October 2018 Archives
October 31
My cat has a cold. :(
My senior cat has cold symptoms. I talked to the vet on the phone and she said there's no immediate need to bring him in but to come in if it goes more than a week. YANMV, but you've had sick cats before. How can I make him more comfortable in the meantime? [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 11:15 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 11:15 PM PST - 8 comments
80s childrens / YA books about walking / rambling in the UK?
I'm trying to remember some books I read as a child in the late 70s or early 80s. They were always from the UK, and gave advice about enjoying their seemingly boundless rights to put on an old army jumper and an anorak, grab a map or a compass, and walk wherever they bloody well pleased. [more inside]
Stretches and other advice for hip pain after sitting
When I sit down, I feel fine. When I stand up and try to walk after sitting, it hurts. The longer I set the worse it is. It seems to walk itself off, but sometimes it is exruciatng in the meantime. X-ray shows nothing abnormal. Doc said physio. I'd like to see if I can do anything to help it myself because physio is a PITA. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 10:05 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 10:05 PM PST - 19 comments
Looking for comfortable women's socks
It's really hard to find women's socks without elastic at the top, and I need some suggestions. [more inside]
Open-source dermatology: allergic rash edition
I have had an itchy rash on my arms, legs, and face for three months. Three different doctors, including the head of dermatology at my local hospital, have come up more or less empty. Hope me? [more inside]
How to sell late-90s Doc Martens shoes?
What's the best way to get rid of some lightly-worn, brown Docs from around 1996 or 1998 or so, and make something from them? I don't do eBay. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:31 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 7:31 PM PST - 15 comments
Unventilated bathroom and other apartment woes - how to deal?
I've been living in my first ever apartment for the last year or so and have encountered way more problems than I imagined I would have to deal with. The newest issue is tiny, miniscule brownish orange-ish bugs that I keep seeing in my bathroom, on top of the toilet's tank. How do I address this? [more inside]
Where should I stay in Copenhagen, Munich and Berlin
We're going to Copenhagen and Germany for Christmas. What neighborhoods should I look for hotels in? [more inside]
Name of a promotional music "zine" from the early 90s
I was music director of my college radio station from 1993-95. Along with the promo CDs from the Warner Music Group (Warner, Sire, Elektra, Atlantic, Mercury, etc) they would sometimes include what was obviously supposed to represent a "zine" (photocopied, cut-and-paste aesthetic, stapled instead of bound, consecutive numbering) with reviews and previews of their new releases. Does anyone remember what it was called, and are there scans of them anywhere on the net?
posted by themanwho at 4:16 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by themanwho at 4:16 PM PST - 8 comments
Multi-room speaker setup for dummies
I like streaming music at home and have been making do with this little portable bluetooth speaker. I'd like to upgrade to a multi-room system with better sound quality. This one is tinny, especially at higher volumes. There are way too many options, Google isn't helping me narrow them, and aside from the speaker linked above, the last audio equipment I bought was a boombox I bought with my high school graduation money. (My 25th reunion has long passed.) What do I want to buy? [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 3:07 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by mudpuppie at 3:07 PM PST - 16 comments
Cranberry-orange relish using jellied cranberry sauce?
I want to make some sort of cranberry-orange relish (or sauce, etc.) for Thanksgiving that will accommodate my friend who has diverticulitis and can't eat whole cranberries, either fresh or in a canned sauce, because of the seeds. Is it possible to make some variation using the called jellied cranberry sauce? I'm not having any luck finding recipes. I know there are great, experienced, adventurous cooks here who can help me. Help me!
Confused about TiVo alterrnatives
We're trying to decide between upgrading our TiVo or going another way. Challenge: I'm not sure what the other way is. [more inside]
Cabinet makers: Please help me solve my dishwasher plumbing issue
I am trying to figure out how to run a dishwasher drain hose through existing cabinets. Difficulty: it's not a straight run. [more inside]
Care package ideas?
A friend is having a hysterectomy tomorrow and I'm putting together a care package (plus dinner), I'd love suggestions beyond wine and chocolate.
Making a logo from wood
I'd like to create a black and white vector graphic based on a woodcutting. I have access to a nice camera and flash. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by selfnoise at 12:51 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by selfnoise at 12:51 PM PST - 10 comments
Does chicken taste different in New England?
I grilled some chicken last night. Unremarkable, except that it tasted horrible. And this is not the first time that has happened. Since moving to New Hampshire a little over a year ago, I've had several instances where I've cooked chicken breasts whose flavor made the dish inedible. I've cooked a lot of chicken in my life, of all different qualities, all over the country. This has never been a problem anywhere else. Why now? [more inside]
Tips for selling crafts at a fair - my first time doing this
I saw the recent thread about selling at a craft fair, and I have some questions of my own, like what cash should I have on hand for making change, and other stuff. [more inside]
Mild postpartum depression or just normal newborn stuff? Second kid.
I had my second baby three weeks ago and am emotionally having a different experience than I did the first time around. Is this postpartum depression or just a normal yet different experience than I had with my first kid? And how can my spouse support me? [more inside]
He's on the same train. He won't stop talking. I'm his new boss.
I need a script/strategy for a unusual, annoying commute issue. I've got a new employee that won't shut up. I have to deal with him two hours each day on a commuter train. And I'm his new boss. [more inside]
Changing voter registration after requesting an absentee ballot
I'm helping my WI-based college students early-vote (absentee-in-person), and two just asked a question I can't find the answer to. They've already requested absentee ballots from their home states (PA and MA), but haven't received them yet and doubt they'll be able to return them in time. Can they re-register to vote in Wisconsin (which has day-of registration) after requesting an absentee ballot from another state? My instinct says yes as long as they don't submit the PA/MA ballots, but I haven't run into this question before and don't want to lead them into voter fraud.
Scrolling issues on macOS Sierra
I'm having scrolling issues on my mid-2011 iMac running Sierra. This happens in every application and it isn't restricted to a single device, meaning this issue occurs when I try scrolling on the keyboard or the trackpad or a wacom tablet. If I try scrolling down, I will go down a page or a document and then the scrollbar will move up again once I release the down key or the scrollbar.
I've tried the usual reboots, pairing the devices again, looking at the accessibility options on system preferences, but without any luck.
I have installed Sierra a long time ago, so I don't know what prompted the issue. This seems to have happened overnight.
Help?
posted by lost_lettuce at 8:53 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by lost_lettuce at 8:53 AM PST - 14 comments
Twitch for an 11 yo boy?
My 11yo son wants to get a Twitch account. Should I let him?
I know almost nothing about Twitch, except that people use it to livecast gameplays. How toxic is it? How dumb is it? Is it in any sense a risk? [more inside]
Redemption/makeover shows/resources like Queer Eye?
I'm watching Queer Eye for the Straight guy and enjoying the positivity , the genuine kindness, and the uplifting and comfortingly predictable narrative arc.
Can you recommend some shows like this? [more inside]
Please tell me about intelligent books on prayer
What it says. I'm looking for any intelligent/intellectual engagement with prayer. Could be historical or how to. Any faith tradition is OK, as long as it's not simplistic "ask God for stuff and you'll get it." Please don't answer unless you're willing to explain your recommendation at least a little bit. I can find a list of titles on Amazon. I'm looking for books that MeFites find meaningful or useful. Fiction is OK if it's very high quality. Something like a TED talk would be fine too. Thank you!
posted by FencingGal at 7:36 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by FencingGal at 7:36 AM PST - 27 comments
This is it?
Is this a clue to the infamous 'missing paintroller scene'? [more inside]
special halloween song identification question
I have no idea how many years or decades this scrap of song has been stuck in my head, but it's a male voice going "When you die... when you die you are a ske-le-ton!" Do you recognize this probably obscure song? I'm pretty sure it wasn't a halloween-specific novelty song, just some dark gothy stuff.
Examples of amazing sequencing by Photographers
Sequencing is the weakest part of my photography and I have plan: look at lots of 8-16 image edits and copy and learn from the best. [more inside]
ISO iOS RPG.
Seeking recommendations for deep, engaging iOS games that can be played in airplane mode. [more inside]
Help me identify a song I heard.
I heard a song playing in a public place recently but haven't been able to track down what it was (it was noisy so I couldn't look it up with shazam).
It had a female singer, I would say post-2010 soft poppy music, I'm relatively certain at one point the lyrics went: "call me from the station, leave your name and message".
Googling is failing me miserably. Any ideas?
posted by nfg at 4:59 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by nfg at 4:59 AM PST - 7 comments
Online resources for learning AutoCAD LT?
My company is trying to digitize a part of my workflow that mostly involves some fairly simple 2D diagramming, and it looks like we're going to go with AutoCAD LT for this. Looks like I'll need to learn some AutoCAD LT, then. Where can I go to do that? [more inside]
I'm so cold I can barely type this question
My electric radiators aren't working, and I can't tell if I'm just too silly to work a fuse box or if there's actually something wrong and I need to call an electrician. [more inside]
Give me your best vegan chocolate cake recipes!
I'm making my dear friend a vegan chocolate cake for their mid-November birthday. I really want it to be a nice one. I talked with them about the sort of cake they would like, and they told me they have a preference for darker chocolate flavors—that is, they would prefer something that isn't on the super sweet side. [more inside]
posted by Gymnopedist at 12:39 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Gymnopedist at 12:39 AM PST - 17 comments
October 30
How do I deal with bad situations at work?
I am a teller at a bank and many of my co-workers act unprofessionally. Is this behavior common in these types of jobs? [more inside]
Traveling while sort-of-triggered
I have a work trip coming up and I'm looking for small things I can do to alleviate ongoing trauma-y reactions without bringing an entire weighted blanket along. [more inside]
What to do with my pint glass collection?
Over the past ~20 years I've collected logo pint glasses when I've visited breweries or traveled to new places. Pint glasses make a cheap souvenir, the artwork is usual interesting and provocative of where I've been, and I actually use the glasses as my main drinking glasses for all drinks -- not just for beer. [more inside]
posted by cholstro at 9:57 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by cholstro at 9:57 PM PST - 10 comments
Potential mentor didn't respond after introduction. What's polite?
A friend of mine introduced me to a potential mentor after getting their permission to do so, and after they offered to take an introductory meeting. I followed up to the intro within a day: Dropped the introducer to bcc:, thanked the person for their generosity, mentioned my general availability over the next couple of weeks, and expressed a lot of flexibility. They haven't responded. I'm not sure what the polite thing to do is. [more inside]
posted by mph at 9:32 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by mph at 9:32 PM PST - 11 comments
Including hand-drawn technical figure in LaTeX but without background
There are plenty of programs (or so I'm told) that let you sketch a figure on your computer, but the learning curve is way too steep for my occasional needs. What I'm doing is sketching a figure by hand on a piece of paper. I get an off-white background for my figure when I photograph and import it, and I'd like to remove that background so that the figure looks more "natural" and with a plain white background. [more inside]
posted by math at 9:08 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by math at 9:08 PM PST - 12 comments
What is this dryer sump-pump wire connector called?
I’m doing a DIY repair of my Bosch condenser dryer, and wanted to know what this wire connector is actually called, so that I can Google for parts? [more inside]
posted by melorama at 9:02 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by melorama at 9:02 PM PST - 3 comments
Where are federal charges against a person listed online?
Our neighbor was raided by FBI and IRS agents this week. Is there anywhere online where I can find federal charges listed by a person's name?
WikiHow for getting your shit together
There is literally a book on Amazon titled "get your shit together" that may be a fun and/or worthwhile read, but I'm curious about your best books/online tools/phone aps etc. for getting control over the big picture and the to-do list esp. when it comes to non-work aspects of life management. [more inside]
Finding good care as a medical tourist
A close friend of mine is interested in having a cosmetic surgery procedure performed and has been doing some research to identify reputable clinics. After some of that research, it has started to look like (nearly?) every clinic in that region engages in sketchy marketing practices that make it difficult to assess how competent their services are. How does one identify skilled and effective clinics/practitioners while minimizing the risk that their reputation is actually completely phony? [more inside]
Should I bring a piano into my condo?
I have the option to bring my childhood piano into my place - is it a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:58 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:58 PM PST - 29 comments
Biology research question for a story
I'm writing about a person whose frontal torso wall has been replaced by a transparent pane. Ignoring the surreality of the basic setup, it would be helpful to know if someone with a frontally transparent torso could offer anything to biological/medical science. Or would that not be of much use in the modern day? [more inside]
Dishwasher troubleshooting
We know how to use a dishwasher, we've successfully used other dishwashers before — the problem is this dishwasher. We're currently stuck using it as a plate-warmer: unless we hand-wash everything before putting it in, every load comes out with a smattering of dishes still dirty. This is in a rental unit with a very hands-off landlord, so we're strictly in DIY mode. What things should we try before we give up and hand-wash everything? [more inside]
Credit report woes
I'm trying to pull my US credit reports via annualcreditreport.com. The security questions from Experian are always a nightmare (no, I don't remember which department store credit card I opened 10 years ago!) and I inevitably get some of the answers wrong and receive an error message stating that I will need to request my Experian report offline rather than seeing it immediately online.
Has anyone figured out a solution to this? Thanks!
Going from iOS to Android
I'm looking for some Android equivalents to a few much-used iOS apps [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 6:13 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by cozenedindigo at 6:13 PM PST - 10 comments
Should I keep my UK debit card now that I'm back in the US?
I lived in the UK a few years ago and have now returned to the US. Since returning, I’ve maintained a small balance in my no-fee UK current account because I thought it might come in handy at some point. I’m now wondering if this is really the case and am thinking of transferring the balance and closing the account. Assuming I won’t be living in the UK again, is there actually any benefit to keeping this account that I many not have considered? [more inside]
posted by theory at 4:38 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by theory at 4:38 PM PST - 7 comments
Road trip to Asheville -- Blue Ridge Pkwy or other scenic routes
Partner and I are going to Asheville for Thanksgiving (from NYC) and are planning to get in a couple of days of road-tripping at the beginning of the week. We've driven around on the Asheville-area section of the BRP and loved it, so one idea is to take a train to DC, rent a car there and start on the Northern end of the Parkway. Looking for recommendations for things to do and places to stay along that route, or alternatively, other suggestions that would make for a good 2-day-or-so drive. We don't really want to drive the whole way from NY, but something like flying to Atlanta and wending our way north, maybe? Other scenarios?
posted by neroli at 4:26 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by neroli at 4:26 PM PST - 8 comments
4-foot LED lights for garage ceiling?
Does anyone have a recommendation for a couple of 4-foot light fixtures for my garage ceiling? I would prefer LEDs to fluorescent bulbs because it's like 12 feet up, and also they'll be in an unheated New England garage. [more inside]
What do you put on toast?
We're having a toast themed party. What should we serve? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 3:44 PM PST - 83 comments
posted by latkes at 3:44 PM PST - 83 comments
Elderly care for bipolar parent
Are there effective adult care resources for elderly bipolar folks? [more inside]
Should AAAA result match IPv6 Reverse DNS queries?
Do any major domains (or just plain any) return the Fully Qualified Domain Name (that one might reasonably expect) when issuing
posted by mistersquid at 1:05 PM PST - 9 comments
dig -x IPv6_addresswhere "IPv6_address" is the answer provided to a command line query like
dig AAAA Fully_Qualified_Domain_Name? [more inside]
posted by mistersquid at 1:05 PM PST - 9 comments
Recommendations and Tips for Angkor Wat/Krong Siem Raep
I'm heading to Angkor Wat/Krong Siem Raep with my family over Thanksgiving this year. I'm looking for general ideas about getting the most out of Angkor Wat and what to eat and other things to do or see in Krong Siem Raep. We are all very open to any suggestions.
I also have a very specific question: Where would a Buddhist local go to get "real" prayer beads? [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 1:02 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by cmoj at 1:02 PM PST - 7 comments
Social activities brainstorming
I need help brainstorming 2 lists of social activities: 1) activities that people can do to meet potential friends and 2) activities that people can do to get to know acquaintances better. I'm especially interested in generic, low-cost, low-effort activities that most people could do, regardless of location or specific interest, as this will be distributed broadly. Activities must not necessarily involve drinking. My lists so far are inside. [more inside]
Story help: Calling all therapists
I need help getting past a bump in my story and I don‘t know enough about the traumatised brain. [more inside]
Can this laptop be resuscitated?
I've had this T-61 Thinkpad for a while. One of my several similar laptops; I buy 'em refurbished, this one still had but hardly any use - I was keeping it elsewhere, as a backup, and only used it for web access, just a few days every few months. Then it goes back on a shelf. Last time was April, everything was fine. I've just retrieved it, push the button, and nothing. Swap out batteries, different adapters - 100% brick, no response. [more inside]
Fear of a shooting at my job is becoming debilitating
I am a public librarian whose desk is right inside the front door. I am often the one in charge who has to deal with conflict and asking difficult patrons to leave and I am increasingly afraid one is going to come back and shoot me. [more inside]
Help Me Okinawa Vacation
As per this previous question I'm going to be in Japan for almost three weeks in December. We decided to spend 4-5 days in Okinawa because beaches (where we live has cold, bleak winters).
The Japan guidebooks I have include very little information about Okinawa besides a few sites in Naha. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 12:01 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by forkisbetter at 12:01 PM PST - 5 comments
Lifelong irregular periods + no other issues. Should I be concerned?
I'm 28 and have had an irregular cycle (28-38 days) since I started at 13. A scan turned up "follicular cysts" which my doctor said are common in women with and without PCOS. I have no other symptoms but am still worried about PCOS-- should I be? [more inside]
Looking for not-sad songs in a minor key
I'm looking for songs that are in a minor key, yet are upbeat, or at least relatively upbeat. I don't necessarily need them to be happy songs, but the lyrics should at least be more or less neutral and not about death and loss and so forth. [more inside]
Bedbugs in the new apartment building
What's a reasonable way to act in this situation? [more inside]
posted by monkeymonkey at 11:05 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by monkeymonkey at 11:05 AM PST - 11 comments
Initiative Q sounds too good to be true, right?
