January 29
Place to get good coffee near South Station in Boston?
I'm going to have about an hour to kill before my train leaves South Station, late morning. Is there anyplace relatively close to get a good coffee and just hang out?
Tips for getting through TMS?
I'm currently in the midst of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and I'm tolerating it well physically, but there's just... so much of it that my spirit is flagging. I already feel like I've been doing it forever and I'm not even a third of the way through. Seeking ideas for how to count down the time while I wait for signs of possible benefits or just for it to be over? [more inside]
Trying to track down a very specific pillow
My mother has back pain and finds this particular pillow helpful to sit on. I want to see if it's possible to find another one. It was ordered online about 10 years ago, and it's a contoured memory foam pillow. Dimensions are 20" x 12", 4" height at one end and 3" at the other. Images inside. [more inside]
It's giving: harassed, wistful, histrionic
My favorite work joke has become threadbare and worn from overuse and I need new and creative ways to deliver the same energy as "I'm going to fill my pockets with [TPS reports] and walk into the sea." [more inside]
Can you copy and paste value labels from spss?
I do not currently have an SPSS license, but I need to know this: Is it possible to easily copy and paste a list of value labels from an existing data set? If so, can you memail such a list so I can see the format and tell me how you got it? I need it to paste as plain text. Also can you tell me if you grabbed it and pasted it all at once or needed to copy the value column and label column separately. [more inside]
Should TTRPG titles be italicized?
Should TTRPG titles be italicized? [more inside]
Any thoughts on this critique of therapy?
This article trashing psychodynamic therapy has me shook and I'd like to hear people's thoughts. [more inside]
January 28
is fiber better than cable internet?
My building just started offering fiber internet connections at a pretty good price compared to what I'm paying now. Is/how is fiber better than cable? [more inside]
Do I need to replace my slippers?
My doctor prescribed a 12 week course of anti-fungals to try and fix my gross toes. Should I replace my slippers? If so, when? [more inside]
Simple recipies for my special conditions
i've decided I need to learn to cook. I can do homemade Chinese and scrambled eggs, and cheeseburgers.
Not being funny, I really never learned to cook.
Here are my limitations:
*gallbladder removed: not much butter or fat, very little rich foods.
*Diverticulosis: I pretty much follow the FODMAP diet, but as you know, you can't stay on it forever. All attempts at adding in food after the two months were disastrous. No nuts or seeds (I know they have changed their mind on this, but I'm listening to my doctor.)
*Gluten-free
*Dairy free, except hard cheese
I tried a cauliflower crust pizza from the store, and my body didn't like it at all!
I am NOT vegan or vegetarian.
My eyes will glaze over with a recipe with 15 ingredients; please keep it simple.
Thanks in advance.
Functional movement practice that isn't mind-body?
I am developing a good routine with strength/resistance training and cardio, and I also want to make sure I am stretching and moving my body in ways that help with functional movement and flexibility as I age. I would love to do this in a class setting on a weekly basis. As far as I can tell, the main way folks do this is through pilates or yoga. Is that right? Is there some other kind of group stretching class that is offered regularly in cities? [more inside]
Leaving a much-loved home. Can you suggest some healing activities?
After a year-long battle with a hostile landlord, we've found a new apartment. We're really happy about that, but the transition is difficult. We'd like to say goodbye to our old place in some meaningful way. [more inside]
Computer Aided Design CAD on Linux
This morning my PC threw up the dialogue to upgrade to windows 11 - and then helpfully told me my machine wouldn't support windows 11 (why is this company so terribly useless). My core question is there anyone here running CAD software on Linux in a professional capacity (and generally running a business using Linux), and how is that working out? [more inside]
AlienFilter: Why does Ash run in place?
My wife and I still haven’t made up our minds on this question after seeing the movie together at least 20 times. [SPOILERS WITHIN (moderator added this verbiage)] [more inside]
Teenagers are just being, ugh.
