July 2014 Archives
July 31
Speculate on what is wrong with my Macbook Pro
Something is pretty clearly wrong, and it seems to be hardware, but it's sporadic enough that it's hard to say what, and I'd rather not have a repair person just guess. [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:24 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:24 PM PST - 14 comments
How can I become an effective Sales Director asap?
I just became the Marketing & Sales Director of a startup even though I've never done sales in my life. The company has exactly one salesperson on the other side of the country and he is trying to sell a pricy (4K) piece of B2B hardware. Before this he worked at a phone service company.
The company only just starting producing enough units to sell. The entire staff is counting on the two of us to magically sell machines and I don't know what to do. We're being asked for sales projections, etc. and I have no idea where to even start. Snowflake details follow. [more inside]
Family drama about to come to a head. Help me head it off
I stopped speaking to a family member due to a unhealthy dynamic that had been going on for years now. We're both invited to a family event we both want to attend. What do I do? [more inside]
Hotel/inn/B&B in Boulder, CO
What's the coolest hotel/inn/B&B you'd recommend in Boulder, CO for one night?
How can I get a job as a grant writer for a non-profit organization?
I quit law school (a very prestigious, top five school) four years ago and have been working in education ever since (first as an aide for Autistic children, then as a substitute teacher for two years).
In this time, my student loans have been accruing interest and keeping me up at night. I can qualify for loan forgiveness programs as long as I work for a non-profit or a school. Unfortunately, the work I was doing for the past four years did not count because I worked for private companies that contracted out to schools.
For many reasons,(see below) I would now like to break into grant writing. I have written three successful grant proposals in my career (one for an educational outreach program in college, one for a Fulbright Grant, and one for an international NGO). I am currently strengthening my grant writing skills by taking webinars and utilizing other free online resources. How can I present myself as a viable candidate for these grant writing jobs? And how do I explain the many changes of direction on my resume and the long winding road I took to get here? [more inside]
posted by rockpanda at 6:12 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by rockpanda at 6:12 PM PST - 4 comments
Tips on allowing new relationships to unfold naturally?
I need tips on ridding myself of new-relationship anxiety, releasing the need to control and the need to know where it's going, and allowing the relationship to unfold naturally. [more inside]
posted by SabrinaV at 5:25 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by SabrinaV at 5:25 PM PST - 10 comments
Slow cooker recommendations
I am in the market for a slow cooker, which one to buy? [more inside]
Is there any hope that she will see heart surgery as a wakeup call?
My spouse's mother, a senior citizen, just learned this year that she has heart failure. She survived multiple heart surgeries recently, a harrowing process during which she said she never wants to go through that again. Great! We assumed this meant that she was seeing this as a wakeup call to change her eating/exercise habits and stress levels so that she could get healthier. Several weeks later, it turns out that she is going back to all the old habits that helped contribute to heart disease in the first place.
Is there any hope for her changing her deeply-ingrained habits? If so, what can my spouse do from afar to help support mom? If there isn't any hope for her adjusting her lifestyle, then how can we learn to accept her choices and still give her the support she needs? [more inside]
bread maker in mumbai - will it work out?
I'm thinking of taking a bread maker as a gift for a family that I'll be visiting in Mumbai, India. What potential problems might I be overlooking? [more inside]
posted by metadave at 3:53 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by metadave at 3:53 PM PST - 13 comments
Grief and the elderly
How do the elderly process loss? [more inside]
How can I stop wanting senpai to notice me?
Your 2000th snowflakey question on the how to be an emotionally healthy single person. How can I live for myself and grow my social networks instead of seeking validation from my abstract idea of a desirable partner? Navel-gazing after the jump. [more inside]
Is an MA in Transpersonal Psychology worth the cost?
How can my friend increase her earnings in the alternative health field? [more inside]
"Cares not" or "cares naught"?
For example, should the phrase be "I care naught for him" or "I care not for him"? I see the argument for the former (i.e. "I care nothing for him") and the latter ("I don't care for him"), but is one better than the other? Are they interchangeable, or significantly different?
The world has improved since 1900. Which data-driven article...
I remember reading a fairly substantial and data-driven article that was published after 2000 in a major publication (economist, new yorker, etc) that discussed the overall improvement in the state of the world since the early 20th century. [more inside]
Where to live in London similar to Walthamstow/Leytonstone?
I'm looking for a place to move to in London that is similar to Walthamstow and Leytonstone, but isn't either one. Can you suggest such a place? [more inside]
Air Cargo E Container in Boston
Where can I find large and sturdy corrugated shipping boxes in the Boston area? [more inside]
posted by klausness at 2:16 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by klausness at 2:16 PM PST - 12 comments
Optimizing group outings to baseball games
Let's say I would like to organize 6 friends to go see a baseball game. There's one problem: ticket purchases have to be done at the same time to ensure that people sit together. How is this circle squared? [more inside]
posted by Hollywood Upstairs Medical College at 2:04 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Hollywood Upstairs Medical College at 2:04 PM PST - 13 comments
Mysterious Mirena migration
After a year and a half of trusty service, my Mirena IUD seems to have been sucked into unknown parts of my uterus, taking its strings with it and leaving me with dull cramps 24/7. Has this happened to you or anyone you know? [more inside]
Recommend an iPad kanji writing flashcard app or JP app review site?
Does anyone have any suggestions for a flashcard app for iPad for practicing *writing* kanji? Or any recommendations for Japanese review sites for iOS apps? [more inside]
Bad trips
Recommend me the darker songs of the 1960's and 70's - paranoia, political repression, nuclear war, etc. For example, Love's The Red Telephone
posted by gorbweaver at 1:37 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by gorbweaver at 1:37 PM PST - 37 comments
Stop peeing on my friends!
Is there a way to hide all activity generated by another Facebook user without actually blocking that user? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by hand-knit sock at 1:34 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by hand-knit sock at 1:34 PM PST - 19 comments
Should I put my reading three-year-old in a (pre)school for bright kids?
Should I put my reading three-year-old in a (pre)school for bright kids? Should I move in with my partner in order to do so? [more inside]
posted by woodvine at 1:34 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by woodvine at 1:34 PM PST - 28 comments
mystery tree, plant identification
Its like a cherry but not. Please help me identify this mystery tree. Pictures below. [more inside]
posted by ljesse at 1:31 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by ljesse at 1:31 PM PST - 10 comments
Change your mind on a job offer?
I was recently given a great job offer (about two months ago). I declined for a variety of reasons, but I am realizing that I may have made a mistake. [more inside]
posted by pando11 at 1:18 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by pando11 at 1:18 PM PST - 8 comments
Gluten, dairy-free camp cooking
I'm going camping for a few days, yay! We're splitting cooking duties with another couple going, but they're celiac and lactose intolerant. How do we feed them? Added challenge: we don't have access to a cooler (that's not likely to change). I appreciate any ideas you have, MeFites!
posted by Someone Else's Story at 12:35 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Someone Else's Story at 12:35 PM PST - 14 comments
Fruity Loops
What are the best websites to learn fl studio for free?
Simplifying D&D style role playing rules for use without dice
So for "reasons", I have recently become interested in the idea of simplifying D&D rules that would be optimizing the available resources for play in your average jail. Which is to say, paper and pen, playing card deck, like maybe one of these things, a couple odd Scrabble tiles, and nothing else. Would want to retain a D&D style of playing the odds, so trying to avoid anything like pure storytelling rulesets. Squashing a lot of stuff out like constitution checks, etc since each session could typically only be about 90 minutes tops.
Latest/Best print on demand T-shirts
What are the best services currently for print on demand t-shirts? This would be for a low volume of orders that people can order directly from the printer using my design.
Prototyping tools for iPhone apps
I am doing a class project for which I need to create a high-fidelity prototype of a mobile app idea. The final assignment in the class is going to be user testing of the prototype. What I'm looking for is a prototyping tool which will allow me to easily create screens with native iPhone widgets. It needs to be high-fidelity and as interactive as possible. And it needs to be accessible on the web. What are the tools that you use? My full requirements are within. [more inside]
posted by expialidocious at 11:33 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by expialidocious at 11:33 AM PST - 5 comments
No beneficiary on traditional IRA. Now what?
My mom's IRAs went to my dad. My dad put me down as beneficiary on all accounts yet bank is saying that there are no beneficiaries listed. I was there when all paperwork was signed. [more inside]
Can I use alcohol-based wipes on my new glasses?
I have these glasses wipes that I *love* (Flents Wipe 'n Clear). I used them to clean my old glasses with anti-glare coating all the time and never suffered any ill effects. Is it safe to use them on my new glasses? [more inside]
posted by geeky at 10:36 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by geeky at 10:36 AM PST - 7 comments
Ensuring personal safety in areas close to civil unrest?
I'm going to be traveling to Romania later this year for business, and I'm a little nervous about its proximity to the Ukraine and Turkey and all that civil unrest. Is emergency travel assistance/insurance available? [more inside]
posted by msladygrey at 9:53 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by msladygrey at 9:53 AM PST - 8 comments
Wiki platform for potentially confidential/sensitive data
Last year, I asked about a simple wiki platform for many users, and Wiki Spot sounded like a good fit. I slacked off, Wiki Spot is no longer accepting new accounts, and I have additional criteria: some level of security/hiding for confidential and/or sensitive data. Also, I have a Dreamhost account that I'm not utilizing, and DH has a number of wiki platforms that can be installed. Any suggestions for platforms to use or avoid?
Recommendations for low-hassle, low(er)-cost bespoke men's shoes.
Does anyone have recommendations for a bespoke shoemaker who charges a fair price and will work mail-order to the US? I'm looking for boring, business-casual men's shoes, e.g. split- and moc-toe derbies and undecorated penny loafers made from durable low-maintenance leathers in black and burgundy. [more inside]
Does premixing iced coffee with half-and-half spell disaster?
Once I've made cold-brew iced coffee, I drink it over about 5 days. Is there any reason that I can't mix in the half-and-half on day 1? [more inside]
Something feels wrong about this grammatical construction. What is it?
The contraction for "would have" is "would've". And yet, if I am writing that "If I have a doctor's appointment at 3pm, I would have to leave at 2pm to be there on time", I don't think I would write "would've to leave at 2pm". That doesn't feel right, but I don't know why.
MeFi grammarians?
posted by John Borrowman at 8:58 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by John Borrowman at 8:58 AM PST - 24 comments
Your parents divorced? Tell me about it.
I want to leave my husband and need to understand the potential impact to my daughters, aged 10 and 11. Please tell me what your parents' divorce was like, and the different ways in which it affected you. [more inside]
My career is spiraling out of control... Please help! (Beware: Long)
So my career is kind of a disaster and I am not sure what to do about it. This is a bit of a wall of text (because I want to give a lot of context), so thanks to anyone who gets through it. [more inside]
Tech-savvy people: Please help me purchase a new laptop!
My Macbook died on me a little while back, and I need a new laptop ASAP. I was thinking about a new Macbook Air, but I want to wait until the Intel Broadwell chips come out since the last Macbook Air update was pretty minimal. So, I've been looking at Windows machines, but am bad at scouting out deals. Please help me find a quality deal for a PC laptop that isn't under-powered but also won't break the bank. Specifics of desired laptop inside. [more inside]
Locked out of hotmail; computer can't read e-mail due to security issues
There are two parts to this: I am locked out of hotmail; my computer can't read the support e-mail security instructions due to computer security. [more inside]
Technical skills for new position?
I have had experience with Salesforce and Microsoft CRM, I am now entering a position managing Oracle CRM what do I need to know? [more inside]
Help me not faint when donating blood
Sometimes I have a dramatic vasovagal response (i.e. I pass out) after having blood drawn or donating blood. Sometimes I don't. This means that I donate blood less than I'd like to. Can I condition myself out of this? [more inside]
Suggestions needed for new iPhone music player
I'm happy with the native music player on the iPhone, except for 1 or 2 points. First, the shuffle all songs mode works poorly. With it I keep getting the same songs played over and over again, and many songs seem to never come up. So I'd like a player with a super shuffler! Also, as I use the player mostly in the car, one with a simpler interface would be nice that can be easily fat-thumbed and where the titles and song info is large and easily seen ("car mode").
Any suggestions?
posted by Rad_Boy at 7:55 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Rad_Boy at 7:55 AM PST - 4 comments
Labour-intensive dinner?
I have a lot of time on my hands, a love of cooking, and a girlfriend I would like to impress! Any ideas for a home-cooked romantic dinner, given that I have a LOT of time? [more inside]
posted by one of these days at 7:48 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by one of these days at 7:48 AM PST - 25 comments
Going to Guatemala
In the fall I'm going to Guatemala for about 10 days. I plan on spending 5 days in Antigua and 5 days at Lake Atitlan. I think I have my lodging settled in San Marcos La Laguna, and I'm hoping you'll have recommendations for a clean, reasonably quiet inn/posada/BandB in a lively and safe but not too rambunctious neighborhood in Antigua. [more inside]
posted by Pineapplicious at 7:14 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Pineapplicious at 7:14 AM PST - 2 comments
Adventures in the Skin Trade, Redux
Short version: help me find a decent dermatologist in the greater Baltimore area. [more inside]
Phone sleeve me, MeFi!
I'm looking for a little case, the kind that attaches to the strap of your bag, to hold my phone, subway card, and work ID, because I'm tired of digging around in my bag for those things. Something like this, but a little more stylish. [more inside]
posted by the_blizz at 6:59 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by the_blizz at 6:59 AM PST - 10 comments
Learn me SEO
I am taking on a new role which will require me to be conversant in SEO. Our SEO product manager likes to obfuscate things so no one can pin him down. It is my job to pin him down and call bullshit. I have no idea what schema.org is or what this canonical stuff is all about. Can anyone recommend a great book / site where I can get up to speed on all things SEO? I don't have a lot of time to spend so brevity is key.
addicted to giving away money
This is my first ever question on metafilter, and it probably sounds absurd. I recently got a relatively-high-paying job away from home, and I'm only 23. Maybe it's because I'm lonely, but only time I feel good about myself or feel like I'm worth anything is when I help others. [more inside]
posted by Ain at 5:35 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by Ain at 5:35 AM PST - 27 comments
Linux laptop?
What is the most excellent Linux-friendly laptop I can buy? [more inside]
posted by nthdegx at 3:58 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by nthdegx at 3:58 AM PST - 14 comments
Best response to very late texting from someone you're attracted to?
Asked someone out. He said yes. I live far away and he planned to come visit soon after. He couldn't come ultimately (as he was busy getting ready for a trip). He was appropriately apologetic and nice about it (and I understood.. but know historically I have been too understanding too often, but first cock up, not a big deal). He said he'd make it up to me on his return. I last asked how he was getting on with sorting things out for his hols and when he was going.
I didn't hear back for 4 days (today) he goes tomorrow. [more inside]
What to say when "Fine, and you?" feels like a betrayal?
I've had a truly awful year, and in April my much beloved pet died suddenly leaving me completely devastated with guilt and grief. Among the things I no longer seem to be able to do is answer the innocuous "How are you?" question from acquaintances and colleagues. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by girl flaneur at 1:46 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by girl flaneur at 1:46 AM PST - 42 comments
July 30
How do I stop panicking about being overtaken and finish a PhD?
I'm in the final couple of months before submitting my dissertation, writing up frantically, and have just found out that someone I know has switched topics to my topic and actually submitted their dissertation. How do I cope with this and get on with my work? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Aravis76 at 10:07 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Aravis76 at 10:07 PM PST - 16 comments
Mother may I (have some book recommendations)?
What are some novels featuring imperfect but sympathetically-portrayed mothers? [more inside]
Hobby laser cutters?
A friend and I are curious about acquiring a home/hobby laserccutter and would like some recommendations. [more inside]
posted by Calzephyr at 9:05 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Calzephyr at 9:05 PM PST - 13 comments
Should I use USAA for a mortgage?
Is going with USAA significantly better or worse than using a local mortgage broker who sells our mortgage to another bank? Will USAA allow us to close on time, if the closing is 5 weeks out? [more inside]
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:18 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:18 PM PST - 16 comments
Mac backup/synchronization
I'm looking for a user-friendly way to synchronize folders between OS X machines. These are in different locations, and they need to talk to each other securely. [more inside]
Portable DVD drive with its own battery?
Are there any portable DVD drives (not players) with their own internal battery? [more inside]
posted by Metaone at 7:26 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Metaone at 7:26 PM PST - 7 comments
Down Low Too Slow
Does anyone know who the creator of this short video is? I desperately want to let them know how much they've made me laugh.
posted by DWRoelands at 7:13 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by DWRoelands at 7:13 PM PST - 6 comments
Question about eviction and co-tenants versus sub-tenants.
I'm going through a breakup. My ex very suddenly served me a Notice To Quit today. I'm not sure what rights I have here. I'm also pretty destitute because of recent medical bills. Further details inside. [more inside]
posted by TheHappiestSadist at 6:29 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by TheHappiestSadist at 6:29 PM PST - 25 comments
Can't access my OTHER flickr account
I apparently signed up for a second Flickr account in 2005, using my real name, to share some family photos with immediate family. I apparently made it public. I want to delete it or make it private, but I can't figure out my log-in credentials. [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 6:08 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by mudpuppie at 6:08 PM PST - 3 comments
Not your typical LAX layover
First week of October, on a Sunday. 12-hour layover at LAX, but here's the thing: I've done LA. What can I do that won't feel repetitive? [more inside]
[Wedding Etiquette Filter] no gifts expected, unless you really wanna
We've invited some people to our wedding reception that aren't close family or lifelong friends, but good friends and colleagues whose company we enjoy, and have been warm and enthusiastic about celebrating with us. We would like to convey that our invitations to them absolutely do not come with the expectation of gifts. [more inside]
Dying in a fire is NOT on my bucket list.
Everyone in my building has to run their dryer for three cycles to dry their clothes. Nobody seems particularly concerned. Management says the problem isn't with the dryers (which they sent people to clean out) but with something or other in the walls (the pipes?) and eventually they'll need to open the walls to fix it. They don't seem to be treating it as an urgent matter, though. Should I? [more inside]
I need intelligent information about an advanced recurrent cancer.
My mother has another recurrence of the triple-negative breast cancer she's been dealing with for the last 5 years. In looking at the PET scans from the latest rounds of biopsying and testing, I have questions and I am not sure where to turn. [more inside]
What substance is coming off my tomatoes?
Hello,
We had some "off the vine" tomatoes we bought at the store and I was cleaning them with water and wiped them with a paper towel and noticed a yellowish stain on the paper towel. I wiped very well, then rinsed and finally the new paper towel I used was clean.
What do you think this is? Is it tomato tar?
Is this a confidentiality breach?
I work in corrections. On facebook, on my page, I posted something that might have been a breach of confidentiality. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Can I register a car in NY and drive it into Canada right away? How?
I'm leaving NYC on Friday and driving to Canada for 12 days. I have a rental booked, but also just bought a car out of state and had it delivered to a mechanic. They did a safety inspection and some minor work that will not be completed until Friday, the same day I need to leave. The car does not have temporary out of state tags or license plates but I have an appointment with the DMV on Thursday. If possible, I'd like to drive this vehicle to Canada but am very skeptical of the timeline. [more inside]
posted by nathancaswell at 4:03 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by nathancaswell at 4:03 PM PST - 6 comments
Did Victor Hugo really say this?
"Initiative is doing the right thing without being told." -- Victor Hugo but wait, did he really say that? If so, where? Because all I find online is a lot of dubious quotation sites with no specific attribution.
Help me help my mom while she helps my dad!
My dad has Lewy Body Dementia, and my mom is his primary caregiver. He is very disabled at this point, and it's taking a toll on my mom. I need suggestions that I can give her, and internet searches are leaving me overwhelmed! [more inside]
Similar iPad games to The Room?
7yo daughter and I really love Fireproof Games' The Room and The Room 2. But we've played them to death. Until another sequel comes out, what other similar iPad games are there? [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 3:44 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by snarfois at 3:44 PM PST - 18 comments
How do I actually budget, taking into account variable expenses?
I have been using Quicken to track my expenditures for more than ten years. But I'm stuck on how to use the information for budgeting, because every expense category is so variable. How do I do this? For the sake of this question, assume I'm trying to calculate the minimum salary I'd need from a new job. [more inside]
Making the switch from mortgage loan officer to....?
I have slaved, I have begged, I have cajoled - and after years in the industry I have come to the conclusion that it's just too damned hard to make a living now as a mortgage loan officer.
I have been in banking for 25 years and don't really want to go back to working in a branch either. Is there a career that would allow me to leverage my experience as a loan officer and make decent money - something similar to mortgage but not the same field or product?
I can use Google and I am not looking for "have you tried, have you looked...". I am really looking for people who have done this or know someone who has. I don't need more training as a loan officer and I am not interested in the latest sales fad.
Best drone for amateur photography
I am looking for a drone to buy to take aerial photos of and on my own property. I have no experience with remote control flying equipment so I need something that is fairly easy to operate. I also would like one where a decent camera is included with the drone. My budget is $500-$1000. I am interested in opinions on different brands and any tips/ideas/advice you may have to offer. Thank you.
posted by GlowWyrm at 2:55 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by GlowWyrm at 2:55 PM PST - 6 comments
Maybe I am a headband person?
While straightening my apartment last week I came across a cute headband. I've had it since I was five (haven't worn headbands since I was, oh, probably about six) but have held onto it because I like it. Anyway, for the last few days I've been thinking: perhaps I would like to wear headbands? I don't know, can you help me find cool head bands? Let's find out. [more inside]
Are there dirty pictures on your bathroom wall? Who studies home decor?
Middle Class home decoration tropes: I've noticed that even in homes with a very staid and conservative overall "look", that in the bathroom you will frequently find wall-hangings that evoke mild titillation, or demonstrate humorous scatology, or low-brow humor. Is this a real thing, or just overrepresented in the bathrooms I've seen most often (white, Midwestern, Protestant)? Or is it not a thing at all, and just confirmation bias on my part? [more inside]
Where to get individual health care in California
In a few months, I'll be turning 26 and kicked off my dad's policy. [more inside]
posted by madonna of the unloved at 1:54 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by madonna of the unloved at 1:54 PM PST - 7 comments
Microfiber Women's Underwear
I am looking to buy new underwear, but my favorite line has been cancelled. All the new ones that seem good are made of microfiber rather than cotton, and I have some concerns about that. Possibly gross discussion of lady parts ahead. [more inside]
1-on-1 time with the president...
Posting for a relative...
The President of my company has asked everyone in my department to meet with him in a 1 on 1 meeting in an effort to get to know us on a more personal level. I work for a Fortune 500 company in the travel industry. I studied Economics in college and deal with supply/demand pricing every day.
From what I've heard, his meetings with non-management employees have been very relaxed.
At the end of the meeting he asks what your salary is and if you are happy with it. He also asks if we have any questions for him.
My question to you is what should my answer be to the salary question be? I am happy with what I'm getting paid but obviously want more.
And what kind of questions should I ask him?
Doggie cam assistance needed!
I would like to set up a doggie cam to keep an eye on my pooch while I'm in the office and I need some suggestions! [more inside]
posted by chatongriffes at 1:04 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by chatongriffes at 1:04 PM PST - 6 comments
Cotton, non-synthetic (or low% synthetic) sports bras?
I have a sports bra that I bought in 2005 - Jockey, cotton, a bit of stretch - and it has outlasted a plethora of synthetic sports bras. When I shop at Target, Athleta, etc. all I see for sale are 100% synthetic bras that stretch out of shape, make me feel claustrophobic and get icky when they're wet. Help me find the Platonic Ideal of Cotton Sports Bras again. [more inside]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 12:48 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 12:48 PM PST - 11 comments
Tiny corporate retreat space in CA Wine County?
I have a small consulting firm (3 people) and our busy season kicks off on Labor Day. I'm looking for a location in Napa or Sonoma where we can stay (nice place, separate rooms) one night and have access to a conference room, coffee and snacks, etc., on either side. This would need to be a weeknight in the next few weeks. [more inside]
Dip into savings to pay off credit card?
My credit card is acruing interest at about the rate of netflix per month. I have enough cash to pay it off but that would be about half my balance of my savings account. Should I pay it off or should I keep chipping away with it and not putting any more than I have too on the card?
Am grown woman, need to look the part
So I am about to embark on a new phase in life, one outside of academia (most likely) and am done having kids, and thus, need to finally get some clothes and other stuff (shoes, bras) to help my look transition as well. The problems? I like the clothes I get to wear now and I HATE shopping. So I need suggestions as to where to go and what to buy! Help please! [more inside]
posted by katers890 at 12:02 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by katers890 at 12:02 PM PST - 24 comments
If you have to ask, it's probably too late...
I need an iOS reminder app with some specific requirements 1) allows recurrence to be set for an interval of less than a day (every x hours) 2) ideally the recurrence won't be scheduled until after the first instance is marked as 'done' [more inside]
posted by pennypiper at 12:00 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by pennypiper at 12:00 PM PST - 5 comments
How do you measure your bra size in 2014?
There seems to be a newish, popular bra size measuring technique from the Reddit, but it's at odds with the old method used by dept stores and Victoria's Secret. Which way is best? [more inside]
posted by annabellee at 11:56 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by annabellee at 11:56 AM PST - 31 comments
Please suggest a practical bis cas blazer
Please give me your suggestions for a practical blazer (sports coat) that will work in a business casual setting but also as a practical jacket without making me look too dressed up. Deets inside [more inside]
Explain why email is an insecure form of data transmission.
Let's say I need to send some personal data (e.g., full name, DOB, SSN, address history, etc.). I already know I should never transmit that information via email, but why? What are the risks, and where and when do they occur? At what point(s) during transmission is the info in that email in danger? Hit me with every worse-case scenario you can think of. [more inside]
posted by schooley at 11:38 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by schooley at 11:38 AM PST - 19 comments
What to look for in a used windsurfing board and rig?
What do I need to know about buying a used windsurfing set-up? What pieces are essential and how do I know if they are in good condition? [more inside]
Fixing or Replacing Kitchen Faucets
DH and I moved into our new house to discover the kitchen and bar faucets could use some maintenance, if possible, or to be replaced. We're having a hard time finding a manual and parts for the faucets, and so may need to replace. Either way, can you help? [more inside]
Best, Cheap Technology for a Science Classroom
Hey MeFites,
I'm really trying to expand the use of digital technology in my classroom. Unfortunately, the resources at my school are fairly limited. However, I do have access to $1200 in grant money, assuming I can write a compelling enough proposal.
Help me find some affordable tech for my classroom! Needs of class inside. [more inside]
Pixel light, pixel bright...ah me.
We've owned a largish Mistubishi HD TV, for five or six years. The only issues we've had were two: the lamp had to be replaced, and then the set began to shut down a few minutes after we fired it up. We wait until the little green light stopped flashing then fire it up again, and it works just fine. We do this procedure pretty much every time we turn the set on.
But that's not my main problem now. [more inside]
Action & Boredom
Not really sure how to say this, but I have been adding some hobbies and other things to my life but am finding it hard to keep doing everything. I have traditionally never been someone who gets bored very easily but I find myself in this position a good portion of the time right now. [more inside]
Time to get a new job pt. 2
I know exactly what I want out of work, and it is this: working on creative projects to make something useful (and also cool) as part of a team. And also money. Not tons, but enough to get by. I have a BA, but nearly all my work experience to date has been in low/no-skill labor. How do I bootstrap myself into a new career and what should I even be looking at? [more inside]
Where can I swim in open water in Fairfax County, Virginia?
I - rather foolishly perhaps - registered for an upcoming triathlon, which will include an open water swim in a local lake. Like a lot of beginning triathletes I gather, I find the swimming portion the most intimidating so I've been taking some lap classes at nearby rec centers, etc. But I'd like to get some open water experience before race day. This is turning out to be the last great taboo. Skateboarding may not be a crime, but it sure looks like swimming is. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by Naberius at 9:49 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Naberius at 9:49 AM PST - 10 comments
The eternal curse of the career changer
Hiring managers of MeFi: say you're looking at the resume or cover letter of a candidate who is a mid-life (or later) career changer. They are attempting to come into your field with much professional experience in a totally unrelated career, but little-to-no professional, paying experience in your field. Are there things about them that would make you run screaming? Things that would make you go "hmmmm...maybe..."? [more inside]
posted by Sockrates at 9:24 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Sockrates at 9:24 AM PST - 12 comments
Fast and Furious...Car Shopping
What is the fastest way of buying a car in New York city? What should I keep in mind? How can I be super-productive and not lose money within this transaction? [more inside]
Bringing tamales into the US from Mexico
I'm currently in Mexico and will be returning home to the US in about a week. I'd like to bring back some tamales to share with my family, but I'm not sure whether or not I can bring them through customs. I've read the guidelines here and here, but I'm still not sure. [more inside]
Why does no one manufacture a Thunderbolt hub?
For the life of me I can't figure out why there isn't a hardware manufacturer making a Thunderbolt hub available for purchase. [more inside]
Recommend-a-book
There is nothing quite like reading a book I really love. Help me find some more books I really love. (Fiction edition) [more inside]
Women adventurers
I am trying to put together a list of women explorers from history. An example, meant to be illustrative rather than limiting: [more inside]
Extending an Aiport Express wireless network
So I have two Apple Express routers, one 1st generation, the other a 2nd generation. The new one is hooked up directly to the cable modem downstairs. I'd like to use the older one to extend the network to the upstairs and back of the house, where coverage seems spotty.
But the older 1st generation router doesn't seem to extend the network. It can only join thr original network. When I try to use it to extend the network, the router light goes from green to yellow or flashing yellow. Repeated restarts of this 1st gen router, forgetting the device, resetting default settings and re-configuring don't change the inability to extend the network.
Any suggestions on how to get a 1st gen Apple Express router to extend the network generated by a 2nd Gen Apple Express router?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:53 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:53 AM PST - 4 comments
Where to call, email, Apartment agents?
The typical craigslist apartment ad in Boston might have (in addition to the craigslist anonymous email) a broker's corporate email, a corporate phone, or a cellphone. What is the most effective endpoint to deliver inquiries to, and at what time should it be done? [more inside]
posted by tintexas at 7:28 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by tintexas at 7:28 AM PST - 3 comments
My iPhone calendar is too smart, help me find something stupider
I am a very frequent traveler and am often in different time zones. I have an iPhone and have been using the native calendar app. Unfortunately, whenever I move between time zones my calendar "helpfully" changes the times of my flights and appointments. Using time zone support does not fix the problem, but makes it "help" in slightly different and still wrong ways. I need a calendar app that does not do this and assumes I entered the information right the first time. Does anything like this exist?
posted by bile and syntax at 7:23 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by bile and syntax at 7:23 AM PST - 7 comments
How to have an orgasm?
I'm female, twenty-six, haven't orgasmed, and want to. Suggestions? (NSFW.) [more inside]
Creating a music map of London for students
How can I use an ordnance survey map plus some pins/string/labels to make a Music map of London for my secondary school classroom without it taking a lot of time and effort? [more inside]
pressures to be attractive - men vs. women
My husband believes that men are just as pressured to be attractive with the same consequences socially if they aren't attractive. I think the pressures on women are MUCH higher (and much more unattainable), and that the social fallout is much larger if a woman isn't attractive and following the social norms of attractiveness. Who is right? And if I am right, help me explain this to my husband. [more inside]
How often are wireless home alarms remotely disabled?
I'm looking for some stats on how often wireless home alarms are disabled. Wired alarms are superior, but by how much? Do remote alarms get blocked 5, 10 or 50% of the time?
Insanely crunchy fried chicken that stays insanely crunchy
Once, I made fried chicken, and it was as close to perfect as I've even made it. The crust nearly shattered when bitten into. It was almost unbearably crispy. I have absolutely no idea how I made it, and never made any notes as to what I did. If anyone out there has found the forbidden secrets of fried chciken, and more importantly, remembers what they did to get there, I would love to hear what you did. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 3:20 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Ghidorah at 3:20 AM PST - 21 comments
Reverse gamification?
The recent general knowledge says you can use gamification to instill new habits, rewarding yourself for actions taken. But are there any strategies for instilling habits of *not doing* something? How can you reward something you haven't done? [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 2:14 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by gakiko at 2:14 AM PST - 17 comments
Need gift for 35 year old woman -HELP
I need a birthday gift for a glamourous 35 year old daughter of a close friend. Not a book nor a gift voucher, nothing for kitchen or home, more like beauty or fashion oriented of which she has a lot but never mind, it's the thought that counts -right? Something I can wrap and hand to them. She wears about a size 8.
Budget of around $50 or £30-£40. I am really stumped-please help and thank you. And I did search previous questions.
posted by claptrap at 2:04 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by claptrap at 2:04 AM PST - 29 comments
How do I figure out if cereal will be a cheap and nutritious baby food?
We provide additional food to nursing moms and toddlers, and supplementary formula for infants (don't start on breast is best, most of our moms do nurse, this is for babies with HIV+ moms etc). Our recent evaluation shows that the 6-18 months are not doing as well as the others because they are culturally too little to eat regular food and get more watered-down formula instead, sometimes with rice mixed in. We've got tiny funding to buy more food for them and our nurse is suggesting rice cereal designed for infants, but I have no clue how to evaluate them. [more inside]
posted by viggorlijah at 2:04 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by viggorlijah at 2:04 AM PST - 9 comments
How to watch a bit of Dodger ephemera?
Is there a way I can watch a bit of a baseball game that wasn't really the game? [more inside]
How do I NAKED bike ride? You know, when it's permissible and orderly.
I'd like to participate in a festival-related naked bike ride! [GULP!] I've never done this, but am excited to do so. At this point, I am unsure what I need to know going into it to make it the most fun. Your inputs are welcomed! [more inside]
July 29
HEPA filter to keep neighbors second hand smoke out?
My neighbor smokes at all hours of the day and night. We don't have an AC and have to have our windows open at night in the summers, with a fan pointed out one window, drawing his smoke in the other while we try to sleep. It bothers me and my wife a lot. Wakes us up coughing dry throat.
He won't stop, we asked nicely. Are there any sort of filters we can use as a screen that will make any difference? I think it's cigars.
posted by brenton at 11:45 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by brenton at 11:45 PM PST - 15 comments
How can I both cure my depression and get my sex drive back?
I used to like all kinds of funky sex. Since depression came into my life a few years ago, I've been far, far less sexual. In the last few months, I can't even find the will to masturbate let alone allow my beloved to penetrate me or otherwise enjoy sexual activity with me. I don't want to be depressed anymore, and I also want to get back to embodying the sexual being I used to be. How? [more inside]
Can you give me examples of open ended pet adoption questions?
I am working to become an adoption counselor with a local no-kill animal shelter. What are some innocuous yet revealing questions that may have worked for you in a similar type of situation? [more inside]
posted by Bistle at 10:05 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Bistle at 10:05 PM PST - 17 comments
What are some good jokes with the punchline: Change ?
I've been tasked (by my wife) with coming up with a corporate, work-safe joke with a specific punchline. That punchline is 'change'.
Help? I've got nothing.
posted by duckus at 9:23 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by duckus at 9:23 PM PST - 9 comments
Why, in my house, are the door hinge pins inserted from bottom to top?
I have an older house in Chicago. 1890s. Not sure that is relevant to the age of the doors but regardless, there are three doors (bathroom, two bedrooms) where the hinge pins are inserted from the bottom up. Occasionally this means they fall out when the tension fails to keep them in. Surprisingly this if not that often, maybe twice a year. However it is startling, prob bad for the door, hinge and floor. Anyone know a reason why a hinge may be positioned like this? Or should I just get to work flipping/replacing them?
posted by patrad at 8:58 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by patrad at 8:58 PM PST - 6 comments
Can you lower this amount slightly?
I accidentally ran up my phone bill to $1100. I want to know what I can say, if anything, to try to lower my bill. [more inside]
posted by ostranenie at 8:36 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by ostranenie at 8:36 PM PST - 14 comments
One thing, multiple perspectives
I am looking for non-fictional literary examples of a place or a specific event described by two or more writers. A dinner party, a famous travel attraction, etc. I am curious about how the exact same thing, filtered through different minds and colored by the unique experiences and personalities of the writer, can be interpreted in very different ways. A hypothetical example would be two people attend the same dinner party and write two different accounts of it, each informed by their idiosyncrasies.
posted by Pantalaimon at 8:29 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Pantalaimon at 8:29 PM PST - 14 comments
Cheap-ass running shoes plz.
I am looking for decent, yet cheap, running shoes for the short term. Suggestions? More inside of course. [more inside]
I really liked OpenOffice
I really liked OpenOffice, but apparently it's defunct.
According to this, my choices are now ApacheOpenOffice or LibreOffice. Of course, there's also Google Docs. I need something for occasional use on my home PC. What should I do? [more inside]
What are foods that taste better the longer you take to make them?
Chocolate chip cookies. No-knead bread. Even crepes! All of these benefit from rest time (and usually 12+ hours). Are there other foods that also taste better the longer you take to make them? [more inside]
School Supplies for Graduate School?
I start graduate school in a few weeks. Yay! Problem? I don't know what school and/or office supplies will be most helpful to me. Can you help me out? Do I need anything besides paper, pens, highlighters, and post its? What am I not thinking of here that may save my scholarly life later? If it helps any, I am in a non-STEM related field. Thanks so much!
posted by SkylitDrawl at 6:04 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by SkylitDrawl at 6:04 PM PST - 26 comments
Trying to improve my Internet connection in my house
I am a Verizon FIOS customer using Verizon's modem/router combo. I am having some problems getting a strong signal in one room of my house. I am torn between two options, and I would love your input. [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 5:57 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by 4ster at 5:57 PM PST - 7 comments
I know nothing about grad school; is it for me?
I am an older student (in my 50s), graduating with my first B.A. in December, in anthropology. I'm very sad to leave school, as I have really enjoyed my time there (well, in this iteration--not so much when I was much younger). I absolutely LOVE going to classes and learning new stuff. I love the idea of continuing to be a student, but I'm not sure if grad school makes sense. But, mostly, I really don't understand how grad school works: [more inside]
How to save the coding of an entire website?
I'm not referring to saving a page or website to view offline, but viewing/saving the coding of an entire website without manually clicking the view source on every single page. Is this possible? Is there a program?
I have only 80 hours left of work, but should I bail early?
I have severe social anxiety and depression, but I've been trying to work part-time with the support of my state's vocational rehab program. I have a natural exit point from this job coming up on August 27th, and I intend to take it. I don't know, though, if I can make it that long. [more inside]
posted by dee lee at 5:17 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by dee lee at 5:17 PM PST - 25 comments
Seeking a little patch of land under big skies
tl;dr: If you were looking for a place in the U.S. where you could own some land, in beautiful, lonesome country (utilities entirely optional) -- ideally in the mountains or the high desert -- on which to live intermittently throughout the year, where would you look? [more inside]
Should I buy a car with 170,000 miles on it?
Good maintenance/car history/reliability/price versus everything else [more inside]
posted by mermily at 4:25 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by mermily at 4:25 PM PST - 20 comments
Crash course in nonprofit communications?
I am the de facto communications director for my nonprofit. I'd like to become actually good at it, but how? [more inside]
Kayakity Yak (Don't Talk Back)
Where are the best areas in the Southern California region for a new kayak owner to become familiar with kayaking? [more inside]
Help Identifying piece for RJ-45 connector
I've recently been terminating a bunch of cat 5 / rj45 connections. The connectors have been coming in these packets with this black piece that you put each individual wire through then cut the wires and put into the connectors. Anyways I want to purchase these black plastic pieces but I dont know what they are called. Can someone help me identify just this black plastic piece so that i can buy them?
Here is a picture
Disease-covered Puget Sound
Can you recommend songs about Washington and/or Seattle that portray it in a non-negative light? [more inside]
How can I fix this bath drain plug?
My house came with a plug like this. A few weeks back my wife unscrewed it to remove some hair and now it won't go back. It won't screw to the threads in the drain.
It seems like the drain threads are slightly larger than the one in the plug. Maybe some adapter was there that fell into the drain? No idea.
I bought another plug from Lowes that looked slightly larger, but it didn't thread. How can I fix this without getting a plumber to visit?
What's the next big thing in web, app, etc. development?
I run a small web development consultancy, but we're being commoditized and priced out of business. What should we morph into? [more inside]
What are your best recipes with yogurt?
I bought 2 pounds (the smallest size I could find) of plain whole milk yogurt, not realizing that there was an almost-empty container in the fridge. So now I have all this yogurt with a best-by date of August 5. What are your favorite ways to use it? I'm especially interested in vegetarian main dishes (bonus points for using CSA-type veggies), but would also like ways to pair it with chicken or fish.
Recommended songs for a happy young woman?
Hi. So a good friend of mine is a happy young woman, about to have her 23rd birthday. She's asked her friends for songs to play. I found a list of songs referring to being 23, here on Metafilter - but they're all generally pretty depressing and negative about being 23.
Do people have songs they recommend, for happy young women in general?
Her tastes are modern, rock-oriented and eclectic - she's a big fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Pretty Reckless, MGMT, and dance music, for example.
thanks!
posted by metasailor at 11:53 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by metasailor at 11:53 AM PST - 22 comments
Cemeteries -- use of a period?
I was walking in an old cemetery last weekend, and I noticed that many of the tombstones dating from around the late 19th to the early 20th centuries used a period after the surname on the tombstone: "JONES." and not "JONES" by itself. Can anybody point me to any resources for learning about this particular style convention?
posted by JanetLand at 11:32 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by JanetLand at 11:32 AM PST - 5 comments
Obamacare when switching jobs?
I'm moving to Texas for a new job in a few weeks. I have a health insurance question. [more inside]
Having difficulty making friends in the area
I'm wondering why I had a much easier time making friends in the last area where I lived than I have had in this area. I think it has to do with the way social media has changed, but I'm not sure that's the whole story. I've asked myself what gives. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by tckma at 11:17 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by tckma at 11:17 AM PST - 14 comments
Leaving job by mutual agreement (Canadian edition)
My employer and I just agreed that I am not a good fit for the job. What should I do? I'm in Ontario, Canada.
I realize that similar questions have asked, but am specifically looking for answers that take Canadian law into account. Thanks! [more inside]
B-Roll: File formats and file size
I've got a lot of B-Roll and the file sizes are too much for us to maintain them in a usable way. 300 gb for a 30 min .avi? What are decent formats/compressions that are acceptable but that also give manageable file sizes? [more inside]
posted by furtive at 10:27 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by furtive at 10:27 AM PST - 12 comments
Conceal medical cannabis use in dating profile?
Should I disclose my frequent medical marijuana use in an online dating profile? [more inside]
posted by morganw at 10:27 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by morganw at 10:27 AM PST - 34 comments
Please suggest a good bike for commuting: Iowa edition.
I am shopping for a new bike which I will use for a daily commute in Iowa City, and I am looking for suggestions. [more inside]
What are the hardest to prepare recipes in history?
I'm putting together a list of recipes that only master cooks take on once they're at the highest levels. Dishes where the sauce alone can take two days. I need recipes that aren't new (aka it requires a magnetic cooktop) or too non-western. And I'd love if there was anything that had some history (though in general if it's a dish over 30 years old, it's going to). As in "It was prepared once for President McKinley...who fired the chef." Ideas? [more inside]
Is school intergration easier for urban Black boys or girls?
I seem to recall a MeFi post a while back, but cannot find it (perhaps it was from an NPR story) that referenced a study claiming that the achievement level for urban Black boys placed in suburban schools was much lower than their female counterparts. [more inside]
posted by Stu-Pendous at 9:52 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Stu-Pendous at 9:52 AM PST - 3 comments
Where is this picture from?
I traveled to DC, SF, NYC, and a few other cities taking photos with a film camera... and I can't tell where this photo's from. City-identifiers with good memories, help me!
posted by tmcw at 9:28 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by tmcw at 9:28 AM PST - 9 comments
Electronic-only European gift-giving ideas
I am in the US. My brother is in Europe on business, his first time out of the US, and will be there for about another six months. Right now he's in Germany, but the list of additional countries he'll go to later doesn't seem to be finalized.
His birthday is coming up, and I want to send him a gift that won't generate logistical problems for him. [more inside]
posted by Bentobox Humperdinck at 8:46 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Bentobox Humperdinck at 8:46 AM PST - 12 comments
Where in New England can I take my dad camping to see the Perseids?
When I was very young, my dad took me camping to see the Perseid meteors; it was one of the defining experiences of my life. Now I am grown and he is nearly old, and I would like to turn it around. Help me find a suitable mountaintop in New England to go camping with my dad; somewhere where we won't have to see anyone else. Details within. [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 8:35 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 8:35 AM PST - 12 comments
Learning Japanese and would like some Japanese-subbed sources.
Hi, I'm learning Japanese and am a big fan of anime/manga/tv shows. I'm far enough long in my studies where I would like to start watching/reading them with Japanese subtitles instead of English subtitles. The only problem is... I'm having a hard time finding manga/anime. Any sources for original Japanese manga or Japanese-subbed anime? (Like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Insulation Information?
Our house is a small Cape, with a crawlspace attic. We’re going to get a home energy audit in the next couple of weeks, and the insulation of the attic is of particular concern for us, as it really gets quite warm on our second floor. Can I get your insulation wisdom here? [more inside]
What is the best thing to do with $10,000?
I have just found out that I will be inheriting $10,000. I want to maximize whatever I do with it, but I am not sure where to start... [more inside]
sigh.
I'm no longer sure what my problem is or what medications to try.
blizzard inside for those that enjoy helping others sort their mental health issues.... [more inside]
Appointment Scheudling Application
I have a one person business, and need software to manage my appointments with clients. I have spent (wasted) a lot of time investigating different applications that end up having fatal flaws, so I am hoping that someone out there will be familiar with an app that meets a few simple criteria. [more inside]
Forums for Grammar Nerds?
I feel like I should be able to find this somehow, but I'm just not having much luck - where do grammar nerds go online? I'd like to find some forums. I've found a few language blogs (and if you can recommend more of those, too, I'd appreciate it) and a couple of grammar forums, but they weren't quite what I'm looking for. I want a place to really geek out on grammar/language - sentence diagramming, obscure grammatical rules, history of the English language, etc.
SOUND OF THE SHOFAR Needed - LP - 1 HOUR OR MORE
Where can I find the sound of the Shofar blasts in long-play - without any other instrument - one hour or more on the net, in any format? Been looking and all I can find is short blasts.
posted by watercarrier at 6:46 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by watercarrier at 6:46 AM PST - 7 comments
How deep is too deep?
Questions about deep throating, not sure if I'm going too far - NSFW. [more inside]
Shall I hang on to my CDs?
I am remodeling my attic space to be office/mancave/storage. I have about 3,000 cds boxed and sitting in a closet. I have not played a CD in over 3 years. So I feel I need some nudging or suggestions, you see.
In the new attic space I will have room to display them on shelves. I am torn as to do this, keep them boxed or just unload them. My collection is reflective of my non- commercial, eclectic tastes so I am wondering if they have any value as well. BY value I mean cash value. Are CDs dead media these days or are folks collecting them as well.
Torn and confused
Please, hive, tell me your thoughts
Continuous photo backup on iPhone?
How do I get my photos on my iPhone 5 to be automatically made available online permanently, wirelessly, and SUPER-easy to access? iCloud? Do i need a third party service? I just want every photo I take on my iPhone to be continuously backed up online somewhere, so that even if I delete it on the iPhone, it's still preserved, and I can grab it on a computer without having to sync the phone. Thanks.
Unsure about path to academia
My goal is to become a university professor but I'm torn whether to do a second master's degree or go straight for a PhD. I can get decent funding for a master's but am I treading water? [more inside]
posted by nagoya at 5:48 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by nagoya at 5:48 AM PST - 18 comments
Help for excessive nighttime urination?
I would like non-medical suggestions for reducing the number of times I need to get up at night to pee. [more inside]
posted by mysterious_stranger at 5:46 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by mysterious_stranger at 5:46 AM PST - 26 comments
What's that site
I remember discovering a site in, god, 2007 or 2008 I think, possible through Metafilter, that had a theme every month (I very much remember the theme 'Anarchy') and published a number of essays around that theme. Not essays by readers, essays by scholars. I think the essays somehow had to be written in reaction to each other. It was super interesting, but I lost track of it and now I don't know what it was called anymore, or even whether it still exists. Anyone know what I'm talking about?
posted by Skyanth at 4:09 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Skyanth at 4:09 AM PST - 5 comments
How do I change the bulb in this light fixture?
I can't for the life of me get the hang of changing the bulb in this wall-mounted lighting fixture. I've done it before but it always takes me ages, I'm never quite sure how I did it, and this time I just can't seem to get it open no matter what I do. [more inside]
posted by désoeuvrée at 3:33 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by désoeuvrée at 3:33 AM PST - 11 comments
I want to make an Unknown Pleasures album cover cake.
One of my very best friends is turning 40 and the theme for his party is Madchester. He and I are big Joy Division/New Order fans and bonded over music many years ago :)
I am making his birthday cake and would like some help with the decorating. [more inside]
posted by stellathon at 3:13 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by stellathon at 3:13 AM PST - 14 comments
July 28
Before gas, did candles really illuminate rooms well?
Watching A period piece film and wondering if, before gas and electric lighting, having a roomful of candles ever really illuminated things as much as they appear here or were all large rooms of the time like spotily-lit caverns after dark? [more inside]
posted by Senor Cardgage at 11:13 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Senor Cardgage at 11:13 PM PST - 18 comments
Desperately seeking children's book about two girls who...ride horses?
Okay, this is the longest of long shots, so feel free to roll your eyes. ;) I'm looking for a 1970's-ish picture book about two girls who are best friends and enter a magic world at the bottom of the garden, where they ride horses. [more inside]
posted by Salamander at 10:12 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Salamander at 10:12 PM PST - 6 comments
Is this normal? Toddler day care edition
Mini-me is starting day care at a place that takes the toddlers to a local park every day. I'm cool with this (wearing him out FTW!) but they apparently have the class walk there — about six blocks through a dense urban area. I was a little surprised by this practice for such little kids (18-36 months). Husband is really concerned about the whole thing and I'm not sure what to think. Is this actually a totally reasonable thing for toddlers to do in a group care environment? [more inside]
posted by annekate at 9:22 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by annekate at 9:22 PM PST - 42 comments
We All Scream For Sour Cream
My wife came home with close to a gallon of sour cream the other day. (Don't ask.) What on earth can we do with all of it? Recipes calling for a dollop here or a smidge there simply won't cut it. We need volume here, people! Please help us, MeFi!
Video suggestions for a classical music obsessed 12 year old w/ austim?
My nephew is a musical genius- perfect pitch, memorized discography of most prominent classical composers, and he plays clarinet and piano (also almost any instrument he picks up.) He has autism and has been preoccupied with the Baby Einstein (and language and Beethoven) series since he was very, very young (a baby). I think one of the reasons he still holds onto it and will watch it over and over is because it's visually and musically interesting with out having a plot that his attention cannot hold onto or is too difficult to grasp emotionally. Anyone have recommendations for music/band films that would be appropriate for a 12 year old that is visually interesting with out a plot? He has watched almost every Disney and classic musical out there, but I wonder if there is something like the BE series, but more mature. Thanks!
The clothes on my back.
I'm a lady, it's hot, I'm shaped weird, I need something to wear that looks nice and isn't t-shirts, and my fashion sense is totally failing me. Relevant details inside. [more inside]
How do I navigate this doctor versus physical therapist situation?
My MD prescribed a kind of leg bracing, anticipating relatively quick results. My physical therapist is like no way. How do I get to the bottom of this without causing awkwardness? [more inside]
Best Route from Billings to Eugene?
My husband is going to be traveling from Billings, MT to Eugene, OR and is still trying to determine the best route to take. He will be towing a small trailer with a Ford Ranger and he's not very familiar with mountain driving, so would like the easiest route, time is less important. Any suggestions, or even general tips I can pass along?
Is it me??
I need your job advice [more inside]
Probable precocious puberty. Now what?!
It's more than likely my 5 and a half year old daughter is undergoing precocious puberty. Now what? [more inside]
Because you needed another dog butt question today
My dog just had an accident inside for the second time this week and probably the 15th this summer after 8 years of never having one. I am getting really fed up. Warning: gross descriptions of dog poo inside. [more inside]
posted by deus ex machina at 5:49 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by deus ex machina at 5:49 PM PST - 19 comments
Help me make a beet slaw I can refrigerate for weeks.
I want to make a beet slaw for adding to lettuce-based salad. The thing is, I'm unlikely to eat it all immediately, so I want to make a bunch, put it in a jar in the fridge and consume it over a period of weeks. I want to do this without dying of food poisoning, mold eating, or fermented beet alcohol poisoning. [more inside]
Looking for video sources/movie references for natural phenomena
I'm searching for visual reference material, in the area of kinetic natural phenomena - think falling rocks, volcanic eruptions, flowing magma, good tornado sequences, anything menacing, optimally POV. Photorealistic preferable, CG perfectly suitable, any duration, web or DVD sourced, docs or movies. Thanks!
posted by dbiedny at 4:25 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by dbiedny at 4:25 PM PST - 5 comments
Help me reprogram the self-punishing part of my brain
At the end of a project, regardless of how the rest of the world feels about it, I am almost always sad and angry at myself about how it went. Sometimes I imagine myself being punished for imperfections, e.g. by being attacked and beaten to death with pipes because of bugs in submitted code. Other times I project this unhappiness and anger onto other people, e.g. imagining that colleagues are disappointed in me, until they actually say outright that they are pleased with how something went. [more inside]
high-concept low-spectacle speculative realistic fiction
What are some good novels that have a high-concept speculative element in the background, but aren't quite about that? [more inside]
I don't have friends.
I'm interested in improving my social or networking skills for a better perspective on life. [more inside]
Building my own WISP II: Teach me about POE injectors.
As part of my continuing attempt to build a wireless bridge to bring the internet to my house, I have obtained two used Tranzeo TR902-11f 900Mhz wireless access points sans any power supply. Please help me find (cheaply) POE injectors for these WAPs. [more inside]
Farsi Translation/Botany Question! What does the word "Bita" mean?
In the Persian song "Gole Bita" (گل بیتا) what does the word "Bita" refer to? Is there a flower called "Bita," or is that too literal of a reading? [more inside]
posted by ariela at 3:43 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ariela at 3:43 PM PST - 3 comments
I need a job yesterday. I'm still stuck. Where do I go from here?
Many of the details in this question still apply. Logistics aren't that big of a deal anymore, and I'm chipping away ever so slowly at my social anxiety and fluency issue, but I'm still without prospects and now about $12k in debt on account of some reckless impulse spending and unpaid debt from college. Can the hivemind help get me out from under this? Snowstorm inside. [more inside]
ASS GLAND APOCALYPSE
My dog has fantastically, horribly, monstrously overactive anal glands. The vet believes it may be due to allergies, but so far no treatments have been successful. I am reaching the end of my rope. [more inside]
posted by elizardbits at 3:27 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by elizardbits at 3:27 PM PST - 44 comments
What kind of Fiber patch cable do I need
Help me find the right fiber patch cord between an HP and a Cisco switch. [more inside]
Short-term housing in San Francisco
I'm considering attending a six-month web development bootcamp in San Francisco that runs from October to April, and I'm wondering what I can expect to pay for housing. I'm interested in learning both about cheaper arrangements like SROs in Chinatown and housing oriented towards students, as well as about what it might cost to get a room in a "normal" multi-bedroom apartment for that period. [more inside]
What to do about a fridge of rotten food?
I own a house in TX that currently doesn't have a resident. Due to some issues that don't really matter for this question, the power got disconnected July 1. 4 weeks later, I assume the situation is dire. What is the best thing to do? Dispose of the whole fridge or get someone to clean it? [more inside]
Best vegetarian sausage for a pescetarian, at-home clambake
I'm having guests over for a clambake and, because of dietary restrictions, will have to use vegetarian sausage instead of linguica or chorizo. I need your help figuring out what brand of vegetarian sausage to use--something that the meat-eaters won't mind. [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 3:03 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by yellowcandy at 3:03 PM PST - 13 comments
Help me make the most of the time my mother has left.
My mother has terminal cancer, and I don't know how much time she has left. Others with experience losing a parent: what would I regret not doing with this time? [more inside]
posted by joan cusack the second at 2:52 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by joan cusack the second at 2:52 PM PST - 27 comments
Vegetable stock: what makes it amazing and how best to use it?
This is a two-part question.... I have the idea of a "stone soup" kind of fall gathering where everyone brings something to make a huge pot of vegetable stock. I need to know what makes good stock – what to put in and what to leave out – and then what should I make at the party for us all to eat and enjoy some of this stock right away? [more inside]
Divorce how to
I want to separate from my spouse. What can I do to minimize stress and maximize my resolve? [more inside]
Best. Paint. Ever. This is the paint we are looking for.
Hi all! We found a color we like and, I'm assuming, we can get a paint color match (right? at least pretty close?) in any paint brand. So... what's the best satin, low-lustre or eggshell paint brand? [more inside]
posted by ancient star at 1:32 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by ancient star at 1:32 PM PST - 20 comments
Tablet for Comics
I want to get a 10" tablet just for reading comics. There are a LOT of cheap options out there. I don't want it for gaming or drum machines or word processing or really wifi connectivity. Just reading comics in HD with smooth touch controls. Any recommendations? [more inside]
How can I provide a VPN connection for someone in China
Hi Everyone
I would like to help a friend in China access Bloomberg, Youtube and a few other sites unaccessible from China.
