...what other (slightly indulgent) things do could I possibly do to stay healthy looking and feeling? Give me ideas on how I could splurge a little. Both conventional and wacky ideas appreciated.
Secular Couples Therapy in the Midwest? Does it Exist?
Does anyone have any experience with a good secular couples therapist in the Kansas City, MO/Overland Park, KS area? [more inside]
When should I tell my co-op employer about my medical needs?
In January I will start a paid, four-month long co-op position as part of a college program. It is likely that for the duration of the work term I will require four to five medical appoints per month (about one per week) as part of a treatment for chronic pain. This includes physio and nerve block injections. These appointments are short (45 minutes to an hour) and do not affect my ability to work. Should I inform them now, or wait until the intake process on my first day?
cold weather exercise
I am looking for some good exercise gear for Mr Sunny. He rides one of his bikes every weekday morning (at least) and needs something for when the temperatures get below 20, Fahrenheit. It's dark and cold when he heads out. [more inside]
posted by annsunny at 2:33 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by annsunny at 2:33 PM PST - 13 comments
How long can shoe LED lights last?
I am in love with a pair of (women's) shoes that have LED lights in them that twinkle when you step. I am unlikely to wear them more than 2-3 times a year. The shoe's FAQ says they should last for 10,000 steps. Assuming I am not walking all that much when I do wear them, how long will they last? [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 1:47 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Mchelly at 1:47 PM PST - 9 comments
Ever use a LEGO broker?
Our son is turning 16 in a few months and he/we are interested in significantly reducing his LEGO collection. He'd like to sell what he has and put the money going towards a good road bike. I know we can sell LEGOs on ebay or CL, but we've also seen ads for a few firms that buy used LEGOs. Does anyone have any experience with these, or with selling a moderate number of LEGOs? I am curious about the market, and if going through a third-party buyer is worthwhile? [more inside]
posted by mosk at 1:35 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by mosk at 1:35 PM PST - 18 comments
Need expert advice on runner’s knee, stiffness
So I have almost two decades of running experience, but I recently had to take several months off. Before the hiatus, I was at 25 to 40 miles per week (mpw).
Coming back from zero, I got up to about 15 mpw in about a month, and started to have some knee pain. Nothing sharp, mostly stiffness when my knee was inactive for awhile. I know the easy answer is to back off, and I have, but I’m eager to get back to 40 mpw, so can any informed experts advise on what’s happening to me? [more inside]
Environmentally friendliest electronics components manufacturers
Doing a tiny bit of electronics stuff, ordering resistors and capacitors and other components. The vendors' cool search engine has hundreds of options and lets me choose among manufacturers. Is there any way to know which manufacturers are best environmentally, or are at least trying/stating a policy/located in places with good regulatory oversight? [more inside]
Flea War
Has anyone actually, completely, and permanently eradicated fleas from a mostly carpeted home? [more inside]
Should I move to my family farm?
My partner and I are very seriously thinking about moving to my family farm once our lease is up here in the big city next May. In short, we want to homestead/farm. We are not preppers. We enjoy animals, nature and working hard with our hands. We have savings.
Yes, I know how hard farming is. I'm experienced. My partner is a carpenter. We are growing weary of life in the city, find ourselves to be somewhat reclusive and disenchanted with our daily routines. We would also like to be closer to our families. [more inside]
posted by chimeling at 10:17 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by chimeling at 10:17 AM PST - 45 comments
Helpless faraway friend filter: meningioma edition
At this very moment, my good friend is undergoing brain surgery to remove a benign tumor. I'm 2000 miles away, but I want to do something for her. [more inside]
posted by scratch at 9:59 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by scratch at 9:59 AM PST - 11 comments
UX design: bubble or nah?
A friend of mine who works in advertising told me I should look into a job in user experience design. It does sound super cool and aligns with a lot of my interests. But I have two questions: is this explosion in interest in UX just a silly trend which will have the bottom fall out of it soon? And if not, do I really need to take a 10-week full-time multi-thousand-dollar course to break into it? [more inside]
is there a job for humanities PhD?
Let me admit first that I am a jobless humanities PhD (media studies). So this question has a very practical side to it. On the other hand, I think I am not the only one who has this problem. And I still hold the belief that there are ways to deal with the problem more than "don't give up" and "try everything you can". [more inside]
My hair LOVES this weather....
My hair, which is very thick and naturally wavy, but I mainly wear it straight, LOVES the cold weather we are currently having in Vancouver.
How can I replicate this at other times of the year? [more inside]
Does a general text editor with these properties exist?
I want to create a document with a preplanned overall structure, but with the ability to click on certain elements in order to insert user defined text. At some point, saving the document in a special way strips out the unused active elements and produces a well-formatted final document. [more inside]
Secret Santa Fail - Excellent Wrapping Paper Needed
The super awesome Twin Peaks wrapping paper I ordered isn't here in time for my Secret Santa shipping deadline. Help me find really great and unique wrapping paper I can buy in person today in the San Francisco Bay Area. [more inside]
Informal markers of piety and devotion
Evangelical Christianity has the well-worn Bible. What informal markers of piety and devotion do other faiths/sects/spiritual practises have? [more inside]
posted by clawsoon at 8:25 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by clawsoon at 8:25 AM PST - 25 comments
Is this even a job?
I would like a job which takes at least one of my genuine interests into account. My current role is not it. [more inside]
Tell me about using an iPhone without a SIM card, please.
I’m considering buying an iPhone 7+, without a contract, to use as a glorified iPod Touch, and I’m looking for feedback about the pros and cons of doing so. I’ve seen many comments online about people turning “old” iPhones into wifi-only devices, but not much about using a new iPhone without a contract. [more inside]
Recommend me a Shop Vac for light home repairs
I'm looking for a Shop Vac for cleaning up after home renovation projects that are mostly plastering and painting jobs and generally cleaning up in the basement and garage. I had a smaller ShopVac brand one but the motor burnt out and I'd like to get a full sized one but I have no idea what are good brands these days.
posted by octothorpe at 5:30 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by octothorpe at 5:30 AM PST - 11 comments
Christmas gift ideas for people I like but don't know well
I got my cousin and their spouse in a family gift exchange. I really like my cousin on the rare occasions when we are together, but my cousin was a small child the last time we spent any significant time together. Cousin and their spouse are in their 20s, live in the eastern US (somewhat rural but kind of hip area), and they seem like really cool, smart people, but I do not know their specific tastes. What should I get them? Facebook stalking hasn't helped.
posted by Alluring Mouthbreather at 4:02 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Alluring Mouthbreather at 4:02 AM PST - 16 comments
balanced news sources for a South Australian
Following on from my concerns here, what daily/weekly/monthly print or radio news sources would you recommend for a South Australian in metropolitan Adelaide who flicks through The Advertiser six days a week and is concerned that he is getting only that newspaper's slant on things? [more inside]
"I realize that I seem fine, doctor, but..."
I've been extremely irritable and short-tempered lately. I think it's time to do something about this. The trouble is, I'm very, very good at "superficial professional interactions" (it's like a reflex I can't stop), and I'm afraid my doctor is just going to pat me on the head and shoo me off home. What can I do to make sure I'm taken seriously? [more inside]
Short sale? Foreclosure? Something else?
I can't pay my mortgage in January. My job was eliminated in July, and I'm currently working as a contractor for 70% of what I was making earlier in the year, and about 50% what I was making 18 months ago. [more inside]
December 13
Printable or e-gift cards for someone moving to Manhattan?
A friend is moving to New York (likely Manhattan) in the next few weeks, and I would like to send her off with a gift certificate she can use once she gets there, preferably for a restaurant/bakery/gourmet food store. I am having trouble finding places that will let me buy and print gift certificates online -- any ideas? [more inside]
posted by ohio at 11:40 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by ohio at 11:40 PM PST - 7 comments
Action/Suspense movies starring the aged, competent, but out-of-water
Two action/suspense movies that I quite enjoy are Alien and Jackie Brown. Part of the appeal is that they feature:
- “experienced” folks (trained space miners in their thirties and up, and a bail bondsman and stewardess who are pushing fifty or more)
- who don’t have experience relevant to the film. (Fighting off an alien, conducting a complicated bait-and-switch con)
Xinghai Castle seems to be two different designs
I just ran across this hotel in China which is built to look like a castle named "Xinghai Castle" in Dalian, CN.
Looking into it though, it seems that there are photos showing it with two fairly different designs, how can this be explained? The designs are pretty different if you look closely. Did they tear down the whole old castle and rebuild it? [more inside]
How do I hire a US lawyer from abroad?
I live outside the US, but I need to hire a lawyer in the US to sue a business for unpaid debts totaling a bit less than $10,000. Is there anything I need to be aware of related to my not being in the US, or can I just contact any lawyer in the same state as the business I need to sue?
posted by bakerybob at 5:44 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by bakerybob at 5:44 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me design an oven for curing foam latex!
I'd like to design a box-style oven that is of dimensions suitable for curing (“baking”) prosthetic appliances made of foam latex, for special effects makeups. I have some tutorials to base my plans on, but if you know about how ovens work, I have some questions about how I can refine the design. [more inside]
posted by mboszko at 5:17 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by mboszko at 5:17 PM PST - 7 comments
Is that a monkey on your back or are you happy to see me?
Well crap. I think I've become physically dependent on painkillers. Now what? [more inside]
Do surgeons have a saying that "Time is Trauma"
I vaguely remembering hearing once that surgeons have a saying that "Time is trauma." I can't remember if this refers to the delay in getting into surgery, or if it refers to the duration of the surgery.
The google is failing me on this one - it keeps pushing a book about WMDs. Nurses and doctors of the green - is this a common saying?
Political Buttons in Denver
Any ideas on where to buy political buttons in Denver? I'm hoping to get my husband and father buttons that say "This is what a feminist looks like" or something along those lines for Christmas and would like to shop local.
posted by GoldenEel at 2:20 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by GoldenEel at 2:20 PM PST - 5 comments
Practical suggestions for getting back to feeling good
What are some nice things I can do for myself to get back to feeling good? [more inside]
posted by Chrysalis at 2:13 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Chrysalis at 2:13 PM PST - 18 comments
Complex PC or iOS Games that play in 90 minute sessions
I really like games that are rich in systems (think strategy games like Civilization, or Rogue-likes), but I usually have a 60-90 minute time to play them, after which it might be several days before I get another opportunity to play. I am looking for complex, interesting games (on PC or iPad) that play out in complete and satisfyingly 90 minute sessions and are not punishingly hard to learn (I am looking at you Dwarf Fortress). My current favorite is FTL, where you win or lose in 90 minutes and where mastery over time is rewarded, but I need something new. Any ideas?
posted by blahblahblah at 1:58 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by blahblahblah at 1:58 PM PST - 21 comments
How to handle this stupid soap opera scenario?
My fiance and I are in a quandary of the drama-llama variety. One of our best friends is separated from (but occasionally still sleeping with) his wife. (They've lived separately for over a year and date other people, but are still married and on friendly terms.) Trouble is, he's currently dating two of our other female friends. Dinner party etiquette-related question after the jump. [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 1:49 PM PST - 66 comments
posted by egeanin at 1:49 PM PST - 66 comments
Simple copy machine for home use
My 100-year old grandfather wants a simple copy machine for home use. It needs to have a simple "Start" button. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Looking for Amiga music tracker that produced an executable file
Many many moons ago I filched a piece of music software from my local Amiga store by copying it to a floppy disk. It was a tracker (like SoundTracker, ProTracker, etc.) which was both French (at least all of the menu items were) and had the distinct feature of producing an executable MOD file. I can't seem to find it online, despite my best Google searching. Does anyone know what it was called?
posted by grumpybear69 at 1:03 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by grumpybear69 at 1:03 PM PST - 6 comments
State of the art architecture for a high(ish) demand website?
What sort of system architecture / technologies should I propose for a medium to high- traffic website, to ensure stability, scaling, and general everything-is-OK-ness? [more inside]
Looking for help with purchasing a safety razor.
Is there a product that meets the gold standard for the safety razor? One that is durable yet practical? While there are many interesting and beautiful designs to chose from, I find many of them to be a bit vain for my taste, and I would appreciate your input. I'm looking for something practical in price, but my budget should be of no concern when it comes to your advice. [more inside]
Dictaphone and transcribing equipment to record anecdotes
My mother wants to buy a dictaphone and transcribing equipment so that she can record my stepfather telling anecdotes, and then transcribe them. She's looking at the Olympus VN-741PC MP3 Voice Recorder. Is this the right way to go? [more inside]
need help setting up postage meter and package shipping for small biz
seeking help setting up a home system for weighing, shipping, label printing etc for small parcels [more inside]
Alternative to Amazon Music Library?
I'm currently paying Amazon money each year to host my own music, and it's ok, but the upload/macOS client is consistently flaky. Does anyone here use a different service for hosting music that they already own, and love it? What is it? I have a DropBox account with enough capacity, but I'm not aware of any great clients tailored for music playing. I'd like to not host my own out of a home NAS--that is not an option. Clients must run on iOS and macOS.
Shopping for An Online Photo Gallery
I want an online photo gallery. I want to either show all photos at full resolution, or else display thumbnails so small that viewers are compelled to expand to see much of anything. And I want "full resolution" to be generously large and nice. I also need to do fairly extensive captioning (create live links, etc). Can anyone recommend an online service that would fit the bill?
Indigenous American wine recommendations?
I'm looking to get some ~$20 bottles of wine made from North American-native grapes, such as Scuppernong, Niagara, Catawba, Baco Noir, and Norton. [more inside]
posted by FelineoidEntity at 11:08 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by FelineoidEntity at 11:08 AM PST - 6 comments
Can you recommend software for garden/farm planning?
Preferences:
- Offline
- Preferably OS compatible, but will settle for Windows if I have to
- Can include outbuildings, livestock, and the like
- Provides some sort of time planning support - successive plantings, crop rotation, a schedule for when to sow, and when to harvest, etc
vacation, all i ever wanted
I live in DC. Where in Central/South America should I go alone for 10 days in mid-January for vacation? [more inside]
posted by aaanastasia at 10:41 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by aaanastasia at 10:41 AM PST - 16 comments
Grass-roots volunteering: web dev edition
I am a web developer. I would like to volunteer my talents to build websites and other webbythings for worthy causes. How can I find organizations with such needs? [more inside]
Working remotely from another country?
I work remotely. I've been thinking of moving to another country, but continuing to work for my current employer. I'm pretty sure my boss would be okay with this arrangement, but what are the legal ramifications? What do I need to know with regards to visas, paying taxes, banking, and so forth?
Star Wars-related things in Washington DC + Mount Vernon?
I am planning a 2-day field trip to Washington, DC for 17 fifth-graders on March 3-5, 2017. Do you know of anything Star Wars-related that would be worth a visit? Lastly, any suggestions on which tours to do at Mount Vernon? [more inside]
How Can I Help Scientists and/or Others?
According to the Washington Post today, scientists are frantically copying U.S. climate data, fearing it might vanish under Trump. Seems like a reasonable worry to me. The Internet Archive is also copying its data. Can a normal person contribute to these or related efforts? Difficulty level: Time but not much money. [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 9:42 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 9:42 AM PST - 7 comments
Looking for a Gmail equivalent
Are there any (non-Google) paid email providers that support a Gmail-like label and archive workflow? [more inside]
I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay ...
What should I do with 20 yards of this red and black fabric? (pic inside) [more inside]
posted by Melismata at 8:53 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Melismata at 8:53 AM PST - 33 comments
Wedding planning stalemate
I hate wedding planning. Fiance wants a big (75 people) wedding for an unrealistic budget. This has resulted in a wedding planning logjam for nearly a year. How can we come up with a wedding 'plan'/budget that actually works for both of us? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 8:47 AM PST - 52 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 8:47 AM PST - 52 comments
Geneaologyfilter: Are we related to these famous golfers?
My dad suspects that we are related to the Smith bothers, three professional golfers who emigrated from Scotland to North America in the early 20th century. What could we do to find out more about them? [more inside]
Ketchup One-liners (or 3 liners)
Anyone know any short jokes featuring ketchup? 1 to 3 lines is best. [more inside]
Wifi Connectivity - Computer issue or router?
My laptop is dropping my internet connect - wondering if this is my computer issue or my internet connect (router, etc). [more inside]
Feelings are Dumb and Should Be Hated
Looking for recommendations of articles like this subject of a recent FPP -- Emotions are Work -- with certain features. [more inside]
Is there an Android expert in the house?
Upgraded from a Note 3 running Lollipop to a Note 4 running Marshmallow and now my apps are glitchy. Help? [more inside]
How to move past a road rage incident?
In short: I made a mistake merging onto the motorway yesterday and kind of cut a woman off. She followed me and when I stopped at a stop light, she jumped out of her car, threw my door open and screamed at me. I'm shaken. How can I make peace with this stressful situation? [more inside]
posted by brambory at 5:03 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by brambory at 5:03 AM PST - 34 comments
How to combine two "nearly good" photos
In nearly-2017 is there an amazing tool that will let me take two "nearly good" photos, and combined them into one great photo? [more inside]
posted by bergnotburg at 5:02 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by bergnotburg at 5:02 AM PST - 6 comments
Affordable ways to add chat to an iOS app
I was using some chat software in my app called Sendbird until the price went through the roof. Does anyone know of any low-budget alternatives for giving you the server part of chat? [more inside]
is this book cover a pastiche of another, older book cover?
I just bought the Faber paperback edition of A Girl is a Half-formed Thing by Eimear McBride. The cover looks familiar - the rounded serifs in the typeface, and the apple at the bottom. Is it a pastiche of or reference to another, famous, older book cover? Stylistically, I'm thinking 1970s. [more inside]
posted by rd45 at 2:56 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by rd45 at 2:56 AM PST - 10 comments
December 12
Noise Cancellation Apps?
Why are there no decent noise cancellation apps available? Lots of white noise apps, but not much in the way of noise cancellation. Shouldnt it be possible to take advantage of the powerful processors of modern cellphones and perhaps pair with a pair of headphones and compete with the specialty headphones or ear buds?
posted by dougiedd at 11:29 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by dougiedd at 11:29 PM PST - 9 comments
Easy family friendly last minute trip?
Any suggestions for an easy family friendly trip over the holidays? 2 tired adults, 2 very active children between 3-5. California based departure, no passport for the youngest child. [more inside]
Earbuds like Altec UHP206
I'd like to find a new set of earbuds that are similar to the old Altec UHP206. [more inside]
Can my car auto-lock after I leave it?
I have a 2012 Mazda3 with manual transmission. In the last month it's been "broken into" twice. However, I'm somewhat sure both times that I forgot to press the lock button on the fob. Is there a way to configure something in the car that makes it lock within 30 seconds or so of turning off the car in case I forget? Apparently there are different answers for automatics vs. manuals.
posted by bendy at 10:11 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by bendy at 10:11 PM PST - 5 comments
Pepsi Blue in E Sharp: Help me find this Citibank mortgage jingle!
There's a radio ad jingle from the late '80s/early '90s for Citibank stuck in my head and hearing this terrible garbage is the only way I'll get it out or go crazy.
Problem: it's seemingly unGoogleable thanks to the only lyrics: "You'll pay no points or closing fees on a Citibank home equity loan."
