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It's possible that I've asked this question before in various ways, but I still feel stuck, so here goes: [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster to Media & Arts at 1:23 PM - 0 answers

I wrote my kids a 12,000-word story, my first nervous foray into fiction, that I'd like to have printed as a small book. Not for sale, just a few to have for fun. I've been looking at options like Lulu and Blurb, following up on this question from a few years ago, and I'm wondering if there are any new or better options. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky to Media & Arts at 11:40 AM - 1 answer

My weak grasp on art history has me believing that vanishing-point perspective was "invented" in the 15th century. Yet this painting [non-paywalled] shows it pretty clearly in the bottom section. Are there lots of other counterexamples out there too?
posted by dmd to Media & Arts at 10:54 AM - 1 answer

I live in a very rural area. It is very hard to get construction , roofing help. my plumbing vent goes through roof and has been knocked down by snow 2 winters in a row. Can I just bend it and vent it through the wall to outside? [more inside]
posted by cda to Home & Garden at 8:57 AM - 4 answers

I have been searching high and low for a printable 1040 form for 2022. I have been unable to find it. Help? Thank you.
posted by manageyourexpectations to Work & Money at 8:02 AM - 2 answers

I'm the new owner of a long-haired cat, and I am seeking advice on how to keep my home clean. I've only had her for a month or so. I clean assiduously, but my apartment feels so. much. dirtier. Pet-owners, please share with me your tips. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser to Home & Garden at 7:57 AM - 15 answers

I'm working on learning Spanish and French and I want some specific books in those languages, because I have read them multiple times in English.... [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama to Media & Arts at 5:06 AM - 4 answers

We are visiting Rome for a week in February and have already booked a hotel there for the whole stay. Since its our first visit, we'll primarily be exploring the city, however we're keen to see Pompeii. [more inside]
posted by fairmettle to Travel & Transportation at 4:26 AM - 17 answers

Did I totally misread this situation? [more inside]
posted by charlen to Human Relations at 3:23 AM - 7 answers

I'm starting on a new song, one about feeling frustration with questions unanswered, situations unresolved, in life. Who said what about this? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri to Religion & Philosophy at 11:00 PM - 10 answers

Hey everyone. Long story short, I have to use Adobe InDesign to edit a work newsletter but I have zero idea what I am doing. I have never used any software like this before and unfortunately I don't have any prep time to learn - I just have to figure it out as I go as the thing I am working on is already overdue. I am getting over a particularly spicy case of Covid so my brain is not onboard with pretty much anything complicated. Yes, this is a recipe for disaster. Yes, I do feel like crying every minute I am working on this, how could you tell? [more inside]
posted by BeeJiddy to Technology at 10:11 PM - 10 answers

I am about to meet a 7-year old corgi rescued from a breeding farm, at the fantastic shelter where I got my very chill street dog who is now 12. We are doing a week foster-to-adopt and I want to get off to a great start but I’ve never had a corgi or brought in a second adult dog (they’ve been youngish). We have five cats who like our dog and a very pet-proofed house. Advice!
posted by dorothyisunderwood to Pets & Animals at 9:34 PM - 5 answers

I'm searching for gifts for 27yo daughter, and someone who is better at gift-giving than I suggested finding something on Etsy re: her favorite TV franchise. Which sounds great to me, but - I don't watch the shows, I don't know what quotes are particularly iconic, etc. As far as I know, all locations/series are on the table. [more inside]
posted by cinnamonduff to Shopping at 8:42 PM - 2 answers

What is the piece of material that Amy Millar has attached to(?)/(below?) Christiano's shadow roll and what is its purpose?
posted by sardonyx to Pets & Animals at 7:25 PM - 2 answers

A friend offered their house. What'd be less annoying to kitty: freedom of movement on her home turf (there is no escape from the noise though), or being whisked away and having to spend the night with newly adopted human of 2-3 months, in a quiet but strange new house? [more inside]
posted by yoHighness to Pets & Animals at 4:57 PM - 12 answers