An acquaintance has invited me to join Initiative Q (https://initiativeq.com/). I’m sceptical about “free money” and the promise of riches in exchange for personal data. I did some googling on Initiative Q and its founder Saar Wilf. However, I can’t seem to find any articles online that tell me why it is a bad idea to join - or even how it is supposed to work. MeFi community, please tell me if my worries are legitimate and where to find an explanation on a reputable site I could send to my acquaintance. Thanks!
posted by amf at 10:42 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by amf at 10:42 AM PST - 8 comments
How to help non-English speaking family with a possibly dyslexic child?
I have been tutoring an 8- year old boy from France for the past year. He is showing all the classic signs of being dyslexic, which explains his poor performance in school. His family speaks hardly any English. They have asked that I communicate with the school on their behalf, yet repeated requests for meetings with his teacher and principal have been ignored. What can we do from here? [more inside]
posted by chatelaine at 9:39 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by chatelaine at 9:39 AM PST - 14 comments
Website hosting for site the only gets two huge spikes a year?
I run a few events that get a mild amount of traffic throughout the year that cheap-o hosting plans are perfectly fine for. However, on the weekend of the event, and initial ticket on sale dates, our sites will crash due to the traffic spike. Are there any hosting suggestions for this scenario - something flexible so that I can possibly only pay for dedicated server level traffic during select periods? [more inside]
Cmax, Cmean, and bears, oh my?
Suppose there is a drug with a 28 day half life. It's prescribed as 2 units every 28 days, and has a 28 day half life.
Other than patient compliance, are there sound pharmacological / pharmacokinetic reasons to prescribe it that way, rather than 1 unit every 14 days? [more inside]
Alaska air credit + February birthday = northern lights trip?
My birthday is in late February, plus I have an Alaska Air credit that's waiting to be used. Can I put these to use and find a way to see the Northern Lights around or on my birthday? If so, where, specifically, can I go with decent (but obviously unpredictable) odds?
Will an arch top guitar give me the acoustic sound I need?
Can an archtop or hollow body guitar be mic'd to sound as loud or good as a standard acoustic guitar? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 8:25 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by critzer at 8:25 AM PST - 5 comments
No matter what you do, some things always end up the same
I'm looking for phrases or pithy illustrative examples about how no matter what you try to do to some system, it'll always end up some way. I want to use it as a metaphor for systems that, regardless of their starting conditions, end up reliably at some equilibria/attractors. [more inside]
Pension Problems
My mother doesn't appear to be getting the full amount of her survivor's pension from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and I'm not quite sure what to do. This year, her finances are a bit of a "mess" (details inside) which makes the process more confusing for me. [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:01 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:01 AM PST - 4 comments
Are smartphone fingerprint scanners safe?
Should I use the fingerprint scanner on my phone? I'm not worried about someone getting into my phone as much as the fingerprint data being stolen. After all, you can change a password but not a fingerprint. Now that fingerprint scanners have been used commonly for many years, have there been any cases of fingerprints being hacked or leaked in any way? [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 7:37 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by roaring beast at 7:37 AM PST - 15 comments
Is buying land in Joshua Tree a good idea?
I can't currently buy a house in Joshua Tree, my dream location, for silly reasons (can't get a mortgage due to lack of tax history in US even though affording it would be quite easy for me.) However, I will be able to in a couple of years. Is buying land there now in cash a good idea? It's a hot rental market and I'm worried that all the good plots will get scooped up in the next [near future]. [more inside]
Web Traffic Spike from South Korea, all 404s
Daily unique users went from 200 to 4000 overnight, all to nonsense page addresses, all from South Korea. [more inside]
UnChristmas in the North
A friend wanting to avoid family holiday crap and I, a not-Christian person, would like to get away for a couple of days at Christmas this year. Does anyone know of a place we should go, actually ON Christmas, within a few hours' drive of Toronto? Any direction is fine. Beautiful is the current goal, but interesting is also good.
Cashew cream for vegan ramen broth?
No-meat Monday got pushed back a day and I'm making vegan ramen tonight. Everyone online uses either soy milk or tahini to get a thick white broth; could I use (vitamix) cashew puree? Will it be too sweet, etc, or is there any reason no recipes online do this? Thanks in advance!
How ballot questions become law
In Massachusetts, if the first ballot question is approved, will it become law on January 1 as its text states? Or will it undergo a legislative process before implementation? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 6:28 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by daisyace at 6:28 AM PST - 5 comments
Plant ID du Jour.... Tall Grass Prairie Seeds Collected
I collected these seeds in field in a pheasant habitat improvement area in the Maple River Game Area in Mid-Michigan. I would assume the field had been planted with native tall-grass prairie seeds and plants. The plant stood out in that I only recall seeing this one specimen. [more inside]
posted by bricksNmortar at 5:56 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by bricksNmortar at 5:56 AM PST - 5 comments
Best DokuWiki Online Resources
I've recently started using DokuWiki, and I'm quite happy with it, but I find its documentation wanting.
Can anyone recommend any good online resources?
posted by Chasuk at 2:33 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Chasuk at 2:33 AM PST - 4 comments
October 29
Twin-studies and self improvement
I want twin studies on what things you can do to work on the 'nurture' part of your life please! [more inside]
Gum up my ear(buds)
I have a nice pair of Sony BlueTooth headphones I use just about every day. But what I really want (sometimes) is something like a pair of JVC Gumy earbuds that actually control my Apple iDevices. Do cheap in-ear earbuds that do offer stop-go-volume and microphone control for Apple devices exist, and if so, do they sound okay? [more inside]
posted by lhauser at 9:44 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by lhauser at 9:44 PM PST - 3 comments
Is this ransom Phishing? Malware attack email question Mac OS 10.14
So I got an email yesterday that had a header of "You are now my victim" and went on to tell me that a porno website I had visited was infected with malware and they downloaded my contact list and will send it out to everyone if I don't comply with an 850 Euro payment through bitcoin (with a wallet sequence) within 30 hours. [more inside]
Happy f'ing birthday to me.
Today is my 51st birthday, and it really sucks. Can you give me some suggestions on how to somehow salvage it? [more inside]
I need more of a yarn I bought at a 100-yen shop in Tokyo
I bought a few balls of different colors at a 100-yen shop in Tokyo, this Can Do store in Shibuya to be specific, and I found a pattern that I thought would serve me well, but I'm running out of my main color and can't figure out how, if at all, to get more of this yarn in the states. Help! [more inside]
posted by DynamiteToast at 7:23 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by DynamiteToast at 7:23 PM PST - 6 comments
Providing medical information to my work makes me feel uncomfortable...
My boss is interested in a new company health insurance offering, and I have to fill out a questionnaire from Lifestyle Health Plans (owned by Medova Healthcare Financial Group) asking for height, weight, all prescriptions in the past twelve months, and information regarding any medical conditions that have been diagnosed in the past five years. This makes me really uncomfortable. Is this legal? And is this Lifestyle Health Plans/Medova a legit business? [more inside]
To rent or to buy and sell - short term car needs
I just accepted a 5-6 month long project in an area I do not live inanymore. I will need to setup temporary housing as well as acquire a vehicle for the duration. Do I do a long term rental? Should I buy a car and sell it at the offset? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by wile e at 5:58 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by wile e at 5:58 PM PST - 8 comments
Am I on the hook for the boat Grandpa bought?
In 18 months leading up to his sudden and rapid decline to death my father-in-law, on a fixed income bought a boat/truck and three bedroom house in a rural Town on South Puget Sound. We did our best to not let him be alone but we in no way had any input into his financial life.
It was a rough ride, and we as advocates felt like hospice too delayed a response, making the end of his life very traumatic. [more inside]
Expected speeds of upload to Gdrive
Uploading 197 GB of files. I am sitting on 442-697 Mbps on the upload side. Even with 50% overhead I should have had this done in less than 8 hours. What am I doing wrong? [more inside]
No horses at commercial stables for me to ride. What should I do?
About a year ago, I asked a question about horseback riding for a man of my size (6'8" 250lbs, 39" inseam). I've since spoken to 5 commercial stables (ones that teach beginners on their own horses) within 50 miles of San Diego, and none have a horse they're willing to let me take lessons on. Do I have any options other than buying a horse? Thanks
The case of the disappearing academic
I'm on the academic job market this year, and one of my recommenders has vanished mid-semester, having uploaded a current letter to Chronicle Vitae but not Interfolio despite multiple reminders from me. Help?! [more inside]
posted by knucklebones at 1:51 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by knucklebones at 1:51 PM PST - 7 comments
Best budgeting app?
Looking for an ios/android budget and finance app that will:
*import bank transactions
*learn to tag those transactions
*let me designate recurring transactions *forecast account balances by day
*allow budgeting by category
I can’t keep up with manually tagging bank transactions and running two systems just to have a forecast is crazy
posted by Kalatraz at 1:46 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Kalatraz at 1:46 PM PST - 2 comments
Can I, should I save my tent?
I have an REI Half Dome tent that was in a damp basement for five years. Salvageable? [more inside]
Roller blind fitting broke. How to re-insert into broken plaster?
We installed black-out roller blinds above our windows. The blinds fit into metal fittings which are screwed into the inside of the window frame, which is cement / plaster. When pulling down on the blind, one fitting has torn out, leaving a ragged hole in the cement / plaster. Pictures. How do I re-attach the fitting into the now-weakened window frame, so that it won't happen again?
How did you develop a sense of meaning in your life?
I literally do not know what to do with my life. After the most recent, mostly terrifying report on climate change was publicized I fell into despair. (Me and roughly a zillion other people.) I have been brooding. Should I just plan on becoming a hedonist outside of my working hours because nothing matters now and there is no possible way that my grandchildren will not suffer terribly and millions of others as well in addition to the ones who currently suffer terribly? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 12:51 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 12:51 PM PST - 35 comments
How can we comfort my nephew?
I have a precocious three year old nephew who has developed a fear of fire. He constantly asks about the heater in his house and what happens if it catches on fire. A couple of months ago, he saw his mother chase a fox away from the chicken coop- and he ruminated on that incident for quite some time. Now he seems to have moved past foxes and chickens and onto fire. Any suggestions for how to help an especially young child better cope with worry and anxiety?
Books by, and about, Jimmy Carter
I’m in Atlanta for work and managed to find the time to tour the Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum and Library. It was enjoyable and has piqued my curiosity about him, both as the author and subject of books. What books by, and about, Jimmy Carter would you recommend? [more inside]
Well that didn’t go to plan. Should I reach out?
First time going home together with new guy didn’t go to plan, now I think he’s pretty embarrassed. Should I reach out or wait for him? [more inside]
How can I download old texts?
What is the best way (or any way) to download all my texts with one person into a searchable file? This is on an iPhone (iOS 11.4.1).
Friendship Scheduling App/Site?
I want to keep track of how long it's been since I last saw or spoke with someone, and ideally also set goals for how frequently I'm making plans with individual friends. Is there an app or a website that can help me do this? [more inside]
posted by Narrative Priorities at 10:01 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Narrative Priorities at 10:01 AM PST - 10 comments
What are some things you wish you'd done before you went viral?
I will soon be in an article that will attract the attention of online right-wing bigots. I haven't had this level of online attention before. What are some things I can do *now* to protect myself? For example, I've searched my name, found some online accounts I'd forgotten about, and increased their privacy levels. I own some domains - should I get whoisguard? I can change any old passwords and enable 2-factor authentication. What else?
Do your parents have friends? What kind?
This is sort of chatfilter but I'm asking because I'm worried about my parents and their possible lack of physical community as they advance in age. Do your parents have friendships? What do those look like? Are they friends with other couples, and of a similar age? Do they run in separate social circles to each other? If they don't maintain friendships, do they stay connected with the world in other ways? [more inside]
I was uncomfortable, but I couldn't say why. Help me figure this out!
I declined a job reference letter request from a former mentor. I couldn't fully articulate why at that time (or they wouldn't listen, I can't tell). This bothers me. Please give me your take from outside of my own brain. [more inside]
posted by redwaterman at 8:45 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by redwaterman at 8:45 AM PST - 23 comments
Need assistance/advice regarding 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i
I bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago. It's got 148,000 miles, Carfax report showe regular maintenance, and it was in very good condition. I took it to my local mechanic, (not a Subaru expert, but an experienced mechanic). He replaced the front brake pads and rotors (when I test drove it, brakes were spongy and dull. Dealer said there was "sufficient"pad surface left.) My mechanic also rotated and balanced the tires, and that made a huge improvement in how it drives. [more inside]
posted by LaBellaStella at 7:56 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by LaBellaStella at 7:56 AM PST - 8 comments
What's the etymology of this phrase?
In Hitchcock's 1955 movie "The Trouble with Harry," actor Edmund Gwenn comments on telling a lie by using the phrase (I think) "cutting the hem off truth's garment."
My Googling produces no mention of this phrase, which makes me wonder, one, if I'm remembering it wrong; two, if I'm remembering it right, why nothing on the internet; and three, what's the etymology?
posted by Jackson at 7:53 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Jackson at 7:53 AM PST - 10 comments
Okay, laptop, do your stuff!
What are some fun open source/linux/art projects to try out on my new (to me) ThinkPad laptop, currently running Fedora? This laptop is exclusively for "take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!" purposes. [more inside]
Is this a bad financial decision?
I am trying to juggle moving costs, and I haven't moved a lot in my life. I'm not sure what's normal or how much to spend to get a place you really like. [more inside]
How can I pay region locked online bills in the US from abroad?
I have to pay various bills (water bills, and most pressing a real estate tax) online via a city website that ends in a .gov; I live in France and the city has, I assume, region blocked its website because who knows why. I used to be able to connect to this website with no trouble, then I started to need to use a proxy website, and now the proxy website is glitching. [more inside]
posted by os tuberoes at 5:10 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by os tuberoes at 5:10 AM PST - 6 comments
How do I find a local non-legal researcher for a land use case?
How do I find I a local researcher who has more time than I have to go into online as well as visit local public archives to collect location-specific traffic, crime, and local land use data? [more inside]
Can I Hire Someone to Get Me a Job?
Doing the steps required to get a job (filling out many similar but not identical applications, tailoring resume/cover letter, passing the personality test screenings) are beyond me. I'm great at interviews and have been offered every position I've ever interviewed for. I just can't get to that step on my own. Compounding factor: I absolutely must work from home. Is there a temp agency for work from home? [more inside]
October 28
Getting best quality iPhone photos to print
I have an iPhone SE and would like to print photos from it. When I email photos from my phone, they come out quite large, but grainy. How should I be getting photos off the phone (or out of the cloud) if I want the best resolution to print?
I need the Young Lady's Illustrated Primer of Calculus
For a number of reasons, I'm struggling with Calculus. Khan Academy has helped a great deal, but the problems are too simple and aren't quite getting me where I need to be to do the problems in the textbook. Problem is, I seem to learn best with online videos (must have captions!) and practice problems with instant feedback in just that manner. Is there anything available that will take me all the way from the basics up to the really hairy equations??
What is the first painting in this parade supposed to be?
Which Picasso is the painting leading this parade supposed to be?
I have a guess, but I'll save it in case someone comes up with a more definitive idea.
posted by themanwho at 8:30 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by themanwho at 8:30 PM PST - 4 comments
Is it ethical to refuse housekeeping at a hotel?
I've found that hotels are offering incentives if one declines housekeeping during their stay. What are the ramifications of doing this? [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 7:41 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by kimberussell at 7:41 PM PST - 21 comments
I want to fix everything
Each one of my siblings are all going through difficult times and I've been trying to be the best brother. How do I deal with the fact that I can't make all of their problems go away? [more inside]
Help me (metaphorically) send my grandpa across the globe!
I'm looking for a food-based book to build a "travel experience" gift box around. What are your best books about food from cultures other than the US? The catch: it can't be a cookbook. [more inside]
Dragon tree /Dracaena Marginata Problem
I recently bought three dragon trees from IKEA and have lost one that had troubling looking mold and seemed to be rotting from the inside out. Now the last large one I have is showing similar signs of mold, I think, but I want to see if I can save it. Could anyone offer insight, please? [more inside]
Turning 100 & celebrating modestly
Turning 100 is the biggest of all deals, but my soon to be centanarian wants a modest celebration. Big gestures of any kind are out. Birthday human in question is hanging in there, but feeling the years, not feeling the joy, and has trouble with recent memories. I'm told 'not much tastes good' so food treats are out. What would you make/do/organize/give/recommend to celebrate in an understated way?
posted by this-apoptosis at 5:03 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by this-apoptosis at 5:03 PM PST - 20 comments
Help me make this cake a little more special
My partner and their wife are celebrating their 10 year anniversary on Friday. I'm baking them a cake - vanilla sponge, lemon curd in the middle, and a raspberry buttercream frosting. I'm baking/making it on Thursday and assembling it Friday before the party. But I need help with the decorations! [more inside]
posted by robot-hugs at 4:22 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by robot-hugs at 4:22 PM PST - 13 comments
Ridiculous Introductions.
Help me with some creative and ridiculous ways to introduce someone. Bonus points if it involves meatloaf. [more inside]
posted by Flood at 4:09 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Flood at 4:09 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me make academic writing not so damn hard.
I've been trying to finish a dissertation (proposal...haven't even done the actual research yet) for WAY too long. My advisor says I need to have at least 60 pages written by end of December (ish) for the proposal to be viable. I think 60 pages is doing nothing but forcing me to read irrelevant articles and i repeating things that are obvious (that may very well be because I'm not finding anything interesting anymore). This has become a writers block for me. Help me rethink this so I can move forward! [more inside]
Where to quickly learn hopes/setbacks of people in tiny 1890s village?
Help-My-Fiction-Filter: What might be quick but rich sources of ideas for people's lives, economy, hopes, setbacks, trials and tribulations in a tiny remote (edge-of-desert/badland) village, under a dozen residents, 1890s, no electricity, good water, tiny train station (mostly for passing-by locomotives to restock their water), limited farmland? [more inside]
How do I help my father move out of a dangerous house?
My dad has asked for my help in getting him out of a house that is filled with mold. He still owes a lot of money on it and I need to know how to get rid of the house with minimal financial losses as he is at retirement age. I don't know where to start. [more inside]
Fertility awareness-based method for birth control, 2018 edition
Can you recommend your favorite technology, apps, resources for practicing this good old fashioned form of birth control in this glorious digital age? [more inside]
posted by Argyle_Sock_Puppet at 11:49 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Argyle_Sock_Puppet at 11:49 AM PST - 14 comments
How much effort will upgrade my Ford audio system take?