Help? [more inside]
Shark quest in the south and midwest
Where would I find an aquarium within a day's drive of Oklahoma City with large sharks? Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks has bull sharks, OKC Zoo has taken out their large shark display. I'm thinking something in Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, or points south and east. A weekend trip is possible. Thanks!
posted by TrishaU at 8:57 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by TrishaU at 8:57 PM PST - 10 comments
Relief for chronic wrist pain from nerve damage
My relative has chronic wrist pain from nerve damage. She already has a wrist wrap for work and things involving her hands. She says heat help her wrist feel better and has been putting her wrist under steam from a tea kettle. Is there a device made specifically for this purpose? What other methods and/or devices are there to help ease the pain in her wrist?
posted by cokelessrome at 8:56 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by cokelessrome at 8:56 PM PST - 14 comments
Being a Respectful Stranger
I want to attend as many different religious services in my city as possible over the next year as part of a project I'm working on. My goals are to be as respectful as possible, to gain as much insight as possible and to commit as few dorky faux pas as possible.
So tell me how a visitor to your place of worship should go about attending her first service. How to dress, how to act, what to do. What should I pay attention to? [more inside]
posted by sleepy psychonaut at 8:11 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by sleepy psychonaut at 8:11 PM PST - 38 comments
Labor Friendly Passages About Marriage
I'm putting together a labor friendly (as in unions and worker's rights) civil wedding ceremony. I'm trying to find a short passage or a poem that plays up the labor themes inherent in marriage. (building something together, working as one, etc). Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!
Recommended Reading for Kicking Ass at Work?
I'm looking for books or blogs to read before I start a senior CS / sub-team supervisor job in January. Things about organization, interpersonal relationships, de-escalating situations and longer term planning then I have a test Tuesday [more inside]
Where can I buy Soley brand (Icelandic) shampoo in NYC?
That's pretty much the extent of it: where can I buy Soley brand (Icelandic) shampoo in NYC?
Best home weather station?
I recently discovered that there are such things as home weather stations. I'm hoping people have recommendations for a really good one (that doesn't break the bank). Desired features inside. [more inside]
How can I use my Windows-formatted external drive with a Macbook too?
Can I format/partition it for both systems without losing all the data I've already backed up on it? [more inside]
posted by Joseph Gurl at 4:42 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Joseph Gurl at 4:42 PM PST - 9 comments
Place in Astoria, Queens for a casual wedding with fewer than 10 people?
A pair of my friends would like to get married quickly (politics!), but they'll only be able to get to NYC on the 30th. After the one-day waiting period, they can get hitched on New Year's Eve sometime in the afternoon, but the Marriage Bureau is, of course, closed. Do you know of a place that wouldn't mind us taking up space for 15 or 20 minutes, tops, that early afternoon? [more inside]
posted by lauranesson at 4:39 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by lauranesson at 4:39 PM PST - 7 comments
Should I accept a counter-offer from my employer?
I have been at my current company for 5 years and really enjoy it. During that time I've been promoted twice and have held my current job title/remit for 2.5 years. I wasn't looking for a new job but recently I was approached by a recruiter for a job fairly similar to mine but with a slightly wider remit and 20% increase in salary. I went through the gruelling interview process (2 interviews, a presentation and a week-long salary negotiation) and ended up being offered the job at a salary I was happy with. I was over the moon. However, when I approached my boss he counter-offered which I absolutely hadn't been expecting because the new salary is over the top of my pay grade - but he offered to match the new salary and give me a wider remit, which is better than I would be receiving at the new job.
However, I've read that counter-offers are almost always a bad idea. Should I take it? [more inside]
Looking for a Shelter that Helps Trans Teens in RI or MA
It's getting cold here in New England, and I want to donate to a shelter that specifically helps trans teens, especially given the shit that's going on at the national level.. I am having a really hard time identifying one. I'm hoping the hivemind can steer me in the right direction. I would prefer a shelter in RI or MA, but I am willing to go furtehr afield. I already know about the Ali Forney Center in NYC, but I was hoping for something closer to home.
posted by GenjiandProust at 3:50 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by GenjiandProust at 3:50 PM PST - 11 comments
What should I be thinking about when it comes to a birth plan?
Hi all. I am about 4 months pregnant with my first, and I've started to get questions about who my providers are and what is important to me in a pregnancy/birthing experience. I've never really thought about it before, and I don't really know! [more inside]
posted by likeatoaster at 3:48 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by likeatoaster at 3:48 PM PST - 32 comments
What to do alone for four days?!
So my husband has decided to take our four year old on a roadtrip to see some family this Thursday - Sunday leaving me with the house to myself for four days with no one to worry about but myself! SCORE! Except it's been so long since I have had that length of alone time (other than work trips where I am not home) that I'm not totally sure how to take advantage of it. Looking for ideas! [more inside]
Disclosing gender transition to a grandparent with Alzheimer's
My grandmother is elderly and has Alzheimer's. I grew up in a different country to where she lives and we don't share a common language, so our relationship has never been very close, but I love her immensely and I know she adores me too. Every Christmas we send each other a card - a tradition I look forward to very much - and since I started cohabiting with my partner six years ago, I have always signed the card from both of us. [more inside]
I need to make a thing out of LED lights. I have questions.
So, I am working on a costume build, and I kind of . . .blithely assumed I could do what I wanted and now I am, of course, realizing that I'm slightly out of my depth. I have tried googling but I'm not sure I'm looking at or for the right things. HALP? [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 1:30 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Medieval Maven at 1:30 PM PST - 9 comments
ISO knitting books
I am in search of general knitting books [more inside]
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 1:23 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 1:23 PM PST - 18 comments
What tech would a solo attorney need?
A family member is expanding her solo law practice and I'm looking for recommendations for her to make working life a little easier. She is *not* a techie sort of person and has a love-hate relationship with tech. So, simple is better. [more inside]
posted by scottso17 at 12:56 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by scottso17 at 12:56 PM PST - 17 comments
Interface and interaction design texts?
What are your favorite very basic introductory texts for interface and interaction design? [more inside]
Good fresh fruit-based appetizer for Christmas brunch?
I volunteered to bring a fruit-based dish to my family's Christmas brunch. I am looking for a recipe that involves fresh in-season fruit like (oranges or pears) that is not too complicated, but a bit fancier than just slicing some stuff up and arranging it artfully on a plate. [more inside]
posted by lovableiago at 12:16 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by lovableiago at 12:16 PM PST - 24 comments
Best articles/books on Hurricane Katrina, esp as it impacted New Orleans
Looking for articles on Katrina. the damage to the city; the response in terms of rebuilding, re-zoning and re-planning.
Help me kick the Universe in the teeth
Right now (and for the next few weeks) I am dealing with a confluence of the first Christmas without my mother; moving to a new place; and getting the house cleared out/staged/cleaned to put it up for sale - and I need some musical assistance to power through it. [more inside]
What are the logistics behind giving a donation in someone's name?
For Christmas, my family has decided instead of gifts to make donations to worthwhile charities. In that spirit I plan on finding charities that reflect in some way the uniqueness of each of my family members and making a small ($50) donation in their name. What does it mean to give something in someone's name? For online donation forms where there isn't a specific space to make a donation in someone's name, would it be best to actually fill it out with their name and with my payment information? I plan on writing a note letting them know why I selected the charity, but is there something else like a receipt I should include to confirm the gift? Any suggestion on ways to make this more special?
posted by blackjack514 at 11:12 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by blackjack514 at 11:12 AM PST - 8 comments
Where can I learn about issues in rural/non-urban USA and how to help?
I'm from a big coastal city in the Northeast US (Boston). I want to learn more about life in the rural/non-urban US, what the issues are, who's addressing them, and how I can help. [more inside]
Need food delivery service in Miami near Jackson Memorial Hospital
My co-worker's wife suffered a near-drowning incident while on vacation, and is in ICU at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Her husband and daughter have found temporary accommodations near the hospital. We (in Northern Virginia) would like to help the family by pre-paying for a food delivery service in the area. The hospital cafeteria page links to the web page of Doorstep Delivery, which unfortunately is not in operation at this time. Can any Miami-area MeFites direct us to a reputable food delivery service in the area? Thanks.
posted by apartment dweller at 10:47 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by apartment dweller at 10:47 AM PST - 4 comments
🎶 Forever, forever ever, forever ever? 🎶
What, if anything, was Outkast referring to with the line "Forever, forever ever, forever ever?" in their song Ms. Jackson? [more inside]
Recreating Chicago in Berwyn, IL
How can a longtime Chicagoan find a similar metal/punk/art existence in the suburb of Berwyn, IL? [more inside]
posted by rokabiri at 10:31 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by rokabiri at 10:31 AM PST - 8 comments
Moderating Audience questions from social media to be answered by panel
Tonight I'll be the middleman between 1000+ audience members who are asking questions via social media, and folks moderating a panel.
Thoughts on tools or tips for success? [more inside]
posted by enfa at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by enfa at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments
Give me your moving tips/tricks!
Moving out of our apartment in 6 weeks. Looking for tips/tricks to get things done in an organized and fast way. [more inside]
Cancun in January - must see? Don't do? Tour recommendations?
I'm taking myself to Cancun for my birthday in January. I'll be traveling alone. I want this vacation to be very easy and stress-free. [more inside]
Is there an easy way to rent a car for someone else?
I sometimes need a short-term car rental on behalf of out-of-state employees on short notice. I have no trouble doing this for airfare and hotels, but car rentals have been a unique hassle. Is there an easy way to do this that doesn't put the employee out-of-pocket? [more inside]
posted by churl at 9:10 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by churl at 9:10 AM PST - 13 comments
Please help diagnose my PC's performance problems!
I have a desktop computer that I built myself a couple of years ago. 8 GB RAM, 3.5 Ghz AMD processor, Windows 8. (Can probably provide most of the other specs if that would be useful.) Suddenly I'm having all kinds of performance problems with it. [more inside]
posted by Jeanne at 9:09 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Jeanne at 9:09 AM PST - 14 comments
It's never the butler.
Great murder mystery party/parlor game? [more inside]
Escitalopram (Lexapro) Woes
Five days ago I started taking 10 mg/day escitalopram (generic Lexapro) to treat depression and anxiety. It seems I'm experiencing every single side effect and I'm curious as to whether the side effects will dissipate as I adjust to the medication. [more inside]
Blocking on Messenger: Do I Owe an Explanation?
Upon breaking up, my ex and I decided to make a go at being friends. It didn't work. I blocked her on Messenger. She then emailed me at work to ask if I'm OK, and what's up? Do I owe her an explanation? (Snowflakes within.) [more inside]
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:30 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:30 AM PST - 21 comments
Gift cards for cool places in Berkeley
I'd like to give someone a gift card to some neato place in Berkeley, CA. I have to buy it from, and have it delivered to, the other side of the USA. [more inside]
Wedding Bell Blues
I'm getting married next year, and my parents and I had a huge fight about the wedding planning. What should I do? [more inside]
Radio shows or frequent sports news podcasts, with and for women?
Every morning between 7 and 8 a.m. CST I listen to Mike & Mike for general sports news. However, the relative lack of women on the show, plus the advertising directed 100% at men, leaves me with an irritating "this is not meant for me" feeling. I'd like to find something else, if it exists. [more inside]
Please help identify this coax/data cable exchange
In the house we're buying (hopefully), downstairs in the closet with the electrical panel, there is an an exchange of coaxial and data/phone connections. It's a bit more complicated and interesting-looking than anything I've dealt with in the past. Here are some photos. What is it? What is it used for? Can I do anything cool with it? [more inside]
Whats that style?
I've just been given new designs for a site I maintain that's are so much cleaner and easier to follow than what's currently there (layout is 99% identical, styling maybe 90%, the changes are so minor, I hate to think that anyone got paid for them!), but there is something so very familiar about them - very generic, out of the box framework type of look but I can't place it. [more inside]
Help Plan a Vermont VT Ski Trip - December
Need your help to plan a four day ski trip to Vermont with some friends.
What are the cool - affordable ski areas, is it better to spend in one place or to try couple of different resorts?
Any suggestions on cabins that we can book, site, locations etc?
Really thankful for your suggestions and informations
Are My Photos Misleading?
What's wrong with my blog banner?
There's a big blank spot on the banner of my blogspot blog and I can't seem to get rid of it. When I "preview" my blog from blogger everything looks fine. But when I view the actual url there's that blank strip along the bottom of the banner. I've only noticed it in the last few weeks, and I haven't changed anything about the format, it's appeared out of the blue.
"He's my friend. We play racquetball together."
I just described Six Feet Under in an offhand manner as "one of the first and weirdly also one of the last shows to follow an adult coming out of the closet". Could that be right? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 12:17 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Sara C. at 12:17 AM PST - 33 comments
December 11
Help find romantic slow-tempo Jamaican ska, bluebeat, & rocksteady tunes
Apologies in advance if this question is under-specified, but I am trying to put together a playlist of original Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and bluebeat tunes which are similar to some I have already selected. In particular I am trying to identify slow-tempo romantic dance tunes from the early era of Jamaican popular music. Examples of what I am looking for follow.. [more inside]
posted by Nerd of the North at 11:45 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Nerd of the North at 11:45 PM PST - 13 comments
Go Go iGo! I want an app that teaches Go.
My child wants to play Go, the game with black and white tokens, on my iPad. I want an app that will allow them to play games and also teach the game. I am willing to pay for a good app. Does this exist?
posted by bq at 11:01 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by bq at 11:01 PM PST - 5 comments
What is the most delicate of delicacies?
My new years resolution is to learn to bake pastries - very fine pastries...the FINEST pastries!! But, what are they? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 10:45 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Toddles at 10:45 PM PST - 24 comments
looking for a FREE client scheduling app (but MUST SYNC w GCAL)
Hi, trying to start off my new massage business, and am going to rent a woman's home salon (when she's not using it)
I would love to offer online scheduling.
But I need to coordinate with her schedule, which she keeps with her phone's calendar (Google).
Seems that to get syncronization with the salon owner's calendar, every scheduling app wants a monthly fee.
Is there nothing out there that will allow clients to book appointments on my Gcalendar? [more inside]
posted by disnchntd at 10:36 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by disnchntd at 10:36 PM PST - 4 comments
Trying to find old cinemax porn
Trying to find an old Skinemax (Cinemax) porn. It's from 15-20 years ago so details are hazy--sorry. [more inside]
Baking Scientists Desperately Needed!
I got a new natural gas stove, and now my 20-year-old recipe for Russian Tea Cakes refuses to bake correctly. Why? [more inside]
Items I need to drive across the country
What will I need for my car to drive from Iowa to Salt Lake City, Utah, and then to Arizona? [more inside]
posted by MarilynC at 9:06 PM PST - 40 comments
posted by MarilynC at 9:06 PM PST - 40 comments
What is a "listing agent's buyer's agent?"
Several recent open houses we've gone to in southern California have been hosted by realtors who introduced themselves as "the listing agent's buyer's agent". What does this mean? [more inside]
How to Support Women in Mexico
Do you know of a legit charity for women in Mexico? [more inside]
posted by j_curiouser at 8:52 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by j_curiouser at 8:52 PM PST - 6 comments
How to have a compassionate distancing from a stressful friend?
The friend in question is highly manipulative and struggles with BPD. In the wake of a mental health crisis of my own, I kinda don't want to maintain a friendship with someone who recently crossed a very big line with one of our mutual friends. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by scruffy-looking nerfherder at 8:28 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by scruffy-looking nerfherder at 8:28 PM PST - 11 comments
aquafaba but aquacarne
Aquafaba is bean water. Is it possible to make the same kind of thing with meat water? That is, can I make macarons out of meat-juice?
I wanna make 3d coral!
So I just ordered a 3d printer for work. I really want to get in on making 3d coral to send to someone putting them in coral reefs. [more inside]
Bicycle: Crank forward vs hip injury.
Looking for comments about suitability of use of a crank-forward bike for a guy with a hip injury.
Thank you. [more inside]
Seeking YA novel: girl finds mom’s teenage pregnancy diary
I am looking for a young adult novel I read several times around 1991-1995. The main character finds a diary her mother had kept when she got pregnant in high school. Main character learns her mother had given up the baby for adoption. More details inside.... [more inside]
posted by socksandsushi at 4:32 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by socksandsushi at 4:32 PM PST - 3 comments
Helsinki in January
We will be in Helsinki next month, from 6 Jan to 9 Jan. We are looking forward to the light festival, but we need more advice on things to do, given that it will be dark and cold. Is Suomenlinna a bad idea? How about Winter Circus Memory or The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra's Epiphany Concert, if tickets are available?
So far, our plans include eating blinis and searching out museums, galleries, and design stores. We will have warm clothing and boots, but we are not particularly outdoorsy or athletic people. What else should we do?
How to search Amazon Prime Reading
I have a subscription to Amazon Prime and would like to try out Amazon Prime Reading. How do I search for specific books I want to read? [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 12:36 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Joleta at 12:36 PM PST - 8 comments
Flame this tiny bit of hope
I've been seeing the reports of Russian tampering with the US presidential election, the investigations, and progressively louder voices calling for a re-vote and nullification of the recent results. Nothing would make me happier at this point than to have that happen. [more inside]
posted by teamnap at 12:32 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by teamnap at 12:32 PM PST - 25 comments
What to do when witnessing racial profiling? Specific situation.
I saw what to me looked like pretty egregious racial profiling, and I didn't do anything. What should I have done, and what should I do now? [more inside]
What is this cooking technique called?
Is there a term for cooking thinly sliced vegetables over high heat in a flat skillet, stirring often, with no fat or liquid at all? I don't think the word I want is grilling (there's no grill, although the results are similar) or searing (since the vegetables are being cooked all the way through). [more inside]
posted by aws17576 at 11:46 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by aws17576 at 11:46 AM PST - 3 comments
Freezing for two
What happens when pregnant homeless women have their babies? And secondarily, what can I do to help? [more inside]
posted by sestaaak at 11:30 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by sestaaak at 11:30 AM PST - 10 comments
Another traveling with dog question: flying edition!
We want to bring our wee dog on a JetBlue flight in a couple months. The airline restrictions state that the carrier can be no taller than 8.5 inches and the dog has to stand and move with ease in the carrier. Our seven pound dog fits fine in the carrier, but he can't quite stand in it. Can only eight inch tall dogs fly? Adding to my frustration is that I've seen people on JetBlue flights with bigger carriers and bigger dogs. Do you work for an airline and can you shed any light on this? Or have you flown JetBlue with your dog before? Help!
posted by cakelite at 11:24 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by cakelite at 11:24 AM PST - 2 comments
Asking for the First Raise in My Career
When is the best time of year to ask for a raise and how can I leverage timing and/or a turndown? [more inside]
Need help sorting-out this whole CBD oil thing
I am very interested in trying CBD oils for various reasons...stress being one...but I need to know if the stuff lives up to the hype. As always, there's... [more inside]
Microwave Nutrition
I've got the money for one meal a day, but not the will to use anything other than a microwave to make it. Frozen rice, veggies, Ramen, and beans are my usual go-to products, but it's all bland and serves only to fill my stomach. I'd love suggestions for microwave "recipes" that are at least somewhat tasty, nutritious, and will provide enough calories to sustain a short, 41 year-old, mostly sedentary woman. I try to stick to around 12-1500 calories a day and lean vegetarian for convenience, not ideology. [more inside]
Link, plz.
I'm looking for a piece posted recently...here? on Twitter? Facebook? It was basically a list of 10 things dictators/autocrats do to consolidate power, written towards recognizing the POETUS doing those things. My google-fu has failed. Hope me, please?
