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I'm an Australian born and resident British citizen in Melbourne. How do I vote in the UK General Election? More generally: how does expat voting even work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:30 PM PST - 6 comments

Title pretty much says it, not able to find if there's any quality self-help/motivational/It'll get better type videos that are a good source on the internet? Does anyone know of one? It will help my niece. Thanks!
posted by skepticallypleased at 6:27 PM PST - 4 comments

After some quick research, it seems like using hairspray is a good way to keep chalk art from getting smudged. However, what if I want to wipe parts off and modify it? [more inside]
posted by tedious at 5:58 PM PST - 7 comments

A few days ago, I crashed my bike, smacking my face on the pavement. Once my swollen lip deflated, I noticed that one of my front teeth now has a visible horizontal fracture line. I'm not sure how urgent it is. Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur at 5:20 PM PST - 8 comments

I will be spending the next 2-5 years (at least) in nyc and have some specific and general questions. [more inside]
posted by R.F.Simpson at 5:10 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm terrible at explaining things, especially verbally. This includes story telling, explaining things at work, explaining what I do, etc. I'm not anti-social (actually am an extrovert that makes finding friends very easy) and think I can be pretty good for prepared speeches. Do you have some tips on improving?Classes/books/self-help.
posted by sandmanwv at 3:13 PM PST - 19 comments

Hi everyone! I have a very low nose bridge and high cheekbones, but I'm not Asian. My face is medium width! I have a heck of a time finding eyeglasses that fit. Any recommendations aside from Warby Parker? [more inside]
posted by ancient star at 2:50 PM PST - 16 comments

One of my neighbors is looking to replace her extensive collection of wind chimes with a recording that can be turned on and off at will. I'm trying to help her find a good replacement setup. [more inside]
posted by likedoomsday at 2:33 PM PST - 5 comments

tldr: I'm looking for a 48x24 desk with a 1" solid table top - that's about 22"-28" tall. Where can I find something like this? More details inside... [more inside]
posted by FlatHill at 2:30 PM PST - 7 comments

Over a year ago I asked this question. I'm struggling to deal with the aftermath of it and thought maybe someone had some resources or help for moving past a toxic relationship that, even though I am over it, is still affecting me way too much. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:50 PM PST - 17 comments

Does Uber work in Pontyclun or How does one hire a taxi in Wales from a small train station (Pontyclun)? [more inside]
posted by niteHawk at 1:43 PM PST - 7 comments

I recently finished watching the three seasons of The Great British Bake Off (sorry, fuck you, Pillsbury, The Great British BAKING SHOW) that are available on Netflix in the US and I enjoyed it way more than I expected. What other 'positive' reality shows will I enjoy? [more inside]
posted by rmd1023 at 1:39 PM PST - 61 comments

I want to get a handheld vacuum. I have hand issues, so I'd like something super light and easy to use. I'd also like it to be durable and good at picking stuff up. Does such a thing exist? I'm willing to spend more for higher quality. There are some old questions about this, but I figure there are advances in vacuum technology. Any recommendations?
posted by FencingGal at 1:02 PM PST - 15 comments

I would like to buy an oscilloscope ("analog", if possible - the LED screen ones do NOT have the aesthetic I am looking for) and use it as part of my bass guitar rig. Yes, this is just because I think it would look cool. Um. What is it I am looking for? How would I connect it?
posted by dirtdirt at 12:28 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm binging Better Call Saul with my husband (who has watched it all along with all of Breaking Bad), and I am LOVING the Insider Podcast, which is hosted and put together by the showrunners, editors, writers, etc. What other property-specific podcasts like this are out there? [more inside]
posted by KathrynT at 12:17 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm a US citizen in the US. I would like to invest, say, $2k in the Iranian stock market, hopefully in a mix of companies or an index. How do I do this? My understanding is that Europeans can do this, but I don't know how to bridge the gap. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:00 PM PST - 5 comments

I totally thought this wasn't a thing, but apparently you can regenerate receding gum tissue? My significant other's dentist has been recommending it to her. Has anyone tried this and did it work? How much did it cost for beneath how many teeth? https://www.google.com/search?q=Emdogain
posted by zeek321 at 11:58 AM PST - 1 comment

There's a closed group on Facebook that I'm a member of. I am not mentioning the name of it or what it does, to avoid alerting nefarious internet types. Every two weeks we need to make a post for that group that has a link to a Google Map. When we make said post and include the link to the Google Map, FB shows a horribly pixelated image of a generic Google Map icon ( don't mention the location or what the group is). How can we force FB to show the image of the actual map?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:51 AM PST - 14 comments

I've inherited a Google Analytics accounts from soemoene who resigned but I cannot figure out why this person never turned on the Search Console. Any Google Analytics/SEO guru's that could figure this out? I mean, the account IS collecting data, its not flat-linining at all, but when you go ot Search Console page it says it is disable. How can Anaytics work if Search Console is turned off? Is there a sensible reason for this? Thanks!
posted by bostonhill at 11:19 AM PST - 6 comments

For the past week or so, I've been getting two to three Google Verification code emails a day, using in the morning. I've already got two step verification and I've changed my password, but is there anything else I can be doing to make this stop?
posted by Old Man Wilson at 11:07 AM PST - 6 comments

If you start having more vivid dreams at night due to vitamins, medication, or any other reason, does this improve or harm your quality of sleep, or is it neutral? [more inside]
posted by One Second Before Awakening at 9:24 AM PST - 10 comments

Are there any DIY things I can check to help diagnose intermittent A/C loss in a 2004 Mazda3? Because I'm tired of spending money on a 13 year old car but I also like having A/C. [more inside]
posted by misskaz at 9:22 AM PST - 14 comments

I used WordPress to make a professional website about 5 years ago. Two weeks ago, I got an email from my site's web host, Netfirms, about security issues on the site. Now I'm getting sales calls from SiteLock to follow up on this detected threat. I'm not sure if this is just a sales ploy or there's actually something I need to do here. If I need to do something, I'd love some better guidance than Netfirms has given me. [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 9:07 AM PST - 8 comments

60-something Chinese-Americans road-tripping from Philadelphia to Atlanta. Recommendations for stuff to do and see and eat in Atlanta, and along the way? [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 9:07 AM PST - 14 comments

I have a MacBook & iPhone, neither of which will connect to the internet through my router. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by swheatie at 9:05 AM PST - 6 comments

I recall from a book of trivia that a Scot/American by the last name of Train proclaimed or considered himself King/Emperor/Dictator of America. Was there such a person? [more inside]
posted by clavdivs at 9:03 AM PST - 4 comments

Which of these hammocks should I buy? Should I buy a hammock? Specs and unfocused aspirations inside. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:18 AM PST - 25 comments

I'd like to go from a decade-long intermediate guitar slump to playing crisp, fast, exciting punk in the vein of the Replacements/Television/Martha. Help? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 8:17 AM PST - 5 comments

I will be visiting Seattle soon, and I would like a decent place to set up my laptop and get some work done for a few hours per day. It looks like most of the coworking spaces require membership. Any recommendations? I'm not keen on a coffee shop, and since I may need to call the office, I think a library might be inappropriate. Definitely willing to pay for the space.
posted by joebakes at 7:34 AM PST - 9 comments

The title is a recording my friend made for me that I play when I'm at a low point, and I've been playing it a lot lately. [more inside]
posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit at 7:33 AM PST - 20 comments

I recently learned first-hand that an amicable break-up can hurt much, much more than an emotionally fraught break-up. I'm taking some time for myself right now, and would like your best suggestions for sad reading to help me process everything. [more inside]
posted by schroedingersgirl at 7:11 AM PST - 11 comments

Someone I know has mental health issues that have prevented him from locating new housing before his lease expires (tomorrow). He lives and works in Hyde Park. Is the hotline run by Illinois Tenants Union useful, and will they have the resources to help my friend? [more inside]
posted by bleary at 6:29 AM PST - 14 comments

My girlfriend is staying at an Airbnb in Chicago near the intersection of S. California Avenue and W. 18th Street next to Douglas Park (North Lawndale/Little village?). Her work colleagues expressed some concerns about crime there and she just wanted to hear your impressions of the area (and possible "ground rules") from the Mefi-community. Secondly (and likely more interesting) what would be some fun, low-cost experiences for a late 20s girl who loves to explore and see a city from the ground up - sights/people or even events this coming weekend.
posted by mathiu at 4:18 AM PST - 21 comments

I would like to find out who managed a certain shop, on a certain road in London, at a given point in time (the 1960s). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:08 AM PST - 6 comments

So I got my testosterone tested at a Men's Health place and they said it was both on the low side and that I had significantly low levels of "free testosterone" whatever that is. I've been depressed, low energy, get tired easily and sexually...well not my best. I've read some good things about what this can do for a guy. But on the same token, I've read that when you go off of it, it can play havoc with your metabolism for a while. Even indefinitely. What's the right move here?
posted by anonymous at 3:07 AM PST - 14 comments

Two years ago, due to a combination of mental and physical health problems and some horrible administrators, I quit my teaching job. At the time, I thought it was all my fault for being a terrible teacher and I never wanted to go back, but now I realize neither is true. I have an opportunity to apply in a neighboring district. On paper, I am highly qualified, but how do I get through the interview process without sounding like a flake or bashing my previous principal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:07 AM PST - 7 comments

What is a good response to strangers who insist on addressing you in what they assume (based on your last name) is your native language, and expect you to be wildly impressed with their badly-bungled mispronunciations? (i.e., they run up to you and loudly greet you in a stilted, formal style in your native language, then turn their face toward you and await a response that indicated you are duly astounded by their brilliance). [more inside]
posted by soaringpineapple at 10:59 PM PST - 30 comments

My anemia won't improve, I don't seem to produce enough stomach acid, my hair's like straw, but everything's fine with my thyroid...what? [more inside]
posted by blerghamot at 9:23 PM PST - 18 comments

I am planning on recording conversations in a moving car - either for use in a podcast or for archival purposes. Ideally, I'd like to record on a device I already own (iPad/iPhone) with some sort of external microphone. Participants may in in the front seat or back seat. What equipment should a budget conscious person like me look for?
posted by m@f at 9:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I am in need of a new car. I don't drive much, and so the only purpose for the car is shopping trips and weekend adventures. It MUST be a convertible. It must be under 10,000. More details after the jump... [more inside]
posted by Dr_Janeway at 8:26 PM PST - 13 comments

What would be the best site to start a crowdfunding for a $10,000 endometriosis surgery? [more inside]
posted by Kombucha3452 at 8:05 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm going to be in St. Louis for six nights in June and I'd love some ideas for what to do in the evenings. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 7:34 PM PST - 16 comments

Friend and I (both f/mid twenties) are taking a spontaneous and much needed trip to San Francisco, CA at the end June/early July for 3 days. We are both hoping to mend and strengthen our friendship after a few months of estrangement. I would appreciate any insights about any of the city's intimate and thoughtful spots. [more inside]
posted by dea at 3:28 PM PST - 19 comments

What is this short hollow-centered concrete table thing? [more inside]
posted by headnsouth at 2:36 PM PST - 6 comments

My wife is finally turning in her ancient iPhone 5C, and wants to be able to pull old text threads off of it to save permanently. How? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 2:03 PM PST - 11 comments

I'd like to make a photo book for our family with text in both English and Japanese. Is there a photo book service that will allow me to do this? [more inside]
posted by telepanda at 1:00 PM PST - 8 comments

My beloved discontinued Fluevog sandals (purchased around 2009) suffered a tragic accident yesterday and are no more. I have taken pictures of the sole (heh) survivor. I'm looking for a replacement pair that is similar: well-made, comfortable, open toe, adjustable slingback strap, low heel (1/2 inch), leather, delicate (not chunky) and classic. My feet tend to be hard to fit; I have wider toes and a narrower heel. Any suggestions of specific replacements that would be available in Canada (online order or in-person purchase in Vancouver) much appreciated. Under $200 CAD preferable.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 12:46 PM PST - 8 comments

I'll be attending graduate school at Portland State University starting in September. I understand the rental market in PDX is generally pretty tight, so any tips for how/when/where to scope out rentals between now and September? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 12:05 PM PST - 11 comments

Please help my wife get through LAX on her own with our son, his carseat, carryon baggage, and her sanity. [more inside]
posted by number9dream at 11:48 AM PST - 28 comments

We are heading to Rome in September and I'm in major planning mode. We would like to spend a day at the Vatican/St. Peter's/Sistine Chapel. I've read the past posts. [more inside]
posted by raisingsand at 11:26 AM PST - 7 comments

How do families with two working parents and school-aged kids make childcare work in expensive cities? [more inside]
posted by Mayor West at 11:24 AM PST - 42 comments

I'd like to learn about Harlem from the non-white perspective; I've been reading Harlem: The Four Hundred Year History from Dutch Village to Capital of Black America and it's highly informative. What books, written from a black or latino perspective, would give a different sense of the history? [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 11:15 AM PST - 6 comments

My sister left her abusive husband two years ago and she and her children are now living safely with my parents. As details emerge of what the children endured, I am overwhelmed with sadness and guilt that I didn't do more sooner. How do I resolve this? [more inside]
posted by nubianinthedesert at 9:41 AM PST - 20 comments

Why do I dream about high school most nights? [more inside]
posted by rglass at 9:29 AM PST - 21 comments

I bought a jar of olives "salted á la Grecque" to put into a cous cous salad, but I just tried one and they are way too salty for me (and I really like salty things!). Is there a quick way for me to de-saltify these puppies? I'm going to be using them for dinner in about 3 hours - if I leave them to soak in some water until then, will it make any difference? Rinsing several times? Help!
posted by catch as catch can at 9:21 AM PST - 6 comments

As part of a trip to Australia, we're planning to spend five nights on Kangaroo Island, SA. But I'm not sure what part of the island we should stay at. [more inside]
posted by kestrel251 at 8:50 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm still hitting 220+ max heart rate as a 35 year old, is that as odd as I think? I've always had a high heart rate, during a hard effort ride of about say 45 minutes I can easily hit 180+ bpm for most of that. [more inside]
posted by Static Vagabond at 8:26 AM PST - 12 comments

How does an acoustic (unpowered) megaphone (or gramophone horn) amplify sound? I know that it directs sound, and catches the sound that would go in less useful directions, but I am led to believe that it also actually amplifies sound by the principle of acoustic impedance matching. The problem is, I don't understand this concept. [more inside]
posted by Galaxor Nebulon at 8:14 AM PST - 8 comments

As is our yearly Memorial Weekend tradition, we camped up in the Catskills, on Mongaup Pond. While we also get bug bites (that's camping!) this year, some of us got strange bites we haven't experienced before. [more inside]
posted by RajahKing at 8:06 AM PST - 9 comments

An organization I was once a member of has photos of me on its website. How do I get these removed? [more inside]
posted by Big Chief Little Pants at 7:20 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm looking for breakdowns of how much time is spent with other people. I'm still new(ish) to my city and making friends. I've made some really good ones, but they tend to be introverts and I just need more time with other people and I'm trying to get an idea of what is "normal." [more inside]
posted by raccoon409 at 7:16 AM PST - 10 comments

I have a job interview coming up this afternoon. I know they'll ask me why I want to leave my current job. I have a possible answer prepared, but I'm having second thoughts about the appropriateness of it. [more inside]
posted by JD Sockinger at 4:42 AM PST - 30 comments

I have a list of hundreds of guidelines for my workplace which are currently only searchable through the title. I would like to add keywords to these, including synonyms of words in the titles, abbreviations, categories, etc. [more inside]
posted by snoogles at 4:11 AM PST - 2 comments

How to handle saying no to doing an activity with a friend... because you already have plans to do that activity with a mutual friend of theirs. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:41 AM PST - 15 comments

Parents who deal with poopy laundry: talk to me about your process! [more inside]
posted by Bebo at 12:26 AM PST - 20 comments

I just updated the Google app on my phone (Pixel, 7.1.2), and now find my phone and make it ring do not work. I have cleared the cache and restarted the phone, no dice. I use this function more often than I want to admit. Please save me.
posted by jeather at 7:42 PM PST - 6 comments

My nine-year-old says: "Please ask Metafilter to find me more books like Johnny Tremain." Looking for YA historical fiction/graphic novels set at points between the Mayflower and the American Revolutionary War. [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:54 PM PST - 37 comments

Recommendations for widgets to display photos on "pages" of an iPhone? [more inside]
posted by Shane at 2:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Which mp3 player provides the following? (1) easy functionality for adding and removing music from my device or desktop's music library, (1) uploads music to the phone so that I can use it offline, and (3) is easy to search by song, artist, or album. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 1:55 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm in my early 30s, single (and not looking for a partner), and successful in my career. I've had a good relationship with my mother my whole life, including when I was a teenager, but she's become increasingly judgmental and controlling of my life choices, which makes me feel resentful toward her. How do I change this pattern and establish more effective boundaries for dealing with my mom as an adult? [more inside]
posted by basalganglia at 1:27 PM PST - 23 comments

Is there anything free or very cheap that will allow me to video chat with someone and record both sides for later editing? I know I could try to get them set up with screen capture software and have them record their side independantly, then send it to me. If they're not particularly tech savvy, though, that doesn't really work. Any suggestions for recording both streams from my end?
posted by SampleSize at 11:55 AM PST - 7 comments

A friend is editing a book and has commented on the PDF. The file is now corrupt and Acrobat won't open it. There's a ton of different software solutions out there but I don't know which one would work best. Paid solutions are acceptable if it is reasonable and if it works.
posted by clockworkjoe at 11:43 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm working on my first book proposal, and questions abound. I've been reading about the importance of building a platform before submitting a proposal, and I want to get a sense of if I've done enough already to build a platform or what more I could do that wouldn't be a waste of time/distraction from the actual writing. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 11:15 AM PST - 7 comments

My 14-year-old is going through a period of intense self-reflection and self-discovery, which is normal and great. However some of the identities he is adopting are not so great, and are increasingly concerning. How do I differentiate between normal teenage personal exploration and associated drama versus actual mental illness? [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 9:37 AM PST - 26 comments

We're thinking of switching our kid to a lump-sum budget to help her learn about budgeting, needs vs wants and so on. Have you tried this? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:30 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm really curious if there are examples of actual songs in the styles of these parodies. For example: are there power ballads like this? Sort of the triumphant riffs, the upbeat melody, even the chorus? Another song is this one, I'm wondering if there are songs in this style, but with...someone who can actually play their instrument!
posted by wooh at 8:00 AM PST - 10 comments

What are some simple-ish house and garden projects I can undertake in the course of a month? Now that I am a homeowner, I want to expand my gardening, sewing, and culinary skills that were previously limited by living in tiny apartments. I want to design a year-long self-guided series of month-long projects to help increase my skills towards greater self-sufficiency. Bonus points for book, video, and blog recommendations. [more inside]
posted by mostly vowels at 7:08 AM PST - 29 comments

I use Tumblr mainly to see cool photographs, but Tumblr insists on displaying them using only a tiny fraction of my screen. Here's an example of how my timeline looks. So much wasted space! Is there any way to make the photos in my timeline bigger as a default? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 3:19 AM PST - 6 comments

I'll be moving to the London area soon to start a new job. The job is based in Watford. I'm fairly young (think late 20s to early 30s), and I'd like to get involved with social things, meet interesting people, and (most importantly) meet people I'd like to date. I think most of this stuff would happen in more central parts of London. So I don't know whether it would make more sense to live close to work or somewhere a bit more central (not right in the middle, as I'll be earning 25k). [more inside]
posted by tangerine_poppies at 3:03 AM PST - 18 comments

Can you recommend a great neighborhood within an hour of Portland (ideally less) on the Washington State side? It could be in Vancouver, Washington, or in any of the small towns nearby. [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 2:13 AM PST - 8 comments

I moved out from my only parent's home a few years ago but I was unable to take all my possessions due to lack of space in my new place. However, in the last month or so I've been notified all my belongings are held hostage and if I do try to ask for details no one will reply at all. Is there a way to resolve this problem w/o contacting lawyers/police? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:10 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a milestone coming up. How do I remind them using WordPress? [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 11:00 PM PST - 4 comments

What's the coolest or most beautiful piece of Lovecraft-themed artwork you've come across that's available to purchase on the internet? Prints/replicas ok.
posted by eugenen at 9:45 PM PST - 6 comments

I have about 6 oz (~2 cups) of dehydrated strawberries that have been crushed into a fine powder. I have been adding it to smoothies but I want to branch out so I'm looking for recipe suggestions. Thanks!
posted by metaphorever at 8:41 PM PST - 17 comments

How have norms around wearing worn-out, damaged, or visibly repaired clothing changed? [more inside]
posted by eeek at 6:59 PM PST - 37 comments

It's a holiday weekend. I am weak, dizzy, exhausted, bleeding, and apparently mildly anemic. Trying to figure out what to do from here. [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 6:21 PM PST - 19 comments

Is it safe to store leafy greens and salad in mason jars in the fridge after sealing with Foodsaver Jar sealer if I'm consuming them within 9 days? Should I be worried about botulism? [more inside]
posted by lucia_engel at 6:20 PM PST - 15 comments

So this spring I was looking for the annotated Moby Dick on the Rap Genius site. I remember that the annotations were somewhat anemic, and came across a discussion that indicated that the British rights holder for Moby Dick insisted it be removed. At that point someone had a dump of the original annotations, and there was a forum discussion indicating the whole thing had been moved elsewhere, but when I went to the site the imported annotations didn't really work and it was a big mess. So fast forward a few months, and it appears the annotated Moby Dick is back online: https://genius.com/Herman-melville-moby-dick-chap-1-loomings-annotated I can't find any trace of the original discussion nor can I find the downloadable annotations on my hard drive or elsewhere. It's starting to feel like that Berenstain Bears alternate universe thing. Can anyone locate a discussion of the removal of Moby Dick from Rap Genius or the downloadable annotations file? I thank you.
posted by craniac at 5:27 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a new dishwasher (new to me) - Frigidaire built-in (model no inside). I was unloading the dishes and found a rubber ring (about the width of an 80s rubber bracelet, but about 6 inches in diameter). It was poking out of the bottom of the washer where the glass-trap is. I pulled it out because it had some hair and grossness on it. Now: how do I put it back properly? [more inside]
posted by Dressed to Kill at 5:06 PM PST - 4 comments

What are some good online stores that sell artist's books, books with unusual bindings, limited/numbered editions of books, broadsides... anything related to 'books as art/objects' I guess. I'm not looking for first editions or signed copies of "normal" books. Thanks!
posted by reductiondesign at 4:58 PM PST - 5 comments

I've been dropped into the dubious world of personnel management, borderline HR. I'm fumbling along, but one thing I'd like to do early in the company's life is to imbue a respectful adherence to people's pronoun preference. HR folks -- Is this respectful or intrusive? [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 4:40 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm wanting to travel to South America and have a number of places I want to go and can't decided which to go to. This week let's talk about Mount Roraima. [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 3:54 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm going to be in Buenos Aires and in Montevideo in July and will have a day in each city. I'd appreciate suggestions about what do see and do during my brief visit. Not a night owl but otherwise open to anything. Highly proficient in Spanish. Thanks!
posted by A. Davey at 3:40 PM PST - 5 comments

[MA Apartment Rental] My lease was through Aug 30. Notified property manager of intention to break lease with 60 days notice, and found a new tenant to take over lease with intention to re-sign for 3-5 years. Realty Company is asking us to pay broker's fee (1/2 months rent) and continue to pay rent until they received first month's rent from new tenant - but June is now technically our last month and they collected first, last, and security 5 years ago during lease signing. What do I have to pay? [more inside]
posted by danapiper at 3:18 PM PST - 11 comments

My handbag had catastrophic failure just before leaving the apt, and I'm about to get on a flight to Madrid, and would like to get a new, locally made leather handbag on either Madrid, Seville or Malaga. This will probably end up being the one souvenir for me on this trip. Any thoughts on what shops, brands or areas to look in? I'll also be passing through Toledo,Cordoba, and Granada if that opens up other options.
posted by larthegreat at 2:56 PM PST - 4 comments

What berry is this? My (25+ pound) 13 month old just ate a black / ripe one. We think it's solanum nigrum. The berry is between 1/8-1/4". Second opinions? [more inside]
posted by slidell at 1:42 PM PST - 6 comments

As the title asks: I'm trying to think of a single word that means "a thing I would not ordinarily do if it were not for this circumstance/situation". English preferred (though I can't think of one I'm readily familiar with), but I will accept any language. : ) Thanks MeFiters.
posted by bitterkitten at 1:41 PM PST - 20 comments

What are useful resources for the anti-Trump resistance in New York, Atlanta, LA, and St. Louis? I'm looking for organizations, materials, partners, trainings, guides, resources, apps, calendars, directories, and anything that would be helpful for groups or individuals working against Trump and the Republicans. [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 1:13 PM PST - 5 comments

There is a hole in the surface of my balcony floor that I would like to patch up. It happened a few summers ago when I rested the edge of a hot metal grill grate on the surface before letting it cool. I'm not sure what the surface is made of but it feels sort of rough and cement-like. Ideas for fixing this? [more inside]
posted by joan_holloway at 12:50 PM PST - 4 comments

I will soon be in the market for a (pretty) new vehicle. I need 4WD and something somewhat capable. What can you tell me about these vehicles? Or others that might tick my boxes? [more inside]
posted by still bill at 12:25 PM PST - 17 comments

So: middle aged woman with changing hair growth patterns now has rather healthy nose hair growth and doesn't like it one bit. But has no real idea of how to fix it, and current experiments don't seem to be working. Complications include a hands on face habit (that isn't going to change now) that makes me instantly aware of itchiness in and around nose and/or hairs that protrude, and thus leads to lots of figitting and nose rubbing and picking, which probably doesn't help. I've tried nose trimmers but I seem to get bumps, sores or pimples, or whatever.. and plucking them REALLY leads to sores. I've learned to manage the pubic region over the decades but this is new, and I can't be the only one confused...What the heck do other women do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:28 AM PST - 21 comments

I try to avoid using sexist language, but I am finding it difficult to replace the term "prima donna" to refer to "a very temperamental person with an inflated view of their own talent or importance" (per Google). Unfortunately, the synonyms I find are either equally sexist or somewhat esoteric. Any suggestions for an alternative?
posted by saeculorum at 9:22 AM PST - 40 comments

I travel a lot. I bought a Google Pixel LS laptop in the USA last year. us$1300. This week, while in Canada, it stopped working. Google support admits it's faulty and has offered to replace it. However, refuses to ship replacement to me in Canada and insists on shipping to USA, where I won't be for months, well after the warranty expires. This seems absurd and wrong to me... [more inside]
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 9:12 AM PST - 9 comments

I'd like to broaden my French-language music listening, but i don't really know what's current. Metafilter, please recommend some great albums, preferrably from the last few years. [more inside]
posted by platitudipus at 8:56 AM PST - 14 comments

My partner had to leave college many years ago before completing his undergraduate degree. He now works full-time and a few months ago, he was able to start taking classes again at a different, local university. However, he has massive student loans already and this program may double his debt. There must be more affordable ways to do this, right? We are willing to get creative! [more inside]
posted by inatizzy at 6:54 AM PST - 32 comments

When posting historical documents online, what’s the best way to deal with their inclusion of a racist slur? [more inside]
posted by MangoNews at 6:13 AM PST - 13 comments

There's the Rihanna/Lupita heist movie that started on Tumblr & Twitter, and this ad-hoc collab between Pat Rothfuss, Chuck Tingle, Neil Gaiman, BPAL, and others that took place on Twitter. What other collaborative projects between seemingly disconnected public figures have come about because of social media? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 5:48 AM PST - 7 comments

So, the major scale is what it is because it's even (well-tempered) tones splitting up a mathematical actuality that exists due to frequencies. Where the hell did the RELATIVE MINOR come from? Why don't we start the relative minor on, say, the fifth or the third and play all the notes in the major scale still? Is it a naturally-occurring thing too? Just the result of piano keys? The natural minor sure isn't very.... melodic (pun intended), so why what caused the focus on the 6th degree of the major scale for the formation of a scale at all? [more inside]
posted by springbound at 4:22 AM PST - 10 comments

We'll be at Lake Constance in July and are looking to spend an extra week exploring ONE mountain region in either Northern Italy or possibly Austria. The main things we're looking for:

• A variety of easy day hikes with huts or chalets along the way or as a destination.
• A friendly alpine town (with good restaurants/shops) in which to base ourselves in a hotel and easily go out exploring the local trail systems.
• Hot springs/spas
• Accessible by public transport, less than 8 hours from Zurich.
• Under 2000m (7000') altitude.