My neighbor opened up a small business in a storefront a few months ago near a high school and after school hours some teenagers are acting like assholes in front of it, and is at his wit's end, venting and complaining to me, and asked for suggestions. [more inside]
Laptop or tablet for a Mathematics undergrad
My daughter will be starting a Maths degree at a UK university later this year, and is due for a laptop upgrade. She's been using a 13" MacBook Pro for the past few years. Some friends have recommended a tablet for taking to classes. I'd appreciate recommendations, especially from personal experience. [more inside]
Withdrawing from a brokerage
Pulling funds out of a brokerage account-- what do I need to know? [more inside]
What was this book with magical trees that I very vaguely remember?
Sometime when I was maybe 11 or 12, I read a book in which a girl, traveling with some kind of animal, spends a day traveling through a land where there are trees along the path. The trees are magic in some way, and produce water and food, which she suspiciously tests herself and then waits several hours before letting the animal consume it to make sure it’s safe. The journey ends in some kind of palace, I think, and there is also some kind of scene with drinking chocolate. This is literally all I remember but I would like to find it and read it again. Does this mean ring a bell for anyone?
Getting sick while on methylprednisolone
I started a Medrol dose pack (methylprednisolone) yesterday and today am having some light cold symptoms. My friend that I hang out with just texted me that she has Covid and also I've been socializing a lot prior to starting the dose pack and it seems like everyone in town is sick with Covid, the flu, or pertussis. How worried should I be about getting sick while on this drug? I suppose if I do come down with something I'm just strapped in for the ride on the dose pack?
Getting Visudyne to a person
Someone in my family circle in Turkey needs Visudyne. How do I get it to him. [more inside]
Influenza treatments - 2025 edition
I'm recovering from a bout of Influenza (A type). I hadn't had the flu for 10 years, and was surprised (not actually surprised) to learn that medical technology has improved.
What did I miss? [more inside]
18th birthday gift ideas for a young woman who's been through a lot?
My long-ago reading buddy turns 18 next week and I'd like to give her a few special things to commemorate the day. Would love your help in a few categories: [more inside]
Seeking the name of this Ben Kingsley movie, based on a single scene.
The scene opens with a distressed young teenager who is obviously fleeing something or someone horrible, running inside a police station. The glass door of the station is locked (or chained?) behind her by one of the officers on duty. Kingsley shows up, clearly her pursuer, and claims to be the girl's father [more inside]
Eyes on the road!
What's the best alternative to Google Maps for distraction-free navigation while driving? [more inside]
January 27
Faded Fads
AI is the latest tech fad that has dominated media this past year.
What were previous major tech fads that were once everywhere you looked and have since faded?
Valentine’s Day Porch Decorations
What sweet Valentine’s Day message should I put on my porch? Every year, I hang painted cardboard hearts from my front porch. I also affix letters along my porch railing. For a couple years it’s been ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, but the letters are wearing out. I can probably squeeze a couple more letters, but 24ish characters is max. The rest of the year, my porch is covered in pretty serious leftist signage, so I’d like February to be a bit lighter in tone.
Expensive charging cables that are worth it
I have broken yet another charging cable by using my phone while I charge it. Are the perpendicular cables actually better? Any other charging cables that won't break when used this way? Looking for things available in Canada.
Help Accessing Stin Hansen’s Meditation Station and Alternatives
Hi MetaFilter,
I’m hoping someone can help me reconnect with Stin Hansen’s amazing meditations and affirmations. I’ve run into a few issues and have a couple of questions:
Are there any archives of her podcast? I know there were over 100 episodes, but I can only find a small selection on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. I really loved her content and wish I could find the full catalog. [more inside]
I tried to have conversations, but all I get are jokes
I have known this person for a while, and I am constantly frustrated by my inability to have a real conversation with them. All I get are a quick clever jokes, and I’m really tired of it. I try not to feed the jokes, but change the subject or not respond. I don’t know how to have a genuine conversation with them. I guess this is about trust and comfort, and I need to earn more. But at this point, I just don’t care to engage but briefly. And I’m afraid that might show.
How can I watch Scrubs with the original music?