I have a few spare computers, can use Linux, Mac etc. Any ideas? I thought about Remote Desktop but perhaps a VPN solution will be better.
Thanks!
BB
There's no escape
Adrift, lonely and feeling hopeless. Advice would be appreciated. [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 12:46 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by morning_television at 12:46 PM PST - 14 comments
Where can I find truly hypoallergenic bandages?
Every adhesive bandage I've used in the last year has irritated my skin to some degree. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by hollyholly at 12:13 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by hollyholly at 12:13 PM PST - 18 comments
Tell me again why teenagers shouldn't be having sex.
My 15-yr old daughter recently told me she has been having sex with her boyfriend of 10 months (also 15 y.o.) [more inside]
Bipolar Oven
My oven is bipolar: when I follow the instructions for frozen pizza, it's done in about 66% of the time, i.e. instructions say 18min, it's done in 12, usually less - 18min would burn it to a crisp. Thicker things, like pork roasts or heating a pre-cooked ham, are barely tepid in the center at the time in their instructions, i.e. instructions say 45min, takes over an hour to get to the recommended temperature. The oven is a generic, in-every-apartment-I've-ever-had kind of stove. What's it's problem? [more inside]
posted by AzraelBrown at 11:32 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by AzraelBrown at 11:32 AM PST - 17 comments
Bringing Bloggers On Board
Please give me guidance on how to find professional bloggers and work with them. [more inside]
"Asian" Flush Syndrome without flushing (or "Asian" lineage)?
I went to a gastroenterologist recently who tentatively diagnosed me with Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency (which causes the so-called "asian" flush). I am caucasian with some Russian descent, and I do not get flushed when I drink. Are there any precedents for non-asian, non-flushing sufferers of this enzyme deficiency? Should I get a second opinion? [more inside]
posted by qzar at 10:49 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by qzar at 10:49 AM PST - 27 comments
How much home insurance do we need?
We're looking to switch providers, and the quotes are based on very different replacement-value amounts. What do we actually need? [more inside]
Where should I read fiction online?
What are the best websites/blogs/etc. to read contemporary fiction? I'm particularly interested in writing by women, experimental fiction, and magical realism, not necessarily all at once. [more inside]
How can I clean a moldy-smelling down comforter?
I left a damp down comforter sitting in the dryer for a couple of days, and now it has a gross moldy smell. How can I fix this? [more inside]
I would like to be the Lord of the Flies.
There are a couple bushes in our front yard that are attracting an insane amount of flies. How do I destroy them, and make my front yard livable again? [more inside]
How to open "file://" hyperlinks in Internet Explorer 10?
How to open "file://" hyperlinks in Internet Explorer 10? [more inside]
posted by colecovizion at 9:46 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by colecovizion at 9:46 AM PST - 5 comments
Would you use toilet paper that had a mouldy bit on it?
I'm housesitting and the loo roll (toilet paper) seems to have gone a tad mouldy. I obviously took the moudly bits off and chucked them in the bin but I am now left wondering whether the mould might have left spores in the rest of the loo rool, invisible to the naked eye. [more inside]
posted by mrsh at 9:35 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by mrsh at 9:35 AM PST - 17 comments
Renovation Logistics
A few related questions about light renovating and filling of an apartment (with some NYC-specific stuff.) [more inside]
Is it legal to require a security deposit before running a credit check?
I'm looking to rent a new apartment in NYC. For our 3 previous NYC apartments, we’ve filled out an application and paid an application fee and then once our application was approved, paid security deposit / first month’s rent at lease signing. The management company for the apartment that we are looking to rent is requesting the following: we fill out an application, pay an application fee and give them a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. If our credit is approved, then the security deposit is non-refundable and we basically have to sign a lease. Is this legal? [more inside]
BREAD ME! Easy and fast recipes using sourdough starter to eat today.
I have about 1/4+ cup of sourdough starter to use up. Tell me what I can make that I can eat today. [more inside]
posted by RaRa-SpaceRobot at 8:48 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by RaRa-SpaceRobot at 8:48 AM PST - 8 comments
How can I put a value on this (piece of furniture)?
I have a piece of furniture that I bought at a garage sale about 8 years ago for around $50. We need to get rid of it, but I don't know how much to sell it for. I think it's possible it's worth more than $50. [more inside]
posted by pyjammy at 8:46 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by pyjammy at 8:46 AM PST - 15 comments
What to plant on/do with 17 acres NW WI newly cropped of pines?
We have friends with restaurants who would buy fingerlings, table flowers, herbs, etc.
We have an artesian well.
We have a giant ancient hops vines we could grow more with clippings.
That's about all our ideas for now.
Thank you.
One Mistake Changes Everything?
I'm trying to get to the bottom of something that happened over the weekend -- to nutshell, was cuffed and placed in a holding cell and charged with an OWI. Never been in trouble before. Looking for a lawyer, but seem to either be told that they have fees that I could never afford to pay, or that they can get me into a diversion program which I'm pretty sure is offered to first time offenders anyway. Help? Details behind cut. [more inside]
total spider freakout identification filter... what is this monster?
We live in st Petersburg fla near the beach and intercoastal. This thing is dime sized, on a web, and making me want to stay at work..... What the heck is it?
Arachnophobia trigger warning....
Picture here
posted by chasles at 7:52 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by chasles at 7:52 AM PST - 13 comments
Financial Assistance for Adding New Siding With Insulation.
I posted a question last year about safely scraping peeling lead paint from my house and repainting. Pros estimate $25-30K (yikes!). One reply suggested that "It may...be cheaper to just get rid of the old wood siding and just install some new one. If you do that, you might want to look into adding insulation; there could be programs that would provide some financial assistance." Does anyone have a suggestion as to how to find such a program? FWIW I'm in Westchester county in NY state.
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:49 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:49 AM PST - 6 comments
How To Re-Program Extenstions in an NEC office phone?
Have used google to no real avail. My office has an NEC Aspire system. Can't locate model number, but is a 22-button main phone. I need to reprogram the extensions on an employee's phone and am not finding instructions anywhere. Help?
Let's get physical (in fiction)
Recommend me novels that have a strong component of sport, physical training, or exercise. [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 7:32 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by quadrilaterals at 7:32 AM PST - 23 comments
What sports can someone start doing at 30 and become world class at?
Are there any? The only possibilities I can immediately think of are Lawn Bowls and Shooting. And maybe varieties of race car driving (I'm not sure if there's a physical fitness component to this at all?)
Is there anything you could say this of that IS a more physical sport?
posted by Kirn at 6:09 AM PST - 53 comments
posted by Kirn at 6:09 AM PST - 53 comments
What are inter-disciplinary and atypical uses for math MSc?
I have just completed my MSc in mathematics in Europe. I do enjoy math, but I spent my uni years feeling like a autodidact hippie marooned on an island full of Mr and Mrs I-Want-A-Good-Job. My main interests revolve around humanities (literature/history/anthropology) and economics (but not finance), and instead of starting a "stable" well-paying career I dream about something inter-disciplinary. I am very open to earning little money and relocating just to do kind of work that engages those skills. What are some random uses of my degree? [more inside]
posted by desultory_banyan at 5:02 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by desultory_banyan at 5:02 AM PST - 12 comments
Hurricane preparedness - When the power goes out
I have a battery operated NOAA weather radio, but can you recommend a battery operated small over-the-air (terrestrial) TV. I have looked at Amazon and found a RCA DHT235A 3.5-Inch LED-lit 720p 60Hz TV. Bonus if it can run off a 12V battery as well.
(I am in N. Florida)
Who was Barry Wom's (The Rutles) mystery bride?
I recently re-watched the wonderful mockumentary "All You Need Is Cash" and once again the joke about Barry Wom's bride to be and the Scotsmen from Hull flew right over my head. [more inside]
Can I eat this? Peking Duck edition.
I have a 5 day old carcass of a cooked duck in a plastic bag in the fridge. [more inside]
posted by thegirlwiththehat at 2:58 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by thegirlwiththehat at 2:58 AM PST - 16 comments
How to hide a pair of HDTV wall mounts?
I'm about to rent an apartment that has a pair of HDTV mounts; one in the living room, and a smaller one in the bedroom. Anyone got any ideas for creative, non-destructive repurposings for wall mounted HDTV racks? [more inside]
Best starter mattress?
Outfitting my new apartment and I'm in need of a queen-size mattress... price range $200-$600. I like soft beds but don't have a great back either, and generally I sleep well in hotel beds. Already have an Ikea bed and slightly flexible slatted base--can I put a memory foam mattress directly on top of this setup? Otherwise, what mattress should I acquire and where, which will arrive in under a week? Thanks in advance!
posted by serelliya at 12:06 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by serelliya at 12:06 AM PST - 11 comments
July 27
What's a nice dinner date spot in Budapest?
What's a good dinner (first-)date spot in Budapest for a couple of twenty-somethings? I'm
25, they're 28. I'd prefer Pest side, something not too loud, not super expensive by Budapest-ian standards.
posted by yaymukund at 11:46 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by yaymukund at 11:46 PM PST - 5 comments
A sad, sad life
I have been isolated and depressed for 10 years. I need help. [more inside]
scared of the gym post-boob-job
I'm the Anon from this question. You smarties were on the ball -- but now that I'm post-surgery what do I do next? [more inside]
InDesign endotes: Still no solution?
I'm designing a long book in InDesign CC and I need to have endnotes (for each chapter) at the end of the book instead of footnotes on each page. According to several links (1, 2, and 3), this is not possible in InD CC. Keeping in mind that I have absolutely no scripting experience, do you know about any plugin I can download or any easy workaround for this?
posted by omar.a at 10:12 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by omar.a at 10:12 PM PST - 4 comments
My Mother's legal guardian is a crook. What can I do as her son?
My Mother's legal guardian is a crook. What can I do as her son? [more inside]
I want to have a gifted shotgun transported across state lines
My father is gifting me his shotgun. He and the gun are in Maryland. I am in New Mexico. Googling tells me that if he handed to me in person there would be no issues and no paperwork required. It also tells me that to be shipped interstate the gun can't be shipped to me directly but must be shipped to someone with an FFL. Apparently My father can ship it out even though he does not have an FFL but the recipient must be licensed. [more inside]
Singer-songwriter from the 1980s
A friend asked this question on Facebook just now, so I'm passing it on:
Any clue who this is?
Singer-songwriter.
Came on the scene in the mid-eighties.
A New Yorker.
Titillated journalists dwelt on the fact that she left home at thirteen to move in with some African musicians, with her parents’ okay.
Wrote a song about a dream in which she made love with her mother.
posted by zadcat at 8:54 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by zadcat at 8:54 PM PST - 3 comments
Our new TV stand has terrible airflow! Help!
We just got a new TV stand that has doors in the front, and a back that's nearly solid except for several small cutouts for wires. We have a TiVo and a receiver in there, and they're ridiculously hot after just a few hours of being on. How can I improve airflow so I don't burn out my components? [more inside]
Are we spending too much on bus fare in Sydney?
Currently my partner commutes to work from Enmore to Lane Cove. It is costing around $12 per day, I've googled around for cheaper ways but come up with nothing - are we missing some way to cut the cost or do we have to suck it up? [more inside]
Smartphone game to play as a family (adults)?
I am around 50 years old and my kids are around 30. Is there one really cool smartphone game we could play together? [more inside]
What are some examples of cities that were founded in illogical places?
I know that most cities have a reason for being where they are(near a river, natural harbor etc) but I'm curious about cities that are actually in poorly chosen locations or make no sense at all. I'm sure several of the southwest cities may meet this bill but also curious about global cities too.
posted by aleatorictelevision at 7:27 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by aleatorictelevision at 7:27 PM PST - 30 comments
Just let me read the goddamn book
Kindle filter: How can I disable popular highlights? The Help instrux aren't much help, i.e., they don't work. (I have Kindle across several platforms.) HELP!
Famous Louisville art glass maker?
Some time ago an acquaintance gave me a large vase that she said was made by a famous art glass maker in Louisville, Kentucky. I can't remember the name of the maker, but got the sense from her that it was a company that would be well-known among aficionados of art glass, as much as, say, Viking is. However, Google searches haven't produced anything definitive. Does anyone know what this company might be?
Let there be light!
We need a light source for our patio area... With some special snowflake requirements below. [more inside]
posted by LaBellaStella at 5:06 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by LaBellaStella at 5:06 PM PST - 6 comments
Back to school?
Why did you get a master's in atmospheric sciences? What kinds of jobs are available for people with this training? I have my BA and am considering going back to school. I love weather and that part of the newscast is always my favorite. Your stories and any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!
Can you identify this plant?
Garden peeps: any idea what this might be? [more inside]
moonshine and gossamer
I love having a moon phase widget on my android phone. Three days ago I noticed the one I had, had disappeared. I then downloaded a few others to try. Paid apps even! None of them change on the desktop(?) of the phone, indicating where the moon is in its cycle. Is this because I have mobile data turned off to save battery power? Or is there another reason? I also downloaded the app Sun and Moon but is it anywhere to be found on my phone except in My Apps to uninstall? Is it heck. What's going on?
posted by glasseyes at 3:55 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by glasseyes at 3:55 PM PST - 10 comments
Training for a Marathon post-injury
I'm registered for the Chicago Marathon this October (in 11 weeks) . It'll be my first race running this far. I also bruised the hell out of my heel 2 weeks ago. Now that I can run again, how do I adjust my training plan? [more inside]
posted by garlic at 3:46 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by garlic at 3:46 PM PST - 8 comments
Going to the chapel...
I'm getting hitched! On September 6th! My dress doesn't fit, and it needs to be altered. [more inside]
I want my nose to stop running
My nose runs all the time, despite not having a cold. I don't think I am allergic to anything - I don't have the itching or sneezing that goes with allergies, and being around animals or flowers doesn't make it worse. I don't have any sinus issues. Also it's a year-round affair, though worse in winter. I'm tired of it! Can anyone offer any advice? [more inside]
posted by beccyjoe at 3:40 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by beccyjoe at 3:40 PM PST - 21 comments
How to Design a Course's Curriculum: High School Edition
What curriculum design frameworks and resources should I use to develop a high school level art course? [more inside]
Grapes for outdoor patio
We planted six grapevines under the trellised roof of our outdoor deck. We planted them by six wood post that are 4x4 and 8 feet tall. What are the best ways to keep these new vines thriving? [more inside]
Eclectic Female Fiddler, Active In The 1980s
I'm a fiddle player, and long ago and far away I had an LP by a female classically-trained fiddler/violinist. For the life of me I can't recall the woman's name, but I do remember she recorded that song based on the Robert Burns poem "John Anderson, My Jo". She both sang the song and played the violin. The LP was an eclectic collection of mostly instrumental Celtic and American old-time tunes. Anyone remember this musician's name?
Peep Out Of Our Peephole, People!
My partner and I just moved into a new apartment in Queens. There's one small issue, and it's our peephole. It's missing the cover on the inside. Where can I get a replacement? [more inside]
The logistics of parmesan on bolognaise.
I have made a lovely bolognaise. I think it would be even lovelier with parmesan. If I buy some parmesan I won't use up the whole wedge. Is there anything interesting I could use the leftover parmesan for? Or alternatively, something other than parmesan that is dynamite on a bolognaise sauce. [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 1:36 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by Lorc at 1:36 PM PST - 35 comments
Take me to St. Louis -- with my husband and child
I just got funding to travel to St. Louis to do an oral history project. Yay! Where should I stay and how should I travel? And what should my husband/infant do during the day? [more inside]
Where can I get plain ramen noodles?
Where can I get plain (par-cooked) ramen noodles in NYC? I'm talking about frozen/refrigerated, not dried. I work in Midtown, so I'm near some Japanese groceries, but all I've seen are frozen packages that include soup- is there a better option than buying those and throwing out the broth? Also, are there particular brands to look out for?
posted by mkultra at 12:38 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by mkultra at 12:38 PM PST - 10 comments
VH1 Classic for Babies
I'd like to put together a playlist of great live musical performances on Youtube to play for my baby. What are your favorites? [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:34 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:34 PM PST - 16 comments
Most flexible travel website?
Looking for a website that will let me look at multi-leg international travel that's also flexible about dates so I can poke around for best fare options. [more inside]
posted by colin_l at 12:25 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by colin_l at 12:25 PM PST - 4 comments
How much do stimulants help with procrastination/hyperfocus in ADHD?
I'm reasonably confident I'd meet criteria for ADHD if assessed. I've been loathe to consider meds for a variety of reasons, but if meds would significantly contribute to addressing the kinds of problems I'm experiencing, over and above behavioural strategies, I'd reconsider. [more inside]
RIP, 1930s leopard
I bought a box of miscellaneous vintage things, mostly fur hats. At the bottom of the box was a muff that appears to be made of leopard. I know that I cannot legally resell it on the Internet, or in any other way that crosses state lines. So what should I do with it? Keep it? Resell in my vintage shop space in my own state? Viking funeral? [more inside]
posted by nonasuch at 11:43 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by nonasuch at 11:43 AM PST - 6 comments
Please help me ID this song.
Popped into my girlfriend’s head yesterday and neither of us can name it. A familiar tune; instrumental from the ’70s? Driving us crazy! Link is to me (poorly) singing it. http://picosong.com/ceuX/
posted by judomadonna at 11:20 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by judomadonna at 11:20 AM PST - 4 comments
What kind of car is in this political advertisement?
What is the car in this political advertisement? I believe it says Chevrolet on the front, but I'm not sure. Please limit discussion to identifying the car and not the people or politics in the ad - thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2hSvyNHJN8
posted by Seeking Direction at 10:40 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Seeking Direction at 10:40 AM PST - 7 comments
MTEAhelp.com- are they a legitimate website?
I have a payment showing on my bank statement from "MTEAhelp.com" for approx. £30. I don't remember buying anything online on that day, so I'm wondering if I've been scammed? [more inside]
Abandoning a gluten-free diet
A close relative is following a gluten-free diet. It's been two years and she feels the same as she did when she started. She's starting to think that maybe she's *not* gluten intolerant after all and got caught up in the hype. Have you or anyone close to you abandoned a GF diet? Did you/then wean back on or go all-in? [more inside]
Orient me to Montclair / Bloomfield, NJ
We are moving to New Jersey on the Bloomfield / Montclair border. I know nothing about the neighborhoods except their reputations. Help me hit the ground running with things I should know, especially best coffee, food, shopping, parks, health services, business services and other things that wikipedia has left out. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by safetyfork at 7:45 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by safetyfork at 7:45 AM PST - 8 comments
Race vs. sexual orientation article
Please help me find a Colin Powell article, circa mid nineties, comparing sexual orientation and race. [more inside]
Statistical power and the validity of experimental results
What is the relationship between statistical power and the validity of an experiment in general? If I have low power, but a very low p value, am I still OK? [more inside]
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 6:03 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 6:03 AM PST - 7 comments
Now I know how Darth Vader feels.
So it turns the constant respiratory infections I've had for years, the endless hacking coughs, what I thought was whooping cough resulting in broken ribs during my pregnancy and the constant, constant disgusting mucus has been misdiagnosed asthma all along. What now? [more inside]
posted by Jubey at 4:47 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by Jubey at 4:47 AM PST - 27 comments
Help me buy this ring box for my fiancé. Details below.
So my fiancé and I have already picked out our wedding rings and will be getting them (coincidently) exactly one year before our wedding. Our engagement party is the following night.
I want to surprise her with this ring box.
Only problem is the company does not ship to Australia. What are my options and roughly how much would postage cost to Brisbane, Australia.
posted by thelloydshow at 4:25 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by thelloydshow at 4:25 AM PST - 7 comments
Name that TV show
Based on a few vague memories, can you guys help me find a British TV series from the 80's? It involved roses, a maze and pairs of flying eyes that were spies for an evil sorcerer/king. It might be the TV show "Into the Labryrinth" but I can't tell for sure. Does this jog any memories for anyone? [more inside]
Lost credit and debit cards abroad. How do I get new ones?
Backpacking Europe and lost my wallet, which held my debit and credit cards. I still have a backup stash, my US passport, and a friend who will lend me money. In about three weeks I plan on traveling alone. Canceled all my cards, now I need new ones. My card issuers can send by mail at varying speeds. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by alligatorman at 1:35 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by alligatorman at 1:35 AM PST - 5 comments
Urgent help needed - vegan gluten free cake recipe
Google is being horribly unhelpful on this one. I have volunteered to make a fruit cake for a friend's wedding. It must be dairy-free, gluten-free, soya-free and wheat-free. Difficult part: I live in Belgium, which doesn't seem to cater for dietary requirements like this, plus there's a language barrier.
Actually, given that list of dietary requirements, the Belgian bit might be the easy part. Oh well. Calling MeFi bakers anyway! [more inside]
posted by fearnothing at 1:25 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by fearnothing at 1:25 AM PST - 28 comments
July 26
How do I cut a small rectangular hole in plastic?
I'd like to tidy up my Raspberry Pi projects by putting them in custom cases. The pre-made cases have holes for every port, which I don't need (and sometimes I have sensors and other things that need holes of their own). I have some plastic project boxes, but I'm not sure how best to cut the holes I do need. [more inside]
posted by primethyme at 10:15 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by primethyme at 10:15 PM PST - 6 comments
O Polonia, our home and native land
My boyfriend and I are both interested in taking a gap year to teach English abroad. [more inside]
Step/half siblings getting along
What is the relationship between step or half siblings like as children? from parent or child perspectives [more inside]
Odd bedding question - help a guy replace his blankie...
I've had this comforter since I was a kid (I think it's probably around 35yrs old now). I'm not sure what material it is, or how it has held up over the years, but it's my favorite -- my wife (understandably) looks at it strangely, but puts up with it. It's a early-eighties brownish orange, and has pilled up considerably, probably my favorite feature -- I know it's weird, I just like the feeling. [more inside]
My Mismatched Crap + X = Beautiful Bedroom. Solve for X.
We're putting down new wood floors in our bedroom. We've got lovely curtains, terrific bedding. And I just painted the walls a pleasant grey/purple tone. But our dresser and headboard are two different shades of cheap light-colored IKEA wooden stuff. The new floor is yet another light wood tone. Is there some kind of wash or paint treatment I can apply to my headboard and dresser that will pull them out of the light wood range and into the other colors in my palette, so that our stuff can finally match? [more inside]
Moldingfilter
Help me find a piece of molding for a Chicago apartment [more inside]
I am thinking of a chicken article...
I remember reading in the popular media about chickens looking at figures on the ground, I want to say it was floor plans, and spending more time looking at the ones that did not make sense somehow (and the article concluded that meant they were puzzling over them because they did not make sense). Do you know what I am talking about and can you help me find it again? [more inside]
Places outside the US that have a "gym culture" similar to the US
Almost anywhere in the US, I can find a gym (24 hour fitness, YMCA) within a short drive. Is there anyplace else in the world where this is true? [more inside]
I need a cross between a financial advisor and a therapist.
Having lived in the Bay Area "bubble" for many years, being reasonably (but not enormously) successful, and coming into middle age, I find myself more and more confused by the economic and social realities of how things are. I need a guide. [more inside]
B&Bs or Inns in Charleston, SC?
My wife and I are looking to spend an October weekend in Charleston, SC. Any B&B or inn recommendations in the old town/historic parts of the city?
Going to the SF CA DMV without an appointment.
My out-of-state driver's license expires mid-August. I'd like to a get a new one before then, but the "next available appointment" on the DMV website is at the end of August. How likely am I, in San Francisco, California, to be able to get this done without an appointment? What times should I go, to maximize this likelihood? [more inside]
posted by wayland at 5:33 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by wayland at 5:33 PM PST - 17 comments
Useful Skills for Expanding My Freelance Horizons
I'm an experienced freelancer and have both work experience and no trouble getting work (knock on wood) in freelance writing, PR, marketing, and that sort of thing. So what's something I can pick up that has a lot of freelance work floating around? [more inside]
Lobster Anatomists Wanted
What is this part of a lobster claw called (the white fan-like projection that is normally inside the musculature)?
posted by plinth at 5:03 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by plinth at 5:03 PM PST - 3 comments
Run away from a used car that's barely been driven in years?
I'm in the market for a used car, and I know that it's bad news when a car isn't driven regularly. I've found one that's otherwise good for me. I don't know how little driving is too little, whether the kinds of problems that result could be checked by a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection, and whether my own tough driving patterns make any difference. [more inside]
Quitting my job, should I tell my boss the real reason why?
Freelancer here. I've been doing design/tech/maintenance work for this one guy's website for a little under a year. It's part-time and pays well...when he pays. He has a habit of being late on payments and unreachable...I've resolved to quit. Should I tell him the real reason why? [more inside]
urban development making a difference with open source?
I am finding British social entrepreneurs and charity leads to be very timid about expansion for expansion's sake. I am trying to find more compelling global voices who have shared an urban development idea in an open source way. Not at all in an IT sense, I should add. Bonus if it has zero to do with lending with interest.
Yes, I know I'm an idiot.
A failure to pay a fix-it ticket on time in California led to a failure to appear notice and a big-ass bail/fine. I know that I'm dumb, and I do have some valid excuses (my dog died and my life has been a goddamn mess that is sort of starting to get better) for why I forgot to mail in the proof, but I have specific questions after the jump. [more inside]
I need acid
It just occurred to me that the reaction that makes key lime pie doesn't actually depend on citrus, just on acidity. This means, hypothetically, one could make this kind of pie filling with things more interesting than lime or lemon juice. I need a sanity check on this idea, and some suggestions of delicious low-pH liquids. [more inside]
Help me write my essay about Francesca Woodman
I am working on an essay about the photographer Francesca Woodman to submit for consideration to an anthology.
My main argument is that Woodman's work playfully subverts the script of normative femininity (especially her use of nudity).
I have done a lot of reading/viewing on Woodman herself, but I am looking for other texts (and other media is welcome too) that might be helpful. [more inside]
Coding a random generator
I'd like to create an online idea generator but have no coding knowledge. Is there an easy way to do this or do I need to learn a bit of programming? If so which language would be best? [more inside]
posted by KateViolet at 3:35 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by KateViolet at 3:35 PM PST - 3 comments
Life in a large and wealthy Victorian home
I want to know more about the material culture of a large English country house or great house in the Victorian era. [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 3:20 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by escape from the potato planet at 3:20 PM PST - 12 comments
Help me help them!
I'm an assistant manager now. I want to be a manager, and there will be job openings in a month or so. What can I do to increase my chances of getting promoted? [more inside]
posted by trogdole at 3:18 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by trogdole at 3:18 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me find "delightfully off-putting" music videos!
I'm looking for examples of music videos with a certain je ne sais quoi, that I can only describe as "delightfully off-putting." [more inside]
What is a good kind of cowboy boots to get?
I'd like a pair of cowboy boots. I have no idea why. None of my friends wear cowboy boots. I guess I just like them. I've never owned a pair. I'm looking for a little guidance. In particular, what's a good brand that makes a quality boot that's comfortable and will last?
Or even what's a specific boot that's good? [more inside]
Books about WW2 in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific
I'd appreciate recommendations for books about African, Asian, and Pacific involvement in World War II, especially those with the most first-hand accounts. Right now, I'm sticking to Kindle-available books, since I can literally take them anywhere. [more inside]
posted by ElaineMc at 2:19 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by ElaineMc at 2:19 PM PST - 11 comments
Varnish cache on Dreamhost
I have a VPS on Dreamhost. I wonder, has anyone ever gotten Varnish Cache working on it? [more inside]
Identify this mystery flag!
Today we saw a mysterious flag. It had a white background with two light blue vertical stripes, one on each side (not all the way on the ends, but towards the ends). Between the two stripes was a yellow (and red?) sun or star symbol. What is this the flag of? We've scoured Wikimedia. [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 2:09 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by goodbyewaffles at 2:09 PM PST - 7 comments
Connecting Phillips Hue lights without an internet connected router
I'm currently setting up for my wedding reception tonight, and we'd planned to use our Philips Hue bulbs for lighting. We brought our router, hub, and lights, but the venue only has wifi, and it looks like the router needs an internet connection to have everything working. HALP. Details inside. [more inside]
Animals wear fur on the outside because they have to, why do humans?
Having an outer barrier to wind and a trapped air space inside is the best way to insulate. It's axiomatic for insulating buildings. Impermeable skin on the outside and fur on the inside seems more effecient than fur on the outside.
It seems to me that you could wear a less effective insulator, turned inside out as it were, that would weigh less. Why don't people that use animal skins for insulation do this?
When should I resign?
I'm quitting my job next month and I was planning on giving the standard two weeks notice. However, my husband has to have surgery (non-life threatening, but he'll be out of work for 1-2 weeks). If I actually gave two weeks, the first week of my notice would be the week that I'm taking time off for his surgery. So, should I wait until after I come back from his surgery and give just one week notice? [more inside]
Where do people go to NOT drink on the weekends?
I have recently decided to stop drinking due to health reasons. I'm 29 and I live in Chicago, so most of the socialization options available to me (or at least the ones I'm aware of) center around drinking – bars and restaurants, etc. What are some things to do on weekend afternoons and nights that will not involve drinking? [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 1:02 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by deathpanels at 1:02 PM PST - 19 comments
Short-term cell phone service in the US
I'm an American currently living overseas. I'll be coming back for a short visit in about a month. I have an unlocked GSM smartphone. I well remember the onerous service agreements US mobile phone providers extracted from all customers. What's currently the best way to get my phone to have an American number and have some data usage in the US for only a couple of weeks?
But a fridge is supposed to keep your food cold!
We just returned from a trip, and the fridge is more or less warm. We've been gone since Monday morning. Do I need to throw everything out, or is some of this stuff okay to eat? I'm thinking about how there have been times in other people's homes where I was surprised to find something in the cupboard that I've always refrigerated. I'm hoping that some of my stuff could be able to cross over. List of what's in my fridge below the fold. [more inside]
posted by to recite so charmingly at 11:44 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by to recite so charmingly at 11:44 AM PST - 39 comments
I was sick for a long time. I am well now. Help me find awesome work.
I am kind, youthful, energetic, bright, and capable and my resume is bare due to prolonged illness. I am working retail and I am bored, underpaid, and frustrated. Help me find my way. [more inside]
How can I explain this to my boss?
In short, the better I am at my job, the less money I make. I need help explaining this to my boss, and advice on offering him a solution. [more inside]
posted by yesster at 11:18 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by yesster at 11:18 AM PST - 14 comments
Corn dog
We switched our dogs from a "corn filler" dry food to a high-quality, oft-recommended grain-free food about 8 months ago. I've come to the conclusion that it's not a good choice for Number One Dog. My question is, should we continue to search for a premium dog food that agrees with her, or just go back to the supposedly "bad" food on which she always seemed to be healthy and happy? [more inside]
Looking for a slipcover for a reclining sofa
My Google-fu is failing me. I'm looking for a slipcover for a reclining sofa. [more inside]
Like Octavia Butler, but even more awesome?
I'm sure this has been asked before, but searching the archives didn't help much. I'm an avid reader, but can't find any compelling new books to read. Feminist, sci-fi-ish books with a literary bent would be ideal. Detailed likes and dislikes inside! [more inside]
posted by snaw at 10:44 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by snaw at 10:44 AM PST - 45 comments
ISO a women's trenchcoat that will last.
For the past few years the Boden Rainy Day Mac has been the coat I wear all winter. It's perfect for the weather here, near Seattle. But it doesn't last more than two years before it looks shabby (not in a well-aged way, just worn out). What company makes trench coats that will still look good after a few years? [more inside]
Mechanicfilter - Ford Focus edition
Hi folks, had a low-speed collision in my 2012 Ford Focus. The lady in the car infront of me stopped unexpectedly in the middle of a roundabout and my front end went into her rear bumper (phrasing). Nobody was hurt, no obvious damage, everybody went on their way. However, ever since there has been a small amount of dried fluid appearing on my front bumper. Before I take it to the garage, mechanics of metafilter, can you help me name that fluid? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by peteyjlawson at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by peteyjlawson at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments
How can I get eucalyptus-scented steam for a steam room?
My partner and I recently bought a house that has a steam room in the basement. I've been to spas where the steam rooms have eucalyptus-scented steam, and I would love to reproduce that environment, especially at the end of a long workday. Unfortunately, my Google-ing skills can't seem to turn up any resources or ideas for how to make this happen. Help! [more inside]
posted by Quaversalis at 8:19 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Quaversalis at 8:19 AM PST - 7 comments
I need the simplest thing: an IOS app that provides random rewards
I'm trying to use positive reinforcement to make some behavioral changes. All I want is an app that will let me input my own rewards, and give me a random one when I press a button. Does this exist and where can I find it?
I love you, mom, but I can't talk to you any more
My mom has (not formally diagnosed, but very obvious) borderline personality disorder that is getting worse as she gets older. She is unable to support herself financially and being in contact with her is awful. What now? [more inside]
Idiotic car badge question: Volvo edition
Yes, I know this is a truly silly question, but what does Volvo's logo represent? It looks like a pair of manicure or embroidery sissors! [more inside]
posted by easily confused at 7:48 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by easily confused at 7:48 AM PST - 10 comments
Short stories with alternating storylines?
I'm looking for examples of short stories that have two oscillating storylines that ultimately intersect. I mean two different characters on two different trajectories whose paths ultimately cross. This is a frequent structure in novels, but I'm looking for short stories where this is done. I'm sure Alice Munro has done it, but I can't think of examples off the top of my head. Anyone know of any?
What if I don't want to be a lifer?
How do I find a new job when I've only worked one place for the decade-plus since finishing college? [more inside]
How can my 75-year-old mom gain weight?
My 75-year old mom has always been naturally thin, but for the last couple of years she's been underweight to an unhealthy level. She seems worse now. I'm not sure how much weight doctors want her to gain, but probably at least 10 pounds if not more. She's been trying to eat things to help (avocadoes, peanut butter, some protein shakes sometimes) but she says she has trouble digesting anything with a lot of fat. She's also vegetarian and often also vegan, though she eats dairy and eggs occasionally. What should she be eating?
posted by three_red_balloons at 7:04 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by three_red_balloons at 7:04 AM PST - 15 comments
I am having trouble with my new "overweight" status
For the first time, in my early 40's, I'm overweight and ashamed and embarrassed and can't get back on track. [more inside]
Nook HD+ won't read .epub books
My daughter's Nook HD+ has decided it won't read the .epub books I sideloaded onto it from a PC. [more inside]
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:56 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:56 AM PST - 7 comments
How to break it off with someone you've seen, uh, once
Let's say you go on a date with someone. The date goes well, you go back to their place. Things happen...SEX things. You realize afterward that it may have been a mistake. Yeah, definitely a mistake. [more inside]
Can you get good at chess just by playing a lot of games?
If I just keep playing games online over and over, whether I win or lose, will I inevitably improve my game, or is it necessary that I do some outside study? [more inside]
What music is in this video about the invention of the high-five?
Help me identify the music in this great little baseball video. [more inside]
How dangerous is East Palo Alto?
I'm a single male in my late 20s, currently living elsewhere in the Bay Area.
EPA has the following attractive features for me:
posted by pzad at 1:30 AM PST - 10 comments
- Quite is quite close to my new job
- One of the few places in the Peninsula which I could reasonably afford to buy property (I don't want to be renting for the rest of my life).
- Reasonable chance of strong appreciation in property prices over the next 15 years.
posted by pzad at 1:30 AM PST - 10 comments
July 25
Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Mexico?
I want to move to make a permanent move to Mexico. How do I make this happen? [more inside]
How to cope with grey areas
I have Asperger's, and so I have a tendency to be more comfortable with things that are black and white, rather than things that are grey, figuratively speaking. I want to change this, as this tends to affect more than one aspect of my life. [more inside]
VPN for Netflix in America
Please help me sort out using a VPN only for traffic going to my Roku. [more inside]
Oh, the problems of not opening one's mail - auto insurance edition
We've been paying insurance for a car we traded in to a dealer three years ago. At the time, the dealer gave us the plates for our new car and contacted our insurance agent for us. How do we get this refund? [more inside]
Why will videos not play on my home network?
For some reason my laptop will not play videos on my home network. The sole exception is when I view youtube videos on the youtube site itself. The video players will load, but then wait to buffer the video without ever loading anything. I have no issues on other networks than my home network, and I have no issues with other devices or laptops, other than my personal laptop, even on my home network. And what is so special about the youtube site that makes it immune to the problem? I have tried using other browsers, and the behaviour persists. [more inside]
Mission to Molokai
Travel gurus: I need to get a family of five, without a lot of money, from Anchorage to Molokai for the middle two weeks of December. I am not a travel guru. What is the cheapest way to do this? I mean, flying, obviously. But where do I look? SO MANY TRAVEL SITES!
posted by Alaska Jack at 7:30 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Alaska Jack at 7:30 PM PST - 8 comments
Honeymoon in Charlottesville
Dearest Metafilter,
If you were going to Charlottesville, VA for your honeymoon, where would you stay? [more inside]
Why is the wiring in my bathroom not connected to a breaker?
On Monday, Mr. Pants texted me to let me know that as he was preparing his morning toilet, the lights in the bathroom flickered and went off. The lights haven't worked since then and we've been unable to determine on which breaker the circuit resides. Any idea how to figure out what the power source of my bathroom is? Other weird electrical mysteries follow in the expanded text... [more inside]
posted by wizardpants at 5:09 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by wizardpants at 5:09 PM PST - 23 comments
Help us remember what show/movie this scene was in
Recently we watched a TV show or movie with this scene. A man realizes his hand is not shaking. He's with another person who's hand is shaking after some stressful/traumatic event. The context leads you to believe he's finally realizing he can deal with the stuff. We saw this within the last few months but can't remember what it was from. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
posted by disaster77 at 4:21 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by disaster77 at 4:21 PM PST - 4 comments
Treating a coral scrape?
I got tangled up with some elkhorn coral in Belize yesterday and got a couple of scrapes. What do I do now? [more inside]
Foot guy is sending me to spine guy. What now?
I saw a foot and ankle ortho guy to address bilateral neuropathy, a persistent rash, and excruciating pain that radiates from the outer foot up to my inner knee. (I do not have diabetes.) Dr. Foot & Ankle says all is (mostly) well with the foot and ankle, so he's sending me to Dr. Spine. Is this really the right guy to see next? [more inside]
posted by xyzzy at 3:19 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by xyzzy at 3:19 PM PST - 8 comments
Player One Ready
Is an AMD Bronze Reward (1 free game) worth redeeming as a non-gamer? [more inside]
Software to print a Photo Book at home
I want to create a photo album to print with my inkjet printer. I've been googling around but haven't found any workable software. The search results are too crowded with online printing providers. [more inside]
If you were learning Japanese, which radical list would you use?
I'm going to start learning Japanese in a couple of months, and in researching the language, I'm realizing that it's going to be a *lot* easier if I could recognize all the component parts of any Kanji I encounter. But..I'm noticing that there are a lot of different lists of those component parts...Heisig's lists, Wikipedia's tables of radicals, The Kanji Dictionary's 79 radicals, etc. Which radical lists do you like best, and why? Are there any out there that show you the radical, show you the characters that use it, and explain how the radical fits into those characters (meaning-wise)? [more inside]
Looking for Chicago-area tailors and cobblers
Everything I own is falling apart at once, and contradictory Yelp reviews have left me paralyzed when trying to figure out which Chicago-area tailors and cobblers to go to. Beyond short-term emergency repairs, I also have some more complicated long-term tailoring needs (both men's and women's clothes). Help me find people who can repair my clothing and shoes! [more inside]
GUH-luuuuuee? 70s/80s frozen pizza commercial
I've been trying to find a vintage frozen pizza commercial from the late 70s or early 80s.
I've no idea why the particular commercial is stuck in my head, but it's like an ear worm. Until I can find and watch the thing, I shall be forever haunted by the memory. [more inside]
posted by Ickster at 2:16 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Ickster at 2:16 PM PST - 6 comments
Sort of a child-protect my computer question, kinda sorta
My boss is bringing his kids to the office over the weekend. I have toys and stuff for them to play with, and he also wants to let them use my computer to play games, etc., while they're here. Let me start by saying this is NOT a problem and I have NO issue with it, but I just need a quick bit of advice as to how to protect myself without losing my bookmarks, etc. [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 2:08 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by janey47 at 2:08 PM PST - 11 comments
Why is there such a huge difference in web developer salaries?
I'm studying web development. The yearly salary estimates I've found online range from $40,000 to $80,000 or more. What gives? [more inside]
Pop music concerts in San Fran area over next few months
My sister is moving from the UK to the San Francisco area in a few weeks. As a goodbye and good luck present I want to buy her tickets to a pop music concert in/near SF. Her tastes are quite broad, but mainly she likes good old sing-along pop music. [more inside]
Chromecast functionality on Google TV
Although my old Sony NSZ-GS7 Internet Player with Google TV box offers the remarkable option of a workable Chrome browser on a television, for convenience it would be handy if I could utilise the Chromecast app on the ipad to send things. Last year there was a rumour that this technology/software would be added to Google TV but searches have led nowhere. Any ideas?
Summertime boob management
I've been blursed with ample boobs. Ladies of Mefi, is it ok to put antiperspirant under my boobs in the summer months? This is what I've been doing to reduce the perspiration thus far. Am I harming my health in any way by doing this? If so, any alternate strategies? Thanks!
What is the best, most versatile rice cooker?
I am a college student looking to purchase a quality rice cooker for everyday use to prepare both delicious rice and other one-pot meals. Does anyone have any specific brands or models they would recommend? My absolute upper limit is $150, but a model under $100 would be great.
How can I achieve this glowing pumpkin effect in Photoshop?
I really like the idea that I've seen on a number of t-shirts like this one, and want to create on myself using my own jack-o-lantern face. Does anyone know of a tutorial or action, or could even walk me thru the steps to create this effect with any shape?
Switching Industries: Education Edition
Am currently in Corporate America but a possibility of a job switch to Enrollment Management for a Catholic high school - can you provide some insight to professionally moving into the Education space? [more inside]
How to prevent a scar forming from an injury?
About two weeks ago I unfortunately had a minor injury, which scabbed up. The scab fell off somewhere between several days and a week ago, and the area is now pinkish and slightly raised. The pink color has been going down somewhat over the past few days, but is still there. I have been putting a silicon-based product on it, as well as keeping it out of the sun. Is there anything else I can/should be doing to prevent scarring?
The gift that keeps on giving
My best friend is getting married in a few weeks and I need to get her a gift. Since she and her fiance already have most of what they need for their home (consolidating two apartments into one), I don't want to get them a thing, but maybe some sort of subscription where they get something delivered every month. I need suggestions please. [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 11:18 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by CrazyLemonade at 11:18 AM PST - 21 comments
Welcome to the new age! The new age! MACROBIOTIC! MACROBIOTIC!
I'm interested in incorporating more macrobiotic meals into my current diet. What blogs or recipes do you suggest? Difficulty level: vegan! [more inside]
Perfect timing or terrible timing in informational interview request?
Was just browsing profiles on LinkedIn with the thought of learning more about an organization that I just applied to. Found a person who I have a number of connections in common with who may very well work in one of the departments that I applied for. Was thinking of sending this person an informational interview request but I don't want to come off as clandestinely seeking an "in" for an interview for this specific opening. Advice on whether/how to proceed? [more inside]
posted by thesnowyslaps at 10:43 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by thesnowyslaps at 10:43 AM PST - 7 comments
Extreme shortcuts to Italian?
Are there any shortcuts for an English speaker to speak and understand Italian on the spot? [more inside]
Musi
If Spotify is like Netflix, what music services are like Mubi? [more inside]
I need an edge.
I need suggestions for what I should eat/drink prior to a very short but intense cycling workout. [more inside]
I need an expert in Middle Eastern demonology
Can somebody help me identify the mythological or literary sources for the enemies in this Arabian Nights-themed video game? [more inside]
Oh my god, please help me figure out temporary health insurance.
I need temporary catastrophic health insurance for a month and a half, with a major complication: I'll be living in four different states (NY, PA, CA, and IL) in that time, so the state-specific Exchange options won't work. I just want to make sure I don't go bankrupt if I get hit by a bus on one or the other ends of the country! [more inside]
How do I "I do?"
My partner and I are having a wedding in two months. We'd like to get legally married before the ceremony, but can't decide what the best option for us would be. My partner is a man, but here in Ohio it isn't possible for him to change his birth certificate to match this. Do we go to another state to marry, or try to get a license in Ohio? [more inside]
posted by dinofuzz at 9:28 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by dinofuzz at 9:28 AM PST - 11 comments
What marine life offshore North Carolina can cause histaminic reaction?
My daughter felt something solid while swimming on a North Carolina beach this morning (July 25) and now has a raised welt about 2.5 x 4 cm with a somewhat larger reddish area around it. It is mildly painful. There are no visible foreign bodies, stingers, etc. What could it be? She doesn't seem to be having any severe symptoms that would require an emergency room visit.
Help me find a scholarship I got before for my gramps being a veteran?
My grandfather is a WWII vet, 38th division of Ohio national guard. I previously received a scholarship for $500 for college from them, all descendants of vets are eligible as far as I remember. I am going back to school and would like to see if I can get the scholarship.
How can I go about finding it?
Thanks.
Reinvesting tax break
My father owns several acres of land that was given to him by his father when he was 16 or so. He is finally trying to sell it. He is under the impression that after the age of 55 (he is in his 60's and retired), you are entitled a one time tax free reinvestment. Is this true? [more inside]
posted by MayNicholas at 8:57 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by MayNicholas at 8:57 AM PST - 13 comments
Night in the Borispil Airport in Kiev. What to do?
My travel plans got all mixed up and I've got a surprise 16hr layover tonight in the Borispil airport, outside Kiev, Ukraine. What should I do while I'm here? [more inside]
CO sensor accuracy, placement, risks.
I'm moving for the first time into a house with gas (stove and heat) and I'm completely terrified that my two small children are going to die of CO poisoning. Please help me understand sensors, risks, what to look for and such to help alleviate my paranoia. [more inside]
Birthday and Celebratory Gifs
I'm the lady at my office who sends out the "Everyone please wish a Happy Birthday to X!" emails. I try to include a cute animated gif in all of them. I'm running out of birthday-themed gifs a few weeks into this game. Wanna help me compile celebration and birthday gifs? [more inside]
posted by pineappleheart at 8:27 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by pineappleheart at 8:27 AM PST - 19 comments
Cheapest Flight from Canada to S-Korea
I am a student and I want to fly off for some time before the coming Fall semester. I was thinking going away for 2 weeks. Spending 1 week in Busan, S-Korea, then 1 week in Japan, for example Tokyo.
I tried using flight search engines but the price is exorbitant for me. [more inside]
posted by iliketothinknu at 7:31 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by iliketothinknu at 7:31 AM PST - 7 comments
Kids flying from the US to the UK with an adult who isn't their parent
What precautions, if any, need to be taken in this situation? [more inside]
posted by terretu at 6:59 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by terretu at 6:59 AM PST - 13 comments
Help me (emotionally) graduate from middle school.
This question is very difficult for me to ask, but it has been on my mind enough that I need to swallow my pride and throw it out to you fine folks. I have not been a teen for over a decade; I am, overall, a well-adjusted adult. I am at the top of my game professionally, I am happily married, and I have some wonderful friends. I also have perspective on "real issues"... I've survived some fairly significant tragedies and dealt with family drama that has rendered my therapist speechless. So why do I let the petty antics of a few former friends (who are also colleagues) ruin my day? [more inside]
posted by hippychick at 6:40 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by hippychick at 6:40 AM PST - 25 comments
What's the deal with this storm?
Currently there is a lightning storm on the France / Spain border which is oddly circular.
It looks like this
as seen on lightningmaps.
Why is it this shape?
Chemicals and Newborn Kids' Stuff
A year ago, my father got an extremely rare form of cancer and died. Now my wife's pregnant, and we’re very excited. The experience has left us concerned about things my wife and I never would've given ten minute of thought to before my father got sick; we’re worried about chemicals and the kid. [more inside]
What Am I Not Getting About Navigating the "Paywall-free" New Yorker?
I am utterly failing trying to view this article on the temporarily paywall-free New Yorker website. [more inside]
Pairing fiction with eras in common
So two books I really love are Heaven to Betsy and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I love how they go into the details of the period they take place, particularly the fashion and food. It was also only recently I realised that they take place roughly around the same era. It really surprised me because they are so completely different to one another. Francie has an alcoholic father and the family can barely get food on the table; Betsy's biggest ordeal is falling in love with a boy that doesn't like her back and not studying for an essay contest. So my question is two-fold and is aimed at requesting book suggestions. [more inside]
Inserting symbols before and after some other text in Excel (macros?)
Is it possible to do this in Excel or Word or some other program?: I want to paste a sentence into the a text field, highlight a word or several words in that sentence, hit a keyboard shortcut, and have certain symbols inserted before and after that word or phrase. For example, in the sentence "Metafilter is the best website in the whole wide world," I might highlight "website," press the shortcut, and have it transform into the following: "Metafilter is the best {{c1::website}} in the whole wide world." I'm using OSX and Microsoft Office 2011, but I'm comfortable doing this in a webapp or Google Drive or whatever you suggest! I also have the aText text expansion software, but I can't figure out how to make it insert text at both ends of a highlighted phrase. [more inside]
posted by lizzicide at 4:09 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by lizzicide at 4:09 AM PST - 7 comments
...and then he did the raccoon-in-my-pants dance.
What show from the late '80s or early '90s had a clown announce, "Hey, everybody! I've got a raccoon in my pants!"? [more inside]
I want to wear pug-print underwear. How do I obtain it?
I would like to wear female underwear with pugs on it, ideally something like this. I like the all-over print and the large pugnacious pug, but it doesn't seem to be available for sale. How can I obtain something like this online? [more inside]
July 24
What to do when the guy I'm dating is uncertain about proceeding?
What actions should I take when the guy I have been dating for a month seems confused and uncertain about taking dating to the next level? [more inside]
Name Blindness
I'm somewhat notable in my professional field and I meet a ton of new people weekly, as attending social events is part of my job (cocktail parties, art openings, etc.) It often takes 3-4 times before I can remember someone's name, or to even recognize their face. However, they recognize me instantly, and approach me with great familiarity, a hug, like we're buddies. I panic. It gets awkward. "Excuse me, ma'am, how did we meet?" seems such an rude question, especially when they act so intimate with me. (This happens weekly!) What can I say to people in this situation that doesn't offend them, but will divulge our (thinly) established relationship? [more inside]
Need Paris airport taxi recommendation
Need recommendation for taxi/car service from Paris CDG airport to 12th arrondissement. [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 9:31 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Joleta at 9:31 PM PST - 7 comments
BotonyFilter: What is this baby tree (urban-wild in Vancouver, BC)?
This baby tree is (probably) in its second growing season. Can anyone identify the species? (urban-wild in Vancouver, BC) [more inside]
posted by porpoise at 9:30 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by porpoise at 9:30 PM PST - 3 comments
I caught my new nanny doing drugs
I hired a new nanny. Today is her 2nd day. As I had bad experiences with nanny before, I set up a nanny cam.
After I came home today, I reviewed the video clips and found my nanny took out a prescription bottle, took a pill out of the bottle, kind of smash something on the table and then use a small paper roll and then it looks like she inhales it into nose.
I reported to police right away and will definitely fire her.
I don't know what else I can do or what else I should do.
Any suggestions?
Thank you
Need suggestions for women's dress socks to keep feet dry (no wool)
I'm dealing with a bout of athlete's foot and the prevention tips say to keep feet dry. I have coolmax socks that work pretty well under my athletic shoes, but have no idea what to wear with dress shoes at work. I have a wool allergy so wool socks are a no-go. [more inside]
In search of replacement batteries for older ThinkPads
The hive mind was a major help when I was in the market for a couple of used ThinkPads...It's time for the inevitable follow up question: Any recommendations for good Thinkpad battery sources? [more inside]
posted by ferkit at 8:47 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by ferkit at 8:47 PM PST - 5 comments
Need some programming career advice
Need some special snowflake programming career advice. [more inside]
how to listen to music while swimming?
I saw a guy at the pool the other day wearing a headphone apparatus, he said it was a waterproof mp3 player. Upon checking Amazon I see there is a wide variety of such devices. What's the best combination of value and reliability for something like this? It needs to be wireless, to not get tangled up, and somehow it needs to not come loose during vigorous lap swimming… anyone know what works? (By the way I see this question from 2010, and I will check out the one recommended product, but maybe there is more on the market now four years later?)
posted by fingersandtoes at 7:37 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 7:37 PM PST - 14 comments
Trying to make a change in my life, but I don't know where to start?
I am in a weird phase of my life where I want to change some things. I have always been a rather antisocial person and for the first time ever I am dying to get out and be social. I am also wondering where I will end up and what my goals in life truly are. I also want to get healthier, eat better, be more productive. Truth is, I don't know where to start? [more inside]
Omnipod vs. Medtronic?
Asking for my girlfriend, who will be checking and possibly replying to this post:
I'm looking into starting on an insulin pump and I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to the Omnipod and the Medtronic Minimed. Looking for any first hand experience with either. I'm also open to any other suggestions to other pumps to consider as well as which ones to avoid. [more inside]
Such good smut: Help me identify this 70s steamy romance novel
Written in the 70s or early 80s, four women moving through adulthood. Much sex, maybe some drugs, and some troublesome men. [more inside]
posted by Milau at 6:18 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Milau at 6:18 PM PST - 13 comments
Where can I see video coverage of Comic-Con San Diego?
Are there any news sites covering the convention?
Bookshop For Sale; Foreigners Welcomed
How realistic and/or easy is it to buy and run a physical bookshop in a foreign country? [more inside]
posted by applesurf at 5:38 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by applesurf at 5:38 PM PST - 9 comments
I don't want that notification Google
Google desktop notifications keeps telling me when there is a significant change in the value of JC Penney stock. I don't care about the company. I don't own any of the stock. I don't care about the stock price. I don't want these notifications. There seems to be no way to tell Google I'm not interested in this. Am I just missing a setting flag somewhere?
Un-music music
I love the minimalism of Young Marble Giants and The xx - and in online reviews the term "negative space" describes just what I like about them. So, what else should I listen to?
posted by Paragon at 5:01 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by Paragon at 5:01 PM PST - 32 comments
Aka, the effect of gamma rays on man in the moon marigolds
Which nation has the most science-fiction readers per capita? [more inside]
Vegetarian Postpartum Meals
I want to make a drop-off meal for a family of four after the mom gives birth. Mom is vegetarian, dad and the two little boys are not. I am not vegetarian and I have no idea what to make! Ideas? [more inside]
posted by Safiya at 4:43 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Safiya at 4:43 PM PST - 18 comments
Creative writing field trips in the Bay Area
I am a 2nd-grade teacher at school in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Our teaching team is looking to add a field trip for the whole grade this year that has to do with creative writing. Suggestions? [more inside]
High CO2 Indoors, what's next?
I got a new withing's scale, after the old one died when our dear deceased kitty peed on it as a final goodbye. The new one has a an air quality detector built in that reads carbon dioxide. I often suspected there was excess CO2 in the house, because I have aquariums and the ph is depressed when the house is closed up for long. But the new scale confirmed it by showing a surprisingly high reading. What do I do next? [more inside]
How hot is Seattle real estate right now?
We are considering a move to Seattle from the Bay Area. Last year we took ourselves out of the house-hunting game down here due to the crazy market here. What can we expect from Seattle? [more inside]
posted by chevyvan at 3:48 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by chevyvan at 3:48 PM PST - 8 comments
Do my Brazil heavy website stats indicate something nefarious?
My itty-bitty portfolio website traffic is almost all new visitors from Brazil. I don't have anything on my portfolio that would appeal to Brazilians. What is going on? Should I be worried? [more inside]
posted by Foam Pants at 3:41 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Foam Pants at 3:41 PM PST - 18 comments
Food me?
I have to eat to live. Complications, of course, abound. [more inside]
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 3:27 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 3:27 PM PST - 20 comments
What is the NIH job application process and timeline like?
I'm a nurse practitioner in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (4 years experience), and I'm applying for jobs at the National Institutes of Health. I've had one prompt and enthusiastic response, but I've heard nothing from the rest, so I have a few questions about NIH's hiring process and timeline. [more inside]
Wanted: software to tag words and phrases when studying a language
I'm studying Japanese. I want to tag and track individual words and grammatical structures that I'm learning. What software will help me do this? [more inside]
Wanted: Cat Proof Earphones
During a recent cross country move I have lost two pairs of earphones. I also have a pair cheap wired over ear Sennheiser headphones and smaller pair of Sennheiser on ear headphones that I use at work. I'd like to replace all of these with one or two pairs of earphones or headphones that fits all my criteria. [more inside]
Seeking all-in-one SFF headline site for daily reading
Seeking recommendations for a site with good coverage of books, films, comics etc. centered around SFF nerdery for my RSS reader. I used to read The Mary Sue, but have been meh about it since its revamp. I'm currently trying out Tor.com, but I'm looking for other alternatives. Feminist orientation is a plus, but not mandatory. I don't play video games, and I'm not particularly interested in rewatches/rereads other than on FanFare.