Can An Expat Just Go Home And Leave Their Debt Behind?
What happens if an expat living in the US runs up a ton of debt - let's say credit cards, bank loans, car financing, mortgage, medical bills - and they just decide to book a one way flight home and never come back? [more inside]
BOLD socks--within certain parameters
My 60-ish attorney dad has given me this gift guidance: "I would like to receive BOLD socks that could be worn with a suit or dress pants, but that are not solid or a sedate pattern. I do not want socks with Santas, footballs, reindeers, or something similar on them. I am looking for BOLD patterns." So, where should I look to find such socks? Do you have any favorite stores for BOLD patterned men's dress socks?
Infected by Ideology
The struggle session at the beginning of The Three-Body Problem was fascinating. What are some books, etc. exploring the general concept of ideology driving an entire society to madness? [more inside]
Editing aesthetics course
Any good online courses on video editing aesthetics? [more inside]
Roommate lost the plot - do I stick it out or leave?
My roommate got very aggressive over a small issue yesterday. I am unsure whether to move out now, or try to empathise with her situation and stay in a flat I like. What are your thoughts? [more inside]
Meditation Retreats near NYC?
I am searching for single day or weekend vipassana meditation retreats near NYC and was curious if the AskMefi community had any recommendations. [more inside]
What happens when you whistleblow to the media?
I'm interested in contacting the media regarding an impactful issue that's something of a wide-reaching hot button. The issue has impacted myself and others, and impacts many, many more downstream. There are likely issues of pork barrel-y politics, but I don't know for sure. The issue is definitely not related to inter/national security, spying, weapons, etc., but is something of a public safety concern. I have been researching the issue for several months so I believe I have reliable information. What happens if/when I contact the media about this? [more inside]
Family friendly restaurant recommendations (London)
My family including two under 7 year old kids will be in London just before Christmas.
Any recommendations for reasonably priced, family friendly Chinese or Mexican restaurants?
Thanks!
[UK] Two phones - one number - trying to ween myself off my smartphone!
I have an iPhone which I'm ALWAYS on. I'd love to leave the iPhone at work and go home with a dumb phone. [more inside]
Hack my swim rituals.
I love jogging/running. It's been essential to my mental and physical well-being. Now for physical reasons I can't do it anymore and I want to start swimming as regularly as I ran (which was about 5 times a week.) Problem: I find swimming so boring. And more important to how hard it is make myself do it: I HATE everything that goes with swimming. [more inside]
posted by flourpot at 5:57 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by flourpot at 5:57 AM PST - 23 comments
OMG Boots! How do I find boots like these?
When I was in Japan I bought these ankle boots, and I love them. But they're starting to fall apart, since the materials were cheap to begin with. [more inside]
posted by Caravantea at 5:53 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Caravantea at 5:53 AM PST - 6 comments
Working things out: already broken up edition.
How do you date with an eye towards reconciliation while you know the other party is also dating someone else? [more inside]
December 10
Can you help me identify this ant? It's invading my house!
These ants are invading my bathroom. Does anyone know what kind of ants they are? pic
posted by Kerborus at 11:42 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Kerborus at 11:42 PM PST - 12 comments
What's the cheapest way to buy an original Eames lounge chair?
I'm hoping to buy a new Eames lounge chair and ottoman either next year or in 2018.
What would be the cheapest way to get it? So far I found only 2 options to get (somewhat) reduced price, are there any other tricks? [more inside]
Cooking FIlter: See's Candies and your taste cortex
I need a quick peek into someone's taste memories... if you ever ate the long ago discontinued See's Candies Bordeaux Sauce, I could use your help! [more inside]
posted by jenquat at 10:47 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by jenquat at 10:47 PM PST - 2 comments
Javascript Learning
Which is the best site to learn Javascript from? [more inside]
Any RC enthusiasts out there?
Looking for a high quality RC 4x4 truck under $200 for my 9 year old son. I know nothing about these things!
Looking Like A Million Dollar Trooper
Trying to identify an iconic fashion/design artist of the 1920's [more inside]
tri-cities and columbia river basin
What is life like in the Tri-Cities, WA: Richland, Pasco, Kennewick? What to do, where to go?
Diagnosing a problem with my stereo equalizer unit: where to begin?
I have a Technics Stereo Graphic Equalizer SH-8066 (circa 1985-1989), and the left channel is out. What is my first step in diagnosing the source of the issue? [more inside]
What to do with a NEW (phone) landline?
My ISP was bought out and the new, shiny ISP offered me a deal to get a package of data, cable, and a land line for 2/3 the price I was paying for data only. [more inside]
Best gloves for driving?
With another cold winter here, I'm looking for recommendations for a warm pair of women's gloves for driving. My hands get pretty cold and my current pair isn't cutting it. Ideally they'd keep my hands warm without losing a lot of dexterity. No particular material preference, and touchscreen capability isn't necessary. Thanks Mefites!
How much baking soda do I really need?
I make soft pretzels a lot and plan on making a ton soon. I use a recipe that calls for a boiling baking soda bath but I'm curious if I should be making a new bath for each batch.. Or if the boiling is even necessary. I'm worried about experimenting and wasting dough and time. [more inside]
posted by adorap0621 at 2:08 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by adorap0621 at 2:08 PM PST - 6 comments
My friend's friend is crushed - Apple gurus please help!
My friend copied another friends video to the icloud from an ipad. The video is of her mother's funeral. Now there is an 8 month gap lost in the video collection. And of course the funeral video is in that time frame. [more inside]
What's the name of the thing people call OCD but isn't?
Go to any clickbait site and you'll find articles called "21 things that will annoy people with OCD". It will be full of pictures of tiled floors with one tile breaking the pattern, or carefully sorted objects with one in the wrong place. My understanding is that this can be a part of OCD, but isn't itself OCD. So what is it called?
A Flatbed Scanner for Photo Negatives?
I need a recommendation on a good flatbed scanner that can handle 35mm slides as well as color and b&w photo negatives of all shapes and sizes. [more inside]
posted by Jamesonian at 12:14 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Jamesonian at 12:14 PM PST - 9 comments
AppleTV games for a 4 year old?
Recommendations for AppleTV or iPad games for a 4 year old? [more inside]
bike theft honeypot
A local venue I frequent is a target for bike thefts. Items go frequently missing like wheels, lights, panniers, tools. How can I catch the perpetrators? [more inside]
posted by diode at 11:43 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by diode at 11:43 AM PST - 13 comments
How to find a musical performance, unconstrained by location or quality?
I want to see a live performance of Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida. Flexible on performance quality and location. How to find this? [more inside]
posted by orangejenny at 11:35 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by orangejenny at 11:35 AM PST - 2 comments
Good part-time jobs (UK) / how to fund a Masters
What can I do to support myself but also have spare time to spend studying? (So ideally it would be well-paid (not minimum wage).) I'm prepared to do a few months of prep work to be able to get that sort of work. I have a Maths degree, but not much recent work experience. Learning Wordpress? or some other coding thing? (I have a basic level of ability to program, but not enough to make an app or anything.) Something else? [more inside]
Gift Ideas for My Widowed Sister?
What are some practical gift ideas for my recently widowed sister? [more inside]
How to attract younger members to a summer bungalow colony?
I own a bungalow in a three season colony in the Hudson River Valley. It's a lovely, kooky, historic, snowflake of a co-op style community that is run by volunteers. However, the place has unintentionally turned into a NORC. How can we attract younger (under 60) folks to buy bungalows and be participatory members? [more inside]
posted by kimdog at 10:07 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by kimdog at 10:07 AM PST - 38 comments
To the Cross Stitch-ery!
I would like to learn how to cross stitch; I have never had any hobbies that involved cross stitch type skills (never tried knitting, sewing, crocheting, et cet.) but it looks awesome! How do I get started? [more inside]
"Gentle Effect" screen on IPhone 6+
I cannot find this screen on my phone to send this message with my texts - what am I doing wrong or not doing at all? [more inside]
posted by pamspanda at 9:14 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by pamspanda at 9:14 AM PST - 4 comments
Depictions of geniuses in movies & on TV
I'm looking for examples of two things for something I'm working on: (1) TV/movie characters who are geniuses (not just smart) depicted as nerds and socially awkward. (2) TV/movie characters who are geniuses depicted as sexy/cool/badass. (Fictional characters only.)
posted by trillian at 9:11 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by trillian at 9:11 AM PST - 42 comments
get me my coat in Heathrow!
I left my coat in Johannesburg at a conference last week. Another colleague at the conference has kindly offered to bring the coat to Heathrow, which she will be in on Monday from roughly 8am to 11am. I am flying through Heathrow myself a few hours later, should be around 2pm-5pm when I am there.
It's the same day, but we don't overlap. How can my colleague get the coat to me? [more inside]
Hanukah dinner party tips n tricks
Let us now festivate these lights. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:24 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:24 AM PST - 9 comments
Monetary gifts for family
This has been a rough year for our family, and several people have had to deal with extended medical problems, including hospitalizations. We have helped in many ways, including making substantial financial gifts. We are fortunate in that we have the money, and it is not a hardship for us. The problem is that I can't help worrying about family dynamics. [more inside]
Shit Grad Students Say
Can you think of any tropes that grad students (and tenured professors!) in the humanities like to use? For example, compound words like post-Xism, meta-Xism, ur-X, X-ification, X-ization; clichéd verbs like "let me problematize/queer/deconstruct X"; theoretical clichés like the Panopticon, performativity, the rhizome; hackneyed phrases like "the neoliberal era" or "under late capitalism"; etc.
posted by dontjumplarry at 6:00 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by dontjumplarry at 6:00 AM PST - 39 comments
Parent looks to be developing dementia.
I believe my 73-year-old mother is developing dementia. Now what? [more inside]
What kind of job should I be aiming for?
I have an advanced degree but no full-time salaried experience (but a lot of other experience!). I have an added credential that opens a lot of jobs to me, but the master's degree makes me feel like I can seem overqualified and then passed over. Can someone help me figure out what kind of job description I should be applying for? [more inside]
Hunger Games: The Job Interview
I've been invited to a job interview which will include a 45 minute group interview with two other candidates. I've never done this kind of interview before, and I want to know how I can come out ahead. Do you have any advice? [more inside]
A contemporary "version" of Frazer's The Golden Bough?
I am interested in myth, religion, magic and authority, and was just watching Apocalypse Now which reminded me of that Frazer book 'The Golden Bough' (1890). The Golden Bough, it seems, is read these days mostly for understanding the "history of anthropology" rather than as anthropology per se. Is there an equivalent contemporary anthropological study of the same subjects that someone could recommend? i.e. If I am interested in the current "accepted" state of anthropology of magic and religion. [more inside]
December 9
Calm the Hell Down: The Playlist
Looking for songs to listen to while carefully not waiting for the phone to ring. Something that will help regain some of the chill that should already be there.
Not looking for pure instrumentals; something that is just subtly supposed to be calm. Nothing romantic, but nothing break-up-themed either. Ideally something that acknowledges and captures this nervous energy and lets it dissipate. [more inside]
posted by RainyJay at 10:17 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by RainyJay at 10:17 PM PST - 20 comments
Which wordpress version did the wordpresser install?
Hi all. I love the look of this wordpress site. https://letsqueerthingsup.com
What version/template of wordpress have they used?
And/Or what is a very similar template I could use?
For future reference, how could I work this out myself?
Questions right other similar things to help me get to know myself
Frequently people are searching for questions or a game or excercise to help people know eachother better. I am seeking something similar but for discovering things about myself.
How to win an HP Action in NYC Housing Court Against Slumlord?
I live in an NYC rent stabilized apartment and I filed an HP Action against my slumlord because he shut our water off without notice for a day. I am also claiming harassment and retaliation. He turned it back on after I contacted a tenant's rights organizer. Court is in a few days and I want to win a rent abatement. No legal aid places in NYC are doing HP actions (I exhausted all options). I am terrified. What do I say before a judge to get a rent abatement? [more inside]
posted by Kombucha3452 at 7:30 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Kombucha3452 at 7:30 PM PST - 3 comments
Best practices for working with a 128 GB SSD laptop?
An HP Pavilion was the best (I think) I could do with my budget. It's got a 128 GB SSD. What would I need to buy or do to work with large files or memory-heavy programs? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:53 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:53 PM PST - 12 comments
Need a safer crate for my French Bulldog. Please help dog folks!
Tonight my French Bulldog got his jaw trapped in his crate. It was traumatic. Google tells me this happens to lots of breeds and the results can be fatal. What do we do? [more inside]
I'm looking for resources about sustainable software dev!
Hola hivemind!,
I'm being asked to lead a medium-ish team of game developers on a project with a budget around ~1 mil. I've worked on many teams in the past and suffered the various ills of game/software development- Crunch, long hours, people-as-replaceable-parts etc.
It's my belief that these things aren't necessary and often detrimental, relics of a macho culture that prizes brute force over being smart. What I'm trying to is to find great readings about leadership, management and especially development to support my point. What're your favorite reads on the subject?
You Tube Presentations: A foray into animated youtube
I have a plan but no tools. How do I venture into animated( like text, simple graphics, not full on animation) educational presentations on a topic? [more inside]
No library Christmas, please.
How do I ask my boss not to prominently display the Christmas tree she put up in our public library? [more inside]
Looking for info about a Rolex watch
What can you tell me about this watch?
Wondering about age, quality, rarity, durability, value, anything you happen to know.
Thanks!
What's she gonna do on the bench, I mean...
Craigslist has been (too) good to me, and I find myself in need of some kind of workbench to hold various tools. Please help me think about my construction requirements. [more inside]
posted by sparklemotion at 2:59 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by sparklemotion at 2:59 PM PST - 7 comments
Latest Local Foods Films - recommendations needed
Howdy good people! I've been tasked with adding ideas to a film and speaker series surrounding the local foods movement. So, I'm looking for recommendations for films to show to the locavores Please offer me some suggestions of your picks of this type of movie that has been released since 2014. [more inside]
posted by pappy at 2:25 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by pappy at 2:25 PM PST - 3 comments
Nappy or smooth?
I'm making myself a new winter coat out of dark brown cashmere suiting. The fabric has a nappy side (left swatch) and a smooth side (right swatch) and I'm not *quite* sure which is the right side of the fabric. [more inside]
Your favorite project-based subscription boxes
I'd like to ask for a few months of a project-based subscription box as a Christmas present and am looking for recommendations! [more inside]
Latkes and tofu?
Looking for vegan main dish to bring to a Hanukkah party. My go-to is lentil shepherd's pie, but that's too much potato as latkes will also be served. No mushrooms, please.
posted by gryphonlover at 12:33 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by gryphonlover at 12:33 PM PST - 15 comments
Gift ideas for a dude who likes weird things
It's come to this, MeFi. My husband is literally impossible to shop for. I need help!
[more inside]
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 11:56 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 11:56 AM PST - 38 comments
Help Plan An Imperial Whistle Stop
Through a few quirks of planning, I have a voucher for $260 worth of train fare on Amtrak that I need to use up by March. I'd like to use it on one of the two three-day weekends we have this winter - any suggestions where? [more inside]
Help me find the origin/artist of this Kraken and ship print?
I recently purchased a tapestry version of an amazing two-color print of a octopus/kraken attacking a ship. But I'm seeing piece of this print used on other homegoods sites so obviously this is not the retailer's original image, and I'd prefer to purchase goods from the original artist. Also the hunt for the source is irresistible. [more inside]
posted by Sayuri. at 10:44 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Sayuri. at 10:44 AM PST - 5 comments
Talk me into a trip to Zurich in Jan/Feb
I'm likely to join my dad for a skiing vacation in Austria in early February, and I'm considering adding on 3-6 days traveling in the area by myself either before or after. Flying in/out of Zurich. The problem is, I don't know how to vacation in Europe in winter. Halp? [more inside]
How should I make this chicken pasta bake?
I'm trying to make an individually portioned, freezer-friendly pasta bake with shredded chicken but am struggling to work out the steps. I'm a truly clueless cook especially when it comes to meat and freezing stuff-- please help! [more inside]
posted by acidic at 10:37 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by acidic at 10:37 AM PST - 4 comments
If cake and cherry pie had a baby...
My boyfriend's favourite sweet is a dessert bar made by our local bakery that is a weird hybrid of cherry pie (flakey crust and cherry pie filling on the bottom) and cake (with pink icing, on top). Pictures: side view and top view, bakery's picture (top right). I want to make him some for Christmas, and give him the recipe so he can make it whenever he wants. There's just one problem: I can't find the recipe. [more inside]
[Anxiety filter]: I really want/need to focus, but I don't know how!!
I have a lot to do, but I'm extremely picky and perfectionist. I keep having panic attacks and end up procrastinating! How can I sidestep the panicking part and just start?!! [more inside]
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 10:09 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 10:09 AM PST - 16 comments
Please help me format this Japanese address
I have checked online for advice, but the bits in the address I have do not seem to match up with the bits that are mentioned in the how-to article. Help! [more inside]
posted by insoluble uncertainty at 9:51 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by insoluble uncertainty at 9:51 AM PST - 8 comments
How does medical pricing vary, with and without insurance?
If two people walk into a facility for an MRI, one with health insurance, one without, will they be charged the same? Assume both are paying out of pocket because insured person has a high deductible. Does insured person still get a better rate? Or does it vary? Hoping someone with knowledge of medical pricing/billing can answer this.
What's wrong with my car?!: Misfire Edition
My car is running rough, CE light on, diagnostics show it has a misfire in the 6th cylinder. We've checked all the usual suspects, replaced the fuel injector, and still, misfire, cylinder 6. Help. [more inside]
Looking for a comic about Maslow's Hierarchy.
I'm looking for a thing I once read. It was a comic or other illustrated story on the internet in the mid-2000s. It starred a girl (I think) who was exploring a strange, largely empty world. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs was a motif throughout; it might have been intended as a teaching tool. I remember there being a city, and a train. It might have been colored with colored pencils. The Hierarchy appeared in the illustrations as it was being explained, perhaps with one layer of the pyramid highlighted, or others grayed out.
eBay Cell Phone purchase - What do I need to do to protect myself?
I just bought a discounted Google Pixel Phone from an ebay seller with high ratings. The eBay seller appears to only sell used cell phones. What do I need to do to protect myself, and what mechanisms will I have if there are problems later on? [more inside]
posted by Karaage at 9:12 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Karaage at 9:12 AM PST - 6 comments
looking for a new love language
My 'love language' has always been gift-giving. There is nothing I enjoy more than paying for friends' and acquaintances' drinks and food, giving presents, doing favors, and toiling over elaborate meals and cocktails to serve to others -- summarily, I guess I find incredible comfort and joy in being fortunate enough to provide for folks in a material way. Unfortunately, I am no longer quite so fortunate. What are some cheap-to-free forms of service and giving I can engage in instead? [more inside]
Renting a car. Which insurance do I want?
I don't have my own car, so no insurance there (I have health insurance, period, no other kind). I also don't have a credit card, and am going with Enterprise as they are willing to work with that without running credit. In order to be protected as I drive a 14h round-trip, what insurance should I tack on? It's been a long time since I bought any (and I haven't rented a car in ten years). Advise please?