Is there somewhere that I can watch Scrubs with the original music? Some of the soundtrack was swapped at some point because of licensing, but I’m willing to pay to buy physical media or any streaming site that has the original music. Anyone know where I can find this?
Two problems with my Samsung cell phone. Can you help?
My Galaxy Samsung J3 has a couple annoying behaviors. Maybe I can just change a setting somewhere? Details below the fold. [more inside]
Where to Find Trustworthy News Sources About US Food Shortages
A semi-close friend is on hyper alert about probable food shortages in the US, to the point that they're sending me and our other friends daily alerts about what to stock up on and where farm workers are being deported from. This friend is getting a portion of what they deem "insider intel" from edengreen.com. Is this site a reputable source of info on the topic? If not, who is?
Simple vegetable sides for snacking
I'm looking for some go-to potluck items that are vegetable based, easy, reliable side dishes. Examples I could imagine is like if you have a recipe for roasted carrots or seared snap peas or something that is both basic but a step above just bringing a bag of raw broccoli florets from Trader Joe's. I want something to replace the 'bake batch of the easiest chocolate cookies' level of contribution.. but with a vegetable. This is for like an office potluck where a simple side is adequate.
Red Mars
Could China launch a rocket to the Moon or Mars in secret? [more inside]
Immigrant parenting discipline
We are first gen immigrants from an Asian country, though we’ve been in the US a while. I think we may be overcompensating when it comes to discipline with our child. This is partly due to fear that our child will resent us later or be scarred by our actions. How do you strike a balance? [more inside]
Meal delivery service in Oakland, CA
Hi. I'm looking for a meal delivery service in Oakland, California, to help out a friend experiencing some health issues. It's a family of four—two adults and two kids around middle-school age. Looking for complete meals that require nothing more than reheating and can be frozen if need be. No dietary restrictions. Thank you.
What helped you as a child to learn to manage your anger?
My five year old daughter is easy going most of the time, but explodes in anger and frustration in certain situations. I am reading the parenting books and lurking on the parenting forums, but what I want to know is, if YOU were temperamentally disposed to anger as child, what helped you overcome it, or what help do you wish you had? [more inside]
Make it make sense
I need to read Heidegger's "The Question Concerning Technology" for a class. I have made an attempt, and will of course keep attempting and looking for supplemental materials. In the meantime, do you happen to have tips on how to understand what this guy is actually saying? [more inside]
Where can a kid play an open mic in Nashville?
I have a 10-year old budding musician that would like a chance to get on a stage during an upcoming family trip to Nashville. There are hundreds of open mics and my Google skills are failing me! [more inside]
Stockholm mid-March Suggestions
Looking for some suggestions for mid-March in Stockholm: sights, food, bookstore? [more inside]
January 26
About the halfpenny dreadful
I know that "The Halfpenny Marvel" was published by Alfred Harmsworth after "Penny dreadful". But did " The Halfpenny dreadful" really exist between these two papers, in the mid 1890 ? Or does " The Halfpenny Marvel" mean " The Halfpenny dreadful"?
Looking for a big bragging claim about physics
Years ago I read a quote about physics being awesome, and how every other science - or perhaps every other intellectual discipline - envied it. And I can't find the thing. I think someone mentioned it in response to a great NASA triumph, like Voyager escaping the solar system. [more inside]
Looking for an "Autism Advocate"
How can I find someone knowledgeable about autism, especially in women ("high functioning"), to help advocate in a small group setting in Durham NC? Ideally they should be comfortable with clueless lawyers who do not get it. Availability from anywhere for online Tuesday 9:30 AM EST also great. (**bonus for pointers to Durham NC mediators who are autism educated.) [more inside]
For the over 50s, What used to be but is no more?
If you're over 50, what is something that used to be, but isn't anymore? Looking specifically for things/experiences that were a part of life and felt woven into the fabric of existence, but have since gone the way of the dinosaur. Not looking for the most obvious, like telecommunications, etc.