I'm productive only at night, but this clashes with my class schedule.
When I want to do work that involves writing, I find that I am most productive during the hours of around 11 PM to 6 AM, because it takes me all evening to wind down from the day and get into a mindset where I can focus on creative/writing work. My circadian rhythm will then be messed up for the next three days or so. This is incompatible with my class and work schedule as a medical student. [more inside]
We've been screwed by a vehicle buyer. What should we do first?
My partner and I currently live in PA. Before moving here from CA, my partner sold a vehicle to a private party (I was not a part of this transaction). That guy never registered the vehicle and collected a ton of tickets.. which he never paid. The state of CA just auto-deducted over $800 from his bank account to cover these tickets. Rent is due next week, and our landlord is kind of a drag. We're a little overwhelmed. This is terrible! What happens now?
posted by ElectricGoat at 1:56 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by ElectricGoat at 1:56 PM PST - 15 comments
Affordable LED bicycle light sets
I am looking to start a program within my community to distribute front and rear bicycle lights, hopefully free of charge, to anyone in need. Can anyone suggest a vendor or retailer that could/would offer wholesale prices on a single order to a person, organization, or entity that would distribute the lights, again, hopefully free of charge, but in the worst case scenario, at cost? [more inside]
Why did Google stop working?
Suddenly, following a link to http://www.google.com or entering www.google.com brings up a page designated as https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl. This does not bring up the search page under Chrome at all, and it's hit and miss under Firefox.
I rechecked my self-created home page, where the link usually used resides, and it clearly has http: and not https:
Could this be my ISP interfering with the direction of the URL? It's one of the larger ones.
I want to learn new life skills. Starting points?
I am looking to learn or become better at skills that would make life easier for me (fixing a car, cooking, DIY, things like that). To that end, I'd like to learn of some starting activities for various skills which could act as training wheels so I don't feel overwhelmed by all of the things there are to learn. Enjoyable hobbies (like chess, drawing, etc.) are more than welcome as well. An example of what I am looking for plus some extra details inside. [more inside]
Rotating mount for large monitor
Is there a mount for a >55" monitor that will rotate from portrait to landscape at the user's whim? I have a professor who wants to do pair programming on his wall. A projector is not sufficient.
posted by donpardo at 12:40 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by donpardo at 12:40 PM PST - 2 comments
If you cauliflower by any other name, does it smell as sweet?
I have a houseplant that I love, but I have no idea what it is. It's a hearty, lovely little guy, and contrary to the post's title doesn't ever flower. I want more of it! Or at least want to know what it is. Gallery of images on imgur. Thank you, internet heroes!
posted by twooster at 12:33 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by twooster at 12:33 PM PST - 4 comments
How can we show our dog a good time in Orleans, MA/Cape Cod?
Looking for off-leash places especially. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 11:49 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by A Terrible Llama at 11:49 AM PST - 3 comments
Timing a teaching application?
I am a high school teacher with multiple certification areas. For a couple of reasons, I'd like to get a job at another school, and there are two positions open there, one in each of my certification areas. However, I significantly prefer one position over the other. The position I do not prefer closes today, and the position I prefer closes in a week. Both would be better than where I am now. I have two questions. [more inside]
posted by marylucycraft at 11:29 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by marylucycraft at 11:29 AM PST - 6 comments
Who's turning my Outlook events into meetings?
I work at a company that uses Outlook and Exchange. I link my iPhone as well as my iMac at home. Everything was working great until lately. I've noticed that many of my events have been somehow converted into meetings. I'm suspecting my recent upgrade to Mavericks to be the culprit here. This brings to mind two important questions. [more inside]
Bridal shower emergency
Need: (1) QUICK ideas on bridal shower decorations and games, (2) direction on where to find said decorations and games (and flowers and baked goods) in Boston and/or (3) a Boston-area event planner who could do the work of finding decorations and decorate the event space. [more inside]
Text collage t-shirt design
My mom has decided to make t-shirts for our upcoming family reunion. Of course, procrastination seems to be a family trait. [more inside]
posted by jaksemas at 10:09 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by jaksemas at 10:09 AM PST - 5 comments
Buying sports bras in Ottawa and Montreal
What are the best brands of sports bras and where are the best places to buy them in either Ottawa or Montreal? [more inside]
posted by futureisunwritten at 9:42 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by futureisunwritten at 9:42 AM PST - 8 comments
Amazing Men's Leather Bags?
This is my current bag, a military surplus canvas haversack. I love it. This is the bag I'm coveting. I would love to love it but it is Way To Much Money. Where is the bag that meets these two in the middle? Where are the Excellent Leather Men's Bags on sale? I am looking for something I can carry without comment (and will last) for the next 20 years.
How do you know when a stress fracture has healed?
My 11 year old daughter suffered two stress fractures in the top of her foot back in May. It is now late July and she is still in a lot of pain and still on crutches, unable to bear any weight, even in a boot. The orthopedic says it is because she needs physical therapy and that she should be healed by now. [more inside]
posted by myselfasme at 9:32 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by myselfasme at 9:32 AM PST - 19 comments
Sporting suggestions
Winter is coming... and I need an indoor sport to play. What sport can you recommend that is not fitness-as-sport (so weightlifting is out), not gear-heavy (hockey is out), not done totally solo (speed skating is out; interactive one-on-one competition like squash is OK), and works up a sweat (range shooting is out)? [more inside]
posted by rebooter at 9:28 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by rebooter at 9:28 AM PST - 21 comments
c25k for concentration and meditation
How to build concentration and learn to meditate [more inside]
What kind of car insurance do I really need?
What kind of car insurance do I really need? I feel like I'm spending too much and possibly overdoing it. I'm with Progressive now but don't have any particular loyalty. This is in Wisconsin. [more inside]
Temporary European banking
I'm going to the UK and Italy for 5 months for work and am having trouble getting the banking situation worked out. [more inside]
posted by rustcellar at 8:50 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by rustcellar at 8:50 AM PST - 14 comments
Why does McAfee have a problem with my website?
So I recently completed a project, and was sharing the news with people on Facebook - but Facebook blocked the link to my website because it was apparently on some spammy/malware blacklist. I did some investigation, and my site comes up clean on every security scan thing I tried, except McAfee SiteAdvisor. It seems likely that it's a false positive, possibly due to my shared hosting. If there's a legitimate security issue, though, I'd like to find out what it is so I can fix it - but I don't know how I can do that. [more inside]
Looking for quality Japanese songs that will improve my Japanese.
I'm looking for good Japanese songs or artists that will teach me new, useful words or phrases so that I can improve. I read articles in Japanese too, but words seem to 'stick' better when I am listening to a song and going over the kanji and hiragana at the same time. Details inside. [more inside]
Quirky Londoners, plz halp
I'm going to London! Help me find fun things to do. I like comics, small indie concerts, clothes, outdoor markets, vintage stuff, handmade stuff, food, knitting, and going on walks. [more inside]
Help me evaluate my tooth whitening options?
What are the main teeth whitening methods? What are the pros and Cons of each? I found some groupons for "take home whitening" which seems like they just sell you a kit, and I found some for "chair side" whitening (~$100), where they use a gel and LED light? and there are also just over the counter ones. I searched ask mefi, but the last question about this that I found was from 2009, I wonder if the treatments are newer or better now?
Vacation city recommendations?
Warmish in late November, good for walking, inexpensive. Somewhere in South America? [more inside]
posted by ecsh at 7:53 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by ecsh at 7:53 AM PST - 7 comments
I would like to buy a laptop from Costco. I need help.
So long story short, my macbook's screen cracked out of warranty and I don't want to fork up the money to fix it. I am planning on nabbing a laptop from Costco, but their selection is... sparse, to say the least. Help me nab the best one! [more inside]
Fiction about Cheating Husbands?
What literary novels or films could you recommend that can help a male to feel a bit of what it might be like for a wife to be cheated on by her husband? Something where the reader or audience really empathise with the wife/girlfriend, and feel some of her emotions? Thank you.
How to bring blueberry bushes back to life?
I got a pair of blueberry bushes recently. They were potted and intended for ground planting, but I was unable to plant them. I was out of town for a week and a half and they went about that long with little or no water. When I returned, the leaves were brown and crispy and the soil was bone-dry. I put them in the ground and watered them copiously every day, but it's been a few days and they seem no better. Is there anything I can do to revive them, or am I out of luck?
Productivity tools for a job with frequent and inevitable interruptions?
I'm a full-time public librarian, and I'm always in public - no off-desk time. I really like the customer service aspects of the job, but find it hard to complete other tasks in a timely manner. What productivity tools or other strategies can I use, given that the interruptions are inevitable (and even desirable in some cases)? [more inside]
How do I get my boss to take my raise request seriously?
I'm underpaid after a year in my first job after Grad school. I've done great work and my boss is happy, but she won't put me up for a raise. I am in the process of looking for a new job and have an interview, but I'd prefer to stay at this one if she would take my request seriously. What's the best course of action? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by permiechickie at 7:11 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by permiechickie at 7:11 AM PST - 28 comments
Still don't know what I want to be when I grow up ... at 39
Trying to figure out how to begin a career change at 39, when I don’t even know what I want to do next. Feeling really adrift and stuck right now – how do I start making a move? [more inside]
posted by DingoMutt at 6:47 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by DingoMutt at 6:47 AM PST - 20 comments
What are alternative ways of VC funding for a medical devices start-up?
We have developed a prototype for non-invasive blood glucose measurement and have problems finding funding. What are the alternatives? [more inside]
posted by yoyo_nyc at 6:42 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by yoyo_nyc at 6:42 AM PST - 10 comments
How to eliminate Student Assistance Corp. from my life?
I do not have any student loans with Nelnet.
And yet, I receive telephone calls from the Student Assistance Corporation (evil wrongdoers, as supported on the internet) several times a week. Help me make it stop! [more inside]
posted by miss tea at 6:24 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by miss tea at 6:24 AM PST - 13 comments
What can I do with one overripe banana?
Aside from freezing to make a banana ice cream sort of thing, what can I make using a single ripe banana? I don't like eating bananas plain once they've started turning brown, I don't want to make banana bread, and I don't want to buy anything extra (probably) or do anything very elaborate or calorie intensive (Bananas Foster, for example). [more inside]
Can I correct track information in iTunes match without downloading
I've migrated all my songs to iTunes Match, because I don't have space on my hard drive. But some of my ripped tracks have weird names, dating back from when I manually ripped the CDs. Is there a way of (semi?)automatically correcting these without having to download my whole library, or go through manually? [more inside]
posted by danteGideon at 5:20 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by danteGideon at 5:20 AM PST - 5 comments
Women's clothing chain stores in Goa , India?
I will be traveling to Goa in the next couple days but only for about 10 days. Usually I have time to get clothes tailor made but probably not this time.
so I need recommendations for stores where I can buy reasonably priced ready to wear casual clothes in Panaji, Vasco or environs. Because I don't visit often, and have relied on tailor made, I dont know where to go. [more inside]
posted by darsh at 4:59 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by darsh at 4:59 AM PST - 3 comments
Is it possible to make a blog layout like this using Tumblr?
Is it possible to make a blog layout like this using Tumblr? Thanks in advance
July 23
Standard musical cues for TV programs?
I want to learn about the types of musical cues that are commonly used for television programs. [more inside]
posted by ErikH2000 at 11:11 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by ErikH2000 at 11:11 PM PST - 8 comments
Gettin fired for the dole
How common is it for American workers to deliberately get fired in order to collect on unemployment insurance?
posted by willie11 at 10:45 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by willie11 at 10:45 PM PST - 29 comments
What are houses in different countries made of?
I need to get a general sense of the primary building materials used for housing in a few different countries around the world. I'm looking for suggestions on where to find this type of information. [more inside]
Good place to stay between Portland & Seattle?
We (spouse, myself, and 2.5 year old toddler) are on a vacation in the Northwest US. What cool place can we stay this Saturday that is somewhere (more or less) on the way from Portland to Seattle? [more inside]
posted by Betelgeuse at 10:40 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Betelgeuse at 10:40 PM PST - 7 comments
What do the Dutch do cross-country?
I have a new commute that is hilly and mostly off-road, instead of my previous flat all paved one. I don't think my Dutch bike is suited to this, but I LOOOOOOOVE it so much. I never really enjoyed cycling before I got it. Is there a better suited bike that will make me equally happy? [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 10:21 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by lollusc at 10:21 PM PST - 15 comments
House Design Software
What software should we use to design our (small) house? We will have an architect draw the final plans, but want to create quick 3D models for visualization. [more inside]
Informative, Dry Podcasts for Running
Astronomy Cast has been great, but I'd like to mix things up with other topics! What I'm looking for in a podcast: cerebral/abstract subject matter, steady talking by the hosts -- with few interruptions and few/regular hosts, relatively serious tone (not a lot of banter as well as not a lot of joking). An hour-long podcast would be ideal, but other lengths are workable. [more inside]
posted by rue72 at 7:42 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by rue72 at 7:42 PM PST - 22 comments
Was Grandpa spooky?
Can I find out through a foia request, or some other means, whether my grandfather was a spy, code-cracker, or somehow involved in Cold War hijinx? [more inside]
Kelowna to Vancouver - which route to take?
We're planning to drive from Kelowna to Vancouver in the middle of September, and we'd like to take a scenic route and perhaps stay overnight somewhere in the middle. Problem: we're getting conflicting advice about which "scenic" route to take! [more inside]
How to figure out and pursue a more lucrative career past age 30?
I have realized that my career path is not going to offer the compensation or growth potential I would like. I need to pivot. How can I identify an more lucrative career path and the steps necessary both to train and to break into said path? [more inside]
Every time I load Firefox, it tries to download a non-existent PDF
I typed a bad PDF name, and the download failed. Now every time I load Firefox, it tries to download the file again, and it fails again.
How do I get the file name out of the "to do" list?
posted by KRS at 6:51 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by KRS at 6:51 PM PST - 9 comments
Is Comic-Con worth a gawk?
I won't be attending San Diego Comic Con this weekend, but I do live within a reasonable walk of the convention center. Do enough people wear impressive costumes to this event that it's worthwhile to just hang around outside the convention center to people-watch? If so, are there any especially good times and places for this?
Of course, all of my emails are highly important
Is it possible to set an importance flag on my email using the standard Android mail app? [more inside]
posted by Chrysostom at 6:28 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Chrysostom at 6:28 PM PST - 9 comments
Software skills for aspiring technical writer
How do I know I’ve taught myself enough technical writing software (number of programs and my abilities therein) for potential employers to take me seriously? [more inside]
Information Systems internship questions and crisis of confidence
I am trying to get a start in the information systems field, but I am having a crisis of confidence. Snowflakes. [more inside]
How do I hair???
I have NEVER had my hair professionally cut or styled. It's way past time, but (like many things in life) the longer I wait, the harder it is. I also have a very long list of special requests. What should I do in order to have hair I love again? [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 6:11 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by wintersweet at 6:11 PM PST - 48 comments
screaming kids on the street too noisy, any code in NYC?
Recently there is this family brings their super noisy kids(about 5-6) to run and scream on the street infront of my apartment everyday from 6pm-10pm. The street is in a quite neighborhood, there are families, but I never hear or saw a single kids making such noise outside of there home on the street. One day I went down and talked to the parent and kids, that they shouldn't make noise like this, but they didn't listen and was quite rude, both the parent and the unruling kids. I really can't take this, it's extremly noisy, the screaming can't be stopped by closing my windows and putting on earplugs, not to mention it's hot summer that I need a little bit of breeze and peace in the evening at home. What Can I do? this is in NYC, is there any code for noisy street kids? thanks!
posted by pack2themoon at 6:04 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by pack2themoon at 6:04 PM PST - 29 comments
Staying with a dog who suddenly lacks bowel control
While continuing a very lengthy house hunting process, we're staying with my parents and their 11 year old lab. The lab is a sweet dog, and I love her, but I'm having trouble dealing with her lack of bowel control, and us staying in the house seems to be making it worse. Has anyone dealt with this before? [more inside]
posted by treehorn+bunny at 5:04 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by treehorn+bunny at 5:04 PM PST - 23 comments
I would like to not die a horrible death from wasp stings
On my deck, right out my back door, is a small square bench that until recently had a flower pot sitting on it. The flower pot was recently tossed (about a week ago) and last evening, I noticed there were quite a few bees? wasps? in that area of of the deck. Today, it became clear they have MOVED IN. [more inside]
posted by instead of three wishes at 4:19 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by instead of three wishes at 4:19 PM PST - 19 comments
How to deal with friend that invites others along?
I have a friend i've known for almost 6 years now and recently we started taking weekend trips to a comic convention every March since we only see each other twice a year. She's invited someone she's friends with and her 3 year old daughter to come with us, i've never met her and i really don't want to spend my weekend with someone's fussy 3 year old. How do you handle something like this? [more inside]
Which Yorkville lunch spot will impress my mentor?
My mentor and his wife are visiting my city and I would like to take them out for an exceptional meal as a gesture of gratitude for all their help. I’d like it to feel hip and trendy but not so noisy that you can’t hear anything. They are both in their late 60s and meat-eaters. What downtown /Yorkville restaurant will really knock their socks off? I want them to feel as if they've been somewhere special. [more inside]
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 4:07 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 4:07 PM PST - 11 comments
What is this thing?
I saw this object on a table outside a thrift shop in a small town in eastern Washington State, US. It is about 3 feet long and made out of hard plastic. It was selling for about $100 and was gone by later that day. What is it? Full view, Left side, Right side. A working theory is that it has something to do with some kind of crafting activity, possibly quilting.
posted by matildaben at 3:18 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by matildaben at 3:18 PM PST - 2 comments
Why can't I access this site through Comcast in Chicago
I have talked to a couple of Comcast users and none of them/us can access This site. I have no problem accessing it outside of comcast network.
Should I break up with my gf while I work on resolving my addiction?
I started dating my girlfriend six months ago. Since that time, I have gradually taken more of my stimulant medication than prescribed. I have told her on multiple occasions about the overuse of my stimulant medication and that recently it had gotten worse.
Earlier tonight she told me that she is starting to distance herself from me and that she needs some extra space to protect herself [from being around someone with addictive behavior]. Her brother had a drug problem and she understands how emotionally draining it can be to have an addict in her life.
What is the mature thing to do in this situation? Do I wait for her to potentially break up with me? Do I ask her for a break while I work on things? Do I just want to ask for a break to save myself from the pain of her breaking up with me first?
I love her and I want her to be a part of my life but I don't want her to be consumed by my addiction while I get help.
Please help.
Looking for good grief support groups in NYC
My friend's Dad died earlier this year, and she's working through it. She wants to find a good grief support group in New York, preferably in lower Manhattan or Brooklyn. She works a lot, and the few she knows about meet in times when she just can't go. [more inside]
How does Hawaii work?
My family and I are planning a trip to Hawaii, but we don't know where to even start. Family of four; two adults, two kids who will be 4 and 1.5. We're total Hawaii newbies. We don't even know which island to visit. [more inside]
posted by linettasky at 2:09 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by linettasky at 2:09 PM PST - 21 comments
Job Search Woes: Online Application Edition
I am just a couple weeks from receiving my bachelor's degree, and thanks to my college career counselor I feel like I now know what I'm doing when it comes to resumes, cover letters, and the interview process. I'm applying for an administrative/HR position, and the company's online application has be concerned that I don't look like as good a candidate. Should I mail the resume/cover letter in, or deliver it personally, and ignore the online app? [more inside]
Please help me come up with a project name that's in Ancient Greek!
I have this super-secret yet super-awesome Super-Quantizer program thingie that does cool things to music. For various reasons the words "Platonic score" are always used in my mind and in the code so I was hoping to carry that tradition on in naming that aspect of the project with something in Ancient Greek. [more inside]
posted by bfootdav at 2:01 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by bfootdav at 2:01 PM PST - 11 comments
Can you help me decipher and rectify my InDesign CS5 pre-flight errors?
I've spent the last several months studying Creative Suite 5, print production, and pre-press and now I'm trying to put it all to work to get a dozen digital art pieces (mostly made in Illustrator > InDesign, but a few also using Photoshop) print-ready for art proofs and eventually web offset printing. The images are either 6x9 or 11x17 if that matters.
The list of errors I keep getting, and as much context as I can provide, are within. [more inside]
Next time I'll remember to ask this question when it's 1987 out.
I've had this little home decor project idea floating around in my head for ages and I need a specific kind of picture frame to pull it off. One of those family collage frame type dealies that everybody's grandma has in the den. But they seem to have dropped out of fashion and I haven't been able to find one anywhere over the course of numerous googlings for the past year and a half. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 1:36 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by phunniemee at 1:36 PM PST - 23 comments
Financial/resource based euthanasia for dogs
There are probably viable treatments for my 8 year old dog but I can't afford them or take the time to carry them out. I am considering euthanasia. How do I manage this? [more inside]
How does one find a place to live for several months (in LA)?
My wife, two kids, and a dog need a domicile in the fall/winter where we can live while our house is being worked on. The challenge is finding a place that would allow that short of a term, with a somewhat vague end date, all under a budget. Where to look? [more inside]
Should we drive our 9 month old from Gothenburg Sweden to Amsterdam?
How's the drive (for non-europeans) between Gothenburg Sweden and Amsterdam (via Copenhagen and Hamburg)? Should we drive this with our 9 month old daughter? [more inside]
posted by bitdamaged at 1:03 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by bitdamaged at 1:03 PM PST - 10 comments
How do I sell a business with no assets but a good revenue stream?
The problem in a nutshell: I am the sole owner of a S-corp consulting practice with one very large, very happy client. My company has grown a lot and, to handle the workload better, I've brought on some subcontractors who essentially do the same thing I do. Now I'd like to "sell" the book of business to one of my subcontractors, but I have no idea what sort of financial arrangement makes sense. [more inside]
Help me buy & ride a bicycle
I live in Seattle, land of hills and bicycling. I'm moving from a very hilly area to a flatter (but no place in Seattle is "flat") area, and would like to start cycling more. I hate cycling on hills. They are the bane of my existence. However, having only cycled up hills on single-speed cycles, I suspect this aversion could be overcome with the right cycle. [more inside]
posted by dotgirl at 12:24 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by dotgirl at 12:24 PM PST - 19 comments
Healthcare for visitors in Toronto?
My cousin is visiting from the US and her joints are hurting a lot. Since she is a visitor she has no OHIP or health insurance here. For someone who is medically uninsured, I need more information on (1) x-ray centers and (2) medical labs (for blood work) in the Toronto-Mississauga area. Also, I would appreciate your advice on any (3) good, inexpensive health insurance plans you know about. If you can help me with any of these it would be a great help.
Short story identification
What is this short story I read sometime in the late 1990s? Plot involved two teenage girls in the 1960s, Beatlemania, and the terrifying truths of growing up. [more inside]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Ideal Impulse at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments
I Have (Go)Daddy Issues, Help Me Resolve Them Without Therapy
My personal website has been down for the past 4 hours. Never had an iota of problem with GoDaddy before. I have domains through them and also shared hosting.
Naturally, 4 hours of downtime is shocking to me, so I call them and say "Hey! What's up with THAT?" [more inside]
posted by John Kennedy Toole Box at 10:26 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by John Kennedy Toole Box at 10:26 AM PST - 26 comments
Deskilled in the mating game - what now?
I've lived like a nun bar the religion for almost 5 yrs (after a couple of very bad relationship choices) in supposedly my sexual peak. Yeah right. I've worked on myself but I'm still quite gun shy/lack confidence in my own judgement of others (men especially) and pretty much avoid that side of life.
So it came as a bit of a surprise when I found myself asking out my course trainer (just a one day thing) for a drink. He said yes :) .. which felt good but what the f happens now? [more inside]
Credit card debt not paid on in a year, repayment plan options?
Large CC debt ignored for nearly a year, going to call all collectors tomorrow to try to get a payment plan. Tips? [more inside]
Need a case for iPad mini & keyboard
OK this really shouldn't be that hard to find. I have an iPad mini and a keyboard. Now I need a case to hold both of them. Every keyboard case that I find, already has the keyboard with the case. I don't need that--I need an empty case that can hold the iPad mini and the mini keyboard that I already have. Thanks
Help in Acclimating to New Job
I haven't had a job in an office in over ten years. I've gone to school, I've done freelancing, but it's been over ten years since I had to get to an office and work for several hours and then come home. I start next week and was wondering what advice you might have in terms of acclimating to a new job after working on my own (or being in school) for so long. [more inside]
posted by sockermas at 9:54 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by sockermas at 9:54 AM PST - 11 comments
Things to do around Atlantic City area.
My 2 friends and I (in our 20s & 30s, 1 gay, 1 lesbian and 1 straight guy) are staying in Absecon, NJ this weekend. We are looking for something more than a secluded beach but less than Atlantic City boardwalk. We plan on relaxing on the beach during the day and finding some nightlife if possible. Can you recommend places nearby with a laid back feel and some activity. Perhaps places like a beach bar, outdoor band, mini golf, good cheap eats, must sees and local delights. We have a car and are open to traveling a half hour in any direction. Thanks!
What are these colored lights in the Yelp building in SF?
Idle curiosity filter: the Yelp building on New Montgomery street in San Francisco has a room in its upper stories with these colored lights. They change between red, green, and blue, and sometimes combinations. Anyone know what they're for, or what goes on in that room? Is it the private Yelp rave room?
Help me get my kid a phone
Parents, what do you wish you knew when you got your kid their first phone? I need practical advice, but I'm also interested in the less tangible parent/child relations-type advice, too. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:39 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:39 AM PST - 23 comments
Allergic conjunctivitis won't go away
Have you or anyone you know ever experienced allergic conjunctivitis that just won't quit? [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 9:21 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by mudpuppie at 9:21 AM PST - 7 comments
Find me the Binny's of the West (Coast)
I moved to the Bay Area recently (San Mateo) and one of the things I've missed most from Chicago has been the amazing beer selection I was able to find at the local liquor chain Binny's. I've tried a couple of BevMo's and some smaller momandpop type places but I've yet to find a place with 4 rows of different beer plus coolers etc. which I could find in Chicago. I miss my selection! Does a place like this exist? Is there a secret bottle shop that I don't know about? Let me know where I can get my beer selection on!
posted by Carillon at 9:19 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Carillon at 9:19 AM PST - 10 comments
Does anybody know how to make facing pages in Microsoft Word?
I don't just mean in page view. I am translating a book and would like to produce a dual-language book with the original on the left and the translation on the right, like in the Loeb library and so forth.
I can sort of do this with two columns, but they're not really independent. (If I keep typing in one, it'll eventually bleed into the other.) [more inside]
Can you help with a LinkedIn summary?
So pretty much everything is filled in nicely on my LinkedIn profile, except the part where I summarize myself and my objectives. Ugh... [more inside]
posted by foxhat10 at 8:45 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by foxhat10 at 8:45 AM PST - 4 comments
Is Windows tolerable these days? If so, what laptop should I get?
My old MacBook just died, so I need a new computer. I'm broke, so I'm considering going back to Windows. I haven't used Windows since the XP days, and vaguely remember hating it, though I can't remember exactly why. What's Windows like these days compared to Mac OS in terms of ease of use or annoyingness? What are your favorite / least favorite features of one platform compared to the others? And if I do get a Windows machine, what models might I consider? Requirements are pretty simple: it should know how to surf the web, run Word and LaTeX, and play movies, and most importantly be cheap, reliable and long-lasting.
Help make my birthday dinner HOT
I want to make a large number of small plates of various very spicy and very delicious foods for my birthday next week. Super spicy and super delicious are tied for value in what I'm looking for; I'm not interested in recipes that are all about the heat without being tasty (I'd just pass out grilled peppers if that were the aim). I'm especially interested in finger foods and things that are relatively quick to make, but if it's super delicious and is worth the wait/work, more substantial or utensil-requiring undertakings are also welcome.
Can I Interchange Charging Methods with USB Cables?
Can I use my phone's USB charger/wall plug to charge my sports camera? Or, what do I need to know in order to figure it out myself? (Details within.) [more inside]
Name the film: potato edition
A few years ago, I saw a kitchen-sink style film on TV where the daughter didn't eat her evening meal, so her father insisted she was served it at every subsequent meal until she ate it. Googling brings up nothing - any ideas? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 7:57 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by mippy at 7:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Looking for tea and allergy friendly food in Huntington and Little Rock
I am traveling in the next few weeks to Huntington, WV and Little Rock, AR. I have not had great luck with either city in the past and would like advice on places to go for food or tea. [more inside]
The answer is probably suck it up and learn to deal
I am graying, and I love it. But the new texture of my hair is making me crazy. Is there anything I can do about it? [more inside]
posted by bibliogrrl at 6:59 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by bibliogrrl at 6:59 AM PST - 32 comments
we had a rom-com meet-cute…11 years ago. now what?
Is this something worth pursuing? About 11 years ago, i went to a destination wedding at the Oregon Coast. I met a close childhood friend of the groom's at the wedding. Nothing inappropriate happened because he was married, but we hit it off that week. He was one of the funniest, fun guys I had met and I immediately developed a crush on him. Five years later, I had by then moved to Portland (he lived in DC), and we ended up at another destination wedding in the northwest with the same group of friends. I don't remember a lot of this second wedding bc I was emerging from a deep clinical depression and was on meds. I do remember again hitting it off with the same guy again—and again, nothing inappropriate bc he was still married and had a daughter by this time. Every once in long while, we would exchange an email message or a comment on FB, but as he was still married with children (by now two) and lived in DC, I didn't think much about him beyond a fondness every time I saw him post on FB. [more inside]
Is Shakeology a scam?
Are Shakeology/all of those sports/meal replacement shake things worth it? [more inside]
Is the Bugaboo Cameleon stroller really worth it (secondhand edition)?
A new one is over $1000 -- no hella way. But is a secondhand one worth it at $350? [more inside]
food du jour in hipsterland
Hipsters and hipster observers around the globe, please tell me about the best or most confusing food, ingredients, dishes in the hipster diet. [more inside]
posted by travelwithcats at 4:51 AM PST - 62 comments
posted by travelwithcats at 4:51 AM PST - 62 comments
How dare I think I can do this
I want to write. But I have all kinds of Big Dumb Issues around it. Help me stop sabotaging myself? [more inside]
MIDI messages to alphanumeric keyboard bindings in linux?
I'd like to use a 12 key MIDI footpedal to type in various (arbitrary) keystrokes under linux (debian.)
Is this doable, easy, hard?
(I can put in time & effort to write config files and mapping files. Would rather not do any real coding for this, if possible. I'd like to have an idea of do-ability before investing in the gear. Am posting here because quality response and unsure where else to.)
Listening to music wirelessly - Alzheimer's filter
How can my brother who is in a home with Alzheimer's listen to music? [more inside]
What's my name again?
I am a transgender individual who has been unable to come up with a name for myself. I have tried numerous names over multiple years and feel completely adrift when it comes to a named identity. What names fit my (pickypicky) criteria? [more inside]
What to do about an unresponsive attorney
Several of my family members and I are working together to help select, coordinate and pay for legal representation for a family member (I'll call him Bill). The attorney we have hired will not take our calls nor respond to phone messages or emails sent to him, and Bill has an important hearing coming up. [more inside]
posted by Strumpf Marionette at 12:18 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Strumpf Marionette at 12:18 AM PST - 12 comments
iTunes is the bane of my existence
Is there hope in restoring photos that have not been backed up or synced onto iCloud? [more inside]
July 22
True Detective Withdrawl
Looking for alternatives [more inside]
how to fix the failour of downloading pictures on my wechat ?
I am in China and my SO is in USA. we both use the app WECHAT a lot to keep in touch.. wechat is a very popular app in China as a social utility that connects people with friends on mobiles phones.
but since 2 months ago, i could not view the full images of the pictures he have sent me and could not download them. we can still send each other text messages and he can recieve the pictures i have sent to him. And i can view and download other pictures my chinese friends sent me. i think this is strange. does anyone know why it happens or how to fix it?
What to do in Napa before dinner, with no hotel?
Looking for suggestions of chill hangout spots or low-key activities (preferably not wine-related) for that awkward "before dinner" time in Napa. [more inside]
Painted good guitars?
Is there a place online (either a store or a site that facilitates merchants or a single merchant) that sells custom or just awesomely painted upscale (Taylor, et al) guitars?
Should I ask Ting Inc. for a new phone?
I just got a refurbished Nexus S from Ting (I would link to the phone, but they're not selling it right now). Honestly, it's been great, except that twice now the phone just turned off and wouldn't turn back on. Then, in a few hours (like 12-16 hours), it does turn on and pretends like nothing happened. This causes me anxiety. I'm still under warranty for another week or so; should I ask for a new phone?
I did try a few things, which are listed below. [more inside]
Should we move for more money/career advancement?
My husband was laid off from his job a few weeks ago. We have a toddler and live in Chicago. I've lived here forever, all of my family and friends are here, and I have a job I love here. So far, he hasn't come across any opportunities in this area, but we've seen some great looking job postings in smaller cities in flyover states. (Think Des Moines and Omaha.) Should he consider pursuing these opportunities, or should we stay where we are and struggle along? [more inside]
posted by GirlLikesBeer at 8:54 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by GirlLikesBeer at 8:54 PM PST - 26 comments
Boy meets girl. Boy likes girl. Girl likes boy…maybe?
I'm 24 and have almost no dating experience, and I need help knowing whether I should pursue things further with this guy or end it. [more inside]
Can one learn to enjoy and thrive in social interactions?
Is there any way to learn how to communicate like a normal human being? [more inside]
posted by the ghost of so and so at 7:46 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by the ghost of so and so at 7:46 PM PST - 7 comments
Help me replace my gross kitchen lights.
Looking for an industrialish-type fixture to replace the brass boob in my ceiling and the snowglobe stuck above my sink. [more inside]
posted by the artless dodger at 7:31 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by the artless dodger at 7:31 PM PST - 5 comments
What kind of necklace length/shape to wear with different necklines?
I've been branching out into more dresses and trying to figure out what length/shape of necklaces look best with different necklines. I have plenty of necklaces I like, just not sure what to wear with what. [more inside]
Will long term use of a voltage converter damage electronics?
If I buy a portable region 2 DVD player and use it in the US with a plug adaptor and power converter, will that damage the electronics in the long run? [more inside]
posted by Beti at 6:42 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Beti at 6:42 PM PST - 15 comments
Academic Dress in Hot Weather
What should a young male academic wear when it's hot? [more inside]
Your best bread loaf shaping techniques, please?
Bread bakers of Ask MeFi, please share your advice, techniques, favorite instructional videos, books and/or websites about making bread loaves look terrific. [more inside]
4x+y+2z=100, x>y, y>z, x+y+z=j, 3x+z=k, j>k, j+k=100.
4x+y+2z=100, x>y, y>z, x+y+z=j, 3x+z=k, j>k, j+k=100. WolframAlpha can only give me alternative forms or a solution involving 'real and imaginary parts of z'. Is there a solution I can count on my fingers? [more inside]
posted by obiwanwasabi at 6:07 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by obiwanwasabi at 6:07 PM PST - 13 comments
How do I use Raleway's alternate numerals?
So, I'm using Raleway. It has numbers that descend, though, like the 3, 4, 5, etc. But it also appears to have numbers that do not descend. Yay. How do I use them?
Bonus points: how do I make UIKit use them?
posted by jeffamaphone at 5:56 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by jeffamaphone at 5:56 PM PST - 4 comments
Please help me become a more likable, better person.
I'm unlikable. This is undeniable. Help me fix that. [more inside]
Cauliflower and cashews substitutes in vegan recipes?
A member of my gaming group has developed a ton of food intolerances/allergies, so I need substitutes for cauliflower and cashews in vegan recipes. And can anyone spot a pattern to her allergies? [more inside]
posted by magstheaxe at 4:22 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by magstheaxe at 4:22 PM PST - 23 comments
KKK fliers in our neighborhood
Our neighbors received a KKK recruiting flier along with their Sunday newspaper. We didn't. We are an LGBT couple and I am Asian-American. What can I do to be less freaked out by this? [more inside]
Filing a car insurance claim with unreported previous damage
I was in a fender-bender that was indisputably the other driver's fault, but I'm not sure how to proceed with the insurance claim because there was already some mild prior damage to my car from a couple of scrapes in my house's treacherous driveway that I never brought to my insurer's attention. Can I get in trouble with my insurance company (USAA) for failing to report those minor solo collisions, and how much will it complicate a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance? [more inside]
Math Careers
Non-obvious careers for someone with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics? [more inside]
Gluten-Free, Slow-Carb, and Vegan
Greetings All:
I have been reading up on transitioning to a vegan diet and there are so many things to think about. One of the best comments I received from someone on a previous post is that eating vegan does not equal being healthy necessarily. So I have been reading some books about eating a healthy vegan diet. I would also like to avoid gluten and somehow work on making this a slow-carb diet if at all possible. [more inside]
posted by nidora at 3:12 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by nidora at 3:12 PM PST - 9 comments
Mystery Pepper
Help me identify the mystery pepper plant I am growing in my backyard! Pictures: 1, 2, 3. [more inside]
posted by research monkey at 3:03 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by research monkey at 3:03 PM PST - 10 comments
E-mail Meeting Scheduling (Outlook?) messages have the wrong time
I use Hotmail. A business partner sends me a meeting scheduling message, I'm not sure what they are whether it's an Outlook thing, but they have the time and date of the meeting, along with "Accept", "Decline" check boxes. The trouble is the time's wrong. [more inside]
Holistic Gastroenterology
I'm looking for an awesome gastro doc (preferrably female) in the South Jersey/philadelphia area. [more inside]
No-drug regimen for depression/mild anxiety relief
I'm sick to death of the prescription drug med-go-'round for MDD and mild anxiety. I'm ready to stop. [more inside]
posted by nubianinthedesert at 2:19 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by nubianinthedesert at 2:19 PM PST - 25 comments
Time for another round of name that career!
I was wondering if any Mefites might currently work in, or know someone who works in, a career that meets the following qualifications:
1. Involves a ton of writing. Any type of writing. Even if one spends most of one's time crafting emails, that would be sufficient.
2. Is relatively easy to get into with only a bachelor's degree in a possibly unrelated subject.
3. Is generally not discriminatory based on age (in other words, someone who is in their late 40s/early 50s would not be seen as teetering on the edge of their grave). [more inside]
How do I ship a small papercraft clock?
As part of an artist trading card swap, I made a bunch of little clocks. Only after I was finished did it occur to me that the little clock hands bend (and presumably break) easily, and there are a lot of places where bits could get bent or otherwise messed up in shipping. What's my best bet for packing and shipping these things? More fun: one has to go to England.
Help me find the last wallet I'll ever need?
While reading the purse thread, I realized I'm in dire need of a new wallet. I don't give a toss about brand names, but I really want a well made, durable women's wallet. It's got to be available in Canada, handle lots of spare change well, and have lots of room for cards.
If it's affordable and goes well with a butter yellow handbag, all the better!
How should you approach a bar essay question if you blank on the answer?
I'm taking the bar next week. (IL if it matters). I feel strong in some areas, weak in others. Strengths and weaknesses I can handle, but there's one situation that I'm nervous about. How should approach a question if I just flat out blank on the rule of rule? [more inside]
AIM messages in Gmail -- stop!
As of very recently, I'm getting AIM messages not just opening up in AIM, but also in my Gmail. I want to receive the messages in AIM, but I do not want to them also to appear as an email in Gmail. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by lewedswiver at 1:07 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by lewedswiver at 1:07 PM PST - 7 comments
Does a wedding planning CMS exist?
I know of many online plan your own wedding sites, but what I'm looking for is one which I can host on a server of my own, probably some sort of PHP/MySQL based affair that will manage things like the RSVP, menu choices, gift lists etc, and also allow me to send emails to specific groups such as "Family of Groom, Family of Bride, Bridesmaids, Catering Staff" etc etc.
Should I Go For Full AT & T Business Bundle
I am in the midst of establishing an office in Downtown LA for a small and growing business. I purchased a package that in which I have business phone that I can use fax on, unlimited national calls etc. U-Verse Wi-Fi package is separate. [more inside]
Careers in communications / social justice
I'm going back to school for communications in the fall. I'd like to start gathering career ideas now so I know what to look for when I graduate and also so that I pick the right courses for my career path. When I went in to my undergrad in 2007, I had no idea of what I would do upon graduation. So, I'd like to gather some ideas now and tailor my course selection towards potential career options. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 12:08 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by winterportage at 12:08 PM PST - 4 comments
Best way to sell a high-end grand piano?
Someone close to me has inherited a Yamaha grand piano, appraised by knowledgable tuner around $45,000. The owner needs as much of this money as she can get. How do we sell it? Is Craigslist okay for very-high-price sales? This is in the Washington DC area. [more inside]
Why did my cat die?
I found my cat dead under my car and I am trying to find out why. [more inside]
posted by mermily at 12:06 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by mermily at 12:06 PM PST - 22 comments
Give me your best slow-cooked smoked BBQ ideas/recipes!
What other smoked/slow cooked (on the BBQ) delights should I be getting my husband to make me? (using pork or beef preferably) [more inside]
Tips to help out a new DM/GM trying to run D&D Next Encounters Season.
Help a new Dungeon Master/Game Master run her first games with tips & tricks you wish you'd known when you first started out. Add to that the difficulty level of learning a new system, D&D Next at the same time. [more inside]
posted by wwax at 10:05 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by wwax at 10:05 AM PST - 9 comments
Construction problemz. What are my options?
We are remodeling our house and we just learned that the windows are arriving a month later than originally planned. What are our options for getting some of our money back to cover the added expense this will incur? [more inside]
Help Me Hack My PT
I'm an obsessive tracker. I have an awesome to-do list that helps me get shit done. I just started physical therapy for an ankle injury (yet again). I want to keep track of the exercises and how much I'm able to do. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 9:47 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by kathrynm at 9:47 AM PST - 6 comments
Leg Pillows: What's your favorite one?
I need a recommendation for a leg pillow. [more inside]
How to make pulled pork from a tenderloin?
So I've got a two-pound tenderloin defrosting in my fridge, and I'd like to make pulled pork out of it. I've never made pulled pork at all, but I understand it generally calls for pork shoulder, so I feel like I need some extra-special hand-holding to help me figure out how to make it work with a totally different cut of meat. [more inside]
posted by ladybird at 8:26 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by ladybird at 8:26 AM PST - 29 comments
Streaming video around the house
I ripped a bunch of my DVDs to my Mac so that I could put the cases in storage. Currently, the files sit on my hard drive on my Mac Pro, and when I want to watch something, I copy the relevant file to a USB stick and walk it upstairs to the TV, where the Blu Ray player has a USB input. Is there an easier way to get these files onto my TV (and ideally, iPads/iPhones) than walking the file around the house? We're an all-Mac household. [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 8:12 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Admiral Haddock at 8:12 AM PST - 19 comments
Help me root my Galaxy S4 without ruining it
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on the Bell network in Canada. It is bloated with bloatware, and most apps can't actually be transferred to the SD card i've mounted. So i have a phone without much stuff i actually want on it, and tons of stuff that i don't, and i want to fix that situation - but i'm nervous.
I've seen various solutions on message boards and stuff online, but i'm very wary of downloading zip files from random message boards, for a solution that may or may not work for my phone. [more inside]
I'm not sure whether or not to quit AA...
In summary: my sponsor, and her sponsor, advised me not to take a medication that is helpful to me and which I was not abusing. This makes me feel uncomfortable. More details below. [more inside]
Can you suggest what my husband's next job should be?
Can you suggest what my husband's next job should be? [more inside]
my name is mug
Please help me identify these mugs, in the hopes of possibly acquiring more of them. [more inside]
posted by mon-ma-tron at 7:10 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by mon-ma-tron at 7:10 AM PST - 11 comments
Dimetrodons don't count.
How many kinds of dinosaurs were alive at the same time? [more inside]
Recommend me some books about old sailing ships
I'm in a mood to read non-fiction history books dealing with sailing ships. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 6:29 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 6:29 AM PST - 23 comments
What are these hellish airborne insects and why won't they die?
I live in the midwest, and for the last three years by mid-summer there is a small horde of winged insects stalking our backdoor. They look like a cross between a bee, a wasp, and the angel of death from the Adventures of Baron von Munchausen. They have red wings, red legs, and a distinct black and white striped abdomen. These suckers are freaking huge, maybe 2" long or longer. [more inside]
posted by joinks at 6:15 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by joinks at 6:15 AM PST - 10 comments
What IPad do I need to get?
Wife got gift certificate from work. Decided we could get Ipad since the certificate must be used at Amazon. We will share the Ipad. I have desktop at home and wife has laptop, so this is an addition and not the sole device for us. [more inside]
Returning emails
How do you email a follow-up to someone who hasn't answered an email? [more inside]
posted by Aranquis at 5:13 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Aranquis at 5:13 AM PST - 18 comments
Veggie meal planning
So, at the omniverous .kobayashi. household, I cook dinner. Last week, my partner has expressed a desire to eat meat no more than once per week. I'm on board, but there's a complicating factor: she will not eat seafood, and has just decided that she does not like tofu. I need help planning out our weekly meals. Can you offer ideas for wonderful cookbooks/websites that would help me to meet these restrictions, and/or (especially) ideas for kitchen/pantry staples and hacks that might help make figuring out our weekly dinners easier? [more inside]
posted by .kobayashi. at 4:49 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by .kobayashi. at 4:49 AM PST - 25 comments
What would you consider a red flag when interviewing at a startup?
I was recently recruited for a mid-level role at a young startup (tech in development for several years; company has existed for about a year).
My gut feeling about the product and the tech is that it's viable. The market is there, and I myself would use the product. This is not the case for 80% of startup products/ideas that I see.
I'm not so sure how I feel about the founders or the results of the first interview. [more inside]
You get a gold pin, apparently.
What is the true nature of Phi Theta Kappa? Also, what is the nature of my school if it is sharing my grade detail with this organisation?
posted by converge at 12:02 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by converge at 12:02 AM PST - 10 comments
Help me find a dot com commercial from 1999 or 2000
Can you help me find a dot com commercial from 1999 or 2000? [more inside]
July 21
Science Wanted: kitchen powder identification edition
I have a large tupperware full of a crystalline white powder. It could be sugar, or it could be xylitol. How can I tell?
So far I've found two possible ways: burn it and record the energy per gram; feed it to dogs. I would prefer not to do the second, as xylitol kills dogs. I'm open to the first, if someone wants to link me to a good experimental method for such. But I'd really love a third way.
posted by freyley at 11:28 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by freyley at 11:28 PM PST - 21 comments
Sharing custody, but the kid only wants to be with me.
I share custody (50/50, week on - week off) of my eight-year-old with her dad, and have since he and I split up over three years ago. Lately she's been spending all of her time at his house crying for me. Since she can't point to any tangible problems to fix, I don't know what to do. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
How to invest with Vanguard
What are your specific investment recommendations for someone who's 25 years old, self-employed (contractor), has $130k in savings and no debt? [more inside]
Asking for direction at work
I'm in an awkward position at work. Help? [more inside]
Family causes anxiety and I can't visit them.
My family causes me a lot of anxiety, to the point that staying away from them is a key part of keeping my sanity. They don't understand why I don't visit and won't discuss with me. How do I deal with the residual guilt? [more inside]
Fictional characters to arrange key exchange over unsecure channel?
I'm presenting a cryptography demonstration to a small group of nerdy teenagers soon. As part of the fun, I have an activity in which they are spies that need to arrange a key exchange over a unsecure channel without any required prior knowledge of each other. (You can assume the mechanics of the key exchange are sound.) I thought it might be fun if I could refer to different fictional characters that the teens could pretend to be. What are some fictional characters and associated unsecure channels that would fit the scenario above? Examples and further notes inside. [more inside]
writing with the shakes
My father has essential tremor, and it's gotten to the point where he can't write legibly, or even type. How can I help him? [more inside]
posted by wearyaswater at 6:26 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by wearyaswater at 6:26 PM PST - 12 comments
Graceful way to contact company after applying for a job?
About a week and a half ago, I applied for a job that I would be perfect for. I'm getting antsy. Should I sent a follow-up note? [more inside]
100% anonymous no login required mental health forums?
Hi, I'm looking for some kind of mental health forum or Q&A site that's completely anonymous, no logins needed, etc. I could probably post my question here, but I think I know what all y'all's answers would be already. [more inside]
Apps 86°
I have a lot of cream cheese. I have a lot of wonton wrappers. I need to make room temp (in hot August weather) appetizers. Hopefully toddlers will like some of them. What recipes do I want?
I'm also happily accepting other recipes or ideas for warm room temp apps, and/or store bought items.
I'm throwing a party in August for my toddler's birthday and am, um, self-catering. It will be an indoor/outdoor party, and our AC isn't great to begin with, so let's assume it will be warm inside as well as hot outside.
I'm planning to rely heavily on Trader Joe's NYC stores for apps and wine, so suggestions are welcome, as they are for other stores or homemade ideas.
Leadership 101
I am an I.T. worker who does technical work, and does it well.
Now, I’ve done it so well for so long, that my supervisor has advanced me to a position of “Team Leader” and I am now in charge of telling other I.T. people what to do. [more inside]
Page archiving and bookmarking
Is there a website that works like a bookmarking service but will also allow screenshots of the page? Or how else can I work this out? [more inside]
Healing tent-burn - the lawn edition
Heyso, I have this behemoth tent that my daughter and I used for camping and it comes in a tiny little duffel bag so I've been procrastinating on getting it back in the bag. I laid it out on the lawn to dry out last week and left it there for a few days... here is what happened: total lawn destruction. [more inside]
posted by lakersfan1222 at 4:20 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by lakersfan1222 at 4:20 PM PST - 9 comments
Refusing to validate client part of trauma therapy?
Is it common and recommended practice for a therapist to refuse to validate and affirm a trauma client? [more inside]
Boston, Austenite. Austenite, Boston.
Please introduce me to the institutions, places, publications, and other tips, tricks, and shibboleths that will help me to hit the ground running when I relocate to Boston. [more inside]
posted by Austenite at 3:47 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by Austenite at 3:47 PM PST - 37 comments
Careers for Physics Graduates
A couple of years ago, I graduated from [famous university] with a decent bachelors in physics. Since then, I've been working in a job which I'm going to be slightly opaque about, but I'm basically a ‘radiation physicist’ who gets paid by the government. I'm finding lots of aspects of this job unsatisfying and I'm looking for a career change. What are good avenues to explore for physics graduates? [more inside]
No medical insurance in NYC
I haven't been to a doctor in a few years, and I don't have insurance now and won't have it for 8 months or longer. I was wondering how much would it cost to go to a doctor with no insurance and what choices do I have in the NYC area? [more inside]
How Urgently Do We Need Urgent Care?
Posting on behalf of my partner, whose bad tooth has worsened: the crown's gone. They're experiencing a throbbing headache towards the back of their head, "behind the eyes." While the pain has been off-and-on for a while, the last two days have been tough to get through. As of today, they also have a combination of pain/stiffness in the back of their neck. [more inside]
posted by Ashen at 3:16 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Ashen at 3:16 PM PST - 15 comments
The Numbers
In the 1995 Quebec Referendum - roughly how many grassroots volunteers/activists did each side have ?
Looking for apartments from long distance
I got a new job! Yay! Now I have to find a place to live. What's the best way to do this? I have certain criteria in mind for what kind of place I'd like, so is there someone I can pay to go and check things out for me? Like, a realtor or someone?
I've got a pretty quick turn-around between now and my start date, and a ton of other things to do, so if I can avoid a trip across the country to apartment hunt, that would be very helpful.
Bonus points if you have any experience in the Milwaukee area. Thanks!
A call from beyond the grave?
Years ago, I read a "true story" about a man who receives a strange phone call from his brother, then later finds that the brother was surely dead at the time. Do you recognize it? Can you tell me anything about its origins? [more inside]
posted by Iridic at 2:38 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Iridic at 2:38 PM PST - 11 comments
How can I finish my novel and establish an effective writing routine?
I have been writing since I was about 7 and always enjoyed writing stories, sometimes hundreds of pages long. In my final year of English at school my teacher said that I should really turn the start of a piece I had written at the time into a novel. At the time I was flattered but I don't really think I considered it possible. [more inside]
What do I search to find a photoshop specialist who makes fake things?
So I got the go ahead from work to hire a photoshop artist to mock up some fake stuff for a presentations. Imagine for our purposes it's essentially for scenes for fake TV shows from the 70s. So I went to look on ELANCE and...well I have no idea what I'm looking for here. How would I search for such a person? Is there a term or series of terms for someone who specializes in speculative photoshop/graphic mockups? IS this a thing?
Or is this a case of post the job and see what comes back?
How do I serve papers in Canada?
My friend has an uncomplicated divorce (no assets, no kids, no shared debt, filing taxes singly.) The ex lives in Canada and is a Canadian citizen, my friend who is filing for divorce is in California and a United States citizen. She has free legal help-- they got the papers filled out properly and explained the general process, but didn't explain serving papers. Paying to speak to a lawyer is out of the question. How do we serve papers internationally, to a known address? What if she refuses delivery or can't be found?
posted by blnkfrnk at 1:42 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by blnkfrnk at 1:42 PM PST - 12 comments
How to install/extract a font from a .otf file
I've extracted a .otf font from my Kobo Touch. I'd like to install it on Windows, but Windows can't handle it and neither can any of the font editing programmes I've downloaded. I believe that the file contains multibyte characters. I have tried right clicking and choosing install. I've tried font forge, and several other font related applications. I just get varying error messages saying that it's not a valid font file, despite it working on the Kobo. If it's relevant, the font is Gothic MB101. I'm running Windows 7 - what do I need to do to install this font?
Don't Make Me Regret My Lack of Piracy!
Is there any way to recoup the money I spent on Adobe products for Windows, now that I've switched to Mac? [more inside]
How can I get started quantifying and tracking my time and goals?
I want to take control of my time, writing output, attention and procrastination, bedtime, exercise, and diet. What tools should I use to track what I eat, how I spend my time, what I spend money on, when I exercise, when I go to sleep and wake up, and how many words I write per day. [more inside]
posted by incandescentman at 1:30 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by incandescentman at 1:30 PM PST - 11 comments
ID this typeface?
Can someone id this typeface for me? Likely late 1800s-early 1900s.
https://flic.kr/p/o8tGeU
posted by PussKillian at 12:59 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by PussKillian at 12:59 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I rehabilitate my SO's image on a message board I frequent?
I have for some years participated in a genberal interest message board I enjoy, where people frequently post personal topics. My SO has changed a lot since I first started posting about him, but people still seem to be influenced by first impessions of him. Can I 'rehabilitate' them somehow? Should I even try to? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 12:48 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by JoannaC at 12:48 PM PST - 19 comments
32GB SSD coupled with the HHD Dell Inspiron 14 7000 Series
Is there a clear recognizable benefit to having the 32 GB SSD coupled with the 500 GB HHD in the Dell Inspiron 14 7000 series? What I mean is, will I clearly be able to see the benefit, the difference in performance having the SSD compared to not? Is the start-up time clearly better? What other areas will I see a difference in performance?
Social Mapping
Does Twitter or Facebook provide any mapping like this, or is there an app that can, through access to a TW or FB account, create this kind of map? [more inside]
One last question about my crisis
I’m still having panic attacks. I’m having a hard time getting my thoughts together because I’m so stressed -- and they’re kind of circular on top of that -- so forgive me if this post is tough to understand. [more inside]
posted by myitkyina at 12:01 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by myitkyina at 12:01 PM PST - 18 comments
How Do I Deal With a Distracting Employee in Retail?
I have recently been hired as a product development manager in a new boutique retail chain. Another manager-level employee was hired around the same time as I was, and so far has been challenging to work with.
Seeking advice on best practices before this turns into a Pamplona Bull Run on the floor. [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 11:54 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 11:54 AM PST - 6 comments
What is wrong with the world?
With the recent events in Ukraine and Gaza lately, I've been feeling upset as to what our world has become, and where we as a race are headed.
I'd like to understand how we got here. Can you share your favorite books, and explainers that illuminate the history of the Middle East conflicts, as well as that of Russia and Ukraine. [more inside]
permanent marker with lots of color choices?
Marker or fabric paint that will last well on flexible, heavy-use surfaces? Difficulty: I need it in a really unsaturated color like a soft medium grey or greyish blue. [more inside]
How to bring a content-heavy newsletter into the modern day?
I write a newsletter for an environmental nonprofit and would like to modernize it. Right now we print a simple PDF and then straight-up email said PDF to electronic subscribers. Our subscription list is managed by Excel and yours truly. MailChimp seems great but I haven't seen examples that have long articles. This isn't a marketing campaign -- it's more like a very short newspaper or magazine. How can I take a content-heavy (4-6 articles, anywhere from 350 to 800 words each) and send it out electronically in the most efficient and practical way? [more inside]
posted by breccia at 11:21 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by breccia at 11:21 AM PST - 12 comments
Who's writing about video games?