[more inside]
posted by oxisos at 8:40 PM PST - 4 comments

I know you are not my lawyer, accountant or real estate agent. I live in Los Angeles where rents are sky high and buying anything decent is ridiculously expensive. I need some advice about whether I can afford to buy a specific condo. I have made an offer and received a counter offer (along with six others who also made their own offer) and we have until Tuesday to reply. Please give me the benefit of your insight into the real estate and condo-buying experience. [more inside]
posted by parkerposey at 8:01 PM PST - 20 comments

What's the best way to search out my perfect used car, and buy long distance? [more inside]
posted by Marky at 7:48 PM PST - 11 comments

Small green peppers stuffed with a hard cheese and some sort of ham. I usually keep it in the refrigerator but forgot to put it away. I bought it Wednesday evening and found it on the counter Saturday morning, where it had enjoyed a fairly constant 72° F. Smells and looks OK. It is sold in an open vat in the store which doesn't seem refrigerated to me, but might be. I don't know where they keep it at night.
posted by ubiquity at 7:23 PM PST - 18 comments

My sister has rented an AirBnb in Austin from June 30/July 6 which coincides with a downtime for me work wise. I am looking to plan a road trip either to Austin or from Austin to a city to be determined (ideally the cheapest flight from BOS/BDL) with multiple stops along the way - plan to either sleep in rented SUV or hotels along the way. [more inside]
posted by Bossypants at 6:34 PM PST - 4 comments

My partner of 12 years and I split 6 months ago, now were are deciding whether and how to heal our relationship or end it for good. We're considering a "healing separation" - your experiences? Longer details inside. [more inside]
posted by whatdoyouthink? at 6:25 PM PST - 23 comments

I've been doing a lot of oil painting lately and a fair bit of reading about painting and painters, but haven't so far come up with much stuff that takes a really close, documentary look at artists' step-by-step working processes. Book and blog recommendations? [more inside]
posted by cortex at 6:14 PM PST - 9 comments

I have two free months, some vague ideas/destinations, a bit of money, and a boatload of anxiety. Talk to me about using a travel agent to deal with all of the above. [more inside]
posted by hepta at 5:56 PM PST - 8 comments

I just bought this dress and am looking for ideas on how to style it. [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 5:16 PM PST - 13 comments

Our nearly four-year-old has suddenly developed some separation anxiety issues, mostly centered around napping. It's especially bad at daycare, but we're not sure how to help him. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 4:08 PM PST - 7 comments

I am looking for other cars where you can remove the back seats and reinstall in the opposite direction hat they face backwards. This is for the safety of our children (rear facing baby seats are now widely accepted but it is actually better for older kids to continue facing backwards in booster seats as long as possible). We have a Renault Grand Espace which permits us to do this but we are looking to change for a new model. This is a question for which it is surprisingly hard to find answers via Google and I was hoping that you guys had ideas. Thanks!
posted by BigBrownBear at 1:18 PM PST - 12 comments

The song I'm trying to identify had lyrics that repeated several times at the end, "I want you right back where we both started." I have failed at Google. Anyone know which band/song this is? [more inside]
posted by littlewater at 12:55 PM PST - 7 comments

If we moved to another solar system, could we still make our own vitamin D? [more inside]
posted by Perodicticus potto at 12:52 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me come up with an escape room for 15 -20 seven year olds. Themes? Clues? Ideas? [more inside]
posted by Valancy Rachel at 12:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Mr. just_ducky and I will be in Rome on our wedding anniversary! Can you recommend a restaurant for us to have a nice meal at? [more inside]
posted by just_ducky at 12:28 PM PST - 6 comments

Please recommend a physical sunscreen to put on chest surgery scars so they won't become more visible. The scars are 17 weeks old. They are noticeable but starting to fade. Does physical sunblock really work to block 100% of the sun? I prefer something I can get in person at Target, Walgreens, etc that doesn't cost much. Bright colors are fine if they work better than clear.
posted by AFABulous at 10:35 AM PST - 16 comments

On Monday night, I found myself in a pub in Newcastle that seemed to be playing nothing but classic British indie from the late '90s to mid 2000s. The Coral, Athlete, The Zutrons, a bit of early Coldplay. One of the tracks didn't make that much of an impression on me at the time, but now I have to know what it was. [more inside]
posted by Sonny Jim at 10:02 AM PST - 9 comments

I want to use a Logitech USB webcam to video conference on my living room HDTV (Skype, or perhaps Facebook messenger, or Zoom meetings.) I know that I can do this by connecting the webcam to a computer, and the computer to the TV's HDMI port. But I'm wondering about details... [more inside]
posted by soulbarn at 9:23 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for a resume coach - in the Philly area for face-to-face, or online accessible. Some very general areas: academy or industry (tailored to either), and design/requirements for IT/IS. Many thanks! [more inside]
posted by life moves pretty fast at 7:58 AM PST - 3 comments

It seems fairly easy to find interesting intermediate-to-advanced video tutorials for oil painting. However when I look for acrylic painting tutorials I find mostly beginner-level videos and things along the lines of "how to paint a specific object," usually not from life. Lots of things that remind me of the new "paint and sip" classes which aren't about making your own color selections. I'm looking for great acrylic painting tutorials. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 5:55 AM PST - 6 comments

I would like to take my kids ( 6 and 8 ) to a U.S. National Park this summer. I don't think they are old enough to do any significant hiking nor would I want to put them on any cliffs. What parks could provide them an amazing experience without them getting bored or getting wiped out? [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized at 5:16 AM PST - 24 comments

This is a question about problems I'm facing dating someone, featuring immigration woes and differing cultural attitudes that have us hurt and fighting with each other. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:19 PM PST - 70 comments

I recently became obsessed with a certain dress that Shoshanna wears in an important episode of Girls (image is a bit of a season 6 spoiler). I've found the original, but it's out of my price range, so I'm looking for a reasonable facsimile. [more inside]
posted by rabbitbookworm at 9:34 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm a web developer who's been unemployed for three years and has been rejected for every one of the dozens of web dev jobs I've applied to. My mom has been supporting me financially for the last six months and it's a really uncomfortable place to be and she's pressuring me now to get a job - any job - and I'm not sure how. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 4:29 PM PST - 24 comments

Gmail's new login no longer seems to have the option to completely log me out. How can I fix that? [more inside]
posted by lea724 at 3:38 PM PST - 12 comments

I have never been on a cruise and finally decided to plan one for next year July/August (a time I am now learning is too late to be beginning planning for) for Alaska or the Mediterranean. [more inside]
posted by Whatifyoufly at 3:10 PM PST - 10 comments

I know about IKEA, Home Depot, and Lowe's. But what are some other options? And regardless of where you shopped, what was your experience like? [more inside]
posted by the_blizz at 1:39 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a JBL ad6805 and an Alpine CDA-9884. I want to install them in a 1992 Camry XLE. There isn't a stereo in the car now, just the empty console. What do I need to get one of these stereos working? [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 1:30 PM PST - 6 comments

I love my boyfriend and think he's wonderful - but his family grew up privileged and when he talks about it in detail, I feel my temperature rising. How can I deal with this? [more inside]
posted by Kat_Dubs at 1:26 PM PST - 27 comments

I'm leaving the country and the landlord is making it difficult for me to sublease. I had subletters lined up, but the landlord is giving them a hard time and has been inconsistent with their responses to the situation. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 1:12 PM PST - 2 comments

This is sort of two questions: Is there a resource that lists books published in the last four years with chronologies and timelines of Latin American and Caribbean history (which do not need to be about recent events, just about the subjects from 1491 to today)? Second, is there a directory anywhere of chronologies and timelines about recent events in Latin America and the Caribbean (e.g., the puerto rico debt crisis from colonialism to 2017)? Anyone who could point me to such things would be greatly appreciated.
posted by history is a weapon at 11:18 AM PST - 1 comment

I just got my first project, hooray! It's a a doozy of an Excel document (which has already been about 1/10th translated into English), and comes with a significant amount of repeated words and phrases. I learned that most pros use CAT tools to maximize output and efficiency, so downloaded a trial of MemoQ - but nothing is working as it should for me. Is MemoQ a good option for Excel documents? If so, where am I going wrong? If not, should I switch to another tool such as Trados? [more inside]
posted by CottonCandyCapers at 10:39 AM PST - 3 comments

Are there any settings available in Excel to make it act as a plaintext column-based file viewer? [more inside]
posted by o0dano0o at 10:34 AM PST - 9 comments

I am hoping to find a museum in Istanbul that has a great collection of Ottoman miniatures. [more inside]
posted by Corduroy at 10:13 AM PST - 2 comments

Skin care and/or laundry experts of MeFi, please help me figure out how to avoid staining my dress shirt collars with my face lotion. [more inside]
posted by cheapskatebay at 9:37 AM PST - 13 comments

Is there a way to waterproof mesh running shoes? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:17 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm involved in my school's PTO. I would like to set up a website where people can put in their email address, select which people they want to email (school board reps, state representatives or senators, etc), and then click a button to email them. I would like to do this easily and for free. Is that possible? [more inside]
posted by christinetheslp at 8:29 AM PST - 4 comments

Do you, or have you ever, shared ownership of a large, valuable asset among a group of people? For example: co-owned a car with a friend; shared a vacation property between extended family or a group of friends; shared the cost of expensive equipment (for hobby, not business reasons) with acquaintances. I want to know how it went. Did it go bad, and if so, why? What do you think could have prevented the bad parts? Did it go well, and if so, what aspects were key to successful sharing? [more inside]
posted by 100kb at 8:12 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm a US citizen who lives and works (indefinitely) in the UK. My financial situation is about to become more complicated. Whom should I consult about taxes and investments? [more inside]
posted by busted_crayons at 7:01 AM PST - 3 comments

Spouse and I are scheduled to swear the Canadian citizenship oath next week. What should we know about life as Canadians that we might not have picked up in a decade living and working in urban Canada? [more inside]
posted by heatherlogan at 6:25 AM PST - 37 comments

Need a great gift for my nephew who graduated from high school last week. Difficulty: need it today and it has to be awesome. [more inside]
posted by orsonet at 6:22 AM PST - 6 comments

I'd be sleeping in a bedroom in a brand-new house with a furnace/water heater in the closet - would this be safe and/or a good idea? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 6:13 AM PST - 17 comments

Ok! A good friend of mine just asked to me read a poem at her wedding, which is TOMORROW. I know there are dozens of wedding poem Asks and hundreds of wedding poem lists on the internet, but I have a special problem here: I was asked to read the poem in English, but none of the other guests are native English speakers. [more inside]
posted by lollymccatburglar at 6:11 AM PST - 25 comments

I'm a middle-aged, low-support autistic woman, and I need a new job. The trouble is, my condition makes me really, irredeemably bad at all the things you need to get a new job--networking, getting references, interviews, making a good impression on new coworkers. How can I begin to approach this? [more inside]
posted by whistle pig at 5:28 AM PST - 10 comments

What is the function of this switch? Located on the wall in the basement stairway of a house built in the 1950's in the USA if that's helpful. http://imgur.com/a/j1vcc
posted by Ike_Arumba at 5:17 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm really interested in how educational technology will transform schools - help me find out more about this! [more inside]
posted by greytape at 3:55 AM PST - 15 comments

(I apologize in advance for the long post) I was seeing a guy for about a month and everything was going well until some problems emerged. One main thing was my so-called friend expressed her negative opinion and it may have lead to our breakup. Although it's been sometime since it happened, Is it worth going back to fix? [more inside]
posted by enarcyot at 1:52 AM PST - 10 comments

I am looking for songs that prominently feature certain English sounds for pronunciation teaching. Can anyone help me find not-too-fast songs containing inital r and l (this is for Japanese learners), f and v and the /ər/ sound (like in burn.) [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 9:53 PM PST - 25 comments

My Google Fu is failing me, and I'm looking for the source of this passage: "Sleep is the source of our strength, a balm for the sick soul, the best of all medicines. Each person from his own experience knows that often the best and only way to get rid of heavy anxiety or mental fatigue is for them to sleep. Happy is the one to whom the dream is invariably at a certain time, for a certain period and leaves as quietly and imperceptibly as it came."
posted by mecran01 at 9:33 PM PST - 4 comments

My friend rented an office in San Rafael, California with the understanding that the office would be air-conditioned. He has a medical condition that makes this necessary. They are not air-conditioning the office the way they promised. What legal recourse does he have? How can he find a suitable lawyer? [more inside]
posted by Surprised By Bees at 9:31 PM PST - 8 comments

Sometime soon after the United Airlines 'drag the passenger off the plane' incident I read a very interesting blog post about United's contractual arrangements with the company who was actually operating the flight on in question (looked like it was United but in reality they had a contract with another company to provide the planes and fly them on that route). I would really like to find that article again so I'm hoping my rather vague description will allow someone to tell me. More inside. [more inside]
posted by southof40 at 7:16 PM PST - 2 comments

I've recently decided to leave my PhD program in Educational Statistics, and so I'm out on the job market after many (MANY) years of being a Student Forever. I'm feeling a little lost about what kinds of work to even start looking for, and I'm hoping the hive mind might have some interesting ideas to jump-start the process. [more inside]
posted by augustimagination at 7:15 PM PST - 6 comments

I had lightroom (v2). Then I didn't have lightroom (I don't remember why..HD format and never replaced?). Then I ran out of room on my main hard drive so I moved my pictures folder from my C drive to and external drive D. Now I'm installing lightroom (v5) again. It loaded my backed up catalog, but this is looking for my pics on the C drive and thinks my pictures are all missing. How do I point it to the D drive? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:21 PM PST - 2 comments

Small red blotches on my feet, legs and a little on my lower torso have been appearing over the past few weeks. They're not itchy or raised, and I haven't changed diets, detergents, locations, etc. that I can think of that might cause an allergic reaction or expose me to something unusual. Pictures inside. [more inside]
posted by Cruller at 5:25 PM PST - 12 comments

Does your work use a secure online file storage and management system? Can you tell me about it? [more inside]
posted by superfish at 4:44 PM PST - 4 comments

I ended a 5 month relationship with a guy who was on the fence about commitment, having recently gotten out of a LTR, and I'm now torturing myself with regret. i can't stop obsessively replaying what happened and thinking about what i should have done differently. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:18 PM PST - 51 comments

What if you have a piece of property, like a vacant lot, that homeless people live on in tents. Are you doing anything illegal by not clearing them off? Presumably you're legally liable for anything that happens on the property -- somebody gets stabbed, their relative could sue you into homelessness yourself. Is there insurance for that kind of thing? What if you had a port-a-potty or two. Or a low-key, unarmed, security guard stroll around just to discourage overt, public, crime on the property. Would you be changing your legal standing? [more inside]
posted by mrmurbles at 4:04 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm interested in finding a site that lets me identify swing races for state legislatures, so that I can give those candidates my money. In essence, I'm looking for the state-by-state equivalent of swingleft.org. [more inside]
posted by chrisamiller at 3:13 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm thinking of dying my hair very light/platinum blond. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 1:41 PM PST - 24 comments

I have a short gap in health coverage (5 days) coming up, and trying to figure out the best way to handle it. [more inside]
posted by fishhouses at 1:22 PM PST - 13 comments

I keep hearing this song on the radio but I can't for the life of me find it on the internet. It's a dance track, quite upbeat, with a sample of The Marvelettes song "Please Mister Postman," or at least a cover of that song, because the vocals are almost definitely not the original. [more inside]
posted by balmore at 12:13 PM PST - 10 comments

On Sunday evening I was playing with the four-year-old and slipped on a grassy slope. One leg goes forward, the other folds under me. I have done a high-speed yoga kneel with one leg out and the ankle of the leg tucked under me did not enjoy the experience. It's surely a sprain, not a break, but I'm conflicted about going for care. [more inside]
posted by phearlez at 12:12 PM PST - 15 comments

The lede of this news article about yesterday's dustup in Montana states: "The Republican candidate for Montana's sole congressional seat was charged..." Wikipedia confirms that Montana has only one representative in the House, but they have 2 senators like everyone else and last I checked the Senate is part of the US Congress. I saw similar phrasing in a few other articles about the incident. Surely this is not correct. What gives?
posted by duoshao at 11:48 AM PST - 7 comments

I want to get back to swimming every morning before work. However, I take public transportation and would be unable to make it back home before heading down to the office. What the heck do I do with my swim gear that is low profile, low odor, and low moisture? [more inside]
posted by RhysPenbras at 11:40 AM PST - 15 comments

Flying into Memphis late Friday, Sept 1, flying out early Thursday, Sept 7. In between, will be renting a car and hitting up Mississippi and Alabama. The hitch? There's too much I want to see! What are the absolute musts? [more inside]
posted by dearwassily at 11:01 AM PST - 16 comments

Lately, I’m getting fed up of reading “business books” which all seem to look at the business world through a very shallow lens. [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 10:35 AM PST - 8 comments

Is there any kind of hard evidence that Americans (and possibly Europeans, though I'm less sure) value friendship less than in decades past? Family has always been cited as the most important value for Americans, but it seems increasingly common for people in committed relationships, and moreso those with children, to talk about friendships as a small "extra" rather than relationships that remain dynamic and a source of support. [more inside]
posted by Tess at 9:52 AM PST - 14 comments

After reconstructive surgery on my leg, my body weight workouts are causing me knee pain. I'm looking for alternatives to keep me pain free. [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 9:50 AM PST - 4 comments

Is there a third-party add-on or some sort of hack which will put scrollbar arrows back into Mac OS X El Capitan on an iMac? I have a disabled co-worker whose computer was recently upgraded from Snow Leopard, and she's having difficulty dealing with the new interface. We specifically want to add the horizontal and vertical scrolling arrows back into application and finder windows, if possible. [more inside]
posted by zarq at 9:33 AM PST - 3 comments

Question about overtime pay for hourly work in the state of Washington. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:07 AM PST - 10 comments

I need a new job-- help me think outside the box! (Nonprofit and education background). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:07 AM PST - 4 comments

What are realistic expectations for a woman to have of a man in the bedroom? Is it reasonable to expect him to multitask? And what's the limit of "Just tell him what you want him to do"? NSFW details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:43 AM PST - 28 comments

My coworker treats work as her life, is disorganized in ways that negatively effect our operational flow, has passive aggressive and controlling tendencies, and uses a saccharinely sweet personality so that customers think she's great. How do I deal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:41 AM PST - 10 comments

I have to create a map showing the Europe, with visits to locations shown, and the dates of the visits. The locations are mostly in the UK, and some places have been visited more than once. Can anyone recommend any software or resources (preferably free) to put this together? [more inside]
posted by coupedloups at 7:42 AM PST - 9 comments

We are looking at houses, and have seen several "flips" where there is a gas range right up against a corner wall or full height cabinet. I'm bothered by this from both a logistic and a life safety standpoint. Am I being realistic or am I exaggerating the risk because I’m nervous about owning a home? I picture burning the place down the first time we cook dinner. [more inside]
posted by Kriesa at 6:45 AM PST - 23 comments

Today I noticed that when I get rejected by people I get depressed and negative about it. For example, I ask a friend if they want to hang out Tuesday and they say they can't make it. And then they don't provide a day that works for them or I have to ask them what day works for them. I know I have a problem with feeling that people don't like me if they don't explicitly say "Hey, I like spending time with you". Getting rejected feeds into this feeling. [more inside]
posted by starlybri at 6:11 AM PST - 11 comments

We just bought a home in Los Angeles. Yay! It has a separate suite that is perfect for me to have my bodywork practice in (something like massage). But before we close escrow, how can I figure out if I can legally get a business license/insurance for it? I heard a rumor that California doesn't let you have a home-based business if you receive clients. I receive 20-40 a week, one at a time, very quietly. I tried to google it but couldn't find information specific to my area (zip code 90041). Before we close on the perfect home, can you put my fears of joblessness to rest? Thank you!
posted by andreapandrea at 6:01 AM PST - 6 comments

I'll be traveling by myself to Mexico City in June, staying there 4 nights and 3 days. I've never been there before but have traveled alone for a similar length of time in Spain and Italy. I'm working on learning Spanish and looking for some advice on what to do/see and how to get there. [more inside]
posted by Shadow Boxer at 5:14 AM PST - 14 comments

A colleague (who is senior, better qualified, better suited in every possible way) just scored a major promotion. In no way was I ever in the running (I'm so junior that I hadn't even known the position was open) but it brought back all my carefully hidden anxiety about being adequate without being extraordinary at my job. Career snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 4:21 AM PST - 8 comments

What can I do for my dog who's itching and scratching herself to the point of bleeding? [more inside]
posted by Sherbil at 2:00 AM PST - 29 comments

One of my closest friends committed suicide, and left a shit storm for me to deal with. My emotions are a wreck. Can you help me navigate them? [more inside]
posted by Capri at 11:32 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm looking for examples of television pilots that show the audience the series' protagonist when they were a child or teenager. It can be via a flashback or a prologue. (All I can think of is the first episode of "Pushing Daisies!") Note: only interested in a first episode of television, and only interested in series that feature an adult protagonist.
posted by egeanin at 7:13 PM PST - 30 comments

I'd like to rip out my driveway and the patch of cement in front of my house between the sidewalk and the street. I'm thinking I'll just rent a jackhammer and go for it. Am I thinking about this right? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 6:46 PM PST - 27 comments

A friend is looking for a music video. They describe the video as follows: "It was a new release within the last year and a half. The video takes place entirely in a parking garage. An androgynous human in super tight jeans and boots approaches a beautiful old muscle car. Everything revealed in the reflective surfaces of the car is different than what the audience sees happening around the car." [more inside]
posted by fake at 6:24 PM PST - 3 comments

In The US, Rush Limbaugh is #1 on the radio, and, until recently, Bill O'Reilly was #1 on TV. Fox News is by far the most watched cable "news" channel. And a host of gadflies--Ann Coulter, Milo Yiannopoulous, etc--are regulars on the best-seller list and lecture circuit. Does England, and/or the UK writ-large, have right-wing media personalities and outlets on par (in terms of popularity and influence) with the United States Where do the English Defense League, UKIP, and Britain First turn for self-validating groupthink? [more inside]
posted by BadgerDoctor at 6:11 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm in the process of developing a new card game. Before I actually begin selling this as a product, I'd like to be sure I understand how much and what kind of legal protections I should have in place so my/family personal assets are safe. [more inside]
posted by quantum at 4:46 PM PST - 7 comments