I use Edison Mail on my iPhone. The new mail badge is always wrong
I've been using Edison Mail as the default mail app on my iPhone for several years now. For a variety of reasons I've chosen to stick with it but there is one incredibly annoying thing that I cannot figure out how to fix. The badge on the app icon almost always displays some incorrect number of new emails in my inbox. Why, and how do I fix this?? [more inside]
1. ai slop. 2. ??? 3. profit!
What is the business model for those Facebook pages that churn out AI pictures with soppy attention-getting captions? (Example under the fold.) [more inside]
Any advice about traveling to Ireland and Italy?
This is my first international trip, so it's very exciting but also a bit intimidating. I've looked up tons of info online, but want to get the personal experience aspect covered too :) [more inside]
Decent/safe youtube/other for my 7 year old?
My kid is court ordered to spend a 3rd of his young, impressionable life with his clueless, irresponsible dad. His 'parenting' amounts to putting him infront of a screen nearly always and sometimes alone. i am the literal opposite of this so this hurts and scares me a LOT - I suspect that's part of the intention. [more inside]
January 25
How to report UK GDPR violation from outside UK
I have a similar (slightly different letters) name-based email address to someone from the UK and I have received several of that person’s paystubs by email. I would like to draw the proper authority’s attention to this. [more inside]
Ukraine donation?
I am thinking of donating to help Ukraine. Is it too late for them to win the war? Either way, do you have any suggestions?
Spanish citizenship via deceased, unrecognied father?
My biological father was Spanish, born in Spain with (as far as I know) Spanish citizenship. However, he is not listed on my birth certificate. He was not married to my mother. We never had any relationship. He is now deceased. But in the 1990s there was a DNA test proving his paternity for child-support-paying purposes. Can I apply for Spanish citizenship? [more inside]
Looking for a mental health retreat in a location with warm weather
Is there a mental health retreat some place in the Americas where the weather is currently warm, the staff is qualified and helpful, there is some socialization, and it would help alleviate feelings of isolation and depression? [more inside]
Bedtime for a big kid
My seven year old wants a more grown up bed and I'd like it to last at least until she graduates. Excellent online shoppers I've seen you work miracles here before, can you help me find this dream bed? [more inside]
Group SMS on Android?
How can I send a group SMS (not MMS, nor RCS, nor anything else requiring an internet connection) on Android? [more inside]
Help us Japlan
Mrs Blackleotardfront and I are headed to Japan for two weeks in late May. We have a rough itinerary but would love some up-to-date, non-sponsored, non-AI-generated, recommendations of places to stay, eat, and visit during our trip! See within for details. [more inside]
What are the best foreign banks for US citizens to put money into?
What foreign banks, without branches, offices, or holdings in the United States, accept deposits from US citizen non-residents? Preferably online, but in-person is also welcome. [more inside]
Fear of Inheritance!
My mother recently died and left me an inheritance of about $450K. I have lived most of my adult life as a working-class person earning between $30-60K a year over the past 10 years. I was unprepared for this amount of money to fall into my lap. Things are happening fast, and I have questions. More inside. [more inside]
What's your favorite photo editing software for the iPhone?
I'm looking for something reasonably simple to use which allows me to edit quickly and doesn't kick down the size/quality of the image when I save the edited version. I don't care about beauty filters or facetune. I have an iPhone 16 Pro with up to date software. I'm willing to pay for it, but prefer a one time payment to a subscription.
Tips for finding an entry-level job
I retired early six years ago, and have had a little part-time, minimum wage job ever since, just for something to do and for the social aspect. I'm financially secure. My grandson will be starting college in a year and a half, and I'm thinking it would be nice for me to get a full-time job for five years to help finance his education. [more inside]
Favorite walks in Southern California
We're planning a trip to Southern California and enjoy hikes. We're not in the best shape of our lives, but could handle 1000 - 1500 foot ascents. We'd like something with a 1 to 5 hour duration, ideally with nice views and not currently on fire. We'll be based initially in Los Angeles, and will venture out for stays north, east, and south from there. We'll have a car, and our span runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, from the ocean to the Arizona border. Do you have any favorites?