Need to acquire a handicap accessible vehicle
Mrs. pjern, for reasons of disability (she had polio as a child and is finding it very difficult to move around), wants to purchase a handicap/power wheelchair accessible vehicle. We know nothing about the process, and searching on line brings much in the was of spamvertising, but precious little real information. [more inside]
posted by pjern at 7:49 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by pjern at 7:49 AM PST - 7 comments
Dirty talk question
When you engage in dirty talk, how do you refer to lady parts? [more inside]
Why am I being followed?
There's a mysterious man in a suit and a high-end car that's following me. I didn't think anything of it until my neighbors called to say they were concerned. I went to the police and they told me to take a picture of the license plate and come back to the station as soon as it happened. What the heck? [more inside]
Great holiday lights near Jamaica Plain/West Roxbury/Brookline MA
Hello! I would like to drive somewhere within 20 minutes of Jamaica Plain MA and see some fantastic* holiday lights. Can you help?
It would be amazing for this to be somewhere we could drive and park (or take the Orange Line T), then get out and walk, but I am completely open to just slowly driving through a residential neighborhood. A cluster of houses is better than just one crazy place, though if there's something really outstanding I'd love to hear about it! [more inside]
Going inside the TP machine
On impulse, I registered for two tickets to a Trump/Pence "Thank You" rally in Milwaukee next Tuesday. If I chicken out, or no one is willing to go with me, at least there will be some empty seats, but if I do go, what should I do? No signs/banners allowed. [more inside]
Stretchy pants?
I’d like to ask for some really nice yoga/lounge pants/leggings for Christmas. I’m pretty medium sized, but I often run into the problem, even with stretchy stuff, that if pants fit my thighs then they’re loose/gappy in the waist. They must be machine wash ‘n’ dry. Cost, up to $100. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by Kriesa at 6:53 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Kriesa at 6:53 AM PST - 19 comments
Bike wheel lights for a wheelchair?
I'd like to get my wife a set of wheel lights for her manual wheelchair. The requirements being a bit different from typical bicycle applications, I seek insight and suggestions. [more inside]
Should I buy an Amazon Echo as a gift? Difficulty level: No Prime
After being convinced here last year that I should keep the Amazon Echo that I received as a gift, we have been completely happy with it. Moreover, my inlaws also have enjoyed it when they come over to visit. They like the ability to just ask for music and have the music "just play." As such, I was thinking of getting them an Echo as a gift. However, they don't have Amazon Prime. How much will this impact what they are able to do? Bonus question: Is a Google Home a better alternative? Bonus bonus question: If they are willing to pay an ongoing subscription fee, which between the two will get them the most bang for their buck?
posted by Betelgeuse at 6:41 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Betelgeuse at 6:41 AM PST - 14 comments
Where is he (it) my beloved Siberian Crane?
I am a fan of the Siberian Crane who took a wrong turn and ended up in Taiwan. Now in Japan, maybe? Problem: I can't read Chinese. [more inside]
Interesting games for two
I want to gift my husband with a game (board, online, whatever) that we can play together an hour or so after work each weekday. Recommendations? [more inside]
What was this TV show?
There was a TV show or movie in Britain in the late 90s/early 2000s that was centered around two women (comedians) who played teenage boys. I believe in one of the movies they go to the seaside. What was this show? Who were these comedians? My parents are insisting I made this up.
posted by CMcG at 5:39 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by CMcG at 5:39 AM PST - 6 comments
What was this fantasy-based child's cookbook from the 90s?
I had a paperback cookbook as a child in the 90s that was themed in fantasy, trolls and goblins and whatnot. The only specific detail I can remember is a bit that went "every little breeze seems to whisper Louise, but they never seem to whisper Rumpelstiltskin." I feel like I remember a recipe for some kind of "gloop" as well. The book was fully illustrated, and all the recipes related to witches and goblins and such. Does anyone remember this?
December 8
Personal Statement Writer's Block
I've been trying to write my statement of purpose in order to apply for my MLIS for the past few months and I am getting nowhere and the application deadline is lingering closer and closer. How can I get past this writer's block and finish this thing in the next little while? [more inside]
posted by modesty.blaise at 9:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by modesty.blaise at 9:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Managing time with a baby
My baby can stay awake now! Help me fill my time with him optimally. [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 8:45 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by ficbot at 8:45 PM PST - 27 comments
Best non-violent games for a 7yo on the Nintendo 2DS?
Grandma bought a 2DS for all the grandkids. We have an adventurous and bright 7yo in the 1st grade who identifies strongly with feminine themes, and is upset by people or animals getting hurt in TV or Movies. What's a good non-violent, early-reader friendly 2DS game? [more inside]
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:35 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:35 PM PST - 21 comments
Travel to Willits, California
I live in Portland, Oregon. I may need to travel to Willits, CA for a funeral in the coming days. Whats the easiest way to do this? If driving isn't an option due to snowy passes at Shasta, what would be the most efficient way to get there? [more inside]
posted by efalk at 5:19 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by efalk at 5:19 PM PST - 25 comments
I see a darkness
Give me some dark, driving, haunting tracks to round out a playlist. [more inside]
Upbeat energetic Christmas music
I'm looking for happy, peppy, upbeat, and energetic Christmas music! [more inside]
Happy Twitters!
I need some fun Twitter accounts to follow! Cartoons preferred.... [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 4:55 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by hilaryjade at 4:55 PM PST - 6 comments
Does my happy-hour wake me up at 2:11 am?
I do not have sleep apnea. Have done two tests that concluded "Well, this just must be your cycle."
I've already read many times the basics covered here:
Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Can't remember many good, long nights of sleep but have been very functional on average of 4-5 hours/night.
Now I'm 56 and have begun to spend more hours in bed when I can to make up the sleep-hours my body/mind needs.
I have about 2.5 drink per night, usually starting 5ish, ending maybe 7.
Come 10:30-11pm I fall asleep generally within 10 min to whatever kind of music, not that i really need it. Typically wake a couple hours later, booze or not, maybe take a sip of water, change positions, go back to sleep, usually putting on some quietish music to drift off to...I call it the lullaby effect. Might sleep another two hours, then wake again, maybe I pee. But on some occasions it's harder to fall back to sleep. In fact many nights, all my life perhaps, I wake every few hours at least to turn over. [more inside]
posted by noelpratt2nd at 4:14 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by noelpratt2nd at 4:14 PM PST - 17 comments
A Life on the Ocean Wave
I'm impressed by the freewheeling way people used international shipping to get around in the late 19th century. The lack of modern passport requirements undoubtedly helped. Looking at ships' manifests, however, there often appear to be wide differences between names, ages, etc., that are listed by the shipping company and the actual details of the passengers. In particular, children are often listed as significantly younger than what they actually were. [more inside]
posted by alonsoquijano at 3:55 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by alonsoquijano at 3:55 PM PST - 6 comments
Dog suddenly vocal, but only with her sitter. Why?
I have an ideal support system for my rescue dog in the form of a wonder dog-sitter. She walks Huggy every weekday at lunch and when I am away, boards her. They are clearly fond of each other. Last weekend I was away, and the sitter let me know Huggy was starting to act out and be much more vocal with people and other dogs. Not aggressive, just reactive. That change has continued into their daily walks. The dog never acts that way with me. [more inside]
Weirdest credit card coincidence ever? OR...
I just got a new Visa and a new Discover card each with new numbers but they have the same 3 digit security code. Is that just a massively wild coincidence? [more inside]
posted by susandennis at 3:14 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by susandennis at 3:14 PM PST - 9 comments
Fantastic Gift for the Entire Family
Mefites, I need your imaginative ideas for a Christmas gift for the whole family!
They make their home in the San Francisco penninsula (Redwood City) [more inside]
posted by IpsoFacto at 3:12 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by IpsoFacto at 3:12 PM PST - 11 comments
What kind of history do I like?
I find myself drawn to a certain time period and focus of history. I'd like to know if there is a specific genre or time period or other way to describe my interest so I can more easily find books that appeal to me. [more inside]
posted by rastapasta at 2:41 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by rastapasta at 2:41 PM PST - 8 comments
Experiential Gift, Canada -> Taiwan
My late-30s brother is a Canadian living in Taipei. I would like to give him a gift certificate of some kind for Christmas. What can I buy from Canada (so, online, preferably on a website with English) that he can use in Taipei? I prefer to give experiential or consumable presents. I'm thinking of some kind of gift card or gift certificate. He loves music, reading, and food/drink. I do not know Taipei or Taiwan well at all.
What happened to boing boing?
When did they turn from a weblog to a glorified store? Did I miss something?
posted by leotrotsky at 1:48 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by leotrotsky at 1:48 PM PST - 23 comments
What is this book that I'm thinking of?
The one scene I remember involved a young man and woman running away from something (an opening portal). As they were running away they were holding hands and their hands starting to morph, meld, blend, combine, fuse into one hand. Everyone else and everything else was also morphing or changing in some way. Things were falling apart. [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws at 1:05 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by mokeydraws at 1:05 PM PST - 7 comments
Why am I having trouble hiring an accountant?
After years of an entirely normal relationship with my accountant -- meaning, we go in once a year and do our taxes -- we had a problem arise. I haven't been able to get our accountant to help, nor even return my emails/calls, for over a month. I dropped him & set out to find a new accountant. None will return my calls. Am I asking for something crazy? Help. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:46 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:46 PM PST - 14 comments
Job quitting anxiety
I have to tell my boss that I am not going to renew my contract at Awful Inc. and am really nervous about the whole thing and never finding any (better) job ever again. [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:26 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:26 PM PST - 15 comments
Details of current Internet "kill switch" rules, and also Obama's role?
Having recently become aware of SOP 303, I'm trying to understand its origin and to what extent the Obama administration actively wanted it. [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 12:18 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by StrawberryPie at 12:18 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me cover all bases for computer backup
My desktop computer hasn't been doing so hot lately and one of these days I'm worried it's going to refuse to boot up altogether. So I've begrudgingly accepted that I will, at some point soon, need a new computer. Unfortunately, even though I've moved computers before, I do it so rarely that it's as stressful to me as moving house. [more inside]
Recovery options for 10+ year abuser of opiates
My friend's brother is abusing heroin again and we're trying to figure out if Vivitrol would be a good/realistic option? [more inside]
How can I communicate more effectively with my attorney spouse?
It's time for the depositions to come to an end. Married MeFi lawyers and spouses of lawyers, how have you learned to communicate & conflict resolve with one another as husband/wife first and attorney second? [more inside]
Carbon transfer paper without the paper...
Years ago someone gave me one package of carbon transfer 'paper' acquired from a thrift store, but rather than being paper it was on a plasticy backing. If I had to guess, the backing was mylar. The backside of the sheet was green with a pattern of gold stylized leaves. The carbon side was also shiny, and if I had to guess the carbon was suspended in wax. My google skills have failed me. Do you know what this stuff was, and better yet whether this exact product or something quite similar still exists?
posted by jamaal at 12:07 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by jamaal at 12:07 PM PST - 12 comments
Solving multiple shared event/calendar woes?
What are your solutions for sharing calendars with multiple people?
The issue that I am encountering is that I have specific events that are relevant to share with more than one person, but those people would not/should not share the same calendar. So on my end that looks like multiple copies of the same event cluttering up MY calendar. HELP. [more inside]
I need three operating systems on my MBP, yesterday
The HD in my Macbook Pro from 2011 currently has Lion and Yosemite installed. I need Lion for old Creative Suite apps and Yosemite for current Creative Cloud apps. I need to install Windows to use Livecycle. I need to install it now now now. What has worked for you? [more inside]
posted by BrunoLatourFanclub at 11:46 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by BrunoLatourFanclub at 11:46 AM PST - 10 comments
Lowish house offer, whether to push for more?
House offer is welcome but at the lower end of the guide price. Should I try to negotiate for more in these freaky Brexit-y times? Or should I take the money and run? [more inside]
posted by doornoise at 11:24 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by doornoise at 11:24 AM PST - 9 comments
Help me understand my introverted(?) friends better
Many of my friendships are driven by me — I’ll be the one to suggest the next date. In some of my relationships I do this 100% of the time, according to my calendar. (I'm married, mid-30s.)
I realized that people I like often describe themselves as very shy, or introverted, or mention that they have trouble making friends or are “not good at email”.
I'm a little insecure so I tend to interpret this as rejection. I’d like to understand my friends a bit better so I don’t do that. [more inside]
posted by thumpasor at 11:02 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by thumpasor at 11:02 AM PST - 42 comments
Where do I belong?
I've lived abroad for three years, now I'm wondering where to settle down. [more inside]
posted by Cybria at 10:33 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Cybria at 10:33 AM PST - 4 comments
Taste in anything worries me
Taste in anything (music, movies, coffee, you name it) has long been a source of anxiety and stress for me. I don't know how to determine quality and I worried that I'm getting it wrong and, worse, that my preferences reflect negatively on me somehow. Details within. [more inside]
Yet another children's book identification question
I was born in 1959. In the late sixties or early seventies (so I would have been 10-12) I read a book about a family who lived on a remote island (which I think was off the coast of Canada). [more inside]
Exciting (but easy and cheapish) latke toppings
I need your favorite latke topping/sauce ideas/recipes for an early latkes/vodka buffet. [more inside]
What would make someone's teeth/gums constantly ache?
I have gum recession, pretty clearly - which is weird! I use a soft tooth brush and take it easy brushing. It's at the point that I can't drink coffee or eat like tomatoes. Does this sound familiar to anyone? [more inside]
Can you explain to me the ending of Coppola's "The Conversation"?
I don't want to put a spoiler on the front page, but if you've seen this film you probably can guess the question. SPOILER INSIDE. [more inside]
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 8:41 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 8:41 AM PST - 7 comments
When should I go after a restaurant's grand opening?
A popular franchise restaurant has opened in the past few weeks. It is very large and located within a mall. Based on the reviews in Google and Yelp, the staff needs more practice with efficiency. [more inside]
I feel broken. How do I pick myself up and find happiness?
I'm a 24-year-old gay man. I have recently gone through a bitter break up with whom the other half is a work colleague, and I have started seeing a cognitive-behavioural therapist who has diagnosed me with severe social anxiety disorder. My life has gotten on top of me and my self-esteem has been shattered. How can I pick up the pieces? What steps can I take to find the happiness that I know I deserve? [more inside]
Chocolate Deities?
The design and packaging are beautiful at Chocolate Deities, but I haven't found reviews of the chocolate itself, and it's a little expensive to buy on spec. Has anyone tried it, and if so, what did you think?
This Amazon boycott isn't going so well
Recently I resolved to look for alternatives to Amazon when possible--especially local or independent shops. I also started upping my donations to progressive causes. Now, let's say someone on my gift list wants a book. I can buy it from a local bookstore for the $28 list price, or I can order it from Amazon for $18 and donate the $10 savings to charity. Which has more impact? [more inside]
Name that children's book...
In the 1980s I had a book about a little boy in Australia who sneaks out of bed in the middle of the night and goes exploring. He encounters several Australian animals, and makes it back to bed by the end of the book. The illustrations were in pencil and were of the realistic rather than cartoonish persuasion. The boy is completely naked throughout the book, and the whole thing has a quite eerie feeling. It may have been written in rhyme. What was it called?
posted by matthew.alexander at 1:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by matthew.alexander at 1:18 AM PST - 4 comments
Simple basic whole-wheat bread recipe
My family is getting tired of my bread experiments since our bread machine died. I'm looking for bullet-proof, impatient-busy-idiot-proof bread recipes that satisfy the following conditions: [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 1:15 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by gakiko at 1:15 AM PST - 24 comments
December 7
What was the title and/or author of this young adult novel?
Ok, it could also be a children's novel. All I know is I keep thinking about it off-and-on but the actual title eludes me. I believe I read in the late 1990s or early 2000s, although the book may have been published before that time. It was dystopian, coming of age theme. The basic plot that I can remember is that a virus killed off all adults leaving the children behind. [more inside]
posted by Thirty7Degrees at 11:08 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Thirty7Degrees at 11:08 PM PST - 8 comments
Angled faucet with narrow portable dishwasher quick connect problems
We recently got a portable dishwasher for our apartment. (We love it!)
The thing that we don't love is that on our kitchen faucet the water comes out at an angle, and when combined with the quick connect aerator that came with the dishwasher it tends to spray water over our countertops instead of down into the sink. Is there anything we can do to fix this? [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 9:00 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by unus sum at 9:00 PM PST - 6 comments
What are some clubs / societies I might be interested in?
I recently plopped down some cash and joined the e-chapter of a niche psychology-related society and have really enjoyed the webinars and opportunities to network with like-minded people. What are some other clubs or societies in which I might be interested? Reasonable membership fees are OK; details inside. [more inside]
posted by circular at 8:18 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by circular at 8:18 PM PST - 2 comments
Professors, do I have any right to ask for an incomplete?
I've had a tough semester, partly due to current events, partly due to personal issues, and some of those personal issues could sound like "bad choices," especially to a conservative-leaning person. There's a ton of obnoxious thinkpieces making fun of students who needed counseling or safe spaces after the election, so naturally I think my reasons are invalid. I'm debating asking for incompletes. Sob story inside. [more inside]
Help me find an HS TARM furnace valve so I don't need a new furnace
I have a very non standard furnace (photos) that is broken and would like to repair a broken valve instead of replacing the system. Furnace repair companies alway are scared away from fixing this furnace. [more inside]
posted by ridogi at 5:16 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by ridogi at 5:16 PM PST - 4 comments
Things to "collect" in a neighbourhood or place? Non-internet edition.
Aimless wandering is one of my preferred pastimes, and finding things locally blends well with this; I have a strong collecting impulse and it's a good way to know an area. But many recreational spins on this - geocaching, Ingress - are too internet-based for my tastes lately, and feel somewhat artificial. So what other things do you find it interesting/useful to go hunting for? All I can think of offhand is edible weeds/plant stands.
posted by solarion at 4:30 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by solarion at 4:30 PM PST - 35 comments
Prepping for software interviews that aren't algorithm heavy
I've been doing a lot of the "big 4" time complexity/algorithm heavy-style software dev interviews lately, but will soon start interviewing with smaller companies. What should I expect/prepare for? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 3:05 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 3:05 PM PST - 11 comments
Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me: Verbal jousting edition
What is the argument style where Person A (PA) takes Person B’s (PB) constructed argument, and, in a matter of seconds, breaks down their logic into a single statement (or question) where 1.) PB’s entire argument is invalidated and 2.) The statement/question is one which takes PB’s logic out of context. Both of PA’s tactics have the (intended or unintended) effect of making PB look as if they are acting unreasonable or making an unreasonable demand. [more inside]
Older article with theme of "reporting on USA as if a foreign country"?
I seem to recall an article some years ago (Possibly about a previous US election?) from a US based news organization where they wrote in the tone and style that's normally used for foreign countries. Does that ring a bell with anyone? I think it was linked on Metafilter but haven't been able to find it.
posted by ymgve at 2:18 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by ymgve at 2:18 PM PST - 5 comments
Is there such a thing as a peer suicide-prevention counseling handbook?
I'm part of a community with a scary high suicide rate, I talk openly about my own mental health struggles, and I make a point of checking in with friends if they seem to be doing poorly. That means that fairly often, people confess to me that they're thinking about hurting or killing themselves. I've been there myself and I can empathize, but I'd like to go beyond empathy and help my friends make sure they're safe. Is there something I can read about how to do that effectively?
Free software recommendation for photo mosaic
Can you recommend free software for creating photo mosaics (or gimp plugins)? (Windows or Linux) [more inside]
posted by czytm at 12:51 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by czytm at 12:51 PM PST - 4 comments
(Who) should we ask for help with a UK tax dispute?