I have a 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium with MyFord Touch SYNC2 installed. Everything that I've been able to find online suggests that: 1) the purchasable navigation piece for this software is discontinued. 2) There are no available "official" upgrades to the service - there is a SYNC3, but no option to upgrade to it. 3) Ford has kinda washed its hands of the whole thing. So now I want a system that will allow me to use Android Auto. What do? [more inside]
Sewing a safe DIY cape for kids?
My nieces are obsessed with The Princess In Black and I want to make them capes so they can fight monsters to their hearts' content. However I'm paranoid about safety and can't find a clear answer online. Parents/family members of kids who play with capes, what is the safest children's cape fastener? Velcro? Magnet? Is there any other safety aspect I should know about? Bonus points if you have a specific pattern to recommend!
I’m a cat with only one life
I’m content with my life, but it sometimes freaks me out that I will not live another life and my experiences are in many senses very, very limited. I’ll never know what it’s like to be another person or live in another country or think in another language. I’ll come to know only a handful of cities in limited timeframes of their growth and evolution. [more inside]
posted by gemutlichkeit at 9:48 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by gemutlichkeit at 9:48 AM PST - 21 comments
How to Change Careers Away from Education
I have been working in the field of education for 15 years (as a high school teacher and in instructional technology), and I am now ready to move on to a new career. My parents are aging, and I need a fully-remote job so that I can visit them more often while they're still here. [more inside]
posted by allison00 at 9:37 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by allison00 at 9:37 AM PST - 2 comments
Laziness/carbs cooking question
Does it work to make muffins from pancake mix? I have Birch Benders protein pancake mix. What would happen if I made it in muffin tins? [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 8:41 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by nantucket at 8:41 AM PST - 12 comments
Logistics of selling my car
When selling a used car (mine) do I just let people take it for a test drive on their own? What about letting them take it to a mechanic? What is the best place to list it? I"m hoping to limit personal risk. [more inside]
Price tag on vintage print from Goodwill
I found a quaint lacquered print at Goodwill yesterday, and I’m curious about what may be a price tag on the back. The piece is stamped “made in Italy” on the frame and my best guess is it dates at least to ~1950s, but could be older. Lacquer and hardware both have a good deal of patina. The sticker may be newer though. The handwriting appears non-American. Does anyone recognize the currency, if it is a price tag?
Handling death threats at work
I do somewhat controversial work at a local government agency. We just got a potentially credible threat of violence related to my job. The system is doing its system things to figure out what happened and protect the staff. This is the first time this has happened to me - how have others dealt with this? [more inside]
Robust, cheap, easy to use smart phone
I'm considering getting my mum a smartphone for christmas. She's highly technophobic but I think she would enjoy features like picture messaging etc. so I may get her one and set it up to work just on her wifi, while she keeps her regular phone for phone calls. [more inside]
October 27
Innovative ways to use your bullet journal
I started bullet journaling and it's been pretty successful! Since starting, I'm better able to track my personal goals and see how I can stick to them. I also have utilized it as a way of brainstorming ideas and even tracking dreams. But I want more... [more inside]
Attaching a Just Married sign to a hatchback
My sister is getting married tomorrow, and I want to make a "just married" sign to attach to her car. I was thinking posterboard or foam board with markers, but I'm not sure how to attach it in a way that's temporary but secure. She drives a Toyota Yaris hatchback. [more inside]
posted by serathen at 8:36 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by serathen at 8:36 PM PST - 16 comments
Fiction authors/editors/publishers: How do you purpose chapters?
MeFite authors, editors and publishers who have written, edited and/or published novels or novellas: what are your ideal intentions for your readers, when it comes to chapters and chapter breaks? Should a chapter be read in a single sitting? Ought a reader to pause and reflect between chapters (and if so, for how long)? Or are chapter breaks just dramatic milestones? Or something else? Obviously there's no way to dictate how readers consume fiction; but if you could indicate your intentions to your readers, what would they be, with regard to chapters?
Recommendation for free audio transcription service?
Is there a website where I can upload an mp3 or m4a file and get it transcribed into text? Preferably something free?
How to create a pan effect over a text document as part of a video?
I've got a number of letters and other documents that I need to use for a video. You know when you're watching Dateline or such shows, and the camera pans quickly across a document before settling on highlighted text? [more inside]
IUD and mefenamic acid
I got my first IUD this week (hormonal, not copper) and took mefenamic acid for the first day to ease the cramps. At the end of the day I noticed the box says: 'Unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you, do not use this product if you [...] are using an intrauterine contraceptive device'. Does anyone know why? [more inside]
Baking Cookbooks from British Bake Off?
My (10 year old) daughter has been binge watching Great British Bake Off over the past few months. While she's always enjoyed cooking, she's had a big uptick in baking interest, of course. She has a few baking cookbooks, but I thought that she would get a kick out of one that was written/compiled/curated by one of the contestants. I know a bunch of former contestants have published cookbooks, but are any of the books actually decent? [more inside]
posted by gaspode at 4:59 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by gaspode at 4:59 PM PST - 9 comments
Napa Valley? Muir Woods? Something else?
We have two nights booked in Yosemite in early June next year. It seems like flying in and out of Sacramento is easiest. Looking for ideas about what to do after. [more inside]
posted by starman at 4:22 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by starman at 4:22 PM PST - 22 comments
Recommendations for Bay Area driving lessons?
It's been quite some years since I've driven a car (in a different country), and even then I was super anxious and hated every minute of it. I now have a CA learner's permit and would like to get this over with as painlessly as possible. I can look at Yelp and Google but they all seem filled with suspiciously glowing, formulaic reviews (of the "give us 5 stars and we'll give you a discount or something" type) so I'd prefer recommendations based on your own personal experiences. Thanks!
Neurochemistry of musical rhythm
You're listening to a swinging piece of music and you feel an irresistible compulsion to tap your toes, snap your fingers, etc. Or, you're making music yourself and you're so locked into the beat that you couldn't miss it if you tried. What's happening in your brain at the chemical level? (Does it have to do with dopamine?) [more inside]
Question about numbness after dental work
I went to the free dental clinic on October 4th to have a cracked molar extracted. I'm still numb. Is that bad? [more inside]
posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit at 3:44 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit at 3:44 PM PST - 9 comments
perplexing cat overgrooming mystery!
I've read some older threads about cat overgrooming and nothing seems to be quite what's going on with my cat. [more inside]
Antique cast iron knob in bathroom starting to rust - what to do?
I have an antique doorknob in the bathroom which is starting to rust due to humidity. I can easily manage the rust with steel wool once a month, but would prefer to not have to steel wool it monthly. Is there anything I can do to treat it? I'd prefer treatments that wouldn't change the appearance/feeling of the knob.
posted by arnicae at 2:09 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by arnicae at 2:09 PM PST - 4 comments
MLMma
My friend‘s wife is now selling Color Street stuff as an „independent stylist“. I feel like I don‘t have the standing to say anything but I also feel like I owe it to them to say something. Please convince me either way. [more inside]
How do I let a hyper-social coworker with Aspergers know he's being awkward?
I have a coworker, who in some ways is an assistant to me (the strata of this work situation is not quite linear) and has Aspergers. He has told me this, I'm not just guessing. Usually he's pretty good at his job, though I have found that I have to give him very specific bite-sized tasks at times which can be problematic as he's in a management role where he should be doing that himself...but I digress...the issue at hand is his hyper-social nature, and how I can deal with it myself, and how I can let him know that it's problematic in terms of how he does his job and his relations with others on the team. [more inside]
How should I frame these place cards?
These are the table place cards (some of the Cascades and Oregon capes from north to south) from my wedding. I want to frame all of them in a single frame for my wife. But I can’t find the best arrangement. [more inside]
posted by not_the_water at 1:19 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by not_the_water at 1:19 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I homeowner?
Well, it looks like I'm about to become a homeowner. Pending a successful home inspection, I am on track to become the latest resident of this adorable 1870s cape on a half-acre lot in New Hampshire. I have never owned a home before. If you own a home yourself, what do you wish you had known when you bought your first house? [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 12:41 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 12:41 PM PST - 45 comments
Is it too late to get curious?
Through a combination of luck and lack of ambition, I have managed to spend most of my adult life in relatively easy if somewhat painfully boring jobs that paid just enough for me to live alone. I could sense myself becoming stunted by this in various ways but never summoned up the determination to make a change.
Then a better paying, more interesting, but MUCH HARDER job fell practically out of the sky into my lap. [more inside]
posted by space snail at 11:58 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by space snail at 11:58 AM PST - 11 comments
Turkey advice in Disney...
I am going with the family to Orlando over Thanksgiving and we are looking for a spot that would serve a decent Thanksgiving dinner for weary travelers ...
Any advice from local Floridians that know of good restaurants on Thanksgiving is greatly appreciated...
Need to restore iPhone from backup - but there's not enough space
I have a new iPhone that I need to restore from a back up via Itunes in my computer. But it seems that the new iPhone doesn't have enough space. [more inside]
posted by TheGoodBlood at 11:38 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by TheGoodBlood at 11:38 AM PST - 5 comments
Inexpensive Barcelona
What free and inexpensive things can I do in Barcelona Oct 27-nov 1? (The museum of natural sciences will be free tomorrow from 3pm, so I’m doing that). I like food, walking, art, live music, swing and blues dancing.
Also how does public transit work? [more inside]
Lefty podcasts that engage with other viewpoints
I'm a fan of The Dig and I've been branching out to a few other lefty podcasts recently. But it all starts to feel a bit one-sided sometimes. Are there any podcasts with a leftist focus that engage directly and in good faith with other viewpoints? Where the ideas or people they are disagreeing with are actually there at the mic or otherwise able to speak for themselves? [more inside]
posted by ropeladder at 10:35 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by ropeladder at 10:35 AM PST - 14 comments
How to get IGTV videos not be blurry on instagram
Hi,
I posted a video on instagram, instagram stories, and now IGTV and they come out slightly blurry. Before I post they are not blurry, so I don't know how to fix this.
I take the video from an I-phone 8 plus. The phone setting is 4k at 30 fps. All I do is take the video and then download the video onto instagram from my photo library. [more inside]
Zozo suit Halloween ideas
So I got the zozo suit (and am currently wearing the jeans! Thanks metafilter!), and my SO thought it would make an easy Halloween costume. The question is, what should I be? [more inside]
posted by Grither at 10:20 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Grither at 10:20 AM PST - 8 comments
Pet euthanasia -- "a little early" vs. "way too early"
I'm familiar with the adage that when it comes to pet euthanasia, "better a week too early than a day too late." As my own old man dog starts to decline, I am having a super hard time deciding on the right time. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by schroedingersgirl at 5:41 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by schroedingersgirl at 5:41 AM PST - 32 comments
Mushrooms in Soup 101
What are the theories/techniques behind infusing mushrooms into soups, especially if you have an Instant Pot? I would like to start adding mushrooms to a variety of soups for a boost of umami, but I can't seem to find a comprehensive Food-Lab-esque guide for this. [more inside]
posted by facehugger at 5:00 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by facehugger at 5:00 AM PST - 17 comments
"space is weird and strange" exposition sound in 1st G1 Transformers ep?
In the first episode of the generation 1 Transformers cartoon, during the
"Many millions of years ago.." narration
there's a "space is weird and strange" audio used. What is this audio?
Find me the perfect office chair for me
I'm on a mission to get myself a new office chair for Christmas. The one I have is a ratty mess, and the chairs my job replaced said ratty mess with chairs I hate with the fire of a thousand suns. [more inside]
Advice for a queer officer?
Imagining I was a queer officer at a university, undergraduate, a Student Representative Council related role, what would be some good advice for me? Across the year 2019, but some elements will kick off earlier than that. Good things I should be doing, potential pitfalls I may have missed, anything that people with more experience in life may know to consider that I don't. [more inside]
October 26
balance
Me and my partner get along great and have a generally communicative, loving, healthy relationship. So we both know about the following issue and we're working on it. But it's hard! Your advice is welcome. He hoards tangible responsibilities and I hoard free time. I will let him do the things, big or small. He is the most considerate of people. His emotional labor skills are stellar. But he will run himself into the ground before asking for help, and I let him, and then I'm frustrated because he did all the things and I'm bouncing off walls. [more inside]
How do I deal with my ejaculation? Logistics.
I'm a 48-year-old woman who's been single for eight years. [more inside]
Ex-Wife VS New Girlfriend
My ex-wife objects, strenously, to any contact, ever, between our children and the woman I am dating. [more inside]
Doesn't need to be efficient, but needs full leg extension
Bicycle recommendation request: small enough to fit in the trunk of a 2008 Subaru Outback a bonus. [more inside]
Custom Phone Battery Banns
I am looking to get a custom micro-usb / iPhone battery pack promotional item created for my company. Rather than just stamping my logo on the charger, I want to find someone to create a plastic case around the charger shaped like my logo. Does this exist? If not, where do I start? [more inside]
Non-subscription alternative to YNAB?
I've been happily using YNAB 4 on a Mac for many years, but Mojave will be the last macOS version that can run the app. So now I am looking for non-subscription alternatives. Bonus if I can easily import my YNAB data. I especially want to hear about your personal experiences with the software you are recommending.
Does a webcam exist that I can turn on/off remotely to control data use?
I'd like to install an indoor webcam to look out a window so I can monitor exterior parking congestion (and perhaps an occasional beautiful sunset hour) at a vacation home. [more inside]
Sparkly, fuzzy googly eye socks?
A silly question: My four-year-old really wants to get her cousin some sparkly googly eye socks for his twelfth birthday. She hasn't seen them anywhere, she just thought of them. I asked him how he felt about this and he said, "Welllll...are they fuzzy?" So I need sparkly, fuzzy socks that will fit a gangly twelve-year-old boy and ideally also have googly eyes on them (those can be sewn on later if necessary). Google isn't telling me there are sparkly fuzzy socks for anyone except little girls. Any ideas?
Food intolerances in babies and kids
I think our baby has multiple food intolerances. Please tell me about your kids’ food intolerances (or your own, if they started at a young age). What should we be doing to help our little guy? [more inside]
posted by bananacabana at 2:57 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by bananacabana at 2:57 PM PST - 3 comments
Thanksgiving travel destinations in PNW
My SO and I recently had our Thanksgiving plans fall through and are looking into traveling over the holiday(~Wed - Sun). We're located in Seattle and looking for some recommendations on where we can look. [more inside]
posted by aleatorictelevision at 2:47 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by aleatorictelevision at 2:47 PM PST - 13 comments
Slim and slick backpack for 13" devices
My head is spinning after hours on eBags...
Looking for a really slim and tight backpack which fits the following:
Macbook pro 13 (2018),
iPad pro 13,
Kindle paperwhite,
a slim A4 notebook and/or some letter sized pages.
Thanks!!!
Gift ideas for well-stocked toddler
Chrismukkah is not that long after my two-year-old’s birthday. We have a lot already, and I need some ideas for the inevitable “what does he want” questions. [more inside]
All tech and nothing else makes me a sad, sick girl
My life has revolved around computers and technology since I was a very little girl. I used to love it. Now I am sick of being on a computer and my phone all day, every day. I no longer enjoy my job, I am tired of being chained to a smart phone, and I don't feel like indulging in any of my old hobbies anymore because they all involve me sitting at a computer in order to consume the exact same stuff I create at work. What now? [more inside]
Curated ideas of things to do in Seattle
We'll be in Seattle next week, where the weather is expected to be dreary (not that that's a bad thing). There are so many "what to do in Seattle" pages on the intertubes, that I'm overwhelmed. Can you help me pare down the list, knowing the time of year and expected weather?
posted by blurker at 11:27 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by blurker at 11:27 AM PST - 20 comments
Gym etiquette
I have a consistent problem with zombies that I'd like to solve or at least approach better. [more inside]
Where can I buy kattobashi (recycled baseball bat chopsticks) in the US?
The New York Times had a great story yesterday about a chopsticks manufacturer in Japan who rounds up splintered baseball bats and makes them into chopsticks. Super cool. Part of the proceeds go to reforestation efforts for Aodamo trees, which are traditional for Japanese bats but are now in shorter supply. Super super cool. I want some of these. Is there a Japan-centric shop or site where I can buy them in/for shipping to the US?
posted by AgentRocket at 11:03 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by AgentRocket at 11:03 AM PST - 3 comments
language question
Is the term "bananas" to mean "super hectic" offensive? What terms are okay and not offensive? [more inside]
posted by john_snow at 10:21 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by john_snow at 10:21 AM PST - 43 comments
Most Useful Chrome browser keyboard shortcuts
Which keyboard shortcuts do you use the most often in Chrome's web browser? [more inside]
Any mathematicians out there know how this math trick might work?
It's a math trick that involves using someone's time of birth to find out their birthday [more inside]
Gotta Catch 'em All
5-year-old loves all things Pokemon. Will pretend literally anything is a Pokemon. Will do anything even tenuously Pokemon-related. Needs to work on fine motor skills, especially drawing/writing, and following directions.
Please recommend me the very best (like no one ever was...) Pokemon-themed color-by-number books, letter and number writing exercise books, maze-following books, color-by-number books, etc. [more inside]
Food for Hungry College Students (Professor Edition)
I teach a college class of 12 students who are in the middle of a stressful semester, and I'd like to give them a little tasty treat. But what to get? [more inside]
posted by degoao at 9:18 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by degoao at 9:18 AM PST - 8 comments
Please help me find a German hospital where my brother is
Asking for a friend: My friend and I are in the U.S. My friend's adult brother is hospitalized with cancer in Frieburg. Her 92-year-old mother lives in France and can't seem to collect the right information about what hospital he is in or how to reach him. [more inside]
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 8:57 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 8:57 AM PST - 9 comments
Flu triggering depression
I'm on day 5 of the flu (despite getting vaccinated) and of course it sucks. The worst part is the toll it's taking on me psychologically. I know that the flu affects neurotransmitters in a big way and it's part of the package. What I don't know is how to deal with the depression that comes on when sickness zaps serotonin. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:34 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:34 AM PST - 8 comments
Windows 10 Cheap Tablet Password Reset
My friend's given me her cheap Windows Tablet (Slide brand - Model TAB800WSL211020401) that she's forgotten her password on- Though I can manage to get to the recovery/reset Windows mode, the touch-screen no longer works to complete the process. [more inside]
What should I know about buying studio time for my 10 yr old daughter?