My (male) fiancé recently bought a hat to wear to our wedding. It is vintage (I'll post a pic when I get a chance--sorry, the camera on my phone is potato). What can I decorate it with that is NOT a feather? [more inside]
posted by shalom at 4:09 PM PST - 29 comments

How much time from documentation to return? [more inside]
posted by aetg at 4:00 PM PST - 7 comments

I am working with a recruiter for the first time ever, and I'm new to the protocol involved. I just went on an interview today that my recruiter set up (went pretty well!) and sent them a thank-you email directly as soon as I got home, just like I've always been told I should do. One hour later - my recruiter contacted me to say "so, send me your draft of the thank you so we can get it to them!" I had no idea I had to go through the recruiter. Is this super-bad? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:46 PM PST - 16 comments

My thirteen-year-old daughter was asked to read a something at a picnic we've been invited to that has a Victorian literature theme. She's looking for something that speaks to her, either poetry or prose, about what it's like being a young woman in the Victorian era. So she's also looking at more contemporary fiction pieces that include a young woman in the Victorian era, and history with young women figures. She's a pretty smart kid, who likes girls, so something about a boy crush isn't going to work. What would you recommend?
posted by Stanczyk at 3:35 PM PST - 18 comments

I currently use Day One Classic for journaling. I like it, except for the fact that my stuff is stored on a remote drive I don't have control over. What sorts of secure remote-sync/cloud journaling apps are available, and what is the setup like?
posted by curious nu at 3:34 PM PST - 3 comments

What's going on with after hours trades that are way off the going rate? I understand a few shares going through, but explain this Amazon trade for example. About $2.7 million changes hands after hours today at about $130 per share below the closing price.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 2:43 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for a waterproof watch on which I can set 8 or 10 daily alarms. [more inside]
posted by gerstle at 2:29 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm a 38 year old woman with debilitating social anxiety and trust issues. Yes, I'm in therapy, but maintaining friendships has been a lifelong problem for me. I was recently offered the sweetest gesture of friendship and I don't know how to respond. [more inside]
posted by Ruki at 2:22 PM PST - 22 comments

Hi! I’m interested in doing some research on collaborations between libraries and public media outlets. I am a full-time public radio employee (I’m an on-air host so what I’d be researching is not specifically job-related), and I’m not looking to leave my job. But I need a project! And I’d like to find resources not only for actually doing the project, but also for paying for it. [more inside]
posted by supercoollady at 2:07 PM PST - 2 comments

i have some interviews lined up for a couple of ruby on rails positions. i've been working with the framework for quite awhile, but have not had a technical interview in a couple of years. the books i am familiar with (eloquent ruby, well-grounded rubyist) don't seem to have recent updates. the one recommended that i haven't read at all (practical o-o design in ruby) is also dated plus i am ambivalent about object oriented design. [more inside]
posted by lescour at 1:59 PM PST - 2 comments

I have a few interviews for research associate/ assistant/ fellow positions for a variety of medical statistics jobs in the next few months. I am finishing my PhD at present. I haven't done many interviews before and am possibly overthinking it, but what questions should I be prepared for? Much beyond my work so far and general questions in the field? Are the interviews generally laid back or very intense? Any tips/ links/ example qs would be much appreciated!
posted by Lucy_32 at 1:29 PM PST - 10 comments

One of my favorite Chinese bakeries sells a taro flavored cake which I love. I want to experiment at home making cookies, cakes, dessert-y type things with a taro flavor - anyone have any recipes that us this root as an ingredient?
posted by noonday at 1:23 PM PST - 4 comments

What is the best one - volume history or biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine?
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:47 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for an online project/task management tool, likely a kanban board, with a very specific feature: the ability to create recurring cards that regenerate with a new due date. I am willing to pay for this. [more inside]
posted by femmegrrr at 12:43 PM PST - 5 comments

My new manager has a communication quirk that is driving me a little nuts when I give presentations. Please help me deal. [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 9:57 AM PST - 39 comments

Yesterday (Tuesday) evening, I found a tick attached to my body and removed it. Odds are good it had been attached for around 48 hours at that point; the last time I was in the woods was Sunday evening. Should I see a doctor immediately? Should I wait a week? Or should I only go if I develop symptoms of a tick-borne disease? [more inside]
posted by a mirror and an encyclopedia at 9:35 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking for a camera that I can put on the outside of a shed at my cabin that will allow me to view the lake remotely from my iPhone. No other bells of whistles needed. [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 9:23 AM PST - 7 comments

We have an IKEA PAX wardrobe (50cm x 58cm) which has a standard hinged door. The door is attached to the wardrobe via four hinges. One of these hinges (the second one from the bottom) is preventing us from putting drawers in the layout we prefer; the hinge gets in the way of the drawer. I'm wondering if it's ok to just remove that hinge and have the door be suspended by 3 hinges instead. [more inside]
posted by destrius at 9:09 AM PST - 7 comments

Hi all! I'm setting up a new Wordpress site and I have some questions about speeding it up. Details inside... [more inside]
posted by jack.brodey at 9:00 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking for a non-partisan book on the history of U.S. politics. This is a huge topic, but I'm trying to better understand how politics in the U.S. has become so divided, especially why liberals and conservatives can't seem to understand (or want to understand) each other's perspectives. The news is not helpful for this; either there's too much spin or not enough historical context. More below the fold. [more inside]
posted by onecircleaday at 8:54 AM PST - 12 comments

How can I be less precious about my $400 smartwatch? [more inside]
posted by Brittanie at 8:51 AM PST - 13 comments

This was me a few months ago. Since then, it seems much more certain that I will, in fact, be moving, so it's time for a follow-up. [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 7:39 AM PST - 2 comments

Just wondering if I should use LastPass on my work computer. [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 6:21 AM PST - 11 comments

Was listening to Greek public radio when I caught some of this dramatic spoken word reading (audio link) of a man and woman who sounded like they were on a 1960s record. Could only make out a couple of words like "tomorrow" and "freedom." Any ideas what this is?
posted by johngoren at 2:23 AM PST - 2 comments

I never want to answer a nosy question posed by a stranger again. I also don't want to feel badly for deflecting nosy questions, and I don't want to seem cold. I need help in accomplishing this [more inside]
posted by Avosunspin at 12:47 AM PST - 52 comments

Help me understand how capital gains are calculated in two special cases (casino winnings and Bitcoin money-changing). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:47 PM PST - 8 comments

A colleague of mine (we'll call him Lewis) frequently initiates large organizational and technical changes and insists that everyone must comply to his plans because it's 'his decision'. These changes are often disruptive and geared towards his thinly veiled empire building (his record for successful delivery is pretty spotty). When challenged to provide good reasoning or to enumerate the benefits of such changes, he gets aggressive and re-emphasizes that he's in charge. He's a bully and his management team seems keen to allow it. Help me figure out how to demonstrate to my management team that these tactics aren't an effective way for us to operate. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:47 PM PST - 10 comments

Everybody's life has lucky breaks and unlucky ones, minor-league bummers interspersed with the good fortune (and vice versa). It feels like a secret to happiness is fully appreciating the good things that happen and letting go of the bad ones. What do you do if your mental tendencies push you in the opposite direction? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:46 PM PST - 11 comments

Annual family day of obligation is this weekend and I've already decided I'm not engaging in discussions about national politics. However, I would like to be better prepared for the anti-Chicago comments I hear from people in my god-forsaken small downstate hometown. [more inside]
posted by zombies puppet at 11:26 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm leaving on Saturday for a spur of the moment trip to South Korea. It's proving a bit challenging to find information and would appreciate some advice, specifically on visiting DMZ and recommendations for places to stay outside Seoul. [more inside]
posted by tavegyl at 11:15 PM PST - 7 comments

My boyfriend has been with a great many women before. We've been together for some time now. Unfortunately I'm a curious cat and (with his full knowledge) I've read past emails, etc. And the things he said to them haunt me. I wonder if there is some realistic way to get over this. [more inside]
posted by miaow at 11:11 PM PST - 19 comments

I turned down a much younger man solely because of our age difference. Now he's dating a significantly older woman. How do I stop kicking myself over this? [more inside]
posted by ziggly at 10:16 PM PST - 6 comments

I have money and I know of an in-progress book that I'd like to publish, but I'd like to get more concrete on how to go about it before I approach the writer. Is there a concept of partnering with an existing publisher where they do the work but I bear the cost? I'm really not interested in starting a from the ground up publishing company, but self publishing tools don't seem right for this. [more inside]
posted by haveanicesummer at 9:17 PM PST - 10 comments

Just your basic pre-school song about capturing, murdering, INGESTING, regurgitating, and cleaning up what remains of an insect. Creepy or normal? [more inside]
posted by sol at 9:14 PM PST - 56 comments

I recently purchased some polypropylene sheet protectors (like these), and I would like to know how I can mark them in a durable, long-term way. [more inside]
posted by cosmic.osmo at 8:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Fed up with compact washer and dryer, but no room for larger ones... I think? Help me not tear my hair out while doing laundry. [more inside]
posted by raspberrE at 7:57 PM PST - 24 comments

Mini McGee, who is 8, asks: "I loved Island of the Blue Dolphins, so I want more books similar to it. I like the adventure, the awesome surviving stuff, like wolf attacks and being alone, and it's one of the best books to me. Go ask MetaFilter, what are more books like it? Especially if they have modern things like vehicles." [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:13 PM PST - 87 comments

The handle in my shower broke. In order to buy a replacement, I need to know the brand of the original. Unfortunately, there's no name on it anywhere. Can you help me identify it from the logo on the front? [more inside]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 5:13 PM PST - 5 comments

I just helped my youngest sibling buy her first personal machine. She is used to using a shared computer (at home and at school), and I want her to get off on the right foot! [more inside]
posted by tedious at 5:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Dad watches nothing but Fox News. Mom, while also conservative, is more open minded and would like a more varied news diet, but she's having a hard time finding liberal commentators who are palatable to a moderate conservative. [more inside]
posted by MoTLD at 4:15 PM PST - 14 comments

Considering driving over to Silverton this weekend. Any recommendations?
posted by allelopath at 3:57 PM PST - 2 comments

What is the best way to make an online slide show that I can later turn into a book? My mother passed away this spring and this upcoming weekend is her memorial. Over the last 2 months people have been sending me photos of and text about my mother. I would like to make that into a slide show that after the memorial I can ship off to somebody to make a book --the book would just be a smaller subset of the entire slide show. [more inside]
posted by lips at 3:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Speech and language therapist moving to France, what's the regulatory pathway? [more inside]
posted by monster truck weekend at 3:10 PM PST - 3 comments

My Philodendron looks really awful. I know it must need some sort of fertilizer beyond Miracle Grow, but not sure what. [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 2:28 PM PST - 10 comments

I cannot make a fist with either hand. The joint circled in this diagram does not bend. Will I be able to practice Krav Maga, assuming there are modifications for this? [more inside]
posted by cp311 at 1:47 PM PST - 2 comments

My great aunt, whom I've had no contact with for five years due to her response to my decision to leave my abusive home, sent me a graduation card and money. I'm getting very passive-aggressive vibes and would just ignore it, but feel like the amount of money I've received obligates me to respond. Backstory inside. [more inside]
posted by brook horse at 12:39 PM PST - 45 comments

I'll be moving to Columbia in June. I'd like your opinions about the safest/best parts of town to live in. [more inside]
posted by mr_bovis at 12:15 PM PST - 3 comments

Canon produced two faux leather holster cases for the Canon F1 SLR (1971). I'm looking for the the case that fits the 50/55mm f. 1.2. Unfortunately I cannot find a resource that will tell me the model number for the case, and most of the online used retailers do not designate between the two. I've included a Ebay post, for reference, after the jump. Please help. [more inside]
posted by captainsohler at 12:06 PM PST - 3 comments

I have a list of MeSH terms and usage frequencies gleaned from our research institution. Is there a tool I can use to generate some sort of functional grouping of the terms, so that I can classify our researchers into areas of related interest? [more inside]
posted by caution live frogs at 11:10 AM PST - 7 comments

When using IFTTT to post pictures on Tumblr from Instagram, my hashtags are not automatically becoming active links. Help me fix this! [more inside]
posted by aabbbiee at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments

Can I use concrete blocks that have been sitting out in the open for 20-50 years in a foundation? [more inside]
posted by Tchad at 10:16 AM PST - 6 comments

So, i have hair that tends to get either frizzy or limp really easily. I've used many different types of products (gel, mousse, cream) and they tend to make my hair either really sticky or stiff, or both. [more inside]
posted by softlord at 10:08 AM PST - 12 comments

Lovely historic home with many possible projects and problems, is it worth it? How do we know? [more inside]
posted by Asherah at 9:47 AM PST - 15 comments

My mom just got a new laptop, and has asked me to "set it up" for her. (For example, removing bloatware and dealing with virus protection.) I was once a Windows power user, but I've been using Macs exclusively for about eight years now. What does setting up a new PC entail in 2017? [more inside]
posted by Ian A.T. at 9:44 AM PST - 11 comments

I just want to look at pretty pictures when I take a break. Does this exist? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 9:33 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm a US citizen/resident and I'm considering whether to apply for Hungarian citizenship by descent. What advantages and ramifications should I consider? [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 9:23 AM PST - 18 comments

In late 1987 or early 1988 an artist named Lawrence McCormick threw red enamel paint on several artworks at an event at Linda Farris Gallery in Seattle. He did it to protest what he described as the toxic influence of elitist gatekeepers in the art world. I'm looking for the date that happened as precisely as possible. [more inside]
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 8:56 AM PST - 3 comments

A recruiter from an agency that placed me at a dud job three years ago contacted me about coming in for an interview. Help? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 8:54 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to send about 10 lbs of books from the USA to Europe, but USPS no longer offers surface mail options, and neither do the courier companies. Are there any cheap options for this sort of package now? [more inside]
posted by Grinder at 8:25 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm hoping to go on vacation in the winter one year, preferably to somewhere with white sand and warm water. I'm not rich, and I am concerned with safety. [more inside]
posted by Dynex at 7:42 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm currently on Day 29 of whole30. According to the rules of the program, I should spend the next ten days reintroducing foods to see if I have a reaction. The problem is, I don't feel much different (other than a little bit of weight loss)... so should I even bother? [more inside]
posted by obtuser at 6:47 AM PST - 3 comments

YANMD, and I've got an appointment but in the meantime: Why are my eyes very swollen, but not red, not painful, not crusty, not itchy, etc. My vision (which isn't great to start with) doesn't seem any different. So what could cause my eyes to be very swollen like someone punched me, but with no other symptoms? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 6:35 AM PST - 12 comments

I love movies, the darker and more complex the better. I also drink true-crime podcasts like water and read as much history as I can keep my eyes open for... help me find movies I won't nitpick my way out of enjoying... [more inside]
posted by Seeba at 6:34 AM PST - 17 comments

I've created a nifty new (free) website that could be useful as a reference and research tool, and I would like to share it with librarians (university level, primarily). What blogs, mailing lists, forums, etc... could I politely and non-spamily reach out to that might be interested in sharing such a resource? [more inside]
posted by ropeladder at 5:04 AM PST - 7 comments

Ran a 10K last Sunday. Have done 3 half marathons in past couple years. Can I train for a full by October/November, or should I stick to a couple of halfs? Priority: comfort. [more inside]
posted by sacchan at 5:03 AM PST - 12 comments

We're going to Montreal this summer! We've been before but not for a decade, what's new and exciting and can't be missed? We like fine dining, secondhand menswear, homosexual bonhomie, tours of engineering projects, and the werid/unusual.
posted by The Whelk at 4:45 AM PST - 6 comments

How would learning R or python benefit me? I'm interested in a career perspective, hobby perspective, etc. [more inside]
posted by wonder twin powers activate form of a sock puppet at 4:39 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking at an array of emerging CMS options for small to medium-sized websites that are easy to deploy and maintain - particularly alternatives to wordpress, drupal etc. [more inside]
posted by specialk420 at 11:09 PM PST - 5 comments

Met a boy. FWB ensued, chatting every day, spending time together often. Fell for the boy. Asked if we could date. Boy says I'm 'good enough' but 'not right' for him to date. Still wants to talk to me every day. I want to believe I can move past the awkwardness and pain and foster an honest friendship. A small part wants to believe maybe I'll be 'right' someday, especially if I stick around. This sucks, this hurts. Where do I go from here? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:57 PM PST - 58 comments

I'm really into this mixtape, but there's no accompanying tracklist and messaging its creator hasn't produced any results. Song-matching services have been helpful, but I still can't identify the songs at 0:00, 3:46, 7:38, 38:08 and 47:33. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by Panthalassa at 8:56 PM PST - 7 comments

I am trying to qualify a brazing procedure to ASME standards which require less than 20% unbrazed surface. However, the tests I've been sending to the lab are all showing voids. I am at a total loss as to how I can correct this and get my procedure passed. [more inside]
posted by Naib at 6:09 PM PST - 6 comments

How did I get a gray dot stain pattern, and can it come off at all? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 5:44 PM PST - 7 comments

Please help me modify "cogito ergo sum" to use as the title of a sci-fi short story. [more inside]
posted by snsranch at 5:33 PM PST - 6 comments

I need to take a domestic flight tomorrow morning with a Pelican 1510 case (carry-on roller bag dimensions) and two 30" light stands (think tripod, but taller and skinnier). I don't have a bag that fits the light stands. What is the easiest/safest/least-likely-to-get-broken-or-stolen way to make this happen? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 4:04 PM PST - 7 comments

I recently moved out of my parents home for the first time and into an apartment on my own. I've been looking at getting a cat and have been very excited to adopt. My boyfriend has 2 cats that he needs to find a home for, and asked me if I could watch them, indefinitely basically. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by anon1129 at 4:01 PM PST - 20 comments

Now that it's iced tea season again, we are dearly missing the Mango Iced Tea that Peet's no longer sells. Are there any fans of that tea out there that can recommend a good replacement? It was a black tea with a mild mango flavor, not sweet or herbal at all.
posted by matildaben at 3:23 PM PST - 5 comments

What was the game I played in the 90s where you skated on hoverboards inside a bowl shaped arena and tried to catch a ball and get it into goals along the rim? Probably on a mac.
posted by neat graffitist at 2:43 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm trying to remember a tv show I watched growing up as a kid. The characters I remember are: - Robot - a person dressed as a robot (but more like the ASIMO space suit) who acts logically in all the situations presented. - Imagination - a flying purple blob thing that causes mischief and asks questions. More inside... [more inside]
posted by msbutah at 2:35 PM PST - 2 comments

That's the question. [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 1:57 PM PST - 26 comments

I'd like to set up a 360 streaming system from my recording studio. We'd likely be using Periscope or Facebook Live. Ideally, we'd have a camera in the middle of the room providing video, and an analog audio feed from our mixing board providing the audio. What's the simplest setup (especially on the software side) that could achieve this? What's the closest we can get to an engineer just having to log in to Periscope or Facebook and press "go"?
posted by YoungAmerican at 12:37 PM PST - 0 comments

Does this exist? [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 12:12 PM PST - 14 comments

I need to live stream video from an old Sony camcorder to a brand new TV in a different room. Caveat: I'm using an A/V transmitter/receiver setup that only uses composite jacks and a line out for a phone connection. [more inside]
posted by bumpjump at 11:59 AM PST - 7 comments

Where on the internet can I find high-quality, non-scammy personality / career testing to help me identify what type of work I enjoy, what jobs may be a good match, and what my strengths and weaknesses are? I'm a HUGE fan of the Myers-Briggs, but it seems that should be taken with a grain of salt. And, I am looking for something a little bit more career-oriented. Ideally such a resource would range from free to low cost (<$50).
posted by houseofleaves at 11:53 AM PST - 10 comments

Booked a summer camp venue in Ohio for my wedding next year -- yay! Now we need a way for people to book and pay for spots at the camp somehow -- we're going to pay in bulk for the entire camp itself, and have people pay us back based on the spots they want. Anyone know of an easy way we could whip something up (or use a service) online for people to check off how many spots and how many nights, and then pay us back? [more inside]
posted by knownassociate at 11:33 AM PST - 8 comments

I have an engagement party to attend this weekend. Apparently gifts are expected. What does one give for engagement celebrations, and how do those gifts differ from bridal shower gifts and wedding gifts? [more inside]
posted by xyzzy at 11:22 AM PST - 20 comments

Prompted by watching a lot of kids' movies with ours lately, my partner and I got to talking about the history of the "monster voice" - you know, the stilted, guttural, sometimes confused and pitiful "Frankenstein" voice that shows up in variants everywhere from Cookie Monster to Ludo in Labyrinth. The obvious point of origin seems to be Boris Karloff's 1931 interpretation of Frankenstein's monster, but are there earlier examples? Has anyone ever written seriously about this?
posted by ryanshepard at 11:05 AM PST - 6 comments

Which of these two unlocked phones should I buy? Newer Moto G5 Plus or older Nexus 6? [more inside]
posted by luge at 10:38 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I politely talk to the neighbors about the state of their animal's health without offending them/forbidding me to have anything to do with the cat? [more inside]
posted by Crystal Fox at 10:11 AM PST - 26 comments

Inexpensive/free materials for cladding/tiling the interior walls/ceiling of a home? Ideas? Advice? Experience? [more inside]
posted by dgaicun at 9:50 AM PST - 12 comments

Mailing, from Stockholm to a residential U.S. address, an 0.45 lb (0.2 kg) envelope or box that's critical not to lose and ideally should arrive in a few days. Oddly, lowest FedEx quote ($78) is half lowest UPS quote ($166), making me wonder if FedEx site estimator is missing some info that would increase real-world cost. Any options I'm missing? (Would be equally convenient to mail this from Helsinki, FYI – could mail from ARN, from HEL, or from any location in either city's center.)
posted by kalapierson at 9:29 AM PST - 7 comments

My friend's son (1/2 way thru undergraduate school, paid for) wants to be lawyer. Not sure what type, but likes drama and money, (F Lee Bailey) and is smart and clever. . [more inside]
posted by ebesan at 9:24 AM PST - 47 comments

Good news, everyone! I've stepped up from baby manager to full blown manager, with a broad and seemingly endless project portfolio. Turns out this hard to manage with my scratch paper and calendar reminder approach, and I need a better solution. Special consideration: I want my current team, and my eventual replacement to be able to use this, and I can't count on tech comfort. [more inside]
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 8:40 AM PST - 7 comments

Hi MeFites, we have an abundance of board games to sell. Like 3-4 bookcases worth of games. They are posted on Board Game Geek but many of those people want to trade and we need to actually sell them. Where should we do that? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 8:33 AM PST - 15 comments

I’m trying to remember the name of a print media gossip newsletter / website that was popular about a decade ago, the mid-aughts. It was in the same league as TVNewser and Mediabistro, but was mainly concerned with the comings and goings of people at the big newspapers. I think it closed more than five years ago. Any ideas?
posted by Borborygmus at 8:25 AM PST - 3 comments

A friend passed away last night after a brutal struggle with cancer (which can just f*ck right off, by the way). He was a longtime Austin musician and my Facebook feed is flooded today with memories and photos from his huge network of friends. His family are very dear to me and I'd like to harvest all these good memories for them to look at later. HOPE ME. [more inside]
posted by pantarei70 at 8:07 AM PST - 6 comments

I have worn contacts daily for 15 years and had the same brand of lenses for a few years (Air Optix). Within the last few months, however, I have noticed that my left eye -- and only my left eye -- gets irritated after a few hours of contact wear. It will get red and the lens seems to be loosely shifting back and forth. And the morning after contact use, my left eye will be crusty and feel generally strained. I have thrown away more than 5 or 6 contacts because I thought that the lens may be the problem. But this pain/redness happens with new lenses too. I have gone to my eye doctor twice to discuss this issue. She examined my eye and said it was healthy and that maybe dryness was causing the irritation. Upon her suggestion, I started to use Systane Ultra eyedrops but every time I try my contacts, I have the same issue again. I used to wear contacts daily but now I am stuck with my glasses. I have tried warm compresses, cold compresses, opening a new pair of lenses, trying to wear contacts only if its humid, giving my eye a long break between contact wear. I am at a loss. Have you fixed your eye woes? Am I doing something wrong?
posted by allthingsconsidered at 7:39 AM PST - 17 comments

Recently I've realised that I have not been taking care of myself. I am woefully out of shape, I have packed on the pounds & I am hitting my 40s with family members falling ill with lifestyle-related illnesses. Time to start taking care of myself - but how do I do that when a chronic illness stops me from hitting the gym hard? Details below fold. [more inside]
posted by kariebookish at 7:01 AM PST - 24 comments

I've been tasked with organizing a one-day strategic planning session for an organization I am very familiar with, for about a dozen staff people and Board members. How do I make it great? [more inside]
posted by ITheCosmos at 6:33 AM PST - 4 comments

Is there a philosophy book or site that would be helpful in guiding me through rigorously defining my own value system? [more inside]
posted by bfranklin at 5:54 AM PST - 10 comments

If a third-party recruiter contacts me regarding specific opportunity, would I have any obligation to go through the third-party recruiter if I have an informal 'market intelligence' chat with them? [more inside]
posted by moiraine at 3:30 AM PST - 5 comments