[UK tax filter] My boyfriend has been audited by the government on his 2014-15 tax returns, and his ex-company is withdrawing accounting support. The specific problem is with his account containing overseas income that he was getting tax relief for. Can you give us some advice on the situation and/or who to ask for help? [more inside]
Need Downtown Los Angeles real estate and tenants rights lawyer
Degree of difficulty: Commercially-zoned warehouse converted to live-work lofts, now under scrutiny post-Oakland. 60+ units. Not anywhere near as dangerous as Ghost Ship, but they may try to make an example of us. There are more complex politics at work here than usual because of who our landlord is, so we really need someone who is politically dialed-in to DTLA. [more inside]
Super experienced Qi gong/Tai Chi/Daoist teacher with cluttered website?
Within the last few years I recall seeing a website of an instructor of Qi gong, Tai Chi, and related practices. Can you help me track him down. Snowflake clues inside.→→ [more inside]
posted by falcon42 at 11:57 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by falcon42 at 11:57 AM PST - 5 comments
Holiday Nut Clusters
I would like to try to make some nut clusters this weekend out of mixed nuts and seeds plus some almond bark. I already have those ingredients. Tips? Suggestions for good additives? How about a nut free version? [more inside]
posted by soelo at 11:22 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by soelo at 11:22 AM PST - 10 comments
How do I report these defective contact lenses?
I want to report faulty contact lenses to someone (I'm in the UK), or to sue the manufacturer. Who do I go to? [more inside]
posted by henryaj at 9:40 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by henryaj at 9:40 AM PST - 10 comments
Can anyone ID this steel shelf support clip?
I have a bunch of industrial shelving and I'm running out of clips to put it up with. I believe these are Edsal clips--they look similar to some of the Edsal clips I've seen online, and some of the clips have a letter "E" on them. I know there are similar clips out there where the support part isn't a nice right angle like these, but those will not work for my shelves. I need clips that are basically identical to these. Pics.
Favorite episodes of radio shows/podcasts
I like listening to This American Life while doing my PT exercises. I've been going through the favorites section, and it's pretty great. Do you have any favorite episodes of other shows to recommend? (I'm a total podcast newbie and "listen to RadioLab" is a bit overwhelming, hence specific episodes) [more inside]
Don't those get in the way?
Genuinely curious: how do people adapt to life's daily demands while maintaining really long, ornate fingernails or wearing large bracelets and/or rings? [more inside]
Bankruptcy Attorney in Los Angeles?
I need a recommendation for a good bankruptcy attorney in L.A.
Is there a way to recover texts from an LG G4 that won't turn on?
It turns on briefly and shuts right back off, gets stuck in a bootloop, or won't turn on at all. I tried changing the battery and nothing. I was able to get it to turn on long enough to transfer over my pictures back in October, but nothing since then. It will sometimes turn on enough to tell me the battery percentage, and the battery still charges. [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 8:27 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Autumn at 8:27 AM PST - 9 comments
bin me the heck up
greetings my fronds i am looking for shelf bin solutions for narrow ikea dark brown billy shelves. [more inside]
posted by poffin boffin at 8:01 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by poffin boffin at 8:01 AM PST - 11 comments
Gift ideas for someone recuperating in Bremen, Germany
I want to get a treat for someone laid up at the moment in Bremen, and I don't live there or know it at all. I'd normally go for an experience gift but they can't do much at the moment. What treat can I order and have delivered, preferably locally to reduce air miles? [more inside]
posted by greenish at 7:51 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by greenish at 7:51 AM PST - 4 comments
US/Canada Dual Citizenship Explainer?
I was born in Canada in 1974 to a Canadian father and American mother. I have a US State Department-issued Birth of US Citizen Abroad and a Canadian birth certificate. In 1977, we all moved to the US, where we have stayed. My dad is a permanent resident alien with a green card. I have a US passport and social security number. I'm married to a US citizen and have a son. What is the process should I want to return to Canada, with my family? [more inside]
posted by soren_lorensen at 7:48 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by soren_lorensen at 7:48 AM PST - 16 comments
Baby knitting ideas for soft, but crazy hot synthetic yarn
I live in a hot, humid climate. I have bought a 60% acrylic, 40% nylon yarn to make baby presents for friends. It's not the best choice for this climate. What can I make with it? [more inside]
posted by satoshi at 7:37 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by satoshi at 7:37 AM PST - 13 comments
Wife loves kickboxing – Christmas edition
Hey all, my wife recently discovered a passion for kickboxing and I'd love to support her in it via Christmas presents in the equipment and accessories areas. [more inside]
What are some small things you can do to help service people?
Service workers of Metafilter (retail workers, contractors, plumbers, baristas, etc.): What are some small, non-obvious things customers can do that are a big help? [more inside]
Contemporary design hubs/stores in Mexico City? Eindhoven?
I'm looking for suggestions of boutiques, museum stores, experimental design studios, and the like in fertile design centers not in the U.S. (online stores or willingness to ship to the U.S. is a necessity)? [more inside]
Off the shelf question database/management system for repeated surveys?
Is there an existing piece of software that would allow me to track and manage questions on several waves of a large survey? [more inside]
posted by knapah at 3:04 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by knapah at 3:04 AM PST - 6 comments
December 6
Looking for a short story level up your starbucks skill
I've been looking for this short story I read online - I'm pretty sure it was part of a collection linked from a mefi front page. Where there was multiple authors collected about how the future might be. Not necessarily dystopian. [more inside]
posted by dinoworx at 11:36 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by dinoworx at 11:36 PM PST - 3 comments
Help Me Dance Better About Architecture
What are your favourite examples of music writing? I'm looking specifically for pieces and articles that introduced you to someone new, that made you want to either buy their records or go see them live. My own favourite example is the artist biographies from the Golden Plains Music Festival. [more inside]
posted by beijingbrown at 10:22 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by beijingbrown at 10:22 PM PST - 10 comments
Who will rid us of this troublesome beast?
Why can Alex Jones make outlandish claims that provoke gullible people into illegal acts without breaking any laws himself? Why haven't he and his cohort been sued into oblivion?
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 7:54 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 7:54 PM PST - 22 comments
Reliable Computer Repair Shop in Brooklyn, The Bronx or Manhattan
Does anyone have a recommendation for a computer repair shop ideally in Brooklyn, The Bronx or Manhattan? [more inside]
Books about Celtic Christianity or Spirituality
I am interested in learning about the history of Celtic Christianity or spirituality. I am having trouble finding books that are about the history of this period, rather than being "self help" type books about lessons from that period that can be applied to today. I want a good, solid history, preferably one that is available on Kindle. Can you suggest something? [more inside]
Need spreadsheet with pivot tables, but can't really use Excel or Sheets
We have a very large Excel spreadsheet with a lot of raw sales data. I'm then creating pivot tables to look at the info in various ways to help our sales team. However, we're bumping into some severe limitations with regards security, sharing, and user-friendliness of the UI and trying to figure out if there are alternatives. [more inside]
Ideas for how to practice receiving criticism
The best way to get better at something is to practice. I'd like to get better at handling criticism and rejection. What are some good ways to practice that? [more inside]
posted by nthing at 6:37 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by nthing at 6:37 PM PST - 27 comments
Finding files consisting of only NUL character in Windows
So I've got a folder for my music projects going back to 2000. It's a mess, and I back it up every so often. I had a HD crash a few years ago, and I have no idea what I used to restore it, but I remember at the time I felt lucky I got back everything. Except I don't think I did. Whatever I used ended up writing files with the proper byte size consisting entirely of NUL characters. [more inside]
posted by Catblack at 6:31 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Catblack at 6:31 PM PST - 7 comments
Is spontaneous recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder a thing?
For 5-6 months last year, my daughter was falling apart. Symptoms included extreme hostility, depression, inability to focus on simple tasks, insomnia. She was virtually incapable of caring for herself, so I moved in with her. She was taken to the ER 6 times between July and Oct and hospitalized for 3-7 days each time (4 different university affiliated Chicago hospitals). Diagnoses included PTSD, anxiety disorder(s), Bipolar, and Borderline Personality Disorder. (I first wrote about these issues here.) Then the crisis passed and within a matter of weeks, these labels no longer seemed applicable. So, what happened? [more inside]
Physics Filter: Height of capillary rise
Where can I buy a glass capillary tube so narrow such that I can see the maximum capillary rise for water? [more inside]
posted by SunPower at 6:22 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by SunPower at 6:22 PM PST - 3 comments
2006 Hyundai Sonata Front Wheel Issue
I have a 2006 Hyundai Sonata that is making a loud clunking noise when I first put the car in gear. I start the car, put my foot on the brake, put the car in R and I hear a creeeeaakkk, clunk! noise coming from the front, passenger side wheel. I back up out of the driveway/parking spot, put the car in D and get a slight clunk! noise out of the same wheel again. Then I'm off down the road and all seems good unless I hit a pothole or some other bump in the road and it's another clunk! noise out of the same wheel. What could this be? Any thoughts?
posted by NoMich at 6:02 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by NoMich at 6:02 PM PST - 11 comments
What to do in Montreal on Christmas Night?
Hello All,
My husband and I will be traveling to Montreal for the Christmas Holiday. We will be arriving on Christmas night and leaving New Years Day. As a traveler I tend to want to live as a local when visiting another city/country. And one of my favorite things to do on Christmas Night is drink cheap beers in a dive bar. As such, I was hoping that someone might be able to tell me if there are any good dive bars in Montreal that will be open on Christmas Night that would be good for libations and merriment. We will be staying in the Mile End Neighborhood of Montreal.
Thanks and Cheers!
Give me your biddies, your scolds, your gossips
Please recommend small-town, woman-centric, low-stakes, non-romantic entertainments for me. [more inside]
How do I find the old BBC documentary The Mind Traveller?
I'd like to watch the old documentary but his official website says it is currently unavailable and googling has turned up very little. Does anyone more savvy know?
Mind Traveller: Oliver Sacks
posted by just.good.enough at 2:55 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by just.good.enough at 2:55 PM PST - 2 comments
All in one scheduler, patient case file management system
Have you used or do you know of an all-in-one patient management system for alternative health or talk therapy or massage therapy? I'm looking for a way to schedule appointments on the internet, store patient information and print receipts, etc. for my little practice. Special snowflakes within... [more inside]
Soccer in the snow belt
Anyone know of a place in the Brattleboro/Putney VT area where I could watch the MLS final on Saturday?
Help me find a doctor for someone who hates doctors.
I'm looking for a doctor in the Minneapolis area who is good at listening to patients and won't just band-aid symptoms. [more inside]
30 is right around the corner and I’ve never felt more lost.
I wake up and live every day like a zombie – miserable at work and then I go home, go to the gym, eat crappy takeout and go to sleep. It just all feels so pointless, like I’m slowly wasting away and not living the full life I’m supposed to live. I want friends, love, a family, and a job or hobby to live for. But I almost feel paralyzed – if I have no interests and don’t want to be around anyone, how do I get my life started? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by koolaidnovel at 12:31 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by koolaidnovel at 12:31 PM PST - 26 comments
How to time management? ADHD Edition
I have ADHD and am struggling with time management at work. If you have ADHD, how do you get things done in a timely manner? [more inside]
Where? Data to help calculate total food and water consumed in lifetime
My birthday is on it's way. I'd like to calculate the general amount of food I've consumed in weight and the amount of water I've drunk in gallons within my current lifespan
posted by goalyeehah at 11:00 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by goalyeehah at 11:00 AM PST - 5 comments
Kosher delis in New York City
Please recommend to me your favorite *kosher* delis in New York City. I'm specifically looking for restaurants that are certified as kosher and serve classics like pastrami and corned beef (like Second Ave. Deli and Pastrami Queen), not those that call themselves "kosher-style" or just "Jewish" delis (such as Katz's). Anywhere in the five boroughs is great. Thanks!
Can you please recommend some new podcasts for me?
Can you please recommend some new podcasts for me? Podcasts I already listen to : Hardcore History, Radiolab, Planet Money, This American Life, Fresh Air, Freakonomics, The Bowery Boys, Snap Judgment, My History Can Beat Up Your Politics, Flash Forward, Invisibilia, More Perfect
posted by panama joe at 9:53 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by panama joe at 9:53 AM PST - 36 comments
Functional winter boots and socks for my mom with thick calves
Hey guys! I need to get my mom some new winter boots and nice, thick socks asap. Eh...snowflakes within... [more inside]
posted by foxhat10 at 9:43 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by foxhat10 at 9:43 AM PST - 18 comments
Tips for neatening, formatting, and organizing self-study math homework?
Please give me your tips on making handwritten math homework more attractive and useful, so I can enjoy reviewing my self-study math notebook. [more inside]
posted by kristi at 9:39 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by kristi at 9:39 AM PST - 14 comments
Lost on the internet: Good Job interview questions list
I have to conduct job interview soon, a task I do not enjoy. I came across a list in the last year of interesting creative job interview questions that were not B.S. ping pong balls on a 747 and were a little more creative than read me your resume, but flesh it out. I recall the list being long (200+?) and a power point. Does this ring a bell? Where can I find it? My google-fu is google-fu....., you know what I mean.
Missed miscarriage
I was found with a missed miscarriage last week after my ultrasound showed no fetal heartbeat or blood supply. Blood tests confirmed this. I have an appointment with my doctor today about what to do next and she told me on the phone that she is worried about doing a d&c due to possible scarring. Can you help me prepare for this conversation? [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 8:48 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by pintapicasso at 8:48 AM PST - 21 comments
Cotton handkerchiefs that don't curl at the edges
I am looking for plain white cotton handkerchiefs that won't curl up at the edges when I wash them.
I don't want to iron my handkerchiefs. I realize they'll be wrinkled and I don't mind that. But I'd really like to find some that don't curl up terribly at the edges. [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 8:47 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Winnie the Proust at 8:47 AM PST - 5 comments
what to expect from layer3tv?
So, I did some research on this and reviews from Facebook say, that this is a decent cable. I cancelled my PS vue service in order to try it out as it has all HD and it is 4k ready. Has anyone here tried this service? If so what to expect? [more inside]
I wanna watch folks dance up on each other!
Looking for reference -- movies, tv show episodes, YouTube videos, whatever -- of couples dancing informally and enthusiastically. Less "ballroom" and more "at the club." Same-sex couples preferred, but I'll take anything! [more inside]
How to Test My Thesis About Betting Against Twitchy Markets
Thesis: highly successful public companies trade on a hair-trigger. This ensures overreaction to immaterial or near-immaterial negative news, as twitchy traders on both sides rush to anticipate short term reaction (betting on the betting rather than on the bet). Investors with a more patient attitude who buy these dips should, in the aggregate, profit when the stock recovers. So...is there a modeling service I can use to test this thesis? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:52 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:52 AM PST - 21 comments
Finding focus and mental energy for side projects
I would like to spend more free time working on side projects, but I can't find the focus by the end of a workday. Can you? Tell me how. [more inside]
posted by enn at 7:33 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by enn at 7:33 AM PST - 10 comments
How do I mini split?
Renting a place with Daikin mini-splits, and can't seem to figure out how to effectually use it. [more inside]
posted by damayanti at 6:43 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by damayanti at 6:43 AM PST - 3 comments
Union authorization cards
I am a government employee in New York City. I signed a union authorization card but would like to revoke this card. Is this possible, and if so, how do I do so? [more inside]
Dating with herpes - how do I go about this?
Need advice on how to feel less awkward about having herpes and disclosing it to people I am dating. More inside. [more inside]
"There are no girls on the internet."
Many men on the internet think that there are no - or at least not very many - women on the internet. I want actual demographic data, but it turns out to be complicated. I also have some more specific types of data I'm looking for. [more inside]
Woody root(?) in Cambodia
I saw a woody branch-like plant for sale at Cambodian vegetables stands. What was it? [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 2:24 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by quadrilaterals at 2:24 AM PST - 6 comments
Geology toy with different colored layers of sand in water between glass
When I was a kid (UK 80s), a friend had a sort of geology toy. It was two pieces of glass (7 by 4 inches) sandwiching a thin layer of water and different colored sand. The sand would fall into different layers like strata when you shook it up. Anyone know what I'm talking about or what it is called? I'm looking to buy one for Xmas. [more inside]
Does having to wait a long time for hot water = no hot water?
I moved into an apartment in downtown San Jose on Dec 2nd. It is taking on average, 8 minutes for hot water to start running out of all the taps and the shower. I notified my landlord the same day, and they said that one of the tanks is down, and that it's being repaired. It is now Dec. 6, and still no progress. [more inside]
posted by invisible ink at 1:03 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by invisible ink at 1:03 AM PST - 9 comments
Christmas present for a photographer
OH is a keen amateur photographer, but the camera is very bulky (Nikon D3200). I just read about pancake lenses. [more inside]
December 5
Companies that will let me transfer to a different city?
What companies can I work for in Oakland/San Francisco that would allow me to transfer to another city? I have a bachelor's degree in Biology but no special skills. [more inside]
Single lady looking for threesomes.
So according to the internet I am a unicorn. This seems like a stupid question, because apparently there are gazillions of couples looking for ladies like me, but I don't know how to go about this safely. [more inside]
posted by Dilemma at 10:01 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Dilemma at 10:01 PM PST - 9 comments
The strange matter of my cat's fur
This is my cat, Daisy. She produces little clumps of matter in her fur. Her veterinarian is stumped, so I’m asking the Hive Mind for help. [more inside]
posted by bryon at 9:29 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by bryon at 9:29 PM PST - 11 comments
A (prof.) ex-supervisor is actively trying to slander me. What now?
Recently, I left a job at a major public research university in California to pursue a new position in industry. Unfortunately, the separation was not amicable, and the professor I worked for became irrationally extremely angry because the timing of my departure inevitably was disruptive to the work of his lab. I have since learned that he has been actively cold-calling other former colleagues and supervisors of mine (who he doesn't otherwise have any relationship with), just to slander me and make all sorts of absurd accusations about my alleged poor character and dishonesty. What do I do about this? [more inside]
Seeking easy Danish language media
I'm going to spend a month or two in Denmark next spring, and although it's likely that everyone I meet there will speak better English than I do, I started the Duolingo Danish course and to my surprise I'm really enjoying it. Can you recommend Danish-language media (movies, tv or radio shows, bloggers or vloggers...) that I can access online, maybe have Danish subtitles, and that I might have a chance of understanding even though I haven't even learned the past tense yet? (Don't worry, I'll get to that soon.)
How do you coax a cat out of the crawl space?
Last Monday (11/28), my cat got outside and went under the house into the 117-year-old crawl space. I went in the crawl space on Tuesday and Wednesday, saw/heard/smelled no sign of him, and we assumed he was out in the neighborhood. Then the weird under-house sounds started, and it took us until about Friday/Saturday to be mostly sure he was under there. [more inside]
What should my 2nd meal of the day be?