My 10 year old daughter loves to sing and has taken voice lessons in the past. For Christmas, I am considering buying her time in a recording studio. I know nothing about the process or the people and want to be respectful of the studio as well as create a terrific experience for my daughter. So what do I need to consider? [more inside]
posted by blackjack514 at 7:34 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by blackjack514 at 7:34 AM PST - 6 comments
Another movie memory, help, please
What was this movie? Would have watched it likely on Turner Classic around Halloween last year. It was in color, probably from 70s (maybe early 80s). A family is moving to a rural home, there might be a creepy painting, there might be a creepy doll, there definitely, at the final revelation, was some kind of nearly-mummified, slow moving mad scientist in the basement! I'm pretty sure his deal was using "evil" to live forever?... The dad was into the rural scene, the mom was not. There was one son and a nanny. They *constantly* just yell out each other's first names (to great hilarity). It was not a good movie.
posted by J0 at 7:22 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by J0 at 7:22 AM PST - 3 comments
Tell me about deep dental cleanings
I've never been particularly anxious about going to the dentist in the past, but after not going for a couple of years, a new dentist told me that I need a deep cleaning and I'm scared about it. She measured the pocket depth all around my mouth. Most teeth were in the good range, but a few teeth in the back on the bottom are 4mm, and I think one was 5. Does this mean that the deep cleaning would only need to happen on these teeth? [more inside]
Mental health resources for young person at risk in Oslo, Norway
My early 20s relative in Oslo is very depressed. She's sleeping a lot and generally acting different, crying,. A terribly difficult event is coming up for her next month and I'm concerned it will snowball into a crisis. I'm pretty much her whole source of support. How can I help find a therapist or mental health care for her? [more inside]
What is the most watched youtube video? Difficulty: Can't be a video
I'll also accept a reasonable methodology to get to this answer, as my searches have proven fruitless, and randomly clicking youtube videos that might fit this criteria didn't work out for me either. [more inside]
posted by forforf at 5:32 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by forforf at 5:32 AM PST - 4 comments
Animal Capers
My partner and I have very different taste in movies, and we recently discovered that one thing we can enjoy together is silly animal thrillers. The Meg was a big success, so we've also been revisiting some classics like 1997's Anaconda. Please share your favourite good/bad animal thrillers!
Is Law & Order scarier than a horror movie?
I hate watching most horror movies; campy 70s and 80s horror movies are fine to me, but I really dislike the feeling of watching modern day horror movies, even B-level horror movies. My friend who very much enjoys the horror genre can't understand how I can watch Law and Order: SVU regularly, which he considers to be much scarier than a horror film. His main argument is that he feels that Law and Order treats real crime, particularly SVU's sex crimes, kind of flippantly and that even though a horror movie might have a deranged murderer, the situations are often so unrealistic that they aren't scary because the imminent threat isn't there. Whereas the stories in Law and Order are often adaptations of real events, and thus, much scarier. What do you think?
Will my cats ever be friends again after one went on vacation?
I have 2 5-year old indoor-only sibling cats who were very bonded. Earlier this week, one cat (E) escaped. He spent two days under my house before I got him back inside. Now the brother cat (B), can't stand E and hisses, growls, and puffs up when he is near. I've read this isn't uncommon and is called "non-recognition aggression", but I need some advice on getting through this. [more inside]
A Brighton Future Hoves into view.
Like all people who live in London I'm thinking about selling all my london stuff and moving to somewhere near Brighton. Is this a good idea? If we do this where should we live? Who will be our friends? [more inside]
tfw your sounding board is the topic of your askme
An online friend of mine recently admitted they had an romantic interest in me. It was always a fear, in the back of my mind, that something like this would come to pass. I don't know what I'm even asking anymore but I would like some advice. [more inside]
posted by quiet bayleef at 3:16 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by quiet bayleef at 3:16 AM PST - 8 comments
Reverse engineering ICC colour profile
If I have a set of hex, RGB and CMYK colours, can I find out which ICC colour profile they fit into? [more inside]
October 25
How do I prevent condensation on my windows? (Windex-edition)
I cleaned my dirty windows with Windex during the daytime. They looked great. Now it's night time and my windows are all fogged up and streaky! Why and how do I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 10:00 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 10:00 PM PST - 11 comments
Consolation prize for real estate agent?
So, we aren’t going to buy a house after all. But we’d rather not leave our real estate agent totally empty-handed. [more inside]
posted by maurreen at 8:33 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by maurreen at 8:33 PM PST - 10 comments
Off the beaten path things to see, eat and do in Montgomery Alabama?
I'll be meeting relatives soon to spend 4 days exploring the civil rights history of Montgomery, Alabama, including the new National Memorial for Peace and Justice honoring U.S. lynching victims. We're aware of most of the obvious museums and sites we can find at sites like this, but want to know if any locals can provide personal recommendations for other interesting things to see. [more inside]
posted by mediareport at 8:33 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mediareport at 8:33 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me pick out a fancy outfit
I have to go to a family wedding next week and I am still not sure what I'm going to wear. I need some advice? [more inside]
posted by bleep at 7:48 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by bleep at 7:48 PM PST - 14 comments
Korean to English Translation - CU Coffee Machine Buttons
I'm in Seoul, staying close to a CU convenience store - which button or buttons do I press for either an Americano or just drip coffee, no milk? Picture of buttons.
posted by 7 Minutes of Madness at 6:51 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by 7 Minutes of Madness at 6:51 PM PST - 4 comments
Halloween fun in NYC this weekend?
What's something fun we can do this Saturday, October 27th, in NYC? No parties, please. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 6:03 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by silverstatue at 6:03 PM PST - 6 comments
Pros and Cons of black tapware fixtures
Just how much more maintenance is expected for black tapware fixtures? How long does the color last before fading, assuming the color is electroplated? [more inside]
Which translation of Doctor Zhivago would you recommend?
Would you recommend the Hayward Harari translation or the more recent and more literal Pevear and Volkonsky one? [more inside]
Replacement for Overcast
I recently switched from Apple to Android, and the one thing I haven't figured out is a replacement podcast player app. I've tried Podcast Addict and Stitcher, but I'm having a few specific problems. Can you recommend an app that will meet my requirements? [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman at 4:45 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by arcticwoman at 4:45 PM PST - 9 comments
Met my max out of pocket for health insurance - now what?!
So I have met my max out of pocket for my health insurance for the year for the first time... ever. So how can I take advantage?! What should I do? [more inside]
How do I let go of feelings of resentment?
I'm assuming that my situation is not unique and I'm hoping you all have some advice I can use. I'm part of the millennial generation, and I don't know how to get over the very strong feelings of disappointment, resentment, and anger that I have about how my life has turned out. Please don't judge me too harshly for this, I'm really working on processing it all and getting a better attitude but I have to be honest about my feelings first. Apologies if this is too much information or too long. [more inside]
"Asian" massage?
I'm looking to have a garden-variety, aboveboard massage of my neck, shoulders, and maybe hands and feet. I googled "massage" and my zip code. It turns out that I'm within walking distance of a couple of places that show up under the heading "Asian massage." Does that come with..."connotations"?
Even if so, is it possible to just go to one of these to get a regular massage (the location and the hours work for me -- n.b., I'm a straight woman with a nonstandard schedule)? Logistically, how do you request that? And is there any reason why this would be weird/bad/wrong/unethical?
Need a spoiler-free answer to a UK accent question
We just finished Season 2 of Peaky Blinders. The character Alfie Solomons has an accent that I'm having trouble putting a name to. Is his accent: 1.) An amalgam/artistic licence thing worked up by the Tom Hardy; or, 2.) An accent that has a specific name (e.g., Geordie, Scouse, etc.), or a regional appelation? I'm asking this question here because Googling for answers has put me way too close to spoilers I don't want to accidentally read.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 3:34 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 3:34 PM PST - 5 comments
Where can I buy an adult figure skating costume (dress) in NYC?
Yeah, we're gonna be Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. Yeah, I waited until the last minute and can't order it online. [more inside]
Do you recognize this classical-style figurine?
I just purchased this cookie mould and wonder if anyone can name the character depicted:
The negative mould
The positive.
My first thought was Diana but the dolphin and the torch seem wrong.
posted by bonobothegreat at 3:21 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by bonobothegreat at 3:21 PM PST - 10 comments
If a solid plastic floats, it won't glue. True?
For the past little while I've been using a rule of thumb that I made up: If a solid plastic (not including foams) floats in water, it won't glue. If it sinks, you've got a chance. My reasoning is that by far the two most common plastics with a density lower than 1g/cm3 are polyethylene and polypropylene, and the vast majority of glues do not stick to those two plastics. Is my rule of thumb correct and useful, or have I missed something?
Jump Lists misbehaving with OneDrive/Sharepoint
My workplace recently upgraded to Office 2016/365, including OneDrive/Sharepoint syncing. I need to be able to access a number of these synced files quickly and multiple times a day, and until now, I have done so by pinning them to the taskbar (i.e., via the Jump List feature). After the upgrade, I noticed that that whenever I opened a pinned file, it disappeared from the Jump List -- making pinning essentially useless, and causing me a week's worth of confusion (at first) and frustration (now). I'm looking for a better solution than the vaguely ridiculous workaround I devised this afternoon. [more inside]
What to do if your job is killing you but you can't find anything else?
I’m a Long-Haul Truck Driver. This job is destroying me mentally, emotionally, and physically. [more inside]
Queer-friendly haircut in Nashville?
I am a female-bodied person who currently has long hair, but wants short, masculine hair again. I haven't had a short cut since before I moved to Nashville, TN. Any recommendations for a queer-friendly place to go get a haircut? Google is not getting me anywhere with this. [more inside]
posted by picardythird at 2:03 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by picardythird at 2:03 PM PST - 6 comments
What is it like to be a casting director?
What goes into being a casting director? What does their day look like? [more inside]
Glazing putty/window repair advice needed
Cleaning windows in the barn, I've realized that a few panes need replacing, and others are coming loose where the putty has failed. I have plexiglass I'm willing to use, and can probably get some replacement glass cut, but what do I need to know in order to do this job? [more inside]
Where Can I Find Thick and Fuzzy Women's Sans-Drop-Crotch Sweatpants?
I long for thick, fuzzy, slim sweatpants built for women that don't have a large crotch area. I keep finding ones that are somewhat baggy, and therefore have my thighs touch on the inside, when all I want is a snug yoga-fit crotch that also has the thickness of luxorious men's sweatpants that are all the rage these days. Where do I find them? [more inside]
Tu many Turnips.
I'm going to be getting a lot of turnips in my CSA this fall. What are your best turnip recipes? Vegetarian slightly preferred, but not necessary. Bonus points for recipes using turnip greens as well.
Help me take more care with my appearance
I'm an almost-30 cis, straight female. I like to be comfortable and have a low-maintenance lifestyle but I've drifted too far in this direction. How can I put more effort into my appearance and look more feminine without giving up too much comfort or adding too much maintenance to daily life? [more inside]
posted by bellebethcooper at 1:34 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by bellebethcooper at 1:34 PM PST - 30 comments
San Francisco Dentist Recommendation
My dentist recently retired, and their practice isn't particularly convenient for me, so rather than seeing someone else there, I think I would like to find a new dentist near my work. Any recommendations for dentists around the sf financial district? I have mild to moderate anxiety about going to the dentist, so I would prefer someone who is a) gentle, and b) doesn't use scare tactics, such as telling me that I could miscarry (I wasn't even pregnant!) and/or die of blood poisoning if I'm not better about flossing.
Thanks!
How to get a yellow fever vaccination if you are allergic against eggs?
Has anyone been able to get vaccinated based while being allergic against chicken eggs? If yes, where and how much did it cost? [more inside]
Best bars for conversation in the world
So I want to do a project to send people to the best bars in the world to meet people and have conversations with them. As in "Where to have a drink and meet the most interesting men and women in the world." Most of the best bar lists are about cocktail curation and focus on high end bars. I feel at least some of this would be in more divey places to meet the characters of the world. Where would I find a list or a resource to track down these kinds of best bars out there?
Help me find a quiet replacement ergonomic keyboard
I type a lot everyday all day. I'm sure I must be annoying my coworkers with my loud clackity keyboard, which is an old Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro. Any suggestions for a new keyboard with the following requirements, below the fold? [more inside]
posted by Pig Tail Orchestra at 11:49 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Pig Tail Orchestra at 11:49 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me find this fantasy comic
Here's what I remember: there's multiple nations of magical creatures. One plotline centers around faeries/elves and there's political intrigue around some type of council and maybe an assassination? I have a clear memory of vampires who are fascists and have zeppelins and are about to invade another nation--I think that's the cliffhanger ending. The whole thing might be one of those post-apoc, magic erupts into our world stories or could be an alternate world. Anyone know what comic this is?
posted by overglow at 11:29 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by overglow at 11:29 AM PST - 5 comments
How best to spot-clean smelly part of winter jackets?
I wear outdoorsy style winter jackets (ski jackets or down jackets) and they usually have some sort of soft fabric that ends up near your mouth when zipped all the way up. I"m looking for a clever way to keep this fabric from starting to smell rankly without having to wash the whole jacket. Thanks.
Amazon Tablet misplaced...but sure its still in the house.
My son's Amazon Kid's Edition Tablet is somewhere in the house but *hours* of searching for it haven't found it. For reasons detailed inside we are highly confident it is still here. Help! [more inside]
Can I drink out of this mug?
Handmade mug with crack in it. Drinking mug or future pencil holder? [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 10:40 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by sailoreagle at 10:40 AM PST - 4 comments
Google photos: How to ensure original quality. How to delete from phone
I have Google Photos on my phone. 1. Even though I keep setting it to original quality, find that from time to time it's gone back to "high quality." I set it back to original. Does it then go back and re-back up everything at original quality that was previously full quality.? How can make sure everything is backed up at original quality. 2. My phone is getting pretty full. But it looks like if I delete pictures off my phone they will delete from the Google Photos backup, too. How do I delete things from my phone without deleting them from the backup (After making sure the backup is full quality). I have enough room in my google account for full quality.
How do I do this thing in Excel?
Actually, I'm using Libre Office Calc, but as far as I can tell it should work the same in both, so if you can explain how to do this in Excel I'm pretty sure I can make it work in Calc. [more inside]
Baby, it's cold outside
How can I set a temperature-related reminder for myself? [more inside]
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 9:57 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 9:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Bicycle repair and recycling for charitable organization?
How can I learn bicycle salvage and repair, and manage other volunteers doing the same thing? A group I belong to has joined forces with another organization that takes donated bicyles and refurbishes them to give away to kids during the holiday season. [more inside]
Twin Cities Coin Collecting
I need an undated coin collecting album that can hold 100-200 pennies. I am picky about the size and look of the book, so I want to see them in person before I buy. I will check Michael's and Joann, but what other stores in the Twin Cities metro would carry these types of books? [more inside]
Workflow management for small group of software developers
My four-person distributed team of software developers is trying to find a good setup for issue tracking, workflow management, and communication. [more inside]
How to DIY house demolition safely?
My SO and I are planning a house remodel. He's so excited that he's started demolishing the house already! Are there any concerns I should have since we (and our pup) will still be living in this house for 2+ months before moving out for major construction? How can I make sure this happens safely? [more inside]
Ideas / advice 3 weeks in Brazil, Sao Paulo to Rio
We're thinking of going to Brazil for 3 weeks next February, flying into Sao Paulo, staying for a few days, then going on a road trip to 2 or 3 beaches on the way to Rio, staying for a few days there and flying out. [more inside]
winter getaway to...more winter
What are your favorite festive, winter-y places to visit around Christmas/New Year's? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 6:31 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by goodbyewaffles at 6:31 AM PST - 25 comments
Have Kitchenaid, need ideas
I am stoked to have received a Kitchenaid stand mixer. Please give me your favorite recipes and uses, and must-buy attachments!
I love cooking and have intermediate to advanced skills, but am a busy working professional. Therefore, I am looking for all recipes, great and small. I am probably buying the sausage-stuffing attachment as it's cheap and sounds fun. [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 6:16 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by DoubleLune at 6:16 AM PST - 27 comments
Flicking brights as signal to other driver?
When I was a kid (in the Midwest) my dad would flick his brights/high beams on and off at an oncoming car to signal to them that they were driving with their lights off when driving at night. More often than not, the oncoming car would then turn their lights on. I have adopted this habit (on the East Coast) and it doesn’t work. Is this a regional thing? If someone flashed their brights at you, would you know what it meant? Should I stop doing this?
Can I eat it?
Fourteen years into my membership on the site, and I have a “can I eat it?” question—with a twist! [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 5:30 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Admiral Haddock at 5:30 AM PST - 6 comments
October 24
Tempered glass tea pot with a BIG infuser?
I'm looking for a tempered glass tea pot with a mesh infuser insert. The infuser should take up almost all the volume of the tea pot. For some reason, everything I've seen has a tiny infuser, maybe half the pot's depth and a fifth of the pot's volume. So I can't make a half pot because the infuser isn't even in the water, and if I make a full pot my tea will be cramped. Additional criteria inside. [more inside]
Anxiety about a job I messed up at, because of anxiety
I really underperformed at an internship because of my intense introversion and social anxiety. How do I talk about this job in interviews? [more inside]
posted by Bleusman at 10:04 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Bleusman at 10:04 PM PST - 22 comments
Hispanic Acquaintance Missing. Help Me Find Him!
Jose has been in this country for two years. He did not show at his place of unemployment on Saturday. We have not heard from him since and are unable to get in touch with him by phone.
We are concerned that he may be detained by ICE. Is there a way to check online? What can we do?
Et tu, Pixel?