I have 30-40 colored objects that I'd like to arrange in a grid that is pleasing to the eye, balanced but random, where no same-colored objects are placed next to one another, not in rainbow order. Is there anywhere I can plug in all the colors and dimensions, push a button, and get a nice distribution? Or some kind of formula I can use?
posted by acidic to Grab Bag at 3:45 PM - 5 answers

My cousin, 40, is undertaking training as a counsellor/psychotherapist. She's fairly far along (about half way) what sounds like quite an involved, rigorous and academic process. There are about 6 residential weekends a year that make up part of the training, where they practice counselling. They role play the counsellor/client relationship in front of others, but the issues they bring to the table tend to be real. [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Human Relations at 1:59 PM - 18 answers

Asking for help is hard for me. I have recently begun to understand that, for reasons, I don't feel like relying on others is safe. There are a couple of big things coming down that pike that I NEED help with. How can I better understand and change this fear/belief? [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Human Relations at 1:57 PM - 10 answers

Hi all, I am a huge admirer of The Thin Man series with William Powell and Mryna Loy and I love detective films and tv shows as well. I am wondering are there any similar films or series that are kind of like The Thin Man? They both had wonderful chemistry on screen as well. [more inside]
posted by RearWindow to Media & Arts at 12:58 PM - 16 answers

Sometimes the elevator call button in my lobby makes the elevator on my floor leave and then come back before it lets me on. Why? [more inside]
posted by hayvac to Technology at 10:09 AM - 6 answers

How can I adjust the column width to view file names in list view in google drive? [more inside]
posted by greta simone to Computers & Internet at 8:46 AM - 4 answers

I used to be able to print from my iPhone (11 Pro Max) via AirPrint to my Epson ET-3750 wireless printer. Some time ago, I stopped being able to send any print job from either iPhone's Safari or Chrome. [more inside]
posted by Joleta to Technology at 6:39 AM - 5 answers

We are looking for a hypoallergenic cat tree. We're having trouble finding a true hypoallergenic cat tree that doesn't have carpet. [more inside]
posted by NotLost to Pets & Animals at 5:49 AM - 7 answers

I’m so sad. The Something Awful AOL Search Log Special (in which they posted the weirdest search histories from AOL’s 2006 leak) was the funniest thing I have ever read in my life, and I revisit it every few months… it’s gone now. Did anyone save it anywhere?
posted by wheatlets to Computers & Internet at 4:27 AM - 4 answers

I'm in the process of changing the dashboard on my car, and need a part that may not exist. [more inside]
posted by Marky to Technology at 12:42 AM - 2 answers

Got my first dose of Spravato two weeks ago. Didn't do much. I had high hopes, am now really disappointed, and would love to hear from others who have been through this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Grab Bag at 12:41 AM - 4 answers

My wife is looking for a talk therapist who does virtual appointments. (I'm posting this in my role as her personal assistant; no need to read anything into her not posting herself). Her previous therapist had to stop working due to family obligations, and doesn't have any recommendations for replacements. We are in New York, but since she is looking for a virtual appointment, this probably doesn't matter. [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness at 12:41 AM - 11 answers

I was summoned for jury duty for a criminal trial in California. (The charges are disturbing/potentially triggering but will be referenced inside.) I was in the third pool (ultimately dismissed without being interviewed), so five people from my group were selected to fill out the jury of 12 plus three alternates. Those 15 were sworn in and the rest of us were dismissed. All 15 people selected were men. Why? [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Law & Government at 12:41 AM - 11 answers

I am Italian-American and closing in on 60 years of age. In lo these six decades, I've only ever heard other Italian-Americans say "oof." Until about six months ago, that is. This week alone I've heard it from my assistant, my partner's son's wife, and two friends who don't even know each other, and none of these people are of Italian heritage. What's going on?
posted by HotToddy to Society & Culture at 8:23 PM - 27 answers

Perhaps some version of this gets asked a lot. I feel like meditation would probably do me some good. I often tell people to try it. I find myself bouncing off it really hard. Would an app help? [more inside]
posted by less-of-course to Grab Bag at 8:18 PM - 14 answers