I'd like to learn more about video and digital games. I don't know where to start. I'm thinking--there must be bloggers, games writers, etc. who are writing about both classic video games and new releases? Who are they? [more inside]
It's "banana," not "'nana"
How do I ask a friend to stop speaking in a baby voice? Friend in question is 22 years old. [more inside]
posted by mlo at 10:49 AM PST - 54 comments
posted by mlo at 10:49 AM PST - 54 comments
Broadway for kids
We'll be in New York in early August for a few days. What shows would be good for a six-year-old girl? [more inside]
Another refrigerator pickle pickle
I made a big batch of refrigerator pickles last night, and forgot to bring the brine back to a boil before pouring into the filled jars. The brine was warm-hot, but definitely not boiling. Today I have a bunch of cold vegetables that do not taste very pickle-y. Can I strain out the brine, re-boil it and try again in the same jars? Or have I ruined it?
Trying to turn a pet project into a fun and cool app to use...
I've been working on this little project called CheckIn, which is supposed to be a quick and easy to use Foursquare app that let's you check in quickly and adds interesting features like check in reminders (and instant checkins in iOS 8 - currently working on notification actions in my working build). [more inside]
Help our 5-year-old to stop dancing the funky chicken
Our daughter flaps her arms frantically whenever she’s excited. We have a tentative diagnosis of non-autistic motor stereotypy, but haven’t found a treatment that works. The flapping doesn’t bother her, but she’s starting to get strange looks, and we’d like to “fix” it. We’re looking for resources and recommendations (especially in the Midwest) and any other personal accounts or advice. [more inside]
Recommend an extra-large hybrid bike with an internal hub
I'm looking to purchase an extra-large hybrid bike with an internal hub. This would be for casual riding with my family, but ideally the bike is somewhat sporty for longer rides and something I can grow into. The bike will not be used for commuting. If the internal hub request makes this bike a unicorn, then recommend a good all-around hybrid.
Ending friendship like a grown-up
I’d like to get some outside opinions on managing the probable end of a friendship with a formerly very close friend, without (any more) melodrama or middle-school emotional antics. I will definitely see her at a mutual friend’s birthday in a couple of months, and I may see her infrequently (e.g. a few times a year) on an ongoing basis. [more inside]
posted by Kpele at 9:54 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by Kpele at 9:54 AM PST - 28 comments
We do (A + B) * (C + D) * (E + F)
I need to write a short blurb describing the services our group provides, which is basically defined in three dimensions, eg. "We provide services (A + B) for data types (C + D) in domains (E + F)." I imagine this is something faced by technical writers, is there some best practice for writing this sort of thing so that it is readable in plain English? [more inside]
posted by bjrubble at 9:54 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by bjrubble at 9:54 AM PST - 6 comments
What are my options when Lufthansa changes my flight?
Lufthansa changed my direct flight into a connecting flight. Do I have any recourse? [more inside]
Broken foot - what's better than crutches?
I have a fracture in my 5th metatarsal - no surgery, no cast, no splint, but strict orders to stay entirely off it (no toe-touch for balance, no resting weight on my heel even though it's fairly painless). I'm on standard crutches. Getting around is annoying, doing my job also awkward. What other mobility assistance might be useful - knee scooter? hands-free crutch? [more inside]
posted by aimedwander at 9:34 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by aimedwander at 9:34 AM PST - 11 comments
I want to think about something new!
Looking for quality, regularly-updated web content as an alternative to the potpourri discussion-based sites that usually make up my day online. [more inside]
No, really, what can we expect and what should we do in Iceland?
I'm visiting Iceland with my husband, his parents, my sister in law, and her husband. We're excited but my husband and I are wondering what we can actually expect and what we should do while we're there. [more inside]
Bed sharing with a toddler
My wife has shared a bed with our toddler since she was born. I was never comfortable with it, and so I have spent a long 2 years on the couch. There is no end in sight and it's messing up our marriage. More below. [more inside]
posted by mouseboy at 8:32 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by mouseboy at 8:32 AM PST - 47 comments
Looking for elder care LA/BOS/NYC?
My 87 year old mom is currently at the Psych ward in Fall River, RI. Her mental health has been deteriorating recently and we are looking into places that she might be comfortable at if and when she is no longer able to be at home in Wellfleet, Cape Cod with 24 hour care. [more inside]
Did my insurance company give me a BS answer regarding a rate increase?
I recently received my renewal notice in the mail for my auto insurance policy. The premium (for the entire year) increased by almost $100. I called my insurance company to find out why, and my BS detector is going off. [more inside]
posted by tckma at 8:23 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by tckma at 8:23 AM PST - 15 comments
Can you help identify this weird, yet apparently friendly bird?
A few friends of mine live in Somerville, MA, which is right outside of Boston. For the past few weeks, a bird has been repeatedly showing up on their porch and, apparently, making friends with them. [more inside]
posted by Riptor at 8:15 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Riptor at 8:15 AM PST - 11 comments
Daughter with mental illness moving out, practical advice?
19 year old is moving out to a rented room this week. We live in a city where young adults typically live with family until marriage or 30s, and her four siblings (one older, three younger) live with us. The decision to ask her to move out if she escalated in breaking household rules (no drugs, porn, sex-work, hold down a job or school, don't abuse other family members) has been run past her psychiatrist and long-planned. She's excited to live on her own with no restrictions, we are terrified due to her long history of risky behavior and struggles with borderline personality disorder and PTSD from abuse. [more inside]
"Where did you get the idea for your book?"
Please suggest some interesting answers for this question (for a fictional book). [more inside]
posted by cmcmcm at 7:39 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by cmcmcm at 7:39 AM PST - 26 comments
Four or five lifetimes of memories.
I just inherited literally a large garbage bag of wartime government documents, newspaper cutouts, photos and other memorabilia from Russia and Ukraine ca. 1910-1970. What do I do with the stuff I don't want, and also how do I fumigate it? [more inside]
Short term cell phone for Germany?
I'll be traveling with my (American) family for around 20 days in Germany. We would like to have two phones for short term use to handle brief day to day communication. Best options? [more inside]
posted by sewellcm at 6:45 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by sewellcm at 6:45 AM PST - 6 comments
Using my personal computer for work
I have been using my personal computer to do my job. How much should they "reimburse" me every month? [more inside]
Needed: One Pair Of Big Girl Pants ASAP
I am one of those adults who had to emotionally take care of myself throughout my life due to mediocre parenting. Mom and Dad weren't hugely abusive, but they didn't seem to give a fuck about my brother and I. I'm coming out of a month where I went off my meds and I think I had a hypomanic episode followed by a giant crash. While I am now back on my meds and working with my therapist and pdoc, I am craving someone in my life who would take care of me emotionally. Someone who would understand where I was coming from and why I feel the way I do. The thing is, I do live in reality and know that's not possible for the immediate foreseeable future, if ever. What can I do to self-soothe and give myself that pampered feeling? How do I find someone who gets me? [more inside]
How do I respond to an apparent offer of friendship?
As someone who is socially anxious and has difficulty interpreting social interactions, what is an appropriate follow-up response to someone who appears to be being friendly but may actually just be following social niceties? [more inside]
Have you ever managed to break a long-term cycle of self-sabotage?
or repeated mistakes? If you have any insight or personal experience please give it. I'm starting to suspect that I may never make any progress because it keeps happening again and again and the consequences are only getting worse. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by hejrat at 3:43 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by hejrat at 3:43 AM PST - 18 comments
What are the best associations for development and politics?
I've been making the transition into international development and am looking to join a relevant association. Which should I join? [more inside]
Can't miss on Oahu? (Kailua, specifically)
Flying out to Oahu, staying in Kailua tomorrow and would love absolute can't miss places in Kailua town or anywhere else on the island. Looking for great food, beautiful (not greater than "intermediate" difficulty) hikes, where to go to rent jet skis, and any other literally-we-have-to-see-this off-the-beaten-path sort of suggestions. [more inside]
posted by disillusioned at 12:43 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by disillusioned at 12:43 AM PST - 10 comments
Ouchfilter: broke a bone in my hand near my wrist
Scientifically I'm not sure what is going on but the doctor said I most likely broke a bone in my hand and I have am MRI in a couple days. (The x ray was inconclusive but he is 90 percent sure)I've got pain meds and am trudging along. I'm tring to adjust to my new one hand lifestyle as it is in a cast. [more inside]
posted by AlexiaSky at 12:39 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by AlexiaSky at 12:39 AM PST - 8 comments
July 20
How can you recognize a secure person if you’re insecure?
Am I ruining a great relationship with my anxiety or am I anxious because my relationship is not great? Is there a way to tell the difference between irrational anxiety and alarm bells? [more inside]
I inherited two nazi era armbands.
I inherited two nazi era armbands. How do I sell them? [more inside]
Can I substitute a New Mexican dried red pepper for fire roasted chilis?
I'm cooking this recipe and it calls for one 7-oz can of fire roasted chilis. Can I substitute a NM dried red pepper? I also have crushed red pepper, but I'm not sure if either would be a good option.
posted by onecircleaday at 9:15 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by onecircleaday at 9:15 PM PST - 5 comments
Is restarting your life career-wise worth it?
Has anyone ever quit their jobs, went back to school and started a 2nd career later in life? How did it work out / is it working out? [more inside]
left a ring in my hotel room, already called the hotel
I left a ring with sentimental value in my hotel room in the bathroom this afternoon, checked out of the hotel and didn't remember until now. I've called the hotel lost and found and they said the room was cleaned, nothing was reported found and that they will have housekeeping check tomorrow, the room is occupied already. Is there anything else that I can do about this? [more inside]
posted by tangaroo at 8:35 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by tangaroo at 8:35 PM PST - 9 comments
Correct Qualification/Title for a postgraduate diploma (Australia)
If someone completes a Postgraduate Diploma (in Engineering) and they do not have an undergraduate degree in Engineering (but rather in something else, i.e. architecture), does the postgraduate dip. qualification enable this person to be called/ titled an engineer? [more inside]
Did I mess up my quick fridge pickles?
Will these suckers be edible after premature opening and an ill-fitting lid? [more inside]
posted by sucre at 7:41 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by sucre at 7:41 PM PST - 5 comments
Where can I get data on avg step1 scores for medical residency programs?
I'm trying to find a list of US medical residency programs and the average step 1 scores of the applicants that are accepted into each program. Google has not been helpful. I've found match rates, quotas, test scores by specialty, and all sorts of other data. But nothing about test scores by residency program.
Does anyone know if this data exists and where I can find it?
Thanks in advance.
posted by d(-_-)b at 7:28 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by d(-_-)b at 7:28 PM PST - 3 comments
Ally Bank, Capital One 360 or Charles Schwab Bank?
I'm in need of a new bank. I've decided to go with an online only bank because of their lack of fees and 24/7 customer service. My choices have been narrowed down to Ally Bank, Capital One 360 or Charles Schwab Bank. Comments based on personal experience with any of these banks would be greatly appreciated.
What was long-term recovery like for superficial peroneal nerve release?
About three and a half weeks ago I had surgery on my lower right leg to release my superficial peroneal nerve from the clutches of entrapment in a herniated muscle and hopefully restore my foot to fully operational status. My surgeon was very optimistic, but I'm less so. [more inside]
Need some file recommendations
I'm trying to find the best file type for the larger documents I'm putting on my website. PDFs are just too big. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Math? College?
The best way to pursue my college goals given my situation. [more inside]
Calculus Rabbit?
Is there a game like Math Rabbit out there, but for calculus? Specifically looking for something with lots of game-interface, not Khan Academy.
Numbness in my hands - what can I expect at the doctor?
YANMD. I am experiencing my second episode of numbness in my fingers/hands. What kind of tests can I expect when I go to the doctor? [more inside]
What is this modern font from the Twilight Zone?
Font question: Can anyone ID this obscure font from the Twilight Zone? [more inside]
posted by washburn at 3:45 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by washburn at 3:45 PM PST - 8 comments
When does a signature become irrevocable?
In the context of an employment contract in Illinois, does the employee have any ability to rescind their signature if the employer has not yet signed? [more inside]
Title and author of a sci fi short story about dream crafting needed
I'm wracking my brains trying to remember the title and author of a science fiction short story to do with dream crafting. I suspect it is either Philip K Dick or Robert Heinlein but cannot pin it down. [more inside]
posted by Molesome at 1:14 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Molesome at 1:14 PM PST - 2 comments
My parents suck.
My parents are incredibly rude narcissists. This time they've turned their focus on my sister. What can I do to support her through this? [more inside]
How flammable is rubbing alcohol?
We made some tie dye tshirts using Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol. The instructions say to set the ink, put the tshirts in the dryer for 15 minutes--but won't I set the dryer on fire? [more inside]
I love The Spinners and Philly Soul from the 70-75 era. Lets dig deeper.
Im up here at the tip of the iceberg of Philly Soul with The Spinners, The Delfonics, Blue Magic, etc. but I want to dig deeper into this stuff and find some bands/songs/records that I might not encounter otherwise, since history has a way of remembering the big stuff and forgetting some of the amazing but less well known stuff.
So help me down the rabbit hole here if you please to find even more music in that vein.
How to celebrate six months of marriage at a wedding party?
In March, Mrs. HeroZero and I exchanged vows and rings at City Hall with a very small group of friends and immediate family. On Labor Day, we're having a bigger wedding party with the friends and family who couldn't come to the original, tiny event. What are some ideas for making this ceremony meaningful in a way that's different from how a wedding goes? [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 10:47 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by HeroZero at 10:47 AM PST - 8 comments
Why such problems with weed?
In the last few months, I have started (maybe once every two weeks or so) smoking weed again, after not doing it since college (I'm now 36). When I smoke now, I feel a lot different than I did back then, and I don't like it. Details: [more inside]
Help me put together a secular/humanist baby naming ceremony
Baby WanKenobi will be six months old on Saturday, and we're finally giving her a Hebrew name. Help us make our backyard ceremony cool without getting too God-ish. [more inside]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 9:26 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 9:26 AM PST - 16 comments
Give me my money back
I moved out from a terrible landlord in North Carolina last June, and then because I was living in Chile with a postal strike/mail delays, the security deposit check had hit the 90 day void by the time it got to my bank. Now I'm back in the US and he won't give me my money back. [more inside]
Advice for confident everyday writing?
I'm looking for related resources (online & offline) for improving my writing skills for everyday work. [more inside]
Buying a good extra-long yoga mat
So I'm just starting Yoga and I have a problem: I'm too tall for standard mats. I'm 6'4" (76 inches, 193 cm). How do I find a long mat that I know is good quality? And how long is long enough, anyway? [more inside]
Graduated or total extinction? Yes, another sleep training question.
We're thinking of starting some sort of sleep training for our four month old. I know, she's young, but the "magical thinking" we have in getting her to sleep (hours of nursing, rocking, squats, singing, nursing) as well as the hourly (or even half-hourly) wake ups are not good for us, and they're not good for her. She really needs to sleep, and I can tell she really wants to. The question is, how? [more inside]
Do I really need a concrete foundation for my garden shed?
Just purchased a resin-viny Suncast Shed (model BMS5700). According to the manual it needs a concrete foundation, but I'm wondering if I can get away with just installing it on level ground. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious at 7:17 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Deathalicious at 7:17 AM PST - 13 comments
Shhhhhh. My colon is resting.
I ended up in the ER on Thursday night with horrible stomach pain, lower left quadrant. After being scanned inside and out and subjected to other personal indignities I won't describe in detail (promise), I was diagnosed with acute diverticulitis. What happens now? [more inside]
No Spotify, I don't like that song.
Where is the 'thumbs down' button in spotify? [more inside]
posted by zara at 6:58 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by zara at 6:58 AM PST - 8 comments
Name this French pop song
I only know four things about the song I'm looking for: [more inside]
posted by WalkingAround at 6:57 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by WalkingAround at 6:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Inspiration to maintain an exercise habit
I am going through yet another slump in my regular pattern of exercising, not exercising, exercising, rinse and repeat. I'm looking for some inspiration in the form of books, podcasts, twitter accounts to follow, facebook groups, etc. [more inside]
My parents are slobs and it's making me sick.
I live about five hours away from my parents and visit them frequently. However, their house is so dusty and in such disrepair that the visits are exacting a toll. I have dust allergies that go berserk in their house, and my dust-free sleeping solution (air mattress) is starting to hurt my back. Whenever I try to raise these problems with them, I get a million reasons why nothing can be fixed, and often a giant guilt trip to boot. Not visiting: not an option.
Inside: details to make Wilson Bentley proud. [more inside]
posted by the_blizz at 2:46 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by the_blizz at 2:46 AM PST - 44 comments
July 19
Communities without newspapers
I'm thinking about starting a newspaper, maybe in a few years. So I am looking for communities without newspapers. Please tell me about the largest such one(s) you know of, about how many people are there, and anything else about the area that might help me decide.
posted by maurreen at 11:59 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by maurreen at 11:59 PM PST - 16 comments
Best SIM card for EU roaming data?
I will be traveling for 10 days in Germany (2 days), Denmark (2 days), and Sweden (6 days) at the end of this month. Voice and texting is relatively unimportant, but I do need data for maps, keeping in touch with my traveling companions, etc. What's the best way to do this, given that I'm in Greece at the moment and need the SIM card by Friday? [more inside]
Hotels in Vancouver with good transit access
We're off for a late-booked trip to Vancouver in August and need to find a place to stay. Most hotels are booked in the West End/Downtown/Yaletown area. What hotels would you recommend that are moderately ($100-200) priced with easy transit access to tourist attractions? We'd like to use public transit if possible, but can rent a car if public transit is infeasible. We will have at least one member of our party who can't walk longish distances, and a toddler to deal with as well, so frequent bus changes may be a challenge. We were looking at the Holiday Inn Express Burnaby, is this a sane choice?
posted by benzenedream at 10:38 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by benzenedream at 10:38 PM PST - 18 comments
Venting boiler out the side of a building.
I am doing a renovation and I'd prefer to move the boiler to a location where I have to vent horizontally, under a porch that is 7' wide.
Do I have boiler options that allow this.
I currently understand that a regular boiler must vent straight up.
A high efficiency boiler can vent out the side wall.
However, I don't know if you can vent a high efficiency boiler out 8' horizontally.
What's going on with these plaster walls?
I was planning on repainting my daughters bedroom in our 1920 bungalow. All walls were covered with 2 layers of wallpaper and several layers of paint...so I decided to strip them before repainting. This is what I got. [more inside]
All Your Vow Are Belong to Us
My youngest brother is getting married next month and, through the oft-celebrated-on-MeFi wonders of a Universal Life Church ordination, I'm set to perform the service. My brother and his spouse-to-be are both video game aficionados. I'd like to subtly insert some clever video game/nerd culture references into their vows. I'm not personally a gamer, though, so this stuff doesn't come naturally. What's more, I'd like to sort of walk a line such that said references would not be so over-the-top, eye-roll inducing, or confusing that non-gamers would be confused or irritated. Ideas?
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Are there any organizations out there that take the long view? Like, the really long view? As in influencing policy over decades or centuries? [more inside]
Can I buy a mail jeep?
I'm not talking about the old mail jeeps, I'm talking about the Grumman LLV. [more inside]
How do I find an acute care nurse practitioner to shadow?
I'm applying to a graduate entry nurse practitioner program this summer (application due Oct 12). I know that this is what I want to do. I know the program I want, but I'd really like to see an ACNP in action. The trouble: I just moved to Columbus, OH and I don't really know anyone.
posted by shesdeadimalive at 6:31 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by shesdeadimalive at 6:31 PM PST - 3 comments
West Side Story is the only Broadway musical I enjoy. Why is that?
The only Broadway musical I can actually, whole-heartedly enjoy is West Side Story. Am I the only one of my breed on this? Why might this be? [more inside]
[request] bathroom and rug cleaning solutions
Hi. Can someone suggest ways to clean our home rug and bathroom. the rug itself has been in use for over 20 years and has now grayed with dirt and compressed down. The picture shows a side by side of when the rug was new (a bed was under this area so it was untouched). [more inside]
I think my little brother has Tourette Syndrome?
My 9 year old brother might be associated with Tourette Syndrome and I'm not sure what to do about it. [more inside]
How do I find a career mentor in the archives/preservation field?
I've had difficulty finding a career mentor in the archives/preservation field because of a lack of local resources and the fact that I obtained my Masters degree online, which was rather 'alienating' and didn't really allow for the kind of student-professor relationship that blooms into recommendation letters and networking. Are there ways of seeking out (real, committed) mentors either online, or in my area (northern Virginia/Washington DC), preferably involving me providing volunteer work? [more inside]
HTF needs a friend, but will it kill him?
HTF is my daughter's 10 year old goldfish. [more inside]
Note 3 owners - do you use the stylus?
I am looking at getting a new phone with a big-ass screen, primarily for browsing. I've narrowed it down to an LG Pro 2, Sony T2 Ultra, or Galaxy Note 3 - but I need to know if anyone actually uses the space-age stylus. [more inside]
Seattle (Bremerton?) moving update, still in need of guidance
Moving in two weeks, and we've got a bit more information. The listings online have us a little worried, so I'm asking for some more guidance. [more inside]
Has Anyone Got Loop Findr Working?
So yesterday I read about this cool new OS X application, Loop Findr, that apparently automagically analyzes an MP4 and finds segments that are ripe for looping as an animated GIF. Unfortunately, I can't make it work. Who can? [more inside]
Chromatography for newbies
Chemists! I have a question about chromatography. Specifically, what is the best way to isolate a specific molecule, if I want to produce large volumes of this isolated molecule? [more inside]
Good town to visit in Spain in the summer with young kids?
What's a good town or smallish city in Spain to visit in the summer with kids (ages 2 and 5) in tow? We're looking at 3 weeks in late July/August, and would prefer a walkable place that's on a train line (or are they all?) so we wouldn't have to rent a car to explore locally or beyond. [more inside]
Help us dress for our engagement photoshoot
I'm visiting my fiancé from out of town, so I only have a couple of nice outfits at hand. The one I'm planning to wear is this dress, which goes down to the knee for me, and kitten-heel black strappy sandals. (I guess wedges would match better, but I left mine at home.) The dress is pretty but plain -- ideas for fun, inexpensive accessories/jewelry that I can go out and buy? My fiancé is probably going to wear a pale-blue button down with slacks or jeans, and we're looking for other suggestions and accessorizing tips for him as well. [more inside]
Double posting encouraged
I am interested in variations -- that is, not just a body count -- of the doppelganger and evil twin themes in fiction, folklore, and movies. [more inside]
Best exercising regimen for a chronically-lazy person?
My cousin is an early-thirties chronic sloth. Although he does go out on occasion and he walks from time to time, to say that he is not an exercise person is the understatement of the year. Any ideas on how to get him started on an exercise regiment that doesn't involve people or mornings and is relatively easy to do? [more inside]
Thinking about moving
I am considering moving from where I live now (Madison, WI) for a number of reasons, but I don't know if it's the best idea right now, and I also have no clue where I should go. [more inside]
How to leave work for job interviews?
I was just placed on a civil service test list, and canvassing letters and interview offers are coming in - which is good. Not so good is that I'm working full time and I'm having trouble figuring out how to get out of work for an hour here and an hour there to go on these interviews without raising any of my bosses' suspicions. Any tried and true ways to be out of work for an hour or so, more than once a week? [more inside]
Negotiating a salary without comparative data points
I'm renegotiating my salary next week in a consulting startup but don't have much to go on in terms of being able to compare to similar jobs because the industry is rather niche and growing fast. How would you go about calculating a fair request with very little information? [more inside]
How do we add a second dog into the mix?
This is Hendricks - he's a 55 lbs. hound/shepherd/mutt that we found at a local shelter back in January. He's pretty chill, except for a love of hunting bunnies that go across his back yard.
Hendricks needs a friend - how do we start approaching this, and how do we find him a friend that will work for him and us? [more inside]
Help us name this puppy! Warning: Corgis ahead.
We are getting our Pembroke Corgi, Dazzle, her very own puppy. He is also a Corgi in a nonstandard color, currently being referred to as 'Cloud' by his breeder. Dazzle came with her name, but Cloud just isn't going to cut it. Names that have been considered but discarded: Flash, Blaze, Blitzen (my favorite), Winston, Sterling, Silver, Titus, Cato and Ghost. We are looking for a name that is preferably two syllable and neither a popular human name (Henry) nor a cutesy title (Professor Bigglesworth.) We are running out of ideas and seek the creativity of MeFi!
posted by Requiax at 9:41 AM PST - 59 comments
posted by Requiax at 9:41 AM PST - 59 comments
What happens after a bike accident?
My husband got doored on his bike. There was a police report, the guy who hit him stayed on the scene and was actually on the job (delivery) when he opened his door into my husband, who was in the bike lane. The driver did have insurance and presumably the company insures, too. What happens now? [more inside]
posted by juniperesque at 9:28 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by juniperesque at 9:28 AM PST - 23 comments
So you want to be a robot psychologist…
What are some computer science-related/IT jobs that help people or society at large? [more inside]
What is this logo?
A friend gave me a keychain with this logo on it a few days ago - it has no trademark or info. [more inside]
posted by 41swans at 9:07 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by 41swans at 9:07 AM PST - 4 comments
Name that MST
Asking for a friend: Which MST3K episode is this from? Crow gives Tom dating advice and one of his helpful tidbits is "Try not to bore her with your knowledge of war atrocities." [more inside]
posted by Librarypt at 9:04 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Librarypt at 9:04 AM PST - 3 comments
How do I keep myself from going to bed until I'm actually sleepy?
I keep putting myself to bed too early. I fall asleep easily and stay asleep for a couple hours, but I sleep very lightly and wake up for a period of time around 2-4am. What are some things I can do to stay out of bed for an extra couple hours until I'm at the can't-keep-my-eyes-open point level of sleepy? [more inside]
Time away
Hi- are there ranches that exist to help people that are grieving with their sadness and anxiety? This is on top of battling major depression. [more inside]
MedicFilter: what are guidelines for car travel after a concussion?
I suffered a concussion 10 days ago and am still feeling some symptoms. Tomorrow I am supposed to be in a car for four or more hours in total. Is this safe? What are the guidelines for being an automobile passenger post-concussion? [more inside]
Help me take over the world
I want to pursue my dream of starting a business but have 2 problems. I'm not an extrovert, and all of my skills are in an industry that is not startup-friendly. What are good businesses for me to start? [more inside]
Trying to jump the accent divide
One of our new IT vendors at work makes heavy use of an Indian workforce. Conference calls have become a challenge as we try to work through their accents. I recognize that I have a responsibility to do what I can to meet them halfway on the conversation. Are there podcasts, online radio streams, etc. that I can listen to where people from India are speaking in English so I can acclimate my ears to their peculiarities of their accents? [more inside]
posted by Golfhaus at 6:18 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Golfhaus at 6:18 AM PST - 16 comments
Living in Cardiff - expected lifestyle changes?
I am an academic and am likely about to take up a position at Cardiff University. I currently live in a small-ish (250K) Dutch city, which I love. I like the compact city center, I like walking everywhere (shopping, market, coffee, train station), I like the robust public transportation. I dislike car culture. What do I need to know about Cardiff? [more inside]
Rectify podcast
Is there a full-time, dedicated podcast for the show Rectify? I've only found partial segments. [more inside]
July 18
Please help me use up some of my CSA produce! (Beets, fennel, zucchini)
My fridge is starting to bulge open with the sheer amount of produce I'm accumulating from my weekly farm box. Please help me come up with ideas to use some of it! Seeking ideas specifically for 1) beets 2) zucchini/summer squash and 3) fennel (possibly looking for help modifying a potato gratin recipe). More inside! [more inside]
Help me find a comfortable outfit for a 30th anniversary party
What to wear? [more inside]
Should we pay friends to babysit?
Mrs. Zooropa and I have a 17-month old, and are finally having a date night tomorrow night. We are new to the area, and have few friends and no family nearby. A co-worker of mine and his wife have agreed to babysit for us. Here's our quandary: do we pay them? [more inside]
Help my future-husband and I choose a meaningful new last name
We're a mixed-race couple that are getting married soonish and really want to blend our Chinese-whiteness together into one name, but are coming up completely blank. I need ideas! Chinese surname with an alternative spelling? White last name that sounds suspiciously Chinese? [more inside]
Advice for American family going to the Algarve in August?
Mr. TEA, preschooler TEA, and I are going from our home in the U.S. to the Algarve next month to visit family for a few weeks. This will be the first trip out of the U.S. for our preschooler, and the first trip back in a long while for us adults. What advice can you give us about how to help our preschooler prepare for the trip? About what to do as a family while we're there? About traveling with kids in the Algarve?
Divorce Lawyer in the Twin Cities
Looking for family law/divorce lawyer recommendations in the Twin Cities to help a couple with young children and assets go through a non-contentious divorce. Email AnonMetafilter14@gmail.com if you prefer. [more inside]
When Is It Good To Let go Of An Internet Friendship?
I've had a two year friendship with someone I've never met but care a great deal for. It is causing a lot of stress. I am unsure how to end it given the intensity of our communication. I have included more in the extended area. [more inside]
posted by Fayrose at 7:19 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Fayrose at 7:19 PM PST - 17 comments
Help me get out of a work-only rut and be sociable again?
In the last year or so, my life has basically become work and errands, and my social life is barely there. As a result, I find myself becoming unable to be sociable around people. All I seem to do is be able to discuss my job. How can I get out of this rut? [more inside]
I want you like a penguin..in canvas
Looking for prints of animals clearly in love or displaying "love" that I can buy, frame, and hang on my wall [more inside]
Apps That Help Combine Photos to Fix When People Don't Smile or Blinking
I used to use and love an iOS app called GroupShot that helped you magically combine the good parts of multiple photos into one to help fix issues like when people don't smile or accidentally blink or when they aren't all looking at the camera at the same time. The app no longer works right and I can't find any others like it! Anyone know of any other apps out there that do that? [more inside]
What is this phantom litter box smell?
How can I eliminate (or mask) a weird smell in my house's A/C? [more inside]
inspirational books/biographies about the non-fiction writing life?
I'm neck deep in writing an academic book at the moment, and on the worst days I lose the will to live. To dislodge myself from the daily temptation to nuke the whole manuscript, slit my wrists and be done with it all, I've been trying to keep motivated by reading good accounts of the life of writers. I would love recommendations! Details inside. [more inside]
posted by starcrust at 5:29 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by starcrust at 5:29 PM PST - 4 comments
What did Marx not foresee?
What has happened in recent history that has upended Marxist philosophy? [more inside]
Icebreakers for creative, nerdy adults
What are some fun ice-breaking games that could be used for a mixed group of 30 science-minded writers and filmmakers? Preferably something involving telling a story and/or sharing anecdotes about themselves (a la "2 Truths and a Lie") in order to foster connection. Trying to find ways to get a sense of someone's history and personality, so games that are just for fun (like Mafia) aren't really going to do the trick here. [more inside]
Nail color inspiration for wedding guest outfit?
What outside-the-box-color nail polish would best accent a black cocktail dress (with silver accent beading) and silver shoes? [more inside]
posted by shelle at 4:59 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by shelle at 4:59 PM PST - 21 comments
Please help me develop thicker skin.
Sure, the, "no, where are you really from?" thing gets old fast, but that's so minor compared to everything else I've experienced. How can I keep my chin up as a minority who is living in a place that is 90% white? [more inside]
The name/location of the lighthouse in HIMYM??
Hi!
Was wondering if anyone knows the name and location of the lighthouse in the Lighthouse episode of How I Met Your Mother.
THANK YOU!
Bar Exam is quickly approaching, so I'm going to focus on what to wear.
I need a "lucky bar exam" t-shirt. Not one that says, "this is my lucky bar shirt", though. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 3:50 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by atomicstone at 3:50 PM PST - 22 comments
Hit the road, Jack!
Driving from New Jersey to Cleveland in one day. Are there any sites worth seeing? [more inside]
How can you establish credit if you've never had a credit card or loans?
I've never been in debt, I've never had a credit card, I have money in a bank account, but today I went to look up my credit report and there was nothing in it. I'm not planning on making any big purchases in the next two years, but I'm sure eventually I'll want to buy a house or a car. How can I build up my credit, given that many places won't give me a credit card due to the fact I have no credit score? [more inside]
Best way to ensure porky goodness?
I am planning to cook Hugh Fearfuller-Whittingstall's Donnie Brasco pork shoulder to be served tomorrow evening. [more inside]
Position elimination and lay offs
Can employers lie about a lay off due to funds? [more inside]
Another mystery shrub! Please can you help ID it?
this shrub is growing in our Atlanta yard. [more inside]
posted by pointystick at 2:56 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by pointystick at 2:56 PM PST - 7 comments
This is how Android SHOULD work. Is there a way to do this?
After much experimentation, I’ve finally realized how I want the Android home screens to work: Like this (simple 30-sec video clip). Essentially, I want it to work like making a Mac OS X app full-screen and assigning it to a work space. [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 2:48 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Alaska Jack at 2:48 PM PST - 8 comments
Reusable menstrual pads
I'm on the market to buy reusable menstrual pads. Please recommend your favorite companies to buy from. [more inside]
posted by cacao at 2:34 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by cacao at 2:34 PM PST - 28 comments
Why isn't Zofran OTC?
Why isn't Zofran OTC? Re: this response and a recent bout of norovirus where a tab Zofran, passed along by a pregnant coworker, was a savior. [more inside]
How can I stop caring so much about what people think of me?
I tend to care about what people think way too much. I get nervous in social situations sometimes to where I feel shakey and out of breath. I can't think straight sometimes when talking to people. I also tend to change the way I act around different people to the point of where I feel disconnected from myself. How can I stop caring so much? [more inside]
posted by anon1129 at 1:26 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by anon1129 at 1:26 PM PST - 18 comments
Help me have a countertop dishwasher, fancy faucet edition
I've been itching to have a countertop dishwasher again. The catch? I rent and my kitchen faucet is a pull out model, with the built in sprayer. I have an idea below -- can you let me know if it's feasible (plus any pitfalls to watch out for), and if not, perhaps point me in a better direction? [more inside]
Invisible bra for the busty gal
I'm trying to find a bra like this one, but that will fit a 36DD. I'm unfortunately just outside of their size range. [more inside]
Could someone please translate a marriage record for me from Alsace 1772
I have located on-line a 1772 marriage record from Alsace, France pertaining to my family but can't make much out The image is sharp and clear enough but it looks to be in Latin. I can send a copy. Any help would be appreciated.
posted by mcbeitz at 12:42 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by mcbeitz at 12:42 PM PST - 12 comments
File woes
I grabbed a bunch of posts off of a vBulletin forum to analyze for a research project (with permission, of course, from the forums and the users and my IRB), and I've got it all cleaned up and ready to go. I've got thousands of files in .xls (Microsoft Excel 97-2003) format. So far, so good. Now how do I get these files into a format that my analysis software will play with nicely? [more inside]
Time Lapse Image Comparison
Recommendations on some simple software to analyze the difference in time lapse images. [more inside]
Best way to clean old wood floor.
My new place has an old hard wood floor that is in serious disrepair. Patched by metal signs, covered in particle board in parts. What is the best way to clean them? [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 12:15 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by kittensofthenight at 12:15 PM PST - 6 comments
Copenhagen dining for the not-quite-so-hip
Seeking restaurant recommendations for a family trip to Copenhagen. I am traveling with my mom and aunt (in their 60s) and brother (in his 30s) and we are not exactly looking for the hippest, fanciest places around. Details inside. [more inside]
Where to buy older portable/console games?
Are there good places online to purchase old Game Boy Advance or DS games? [more inside]
Looking for eggplant recipes
A friend of mine gave me three small eggplants from her co-op basket last night, so I'm looking for some interesting recipes for eggplant. They look like this, which is not what I'm used to, so I don't know if they would do better cooked a particular way. Minor difficulty - gluten free and relatively low fat.
Also, how long will these last before they go bad? Do I need to cook them in the next 2-3 days?
Thanks!
Indoor couch to outdoor dog couch
I own this small black couch from IKEA. Primary user is my Alaskan Malamute (obligatory pic), who staked his claim on it many moons ago - it's a dog couch now. I'd like to make this couch available to him when he's in the backyard while I'm at work. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by Gori Girl at 10:19 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Gori Girl at 10:19 AM PST - 4 comments
Scenic public workspaces in DC
I'm coming to DC for a couple of weeks to start a job search, possibly to move there. A large part of my time will be spent working on job applications. I don't want to spend all of this time at home since it helps to get out and about. I prefer to work in scenic spaces. Any suggestions of where I might go? Thinking along the lines of old libraries or other public areas. [more inside]
What's the current wisdom on riding mowers?
I need to buy a new riding mower. What am I going to need to be looking for when comparing models? What's good and what's bad these days? [more inside]
Best Books on shipping mail/news/orders/etc?
What is the best book on the history of sending mail, news, orders and other information by ship?
posted by michaelh at 9:33 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by michaelh at 9:33 AM PST - 1 comment
Is it worth pursuing speech therapy to fix a child's lisp ?
Looking for arguments / reasoning to support pursuing speech therapy (school provided), to address a lisp on 'th' and 's' sounds. The child in question is turning 6. [more inside]
When it's time to style this party, I will always style it hard!
An acquaintance has asked me to serve as the (paid) stylist for her child's birthday party. I'm not a professional party stylist, just a maniac with a glue gun and far too many ideas. What's a fair price for my labor? Party location: NYC. [more inside]
posted by 2or3things at 8:15 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by 2or3things at 8:15 AM PST - 5 comments
Seeking an early Autumn room with a view
Completely indecisive person seeking an end of September/early October 3-4 day trip from DC - short drive, train, or plane trip for around 1k. No idea where I want to go, but the only must is a room/balcony with a really beautiful nature view. [more inside]
How can I pay down just my unsubsidized student loan?
I have two loans, one subsidized one unsubsidized federal student loans with AES. AES will only allow me direct my payment to both loans in total: they will not allow me to specify what percentage of my payment goes to each loan. How can I fix this? [more inside]
Help me find an adjective
I need an adjective for a person who knows they're doing the wrong thing, but does it anyway with the attitude, "I don't care; no one can tell me what to do." It's not 'arrogant', but it's close; it has an element of arrogance mixed with impulsiveness and irresponsibility, as the person engages in extreme and self-destructive behaviors, with attitudes of spite, stubbornness and obstinacy about the consequences. [more inside]
Has a FitBit helped you get off your lazy a-- ?
I need to jumpstart my fitness which is currently non-existent. Would a FitBit help me (& the SO) be less lazy and more motivated? Did you use a fitbit or similar device to help you get on a fitness track? Or did you use another method?
Take this job and...shove it?
i may have made a big mistake. i was persistently recruited by one of the "big three" food service providers and after turning down a few offers, I finally accepted one from them. i have been in my new position for 2 months now and i can safely say that I HATE IT. [more inside]
posted by ps_im_awesome at 7:27 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by ps_im_awesome at 7:27 AM PST - 13 comments
Earning while I'm Learning?
I have been asked by a friend who's just starting a technical consulting business to help him do marketing/CRM. I am helping him as a friend with tech strategy and competitive intelligence (what I do know) and he wants to pay me to do business development (which I don't know.) So, what should I charge for consulting services when I am completely new at what I am doing? Sounds foolhardy, I know, but lots of snowflakey details inside. [more inside]
Japanese OCR for Mac?
So what's the market look like for Japanese OCR software for Mac OS? I'm a bit bewildered and feeling out of my league upon googling around. It would be rad to be pointed in the right direction on this.
Dismissed from full time position, but HR offers to reclassify
I was recently dismissed from a new full time job less than 3 months after starting it.
A recent note from HR has kindly offered to reclassify the position as a temporary one if it would help me. Is this wise? It sounds like I can go forward without the stigma of being fired but will it affect unemployment, or anything else I don't know about?
(It was a bit of a shock, tho it wasn't a great fit. Wisconsin is an at-wlll state and there were no issues of misconduct. )
Mefites of New York: Where should I live in NYC?
So, I'm moving to New York, and the housing situation looks really complicated. I have a friend I can crash with for a week or two, but I would ideally like to find a place soon after I arrive in the city in early August. I have no idea which areas I should be looking in, or what's reasonable for my budget. [more inside]
Vacation! September! Two kids under three! Eastern US!
My husband and I are in the beginning stages of planning our first vacation in a few years. It'll be our first vacation with kids; our daughters are 13 months and 2.5 years. We will be going in September. I'd prefer to stay in the Eastern time zone so we don't have to mess with sleep schedules. We have to stay in the US, as neither kid has a passport. We'd prefer to drive so we can set our own pace. Budget for the whole shebang is $1,000 - $1,500. [more inside]
posted by SeedStitch at 6:40 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by SeedStitch at 6:40 AM PST - 14 comments
Bookmarking a page of results in academic search engines
Question for those with access to academic search engines: is there a way to bookmark a specific page of results or navigate quickly to a particular result number? [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 6:33 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by quiet coyote at 6:33 AM PST - 8 comments
best sponge/tool for bathroom cleaning?
When I clean the bathroom, I try to use a plain rectangular sponge but there's a lot of hair in there and it just moves it around and redeposits it and is frustrating. I wind up using paper towels which seems like a waste and isn't as convenient for little touch ups. Does anyone have a type of sponge or tool that they really like for this? Bonus for anything else that will make this chore easier, which will help me do it more often.
posted by ftm at 6:18 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by ftm at 6:18 AM PST - 16 comments
A birthday greeting from a significant and estranged ex
How should I have handled receiving a birthday greeting form an ex who completely broke my heart and whom I haven't contacted since? [more inside]
posted by blokefromipanema at 6:18 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by blokefromipanema at 6:18 AM PST - 31 comments
Ask the milkman, white with foam.
Is there something I could add to whole milk that would make it froth better without affecting it negatively in some other way? [more inside]
Mysterious lines in my word document giving me agita help help help
Wrote a Thing on a google docs app on iPad; transferred it to word document on Mac, and there are a few solid lines like "____________" that will not disappear, regardless of what I move around and try to delete. How to fix? [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 6:08 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by angrycat at 6:08 AM PST - 9 comments
"Get Behind the Mule" - glorify my hard work with some appropriate songs
I'm looking for music that is about working hard (even if there are other themes and meanings as well, as in the title example), and isn't complaining about it. The Tom Waits song named qualifies, as would Lizzo's "W.E.R.K.", if that gives you an idea of both the range of music I am open to hearing and how far I'm willing to stretch the theme. Your ideas are appreciated.
posted by dee lee at 5:16 AM PST - 40 comments
posted by dee lee at 5:16 AM PST - 40 comments
Micromanagement is giving me a sad
The micromanagement in my workplace is starting to impact seriously on my confidence. How best to handle this? [more inside]
Ideas for vacation in Charlottesville and Asheville?
My wife and I are planning a vacation to Charlottesville, VA and Asheville, NC at the beginning of August. We plan to stay three nights in each city. We plan to do some hiking as well as city stuff. What are your favorite places in that area, and what would you recommend doing?
Best storage methods for scratch-and-sniff stickers?
I bought a few packs of Trend scratch and sniff stickers for my students. Can I safely cut them up into individual pieces, and mix them in one bag? Or will that cause a weird, permanent mixture of scents? Parents, teachers, scratch and sniff experts... please advise.
posted by Xere at 1:38 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Xere at 1:38 AM PST - 4 comments
July 17
Tips to get through this
In less than a week I have a colonoscopy scheduled and with all the health problems I have, it's going to be hell. (which are reasons why I'm getting the test.) What are some tips to get through this? [more inside]
Datasets for returned merchandise (ecommerce)
I need to get hold of datasets for online purchases, more specifically those that include product returns for a (self funded) project I'm working on. [more inside]
Xxplosive
I was evicting dust bastards from my mid-2010 MacBook Pro tonight when I came across this little piece of exploded circuitry. wtf. [more inside]
Help building a very simple shelf
I'd like to build a very simple shelf that looks like this using minimal tools and at a low cost. [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 8:13 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by roaring beast at 8:13 PM PST - 12 comments
Dog crates that fit a Modern house?
The mister and I are moving into a new apartment! Hooray! The one problem? A dog crate that both fits our new apartment's aesthetic and isn't $1200. [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 8:11 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by functionequalsform at 8:11 PM PST - 10 comments
high-proof alcohol for sale in Boston?
BostonFilter: I'm looking for neutral grain spirits to make tinctures with. I haven't found anything in the liquor store higher than 40% ABV vodkas. Apparently Everclear isn't available in Mass (?), but is there anything else I can get ahold of? Huge bonus points for Cambridge/Somerville, and I can't go to weird exurban car-needing places.
posted by threeants at 8:08 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by threeants at 8:08 PM PST - 10 comments
Johns Hopkins job--where to live in or near Baltimore?
My cousin has a job offer at Johns Hopkins (Homewood campus) and is considering a move to Baltimore--but where to live? They have a young kid and so need a good school and a short, preferably car-less commute to work, and would like a walkable, safe area--does this pretty much rule out the city? Coming from brownstone Brooklyn, which they like in most respects. Suggestions?
Help me navigate an appt with a new doc
I finally got health insurance after not having it for years. The problem is that it is my states crappy version of medicaid even though they won't admit it. It has already been a clusterfuck. Only 3 docs in my county accept this insurance. I have my first appt tomorrow and could use some advice on how to proceed. [more inside]
posted by futz at 7:47 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by futz at 7:47 PM PST - 21 comments
Looking for sartorial inspiration
I'm looking for Tumblrs, Pinterest boards, and the like that collect photos of ordinary dudes—not hunky professional models with well funded stylists—rocking casual but sharp outfits. [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 7:29 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by escape from the potato planet at 7:29 PM PST - 5 comments
I've Never Wanted To Be At The Front Of The Line Until Now
I hate my awful, auto-dialing, MotoX android with a passion and am counting the days until the introduction and release of iPhone6 in September. Help me come up with a strategy to get one of the early models and not have to wait months until there is a significant amount of product for general distribution. In other words I want to actually have an iPhone 6 in my hands in September. How do I do it?
Actually useful online traffic school
My husband got a ticket for a moving violation and has to complete some form of traffic school. He'd like to do it online and would like for it to be actually a useful course, not just some brush off thing. We live in Los Angeles County, if anyone knows of a good one somewhere that would work for him.
posted by jvilter at 6:54 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by jvilter at 6:54 PM PST - 5 comments
Girth & vagina pain.
Repeatedly bleeding after penetrative sex, yes we use so much lube, any advice? [more inside]
Is Sr. Citizen Bankruptcy a Good "Why Not" Idea?
My mother is 80 years old and has good credit but wonders if she'll ever use it (or even if anyone would allow her a major purchase that would require a loan/credit, considering her age/income/lack of any savings or assets, which seems unlikely from her experience). Her income is (not much) fixed social security and could qualify her for bankruptcy. She could wipe out $200/month of credit card payments with a BK without affecting her house (she co-owns with a sis), and she could keep (not declare) a credit card for emergencies.
Are there possible downsides to BK? Or is it a clear-cut case of more income for her senior years? [more inside]
"split their skulls open like the old days"
I need some help processing a disturbing and scary interaction I had today with someone. [more inside]
Your snack ideas, please!
With the help of a dietitian, I've been doing quite well in my effort to eat healthier and lose some weight. However, I need some more snack ideas before I get too bored of what I've got! [more inside]
What kind of bathing suit top is this?
I'm looking for a top that extends 3 or 4 inches below the bosom-line and doesn't flare. [more inside]
Is my bike too small?
I am a 5'8" woman who rides a 56cm (large) Specialized Tricross. I do not race on this bike — I have it set up for commuting and use it to ride Houston's pot-holed streets.
Or, I *would* use it to ride Houston's pot-holed streets, except riding it for any longer than a couple of miles is pretty uncomfortable. [more inside]
How do I amass a book collection in this day and age?
I've always wanted to wind up with a large collection of books like my parents have. However, when I can find constantly updated information on the internet and I check out fiction from the library, I can rarely convince myself there's a good reason to actually BUY a book. What books should I be buying? Some snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by majesty_snowbird at 4:35 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by majesty_snowbird at 4:35 PM PST - 30 comments
Help me get less high
After a 30-year hiatus, I smoked some legal pot. I wouldn't exactly say I Dowded myself, but it was definitely a way more intense experience than I was looking for. The thing is, I did everything I possibly could to ingest the smallest amount possible, but it was still too much. Maybe you can help? [more inside]
Timeless Graduation Present for a Computer scientist
My Partner is graduating this summer, with a degree in computing, I'm looking for a present relevant to computing that would be a timeless present.
Is it safe to eat (off of) this?
Cheapest & Best Photo Books
We want to print our wedding photos in a book for family. What website has cheap (and very good) wedding books? Any recommendations are appreciated.
How do I host my MRI (with auto launcher) on the internet for my doctor?
My doctor abroad wants me to send him my MRI so he can review it. I used microsoft one drive, but the way I did it failed (twice) help? [more inside]
<30 discounts
I got my theater tickets at a discount, and I could join the Portland City Club at a discount (if I lived in Portland...). I'm 27 and want to find out about other discounts for the under-30 crowd. Where should I be looking? I live in Berkeley and tend to be into things like politics, theater, culture, etc., but general suggestions are welcome. Thank you!
Sights to see for a week in Denmark & Sweden?
I'm landing in Copenhagen July 26th, and flying out of Stockholm August 1. In those 6 days, what must I not miss? It will be my first time in the region. [more inside]
Male video game character mapped onto female character movements
Help me find this video or gif that I can't seem to locate with google. Sometime in the past year I've seen either a video or an animated gif where someone made a hack that put a male character skin on a female video game character. [more inside]
posted by MsMolly at 1:29 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by MsMolly at 1:29 PM PST - 5 comments
Super hip coffee places
What are the hippest (to the point of painfully hip) coffee shops that you know in DC? [more inside]
Pulling shopping carts not allowed?!?
Is there a reason a store would have a policy regarding pulling/versus pushing a shopping cart? Safety? Is this specifically a Trader Joe's policy? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by PinkPoodle at 12:02 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by PinkPoodle at 12:02 PM PST - 42 comments
Cell phone for visiting Canada
I have a Virgin Mobile USA phone, which is useless outside the US. I'll be in Canada (Nova Scotia and Ontario) for two weeks, and while the idea of taking a break from little electronic devices is tempting, it actually would be kind of helpful to have a phone. What's my best (ie, cheapest) option? [more inside]
Give me another 10-ton catastrophe on a 60-foot chain
After seeing Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds the other night and having my mind blown, I have been in the mood for nothing but Cave and Cave-y tunes. The Nick Cave station I made on Pandora has been remarkably awesome, but it’s left me wanting MORE. Americana-meets-rock, darkly atmospheric, fire and brimstone with a sexy swagger... you get the idea. [more inside]
Help me approach this from the view-point of a 19-year-old
My daughter wants to move out and in with her boyfriend, and I think it would be a giant mistake. [more inside]
posted by primate moon at 11:20 AM PST - 68 comments
posted by primate moon at 11:20 AM PST - 68 comments
To gift or not to gift?
I'm invited to an engagement party. From preliminary research, it appears it's up to me whether or not to give a present... But I need some help figuring this out. Old friend, just meeting her fiance, casual engagement party, will not be invited to wedding. [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 11:18 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by DoubleLune at 11:18 AM PST - 14 comments
Finding a Reputable Online Pet Medication Store
Looking to buy Revolution Heartworm medicine for dogs from an Online Store that ships to Canada. Have had a hard time finding what looks like a reputable site. Does anyone here have experience with a good place to find pet medicine online?
What conversations should we have before living in sin?
Dear hive mind, please suggest items for a checklist of issues/expectations/questions to discuss with my significant other before we shack up next month! I was reading this question and saw that many people felt that they would never move in with a partner before discussing their finances with a certain level of detail. I would love to know what other rules of thumb people have about establishing a mutual understanding, financially, emotionally, housework-wise, etc. before cohabiting. Possibly relevant details inside. [more inside]
Avoiding postpartum mental illness?
What can I do to minimize my risk of postpartum mental illness? If I can't completely prevent it, I'd at least like to catch and treat it as early as possible. [more inside]
Aestheticians, et cetera for a transitioning trans lady in NYC
A friend of mine who is transitioning has asked me to ask MeFi for a couple of recommendations for beauty-related services in New York City. Needs and requirements as follows: [more inside]
How do you get out of being upset/reconnecting after a fight
I find myself spiraling down in negative emotions occasionally and want to learn about actual skills to pull myself out before the fight gets meta and out of hand. [more inside]
posted by monologish at 9:59 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by monologish at 9:59 AM PST - 13 comments
Recommend funny, sarcastic, pop culture T-shirts?
My husband likes funny-sarcastic and pop culture T-shirts. I have a completely different sense of humor, and a childhood free of TV. The pop culture T-shirts he likes best are a little subtle, like one for the dojo of the bad guys in Karate Kid, or an Abe Froman Sausage King shirt. I get the shirts, once they're explained, but I don't recognize references to be able to buy other similar! Army of Darkness, Monty Python, Batman, etc are other subjects he likes. Engineer jokes are good too. Please, help me find some great shirts!
Have you encountered my family's recipe elsewhere?
My family has a recipe that has been passed along for a few generations - the lore is that it was from the Depression days. I've never encountered it anywhere outside of my family, but I'm curious if it exists in other forms or if my family just made it up. [more inside]
posted by Neely O'Hara at 9:09 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by Neely O'Hara at 9:09 AM PST - 36 comments
Handling Professional Jealousy
I like my job, but have a friend who always seems to end up in my ideal employment situation. How can I get over being jealous and learn to be happy with what I do have? [more inside]
Last minute Exam P advice?
Alright, so, I'm taking my first actuarial exam, Exam P, on Saturday. I've been studying for months, worked through tons of examples, taken loads of practice exams. Do any actuaries or other folks who've taken this exam have any last minute advice for me? Anything you wished you'd practiced more or memorized better?
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 8:35 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 8:35 AM PST - 8 comments
Help me rejoin the land of the living.
I've been diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia - which means I sleep too much and nobody can figure out why. With the diagnosis, I was essentially told that there's nothing the medical establishment can do for me beyond prescribing modafinil [Provigil]. Provigil only works a little for me, and is extremely expensive. I am currently disabled by my oversleeping (11-16 hours a day) and my inability to wake up before noon, and it's sort of ruining my life. I feel really let down by my doctors and hopeless about the future. Is there anything else I can do to manage this condition and/or my life with it? Way too much more inside. [more inside]
Desperately searching for new webcomics
I am currently obsessed with O Human Star, which has so much of what I enjoy in a comic: a feeling of personal warmth (as opposed to 'cold action'), no convoluted action-y shading/perspective art-wise, unique storyline, science fiction vibes, no purely 'sinister' atmosphere, and nuanced gender elements. What else might I enjoy? [more inside]
Should I get back together with my ex-wife?
I could really use some input to help me sort through all of this. At 40 years old, she was having a lesbian affair and asked me to move out. I was devastated. But in hindsight, our marriage wasn't a good one. And I suppose it was just a matter of time before something came along to unravel the whole thing. Now she wants me back. I have no clue how I even feel, much less if I even want to try again. Wall of text inside. [more inside]
But you never asked!
I've had a consistent problem in my work life recently, and I'd love some advice. Since I've had so much trouble getting work, I defaulted to Executive Assistant positions. I figured this was in line with my personality, since I'm fairly thick-skinned and cheerful, and I'm pretty organized. The only problem is that I keep getting temp-to-perm positions where the C-level exec I assist accuses me of forgetting to do things he never asked me to do! [more inside]
Kindle browser
Has the "experimental" browser on newer models of Amazon Kiindle gotten any better?
Gmail keeps threatening that soon it will no longer support the native browser on my Kindle 3 (keyboard), but upgrading to Chrome as is suggested is not an option. The Kindle 5 looks like it has a browser, is it just the same, or has it improved over time? Does anyone offer a better browser for Kindle as an app?
Weird PC problem with 3 programs
My husband has a problem with his computer and we can’t figure it out. He has a PC with Windows 8.0. He’s having trouble with three specific programs (Chrome, Google Earth and iTunes). The three problems started at about the same time. Is this a problem with his PC or with the programs or something else? (details and pictures inside). [more inside]
posted by OrangeDisk at 7:11 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by OrangeDisk at 7:11 AM PST - 4 comments
Names & work
Summer contracting job -- when do I have to use my legal name? [more inside]
I need a landline telephone — but just for 9 hours
Like many people, I am totally fine living without a landline. Between my cell phone and Google Voice, I'm covered. Mostly. But now I need a landline for nine hours. [more inside]
What Would Be In Your Best High School English Class?
I'm teaching high school-level English next year for students who need a high level of academic support and I want the class to be both highly engaging and content-rich.
If you were a kid who LOATHED writing for school, struggled with boring English classes, or can remember what elements you truly enjoyed in your high school English class, what advice would you pass my way? [more inside]
posted by kinetic at 3:21 AM PST - 46 comments
posted by kinetic at 3:21 AM PST - 46 comments
Can you take too much activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is often given for various poisonings, but can you overdose on it? What would happen if you took it every day?
posted by devnull at 12:47 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by devnull at 12:47 AM PST - 6 comments
How to create an Excel histogram showing distribution of timestamps
I have a spreadsheet containing timestamps, that I want to display as a histogram [more inside]
posted by jedro at 12:43 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by jedro at 12:43 AM PST - 1 comment
Help me not live off Trader Joe's and Lean Cuisine.