I know lots of people have an inner monologue of negative thoughts, I believe the Buddhists call it the "monkey mind" but I'm not sure. But I seem to have it to a ridiculous extent, to where it's impeding my ability to focus and do back to work activities, and I think my bipolar brain chemistry is a big reason it's so bad. What can be done about and what sort of specialist help could I seek (it's something I'd be willing to pay privately for help/ classes with if there was a good chance of success). [more inside]
posted by AuroraSky at 11:40 PM PST - 14 comments

Turning away from the Internet and doing a solitary task (like reading, journaling, or cleaning) makes me feel lonely. Help me feel more cozy and stimulated/supported during these times. [more inside]
posted by delight at 9:49 PM PST - 24 comments

I was 100% definitely just exposed to the stomach flu. If I caught it - which I am 99.9% certain I did - I have 24-48 hours before I become ill, what should I do to prepare? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 9:11 PM PST - 35 comments

I'm looking for your recommendations on a book about the history of the Taos Pueblo, the people, and the area. Preferably something not written by an old white dude. Perhaps something akin to David Trauer's Rez Life, but focused onTaos/Northen New Mexico.
posted by Grandysaur at 8:44 PM PST - 4 comments

So the Ferg fam is thinking about trying to do a road-trip vacation the middle two weeks in July - original thought had been a trailer-camping trip through South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, etc, but we've scratched that plan for this year due to the fact that we would have needed to plan it last year. So maybe that will be next summer. In the meantime, we have the travel bug, and time and (some) money, so are thinking about trying to do the eastern halves of North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and maybe Wisconsin. (Coming from Kansas City, MO.) We've been to Minneapolis, but never really anywhere else in any of those 4 states, so ... what do we need to see/do/know? MeFi has been awesome for prior trip planning, so any suggestions are appreciated. [more inside]
posted by jferg at 6:37 PM PST - 15 comments

I cannot sleep when I'm feeling hungry. I often get hungry at night -- not just "oh, my stomach's a little growly" but "I need to eat something NOW" hungry. I would just eat a granola bar or something, except for the complication of type-II diabetes. I don't want to raise my blood sugar too much, but like I said, can't sleep if I'm hungry. Fellow diabetics, what snack recommendations do you have?
posted by sarcasticah at 5:29 PM PST - 25 comments

How can I make my tangly/velcroey hair very very slippery and untangly? (I'd rather not use silicones, which is what most detangling sprays seem to be mostly composed of, because I think they do actually make my hair more birds-nest-y after a couple of days.) [more inside]
posted by tangerine_poppies at 4:39 PM PST - 18 comments

My wife got me the 5L mortier pilon fermenting jar. I'm excited to use it. There are no instructions and I don't want us to die from botulism and I'm convinced this will happen. [more inside]
posted by Baby_Balrog at 4:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Planning a trip to Seattle in late August. Trying to decide where to stay and what things to prioritize, having never been there before. [more inside]
posted by sabotagerabbit at 3:44 PM PST - 14 comments

I bought this shallow dish at a market in Lisbon, Portugal, today. It is about 5 inches wide and features some sort of demon/ram-hybrid head with three old 10-centimo coins and a variety of playing cards. I'm guessing it was intended as a change dish or something? Does it have symbolic meaning beyond guesses regarding gambling? Any additional information about this would be lovely. [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla at 2:46 PM PST - 8 comments

My family spends a lot of the summer traveling and at times camping for business reasons, and my kids (ages seven and ten) kind of hate it - or at least they think they do. I want to make a kit of fun, non-electronic, highly portable stuff to try to distract them from their misery. Besides computers, their interests include nature stuff, games, answering questions, reading (especially comics), arts and crafts and not camping. But seriously, stuff to feel more at home or comfortable on the road would be good, too.
posted by lgyre at 2:25 PM PST - 24 comments

There was a wordless comic/cartoon panel I saw some years ago showing revolutionaries vs. the power elite, drawn in a cartoony, but vaguely medieval style. Now I can't find it! Help? [more inside]
posted by droplet at 12:57 PM PST - 3 comments

A jeans nearly killed me. What chemical tests are reasonably available? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:00 PM PST - 5 comments

[Virginia employment/debtor law filter]: I just saw that my wages were garnished on my current paycheck for over $350. I was never notified about this (by my employer or otherwise) nor served any papers and I am freaking out. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:58 AM PST - 8 comments

I am a student in an Area Studies field, where study abroad is really important. But I'm not really sure how much I want to spend long stretches of time halfway around the world from my home. I was hoping that maybe someone with experience in this area of academia could give me some advice? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:57 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm considering taking a job at a parochial school. Tell me why that's a great or terrible idea. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:56 AM PST - 11 comments

After a year and a half, I've recently moved to a new team with my employer and after just a few months the managers have overhauled the entire position, despite protests. They told me my only recourse was to move to a different shift/location and now seem to be backpedaling on even that. What can I do? (Snow storm below!) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:56 AM PST - 7 comments

My partner and I are flying into Jackson, WY the day before the solar eclipse this August. We're really excited to check it out the next day but are behind the curve in planning things so there is absolutely no lodging available around there for the night. Everything I've checked has no vacancies and the few things left on airbnb are >$1000. [more inside]
posted by musicismath at 11:27 AM PST - 3 comments

Are digital pen scanners worth it, or is there something else I should be looking at? [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:25 AM PST - 3 comments

I dropped my beloved hairbrush with natural bristles in my yet unflushed toilet: is it possible to make it sanitary and safe to use again, and if so, how? Should i just part ways with it? [more inside]
posted by opalshards at 11:23 AM PST - 18 comments

I have a fairly successful blog in the UK, and have just received a message from a journalist wanting to write a profile about me. How does this work? Are there particular questions I should be asking which will make it seem I've done this a million times before and know how this kind of thing works? It seems likely that as my blog grows I will face more of these kinds of requests, so any advice or information about how to approach this kind of attention would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
posted by matthew.alexander at 11:04 AM PST - 10 comments

A friend of ours, "Jane", is dying of cancer, and in a terrible way (some details inside, CW). How can we best help her spouse, "George", who IMO also seems to be at risk for post-traumatic stress? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:36 AM PST - 4 comments

I recently moved to a new house (suburban New Jersey), and there's a large tree growing in my front yard that I would like to identify. The leaves look vaguely like a maple, but the tree is much larger than any maple I have ever seen. It also has blossoms, which don't match any pictures I've seen of maple tree flowers. [more inside]
posted by fremen at 9:56 AM PST - 10 comments

My nephew, who is around 4, is curious about animals. My family encourages him to capture frogs, lizards, grasshoppers, etc. This often ends with the animal dying, either because it starves, suffocates in the poorly vented makeshift container, or my nephew squishes it when trying to hold it. This greatly upsets me, and nobody in my family seems to care. How do I deal with this? [more inside]
posted by blackzinfandel at 9:06 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm working with a startup where we all share "inbox duty" on Gmail. What's the ideal way I can access the inbox, respond to email, and have everything still remain on the server? Here's the kicker: I want to use Outlook 2016 as my email client app from my Win10 laptop. [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 8:12 AM PST - 7 comments

Is there a MMO or similar game out there where I can join in not for combat but to set up shop, like as a trader or innkeeper or something? Particularly one that allows me to talk to other players and get to know them? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 3:39 AM PST - 13 comments

I hosted an old friend at my place for a few days. Before she left, she told me she loved staying with me because I had a comfortable home. While this made me feel pretty good about myself, I also thought I could ask the hivemind 1) what makes a home a comfortable one? and 2) practical ways to make short-term guests feel as comfortable as possible. Bonus points for things you appreciated as a guest in someone else's home.
posted by orangutan at 8:20 PM PST - 28 comments

Mefites of size, please share with me your best practices for the care of skin folds. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:18 PM PST - 20 comments

Going from Toronto to Detroit for a weekend... how to get there & what to see and do? [more inside]
posted by crawfo at 6:31 PM PST - 10 comments

Distinct languages have dominated the terminologies of various societal areas - what other examples are there? [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 4:56 PM PST - 18 comments

I want to digitize my DVD collection so I can declutter the MANY binders of discs I have. I have read past questions on how to DIY this but I think I'd prefer to pay a service to do this for me. I am not tech-savvy AT ALL but all I'm looking for is to be able to play my movies on my macbook and TV (have a fairly new but non-smart TV with amazon firestick,do I need any other apps or devices to do this?) Can you recommend a company? TIA!
posted by carlypennylane at 3:59 PM PST - 10 comments

My family is planning a car trip from our home in the Deep South to Mt. Rushmore. We hope to spend the days sightseeing/doing touristy things and the night tent camping at parks or private campgrounds. None of us have traveled in this area before, so we are all complete newbies to everything Great Plains/Midwest. Could anyone share ideas of what to see and where to camp along a general route of going from Springfield, MO north to Sioux Falls, SD and then across South Dakota to Mt. Rushmore? I'd also really appreciate general advice from anyone who knows how to search online for campgrounds and their amenities along a certain route. [more inside]
posted by Chuck Barris at 3:52 PM PST - 11 comments

There was this boy in my child's 3rd grade class this year. He used to be friends with my son, and when they parted ways about 2 months ago, he started bullying my son. Do I go to the school about this now and if so, how do I go about it? More snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Amalie-Suzette at 2:30 PM PST - 25 comments

I had to change routers and am now using a 1st Gen AirPort Express. After the change, my internet speed instantly tanked. Can I do anything to speed things back up? [more inside]
posted by mayta at 1:24 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm interested in reading some recently published (last ten years) cozy mysteries. I'm looking for books that are very well paced and plotted as opposed to books with lyrical prose. If you have an author to suggest, please also recommend an individual book, not just a series or an entire body of work. Thanks!
posted by bq at 1:16 PM PST - 15 comments

The article began with a quote from LotR movies: "A parent should never have to bury their own child." It pointed out that this wasn't in the books because, at time of writing, this was almost a nonsense statement: you could agree it was tragic, but it happened to everyone. It then went into child mortality rates and how those would shape the structure of society in a post-apoc world, especially one with fantastic elements like magical healing or superpowers. [more inside]
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 12:50 PM PST - 1 comment

I see some packaged shrimp from Vietnam that is labeled with a Best Aquaculture Practices Certifcation. Is that BAP certification actually worth anything for trying to avoid shrimp brought to market by slave labor? Mother Jones was skeptical back in 2013, but I'm having trouble finding any more recent evaluations of BAP.
posted by straight at 11:28 AM PST - 2 comments

I've promised to join two the lightbulbs my kid uses for his terrarium (one UV lamp and one heat lamp) which are currently on two separate wires without switches that are plugged and unplugged to turn them on or off, onto one single wire, with a single switch, to turn both on or off via the switch, without having to plg/unplug. But... [more inside]
posted by progosk at 9:58 AM PST - 6 comments

I would like to buy my son an inexpensive gaming laptop as a "congratulations" gift for getting a new job. I linked the laptop I had in mind in the extended explanation section. It is $200 off at Costco, but the deal expires tomorrow... I want to know whether this is a great deal or not before I pull the trigger, since Costco will be getting new deals soon. Should I wait for the new deals, or is this laptop a no-brainer to the point where I shouldn't risk waiting? [more inside]
posted by BuddyBoo at 8:11 AM PST - 14 comments

We'll be moving to a nearby town (about two hours away) for 1-2 years and will be renting out our home. Where we're stuck is the best way to screen tenants. If you're a small time landlord (like we're about to be), what's your process? [more inside]
posted by batbat at 7:53 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm looking for some ideas for locations for a family vacation. We're looking at a week in June and a family of four (kiddos aged 3 & 6.) Our original plan was to go to Cape Charles, Virginia but we're finding lodging to be too expensive. [more inside]
posted by Jacob G at 7:27 AM PST - 8 comments

I was out at Grounds for Sculpture in the West Windsor, NJ area, with my family, and came across this sculpture [nude sculpture may be NSFW for you?]. It was in the "Meadow" area which looked to be half-under renovation, and it had no plaque or label. I joked about how awkward it was to walk past it with sweet Midwesterners on vacation in an LGBTQ facebook group, and a couple people wondered if it might have been made with immature or even transphobic intent. Anyone familiar with this work? Googling isn't turning up much. [more inside]
posted by ikea_femme at 6:22 AM PST - 8 comments

My PS4 controller is not working with steam games. I've got it connected, Steam sees it, I can go into Big Picture mode and navigate around & launch games just fine, but when I actually launch a game the controller either only partially works or doesn't work at all. For example in Salt & Sanctuary it does nothing. In MGS Phantom Pain I can launch some menus but not select anything. I tried a different PS4 controller and same issue, thought it might be input mapper interfering so I uninstalled that and rebooted to no avail.
posted by mattholomew at 6:06 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for resources to help me do some very simple graphic design that doesn't completely suck. I'm starting a business and need to set up colours, a logo, fonts etc so I can make some vaguely professional-looking template documents for my initial pitches to clients. I am totally clueless on such things. Do you have recommendations for tools or guides that will walk me through doing this step-by-step, without assuming that I want to become a designer? [more inside]
posted by une_heure_pleine at 12:54 AM PST - 14 comments

My kid just did something totally inappropriate during a play date. What is the best way to deal with it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:35 AM PST - 25 comments

I work on a small software team. I've been here for 3 years and am currently Project Lead. Because of a whole mess of managerial and personal issues, I've accepted an offer at another company. I'll drop some special snowflake deets below, but I'm looking for tips around softening my exit and trying to make it as smooth and drama-free as can be. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:35 AM PST - 11 comments

I volunteer for a non-profit where I find myself once in a while helping a person who was a refugee of war to get their resume together. Is there a standardized way to say what is basically, "My family was in a camp for eight years at this point"? Like, the feeling is that the whole thing needs an asterisk, but I don't know how to communicate that in a business-like way. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Looks like borage to me but with a different flower? [more inside]
posted by cda at 6:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Cell phone, texts, and emails have been breached on my Droid phone. How can I better protect myself? [more inside]
posted by thewolfandewe at 5:32 PM PST - 22 comments

I want to find a wrap dress (not faux wrap) that ties a bit lower on the waist than most seem to. [more inside]
posted by flourpot at 5:02 PM PST - 2 comments

Looking for a destination that's relatively easy to get to from NYC (by car or short length one stop flight) and has 2-3 days worth of beginner friendly hiking/outdoors activities in late August. [more inside]
posted by Pantalaimon at 4:14 PM PST - 6 comments

I have been tasked with figuring out what this shape is, from a stained glass window in Bronxville, NY. My best guess is a cryptid, like a merlion, maybe? Any other thoughts?
posted by incomple at 2:49 PM PST - 13 comments

Where can I find a grey 20s style dress (either actual vintage or 20s inspired) that looks sophisticated, flattering and appropriate for being an attendee in my best friend's wedding (NOT for attending a Halloween party)? [more inside]
posted by ialwayscryatendings at 2:20 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm attending a wedding in California in the summer. I would like to find a dress that looks nice, fits me, and I can nurse in. [more inside]
posted by ethidda at 1:10 PM PST - 16 comments

Understanding YANML or YANAL, here's the situation:

• Mom passed away.
• Her will gives her half of a summer cabin to my sister and I. (25% each)
• The other half is owned by my two cousins (25% each).
• I am the estate executor.

[more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 1:05 PM PST - 9 comments

A friend is looking for Levi's Sahara CT Twill Men's Boots Black 514931-01a-13 in men's size 8.5. Neither he nor I can find them anywhere. They have been discontinued. Can anyone find these? Thanks.
posted by sacrifix at 12:45 PM PST - 4 comments

Hi MeFi, I'm trying to think up a good gift for my sister-in-law's birthday. We live abroad and she'll be visiting us with two of her kids just after her b-day. She's had many Tough Life Things lately (relationship, money, kid stress, etc.) so I'd like to do something to pamper her a little bit. Difficulty: she will have her kids with her! [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 12:42 PM PST - 7 comments

I love this dress, which I tried on in the store (no belt in the store). But $150 for what is essentially a big comfy sack is completely ridiculous. Where can I get a dress like this - soft fabric, cut small enough for my petite frame (I tried on and liked the XS but could go smaller), basic black? I really like the shape, with longer sides, particularly. I was also easily able to layer a shirt over it, or under it, when I tried it on.
posted by sockermom at 11:55 AM PST - 9 comments

Having watched a lot of the Great British Bake-off lately, I find myself craving British baked goods like those seen on the show. Where can I go to find the kind of pastries, desserts, puddings, sweet buns etc. in Toronto? Sticky toffee pudding is widely available at pubs. Where can I find everything else?
posted by walkinginsunshine at 11:50 AM PST - 4 comments

Can you help me find a medium crossbody bag that is similar to Lululemon's "festival bag"? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 11:08 AM PST - 10 comments

I'd love some suggestions for places where I can (legally) let my dog hike off leash in NJ. Northern NJ preferred, but if you've got a great spot in the region (NJ, NY, PA), would love those suggestions as well. Not really looking for any dog park recs unless they are spaces that are 5 acres+ in size for dogs of all sizes. I have a local dog park that is an acre, so would really prefer to hear about hiking areas. Thanks!
posted by PinkPoodle at 11:01 AM PST - 1 comment

So, I have ideas and not a lot of time or really desire for anything other than the finished product. I am open to other ways of doing this, but essentially, I want someone to build me an Ikea hack - specifically this one (though I know Stolmen has been discontinued, there is another item that will stand in). I'm not sure how to go about outsourcing this particular task. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 10:53 AM PST - 8 comments

What are some examples of really effective writing based on interviews that balance the voice of the interviewee, framing narration, etc. in a compelling fashion for readers? Bonus points for pieces around ~1,000-1,500 words that work well as blog/Medium posts. [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 9:58 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a cat feeding conundrum. I have three cats who have recently been nicknamed Skinny, Chunky and Closet. (Obligatory pics: Chunky in a less-chunky state; Skinny & Closet). I am having trouble figuring out how to feed all three of them according to their own needs. [more inside]
posted by cgg at 9:45 AM PST - 11 comments

Is there software that allows an end user to step through a customer journey without making them work there way through a flow chart or customer journey map? [more inside]
posted by SpiffyRob at 9:35 AM PST - 6 comments

I was hired to translate a foreign language Excel document into English. I am being paid per word, so obviously the faster I work the more I get paid, but... I have little experience with Excel, so in my current state I will be moving slow as molasses. How do I optimize my translation efficiency/speed? Bonus question: How in tarnation do you count words in Excel?! More info available upon request. [more inside]
posted by CottonCandyCapers at 9:35 AM PST - 9 comments

My new guy is German, late forties, brilliant and super romantic. He goes out of his way to do fun and sweet things, and I reciprocate in my Colorado way. (We're climbing a 14er, Liebchen!) What are unexpected things that he, as a German/European, might find particularly surprising and delightful? [more inside]
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 9:25 AM PST - 20 comments

In Madrid, my wife and I found a delightful lighting store offering make-your-own garlands, where colored paper balls covered LED lights on a string. Is there anything similar to this available in the States? [more inside]
posted by thecaddy at 9:02 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm lucky enough to get summer fridays but every year end up feeling like I've "wasted" them. Looking for themes or ideas that can help me feel like I've put my extra 60 hours to use! [more inside]
posted by neematoad at 8:56 AM PST - 7 comments

I have an image file that's half a cross section of a round object. I need to turn this into a 3D object file that can upload to Shapeways for 3D printing. I tried using Tinkercad and a few other online 3D tools, but I can't seem to find one that works. Is there a way I can do this for free?
posted by radwolf76 at 8:21 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm working on a sheet where I have a summary box explaining the data in the spread sheet. Something like "With 80 guests per day and and average transaction size of $14.32, you can expect 61% margins. Concatenation is not working the way I hoped =/ [more inside]
posted by FireStyle at 8:13 AM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for an application that basically allows me to reference external images, place them on a giant canvas and annotate them (draw arrows, make notes etc.). The trick here being that when the external images update they should also update my "map". I know this is possible in Indesign and Illustrator, but I am looking for alternatives.
posted by wolfr at 7:29 AM PST - 1 comment

My family will be traveling to Fort Collins, Colorado in about a month for a wedding. We will be flying into Denver and then driving up. The kids (ages 6 and 11) have never been in the Rockies before and we'd like to enjoy nature and the mountains. The difficulty is that Mrs. WtP has a history of severe acrophobia leading to panic attacks when driving on mountain roads. The acrophobia may be rooted in damage to her vestibular system. (She had severe ear infections as a child, required surgery, and has partial hearing loss in one ear.) [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 7:07 AM PST - 23 comments

With Chris Cornell's sad death have come familiar calls to "end the silence" around suicide and mental illness. Intuitively, this suggestion seems to make sense. But is there data to support the idea that an increase in public discussion of mental health and suicide reduces the suicide rate? I'm taking about statistics, clinical studies, etc. [more inside]
posted by Perodicticus potto at 6:03 AM PST - 9 comments

As a freelancer, I take on many different kinds of projects, with many different roles, in different areas. I find it incredibly difficult to make a dedicated choice in one direction for my career. But I feel like I should, because my lack of choice is hindering my professional development and career options. If you're like me: How did you learn to pick something and go with it for a while? [more inside]
posted by Thisandthat at 11:50 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm really worried for my friend. She came here as a 13 or 14 year old from Cameroon with her mother. She's 25 now. Her mother recently became a citizen. [more inside]
posted by bookman117 at 10:06 PM PST - 9 comments

I have a job offer at a consulting firm for a solutions/support role in the software integrations space. The role involves learning about how large enterprise systems talk to each other using middleware, and providing tier-3 support for these systems. However, I am currently building a freelance web/desktop software development business, and I have started to get real development work. I went down this path because I love coding, and am wary of a support role. I have until next Wednesday to decide. Can you help me think through the pros and cons? [more inside]
posted by 3FLryan at 10:04 PM PST - 12 comments

My sister insists that I recommended a book of short stories that contains one about an old man who goes into a wood to commit suicide or die from exposure and he sees a boy fall into a lake or through some ice into a lake. He saves the boy and his own life is revitalized. I have no recollection of this story although anyone might find the elements familiar. Who knows what it is?
posted by eedele at 8:37 PM PST - 1 comment

I will be traveling to Buffalo, NY this weekend. I also have to give a remote presentation via anymeeting. So I need a place with wifi and and quiet (and where I won't bug anyone by talking into thin air). My webcam won't be on so I don't need a backdrop or anything. [more inside]
posted by pixiecrinkle at 7:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Home security question. Can I cheaply and safely rent a nonmoving car to sit in my driveway? Snowflakes to follow [more inside]
posted by JulesER at 7:28 PM PST - 14 comments

My partner and I are separating. We currently live in a rented house which we will vacate in August .. my paycheck is the only money coming in. I make enough to pay for two apartment rentals, but my question is more about how that works .. we don't have any kind of legal separation agreement, and I am anticipating difficulty proving her "income" to the prospective landlord. Advice needed. We live in Minnesota; we will likely get a divorce but not right away.
posted by dwbrant at 6:28 PM PST - 13 comments

I want to watch the new Twin Peaks when it comes out. I don't currently have any streaming services. I have used Amazon Prime in the past, but that's all. What's the best way of doing this while spending as little as possible? It seems like watching the whole series over a period of months might get a bit expensive, especially considering I'm not really interested in watching a lot of other stuff. Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
posted by DarkForest at 6:18 PM PST - 7 comments

It's my favorite jacket, but so dirty. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 6:13 PM PST - 3 comments

Hola!, The wife and I are off to Mexico city during the week of July 4th. We've got reservations at Pujol and... not much else! We're fairly adventurous travelers and while my Spanish ends at 'Si', hers is close to fluent. We like to eat, are big frequenters of Atlas Obscura and don't mind a little discomfort if it leads to adventure. What's the coolest stuff in Mexico City? (And, perhaps, what should we look out for?)
posted by GilloD at 4:32 PM PST - 17 comments

The brilliant, whimsical, hippie, VP of my medical affairs department is retiring from biotech to pursue art school in San Francisco. We would like to get her a gift that we can personalize in some way - engrave, write on (as on the inside of a coffee table book.) Artists and others of MeFi, please suggest some great ideas for a gift! [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 4:09 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm going to be in Charlotte for 3 nights, yay! I won't have a car but my hotel is in Uptown. I'm looking for some suggestions on things to do not limited to Uptown and its surrounding areas. [more inside]
posted by signondiego at 3:24 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a large piece of workout equipment that I need to move across San Francisco. [more inside]
posted by lkc at 3:08 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking for suggestions on companies to purchase health insuarance for a person (age 60+) visiting USA for about 6 weeks. If you have made a claim with a company and was succesful in the claim, it is a plus. Thanks.
posted by WizKid at 2:47 PM PST - 6 comments

I want to write a very simple app for a smartwatch-type device that will display the time as a color. What's the easiest way to do this? [more inside]
posted by glass origami robot at 2:14 PM PST - 11 comments

Let me acknowledge at the outset that this is an incredibly "First World" problem, but I am curious about others' experiences ... Have you noticed that the prepared foods/hot bar/salad bar at Whole Foods seems to have gone downhill in quality over the past few years? I used to go in there and find a million ready-to-eat things that looked delicious, now it's all just meh. Is this a case of familiarity breeds contempt, or have others also noticed a declining trend? Any idea why?
posted by mccxxiii at 1:54 PM PST - 14 comments