Help me pick a new Android phone! Picky details inside. [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 9:06 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 9:06 PM PST - 14 comments
Allowing dogs to roam free on rural property
My boyfriend are in the midst of a major disagreement about whether or not dogs should be allowed to roam free outside, without supervision and without a fence. [more inside]
posted by tealcoffeecup at 8:55 PM PST - 59 comments
posted by tealcoffeecup at 8:55 PM PST - 59 comments
“Cyber” documentary from the mid nineties?
I’m trying to recollect or hopefully re watch a short series (3 or 4 episodes) of tv documentaries first aired in the mid nineties. They were on an assortment of technological/futurist themes, all aired under the same title. [more inside]
Can you tell me what this growth is?
Can you identify this growth of some sort on a pot plant in Sydney Australia?
Gendered Insults
Is there a gendered insult for men as ugly as... you know the one. [more inside]
What should I do about this broken iPhone?
What should I do (if anything) about this broken iPhone? Please help me figure out the best option. [more inside]
posted by cali59 at 5:55 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by cali59 at 5:55 PM PST - 12 comments
Google+ alternatives for small community
Our daycare has been using Google+ to communicate with families, post pictures of children, post announcements, etc., but now that the service is ending, we need a replacement. What should we look at? [more inside]
Name that tune, emo rock edition
I've got a song stuck in my head, and the only line that I can remember is the chorus which repeats the line "You are here." Male vocals, alternative-emo rock, came out in the late 2000's, probably before 2010. [more inside]
Why does wikipedia hate mp3's?
Why are audio files on wikipedia (generally) encoded as Ogg Vorbis instead of mp3 (or some other format that's generally supported by the browsers on iPhones and other mobile devices?) [more inside]
posted by capnsue at 3:53 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by capnsue at 3:53 PM PST - 11 comments
A Cottage of One's Own
Two of my Canadian friends are going in on a 10 acre property in BC, Canada. There has been some discussion of us building a small cottage for me on the property that I would pay for. I (an American citizen) need to draw up a contract for all this. . .but I'm not familiar with how these things work north of the border. Snowflakes below. [more inside]
Installing a hybrid water heater
My Rheem Warrior Glass water heater is giving me water that get colder faster. In anticipation, I bought a A.O Smith 50-gallon hybrid water heater about a month ago. I've watched a lot of YouTube videos and see there are four basic connections on both; hot water out, cold water in, power and pressure valve/drain pipe. The new water heater recommends an expansion tank even though the old one doesn't have one. [more inside]
highlanders
Can you recommend to me books, articles, videos, websites, and other resources about the peoples, ethnic groups, and tribes called "hill people" or "highlanders" around the world? [more inside]
posted by the man of twists and turns at 2:47 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by the man of twists and turns at 2:47 PM PST - 18 comments
Look for a quote about questions being orders
I'm looking for a quote I only vaguely remember, but the gist of it was a General (US?) saying something like "When I became a General, I learned that every request (question?) I asked was heard as an order".
Or something along those lines, basically the idea being that because of the power imbalance they had to be very cognizant of how and what they said because people took it as a direct command otherwise.
posted by KirTakat at 1:59 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by KirTakat at 1:59 PM PST - 8 comments
Can I still use this Speedball fabric ink?
Can I still eat use this Speedball water-soluble fabric ink? It's a huge container -- like a quart -- and the ink is sort of a gel inside now. I tried mixing some with water and it thinned a bit but it's still not easy to use. (I am not a print-maker, just a guy who would like to experiment with using this to color some Tyvek.) [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 1:24 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 1:24 PM PST - 7 comments
How do states influence other states' statutes?
Hi MeFites, I recently started a paralegal program and the introductory class has me thinking about some things I would like to know more about. If you can provide any information yourself OR refer me to a resource that would help, I would be grateful. [more inside]
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 1:08 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 1:08 PM PST - 13 comments
Syncing CalDAV to Google Calendar?
I have a CalDAV feed with a username and password with events that I need to show up in a Google calendar. I understand Google doesn't support CalDAV natively, but surprisingly all of my searching around this seemingly simple issue has not turned up a solution. [more inside]
Helping a high schooler with organization skills
My niece is a senior in high school, and is in danger of not graduating due to her grades. It's not that she isn't getting concepts, it's her organization. What can we do at this point to help her establish a system for getting her assignments done and turned in on time, and improve her test-taking skills? [more inside]
posted by Fuego at 11:42 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by Fuego at 11:42 AM PST - 38 comments
The ethics of volunteer crowdsourcing
Acknowledging the irony of posing this question here… What's the status of debate in the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museums) sphere on the ethics of volunteer crowdsourcing? Are there any guidelines? Especially thinking about things like transcription/tagging, i.e. where the tasks are predefined and often rote, rather than something like Wikipedia, where the volunteers can define the tasks. [more inside]
Stop me if you've heard this one.
I'd like to write a story. How can I do 'due diligence' to make sure I'm not ripping off someone else's story idea? [more inside]
Is there a name for this kind of old-timey floating dock?
I'm currently looking at a photo of the beach in English Bay in Vancouver in 1919. What would you call the square dock those people are on? Any information about these things would be appreciated.
The candle from Copenhagen
I am part Danish but have never been to the motherland. Yet, all of the US is huge into hygge and therefore, candles. I am having a real difficulty understanding how candles (plain candles! not scented!) are apparently such a huge part of life in Denmark and want some insider tips, now that I’m trying to proactively face the wintertime and make it something to get excited about and seek inspiration from my people. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 11:11 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 11:11 AM PST - 14 comments
Cheap Temp Options for Wifi + Issues of Nonpayment
What are my cheapest options for getting temporary wifi? And how do I ensure that my roommate doesn’t skip out without paying the last month’s rent? [more inside]
Career change-social work or nursing?
For a few years now, I've been thinking about pursuing a career change. My background: 6 years experience in digital marketing, with a useless liberal arts degree that I regret getting. I'm hitting a point in my career where I'm struggling to progress any further in my field. [more inside]
posted by coffeeand at 10:56 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by coffeeand at 10:56 AM PST - 19 comments
Recycled cycle questions
Historically, bicycles have not ended well for me, but I've purchased this elderly lady and decided to give it one more go. Unfortunately, I know nothing about bicycles and would appreciate some advice. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 10:40 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by DarlingBri at 10:40 AM PST - 17 comments
Am I being blinded by love?
I love this condo unit that I'm about to rent, but the building was built in 1995. Should I be concerned? Or am I being overly cautious? [more inside]
Is it reasonable to go to the doctor for feeling mildly tired?
I've been feeling extra run-down and tired for the last few months, despite generally getting what should be enough sleep. I know standard advice is to talk to a doctor, but I'm having imposter syndrome. Is this really serious enough to talk to her about? Should I just suck it up and try to be better about sleep hygiene? [more inside]
posted by aka burlap at 9:00 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by aka burlap at 9:00 AM PST - 24 comments
Mefites gave me links, I was enlightened, we lived happily ever after
Tell me more about Preferred Futuring, Preferred Future Visions, Ron Lippitt, Edward Lindaman, and visioning - especially for individuals and small informal groups. [more inside]
posted by kristi at 8:10 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by kristi at 8:10 AM PST - 3 comments
Does a remote have to sync with device?
My remote and its big boombox are wonky [more inside]
posted by noelpratt2nd at 7:23 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by noelpratt2nd at 7:23 AM PST - 14 comments
Creativefilter: Add verses to my lullaby
I sing a little made up song to my child and need additional verses from the hivemind.
Please add your own and make me not repeat the same exact thing over until the end of time. What would you add? [more inside]
posted by AlexiaSky at 7:05 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by AlexiaSky at 7:05 AM PST - 21 comments
Proper recourse against former employer speaking bad about me publicly?
My former employer (and her husband!) are discussing details regarding my employment and termination on a very public, highly followed local social media forum. This is happening on a thread that has absolutely nothing to do with me and the comments are becoming disparaging. What do? [more inside]
Front load washer tricks needed!
We're adjusting to a HE front load washer with hang to dry clothing and free and clear detergent - tips and tricks needed! [more inside]
Easiest ipad music player (for local files on ipad, not streaming)
I want the easiest IOS music player to make a playlist ONLY using a few downloaded files, not connected to the internet or streaming any music. [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 6:08 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by andruwjones26 at 6:08 AM PST - 7 comments
Rage Anger - Trying to Find an Obscure Album from the 90's
I am trying to find an album I must have gotten in the mid 90's. I think the band may have been from the Philadelphia area but not certain of this. [more inside]
High-Key Horror
I'm looking for references for high-key (brightly lit, think Hallmark Christmas Movies) horror films. Ideally, the scariness lives in the brightly lit world, not in the shadows. Is there anything like this out there? [more inside]
posted by lizifer at 5:55 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by lizifer at 5:55 AM PST - 23 comments
Persistent Nightmares from Cycling Off of Adult ADHD Medication?
This one`s for tne non-neurotypical cool kids out there:
Trying to cycle off my ADHD meds and ever since I stopped the regimen, I`ve been experiencing a non-stop parade of hideous nightmares that seem to be escalating in tone and content.
Wondering if anyone else with this diagnosis, and who`ve tried to stop taking it, have experienced something similar and what you did about it?
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 5:27 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 5:27 AM PST - 1 comment
Dora the Explorer, Conan the Barbarian, and blank the blank.
I'm looking for people or characters who go by '(name) the (profession)', for comedy reasons. Can you think of any, other than Dora and Conan? [more inside]
Am I there yet? Old therapist check-in filter
I moved to a different country for a new job 3 months ago. I'll be visiting my own city for work in early November for a few days. I really want to get in touch with my old therapist and check in, but I am not sure if it's a good idea. [more inside]
Insomnia causing depressive symptoms
I have a chronic illness that impacts my sleep. Exhaustion is bringing back depressive symptoms which I haven't suffered from in 18 months. When I am well-rested I don't feel these symptoms, how can I deal with them when I am tired? [more inside]
Has a multivitamin cured my procrastination issues?
I started taking a decent quality lady-formula multivitamin a couple of weeks ago. No previous supplements taken. Now, with no other changes in diet, routine or exercise habits, some dire and longstanding procrastination problems just aren't an issue any more. I decide to do a task, do it and it's done. This is unheard of for me. Is something in the vitamins causing this or just a coincidence? Obviously I want these effects to continue!
posted by doornoise at 1:53 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by doornoise at 1:53 AM PST - 10 comments
Do you let your cat see you naked?
I did not realise this was a thing, or an issue, until an emotive debate in the pub between cat-owning friends (in rural England). Some don't see it as an issue, some think it too weird, some say yes but not in the bedroom during intimacy, or yes but no pet-to-human contact, while some think it permanently changes the relationship between you and cat e.g. cannot be unseen. What are the reasons and concerns - either for or against - over letting your cat (or other pet e.g. dog, goat, ferret, horse) seeing you naked?
October 23
NYC moving company recommendations
So, I'm in the market for a moving company. All of my previous moves have involved fairly informal, relaxed building regimes where it was OK to use a "man with van" service from the Village Voice classifieds or random strangers from TaskRabbit to move in or out of the building. This new place is a little different. They're more uptight. Among other things, they require a certificate of insurance from the moving company in order to approve the move-in. [more inside]
posted by the hot hot side of randy at 8:25 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by the hot hot side of randy at 8:25 PM PST - 7 comments
What are some good but free ways to incentivize donating?
What are some good but free ways to incentivize donating to a community-chest type fund? [more inside]
Bedspread solution for hairy, dirty dog
I need to find bedding that doesn't show either dog hair or dirt/paw prints/general dinginess. [more inside]
Poor Philippe Égalité
Looking for book recommendations for French history between Napoleon I and Napoleon III. [more inside]
What vegetable dish to serve with coq au vin?
Hello chefs of Metafilter! I am cooking coq au vin for a birthday dinner. I'm making cauliflower mashed potatoes to simulate a starch, but am stumped as to what recipe to make for a real veggie side dish (preferably something green). I would love to hear any ideas you have. [more inside]
Where can I see Fall leaves in the Northeast US *this Thurs & Friday*
I live in Philadelphia, I have Thurs-Sunday off work (but Sat & Sun are supposed to be rainy) and I want to take a road trip see some great fall foliage displays. I’ve wanted to see fall in New England for *years*. BUT I’ve been hearing/seeing mixed/conflicting things, including from the foliage predictors. So: have you seen great fall foliage displays in the past 48 hours? Where, very specifically? Also, bonus points for very cheap places I could stay nearby (is camping a crazy idea? I haven’t camped in cold weather before.)
Should I move to Providence, RI, to save on rent, or somewhere else?
I've lived in Boston for several years and would love to stay if it were not for the fact that I need to live alone for my mental health but only make 40k annually. I have heard from several friends that Providence is like a "mini Boston" with cheaper rent and I'm strongly considering moving. On my salary, would I actually be able to live alone, are rising rents there making this a pipe dream, or should I expand my horizons? [more inside]
posted by adelaide at 6:31 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by adelaide at 6:31 PM PST - 9 comments
Exciting audiobooks, please
I need recommendations for exciting audiobooks. My last long car ride I listened to Dead Wake and it was wonderful for building anticipation. Non-fiction or fiction, something that will entertain for a long boring drive.
posted by gryphonlover at 6:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by gryphonlover at 6:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Cell-phone-based scam
My 72-year-old father has been taken in by a scammer and it is ruining his marriage and damaging his finances. I am not sure how to help (from out of state). [more inside]
How can I break a habit of touching/ messing with my hair?
I have long hair that sheds a lot naturally. But I also have a bad habit of touching/ running my fingers through my hair that results in more hair loss. What can I do to break this habit? [more inside]
posted by jschu at 5:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by jschu at 5:52 PM PST - 9 comments
Elusive German cookie
Decades ago in elementary school we had an international food day. Someone brought in (apparently) German cookies which I have since thought of occasionally, but unable to identify and find recipes for. [more inside]
Can I dampen my coffee grounds the night before?
Short version: I'd like to spritz the coffee in my drip machine the night before. It will brew automatically in the am.
I am trying to improve the flavor (and body).
**Please do not bother telling me to get up earlier and do a pourover/frenchpress/Aeropress/etc. [more inside]
posted by counterfugue at 4:13 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by counterfugue at 4:13 PM PST - 19 comments
Can I do a direct deposit from one bank account to another?
I have two personal bank accounts. Account #2 gives me rewards if I put in a certain monthly amount by direct deposit. Can I send money from account #1 (Chase checking) to #2 in such a way that it will qualify as a direct deposit? I've tried using Chase's online "transfer money" function to send the amount to #2 as an external account, but #2 did not consider this a direct deposit. Is there another way I can do this? (I've set up my paycheck to go to #2 as direct deposit in future, but that will only start next month and I'd like to get the reward for this month if I can.)
My cat's time is up...
My cat is not terribly old, he's 12-13 years or so. But he has health issues that make our quality of life pretty bad. How do I explain to my children, ten and seven, that keeping him has become unsustainable? [more inside]
Taking care of some stray cats. Bad idea?
So we have 2 stray cats that started spending more and more time in our yard. One is a ginger tabby male that looks like he's spent a few years in the outdoors the other is a young cat that I assume may have been a kitten last spring. Neither have collars or tabbed ears. [more inside]
posted by ShakeyJake at 2:38 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by ShakeyJake at 2:38 PM PST - 10 comments
Trauma work as a parent
I'm a parent, and I've got trauma that I am about to get some treatment for. What are your favorite tips for self-care and trauma work when someone is also a parent? [more inside]
UX design or web development...or neither? Both?
Recent insight into myself is leading me to pursue a career in some sort of design. My background is completely in science, data analysis, and coding. I thought web design would be a good option but I'm not sure which branch would be right for me. Lots of details inside. [more inside]
How can I buy the Hitachi Magic Wand in bulk?
For an art project, I need a lot of (around 50) Hitachi Magic Wands. I have never bought anything like this in bulk before. I would prefer not to pay retail for each and every wand. I know there are bulk purchase minimums though. If necessary I could go up to 100 wands. To people who regularly buy items in bulk, what would you suggest I do in terms of acquiring these wands?
Is there a way I can get the HTML files of my ebooks?
I use the Spritzlet add-on for Chrome to read long form articles on the internet and it works really, really well for optimizing my reading time. Can the hive help me figure out how to access my e-books from Amazon in a format that I can read them via Spritz? [more inside]
posted by allkindsoftime at 12:52 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by allkindsoftime at 12:52 PM PST - 6 comments
What are the best Japanese TV shows (not anime)and how can I watch them?
Bonus points for shows about people eating Japanese food [more inside]
Body scrub without the full spa day?
I’d like to get a Korean body scrub, but don’t want to spend all day at a spa. Are there any places in NYC or Long Island that offer body scrubs completely a la carte?
Safe options for giving an indoor cat outdoor access
Landlords and reasonable people of Metafilter, would it be outrageous to request that our landlord allow us to install a fence like this in our yard? Obviously, we would pay for the fence, and would plan to have it removed when we move out. [more inside]
Securely connect
Tell me about healthy, secure patterns of attachment early in relationships! Relatedly, how do you get beyond “burn it down and run away” impulses as somebody still healing from childhood trauma? [more inside]
How can you find out if you have an active warrant?
A relative of mine is moving back to our semi-rural hometown, and he wants to apply for a driver's license after years of living in a lare city where he exclusively used public transportation or ride-sharing. The issue is that he thinks he might have a warrant out in this state for failure to pay speeding tickets he got years ago before moving away. How can he find out if he has an active warrant? [more inside]
Super Sensitive Soul Seeks 'Ssistance
I'm a super sensitive soul. I strongly dislike conflict, thinking about pain being inflicted on others, people being swindled, forgotten toys, sad looking puppies, and so forth. My sadness does not come from depression, it comes from being crazy empathetic and having the thinnest skin imaginable.
How do I cope? [more inside]
posted by Elly Vortex at 9:00 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by Elly Vortex at 9:00 AM PST - 34 comments
Career Advice For the Aging Creative
I’ve got the enviable problem of having a great job in a creative field in an industry/sport that I love for the last 15 years. I need to find something else, but, I’m having trouble leaving. Can it be my turn for some career advice? [more inside]
What questions help you with organizing and decluttering?