So I can actually cook, and pretty well. It's the rest of the logistics of getting food on the table (meal planning, figuring out how to make balanced meals, even grocery shopping) that I struggle with. I need help learning to feed myself better than the frozen foods aisle can! [more inside]
July 16
Winnipeg Mazda A/C repair?
Mrs. Sauce and I are on an epic roadtrip in our Mazda and we just lost our air conditioner. Yelp is failing us. Can anyone recommend an honest and capable repair shop in Winnipeg?
posted by Sauce Trough at 11:02 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Sauce Trough at 11:02 PM PST - 6 comments
How did spongebob squarepants hack my radio?
As I was driving home the other day, listening to NPR...as you do, my radio fuzzed out and an episode of Spongebob Squarepants took over. It played for about 2 blocks as I kept pace with the traffic nearby, then faded back to All Things Considered when I turned. Our NPR station is at 88.3 on the dial, and I can only assume that a nearby car had a kid watching Spongebob in it, but how did the not-so-soothing tones of Patrick and Squidwart supplant Melissa, Robert and Audie?!
posted by nerdcore at 10:49 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by nerdcore at 10:49 PM PST - 7 comments
What did Coach McGuirk mean when he gave Brendon Small this advice:
What did Coach McGuirk mean when he gave Brendon Small this advice:
"Brendon, let me tell you a little something about women. Women are like men. But men are not like women..."
As a Kindle eBook author, how terrified should I be of Kindle Unlimited?
A few months ago I started selling kinky eBooks for the Kindle, and it's been great. I'm paying my rent doing something I enjoy! But tonight I read this Salon.com article, and it's scary as hell. Amazon is reportedly testing Kindle Unlimited, a service allowing readers to download unlimited books for a flat monthly fee. I've spent hours tonight trying to determine how this will affect self-publishers. Can anybody walk me through the likely scenarios, and talk me down from this panic attack? [more inside]
50 Shades of Street Harassment
My question is primarily about how best to deal with street harassment with the caveat that just ignoring it is not my preferable solution. [more inside]
Will an Old Town Alexandria to Tyson's commute drive me insane?
Northern VA MeFites: I live next to the Braddock Road metro in Old Town Alexandria, and am considering a job in Tyson's. In terms of a commute by car, is this a Very Bad Idea? Which route would you recommend the most & which should I avoid? I considered a blue-to-silver line commute, but the daily round-trip total comes out to $14.70, way more than I can afford. I've been in the DC area for 4 years, all involving a straight blue line commute.
posted by invisible ink at 7:15 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by invisible ink at 7:15 PM PST - 15 comments
How are water rates set in California, and why is water still cheap?
California is in a severe drought. The state just passed a law authorizing heavy fines for people who use water in visibly wasteful ways, and some municipalities are rationing households or talking about doing so. However, my impression is that actual water rates (prices for ordinary use) haven't gone up much. Is that correct? And if so, what would need to happen for rates to go up, and why isn't it happening? [more inside]
Should I stay or should I go?
So here's the thing. My dad just got diagnosed with ALS-- Lou Gehrig's Disease, That Thing That Stephen Hawking Has, you know the drill-- and I have a moral dilemma. [more inside]
Looking for image of the word "push" that reads as "pull" upside down.
Maybe I'm just imagining this, but I seem to remember seeing an example of the word "Push" that when viewed upside down read as the word "Pull". My fever dream or a reality?
posted by jeremias at 6:47 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by jeremias at 6:47 PM PST - 4 comments
Hey I heard you like the wild ones.
I need ideas for what wild, low-maintenance flowers and plants to try to grow in half our yard that was previously mulch. [more inside]
posted by Bacon Bit at 6:26 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Bacon Bit at 6:26 PM PST - 10 comments
Gift to Chinese employee in non-tipping culture: how?
Our cleaning lady is taking her first holiday in a decade to visit her family. I was planning on giving her a cash present in lieu of the money she would have earned at our place, but I don't think she understands tips and I don't want her to feel further obliged to us. This has been a problem in the past because she has very strong views on hard work and duty &c.
How should I present the idea (and money) to her in a culturally appropriate way? Am I just overthinking this?
posted by ICanHazQuestion at 6:10 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ICanHazQuestion at 6:10 PM PST - 12 comments
I don't know what to say when meeting "notables." Help!
How do you network with a "bigwig?" This is what has crossed my mind quite a bit recently. I hear all the time stories of people who've sat next to so-and-so on an airplane and apparently chatted it up and had a great time. What did they say to them? How did the conversation begin? Does it always begin with "I'm a fan" even if you aren't? (Kinda long, sorry) [more inside]
No one will pay for wheelchair repair, even with Medicaid... now what?
YANM medical billing professional, but I need help in getting my very expensive, recently-out-of-warranty electric wheelchair fixed. I live in NY, have (crappy) private insurance ( Oxford Liberty) through my mother's job and Medicaid due to a cerebral palsy diagnosis. My chair ( an Invacare model) was provided through my previous insurance and OL isn't accepted by the contractor that provided it. They take Medicaid, but refuse to put in a claim and keep passing the buck. I can't leave my house. What do I do? [more inside]
Recovering stolen property
Does anyone know what the procedure is for confiscating something that's stolen? [more inside]
What should an American bring to England?
My mom is going on a business trip to England soon! What American snack food or candy should she bring to the coworkers she will be visiting in the UK? [more inside]
posted by topoisomerase at 4:25 PM PST - 51 comments
posted by topoisomerase at 4:25 PM PST - 51 comments
Dealing with high thyroid
My doctors (GP and endocrinologist) are currently investigating my thyroid. Historically it's been low then levelling to normal but last blood test was high, and with a follow up 2 week later was high again. I'm booked in for a nuclear scan on Monday. But how do I deal with the symptoms? [more inside]
posted by geek anachronism at 4:24 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by geek anachronism at 4:24 PM PST - 7 comments
I get all the peaches now!
Food allergy contact dermatitis is a thing? A *different* thing? [more inside]
posted by The Noble Goofy Elk at 4:14 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by The Noble Goofy Elk at 4:14 PM PST - 14 comments
Seeking suggestions: short sojourn in Seoul
I'm going to be in Seoul for a long weekend next month - what should I do? Where should I stay? What should I eat? [more inside]
Should I eat it? Ground Lamb edition
I have two packages of ground lamb that I bought for making some spicy lamb burgers. I got them on Saturday, and the sale by date is for the 21st. I pulled them from the meat drawer just now and the plastic wrap sealing the top of each tray of lamb was very taut and bulging. I pierced the wraps and a really foul smell came from each package. The problem is- the lamb is still a healthy looking bright red and it is not past the freshness date. The meat does have an odor, but not as strong as the air that escaped the package at first. Would you go ahead and cook it up or toss it?
"Weird Al" covers by parody subjects?
Has any subject of a "Weird Al" Yankovic parody ever done a cover of their parody song in concert? Like, has Devo ever performed "Dare to be Stupid"?
posted by Small Dollar at 3:28 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Small Dollar at 3:28 PM PST - 9 comments
Fiction incorporating internet interactions?
What books and short fiction successfully incorporate internet communication, specifically web communication, into the narrative? I'm interested in writing a novel or novella that would switch between traditional omniscient third-person narrative and the descents into utter madness that can be found on, for example, Tumblr, and other web forums. The only piece that I can think of that uses forum posts to tell a story is "Candle Cove," but I am sure there must be many more. I'm particularly interested in novels.
Shockwave Flash causing instability?
Twice in the past two days, my computer has choked while playing youtube videos [more inside]
Can this schefflera be saved?
I have a large (4' tall) schefflera in my office that has been infested with aphids for a few years now. At the recommendation of a coworker, I tried half-heartedly to get rid of them one time over the course of a few weeks by spraying the leaves with a mixture of dish soap and water, but this was way too time-intensive given that I do not care about this plant at all, and I'm not sure it helped, anyway. The thing is, I feel guilty letting it slowly die an aphid-ridden death. [more inside]
posted by something something at 1:49 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by something something at 1:49 PM PST - 9 comments
Cheapest way to drive an 8x4x1' package from LA to Burningman?
I'm planning on building a Hexayurt and driving it to Burningman and back. I'm told that Hexayurts fold up into a package that's approximately 8x4x1' large. Unfortunately, my car is a 2002 Toyota Camry LE without a roof rack (and without rain gutters, so roof racks are challenging/expensive to install). What's my cheapest option that's still safe for a 1300 mile car trip? [more inside]
Need examples of overlapping conversations from fiction
I'm looking for examples from fiction of multiple conversations happening at once, between at least three different people. The more complex the conversation, the better. Better still if it's from a known author.
Are we talking or are you trying to give me an eskimo kiss?
I have a co-worker that is a close-talker and it makes me uncomfortable. We are becoming good friends and I enjoy talking with with her, but if we are face to face I find myself having to back away. If I am sitting at my desk, sometimes she will come behind my desk and stand right next to me while I am sitting in my chair and lean in so that we are face to face. I need some advice on how to non-nonchalantly ask her to not close-talk or at least give me a little bit of space. She is great and I do not want to hurt her feelings so I want to let her know casually if possible.
Background if it matters...Im a guy. She is not hitting on me and does not like me (I know because I have seen her do the same to others and she has a long term boyfriend).
Moldy belongings brought into clean home - is home infected?
On moving day, we discovered all of our belongings were covered in mold from water damage. We will have all of our belongings professionally cleaned (or disposed if not recoverable). Do we need to remediate the home, too? [more inside]
Toning bleached hair
DIY-hair-filter: I bleached my hair 2.5 weeks ago. Can I use toner on it now or is that a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by aaanastasia at 12:05 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by aaanastasia at 12:05 PM PST - 5 comments
False smoke alarms in AC ducts: troubleshooting tips?
Our new commercial space is experiencing frequent false smoke alarms in one specific area of our AC ducts. The company that installed the AC system is stumped, and so is the electronic security company that installed the smoke detectors.
We've just had our ducts cleaned top to bottom but the problem persists even though we're presumably dust-free.
Any thoughts on what to try next? Engineers? Inspection services?
Recommend areas to live in an around Newcastle Upon Tyne
In the spectrum between posh, desirable, OK, and rough, what are some areas to live in and around Newcastle that are nice to live. Posh is probably too expensive for us and not what we want - so something civilised and friendly is about right.
Most ideal, durable, portable iPad workstation setup for travel?
What is the most durable, portable iPad workstation setup for extended traveling abroad? [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 10:40 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by deern the headlice at 10:40 AM PST - 16 comments
Need a visa medical form signed ASAP!
I need a medical certificate signed by a doctor ASAP so I can apply for a Belgian visa. Where can I do this on short notice in Los Angeles? Complicating details inside. [more inside]
posted by bonifate at 10:28 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by bonifate at 10:28 AM PST - 6 comments
Very basic car battery question
The internet says positive should be reconnected first, but that's not as easy as it should be. What's the best option? [more inside]
iCalzone? iCal? ics?
I found a Yahoo Pipe to consolidate multiple Ics feeds from different websites into one Ics-feed (that I can import into Ical). But I can't get it to work. Does anybody have a clue? Here's the template for the pipe.
Let's say this is calendar A and Calendar B.
Safe to engrave an iPod nano?
I just bought a 6th generation iPod nano for my spouse for our 10th anniversary (coincidentally, the aluminum anniversary!). I would like to have it engraved--is it safe for a regular engraver, who can do laser engraving, to do that with the nano? Any experiences with such to reassure me? [more inside]
Any helpful guidance for family member who is leaving High School?
I have a family member that has chosen to leave high school at 16. I need some help or resources for us to guide a constructive process. [more inside]
What are the most illuminating findings from the field of Cogn. Poetics?
I have an interest in literary theory but have never really had the time to study it fully. Please help me expand my awareness :-) [more inside]
Replace this tooth?
Had a split tooth a few weeks back, which the dentist pulled. Insurance covered it, but they won't cover an implant to replace it. It's the 1st premolar, upper -- third back from front. What do I risk by not replacing it?
Should I travel to India in early October or early November?
I am planning a 2-3 week trip to India this fall, and the dates I can go would be either early October or early November (2014). I've been told that October is still pretty hot, and that early November is a bad time to go because of the Pushkar Camel Fair - that many hotels would be sold out, rates will be high, etc. (Also, I'm a travel consultant and would be less likely to get travel industry rates when hotels are full.)
It's my first trip to India, so I am thinking that I will be mostly in the North - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, etc... possibly with a few days in Mumbai.
Which set of dates would you recommend? Any other factors I should consider?
what percent will result from combining two types of milk?
If I add 1/100 to 2/100, I get 3/100 or 3%. But if I add one hundred apples, one of which is red, to one hundred apples, two of which are red, I will have 3/200 or 1.5%. I'm very confused now as to what percent milk fat my milk will be if I combine the two types of milk (1% and 2%) together.
posted by windykites at 9:49 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by windykites at 9:49 AM PST - 15 comments
My mom and I--and the Cape.
My mom and I are leaving western PA tomorrow morning to drive to Cape Cod. Our original plan was just to wing it and go with the flow, but now that it's upon us, I'm nervous about not having anything planned. What can we do once we're there? [more inside]
What can I do for the next 5-6 weeks?
I chose not to go on vacation with my family (to their native country that I've been to before) to take summer classes instead. My summer session 2 class filled up and I got screwed out of a seat. Now, I'm stuck here (NYC) with nothing to do for the rest of the summer. Help me not lose my mind and fill this time up. [more inside]
posted by DayTripper at 9:43 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by DayTripper at 9:43 AM PST - 22 comments
How do I pick the best veterans' charity for my money?
I'm about to release the sequel to my military sci-fi novel, which did super well last year (self-pubbed on Amazon). Experience has shown that whenever I release a new book, all of the others get a sales bump. So for the first month of the new release, I'd like to donate anything I make off of the original to a good veterans' charity. Naturally, this has led me to a lot of questions. This is not the only place I'm asking, but the hive has always been of great assistance. [more inside]
Who, if anyone, is Randy Quaid channeling in Independence Day?
Randy Quaid's last line in Independence Day is "Hello, boys, I'm baaack!" He seems to be doing an impression of, or even quoting, some 1940's actress -- a real "dame." But who?
Commissioning a custom Lego minifigure?
Any advice on commissioning a custom Lego minifigure? My five-year-old son is hugely obsessed with Lego, and I'd like to have a custom minifigure made of a superhero character he's designed. I've found a few options online, but am wondering if anybody here has ever done this. Was it worth the money? Any vendors you'd recommend - or not? (I should note: I am far too uncoordinated to paint a minifigure myself.)
posted by UKnowForKids at 9:10 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by UKnowForKids at 9:10 AM PST - 3 comments
Can I turn a USB keypad into a shortcut machine for complicated tasks?
Let's say I want to highlight a piece of text and hit a button and have it place the text in quotes (or within code) and tweet it, is that possible? I'm on the newer OSXs. Curious about using either a cheap USB numeric keypad or a cheap USB controller like the Korg NanoKEY2 Slim Line. Is this possible?
Help me find more horror music.
Horror novels and horror movies are easy to find. Can you recommend me some good horror music? [more inside]
posted by Faint of Butt at 8:33 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by Faint of Butt at 8:33 AM PST - 45 comments
Why did 30 Rock drop so many storylines between Seasons 3 and 4?
I've been re-watching 30 Rock on Netflix this week, and I realized there were major story lines season 3 that seem to have been unapologetically dropped at the start of season 4. For instance, season 3 ends with a television event to find Milton Green a kidney...and, apart from a later mention of Elvis Costello, this major storyline is never mentioned again. Similarly, Jenna is focused on her movie about Jackie Jormp Jomp, but this subplot never re-emerges. Is there a reason?
posted by jefficator at 8:32 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by jefficator at 8:32 AM PST - 3 comments
"Objective" studies of the paranormal?
I'm looking for well-written and researched "objective and scientific" studies of the paranormal. I am aware that those are loaded words, particularly around this topic, and I doubt there is a book that settles questions about paranormal activity and abilities once and for all, but essentially I would like to read books written by authors who don't have a pre-determined agenda in favour or against these types of phenomena being real.
Should I find an agent or continue with small presses?
I've had some success this past year in publishing through small presses. I'm seeking direction in my literary career. A lot more details inside. [more inside]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 8:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 8:16 AM PST - 5 comments
Smother me with tips & advice on managing design projects
I'm an experienced product & "UX" designer who just started a new job (yay!) where the focus in the short term is managing design work done by external vendors & studios. I've done some of this before, but always small scale and usually in conjunction with a project manager who handled most of the time and team management stuff. I need your advice, tips, tools, and other lore on ways of managing design projects like these as I'm in a little over my head. [more inside]
Grad school application question help: Does this answer seem odd?
I am currently in the process of applying to The University of the Pacific's Master of Arts in Intercultural Relations. To answer one of the application questions I used part of a previous paper I wrote a few years back which I think answers the question well. I did cut and paste it with a few revisions and have been told it appears that way. A few other questions about it inside. [more inside]
two-week solo christmas adventure, 2014
flying solo, two-week christmas adventure, 2014... but where? [more inside]
Can my employer make me work for free for past Metrocards? [NYC-Filter]
I recently gave notice at my job, after having received Metrocards in advance. The HR department says because of the Metrocards, I still have to keep working until my resignation date, but won't get a final paycheck and will owe them money afterwards. Is this either legal or normal? What should I do? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by corb at 7:39 AM PST - 60 comments
posted by corb at 7:39 AM PST - 60 comments
Where do trains (and other moving things) get their interenet from?
I know cell phone providers sell data plans, but my understanding is that these have limited connection speeds - these days many trains offer "free wi-fi" for the passengers (I was even told of a shuttle bus that had wi-fi available). It can't just be standard cell phone data connection right? That would be hopelessly slow if more than a couple of passengers connected.
Planes use satellite connections I think. What technology do land based - but moving - wi-fi hotspots use?
Thanks
Project management and scheduling for a scientific team
I am part of a large collaborative lab-based project. We are currently disorganized and inefficient and are are looking for some project management systems or tools. [more inside]
What is this (possibly carpentry/upholstery) tool?
This object was amongst tools belonging to a carpenter/furniture restorer, so may be something to do with that trade. Beer bottle cap for size, ~5 inches total length; good condition, but must be at least 20 years old - could be much older. The metal part appears to be aluminium, which would be too soft for many tool uses, so perhaps it is something else entirely?
Creating an architectural digital archive
I'm looking for a solution to create a digital archive, primarily for an architectural practice with an extensive project history. [more inside]
Hiroshima to Narita Terminal 1 on January 5, 2015
We (two non-Japanese speaking adults, perhaps with JR Passes) will be in Hiroshima on the morning of January 5. I fly out of Narita T1 at 14:00, she flies out of Narita T1 at 18:00. What is the best way to get there in time, given the fact that we will have bags and it's the end of a big holiday travel period there? [more inside]
When to invest in index funds?
I want to start investing in index funds, but most that I look at have gone up in value quite a lot over the last two years. Would it be smarter to wait for a drop before investing, or just go in now? [more inside]
Phone etiquette experts: How to be polite when sound quality sucks?
When I'm on the (cell) phone with another person, and I'm not able to hear what they are saying clearly, I get stuck. For persistent low-quality voice calls (i.e. when "can you talk a little louder" isn't the solution and "can you repeat that?" doesn't help), what can I do or say that doesn't make me look like an incompetent, impatient jerk? [more inside]
posted by RaRa-SpaceRobot at 12:35 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by RaRa-SpaceRobot at 12:35 AM PST - 14 comments
July 15
Where to stay for two nights in Seattle?
My husband and I want to spent this Friday and Saturday night in a nice-ish hotel in Seattle, but we aren't sure what neighborhoods we should even be looking in. I don't know the city very well, so I could use some guidance! [more inside]
Rare electric guitar gospel song (god is a good god)
I once went through a phase listening to all of the Thompkins Square, Numero Group, etc. gospel compilation albums, and I heard a song that had an awesome guitar part. I composed my own song around it, but now I'd really like to hear the original. I lost most of my music in a hard drive crash and now I can't for the life of me find the song. I think it's called "God Is a Good God" but I can't be sure [more inside]
posted by taromsn at 9:14 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by taromsn at 9:14 PM PST - 4 comments
Should I have switched to Medicaid or will I just receive more credits?
My income has changed but I don't want to switch to Medicaid. Will I just receive health tax credits on next year's tax return? [more inside]
Captain Planet - but for grown ups
Please help me come up with a decent name for a group of four fictional characters who have power over the classic elements in an equally fictional world. [more inside]
posted by Youremyworld at 8:30 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Youremyworld at 8:30 PM PST - 25 comments
Articles/research on employee satisfaction, turnover, etc. in retail
I'm creating a proposal as an exercise to increase the retail employees at my place of employment a significant amount in two years. This would bring them in line with higher paying retailers such as CostCo and Container Store. Please link me articles, employee surveys or research studies that support higher wages/benefits for retail employees related to employee satisfaction, decreased turnover, increased engagement and other similar metrics.
Aereo is no more. Help me create my own Mac-based replacement.
I do not own a TV and I don't have a cable subscription. I don't want to get either one of those things. I do, though, occasionally like to watch broadcast TV (or recordings of broadcast TV) on my MacBook Pro or iPad. Aereo was a great solution. Now that Aereo is gone how can I create an approximate replacement for use in my home? [more inside]
posted by alms at 7:25 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by alms at 7:25 PM PST - 6 comments
Mulberry Jam/Jelly
Hey there, does anyone have a reliable Mulberry jam/jelly recipe?
I've tried the one at 'pick your own' and it doesn't set reliably!
Its the first time I've worked with mulberries (I'd never even heard of them before this year) and I am really having a hard time getting it to set! I seem to have to double cook each batch and double the pectin?
I am NOT an experienced jam maker, would appreciate any advice or insight. [more inside]
posted by Weeping Angel at 6:59 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Weeping Angel at 6:59 PM PST - 19 comments
We want to have a wedding in the Atlanta area but in a big field. How?
One of the possibilities we've discussed for our wedding next year would be to have it in some sort of "country-ish" setting. We live in Atlanta but the idea of a more casual feeling wedding that mixes the beautiful, sprawling outdoors near to a covered building or tent is very appealing to us. [more inside]
“Get yourself together, man. Move to X, buy a loft…”
New York City has us feeling like a New Yorker cover. Where should we relocate? [more inside]
posted by Spiced Out Calvin Coolidge at 6:51 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by Spiced Out Calvin Coolidge at 6:51 PM PST - 42 comments
How to get my prescription filled through an internet pharmacy legally?
I got a prescription from my doctor for the generic of xanax. Kroger and walgreens rip me off, and I heard a lot of the online pharmacies are cheaper. How do I go about finding a reputable one to give me the generic, at a good price? (I'm in Ohio USA, and I'm willing to wait for it to be shipped)
Thank you.
Genealogy-specific digitalization services?
How can I help my dad digitize his extensive collection of genealogical documentation? [more inside]
Help diagnosing a sudden, sharp abdominal pain from injury?
A middle-aged female neighbor, Rachel, fell down a long flight of carpeted stairs yesterday while sleepwalking. She seems okay and says she's very fortunate as she hit everything several times including her head. They made the decision not to go to the hospital and we neighbors did our best to help. Today she's doing very well but we wonder from her description of a sharp pain upon landing whether she might have a fractured rib. I've already read this post about rib fracture. [more inside]
posted by R2WeTwo at 6:07 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by R2WeTwo at 6:07 PM PST - 7 comments
What is this book that a mad monk recommended?
Reading The Count of Monte Cristo. Spoilers: [more inside]
posted by johngoren at 5:53 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by johngoren at 5:53 PM PST - 4 comments
Attention Austin and Phoenix! I want to eat your tacos!
I am traveling for work to Austin and Phoenix next week and am looking for food, tea, and zines. [more inside]
posted by bile and syntax at 4:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by bile and syntax at 4:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Visiting China for the first time
Ni hao! I will be visiting China for the first time this December. Please share your advice and anecdotes! [more inside]
posted by smorgasbord at 4:06 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by smorgasbord at 4:06 PM PST - 12 comments
The Drugs Don't Work - Sanitorium in the UK
Does anyone have any recommendations or knowledge of convalescent homes in the UK?
My brother has just undergone some seriously brutal radiotherapy and cancer treatment for throat cancer. He's been out of the hospital for a few weeks and is now at my parents, but it looks like it could be a very slow road to recovery. He currently can't eat or drink, is very nauseous, at risk of dehydration all the time. [more inside]
Discussed money with a client, now they're not responding.
Fellow sons and daughters of MeFiDom!
I have taken your advice (that is, the extract from the collective juice from all your advice) and I was direct in the way I discussed money with my client. As a reminder, this is my previous post. Alas.. they didn't respond, so I figured my price was too high. Problem is, it's a project I really like. What now?
Austrian Florafilter: help my friend ID this plant?
Can you name this lovely flower/plant? [more inside]
posted by hungrybruno at 2:41 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by hungrybruno at 2:41 PM PST - 3 comments
Advice for a 25 year old feeling lost?
I'm not sure how to ask this question. I've been in a weird funk lately where I've been feeling lonely and frustrated due to many factors. I guess I am just having a quarter life crisis in that I am 25 and feel a little lost professionally and personally. [more inside]
Overleased
A friend thought his lease ended August 1st, but he just got a call from his landlord saying that it ended two days ago. They don't have anyone slated to move in for two weeks, but say that they need that time to have the apartment professionally cleaned. What are the best steps for him to take? What rights does he have legally? We are in North Carolina. [more inside]
Appraising old Jewish/Hebrew/Yiddish books/s'forim in the New York area
I'm seeking someone in the New York area (a collector? a store? an auction house?) who can appraise old books in Hebrew and/or Yiddish. Where might I find someone honest who can do this? [more inside]
V-shaped bruisey mark - cause for concern?
I have a v-shaped bluish-purple mark on the back of my neck, about 1" large. Is this cause for concern? [more inside]
Please recommend me a book on the basics of how computers work
So... I've been in book shops and the like and all the books they have are just on Windows 8 or perhaps a book in Linux if they're feeling adventurous, but I'm looking for a book that will tell me how computers actually work. I'm not very advanced with my computer knowledge, but I'd like to know about the foundation of how a computer works rather than the operating system or latest piece of software.
Hopefully that gives enough information to get a grasp of what I mean. Can I get some recommendations for books like this please.
posted by sockpim at 2:07 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by sockpim at 2:07 PM PST - 17 comments
Migrating to Office 365 using Outlook?
I'm considering moving our small business to Office 365 Small Business Premium primarily because its email and sharing capabilities kick ass. Our current email provider runs Exchange (we mostly use Outlook Web App). Is using Outlook the easiest way to migrate email and contacts to Office 365 SBP? [more inside]
posted by Foci for Analysis at 1:51 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Foci for Analysis at 1:51 PM PST - 6 comments
please predict how my car will behave on the next roadtrip
My car has an electrical short that's made the fan blower stop working. Can I still take it on a weeklong 6-hour roadtrip? [more inside]
How do I know if a company is incompetent or just informal?
What should someone coming from outside the tech sector know about HR practices in dotcoms or companies of that ilk? (Specific questions about communication.) [more inside]
Refurbished macbook pro age, does it matter?
Would there be a big difference between a 2012 refurbished macbook pro, and 2013 refurbished macbook pro? [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 11:46 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by [insert clever name here] at 11:46 AM PST - 9 comments
Clueless about Craigslist
Is this response to my Craigslist ad weird/a scam? [more inside]
Help me get a Microsoft DB certification
I want to get a Microsoft Database certification so I can become a database developer (I know some basic SQL using Postgres but I'd like to know more and get a certification). What's the best way to do this using a book instead of taking a class? [more inside]
Portland, ME internet service provider that we can live with?
Me, the husband and Supercoolbaby are heading south to live in Portland! We've had TimeWarner and Comcast and do hate them so. So what Internet providers do people recommend for price and decent service in Portland, Maine? If possible we'd like to avoid the big horrible companies. We're an internet TV-only household so no TV or phone service required. Thanks!
Traveling to Vancouver. Pre-paid mobile data plans?
I'll be in Vancouver and the surrounding area next week. What's the best way for me to get data on my cellphone? Something like a prepaid mobile SIM card tied to a data plan. Just relying on wifi isn't an option as half of the time I won't be in the city. [more inside]
Help me understand the oddities of my metabolism and weight loss!
So, I been on a diet since the beginning of May (intermittent fasting - basically 4:3). Since that time, I've lost just under 10 pounds, which averages out to almost a pound a week. However the rate of weight loss has not been steady (I lost significant weight some weeks, and none others). Nor have I uniformly lost the weight off of my whole body (it has mostly come off my waist, when I was already hourglass shaped prior to beginning the diet). Why is this? (If relevant, I am a medium-sized woman in my late 20s.) [more inside]
You can't be friends with your abuser.
Help me accept that I can't be friends with my ex-boyfriend. The relationship was abusive but we've had to maintain contact while we disentangled our lives and I got on my feet. Now that time is over and I have to move on. I am finding it very hard. How can I start moving on towards my future? [more inside]
Harper's Recommendations
I was recently gifted a subscription to Harper's, and just discovered that I have access to their online archive - can any longtime subscribers or those familiar with Harper's recommend top articles/essays/stories throughout Harper's history?
posted by stinkfoot at 9:07 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by stinkfoot at 9:07 AM PST - 14 comments
A bouquet of cauliflowers?
I seem to have loads of brassica plants (cauliflower?) cropping up in my flowerbeds. I've sprinkled various mixed flower seed but no veg! They maybe are from previous tenants? (My first summer in this house). They are taking over but I'm reluctant to pull them up in case they are actually from my flower seeds! Gardeners of MeFi, can these be anything else or do you think they are definitely veg?
posted by KateViolet at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by KateViolet at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments
Nerdy grammar shirt on short notice
I'm looking for a t-shirt with the phrase: "Let's eat Grandma / Let's eat, Grandma / Punctuation saves lives!" I've found several online, but the difficulty is that I'd like to have one before we visit the Grandma in question for her birthday in a couple of days. We'll be driving, and traveling through Denver and Colorado Springs. Does anyone know of a place there where I could find this t-shirt?
Language for dates
Help settle this bet/communication issue.
Pretend it's this past Monday, July 14th. You and several friends get an email about another friend's upcoming birthday party. The note says the party is next Saturday. Do you think the party is Saturday the 19th or Saturday the 26th?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:46 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:46 AM PST - 44 comments
Saying no to a plumber
My wife and I had a plumber come in to snake the drain in our master bathroom, and he discovered the pipe curves in a way his snake couldn't go. The clogged drain is ultimately due to the galvanized pipes in our 1925 home. What's the best way to tell this company that we're going to go with a different company? [more inside]
My professor shares his cultural opinions with the class.
Today my science professor shared his opinion about stereotypes and criminal activity in class. I think this was inappropriate and I'm not sure what to do. [more inside]
What's a good Community Calendar option?
Hey, so I know this is the typical question where everyone says "Check Google" but I am having trouble finding a good shared calendar for a group of homeschoolers... [more inside]
Meal delivery service for grieving family
One of my co-workers has lost both parents within 3 months of each other. We are not super super close, and so far she hasn't accepted my offers of specific, practical things I can do to help (watching her kids, going to grocery store. etc.). I'd like to make her life a little easier anyway, so I was thinking about some kind of meal delivery service so she wouldn't need to cook for a little bit. [more inside]
posted by feathermeat at 6:52 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by feathermeat at 6:52 AM PST - 25 comments
Mushroom Soup Masterpiece
Help me make an epic home made cream of mushroom soup. [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 6:51 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 6:51 AM PST - 13 comments
Tiny Dog Life
I adopted a 6 lb chihuahua from a rescue organization about two weeks ago. How can I celebrate living with with this ridiculous, tiny creature? [more inside]
posted by skrozidile at 6:44 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by skrozidile at 6:44 AM PST - 21 comments
New job, new office, new culture
I need help figuring out what is okay to do at my new job. I just started a new job and I'm confused on what I'm supposed to be doing regarding my lunch breaks. [more inside]
"Reboot" an inherited composter?
The prior owners of our house--and in all likelihood, the owners before them--had a composter. When we bought our house, the composter was about half full with matter. Is it necessary to "reboot" the composter to begin using it, or should we just start with what's in there? [more inside]
Make our garden ... not die?
When we rented our current flat, it came with a front garden that we are supposed to take at least minimal care of -- weeding and pruning, that kind of thing. The problem is, we haven't the faintest idea how to weed or prune or ... anything else. Help! [more inside]
Creating a Great Art Gallery Archive in a Mediocre CMS
I am looking for a good solution for publicly archiving a large collection of pictures within a somewhat limiting CMS. [more inside]
Why do I feel feverish after sleepless night?
Whenever I haven't slept very well (i.e. very much), I spend the next day feeling somewhat feverish. [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:39 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:39 AM PST - 13 comments
July 14
Is it possible to fix self-esteem issues from within a relationship?
A common theme on AskMeFi is that a person should be able to take care of themselves first before they can be ready to establish and maintain a healthy relationship. What if the relationship itself is the driver of positive personal growth? And what if that process has been kind of painful so far? [more inside]
Tattoos as Women's Self-Defense in Colonial India
I met someone today who explained that their tattoo was based on a style adopted by Indian women during British Occupation which served as a way of turning off British men who might otherwise want to take them away for various unsavory purposes. The women would in some cases get these tattoos on their necks and faces. Although the person told me the Indian term for this particular style of tattooing I failed to write it down, and now cannot seem to google up this phenomenon. Was hoping someone knew about it, what it's called, or could provide some links to more information.
Help me find perspective, is my relationship half-full or half-empty?
I've been in a relationship with my boyfriend for about 3 years now, but it seems like we can't seem to find a good "groove". We're satisfied in the relationship for a while and then we get into petty fights and don't resolve them. I thought I was happy with him and really enjoyed his company. However, it's been more and more stressful and I need help figuring out if I've checked out for a while, or if the relationship has run its course. Hope me? [more inside]
What are these apple-like fruits?
Walking down the street, I saw some hard green fruits that looked a lot like apples---hot damn, thought I, underripe apples (or crabapples), just the thing for jelly. But now I'm not so sure that's what they are. [more inside]
posted by kenko at 9:15 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by kenko at 9:15 PM PST - 11 comments
Help me come up with the perfect job title!
I work at a fast-paced, startup non-profit. I have been there for six months and have quickly moved up the ranks from administrative assistant to director of community engagement. This is great news, except that I don't want to accidentally be a community engagement person for my entire career. There are a few significant changes happening in the next two months (new CEO, new grant, new responsibilities), and I want to take advantage of this opportunity to broaden my skill set and give myself a new title. Help me figure out what my new title should be and how I should ask for it? [more inside]
Self Guided Walking Tours in San Francisco
Me and my wife are planning a San Francisco trip and are dedicating a day to Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. I am interested in self guided walking tours for these two areas. I'm looking for something like this from Frommers: but for the areas that I mentioned. [more inside]
posted by R.F.Simpson at 7:14 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by R.F.Simpson at 7:14 PM PST - 11 comments
How to decline a date
How can I politely and professionally decline someone from the office who asked me out? [more inside]
posted by mibo at 7:09 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by mibo at 7:09 PM PST - 35 comments
I crit failed my web design roll.
Can anyone provide pointers for setting up a robust digital image archive on the cheap? [more inside]
How do I do website documentation and maintenance tracking
I need a systematic way to track and show that sites are up to date, links checked, content updated or deleted. [more inside]
Bug bite or something else?
YANMD, but I noticed right after dinner (around 7pm) that I had a small grouping of blisters on my hand. On the way out of the restaurant, I then noticed that the muscles under the blisters are twitching, causing my thumb to move slightly. Is this a bug bite or something else? [more inside]
Where can I order a personalized metal plaque?
I want to get a personalized plaque, pewter or some other metal, for outside. It will attach to a fence at all four corners so needs holes in the corners. It will have 4 lines of text. I need letters (some lowercase and some uppercase), numbers, quote marks, and a dash, and the longest line including spaces will be about 30 or 32 characters. [more inside]
posted by AllieTessKipp at 6:05 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by AllieTessKipp at 6:05 PM PST - 10 comments
Do I have to buy a fancy custom replacement window?
Fill the shoe void in my life
Criteria: comfortable, versatile, water resistant women's shoes for the summer. [more inside]
Good place to get super-8mm home movies put on DVDs in NYC?
Lots of home movies, some are super-8, some are tapes, some are mini-DV tapes, etc. I'd like to get them put on DVDs that I can then easily edit. I'm in Manhattan, NYC. thanks (oh a long time ago there was another question like this and somebody suggested a mail-order place, but I don't feel comfortable sending off my precious home movies from the 1950s etc. away)
Cuenca, Riobamba, & Ambato, Ecuador
Can you compare/contrast the towns of Cuenca, Riobamba, & Ambato, Ecuador for me, from personal experience? [more inside]
Protective Treatment for Decorated Shoes
My daughter has decorated some white leather clogs with designs done with colored Sharpie pens. What sort of clear treatment can she put on the shoes that will protect the designs?
Searching for Remote Trading Posts that are still Active.
Does anyone know of any remote, off the grid (USA or Canada) trading post(s) that are still operational?
BDSMfilter: munches, play parties, and social anxiety
How can an shy, inexperienced kinkster approach potential play partners without being too pushy or creepy? [more inside]
I should go to the wedding. Or should I?
Two lovely friends of mine are getting married. A number of people I know are also invited, none of whom are close friends. Unfortunately, my terrible, horrible, no-good, very-bad ex - the one who did this to me - is invited too. Help? [more inside]
Help me understand Disability benefits (social security)?
I am a late 50's year old woman living in Ohio, with chronic diabetes, stroke, and other ailments. I have been employed for the past 20 years, but it is getting exceedingly difficult to do any work. I want to know if I quality for disability benefits (like a monthly check?) even if I own my own home, and I own some other real estate properties. Who can qualify? What are other things that might disqualify me? Will receiving Disability benefits exclude me from receiving Social Security benefits when I reach the age of 65? Tanks.
Dashboard camera advice needed (not to film insane stuff)
We are driving cross-country and I wanted to record the trip. Basically, I want to take a still image every minute we're driving. Later, I want to stitch it into a time lapse video. I want something that has good image quality, can plug into car cigarette lighter, and has enough memory so a daily download of eight hours of images is enough. I see a lot of dash cams on Amazon, but none of them have enough information to tell me whether the still photo idea will work.
posted by soulbarn at 2:56 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by soulbarn at 2:56 PM PST - 12 comments
Cost of Living in Brussels/Strasbourg?
Hi everybody,
I'm currently applying for an internship opportunity with a member of the EU Parliament. I'm a university student in the USA and the position would require me to live in Brussels and/or Strasbourg for 3 months. The position provides a stipend of €1200/month and I'm not sure how much that will get me. [more inside]
Mere *!@#% memory-fail
There is a quote by C.S. Lewis which I can recollect only as I have paraphrased it in my mind, something to the effect of, "Many of the greatest things we do in life scare us to death." I'd love to find the actual quote and book-reference for it; it's probably in one the Chronicles, but my Google-fu and memory are both failing me at the moment.
Housesitter Calamities
My house/catsitter broke things while I was gone for ten days. [more inside]
Driving 17 hours with three cats. Suggestions?
Moving from Austin to Minneapolis in a couple weeks. We're taking our three cats. Two of them are 9 and 10, the other is about 2. One of the cats travels well, one is whiny off and on, and the third is intolerable. Doing the vet thing to get sedatives costs way more than we can afford. What should we do? Any ideas?
I was thinking about getting Feliway and catnip to help them chill out.
advice for two longish flights with a one year old?
I'm going to be flying alone next month with my baby who will be almost one month old then. She just stopped nursing, and she's very much into crawling, rolling, and standing right now (as I type, she's not yet walking). She doesn't sleep when she's being held; she needs a crib or her carseat for that. There's no direct flight between here and destination city, and we can either divide it up between two 3-hour flights or one five-hour and one one-hour. I'm not a good flyer when I'm responsible only for myself, so I'm positively daunted by traveling alone with my daughter. I would appreciate any advice you could give me. [more inside]
posted by pittsburgher at 1:34 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by pittsburgher at 1:34 PM PST - 14 comments
Book recommendation: a good historical overview of the US in the 1980s?
I am seeking recommendations for (reputable/peer-reviewed) essays or books that could help me develop a nuanced but well-rounded understanding of the social, political, and economic climate in 1980s America (economic deregulation is a particular point of interest). [more inside]
Help a young male create his capsule wardrobe!
What are the basic essentials for a young man's wardrobe? What's the best approach to building a versatile, comfortable, and stream-lined wardrobe from scratch? [more inside]
CDs or vinyl?
I have a CD player, an iPod, and a record player. What kind of physical media should I buy? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 12:39 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 12:39 PM PST - 19 comments
Please help me resolve a .avi codec conversion problem on mac
I have downloaded a few .avi files from my security camera DVR. They are of window codec.avi files that my mac can not view. Is there a way, using my mac to convert them to a mac viewable codec?
Visual Memory & Auditory Memory
I was curious as to how many visual thinkers there out there? If there are any who are willing to share their information on this post, I am curious as to whether you have always been a visual thinker or whether this was something you developed? Visual thinking seems to be one of the better ways to process information. [more inside]
Where can I get immunizations in the Berkshires?
Asking for Mrs. Heliostatic:
In preparation for grad school, I need to prove that I've had the MMR and meningitis vaccines. I need to get them in the next month, and I'm in the Berkshires (North West Massachusetts) for the summer. I have no primary care provider here. What are the best bets for inexpensive vaccination right now?
posted by heliostatic at 11:53 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by heliostatic at 11:53 AM PST - 5 comments
I need clean crisp percussive songs.
I need more songs like Cups that has really clean crisp percussive sounds with not much reverb. [more inside]
Car safety ratings, other than crash tests?
It's time to shop for a replacement car, and I'm interested in sizing up safety. I'm aware of IIHS for crash safety stats. I'd like to evaluate from other angles, especially safety stats from actual accident reports, but possibly other points of view I haven't though of. [more inside]
I'm sorry, I can't help you.
Lawyers: how do you decline helping out your friends? [more inside]
posted by naju at 11:34 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by naju at 11:34 AM PST - 21 comments
we want stories to spoil
My honors student is planning out her thesis and is looking for enjoyable short stories (that are in the public domain, preferably) that end in a twist. Details (and a few spoilers!) inside. [more inside]
posted by anaphoric at 11:30 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by anaphoric at 11:30 AM PST - 21 comments
I need help selecting the right stand alone sample player for my band
Hi, looking to add relatively long, mostly spoken-word samples to our bands' music. It needs to be a stand alone player--I want to not have to lug a laptop to wherever we play. [more inside]
posted by Ironmouth at 11:03 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Ironmouth at 11:03 AM PST - 10 comments
tipping on a fixed price fare
Currently in LA. Negotiated with a driver the hotel recommended to drive us around this morning for a couple of hours for 250 dollars. Do we tip on top of that? If so, 20 percent or less? [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 11:01 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by lollusc at 11:01 AM PST - 10 comments
TdF-filter: What's the deal with that AG2R motorcycle?
I've been watching the Tour de France (thinking of starting a Phil Liggett drinking game, with phrases like "dancing on the pedals" and of course "lactic acid". Anyway, among the bunches of cars and motorcycles in various roles I've noticed one with the AG2R logo on the fairing. As they are also a team sponsor, that got my attention, but I can't figure out what that motorcycle is doing. No passenger, just a pilot on the motorbike, and no obvious role like medical, law enforcement, support*, or cameras. [more inside]
posted by randomkeystrike at 10:49 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by randomkeystrike at 10:49 AM PST - 9 comments
Chicago transit help needed
Chicagolanders: Please help me navigate your fair city during rush hour today. [more inside]
posted by donajo at 10:34 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by donajo at 10:34 AM PST - 15 comments
Lunch Salad Spreadsheet Project
I'm trying to eat/pack easy, healthy lunches, but I've accepted that I will never be a green salad for lunch every day person. What I do like are "salads" that are variations of: grain + protein + fruit or veg + nuts or cheese + other.
My dream is to create a spreadsheet where I could take an easily-prepared item from each column to construct such a salad, and make a big batch on Sundays that would last me the week. I'd rather just throw ingredients together than follow an exact recipe. [more inside]
Hyde park horror stories: irrelevant here?
Seriously considering this particular apartment at UChicago, but I can't visit and I don't know the area! Anyone with experience there, please let me know if it's a good/safe location? [more inside]
Is there a correlation between bl pr/puls rt and cardio exercise?
Had a good cardio exercise routine for four years. Blood pressure and pulse rate were healthy and constant. Stop the cardio routine and change to power lifting with occasional walking. Two years into the new (cardio free) exercise routine, blood pressure and pulse are the same. Health is good, diet constant, stress constant...all variables the same over the six year period.
Session timeout issues with Zencart
Random session timeout errors occurring on Zencart 1.5.1 & 1.5.3 installations. Host is Dreamhost - PHP 5.4.11. Version 1.5.1 site was working fine before upgrade from PHP 5.2 to 5.4. I need advise on getting the error fixed. [more inside]
Pregnant with first child, during a chaotic and stressful time
Due to an incredible amount of life changes (including marraige, move, new job and death of a parent) I have barely been able to do all the things you are supposed to do when you are pregnant with your first child. Due date is a little over am month away. On top of that I have gained too much weight and feel very uncomfortable, especially at work. My questions range from how do I make the next six weaks bearable (especially at my desk job) given I've outgrown my maternity clothes and feel really uncomfortable physically, to what are the top three things I must learn and/or have before baby arrives? [more inside]
What's the deal with flat feet / fallen arches?
My son, who turns twelve in a couple of months, seems to have flat feet. I can't quite figure out what to do next - if it is a serious problem, if it can be corrected with foot exercises, if we need orthotics, or what. Does anyone have any experience with flat feet? [more inside]
Better than facebook games
What are some cheaper but equally fun options instead of facebook games? [more inside]
posted by xarnop at 9:38 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by xarnop at 9:38 AM PST - 23 comments
swimmer's ear audio filter?
What audio filters and/or effects would best simulate the unpleasant stuffy sound of having water in your ears? I'm more interested in the impression of stuffy ears than a technically accurate simulation of what's going on in the ear canal.
Classical music recommendations for a listener of free jazz?
I listen to a very wide variety of music, but one giant gap in my knowledge is classical music. I'm looking for recommendations for classical music to check out (either specific albums, works, or composers). To narrow it down a bit, how about something from any era that would be of interest to someone with an appreciation for avant-garde/free jazz from the 60s (think Coleman, later Coltrane, Shepp, Taylor... heck, even Brotzmann)? And preferably music that's available on streaming services.
posted by laze at 9:18 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by laze at 9:18 AM PST - 11 comments
Marriage is in the cards for us, but we want to elope! How do we do it?
We want to elope. How do we do it? What does it cost? What things do I need to think about? Ideally, I would love to have a target cost to shoot for. [more inside]
posted by MMALR at 9:14 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by MMALR at 9:14 AM PST - 20 comments
What is up with my sister's tongue?
I went to see my sister last night and she is doing this strange thing with her tongue -- she keeps sticking it out, seemingly unaware she is doing so. She has a host of medical issues and seems to be caught in an anxiety spiral at the moment about one health issue in particular. Could this tongue thing be a legit side effect of her existing health issues or a manifestation of her anxiety? [more inside]
If This Then That
I finally installed IFTTT but I feel like I'm not getting as much out of it as I could. [more inside]
posted by ellieBOA at 8:49 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by ellieBOA at 8:49 AM PST - 13 comments
Visually categorizing people by race/ethnicity and body shape?
I'm tagging a collection of photos of people for artistic inspiration as I learn to draw and I need some guidance on selecting tag names that are both useful and inoffensive. [more inside]
Help identifying this small animal skull.
This skull was found in a wooded area of central Pennsylvania. It is about the size of a fist. [more inside]
What to do in Dallas for a weekend?
Please share some cool things to do there by myself during the day! [more inside]
posted by Shadow Boxer at 8:09 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Shadow Boxer at 8:09 AM PST - 6 comments
Elbow injury... advice and healing procedure suggestions please
I injured my elbow or forearm while bouldering (climbing at relatively short heights without a rope). I have never had an elbow or arm injury and need some advice on a) what I may have done and b) how to manage it while it heals. Main points: I have gone to a doctor, x-rays were taken, as expected the arm is not broken, nothing further was done at the doc's office. I think it was a purely rotational injury, not compressional. Plenty more details under the cut. [more inside]
posted by six-or-six-thirty at 8:05 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by six-or-six-thirty at 8:05 AM PST - 9 comments
I'd like to convert a car to cash with minimal hassle.
I have a car I don't use that much, and a looming home repair that needs some money thrown at it. I'd like to convert the car to cash to be thrown at the home repair. But, in the face of the home repair vortex, I'd like to avoid getting bogged down in car-sale hassles. Is it a giant hassle to sell the car privately, or am I best off selling straight to a dealership? [more inside]
How do I negotiate my lease terms?
I've found a sufficient space to rent so I don't end up with a two hour commute each day. However, the terms of the lease are kinda iffy when it comes to vacating the lease early... Help me out? [more inside]
I don't want to meet my wife on Tinder
I'm inept at dating in the real world. Help me learn how to take a girl from acquaintance to date and face the uncertainty in between. [more inside]
What's a breast biopsy like? What medical language is involved?
I will be interpreting at a breast biopsy procedure and want to prepare ahead of time, so I'd like to compile a list of vocabulary as well as have a general idea of what happens during the procedure. [more inside]
Recommend me a Stretching/Yoga App for iOS
I'm looking for an equivalent to the You Are Your Own Gym body weight exercises app. I've been using the app for a couple of months now and I really like it - the exercises are explained in good detail and there is a good progression from very easy to challenging. There seem to be loads of apps available but I'm not sure which ones are any good. Which have you found useful?
Parking by the Philly US Custom House
I need to go to the Philadelphia Passport Agency on Friday morning. The state dept website assures me there are several pay parking lots in the vicinity. But I'd prefer more concrete directions, as I'm driving in from 3 hrs away for an 8am appointment. Can anyone give me recommendations and addresses of lots or garages that are very likely to be open that are nearby? Where I can park all day? The address is 200 Chestnut St. [more inside]
Edge of tomorrow - Yoga pose.
Is the yoga pose shown in Edge of tomorrow possible? [more inside]
Replacement for Facebook Events
Whenever I log into Facebook, I end up checking the newsfeed. Is there an app that allows my to view the events I've been invited to and RSVP without logging into Facebook?
If it isn't a web app, it needs to work on either Mac or Android.
posted by casebash at 5:22 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by casebash at 5:22 AM PST - 7 comments
Tips for Relocating Back to Sydney
My wife and I left Sydney 3 years ago as newlyweds, and we will soon be returning with 2 young children (currently 2 years and 1 month old). When we left we had family and friends there, now they have all pretty much departed. I'm looking for any relocation tips in general, but in particular around temporary accommodation for when we arrive, buying a house worth of furniture, transport and other logistical things. [more inside]
July 13
Thoughtful sci-fi recommendations
Looking for recommendations of sci-fi authors who are adept at some technology topics without compromising storytelling. More inside! [more inside]
posted by azazello at 11:50 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by azazello at 11:50 PM PST - 24 comments
Amazon Prime Gourmet finds?
Help me find some really great gourmet foods that are available through Amazon Prime.
posted by dougiedd at 11:43 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by dougiedd at 11:43 PM PST - 15 comments
Ikea Smallening
I have a new, unassembled red 2x4 Kallax. I want it to be 2x3. Could a lumberyard easily cut down the two long-pieces? [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 11:36 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by kalapierson at 11:36 PM PST - 8 comments
What are some good romantic getaways within ~5 hours of Seattle?
We're looking for ideas of where to go and what to do for a romantic weekend leaving from Seattle. We'd be going just two weeks from now (July 25–27), so really popular places are likely booked up already. [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 9:23 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Cogito at 9:23 PM PST - 14 comments
Can I eat this: Miso Paste edition
We have a container of this Miso paste at the back of our fridge, but it's straight shiro rather than shiro + aka. The ingredients are water, soybeans, rice, salt - 2% alcohol by volume. It looks fine and smells great, and the texture seems normal, maybe a little dried out. There's a "best before" date of 30 June 2013, but no "expiry" date. Is there any reason I shouldn't use this to baste roasted vegetables? [more inside]
One good, print, architecture journal or magazine.
What is your favorite print architecture magazine or journal? One that is more intellectual/in-depth and wordy, instead of a being full of glossy images or ads. [more inside]
How do I keep my fear of losing a job at bay?
How do I keep my fear of losing a job from interfering with other areas of life? as much as possible [more inside]
What are some guidelines for haggling at a used car dealership?
Tomorrow I begin my very first tour of local used car dealerships, ISO a reasonably-priced Suburu wagon. I've bought and sold several vehicles via Craigslist, and done my share of haggling and getting haggled (haggled at? behaggled?), but only with individuals, not corporations. Do the same rules of etiquette apply? [more inside]
How to come to terms with huge life decision?
The decision has been made, the pros and cons weighed. For one of the first and only times in my life I followed my gut. Why does it still feel yucky? [more inside]
Winter Is Being GRRM's Editor
I'm about halfway through reading the first Game of Thrones book, and I'm looking for some literary criticism or in-depth articles about the series' writing (books only). [more inside]
posted by Red Desk at 7:18 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Red Desk at 7:18 PM PST - 5 comments
Hairfilter - Young woman with no clue needs hairstyle!
I'm getting my haircut. I don't want to say "just trim it and leave it the way it is". I also do no not know what I want, and I have some anxieties that I want to try and ignore. Can you help me? [more inside]
posted by trogdole at 7:12 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by trogdole at 7:12 PM PST - 18 comments
Needed: Serious GMail Search-Fu
Is there a way to query gmail to give me a list of every unique "TO:" address that exists in my All Mail folder? [more inside]
posted by coffee and minarets at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by coffee and minarets at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments
Assigned seating at the World Cup
For a given game in the World Cup elimination rounds, spectators have to buy their tickets, and presumably have a seat assigned, before they know which teams will be playing. It seems like this would result in the stadium having fans of various loyalties more or less randomly scattered about. But on TV, they often show blocks of fans of one team seated together. How do they assign seats to World Cup ticketholders to ensure that fans are seated together? I have some guesses but I'd love to hear from someone who knows what method(s) FIFA actually uses.
posted by Paul the Octopus at 6:19 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Paul the Octopus at 6:19 PM PST - 5 comments
Brain Transplant
Can I take the harddrive out of my white unibody 13.3 Macbook and just pop it in another 13.3 white unibody? >> [more inside]
posted by tippy at 6:10 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by tippy at 6:10 PM PST - 9 comments
Can these pants be saved?
Mysterious bleached spots on my favorite pair of pants: can anything be done? [more inside]
Thoughts/Analysis on "The Sun Also Rises"
Soliciting thoughts and links to articles about "The Sun Also Rises", primarily explaining how it was received at the time. [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 5:54 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 5:54 PM PST - 3 comments
Suggest me some simple guitar + voice songs.
My wife is learning guitar and would like to have a repertoire of songs to practice which have simple guitar plus female voice. [more inside]
From Church to State to Corporation
I suspect this is a huge question with more than one answer, but…
It has been decades since I read a book (article?) that laid out a theory of (let’s call them) epochs in civilization where the predominant force governing people’s lives were/are church, then state, then corporations. [more inside]
Indie Girls, Indie Boys, Indie Everyone
Are there versions of this book teaching kids to run a play/gallery/poetry slam/etc that are (a) non-gendered (b) geared towards adults? [more inside]
When MSNBC was Good
I'm trying to remember a show that was on during the very early days of MSNBC. [more inside]
Handling an irresponsible friend
Things have come to a head with a friend, and I want to figure out if I'm right in wanting to cut and run, or if there is something else I should instead be doing. While the friend has her virtues (she's kind, a social butterfly, fun to hang out with), I've come to the conclusion that she is also very irresponsible, and my experiences dealing with this irresponsibility have become a point of stress and frustration in my life. [more inside]
posted by Sakura3210 at 4:10 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Sakura3210 at 4:10 PM PST - 23 comments
Photoslider script?
I'm looking for a photoslider script that let's you manually slide between two overlaid images, for the purpose of displaying the differences between said images. Anything similar to the slider being used in this buzzfeed article. [more inside]
posted by phaedon at 3:47 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by phaedon at 3:47 PM PST - 2 comments
Cold-Brewed Tisanes: Boricha and Beyond
So this summer I have been loving the ease of cold-brewed, noncaffeinated herbal beverages, mixing up blends of hibiscus, rose petals, rooibos, mint, and other odds and ends. I'd like to expand my formulary by learning which herbals cold-brew well, and how they'd differ from hot-brew. [more inside]
Ripped DVDs are giving me a headache
Ripped DVDs look juddery. I converted them to mp4 and smooth pans of the camera seem to "stick" multiple times a second. Is this a mismatch between the mp4 fps and the tv's? If so, how can I fix it? [more inside]
Athletic bottoms that stay put
I am a chubby woman who likes to jog and dance. Where can I get athletic pants/shorts that stay up when I move? [more inside]
Music to not concentrate to
I need music to fill up the background while I write. I'm currently working on a novel and I'm looking for recommendations of artists, albums, or online radio I could have going in my headphones to help me focus on the work. [more inside]
How to remap a USB number pad on a mac?