I have big issues with a newish boss and I'm not great at being tactful when dealing with work issues. I often trip over my words and the points I try to make often sound overly critical of others. Can you help me approach this and not be a jerk? [more inside]
posted by crunchy_cereals at 1:06 PM PST - 17 comments

I remember a short story about a kid swimming underwater through a hole in a rock, or maybe underneath a rock. [more inside]
posted by komara at 12:28 PM PST - 4 comments

A friend of mine is a native mandarin speaker who can express her ideas completely, but cannot do so as naturally as she would like (meaning she can always say what she wants to say, but struggles to say it how a native speaker would, both in accent and delivery). I know there have to be tons of accent coaches in the city and I can google around for some, but I'm curious if anyone has one they can recommend... quality varies so heavily with these sorts of services.
posted by wooh at 12:14 PM PST - 3 comments

I've had constant, severe headaches for nearly four weeks. Student health services will refer me to a neurologist of my choice, but I've seen bad neurologists here in the past and I'm not sure who to choose. [more inside]
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 12:11 PM PST - 10 comments

My mother's estate did not require probate because she didn't have enough assets. But now, the bank won't let me deposit her many checks from her insurance and income tax refunds into her account. Because they are made out to The Estate. They said I need an estate account. [more inside]
posted by generic230 at 11:39 AM PST - 10 comments

I get daily spam calls that I use an app (Hiya) to kill, but sometimes the app lets them ring once before killing them. The car interrupts music to notify me, even though I have the phone ringer on silent. I'd like to disable the phone from sending calls to the car, while still retaining the music/podcasting. Can I do that?
posted by Dashy at 10:51 AM PST - 8 comments

When I was a kid (in the 80s), my family had a tape recording of a big dog walking around and growling and making himself known -- on an endless loop, as it was some sort of neverending cassette -- that we’d put on when we left the house to fool nonexistent burglars in our suburban neighborhood. Did anyone else have a dog tape?
posted by thursdaystoo at 10:22 AM PST - 9 comments

My fiancee are moving in together in about a month. We've been together for around three years. It's been a long time since I had a roommate. What tips can you provide about adjusting from living alone for years to co-habitating with the person that you are going to marry? Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Fister Roboto at 9:55 AM PST - 20 comments

There are lots of shitty marriages out there. Where are the good ones and what is a great marriage like? [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 9:41 AM PST - 29 comments

I'm pretty proficient in Spanish but do not speak Portuguese. I will be traveling to various cities on the coast of Brazil. How well will I be understood in day-to-day transactions (e.g. restaurants, taxis, etc.) if I speak Spanish? I can get the gist of written and some spoken Portuguese, but lack the vocabulary and grammar to initiate conversations in that language.
posted by A. Davey at 8:46 AM PST - 11 comments

I have 4-5 days to explore outside Rome (Naples? Pompeii?) before a conference, where should I go? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 8:38 AM PST - 9 comments

While putting together my weekly multivitamin/pill case, I was distracted by the sound of cat B knocking something over in the kitchen. I went to investigate clean up and became distracted for 10 minutes; in that time it appears that cat A may have gone in my room and stolen an adderall pill. [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 8:13 AM PST - 12 comments

How should I position being out of the office for a half day meeting on my new bosses' first day? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:25 AM PST - 13 comments

We swipe in and out of the office every day. The "first" and "last" swipe in/out are what shows up in our timesheets as how long we have been in the office for that day. It doesn't show the actual times, just the length of time between the two. We then have to fill in an online system with what projects we worked on in that time. So far, so good. We're told it's to keep track of how long it takes to get certain projects done for future planning, and not used for tracking our attendance/hours. Except... it's borked. And the latter part of that is a lie. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:24 AM PST - 9 comments

How do I ensure my computing device will connect to a particular projector when I won't be able to test it until day of? [more inside]
posted by bologna on wry at 7:08 AM PST - 8 comments

Camping Filter: Making the jump from all-day hiking to overnights, but clueless about modern tent technology. Help. [more inside]
posted by rokusan at 5:20 AM PST - 22 comments

My six year old daughter asked me a simple question, but I've come up blank, and google wasn't any help. Can you think of any synonyms that rhyme? [more inside]
posted by ben30 at 5:08 AM PST - 42 comments

I am not sure how to ask this, so it is probably easily available on Google and I just can't find it. However, I am trying to make a Google Sheet (or Excel Doc, it doesn't matter which) that does something specific. [more inside]
posted by Literaryhero at 2:54 AM PST - 6 comments

What do I do with these banisters to nowhere in the middle of my living area? How can I make best use of this structure and space? [more inside]
posted by Thella at 1:53 AM PST - 23 comments

Bit of an odd question perhaps - but am I missing something obvious? I'm looking for affordable but SAFE accommodation with my six year old in London next weekend. [more inside]
posted by dance at 1:19 AM PST - 9 comments

Can you help me date this picture by looking at the clothes? [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 1:12 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm going to Munich for work at the end of the month. I'll have a few days to myself after. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 1:09 AM PST - 20 comments

My family is traveling to Germany, France, Sweden, and Italy this summer. Where can they get a prepaid SIM card for their iPhones with at least 1GB data and no country restrictions? Must they really buy a new SIM card as they enter each country? The last discussion about this was in 2015 so I assume the mobile landscape have changed since then.
posted by Typographica at 12:59 AM PST - 15 comments

Recently, I have hit a wall feeling my works look like an ad I saw in magazine or that big poster on the side of a building somewhere.... Something is wrong, isn't it? I do often work with reference because my employer/art director would give me images and want the design style to be look "like" it. I do successfully recreate the same style wanted at the same time doing my best to avoid making a "copied" art work. But still.... [more inside]
posted by lanhan at 9:20 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for the title/author of a book. I think I read the book in the late 70s/early 80s. There might've been a war on or due to the end of the world, the military was the main focus. Glaciers were moving at a rapid rate across the earth, to the point that people were being frozen in walls of ice as they passed. The protagonist might've been a woman and she was having a relationship with a man who might've been in the military. [more inside]
posted by Zack_Replica at 8:21 PM PST - 4 comments

What are these bugs in our bathtub (that we never use)? [more inside]
posted by allison00 at 7:45 PM PST - 3 comments

Every few months, the following thing happens to me: *low grade fever (about 100-101 degrees) which resolves within 24 hours, sometimes accompanied by mild chills/aches *large bright red rash on neck and middle of chest (flat, no pain or itching, blotchy appearence) which resolves within 48-72 hours *no other symptoms So far it has happened about 6 times total, extremely predictable. [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 6:23 PM PST - 14 comments

Is it legal to order vitamins from Canada in the US? All I'm finding is info on importing prescription drugs from Canada for personal use (not legal, but often ignored) or on the legality of bringing vitamins/supplements to Canada from the US. [more inside]
posted by johnofjack at 4:57 PM PST - 7 comments

We are putting our house on the market in the next couple of weeks. We had hydrangeas planted as foundation plants in front of our North-facing house a couple of years ago. There are three on each side, but several of them have not fared well through the winter and look horrible. What kind of bush could we have planted there that will be about 3 feet tall right away, not too expensive, and thrive facing north?
posted by mmf at 3:13 PM PST - 9 comments

I want to be sure the chocolate I use in my baking (and I use a lot) is ethically sourced. Five or so years ago, I ordered from multiple sources, and settled on one. That source (Mama Ganache) is switching from baking ingredients to finished chocolates. The other sources I checked out are doing the same. [more inside]
posted by JawnBigboote at 3:09 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a pretty old Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2 TV that I'd like to mount on a wall instead of using the tabletop base. The back of the TV has an entire herd of threaded holes, the brochure is glib, the manual is cagey -- which are the right set of holes? [more inside]
posted by janell at 2:37 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm travelling to Mumbai with my partner later this month and we'd like to hire a tour guide for one or two days. We're pretty seasoned travellers, but we don't have a huge amount of time and in particular, we'd like to check out the street food scene, and the fun 'off-the-beaten-track' stuff (we can do the big sites on our own)! [more inside]
posted by adrianhon at 2:19 PM PST - 2 comments

We're moving into a new office, and we'd like to have a small wall-mounted tablet that lives outside every conference room and displays that room's specific Google calendar. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by you're a kitty! at 2:07 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm trying to sew stretch fabrics, but have been having difficulties with the top layer of fabric bunching and getting shoved out of the way by the presser foot. I checked online and the answer seems to be to reduce the presser foot's pressure....however.... My machine - a Brother SQ9000 - doesn't have a presser foot pressure adjustment! Is there any other way to adjust the presser foot that doesn't include the machine's knob? Any way of "artificially" lifting the presser foot a little? [more inside]
posted by Lt. Bunny Wigglesworth at 1:46 PM PST - 12 comments

My partner and I have decided to move from our awesome but overpriced city to a more affordable area that is closer to both of our families. We will be doing this within the next year/year-and-a-half. I am very worried about breaking the news to my closest friend here, who can be very emotional and quick to anger. [more inside]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 1:35 PM PST - 31 comments

what it says on the tin. i'm supposed to transition to a 2000mg/day or less diet, but i'm having a very difficult time finding decent resources for this. i have the sodium girl's low salt cookbook on order from the library. most everything i can find on the web is in gallery form, with comments always starting with 'bland recipe, i added a lot more of (salty ingredients) to make it better.' willing to cook in bulk and raw veggies/salad to be my sides.
posted by lescour at 1:05 PM PST - 12 comments

Considering taking my parents up on their offer to help me buy a home. They're encouraging me to consider joining them in purchasing a multi-family property instead. Is this a good idea? What questions should I be asking? [more inside]
posted by acidic at 12:50 PM PST - 9 comments

One of our feral neighborhood mama cats was hit by a car. She has a litter of kittens, they are about a month old. We have seen them out and about in the neighborhood, but don't know where she has hidden them. How can we find them? [more inside]
posted by Elly Vortex at 12:27 PM PST - 12 comments

ISO literacy funding & grants available to public school teachers at all levels. [more inside]
posted by Heatwole at 12:10 PM PST - 3 comments

I work with a local foster based dog rescue in my hometown. We are always in need of funds for vet bills and the like, and while we hold regular fundraisers, we could use some consistent funds to count on. I had an idea for a monthly subscription style system of donations what donors can have drafted monthly, but what can I offer them in return to really bring in the donors? [more inside]
posted by Quincy at 12:05 PM PST - 12 comments

Yes, I know it's a plant of some kind. Here's a picture... [more inside]
posted by ivanthenotsoterrible at 11:50 AM PST - 19 comments

A friend of mine, who owns and lives in her house, has a nice room for rent. However, she hasn’t had to delve into the madness of finding a roommate on the Internet since Craigslist was The Place To Go—and it ain’t working this time. What’s the current best way to find a nice, sane housemate in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 11:33 AM PST - 17 comments

I have a serious chronic neck injury, and I want a fancy ergonomic chair at my new job. Can I ask them to buy one for me? [more inside]
posted by radioamy at 9:43 AM PST - 18 comments

I have a venue I can self-cater, now I need a caterer (or more than one) for a party for 60ish people in Toronto. I'd like to have food delivered and setup a buffet when it arrives. Looking for recommendations. Food that goes will with suckling pig, or a suckling pig caterer that will also bring other food, especially welcome. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:29 AM PST - 5 comments

When was this map made?
posted by schmod at 9:07 AM PST - 16 comments

What would it take to be your favourite coworker/team member/subordinate/colleague? [more inside]
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 8:58 AM PST - 27 comments

Please help me identify this delicious Mexican hot oil. [more inside]
posted by yawper at 8:45 AM PST - 5 comments

I'd like to send a friend a birthday dessert on Friday May 26. In the past I've done Milk Bar and Baked by Melissa. I want something new but don't really want to pay Goldbely prices. Any recommendations? Delivery will be in Hell's Kitchen, no allergies or food restrictions!
posted by tatiana wishbone at 7:46 AM PST - 11 comments

I am producing and artisan fair that is taking place this coming Saturday in Pasadena/Los Angeles area. Vendors will be selling jewelry, handbags, leatherworks, etc. The event will take place in the parking lot of a local coffeehouse. I have promoted through my events social media (instagram, fB, twitter, etc) and online community calendars of local media (e.g. KABC. Los Angeles Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine) Please suggest other promotional avenues I may be over looking.
posted by goalyeehah at 6:46 AM PST - 9 comments

Hello, hoping someone here can help me when both Google support and my hosting provider have given up. I'm working with two domains - we'll call them mycompany.com and client.com, both use G Suite for email, both at the same hosting provider. One email (mine) on mycompany.com (my work domain) is getting this bounce back message: 550 5.7.1 relaying denied when emailing any address at client.com. My colleagues, also emailing from mycompany.com, don't have a problem. [more inside]
posted by cilantro at 6:28 AM PST - 11 comments

My family life is a mess. My dad died two months ago and now I'm living at home with my mother. It was different living here when my dad was ill... it was different living here with my dad, period. I'm in my late 20s and for various reasons I ended up moving back home a few years ago. My mother is just... completely mentally ill. I cannot live with her anymore. This environment is driving me crazy. Am I even legally allowed to move out if she's so ill? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:18 AM PST - 21 comments

I emailed a connection in my network about a job opportunity in his unit. I'm a part-time graduate student in a related program, but I'm only about a third of the way through the program. This connection replied, 'cc'ing the hiring manager, who then asked to set up a time to speak with me. The problem is, I'm not really qualified for this job. How do I respond? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:18 AM PST - 13 comments

We agreed today to host a family of refugees for a week. They have been refused asylum and are avoiding the immigration authorities. What can we do to make them as comfortable as possible? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:18 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm (somewhat involuntarily) spending quite a bit of time with a good friend of my mom's. Mom's friend had been tremendously generous to me my entire life, and I am extremely grateful to her. But I keep feeling extremely annoyed in smaller interactions, and I feel like the worst person. Please help me understand my reactions. [more inside]
posted by atetrachordofthree at 11:28 PM PST - 12 comments

I have started working with my therapist on formulating aspirations for the next several years of life, and I am finding this very challenging. How do you formulate positive aspirations? How do you develop a long-term view of what you want to do or be, not just what you must do or must avoid? [more inside]
posted by 4rtemis at 10:51 PM PST - 17 comments

If I leave the West Coast on an morning nonstop, I'll get into JFK by 3 at the earliest. The last LIRR train to the North Fork leaves Jamaica at 2 on weekends. I'd really like to get to Riverhead, at least, preferably Mattituck, before having to have someone pick me up or getting a Lyft. Help? [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 9:50 PM PST - 4 comments

I have a budding (sorry) flower farm, and I need a walk-in cooler. The Coolbot promises I can build a small walk-in cooler for under $2,000, but I am skeptical of this device and it's hard to pin down how well it works. (A lot of the reviews are one-offs, but there are also many good, seemingly legit reviews, and I just can't tell anymore.) Has anybody used this? Could it really work? If so, advice on building cooler? [more inside]
posted by Camofrog at 9:11 PM PST - 12 comments

My mother and I (from US) are going on a Baltic Cruise together in a week and a half. We will be staying at the Copenhagen airport, Clarion Airport Hotel the night before we depart on the cruise. I'm thinking about heading down to Copenhagen Street Food alone by Metro on Friday night. [more inside]
posted by mismatchedsock at 6:57 PM PST - 8 comments

Now that PWR BTTM is off my playlist, I'm feeling the loss. There are few recent bands I've enjoyed as much. I'm looking for a band who is socially conscious, preferably queer, definitely feminist who create incredibly catchy, sing-along-suitable music. Indie, hip-hop, punk rock, ska, probably not so much singer-songwriter but I'm pretty open if I can sing along to a catchy tune! The only example I can think of that scratches this itch is Tacocat. Please give me links to a song or two and tell me why you think I should check them out (i.e. don't just list a band name with zero context!) [more inside]
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 5:44 PM PST - 21 comments

I want/need a new mouse for my iMac of roughly 2014/2015 vintage. It came with a battery-powered mouse...can I swap it for something rechargeable or plugged in? [more inside]
posted by maxwelton at 4:53 PM PST - 16 comments

We live in the Northwest corner of NC. We are going to Philadelphia on Thursday. The Google maps route takes us through DC Driving in Charlotte during heavy traffic can be pretty stressful for me. I'm fairly certain DC can be much worse. [more inside]
posted by Epsilon-minus semi moron at 3:55 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm having some struggles with Windows 10 after it performed an update. Everything is slow and I can't access tools like chkdsk, or boot to Windows media via USB or DVD. [more inside]
posted by circular at 1:35 PM PST - 15 comments

Is there an application that will check the version of all applications running on my computer (windows10) and give me a list of those that are out of date? I asked the same question (except for the windows 10 detail) about 8 years ago and was told about filehippo which I used until recently. However, it does not look like filehippo is being maintained ( the latest version is about 2 years old and the name indicates that it's a "Beta" version ) so I'm looking for an alternative. Thanks.
posted by metadave at 1:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Baby has moderate torticollis (tight neck) and is developing a flat spot. Paediatrician said that with diligent efforts, we may be able to avoid a costly helmet. I'd very much like this! Has anyone been there and done that? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 1:15 PM PST - 13 comments

I love Alice Neel's work, especially her portraits of people living in Harlem. I'd love to have some of her work on my walls, but I can't afford them (only available in limited quantities from galleries.) Can anyone think of an artist with a similar style I might like? Unknown, emerging is fine, as are prints!
posted by caoimhe at 12:28 PM PST - 3 comments

My daughter is considering a 1 year position in Columbia Falls, MT, starting this August (near Whitefish and Kalispel). We've visited the area before and are generally familiar with it as vacationers to Glacier National Park, but have some concerns about weather, people, food and interesting activities, especially in the winter months. [more inside]
posted by j810c at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm in a sticky social quandary where a friend is asking me to lie to another mutual friend. Do you guys have any advice? [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 11:38 AM PST - 40 comments

so i live on/near the water and am fascinated with exploring on satellite imagery prior to physical nautical adventure (owing to having a small boat and littlish kids). there doesn't seem to be any once you wander a mile from the coast..... or does there? [more inside]
posted by chasles at 10:56 AM PST - 6 comments

Just got SEC-mandated background on a financial adviser. Lots of cash settlements over customer complaints. Not sure if it's cause for alarm, or par for the course for a big bank? [more inside]
posted by The Ardship of Cambry at 10:12 AM PST - 16 comments

I don't have any day job ideas. Any guidance/suggestions would be appreciated. [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 9:44 AM PST - 13 comments

Mom's getting wobbly, so we're worrying about the "I've fallen and I can't get up!" scenario. Is Life Alert indeed the best solution? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 9:29 AM PST - 8 comments

New boyfriend of two months is proving himself to be kind, generous, gentle, accepting, thoughtful and damn sexy. I'm trying to relax and enjoy getting to know him as best I can without my anxiety getting in the way. But recent discussions about his past have thrown up some worrying issues. How to deal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:03 AM PST - 61 comments

Our last Girl Scout meeting of the year is coming up next week and I think it'd be fun for the girls to blow things up. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 8:23 AM PST - 26 comments

I feel silly for asking this question, but I am terrible at estimating distances and spatial stuff like that. This is my house. I want to wash the windows above the garage. Can anyone look at the picture and tell me how tall of a ladder I need? Everything is average sized and I am 5' 7". [more inside]
posted by cpatterson at 7:31 AM PST - 14 comments

A few years ago, it was widely reported that many US counties don't have access to mental health professionals. Which ones? [more inside]
posted by :-) at 7:07 AM PST - 5 comments

This morning on the radio, Gary Kasparov talked about how he beat chess players much younger than himself because he stayed in better physical shape. What physical exercise best helps mental strength? [more inside]
posted by clawsoon at 7:01 AM PST - 17 comments

A script keeps bouncing me out (and only me!) of certain pages on a website but doesn't appear to be anything to do with the script itself. As far as I can tell the request isn't getting to the script so I'd like to figure out where its going. It has the same issue on the live server as on my local XAMPP install. [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 6:21 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm the outgoing President of a small student club that is part of a small post-graduate faculty at a large University. Imagine something in the vein of "First Generation Medical Students Club" or "Korean American MBA Students Association". I recently ran an election for my replacement. One of the candidates has probably attempted to fix the election, though they were unsuccessful. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:51 AM PST - 16 comments

I’m almost 30 and I have about $600 in my savings account and $3000 in credit card debt and a couple thousand in a 401k and that’s it. Can you recommend some sort of financial advice that won’t make me want to hurl myself into the fucking sea? Because everything I see on 'financial planning for 20somethings' starts off by telling me that I should start have started socking away hundreds of dollars a month from the time I graduated college and have 30K in savings by now, and then my brain just shuts down and I go into hyper-avoidance mode because I have clearly already ruined my life and will die in a ditch so what’s the point? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:51 AM PST - 42 comments

I've recently begun to have breathing difficulties whilst presenting to an audience. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:51 AM PST - 6 comments

What are the House rules for beginning impeachment? Legal or historical training, or government experience, might qualify you to answer. Please, no guesswork. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by j_curiouser at 10:10 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm asking half-jokingly, as I've a thing for retro-computing as a hobby. I recently rediscovered the Hercules Emulator, and have set about trying to learn how this kind of computing works. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 8:52 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm considering adopting a dog who may have luxating patella. Is this an adoption deal breaker for someone who doesn't have a lot of money? [more inside]
posted by lemonwheel at 8:37 PM PST - 15 comments

We bought a lovely condo in a vintage building this past December. The bulb burned out in one of our Craftmade brand ceiling fans installed by the previous owners, and I have very little information about the model so I need help fixing a couple of issues. One, can you help me ID this 120v halogen bulb type? I think I found it on Google but I am not 100% sure. Two, WTF is going on with this burned-out wire insulation and how do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by lieber hair at 7:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Is there a feminist case for breast augmentation or other cosmetic surgeries? ISO reading recommendations. [more inside]
posted by esoterrica at 7:46 PM PST - 19 comments

So I fell for one of those parking lot dent-repair scams. My dent is actually gone, but I am left with a strange white substance that the guy sprayed on my car that is a mother to get off. Anyone know what this stuff could possibly be and the best way to remove it?
posted by shotgunbooty at 7:12 PM PST - 3 comments

When the President and a World leader sit down in the Oval Office and have a conversation, is there a record of the conversation? [more inside]
posted by rudy26 at 7:07 PM PST - 5 comments

I'd like to keep a record of what I plant, when it grows/flowers/fruits, weather notes, etc. Ideally it could be in a multi-year format so it's easy to cross-reference months. Must be hemisphere-neutral or southern hemisphere specific. Planting suggestions would be an awesome bonus, but aren't essential. Paper or online are both ok. Have you used anything like this? Are there other features I should consider?
posted by superfish at 6:05 PM PST - 5 comments

A classmate of my middle school-aged child attempted suicide and while my child and I spoke this afternoon after school, I would like to be better prepared to speak about this issue. I probably am missing obvious resources, I admit to being a bit blind-sided by today's events. I am specifically looking for age-appropriate resources to discuss suicide attempts by a fellow classmate. My child is 11 years old.
posted by anonymous at 4:38 PM PST - 5 comments

On a lark, my wife and I booked flights to Denver in June for a week's vacation. We've never even been to the state of Colorado. How should we divide up our time and what towns should we stay? We are into beer and vegetarian restaurants and funky shops and hiking.
posted by smackfu at 4:35 PM PST - 16 comments

Can anyone recommend an attorney to review a physician employment contract in Wisconsin?
posted by anonymous at 4:19 PM PST - 2 comments

I want to make this recipe. I only have Madras curry sauce, instead of the powder in the ingredients list. Is this going to work, or should I just give up? What should I change about the recipe to make it work?
posted by dilaudid at 4:18 PM PST - 4 comments

I recently purchased and received a cervical cap (the Caya). I've never worn a diaphragm before, although am a regular user of the diva cup (so I've had some experience successfully inserting things in my vagina!). I've watched the tutorial and read the instructions, but I can't tell, how should I know if it's in right? [more inside]
posted by twill at 4:03 PM PST - 3 comments

I just started learning guitar and want to document my progress with notes and videos week by week as a motivational tool. But where to post my content? [more inside]
posted by bent back tulips at 3:35 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a song all mixed. I also have footage of recording the song. Now what? The questions of a video editing novice inside. [more inside]
posted by umbú at 2:58 PM PST - 2 comments

I am the meeting facilitator for a fairly new activist group. We are lucky to be an intergenerational crowd, with active members ranging from ages 24 to 89! One challenge this presents is that several of our members are hard of hearing. Help me think of ways to improve the accessibility of our meetings for those folks. [more inside]
posted by juliapangolin at 1:19 PM PST - 13 comments

My optometrist has seen me over the past 5 years and is familiar with my problems with severe astigmatism and dry eyes. [more inside]
posted by IndigoOnTheGo at 1:18 PM PST - 11 comments

I’m writing a fictional story about a teacher dealing with a plagiarizing student. This is loosely based on actual events (I was an adjunct, not the student!), but it’s been more than a decade and my memory is sketchy. [more inside]
posted by swheatie at 1:07 PM PST - 16 comments

I knit while I'm in bed, watching TV in the living room, and visiting friends at rest homes. I would love to buy a light that is telescopic, retractable, or somehow designed to be easily portable. Doesn't need to be battery operated. Help please!
posted by Triumphant Muzak at 1:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Next weekend, my wife and I are visiting Cleveland for a family college graduation. On Monday, after the festivities, we'll have a day to ourselves before a late evening flight home. I'm looking for activity suggestions for the day. We haven't really been there before, so even the obvious is welcome. We like museums, and fine dining, not so much shopping, though a small amount is OK, if there's something not-to-be-missed unique. We will use Uber, most likely, and are staying at the downtown Marriott in the Key Center.
posted by cameradv at 1:02 PM PST - 10 comments

