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I'm looking for dishes where the taste, appearance or "wow factor" is much more than the effort, time or money put into the dish. For the purposes of this question, there are no other restrictions.
posted by NotLost to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 4:18 PM
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I am in the mood for a movie or series with an ultra-competent, good-at-their-job protagonist. Difficulty level: no violence, gore, or grave injustice (not even injustice that's overcome in the end). I have seen this question but I'm looking for more and slightly different examples.
posted by M. to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 21 at 5:40 AM
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A while ago, and I think this was on metafilter, someone linked an invective filled and thorough explanation of how color and perception worked especially with regard to computer displays and graphics, including all the different color models and spaces that had been invented over the years. It was very informative and now I can't for the life of me find it.
posted by Zalzidrax to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 24 at 12:50 AM
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If I really want to think about stuff, my modus is, I go to a bar that is 5 minutes away, there usually is a seat at the counter, I sit there, stare at the bottles, drink a beer or three and ponder whatever is troubling me at the moment. There is music, it's lively, and I just let my mind do its thing. I can not do this at home, if I just sit down on the kitchen table, or on the couch I just can't get in the mindset and I feel kind of stupid, you know, just sitting there and staring in the void. I can do it when I am lying down before sleep, but if it's 20:00 this also feels strange. Listening to music does not make it better. I think it is the stimulus rich environment that is conductive to the process. I can think of other venues to do this but they are not dependably available, or near, when the need arises (usually after kid and wife are in bed or otherwise occupied). I guess most people do some mindless task or art or something, but I find I get easily absorbed in such activities . I don't know if walking around would work. So where and how do you *think*?
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 24 at 1:38 PM
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We (2 NYers in late 30s) are planning on driving up to Montreal for a long weekend the second weekend in May. What should we do/see/eat and more specific questions
posted by zara to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 25 at 6:08 AM
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So I made this vegetable broth that pops up every few years when someone discovers it. After learning what fennel bulbs looked like, it was pretty straightforward. Although it didn't change my life, I'm wondering what your favorite homemade, fresh vegetable broth recipes you enjoy?
posted by craniac to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 4:07 PM
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I am not a techy person. Puzzling through buttons and menus does not come naturally to me. I don’t hunger for new devices and when forced to use new devices I often get anxious and irritated. But if something is genuinely useful and labor saving and not too hard to learn, I will get the hang of it and then wonder how I ever lived without it.
posted by Jenny'sCricket to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 19 at 7:09 AM
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Ok, this will probably sound weird but I hate soft and fluffy bath towels. They shed and never absorb moisture which defeats the whole purpose of having a towel. The only place I've ever been that has the perfect towels is my nearby spa and they don't know where theirs come from. Where can I get some that are thin, kind of rough, and also super good at drying? I need both body and hair towels. Microfiber is not a good fit.
posted by The Adventure Begins to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 22 at 6:03 PM
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I have literally never worn white clothes before. I’m starting to. The reason I’ve never worn whites is because I’m a messy puppy. I want and need to keep my whites nice, bright, unstained, and crisp. Please share your LIFESTYLE and LAUNDRY tips for maintaining pristine whites.
posted by Balthamos to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 20 at 8:50 AM
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Someone told me if you are late to a meeting, say “Thanks for your patience”. I liked that and use it often. A Mefi whose name escapes me, when put in the spot. suggested saying “I don’t want to give you my first answer, I want to give you the right answer, let me get back to you”. I also liked that and use it often. What are the phrases you use at work that help better communicate / frame / set expectations / lead / work with your colleagues?
posted by jasondigitized to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 16 at 6:00 AM
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My local supermarket carries this - frozen puff pastry that has been pre-cut into modest squares. I tried something with them last night and I'm a big fan now. What else can I do with them?
posted by EmpressCallipygos to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 20 at 9:09 AM
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What is it called, when you have a process/method of doing something, that gets passed down, where it turns out that part of that process/method was due to limitations/situations at the time, and is not important to actual process of doing the thing at all?
posted by lizjohn to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 26 at 8:37 AM
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What science fiction stories, short form or novels, have been set in university humanities departments, excluding satires? I’ll settle for stories where some of the principal characters are scholars of the humanities.
posted by Kattullus to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 21 at 1:23 AM
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Our washing machine, purchased after extensive online research, was a complete and utter disappointment. After years of erratic and diabolical performance it has (thankfully), run its last load after a long and painful demise. This time, I am turning to the hive mind. Please suggest a washer (hopefully still being sold) that you don't hate. (Currently we have an HE front-loader, but can be persuaded to change. This is in the US).
posted by nanook to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 20 at 4:16 PM
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That's an open question! I met with a fancy client company this week, and the meeting involved use of an LG Cinebeam projector. It amazed me—I didn't realize the technology had come this far—and I'm curious if there's something more affordable that comes close on some of this model's features.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 26 at 2:11 AM
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I fell in love with my husband in part because we shared anti-war values. It’s a topic that comes up often, especially given that he comes from an immigrant Israeli family (atheists, critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians). I am heartbroken and outraged by the Gaza war, he supports it. I’ve tried to manage this by avoiding the topic with him, but as time grinds on, I feel more and more confused as to who he is. Contempt and disgust are creeping in, and it is terrifying. What can I do?
posted by Anonymous to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 26 at 5:09 AM
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Favourite backpack broke. Sad. Need new one. Must be 18-25L, laptop compartment, blue or green, external water bottle side pocket, good internal organisation e.g. pen holders, smaller pockets, not too outdoorsy, not too formal, water resistant and handsome looking. Not much to ask for? Any price is a good price.
posted by MT to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 21 at 6:49 AM
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I have recently developed an interest in getting into leather crafting. I don't think I'll ever want to become an actual cobbler, but I would like to make some smaller, simpler things, such as leather cuffs, notebook folders, belts, tote bags. What tips and recommendations do you have for an aspiring leather crafter? What books should I read, what websites should I visit, what online and Toronto-area suppliers should I check out, and what supplies and tools will I want to acquire first?
posted by orange swan to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 24 at 1:41 PM
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I'm thinking about a trip to the Pacific North west and am looking for hotel recommendations on the San-Juan or Orca Islands. A bit rustic is OK but we're traveling with my older mother so no camping. I want something upscale cabins or resort, preferably part of a larger complex with a spa. What do you suggest?
posted by captainscared to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 8:49 AM
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I have four large (but not full) hard drives on my desk that are getting old--two 4TB and two 3TB (one of each pair is a backup for the other). One drive holds media files and the other my Lightroom library. Given technology developments, I could fit all of my data on a single 5TB portable drive (I'd get a second for backups). Is this a bad idea, and should I just stick with desktop drives if I don't actually need a portable drive?
posted by Admiral Haddock to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 25 at 7:03 AM
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[more posts]