My wife changed her last name to mine when we married. She now wants to change her last name to her mother's last name, in her memory and honor. She is from Europe, and we now live in the US. The procedure to do this in the US seems to be very easy, but I was concerned about the identity-security consequences. Does anyone have experience or suggestions with such concerns, including, if that is the case, that they are definitely not serious concerns and I shouldn't worry? [more inside]
posted by It is regrettable that to Law & Government at 5:16 PM - 12 answers

What are your favorite DVD commentary tracks?
posted by mbrubeck to Media & Arts at 1:05 PM - 46 answers

How can I learn to use spices / spice blends more improvisationally - other than finding a recipe that literally calls for, e.g., za'atar? [more inside]
posted by catesbie to Food & Drink at 11:31 AM - 19 answers

How do I restore faded leather boots? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 11:30 AM - 7 answers

I am tired of the constant updates and horrible new update for Call of Duty (and I hear Modern Warfare III is not worth the $$) so I am looking for a new PS5 multiplayer FPS option suggestions (few weird details inside) [more inside]
posted by UMDirector to Technology at 11:30 AM - 3 answers

I'm looking for Chrimstmas fiction books for adults that are entertaining, but not dumb. So no rom-coms likely to show up on Hallmark, no chicken soup for the soul-esque inspirational books. Nor do I want anything to weighty/dense or depressing. I liked The Autobiography of Santa. I have the Christmas Guest on the way. What else might I like?
posted by If only I had a penguin... to Media & Arts at 11:15 AM - 15 answers

Every time i wash my linen tops(one red, one navy) they lose colour. Would rit dye fixative work in a case like this?
posted by uans to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 10:47 AM - 6 answers

Some people and professions get reduced to single word titles, 'Thanks Doctor', or 'Thanks [bus] Driver', but most professions do not and would sound either strange or ludicrous were they reduced to such short titles. Why? [more inside]
posted by Augenblick to Writing & Language at 10:35 AM - 25 answers

Lindsay Ellis (eventually) noped out of public life after pushback on her tweet comparing Raya and the Last Dragon to Avatar: The Last Airbender. [more inside]
posted by Nonce to Media & Arts at 10:32 AM - 3 answers

An old friend from childhood has died in some sort of accident and I can't stop thinking about it. Why? [more inside]
posted by Tanya to Home & Garden at 9:49 AM - 16 answers

I have lived in my house for 20 years and the hot water heater has never been replaced, nor serviced. When to replace one's hot water heater? [more inside]
posted by honey badger to Home & Garden at 8:58 AM - 16 answers

My wife and I have an offer accepted on a home we're buying, and we have moved forward with a lender, but I want to make sure I'm not leaving money on the table somewhere. So, what are things I should consider when shopping around for a mortgage? [more inside]
posted by Fister Roboto to Work & Money at 8:41 AM - 14 answers

I'll keep this as concise as possible. I have been at my job for over 6 years now. For the first 5 years, I received 2 weeks (80 hours) of vacation time each year, that renewed on my anniversary date every year. Up to 3 unused days were allowed to be carried over to the following year. [more inside]
posted by TwilightKid to Work & Money at 8:21 AM - 16 answers

Are there books for pre-schoolers about helping others process grief? [more inside]
posted by donut_princess to Education at 7:28 AM - 12 answers

I'd like to buy a few books of optical illusions. Preferences inside, but feel free to recommend any you have personally enjoyed! [more inside]
posted by SaltySalticid to Media & Arts at 7:26 AM - 3 answers

I am in the process of converting a home office space which is roughly 10 feet by 20 feet (200 square feet) into a proper home studio space for painting. I'm looking for specific recommendations on: storage units, work tables, shelves, as well as any organizational insights you have gained over the years. More deets inside. [more inside]
posted by jeremias to Media & Arts at 7:16 AM - 7 answers

Online comments reference an article which detailed that there was a team of people dedicated to "managing" Musk at Tesla, to limit the damage he could do to operations with his shenanigans. What was the article? [more inside]
posted by thetarium to Grab Bag at 7:04 AM - 2 answers