We are seriously considering putting a mother in law unit in the backyard. Of course permits and zoning laws need to be confirmed with the city first before anything can start. We're in the meantime getting ahead of ourselves and exploring the pros and cons for different types of house buildings. [more inside]
posted by 7life at 12:59 PM PST - 14 comments

Because I am already dealing with issues around concentration/motivation/depression, my monthly cycle is seriously impacting my ability to meet my own personal goals and be a productive member of society. Is there anything I can actually do, besides commit to the life of an Oblomov? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 11:40 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm looking for a program that will keep track of medical expenses, deductibles (and other insurance details), FSA claims, payments, etc. This seems like something many people would want, but I am not able to find anything. A couple of online platforms seem to have been overtaken by service providers who cater to the billing systems of medical providers (CakeHealth and Simplee) and others like Quicken's healthcare software are no longer supported. Am I doomed to building my own spreadsheet?
posted by Original 1928 Flavor at 11:32 AM PST - 0 comments

The medication I've been taking for my Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is no longer working. My PCP and I are working through our options, but I'd like to get the hive's advice to help me prepare for our next appointment (which is tomorrow morning). My PCP is wonderful and she brings her own ideas to the table, but she also encourages me to take an active role in my health. Yes, I am in therapy; this question is really just about the medication side of things. [more inside]
posted by schroedingersgirl at 10:38 AM PST - 13 comments

So I wake up last Monday and notice my hand shaking. On top of that, seemingly out of nowhere, I'm more anxious about even the smallest things. I'm always anxious but this is different, it feels different at least, and the tremors are new... I guess the question is what could so suddenly (or at least without me realizing it) cause the shakes? It's been a week, I'm kind of desperate for a solution here.
posted by dr handsome at 10:35 AM PST - 13 comments

Hurricane Matthew left us with a stump in our backyard, and I'd like to put a treehouse on top of it for my daughters. How should I do it? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 10:19 AM PST - 11 comments

I got myself an older style bluetooth GPS receiver, to connect to my tablet in the car. The GPS puck runs on 2 AA batteries. Is there any way to make it run on USB instead? [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 10:17 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm good at my job (Client Services, Service Delivery, etc) and my resume reflects that. Unfortunately, I have no college experience. This gets me filtered out immediately all the time. Is there a way to overcome that aside from "ask for jobs from people who actually know you"? [more inside]
posted by radiosilents at 9:54 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a feeling this will not be my last AskMe about this. I dated a guy for three years, all of it long distance. Things went wrong. Details to follow. [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 9:39 AM PST - 7 comments

This is a follow-up to my previous question. I have learned that the Ottawa Jazz Festival takes place while I am there. Any recommendations for shows to see, particularly the 23rd and 24th, especially ones that are suited to someone who knows very little about jazz? [more inside]
posted by Grinder at 8:50 AM PST - 4 comments

Everyone knows the black power salute of the olympians. And Colin Kapernick. But are there some lesser known examples of people in sport taking a stand for something they believed in? Politics. Racial issues. Sexual Equality. That sort of thing. Or any other actually.
posted by rileyray3000 at 8:10 AM PST - 40 comments

I live in a three-person house. One of my roommates moved out and we found a subletter. The subletter paid deposit and 1 month's rent directly to my landlord. She then changed her mind three weeks later (without ever moving in.) She then threatened the landlord with legal action and he returned her money to her - both the month's rent and the deposit. Now he is trying to hold us responsible for that money. I would like to deal with this without getting lawyers involved. What do we do? [more inside]
posted by pretentious illiterate at 8:05 AM PST - 21 comments

I ordered this shade on the chairish website, and it arrived looking like this ...WEEP! [more inside]
posted by torticat at 7:53 AM PST - 3 comments

My water heater leaked. I live in a top floor condo. I am the homeowner. My insurance does not cover water damage. What do I need to do for the people underneath me? [more inside]
posted by cokelessrome at 7:53 AM PST - 3 comments

Now that summer is coming, there will be 4 girls age 7-15 in my not-huge house for an extended period of time and I'm already freaking out about it. How do I cope with space invasion and a lack of control over the one environment I can typically control in my life? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 7:12 AM PST - 27 comments

I've been happily dating my boyfriend for 9 months, but I'm growing more concerned that we don't want the same future. I'm more certain of my desires; he's less certain. Can you provide some perspective on our situation? [more inside]
posted by orangesky4 at 6:53 AM PST - 23 comments

I'm looking for suggestions on how to build (or buy) a better home NAS solution with RAID5 and (possibly) some degree of ransomware protection... [more inside]
posted by sodium lights the horizon at 5:31 AM PST - 10 comments

I obsessively use everything to the last drop. What can I do with two cups of borax? I had the idea of making laundry detergent, and I have one other ingredient, bar soap, but I don’t want to spend money to buy the remaining ingredient, washing soda. Can I still make laundry detergent? [more inside]
posted by Borborygmus at 4:23 AM PST - 18 comments

I feel like somehow I'm not a fundamentally worthy person. I can cognitively recognize this as being a result of the household I grew up in and the things my parents said to me as a child. That's not news to me anymore. But: how can I shake the feeling that I'm, at the core, not really worth it? [more inside]
posted by fernweh at 8:57 PM PST - 16 comments

Was watching online the first porn movie I ever saw recently. It's from the 80s. I am reasonably sure this scene is somewhere in or near Potrero in San Francisco because there was a Ray Cicero Realty sign and I found out they were based in Potrero. Wondering if anyone is familiar with the area or has good detective skills. Kind of fascinated about the historical changes. Here are the (very poor quality) screenshots
posted by vizsla at 7:57 PM PST - 6 comments

Cooking sets off all our smoke alarms. How can I fix this? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 7:14 PM PST - 15 comments

Hi. Thanks to everyone who helped with my last question, about acing my library page interview--it paid off, because I got the job! Now: do I pursue an MLIS or not? [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 7:12 PM PST - 10 comments

My sister has had significant, longstanding anxiety since her early teens (for the last two decades). She is always wound tight. When she's stressed out, she snaps at family (including me) and she's always stressed out. I can count the number of times I've visited her in the past decade and NOT been snapped at on one hand. I've had it. How can I get her to see that this is a problem? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 7:03 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm temporarily relocating to London from the States for 3-6 months for work. Since I'll be there for an extended period of time, what are the not-just-the-highlights things that I should do and see while I'm there? Bonus points for seasonal events, weekend trips, and good events listing sources. [more inside]
posted by asphericalcow at 5:52 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on a year of Webflow. Things I like: CMS, heavily customization but with lots of pretty pre-built templates, decently priced (about bit more than a hundred bucks per year for nearly everything), can export and connect to webspace if I need to. Do you have any experience with Webflow? Is there a better option I'm missing that would fit my criteria? [more inside]
posted by codacorolla at 5:34 PM PST - 3 comments

I'd like to learn the revenue a particular company receives from US Defense and Intelligence contracts. Is there a public record of contract awardees?
posted by Coventry at 5:07 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for a combination radio/CD player that is no more than 6 inches high, and has a bit of design appeal—like a Bose Wave, but not a Bose Wave. [more inside]
posted by sylvanshine at 4:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm going to Europe for the first time in my life in June! We're going to London for a week, and then Lisbon. Can you recommend some books or music that might help me enjoy the experience a little more? [more inside]
posted by pazazygeek at 3:59 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm being sent on a trip for work, and it's got me thinking about how I dress. Can you help me decide what the normal expectation would be, so I can add some appropriate clothing to my closet? [more inside]
posted by ctmf at 3:47 PM PST - 20 comments

What are some stories in movies, books, and videogames in which mothers are present, and have a big narrative role? [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:26 PM PST - 47 comments

I am looking for clear, concise information on how the connection between hormones and one's emotions affects weight. [more inside]
posted by Crystal Fox at 12:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Me: in a long-running book group, made up mostly of white, middle class, urban or suburban women who knit. You: in a long-running book group which is demographically not like mine. What are some of the books your group has enjoyed? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 11:42 AM PST - 17 comments

They moved in maybe six months ago and have a big dog that barks and barks when I get in, often at 10 p.m. or so. (they leave him tied up outside for unknown amounts of time as well). After reading one of the posts here, I decided to approach them and get more info: now I know his name (which often stops him cold), age, etc. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 11:03 AM PST - 30 comments

I bought some beautiful stamped aluminum earrings (at least, I assume they're aluminum), and the edges are razor-sharp. They are thin sheets of metal, about the thickness of soda can walls. I would like to blunt or cover the edges so they're less sharp. [more inside]
posted by delight at 10:59 AM PST - 7 comments

Looking for things which can be fully-saturated red or orange, where either color is about equally likely and unsurprising, and which are not flowers. It's okay if the thing can occur in other colors as well, as long as it is usually red or orange, or the red/orange versions are dominant and familiar. Also acceptable: things which can occur in colors intermediate between red and orange, or which can be simultaneously red and orange. [more inside]
posted by Spathe Cadet at 10:47 AM PST - 34 comments

My partner's daughter has never accepted me, and has refused to meet me. This has caused upset and some conflict, but I've sort of made my peace with it. But today I found out that she has told her daughter that we'll be minding the child's hamster when they're on vacation. I realise all The Stuff is landing at the little furry's door, and how I'm feeling is not purely about minding a hamster, but how do I approach this when I'm really, really mad? [more inside]
posted by socksually active at 10:33 AM PST - 32 comments

I love the comfort of yoga pants, leggings, long t-shirts, and hoodie tunics, but at the same time I would like to look professional and inspire fear respect as a new-ish manager in the office. [more inside]
posted by Ender's Friend at 10:30 AM PST - 22 comments

I find myself needing to buy an evening dress (below the knee, shoulders covered) in Barcelona tomorrow. The catch: I am around size 16 US and do not relish spending lots of time in stores that will not have anything that fits me. We are staying in Gracia and do not have a car. I'd prefer something within that neighborhood if possible, though metro and cab are ok if needed. Recommendations as to where to shop? [more inside]
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments

It looks like the DKNY Soho jeans line has been discontinued since Donna Karan retired. I've been trying to find a replacement for my beloved straight leg and boot cut jeans that are going through the mill, but no luck so far. More details after the jump... [more inside]
posted by jazzbaby at 9:14 AM PST - 3 comments

What Are Your Favorite Homebrew Recipes? [more inside]
posted by plinth at 8:44 AM PST - 4 comments

Read a recent article that some folks are taking upward of 200 Imodium for the high it can give. This can cause a person's heart to stop. So let's consider in a situation where a person does take this many, survives and actually cares about their pooping health...how long before they could poop again? I know people who stop popping for days after a dose. Would there be anything they could do counteract the anti-poop effect? [more inside]
posted by MandaSayGrr at 8:40 AM PST - 4 comments

My husband had a Ipad2 and just got him a new Ipad Pro. He has already been on this new ipad for a week. He has been able to download all his games and pick up where he left off except for one - Sniper 3D Assassin which he has a Facebook Id associated with it. [more inside]
posted by just asking at 7:08 AM PST - 4 comments

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Duke of Edinburgh, Spiral Scouts all have a structured merit badge system. Who else does so? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 2:56 AM PST - 16 comments

So this question was discussed and researched at length over breakfast. However no answer was found on the internet. We also lack the fundamental math skills to calculate it ourselves. How many ways can all the little squares be combined to make a QR code?
posted by starfishprime at 2:23 AM PST - 3 comments

Think we found a single bed bug. We live in an apartment. No signs of anything in our apartment itself. What now?? [more inside]
posted by SockWombat at 1:38 AM PST - 14 comments

I want to create an adventure/treasure hunt style day for my sister, her husband, her best friend and my 7 year old niece. And I want it to be epic. It will be based predominantly outdoors and fingers crossed the English summer will be kind enough to assume it will be a pleasant day weather wise . I am brainstorming at this stage, considering how to plan it, what to include and any ideas and suggestions would be very welcome....more details inside! [more inside]
posted by TheGarden at 10:23 PM PST - 4 comments

Boyfriend recently changed jobs and we now have opposing schedules. To top it off, his schedule is erratic and makes getting used to it even harder...more whining inside... [more inside]
posted by ariadne_88 at 9:50 PM PST - 16 comments

I am about to dig up my sweet potatoes. Going by last year's harvest, I'm expecting I might have a couple of hundred large ones. The internet tells me I should cure them for 1-3 weeks in a place with high humidity and temperatures of 18-30 C (65-85 F). I'm not sure exactly how to do this without spending more money than my potatoes are worth! Any clever ideas? [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 9:09 PM PST - 8 comments

Hey there, I am being wrongly charged by Verizon for a month of internet when I was told it's a day by day billing plan. Thanks to NYC's one-party recording policy, I have recordings of their customer service people saying that when I signed up. I've filed 4 BBB complaints that have gone nowhere. What else can I do?
posted by Kombucha3452 at 8:08 PM PST - 5 comments

I received a notice from Amazon about a policy violation about trademark infringement. The message lists 17 ASIN identifier numbers, for many disparate types of items. 11 of the items are inactive (some were sold years ago). There are no details about what the infringement supposedly is, and the only information given is a contact address that has no obvious relationship to any of the items. [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 6:17 PM PST - 11 comments

We are adding on to our house and it will take up half of our small backyard so we are thinking of turning the rest of it more into a large patio/courtyard type place. But I'm trying to decide what is a cost effective patio "surface" and was considering pea gravel but worried about committing to it. Any experience with pea gravel or bark chips? [more inside]
posted by amanda at 4:54 PM PST - 20 comments

Hello, askmefi! I did search this question but did not find quite what I was looking for. [more inside]
posted by Zarya at 4:19 PM PST - 7 comments

What kind of folks would enjoy reading explicit erotica based on Shakespeare, or taking place in interesting historical settings? And where can I find those people and share my work with them? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:37 PM PST - 11 comments

Is there a one-word synonym for "fully supply?" The context would be meeting the needs of something in such a way that it brings a material deficiency to a sufficient amount, but not excess. Like army supplies, grocery store shelves, that kind of thing. A more wordy answer would be "topping off the missing part." I can find words that come close, but don't quite hit it. For example, "restock" may apply to store shelves, but isn't broad enough to cover all instances of this concept. Thanks for the help!
posted by SpacemanStix at 2:33 PM PST - 22 comments

I recently bought a dresser from an antique shop. What was not obvious until it was delivered was that it was previously owned by a smoker. [more inside]
posted by fluttering hellfire at 2:01 PM PST - 13 comments

I live in Florida and my God right now there is so many mosquitoes in our back yard. I didn't put in insect repellant one day by mistake and boy was that a mistake.... anyone uses with success something for your yard that prevents mosquitoes and controls them?
posted by barexamfreak at 1:39 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm a freelance travel consultant and am doing more networking recently to grow my client base. I'm specifically targeting high income luxury travelers. This week I have meetings with two C-level executives at a major Fortune 100 corporation, and I want to make the most of the opportunity. [more inside]
posted by kdern at 12:41 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for an apartment in NYC and I find the best way of doing it is waiting until I get lucky and something pops up at a good price through a friend. I am not really budget restrained in that I can do up to $2500/mo comfortably. I tried using the Gypsy Housing and Roomie, I'm open to a 6 mo sublet or with roommates, so if there's something better then AirBnB that'd work but I seem to never hear back with these services even though I'm a normal person with a normal job. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 12:34 PM PST - 5 comments

I have family members who frequently have gatherings at certain restaurants that totally gross me out. Not eating anything there seems rude, but I just really, really don't want to eat the food. Any of it. What would be the least offensive way to deal with this? [more inside]
posted by whistle pig at 11:51 AM PST - 46 comments

I'm supposed to start taking supplemental magnesium malate soon- could this form of magnesium {compounded with malic acid} cause issues with sun exposure? I'm asking because I know that malic acid, as an alpha hydroxy acid, is known to provoke reactions to sun exposure when applied topically and, since summer is almost here, it got me wondering whether that could be the case once taken orally as well. Any help {and sources you can find} is highly appreciated, thanks a lot!
posted by opalshards at 11:36 AM PST - 4 comments

My wife and I are terrible at picking colors - please help with a deck stain color. [more inside]
posted by Mid at 11:29 AM PST - 6 comments

I need to track carbs, protein and fat. We cook meals almost exclusively from whole natural foods and MyFitnessPal is beyond torture to use. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 10:57 AM PST - 12 comments

Asking for a friend. Should my friend accept a class-action settlement, if the claim form requires him to admit wrongdoing? [more inside]
posted by JimN2TAW at 10:12 AM PST - 14 comments

We're about to get an invoice from our financial planner. I suspect it's going to include both things I'm happy to pay for and things I'm not. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by Other at 8:36 AM PST - 10 comments

I have a recurring health problem. I would like to find an easy way to keep a daily health diary (logging food, sleep, exercise etc) which will let me visually see a month or two of data on a graph, to sleuth out symptom triggers. I have tried some iOS apps (Flaredown/Symple) but haven't found one I liked. I am open to non iOS options (Android/web/paper). Do you have a health log that you like? [more inside]
posted by sockkitude at 2:28 AM PST - 11 comments

As Honda aficionados know, when your car has a mechanical difficulty and the lights go on, you don't have to pay the dealer $75 to run a computer check; you can do it yourself -- you just have to close a circuit, the relevant lights on the dashboard will flash on and off a certain number of times, and then you can look up the resultant number in a table to figure out what's wrong. This isn't working and I'd appreciate further advice. [more inside]
posted by Mr. Justice at 9:58 PM PST - 12 comments

I grew up in NYC, and there was some slang my mother used about which I'm suddenly curious. The word sounds like "oon-ka-posh", and I was told it conveys over-the-top tasteless luxury simulacra, sort of like poshlust consisting exclusively of gilded plaster statues and giant crystal swans. Has anyone else heard this and have any idea where it comes from (uncaposc? une capoche?)
posted by paul_smatatoes at 8:17 PM PST - 13 comments

I've recently started reading John Muir's My First summer in the Sierra and it is riveting stuff, a love-letter to an entire landscape that resonates with the bedrock of my soul. However, right now my heart belongs to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, rather than the Sierra Nevada of California. What writings, by what authors, are the closest equivalent to John Muir's work, but set in the Whites?
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 8:10 PM PST - 4 comments

I would like to start building up a personal collection of films on Blu-Ray. I anticipate buying discs from regions A/1 and C/3. I currently have a laptop with no optical drive. How do I make this work with the smallest amount of new equipment? [more inside]
posted by a certain Sysoi Pafnut'evich at 7:54 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm trying to create storage in my laundry area. I have a tall, deep space which is only 11.5" wide, and am hoping to buy shallow open shelving and slide it into that space. So far I've struck out finding such a thing. Any suggestions? Thanks!
posted by stewiethegreat at 5:33 PM PST - 11 comments

In the event that a nonprofit organization wants to buy a particular tool, but cannot (given their near-term budget restrictions) afford to, how (if at all) might an individual employee who wants to do so legitimately contribute toward the tool's acquisition? [more inside]
posted by aecorwin at 3:48 PM PST - 9 comments

When a good friend and I made general plans to go to dinner tomorrow, she said, "Let's go somewhere FUN!" Really? How do we do that? [more inside]
posted by Dolley at 3:30 PM PST - 19 comments

Periodically, I need to scan in a slightly crisper fashion than TinyScan on my smartphone, and periodically it would be nice to be able to print something in color, just for personal use. I see that color multi-function printers have now dropped to $100 or less. What's good these days? [more inside]
posted by Lyn Never at 3:07 PM PST - 7 comments

We text a lot at work and people are getting sore thumbs. They all have iphones and PCs with SIM-card receivers (plus twin cards that they use for data). I want them to be able to send, receive and respond to SMS on their computers, ideally with echoing on their phones so no information is lost between devices. Imessage or whatsapp etc aren't an option as the receiver may be on android or just as likely on a dumbphone. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:04 PM PST - 25 comments

Seeking advice on what type of therapy help to get. Because when I'm attacked in social or work situations, I'm left feeling very internally agitated and anxious. How can I overcome this? I don't expect immediate results, but as though I've made some sort of internal progress by recognizing this problem and don't know where to go from here. I have an example of a type of attack and other details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:04 PM PST - 5 comments

I've been writing a short story collection for 1 1/2 years and I'm flagging. I'm at the point of setting new goals for the project, with some helpful suggestions, or considering moving on. Help! [more inside]
posted by Kat_Dubs at 2:05 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm interested in finding online forums or the like where I can try to understand the viewpoints of people of different (American) political persuasions. My goal is to understand others and try to get others to understand me - and NOT sling invective - so I would be respectful of my interlocutors and expect the same of them. Ideas?
posted by Mechitar at 12:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Ever since I updated iTunes for Windows to 12.6, it has been totally unable to connect to the iTunes store and other networked services from Apple like the Apple ID server. iTunes works fine for accessing local content, but every time it tries to connect to the store or the Apple ID server, it chunks along for about five minutes and then throws an error about being unable to connect; it also locks up completely for about five minutes every time iTunes starts. [more inside]
posted by strangely stunted trees at 12:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Scenario: Coupla middle-aged guys who play guitars together have an actual “gig” (party, 45 minutes, woo hoo!). We've played before audiences, but generally are total amateurs. Usually, it’s just the two of us on guitars, but this time I’d like to add some backing tracks… but I’ve struggled with making this work, and not sound completely hokey. What are the best solutions for digital backing tracks for live performance? We don’t need killer drums and bass, just nice subtle backing that doesn’t sound too tinny. [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 12:12 PM PST - 8 comments

What are your favorite history mysteries or tragic tales of historical disasters? The creepier, odder, and more mysterious the better! [more inside]
posted by helloimjennsco at 11:24 AM PST - 47 comments

I'm looking into applying to an online Master's program offered in Computer Science. The program requires 3 reference letters to accompany the applications. I've been out of university for 10 years, so I doubt any of my old professors would remember me. Is it a problem to apply to a grad program and have all 3 reference letters come from various people at my current employer? Or is there some better alternative that I haven't considered?
posted by Proginoskes at 11:18 AM PST - 9 comments

I have a patio attached to my condo! Great, except it doesn't get much light and for some reason attracts swarms of insects. How do I turn this into an enjoyable outdoor space? [more inside]
posted by rodneyaug at 11:17 AM PST - 8 comments

My liberal, pun-loving, sweets-loving mother wants Trump impeached. While I don't have that kind of power, sadly, I can bake her im-peach-mint...something. What should that something be? It needs to arrive 3 days later, still delicious. I have no canning skills (I've tried), but am a reasonably good baker. Any ideas?
posted by sugarbomb at 10:01 AM PST - 19 comments

Exactly a month ago I broke up with my boyfriend. We had been together for about four years and lived together for almost the entire duration of our relationship. [more inside]
posted by Lingasol at 9:54 AM PST - 31 comments

I work for a large organization, and I need a way to track a process that occurs at 8 different sites. I have been told I could use an access database, sharepoint, or microsoft project, and I need help understanding the differences (the people in my organization tasking with helping me decide are not helpful). Experience and advice welcome - more details inside. [more inside]
posted by dpx.mfx at 9:13 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm trying to remember a commercial from the late 80s early 90s for a furniture company that featured a man sitting on a chair shaped like a giant wooden hand. What was the name of the company?
posted by furtive at 8:58 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for light and ideally funny popular science books to read on an upcoming vacation: something along the lines of the work of Mary Roach, or Olivia Judson's Dr Tatiana's Sex Advice to All Creation. I have a strong preference for books on animals or plant life but am open to anything that will teach me new facts in an entertaining way.
posted by darchildre at 8:34 AM PST - 10 comments

I recently got a call from a colleague who was upset over what turned out to be a misunderstanding. We talked and cleared it up, but I noticed a physiological response on my part to the stress and hurt/anger in his voice. My heart rate went up, my voice got hoarser, my hands were shaking. Several minutes later my heart rate was still elevated, my palms were damp and trembling, and I still felt generally discomfited. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 8:29 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for a foot massage device that will allow me to massage my ladies feet while she reclines on a couch. [more inside]
posted by BillyAnne at 8:23 AM PST - 5 comments

Pull quotes in magazines and fancy layouts are often arranged artfully in the middle of a page and between columns and so on, but pull quotes online in a single article flow are trickier for me to figure out. Does one appear after that quote has already appeared in the text, or before? [more inside]
posted by knownassociate at 8:10 AM PST - 10 comments

My dog had an accident in the house a while ago, and I only recently noticed that the urine leaked through the floor onto my turntables. How do I clean this? [more inside]
posted by mkb at 7:34 AM PST - 3 comments

I had surgery on my ear 8 months ago, now I have a chorus playing in my ear that sounds like the wind when it blows over the mouth of a bottle... [more inside]
posted by Whatifyoufly at 7:23 AM PST - 4 comments

I am looking for encounters (or probable counters) between famous people in history who we don't think of as connected. Like Hitler going to school with Wittgenstein and then meeting Orson Welles as a young man. Particularly interested in encounters between those from very different cultures and historical traditions. Like Pontius Pilate meeting the Roman emperor Caligula (allegedly).
posted by dontjumplarry at 6:43 AM PST - 49 comments

I've been asked to draft a Happy Mother's Day message that the boss of my office will send out. I'm...not doing well with writing this. [more inside]
posted by lazaruslong at 6:31 AM PST - 13 comments

Was it all just my anxiety, not knowing how to communicate in LDR? Eight months later I am still lost. Grateful for your opinions. [more inside]
posted by Nnennoo at 2:40 AM PST - 9 comments

A mate reccomend a fantasy book to me but couldn't remember the title and googlefu is failung me. It involved a magacian whose name translated to no-one who had to introduce his lover (who kept reincarnating) to magic in order for him to die.... [more inside]
posted by Lesium at 11:53 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm really disappointed in my credit union right now after this discrimination incident. Notably, their response has been not much more than a lackluster press release. That led me to wonder... what examples are there of companies / businesses that really nail their response to this kind of incident? Because all my brain is coming up with are the terrible ones.
posted by rouftop at 11:27 PM PST - 3 comments

So far this year, the following has occurred, and I'm reeling. I'm trying to figure out what to do next in terms of my marriage and my life. I feel like I'm basically going through this. [more inside]
posted by o_O at 9:53 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm going to do a 10 day water fast. I don't think this will murder me, for several reasons. Also I will probably quit after one day, so that's a big one. Is there anything in particular I should know or prepare for? Or prepare to consume ( vitamins?) to stave off <thing>. Have you done something similar before? What was your experience?
posted by so fucking future at 9:12 PM PST - 15 comments

We're adopting this ball of fluff and need some suggestions for a name. [more inside]
posted by cabingirl at 8:07 PM PST - 60 comments

In search of non-toxic, easily removable ink or paint to put handprints (and pawprints) on a Mother's Day card. What kind do I want, and where do I get it? Snowflake-y details inside. [more inside]
posted by Rush-That-Speaks at 6:58 PM PST - 7 comments

This one was released in 1966 or so at the latest, as that was when I saw it. [more inside]
posted by Rich Smorgasbord at 5:55 PM PST - 4 comments

A couple of friends want to make weekend shooting a more regular thing and I'm looking for an inexpensive bolt action rifle to go with them. [more inside]
posted by Socinus at 5:45 PM PST - 14 comments

Coming up on the 1 year anniversary of a painful event for me. I lost a dear friend, and fell into some really, really shitty mental and physical health issues. I know that day I will be sensitive and prone to hurting/mental distress. What can I do to stay healthy and positive? [more inside]
posted by Rosengeist at 5:30 PM PST - 7 comments

This is copy and paste from a blog I have. I'm wrestling with a therapy problem that recently popped up. Please ignore the scattered shape of the post, I was trying to get things out. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 5:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Our cat lost her frenemy last month, who was the Best Cat in the World. BCW and remaining cat did a lot together. Remaining cat is a dominant young female who seems less stressed now that she's the only cat, but both more sedentary and bored. We've been attempting to work on both but wondering if she needs a cat/dog? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 4:52 PM PST - 5 comments

Is there a good way to stop all the (paper) mail I started to get after donating to various groups after the elections? [more inside]
posted by driedmango at 3:52 PM PST - 14 comments

What unlikely places do you get actual journalism these days? [more inside]
posted by Evilspork at 3:30 PM PST - 12 comments

What can I do/use to lift my mood instead of food? Criteria:

• quick,
• healthy,
• cheap,
• doesn't take much space,
• doesn't take long,
• doesn't depend on others,
• is, erm, decent (no privacy in a small appartment),
• not physically intense (I'm quite out of shape),
• can be done while interrupted every 5 seconds by a toddler or quiet enough not to wake up a sleeping toddler on the other side of paper-thin walls.

