December 3
Play ball!
A 2-year-old has asked for a ball to play with and I'd like to get them a couple as a gift this season. What types of ball would a 2 year old most appreciate? [more inside]
Seek lightweight but warm blanket
My beloved retro Vellux blanket has died. I can't replace it with another Vellux blanket because the ones they make these days are poor quality. What reasonably budget-friendly blanket might be a doable replacement? [more inside]
If I really like this song , what other songs am I likely to like?
If I really like this song (Grace Kelly by Mika), what other songs am I likely to like?
Spanish-Language Media for Beginners
I am looking for free or low-cost media with which to practice my neophyte skill in Spanish. I have been doing a 15-minute DuoLingo lesson most days for about half a year. I am a native English speaker in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. [more inside]
What genre of music is this?
I recently discovered some covers by a band named Brasstracks that were like nothing I'd ever heard before. There's this Mariah Carey classic cover of Always Be My Baby, Drake's In My Feelings redone and what I think is an original song, XO Tour Llif3. Is this a genre that exists, or just this amazing band? [more inside]
movie id: toilet seat belt
My brother is visiting and mentioned he’s been trying to remember a movie we supposedly watched when we were kids with our dad. Details within. [more inside]
Isn’t an air fryer just a convection oven anyway?
I’m in the market for a new countertop oven/toaster, and have my eye on the well-liked Breville Smart Oven line. The Smart Oven Pro convection oven (on sale elsewhere) is substantially less expensive than the Smart Oven Air, which has a dedicated “air fry” setting that seems to run at a higher temperature and/or faster air circulation. Is this one function worth the additional cost? [more inside]
Playing video games with voice commands? Especially Pentiment?
I don't play video games, mainly out of concern about developing RSI and other hand/wrist problems. However, Pentiment looks great and I'm really interested in playing it. Are there adaptive devices that let you play games using voice commands? And would they interact OK with Pentiment? [more inside]
Polaroid Spirit 600 film?
Kiddo just picked up a vintage Polaroid Spirit 600. He'd like to give it a shot. Two quick questions: will any Polaroid 600 film work with that? And what's the best deal I can get on that film (which seems to be in production again) without having to buy in bulk? [more inside]
CBD for post-stroke pain -- recommendations?
A relative of mine suffered a stroke several years ago, and still suffers from chronic pain, probably nerve pain. I'm interested in whether CBD or CBD+THC might help. [more inside]
Diuretics and dogs: is this definitely urine?
Frank the Adorable Wombat is officially in heart failure and we've moved from palliative to end-of-life care. He's on a ton of diuretics and is flooding the house, which is fine, but... this doesn't seem like urine? [more inside]
How do you stay sane right after the breakup of an LTR?
I'm almost certainly going to be single within the next month or two. We've been together ten years. I know the next part is not going to be a walk in the park but I want to do all I can to make it a soft landing. [more inside]
SLIDING DOORS and ... (two+ timelines in a single film)
Looking for films or TV episodes that are built around the conceit of showing alternate timelines at the same time / both sides of an choice. First time I saw it was Sliding Doors. I think this year they're doing A Tale of Two Christmases in the same way. Are there others? I'm looking for pretty much this structure: not one in which a character might visit multiple timelines (such as some of the recent MCU films).
What does a Mastodon user I blocked see when I use a tag they clicked?
When a user I've blocked on Mastodon clicks on a tag I've used, what do they see? Do they see a message that my post is blocked? Or does my post just not appear for them in those results? Thanks!
Slice-of-life sci-fi anime?
Please recommend anime or anime-adjacent Science Fiction slice-of-life shows.
Nothing too sexist, ecchi, or militaristic, please.
Filming locations websites that aren't paywalled?
I've got to find a very specific type of house for a low budget indie feature shot completely inside the house, but the location can be in any state or country where there are good tax incentives. Since professional location scouts are area-specific and we haven't narrowed it down to an assigned region yet, I can't just hire a location scout generalist. So I'm trying to find websites with lots of filming locations listed so I can eyeball houses without having to pay a subscription to do so. More inside. [more inside]
What career path should I pursue? Sustainability/education edition
I am a returning college student in my early 30s, currently in an undergraduate degree program in environmental studies. My previous work background is in education-related paraprofessional roles. I would love to find a way to combine my interests in sustainability, environmental justice, and evidence-based education and/or communications, but I am not certain what roles and academic preparation would be a good fit. I greatly appreciate suggestions for how to narrow and focus my academic and career path. [more inside]
How many Twitter employees made political donations in 2020?
In Matt Taibbi's "Twitter Files" thread he included a screenshot showing Twitter employees making $968,749 in political donations in 2020, the vast majority of which went to Democrats.
Twitter had around 5,500 employees in 2020. How many of them made political donations?
Caring for lucky bamboo
I found a lucky bamboo in a dumpster about a week ago. It was covered in yellow leaves but still had some green. I left it outside in the rain and sun for a week. Its soil has been drenched the entire time. [more inside]
Help me take my pancakes up a notch
What are your favorite extra ingredients/spices to add to boxed pancake mix? Sweet or savory—I want to hear about them! No allergy or diet restrictions.