Pay the extra $10 and consider this a learning experience about clear communication when interacting with service providers. It sounds like the cost would have been $38 for cuffed hems anyway ("cuffed hem is different and costs more"); the tailor is doing you a big favour by accommodating your wishes without charging you for the... [more]
posted by heatherlogan to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 8:21 AM
54 users marked this as a favorite

I suggest you start from the premise that it is unacceptable for the cats to *ever* be chased by the dog, and do what is necessary to prevent any situation that poses a reasonable risk of that happening. Keep the dog on a leash while you work on training calmness around the cats, and crate the dog or keep it in a separate room otherwise. If... [more]
posted by Rhedyn to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 24 at 6:52 AM
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$38 is a reasonable price to pay for what you got. The work of the tailor is the same whether your pants cost $80 or $280. I think people don’t go to tailors as often these days because we are used to clothes being really cheap. The tailor was rude and I wouldn’t go back there but this is a lot of fuss over $10. [view]
posted by sibylvane to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 8:33 AM
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How do I evaluate the risk? In 2023 there wasn't a single fatal accident, anywhere in the world, involving any make or model of jet aircraft. A rational process of risk management should focus on (a) the car ride to and from the airport, and (b) any roads you have to cross on foot. [view]
posted by Klipspringer to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 11:49 AM
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This feels like when men tell women to smile more. I would try to ignore it. [view]
posted by happy_cat to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 25 at 1:46 PM
36 users marked this as a favorite

" And then when I went into the interview, I blew it. I was deprecating about my research and sounded as though I didn't take it seriously (huge mistake); I talked about my current institution as though I didn't want to leave / didn't have the drive to start somewhere else; when they asked about my vision for the post I said I didn't have one... [more]
posted by melamakarona to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 12:35 AM
35 users marked this as a favorite