[more inside]
posted by gakiko at 3:08 PM PST - 28 comments

Please recommend some resources (books, websites, I guess maybe...tutorials? IDK) for improving my presentation and professionalism at work. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:47 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm a mid-level web developer between jobs. Some day, I want to be a teacher a code school/boot camp. There's a specific one that I'm most interested in, and I know people there, but right now it's just out of my league. They generally look for solid programming experience (got that), plus at least 100-200 hours experience teaching coding or related material, in any context, even volunteering. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:47 PM PST - 11 comments

I am a white person. I will soon be inheriting a lot of money. This money is not mine, my family profited from the labor and enslavement of black and brown people for centuries and continuing today. I want to give all of this money away. What is the best way to go about doing this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:46 PM PST - 28 comments

On one of my hard drives I have a folder. In that folder are about 5,000 other folders. IN those folders are files. Is there a way in one click to see all the files in these folders without opening all the folders one by one? Yosemite OSX
posted by citybuddha at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments

I want to deep-dive into how to be a great dad, but I have no idea where to start. [more inside]
posted by blahtsk at 1:33 PM PST - 32 comments

When purchasing MetroNorth railroad tickets at the MTA vending machine that accepts both cash and credit is it possible for you to purchase you ticket with a combination of cash and card? For example, can I put $20 bucks in and make the rest of the total up with a credit card?
posted by OsoMeaty at 1:19 PM PST - 3 comments

Is there a digital equivalent to "the old box of letters in the attic"? [more inside]
posted by BeeDo at 1:12 PM PST - 4 comments

Can I tell InDesign to auto-spawn multiple identical linked-and-flowed text boxes on the same page based on well-structured text data? See extended explanation. [more inside]
posted by mwhybark at 12:51 PM PST - 3 comments

I have heard rumors about people blackmailing undocumented immigrants by saying "pay me $x or I will call ICE and have them pick you up. That has to be a crime, right? If so what statute would that person be charged under?
posted by to sir with millipedes at 12:36 PM PST - 7 comments

A good friend living in the US has just let me know she is coming to my city next week. And she really wants to bring me something. Since gift giving is her love language (as well as mine), I'd like to think of something [on the cheap side] that would actually be fun to give and to receive. [more inside]
posted by M. at 12:26 PM PST - 13 comments

What's the best online resource that presents all this info well (like maybe even in a single table on a page) (US based, so imperial units and US$): (1) most common types of lumber for softwood, hardwood, and plywood, (2) nominal and actual sizes, (3) average/ballpark costs (and I'm more focused on woodworking than home construction) [more inside]
posted by gwint at 11:58 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me craft a SQL joke to be printed on a bandana and/or t-shirt for a friend going through chemo [more inside]
posted by Gorgik at 11:55 AM PST - 8 comments

I need an emergency graduation gift for a friend. Her degree is in accounting. Must be orderable on Amazon. More specs inside. [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 11:40 AM PST - 9 comments

I don't want a portable A/C but, to all appearances, I have no other choice. Can you recommend the cheapest, most effective, smallest, lightest one you know (where I don't have to change the water, and which doesn't look like a small factory in my room)? Pretty please? [more inside]
posted by Violet Blue at 10:03 AM PST - 30 comments

If an American president is found guilty of election fraud and impeached, would his appointed cabinet still stand? [more inside]
posted by LKWorking at 8:51 AM PST - 12 comments

Just bought a Macbook Air without realizing it has half the storage space of my old laptop. Oops! What are my best options for storing the movies and tv shows that are taking up most of the room on my computer? [more inside]
posted by fox problems at 8:20 AM PST - 19 comments

I am dating a guy who has a relationship with his brother that I am trying to understand. Hive mind, please help. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by longjump at 8:14 AM PST - 37 comments

I'm in charge of an extended family multi-generational vacation to Florida this December, and I'm looking for a way to get feedback from everyone to gauge their interest in the millions of possible activities. I'm not tech-savvy enough to know what to use, but I've drawn a picture of what I'd like it to look like for each person when they click on the link I send them. Can you recommend an easy free tool to accomplish this? [more inside]
posted by billtron at 7:57 AM PST - 7 comments

My wife is a technical writer interested in experimenting with text analysis. She wants to learn Python to play around with the various sentiment analyzers and other cloud machine learning tools. She has no programming background at all. Are there any online courses or MOOCs you would suggest as being good for beginners?
posted by blahblahblah at 7:48 AM PST - 15 comments

We're flying to Ottawa July 27-30 in order to see the performance of La Machine. The website is vague on details and I want to get an AirBnB that won't be too far from the action. Help? [more inside]
posted by soren_lorensen at 7:36 AM PST - 3 comments

I've spent the last decade running for fitness and working on my feet and I can finally feel it catching up to me. I started a new job and now I work 12 hour shifts and I am so sore. I've been wanting to start a yoga routine but I can barely touch my shins, let alone my toes. I've tried videos before but, for example, I can't do downward dog and I'm not sure how to best attempt it given my limited flexibility. Does anyone know of a youtube video that is a guided yoga routine for inflexible people?
posted by pintapicasso at 7:06 AM PST - 16 comments

I need a new coffee maker, preferably one that I can set up the night before. It'd be great if it had an integrated grinder. Really looking for convenience over gourmet quality. [more inside]
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:35 AM PST - 16 comments

From The Fallen Idol by Green. -He heard mrs Baines's voice like the voice in a nightmare when the small Price light has guttered in the saucer and the curtains move; it was sharp and shrill and full of malice, louder than people ought to speak,exposed.- What is "the small Price light" ? Can I see the picture of it ?
posted by mizukko at 6:10 AM PST - 4 comments

I would like to read interesting things (from anecdote to articles to studies) about if/how language development varies. Any and all cultures welcome. Thanks.
posted by threetwentytwo at 4:26 AM PST - 5 comments

I just found out that my local council's recycling programme will recycle plastic bottles, but not their caps. You are not my local recycling plant, but what has likely happened to all the bottles I've put in the recycling bin in the past - does someone go through removing caps, label sleeves etc? Or has it all gone in the trash since it's not technically within their requirements?
posted by Gordafarin at 1:23 AM PST - 12 comments

Once every couple of months or so, I have to interpret (between English and Japanese) for my job. I am perfectly capable of this, though not anywhere near perfectly. But how to fend off the White Blank Mind of Terror (WBMT)?? [more inside]
posted by sacchan at 9:25 PM PST - 11 comments

I need to find a dating/relationship book, probably British, about 150pp, published as paperback with a black, white and pink cover. Likely by a UK columnist, I'm 90% sure female. Meant as comedic but serious advice about relationships and aimed at women wanting a long-term relationship. There was a long section on "BOTS" or "Bits on the side", for being the married man's girlfriend, and also a passage about how they were "the one" if you could dance in the kitchen with them and twaddle like that.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 8:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Streaming TV has completely sucked all the joy out of watching shows and movies. My biggest complaint is the way stuff is organized, endless lists of offerings that mean nothing to me, lots of crap based on something else I watched and did enjoy (I already watched that, so no, I do not want to watch the same type of thing twice.) I just can't anymore. Surely there is something good to watch? Looking for hacks and websites that make finding content easier. Please hope me. More after the jump... [more inside]
posted by jbenben at 7:23 PM PST - 17 comments

In the 1980s, on a family trip to Mexico, my parents bought me an illustrated children's book and now I'd like to track it down for my own children. I can't recall the title, however, and can only recall some of the images. I think it was about an Aztec boy going on some sort of quest, because I remember him traveling into the sun, through a rainbow, and also into a colony of bees. This last image, a big two page spread of golden honeycomb, sticks in my mind more than anything. I know this isn't a lot to go on, but does any of this sound familiar to anyone?
posted by 6and12 at 7:11 PM PST - 3 comments

I'd like to find a streaming audio source for current US news that functions pretty much the same as CNN does - scheduled live programs or breaking news featuring extended discussion on recent events. I know there's a ton of news talk stations out there, but I'd like to find one that I can tune into frequently, knowing I'll almost always hear informed hosts and guests discussing the news of the day. Note: I'm not a huge fan of CNN, but I do like how nimble they can be when a story breaks.
posted by davebush at 6:51 PM PST - 8 comments

The undergrad degree track I'm on has two options. My advisor is insistent on one, but not entirely clear about why. Should I listen? [more inside]
posted by piedmont at 6:48 PM PST - 15 comments

If my wife and I wanted to watch first-run basic, 2nd tier and pay-cable shows in the highest quality possible, what service should we subscribe to? We're in Los Angeles. [more inside]
posted by infinitewindow at 5:33 PM PST - 6 comments

I just signed up for the 30 day free trial of YouTube Red so I could watch Kedi. Besides getting a month of ad-free YouTube, what else is good on there? My tastes are all over the map, so recommend me anything you think is worth watching!
posted by capricorn at 5:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Ms. Bassomatic is considering a job in Bonn that would require a move from the States. We'd love to know a bit more about life there for an American family of four so we can make a faster, more informed decision. [more inside]
posted by bassomatic at 5:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm trying to locate a photography project. The artist attended various concerts (metal, country, pop, Madonna, AC/DC etc) and shot full length portraits of the attendees. These were subsequently combined together to create sets of 6 or 8 people. The combining of the images revealed the common tropes of the fans (fashion, hair, t-shirts, gender, age). Unfortunately it seems to defy googling.
posted by nonemoreblack at 4:41 PM PST - 3 comments

We painted the interior of our house with recycled latex paint. It seems porous and collects lots of marks and handprints. When we go to paint the exterior (and, eventually, repaint the interior) what should we be looking for to avoid these problems? [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 4:03 PM PST - 7 comments

Is there a rule of thumb or formula by which I could figure out whether a camera with focal length F and resolution R at distance D would capture sufficient detail to identify people in images? [more inside]
posted by adamrice at 3:38 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm having a small summer gathering on a primitive campsite. How can we make the space more welcoming/communal without a fire? [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 2:56 PM PST - 14 comments

Sleuths of Metafilter! I have a mysterious thing I would love help identifying. I have been going through boxes of mementos from my family that I inherited when Mom passed away a few years ago. This object was carefully stored in a box of other random things (i.e. there was no really clue by context). It could be related to any one of 3 or 4 ancestors. [more inside]
posted by agatha_magatha at 2:52 PM PST - 12 comments

I am leaning on getting the Canon EOS M10 or its sibling the M3. Both have good reviews. It would be for portrait and built environment photography. But I am wondering if anyone can comment about working with a camera without a viewfinder and if it has affected how they use a camera for framing and planning shots. Would it be better to get a camera with a viewfinder? My budget is up to $700 but I don't want a weighty camera.
posted by parmanparman at 2:30 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for well written yoga blogs that cover any or all aspects of yoga, physical, mental, spiritual etc. I want informed and interesting coverage. Googling is almost impossible because the top links are just SEO rubbish so I'm turning to the discerning minds of Mefi for some curated yoga goodness!
posted by roolya_boolya at 2:22 PM PST - 5 comments

Hey! I work in the dive industry, and we use these lights for our divers on a nightly basis. They work pretty well! But they require a special kind of battery, which is annoying, and occasionally they flood and corrode. We're looking for a replacement that uses standard AA batteries, or anything similar enough to a glow-stick that can be used every night without destroying the environment. [more inside]
posted by roygbv at 2:00 PM PST - 4 comments

Using the NY Comptroller's website I discovered they have a record of unclaimed funds at an address I lived at 13 years ago. I tried to recover the funds using their online system but it insists I mail in a form with documentation. This was a long time ago and I don't have any documents listing this address. How do I get these funds? [more inside]
posted by Bistle at 1:42 PM PST - 8 comments

We were planning on picnicking in Prospect Park this Sunday to close out my bachelorette party. Rain has ruined our plans. What other alternatives are there? [more inside]
posted by good day merlock at 12:54 PM PST - 9 comments

I want to compare different medications’ long-term tolerability. The Patient Information for each medication lists its side effects. But many side effects go away after a few days or a few weeks on the medication. I want to know what side effects commonly/very commonly persist after that adjustment period. The particular medications I want to know about are for HIV, and are listed inside. [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 12:46 PM PST - 8 comments

I've been admitted to a top graduate program and got a fellowship that pays for all my tuition. Hooray! But...it comes with strings attached and hesitant to accept. [more inside]
posted by treetop89 at 11:24 AM PST - 36 comments

I am looking for some advice on how to depict an extinct and little known culture in an rpg scenario. [more inside]
posted by nolnacs at 10:59 AM PST - 8 comments

Hi all. My laptop, the mighty Qosmio, has an intermittent screen/graphics problem that I'm hoping you'll be able to diagnose. Once in a while the screen suddenly starts doing this ... [more inside]
posted by merocet at 10:42 AM PST - 12 comments

I need help with breaking a specific bad workplace habit that I have. If I have a work task to do myself, I usually get it done pretty quickly without a lot of pain. However, as soon as I have to ask someone else for help, I procrastinate and procrastinate asking until it starts delaying my projects and usually results in the work I have to do at the end of the projects being rushed. How do I break this bad habit? Also, what are the best practices that people have for (effectively/respectfully) asking a non-direct report for help? [more inside]
posted by eeek at 10:29 AM PST - 21 comments

Similar to this question. Trying to ID a laundry detergent by smell without having to buy a bottle of each. This is in Mexico. [more inside]
posted by bricoleur at 10:25 AM PST - 6 comments

Asking for a friend, who is interested in the question of who "owns" (or controls) the internet. If there are other helpful ways to frame or think about this question, that would be valuable, too. Any resources on this topic are welcome. Thank you.
posted by DavidNYC at 10:16 AM PST - 18 comments

Hi, looking for your favorite indie/alternative songs that are roughly over 7:00 minutes long. Can be anything really as long as its not electronic or pop. [more inside]
posted by repoman at 9:24 AM PST - 75 comments

My young family moved to Philadelphia a couple of years ago from a much smaller city in New England. We still don't feel at home here, but we want to. If you live or used to live in Philadelphia, what made you like/love living here, especially with young children? [more inside]
posted by Sockanatic at 8:07 AM PST - 13 comments

Please share with me 5-15 minute videos (TED Talks etc) of presentations on LGBTQ topics that my office's diversity team can use as a topic at a Lunch and Learn series [more inside]
posted by rebent at 8:06 AM PST - 2 comments

I have a serious crush on one of my good friends. I told him, sort of (details inside) and he told me no because he's not over his ex. I've spent some time with him since (in groups) and it's been pretty horrible for me. He initiated and is spearheading an activist project that I have committed to. It is VERY important to me that I continue this work, so I need to learn to be his friend and not pine over him. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:02 AM PST - 20 comments

Metafilter, please help me find or replicate a shirt that I love. [more inside]
posted by triggerfinger at 7:59 AM PST - 14 comments

I'd like to get hold of a copy of the video that the Rebel leader uses in the briefing scene from Star Wars, to illustrate their strategy for attacking the Death Star - i.e. the video being displayed on the screen in the background in this scene. Does anybody know if such a video exists, and if so, where I could find it?
posted by thoughtless at 7:50 AM PST - 6 comments

I bought this tiny whale at an antique fair and would like to identify the maker. [more inside]
posted by 41swans at 7:39 AM PST - 3 comments

The lovely and talented Kokopelli has gotten into a bad habit of crapping along the periphery of small rooms/alcoves in the basement. Is this indicative of something particular, and what do I do about it? He has lots of litterboxes. [more inside]
posted by jackbishop at 7:21 AM PST - 8 comments

I have a colleague and friend who I've known for quite a few years. For a long time this person's gender identify and presentation matched their assigned gender, but lately this person has been dressing in ways that suggest greater fluidity, and I'm wondering whether it would be helpful or hurtful for me to reach out in some way. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:10 AM PST - 18 comments

New to Google Play Music and trying to figure out the difference between "adding to my library" vs "downloading". [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 7:02 AM PST - 3 comments

In American Hustle, Jennifer Lawrence urges her companions to sniff her scented nail polish, exclaiming, 'Smells like flowers, but with garbage!' There does seem to be an idea that a note of 'garbage' makes a perfume more delicious or compelling. Is there a word for this phenomenon? (I'm already aware of the concepts of Jolie laide and wabi-sabi; these aren't quite what I'm looking for.)
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 5:07 AM PST - 22 comments

How do you stop yourself from being ground down by the frustration of everyday things that are not going to change anytime soon? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 4:46 AM PST - 18 comments

Our family with three little kids has the opportunity to go on a week-long trip with relatives, some of whom are not kid friendly. Should we go, and if so, how can we make the trip less stressful? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:41 AM PST - 32 comments

Are homebuying assistance programs in DC and VA worth looking into with my salary? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:41 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for a book, preferably written by mental health professional about dealing with the psychological aspects of long-term injury or disability. I'm not looking for something that deals with head trauma/brain injuries – that's what I'm finding a lot of. in particular, how do people that used to be high performers athletically deal with the challenges it brings to their lives in many aspects: from social interaction, mobility, lifestyle changes etc. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:40 AM PST - 6 comments

A few times recently in Sydney and Melbourne, at the end of a trip the taxi driver has turned off the meter, then said I need to pay that value plus say $4 in tolls. Is this usual? [more inside]
posted by chmmr at 2:18 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm making a career move, destination TBD. How strongly should I weigh employer-provided health insurance? [more inside]
posted by ramenopres at 9:27 PM PST - 10 comments

Can you read and transcribe this document which I understand to be a land deed from 1670? [more inside]
posted by komara at 8:48 PM PST - 14 comments

The other day I was hanging out with a friend, and when I went to blow out a candle I blew too hard and spattered wax everywhere. She suggested that I hold my finger halfway between my mouth and the flame to protect against this happening, and that it also allowed for a much smaller quantity of air. I tried it out, and sure as hell it worked, I've been doing it every night since. I started thinking about it and it makes perfect sense; utilizing turbulence in the air to blow out the flame with less volume of air. My question is: WHAT IS THIS CALLED? [more inside]
posted by aloiv2 at 8:18 PM PST - 5 comments

OK, I pretty sure nothing I'm dealing with will hurt me here, but I'm wondering the best way to go, taste-wise. I have a bunch of really good wild Alaskan salmon in my freezer, in 1 – 2 lb. heat-sealed portions. Just noticed that one of them must have had a breached seal, and is all icey. I've taken it out and am thawing it -- the surface is a sad pale color rather than the bright red of the rest of them. Wondering about the best way of salvaging it. I have some shio koji, and have been experimenting in curing stuff in that, and also have some wood chips for indoor smoking. Any other ideas for savaging what's certainly less-than-ideal fish?
posted by neroli at 7:22 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm going to be starting graduate school next fall and want to upgrade my old, slow laptop. I want two things that don't seem to come together: 1) a lightweight, small laptop that's easy to carry around, and 2) a laptop with accurate stylus input for drawing. Can I have both? [more inside]
posted by brook horse at 7:08 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm trying to find this weird comedy short online about a guy who goes to another planet as (I think) part of an alien exchange program, becomes an alien's roommate, and soon becomes the alien planet's most famous director/filmmaker ever. As much of the plot as I can remember below... [more inside]
posted by waxpancake at 6:44 PM PST - 2 comments

A friend has asked me to help with his retail business email newsletter. I'm looking for resources and ideas for producing effective newsletters in the year 2017. [more inside]
posted by Room 641-A at 5:11 PM PST - 5 comments

For the past few months, I’ve been considering adopting a cat as a way of easing loneliness, helping me fight depression, and giving me something to care for and love. However, I have a few constraints that limit the type of cat I feel capable of caring for. I’m wondering what age of cat I should be looking for, or if I’m being unrealistic and am not well suited to adopting a cat after all. This will be my first pet, and I could use advice from people who know these things. [more inside]
posted by honey wheat at 5:11 PM PST - 45 comments

Hi, I am a reasonably experienced solo traveler, age 51, and a beginning Spanish language learner (I take a weekly in-person formal class plus homework and DuoLingo, and I'm at about second-year-of-high-school-Spanish-class level). I'm headed to Guatemala in a couple of weeks, one week for vacation in Antigua, and one week at a conference in Guatemala City. I'll be on my own. I'm going to do half- or full-day Spanish classes in Antigua during my vacation week, and I am seeking recommendations with a few snowflakes ... [more inside]
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 4:14 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm a student who will be entering the job market next year, as (hopefully) a software engineer, and I'm terrified. The market is hot, but I didn't do great in college. I've found plenty of practical resources, and I have a few months before I start searching in earnest, but I'd still really like advice on cultivating the right mindset as someone who is anxiety-prone. In particular, I'd like tech-specific advice on having reasonable expectations about things like pay or the consequences of my GPA; and general advice about handling job-related anxiety. [more inside]
posted by thefriendshipsockpuppet at 3:28 PM PST - 18 comments

Stray Kitty is a long hair, possibly with a Maine Coon element. The fur is matted and knotted, sticking way out in places. We've started calling him/her "Kramer." Here's what's strange: the fur appears be missing from the mid section on both sides and underneath. Broad patches of pink are visible when the voluminous fur falls to the side. Kitty doesn't scratch or pick at the pink area, has a good appetite, and is perfectly nimble. [more inside]
posted by Kevin S at 2:51 PM PST - 15 comments

9 years and 9 months ago, Mrs Unless and I got married and followed this up with a trip to Norway. We'd like to go back to celebrate 10 years, along with our 2 year old. Where should we go? What can we do? [more inside]
posted by unless I'm very much mistaken at 2:42 PM PST - 4 comments

Hi all, Every year I like to pick up a new little hobby and put some time into it. Its great! I get to learn a little more about the world and cultivate a deep appreciation for the things around me. This year I'd love to give a little time to wood carving but I well and truly don't know where to start. Is there a good book/video series on this? What're my 101-tools and investments? Where does one get good carving wood? Is there a difference between carving and whittling? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. Still very much in the, "I don't even know what questions to ask" realm.
posted by GilloD at 1:57 PM PST - 6 comments