When you're decluttering, organizing, or prioritizing, what questions do you use? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 7:38 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by kristi at 7:38 AM PST - 37 comments
Name for a blog about rescue kitties
I am starting a blog about my kittens that I adopted from a local cat rescue organization. I need a fantastic name for said blog. [more inside]
Tips for preparing the ground for low-pain rejection
I'm a man who dates women (late-20s to mid-30s), exclusively through apps. Like everyone else, I dislike being on either side of a rejection. I can handle my own disappointment. How, though, can I be better at being the rejector? [more inside]
Cancer second opinions via telemedicine
This question is not seeking medical advice, but information about the medical system. YANMD, etc. A relative of mine was recently diagnosed with a kind of uterine cancer that has a poor prognosis. She is having surgery soon with a doctor she feels good about, who has a lot of experience with hysterectomies if not with the cancer in question, but would like a second opinion from an academic medical center that has more experience with her specific cancer. However, she is unwilling to travel to get it (I’m not sure why - perhaps just logistics due to her imminent surgery). She asked me to call my local academic center on her behalf and ask whether they do telemedicine for this, and I was not too surprised to hear a no. Does any cancer center do telemedicine for second opinions? Assume insurance is not a major issue (Medicare + broad supplemental is available and the patient is likely able to pay some out of pocket also).
There's got to be a better way to wrangle multiple displays in 2018...
Tools and tips for managing multi monitor madness please. [more inside]
posted by pipeski at 5:03 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by pipeski at 5:03 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me find some boots that don't wear out in 6 months
I often find that my shoes/boots wear out really fast at the heel. Looking for recommendations for brands/specific boots that will last a while. [more inside]
October 22
Help me prepare for my trip to Bangkok
I will be traveling to Bangkok from October 29-November 6. I'd like to enroll in STEP and put in a travel notice with my bank (Bank of America) but my uncertainty over my cell phone situation (they both want me to give them a number and I'd been thinking about picking up a temporary SIM card at the airport) have given me pause. My main concern at this point is what I should do about this phone situation (my phone is an unlocked Galaxy Note 9 by the way). [more inside]
posted by bookman117 at 10:53 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by bookman117 at 10:53 PM PST - 14 comments
How to check citations from newspapers over the Internet
I am publishing a nonfiction book, and the citations need to be checked. I know that many newspapers have online archives, but are there other ways to check citations via the Internet? [more inside]
posted by Surprised By Bees at 10:23 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Surprised By Bees at 10:23 PM PST - 7 comments
House rules for board games
What are the home rules you have for children's board/card games that make them ever so much more delightful? [more inside]
Interview tips for a job as a scientific technical editor?
I'm interviewing (first by phone) for a scientific editor position with a state climate science institute that collaborates with government agencies.
I really want to be as prepared as possible for this interview, and any that might follow. [more inside]
posted by Jennifer S. at 6:38 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Jennifer S. at 6:38 PM PST - 5 comments
Article about regrowth on a British farm
I read an article maybe a year or two back about a couple/family in England (or possibly elsewhere in the UK but I think England) who purchased a farm (?) and then let it just...grow. And now I can't find it. [more inside]
posted by annabear at 6:35 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by annabear at 6:35 PM PST - 5 comments
Looking for the unicorn of beverage coolers/mini fridges
I’m looking for a beverage cooler to go under our stairs, and Google/Amazon seem to bring me the same narrow results again and again. Two ideal qualities are capacity, and the ability to keep things like liquor and martini glasses truly cold while keeping beer and soda appropriately chilled. (But it doesn’t have to be cold enough to maintain solid ice.) Short of those ideals, I’m looking for the most reliable and most efficient unit. [more inside]
Help Me Curtain a Bathroom Window
I have a window in my small downstairs half-bathroom. Here it is along with the disgusting curtains that came with the house. I need to block the view. A bottom half-curtain would be sufficient, but I think a two piece might look better. FWIW it's an old house, a Sears kit Dutch Colonial, so I don't want to go real modern. [more inside]
Curses, banes, and maledictions
My iPhone and iPad updated and now my PDFs are missing out of iBooks. Dammit.
Is there anyway to get them back? The most recent ones will not be in the backup on my computer [more inside]
Yucky Bug ID #956968 - seriously yucky. Trigger warning.
This disgusting bug looks like a cockroach and a praying mantis had babies. Double yuck. It's about 1.25 to 1.5 inches long. Video. I'm talking about the owner of the antennae, who comes in after about 7 seconds, not the mouse looking on in disgust or the ants. I'm too disgusted to look at a bunch of pictures of gross bugs on google to find it. Hopefully some of you aren't grossed out by bugs!
how do i soundproof this railroad room
I just moved into a room with a door connecting to another bedroom. I can hear pretty much everything my roommate does. How do I DIY soundproof this thing for as cheap as possible? [more inside]
Young kid obsessed with depictions of sexualized violence in Star Wars
What's the latest child development literature on talking to young children about cultural depictions of sexualized violence? I know MeFites are smarter than average and great parents, but I'm not looking for personal anecdotes about how you handled a similar situation, or that sort of thing. I'm hoping MeFites with some background in psychology, child development, or related fields can point me to recent research on this topic. [more inside]
No More Trucks
I have just been honored with an invitation to a young man's third birthday party next week. I would love to bring a fun present but his home is severely limited in space. [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 2:04 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by Mizu at 2:04 PM PST - 30 comments
My therapist is being weird about receipts
My therapist won't put a procedure code on their itemized bill. My insurance company won't reimburse without a procedure code. What to do? [more inside]
Making new friends, for shy introverts
How do you make new friends when you freeze up every time you're in a group situation? [more inside]
Is there a UPS suitable for fish tank filter that restarts automatically
I have an old Tripp Lite UPS into which I have my aquarium filter plugged. It has worked well for many years, but it no longer has the longevity we need for our sometimes-long power outages in the Colorado Rockies. [more inside]
Why is voting so complicated? Please help me (California)
Can I change my DMV address today, use it to get a mail-in ballot today, and then change my address back after? [more inside]
posted by yueliang at 12:44 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by yueliang at 12:44 PM PST - 6 comments
Is my free-and-clear laundry detergent OK for baby?
I'm 20 weeks pregnant and the baby anxiety has already begun! I've started getting some clothing and I'm worried about our laundry detergent. I keep seeing recommendations for special baby detergent. We exclusively use "free and clear" detergents. Current detergent is All's Free & Clear, but sometimes we get the Costco or BJ's house brand. Is this OK for baby clothes? [more inside]
posted by ancient star at 10:51 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by ancient star at 10:51 AM PST - 24 comments
Unusual symbol on barge cranes
There are cranes on barges working alongside the Bay Bridge; the cranes each have some kind of metal symbol on the top of them, behind the gantry.
Here is my very crude illustration of what I'm talking about. What is that symbol/sign thing?
NB: It's a little smaller than is represented in my drawing, but definitely circle-diamond-circle, and flat black in coloring.
posted by salt grass at 10:27 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by salt grass at 10:27 AM PST - 2 comments
self-hosting?
Let's say I want to host my own website for my family photos, blog, backup storage, and also run a personal e-mail server as well. How would I go about this, maybe using AWS free tier?
Can I eat this not-so-firm tofu?
Package of Nasoya extra firm organic tofu. Not firm when opened: squishy and sticky and soft, more like scrambled eggs. Expiration date was October 17. Safe to stir-fry and eat? I never use anything but extra firm, so I don't know if this texture is just firmness error or a sign that this is not good eatin'.
posted by HeroZero at 9:26 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by HeroZero at 9:26 AM PST - 18 comments
Mouse with pressure sensitive buttons?
Are there any mice with a pressure sensitive button? In Photoshop there are settings for changing brush size based on pressure. I know that tablets are pressure sensitive, but I don't like using tablets.
Online photo contest help help help
I need an online service that will enable me to run a photo contest that is NOT tied to a particular social media and does not require an account. Private, global but a few hundred less than 1000 participants. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 8:36 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by phunniemee at 8:36 AM PST - 4 comments
luggage filter: travel backpack v.s. duffle v.s. something else?
I am getting ready for a bunch of 3-5 day, carry-on only, smart casual trips. I'm considering upgrading/changing how I carry things. I'd love to hear what AskMeFi has to say! [more inside]
Painting name opinions?
I painted a camel painting and named it Camelflage. It is the best of names. I painted a second camel painting. It needs a good name too, even if nothing can quite compare to the majesty of the first name. [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla at 8:04 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by vegartanipla at 8:04 AM PST - 42 comments
Optimizing the traffic
How would you handle these traffic lanes on my commute? It’s a bridge with three lanes. Starting, it’s one left and two rights. The one left then becomes two lefts. I need to turn left. It’s a very short light. When I start out on the far left, I’m stuck on the bridge for 30-40 minutes, at a crawl. [more inside]
Techniques journalists use to find unique angles on stories?
What are some of the techniques which journalists use to find unique angles on stories? [more inside]
Grants for individual artists
I’m working on an EP and I’ve applied for grants from the Awesome Foundation and the Club 57 fund. What are some other organizations that offer grants to individual artists who might not have a 501c3? (I live in Massachusetts and I missed the deadline for the LCC grants.)
Non-Stretchy Thin Wire?
I need to re-string my chitarra per pasta, a traditional noodle-cutting device from Abruzzo (looks like this) used to make spaghetti alla chitarra. The issue is that the wire needs to be thin in order to have good cutting properties, but it shouldn't be too stretchy or it will bend under the weight of the rolling pin rather than cutting through the dough. I don't have enough knowledge of the correct terminology or the differences between metals used in wire to figure out how to get that I want.
posted by slkinsey at 6:31 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by slkinsey at 6:31 AM PST - 10 comments
Where do you find fabrics to fall in love with?
For once, I'd like to actually fall in love with a fabric and then come up with something to make with it, rather than getting an idea for a garment and never actually finding anything I want to make it with. [more inside]
posted by cilantro at 6:12 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by cilantro at 6:12 AM PST - 9 comments
Hair 101 curriculum recs?
I have no idea how to do anything with/to my hair. I use zero products (except shampoo) and zero styling techniques. I have very fine, very thin, shoulder-length straight hair (with a few gray hairs throughout) that doesn't hold curls for very long. I also don't have the vocabulary to look for things I'd like to try. What are some websites that would teach me, step-by-step, how to do something with my hair that isn't a haircut?
(I'm an almost-40 woman, with a full-time job, a house, mortgage and two kids, so I'm looking for the holy trifecta of: cheap, fast and practical.) [more inside]
Last minute tickets to Harry Potter Tour in London?
My girlfriend and i will be in London between Oct 24 and Oct 30. She wants to go on the Harry Potter WB studio tour for her birthday, but it turns out that their tickets are sold out into 2019. Is there any way to source a pair of tickets?
October 21
NYC optometrist
Professionals of NYC, where do you go for grown-people eyeglass frames? [more inside]
Ethically making money from a hobby that's other people's full time job
I'm a potter. It's a hobby, but I'm good enough at it to sell my work for non-negligible money. How do I do this without stepping on the toes of the many people I know who do it for a living? [more inside]
Best homemade or cheapo beauty and skin care products?
I’ve spent the last few years getting into skin and haircare to treat issues I thought were untreatable. Naturally I’ve bought a lot of products, some of which work, but I have no way of currently knowing if they’re expensive because they work (i.e., high concentrates of some relatively expensive material) or just because they’re luxury products selling a lifestyle. Help me with your best, they really work, cheap (drugstore?) or homemade skin and hair products. [more inside]
You Don't Have To Keep Telling Me That, Do You?
My Aunt is dying of cancer, my dad keeps reminding me. Is this necessary? Am I being overly sensitive? Details follow. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:48 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:48 PM PST - 15 comments
Tesla owners: is it foolish to drive regular 300+ mile road trips?
I have a 20 mile round trip work commute, but take 2 road trips each month that are 300 miles there and 300 miles back (staying overnight). Is it crazy to think that I could buy a Model 3 and make that trip a "normal" one with a stop halfway to charge and an overnight charge near the hotel? Should I give up the dream and get a PHEV that will handle my daily commute all-electric but be a regular old hybrid road-trip?
posted by AgentRocket at 7:39 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by AgentRocket at 7:39 PM PST - 9 comments
Anxiety about moving, commuting, and working in San Francisco Bay Area
I'm moving to San Francisco Bay Area in the very near future. I have a job offer already, but the location, commute, work environment, etc. are making me very anxious. Do I live in an area that I don't like for a shorter commute or do I live in an area I do like and deal with a longer commute? [more inside]
posted by Thirty7Degrees at 5:21 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Thirty7Degrees at 5:21 PM PST - 24 comments
Please help me find another connector...thing.
I had this thingy, which I could use to connect my phone to either a plugged in charger "base" thing or directly to my laptop, even. Unfortunately, the one I have now is broken.
What is this called, and where can I buy another one?
Using someone else's debit card with their permission.
I was given a debit card the other day to use for large withdrawals. [more inside]
peak leaf
Hi! I'm trying to figure out the best way for a handful of adults and one baby to peep some gorgeous fall foliage this coming Saturday, starting from NYC and proceeding down to some lower part of NJ where, per this map, the foliage should be "peak." But I've never done such a trip! Wondering if any local mefites can suggest a good way to go about it - is there a good destination we should choose? A train that winds its way through some particularly nice views? Any and all suggestions deeply appreciated!
Terrified about Brexit. Is there anything practical I can do?
I am terrified about what will happen to me (and my family and friends, but I'm going to keep this question on the selfish side) after Brexit. The big fear is medicines - I rely on four different ones to keep me well. Lack of food and other essentials are obviously there as other worries, as well as longer-term issues about the economy, employment and so on. This is not irrational fear. Is there anything practical I can do, as much to deal with my fear as anything else? [more inside]
It was my bad, I really am sorry, and...how do I fix it?
I agreed to write an article for an academic journal's special issue. The article was due four months ago. I was told that all the other articles were in already. I am (and have been) about half way done. There's been no communications from the editor or special issue convenor. I am not sure what's going on and am drowning in guilt. Anyone advice or perspectives would be helpful! [more inside]
Salt Lake City to Monument Valley
I am going to be in Salt Lake City around the 7-11th November. I am busy on the 9th but free after than and can extend my stay a few days either side. I would really like to see Monument Valley, AZ. Is this possible? What would be the best way to do it, bearing in mind I don't drive? [more inside]
how to set up SMS texts that trigger a lock screen signal
How can i get my Android phone to make some sort of attention getting ploy when it's on the lock screen if a text arrives from select phone numbers and/or containing key phrases? [more inside]
Help me Find Jeans?
I have a pair of Gap girlfriend jeans that I love...help me find more jeans I will also love. [more inside]
Wtf, my knees
Part way through the night last night I woke up noting that one of my knees felt a bit swollen and didn’t like being bent the way I often bend one leg while sleeping. This morning, both knees are like this. Wtf? Should I worry? Should I treat it somehow? [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 11:51 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by olinerd at 11:51 AM PST - 7 comments
Weather station for apartment w/o balcony?
Looking for an aesthetically pleasing device to keep track of current and upcoming weather conditions. I'm convinced there are no good options for city/high-rise dwellers. Please change my mind!
First time hot tub owner questions
My wife and I just purchased a used hot tub. Looking for advice on maintainence and water treatment. [more inside]
posted by lattiboy at 11:40 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by lattiboy at 11:40 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me Mattress Pad
Looking for a cover for my mattress pad topper (1-1.5 inches thick), or alternatively, suggestions for a new topper. [more inside]
What blatantly ridiculous titles can I give myself?
I'm so tired of being asked my title when I'm dealing with sales people. Returning a faulty memory card adaptor the other day and giving my details I was asked "Miss or Mrs?" Basically "Oh you want to return this? Are you married?" How is that fucking relevant? My usual response is to hiss "Ms" but sometimes they mishear that and I see them click "Mrs" anyway, or they look slightly blank. I've decided instead to anoint myself with a different, stupid title each time they ask. Help me make a list? [more inside]
Practical dinner ideas for one fatigued person?
I have Multiple Sclerosis, and fatigue (from that and other sources) is often part of my life. When I get home from work, some days I can put something together, but other days, I am exhausted and don't eat well. What are some quick, inexpensive, and manageable ideas (both recipes and practical) for getting dinner together regularly when I feel flattened out?
Issues:
My oven isn't currently working.
I want to lose weight. [more inside]
Setting boundaries with a self-destructive drama queen
I moved to a new city about a year ago. I ended up in a social circle about 6 months ago with a girl who raised alarm bells at the time but who has become increasingly Red Alert. I’ve tried to talk to her in a caring friend way after she did some not so great stuff to me and she’s said she realizes she’s behaving badly. And after a series of recent events she done to others, I’ve decided I can’t be around her at all. I’ve never been part of group this group dynamic before and don’t know to extricate myself from this [more inside]
posted by McSockerson The Great at 4:52 AM PST - 65 comments
posted by McSockerson The Great at 4:52 AM PST - 65 comments
Looking for a short story - future setting where robber helps a woman
Years ago I read a story about a man who comes into a woman's apartment and helps her out of a blissed-out coma she's in due to an implant or something that stimulates the pleasure center of her brain. Turns out he's a robber who came in to rob her. [more inside]
posted by cats are weird at 12:41 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by cats are weird at 12:41 AM PST - 8 comments
Elegant classic unisex watch?
It may be time for a new watch soon, because my Tissot Classic Dream is hiccupping all over the place despite a new battery and two cleanings by different watchmakers. I'm tempted to just buy another of those cheap Tissots, because this thing lasted nearly nine years, but maybe something else can fit my requirements below? [more inside]
posted by I claim sanctuary at 12:29 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by I claim sanctuary at 12:29 AM PST - 11 comments
October 20
What's an IWW boss?
The IWW opens its membership to all wage/salary workers, including currently unemployed and retired workers, except for LEOs, officers of political parties, and officers of unions that don't strive to abolish the wage system. It is not open to employers. Self-employed may stay or go; employers must withdraw or get kicked out. So... what if you need to hire a plumber? [more inside]
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 9:41 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 9:41 PM PST - 14 comments
Exfoliating thighs
The skin on the back of my thighs is bumpy (from what seems like ingrown hairs) and I have a tendency to unconsciously pick at the bumps, resulting in little spots that bleed and sometimes scab or get hyperpigmented. I think exfoliating regularly will help. But what’s the best way to exfoliate the back of one’s thighs on a regular basis?