Hello! I am an animator and would like to use a USB number pad for keyboard shortcuts for better ergonimcs while animating in Photoshop. Is there a way to remap the numbers on the USB number pad to keyboard shortcuts like Command+Z, etc? This nice post explains how to do it for PCs, but I haven't been able to find how to do it for MacBook Pros. Thank you!
Where to stay in Sint Maarten/St. Martin?
I am planning to spend 9 days in Sint Maarten/St. Martin in October. I've read the guidebooks and consulted Google, but I still don't know where to stay. Criteria inside. [more inside]
Let me share my bad handwriting with the world real-time.
I have a 12" Galaxy Note Pro and it's beautiful and the pen part is great, but I have a few friends who I'm looking at possibly playing D&D online with, and one of the things I'd really like to be able to do is scribble things on the tablet and have them appear at full resolution in something close to real time on the screens of my friends on their computers. But I have no idea if this is possible or what it'd be called if it is. [more inside]
Current Comedic Curators of Kitsch
In the 80s, we saw the rise of Pee-Wee, Weird Al, and Julie Brown. In the 90s we had Space Ghost: Coast to Coast and TV Funhouse. In the aughts we were introduced to Tim and Eric, Everything is Terrible! and Wonder Showzen. All have plundered to our kitsch-laden past to create some great modern comedy and commentary, and many of the above are still going strong today. The question: who are our latest purveyors of kitsch, creating comedy from the detritus of the past?
Preparing to pay taxes as a freelancer
I’ve just started freelancing as a copywriter and have some questions about preparing to pay taxes, and what I can claim as expenses. [more inside]
Bunny, plus one?
Should I get a bunny friend for my senior citizen bunny who has lived alone his entire life? [more inside]
When you're the nth choice...
I had a date with someone I met online. I liked him. But I don't think my interest is reciprocal. [more inside]
Name that late-'60s programming language or data representation format!
Yesterday I picked up a piece of ceramic bric-à-brac promoting RCA's Electronic Data Processing division (active mid-1950s to 1971). It features ten different ways to represent data or algorithms, of which I recognize many, but not all. Can you name the rest? Bonus: Can you decode the ones with actual data? [more inside]
Dogs that lick... a lot
I have two Jack Russell Terriers, both sixish years old, and both with odd licking issues. One licks the exposed skin of people: legs, hands, feet. If you push him away, he will lick the couch. He has done this since he was a puppy, and though I think it's odd and slightly embarrassing when he goes to town on an unwitting friend's shin, it doesn't concern me. Our other dog has started licking his own front legs, above his paws (what his forearm would be if he were a person), so much that they are stained pink. He's done this for a few months now. When I took him to our vet for his yearly checkup, I asked whether she thought it was allergies. She said no, that it could be anxiety or arthritis. She didn't get into much depth (she is new to our vet office, and I don't know that I love her). He walks and runs just fine, so I don't think he is in pain. Does anyone out there have experience with compulsive canine lickers? Do I try to stop them (and if so, how?), or just let them be weird? Or do I change to a new vet who might be a bit more forthcoming?
Resources for extended stay accommodations in major cities of Asia?
Due to a fluid work/living situation I have the freedom to try to make the following dream happen: to live for a month each in several cities of Asia (perhaps Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Hanoi, Bangkok, Phnom Penh) while working on a personal project. My core question is trying to find out if this is feasible within my budget and to ask for recommendations for accommodations in each city. Details within. [more inside]
Passport lost in london
So, i lost my US passport in england somewhere. For renewing the passport at the embassy, will a copy of my birth certificate do or do i have to have my wife mail over the real one?
any other tips for renewing US passports abroad? [more inside]
Environmental depression
I need help dealing with my anxiety over climate change. I need help figuring out how I can help. It's a bit more complex than that, but not much. [more inside]
Where can I buy a way-old FINAL CUT PRO?
My uncle has given me a big old box of FINAL CUT STUDIO, which is an upgrade from FINAL CUT PRO of the early 2000s. So, how can I now buy FINAL CUT PRO? [more inside]
Keys to post-in person interview etiquette?
Last Thursday, I had a job interview for a position that I'm really interested in. I think the interview went really well, but I want to make sure that I bring this baby home, so I'm curious about the best approach for communicating with the search committee post-interview. [more inside]
posted by Fister Roboto at 6:26 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Fister Roboto at 6:26 AM PST - 11 comments
Swimsuits for (almost) all
I think I've found my perfect swimsuit: the bike shortini from plus-sized swimsuit site Swimsuits for All. Problem: I'm not plus sized. Does anyone know where I could find something similar that's a couple of sizes smaller? [more inside]
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 6:15 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 6:15 AM PST - 14 comments
Thieving, lying landlords
How do I get my belongings back from a thieving police officer and his lying, thieving wife? [more inside]
An odd thing: feeling sick when leaving the house
I'm mostly asking out of curiosity to find out what people think: whenever I have to leave home I briefly feel sick to my stomach, as if wanting to puke. But it's definitely not social anxiety. [more inside]
posted by Pyrogenesis at 2:08 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Pyrogenesis at 2:08 AM PST - 15 comments
How do I explain why I quit a job after 3 months?
I left a job after 3 months due to personal reasons and a contractual dispute. How can I explain this to new employers without sounding as though I was fired? [more inside]
Newbie's guide to Peru? Lima + Cusco + possibly Puerto Maldonado
First time to South America and trying to not get anxious about it, says the person with GAD. [more inside]
posted by Hawk V at 12:44 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Hawk V at 12:44 AM PST - 4 comments
July 12
Friendly martial arts in Portland?
What are some martial arts or self defense communities in Portland, OR I might enjoy becoming involved with? [more inside]
Moving to Maine Part 2
So we rented the house and have a moving date and now we're looking for recommendations for movers that can get us from far Northern NY to Portland, Maine. I think we'll be better off with movers from Maine coming to get us as where we are currently movers are few and far between. Any recommendations for movers that provide such a service? Thanks!
Identify a movie where kids are inside the TV
I have a vague memory of a single bit of a movie I saw in the early 90s (don't know how old the movie was tho). Three kids, on the lip of a giant TV screen. The sky was orange/yellow/green stormy. The movie villain was threatening them, and they either pushed him into TV land, or they themselves jumped into it to escape him. Any guesses?
Help me find resources to train my new dog!
I got a dog! He's a Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog mix. He's from a rescue, and 1.5yrs old. Help me continue to train him! [more inside]
Bulk seaweed
Dried seaweed without adding to the Texas sized island of seaweed wrappers in the ocean? [more inside]
Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles with a Moving Company
It looks like I will be moving to LA in as little as 6-8 weeks. I would like to use a moving company to make this happen as my parents and friends will largely be unavailable at the time I need to go go go. Can you recommend a moving service in San Diego, and can you tell me what I should be aware of from a safety, budget, bargaining, etc standpoint? [more inside]
Puzzling Mail Carrier Behavior
Can someone familiar with post office procedures tell me if this is a messed-up as I think it is? One day, two independent packages expected that day were, according to the USPS tracking page, scanned as both "Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available)" and "Delivered". All four scans had the same timestamp, 2:16 pm on the day they were due. Someone was present at that time, no delivery attempt was in fact made. [more inside]
posted by George_Spiggott at 5:18 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by George_Spiggott at 5:18 PM PST - 16 comments
PA to ME road trip
My girlfriend and I will be taking a road trip from Pittsburgh to Port Clyde, Maine and back to visit my vacationing parents. Where should we stop along the way? [more inside]
Friends, Romans, Healthy People, lend me your experience!
I just started running, and just started using a Total Gym for upper body workouts. Should running cause pain in the medial collateral ligament in your knees? What about in the tibalias anterior? (Not shin splint pain - I know that one well. This is more like a high ankle sprain.) Should lat pulldowns cause pain and stiffness in the side of your neck going down into your shoulder and trapezius? Or crunches cause low back pain? [more inside]
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 5:03 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 5:03 PM PST - 6 comments
Verbal Language
What would you say and how would you say it? [more inside]
posted by jellyjam at 4:51 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by jellyjam at 4:51 PM PST - 28 comments
How to replace a garden spigot
Our house has a broken garden hose spigot that is missing the handle. I assume (correct me if I'm wrong) it would be easiest to get a new spigot and install that. Is that something I can do or do I need any special tools, aside from an adjustable wrench and plumber's tape? [more inside]
posted by The Toad at 3:58 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by The Toad at 3:58 PM PST - 8 comments
Infant car seat jammed
Our baby's car seat, a Graco Click Connect 30, will not unlock from its base. I know it's a long shot that anyone else might have experience with this, but any suggestions? Preferably ones that don't destroy the seat, base, or seatbelt, but if necessary... [more inside]
posted by Kriesa at 2:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Kriesa at 2:43 PM PST - 7 comments
Being worn down by a lifetime of resentment: complication - it's not me
How do you help someone get beyond their resentment of the slights, perceived and actual, against them? [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 2:38 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by filthy light thief at 2:38 PM PST - 19 comments
Seeking beach for my dog.
We live in the Baltimore/ DC area. We want to take our two dogs on a vacation to the ocean or a lake that is dog friendly. A body of water that has a beach. We want them to play in the water and be able to relax under an umbrella with us. We are not interested in rivers. We are willing to drive around 3 hours for this experience. Any ideas.
Best stops along the Silk Road?
Where in central Asia would you recommend for sightseeing, photography, street life, and general wow factor? [more inside]
What to do about cat semi-killing birds?
A young cat that I took in in in an emergency situation, expecting to be able to rehome her quickly, is turning out to be a skilled bird hunter, which is really stressing me out. The thing is, she doesn't kill them, just seems to incapacitate them so that they can't walk or fly. [more inside]
posted by mmiddle at 12:29 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by mmiddle at 12:29 PM PST - 29 comments
How to defuse a stink bomb
I've bought two secondhand items in the past few years that have a strong, nauseating smell, kind of like tobacco multiplied by ten. Both are plastic-based. What is it and how can I remove it? [more inside]
Planet of the Apes: Is Doctor Zeius Proved right?
In Planet of the Apes Dr. Zeius is a religious zealot, and his goal is to not have is vision of the world upended. He denies he truth of Taylor and at the end destroys Cornelius' dig site. As he is leading Cornelius and Zira away at the end he says that what he is doing he is doing for the good of all the apes. I used to take this as an act of hypocrisy, but on re-watching it this line is juxtaposed with Taylor's discovery of the Statue of Liberty. It feels to almost be implying that Zeius is right, that progress is not an inherent good. What is the intent of these last few scenes meant to be? [more inside]
posted by ArthurBarnhouse at 11:59 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by ArthurBarnhouse at 11:59 AM PST - 12 comments
Mazda 3 vs. The Rest
I'm about to pull the trigger on a new 2014 compact car. I've done my research and driven almost everything in the segment in the last year as a rental. It's come down to a Mazda 3 i Touring hatchback with the full tech package. Looking for input based on experience. [more inside]
posted by spitbull at 11:32 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by spitbull at 11:32 AM PST - 44 comments
Buying a used European car for $5k or less after a car-less decade: y/n?
Used car filter: after a decade without owning a car, I'd like to get back into the game. I'd prefer to spend $5k or less. I understand this means older cars/higher miles. I find myself drawn to early 2000s VW Golfs/GTIs, late-90s BMW 300 series, '90s Saabs, early '00s Volvos. Are any of these types going to be substantially more reliable or cheaper to maintain than others? [more inside]
Can you help me find a picture I probably saw on Reddit and/or Imgur?
I saw a picture earlier this year, probably on Reddit and/or Imgur, of two young kids on a carnival ride having the time of their lives. Right behind them were two slightly older kids or teens looking sullen and glued to their phones. The general layout was something like this. Does anyone remember seeing it, or can you help me find it? [more inside]
posted by 2bucksplus at 10:02 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by 2bucksplus at 10:02 AM PST - 2 comments
Clothes to pack for late summer trip to Montreal/Ontario lakehouse?
What stylish but versatile mix and match clothing articles and accessories should I pack for three July nights in Montreal and four nights in a cabin off Lake Beverly in Ontario? How do I keep them looking "fresh" despite heat, humidity, and my own unforgiving sweat? [more inside]
Ever been a frat boy? Please help me write my novella!
Hi folks. I'm working on a new eBook, a comedy-fantasy novella about a frat boy who is appalled to find himself transformed overnight into a sexy girl. There's just one problem: I don't know jack about frats! I'm trying to research frat life, but I could really use the experience of somebody who has actually been a frat boy, or at least spent enough time in a frat to have some knowledge about them... [more inside]
Looking for Badminton Set Recommendations
I am in the market for a badminton set to play in the park on nice days. I do not have a yard, so it's important that the set is portable and the net is easy to set up and take down. None of the sporting goods stores in DC seem to carry badminton sets, so definitely looking for something that can be ordered online. [more inside]
Looking for heavyweight grid paper.
Paper Nerds Assemble!
I'm looking for heavyweight paper (~100lbs / 150gsm or thicker), either bound or looseleaf, with a smooth finish... that has light grid lines (square or isometric) or a dot grid. [more inside]
Economics and Magic
Has anyone ever attempted to realistically and fully work out what the economic and/or sociological implications of a world where dungeons and dragons or lord of the ring-style magic exists? For example, how it would impact the feudal system and so on. In any form, essay, fiction or otherwise.
help me use up all my scrap yarn!!!
help me find patterns or ideas for awesome ways to use up leftover yarn! I'm particularly interested in projects that will combine different weights, fibers, and textures, without looking cheapy and amateur. caveats inside. [more inside]
posted by CookieNose at 7:22 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by CookieNose at 7:22 AM PST - 21 comments
Major investment bank for energy A&D activities.
I've been with my company (a major Oil and Gas E&P company) for seven years now, and I've moved domestically three times with them. My major is in Petroleum Engineering with an emphasis on Reservoir Engineering and I'm currently getting my MBA. I am considering getting into investment banking for energy A&D (acquisition and divestiture) advisory activities.
What is the career path (I was told I would start at associate level II) and what doors could this open for me? Say I do this for 2-3 years ... what makes sense from a career standpoint next??
I got into my industry to move oversees eventually. Is this an option with an A&D advisory position? Similarly, does this open doors to live places where oil is not, such as NYC or London or Chicago?
Any general advice on a position like this? Has anyone made a move like this and are you happy or do you regret this move?
Moving to the Bay Area -- where to live?
My spouse is about to be offered a new job that splits time between Emeryville (most of the time) and Redwood City. Where should we look for a house? Bonus earthquake question. [more inside]
Feasability of importing used Dutch / Danish / German bike to USA
Does anyone have experience with trying to import *used* Dutch bikes (or Danish, or German, etc) into the USA? I've only been able to find *new* bikes for sale, and they tend to cost much more than similarly priced American / Chinese / Taiwanese re-makes (Linus, WorkCycles, Etc). [more inside]
posted by NYC-BB at 6:53 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by NYC-BB at 6:53 AM PST - 7 comments
Best font software for Mac?
Font Book isn't burly enough to handle my thousands of fonts, and it has now crashed twice. Its default of loading fonts as active contributes to its crashing, I believe. (I've taken it to the Apple Store, etc., so please don't tell me how to get Font Book to work.)
I've committed to buying some new font software. I'm currently looking at FontExplorerX Pro and Suitcase Fusion. Please share your advice on those two, or any other font management systems that are effective and not crazy expensive. Thank you!
(I used to use suitcase back in the oughts. Obviously the world is a different place.)
posted by miss tea at 5:55 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by miss tea at 5:55 AM PST - 6 comments
What was this web radio station called?
I'm currently trying to remember a web radio station I listened to a few years ago, but it's name escapes me. [more inside]
Youtube music video suggestions - artists like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj?
I have a friend who wants to watch some new music videos. He has no access to the internet, but I do. Great! I can help out. Except we have very different tastes in music and he only gets as specific as "like Nicki." He also really likes Rihanna and Beyoncé's more beat-driven songs, La Fouine, and a lot of Nigerian popular music. Can you make suggestions for me? Preferably with links, because I'm on strictly metered internet and can't download a lot of videos to find the good ones.
Where should we watch the World Cup finals in Berlin?
We'll be arriving Sunday afternoon, both of us first-timers in Berlin. Any recommendations on where we should be for the game? (Pub, outdoor venue, anything goes).
July 11
Photographing the Super Moon
Assume I know very very little about photography, but I have a small tripod, a Canon Rebel Xti DLSR and a 400 zoom lens. How do I photograph the Super Moon tomorrow over Lake Tahoe? [more inside]
posted by HeyAllie at 11:59 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by HeyAllie at 11:59 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me identify this image from a shirt
Hank Green of Vlogbrothers fame wore an interesting shirt with what I believe is an iconic image from a film, but I have been unable to remember where it's from. [more inside]
posted by Woodroar at 8:47 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Woodroar at 8:47 PM PST - 6 comments
What makes someone unattractive?
I'm a young woman without much luck in romantic relationships. I think I may have a problem with my behavior and body language because I'm introverted and I'd like to understand it and maybe gain some control over it. [more inside]
posted by poilkj at 8:00 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by poilkj at 8:00 PM PST - 30 comments
Have you transitioned successfully out of pink-collar admin hell? How?
I need to know how other women (or men) have crawled out of these jobs. [more inside]
I think I'm really depressed , will therapy help?
When dealing with depression, what has worked for you . . medications, etc? I don't want to rely too heavily on friends for this, because I have in the past, and they tend to want to avoid you if you tend to talk about it too much. [more inside]
Looking for the "Perfect" Elliptical
Help me find an elliptical machine for a person who is between 5'1" and 5'4", that will take fairly heavy use by one person, and that doesn't cost a fortune. [more inside]
Am I a fool if I stay or am I a fool if I go?
I'm 24, a year after graduation I'm still in the town where I went to university. I'm living with my partner Jake who has a five-year-old son. Jake and I are very happy together and I've become good friends with the mother of his son, Kaitlyn. We all get along really well now, life is easy, drama-free and steadily improving. The problem is, Kaitlyn, Jake and I are all really keen on adding to our crazy little family by me having a baby. I would love to do that, but on the other hand, I have family, friends and a small part of me shouting NO!!!! You're too young! Go travel the world!
How do I reconcile what I want to do RIGHT NOW, what I think I should do to avoid having regrets later and what everyone else wants me to do? [more inside]
posted by mangoprawn at 7:01 PM PST - 61 comments
posted by mangoprawn at 7:01 PM PST - 61 comments
Where/what are the good tabletop RPG discussion/blogs nowadays?
Ages ago I used to be active on The Forge and it was great for gameplay design/discussion and for actual play reports of niche things. Where did those folk go when it closed down? What new stuff has popped up in the meantime?
"But chief, you've barely touched your banana kaboom"
My 30th birthday is next week. Where in Chicago can I get a free birthday ice cream sundae? [more inside]
posted by custard heart at 4:40 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by custard heart at 4:40 PM PST - 6 comments
Creative Outlet for Intellectual
Here's the thing: I am a young adult who for the majority of his life has been intellectualising because he is fascinated by what he learns. However more and more I have been wishing I had a creative outlet, artistic or otherwise. [more inside]
Traveling with a friend and now a part of Facebook updates. Help!
I'm currently backpacking Europe with a good friend of mine. It's been a lot of fun so far, but as a non-Facebook user, I have been feeling uncomfortable and annoyed as he posts updates. How do I keep this from negatively affecting my trip? [more inside]
posted by alligatorman at 4:12 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by alligatorman at 4:12 PM PST - 27 comments
Where should I live in SF?
Mefites of San Francisco: Where do you live? Where should I live? When should I move? How does this happen? I'm a special snowflake with my own special snowflake needs. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 3:38 PM PST - 49 comments
posted by bleep at 3:38 PM PST - 49 comments
Help me unpack some of my weirdness around giving gifts.
So I love giving gifts and, if I've committed to 'Giving Someone A Gift' instead of just 'Checking off the Box' I tend to put a lot of time and energy into them. However I've noticed that my pleasure in giving gifts is directly tied to how the recipient responds. MeFis, teach me to give unconditionally. [more inside]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 2:11 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 2:11 PM PST - 23 comments
Essentially New Jersey?
In order to block out a new writing thing. I'm looking for things that are essentially or unquiely New Jersian in flavor or references that would ping a lifelong resident of the state- types of stores and houses, idioms, vacation spots, regional foods, etc. I'm also looking for media that has the right feel of the Garden State that aren't Kevin Smith movies. I've read this AskMe about New Jersey books already and I've seen The Sopranos. What are other examples of "Only in NJ" things? [more inside]
Trade Blogs and Publications for Online Publishers?
A colleague wants to deepen his understanding of online publishing (and I do, too!) -- how do the big print magazine/newspaper publishers manage their online publications, and what are the smaller, newer, younger online-only publications doing, too. Topics of interest run the gamut, from editorial policy to metrics. [more inside]
escaping San Francisco: let's go outside
The girl and I miss trees. And feel a little claustrophobic. Where could we go that is close to SF but out of Sf. It should be warm. And we would like to do it on a week night.
posted by jander03 at 1:27 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by jander03 at 1:27 PM PST - 17 comments
Canon MkII malfunction
My wife's Canon 5D MkII seems to be bricked, and I'm looking for input on what the issues might be and if it's reparable (or worth it to repair it). [more inside]
Truffle mania
I have just discovered that I love truffle-infused foodstuffs. So far, I have had popcorn and cheese, and macaroni and cheese that were all sprinkled with truffle goodness. What else is out there that I absolutely have to have?
My son is panicking about learning to swim. Help?
My kids are going to a day camp for the first time this summer. They're scheduled to swim twice a day, but my son has been refusing to go into the pool and panicking when the counselors try to encourage him into the water. How can we convince him the pool is fun, safe and comfortable? [more inside]
Sizing images for Wordpress site
I'm using Wordpress to design my site (photography portfolio). Image quality is very important to me, but I'm also concerned about page-loading times. Galleries will be on one page, and you'll scroll down to view images. I prefer this layout to flash galleries. Some questions about this.... [more inside]
Planning a peaceful trip to Switzerland and beyond?
Kinda two-fold. (1) What's do-able with 10 days in/from Lausaunne, Switzerland? (2) How do I manage this trip with my boyfriend and a few other friends? [more inside]
posted by inevitability at 11:42 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by inevitability at 11:42 AM PST - 11 comments
Finding other Somervilles in North America
What neighborhoods or towns in the metro areas of NYC, DC, Toronto, Vancouver, SF, Seattle, and Portland are similar to Somerville, MA (north of Boston)? [more inside]
posted by acridrabbit at 11:08 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by acridrabbit at 11:08 AM PST - 25 comments
Do we have bedbugs or fleas?
Moved into a house 2 months ago. Got a dog. Getting bites. Can't find critters. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Bluestocking_Puppet at 11:04 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Bluestocking_Puppet at 11:04 AM PST - 14 comments
Healthy Ways to Physically Express Negative Emotions
Asking for a friend: what are some good, healthy ways for an adult to physically express their upsetting feelings? [more inside]
Worst film/tv/game novelizations?
Help me find examples of film, TV, or video game novelizations that are not necessarily bad writing, but which completely alter or otherwise undermine the storyline, characterizations, and themes in the parent material. [more inside]
Coding Bootcamps and Career-Switching and Admissions Strategies, Oh My!
I'm starting to seriously plan for a career-switch to programming, going the Coding Bootcamp route as a way to jump-start my skills, my portfolio and my networking. I want advice on how best to prepare and what to expect. Snowflakes, as always, inside. [more inside]
posted by firechicago at 10:48 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by firechicago at 10:48 AM PST - 4 comments
Spam that's useful?
What newsletters do you subscribe to that are useful? [more inside]
posted by rippersid at 10:03 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by rippersid at 10:03 AM PST - 7 comments
Is it normal to feel this crazy?
We have a 17 month old boy. We love him very much. Sometimes my husband and I discuss having a second child. Truth be told, I don't know if the two ounces of sanity I have left would survive it. [more inside]
posted by MayNicholas at 9:53 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by MayNicholas at 9:53 AM PST - 44 comments
Name this French actress
I have bought the movie "Blue is the Warmest Color" on DVD, and now I would like to know the name of one of the actresses of the movie. [more inside]
How much for the bass? (not a fish)
Wife bought this (used) bass guitar back in 1988ish. Kramer Spector IV. Never used it. Wants to sell it. Appears to be in very good condition. No clue about the value -- poked around a few forums/sites, didn't find anything particularly helpful. Now turning to Mighty AskMeFi for info on what we can reasonably expect to ask/get for it.
posted by davidmsc at 9:19 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by davidmsc at 9:19 AM PST - 6 comments
Thoughts on CIS major? (Computer Information Systems)
Is CIS a reliable major for future careers in NY? [more inside]
Love songs for married couples?
Songs about long-term, developed love - not butterflies. [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 9:16 AM PST - 78 comments
posted by ohsnapdragon at 9:16 AM PST - 78 comments
Gift for my Oakland-based friend?
I'm getting gifts for my wedding party and I'm having trouble picking something for my friend who just moved to Oakland. Could y'all recommend good Oakland-based gifts for under $100? Thanks! [more inside]
posted by vakker at 9:00 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by vakker at 9:00 AM PST - 6 comments
Where to watch the World Cup Final in Baltimore? Difficulty: Teens
I have tickets with my cousin and his kids (14/16 years old) to go to the Orioles game at 8:05pm on Sunday. But we also want to watch the World Cup Final somewhere first. Where would we be able to watch the game, with the teenagers in tow, so that we can get from there to Camden Yards easily/quickly? [more inside]
posted by gemmy at 8:43 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by gemmy at 8:43 AM PST - 9 comments
Keep yer damn morning glories off my lawn
The neighbors' morning glories are growing under their fence into our yard, and driving me nuts. How can I fend them off? [more inside]
Searching Gmail for Flights
Hey guys. So I'm trying to determine how far I've flown over the past five years; I'd like to search my Gmail account for every flight confirmation, but the results are terrible--it seems like the search is bringing up all kinds of unrelated emails. Does anyone know of a better way to do this? Thanks!
The house I am renting has an alarm system, how do I make it work?
My SO and I are renting a house. Since moving in we have noticed that the house has an alarm system. However, the control panel does not turn on and none of the buttons do anything. We've spoken to our landlord (who lived in the house for 4+ years) and he said that he never used to alarm and doesn't know how it works.
Nothing on the alarm system says which company managed the alarm (ADT, etc..). Who can I call to get to setup the alarm (but not install a new alarm system, since I am only renting)?
Push Banking Everyday
Is there an application or service that will send a push message or SMS on a schedule with account balances of various accounts. Mint will do this weekly but I'd like to have it come once a day at a specific time.
Is this food poisoning, stomach flu, or something else?
None Of You Is My Doctor, but before I spend money and time at Urgent Care, I'd like to ask those of you who have experienced this kind of thing if what I am going through right now is something you just have to wait out, or if I need to go see someone. (Warning: discussion of vomiting and other bodily functions inside.) [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 7:35 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by tzikeh at 7:35 AM PST - 22 comments
Ye Olde Weekend Getaway
Heading to Staunton, VA for a little anniversary getaway/Shakespeare nerd-fest in a few weeks. Aside from a show and tour at the reconstructed Blackfriars (which I am BEYOND excited about), what should we not miss? [more inside]
posted by Dorinda at 7:30 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Dorinda at 7:30 AM PST - 9 comments
I want to quit using porn.
(NSFW) I'm a man in my mid-20s. I'm concerned about my longtime porn habit's effects on me, so I'd like to quit using it. What's the best way to do that? How can I then determine and mitigate its effects on me? More details inside. [more inside]
Help me JUST CLICK REPLY ALREADY.
I regularly flake on email responses-- both personal and professional. (I have all the comorbidities you'd expect: ADHD, perfectionism, perpetual writer's block, mild social anxiety, introversion, disorganization, procrastination/avoidant tendencies.) I'm starting a new job and need this particular behavior to stop forthwith. Short of completely overhauling my whole effed-up executive function, is there an ironclad system I can implement to ensure that every single one of those emails gets answered punctually? [more inside]
Overnight stay in Redwoods near San Jose
My partner and I are headed to California in August and have 2 days to ourselves. We're both very avid hikers and are interested in seeing redwoods. Help us plan an awesome 2 day hike between San Jose/Sonoma! [more inside]
posted by olya at 6:40 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by olya at 6:40 AM PST - 10 comments
Automated WordPress deployment strategies
I'm trying to help my team establish an automated workflow for managing WordPress sites (themes, plugins, databases, the whole shebang). This is going to be a long journey and I need advice on what tools will give us the easiest entry point to a long-term solution. Capistrano? Grunt? Other? Lots of special details inside. [more inside]
How do I get over deep anger at my spouse over moving for his career?
My husband finally got the tenure-track academic job at an awesome university he's been working towards his whole life. So how can I get myself to stop hating him for it? Lots of rambling inside. [more inside]
Gardeningfilter: name those plants...
Hi folks, a friend is looking to do some garden remodelling. She's seen a couple of plants she'd like and took photographs, but has no idea what they actually are. So, green-fingered members of the green, can you help? Images and snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by peteyjlawson at 4:34 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by peteyjlawson at 4:34 AM PST - 4 comments
Good free online resources for mental health professionals...
where you can test/improve your own knowledge/skills gaps?
I read a lot of books and go through this whole convoluted process of underlining/going back etc... but I honestly feel like I remember/really take in so little.
I have a bit of time and want to refesh/enhance my knowledge/skills/confidence. [more inside]
That's a lot of soda bread...
By mistake my company has booked me double baggage allowance for my flight to Dublin for a conference, so I have a capacity of 46kg.
I live in London. What kind of heavy yet-hard-to-get in the UK thing should I buy to make the most of this? My only thought was a case of whisky or possibly a very large amount of Guinness. I only have one free morning (Thursday), which is also the day I fly out. Is there anything I'm not thinking of?
posted by litereally at 4:15 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by litereally at 4:15 AM PST - 11 comments
Seeking tips on networking in a creative field
I work in a creative field. For the first time in a long while, I have got a little downtime before my next big project is due to kick off. I want to use this time to engage in some networking and try to expand my clients list. I'd love to hear some tips on how to go about that. [more inside]
July 10
More power!
The battery life on my Samsung Galaxy S3 has become bad and unpredictable, and I'm looking for either a larger battery or some kind of extended battery case. What are the best options? [more inside]
How to survive early marriage counseling?
After several years of problems -- I repressed all my complaints, my spouse just sulked silently and suggested I "get over it" -- we finally started marriage counseling, and the trauma and upheaval of having this all out in the open is unbearable. How do people make it through? [more inside]
Why Do Women Hate TV Watching Men?
Husbands and boyfriends watching too much tv is a common complaint from women. It's so frequently mentioned in relationships of all types that I don't understand it. If not tv, then video games. I'd like to understand why this particular issue is so frequent among couples, and maybe both why men do it, and why women despise it? Is there any studies or other sources that explain behavior, or attempted to explore it, especially in a relationship or gender differentiated dynamic? [more inside]
Where to live in Bay Area - couple w/ commutes to Redwood City & Oakland
My boyfriend currently pays $1500/month for a studio in a less than stellar area of San Francisco (his car has been broken into 5+ times in the past year), and works in Redwood City. For various reasons now, he's sick of the city and wants to move. The idea is that eventually we would move in together. Since I work in Oakland, we're having trouble imagining where we might live that would make commuting at least not soul-sucking for both of us. [more inside]
New rental has phantom odors
We just moved into a new rental - it's early 1900s with polished hardwood floors. When we moved in there was a bit of a musty odor, but we assumed that this was just "empty house smell". The odor has largely dissipated, except for the bedroom and the adjacent hallway where the smell is getting stronger and now smells a little bit like animal pee (though it could be just general mustiness too). But we cannot locate the exact source of the smell. How do we find the location of the smell and eradicate it!? More details after the fold... [more inside]
posted by Alice Russel-Wallace at 9:25 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Alice Russel-Wallace at 9:25 PM PST - 9 comments
Best way to learn languages in interactive way?
What's the best way to learn languages (particularly French and German) through software or online which a) does NOT rely on long lectures, b) teaches sufficient grammar and vocabulary to read moderately complex books, and c) is interactive (if possible with a clear measure of progress) and d) self-paced?
posted by shivohum at 8:27 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by shivohum at 8:27 PM PST - 13 comments
How do I get the curry smell out of my couch?
My couch smells like curry after staying temporarily in a home that smells very strongly of curry. What's the best way to get the smell out? Is Febreeze going to work? [more inside]
EVO 2014 in Kansai
Short notice question! Anyone know of anywhere in Kyoto or Osaka that's doing a watch-EVO-2014-live-with-a-group sort of deal on Saturday? I'm particularly looking for somewhere that's focusing on USF4, and because that's during the day here in Japan (until "4:00," though it's just not EVO if it isn't running wildly behind schedule), the usual suspects (bars, mainly) aren't really good spots, it seems. [more inside]
Moving over the course of a few weeks. What goes in the first/last box?
I'm about to move! Yay! My move coincides with two weeks off! Yay! Given that I have all this time, this move is going to kind of trickle from one house to the next, moving stuff as I have it packed, with one big day in the middle where I officially change residences. So, what goes in the first box that I take over to the new place, and what goes in the last box to leave my current place? [more inside]
posted by mollymayhem at 7:10 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by mollymayhem at 7:10 PM PST - 19 comments
Do it again...identify a song, that is
Hi AskMe, I come to you with another song identification question. Genre: pop/rock/EDM. Vocalist: sounded like Calvin Harris to me. Key lyric: "do it again" repeated as part of some "yes I will/no I won't do it again" (can't remember which) phrasing. Seemed to get a lot of airplay around spring of this year but I haven't heard it since. Little help?
posted by prize bull octorok at 7:02 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by prize bull octorok at 7:02 PM PST - 4 comments
single-hood wasted on the single?
What do you or did you enjoy about being single? What do partnered mefites miss? [more inside]
posted by morganw at 7:01 PM PST - 89 comments
posted by morganw at 7:01 PM PST - 89 comments
Birthright Trip to Israel- to go or not to go?
The experience sounds amazing but it feels, for lack of a better word, sleazy to go while they're busy bombing Gaza. I want to go really badly but not if I have to pretend to love the IDF. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 6:41 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by winterportage at 6:41 PM PST - 33 comments
I've realized that my line of work conflicts with deeply held values
However I have few other options other than to continue on in the marketing industry. [more inside]
Training for consecutive distance runs
I’m looking for advice on training and meal plans for two half-marathons then a marathon with minimal breaks in-between. [more inside]
posted by Pink Frost at 5:20 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Pink Frost at 5:20 PM PST - 8 comments
Seattle to Newport?
I’m driving from Seattle, WA, to Newport, OR (on the coast). Would it be better to take I-5 all the way down to Corvallis and then US20 over to Newport, or should I leave I-5 at Olympia and take 101 down the coast? I’ll be hitting Olympia around 4pm on a Monday, and I’ll hear arguments for both efficiency and pleasantness. Thank you!
posted by Janey Complainy at 4:51 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Janey Complainy at 4:51 PM PST - 10 comments
Not taking care of myself out of spite?
I realize I am not taking care of myself properly and I think I may be getting fatter and slacker to spite my partner. What is this type of behavior called and what specific techniques can I use to overcome and thwart it? [more inside]
Sensual, not sexual
In a new friendship/relationship. Help us explore our sensual sides without sex! Possibly mild NSFW details inside. [more inside]
How do I get out of this alive? Should I bother?
I'm an isolated mess of a person and not sure how I will get out of it at this age. If you've ever been this isolated or hit rock bottom and made it out, how did you do it, particularly if it happened to you after 35? [more inside]
posted by katherant at 2:03 PM PST - 46 comments
posted by katherant at 2:03 PM PST - 46 comments
Lady-friendly sci-fi recommendations?
After getting really into Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover series, I'm looking for similar reading material. Can y'all recommend other sci-fi novels featuring a predominantly female cast?
posted by schooley at 1:50 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by schooley at 1:50 PM PST - 22 comments
Helping a teen keep weight loss momentum going...
Help me support my teen daughter with her health efforts... [more inside]
posted by pearlybob at 1:40 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by pearlybob at 1:40 PM PST - 27 comments
I don't know how to deal with my sister-help?
My sister has not spoken to me since mid-March, presumably over a hormonally-fueled (I think) pregnancy ragefest that she had. I don't think I did anything wrong, but should I contact her? [more inside]
What to do in life before getting pregnant in a year or two.
We're planning on trying for a baby in a year or two. I want a comprehensive list of goals for the time leading up to getting pregnant so that we're ready- psychologically, physically, and in every other way. I think my planned preparations fall under three categories- 1) getting our lives in order 2) enjoying the last of our unchained youth, and 3) practical stuff directly related to the baby. Please help me populate these lists. [more inside]
posted by cacao at 12:28 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by cacao at 12:28 PM PST - 35 comments
You want to try to trick the boiler?
Is it quicker to upload one file at a time than to upload two simultaneously? [more inside]
Help this laid off techie get one extra week of severance pay!
I was just laid off as part of a "workforce reduction" at my company. I am leaving on very good terms, no ill will whatsoever towards the management or the company. EXCEPT: they just forced everyone to take a week off, and then fired a bunch of us the very next week. [more inside]
Retirement planning for the W2 contractor
Independent contractor, working for several recruiting firms as a W2 employee, but on a contract-by-contract basis (so my employer may change once or twice a year). Can I do pre-tax withholding for retirement if these employers don't have a 401k (of any kind)? [more inside]
posted by ASoze at 12:04 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by ASoze at 12:04 PM PST - 2 comments
Contemporary Devotional Songs for a Family Reunion
I will be attending my annual family reunion this weekend, and have been asked by family members to lead the devotional hymn. I play acoustic guitar and pick up songs by ear fairly easily, but I have no idea what I am looking for. I regularly attend church, and am familiar with many of the traditional hymns, but I am striking out on contemporary devotional songs with a focus on family gathering. It's a long shot, but anyone have suggestions?
posted by Benway at 11:32 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Benway at 11:32 AM PST - 15 comments
Help my mom not get screwed out of her pension
My mom worked for a county agency for over ten years. Now that she'd like to retire, she's noticed that random months of her pension's retirement credits are missing from the agency's records (for months she did in fact work) - these credits total almost a year of retirement.
The agency claims that the records from that long ago have been destroyed, and they can't help her show that she actually did work these months. What government agency could help her solve this problem so she doesn't get screwed out of her retirement? Is there anyone who keeps monthly records of employees' work hours? [more inside]
From the Portland Airport, to the Redwood Forest...
I need to quickly firm up planning for our August vacation in Oregon and Northern California; we have about 10 days to spend and I haven't gotten very as far in terms of specifics. Degree of Difficulty: 16yo daughter and non-drinking husband [more inside]
Horrible Networking Experience -- Should I Keep Quiet?
I'm looking to make a career shift to a new city and move to a slightly different area of my professional field. A while back, I met a great contact ("Bob") here in my current city who has a giant professional network both here and in the city where I'd like to relocate. He has been very helpful and recently put me into contact with one of his "best friends" ("Jane"), who he ensured me would have valuable insights into the job market in my target city. I arranged a brief phone call with Jane, and it went horribly. Jane was rude, condescending, and made it clear she was talking to me only as a favor to Bob. Now Bob excitedly wants a readout of the conversation, with details of how Jane was able to help me. Should I tell him the truth about our conversation or just be vague and said it went fine? [more inside]
Boston Logan Rental Car Taxes!!
We go see my mom in Welfleet, Cape Cod once a year and usually spend the night in Boston after the flight, in which case we pick up a rental in Cambridge where it is hundreds of dollars cheaper a week due to airport taxes (or so I am told by the rental car agencies) [more inside]
What are you reading besides The Atlantic?
A long time ago, Time Magazine used to provide moderately thoughtful, longer form articles about current events and culture. For the past few decades, that niche has been filled for me by a mix of Harper's, The Atlantic, and The Economist. None of these are perfect, but they provide a nice mix of interesting content on a monthly basis. What else is out there that you'd recommend? It doesn't need to be print, online would work as well.
posted by leotrotsky at 9:17 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by leotrotsky at 9:17 AM PST - 36 comments
Is there such a thing as a low-maintenance vegan?
What are some ways to navigate the menu when eating vegan in a mainstream restaurant? [more inside]
Help me plan for a difficult conversation with my mother
I need to talk to my mother soon about something I did, and I am looking for advice on how to handle the conversation in a way that respects her but is also mindful of my own boundaries. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:57 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:57 AM PST - 12 comments
What's the best way to clean a MacBook Pro's screen? (and case too)
It seems I've tried a bunch of different products to clean the screen of my MacBook Pro and I've not found anything that doesn't leave a streaky mess.
Any products/tips/tricks you've found to get a streak free screen? [more inside]
8" floor joists, 15' span
I am putting an addition on an old house that has 8" floor joists. For various reasons, it's very problematic to change the ceiling height between the original house and the addition. However, the smallest engineered floor joist I can find is 9 1/2".
Code allows me to span 15'7" with 2x8" on 12" center. That's currently the only option I have, however, I've been told my floor will be bouncy.''
Is there anything else I should be considering?
Raleigh, NC: Who hosted this vintage video game meetup around 1999?
Sometime around 1999, my dad took me to a vintage video game meetup in Raleigh. I was 12. There were a lot of Atari and MAME systems, maybe others. What was this event and who made it happen? [more inside]
posted by scose at 8:13 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by scose at 8:13 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me find a calander of all major sporting events around the world?
I only enjoy watching the "big game", the super bowl, march madness, world cup soccer, Ironman triathlon championship in Hawaii, the six marathon majors, "the worlds" in track and field", Olympic trials for most sports, NBA finals, MLS championship etc. etc. Is there a way I can find a concise calendar with all these dates highlighted so I can enjoy watching them live? Thanks
Crash course in babies
My best friend and her hubs are about to have twins (fraternal), as in at the hospital right now! They also have a toddler. I have volunteered to be live-in help 2-3 days a week during the first however many weeks needed with whatever is needed. Give me your best family chaos wisdom on what to expect for me as the helper and how to be the most helpful to her and daddy, twins and toddler. Assume all are healthy, happy and wonderful. Also assume mom is recovering from C-section. [more inside]
posted by danapiper at 7:59 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by danapiper at 7:59 AM PST - 20 comments
Crucial 480G M500 SSD and Mavericks on an Early 2011 MacBook Pro
I'm running 10.6.8 on an Early 2011 MacBook Pro, with a Crucial 480G M500 SSD. I would like to upgrade to Mavericks, but I am unclear as to whether any problems will ensue with regard to my Crucial SSD. [more inside]
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:12 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:12 AM PST - 3 comments
Last minute vacation ideas: departing from Houston edition...
Has anyone done the whole book a vacation the night before? If so, how? Is it worth it? Any special snowflakes with leaving from Houston? Where do I look? [more inside]
Don't Let Them Get to You - But better phrasing?
Trying to come up with inspirational sayings for boundary enforcement, something that can be embroidered or engraved. Some sort of physical embodiment of this saying will be created. The idea should be you can't save everyone, you need to not take on the pain of the world, everything is not on your shoulders, you can say no, et cetera. [more inside]
posted by RainyJay at 6:49 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by RainyJay at 6:49 AM PST - 28 comments
Pectin effectiveness post expiry
Hey, I'm about to make some tart cherry preserves. The (no sugar needed) pectin I have readily available is "best by" 2009. Ingredients on the box: dextrose, fruit pectin, locust bean gum, xanthan gum. Does pectin break down or will this be OK? I ask because I have found conflicting information online. It's trivial for me to get some new pectin, which I will probably do, but I was just wondering.
posted by Stewriffic at 6:36 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Stewriffic at 6:36 AM PST - 7 comments
Looking for a child's bank account in Canada.
Hi, can anyone recommend a child's bank account in Canada. [more inside]
posted by Frasermoo at 6:06 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Frasermoo at 6:06 AM PST - 8 comments
iPhone game like A Dark Room, but...not A Dark Room?
I’m looking for a game, playable on my iPhone, with probably crazy specific requirements. I fell in love with and completed (twice, once with huts and once without) A Dark Room. If I could erase my memory of playing that game and do it again, that’s basically what I’m after. [more inside]
posted by DulcineaX at 5:54 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by DulcineaX at 5:54 AM PST - 11 comments
Please recommend songs with sad/disturbing lyrics but a jaunty melody.
My favourite song about depression is Dog by Andy Bull. (Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult is another one that captures the kind of feeling I'm after. [more inside]
Indoor plant for my office
About 12 months ago I started work at a new workplace. The office fit-out is ordinary; beige cubicles for the workers, (mostly) windowless little offices for the big-salary earners. We all work in a low-rise building a few ks out of the CBD. A few nice things about the environment struck me when I was new: the lovely Indo-pacific artefacts decorating the place and the abundance of lovely tropical plants everywhere. [more inside]
Cleaning for the uninclined?
At the grand old age of 26, I am moving into my first place, away from home (living by myself). I need tips for keeping my place clean. [more inside]
House Reno Blogs With Wit?
I like reading blogs about being doing up their houses but I really like doing this when people are funny and write well. [more inside]
How can I be a good advocate for my partner in a medical setting?
My partner and I have a strong suspicion that he may have ADHD. We're based in the UK and are struggling within the NHS system to get him a diagnosis. He has another medical appointment today and wants me to come in with him. How can I be a good advocate for him (in six hours' time) in what feels like a somewhat broken system? More details inside. [more inside]
July 9
Swelling with no other symptoms - how worried should I be?
My knee is swollen on the top of the knee cap. It's been this way for about a week. I feel no pain, no warmness, no limit to my range of motion, and I don't remember getting hurt. When I press around and feel my knee, again there is no pain, and I also don't feel any bumps or any real structural differences compared to my other knee. There is definitely some thickening (fluid or whatever causes swelling) at the top of the knee cap, about 2.5 inches in diameter, but that's like the only symptom. [more inside]
Settling into the Renaissance City
We just moved to Providence. Help us get involved in it! [more inside]
Drunk II: Electic Drunkaloo
As a birthday present, I am taking my husband to the Summertime Brews Festival. We're avoiding the hoi polloi (and giving me ample opportunity to talk to brewers about my desire for more sour beers) with VIP tickets that allow early access to the venue.
That means that we'll be coming home endrunkened (via taxi) at about 4:30 or 5:00 PM. What awesome things can we eat and watch that will be fun and/or hangover-mitigating? [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 6:32 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by jeoc at 6:32 PM PST - 27 comments
Where to buy Mexican Coke & 7-Up UWS - Harlem NYC
Where on the Upper West Side/Morningside Heights/Harlem can I buy Mexican Coke and 7-Up? [more inside]
posted by mlis at 5:26 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by mlis at 5:26 PM PST - 13 comments
Neighbors, drunk driving, and car damage - what to do?
How to get our unemployed and non-insured neighbors to pay for car damage? Our downstairs neighbors (we split a house) are borrowing an (uninsured) car from their friend over the summer. After getting super drunk early Mon, they somehow barrelled out of the garage, hitting our car and (we think) another car parked in the street. They didn't confess to hitting our car until we approached them with evidence and long after I had already filed a hit-and-run report.... [more inside]
Recent Mundane/Hard SF
Who is writing hard/mundane SF these days? I'm talking no FTL, basically. Please recommend books from the last decade or so. Not Accelerando, though. No offense to Mr. Stross, but it really was not my bag. Thank you in advance.
posted by Steely-eyed Missile Man at 5:03 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Steely-eyed Missile Man at 5:03 PM PST - 21 comments
How do we appropriately ask for t-shirt design ideas on our podcasts?
I run a podcast network, and we're revamping our merchandise. We have no designers on staff, but we have lots of designers in our audiences who love our shows and have great ideas, and we'd like to tap their expertise. I'd like to ask for design idea submissions from designer-listeners on-air without asking for spec work (or seeming to). How, specifically, do we make that call to action - what language should we use? (The work, incidentally, is paid.)
Move to another apartment in the same neighborhood to escape landlord?
I need to decide by tomorrow whether to move out of my apartment (in September). Dislike the landlord, who lives above me, but the place is nice and my daughter was born there. My old landlord, who I like a lot, has a place for rent. Details below: [more inside]
posted by betsbillabong at 4:36 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by betsbillabong at 4:36 PM PST - 18 comments
Where should I live in Manchester, NH?
I may be moving to Manchester, NH next year, and a business trip to the city next week will leave me with one afternoon free to scout around residential properties. What neighborhoods should I concentrate on if I'm looking for a one- or two-bedroom apartment (or house)? Having a small yard would be great; accessibility by bicycle to the city center is another plus. $1,200/month would be a comfortable rent. Less would be great, a little more would be possible if the dollar difference yielded significant benefits in other areas.
Help Make Me the Living Tribunal
I need some recommendations for fake muscles and/or a girdle (middle?) a Living Tribunal costume I'm thinking of putting together for NY Comic Con. [more inside]
Barber/stylist shorthand for "short but don't use clippers"?
How to ask a barber to cut the short parts with scissors not clippers? [more inside]
posted by Boxenmacher at 1:54 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Boxenmacher at 1:54 PM PST - 10 comments
Northern Nova Scotia/ Cape Breton vacation tips?
At the end of the month, my girlfriend and I are heading to Nova Scotia. We'll be staying with a friend in Pictou for a few days, then renting a car out of New Glasgow and heading off on our own. We have four days (three nights) before we fly out of Halifax...and no plans at all. Where should we go? Recommendations for nature/odd attractions/good food wanted. Particularly lovely towns? Good routes? Places to stay?
posted by neroli at 1:31 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by neroli at 1:31 PM PST - 17 comments
Why are there no apartment yentas, for tight rental housing markets?
If I were looking for an apartment right now I would love to delegate the search and matchmaking to someone who made such searches, and presentation of credit data, references etc, their occupation, and I'm sure that many busy people would also want to use this service. Why aren't there people who do this?
How to make driving more comfortable/fun?
My boyfriend drives a lot for work, maybe a couple of hours a day, a few days a week.
I'm looking for things that will make his drive more comfortable. [more inside]
posted by brynna at 11:31 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by brynna at 11:31 AM PST - 26 comments
Advice for buying prescription sunglasses online?
Should I bite the bullet and buy expensive prescription sunglasses that I like and know will fit, or are there tips for buying prescription glasses online that I can use to find a good cheapo pair? [more inside]
Is systemic bacterial overgrowth a thing?
In the past I was diagnosed with bacterial overgrowth of the gut and was treated with pretty intense antibiotics, but the symptoms came back. I was subsequently diagnosed with IBS. I've also suffered from recurrent yeast infections. I ALSO suffer from chronic joint pain (with arthritis in my hands, feet, and ankles) and fatigue. I've started taking a low dose of immunosuppresants (on top of plaquenil), but I'm worried that if I do have bacterial overgrowth, my immune system may be less able to defend against it because my gut symptoms have gotten worse. Ah! [more inside]
How to diasble a strung recurve bow?
My wife is attending a Con in August and we need to make a recurve bow safe for use, but still look like a recurve bow. [more inside]
posted by WinnipegDragon at 11:08 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by WinnipegDragon at 11:08 AM PST - 18 comments
I need help choosing a mechanical keyboard.
I am super hard on keyboards. I have killed 2 fancy ergonomic ones and more cheap keyboards than I can count in the past 4 years so I have decided to splurge on a nice mechanical keyboard, that can hopefully stand up to my destructive ways, well that and I really like the clicky clacky sensation when I type that you don't seem to get on modern keyboards.
I have read various forums & even an old question on the green and all I have done is confuse myself so looking for some suggestions.
Thanks. [more inside]
posted by wwax at 11:08 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by wwax at 11:08 AM PST - 16 comments
Translations of M. Aurelius' "Meditations" - simple, readable prose?
Which of the dozens of English translations of M. Aurelius' "Meditations" is best for younger readers prioritizing beautiful, readable, lyrical and contemporary wording? Not looking for "... For Dummies"-level; just trying to avoid the KJB-style "thines" and "mayests" and so on. Willing to sacrifice textual fidelity for the most readable, accessible prose. [more inside]
Need quick access to specific folders in Windows 7
I used to use a program (that works only in Windows XP and previous versions) that would allow you to right-click on the Windows desktop and select from any number of directory folders to immediately go to in Explorer... [more inside]
posted by Rad_Boy at 10:36 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Rad_Boy at 10:36 AM PST - 12 comments
I need light, thin, everyday wear gloves, before I chew myself to pieces
My dermatillomania has worsened, and I'm biting and picking at my fingers all day and in my sleep, causing a fair amount of damage and pain. I want to find some gloves I can wear at night and perhaps at work to help curb this until I can get it under control. Does anyone have any insight into everyday-wear gloves? [more inside]
Looking for a very specific place to live in Northern VA/Maryland
Help this sick-to-death of NYC'er find the perfect town somewhere between Bethesda and Annapolis! [more inside]
ISO Canadian vehicle reliability study
A year or so ago, we found a pdf online somewhere that we'd like to find again. Here are the bits of info we can remember: [more inside]
posted by nosila at 10:17 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by nosila at 10:17 AM PST - 2 comments
Should I tell my girlfriend about my savings?
Should [or when should] I tell my girlfriend about my savings? [more inside]
How do I get a keyhole slot cut in my mounted poster?
How do I cut a keyhole slot in this mounted poster in order to hang it flush with my wall? [more inside]
posted by mullacc at 9:37 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by mullacc at 9:37 AM PST - 5 comments
Restaurant protocol on smuggling food in for kids
Are restaurants okay with people smuggling in their own food for little kids? Do they see a difference between a zippy cup/handful of goldfish crackers and a full-on meal? [more inside]
Name that bug
Please help me identify this bug: black, 1 cm long, head maybe 2 mm wide tapering down to a very thin tail, antenna-less, no visible legs (appears to slither), moves quickly (and therefore tough to kill), found almost exclusively in the bathroom. [more inside]
posted by rebooter at 9:21 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by rebooter at 9:21 AM PST - 5 comments
Need to sell a house in Sarasota
The house values quoted to us are all over the place! [more inside]
Unbelievable Double Mac OS disaster(TM)
Not one but two Macs refuse to boot, getting stuck on the grey Apple logo screen. What can I do and what could have possibly caused this?? [more inside]
Baby on it's way/health insurance problem
My pregnant wife and I are leaving our job at the end of the summer (not our choice) with no new job lined up. We will need to get our own health insurance when we leave the job. We don't really live anywhere now, and we aren't sure where we will have the baby yet, maybe NH, or NY, or RI, or ME, or the VI. Is there an insurance plan that offers us coverage in multiple places? PPO, HMO, walk me through this. This is our first time buying insurance. [more inside]
Window air conditioner suddenly randomly tripping circuit breaker
We have a window A/C unit that is about three years old. Since we bought it, it has worked flawlessly to cool our bedroom for the few weeks a year that we need it... until now. We put it back in the window last Wednesday, and it worked fine until Monday evening. Now, seemingly without rhyme or reason, but usually (of course) in the middle of the night, it will trip the circuit breaker. [more inside]
posted by kindall at 8:36 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by kindall at 8:36 AM PST - 14 comments
Media-based volunteering in the New York metro area?
Hey Internet. I'm a recent grad, and I loved the media-based extracurriculars I had in college (radio, newspaper, etc.). Do you know of any small media outfits (zines, indie newspapers, indie radio stations, off-beat special interest websites, etc.) that typically need volunteers in New York, New Jersey, or Philadelphia? I already know about WFMU. Thanks!
And then he pulls out... the domestic violence card...?
Last night, during a fight, my boyfriend accused me of trying to justify domestic violence against him. I feel a bit sick to my stomach, and don't know where to go from here. [more inside]
posted by Ocellar at 8:22 AM PST - 70 comments
posted by Ocellar at 8:22 AM PST - 70 comments
Short trip idea. Starting point - Texas
SO and I want to take a short trip for his birthday next month (end of August). We have a few ideas, but thought I'd ask you all for some suggestions we may have missed. [more inside]
Kid's book: little girl on vacation in Vermont who rides flying monsters
When I was a kid, I read a book about a little girl who was on vacation in the mountains of Vermont with her family. She became friends with flying monsters/dragons/dinosaurs. That's all that I remember!
posted by goethean at 8:02 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by goethean at 8:02 AM PST - 2 comments
Oslo for a geek , underground lover
I'am going to Oslo in norway for a reportage on the suscon.
I'am a geek (tech guy (java , python ) , video game lover, role playing gamer) and fond of different underground (hackerspace , urbex , goth one etc ...).
If you have any contacts here or place to visit i will be glad ....
Regards
Bussiere
Email list - category subscription in Wordpress and Sendgrid
Hi Everyone
We need a system to let subscribers manage their own email preferences and category subscriptions. We have 23 categories to select from and would like the email recipients do that for themselves. A good example of such a page is at https://adage.com/help/emailprefs
Sendgrid is great, but they can only do a general subscribe/unsubscribe, not a category.