I'd like to eat the same dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. For months I've been making chicken stir-fry with rice & veggies for breakfast, and a garden salad for dinner, sometimes with a side serving of meat, which I'm happy with. I've been eating take-out middle eastern or Mexican food for lunch, usually, but I'd like to stop getting take-out and instead make something myself, the same basic thing every day. Thus will my food consumption become utterly, blissfully predictable. [more inside]
PC Video Game Ideas for My Mom
I'm looking for suggestions for a new video game for my mom as a Christmas gift. This would be for Windows PC, as she doesn't have any gaming systems. [more inside]
posted by Preserver at 5:58 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Preserver at 5:58 PM PST - 14 comments
Possibly NSFL: Urine, Cracked Heels
Substitutions for Urea Cream 40%? [more inside]
Weird dark spot on Fuji X100T electronic viewfinder
Our Fuji X100T (fixed lens) digital camera has an electronic viewfinder that has a really weird dark spot right on the center of its electronic viewfinder "view". (Two photos looking through the viewfinder to the EVF.) [more inside]
Movies about love for young boys
Can you help me find movies about young love or first love that are suitable for early teen boys? My boys are 12 and 14. [more inside]
books that are entirely unsuited to e-readers?
I've switched to an e-reader for most of my reading material, but I still love physical books and I enjoy getting new ones that I can somehow justify as unsuited to the screen. What are some books that really CANNOT be experienced properly in electronic format? [more inside]
Learning to live in a freezer
I suffer from significant cold-intolerance, probably due to an small but uncorrectable level of anemia.
I can't spend my life huddled in my wheelchair under electric blankets turned up to 11. Need (frugal, wheelchair-bound, significantly dexterity-challenged) ideas on how to cold-proof my body for life, work and transport. [more inside]
[Non-monogomous Filter] How to handle meeting my partner's partner?
How do I handle this situation in my open relationship? Details inside. [more inside]
Bells in Secular Music (Or Really Good Religious Music)
I was thinking today how I like "Carol of the Bells," then thought how I also like "Tubular Bells." Then how I love the album Pantha du Prince did with Bell Laboratory. So now that I know I like bells, what should I listen to, aside from really churchy or new age stuff? I can get pretty experimental in my tastes, so don't worry about being too out there. It's also okay if it's instrumentation that just sounds a lot like bells. Please avoid all other holiday music.
posted by mermaidcafe at 2:32 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 2:32 PM PST - 21 comments
Civil Rights Fundraising Ideas for Inauguration Day
I want to do something to raise money for a civil rights organization on the day of the inauguration. But what? [more inside]
How do I make a simple sales authentication webpage?
I've been selling my game (Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator) for 6 years. For almost every purchaser, I have a unique sales code, a name, and email address (currently in a google spreadsheet).
Customers contact me daily to replace their lost copy, and I'm happy to do so after verifying their previous purchase, but it's a hassle, and I really want to automate this task. I'm not much of a web dev, though, mostly a C++ game dev. What I know about HTML, Javascript, and mySQL is just enough to be really dangerous. [more inside]
Can I Eat This: Use 1.5 year old frozen suet in a Christmas Pudding?
I have 1.5 year old (from about July 2015) frozen beef suet in my freezer. It's vacuum packed, never been opened or defrosted, and I need to get started on a Christmas Pudding. Is the old suet safe? If so, will it have any negative effects on the pudding? [more inside]
posted by Jon Mitchell at 2:05 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Jon Mitchell at 2:05 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I choose an anaesthetic when suffering from anxiety?
Unpleasant female medical procedure + phobic-level anxiety + having to choose an anaesthetic = Horror, anxiety and meltdown. Do you have experiences/information/tips that can help? [more inside]
posted by highanxiety at 1:26 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by highanxiety at 1:26 PM PST - 16 comments
I reduced carb consumption, and carbs hurt my stomach now.
I cut down on carbs and did a few other things that really improved by blood pressure + overall health. However, since the change, bread upsets my stomach. I do not know if these are related things and would love some input. [more inside]
Adobe Acrobat X Pro Forms
I need to get Adobe Acrobat X Pro import text data into a form (this part is not an issue) and then get a bunch of PDFs with the text data in the proper fields. I've done this with no plugins/scripting/etc. whatsoever before and just can't remember how. [more inside]
What does "next weekend" mean?
Someone asks you on Sunday to do something "next weekend".
Is that 5 days from now, or 12 days from now? [more inside]
For the musically clueless
What's it called when verses are sung faster/at a different rate then another part of the verse and where do I get more of it? [more inside]
posted by INFJ at 10:44 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by INFJ at 10:44 AM PST - 17 comments
Working with authority/hierarchy - how do you do it?
In a conversation with my sister the other day, I realized that no-one in my family is comfortable dealing with authority/hierarchy. My parents weren't, either. Our interactions with authority figures are often limited to avoidance, anxiety/paralysis, or confrontation. If you grew up in a family that was comfortable working within hierarchies and successful at getting things done within them, what habits/ideas/strategies/etc. would you suggest as helpful?
Please help ID this candy.
Short gummy sticks, fruity, delicious, what I always wanted Twizzlers to be. [more inside]
posted by jessicapierce at 10:09 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by jessicapierce at 10:09 AM PST - 7 comments
MacBook Air replacement?
My wife's beloved 2014 MacBook Air (11") is starting to die. While we love Apple hardware, 99.99% of her time is spent in Windows (through Boot Camp). What would be a good replacement for this laptop? [more inside]
Overwhelmed by Google Analytics dashboard
Goal: Having one Google Analytics bucket handle both YouTube and web hits. Confused about whether I am doing this right... [more inside]
posted by johngoren at 9:46 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by johngoren at 9:46 AM PST - 5 comments
Any experiences with self-directed person-to-person travel to Cuba?
We would like to go to Havana on the person-to-person license, which one does not have to apply for anymore. Apparently you just have to have a self-made itinerary that you can show to the US when coming home. We want to go cheaply, flying independently on one of the new flights from NYC to Havana, and staying at an Air BnB while we are in Havana. [more inside]
Do you have experience with a home birthing tub?
My wife is having a home birth with a water tub and midwife. The 2nd floor in our home makes the most sense for the tub in order to have access to a bedroom and other comforts. I am concerned about the weight. I have calculated the volume of water and the weight is around 3000 lbs. Is that too much weight for the floor? Have you had a birthing tub upstairs in your home? Any engineers want to chime in?
Can a relationship with my boyfriend from a different social class work?
My new boyfriend's family is well off, mine has money but live REALLY frugally to the point of frustration although I love them dearly. Lately he has been making comments that concern me & make me question how much of a future we can actually have... [more inside]
Where in the world are American expats?
Sometimes, in an attempt to facilitate connections, I want a way to reach out to American expats in particular places (this week: South Korea and France). Where should I look? [more inside]
Help me with my short vacation to Key Largo, please!
My husband and I will be in Key Largo for about 4 days next week. What should we do? (specific questions inside) [more inside]
Pimp my Airbnb
I have been a renter on Airbnb, but never a host. I would like to rent out my entire house for the Superbowl in 2017. [more inside]
posted by *s at 7:07 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by *s at 7:07 AM PST - 31 comments
Why do so few recipes call for cream of tartar?
I made snickerdoodles yesterday and had to run to the store for cream of tartar. Bought a little jar that will last me another 10 years because I only ever use it to make the damn snickerdoodles. Got to thinking: why do so few recipes call for cream of tartar? Also, why do snickerdoodles call for it specifically when few other cookie recipes do?
How to get started in refugee/disaster victim/etc camp infrastructure?
I'm interested in joining the field of disaster response--specifically, setting up and running the infrastructure for refugee camps. I realize that this is just as much of a political problem as it is a logistical problem, and I'm interested in that aspect too. Where on Earth do I start? [more inside]
posted by myelin sheath at 6:21 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by myelin sheath at 6:21 AM PST - 7 comments
Vlookup Personal Projects
I am looking for an every day project to up my Excel Vlookup game. Any ideas would be useful. [more inside]
Car recommendations: AWD Sedan that's quiet and safe
We're starting to look for a second car. Much research will follow, but can you point us on our way with any recommendations for a AWD sedan that's quiet and safe? Generally always will be two adults and a car seat, so will need four doors. [more inside]
Looking for god's word on veggies
Starting in January I will have a plot of land for organic gardening that measures 70-80 sq meters (750-850 sq feet). I am specifically looking for a comprehensive beginner's gardening book/bible to help me plan and grow my garden, but anecdata and advice are also very much welcome. [more inside]
Bay Area bug identification
I found this bug on the kitchen floor of my Oakland house a few minutes ago. I've never seen anything like it before and I have no idea how even to narrow down a Google search. [more inside]
posted by jesourie at 2:24 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by jesourie at 2:24 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me find this smooth jazz song.
I am trying to find a song (smooth jazz) that I listened to on a flight from Tokyo to Helsinki. Some pointers are inside. [more inside]
posted by sour cream at 12:34 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by sour cream at 12:34 AM PST - 7 comments
December 4
Help us have a cheerful Christmas in the Northwest!
We are looking for a video that used to be floating around of a couple lip-syncing to the song Christmas in the Northwest. We can't find it online anywhere, and it's driving us crazy!! [more inside]
Balancing patience & readiness in sexuality
My partner is slowly working back towards sexuality/desiring sex (1-2/year). I'm being patient/respectful of her timetable, & can generally handle myself in the interim alright. Last time she felt up to being interested though, it was a bit out-of-the-blue for me and I had trouble going zero-to-interested quickly enough. Avoiding my dry-spell routines would probably help, but holding off for 0-12 months with uncertainty isn't exactly sustainable/pleasant. How do we balance this mis-sync? [more inside]
Eviction and rental collection in Baltimore
I need some help to understand what I can do at this point about our house that we own in Baltimore, Maryland. The tenant has partially moved out, hasn't paid rent for 3 months, and has been illegally letting 2 new roommates live there and he has been collecting rent from them claiming that he's the owner. What are my rights at this point as the landlord? Can I change the locks now? The original lease runs until Dec 31st. We are owed more than $10,000 at this point. Do you have any suggestions, and could you recommended any attorneys / eviction help agencies? [more inside]
Help me track down some beloved books from childhood! Win Karma!
In the late 90's / early 00's, my mother bought me a collection of craft and activity books published by (or related to) the magazine 'Highlights for Children'. I have vivid memories of some of the contents due to the long hours I spent poring over each page, but seemingly not anything useful enough to successfully track them down. Maybe someone out there also owned these books and can help me reunite. [more inside]
My roommate won't refund rent after trying to kick me out early
To make a long story short, I moved in with an acquaintance of mine from my graduate program and her fiancé in May. It was fine at first, but it has been a nightmare the past couple months and I decided to move into a studio of my own. [more inside]
Find Me The App For This
I'm looking for an app/webpage/program that allows a group of individuals to track regular goals together--something that allows a manager to set up the different tasks for each group member on a daily/weekly/monthly basis and then allows each group member to share when they have completed a task. What can you recommend? [more inside]
Best non-fiction books about witches
I'm looking for readable, if not informative, non-fiction books about witches. [more inside]
posted by gc at 8:36 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by gc at 8:36 PM PST - 19 comments
Healthy recipes to satisfy my noodle craving?
I have been trying to cut back on noodles to eat healthier, but now I'm thinking maybe I can find a healthy way to satisfy my noodle cravings. What are some healthy types of noodles and tasty dishes to eat them in? [more inside]
Teach me the ways of the Beastie Boys.
I'd like to learn more about the rapping techniques of the Beastie Boys, specifically the way MCA, Ad-Rock and Mike D would break up lines and rhymes and bounce the lyrics back and forth. Are there any articles or interviews that analyze how they did this? At the very least, are there any sites that break down the lyrics and show who exactly rapped which words on a given song (maybe by color-coding)?
what is the most wonderful-sounding kitchen timer?
I need a new mechanical kitchen timer and would like one with a lovely, musical bell. Something that sounds better than a clatter or a buzzing. Ringing is ok, a single ding would be nice, too, so long as the bell is musical and wonderful.
Help us re-car the household.
We've never been a 2 car family. But we might need to be. How do non-car-folks pick out cars? [more inside]
what can I do to get my unresolvable internet connection issue resolved?
I am trapped in Time Warner Cable (or Spectrum) purgatory and seemingly unable to escape. I am at my wits end. What can I do? [more inside]
Why would GoFundMe have arbitrarily suspended my campaign's account?
Aargh! My neighborhood fundraising campaign opened a GoFundMe account 4 days ago, and we have already collected almost $4K. But as I was editing the campaign description tonight, an error box popped up saying that they were suspending my account while they reviewed it, and that they might reactivate it but that would happen without notice and could take up to 7 days. [more inside]
posted by mmiddle at 6:37 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by mmiddle at 6:37 PM PST - 3 comments
Any tips on running a book club at a Jewish non-profit?
I'm going to be starting up a book club at my work, a large Jewish non-profit, and I'm looking for some advice and getting some answers to my questions. HR knows about this and is on board. [more inside]
Please help me evict the gremlins from my TV
My Viore TV has developed an interesting problem -- when it's in its usual spot in the living room, any button pressed on the remote will "stick" and keep repeating. If I move the TV to a different spot, the problem stops and the remote works perfectly. Even weirder, when I brought in a different TV, it had the same problem. Can you help me troubleshoot? [more inside]
posted by dislegomena at 6:07 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by dislegomena at 6:07 PM PST - 8 comments
Meditation: explanations without woo
Can you recommend some readings that explain the science behind meditation? [more inside]
Self-improvement without negativity
How do you set goals and make positive changes without berating yourself in the process? [more inside]
Training for science teacher to become a *computer* science teacher?
I currently am a high school science teacher working in Chicago. I love my job, but I am frustrated with the complete lack of computer science education at my school and through our entire school district. I know that this is largely due to a lack of qualified professionals who can teach the content. Is there anything like Dev Bootcamp for people who want to teach the material? [more inside]
posted by thelastpolarbear at 5:10 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by thelastpolarbear at 5:10 PM PST - 8 comments
In Post-Soviet Russia, media trumps you
How do I communicate to my older leftist American friends and relatives that criticism of Russian propaganda and international meddling is not neo-McCarthyism? [more inside]
posted by moonlight on vermont at 4:46 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by moonlight on vermont at 4:46 PM PST - 11 comments
Destination wedding when trying to get pregnant?
My brother and his fiancee are discussing having a tropical destination wedding next winter, where the family could buy a resort package. I love them and would normally be there with no questions asked, celebrating in style! However, I'm planning on trying to get pregnant this summer, so might be pregnant or trying in December. I'm very concerned about Zika and would not travel to a place with Zika if I was pregnant. [more inside]
posted by ceramicblue at 4:27 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by ceramicblue at 4:27 PM PST - 14 comments
Psychedelics and the self
I have a hypothetical question about the use of psychadelics and the sense of self: is it possible to take a psychedelic drug and perceive how others "see you"? [more inside]
posted by Dressed to Kill at 4:19 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Dressed to Kill at 4:19 PM PST - 11 comments
Looking for Smart On-Off-On switch that will work with Google Home
I'm looking for a smart On-Off-On switch and/or a timer switch that will work with Google Home. I have a whole house fan that is controlled by two physical switches. One to set the speed of the fan to High, Off , or Low, and a second timer switch for 4 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour or locked on. I'd like to be able to turn the fan on with Google Home and/or via If This Then That. [more inside]
Does complaints for sexual harrassment result in victim getting fired?
So I am a guy getting harassed by another guy at work, and by the way, this is a "professional work environment". A couple months ago this guy comes up to me and starts making comments like "you are looking good today" and just stares at me for a prolonged period of time with a smirk. And he has said other things too that make me uncomfortable. Now, I do what I can to avoid him but he is trying to gain rapport with me, but I just ignore him; so now it has been 3 months. I was initially going to talk with my boss (the CFO) and let him know what this guy has been doing. But, I have asked this question before on this website, and someone pointed out that I could get fired for making the complaint even though I am the victim. And then I did more research on the internet where victims of sexual harassment can actually get fired for making a complaint. I am just wondering how often does this happen, and if anyone has ever seen it happen before?
Identify My Mystery Object, Fiber Arts Edition
I bought this piece (and a side view) today, but all the sellers knew about it was that it had been donated by a weaver. What bit of kit did I luck into? [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 3:37 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by MonkeyToes at 3:37 PM PST - 5 comments
What's fun for preteens near the New York City Transit Museum?
Chaperoning several pre-teens to this area of Brooklyn where none of us have ever been; we're out-of-towners. What are some quirky, offbeat stores, ethnic restaurants, haircutting places--no tatoos, or piercings--that some 13-14 out-of-town kids might find fun within, say, 20 minutes' walking time from the NYC Transit Museum at Boerum and Schemerhorn in Brooklyn Heights? Yes, we'll be doing the Brooklyn Bridge separately.
Co-sleep without constant nursing?
Is my sleep training dream possible? Inside, I describe what I would like to achieve, and what happens now. What's the closest approximation of my dream? How do I get there? Which of the many sleep training resources (books, blogs, gurus, consultants) would be most helpful in figuring this out? [more inside]
Windows link redirect problem with search failure
Infuriating windows 7 laptop problem opening/redirecting links [more inside]
posted by medusa at 1:45 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by medusa at 1:45 PM PST - 2 comments
Not Another OKCupid Question... best practices for paring down matches?
I realize that this is the ultimate in, well, problems-that-aren't-really-problems, but I get WAY too many messages on OKC. Help me figure out how not to get bogged down? [more inside]
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 1:36 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 1:36 PM PST - 12 comments
Newspaper subscription to help support the free press
I have a limited budget and am looking for suggestions for a national newspaper and a local-ish paper (Oregon) that I can subscribe to electronically. I'd like to balance getting good value for my money with actually doing good with my money. For example, I am attracted to the New York Times for the vast access to information it affords me, but wonder if my money wouldn't have a better impact at another paper that doesn't have so many subscribers. Any suggestions for specific papers (or perhaps other sources of journalism?) and why would be appreciated.
identify maker of this bed frame - modern/contemporary designer
Hi, Can anyone identify the maker of the bed in this picture?
It's from a house renovation project done by the firm LOT-EK in New York.
I'm guessing it is something that is still made and hopefully available, because I want to buy one! Please help!
Can we afford this house?
Help me figure out if we're thinking clearly about a house purchase ... [more inside]
Name that flash
Typical Northeast US suburban neighborhood.
Every night, between 11:30 and 11:50 PM, a bright flash, like from a camera, is visible through the windows of two rooms. [more inside]
Indoor decorating for Christmas with a big jerk cat?
We need indoor holiday decorating ideas that can survive our cat's whirlwind of curious destruction. [more inside]
Prospect Kentuckians—East End Bridge westbound on-ramp is located where?
For the life of me I cannot find the location, if any, of the on ramp going west. Help I live in the east end and want to enjoy the new east end bridge but I can only find the off-ramp going east that exits on River Road. Where will the on-ramp be? (
Unable to get past my grief over the election results
I have major depressive disorder, comorbid with anxiety. I have a therapist whom I see weekly. I have a prescriber whom I see monthly. We talk about this. But I still wake up every morning and experience about 20 seconds of normalcy before horrific reality sets in, and all of the grief and fear ratchets up. [more inside]
What are some cool things to do with a 3D "printer pen"?
I'm helping buy a 3d printer pen (sort of like this) for my niece for Christmas. I feel like suggesting some cool stuff that she can do with her 3d pen. There are lots of guides for cool stuff you can do with a 3d printer, like this one. Are there any similar guides exploring the possibilities for a 3D pen?