My friend is looking to rent an office space in the San Rafael, California area. He would like to rent month-to-month, or week to week. He needs to be able to leave his things in the office. His individual needs are described further below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Surprised By Bees at 1:27 PM PST - 4 comments

What secure, non-bulky, strong-signaled wireless earbuds should I upgrade to (for use with my iPhone 6s)? Are there decent completely wireless options that aren't super expensive? [more inside]
posted by catatethebird at 1:09 PM PST - 13 comments

So I've just discovered Makoto Shinkai in the last week. I saw Your Name in the theater and The Garden of Words on Amazon Prime. I've got one week free on Amazon Prime - Anime Strike channel. What other filmmakers in this genre might I enjoy?
posted by falsedmitri at 12:31 PM PST - 5 comments

I found myself in possession of a stray ferret recently (obligatory and adorable pics here). After a long search for the stray ferret's parents turned up empty, I made the (obvious) decision to keep this furry little noodle. I've had ferrets previously, but it's been about 15 years, and I raised those little guys from babies. I have questions, specifically about playtime, toys, keeping her engaged, and my existing cats. [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 12:11 PM PST - 7 comments

So we picked up a midcentury bar that is really cool--but is missing one of the brass-colored metal pieces that go on the ends of the legs. No problem, we thought, that will be easy to replace. Hah! Here is a picture. [more inside]
posted by LarryC at 12:06 PM PST - 5 comments

I got Ms. Mildred Butterclaws, or Millie, a little over a year ago from a shelter. I found she was unresponsive to catnip. Then I heard about silvervine right here on MeFi and ordered a small package. She responded enthusiastically to silvervine the first time I gave it to her, but since then-- nothing. She just ignores it. Is this a common thing with cats? What could be going on here? [more inside]
posted by mcmile at 12:02 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a couple of female friends who clearly wants me to compliment them. I'm a direct person and I rarely say what I don't mean. Just wondering how would you reply in these situations. [more inside]
posted by liltiger at 10:58 AM PST - 58 comments

We adopted a three year old Treeing Walker Coonhound in December. She's had an ear infection pretty much since then. [more inside]
posted by msali at 10:42 AM PST - 13 comments

How big of a deal is it to screw through vinyl siding and attach something to the outside of a house? I know that it's physically simple (it's just a thin piece of plastic) but I also have this sense that it's just not done, the siding is supposed to be an impenetrable layer and poking holes in it is strictly forbidden. [more inside]
posted by aimedwander at 10:31 AM PST - 9 comments

I have my eye on a Casper mattress. Already slept on one, I'm sold. I'm also looking to pair it with an IKEA bed frame like this. Is the slatted bed-frame enough support, of will I need to buy the $$$ foundation as well?
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 9:40 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm being moved to a new desk at work, with plans for a second move, and I feel a bit like I'm being treated poorly. However, I'm having a hard time articulating why or understanding if it is really a problem. Unhappy at this new job for a variety of reasons so it's unclear if the feeling is just a symptom of that or is really a problem I should address. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 8:56 AM PST - 23 comments

In early March I was diagnosed with Hyperplasia with AtypiA. It's now May, and I still don't have any more information than I did then. [more inside]
posted by SoftSummerBreeze at 8:12 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm in the process of leveling up my self-publishing aspirations. What do micro-publishers do to make their titles available in the wider marketplace? [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 7:15 AM PST - 3 comments

This is fairly straightforward — I'd like to make a Spotify playlist full of songs about Gaslighting. All genres, perspectives, interpretations welcome.
posted by iamkimiam at 5:09 AM PST - 34 comments

Where do the cool internet ladies hang out when they're up the duff? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:39 AM PST - 19 comments

I heard a rumor that someone somewhere drops spindles off a cliff and spins and spins and spins, and then yanks the spindle back up. Possibly sort of like a yoyo. IS IT TRUE?! [more inside]
posted by aniola at 11:14 PM PST - 4 comments

Victoria Day weekend is coming up and I don't know where to go. Recommendations for somewhere up to a 3 hour drive from Toronto that is suitable for our 3 and 5 year-old children. [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 9:52 PM PST - 11 comments

Midwest Filter: I witnessed hay bale toss contest last summer at my local county fair. I want to participate this summer! Help me tweak my exercise routine to become the county’s hay bale toss champion! [more inside]
posted by Dotty at 8:52 PM PST - 10 comments

We successfully underwent IVF last year, during which we signed some papers saying that if one of us died, the other would inherit the unused embryos. This has happened. I have very mixed feelings about what I should do. [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 8:21 PM PST - 22 comments

Constant mixed agitated depressions with fluctuations in energy, mood over weeks. I'm on medication, see a psychiatrist and yet it doesn't feel right. We've been changing meds because the depressions won't go away. And now I feel like I'm so broken and defective that even the meds that used to work won't work anymore. It sucks. Why isn't there a return policy on the brains? [more inside]
posted by greta_01 at 7:54 PM PST - 7 comments

So I've assigned myself a DIY project and need a little advice/help. I have a standard IKEA Beddinge bed with feet that look like this. I would like to attach springs to the bottoms of the feet and a shaker motor to the frame to create a vibrating bed! [more inside]
posted by laptolain at 7:50 PM PST - 6 comments

My roommate passed away recently. I live in a rent-controlled apartment with the deceased and a third roommate. They had both signed a renewed lease this year. The guarantor on the lease is the deceased's family member. We are not sure what to do next. Are we to notify building management? find another guarantor? find a roommate who will take over her part of the lease? I will not takeover the lease. We live in NYC. Please advise.
posted by quasicalligraphic at 6:52 PM PST - 2 comments

I am working with a personal trainer on building a functional training practice. I am doing some TRX, "loaded movement" and other body weight exercises, like medicine ball. I love it! I am looking for a book or blog that would help me learn more. What can you suggest? [more inside]
posted by OrangeDisk at 6:35 PM PST - 5 comments

My boyfriend moved to LA to advance his career over a month ago and is staying on friends' couches/AirBnBs, but has been unable to find his own apartment because of bad credit. He's becoming increasingly hopeless and considering leaving LA and giving up this career opportunity. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 6:09 PM PST - 11 comments

What the heck is wrong with these hydrangeas? [more inside]
posted by T.D. Strange at 4:40 PM PST - 6 comments

My new boyfriend and I (a woman) are in our mid 20s and have kissed each other a few times although it hasn't been good. It's literally us putting our lips straight on together and then seperating. Kind of boring but I want it to get better. This is my first relationship and his second, so I think we need the basics. We both admitted we don't know what to do.Like how to position our lips and faces, how to move them around, etc. It doesn't feel natural to me at all although I really like him. Some detailed responses would be great!
posted by starlybri at 4:34 PM PST - 14 comments

I work remotely as a web developer, currently staying in England for a few weeks. I'm thinking of spending a day in London and I'm looking for suitable workspace suggestions. [more inside]
posted by xtine at 4:30 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to learn and tell some of the traditional stories of my ancestors, and I'm looking for links or book references for Irish and English folktales and fairytales that do not revolve around the mating habits of royalty. [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist at 3:46 PM PST - 11 comments

I was reading this article on economic inequality and a Harvard professor was quoted as saying: "Smart poor kids are less likely to graduate college than rich dumb kids because of advantages that are available to them." Besides the obvious money -- what are these advantages (not limited to school, but career too)? [more inside]
posted by nodebunny at 3:05 PM PST - 46 comments

Let's say Wordpress, what's what's the quickest store someone set up to sell various gear items only to members who are registered? There does not need to be a CC/payment element to it. More like just for members to pick items and have that form submitted to an email address. Thanks for any suggestions!
posted by cheero at 2:47 PM PST - 2 comments

Years ago I loved playing iPoker on my Mac, mainly because it didn't limit you to Hold ’Em poker and let you make up your own poker variants, which is a ton of fun if you’ve never tried it. Alas, as you can tell from reading the link, that software is long dead, and almost all of my gaming is done on iOS these days anyway… [more inside]
posted by Ampersand692 at 2:20 PM PST - 0 comments

I'm helping organise an event this summer, and I'm in charge of signage. I would like to lasercut stencils to make signs with. The chosen, designated font is Roboto Black; in order to make stencils, I would need to either add 'bridges' to all the letters that have parts that would otherwise fall out, or use an existing stencil-ready version of Roboto Black. Before I spend a lot of time editing this font: does what I need already exist? [more inside]
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:16 PM PST - 8 comments

I am interested in doing public screenings of LGBT-related films on a shoestring. Are there any such films that are in the public domain or open source? Thanks in advance for recommendations!
posted by mortaddams at 1:36 PM PST - 14 comments

How complex would the coding be for a website allowing users to switch between different audio tracks and camera angles while watching a video? [more inside]
posted by umbú at 1:06 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm in the market for a cheap Linux laptop. Please assist me with hammering out some details regarding what I should buy that fits my needs. [more inside]
posted by mr_bovis at 12:56 PM PST - 11 comments

We've decided that it's time to get rid of the wall-to-wall carpeting that came with our house. We have pets and allergy problems, which means replacing it with new carpet isn't an option. We're leaning toward click-lock vinyl plank, but I'm concerned about how it holds up to wear and tear, and wondering if the installation is simple enough for a DIY project. Details below. [more inside]
posted by tonycpsu at 12:18 PM PST - 13 comments

Specifically having this issue between Excel and Word. Each app seems to be maintaining its own clipboard, which don't talk with the OS. Apps and OS are all latest versions. This is on the newest iPad Pro. [more inside]
posted by curious nu at 12:06 PM PST - 2 comments

I am creating a new site collection to serve as a corporate intranet on the SP2016 foundation. I want to keep the Publishing Feature enabled, which disables the "save site as a template" option in site settings. Please take a look at my proposed approach below and let me know what I'm missing. If you suggest other solutions, please note that I am not a developer and nor can I hire one. THANKS! [more inside]
posted by Philemon at 11:32 AM PST - 1 comment

Before I launch my $3.5 billion Kickstarter project, I thought I should ask: are automatic indoor plant pot rotators a thing? It would be a stand that a plant pot sits on that turns very slowly.
posted by bergnotburg at 11:31 AM PST - 5 comments

What are some great venues/lounges/bars in San Francisco to hang back with a beer or cocktail and listen to some cozy live music? I lean more towards instrumental music and jazz than indie rock or folk. A bit overwhelmed with the selection, so I thought I'd ask here!
posted by archagon at 11:23 AM PST - 5 comments

My business unit in a large biotech company dealing with innovative DNA sequencing technology is soliciting ideas for a theme from which ongoing project names will be selected. The theme would have to generate an almost infinite number of project names as conceivably it will be in place for the next ten years or more. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 11:21 AM PST - 17 comments

Since Supercoolkid was a baby, I have always stayed with her until she falls asleep. My husband/her father takes care of her full time, and until recently he did the same with naps. But while he’s been able to make the nap time transition to her going up to her room and falling asleep on her own (she’s even instituted some of the new routines herself) I have NOT been able to make the transition in spite of my efforts. I’m seeking your advice. More inside! [more inside]
posted by supercoollady at 10:38 AM PST - 33 comments

I'm really digging New York Magazine's week of coverage on practical, affordable, well-designed objects from Japan (most available for purchase on Amazon). Help me find more? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 10:36 AM PST - 22 comments

Is this hotel in a good area of Toronto for first-time visitors? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 10:33 AM PST - 7 comments

My young (container-growing) lime tree is simultaneously half dead-looking, leafless, budding, and growing new branches. I'm totally lost. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by verbyournouns at 10:24 AM PST - 6 comments

How does case management usually work for kids with complex needs? [more inside]
posted by shockpoppet at 10:16 AM PST - 3 comments

Yes. I think I want to store my single hybrid bike vertically via the front wheel by pulley, to a high ceiling. [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 9:38 AM PST - 5 comments

Now that Comed/Exelon has installed a smart meter at my place, I'd like to get a device to read detailed information from it. Comed has a list here. Is there a particular device on there mefites recommend? Is there some other good way to get round-the-clock data? I mostly want to know when we might be using more electricity than expected and fix it.
posted by michaelh at 9:37 AM PST - 2 comments

Sometime next summer we're going to travel for an extended period of time (3+ months) through southeast Europe. Probably starting in Turkey/Istanbul and working west/north. Can you give me any fiction or non-fiction book/author recommendations related to the area? [more inside]
posted by czytm at 9:06 AM PST - 18 comments

My landscaping project is out of control. Can you help me reduce the cost of purchasing 150 plants from a nursery to landscape a huge, sloped, backyard hill? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Mikey51 at 8:44 AM PST - 13 comments

We bought a new (2017) Honda Fit EX manual transmission on Saturday (May 6th). We drove it home and parked it on our street, and the next morning (Sunday, May 7th) it wouldn't start. [more inside]
posted by ancient star at 7:19 AM PST - 17 comments

Please share your or others' stories of career-driven women who have stepped away from their careers, or took a step down, to focus on families and had success returning to it later in life? [more inside]
posted by xicana63 at 6:40 AM PST - 13 comments

Every single semester I've been in school, I always procrastinate until the last second. I've have skipped final exams before for several classes because I figured I'd never pass anyway so why even try. I'm terrified of essays and I find it hard to sit down and write one. It took me three tries to finish a class where I had to write a 3000 word essay. I feel like I'm not really capable of anything. [more inside]
posted by sheepishchiffon at 6:16 AM PST - 43 comments

I'm 20, cis-male and living on the coast of NSW, Aus. I'd like to not want a relationship, if that's at all possible. I've had some sexual relations with men since then, that's all very well and good but I'm not interested in a romantic relationship with a man at this juncture, only with women. I'd like it if I could stop caring altogether. [more inside]
posted by Peter B-S at 11:51 PM PST - 12 comments

We don't have kids yet, but many of our friends do - and bring them to various BBQs and parties at our house. What quality toys can I invest in that will have broad appeal? Specific desired characteristics inside. [more inside]
posted by purplevelvet at 10:52 PM PST - 34 comments

The freezer door was left open for at least a couple hours. I have PTSD from food-related stuff and it's very hard for me to judge objectively if the food in the freezer is still safe to eat or not. [more inside]
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 8:35 PM PST - 12 comments

I've been struck by a meme in 19th-century literature: women could love only once in their lives. In Trollope women pine for the man they loved (knowing they can never love again); in Goncharov's Oblomov the heroine, having "wasted" her love on the titular sad-sack, agonizes because now she can't love a worthy man. I can accept antiquated ideas in old novels (a man whose honor is impugned must fight a duel), but this seems so bizarre I'm wondering if people actually believed it or if it was an artificial assumption to provide plot motivation.
posted by languagehat at 5:49 PM PST - 32 comments

Need a new compendium of stories for bedtime book for toddler. At his request, we currently read - repeatedly, endlessly, and at this point, somewhat joylessly - Richard Scarry's "Best Storybook Ever." Please help us find a suitable replacement. [more inside]
posted by sestaaak at 5:30 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm looking for some great abstract art painting tutorials similar to the MoMa series "Inside the Studio". What are your favorites? [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 5:05 PM PST - 2 comments

I have an event in LA where we need the best tacos (our first choice) to be catered for an event in Downtown LA. Can you suggest ideas from personal experience? [more inside]
posted by special-k at 4:26 PM PST - 7 comments

So i just got into a totally heated and entirely data-less argument with my spouse wherein I spouted off the made-up statistic that more pizzas in the world are delivered by motorcycle than by car. [more inside]
posted by eglenner at 3:19 PM PST - 36 comments

You are a runner (possibly a Runner 5) who sweats when you run. You are a runner in a professional environment who wears slacks and suchlike at work most days, even though you are not what they call "customer-facing". You are a runner whose workplace does not have showers and is not near a place that has showers. How do you run at your lunchtime (or other midworkdaytime) and go back to work without being a runner that people avoid all afternoon?
posted by Etrigan at 1:56 PM PST - 17 comments

I don’t like the taste of any kind of alcohol, so if I’m drinking myself (just for its effects), bottom shelf liquor is fine with me. But I don’t want to subject my friends to that since apparently there is a real taste difference. I also don't care to waste money on anything super expensive, especially since it's most likely to be used in mixed drinks. So what should I buy? I'm in upstate New York, if that matters.
posted by metasarah at 1:24 PM PST - 29 comments

I have two, 19oz unopened packages of firm, pasteurized tofu that have been refrigerated since I bought them. They expired on April 19th: 18 days ago. (It says "EXP" before the date.) Are they safe to cook? [more inside]
posted by zarq at 1:05 PM PST - 8 comments

Using Comcast (for home phone, TV and Internet) for some years but it's expensive. ATT bundled with the above three appears to give a big saving. What could possible go wrong? Your thoughts and advice needed please.
posted by lungtaworld at 12:30 PM PST - 11 comments

I'll be in Ottawa for work towards the end of June. I'll have a day or two on either side of the event I'm going to, and want to see some of the city. I've never been to Canada before. What would be interesting or fun to see? [more inside]
posted by Grinder at 12:05 PM PST - 11 comments

Frames + textured wallpaper + no nails = ? [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 11:47 AM PST - 11 comments

I just read Emily Nagoski's book Come As You Are and loved it. Now I'm looking for more of the same: ways of understanding sex and sexuality that are rooted in the perspectives of therapists, sex educators, and researchers, and that would help correct all the misconceptions I've picked up over a lifetime. And especially things that cover male sexuality more. Popular presentations would be preferred, but I don't mind wading into academic work. Thanks!
posted by gold-in-green at 11:43 AM PST - 3 comments

Has anyone had any luck with specific brands of shoes suitable for a chill workplace? Mostly black or gray, usually worn with jeans or gray slacks, nice lines, and won't leave me writhing on the floor. [more inside]
posted by Forbidden Equine Dentistry at 11:29 AM PST - 10 comments

I've recently been making my own skincare products at home (body butters, shaving cream, masks, etc.) and in the process of mixing up these "recipes" I use the same bowls and utensils that I use for regular cooking. Is this OK or should I be using separate equipment for this? [more inside]
posted by Fuego at 11:18 AM PST - 9 comments

In Western Pennsylvania, and I assume other parts of the northeastern and Midwest United States, there is a bird (or something) that sings from the tops of tall trees and can never be seen from the ground, at least without binoculars. (Of course it could be a bird that I see all the time that only sings this way on treetops.) It has a fairly high pitched, waving or slowly vibrating call that reminds me of a stream of water coming out of a faucet and landing on water in a well. [more inside]
posted by serena15221 at 10:50 AM PST - 18 comments

Half of my student loan payment keeps getting reversed. What could possibly be happening? [more inside]
posted by quadrant seasons at 10:36 AM PST - 4 comments

I want to walk more, and specifically get to at least 5000 steps a day consistently. Looking for ideas on walking with a purpose. [more inside]
posted by wolfr at 9:38 AM PST - 37 comments

[Inner conflict filter] How can I overcome psychological/emotional resistance to doing things that take me closer to my goals? [more inside]
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 8:52 AM PST - 6 comments

I have some random lists of RGB colors (in the format "165,0,59") that I want chart out onto grids of pixels (almost a la pixel art). I'd like the first color to be plotted to the upper left box in the "checkerboard" and for the plot to continue going from left to right / top to bottom. What's the best way to do this? I have novice level programming skills, and I'd like to make this project as extensible as possible.
posted by matkline at 8:45 AM PST - 6 comments

I am selling (physical-hold-in-your-hand, not digital download) illustration prints online. I need some tips on how to photograph these prints so that they look clean, clear, color-accurate, and attractive enough to buy. [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 8:31 AM PST - 5 comments

I bought a custom wordpress theme and have edited it substantially. I love it except the way it handles 'Show More Posts' pagination on the front page. At the moment it loads a whole new page of posts, but I would prefer it if it just added the following posts to the end of the current page. How can I acheive this? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious at 8:18 AM PST - 4 comments

I bought these smoked turkey legs at the store. Looking at the ingredients, they are cured. I know that some smoked turkey legs are pre-cooked, but these don't look cooked and have the standard "safe handling instructions" sticker. I want to cook them whole, not as part of collard greens or soup. Should I cook these as if they are raw, or as if they are pre-cooked? Bonus points for recipe suggestions.
posted by duoshao at 7:46 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm going through some really harsh stuff in my life. From physical health to family issues to just about every aspect of life 101. While I'm experiencing all of the reality of this unfolding, at the core there has been - for a very long time - a flawed self-image and distorted perception. This has brought me to my knees more than a few times and now my physical body is paying the price with a whole onslaught of degenerative issues and Lyme on top of that. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 7:46 AM PST - 2 comments

I found a refurbished laptop on amazon that I want to buy. I am out of the country so I'll have to ship it to my brother or a friend in the US but I'm worried about something so valuable being left on the porch. Is there a service that that will receive and hold the laptop until I can pick it up? [more inside]
posted by saul wright at 7:30 AM PST - 6 comments

My Mom died in January and she lived in another city. Starting about two weeks after her death, letters have been coming in the mail addressed to me (with my last name spelled incorrectly), and some to my Mom, with generic "we want to buy your house" solicitations. I get at least 5 a week. Should I... A. Hope the letters stop and ignore them or B. Return them to sender or something? I am afraid "returning" them will look like interaction, which will not make them stop. TIA. [more inside]
posted by ShadePlant at 7:29 AM PST - 11 comments

Out of personal curiosity, I'd like your examples of how professional singers' voices change over several decades, your descriptions of how the voices differ in a technical sense, and any information you may have about why and how. [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:37 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm poor, so the great recession of 2008 didn't affect me too much. I was poor before and I'm still poor. It also didn't seem to affect the rich very much. It was almost as if it was targeted to the middle class and almost middle class. Are there different types of financial disaster that can affect different groups of people? [more inside]
posted by ambulocetus at 4:33 AM PST - 20 comments

On Dr's orders my wife is now exercising every day (and doing great at it!). She is after body-positive, feminist-leaning media to help encourage this new undertaking. What recommendations have you MeFites? [more inside]
posted by Albondiga at 4:07 AM PST - 12 comments

So I just watched an eminently forgettable movie trailer, called ironically enough, Unforgettable (2017) starring Katherine Heigl and Rosario Dawson. The movie does not appeal, however, the floral bathrobe/kimono that Rosario Dawson's character is wearing at 1min47 seconds into the trailer definitely does. Your challenge - where can I buy it? Mefites, don't let me down. I know you can do this.
posted by Jubey at 3:30 AM PST - 6 comments

Thanks to this recent post on the Blue about Ryuichi Sakamoto, I have just become aware of The Quietus, which is opening my ears to a lot of great new music. Can you recommend sites with a similar sensibility that are focused on poetry or the visual arts rather than music? Sites in English, French, German or Spanish all welcome.
posted by muhonnin at 2:46 AM PST - 0 comments

I sang a karaoke song with offensive lyrics, should I apologize? [more inside]
posted by kms at 12:42 AM PST - 19 comments

Can anyone identify this brand of shoes. Logo looks like an "e". [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 10:08 PM PST - 5 comments

how do buddhists stop their compassion for all things from negatively impacting them? [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 9:51 PM PST - 18 comments

I picked up this poster at an antique shop. It appears to be a joke about a fake auction sold at a curio shop called Bloch Mercantile in San Francisco around the 1920s. Is there anything else you can tell me about the shop, or about what this poster means? [more inside]
posted by Apropos of Something at 8:15 PM PST - 17 comments

Tucker, the 8 month old mastiff rescue that we picked up this week (oblig.) is an anxious fellow and exhibits separation anxiety. No destruction yet, but constant pacing, whining, and eventually barking. Can anyone recommend a Chicagoland (preferably city) dog behaviorist? [more inside]
posted by hwyengr at 6:25 PM PST - 2 comments

Who can convert music from a cassette tape to either a digital format or a CD? [more inside]
posted by bbq_ribs at 5:54 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find an ophthalmologist in either the Twin Cities area or southern Minnesota. Or, tell me whether my eye problem sounds familiar. [more inside]
posted by Comet Bug at 3:18 PM PST - 5 comments

Is it possible to move a deadbolt on an external door without leaving a giant hole in the door? [more inside]
posted by willnot at 1:09 PM PST - 7 comments

My best friend's wedding is a week from today and I am wearing a super beautiful bridesmaid's dress that will reveal my arms, knees, and lower legs. These parts of my body are pasty and pale, slightly bruised, and hairy because I haven't yet started wearing anything that would show off those areas. What will be the best way to hide the cuts and bruises, get a reasonably realistic tan, and get rid of the hair at least on my legs? [more inside]
posted by Hermione Granger at 12:19 PM PST - 21 comments

Has there been any writing on the orphan crisis after the American civil war? [more inside]
posted by Tchad at 12:04 PM PST - 8 comments

More specifically: How do people keep and grow a network without Facebook? If that doesn't seem possible (which: ragefist at the moon, that is some bullshit), how do you mess with Facebook settings so that it doesn't suck your soul through a tiny screen? [more inside]
posted by schadenfrau at 11:59 AM PST - 26 comments

I always fix a dessert for Mother's Day for my Mom but I am at a loss what to fix for her because she has developed an allergy to dairy and or iodine. So has anyone got any recipes for something I could make that would be good? Thank you for any suggestions.
posted by just asking at 11:55 AM PST - 13 comments

The screenshots of our Android app (in Google Play sales page) look like absolute crap on cheaper devices, and we can't figure out what to do. [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:53 AM PST - 3 comments