We use MailPoet at the moment.
Any ideas anyone?
Whiskey and weddings go together like.....
I need a fantastically witty but short phrase that plays on some combination of whiskey, aging whiskey, a barrel, manhattans, marriage, and love. [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 7:27 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by tryniti at 7:27 AM PST - 13 comments
Pittsburgh: Bargains Along the Rail Lines?
My wife and I will be visiting the Warhol Museum and the Mattress Factory during a two-day trip to Pittsburgh, and we're trying to avoid the CBD markup on hotels, parking, and restaurants. [more inside]
where can we mini golf with puppies?
I work with an adult with disabilities in western Mass. I take him out a few times a week, and we're running out of stuff to do! Can you help us find more things to enjoy? [more inside]
posted by chaiminda at 7:01 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by chaiminda at 7:01 AM PST - 9 comments
Accomodations for heavy lifting -- interview question
I have an interview next week. One requirement is to be able to life 40 pound files, but I have a lifting restriction. [more inside]
It's not what I eat, but rather how I eat it.
I've just returned from an awesome, super-fun vacation during which I didn't give as much thought to the food I ate. I noticed that while the specific foods I ate were less "healthy," my eating patterns were far healthier, almost as if being less concerned about how "healthy" something was granted me a freedom that translated into a better sense of wellbeing. This trip provided me a window into "how things could be" with respect to eating patterns. I would like to take what I can from that to improve my habits. Details inside. [more inside]
Citation Format for Declassified Documents
What's the best way to cite declassified, partially redacted, government memorandum, using Chicago Manual of Style format? [more inside]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 6:35 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 6:35 AM PST - 1 comment
No power to car stereo or starter
While installing a new car stereo in my 1999 Saturn SW2, I screwed something up, as I no longer get voltage to the orange "constant power" wire (well, sometimes a mere hundredth of a volt!) to my car stereo, and my engine won't crank either! Yet all of my other electronics (headlights, air conditioner, etc.) work fine. Is there a blown fuse preventing power from getting to the starter and the car stereo? If so, where might the fuse be? The fuses in the fuse box are all fine.
Is Adderall legal in Israel?
I am traveling from US to Israel this week, and I am having trouble finding out if Adderall is legal there. Can I bring my meds to Israel? Can I fill a prescription there?
Thanks! My google search was fruitless.
I got an offer for a dream job. Help me decide if I should take it.
This was me. Following the advice from that question I both renewed my contract with current company and actively started looking elsewhere. I've just received an enthusiastic offer from another company, but I want to be mindful about my next step. [more inside]
Best direct fulfillment sites with relabeling for tshirts?
Can you recommend a company who:
* does custom t-shirt printing,
* including relabeling or hang-tag finishing,
* and offers a retail presence for direct fulfillment...
* for a tiny, tiny quantity of t-shirts?
Basically, I am looking for your cafe press or zazzle type of thing - WITH relabeling or hang-tagging.
I've gotten myself into a worm-hole of confusing options and am hoping that someone out there has experience selling their t-shirts with their own labels or tags direct to web customers! Thanks, mefi!
posted by waterisfinite at 5:08 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by waterisfinite at 5:08 AM PST - 1 comment
Laptop left on United flight, no cooperation. What are my options?
The short version: Left my laptop on a United flight. Realized it after leaving security and was unable to get anyone to do anything to retrieve it. Went through all official channels. Nothing. [more inside]
July 8
Why does my bread look like a turtle?
Bread recipes I never had a problem with are producing disappointing results in my new place. Loaves are coming out dome shaped , brown on the bottom and not brown on top. What do I need to do differently? [more inside]
Is New York City's Tar Beach still a thing?
The door to the roof of my new NYC apartment beckons to me with dreams of sunset glasses of wine and weekend lunch picnics, but am I inviting trouble? Does "unofficial rooftop access" exist?
I know people in the city hang out on their roofs all the time, but exactly how kosher is this? And what is the limit? Do landlords on average just turn a blind eye? Details inside. [more inside]
Good Russian and Eastern European SF/F/Horror
I really love the sort of bleak/dark horror/fantasy/science fiction from Russia and Eastern Europe. I loved the Nightwatch series, loved Solaris, loved the Metro series. What else would I love from that part of the world?
Biking numbness
I get numbness in my right hand after biking 5 to 10 miles. Now what? [more inside]
Recommend A Quiet Dishwasher
Our current dishwasher is noisy, and in our greatroom-plan condo, it's far too noisy. We're willing to buy a good one to get the quiet, but we don't know how quiet we need it to be. [more inside]
posted by fatbird at 7:36 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by fatbird at 7:36 PM PST - 32 comments
What do I need to know about retirement planning, if I know nothing?
I'm late to start investing for retirement (early 30s) and don't know where to begin, other than a vague sense I should invest in mutual funds and maybe bonds and eventually real estate. What do I need to know before putting my money somewhere? [more inside]
posted by three_red_balloons at 7:24 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by three_red_balloons at 7:24 PM PST - 14 comments
Coolest interactive platforms in cinema?
Ever come across a scene in a movie and thought that the website or program or interactive "platform" was really cool? First thing that comes to mind of course is that really cool Minority Report scene or this Mission: Impossible software... It doesn't have to be too far into the future, it could be modern.. Could be the graphics that caught your eye, could be the simplicity, could be anything at all..
Is the bladder sling worth it?
Cherry Eye in a puppy: Remedies? Cost for surgery?
We are curious if anyone has had luck with alternatives to surgery for Cherry Eye in a puppy (he's a maltese, shi tzu mix)? or if no, what we should expect to spend on surgery for the little guy? [more inside]
posted by specialk420 at 6:20 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by specialk420 at 6:20 PM PST - 4 comments
Stop the buzzing - Wii AV switcher problem
I just set up my game systems to an AV switcher to accommodate all of them, but now I think I have a ground loop that I can't solve that's making (only) the Wii buzz! [more inside]
posted by Crystalinne at 5:49 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Crystalinne at 5:49 PM PST - 11 comments
Requesting a French police report. Enclose €5 for stamps?
I need to request a police report from a French city. The USPS doesn't sell International Reply Coupons anymore, and I can't mail coins. I can send a €5 bill (about US$7) to cover the €2 postage, or nothing at all. I have included my email and fax in the letter as well as a self-addressed envelope. Is it a good idea or bad idea to include the five Euros?
How long will my boyfriend be playing XCOM, Enemy Unknown?
A week ago, my boyfriend has started playing Xcom Enemy Unknown. He has not stopped. He is, in a word, obsessed. He is often engaged in "missions." It's kind of cute. I am a video game virgin and am amused/bewildered by his devotion to this game.
My question is: how, um, long does one play this? How long does it take to "complete" these "missions." And can you help me understand the psychology of XCOM ENEMY UNKNOWN?
posted by airguitar2 at 5:26 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by airguitar2 at 5:26 PM PST - 19 comments
Pink Adobe recipe STAT!
Need help & quick. Anybody got the French dressing recipe from Rosalea Murphy's Pink Adobe Cookbook? Nothing else will do. Hoping.
It's Always Sunny in L.A. (Dermatologist needed and more LA questions!)
So we moved to Los Angeles four days ago (in what I think is Mid-Wilshire-- the closest landmarks are the tar pits and the Grove) and while I've been eagerly reading past archives of LA lifehacks and tips, I could use some further advice. [more inside]
Please help me sue someone's ass.
I'm beginning to fill out the paperwork to initiate Ontario Small Claims Court proceedings against my former tenant, and I have some questions. [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 4:08 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by orange swan at 4:08 PM PST - 8 comments
Is free really free?
I am thinking about adding public domain films and shorts to a promotional DVD I am giving away. I wonder about old films and worry about lawyers. More inside. [more inside]
Western Romances
I've been wanting to read some good romances lately in the western genre. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Moving to SF-Bay Area: Which local bank/credit union should I switch to?
We are moving from Florida to San Francisco and need to change banks- we're not super knowledgeable about this stuff and will definitely research more, but I'd like to get some on-the-ground opinions on how various local banks/credit unions have worked for them. Great customer service and low fees are of course stuff we care about a lot. [more inside]
Public Domain Use Victorian Era/Victorian-esque Art?
Hear me out before you say "Just google it" -- I do plenty of google-shopping for images and generally find low-res crappy images that are not necessarily what I'm looking for. I am looking for Victorian/19th century images. They must be high resolution and they are preferably in the public domain. I plan on using them for mixed media collages -- mostly just for myself and friends/gifts and not for profit, however, I've been offered space in an art booth and I may end up using images for commercial gain. More details behind the cut. [more inside]
Tourist tips for Split
We're heading to Croatia for a week at the end of August, probably staying around the Split area. Your recommendations for accommodation and sightseeing would be appreciated. [more inside]
Bluetooth Pony request...
So i have a bit of a weird one here. I'm aware that there are speakers that can pair to eachother so you can use two as a stereo sound pair, or just two at once(E.G. jambox mini, beats pill XL). What i'm looking for though, is sort of the reverse. [more inside]
posted by emptythought at 3:15 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by emptythought at 3:15 PM PST - 2 comments
Help me brainstorm names for Science Fiction Convention / Festival
Looking for ideas for a name for science fiction convention. This event will cover the full spectrum of the science fiction genre, as well as real space and science stuff, and I'm hoping for a name that is both intriguing and fun. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 3:01 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 3:01 PM PST - 14 comments
The weirdness of manuscript copyright law (UK version)
In the case of unpublished historical manuscripts in copyright till 2039 in the UK, where the original author is long dead and there is no designated copyright holder, how does copyright work once you get down a generation or two and have multiple heirs of seemingly equal standing? (eg. several grandchildren or multiple great nieces and nephews) Must everyone be consulted and agree, or if a will never mentioned the manuscript but left everything to a given child or even a non-family member, do only their heirs count and not the other grandkids etc? [more inside]
posted by Flitcraft at 2:41 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Flitcraft at 2:41 PM PST - 3 comments
Whats your favorite memoir?
Hoping to get some suggestions for really great memoirs. Bonus points if after you've read them you can't stop thinking about them! [more inside]
Bubblegum nectar of the Incan Gods
Where can I buy Inca Kola (a type of Peruvian soda) in Providence, RI and/or is there a Peruvian population in Rhode Island and where do they live? [more inside]
Looking for ideas re: what to do next with my life
Some traumatic experiences in the past 2 years made me realize how desperately unhappy I was in my "old" life. I have a good education & strong job experience, but also have mental health issues to manage and I'm kind of allergic to corporate life. I'd like to change this trend in my life, but I'm having trouble visualizing how to do this without going back to how I was living before. Feeling stuck on how to move forward & requesting AskMe's wisdom on the matter. [more inside]
She seems cool, but she doesn't even listen to Bauhaus.
What is this quote from (filter)!?!?!?
"She seems cool, but she doesn't even listen to Bauhaus."
I have tried and tried to find the origin and I have failed miserably. I heard it while listening to 1st Wave on Sirius XM. I'm assuming it's from a movie. There is one person on twitter who used the quote, but she has failed to respond to my plea.
Where MeFites? Where?
posted by Sophie1 at 1:28 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Sophie1 at 1:28 PM PST - 10 comments
Detective/Mystery Novels in Current Day New York?
A little while back I stumbled upon a detective novel (Losers Live Longer) that takes place in 2009 NYC and utilizes actual city streets, restaurants, bars, etc. The writing was pretty average, but the book kept me constantly aware of the protagonist's location (oftentimes cross-streets). The real-world geography of areas I knew well really sucked me into the world and engaged me on another level than the narrative alone. Are there any other good detective or mystery novels that use post-2000s (or, better yet, post-2010) New York accurately? [more inside]
Mildred Pierce pitcher cocktails
I'm hosting a Mildred Pierce (the movie, not the series) viewing party on an upcoming summer evening and want to make snacks and a pitcher of summer drinks appropriate to the movie. What should I make? Assume 12ish people coming, 1.5 hours to make drinks and food (+ prep time the night before). [more inside]
posted by verbyournouns at 12:58 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by verbyournouns at 12:58 PM PST - 15 comments
Tell me of your homeworld, Britons
Travelling to London next week. Need advice on packing for the weather. [more inside]
Why would former tenant use my address sending mail?
Why would a former quasi-tenant address a package to an erroneous address and write my address as his own? This package just got "returned to sender" and he hasn't lived here in 7 months! Should we be worried? [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 12:36 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by Tarumba at 12:36 PM PST - 27 comments
Email RFC for duplication
Is there any sort of official documentation about not sending duplicate emails if the same email address appears more the once on the To/CC/BCC lines? [more inside]
Long-term offsite data storage (not minute-to-minute backup)?
Can anyone suggest a good service to store data offsite, for long-term secure storage? This is as opposed to, say, minute-to-minute backups of your hard drive. [more inside]
posted by mark7570 at 12:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mark7570 at 12:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Somewhere to go, but how spiffed up should it be?
Is it worth making the investment of minor repairs on a 2011 Volvo XC90 AWD that's being traded in for a 2014 Mini Countryman S All4 when I already have a quoted range for the trade-in price from the Mini dealer? [more inside]
posted by dancinglamb at 12:11 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by dancinglamb at 12:11 PM PST - 5 comments
Moving with a Soda Stream?
This is possibly a silly question, but are there any precautions I should take when moving my Soda Stream machine across country? [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 12:08 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by bluloo at 12:08 PM PST - 6 comments
Labeling data points in an Excel chart
Help me figure out how to get the labels I need on the data points in a fairly simple Y vs. X chart. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 11:35 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 11:35 AM PST - 15 comments
my life in the mean time
My whole adult life I've always felt like my life was on hold. Why can't I settle down even though I want to? Why do I feel this way and how to change or cope? [more inside]
Pithy and incisive
"You're not in traffic, you are traffic" and "Prohibition isn't regulation. It's the absence of regulation" are two phrases I've come across that pithily, quickly and directly sum up some situation. They help flip the usual terms of the discussion around, and provide insight. Do you know more?
posted by the man of twists and turns at 10:50 AM PST - 54 comments
posted by the man of twists and turns at 10:50 AM PST - 54 comments
Setting healthy boundary with my highly functioning alcoholic mom
My mom leaves far away. In another country. I speak everyday with her on the phone for 20 min. She is everyday drunk. I know by her voice. When she drinks and when she doesn't. However, alcohol did not affect her career, money, even she is still married to my dad- although not the best marriage, I still believe they get along well. [more inside]
Sexist dog? Protective dog? Traumatized dog?
Does a dog's behavior against his owner--in only about 50% of circumstances--warrant concern?
The answers in this ask were helpful, particularly this one (there is much of item #3 that happens during play). But what I want to know is whether his dog's behavior around step-brother + a female might point to something from his past. [more inside]
What should I get someone who likes chess?
I'd like to get a thank-you gift for someone who likes chess (probably a book but I'd be open to other suggestions). I don't know anything about chess; what should I get him? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 9:44 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 9:44 AM PST - 13 comments
Business checking account for a sole proprietorship DBA?
Are there any no-fee business checking accounts for a sole proprietorship? Pretty much no services are needed other than an account that is separate from personal finances.
Little quiet vacation/retreat on my own?
It’s been a stressful year thus far and I really need to get away for a few days, but alas, none of my friends are available for a trip right now. I’d love to go somewhere in mid/late August. I have a bunch of requirements, of course! [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 8:58 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by silverstatue at 8:58 AM PST - 12 comments
Seeking tales of successful property tax appeals
I'm in the process of appealing the recent assessment of my house. My next (and final) step is to present my case to the local Board of Review, and I'm wondering how best to do that. [more inside]
Dominant Female seeks NYC dungeon to work for
I'm a dominant female and interested in using my interest and skills to earn money in New York City. I don't know how to sort my options or what, specifically to watch out for. NSFW. [more inside]
I don't want to talk about that, but I don't want to stonewall, either
My wife will not stop questioning me about a horrible incident from my past. I've answered her questions already, but she doesn't like me asking to not talk about it. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by yasp at 7:23 AM PST - 111 comments
posted by yasp at 7:23 AM PST - 111 comments
Side by side video
I have three vertical iPhone videos, each a few seconds long. I need to combine them into one video with the three clips arranged side by side, with no gaps in between, in the quickest and easiest way possible. [more inside]
posted by Behemoth at 7:21 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Behemoth at 7:21 AM PST - 3 comments
The miasma of melasma
Several months ago I started developing melisma (darkening of the skin on my upper lip). As I am a female who does not necessarily wish to be doing a Charlie Chaplin impersonation at all times, what, if anything, can be done about this? [more inside]
Ankle injury; help me come up with a taxing cross-training program.
I was recently diagnosed with a tibial stress fracture. I'd like to keep up my aerobic fitness during the 6-8 weeks the doctor said I wouldn't be able to run, but everything I have tried (cycling, aqua running) is not giving me a workout even remotely comparable to that of my running sessions. Please come up with some neato workouts I could try which don't stress the ankle, so I can run strong post-rehab. Details inside. [more inside]
Does anyone have advice for adopting inside the family?
Right now, there is a chance that my husband and I may be the adopters of my niece's child. She and the father have drug addictions and have surrended their parental rights. The child is now living with her grandparents, but they are very stressed by the situation and might ask us to take her. We are ready to do so, but I'd like to know what we're getting into. [more inside]
Teenage nephew making anti-women comments
My 15 year old nephew has been saying some negative comments about women that make me a little concerned. How should I respond to him? Do I mention it to his parents? [more inside]
Help me find these golden high-tops!
So this website sells these awesome Game of Thrones House Martell high-top sneakers. Unfortunately they don't have them in my size (US Men's 13).
I cried for a bit, and now I'm asking: Where can I find high-tops in a similar golden-orange color? I really love it!
The Quiet Man and Knocky Guy at My Office
Short version: new coworker stands in my doorway not saying a word while I am at my computer until I notice him and another coworker bangs on doorway while barging in. Can I do anything about these two? [more inside]
posted by bellastarr at 6:17 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by bellastarr at 6:17 AM PST - 25 comments
Looking for a relational wiki for documentation.
Greetings hive mind! This seems to be something that should already exist, but I think I either haven't found the right type of wiki, or have looked over the feature in one of the many wikis I've tried. Basically, I'm looking to use a wiki for IT documentation purposes...but I'd also like for it to be able to automatically propagate views/pages in a relational manner (either via the backend or via templates). Here's an example to help illustrate: [more inside]
posted by samsara at 6:13 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by samsara at 6:13 AM PST - 6 comments
So Many Pictures, Need to Whittle
Give your best strategies, tips, software, etc to whittle down a ton of pictures to reasonable, shareable amount. [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 5:58 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by sandmanwv at 5:58 AM PST - 6 comments
Why won't Mexicans speak Spanish with me?
Almost every time I speak Spanish to a Mexican they answer right back in English. [more inside]
So my Mom is on low carb diet and her birthday is coming up...
I don't have a clue what to make her for a dessert, I have been trying to find ideas on internet but I would really like to make something simple that doesn't call for odd ingredients I don't have. I see you can get low carb ice cream and I was thinking maybe using that as a starting point - what can I make that would be good? [more inside]
posted by just asking at 4:27 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by just asking at 4:27 AM PST - 23 comments
Performance art violin nerve stimulator pre-programmed impossible rhythm
I saw a video a while ago of a cool and unsettling performance, and I don't know how to find it again. Two musicians are wearing nerve-stimulating things around their wrists, which is moving their muscles involuntarily, playing a piece of music in perfect unison. [more inside]
posted by flora at 3:05 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by flora at 3:05 AM PST - 2 comments
Quantities for kindergarten uniform
My 5-year-old boy is attending a school that has a uniform. How much of each clothing item should I buy? There are uniform sales coming up this summer, but I still don't know where to start. Also, I try to hang dry things, so only having 3 pairs of pants, for example, won't work well. [more inside]
July 7
Toddler post-nap storminess
I know that asking "Why is my toddler doing X?" is like shouting into the void, but perhaps you have some insight into why my toddler is suddenly having a hard time with waking up from a nap... [more inside]
Make outlook.com addressbook accessible to another outlook.com account?
I have set up an outlook.com account to use as a centralized addressbook, accessible by my other email accounts, devices, partner's devices etc. However I can't make it available to my partner's outlook.com account. [more inside]
Would you eat this Vegemite?
Found an unopened jar of Vegemite in the back of the pantry. Best Before date of November 2007.
I opened the jar, and it smells right, and the little daub i took with my finger tasted right.
Vegemite doesn't actually go bad, does it? I'm highly inclined to eat this. Any reason not to?
Tree service in the morning. Tree falls down in a storm that evening.
Should I try to get my money back from the arborist? [more inside]
posted by Poldo at 10:28 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Poldo at 10:28 PM PST - 11 comments
I am an idiot with sensitive skin.
It took me years to figure this out, but I'm allergic to many common ingredients in soaps and lotions. If I stray away from using my approved short list of hypoallergenic soaps anywhere on my body, the most sensitive, NSFW, TMI part of my body suffers. My dumb clueless self recently used some body wash I'm allergic to. Help me figure out how to make everything normal again. [more inside]
Book filter
Can you recommend other novels like Russell Hoban's Turtle Diary and The Bat Tattoo? [more inside]
how to break it off with someone I'm not quite dating?
I'm very inexperienced when it comes to romance so please bear with me. I can't tell if I've been somehow misleading or if this guy is just being clingy. I also don't know if I owe anyone an explanation. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by DayTripper at 7:40 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by DayTripper at 7:40 PM PST - 23 comments
Optimizing hormones for weight loss?
How can you, naturally or otherwise, optimize female hormones to help regain the metabolism and hormonal profile of someone in their teens or 20s? (And is this even possible or desirable?) [more inside]
What a drag it is being anxious
I've finally (I think) figured out that the dreadful speedy feeling I get every day when I wake up (and then off and on throughout the day) has a label: Anxiety. What now? [more inside]
My wife is pregnant and feels like crap.
My wife is six weeks pregnant and feels terrible. She is experiencing nausea, lack of appetite, reduced energy and general queasiness almost all the time. She has about an hour each day when she feels normal. Smells are particularly upsetting for her. We understand that these are common experiences for women in their first trimester, but that’s not making it any easier for her to tolerate. We’ve read that many of these symptoms go away in the second trimester, but that’s about 6 weeks away and my wife is wondering how she’s going to survive (and go to work) until then. She’s miserable. [more inside]
BookPlotFilter: how to determine a villain for a story?
So I've been pecking away at a book for a while, encountering the typical novice writer issue of not getting past 100 pages or so before things start to stall. Can you help me figure out who my heroes will do battle with? [more inside]
posted by PussKillian at 5:55 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by PussKillian at 5:55 PM PST - 16 comments
That's interesting underwear you've got there
I have a diaper fetish, and I've been wearing them 24/7 for the past 8 months. Tomorrow is my annual physical. I'm sure that doctors see patients in diapers all the time, but typically for incontinence issues. Naturally the diapers won't have been used before going in (I typically don't use them in public anyway), but is this crossing a professional line? [more inside]
Freelance retainer question
Freelancers, how do you handle it when a retainer client doesn't use all the hours they've paid for? [more inside]
I'd love some book recommendations.
I'm in the mood to read a great book. Help me find some that are right up my alley. [more inside]
Recommendations for US Moving Companies (FL to MA)
I’m looking for moving company recommendations for a cross-country move in the US [more inside]
Resources for AP Composition Unit on Relationships
What have you read or watched that has changed the way you think about relationships, particularly what makes a good relationship? Bonus points for shorter texts and YouTube videos, but all texts should be approachable for high school juniors taking AP English for the first time. More specifics behind the cut. [more inside]
Maybe I've been pointing too much
YANAD (or maybe you are), but yesterday morning I woke up with the tip of my right index finger feeling numb. It was localised just to this area and appears to have normal bloodflow (i.e. it's not pale or white, so isn't just a digit feeling a bit cold). Fast forward 24 hours and it is still numb, albeit today it is a bit tingly/pins and needles in the area when using that finger. It causes no pain and is more so just annoying as I am right handed and work on a computer all day, so after a day and a half it's a bit irritating. What's going on? [more inside]
Remote job search guidance
How does one find a telecommuting job as a technical support engineer/similar in engineering and/or computer science? [more inside]
posted by Chicoreus at 3:52 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Chicoreus at 3:52 PM PST - 4 comments
How can I make up for calling him an aspiring softcore pornographer?
My boyfriend & I are in a fight right now, and I believe we're going to break up tonight. For background: We're both recently separated. He moved 350 miles to live nearby me (I'm ostensibly the one he let get away 10 years ago) and we've been actively dating 7 months. He is a hobby photographer. Before he moved up here, and while he was still married (his ex-wife knows this...), he did a couple photo shoots in a hotel room with 2 models of the shapely, fake-breasted variety. There was no nudity, just suggestive poses and skimpy clothing/lingerie. He posted the photos to a special page dedicated to them on FB, and captioned the photos with mildly suggestive comments like "Come here" and "Time for bed" and other things to that effect. These girls are "ring girls" (for boxing matches) and so have somewhat of a following. The photos drew loads of comments from the audience of males, and they were of the semi-lewd, drooling, 13-yr old boy variety. To be honest, I feel both offended and sexually threatened by this piece of my boyfriend's history. [more inside]
posted by phreckles at 3:41 PM PST - 43 comments
posted by phreckles at 3:41 PM PST - 43 comments
A potpourri of European travel for the exceptionally naive
I leave from Manchester in a few days for Bruges, Ghent, and Paris. My questions concern how best to bring quasi-necessities in carry on, vegan food, beer, and activities. Do you know much about these places and these questions? You can probably help me out. More specific questions inside. [more inside]
Social Media Etiquette for Homewreckers
How long should one wait before indirectly notifying a recent ex via social media that they are in a new relationship? Is this even a thing? [more inside]
Home made chipmunk traps?
One of my cat's brought home a chipmunk yesterday afternoon. It is now hidden under some furniture that is too heavy to move. How do I get it out of the house without killing it? [more inside]
Anyone got a number for the Fairy Godmother?
I have to go to a family party in two weeks and I have a wardrobe full of rags. All my impossibly tall, willowy and well-dressed cousins will be there and for once I'd like to not feel like post-midnight Cinderella. Can you give me suggestions for styles that would suit me and also not cost one million pounds? Shops, blogs, personal anecdotes of outfits you have rocked...anything. Fashion-frustrating snowflakes within. [more inside]
eShop option for a Wordpress site that can handle ~60 product downloads?
I'm trying to set up a relatively easy to use eShop on my wordpress website. The tricky part is that my products are pretty complex. I have basically two things I offer: an app and a PDF, and each of those come in 28 possible variations. (They're language learning tools, so the particular app/PDF each person needs depends on which language they're learning and which language they speak natively). The OTHER tricky part is that the products aren't all ready yet, but due to the demand for pre-orders, I need to allow for preorders, as well, and then transition the products one-by-one to automatic downloads as I finish them. Any suggestions? I'm happy to pay for a solution, as long as it does its job well.
Where can I find historical broadcast TV schedules?
I've been scouring the internet for a way to pick a certain date and time in modern history and see what was being broadcast at that moment, but so far no luck. Does anybody know of an archive of this information, or any clever ways to repurpose any other existing data?
Which windshield chip repair?
My windshield got chipped today by a rock kicked up by a truck. It's a combination star and chip, less than 2" in total diameter at this point. Due to the location, it seems unlikely that a reputable shop will attempt to repair it and I'd rather not spend $300 on a new windshield just at the moment. Advice is welcome. [more inside]
Quit bugging me you miserable unknown insect.
First a plague of moths, now some kind of flying ...beetle?
What is this miserable bug? [more inside]
posted by BlueHorse at 2:40 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by BlueHorse at 2:40 PM PST - 12 comments
What do people use Mac Pros for?
Why do people spend $4,000 or more on a Mac Pro? Who are those people and what do they do with the machine? [more inside]
Translate a motto to Latin please?
If "art for art's sake" is "ars gratia artis", what would be the Latin translation of "fear for fear's sake"?
posted by Tom-B at 2:09 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Tom-B at 2:09 PM PST - 4 comments
Horrific tv
We've watched Hannibal together. We're halfway through Penny Dreadful. What tv show should my sister and I watch together next? It doesn't have to be horror(ish), but that's what tends to work best for us. [more inside]
Selling Clothing To Hotel/Resort Chain's ! Where Would I Go?
I am developing a line of clothing that, besides selling publicly, I would like to sell to hotel and resort chains. They would take of my brand's label and use their own. As there doesn't seem to be any industry event that are clothing oriented, what industry events would I attend or where would I find buyers to make this happen.
posted by goalyeehah at 12:36 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by goalyeehah at 12:36 PM PST - 4 comments
Weight differential making mattress uncomfortable - any solutions?
I am struggling with back aches when I'm trying to sleep. I think it has something to do with my sleeping partner weighing about 60lbs more than me. What are the possible solutions - both short term (mattress toppers, etc.) and long term (new mattress)? [more inside]
posted by misskaz at 12:08 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by misskaz at 12:08 PM PST - 21 comments
How safe is Sarajevo for a solo female traveller?
I will be in Split, Croatia at the end of the month and am interested in taking the bus to Sarajevo for a few days. How safe will the journey and city be for a young woman alone? [more inside]
TV viewing recs - teenage kid visiting his middle-aged relatives
Our 17 year old cousin is coming to visit. He comes from a sheltered environment, not allowed to watch TV at home, and they don't have wifi. We'd like to enjoy some really good TV together.
I'm looking for good quality shows that are sophisticated and fun, with minimal romantic/sexual content. On the kid's last visit, he really enjoyed the Firefly and Justified series. [more inside]
posted by valannc at 11:19 AM PST - 62 comments
posted by valannc at 11:19 AM PST - 62 comments
Who is Orange Juice's Blue Boy?
In the Orange Juice song, Blue Boy, the lyrics go: "He wasn't listening to her lying tongue. He was listening to the words being sung by the blue boy".
Who is the Blue Boy? [more inside]
posted by goml at 11:18 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by goml at 11:18 AM PST - 6 comments
Do you have ideas for a low-budget bachelor party around LA in July?
A group of 10 of us would like to celebrate a dear friend of ours before he gets married, and we're meeting in the Los Angeles area for a bachelor party. We're all students, or recently graduated, and so we're trying to limit the cost to $500. What are some affordable activities that we can do around the LA area that would be super fun? Are there any notable activities close to the coast (Malibu, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, etc)?
Thank you for all the help! [more inside]
posted by mahoganyslide at 11:08 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by mahoganyslide at 11:08 AM PST - 13 comments
Benchmark items
What are the best benchmark foods or drinks to use to test out a new restaurant or bar? [more inside]
posted by DynamiteToast at 10:54 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by DynamiteToast at 10:54 AM PST - 35 comments
Car computer security
What sort of personal information would be stored on a newer model car's computer that was used for 2 or 3 years, totaled, and then sent to the junk yard? Has anyone researched or begun to address the security risks of more complicated car computers, if they exist at all? [more inside]
How do you keep your calm when everyone around you is manic?
I work in an office that is highly vulnerable to stress and panic. At the same time, I do my best work when I can focus, exclude distractions and prioritize. How can I keep the tendency to join the panic wagon at bay? [more inside]
posted by Kurichina at 10:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Kurichina at 10:47 AM PST - 11 comments
Should I still do leg workouts during cycling season?
I'm looking for advice on combining cycle commuting with gym-based workouts. [more inside]
See, Matt Cutts? Metafilter is trying to help you
What is a reputable SEO firm/consultant in the United States or Canada that's current with the uselessness of 'traditional' SEO for small sites and educates/trains small business owners who have misconceptions about ranking in Google? It needs to be an actual person, not a guide/website, because the person who will receive this referral works that way.
Transitioning to a Vegan Diet
I recently read Finding Ultra by Rich Roll and was interested in make some changes similar to him in that I would like to go vegetarian or possibly Vegan. I purchased a few books, and was wondering how others have done with transitioning to a vegan diet? I'm hoping that eating more healthy will get me out of this rut that I am in. For those of you have gone vegan, did you learn to cook several meals before you made the change, or did you do something different? [more inside]
posted by nidora at 10:20 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by nidora at 10:20 AM PST - 14 comments
Woman's Day From 1970's worth selling?
I'm going through my father's garage, and have come across two waist high piles of magazines from the 1970's, most likely waiting room material left over from when he owned a small business. They seem to mostly be "Woman's Day" and "Woman" magazines from 1970-1974. Should I separate the decent ones from the yellowing and crumbled ones, and try to sell them? [more inside]
Open Skylight: Hot or Not?
My apartment is on the top floor of a single family home. My landlord has advised that we open the skylights, one in the bathroom and one in the stairwell, to help keep the house cool. We have a window AC unit going in one of the rooms (a bedroom next to the bathroom with the skylight). It seems like opening skylights would let the cooler air out, like any window. What is the right move here to keep the apartment cool? [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:15 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:15 AM PST - 11 comments
Moving far away, getting jobs far away - what's the plan?
Short form: seriously thinking of moving to be closer to the husband's parents. Would have to find work and housing there while still living here. Complication: cats (old and not in peak health), too much stuff, I'll need to learn to drive.
Mefites who have done this: what's the plan? Advice/warnings/omens? [more inside]
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 8:56 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 8:56 AM PST - 16 comments
a nice activity/gift for a wedding skype?
My friend is unable to attend a close friend's wedding, and the bride to be wants to skype with her on the morning of the wedding. Any suggestions for something nice to send/do for the bride that would be fun for the skype? I was thinking maybe they could have tea at the same time, but maybe other people have suggestions. (Wedding gift is already sent.)
posted by tangaroo at 8:51 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by tangaroo at 8:51 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me build the cat room of my kitties' dreams!
We just bought our first house. Yay! One of the bedrooms has been designated as a haven for our 3 kitties - a place for them to play and lounge, with litter boxes and food/water available as well so we can close the door if we need them to be contained inside for a period of time. I am looking for suggestions what we can do to make this room awesome for the cats (and for us, the people who have to clean up after our furkids and keep them entertained). [more inside]
posted by joan_holloway at 8:43 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by joan_holloway at 8:43 AM PST - 21 comments
Research paralysis -- moving past: "what's the point?"
I'm writing what promises to be the last parts of my dissertation but am not handling the important and most basic questions well. How do I stay sane and somewhat productive in uncertain times? (longish details within) [more inside]
posted by wallawallasweet at 8:43 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by wallawallasweet at 8:43 AM PST - 6 comments
XCOM: Allergy Unknown
My girlfriend suffers from an intermittent allergic reaction that we cannot track down. [more inside]
I don't even know how to ask this question
The nonprofit I work for is undergoing major growing pains and needs donor management and member management software. CiviCRM has been suggested to us, but I have questions which have to be answered in order for me to know whether it's a solution we can use, how to price the install/hire someone to do the install and explain to my boss and my board how this works and why we should do this. [more inside]
Flexible time and task tracker needed
I need to track my time and activity at work, and I suspect there may be ways that my computer could help me with this. [more inside]
What phone/data plan is best for me?
I've long been with AT&T simply because it worked well and the cost of moving was a deterrent. After (naively) getting insurance after a stolen phone a few months ago, by latest phone was water damaged. Considering I've gone 10+ years without losing or missing a phone I never needed it insured. At the store, without looking at the contract I was told the deductible was $50, instead it is actually $200. This is enough to make me leave and pay a fee. Considering I like my iPhone and don't want to switch what's my best option (usage details within). [more inside]
Reasons, descriptions of what it was like to drop out of medical school?
I'm writing a short story in which a character drops out of medical school in his third year. I'm wondering if anyone has any firsthand or secondhand experience with this (dropping out at any point). I've never gone to med school and I'm making this all up, but it would be great to get some real-world input.
Light to the outdoors
I have a deck, and it needs a light fixture next to the door. There's no electricity on the deck, and I can't cut through the wall (mounting a fixture to the siding is fine). Do they make battery-powered, wireless, remote-controlled exterior light fixtures? [more inside]
posted by mgar at 7:27 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by mgar at 7:27 AM PST - 1 comment
Nashville/Murfreesboro psychiatrists for adults with ADD
Looking for a psychiatrist (or NP or whoever) who specializes, or frankly is willing to, evaluate adults for ADD and treat. I'm at my wits end, sucking at my job and life, and am willing to drive almost anywhere in Middle TN. [more inside]
Breaking up/co-parenting with a difficult person
I've decided to end my relationship with my boyfriend/fiance of nearly 6 years. We have a 3 year old. I've realized I would rather be single/co-parenting than have my child see such an unhappy relationship. My boyfriend is regularly verbally/emotionally abusive to me in front of our child, and has a history of being emotionally withdrawn. For the purpose of this question please assume that we are definitely breaking up and that there is no other option for me. [more inside]
Places to write with electrical outlets in NYC? (preferably the Village)
Yes, we are looking for places to plug in a laptop in Manhattan, as close to the East Village as possible, and open as late at night as possible. Free Wifi's a plus.
What we already know:
Starbucks (Second Ave and Astor Place): con -- so crowded that outlets are already in use
Other cafes (not enough outlets)
The libraries -- not open very late
Suggestions? thanks
posted by DMelanogaster at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments
Give a man a script, he'll block users for a lifetime...
I picked up a greasemonkey script from userscripts.org a while back that allows me to block and ignore users on Livefyre-powered forums, which is incredibly useful for weeding out trolls on the sports-related sites I read. The site seems to be down/gone now and I can't find the script anywhere else. I want to share it with others. [more inside]
posted by Thistledown at 6:11 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Thistledown at 6:11 AM PST - 5 comments
Getting my foot in the classroom door
It's time for a career redirect. I think I want to be a teacher. My previous jobs have always involved working with youth/young adults though with the exception of a few college classes it has been outside the traditional classroom. When I look back at my career the time spent teaching has always been the best part. How to best get some toes in the water? [more inside]
Men's Valet Gift Box
I'm chasing a men's valet box. I've found a lot that cater to just cufflinks or just watches but what I'm really after is a box set that could hold a tie, tie clip and row for cufflinks and maybe bonus points a watch as well.
July 6
Seeking Classical Music Recommendations
I like to think that I have eclectic taste in music... but the one major hole in my repertoire is the (vast!!) field of Classical Music. What can you recommend I give a spin? [more inside]
posted by Philby at 10:56 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by Philby at 10:56 PM PST - 41 comments
Tell me about the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.
I'm a lifelong devotee of musical theater, and in the last year or two I've been dabbling a little with writing my own lyrics and maybe kinda putting together a musical. (I've also been doing musical improv, which has helped tremendously.) I'm considering applying for the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, but I don't know very much about the program beyond its famous alums. [more inside]
Knee injury question
I might have injured my knee. But it doesn't hurt at all, and it isn't swollen. Am I right to be worried? [more inside]
Help with fingernail injury
Last week I was trying to open a box and got a piece of plastic strapping jammed under my thumbnail. I think it may be infected now and there's some painful flesh sticking out the side. [more inside]
posted by photoexplorer at 8:03 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by photoexplorer at 8:03 PM PST - 13 comments
The Sunscreen Holy Grail
I've read tons of past askme's about sunscreen, but I still can't find an ideal candidate, so let's make another snowflake. Are there really physical sunscreens out there with NO white cast and a light feel (won't drip off my face in the sun)? Conversely, can I trust a chemical sunscreen to be decently photostable and protective, since my skin isn't especially reactive? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 6:11 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by serelliya at 6:11 PM PST - 14 comments
Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Fire for 10yo boy
My son has asked for a Kindle "with a boy cover" for his birthday. I anticipate that he'd be mainly using it to read in bed, but wonder what I'm missing by dismissing the Kindle Fire out of hand. He has access to the much in demand family IPad, so he's not tablet free. I am a huge, huge fan of my Paperwhite, and don't know much about the Fire. So, any comparisons? Any neat points about the Fire? [more inside]
posted by Measured Out my Life in Coffeespoons at 5:46 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Measured Out my Life in Coffeespoons at 5:46 PM PST - 21 comments
How do middle-class older people pay for dentures?
My mom indicates that for my dad, extractions of his remaining teeth and a full set of dentures would run between $30-40k. Since dentures are not a luxury on par with a Porsche Boxter, something is amiss. Assuming that my folks are not eligible for Medicaid but have Delta Dental insurance, can anyone help me understand within an order of magnitude what they (or I) would spend on upper and lower dentures? Is my mom tripping? Do people routinely shell out tens of thousands for dentures? They're in New York but we're in Ohio (US).
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 5:09 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 5:09 PM PST - 30 comments
Funny or absurd fictional non-profit organization ideas needed
I'm writing a ten-minute play to be entered into a competition this fall. Two characters are bemoaning the gulf between the real work world and their former experience serving on a non-profit board. I need the name of the organization to be funny and ridiculous. The only thing I've come up with so far is Urban Mime Farming. Please give me some better ideas!
Spotify users
Is there a limit to the number of users you can follow on Spotify?
US Vacation Ideas for Travel With a Four Month Old?
Hello! We are a family of three -- including a four month old daughter -- who currently are staying in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area. We usually try to take an abroad vacation over the summer, but because of boring visa issues, we're sticking to the US of A this summer. Now we need ideas for where to go! And we've never travelled extensively with an infant (though we're excited to try.) [more inside]
Cheaper dupe of Stila Face the Day moisturizer
I'm looking for a moisturizer to replace the Stila Face the Day moisturizer I've been using. I love it, but at $38 for 50 mL, it's a stretch on my budget. [more inside]
How often do you replace kitchen sponges?
How often do you replace kitchen sponges? [more inside]
posted by JDHarper at 1:47 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by JDHarper at 1:47 PM PST - 44 comments
What makes a physician's role fundamentally different from a nurse's?
I have to articulate my desire to become a physician, and I'm having trouble explicitly stating my motivations. I work in a hospital and have been shadowing doctors, so I know that they essentially use their understanding of medical science to make diagnoses and come up with a treatment plans. However, I'm curious to know how the "calling" differs between people who want to become physicians, and people who want to become RNs. [more inside]
posted by sunnychef88 at 1:13 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by sunnychef88 at 1:13 PM PST - 15 comments
It's the new 20 or something like that, right?
Any inspirational written materials for a woman about to turn 30? [more inside]
Introverted three year old and family get togethers
My introverted three year old refuses to engage at family gatherings. But how do I teach her to be polite? And what exactly is going on in her head? [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 12:36 PM PST - 40 comments
posted by Omnomnom at 12:36 PM PST - 40 comments
I need to find the best barber in the Boulder, CO area
I've just moved to Boulder from NYC and I'm looking for an experienced, no-frills men's barber that can handle a classic tapered haircut. I have had great Russian barbers in NYC but this is CO, and I can't find much. Looking for a barber that can handle an all scissors cut and one that is relegated to guard clippers. I'm willing to travel to a nearby area but would prefer not having to make the trip to Denver.
Where in the UK can I buy good quality, plain women's T-shirts?
I want something that won't stretch out of shape within half a dozen washes, that isn't floral, pastel, see-through or low-cut. Surely this must be possible? [more inside]
posted by penguin pie at 12:08 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by penguin pie at 12:08 PM PST - 12 comments
Best Vehicle for Distributing Interviews
I conduct interviews and want the best distribution for them. They are occasionally broadcast on KBOO in Portland. I also have access to the Public Radio Exchange as well as Pacifica's "audioport". With those, I can offer these interviews for rebroadcast through affiliated radio stations throughout the country. [more inside]
Good fences make good BARK BARK BARK BARKBARK BARKBARKBARKBARK!
Advanced dog advice, positive feedback loop edition: Looking for advice on convincing our new rescue pup not to bark at our neighbors' even barkier dogs. [more inside]
Want to mount TV over fireplace but stud finder showing large metal area
I have a home built in 1940 with (I believe) plaster walls. The chimney runs down enter of house. We'd like to mount TV above fireplace but my stud finder is essentially showing the entire space above the fireplace to be metal (finder sticks to wall over entire area). [more inside]
posted by gfrobe at 10:34 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by gfrobe at 10:34 AM PST - 8 comments
Moscow on a very restrictive diet.
I'm travelling to Russia at the end of the week for 5 nights, staying with friends of friends in Moscow. Finding things to eat for me is difficult at the best of times. My main restriction: Totally gluten-free diet (i.e. no wheat, rye, barley or oats), and no xanthan gum or similar (i.e. no gluten-free breads). Additional restrictions which I can bend at variable levels of digestive cost: No dairy; No onion or other alliums; Low fibre (no beans or coconut). [more inside]
posted by ambrosen at 9:51 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ambrosen at 9:51 AM PST - 5 comments
I want to be a part-time lover
Like most organizations, my company is very stingy when it comes to giving benefits to part-time workers. I'm looking for the best arguments -- moral, financial, practical, or otherwise -- for granting these important employees paid time off in particular (for illnesses, vacation, holidays, bereavement, etc.) "Best" meaning arguments that would be understood and ideally persuasive to management. [more inside]
posted by woodman at 9:50 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by woodman at 9:50 AM PST - 13 comments
Name that Bug, Cameroonian Edition
Found a rather strange insect while doing night work in the forest at Mbam et Djerem National Park, Cameroon. Neither I nor anybody on my field team can even assign them to order. Does anybody out there in the Hive Mind know what this is? [more inside]
posted by Scientist at 9:31 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Scientist at 9:31 AM PST - 5 comments
Most interesting science fiction/fantasy monetary or currency systems?
There are lots of interesting SF&F economic systems that are without money -- post-scarcity AI-nano cornucopias, magic subsistence economies, etc. For those who imagine worlds that still have money, though, what are the most interesting speculative monetary/currency/financial systems? (Please feel free to mention the obvious-to-you, as I've got big gaps in my SF&F reading and watching.) Thanks! [more inside]
Looking For A Study on Abusers and When They Show Their True Colors
I read a study online somewhere that physically abusive men on average wait three years before escalating to physical violence. Does anyone know the study, and can you give me a link? [more inside]
Would you buy a cottage on a cliff? Would I?
I'm hoping to get some thoughts from the green about the possibility of getting a cottage located on a cliff. The question is about fears, rational risk assessment, and Ontario Geology. [more inside]
Please explain tinder to me
How is it that every guy on tinder is hot when the online dating sites are full of somewhat creepy looking men? Do they have a rating system that they use to sort people or is it just their demographic?
Also, how do I view others' moments or are those just the pictures that come up? [more inside]
posted by myselfasme at 7:52 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by myselfasme at 7:52 AM PST - 10 comments
Finding a "Webcomic"
Looking for a "webcomic" I saw somewhere on MetaFilter, no luck turning it back up. Details within. [more inside]
posted by xenization at 7:49 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by xenization at 7:49 AM PST - 4 comments
A cheap source for five differently sized 60s-style black men's suits?
I need five black suits for a video/photo shoot and subsequent band performances. The suits need to have a kind of sixties cut (think Reservoir Dogs, or something Steve McQueen might wear) with a narrow pant leg. What's my best bet for finding them? Quality is irrelevant as long as they look OK, budget is 'as little as possible'. [more inside]
Ready-made pop songbook, where are you?
We are going to have a big campfire singalong next weekend with a group of very awesome musicians. We want to have a few songbooks available so everyone can play and sing along.
Our vibe is 70s/80s/90s pop tunes. Surely someone has made a songbook of these songs and posted them on the internet. Can you please help us find it? Our google searches have turned up nothing pre-made. We know about Rise Up Singing, not really our jam (plus not freely downloadable, which we would prefer.) Thank you for your help! [more inside]
posted by andreapandrea at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by andreapandrea at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments
Birdfeeder for 34th floor apartment?
We live on the 34th floor of an apartment with no balcony (there's an air-con ledge I suppose, but ours is generally inaccessible) near a patch of green with lots of birds. Eagles and ospreys and the like fly by outside our windows often. Our windows have permanent grilles because of the curious toddler. We'd love to have a birdfeeder attached very firmly (no suction cups) to our window grilles on the outside. Is this possible and would it work in attracting birds? What are the problems in apartment birdfeeders?
posted by viggorlijah at 12:04 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by viggorlijah at 12:04 AM PST - 11 comments
July 5
What is this plant? PacNW, Gigantic
This plant lives near me and has returned for several summers. The photo was taken about three weeks ago - the blossom is now gone. The blossom was about a foot long - I joked that it was a Venus Flytrap for people. What is it?!?
Driving cross-country from NYC to LA
What is the best way for a student to move her things cross-country? She will be making the drive across, spending time in a few cities along the way. [more inside]
Philosophy class in French lycees
It is my understanding that French high school students take a year-long philosophy course in the last year of the lycee. So what's it like in this course, anyway? [more inside]
posted by the hot hot side of randy at 7:43 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by the hot hot side of randy at 7:43 PM PST - 5 comments
Antenna Support Group
We've got a fancy new window antenna and so far are getting nothing but snow. I think we need to raise our game a level to finding a really good online discussion group with lots of people with lots of different televisions. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 7:28 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by tafetta, darling! at 7:28 PM PST - 8 comments
This Victim Wants To Adopt
Do I need to disclose the fact that I was a victim of domestic violence five years ago in my home study/international adoption application? If I don't, is there any way they could find out about it? [more inside]
Now what?
Rheumatologist threw up her hands. Now where do I go? [more inside]
Best way to share audio + text content for viewing on iPhone?
I want to create multi-page content consisting of text + spoken-word-audio, viewable on iPhone. Content consumption would work as follows:
1. Page displays text and plays audio (additional tap to launch audio would be okay)
2. User taps something to call up next page.
My first thought was Powerpoint, but I haven't found an iPhone app that handles audio embedded in PPT. I'm limited to working on my Windows PC, so I think Keynote is out. Any thoughts on a format to use for the content, and app to use to consume it? [more inside]
Should I have a rate card?
I'm doing the ground work in setting up a small side business. This business would target a specific demographic with a defined subset of residential design services. I feel compelled to do a 'rate card' but I wonder if anyone here has experience with using a rate card as a service provider. Trying to figure out pros and cons and whether I've missed something. As a consumer, I think I'd love to see some up-front rates but I know that, realistically, it would keep me from hiring someone if I felt like I couldn't afford them (even if I could). [more inside]
Houseplants that can withstand the Eye of Sauron?
What indoor plants will thrive with the sun blazing down on them? I have gorgeous 8' tall windows and inviting wide windowsills. I want to keep lots of plants on them, but my southeastern exposure has turned most things into shriveled up husks. I know that cacti are the obvious answer, but I haaaate cacti. Does anything else love tons of light and heat?
posted by TwoStride at 11:47 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by TwoStride at 11:47 AM PST - 25 comments
New Year's ryokan stay, Kanto
We'll be in Tokyo between December 27-January 2 at the tail end of our honeymoon, right in the middle of the New Year holidays. Help us add a ryokan stay and onsen relaxation to our itinerary! [more inside]
posted by harujion at 11:42 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by harujion at 11:42 AM PST - 6 comments
International Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
What is the best city in Western Europe in which to spend Christmas?
My spouse and I have decided to spend Christmas and New Year's in Europe! We will be going to Athens for New Year's Eve, but we aren't sure where we should spend Christmas, and the days leading up to it. [more inside]
posted by cessair at 11:40 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by cessair at 11:40 AM PST - 9 comments
Relief for the bereaved
My mom died two weeks ago. It was from a fast growing lymphoma - was sudden and unexpected. She was an incredibly healthy person leading up to about the year before her death - no vices at all, exercised religiously, and maintained a very healthy lifestyle. Question revolves around help for coping with this loss, potential near-future loss of father, and changes in live. [more inside]
Breezes, how do they work?
Please explain to me how to maximize natural ventilation in my house. [more inside]
posted by Lyn Never at 10:51 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Lyn Never at 10:51 AM PST - 11 comments
Sudden anxiety attack, can't focus
For no apparent reason, I am suddenly super stressed out and completely unable to concentrate on anything... [more inside]
Stepping out of a salon - at home
I have dyed my hair at home for years, with box dyes (save one bleach + manic panic job when I was 17). Now my hair is quite short, I'm wondering whether I can pick up developer and colour at a beauty supply store so that I can use what I need, rather than wasting half a box kit. Any tips and tricks? [more inside]
What are the worst songs?
vathek's recent FPP about a truly, truly awful song made me wonder: What are the worst songs ever recorded? What songs are legendary for their mediocrity?
I'm familiar with "Friday" but that's about where my expertise here ends. [more inside]
Doggy Daycare/Boarding Hours of Operation
Is opening a dog daycare/boarding open 6 days a week weird? [more inside]
Recipes for following Gary Taubes' suggestions in Why We Get Fat
So, I read Gary Taubes' Why We Get Fat And What To Do About It and am fascinated. I'd like to try eating like he suggests but need recipes. [more inside]
Looking for heavy, fast instrumental music
I like listening to heavy, fast music while writing but recently I find I am unable to do so if the songs have words (or at least words that I can follow). I am looking for rock/metal/industrial/post-whatever that has drums and guitars, but is either instrumental (like Mogwai), or with vocals that are not comprehensible (like ISIS) or buried (like Sub Rosa). [more inside]
Where to find this shirt (or something similar)
A few years ago Target sold long sleeved Converse branded Henley shirts like this that I loved. I have lost a couple of these over the years and I am looking to replace them, but it looks like they've been discontinued. So, mefites, where can I find these shirts, or something similar to replace them? The Target shirts were pretty cheap, but I'm open to spending more for clothing that will last. Thanks.
How should I deal with this inadequate dental care?
I had some dental work done this week that I consider unsatisfactory. I'd like advice on what to do next. [more inside]
Can you help me with the easiest case mod ever?
I want to very slightly widen the hole for the headphone jack on my phone's bumper case. What is the best way to go about doing this? [more inside]
My husband has an active warrant. How do we find out what it's for?
My husband just got a permit denied for the reason that there was an active warrant against him. We have no idea what it can possibly be for and need to find out ASAP, as he's going up for a job that will be doing a background check. How can we best do this as fast as possible? [more inside]
posted by sockmeamadeus at 7:36 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by sockmeamadeus at 7:36 AM PST - 22 comments
Is there a 3G/4G wireless router that takes multiple SIM cards/dongles?
I'm based in the UK and will be spending a week somewhere that has no broadband. The reception on most networks seems to be changeable though it's strongest on Vodafone. Is there a 3G/4G wireless router that can take multiple SIM cards or dongles so that I can connect together more than one network and thus maximise my chances of getting connectivity?
posted by skylar at 6:54 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by skylar at 6:54 AM PST - 4 comments
Any news on (pre-)production of Pratchett's "The Watch"?
Is there any new information about The Watch, the Ankh-Morpork based police procedural TV series? In 2012 and early 2013 there was a flurry of mentions, including that they'd started casting (e.g. 1, 2, 3), but I can't find anything more recent than that.
posted by metaBugs at 6:30 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by metaBugs at 6:30 AM PST - 3 comments
What vacuum cleaner should I buy?
Right now I have a Hoover Pet vac that does a pretty good job but I'm looking for an upgrade. [more inside]
posted by rbf1138 at 5:37 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by rbf1138 at 5:37 AM PST - 7 comments
Looking for a dinette where Alex and his droogs might have breakfast.
The previous owners of our house had an amazing Euro modern kitchen set. Help me replace it or find something similar. [more inside]
posted by apparently at 5:34 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by apparently at 5:34 AM PST - 4 comments
Twitter timeline not updating
For about 4 or 5 days my Twitter timeline (on the twitter website) has not been updating with new tweets. Previously it would show a message at the top indicating "X new tweets". I've tried tweeting Twitter support but got no reply. Is this a bug or a sitewide change?
I'm looking for a romance novel I read in the mid-nineties
I am looking for a romance novel from around 1993. I know that romance novels are a dime a dozen but I am hoping that, somewhere in the hive mind, there is someone who loves trashy books with a better memory than me. Here are the major plot points: [more inside]
posted by Foam Pants at 12:42 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Foam Pants at 12:42 AM PST - 5 comments
July 4
Buddhist Blogs
Can you recommend some good blogs with a Buddhist perspective? [more inside]
Moving to Naples, Italy! Need help with lots of practical questions
My wife has just accepted a good job in Naples. She's a British citizen and so, according to the Italian consulate, I'll be able to get an EU residency card and a work permit, healthcare, etc. wiout much trouble at all. (Sadly, she just recently turned down a job in the UK because the spousal visa process was so onerous as to be ridiculous.) A new adventure! But we know *nothing* of Italy and Naples n particular. Help! [more inside]
posted by alaaarm at 8:24 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by alaaarm at 8:24 PM PST - 15 comments
The Art of making Money
A good friend of mine, a London-based ceramics artist, needs to find a way of making her career more financially lucrative. By many measures, she is already successful: she has attained high-profile residencies, is signed to a prestigious gallery, and is critically acclaimed. However, she’s barely making enough money to survive and is starting to question whether it is worth continuing to plough her time into a career that will leave her impoverished. [more inside]
Art of Science, Art of Nature
Looking for examples of unexpected, artistic representations of nature [more inside]
Help me find a handheld GPS that feels like it's from this century.
