April 4
Best glass substitute for coffee tables?
I have two outdoor tables that need new tops. [more inside]
Who are the interesting offbeat travel vloggers?
I was looking up Asmara, Eritrea the other day, and I came across a video from a lady* who had visited there. I like the idea of seeing people visit places that are hard to get to or not often visited by tourists, but I did not enjoy her vibe.
Can anyone recommend travel videos that are respectful and curious, not bro-y or GlamorShots-y? [more inside]
Should I drop a short stint as a non-profit ED from my CV?
I stepped away from a career in one specific area of marketing & communications to run an organization. That job pivoted from a career move to a short-term mandate to re-org the organization for survival. Now it's a weird blip in my CV. What should I do about it? [more inside]
Powerpoint stops after slide 76 no matter what I do (14 slides left)
My slides are extremely simple - a few text boxes and a photo on each one. No fancy animations. As I'm checking that the deck is animated correctly, I get a black screen that says "End of slideshow, click to exit." Here's what I've tried: [more inside]
What music videos have the best choreography?
My toddler LOVES watching and dancing along with Jungle’s music videos. Can you recommend similar videos to add to our playlist? [more inside]
Looking for fantasy baseball spreadsheet for Chromebook
I was wanting to find a free Chromebook spreadsheet for fantasy baseball. I am guessing it would have to be an extension. Full disclosure I am not real tech savvy. My team is in yahoo fantasy sports. My goal is to import my team into the spreadsheet and import statistics and normal daily updates. I would prefer free but if you have a good paid option I would like to know what you think . Thanks for the help. Thanks
How Can I Use Just a Little Bit of Gluten Free Cornbread Mix?
I am in possession of 130 grams of Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Cornbread Mix -- so, it is about 20% of the full package which is the basis of the recipe on the package. I don't want to get into scaling down to 20% of two eggs to make 20% of a loaf of cornbread. So what should I do with this 130 grams of mix?
Help? Can no longer access notifications/messages on FB Page
I manage a Page on FB. I’m unable to access or clear notifications. I have been able to do this in the past. [more inside]
Refrigerator repair advice needed
We have a ~10-year-old Fisher & Paykel refrigerator. It had been problem-free until yesterday, when it beeped a warning and showed a red light whenever it was opened. Over the past 24 hours, the fridge section got a bit warmer, while the freezer stayed the same (which makes me think it might be a thermostat issue). We were able to get a repair appointment for this afternoon. But then!... [more inside]
Key lime pie while backpacking?
On a backpacking trip last year, one of my companions made a dessert for herself that was some form of Key lime pie. We're not in touch so I can't ask her how she made it. I remember it looked delicious (in a backpacking kind of way), and Key lime pie is one of my favorites. Any suggestions on how to make it? I, too, want to make it for just one person while backpacking. [more inside]
Plants for a deck?
I don't know anything about plants and want to add some to my south-facing deck. What do you recommend? I also have a cat and would love to have grass for her, maybe in a planter? [more inside]
When will AI be smart enough to organize my digital files?
My Windows hard drives are a mess. I have lots of duplicate files due to my severely misguided attempts at creating backups. And my photo collection, spanning almost 20 years, just makes me want to cry whenever I look at it. Is there an AI app that can help me dedupe files, group related files together, and organize my photos sensibly? [more inside]
Lunches like this but not this
I've noticed that when I eat a particular kind of bulky low carb high protein lunch, I am extremely not hungry and find it easier to eat an appropriate dinner. But it has to be this kind of lunch, and I need more ideas. See within. [more inside]
April 3
Parental control tool recommendation
I'm looking for recommendations for a tool to monitor and limit my eight-year-old's electronics usage [more inside]
Where to get cachou lajaunie?
I (in the U.S.) am interested in trying the French licorice candy cachou lajaunie. There are a few online sellers but all seem to be out of stock. I have a friend in Paris if someone can suggest a physical store there, though buying directly online would save her a lot of hassle. Thanks!
Upskilling, small bites version
What are some skills I can learn to do reasonably well in 2-3 hours? I’m trying to do a Small Skills Saturday project where I spend a few hours on the weekend learning how to do something new. Ideas I’m toying with: Learn how to apply winged eyeliner, folding a fitted sheet well, learning how to tie a couple of knots, learn an easy magic trick, etc. [more inside]
My son's partner, who has no driver's license, damaged another car.
My son decided to teach his partner how to drive his car before the partner obtained a learners permit (so no insurance). Minor damage to the other car: broken tail light and body dents and damage. The car is our next door neighbor's, but the car is currently not working. I know my son has a responsibility to fix it, but the neighbor is saying we will need to tow it to get it fixed. What is my son's responsibility? Does he need to get the quote himself, or just reimburse the neighbor?
How to delete an Apple Relay ID?
How to get Apple to forget a "relay" username/id? I accidentally created two accounts for an app. One uses my email address and one uses one of those Apple ID relay options where you choose that you don't want the developer to have your email address. All my data is in the real email. But when I sign in, it defaults to the empty relay one. How can I delete it?