White Christmas Album
I just learned that in 2006, Steven Colbert challenged his fans to mash up Beatles songs with Christmas songs. I found a couple on YouTube, but can see that there was once a site with a whole collection of the mashups, titled the "White Christmas Album." All the links for it that I've Googled seem to be dead or otherwise sketchy. Can anyone point me to a source to download the collection? Thanks!
pc won't wake up from sleeep mode
My pc does not wake from sleep mode. This started yesterday: I move the mouse or hit return, the computer starts, the start button stops flashing, and then nothing. The monitor says it receives no input. I have to unplug the machine and then push start button. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by philfromhavelock at 4:56 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by philfromhavelock at 4:56 AM PST - 12 comments
Substitution for cake mix containing pudding
I don't find cake mix with pudding (combined) in the grocery. I need a substitute. Bonus recipe included. [more inside]
Where to find replacement espresso sieve?
I've lost the espresso sieve of my 20 year old espresso maker. Where can I get a replacement? It's 67mm wide and from a German Krups 988 Espresso Maker Novo 2000 – but I assume somewhere on the Interwebs, there's someone selling a filter for any machine. Where?
Here's a schematic: http://imgur.com/a/q7CUQ . And yes, my Google Fu failed me, I've tried several hours.
Jobhunting remotely
This is kind of a broad one. But thanks to life circumstances I find myself having to conduct a long-distance job search. Any advice for someone seeking work in one country while being temporarily located in a different country? I've been a full-time caregiver for a year, so I'm trying to get back into work after a career break. Can Mefites who've done this before share their experiences with me? Anything I should be aware of that I wouldn't already know from the blog posts and listicles that abound on this topic? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 1:13 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Ziggy500 at 1:13 AM PST - 4 comments
Help me plan the best San Diego beer trip ever
My husband loves craft beer, so for his birthday next March, I am planning to take him on a surprise trip to San Diego. He loves Stone, so a visit there is definitely on the cards. Does anyone have suggestions of the best places to go for beer, preferably with good IPAs and/or stouts? [more inside]
Like mosquito bites, but with memories.
I can't seem to stop my mind from briefly, randomly replaying uncomfortable or unhappy moments. It's as if my mind is continually searching through the archives of my life and finding little moments when I've let someone down or didn't quite do the right thing. This isn't a negative chain of thought, like CBT might address, nor is it obsessive, as the memories are almost never the same ones, nor is it constant - these randomly negative memories often "appear" out of nowhere and then disappear almost immediately, even when everything else is fine. These thoughts are all about me very slightly wronging others, but not the other way around, and aren't really deeply traumatic memories like with PTSD. They're happening more and more. Have you experienced this? What worked for you? [more inside]
Berkeley landlord giving notice for major repairs without compensation?
My landlord gave us 60 days verbal notice to carry out major repairs and has not yet mentioned compensation. What do I do next? Snowflakes inside of course. [more inside]
December 3
Some friend you've got there...
Toddler daughter has a friend who treats her badly... but she's the only friend nearby that she can usually hang out with outside of school. [more inside]
posted by elected_potato at 10:28 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by elected_potato at 10:28 PM PST - 17 comments
What is this writing thing and how do I stop?
When writing I often seem to switch from past tense (-ed verbs) to present whatever(?) tense (-ing verbs) within the same sentence. What is this called? How do I stop it? [more inside]
posted by Orca at 10:08 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Orca at 10:08 PM PST - 13 comments
Viennesian Snares
I'm looking for electronic music that foregrounds pitch. [more inside]
Help me identify this bust
We found a miniature bust. Who is this person? [more inside]
posted by Ndwright at 9:09 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Ndwright at 9:09 PM PST - 14 comments
Where should we go in Thailand?
My boyfriend and I are considering a short trip (up to 1 week) to Thailand in January. Help me pick the perfect location for us. [more inside]
In search of happily ever afters...
Give me your (diverse, feminist) romance novel recs! Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
USPS package delivery problem
What should I do about a package that USPS says was delivered but I haven't received? [more inside]
Art History starter pack
A friend and I want to get a good introduction to art history. I'm seeking recommendations for the best resources to do this, be they entertaining, authoritative books, lecture series videos, local resources (we live in San Francisco), or something else entirely! [more inside]
What do I do if I know what business stole my credit card?
In the last month or so I've had my credit card info stolen three times. First one card, then another I rarely use from a different credit company, then the same (reissued with a new number) card as the first time again about a month later. I think I know where it's happening. What do I do? [more inside]
Of love, heroin, and . . . . . cocktail sauce?
Lucy September (lyrics) is a wonderful song from The Dream Academy, a band from England. One of the lyrics goes "With eyes you could drown in like the Marie Rose" --- who or what does the "Marie Rose" refer to? Wikipedia says that's a name used in the UK for what us Yanks call "cocktail sauce." (Regardless of the true meaning, I'm telling people it's all about the sauce.)
Many thanks in advance.
posted by Napoleonic Terrier at 3:32 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Napoleonic Terrier at 3:32 PM PST - 9 comments
Real Live Permanent Weight Loss?
Are you a MeFite who has finally succeeded in keeping weight off, after more than one try? I successfully lost 10 pounds in 2015, and have in the last year, put ALL OF IT back on. What should I do differently this time? [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 at 3:26 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by airguitar2 at 3:26 PM PST - 38 comments
How can I print selected pages from multiple PDFs?
Is there a way print only the third page across multiple documents without individually opening each one? I figured this must be a solved problem. [more inside]
Shimmer nail polish that's ONLY shimmer?
I'm looking for nail polishes which have a completely or nearly transparent base and colored shimmer. I have found very few examples of this type of polish - the only ones I know of/own are e.l.f. Big Bang Blue (no longer being made), which is a totally clear base and mostly blue shimmer, with little flecks of pink/purple in there too - and Sinful Colors Just You Wait, which is a very sheer pink (almost invisible on the nail) with green shimmer. [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 2:19 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by showbiz_liz at 2:19 PM PST - 12 comments
Scalp micropigmentation for women - yay or nay?
My wife has been dealing with thinning hair for a number of years. She has been thoroughly investigated from a medical standpoint and there doesn't seem to be any reversible cause; it also runs in her family. She's already had one round of hair transplantation three years ago, which went well, but it's expensive and several more treatments would be needed to really increase her hair density. She's tried minoxidil and Nizoral without much luck.
So, we've been researching scalp micropigmentation and are looking for some advice. (I'm posting at her request -- this isn't something I'm planning to surprise her with.) [more inside]
Denver Dog Wash
I have a very frail, elderly dog that needs a bath. She is also terrified of water. I need some recommendations for a pet groomer in the Denver, Colorado area who I can trust will be very gentle and make the experience as less traumatizing as possible. Thanks!
Eating and drinking in Ottawa, good craft beer edition
I'll be in Ottawa Tuesday - Friday next week, and would like suggestions for a good spot with a decent craft beer selection to hang out with colleagues--preferably near Library & Archives Canada, the Best Western on O'Connor, or somewhere along the way between (but probably willing to wander a bit). [more inside]
posted by 1UP at 1:21 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by 1UP at 1:21 PM PST - 6 comments
Any rat-friendly homes open for the holidays?
I am looking for a place to board my two pet rats, in the Boston area, from December 23rd to December 27th. [more inside]
I think we could all use another round of "Name That Cat"!
A lovely new cat has joined my home, and I need help naming her! [more inside]
posted by bookmammal at 1:04 PM PST - 50 comments
posted by bookmammal at 1:04 PM PST - 50 comments
Can you spot the Keith?
I was asked to write a short biography of Keith Emerson and while doing some research came across this rather awesome picture from 1967 showing band members from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Move, The Nice (with Emerson), Pink Floyd, Amen Corner and others during a package tour of the UK. [more inside]
posted by _dario at 12:46 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by _dario at 12:46 PM PST - 15 comments
Whatever could it be / that has brought me to this loss?
In a year full of grief, I’m searching for music, writing, and art to get me through. Please share what was meaningful for you in working through your own grief. [more inside]
posted by Synesthesia at 12:36 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Synesthesia at 12:36 PM PST - 10 comments
Handmade garden pots / planters in the northeast?
Do you know of any sources for handmade, terracotta flower pots/planters in the northeast? [more inside]
Mute all but music for iPhone over Bluetooth?
I recently bought a Bluetooth speaker that I use for my living room stereo. I connect my iPhone (6 if it matters) to play music or podcasts. I also like to play games on my phone while listening to music, but don't want the game sounds to play through the speaker at all. [more inside]
Environmental law jobs like in ClientEarth? (UK)
I think I might like to train as a lawyer (already got a degree, so it would be post-grad training). But only if I get to do things I care about. Like ClientEarth, Bindmans, or Leigh Day. Please advise? [more inside]
I need post-election house signage
I've been loathe to take down my Hillary 2016 sign, but eventually I'm going to have to do the thing. I want to replace it with something else, though, a sticker or sign that expresses inclusiveness and support for those who are most vulnerable in this scary new world. [more inside]
There's Always a Subway
Experienced road trippers, what do you do about eating? Especially lunch? [more inside]
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 8:35 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 8:35 AM PST - 32 comments
Looking for recommendations of non-horror films with similar scenes to
the ones found in Prometheus and The Revenent. (CONTAINS SPOILERS) [more inside]
Office Christmas gifts - is separate but equal okay?
I want to give the same Christmas gift to two of my team members, and a different gift to the third. Plus, the gift would be a rerun for one of the two, as it would replace the same item I gave her previously, which got broken. Should I do this, or move on to a different gift idea entirely? Specifics inside. [more inside]
Tuxedos for women in Los Angeles
I have a formal work thing coming up. We need to dress up, but neither of us wear dresses. I (female) am more femme than my spouse (also female), but not dress-wearing femme. The search for matching-ish tuxes has been harder than anticipated. We are open to both renting and buying. Where to go?
To explore strange new worlds...
I received Star Trek TOS and TNG box sets for my birthday and have been slowly working through TOS with my husband. I would really love to do some supplemental reading/listening to enhance this, so I'm looking for blogs, articles, and podcasts which discuss the episodes, themes, background info, whatever. [more inside]
posted by catch as catch can at 1:44 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by catch as catch can at 1:44 AM PST - 18 comments
December 2
Advice for moving on
How do I move on when I don't feel ready to? I broke up with my boyfriend 3 months ago and even though breaking up was the right decision, I can't seem to let go (snowflakes within) [more inside]
posted by Chrysalis at 11:26 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Chrysalis at 11:26 PM PST - 12 comments
[BDSM] Where to get knives for play?
Looking for recommendations for where to find knives for knife play.
posted by city_park at 11:07 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by city_park at 11:07 PM PST - 5 comments
How can I hire myself, anonymously, for overflow freelance work?
I am in charge of communications for a medium-size department in a much larger institution. I've been mandated to expand our communications channels over the past few years, which I have done, but am having trouble populating them with quality content -- and content creation is not actually among my formal responsibilities. It's impossible to find local people in my small city that can support me as freelance writers at the speed, frequency and price point I need, and remote hiring has not been a great success in the past. I'm capable of doing the writing work quickly, efficiently and well, but can't do it during my regular hours. Is there any way I can hire myself as a freelance writer, working on my own time, without my bosses knowing I'm hiring myself? [Canada] [more inside]
Two interviews, two departments, same university
I am on the academic job market this year (assistant prof level), and I have an upcoming onsite interview at State University in one department for a faculty position, during which I will be giving a public job talk. I also have a Skype interview scheduled two weeks before that with a separate department for a different faculty position that has some overlap with the first one. What now? [more inside]
What happens when you back out of a job competition?
When you withdraw yourself from a hiring process - either turning down a verbal offer or dropping out at the technical test stage - is it normal to not get an email response or confirmation? [more inside]
"Jolly" just doesn't feel right
Post-election, I'm looking for boxes or sets of secular winter holiday cards that have a thought-provoking or supportive message, and also don't have blithe good wishes that I wouldn't be able to send with any sincerity. [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 10:25 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by wintersweet at 10:25 PM PST - 12 comments
Contraption & trap supplies for kids
My five-year-old nephew likes building traps and contraptions. I know he uses tape and bungee cords, and presumably stuff from around the house. What could I give him for Christmas that would help support this hobby? Do you have kids that like to build? What're their favorite scraps and fancy things to create with? [more inside]
posted by Margalo Epps at 8:33 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Margalo Epps at 8:33 PM PST - 16 comments
Your stop-drinking success stories?
I'm tired of feeling lousy the day after I drink and am thinking of stopping drinking any alcohol in any form, period. If you've done that, how difficult was it, what does it feel like?
posted by mono blanco at 8:20 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by mono blanco at 8:20 PM PST - 30 comments
How to keep feet dressings dry in the shower?
For reasons, I have several dressings on my feet which need to be kept dry for the next few days. Any ideas how I keep them dry whilst in the shower? I don't have access to a bath.
pot too large for wood stove, now what?
I use large pots on the wood stove to heat bathwater in my cabin. Wanting to upgrade a 6 gallon pot, I bought two larger ones at an auction. Only to find my eyes were bigger than my stove surface and the pots I purchased are prrobably something like 20 gallons each!
Only 60% of the larger pot fits on top of the stove, the rest would hang off the side. Wanting to avoid spilling 20 gallons of steaming water. Is there any way to make this safe? [more inside]
The world is my oyster! ...for 2 weeks in March. Travel ideas pls.
Previous travel plans fell through, but I have money set aside and time off from work. Help me brainstorm? Must be March, 2 weeks max. I'm attracted to places with a variety of history, culture, scenery, wildlife, friendly (or at least not hostile to tourists) people. Not interested in shopping, nightlife. [more inside]
Just got Gigabit internet; networking/ethernet help needed
Recently got Comcast Gigabit (deal with the devil - I know), along with a Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 router. Installation was simple. Getting the best speeds and home network experience has left me with a bunch of questions and problems I'm not sure how to solve. [more inside]
Musical Denoument
Just a thought today as one of my favorite songs sprang into my head [more inside]
Toddler iOS/iPad apps that encourage a LONG attention span?
As a followup to my previous question, I'm wondering about toddler-appropriate "slow" iPad apps that encourage a long attention span.
I'm explicitly looking for things that do not have stupid music, falsetto voices, branding, IAPs, or really anything saccharine. The more abstract, the better.
Dispute with Contractor on extra fee. Nothing written. How to resolve?
At the end of a 3 month project, the general contractor brings up an extra $1200 charge for work done by a sub that we thought was included. The contractor said he or his sub (he's unclear on this!) told us it would cost more and we agreed. We do not agree. There's no written documentation on this specific issue at all. Now what do I do? [more inside]
posted by Mushroom12345 at 2:02 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Mushroom12345 at 2:02 PM PST - 24 comments
Christmas Crackers with non-awful gifts
Crackers are a christmas tradition in my family, we all like the bad hats and bad jokes but I always hate the silly cheap toys, especially because every year some child gets excited by their cracker present and then dissapointed when they try and play with it and work out it is rubbish.(sometimes this child is 29yr old me) Can Mefi reccomend some christmas crackers with fun, well made gifts inside?
posted by Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory at 1:40 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory at 1:40 PM PST - 14 comments
How does one handle bullying when it comes in the form of call-outs?
How do you handle what feels like bullying behavior from someone when that bullying behavior is being expressed, for lack of a better word, in the form of demands that you check your privilege? I am involved in a community where one member has an unflagging dedication to pointing out my insensitivity and bias, citing infractions that they do not call out in others and haven't been pointed out by other community members. [more inside]
posted by Hey nonny nonny mouse at 1:35 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by Hey nonny nonny mouse at 1:35 PM PST - 30 comments
Escapism for a social justice multiclasser.
Please recommend well-written cozy mysteries that won't make me angry. [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 1:16 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by joyceanmachine at 1:16 PM PST - 21 comments
Manly Cat Paraphernalia?
My partner is basically a "cat lady", except he's a dude. I'd love to get him a male version of some of the many cat-related gifts, attire, and paraphernalia that exist for women. Where do I go to genderfuck or disrupt the concept of the "cat lady"? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 1:11 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Sara C. at 1:11 PM PST - 22 comments
What is the inspiration for this style of logo design?
Recently I've noticed a lot of designs for logos, tshirts, etc. with an X shape with images around it. For instance this Hamilton shirt or this Twitter account. Are they all inspired by some historic flag design? It seems really familiar to me but I can't figure out what it is.
posted by interplanetjanet at 1:01 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by interplanetjanet at 1:01 PM PST - 15 comments
Bag that is MOST SIMILAR to QueenBee Trucker bags?
I have used QueenBee Trucker bags for years - but the price has gone up and the quality has gone down, with the latest bag having a fault in how it was made that caused it to disintegrate faster than it should. I am looking for a bag that is most like these bags, but not them. And cheaper than $170 would be swell. Some features I am looking for include... [more inside]
Gay dude and straight homey out in SF.. Best nightlife for both of us!
We want to wingman each other.. at the same place. [more inside]
Dentist that takes Delta Dental in or around NYC's UWS
Looking for friendly, decent dentist recs that accept Delta Dental insurance in or around New York City's Upper West Side
How do I get rid of my lady 'stache?
I'm a menopausal lady with a dark mustache. Bleaching it is no longer cutting it, as it's growing long and thick, and I now look like a blonde Magnum P.I. Tell me about electrolysis or lasers or whatever is best? And recommendations in L.A.? [more inside]
What's new in the world of menstural products?
I just got my period back after three years. I'm interested in what's now available for reusable menstrual goods (cups and pads) and apps. [more inside]
How do I recover from burnout enough to find the next thing?
I am more burned out than I have ever been. My organization is transforming in a way that will only make this worse. I am so burned out that I don't feel like I'm good at anything and I can't remember enjoying anything. I need to move on; however I don't want to jump into another role that is going to lead to the same end point. We've just been told no vacations will be approved until March. How do I get myself the space to recover enough from burnout to figure out where I should move to next? This post, like a Tardis, is bigger on the inside and full of special snowflakes. [more inside]
Privately Refinancing Federally Consolidated Student Loans?
I have been hearing a lot lately about people refinancing student loans with private companies like SoFi or DRB; do you have any personal experience doing this, and did it successfully save you money? [more inside]
posted by stellaluna at 10:51 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by stellaluna at 10:51 AM PST - 12 comments
iOS backup: Manual to computer or iCloud
For an iPhone, what's the difference between backing up to iCloud and backing up to your computer (besides the obvious that "The Cloud" is just someone else's computer)? Is one better than the other or does it depend on what your goals are? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:45 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:45 AM PST - 12 comments
Hope me, everyone ELSE has too many calendars
My work life involves contact with three autonomous groups, each of whom uses a series of Google calendars (small mercies, everyone is on the same platform) to keep track of meetings, meeting slots, rooms and/or equipment booking, project deadlines. And so on.
There are literally 29 calendars on my sidebar, it's madness. At any given point, around 10 are probably relevant to me, but which 10 it is can change every few months. I need some kind of next-level calendaring solution [more inside]
Tracking Trump's Term
I want to keep track of how Trump "Makes America Great Again" during his term. What should I keep track of, and from which sources? [more inside]
posted by kirkaracha at 10:15 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by kirkaracha at 10:15 AM PST - 9 comments
People of the First Light
Please suggest brief age-appropriate resources that I can share with my ten year old (5th grade) son to educate him about the diverse experience of First Nations peoples in North America. [more inside]
Advice on Parenting Books: Which Ones to Read and How to Use Them
I'm having a baby! I'm looking for books on parenting. Not the feeding/changing etc. but the how-to-raise a human being aspects. So my two questions are: 1) What books on parenting did you find the most useful (birth through school-aged) both as general approaches to parenting and related to special issues I'll list inside and 2) The books will inevitably contradict each other. What strategies have you used to figure out what to draw from each set of ideas and what what works for you and what doesn't etc.? [more inside]
Starter Toolkit as a Gift?