Do you have podcast recommendations for learning to manage/deal with an aging parent with untreated dementia? [more inside]
posted by greta simone to Human Relations at 6:57 AM - 6 answers

I’m looking into therapy, because well the last four years have been the longest decade of my life, but we’re changing insurance at work at the first of the year (and of course the deductible resets as well.) I need to complete enrollment, and I also need to have an idea of typical therapy costs and such entail as it can affect which plan I choose. [more inside]
posted by azpenguin to Health & Fitness at 6:40 AM - 7 answers

My fella n I have December birthdays four days apart and I’d like to take him out to a sweet and romantic dinner in his hometown of Minneapolis next week. Complication: I am in Western Australia until Tuesday. I can’t do a cruise by to check out the ambience. [more inside]
posted by honey-barbara to Food & Drink at 4:14 AM - 6 answers

I use human proof readers, but I want to send them a cleaner manuscript to reduce the number of errors they might miss. What proofreading software can I use? I don't need a grammar or style checker, this is mostly for typos, repeated words, missing quotation marks, that kind of thing. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador to Computers & Internet at 10:07 PM - 6 answers

At this point it's about an hour before sleep and an hour after waking of blowing and coughing to for me to clear my pipes. It's ridiculous. What special nasal knowledge do you have that may shorten this process?
posted by rileyray3000 to Health & Fitness at 9:06 PM - 23 answers

What strings do you like for your electric, nylon and steel string guitar? [more inside]
posted by jabo to Media & Arts at 8:34 PM - 6 answers

I'm the parent of a trans college student who needs to leave the country before the 2024 election -- in case the GOP wins again, but also because we live in one of the states with busy fascist legislatures that will continue steamrolling ahead regardless. Are there any grants or scholarships to help my child get out and stay out? [more inside]
posted by farkleberry to Human Relations at 6:00 PM - 26 answers

For various reasons, I want to sleep with earplugs more. But doing so leads to 1. impacted ear wax 2. ear sensitivity near the end of the night. Any advice on either? Perhaps better earplugs, or earplug use advice, or alternatives to earplugs, etc [more inside]
posted by wooh to Health & Fitness at 5:32 PM - 20 answers

TLDR is that I've gotten 3 shots of the chinese vaccine (in china) and the pfizer bivalent vaccine (in macau) earlier this year. I am now a resident of Japan, and want to get the newest vaccine, but getting attestation of the past vaccines is tricky (they don't recognize the chinese vaccine, and I'm trying to figure out how to "prove" to the system that I got the bivalent vaccine etc). Specifics within, but I'm wondering if just starting pfizer from zero has any risks associated with it [more inside]
posted by wooh to Health & Fitness at 5:13 PM - 8 answers

My cat likes to go into the little courtyard out back but he's (apparently, per the vet) allergic to mosquitoes. How can I get him to understand when he can go out? [more inside]
posted by johnofjack to Pets & Animals at 4:25 PM - 9 answers

Both my Dr and my therapist are supporting me in my claim for Disability Pension (Australia). In the interim, I'm receiving Jobseeker without obligation to seek work or volunteer. I was going great guns in my career when a series of unfortunate events disabled me. Now I have time on my hands but significant barriers to activities. How do I plan out my days, months, years for a fulfilling retirement? [more inside]
posted by b33j to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation at 3:43 PM - 9 answers

Later this month, a 23yo friend will have a layover in Auckland that includes an evening + most of the following day. She loves art and interesting shops and maybe thrifting, and definitely cute animals. But she's also shy and a little anxious so she needs things that are quite easy to bop into on her own. No car but presumably she can use a car service or bus or whatever's available. Ideas?
posted by BlahLaLa to Travel & Transportation at 3:19 PM - 4 answers

I have a tungsten carbide wedding ring. I accidentally cooked it in a wood fired stove. What is it's new patina made from? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know to Science & Nature at 2:55 PM - 4 answers