Why are Canadian store brands made in U.S. more than U.S. brands
I have been frustrated, but also perplexed, while trying to shop Canadian, by how common it is that the U.S.-owned name-brand makes its product in Canada, while the store brand is made in the U.S. Kraft Dinner: Made in Canada. PC Mac and Cheese: Made in U.S.A, Lays Chips: Made in Canada, PC/No Name/ Selections: Not labelled so at this point; assuming made in U.S. Why? This is frustrating for those of us trying to keep both workers and profits in Canada. [more inside]
Cannabis consumption conjunction
Any pros or cons to having some tincture or liquid suspension in conjunction with a gummy? (As opposed to having the same amount of THC via gummy alone.)
Do double-ended brush pens normally have one ink resevoir or two?
Simple question that I'd love to answer without physically cracking open one of my brush-pens. They're double-ended, with a "brush" end and a "pen " end. Are they more likely to be constructed so each end has its own ink supply, or sharing a large central one? [more inside]
Should I start hoarding?
I'm hearing that the tariffs are going to raise the prices of consumer goods considerably. Not to be a Panicking Pauly, but would it behoove me to make a few strategic purchases of essential goods sooner rather than later? [more inside]
I'm Unlikely to Eat This, but Can I?
Reached into the very back of my refrigerator and found this package of Echo Falls Hot Smoked Salmon, still sealed. Guessing it's been there for about six months. I'm not clamoring to eat this, but could one do so and live to tell the tale? [more inside]
Silence!
My MacBook has started pinging when my iPhone gets a text. How do I stop it? I don't want them to be connected at all, I want texts to exist only on my phone. [more inside]
April 2
Life beyond Planter's?
Options for upping my snacking peanut game?
Visiting Raleigh NC
Any recommendations for interesting things to do in Raleigh, NC in the next few weeks, particularly with teens? Already looked into the major museums and parks, but interested in other experiences or things to see. Also, any good walking areas with shops/market type areas? (Prefer to stay within about a 15-20 min drive from downtown.)
Santa Fe - cliff notes?
Anybody here live, or lived, in Santa Fe, NM? I just watched a short about Gene Hackman and it made me want to live in Santa Fe. But I thought I could get some personal and authentic pros and cons from you folks, rather than read stuff that may or may not be accurate or honest or current. Related: Is it a good/not bad place for dogs? [more inside]
Open Source Licensing: How Does it Work?
Can I use GPL 2+ licensed software in an MIT-licensed project? [more inside]
Hospital system near Champaign IL
Saw the post about setting work boundaries on the blue.
Am trying to figure out where I went, for four weekends in a row to a hospital in the Champaign area in the mid 90's. they had a bunch of hospitals in the IL area. The town also was big on Auto Parts warehouses. And I assume those hospitals all got bought out and renamed by the new owners.
Does this ring any bells? [more inside]
Help for my digital shoebox
I am looking to find a miracle app that can sort my random "things to remember" into nice, ordered and easy to find categories, with minimal effort. [more inside]
Did Harlan Ellison write this?
Some short story narrated from the point of view of one of the players in a mediocre jazz band. They're auditioning a replacement player when one guy comes in and begins playing on a whole higher level than they ever could. When he finishes, it's clear to both the guy and the narrator that the band will reject him out of envy. I'm guessing the tale is of 80s vintage.
Tell me where to buy (or who designed) Beck's shirt in this music video
I am very into the black shirt that Beck is wearing in most of the video for Death Valley High (with Orville Peck). Any guesses where it's from or who the designer was? [more inside]
WHO felt like Chicken Tonight?
In the 90's, there was a product in North America called Chicken Tonight. You may remember the commercial. I'm trying to figure out what kind of families were buying this stuff. Bonus points for Canadians weighing in. [more inside]
Big white cloud looking right down on me
Given my reasoning within, what songs besides Big White Cloud would I like? (Please do not suggest Spotify or just listening to more John Cale - I'm very hit and miss with his work.) [more inside]
Did they oppose convoys, really?
I remember an old British TV comedy where a exasperated character shouts, "for God's sake, they even opposed convoys!". Showing his annoyance at their bureaucracy's stubborn opposition to common sense. Several years later I was stunned to discover that it was literally true! [more inside]
Sign ideas for April 5
Like many people I'll be out with a sign in a United States city this Saturday. What should it say (or picture)? [more inside]
Chop wood and carry water, I guess
Hi, all. I had an experience a few weeks ago that felt like a spiritual awakening. I now feel I’d like to “do something” with it, only I don’t know what. I’m looking for reading suggestions. [more inside]
Is this a song or have I imagined it?
What's that old-timey Vaudaville-esque song that ends with: "so, let's get on with, let's get on with, let's get on with the show!" [more inside]
How to convert a conventional generator to a pure sine regulated output?
I have a big solar system with quite a few batteries and inverters to supply 230V to our off-grid homes.
I also have a pretty reliable and existing 9,000W 32Amp 230V single phase petrol generator, and although it's not a modified sine wave, it isn't a pure sine wave either. It's just Hz & Amps fluctuate a bit with the engine speed changing during use.