Home security systems for the 21st century
The last time we had a working alarm system in our house was 13 years ago. I know the home security system market has been revolutionized in that time, but I am getting overwhelmed with my choices. [more inside]
What do I do with a huge cat tree my cat won't use anymore?
My indoor cat was let outdoors by a well-meaning relative and got fleas. Because he was an indoor cat, he wasn't treated for fleas (fixed now!) and it took me a while to realize he had fleas. He and the cat tree and our home generally are treated now, but he changed his behavior patterns as a result and now I have an 80" tall cat tree that he doesn't use. What do I do with this thing? [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 6:49 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by jeoc at 6:49 PM PST - 13 comments
Do allergic responses DIRECTLY trigger dysphoria/anxiety?
I've dealt with allergies/asthma for most of my life as well as mental illness. So basically I'm overly sensitive to everything. But this past year I've begun to suspect that allergens may directly modulate neurotransmitter regulation associated with mood rather than simply predisposing one to a negative psychological reaction. How strong is the evidence for this? [more inside]
posted by WhitenoisE at 6:46 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by WhitenoisE at 6:46 PM PST - 13 comments
Books about ghosts/the supernatural across cultures
It's that time of the year! I am in the ghosty mood, and reading lots of spooky stories online, watching scary movies, etc. I got to wondering about how stories of the supernatural compare and vary across cultures, and thought it would be fun to find a book about that! [more inside]
posted by imalaowai at 6:09 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by imalaowai at 6:09 PM PST - 5 comments
Getting through an uncomfortable weight change or fluctuation
If you've ever recovered from disordered eating or an eating disorder and had to get through weight fluctuations and changes... what, aside from therapy, helped you get through this period? [more inside]
Vibrant, delicious, creative, vegetarian Mexican cuisine
Can you recommend an English-language cookbook for Mexican food? Not Tex-Mex, Mexican. Oh, and vegetarian, or at least with a lot of vegetables-only recipes. [more inside]
Does money help at this point in an U.S. political campaign?
I'm canvassing and even still postcarding for the midterms in the USA, but of course I'm also continuing to get endless donation requests for various campaigns. What does the money pay for this late in the game? [more inside]
Going through a gazillion life changes at once. How do I handle this?
Moved cross-country, found out there's a kid on the way, getting married, dealing with work stuff. What now? [more inside]
Un-hell-ing commute
My commute is 3-4 hrs a day. Of this, about one hour is walking/in short spells where nothing can be done. AM commute is crowded, standing room only, for about 45 mins. PM commute is sitting, same duration. How can I use this time/entertain myself/prep for the day ahead/wind down? I'd like options which can work with spotty internet and less dependence on staring at a screen, if at all possible. I like reading, music, the occasional podcast. Every single audiobook I've tried has found me dozing off. Hope me.
Changing mindset about losing money but gaining quality of life
I’ve accepted a new job with a pay bump and the cross country move. It is not the first place or job I would choose, but for an early career shift and to be closer to my partner, I’m cool with it. However my family’s money philosophy (and my family) is nagging me about money choices. How can I be firm in my decision or should I change my mindset about it? [more inside]
posted by buttonedup at 12:27 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by buttonedup at 12:27 PM PST - 20 comments
Recommend me a Caribbean vacation.
Where should I go for my first SCUBA dive? [more inside]
posted by doogan nash at 12:20 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by doogan nash at 12:20 PM PST - 4 comments
A snowy small town with a starry night sky
I am plotting a move. Researching big cities is easy, but finding out about small towns is hard. So I'm looking for advice on small towns to research and visit. Priorities: United States. 4 seasons, including snow. Community I can get involved in and get to know my neighbors -- volunteering, a mainline/progressive/queer-friendly Protestant church (ELCA/Lutheran, UCC, Episcopal, Methodist, etc.), hopefully some local arts organizations. More neighborliness, less traffic. Access to the outdoors. Dark night sky / low light pollution. Access to coldwater scuba diving a plus. [more inside]
posted by cnidaria at 11:56 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by cnidaria at 11:56 AM PST - 29 comments
What kind of car is this?
Can you help identify the make, model, and year of this car, despite the fact that it has a few scratches and dents? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 11:27 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by bondcliff at 11:27 AM PST - 11 comments
Can you change where a pop-up window opens in your browser?
I can’t believe I’m using a question for something so trivial, but: I’m an avid Pinboard user, and I use the bookmarklet to open the “save a bookmark” window. The window always opens in the lower left quadrant of my screen. I would like for it to open at the top center. Is there a way to change this? [more inside]
posted by Charity Garfein at 11:10 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Charity Garfein at 11:10 AM PST - 5 comments
soup short cuts
I'm making a lentil/veggie soup, right now as I type, kind of riffing off a recipe. I want to add sweet potatoes though it's not in the recipe. To save time I want to use the frozen sweet potatoes and/or butternut squash I have (Cascadian farms). I do not have a microwave. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 11:04 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by nantucket at 11:04 AM PST - 6 comments
Vegan recipes 2018
I’ve been eating vegan before 6pm to try and lose 10 lbs. I’m looking for tasty, easy vegan recipes that don’t contain 50 ingredients. Vegans of meta filter, what are your all time favorite recipes ? OR, what’s your go-to weeknight supper?
Oh Brother! Brother HL-5370DW printer worth keeping?
We have a Brother HL-5370DW printer at work that has needed a new drum for ages. Currently it sits under someone's desk and isn't used. Should we plunk out the money to do this and start using it? [more inside]
Negotiating pay and benefits: newbie edition
I've been offered my first full-time job and am not sure what to ask for in terms of pay and benefits. Help please? [more inside]
The gift of a tree
As discussed in MetaTalk, what would it actually take to ship a 200-foot Douglas fir from the Pacific Northwest to the UK? By what means would it ship, what would the time frame be, and how much would it cost? Is it possible? Please provide a quote for this ASAP. [more inside]
posted by limeonaire at 7:06 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by limeonaire at 7:06 AM PST - 17 comments
Super Skinny With A Gut That I Can't Shed. Help?
I am very skinny - thin wrists and skinny legs with a gut. What can I do? [more inside]
Songs for resilience in the face of depression
Please help me find more songs like Ryn Weaver's "Reasons Not To Die." I'm looking for songs about resilience, thankfulness, humor, and love when dealing with depression. [more inside]
posted by cr_joe at 6:20 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by cr_joe at 6:20 AM PST - 20 comments
What’s nice after cataract surgery?
Healthy and active female relative in early seventies is having laser outpatient surgery on one eye at a time for cataracts. First op is this week and I would like to get or do whatever might make things more comfortable. I am fully available to assist with tasks and I can throw a few quid at something that might make life easier or more pleasant around this time.
posted by Iteki at 5:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Iteki at 5:47 AM PST - 11 comments
Virus protection on a Mac: ClamXAV or ???
I've been using ClamXAV on my Mac for several years, and it seems to have done a fine job so far. With their recent move to a subscription model, it seems like a good time to review my choice of anti-virus. Part of my original decision to use it was that it was a one-off purchase, if I'm going to be paying ongoing I'd like to be sure there isn't something of comparable/cheaper price that's as effective/more effective. What are you folks using to protect your Macs?
Best London bra-fitter for odd sizes?
Hello! I am looking for a London bra fitter for my fairly unique bra size. Some plus-size women carry all their weight in their boobs; I seem to carry it in my ribcage. (I'm size 16-18 UK. ) I also have narrow shoulders. Finding the proper band size/cup size combo is a nightmare; throw in "must cater to shoulders narrower than a rugby player's" and it's nigh impossible. I am willing to spend a lot to get something that is comfortable and looks good. Please give me your recommendations...other than Bravissimo, who I understand are wonderful but don't go below a D cup.
posted by rednikki at 12:41 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by rednikki at 12:41 AM PST - 13 comments
October 19
Extra heavy-duty, coarse-weave Alpaca sweaters
A company (with no web site) comes to campus every year selling these -- and just like clockwork I hear about it a day late. These are SERIOUS rugged sweaters, like woolen armor. I imagine Sherpas wearing these. Heavy, dense, warm, and (admittedly) pricey... maybe $100-300 bucks easy. But when I search online, I'm buried by "promoted" sites, hawking inferior crap. Light-weight cardigans and cheap pullovers. I've found a few that get closer, but nothing really comes near to the to the serious sweaters I've seen from this annual sale on campus.
posted by RavinDave at 11:37 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by RavinDave at 11:37 PM PST - 13 comments
Poking extra holes in myself in Scotland
Is there a reputable piercing studio in Edinburgh where you'd feel comfortable getting a VCH or triangle piercing? Elayne Angel's list of recommended piercers is US-centric (the only one in the UK is in Camden), and I'm having trouble finding solid information or reviews online that recommend a skilled, experienced piercer in Edinburgh, much less one I'd let near my tender bits with a sharp thing. [more inside]
New city and relocation woes
Looking for strategies to fall in love with / or just be okay with living in a city when . . . you miss and want to live in another place. [more inside]
Sex & jock itch
I am a woman whose new male partner has been dealing with jock itch (or another fungal condition) off and on for most of the last year, but who is currently asymptomatic. His last symptoms were 10 days ago. Should I have sex with him? If you're a woman whose partner has dealt with chronic jock itch, did you get it? Or, if you're a man who has had it, have you passed it to a partner? I know it can be passed to a sexual partner; my question is more about 1) the specifics of this situation and 2) your personal experience with it.
Why does this question matter?
Academics, what was it like for you to go to a conference outside of your main disciplinary field? [more inside]
posted by umbú at 9:07 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by umbú at 9:07 PM PST - 8 comments
how does one just never get used to it, whatever it is?
The pattern I'm used to with unfortunate circumstances is, one complains about it for a while, then one figures out ways to work around it, then one gets used to it. My wife does not do this. Three are some relatively minor things she appears to be bizarrely unable to accept. I don't understand why, and she doesn't understand how I don't understand. If you also have things you cannot get used to, and you do understand why, can you explain it to me? [more inside]
Which tweet did they favorite?
I met someone great last year (via twitter), because I looked at their profile after they favorited a tweet of mine. We're both trying to figure out what it is, but can't remember! Is there a faster way to see which of my tweets they've favorited, beyond manually scrolling through their list of favs?
The instant regret of indulgence
Is there a term for the subtle and nagging regret that you feel after having a couple too many bites of something delectable? Made-up terms are acceptable.
posted by zennie at 7:25 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by zennie at 7:25 PM PST - 14 comments
Who Made This Wine Glass?
Just like the title says--who manufactured this wine glass, and where can I get more? (Alternatively, suggestions for a similar or better glass at a reasonable price point.) [more inside]
First person/survivor accounts of HIV/AIDS in gay community
I’m seeking published first-person accounts from the 1980s—2000s from survivors or witnesses or caregivers during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, especially in the gay community. Any links are appreciated!
How to Toddler
Looking for funny articles about or descriptions of the way toddlers go about everyday activities like eating, bathing, dressing, going to sleep, etc. [more inside]
posted by Miss Viola Swamp at 5:35 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Miss Viola Swamp at 5:35 PM PST - 12 comments
How do I turn off my PTAC heat?
How do I stop the heat coming out of my McQuay through the wall HVAC system? [more inside]
Do I have a Delta rap sheet?
I fly to/from work on Delta airlines a few times a month. I’m usually just a normal traveler, albeit tired and just wanting to get where I need to go. I usually sit in First Class or Economy Comfort, and almost always bring a small gift of candy for the flight attendants to share. I consider myself pretty well-behaved...I keep my body in my own seat, I don’t hog the armrests or overhead bin space, and I never remove my shoes. [more inside]
posted by jen14221 at 4:48 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by jen14221 at 4:48 PM PST - 7 comments
Bass gig bag like the Gator Slinger?
Gator appears to have discontinued their Slinger line of gig bags. I'm looking for a bass gig bag with a Slinger-style strap (crossbody, wide, clips in front). Does anybody make these now? Vendor must ship to an APO address. [more inside]
Obtain Financial Records for 501c Too Small to File Form 990
My google-fu is failing me at finding how to request and obtain financial information (money taken in from donations / money spent on ??) from a 501C-3 that does not have enough revenue to have to file an IRS Form 990. Is this possible? Thank you.
posted by Shane at 2:27 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Shane at 2:27 PM PST - 6 comments
I want to be alone
I don't want my friend to sleep on the street, but I don't want him to sleep on my couch. Details below... [more inside]
posted by ambulocetus at 1:38 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by ambulocetus at 1:38 PM PST - 10 comments
How do I keep cats off the balcony railing?
I am moving into a 4th floor apartment with a balcony and no screen doors. How can I keep my cats from plummeting to their deaths while still allowing fresh air into the apartment? The balcony doors are the only windows.
Where to read on NYC on a Friday night
I'm in New York City. I want to go and read somewhere tonight (Friday), that is not a Starbucks, open until at least 10 pm or even midnight, where I can sit in a comfortable couch/chair/sofa and order refreshments (coffee, tea, alcohol, light snacks). [more inside]
Food to slow a warming planet
Is it better for your carbon footprint to go fully vegetarian but keep eating dairy, or to keep eating meat but drop beef and dairy? [more inside]
I need quotes for my People’s Vote Brexit march sign!
As I am short on ideas, suggestions are cordially invited for a suitably pithy quote to go on the sign I'm going to carry on tomorrows Stop BrexitPeople’s Vote March.
posted by pharm at 12:11 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by pharm at 12:11 PM PST - 2 comments
I want to read a book about the Voyager Record
I was looking through a gallery of the images sent from Earth on the Voyager Record and it took my breath away. I'd love to read a book that talked about the history of the Record- how they picked the images, what each image is, explanations of everything- and if it talked about the audio choices and stuff as well then that's great too. What's the best book written about the Voyager Record?
posted by DynamiteToast at 11:15 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by DynamiteToast at 11:15 AM PST - 4 comments
Help me friend with food in forty-five?
Can you help me come up with an extremely crowd-pleasing potluck dish based on what I have on hand? Difficulty level: 45 minutes to cook. [more inside]
Cleanly getting money out of an S-corp with no payroll
I am the sole shareholder of a small business set up as an S-corporation. I've been operating the business for two years, but the business hasn't been profitable enough to pay me a salary (it's been operating as an employee-less corporation.) I've decided to close the business and need to withdraw money from the business without doing anything that looks sketchy to the various taxing bodies. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 10:58 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 10:58 AM PST - 2 comments
What Casserole/Food/Gift to you bring to support your friends/family?
When your friends/family are grieving/have a new child / etc, it's tradition around here to bring cookies, or a few frozen meals or crock-pot-ready meals in bags, around and a few weeks after the event.
What do you bring? What's your favorite recipe for this? Do you expect to get your dish(s) back?
Bravecto to treat fleas on cats - has it worked for you? Is it safe?
My vet is recommending a new topical flea killer called Bravecto, which is supposed to continue working for three months after you apply it to your cat. I've never heard of Bravecto. Have you? What do you like to use to control fleas? [more inside]
posted by chromium at 10:21 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by chromium at 10:21 AM PST - 8 comments
Special Gift for Mom-to-be
One of my closer friends is having her first child in a few months. I want to get her something special, in the sense of custom order artistic-ness. Ideas? [more inside]
Some tips on pricing and sales tactics for a crafter?
I'm selling some of those fill-in-the-blank chalkboard photo props at some Christmas craft sales this year. Anyhow, I'm thinking there must be some tricks for pricing and potential customization that could tip a person over into wanting to buy? [more inside]
Best children's picture books from the last 5 years?
Looking for the best children's books for 1 to three year olds printed in the last few years.
Recommend me a good new scare
Partner and child away this weekend, so what I really want to do is scare myself with a good film from the last three years (2015 onwards).
I'm going to get IT and Get Out, so what are some other recent films that might fit the bill? I have UK Netflix too if there are any good picks on there.
October 18
Best work-safe live webcams/live streams 2018
Can you recommend any live streams/publicly viewable webcams to put on in the background while I'm working? [more inside]
Did you get that thing I sent you? Google analytics and email tracking
I'm working on a project to roll-my-own google script-powered Yet-Another-Mail-Merge. I got it working! Except for the thing they do to track email opens, bounces, etc. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 7:20 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by bleep at 7:20 PM PST - 7 comments
let's talk about chronic couch sleeping. what do?
Several points here I'd like input on:
A) Any other chronic couch sleepers out there? What's your story?
B) Is having a couch instead of a bed (as in, in your bedroom) a weird/unacceptable thing?
C) How do I handle this? [more inside]
Searching for a documentary.
Dearest MeFites, I have been searching for a documentary I saw on TV some years ago that I am hoping our hive mind might help me track down. It was about historical re-enactors in or around York, England. They had a small village in which they portrayed villagers in the Viking era. The documentary showed various technologies being employed: blacksmithing, woodworking, animal husbandry, textile crafts and so on, as people carried out their period-appropriate lifestyles. Can you point me to it? [more inside]
What's for dinner tonight?
Just don't know what's for dinner tonight. I'm housesitting and I brought over with me anything that looked like it might help make a good dinner: a pile of tomatoes, a couple small eggplants, a head of garlic, a red onion, a finger of turmeric, a can of coconut milk, a can of hominy, a half dozen new potatoes, crushed almonds, hazelnut butter, nut yeast, block of tasty cheese, single serving container of plain yogurt, butter, oil. [more inside]
posted by aniola at 6:01 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by aniola at 6:01 PM PST - 10 comments
Allergic traveller in Southeast Asia
I am allergic to All nuts, as well as peanuts. I am allergic to fish. (I am not allergic to shellfish). I am NOT allergic to their smell or even minimal contact, but I must not ingest these foods.
I carry 2 epipens with me at all times, but obviously I don’t want to deal with super-high stress at every meal. Can I travel in Vietnam? In Cambodia? In Thailand?