(Not looking for toppings only—I’m interested in learning about additional things to add to the boxed batter)
Women's jeans that are not made out of cotton material at all?
I am wondering if there are any fashionable brands that sell non-cotton women's jeans that can be bought online and shipped to Canada? [more inside]
Discovering New Walking Routes?
I like to go out on daily walks for about 30 minutes or so and I am always treading the same route just for convenience. Is there an app that will help me get out of that rut and get me to randomly choose new streets to take? [more inside]
Books like Andor TV show
Looking for books that give the same feel as the Andor show. [more inside]
Please help find a parody Mark Zuckerberg Facebook post.
I'm looking for a parody Mark Zuckerberg Facebook post from about five years ago (although it could have been be earlier). I saw it as a screenshot on Twitter so it's difficult to find. The two distinct things I remember are that he had some funny parenthetical asides like "(I kill my own meat)" and that he said "you fix your uncle" or something similar. Anyone remember this?
December 2
Sedentary multiplayer Oculus VR experiences?
I play Oculus Quest 2 games with a couple of friends every week. One of them is disabled and can only play seated with the right hand controller, and with limited motion and limited energy. We're looking for more games to try. [more inside]
weird fluconazole side effect?
YANMD and I already have a doctor's appointment on the books for next Thursday but this is so weird to me that I want to poll the hive mind to see if this is common or if I should be concerned. [more inside]
What movie features a long, long line of traffic accidents?
I think the action takes place in the l960s. There’s first a banquet at a long table, with lots of conversation. Later, the dinner party take a walk along a road with a seemingly endless line of wrecked cars. The movie is either French or Italian. Please put me out of my misery trying to remember the name of it!
What's your Check Please hand signal, and what does it signify?
I was just out with for lunch with a friend at a busy place and did my usual eye-contact-hand-signal request to clear out to the passing server, and that turned into a conversation about what, exactly, that hand signal actually means in like semantic terms. [more inside]
What is this song reminding me of?
The title track of Beach House's Once Twice Melody, about 30 seconds in. The synth arpeggio reminds me of something so much that I thought it was that song playing. [more inside]
Vegan Latkes
We would like to include vegan relatives in our latkepalooza this year. Anyone tried them with success and want to share the recipe or process? [more inside]
Travel Tips for Latvia and Lithuania
What would you tell a first-time Baltic traveler about Latvia and Lithuania? [more inside]
Remodel 101
We have owned our 1913 era home for more than 25 years. We need to pretty urgently completely gut and remodel the only full bath in the house. I don't know where to start. Help. [more inside]
Learning how to use OpenRefine
I'm learning how to use OpenRefine and would love your suggestions on videos, courses, or other tools that you've found helpful. Thanks!
Please be gentle in consideration of the context.
I find call-outs deeply triggering of a long trauma history and they activate so much shame that I can barely even absorb whatever was the subject of correction. Please help me address this without retraumatizing myself. [more inside]
Which language should I learn first?
I have three languages I would like to learn in the coming years. Which should I prioritise/which order could potentially benefit me the most? [more inside]
Wrong address on deed in trust
My parents established a trust, and the deed listing their home has the wrong address. The attorney says this isn’t an issue, but is it? YANML - more details inside [more inside]
Can someone create a mnemonic for a series of letters?
I need to remember these letters in order: d i m e s e p d s d l a h h b.
If anyone is feeling clever, can you come up with a mnemonic phrase/sentence to help me remember them? [more inside]
Your favorite toys from the 80s/90s?
Trying to stir up some nostalgia and revisit some toys from my childhood in the 80s/90s. I have thought of a few and was delighted that they are even able to be found on Amazon, like this penguin slide toy, this fiber optic light wand, and this pin hand mold thingy that was all the rage. Any other fun suggestions/memories?
Best way to quickly write a cover letter with least amount of effort?
I have a great cover letter layout, and I know how to write a cover letter, but how do I write one that is as much of a copy/paste quickly repeatable formula as possible? [more inside]
How to deal with a sexually active underage child?
I have semi-accidentally, but semi-snoopy if I'm being honest, discovered that my son (15 in a matter of weeks) is sexually active with his girlfriend (same school year). They have recently had a pregnancy scare. How should I handle this? Ideally: how did you handle this, and what specifically worked, and what would/could you have done differently? [more inside]
Fixing a surface flaw on a mirror
Can these 'splotches' on the mirror be fixed, or do I need to replace? Brand new mirror, not even sure what to call this type of defect. Image here [more inside]
Non-dairy replacement for yogurt - savory edition
I'm trying to cut down on dairy, mostly for environmental reasons, and one thing that I feel like I *should* be able to replace but I'm having trouble with is yogurt as an accompaniment to savory food. I've found a couple of brands of coconut-milk-based yogurt that I enjoy in sweet contexts but the main way I enjoy yogurt is in savory sauces or as a dollop alongside e.g. roasted chickpeas and veg, and the coconut versions seem too sweet for this. [more inside]
Comparing apples and oranges
My wife has a copy of Oranges by John McPhee next to "oranges are not the only fruit" by Jannette Winterson. What cheap paperback fiction books could I buy her that could add to this conversation? [more inside]
Helping a friend who's apparently becoming a flat earther?