It's hard to imagine now, but know that each second you waste on this relationship is a precious second you are taking away from a beautiful potential relationship you can be in with someone who truly loves you. Someone who will cherish and adore you. Someone who will be so happy with you and will go out of their way to make you just as happy as... [more]
posted by VyanSelei to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 21 at 12:37 AM
35 users marked this as a favorite

I can offer an experience from the child’s perspective: my parents divorced, and my mother’s boyfriend moved in. He did not want to be a stepdad, and they took no steps to integrate him into my or my sister’s life, as a parent figure or anything else. In some ways, this was great - he would not have gotten the job based on his qualifications and... [more]
posted by rrrrrrrrrt to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 25 at 10:30 AM
34 users marked this as a favorite

The thing about animals like that is if you start feeding one you have then entered a contract*. That first dish of food is you saying, "I am willing to take responsibility for your feeding," and this is how a cat/dog sees it. So to just stop seems unreasonably cruel to me. I agree, go over her head, talk to a rescue, see if you can... [more]
posted by routergirl to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 1:10 PM
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There's the additional consideration that you get the job, take it, suck up the commute for 6-9 months and get that massive salary hike in your history, and then pivot that into a better role, with much better pay, and a better commute ~a year from now. [view]
posted by phunniemee to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 25 at 12:20 PM
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I'm stepdad to three awesome humans. They are all in their 20s now, and I arrived in this picture 17 years ago. Their biological parents (a woman and a man) were themselves married for a long time before their dad came out of the closet first came out to himself, then to me (another man), and then to the rest of the people in this scenario. As a... [more]
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 25 at 3:32 AM
29 users marked this as a favorite

I am a theoretical physicist (though I am not your theoretical physicist) and I agree with flabdablet. The important point here is not so much "we know momentum is conserved", but that "we know that Maxwell's equations of electrodynamics conserve momentum". The latter can be rigorously proven in a very simple way using... [more]
posted by heatherlogan to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 22 at 5:36 AM
28 users marked this as a favorite

It's a stray cat and the neighbor seems to relinquished all claims and responsibility to/for it so I think you're free to do what you want and are capable of doing. Are you willing and able to make arrangements for this cat? How often are you at your mother's? Can you be more on call available to deal with cat until this is resolved? If so, I... [more]
posted by brookeb to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 23 at 12:35 PM
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I was fat enough as a kid that other kids used to follow me around the school playground singing the jingle from the Kimbies commercial at me. My mother and her brother both ran to fat, as does my own brother, though my sister has always been pretty much the opposite. Seeing how distressed I got from being bullied about my weight, Mum started... [more]
posted by flabdablet to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 21 at 9:57 PM
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CW: child trafficking and awful feelings about sex work Not going into detail, but I was used as a kid to make porn. When my wife and I moved into our first house, I found her porn stash. Now, I'm a sexually open, progressive person. I'm poly and kinky, so my wife was floored when my reaction to that stash was revulsion and rejection. She... [more]
posted by Vigilant to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 26 at 9:24 AM
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This seems to me to be one of those situations expressly made for the “listen in, dump out” rule of thumb in relationships. Your husband, it seems clear from this post, is much, much closer to this painful issue than you are. Your distance may allow you to see some moral aspects more clearly right now than he does, but it also seems unarguable to... [more]
posted by Merricat Blackwood to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 26 at 8:06 AM
26 users marked this as a favorite

Cats spray because they are marking territory... They don't appreciate the intruder in *their* space. I'd lock up the dog, rather than the cats. Use a divider if you have to, but limit the dog's freedom, at least at first, until the cats stop panicking. Limit dog to one room and/or outdoors. Once the cats calm down somewhat, let them smell each... [more]
posted by kschang to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 24 at 6:29 AM
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"admittedly goes way too hard in trying to play with them" means the cats are scared to death. I can't imagine why you didn't think this through and introduce the dog very, very gradually. Even more gradually than one would introduce a new kitten to an established household of cats. I'd like to yell at you for doing this about as badly... [more]
posted by seanmpuckett to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 24 at 7:44 AM
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I have heard this called the Pot Roast Principle. [view]
posted by Jeanne to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 26 at 8:45 AM
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Opening a conversation about a 34 year old, high femme woman superstar by pointing out that she looks like a plastic doll to you is A Choice, and one I'd personally reflect on why I did it and how it colors my perception. Three generations of my family quite enjoys Swift, from my mom to her granddaughter. She's has tons of hits, for twenty... [more]
posted by Jacen to Ask MetaFilter on Apr 26 at 8:00 AM
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[more comments]