My sweetie recently moved into her own apartment after living with her parents for a while (screw you, Great Recession!). As part of the coming holidays, I’d like to gift her a starter tool-kit that supports both basic maintenance and our geeky building-stuff-together hobbies. It's been close to twenty years since I bought a starter toolkit, so I’m a bit overwhelmed by choice. Hope me? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 9:17 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by Alterscape at 9:17 AM PST - 37 comments
Looking for recommendations for synth forums
i recently started exploring Synthesizers and in trying to get educated I looking for some forums to communicate questions and gain insight.
Do you have a fave or are aware of some great forums?
Seeking stupid arguments to fight about at lunch for fun and profit.
My coworkers like to good-naturedly argue. Help us find new topics! (Hurry, please, lunch is in an hour!) [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 8:43 AM PST - 69 comments
posted by phunniemee at 8:43 AM PST - 69 comments
Pirate. Cat. Socks.
My wife loved her pirate cat socks. Does anyone know where I could get a pair? The exact socks are strongly preferred, but I've had a tough time finding whimsical cat socks at the usual suspects like department stores.
posted by wnissen at 8:41 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by wnissen at 8:41 AM PST - 16 comments
Should I purchase carbon offset credits?
I'm looking to reduce my carbon footprint as much as possible, and then purchase carbon offset credits to make up the rest. Is this merely a feelgood way for me to waste my money, or do they have real value? Do you know of any good resource that rates them? [more inside]
I hear voices. Please make them stop.
I'm getting radio interference on my desktop monitors, and am assaulted by some sports talk show constantly whenever I'm not playing anything that would drown it out. As a result, I am reluctant to turn them on, and do so only infrequently, and am missing out on the full experience of shrooming dog videos on Facebook. They're Yamaha HS50s, connected to a Behringer mixer with 1/4" cables, and the power in my apartment is not grounded. Every time I try Googling this issue myself, I have a confused. Please tell me what to do to to fix this before I learn something about sports and/or throw the speakers through the window!
Can I get compensation for a near-miss accident?
Earlier this week, a possibly-intoxicated driver barreled through a red light at high speed, nearly hitting several cars (including mine) which were in the process of making a protected left turn. The resulting braking and skidding damaged the brake system in my car, resulting in about $800 worth of damage. The driver escaped, but can I file an insurance claim, or sue the driver, based on the intersection camera footage or something? If so, how would I go about that?
posted by Maximian at 7:51 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Maximian at 7:51 AM PST - 15 comments
Children's books with realistic/ambiguous plots
Most American children's books seem to have a predicatable plot with challenges that are eventually overcome with (nearly) complete success. Sometimes it takes three tries, and sometimes there's a twist, but everyone goes home mostly happy. I am looking for kid's books with more realistic depictions of the process of failure and the ambiguity of human experience. [more inside]
posted by epanalepsis at 7:39 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by epanalepsis at 7:39 AM PST - 34 comments
Fix Broken Chair Leg
I have an upholstered chair with a broken leg. I'd love to fix it myself, but I'm not particularly handy and don't know if glue or wood filler will do the trick. More detail inside. [more inside]
Where to get a "do not duplicate" key duplicated?
The outside door key for my apartment building has "do not duplicate" stamped on it, but I want to get a copy. I'd rather not contact the landlord. The local hardware store has refused and the "make it yourself" kiosks at big box improvement stores don't work for this type of key. [more inside]
posted by AFABulous at 6:40 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by AFABulous at 6:40 AM PST - 27 comments
Would you consider this sanitary?
Say that six people share two shower booths, since there are 14 students per floor, where two are in suites, thus leaving twelve people per gender to use two bathrooms equipped with two shower booths each.
Also assume that the shower booths are cleaned using bleach-soaked mops every day at 2 pm. Finally assume that you take showers late in the evening and early in the morning.
Under this assumption, if you go barefoot into those shower booths, is this okay?
posted by red_alert_3 at 6:05 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by red_alert_3 at 6:05 AM PST - 26 comments
Petit fours in Boston area?
A recent book has my partner wanting petit fours. I can find them online but I have no way of knowing the quality and would rather buy them from a bakery but I can't seem to find them anywhere. Does anyone know of a quality pastryshop/bakery that carries them?
posted by InkaLomax at 5:33 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by InkaLomax at 5:33 AM PST - 7 comments
What is this American accent?
Dr. House my foster kitten!
VETERNARIANS OF METAFILTER: I've been fostering an 8 week old baby through a shelter for 3 weeks, there's been some improvement but I'm afraid there's something seriously wrong, the shelter vet is an overworked outside guy who deals with the shelter babies on the side and I'm trying to help her out. Details inside! [more inside]
Second-hand bike shop in Berkeley, CA?
I will be in Berkeley, CA for 6 months next year and want to get a cheap bike as transport. I won't be bringing it with me when I leave so I don't want to spend more than I need to. Can anyone recommend a good-value bike shop that has a decent range of second-hand bikes? (Bonus points for advice on bike security in Berkeley.)
December 1
How to maintain rosewood knife handles
OK, so I'm starting to see the limits of my general practice of "maintenance through neglect". I received a set of rosewood steak knives a few months ago and I figure I need to oil them. So what type of oil should I use? Food grade mineral oil? Flaxseed oil? Something else? Any other tips appreciated.
How do I Christmas?
This will be my first Christmas season without my mother, and I am not sure how to celebrate. [more inside]
A nonstandard question about the interaction of cats and Christmas trees
Scottish atheist solves crimes, has steamy romance, on Mystery!
I can't believe I'm asking this, but here we are. Sometime between 1990 and 1998 I saw a miniseries on Mystery! or Masterpiece Theater or just PBS and all I remember is that it was about a Scottish atheist who was a detective, or a PI, or something mystery-related? And he points out that men wearing just socks are silly, but women wearing just socks are sexy? Setting was contemporary. It was in reruns when I saw it. What the heck did I see and can I watch it again?
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:19 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:19 PM PST - 10 comments
Plex and Roku - Do I have this right?
Is this the correct setup for getting Roku and Plex to work in harmony? [more inside]
Winter Wonderland Roadside Attractions
I need the hive mind's help. Winter holiday ski road trip is happening! We'll be going from Lander, WY to Sun Valley, ID, through Missoula, MT to Lake Louise, Alberta to Revelstoke, BC to Whistler. I am looking for good places to eat, cheap places to sleep, and most importantly interesting things to see or do! [more inside]
posted by grinagog at 7:04 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by grinagog at 7:04 PM PST - 5 comments
Where can I buy Vampire plugs (for X-mas lights) in the bay area?
I'm going the custom length outdoor light route for the first time and ordered a bunch of stuff from christmasdecorators.com and realize now that I need a few more plugs and some zip cord. I'm trying to get this done on Saturday so I can't just order online (no one sells these via Amazon Prime).
I have to head down from Berkeley to Sunnyvale for work tomorrow so almost the whole Bay Area is in play.
Good food near Beacon Hill?
I'm looking for a breakfast place and a dinner place in/around Beacon Hill in Boston. Can you recommend something tasty?
Recommend a co-working space in Portland
We are moving up to Portland next month (yay) and I will be working remotely for my current company. Some years ago I had a similar experience and really enjoyed using Hacker Dojo in Mountain View for a work space. Can you recommend a place in Portland or just south (we plan on living in the Lake Oswego/Tigard area)? [more inside]
posted by billsaysthis at 4:22 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by billsaysthis at 4:22 PM PST - 6 comments
Am I having a heart attack in slow motion?
I'm in a strange country and submitted to a series of 'hemoglobin' IVs. Now I'm starting to get some chest pain...should I be worried? [more inside]
Can p → q |- ¬p ∨ q in intuitionistic logic?
Can you prove p → q |- ¬p ∨ q without using the law of the excluded middle or its equivalent? I'm going through a logic book (introductory) and I have an intuition that proving this isn't possible constructively, but I'd like a confirmation.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 3:42 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 3:42 PM PST - 14 comments
Can you recommend a piano teacher in Toronto?
I am looking for a piano teacher who works with adults that have no previous experience. Said teacher should be located in the Toronto area and able to work with someone who is employed full-time. Personal anecdotes appreciated.
Get me out of the non-profit world!
I currently work as a prospect researcher/prospect manager for the Development department at a large non-profit. I am unhappy in my position, and am starting to think I might want to get out of the non-profit world entirely as I've seen nothing but dysfunction in the organizations I have worked for. I need help figuring out how my skills could apply to another career. [more inside]
My mother just died. Bank Account Concerns
My mother died this morning. I am a co-signatory on her bank account. I live in California. I need answers ASAP because I don't want her funds frozen once we file the death certificate. I have a few questions. [more inside]
posted by generic230 at 2:33 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by generic230 at 2:33 PM PST - 21 comments
Tell Me All About AT&T Phone Experiences
What is good, bad or ugly about AT&T cell phone service? If you have (prepaid) service with AT&T, how do you keep track of your minutes and days left? How do you pay? [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 2:27 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Michele in California at 2:27 PM PST - 11 comments
Dental implants or dental crowns for worn down molars
Over the years I have worn down my back teeth due to Bruxism (I'm 63). My dentist recommended crowns on the back teeth to build them up so that my bottom teeth don't cut into the roof of my mouth, but I am thinking dental implants would make more sense. Any thoughts? [more inside]
career-advicefilter
I seem to have reached a plateau in my career, and I’d like some advice to help me figure out what to do next. A lot of detail and ideas inside… [more inside]
Is he cheating or just really friendly?
A history of near-cheating incidents have me questioning some over-the-top comments my husband has made to some women. Can you help me tell if I am over-reacting and figure out how to proceed? [more inside]
Surviving a Toxic Work Place: To Leave or Not To Leave?
I'm the only female in my group at work and I'm rarely spoken to by any of my male colleagues, including my boss...not even courtesy greetings. They avoid me and only talk to me when they need something from me. [more inside]
Do papercraft blanks exist for polyhedra?
I kind of doubt this exists, but am asking with a small glimmer of hope: I am looking for white cardstock that has pre-scored fold & cut lines for a dodecahedron. I would be open to other polyhedra as well. I would design a skin for it and print it out using a laser or inkjet printer. The recipient should be able to easily fold it up into a shape. I would like to create about 20 of them. [more inside]
posted by oxisos at 1:24 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by oxisos at 1:24 PM PST - 8 comments
Dating Pre-1492 Events in the Americas
Are there any events in the Americas before 1492 that we are able to date exactly with a reasonable confidence? What's the oldest such event? We know that Julius Caesar was assassinated on exactly March 15th 44 BCE. Do we know any such exact dates in the western hemisphere? [more inside]
Choosing a sewing machine for a Christmas gift
My wife has requested a basic sewing machine for Christmas. I have a maximum budget of about $300 (Canadian) but would rather go closer to $150-200. After some research I have narrowed down the choice to about 3 models but I am out of my depth and need some help. [more inside]
posted by piyushnz at 12:59 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by piyushnz at 12:59 PM PST - 30 comments
Best way to travel from Brampton to Toronto?
My partner is working in Brampton, Ontario next week. He needs to plan how to best travel to Toronto from there. Is there an easy way to do this on public transportation? Or is Uber or taxi his best bet? Any advice would be appteciated. [more inside]
posted by areaperson at 12:41 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by areaperson at 12:41 PM PST - 10 comments
Two wintry days in Toronto - what should we not miss?
Arriving Sunday morning - have Sunday and Monday essentially to run around, eat and drink and have a good time. Staying near Union Station and relying on public transport...been to Niagara, so no need for a detour outside of the city. Suggestions? St. Lawrence market appears to be closed both days, which makes me very sad. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
another running question! 5K to 8K?
I did C25K and quite triumphantly ran my first race in 34 minutes! I know, not breaking any speed records. Anyway, my friend and I are thinking about signing up for a five miler in early January, so that gives me about four weeks to train. Can I do this? What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by cakelite at 11:38 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by cakelite at 11:38 AM PST - 7 comments
Darling it's better/down where it's wetter
What's fun and interesting to sous vide? [more inside]
One Perfectionist with an Instant Pot
What are your best Instant Pot recipes for an anxious, depressed, perfectionist, one-person household? [more inside]
posted by yueliang at 11:25 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by yueliang at 11:25 AM PST - 28 comments
Mental Illness Success Stories
Can anyone share stories of people who have been successful/achieved their dreams despite mental health issues? Books, articles, any other media or personal stories would be welcome.
Long term travel with young children
How can we provide the best experience for my (age 5 & 6) children as we travel Central and South America for 7 months? [more inside]
Help me learn to read patents!
I have a new-ish job where I increasingly need to glean information from patents. Despite many years of reading other technical literature, I find them to be very difficult to understand, and I would like to find suggestions/resources for getting better at finding information in them more quickly. [more inside]
posted by juliapangolin at 10:48 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by juliapangolin at 10:48 AM PST - 7 comments
̶R̶o̶m̶n̶e̶y̶
Big-name elected Republicans who maintain opposition to a Trump Presidency? [more inside]
posted by Mike Mongo at 10:39 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Mike Mongo at 10:39 AM PST - 15 comments
Software to conduct and transcribe online focus groups
I have been asked to organize a series of online focus groups using videoconferencing. I am looking for a platform to use to conduct them, and a cheap transcription service to convert the recordings into text. [more inside]
'Tis the season for the itchy left breast mystery
Every winter, I get a small patch of dry, itchy skin on my breast. It's always in the same place. What could be causing it? [more inside]
Finding and thanking a prosecutor and officer
How do I find details on a decades-old felony case and then thank the prosecutor and officer? [more inside]
is there such thing as physical side effects from therapy?
Whenever I have a breakthrough in therapy, it seems like it causes weird side effects and I'm not sure if they're serious or not. Please help! [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 9:56 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by winterportage at 9:56 AM PST - 14 comments
Access encrypted Macbook with broken keyboard?
Finally spilled coffee on my 6-year-old MacBook Pro, borking the keyboard. It still boots up seemingly fine, but the hard drive is encrypted with a 40+ character password and I can't enter the password due to borked keyboard. I tried booting it up with a USB PC keyboard attached, but the laptop didn't recognize it. The problem is not the USB, since it will recognize a USB mouse. Is there a way to bring up an onscreen keyboard? Or another solution I'm not seeing?
posted by HeroZero at 9:46 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by HeroZero at 9:46 AM PST - 11 comments
NYE plans that don't revolve around food
I'm currently laying groundwork for weight loss surgery and really want (and need) to stop associating "special event" with food and cooking. So, help me plan a really special, fun, memorable, and romantic NYE for me and my husband that doesn't entirely revolve around food. [more inside]
Driving + transit from Boston to Manhattan
How can I drive most of the way from Boston to New York, park, and then take commuter rail (or similar) into Manhattan? [more inside]
Electronics kit for a ~10 year old child?
My youngest has requested an electronics kit for Christmas. I’m struggling to find anything on Amazon in the UK that doesn’t look suspiciously like it’s been thrown together from a bucket list of parts in Shenzhen and shipped out in a box. [more inside]
How do I call my super-far-right congressperson?
I feel so dumb asking this and now the whole internet will know about my civic ineptitude. How do I call my representatives about Standing Rock when they are already slated for Trump's cabinet? [more inside]
please advise on best business entity (or entities) for my situation
Sorry, long. This is a bit of a complex situation of my own doing.
After quitting my job I did some consulting (writing code for Engineering companies) under my own name. [more inside]
What's the most intuitive schedule making program out there for mac?
Basically it goes like this. I've got like 30 tasks that have to be done. They all have durations of 2 to 4 days each. Is there some program that just generates that and populates it onto a calendar of some kind? I don't want to do this as a google calendar or link it to my ical. I'm looking for some intuitive interface that, when things go sideways and it takes and extra day, bumps everything else down a bit.
Phone Woe Decision Tree Needed
I have phone screen issues that are making phone life very difficult. Should I suck it up until I can upgrade in May 2017? Should I pay to get the screen fixed? Should I get a refurbished phone for the mean time? [more inside]
Non-wool socks that are super wide and durable
Smart Wool socks are the only socks I've found that are both durable and comfortable on my super-wide feet (EEEE), but I want to branch out from wool for Reasons. I've already tried Sock Dreams, and the socks in the right style are not wide enough no matter what they say about them on the website. [more inside]
I Need a Crash Course on Sound-Proofing!
Finally getting a grand piano, but it's going to be along the wall to the kids' room. I only play late at night. And I play aggressive, modern classical music. How can I keep the kids asleep? Sound-proofing websites are either overly-complicated or just trying to promote their sponsors. Hope me! [more inside]
posted by TinWhistle at 7:55 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by TinWhistle at 7:55 AM PST - 12 comments
How Do I Disable Google's "Related Searches" Display on iOS Safari?
Google insists on gobbling screen space by displaying a stack of "Related searches" at the bottom of every search results page (Safari, iPad Pro).
How do I disable this? All "Suggestions" entries in Settings->Safari are turned off. I don't see anything useful in Google's search settings.
posted by justcorbly at 7:53 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by justcorbly at 7:53 AM PST - 4 comments
Any 6-big-kid barefoot shoes out there?
Know of any kid's barefoot shoes in size 6 big kid? Please tell me about them! [more inside]
Little drummer boy
I want to buy my partner a beginner's electronic drum kit. I know nothing. Please help. [more inside]
Goodbye cubicles!
Hit me with your best ideas for an office remodel. What makes employees the happiest? [more inside]
Please recommend a book of naval history
I'm trying to come up with a Christmas present. My dad really loves naval history. I'd say his favorite periods are WWII (Pacific) and the Napoleonic wars, but I've seem him read and enjoy books from other periods. What books about naval history have you read and enjoyed?
If it's ___________, it must be Christmas!
In need of a fancy, unique, special or otherwise singular dish to serve on Christmas morning. (Cinnamon rolls need not apply.) [more inside]
Examples of ambitious women in fantasy lit?
After finishing the penultimate novel in The Queen of the Tearling trilogy I have a sudden desperation to read about ambitious and competent women in fantasy. I'm thinking anywhere along the lines of the ruthlessness of Cersei Lannister to the intelligence of Hermione Granger. I'm not looking for books that follow the familiar Young Adult trend of someone being thrust into a responsibility they are reluctant to take on. I want to read about women who are driven and set out to accomplish what they want, with no preference to YA or adult fantasy.
Symbol of security
I'm tasked to collect the different (academic) research topics on security and privacy of our group and commission someone from communications to help with making some graphical representation for a website. What should that look like? What symbolizes computer security/privacy/safety? I'd like to avoid clichés like padlocks or keyboards with the return key re-labeled, while retaining a mental association.
Low-Carb pantry meals
I am in need of some ideas for low-carb meals that can be made from ONLY shelf-stable ingredients. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 4:26 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 4:26 AM PST - 17 comments
How to grieve for a pet from afar
My ex texted me yesterday to let me know that one of her cats -- whom I referred to as my step-cats whilst we were together -- was hit by a car yesterday. I'm devastated, though I haven't seen said cat for nearly a year, and I don't know how to process it properly. [more inside]
posted by six sided sock at 12:12 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by six sided sock at 12:12 AM PST - 11 comments