How can I help talk to my friend (via email) who's been pulled down the conspiracy routes of the earth is flat, chem-trails, etc.? [more inside]
A vegan equivalent for slow cooked meat Feijoada?
Has anyone a favourite vegan feijoada recipe that tastes close to the street cafe recipes in Rio? [more inside]
I want to listen to some orchestral music sets...give me some!
I want to listen to orchestral music but don't want to have to think. So give me performances etc that you think are particularly good! More details within. [more inside]
December 1
Where can I find a nice-looking 120V AC to 5V DC power supply?
I am working on an art installation using 100 WS2812b RGB LEDs (will draw about 6A at 5V at theoretical max brightness). The project is mounted on a wall (like a picture frame), and so the power cord is visible. Right now it is powered by a very plain looking 5V power supply with a black plastic cord like this one (you know, the type of power supply that every printer, router, doodad comes with). I would like to find a more aesthetic way to get power to my project! [more inside]
Ancient History Magazine Recommendation
I want to give a relative a subscription to Ancient History magazine by Karwansaray Publishers. Do you have experience with this publisher? If so, I'm interesting in your opinions about their work, how academic the articles are, if at all, and whether you picked up on any political or religious leanings. [more inside]
Filtering out Gamergaters
Are there innocuous questions that will identify young men who have been infected by regressive and repellent engrams? [more inside]
Can I teach an old dog new tricks?
Do you have pictures of goats you would let me use for gifts??
Back story!
This past year, I have been blessed to be part of an eclectic online Movie Club group. Our ages span three decades. Our backgrounds are all radically different. We cross three time zones. And yet, for the past 12 months, we gather every Wednesday night to talk about a movie that one of us has chosen for the group to view. They have become cherished members of my world. [more inside]
This past year, I have been blessed to be part of an eclectic online Movie Club group. Our ages span three decades. Our backgrounds are all radically different. We cross three time zones. And yet, for the past 12 months, we gather every Wednesday night to talk about a movie that one of us has chosen for the group to view. They have become cherished members of my world. [more inside]
Sick as a dog all week. Head hurts, cold, cough, everything. YANMD.
Headache is bad, want to take Ibuprofen for the headache, then NyQuil severe tonight, but not sure if it's safe (seems the baseline is ~4 hours?)? Took a full 30ml DayQuil earlier this afternoon. Kaiser advice nurse was useless — asked what the ingredients are in NyQuil. After Googling this, was told to call. I'm Deaf, so calling is a hassle. I'm annoyed, cranky, in pain. Please advise, and yes, I know, YANMD, but this should be a simple straightforward question. Tried Googling but Google sucks these days.
is this affiliate marketing company a scam?
My friend wants to sign me up to help people sign up for Employee Retention Credit from the government.
We get commission by getting companies government funds to pay for employees or something.
We get 2.5% commission. He showed me a statement that he made over 20k recently.
He said if he signs me up, he gets equal share of my commission but it comes out of the government's pockets.
Is this a scam?
Paying my rent
My landlord wants me to electronically transfer money to his account each month for rent, and he has given me his bank name, company name, account number, and routing number (ABA number). How do I do this without paying a wire transfer fee? [more inside]
Makeshift external lock ideas for interior door?
A friend is moving soon (likely within 6-8 weeks), but is living with a roommate who has shown concerning behavior. This friend needs to take a trip and will be gone for10 days, and would like to lock their room to protect their belongings. The doors have no locks, and the letting agency has refused to add any. A local handyman they contacted estimated 250€ for putting a lock on the door. I'm trying to come up with a makeshift solution for them, and would appreciate ideas. [more inside]
Where to watch an old kids show called Square One?
When I was much younger, I watched a show called Square One on PBS. I've managed to find an episode or two on Youtube, but I'm wondering if there's anywhere to access the complete series?
Coming back from a flubbed interview question in a thank you email?
Had an interview today for a (mostly admin) coordinator role working the the state I reside in (Southeast USA). I flubbed a fairly easy question at beginning, tried to reference it a little at the end, and left not feeling good about the result. Because it’s a state position, I know there won’t be a second interview, it’s just interview, (decision), reference check and offer. A thank you email is the only way to address it. Should I? And if so, how? [more inside]
Stollen: How-to
I want to bake stollen. I have baked yeasted bread before, just nothing like this. The recipe I have has a step that goes "work butter and remaining flour together; knead into risen dough." I have no idea of the correct way to do this step. [more inside]
Meet the parents etiquette
I (45F) have been together with my partner (44M) for nearly three years. He's never introduced me to his parents. [more inside]
Help me trust my vet and/or learn to ask better questions?
Yesterday I took my cat Harley into the vet. There were a lot of recommendations and I don't know how well I did fielding them. This question is about (a) making better decisions under pressure at the vet's office and (b) generally does my vet seem to be acting more or less reasonably. Not asking for vetinary advice.
Details inside. [more inside]