I want a GPS for geocaching and hiking in areas with no cell phone coverage. The ones I've seen so far look about as up-to-date as my Handspring Visor. Please advise. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:15 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:15 PM PST - 19 comments
Help me chose a managed care plane for medicaid
I received an acceptance letter for medicaid, and they want me to chose a managed care plan (MCP) in my region. There are 5 choices, how do I know the difference and which one is right for me? Which one is best? [more inside]
Bug (termite!?) identification and advice please
I spotted this insect while weeding today. Is it a termite, and if so, what do I do and do you have any idea what is it likely to cost? [more inside]
posted by slidell at 3:41 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by slidell at 3:41 PM PST - 5 comments
Is there a name for this musical theme?
Is there a musical term for a very quick burst of strings in a song? Popular/dance music mainly, sounds very 80s. A couple of examples inside. [more inside]
posted by derbs at 1:40 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by derbs at 1:40 PM PST - 7 comments
Food intolerance test from a chiropractor, dubious at best?
I recently bought a livingsocial deal for a food intolerance/allergy test which I assumed would be bloodwork, etc, but once I arrived to the business I was surprised that it was a chiropractor's office. [more inside]
Best practices after DDoS attack?
There was a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack on my personal website, causing my shared web hosting provider to suspend my account and request that I find another web host. Someone sent me an ominous message on Twitter implying that they were responsible. I have never had anything like this happen before. I have a backup of everything and I can find another web host (with DDoS protection this time), but I am a little perturbed by the experience. Is there anything else I should do? How do I prevent this from happening again?
posted by oulipian at 12:13 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by oulipian at 12:13 PM PST - 2 comments
What turns emotional distress into real physical illness?
I've read that for everyone emotional distress can lower immune function, but it seems that certain people are more susceptible to falling into illness when in distress. I feel I am one of those people. What makes some people more susceptible to this transfer from the emotional to the physical than others? [more inside]
Export Pinboard to Instapaper?
I am not that great with tags and Instapaper has full text searching now.
So, how can I move my Pinboard bookmarks to Instapaper, where I have a subscription?
I don't think I can do directly, but perhaps there's an indirect way?
There's never a good time
I moved and can no longer use the strategies that have helped me get through writing, for ages. I have a lot to do just now but am not in the headspace to change. This is about the regular tabacky. What's as good as nicotine for writing, and similar in use factors? [more inside]
I need help finding a poem published in Harper's Magazine?
This question refers to an earlier one I asked back in 2011, when people helped by searching the data bases of the New Yorker magazine, as I had done, and also the Atlantic Monthly. [more inside]
Wedding gift for my BFF?
One of my best friends is getting married to a totally fantastic awesome guy. They already live together and don't have a registry yet. We are all artsy types (read: broke). I want to get them a kick-ass gift. Drown me in ideas, hive mind! [more inside]
How do you discuss money with a client?
Say a client hires you, a freelance creative person (artist, writer, designer, ...) for a project without bringing up the budget or asking about your fee. The client is valuable and you want to come across as smooth, friendly, and of course professional--so what are clever ways of approaching the subject?
Dancing and drinking in Montreal
My boyfriend and I will be in Montreal for a long weekend June 25 through June 28, and we're looking for non-pretentious, mixed-crowd bars and clubs with good electronic music or hip hop. This should be easy, no? [more inside]
Wrapping exterior house trim
Has anyone had any experiences with wrapping exterior wood trim and window frames instead of painting? [more inside]
Travelling with a baby
Due to a confluence of family occasions and holidays this summer, we'll be taking our baby on several trips over the next couple of months. We don't have our own car, and will be travelling via train some of the time, so would like to keep the amount of baby paraphernalia to a minimum. What's your best advice for travelling with a 4-5 month old? [more inside]
posted by Catseye at 8:02 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Catseye at 8:02 AM PST - 11 comments
Parking markings in UK
Calling British readers pls - A highly specific question - about where parking is allowed on roads in the UK. Please see the photo here. That solid white line is approx 3 feet from the sidewalk. No signs (good or bad) anywhere in sight. No indication it might be a cycle lane or other special use. Can cars park on this road?
posted by Xhris at 7:32 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Xhris at 7:32 AM PST - 11 comments
Online acrylics lessons
I used to be a decent student painter, and I've recently had a yen to start up again, after almost a decade. I've got to restock my supplies and have an okay sense of what I need. But – I'm looking for some mid-level acrylic lessons in either photographic + blog or video format to dive back in. Very basic conceptual stuff not needed (I know color theory, perspective, and all that good stuff), but something that focuses specifically on painting with acrylics, technique, and getting started on new projects would be great. Any ideas?
Training for an unpopular profession
Thinking about what I would like to go back to school for and the thing that I find myself most passionate about is women's health. Specifically I would like to perform abortions in a safe manner for as many women as possible. [more inside]
Is there a browser extension to block layer pop-ups?
You've seen them, sliding in from the side or suddenly obstructing the text you're reading: "Would you like to take a survey?" or "To subscribe to our website..." These are inline code, so pop-up blockers don't catch them. Is there a plug-in that does? [more inside]
posted by heatherfl at 6:42 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by heatherfl at 6:42 AM PST - 11 comments
Where to watch World Cup near Truro MA July 8 and 9?
We'll be on the Cape near Truro in a house with no internet connection next week. What public places nearby could 3 or 4 of us go to see World Cup games on Tues and Wed, July 7 and 8? Both games are at 4:00 pm. Bars, restaurants, stores, the beach, kind strangers with a big screen TV...?
How to get Excel to play nice?
I am trying to generate an excel graph that will give me a date/time overview, and I can't quite crack how to set up my table and chart :( Any help will be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
NYC area chroming recommendations?
Asking for a friend.
Can you recommend a shop in the NYC area that does bright chroming and is good to work with? [more inside]
posted by Glomar response at 4:58 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by Glomar response at 4:58 AM PST - 1 comment
Stay hungry, okay, David, but "here's my shoulder blade"?
I'm trying to put together a motivational playlist about keeping your edge and staying intense and focused, preferably with an edgy, angular sound. The best I can come up with are Talking Heads' "Stay Hungry" (which has somewhat oblique lyrics) and Spoon's "They Never Got You." Any more ideas?
What else can I try to feel less sad?
I have battled horrible depressions for as long as I can remember (I think this is probably a combo of inherited predisposition/anxious attachment style and life experiences). I have been through a lot (diagnosed with ptsd though that's not so bad now) and attracted a lot of undesirable people into my life (as well as some good ones). I am so tired of trying to feel ok and really draw blanks on thinking about what could bring joy. Can't imagine what my perfect day would be :(. I feel genuinely out of ideas about what to try next. [more inside]
July 3
Travelling from Oslo to Paris--what shouldn't we miss?
Mrs. Hanoixan and I will be taking a trip from Oslo to Paris over a couple of weeks in August. We're already planning on seeing the Sognefjord, and tooling around the French countryside. There's a ton in the middle. What route would you suggest (we'll be taking trains where we can)? We like the road less travelled and beautiful places.
posted by hanoixan at 10:30 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by hanoixan at 10:30 PM PST - 1 comment
Hello, darkness, my friend! (and guilt, and the bar exam)
The bar exam is in 3 weeks. I'm feeling overwhelmed with guilt. Guilt I'm not studying enough. Guilt I'm not researching and writing briefs for work fast enough. And tremendous guilt that I've been a straight-up asshole with my family and friends. I'm not good at this balancing act. [more inside]
posted by chloe.gelsomino at 9:40 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by chloe.gelsomino at 9:40 PM PST - 17 comments
Matriarch needs low acid food
My mom was biopsied today and has some kind of lymphoma. What kind will be determined next week. I have a grocery list from the hospital of melons, frozen yogurt, smart water and cheese. Supposed to feed her a little something every two hours. She's down 25 lbs since this started and that's 20% off her fighting weight.
Menu suggestions?
Incentive Sharing Question
The company I work for, referenced recently here, has announced a rather impromptu and puzzling proposal. [more inside]
Performance review - am I being paid less?
My performance review is coming up, and after three years at the company, I'm doing the same job as a co-worker, which wasn't the job I was hired to do. I believe I am fairly compensated, and generally like my job. However as a female person twenty years younger than the male person I am sharing job duties with, I wonder if I should take the opportunity to address salary equity in a performance review or not. More Inside. [more inside]
Mold problem in bathroom. How to best prevent?
We are renters with a nice but somewhat slow-to-act landlord. We have a 700 sqft apartment that has one bathroom with one window but no exhaust fan. Even though we live in SoCal (dry and warm all year) and open the window and door after showering, we still get grayish-black mold growing on the ceilings and grout, and sometimes in the garbage can. We get rid of it with bleach but it always comes back. Will installing a window fan that exhausts air out (either twin or single) help this at all? Or is that a waste of money?
The "how" and the "who first"
While my concerns about divorcing my spouse are numerous, there are two in particular that I could really use some advice on. [more inside]
Easy way to get home from Cleveland, OH Megabus station?
My friend will be arriving at the Megabus station early in the morning (3 or 4 AM, maybe even later). The bus is running very late. I had promised to pick her up at 12AM, and will go to pick her up at 4 or whatever time if there is no other option. BUT I would love to find an alternative for her so I don't conk out early on the 4th. I'd like to know if there are any reputable taxi companies, etc. that she can call when she is close to arriving at the station.
How are the questions for major standardised examinations set?
I would like to know how the questions for major standardised examinations are set. What are some resources which I should be looking at? Could you recommend some articles or books or blogs which talk about how examination questions for a large-scale exam are written? (I prefer the written format, but if there is a particularly informative podcast or documentary I am also open to listening or watching it.) [more inside]
Family suicide complicated by lack of communication: is it ADHD?
My husband’s cousin recently killed himself. The sadness we feel is colored by intense anger at my husband’s mother, who never communicated what was going on with the cousin - or that he had moved to a city we visit frequently. Could "forgetting" to mention or misrepresenting major family information/news be a byproduct of ADHD? Yes, there's more inside... [more inside]
posted by mitschlag at 6:46 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by mitschlag at 6:46 PM PST - 39 comments
Recommend me some good cookbooks!
I'm going to Powell's this weekend (yay!) and having recently come to face the fact that I'll never make any recipes out of at least half the cookbooks I own and that I'm really simply a cookbook collector more than anything else, I may as well go all in and buy a bunch more.
Please give me your favorite cookbook recommendations! Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 6:04 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by skycrashesdown at 6:04 PM PST - 33 comments
Best vegetarian-friendly korean restaurant in LA?
What are the best Korean restaurants for vegans/vegetarians in LA, preferably but not necessarily in Koreatown, which are not exclusively vegan/vegetarian?
Suggestions for direction with Progoff journaling
I have been journaling for about 2 months now and I have a couple questions ... [more inside]
Song help
What is the song of a lady singing the Jackson 5 song ABC acoustic on Pandora? I can't seem to find it. Thanks.
Please help me snap my windows.
Mac OS 10.8.5- What's the best app for adding the Windows Snap feature? Googling led me to Better Snap Tool and Hyperdock- if either of these (or others) have proved to be useful to you, please let me know! Thanks to all in advance.
Quantified self for writers
What can someone who is alone this July 4th weekend do?
Usually I get together with someone and we go to the nyc piers to watch the fireworks, but since this year the 4th lands on a Friday we can't do that as my friend celebrates the sabbath. I figured I could just go the Meetup.com route, but looking at the site today there doesn't seem to be much going on that isn't already full. (I guess I shouldn't have left it to the last minute) If anyone happens to have any suggestions as to what I could do tomorrow I'm all ears.
What to do with thousands of camels?
My mother passed away earlier this year and left behind a large camel collection. Very large. (We're talking 10000+ objects.)
After keeping a few to remember her by, what do I do with it? [more inside]
Rescuing photos from a "damaged" SD card with Android
I have a Macbook; my friend has an old Android phone. I plugged his phone into my computer to get some videos and photos. He unplugged it before I could properly eject it, and his phone now doesn't recognize the card. It says it's damaged and asks him to reformat. Is there any way for me to rescue the files on this card? [more inside]
NE to Outer Banks driving questions
Going to Nag's Head for a little family R&R. I haven't driven down there in 8 years and looking for some advice. Leaving from SE Mass area at 10PM on Friday and hope to get in around noon on Saturday. Taking 95 south through CT, 1st decision: GW or Tappan Zee? We will be hitting them around 1AM. After that the question is: I95 all the way around DC, or Rt 13 South through DE & MD? Has anyone made the trip lately or know of any major construction projects going on that would cause big delays? Normally I go the Rt13 but is there a problem with one of the bridges in DE? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
posted by mikedelic at 3:05 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by mikedelic at 3:05 PM PST - 9 comments
Looking for a desktop program or widget that displays interesting photos
Anyone know of a Windows 7 compatible program or widget that automatically downloads and displays pictures pulled from the Internet on the desktop? [more inside]
Converting math to code
Wanting to code. Can't read calculus. Kinda stuck. Help? [more inside]
More spooky, ethereal (desert) rock to write to?
More spooky, ethereal (desert) rock to write to? [more inside]
posted by changeling at 2:37 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by changeling at 2:37 PM PST - 36 comments
What is the consensus regarding chiropractics? Is there one?
I just started going to a chiropractor -- not for any one traumatic injury, but more to help me deal with general stiffness and range-of-motion issues. I don't know much about chiropractics. What is the current thinking on this type of treatment? [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 2:03 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Alaska Jack at 2:03 PM PST - 23 comments
Looking for some good belly dancing music
I'm looking for some good music for belly dancing. Essentially, I'd like to find some basic beats that I can practice to. Bonus points if you can provide links to recordings, or links to places where I can buy recordings. [more inside]
How can I recreate this website on a service like squarespace or six?
This is my company's website/portfolio.
It was not created by me. It's not built well (slow and javascripty) and I want to replicate it using either squarespace, wix, or some other platform that will allow it to be very easily updated.
My plan is to embed the videos from vimeo as opposed to having them actually hosted on the site. I'm trying to figure out how I can recreate the navigation for the different videos as you now see it. Is that possible?
Did I imagine this final scene in "Magnolia?" Spoilers to follow.
I first saw the movie when it came out in 1999, just watched it again on DVD. I'll swear there is a scene deleted from the DVD, but there is no mention of it in either the DVD supplements or Google. Spoiler Alert: [more inside]
posted by uans at 1:46 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by uans at 1:46 PM PST - 13 comments
POA (and will) in VA
Asking for a friend who lives in Virginia: my friend's mother has had a chronic illness for many years, and over the past year her health has begun to steadily decline, and she has been phasing in and out of bouts of dementia. Lately the bad days seem to be getting more and more frequent. No one has power of attorney at the moment; I'm trying to help him get it in place ASAP. [more inside]
Are these stamps legit? Photo inside.
I didn't feel like waiting in line at the post office and I bought stamps at a sketchy corner grocery. [more inside]
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 1:04 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 1:04 PM PST - 7 comments
Would you go to a location tailored towards relaxation if it existed?
There are spas and massage parlors, and some gyms offer yoga, but the focus on those seems to be physical relaxation (resting the nerves/staying flexible). The focus is more mental relaxation, for example via aromatherapy, meditation, and breathing techniques.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. [more inside]
posted by nodebunny at 1:00 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by nodebunny at 1:00 PM PST - 7 comments
Math Filter: What is Calculus?
My son would like to know: Is there more to calculus than functions, examples of functions, various formats for presenting functions, and so on? That is, does calculus have unique to it other tools that are not just variations on functions? [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 12:49 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by Michele in California at 12:49 PM PST - 33 comments
Advice for quick fix on bum ankle?
YANMD: I tweaked my achillies playing tennis last night (this has happened before), I'm quite limpy and in pain today. My parents (who I rarely get to see) are coming to town this weekend and we have a great hike planned.
What should I be doing for the next 48 hours to increase the likelihood that we can actually go out as planned?
posted by Cosine at 12:33 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Cosine at 12:33 PM PST - 4 comments
Christmas In July! DIY gifts for family & friends
Due to family tragedy, last Christmas felt more like a never-ending marathon than a fun and meaningful holiday. I resolved that Christmas 2014 would be a more mellow, loving holiday that didn't involve hundreds of dollars flushed down the drain on disposable gifts. What are your ideas for meaningful Christmas gifts for family that take some time to make (or not!), don't cost much and might be actually appreciated and used? [more inside]
Service or application to publicly visualize and analyze survey data?
I'm looking for a service or application that will make it easy for me to allow anyone to browse, analyze, and visualize the results of several large surveys (hundreds of questions, thousands of responses). Nothing overly complex – I'd just like people to be able to do some basic cross-tabulation and analysis of the survey responses. [more inside]
Moonlighting as a consultant
I have some specialized expertise in a niche engineering market. I have a fulltime job but am thinking about moonlighting as a consultant in the US. Questions about the business aspect below. [more inside]
Helping him but not forcing it
My husband is probably mentally ill. How do I help him get treatment when he really doesn't want it? [more inside]
posted by cobain_angel at 11:44 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by cobain_angel at 11:44 AM PST - 44 comments
Nice but not crazy-pricey NYC restaurants for 12 - 15 people?
I'm helping my friend's Maid of Honor plan the bachelorette party. Due to a miscommunication, I thought we would be a party of 6 for dinner. Nope. It's between 12 - 15 people. I need to rethink. [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 11:06 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by functionequalsform at 11:06 AM PST - 8 comments
Dehumidifier with short: fix or dispose of? If so, how?
I have a Frigidaire dehumidifier with a short (when I plug it in, it trips the fuse on any house circuit I try). Should I try to fix it, or is it likely to be unobvious? I'm not particularly handy, but I don't mind taking something apart. Is it safer/better to simply dispose of it? If so, is it recyclable?
posted by idb at 10:48 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by idb at 10:48 AM PST - 5 comments
Places to eat in Denver when you're with kids
Hi, we will be in Denver next weekend as part of a family vacation. Can you recommend somewhere that serves good food and is family-friendly? We like most kinds of cuisine that are commonly available in the U.S. [more inside]
posted by Area Man at 10:47 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Area Man at 10:47 AM PST - 15 comments
A few short hours in Berlin
I'm in Berlin for a conference, and I'm trying to squeeze some time in the city around our program. I've been to Berlin several times before and there is a bus tour as part of the even, so I've got the major tourists sites covered, but need suggestions for late night and early morning suggestions. [more inside]
Some car doors can never be unopened.
I haven't opened the rear passenger side door of my car since it was damaged, months ago. The question is, if I open the door, will I be able to close it again? [more inside]
Plus-size snowflake seeks last-minute bridesmaid dress
As of last night, I've been drafted as a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding. Problem: the dress she picked for her bridesmaids is going to be...difficult...for me to pull off. Snowflakes within! [more inside]
posted by Vervain at 9:58 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Vervain at 9:58 AM PST - 33 comments
How can I pick a key colour in an image file in an automated way?
Recently I am sure I saw a script or action that analysed an image file and instead of generating the average colour, looked for a key colour (for example a logo colour) and provided that colour value. For example it might look at this image and give you the blue or the pink rather than a beige / skin tone average. Does this sound familiar?
Tips for Apartment Searching in SF
Any advice on getting a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco? [more inside]
How do you fight for your consumer rights when you are socially anxious?
My Mac Air manifested damage within 6 weeks of purchase, but Apple refuses to take any responsibility (damage isn’t covered under warranty), insisting I caused it. My credit card doesn’t offer insurance. The only option they’ve given me is to pay $500+ to have it fixed. If you were me, what would you do? [more inside]
NYC Doctor Rec
I need a new doctor in Brooklyn or Manhattan. Can you recommend one? [more inside]
What are the best products at Sam's Club?
My family has a Sam's Club membership. What are the best products to buy there? I like their bulk coffee, nuts, and much of their produce. My mother-in-law likes their optical shop and tires. Do you have any other specific recommendations? [more inside]
Right to be forgotten.
Does there exist anywhere an automated Chrome plugin to subvert the EU "right to be forgotten" law? [more inside]
I want to apologize like a BOSS
I was a bonehead and ruined my SO's morning; help me think of how to make it up to him! [more inside]
posted by like_a_friend at 8:39 AM PST - 52 comments
posted by like_a_friend at 8:39 AM PST - 52 comments
Help with planting beds?
I have been carving some planting beds out of my lawn, and they actually look pretty good! But since I had to rip up some sod, they are about a half an inch lower than the lawn itself. Is this ok, or should planting beds be level with the lawn itself?
are there secret ways to find a hard-to-find car part?
We need a center link for our 1994 G20 van. Our mechanic called around and couldn't find one, but said we might find one on the internet. No luck so far. Are there any secret places or techniques to find a part like this?
No, I've been nervous lots of times.
In a month I will be flying transatlantic solo with a baby on my lap. I can't decide which is better: a window seat or an aisle seat? [more inside]
posted by lollymccatburglar at 8:24 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by lollymccatburglar at 8:24 AM PST - 23 comments
What am I seeing?
Holding a mug close to my face, there is an interesting effect. It's not like other things and I can't duplicate it with other objects. [more inside]
posted by rahnefan at 8:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by rahnefan at 8:16 AM PST - 5 comments
4 Solar panels and salespeople that want sales
So I find myself with 4 185 W Solar panels AND 4 enphase M190 Micro inverters (that onboard connect to each panel). The system from what I can tell is "made" for a grid connected solar system. Which is great but NOT what I want/need (Also I am too far from a station to qualify for microfit in Ontario). [more inside]
Who should I go to for an iPhone provider in Germany?
I'm about to move to Germany for one year. I have my own iPhone. Who should I go to for cellular service? [more inside]
Vegan friendly chow near YVR?
Lower Mainland MeFites: I'm looking for a place to have dinner with my brother tonight somewhere between the Tsawassen ferry terminal and YVR. Neither of us are from the area. What are your favourite Richmond-area eating spots? Difficulty factor: I'm vegan and gf; he is a dedicated carnivore. [more inside]
posted by Dorinda at 8:08 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Dorinda at 8:08 AM PST - 3 comments
Is my catmint poisonous to my yard?
Should I throw out the catmint I got from Lowes? [more inside]
Is this turkey safe to eat?
Last night I went grocery shopping and bought prepackaged turkey lunch meat. I ran some other errands for an hour with the AC on in my car, and then got home where I forgot to bring that particular bag inside for another hour. So this turkey sat in my car for roughly two hours, one with the AC on and one not, at about 85 degrees outside. [more inside]
If this is Armour bacon I'm going to the Food Network!
We're closing on a house that has a very nice and spacious kitchen. What are we missing to make it Chris Kimball approved? [more inside]
posted by playertobenamedlater at 7:11 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by playertobenamedlater at 7:11 AM PST - 28 comments
Is My Ductless Heat Pump Performing to Par?
We got a Mitsubishi ductless heat pump installed late last Summer. While we have been satisfied with its Winter performance, its cooling capabilities have left us unsatisfied. [more inside]
Looking for a Book on Corporate Personhood
I'm looking for a well-written, balanced book on corporate personhood for research. Actually, could use two or three if possible, and links to good, extensive and well-researched non-political articles on the web would be helpful as well. [more inside]
Need personal injury lawyer recommendation in Northern Virginia
My mother was recently in a car crash near her hone in Northern Virginia. The other driver was at fault and the insurance companies were sorting it out. She was diagnosed with whiplash at the ER soon after and spenfew days immobile from pain.
After recuperating, she went on holiday to Europe While there, she was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism that doctors believe may stem from the crash.
A. Am I correct in believing we need to lawyer up?
B. If so, are there recommendations for an attorney in Northern Virginia who could take this case on?
Lost and found: half sibling edition
I found out that I have a half brother five years ago. I got curious, then thanks to the internet, I was able to locate him a year ago. We (mom included) have been in touch, and he wants to be a part of our family, which I love as I am an only child raised by a single mom. The catch: He has problems with addiction, the law, and being employed. [more inside]
posted by hippychick at 5:19 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by hippychick at 5:19 AM PST - 32 comments
How much is fair contribution to broken oven door? (UK rented apartment)
Hi - outer glass shattered on our oven door. Google suggests this does sometimes happen without provocation (oven is approx 7yrs old). Housing contract (London, UK) stipulates tenant responsible for 'broken glass' but I presume this refers to windows. Letting agents got quote of £220 for new door panel. New oven costs £295 and they prefer to do this. Ask I contribute 40% (£120). Is this a fair deal - should I negotiate lower? Thanks!
Azores real estate, transfer of title, etc.
Hi. A friend of mine is the sole trustee to a trust that is soon to expire. The trust owns a small house on the Azores, and she needs help in either transferring title to her siblings or simply selling the thing. Are there any real estate attorneys who are familiar with this part of the globe? She speaks fluent Portuguese, but is dreading the "male dominated" red tape merchants on the islands. Any help or referrals would be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
July 2
Best type of ink (and pen) for longevity and clarity over time?
I have a document (parchment) that is going to be signed by many of my friends and family which will then be framed and displayed in our house. I would like to know if there is a specific ink that I should use that is especially resistant to fading over time and exposure to light. [more inside]
posted by JimBJ9 at 10:19 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by JimBJ9 at 10:19 PM PST - 15 comments
Old tenant is in a legal dispute with landlord-- should I take the apt?
The apartment is otherwise perfect in mostly every way. Is this kind of thing a reason not to take it? [more inside]
What's it like to work in The Office for nine years?
What are the best articles/essays/etc. about the American version of The Office? [more inside]
September, Portland OR, or Quebec City?
In September Ms J0 and I would like to travel to either Portland (Oregon) or Quebec City. We would like to stay for 5 or so days. We can get to Portland for less than half the cost of getting to Quebec City. So, help us decide, please. [more inside]
posted by J0 at 8:16 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by J0 at 8:16 PM PST - 14 comments
Travel Tips Mexico, Trinidad
Mexico City Hotel? Trinidadian Fashion? [more inside]
Musician: Impossible
How do musicians actually find other musicians in this crazy modern super-connected world?
Especially in the big city? [more inside]
Running a drop-in tabletop RPG with a plot-- your tips and tricks?
I'm running my first campaign, and because I have a large stable of potential players all with limited availability, the first decision I made was that it would work as a drop-in game. I want to be able to run it with as few as two players at a time. I'm trying to adjust the game's structure accordingly, with a caveat. [more inside]
posted by dee lee at 8:02 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by dee lee at 8:02 PM PST - 8 comments
Buying a new TV
I'm in the market for a new TV. A TV on BestBuy.com is actually sold through Buy.com, which is apparently the same thing as Rakuten.com. Is this situation weird? [more inside]
Help me find youtube clips of moments in sports with intelligent plays
I'd like to see youtube clips of sports moments that are of the variety "OMG, did he do that on PURPOSE?" for example nutmeg goal in soccer, something that requires great anticipation/awareness, on the intelligent side of sport. Moments where a player did something before the play had even developed to a point where one could realize what was going to happen
Getting what you pay for regarding TESOL Certification
Would successful completion of this course be sufficient to find a job teaching English as a second language or is it more akin to a degree from an infamous shady on-line university?
Where can this dish be seen on The Golden Girls?
A while ago, as a present I received a decorative china powder dish from the set of "The Golden Girls." I kept an eye out for it every time I watched the show, but never spotted it. It is possible that it's from backstage or some other not-on-camera area, but I thought I'd see whether any other "Golden Girls" fanatics might recognize it or keep an eye out for it in the background of the show. [more inside]
posted by laze at 6:14 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by laze at 6:14 PM PST - 11 comments
Getting licensed as an interpreter?
I would like to become a spoken language interpreter for Chinese, Japanese, Spanish (to English). My mom is an interpreter and said that Pacific Interpreters does licensing that is valid nationwide. Are there other companies that do licensing nationwide? [more inside]
Works that need to be translated into English?
Is there a way to find out what sorts of academic materials would benefit from an original or updated English translation? I'm sure that one way to figure this out would be to know your academic discipline well. Are there other ways of determining if there is a strong need in a particular discipline for additional translation work? [more inside]
Projecting an image onto the ceiling?
I'm interested in projecting a device's output (HDMI, Thunderbolt, whatever) onto the ceiling for truly lazy reading or movie watching while in bed. Is this possible? [more inside]
Are there warm apartments in cold climates?
I live in the SF Bay area and I'm thinking about moving to colder climates at some point, but for various reasons I can't handle a cold ambient temperature inside my home, even if I bundle up. In colder areas (specifically New England and the Midwest), how easy/possible is it to find apartments that are well-heated (perhaps buildings with a whole-building radiator system?) or other situations where I can have a warm (68-70 degree) home without paying through the nose for utilities? [more inside]
How best to backup/move a strange old blog
As part of hoovering up old blogs and content before more disappear, I'm stuck with the most difficult blog in terms of format; this one (Digital Sands). Is there an efficient way of saving both the posts and the comments to make publicly available elsewhere. [more inside]
Rusting Car Roof - What Are My Options?
My car roof is rusting extensively along the windshield edge. I don't know if I can get it fixed anymore as it has gotten bad rather quickly. What are my options? More inside [more inside]
How to liven a get-together with a Davey Downer
I'll be attending a get-together with family, including a Davey Downer who always inserts her tales of woe and misery into conversations. We all like her, but she can bring a conversation from lively to quiet in a few short phrases. How do you keep such gatherings more upbeat, while including someone whose only input seems to be personal tales of misery? [more inside]
Will this LED rope light kit work in Tokyo, Japan?
This is the appliance in question. I'm aware that Tokyo's electrical system is 100 volts at 50 Hz, but I'm not sure how that applies to this rope light kit, which is rated for (according to the instructions) 120V, 60Hz, and 100 mA. Does the low current/wattage (12 watts) mean it will work anyway, due to some transformer inside, or is it just not going to be compatible?
My wife wants a DSLR
Is this a good deal? Don't know much about cameras, looking for entry/mid. Mostly entry.
Do LED lights cause permanent eye damage?
I came across this article and became concerned about my eye health, in light of a new LED monitor that I recently bought and use for about four hours each day at home (at work, I look at an older LCD monitor with a CCFL backlight for eight hours).
Is this something to be concerned about? Also, can some sort of (UV) filter be placed in front of the screen to reduce risks? Currently, I have my LED monitor set to 0% brightness and 25% contrast.
Latin for "Speed and secrecy"?
Asking for a friend: how would one write "Speed and secrecy" in Latin?
It's for a group motto, and we wish to basically communicate "keep this fast/quick/speedy" and "keep things secret/safe." As briefly as possible.
What to do on a day-long layover in Dublin?
We have one day in Dublin on Friday (flight gets in at 8:30 am, have to be back at the airport by 5pm). Can we reasonably find interesting things to do in that time? Parks to walk through, a good place for a pub lunch (and World Cup watching?) or just interesting things to see in the vicinity such that we could get back to the airport in time would be great.
posted by transient at 1:25 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by transient at 1:25 PM PST - 8 comments
How do I craft my resume and job search to find a job I will love?
I had been developing what I thought was a good career, but now I've hit a bump in the road and I'm experiencing frustration in finding a employer I want to stick with. I don't like the last few places I worked at and I'm not proud of the work I did while there. Please help me decide how to craft my resume and job search! More (wall of text) inside... [more inside]
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 12:58 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 12:58 PM PST - 7 comments
How to negotiate a good phone deal w/grandfathered unlimited data plan?
I have an Android phone on Verizon with an unlimited data plan, and I'm looking to upgrade my phone. [more inside]
Changing careers a bit
How to be a Business Analyst (this is most likely my question) [more inside]
Former epileptic getting her license back in Ontario; insurance?
My wife, clean from seizures for about two years, is getting her license back soon and I need to know if there's any pitfalls regarding insurance. [more inside]
posted by the dief at 12:41 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by the dief at 12:41 PM PST - 3 comments
How can I get some work done on vacation without being an asshole?
So, my boyfriend of six months and I are heading to NYC tonight and staying 'til Sunday. I have a up against a wall with an approaching work deadline and because of my own poor planning will need to do a little bit of chipping-away-at-it while we're there. I need to carve out three or four 3/4-hour (ish) focused working sessions during our trip, and I wanted to ask the hive mind if anyone familiar with the city could suggest any non-awful ways to handle this. Light flurries inside... [more inside]
Wow & flutter: is it the tapes or the tape deck?
I am beginning to digitize some old cassette tapes but have run into a problem: many of the cassettes have significant speed/pitch variations on playback. I can't figure out if the problem is the tapes or the tape deck (or both). [more inside]
posted by googly at 11:36 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by googly at 11:36 AM PST - 11 comments
Is there something like the Studio App but for desktop/online?
I need to make some signs and hang tags for products and I'd like some more modern looking templates as a jumping off point because I am not talented enough to start from scratch on my own. [more inside]
posted by magnetsphere at 11:20 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by magnetsphere at 11:20 AM PST - 2 comments
Neither of us are Jack Spratt...
So my husband and I both prefer dark meat (chicken) and we struggle with eating the chicken breast of a whole chicken. And we like costco's rotisserie chicken and expect to eat them fairly often over the next couple years since life will be busy for a while. Help us figure out some easy dishes that will allow us to enjoy eating the bland, dry portion of the bird! [more inside]
posted by pennypiper at 11:08 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by pennypiper at 11:08 AM PST - 44 comments
Looking for a mail app for iOS that satisfies my SPECIAL SNOWFLAKES
Looking for an iOS e-mail app that does what I want it to do. [more inside]
posted by Lucinda at 10:26 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Lucinda at 10:26 AM PST - 6 comments
What can I bring from California to my Canadian relatives?
I will be visiting my Canadian relatives and want to bring them some goodies from California. What can I bring that they can't already get there? [more inside]
posted by biscuits at 10:23 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by biscuits at 10:23 AM PST - 22 comments
My cat is TPing the bathroom! Help!
My cat keeps unspooling the toilet paper. It is mildly frustrating, not the worst thing in the world but we have tried keeping the bathroom door shut, etc, but I know there are covers for toilet paper holders - I imagine they are for situations like this?? [more inside]
Where to pick up a coworker in Washington D.C.
I'm traveling from NC to PA and need to pick up a coworker in Washington D.C. Neither of us is very familiar with D.C. [more inside]
posted by dmo at 9:42 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by dmo at 9:42 AM PST - 12 comments
The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground. - Buddha
My foot hurts. Why does my foot hurt? [more inside]
Books for a great children's book collection?
I want to buy some great, high-quality books to read with little kids. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 8:56 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by JoannaC at 8:56 AM PST - 36 comments
Motorcycle Camping in North-Western Mexico
I am looking for a quiet place to pitch a tent and do nothing for a few days preferably by the beach. I have gear and am familiar with travelling in Mexico.
posted by sunslice at 8:45 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by sunslice at 8:45 AM PST - 3 comments
Seeking faith as an atheist.
I've been an atheist for most of my life. I've never been to a formal church service outside of a wedding or a funeral. Recently I've realized that I politically agree with the leftist interpretation of the teachings of Christ. I still don't believe in the supernatural aspects of the Christian faith. Would it be wrong for me to seek out a left leaning sect like Unitarians? I'm worried that this is, at the very least, intellectually dishonest to my own beliefs, and more likely, selfish for the church I'd pursue. I'm looking for guidance on how to proceed. I apologize if I've offended the faithful with a misunderstanding of their beliefs. Part of my desire for this is that of community and connection with fellow left leaning folks.
Help me understand my body and weight loss.
I weigh myself every weekday at work on the same scale (an electronic medical-grade scale they use for patients at the hospital where I work) and at the same time of day. I have noticed that when I go off my diet for a few days and my weight creeps up, that that excess weight falls off again when I return to my diet much more quickly than the weight I've been carrying for awhile. Why? [more inside]
posted by joannemerriam at 8:38 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by joannemerriam at 8:38 AM PST - 10 comments
How can we help our young daughter with her wiping issues?
Our daughter is 6. Since potty training 4 years ago, she hasn't been wiping herself well after going to the bathroom. We though the problem would resolve itself (and sometimes wipe her butt ourselves if she goes at home) but it's not, and what used to cause skin irritation is now causing vaginal infections. [more inside]
What pitfalls to beware of in disposing of a large music collection?
My wife has inherited a sizable collection of records and CDs. What pitfalls do we have to watch out for when deciding how to dispose of these items? Details inside... [more inside]
On the subject of buttereating, hurf has been surprisingly durf.
You know how when you're falling asleep random half-thoughts will pop into your head? Well, I had one of them last night, and I think it's a quote from something, but I don't really know what it is and can't place it and it's kind of driving me bonkers. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 7:05 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by phunniemee at 7:05 AM PST - 10 comments
Severe Health Anxiety. Is it possible to ever overcome this?
I feel like I've tried everything and am at my wits end. [more inside]
posted by noella at 5:52 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by noella at 5:52 AM PST - 20 comments
At what point on the the graph do automation and cat security meet?
I want to automate cat litter scooping, however, I do not want to frighten our cats or take away their sense of territory. Can these goals be reconciled? [more inside]
Apple Products and Virus Protection
Just wondering if I should be doing more to protect my Apple Products for viruses and malware, etc. Should I be more proactive? [more inside]
Solo dining in Copenhagen
Any recommendations for a solo foodie traveler to Copenhagen? Great food in restaurants where I can eat at the bar or sidle up somewhere or otherwise not feel too awkward eating by myself on a Friday or Saturday? (I know this is a largely irrational hang-up. I'm working on it.) Thanks.
Preparing for a lumpy hundred
I have a place in a huge century cycle ride (100 fairly hilly miles) in just over 5 weeks time. It's my first time doing something like this and I want to enjoy the day. Help me to train smartly over the next few weeks and to prepare for what to expect on the day. [more inside]
My apartment is a fish-maggot hell-world.
My fridge broke. Turns out the terrible smell was because my roommate left some fish in there. For a week. I need to get the smell out of my house. [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 2:01 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by quadrilaterals at 2:01 AM PST - 15 comments
July 1
Can you dig it? Can I?
Is there anywhere I'm welcome to go fossil hunting along the Connecticut River in MA? Greenfield's closest, but down toward Springfield isn't out of the question.
posted by Lou Stuells at 11:54 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Lou Stuells at 11:54 PM PST - 1 comment
How do I search Amazon's database for keywords in editorial reviews
I want to aggregate certain reviewers and their reading tastes that are posted on Amazon.com. I only care about the professional "Editorial Reviews" and not the customer comments. So for example, if I want to read all the reviews attributed to say "Library Journal" or search out blurbs written by a certain author that blurbed a book, I can readily find it. [more inside]
One woman, ~48 Hours, San Diego - what to do?
I'm going to have a weekend or more to burn in San Diego in mid-September. I've visited several times before & done most of the obvious tourist things (list behind the jump). Complications: I can't drive so public transport/on foot options only; vegetarian; I'm active enough to walk/hike distances but not interested in sports activities; I'm comfortable doing most things by myself, but bars are always a challenge unless you know it's a zero-harassment place; I'll be based in Old Town. [more inside]
posted by AFII at 11:07 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by AFII at 11:07 PM PST - 19 comments
How many books has the average person read?
I'd be interested to know how many books the average person has read by the following ages: 21, 30, 40, 60? [more inside]
What's this?
What's this plastic disc on my new suitcase? [more inside]
posted by pablocake at 10:10 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by pablocake at 10:10 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me make my friends laugh... in less than 24 hours.
In about 24 hours I will be picking up old friends from the airport and taking them to a rented apartment in the city, near where I live. They will be tired and jet-lagged so I wanted to make their first day as hassle-free and pleasant as possible. At the same time, they have a goofy sense of humor and I would love to play a prank on them. Can you help me make them laugh? [more inside]
posted by M. at 10:02 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by M. at 10:02 PM PST - 20 comments
Solfege: "Let's Start at the Very Beginning"
I'm looking for suggestions for resources to help learn solfege through self study. I'm open to the media whether they be books, websites, software, recordings, or something I haven't considered. I can read music and have moderate proficiency on the keyboard (Grade 8 Royal Conservatory) though I haven't been playing regularly for several years. I have access to a modern Windows PC, an Android Tablet, an aging Mac (1st gen Intel) and a digital piano if that helps at all.
Best Full-Body Strength Workout for Female Runner?
I'm slowly building up my speed and stamina as a runner -- I do roughly 15 miles of hilly outdoor running a week right now, and absolutely love it. I'd like to add in a full-body strength workout (+/- 30 min, 40 including stretching) three days a week. I'd also like this workout to be something I can do at home, with an absolute minimum of supplies (just body weight would be great), and that I can use for a long period of time. [more inside]
posted by rue72 at 9:27 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by rue72 at 9:27 PM PST - 13 comments
I've got a bad feeling about this.
Received a panic-inducing document marked "SECOND NOTICE" concerning my student loans today. It states it's from a "consumer advocacy group," but makes some ridiculous claims and includes no organization name or contact information except for a phone number. Should I bother to report it? And, if so, to what entity? [more inside]
posted by Austenite at 9:26 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Austenite at 9:26 PM PST - 9 comments
Can we stop our cat from pissing on everything?
For several years my girlfriend's 5-year-old cat has been regularly pissing on soft surfaces, and it's getting worse. [more inside]
How much do they need to know?
We have two kids who are 12 and 14. From an emotional/psychological standpoint, how much or how little should they know about some minor, but real financial difficulties that we have as parents? [more inside]
Is this healthy, and if not, how can I make it healthier?
Fruit juice is confusing. How do I figure out what's healthy versus what's not, and what about natural sugar? Even though the juices I'm using don't have sugar added, there's natural sugar, right? Are 3 pints of fruit juice and carbonated water each night, spread out between 7pm and midnight, bad for me? [more inside]
Let's cure sexual dimorphism!
How would scientific folks go about making women biologically around the same size and strength as men? [more inside]
Hey, Chinese speakers . . . got a question for you
Actually, that should read "Hey, readers of Chinese script, etc". Recently, some of my neighbors took exception to the opening of a homeless shelter in my neighborhood. They held a protest. Some of the signs were in Chinese. What do these signs say in English, if you've got a moment?
Many thanks in advance.
posted by jason's_planet at 6:57 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by jason's_planet at 6:57 PM PST - 2 comments
I miss cassette MixTapes! How to correctly tag/import into Itunes
Itunes 11.1.5
MAC OS X 10.7.5 ---
I made a mixtape with a hodgepodge of MP3's that I downloaded from here & there. What do I need to do in the ID3 Editor to make sure they import into Itunes as one album and in the correct order? (Currently it makes 3-4 albums of the same name with a few of the songs in each identically named album.) [more inside]
posted by crayon at 6:30 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by crayon at 6:30 PM PST - 4 comments
How do I deal with my crush at a cafe?
I'm not sure how to say this without sounding like a 13 year old but I'm in love with a guy who frequents the same cafe as I do but haven't met. I dont know how to deal with it. [more inside]
Avengers, Assemble Onto My Bookshelf!
What's the best way to read comic books in the 21st century? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 5:56 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Sara C. at 5:56 PM PST - 13 comments
What can I do with my old hair straighteners, since they no longer work?
I have few old hair straighteners which have burned out over the years (I have very big, frizzy, and curly hair), and I'm trying to figure out the best way to discard them--is it best to just throw them away, or can I recycle them? [more inside]
Help me find something as good as Zita the Spacegirl for my kids?
I have been reading Zita the Spacegirl to my kids (7 & 5, boy and girl) very night. For those who haven't read it, it is a terrific graphic novel for kids full of adventure and strange creatures, with a great message. What else would you reccomend, as we approach the end of this great series? Specifically thinking of a modern, adventure-filled (but not overly mature) graphic novel or series. Science fiction or fantasy would be ideal.
Title: How to deal with a Mortgage but no House after Divorce
*What can be written into the Quit Claim to insure and protect the me from eventually being stuck with the whole mortgage.
*Or is there some other standard thing besides a quitclaim that will allow me to fulfill the court's order and will give the wife more protection than just relying on "he shall hold Wife harmless from any liability " since the mortgage company can go after the wife directly.
Intro: the Husband is a Military Officer who strategized and schemed not only to divorce but to devastate an unsuspecting wife (me). He abused me for 20 years and has lied to the court many times, without being held accountable. He can be counted on taking whatever actions he is able to continue to do the me harm. He will not voluntarily do the humane, decent thing. [more inside]
Umm what now
Hubby was diagnosed with diabetes last week during pre-surgery check up. He had the surgery today and that was fine, but it's been sprung on him rather suddenly that this means injections 4 times a day. Most people grin and bear it but hubby has a HUGE injection phobia going back to childhood. He's in a lot of distress. I don't know what to do to help my hubby. [more inside]
Where to Have a Small Meeting near LAX
I’m hosting a day-long meeting for nine people near LAX in September. Can you recommend a hotel in the neighborhood that’s moderately upscale? By which I mean, suitable for successful, middle-aged professionals who, luckily, understand that we’re not made of money. [more inside]
posted by Short Attention Sp at 4:44 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Short Attention Sp at 4:44 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me GTD: Analysis Paralysis Applications & GTD
Help me implement GTD in a manageable fashion. I get lost in details, and need help keeping track of the pieces. I have access to web apps and a shiny new ipad air. Snowflakes inside. Tell me what has worked for you, and please offer practical advice. [more inside]
posted by Draccy at 4:44 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Draccy at 4:44 PM PST - 7 comments
Video editing on the cheap
I'm looking for a cheap video editing program that can help with a couple of simple tasks. I'm on a Mac and need some recommendations. [more inside]
What application to design a simple restaurant menu?
I'm designing a menu for a restaurant, with around 60 items. [more inside]
posted by klinefelter at 3:05 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by klinefelter at 3:05 PM PST - 20 comments
1st time buying a bathing suit in 20+ years. Assistance needed!
When I moved to a new city, I joined a nearby community fitness club that offers Aqua Fit. Only problem is: I haven't worn a bathing suit since childhood. Butterfly stroke snowflakes within. [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 2:17 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Kitteh at 2:17 PM PST - 19 comments
How can I mate a shaft to a surface?
Is there a specific type of part that attaches a pole/shaft to a flat surface so said pole meets said surface at a right angle? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 2:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by popcassady at 2:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Point me toward homemade coffee nirvana!
I love coffee. I've been known to geek out pretty hard over food and spirits. But I've never geeked out my coffee. I'm looking for the best way to make a better cup, hopefully without a ton of extra fuss. [more inside]
Renew passport?
Leaving for France and Germany in a week. Returning mid July 2014. My passport expires December 2014.
I've read conflicting reports that at least three months from departure and expiration is fine; and that I need six months.
Which is which? Do I even have time to get a new passport within a week?
Aero-de-pressed that this doesn't already exist
Or does it? I got an Aeropress yesterday and am already won over. Brought it to work today, and after my first cup, realized I needed some sort of combination caddy/drying rack, thinking, Surely this must exist. Maybe even with a carrying handle. Since I'm here, you can guess what the result of my Googling was. [more inside]
posted by supercres at 1:38 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by supercres at 1:38 PM PST - 13 comments
Staying hydrated over the summer
What should I drink during this wonderful, hot weather? [more inside]
Help Finding A Quote About Data
I need help finding a quote from a novel, likely from a William Gibson novel, regarding how a person generates data throughout their lives. [more inside]
How can I increase my chances of getting a job in Vancouver, BC?
As a U.S. citizen with no family ties to Canada, what proactive steps should I take to make myself more employable in Vancouver, BC? [more inside]
posted by mrbeebz at 12:57 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by mrbeebz at 12:57 PM PST - 12 comments
Where do I get these damn blood tests done?
I asked a question earlier about getting a 2-step tb test. Well I need a lot more blood test/vaccinations and I don't have a primary care doctor. Where can I get these done on a really tight time frame? [more inside]
Can I drive to a mechanic for repairs with no tax or MOT?
My car failed its MOT yesterday and, as a result of my bad time management, the tax disc has expired today. I can't tax it without it being covered by a valid MOT certificate, but I need to get it to a garage for repairs so that it can pass the MOT. Is it legal for me to drive it to the mechanic? [more inside]
Going to Japan, but not for a while. What should we book?
Thanks to some ridiculous flight deals, a friend of mine and I are headed to Japan for two weeks. The catch/opportunity: the flight is next February. There's probably a bunch of really neat things to do in Japan that unfortunately have huge waiting lists or need to be planned well in advance, right? For once in my life, we are those people planning well in advance! So what neat things with long waiting lists should we sign up for now? [more inside]
What are your proven ways to stay safe on the roads these days?
How do you stay safe while barrelling down the highway in a tin can? [more inside]
How much does sampling / licensing cost?
Do you do rights clearance work in the music industry (or know someone who does)? If so, can you satisfy my curiosity about how much it might be expected to cost to license rights in the four scenarios described inside? [more inside]
HSA Employer Overcontribution
My new employer is adding what looks like a pre-tax contribution of an extra 1k to my paychecks monthly to pay for health insurance and the remainder is meant to be put in to an HSA. My wife's insurance plan only costs us $210/mo and the HSA contribution limit for a family is $6550/yr what is going to happen to the remainder of the money? [more inside]
Botched Electrical Job, Unresponsive Electrician
I hired an electrician to upgrade my service, and I just found some live tube ferrule wiring beneath a bathroom floor (he promised me none of it would be live). What actions can I take against the electrician? [more inside]
How do I get better at / get over anxiety making small decisions?
I agonize over making small decisions (what should I eat for lunch, should I start a new series or re watch an old favorite). When information is available I will spend an hour or so researching before I decide (Yelp). When information is not available I will put off the decision. It's getting worse and I'm unhappy living life paralyzed. [more inside]
posted by puertosurf at 11:35 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by puertosurf at 11:35 AM PST - 15 comments
How do I type out "I'm slipping" in Arabic, but using English letters?
I'm writing a story (in English) where someone speaks Arabic. All I really need is "I'm slipping" (or "I'm falling" would work fine), but I need to put that into English letters. All the online translators seem to either reject this (presumably because of conjugation & such) or they only give it to me in Arabic letters. Help?
Laptop maintenance and cleaning in Toronto?
I'm looking for a good, trustworthy place to have my laptop disassembled and have its fan cleaned. [more inside]
Vermont getaway accessible by train (and no car), and maybe camping?
Hi all
From NYC, I'd like a weekend getaway to VT, where I can take an Amtrak to the station and walk around a small town, enjoy a B&B, and so on. If there were camping accessible from said train, that would be the best!
Id be happy to rent a car in VT and return on train if necessary, too.
posted by yonation at 10:24 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by yonation at 10:24 AM PST - 9 comments
How to support family dealing with cancer, non-sartorially
My cousin's kid was born with cancer. A friend of theirs started a website where one can buy a t-shirt to show support for the family. This seems a little odd. Should I buy a t-shirt or do something differently to show love and support for the family? [more inside]
An English speaker's Univision World Cup Primer?
I am watching the World Cup on Univision, and am excited to understand as much of the commentary as I do, but would love to understand more. Where can I find common words/phrases? [more inside]
posted by jermsplan at 10:12 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by jermsplan at 10:12 AM PST - 8 comments
San Francisco to Boise
Is it crazy to drive from San Francisco, CA to Boise, ID (around Labor Day weekend)? [more inside]
How long after getting private health insurance can you get surgery?
I need a jaw surgery and I haven't had any insurance for the past year. I was thinking of paying for individual private insurance, but I've never had to get surgery before so I don't know if there will be restrictions to my getting surgery right after signing on to a policy. What would you recommend and what kind of insurance should I get?
I'm generally a healthy person so I barely ever used my insurance back when I had it. I really don't know anything about this stuff.
Learn Chemistry the fun way...via audio?
Is there a way to learn chemistry that is
1) fun/funny/in some way entertaining
2) via audio? [more inside]
Where to stay for a weekend retreat in between Orange County and SF?
I'm trying to schedule a weekend away that is convenient for everyone, so I'm looking for hotels/motels/cabins/other along the California coast that are relatively equidistant between San Francisco and Orange County. I'd like plenty of access to hiking, the beach, good food and wine, maybe some good stargazing- but all this on the lowest end of the cost spectrum, please. There will be either 2 or 3 of us and I'd like the cost of accommodations to be as low as possible without entering into roach motel territory. (Under $100 per person)
I won't get hit with an overdraft fee will I?
This morning I got an email from chase saying that my account was overdrawn. Apparently I picked the wrong bank account by accident to pay my credit card bill. Well anyway I looked at my account and the transaction was still pending. I ran over to the bank and put enough cash in my bank account to put me in the positive. Now chase says I should be fine seeing how it was still pending but, I just want to be sure.
How to securely erase an SDD drive without damaging it?
I have a MacBook Air that I am considering selling. It has an SSD, and I would like to securely wipe it clean before putting it up for sale. I know how to wipe regular hard drives, but I've heard that secure erases of SSD's actually DAMAGE the drive. Is there a secure way to remove data from an SSD hard drive without compromising its lifespan/integrity?
Where to find sturdy wood crates
Where can I find sturdy wooden crates? Like fruit crates?
I know they have ones at Michaels and JoAnn fabrics, but they are little flimsy, more for crafts.
Where can I find a reliable source of decently sturdy wooden crates? [more inside]
Searching for a good Camberville-area tailor
I just got a barkcloth jumpsuit that's in need of some alterations. I'm looking for a tailor in the Cambridge/Somerville area that could help me out with this. The tailor my friends keep recommending to me is in Roslindale, and the tailors I've found via Yelp have worked exclusively in menswear. Who's a good tailor on this side of the river that works with womens wear and could help me out with my vintage find?
posted by pxe2000 at 8:33 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by pxe2000 at 8:33 AM PST - 12 comments
Facebook won't load in Safari, but loads fine in other browsers... ???
When I try to go to any Facebook page inside Safari 6.0.3 (running on OSX 10.8.3) I get this error message:
Safari can't open the page "https://www.facebook.com/" because Safari can't establish a secure connection to the server "www.facebook.com". [more inside]
posted by rubadub at 8:28 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by rubadub at 8:28 AM PST - 11 comments
Canon S100 battery pack error
My Canon S100 is just two years old (so out of warranty). I bought 2 batteries with it, and two more generics a year later. Now when I put any of the four into the camera I get a black screen with white text saying, "Change the battery pack." [more inside]
posted by acorncup at 8:17 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by acorncup at 8:17 AM PST - 5 comments
Quick! I need help opening my first 401k and I can pick my own funds!
The small company I work for doesn’t offer a plan for 401k. Basically you go open a 401k plan wherever you like and fund it with whatever you like. [more inside]
Recommend some non-violent TV
Season 4 of Game of Thrones was brutal, full of death and gore. Now we're watching Penny Dreadful, True Blood, Fargo and catching up on Hannibal, Dexter and Vikings. All of this is enjoyable, but the violence and gore has become a bit rote and unnerving. Recommend some lighter tv stuff, please.
Examples of what we've liked and disliked below the cut. [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:24 AM PST - 51 comments
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:24 AM PST - 51 comments
Temporarily sealing windows
The building I live in will be power washed next week and the landlord has asked that we (i) close our windows and (ii) move items away from the windows that might be damaged by inadvertent leakage. I'd like to take the extra step of sealing my windows because I am fully confident that they will leak. My thought is some kind of tape but I don't want to harm the paint on the sills or leave marks on the glass. Thoughts?
posted by janey47 at 6:58 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by janey47 at 6:58 AM PST - 16 comments
Who should I like?
I like the following topics, whose (personal) social media accounts/videos/blogs should I follow to get up close and personal about: Mountainbiking, Adventure Racing, Pens & stationary, travelling and experiencing absurd things, European politics, international news (the backdrop/behind-the scenes stuff), xkcd-sciency-humor & working as a doctor.
Please add anybody whose insight, pictures and outlook onto the world resonates with you.. (even if they don't match the topics exactly. [more inside]
Not burning the house down
So I was going to cook some chicken in the oven this morning, and I opened the oven door just to make sure everything looked all right before preheating. [more inside]
posted by EggplantPizza at 6:31 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by EggplantPizza at 6:31 AM PST - 5 comments
Helping my dad start an eBay store
My father has asked me to help him set up an eBay store for some estate sale type items and I'm looking for current advice on all things eBay. [more inside]
Examples of memorable performances from American Idol, Shark Tank, etc.?
I'm trying to put together a set of performances from various reality/contest shows (e.g., American Idol, Shark Tank) that provide good examples of the following four scenarios:
1. Contestant appears very confident/proud, performs very well.
2. Contestant appears very confident/proud, performs very poorly.
3. Contestant appears very nervous/embarrassed, performs very well.
4. Contestant appears very nervous/embarrassed, performs very poorly.
I'm very grateful for any and all suggestions. Thanks!
posted by ChopperDave at 5:25 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by ChopperDave at 5:25 AM PST - 16 comments
Yummy easy vegan dry goods things I can make at work and eat in the PM?
I'm working long hours and have breakfast fixings set up in my office for when I skip eating til I get to work. I have oats, shredded coconut, sultanas, cinnamon and ginger to make porridge. Sometimes I add nuts. I go out for lunch if I haven't brought my own. But I'm often working back til late. What healthy pantry staples can I stock up on for the evening meal? [more inside]
posted by t0astie at 4:49 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by t0astie at 4:49 AM PST - 17 comments
...the cumulative hangover would literally kill me.
Basically, I've been drinking up to two thirds a bottle of liquor (or equivalent) a night for the past two years. Decided to stop, didn't sleep for five days save nodding off where I had terrific nightmares and just thrashed a lot before waking up again. Now I'm not sure what to do. Looking for advice/anecdotes. I'm in kind of a unique place. [Warning] gory details if you open the can. [more inside]