How can I add a voltage regulator hardware module, onto the conventional generator, to convert it into an equivalent regulated pure sine wave power output? [more inside]
April 1
Joninės in Lithuania: Which Day, Exactly?
I will be in Lithuania during June. I'd like to visit a Joninės celebration.
I'm seeing mentions of June 23 and June 24...what day is this supposed to happen? Should I plan for the evening of June 23, or June 24, or is it specific to the town or location?
A good print-on-demand tee shirt site in 2025?
A few people over in the Socky thread expressed an interest in a tee-shirt, and I'm not averse to it. But, how? I don't have much money to contribute to capital or time or space for running a tee-shirt production and distributor, and I assume it's just a few people who would want one, so I guess print-on-demand is the best way to go. But with who? And how is it best to get started?
Looking for first-person audiobook suggestions
Due to circumstances I’m about to start listening to a lot more audiobooks, and I’m looking for recommendations within a few criteria: [more inside]
Another edition of ‘my Google text has shrunk’
I use Safari on an old iPhone. The text on the Google website has suddenly shrunk. [more inside]
High- or low-tech solutions for limiting screen time at home?
My partner and I want to significantly limit screen time at home for us, a teenager, and two pre-tweens. My partner wants to get a safe or some kind of lock box where we all keep our phones and tablets locked away the whole time we are at home. There is a lot we like about this idea, particularly that it is simple and all-encompassing. At the same time, we both have aging parents, the kids' other co-parents, and jobs that occasionally reach out with urgent or emergency needs. Is there a hybrid of this low-tech solution involving some other tech or creative thinking that will help us unplug at home while also staying connected for the important stuff? Some additional specific considerations inside. [more inside]
[mixology filter] make me a cocktail out of this popsicle
I am the owner of a Bubble Gum flavored Ice Tickles Freeze 'n' Eat Bar, because two years ago my girlfriend slammed her finger in the car door and this was the only ice we could find at the nearby convenience store. The only way I can conceive of to consume this thing is with alcohol; what should this cocktail be? [more inside]
Kid car crash query
My newly licensed teenager got in an accident on her second solo outing in my car last week. All involved are fine except for our poor vehicle. I'm trying to figure out the best plan of action. [more inside]
Getting a referral to a specialist?
I have crap health insurance with Anthem BCBS purchased on the New York State exchange. [more inside]
Help me warm my toes
Each bathroom in my late-70's house contains a little in-wall electric heaters. They look like this:
photo 1
photo 2
Can you help me replace them? [more inside]
What's the best way for an 8 year old to "build a tablet"?
I found my almost-8-year-old pouring over a book about minerals and asked what he was doing. He said that since I won't give him unlimited tablet time, he's going to build his own tablet, so he's learning how to do it. I think my response surprised him: "Great idea! Let's build a tablet!" Ok, so how do we build a tablet? [more inside]
Worth the squeeze
What apple juice brand can I buy that still tastes like full fledged apple juice? [more inside]
Better Toronto accomodation options than AirBnB or hotels?
It's time for me to book PickleFest accomodations for me and two others. The past two years we've stayed at AirBnBs but I don't feel good about doing that anymore. What are my alternatives? [more inside]
Silicone/wax ear plugs?
Can you tell me about silicone/wax ear plugs? Or whatever kind doesn't go in your ear canal? I'm looking for something to sleep in. [more inside]
March 31
Best cheapish eats in U District, Seattle
I have a doctor appt at the UW Roosevelt Clinic and want to get something good to eat for lunch beforehand. Please give me your U District restaurant recommendations. I don't care what it is or how much it costs as long as it's delicious.
High school teaching favoritism
What happens? Why does the teacher choose that particular student? How does the favoritism manifest itself? (Bonus points: What adverse reactions might either party encounter from their peers?)
Dog needs big balls
I want to get a horse size 40" ball like these but my GSD will deflate this in a matter of seconds. Do they make a solid rubber ball this large? [more inside]
Moving a window to another screen just using keyboard
Like many people I have two physical screens, and I’m becoming increasingly more keyboard oriented as I realise how much time and fiddliness a mouse involves. My system is Windows 10 22H2. One thing that really annoys me is that when toggling between open windows (Alt+tab+arrow keys) or creating a window (Window key E) is that I've found no way to move the new window to the other screen; I always have to use the mouse. [more inside]
How Do We Salvage and Set Up an Out of the Box Windows PC in 2025?
I have acquired this precise ThinkPad directly from Lenovo.com. What is the latest and greatest in making sure there's no bloat and plenty of security? [more inside]
Yet another "what to watch next"
Mr. rekrap and I are in search of our next long TV binges, with snowflakes and criteria inside. [more inside]
My puff pastry didn't puff.
I'm loving apples suddenly, especially cooked ones... escalloped or scalloped, whatever. [more inside]
Tinned lentils 2 years past best-by date
Okay to eat? Standard issue metal can of cooked lentils, no dents, rust, or bulging. Assume the lentils are okay but maybe not? Hive mind, please do your thing.