Thanks
posted by uans at 5:56 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by uans at 5:56 PM PST - 23 comments
How does the sick season actually start?
Three days ago, my toddler was fine. Almost overnight, he and all 14 of his daycare pals have coughs and runny noses. I know how stuff spreads once it gets into a place like that. But how does it actually get in? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 4:17 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by ficbot at 4:17 PM PST - 18 comments
Rediscovering the joy of technical work?
When I was young, I loved computing to the point I made it my career. And then came expectations, money, ambition and ruined it. I'm trying to get back into the joy of doing my work for itself, I could use some advice on how to approach this. [more inside]
Need career ideas for techie/creative type transitioning out of banking
My husband has worked in the banking industry for 12+ years, mostly as a small business loan underwriter. He's looking for a career change out of banking entirely, into a job where he can be at least somewhat creative, and work around people. He's in need of ideas. [more inside]
posted by shannonigans at 2:49 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by shannonigans at 2:49 PM PST - 7 comments
Zipped File Assistance
I've received a corrupt zipped file from a client. Is there any hope of extracting any of the files? [more inside]
posted by hydra77 at 2:46 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by hydra77 at 2:46 PM PST - 1 comment
Microsoft word for mac is suddenly driving me crazy
I am writing an article on my 2014 macbook air and I want to have a few drafts open at the same time. However, I can't keep the documents I need open all together on the same screen. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 1:54 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by nantucket at 1:54 PM PST - 2 comments
So I guess you’re going to get enlightened now...
Dear longtime friend will eventually be ordained. Looking for essays and anecdotes on absorbing this, as a lay person. [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 1:23 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by St. Peepsburg at 1:23 PM PST - 7 comments
What questions about media and the law would you like answered?
I'm the staff coordinator for a project in which law students will research media-industry questions for people. They are not lawyers and will not give legal advice, but will answer with links to relevant statutes and court decisions to let you know what the laws are. I'm trying to furnish them with questions to answer to kickstart this project. What media-related questions would you want to ask them? [more inside]
New recommendations, same old policies. Getting HPV vaccine at 27-45?
You've probably heard about the very recent changes to the CDC's HPV vaccine recommendations, now stating that people 27-45 should get the HPV vaccine as well. My insurance company (Highmark) has not changed its coverage, though, which is frustrating since I'd get the vaccine today if it were covered. They didn't seem to have any plans to change their policy, either. Has anyone here received the vaccine when they were over 26? Did you have to pay out of pocket? Any advice would be appreciated.
Mystery Bugs in Portland OR
Please help me ID these bugs for a friend. [more inside]
posted by RaeVaughn1958 at 12:34 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by RaeVaughn1958 at 12:34 PM PST - 4 comments
NYC Therapyfilter: share your reasonable and customary charges?
Help me figure out if switching insurance plans will make my care more affordable by sharing what your NYC-based insurance has been willing to pay as a reasonable and customary charge for out of network, outpatient talk therapy. More clarifying details under the cut. [more inside]
posted by socktastic at 12:22 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by socktastic at 12:22 PM PST - 6 comments
Activist Resources On De-Escalating Interactions With Police?
My maddening daughter, who's in college far from home, just called and asked "You're a lawyer, do you have anything to point me to on dealing with the police?" And on questioning it seems like she wants mostly practical tips for de-escalating interactions with the police in a confrontational activisty kind of situation (which she didn't want to talk about over the phone. I'm sure I approve generally of anything she's likely to be doing, but I'm also deeply worried.) Anyway, anyone got good online resources for her?
posted by LizardBreath at 12:01 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by LizardBreath at 12:01 PM PST - 12 comments
Appointment Book Terminology, Or: What Is Today
In American English, if I call my dentist today and schedule an appointment for November 1st, I would call November 1st my "Appointment Date."
What is the corollary term for the first of these date pairs? [more inside]
posted by baseballpajamas at 11:32 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by baseballpajamas at 11:32 AM PST - 14 comments
Backup Birthday Buddy Blues
My child just received a birthday party "invite" with about five hours notice to what seems like a party that was set up some time ago. In theory this family are some of our closest friends. But this feel like our child is being used as a seat filler because more important people canceled. It feels less like he is someone they wanted along and more like they need headcount. Am I being paranoid?
How to build a small wood gasifier stove-slash-campfire? TLUD for short.
I'm going backcountry camping in an area that doesn't allow campfires but does allow for contained fires such as you would find in a wood stove. I know there are commercial products out there as well as DIY/instructable type guides for making stoves out of things from tuna cans to soup cans to paint cans to aluminum pots. I want to hear about your first hand experience and/or empirical data or construction notes regarding best practices related to building my own. [more inside]
Stomach noises and IBS
I have IBS and my stomach often makes embarrassing noises. I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for how to stop/hide the embarrassing noises? [more inside]
Where in Vermont should my mom move?
My mom wants to move to Vermont. Any suggestions of where to look? [more inside]
Resources for remotely grieving a pet.
I'm 37 weeks pregnant and unable to attend pet grief sessions in-person right now (and likely for some time), but am looking for resources to help me process the death of my beloved 9-year-old rescue. I've heard that several vet schools offer counseling lines or pet grief lines via phone — but am unsure how to access those resources. Do you have advice or information on remote grief sessions or counseling for pet loss? Thank you.
posted by melodykramer at 9:09 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by melodykramer at 9:09 AM PST - 6 comments
Help me find a shirt
I need to find the shirt that the Saroo was wearing in Lion Movie when he arrives in Tasmania, or have it printed for ~$30. This is for Halloween. Any thoughts? [more inside]
Shoes that allow toe walking
I have bone spurs in my toes that make it painful to walk, and doctors have recommended shoes with rocker soles to reduce the pain. I’m experimenting with those and have found one that mostly works, but it’s challenging for various fit reasons, so I’d like to try some additional options. I have always been a toe walker and do not have any foot pain when walking barefoot in this way. What shoes will allow me to walk on my toes? [more inside]
posted by metasarah at 8:22 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by metasarah at 8:22 AM PST - 16 comments
Roasted Vegetables 2.0
Hooray! It's vegetable roasting season again! While I roast all kinds of veg, we mainly just eat them straight from the pan. What else can I/should I be doing with them? Ideas for either jazzing them up right after roasting or using up the leftovers are appreciated. [more inside]
posted by sarajane at 7:57 AM PST - 54 comments
posted by sarajane at 7:57 AM PST - 54 comments
What should I do with this space heater?
I'm in Michigan with a broken furnace that can't be replaced for another week, so I'm using space heaters. I have one that's very old (bought at a garage sale ten years ago, so I don't know how old), and last night when I unplugged it, the plug was very hot. More below the fold. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:50 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by FencingGal at 7:50 AM PST - 11 comments
¿Do you sound out what you type?
If you're a coder, writer or journalist, somebody whose main occupation is typing words onto a screen, do you sound out everything you type, either in your head or subvocally? [more inside]
posted by signal at 7:23 AM PST - 40 comments
posted by signal at 7:23 AM PST - 40 comments
How can i incorporate my passion in my life?
I just graduated from college and am about to start working at a really good job.
However one of my biggest passions is surfing and i happen to live in a landlocked country. [more inside]
posted by Pippo.z at 7:22 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Pippo.z at 7:22 AM PST - 16 comments
Nicer kids Kylo Ren costume?
I'd like to find a kids' Kylo Ren costume that is a bit nicer than the usual cheapo Halloween costume. [more inside]
Fundraising - Good motive, Questionable legality.
My daughter's gym which is operated by a very small for profit LLC is holding a fund raiser to purchase equipment for their gym. Is this fundraising approach legal? Is it ethical? Should we support it? Is it no different than kickstarter?
More info inside... [more inside]
posted by jmsta at 7:08 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by jmsta at 7:08 AM PST - 13 comments
Commuter rail parking on North Shore
I've been taking a bus from the North Shore of Massachusetts to Boston, but I'm tired of the creepy bus driver and the bad parking situation. I'm looking into other options. What's parking like at the MBTA stations in the Newburyport and Haverhill area? [more inside]
Left Tabbouleh out overnight - is it still safe?
It's been a while since I've seen one of these questions, and I hoped I'd never have to ask one, but hey, here we are. I made a batch of tabbouleh last night. It's mainly bulgur wheat, parsley, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, orange bell pepper, and mint. I made it at like 6 PM, refrigerated it, then had some at around 10 PM and left the whole thing out overnight until about 8:30 AM this morning, so around 10.5 hours. It seems fine and smells fine. Should I toss it or eat it?
posted by Slinga at 6:53 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Slinga at 6:53 AM PST - 11 comments
Which direction does Twitter scroll? Which direction do you scroll?
I know this would be an easy question to answer but I literally don't know anyone else who uses Twitter regularly. Which direction does Twitter scroll, and how do people use it? [more inside]
posted by obtuser at 6:27 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by obtuser at 6:27 AM PST - 9 comments
How should I protect these new workboots?
I have some new work boots for winter, and I'd like to take care of the leather so that they stay waterproof and last as long as possible. [more inside]
Baking for people with nut allergies
It's getting to a festive time of year and I will be doing lots of baking in the colder months for friends and colleagues. How to approach baking when taking nut allergies into consideration? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 5:25 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Ziggy500 at 5:25 AM PST - 15 comments
October 17
Stats Filter -- Smallish Sample Size
My statistics experience is rusty.
I want to compare about 175 cities to each other. I'm not sure what is the best way to do that. [more inside]
Most Earth-friendly way to give myself diabetes
So, I drink a lot of soda. Like a lot. Like too much. A two-liter or most of a twelve-pack per day. I know that aluminum is a better recyclable in general because you can get it back to its elemental state relatively easily, whereas plastic degrades every time it cycles. However, given the amount involved, I'm curious if it would be better from an environmental standpoint to have at the end of the week only five to seven plastic bottles to recycle or forty-eight aluminum cans (plus the associated cardboard). No matter what, I intend to keep ruining my health with fizzy sugar water, but I'd like to do it with as little collateral as possible, y'know?
What is it like to be cold?
We (family of six plus a dog) are considering a move to a cold climate. I, coastal California born, have never lived anywhere where it routinely dropped below 50F. Walk me through the logistics of living in a climate where -20F is a thing. [more inside]
posted by Wavelet at 7:59 PM PST - 107 comments
posted by Wavelet at 7:59 PM PST - 107 comments
Good Bad Guys in literature
I've been in the mood for the "bad guy who becomes good," trope today, and wondered if AskMe might have some nice recommendations along those lines. I've been re-reading some Star Wars favorites from childhood which feature the trope pretty heavily, and would love more examples. Specific details below :) [more inside]
Project management software with a specific output
I work for small SaaS company, where we have a number of clients for whom we need to track project previews & launches. Typically in the range of 1-10 a week. We've worked out this spreadsheet to track this. As you can imagine this is a pain to update, but it does give us a very clear picture of upcoming workload. Is there any project management software or something else that can give me a similar output? [more inside]
Help me gear up for my first ski trip!
I'm hoping to go skiing for the first time this winter (somewhere in New England). I've been searching on Ebay for ski pants and a ski jacket. What else will I need to buy (vs. things I can rent)? Assume I have nothing super practical for doing active stuff outside. (All my winter stuff, while warm, is more about form than function. ) [more inside]
How do I get a vendor to deliver (aka, when is it time for small claims
I ordered a piece of professional equipment. In this field, there are three main suppliers of this particular hand-made item. All of them charge roughly the same, and though the designs differ, they’re all good and choosing which vendor to use is mostly a matter of preference (and perhaps distance.) The item costs around $6,000. With this item, you pay first, then they build it. The process usually takes around six to eight weeks..it’s now been almost 20... [more inside]
Where should we go in the South for a New Years mini-vacation?
Our family situation is unique: we have two biological kids (in middle school), two recently-placed foster kids (one in middle school and one in preschool with some mild special needs), and a grown woman who we know from previous foster care experience and who is essentially our daughter. She has a fiance and a 2-year-old son. I wouldn't have it any other way, but it makes a traditional new years' getaway a little tricky. We want to drive somewhere south from Chicagoland where it's quasi-warm and there's opportunities for family fun. [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket at 5:21 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by AgentRocket at 5:21 PM PST - 11 comments
Snark in vet records?
Is it normal or accepted practice for a vet to put snarky quotes the client says into the records of the animal? I had some trouble with the receptionist at my local vet and said some things that, while warranted, were snarkier than usual. At no time did I threaten or swear or anything like that. When I got the records all these comments were recorded in them. Is this accepted practice?
What is going on with my dog's daycare?
My energetic 9-year-old mutt has always loved doggie daycare and has been suddenly 'dumped' by her daycare, coincidentally right as the ownership changed. What could be going on and how, or can I, get some better answers from them about what happened? [more inside]
Fangs for resin to the challenge
Every year I make awesome "spooky" art things to send to people. This year I've outdone myself with resin fangs and pumpkins like these. Now I'm trying to figure out how to offset the shipping cost. [more inside]
Help my find my dream pair of brogues/oxfords
It's a shoe question! I would love a pair of brown dress shoes that can also survive 2-5 miles of walking per day, are formal (i.e. no "chunky" heel), and are available in a women's 7/men's 5.5/EU 38. [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 3:37 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by capricorn at 3:37 PM PST - 28 comments
Looking for Connections
As I understand it, sometimes foundations are repositories for donations from a number of sources. Those foundations then redistribute those funds to causes it supports. I'm looking for any American arts, educational or cultural foundations that receive money from Saudi Arabia?
How to prove slander when it's a whisper campaign
I was thinking recently, due to a personal and currently ongoing bullying situation at work: how can someone find out what sorts of lies and slander are being spread about them if the person doing the damage is operating with a whisper campaign sort of tactic - meaning talking to people individually behind my back. It is something I am seriously considering taking legal action over. [more inside]
Design resources for making a small urban yard more private?
Looking to landscape my backyard and want inspiration. [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 2:16 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ohsnapdragon at 2:16 PM PST - 12 comments
Causes and effects of ____?
Looking for some examples of things students can discuss potential causes and effects of in a short group activity tomorrow. Examples inside but I'm game for anything so long as students can speculate causes and effects of the occurrence. Much appreciated! [more inside]
posted by snufflepup at 1:54 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by snufflepup at 1:54 PM PST - 9 comments
Movie ID: Move the door knob on the door, open it to a new room
A friend recalls a scene from a movie or possibly tv show where a character opens a door, looks through at what's beyond, closes the door, moves the doorknob from the left side to the right side (or possible from right to left), and reopens the door (now opening as though hinges have shifted as well) to a more satisfactory place. What movie is this? [more inside]
posted by VeritableSaintOfBrevity at 1:37 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by VeritableSaintOfBrevity at 1:37 PM PST - 3 comments
Podcastifiying Audio Files
I have some audio files on my hard drive that I want to listen to on mobile. While I could import them into iTunes and play them on mobile that way (I have iTunes Match), it would be more convenient to play this particular stuff with a podcast client app. How do I most easily podcastify the files? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 12:54 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 12:54 PM PST - 5 comments
Help me help my "short" son
Because Medical Reasons, it's been confirmed that my son's growth plate is closed and he basically won't grow any taller. He's about 5'8" now, though doc says he "might" get another 1/2 inch from his spine in the coming years. He's very bummed about this. Please help me help him work through it. [more inside]
Looking for podcasts in French
Formerly fluent in French and I'd like to get back in the groove with some podcasts. Not interested in straight nightly news-type programs or anything for language learners. English language podcasts I enjoy: The Bugle (more when John was on), 99% Invisible, Planet Money, Hidden Brain. Anything you like along those lines?
Listing conference presentations on CV - stop or continue?
Mid-career scientists, do you still list conference posters and talks on your CV? Is the answer different if you're looking for a job that is less focused on research? [more inside]
LF PDF of Current Agreement and Working Rules NECA + AEC + IBEW Local 3
I'm looking for the current (Nov 2017 - 2020) version of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NEW YORK ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, INC.
and the
ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
and
LOCAL UNION NO. 3
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD
OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS, AFL-CIO. [more inside]
How to get creative with a zombie costume?
I'm low on cash and in possession of a standard issue Walmart zombie costume + duct tape + assorted items such as one might find lying around the house, like cheerios. I need ideas to level my costume game way, WAY up. [more inside]
posted by MiraK at 11:28 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by MiraK at 11:28 AM PST - 10 comments
Best approach for custom database driven Wordpress pages?
Howdy,
I'm prototyping a product and hacking it together with Wordpress. I'm basically building a directory -- but fairly large - a couple million entries, each with 50 or so fields of interesting data. Is there a plugin which can help me lay out these fields in a simple way, or is best approach to just custom develop specific templates?
Thanks in advance, Hivemind!
posted by mtstover at 11:03 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by mtstover at 11:03 AM PST - 5 comments
Keeping the Twitter under control
Twitter novice. Android user. Diverse interests.
Please recommend what you use to keep it all under control and why.
Among other things I follow several journalists in several languages both mainstream and independent and when a story breaks the same link will often appear 10 times in my feed. Boring.
I am more of a consumer than a provider preferring to aggregate information, though I do comment a bit.
I have no desire to integrate my social media usage.
So what do you suggest is the best way to filter the firehose.
posted by adamvasco at 11:01 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by adamvasco at 11:01 AM PST - 6 comments
Quiet restaurants in Portland, Oregon?
A friend and I are visiting Portland, Oregon and love food! But we both have a hard time hearing in environments where there is a lot of ambient noise. Could you recommend some quiet, moderately-priced places (say, $25ish a plate or less)? We are mid-thirties hipster types and adventurous eaters who are staying in the Southeast quadrant (Hosford-Abernethy, though we're accustomed to a bit of a commute). The internet seems to want to tell me about a lot of turkey dinners when I Google this question. Thank you!
posted by sugarbomb at 9:46 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by sugarbomb at 9:46 AM PST - 8 comments
Which cable should I be using for my new iMac and old external drive?
I just replaced my ancient iMac with a new one and much to my chagrin realized that the new computer doesn't support the old cable connection to my external hard rive (OWC Mercury Elite Al-Pro). I'm a bit flummoxed as I haven't been keeping up to date with all the new interfaces and whatnot.
Danke [more inside]
posted by cazoo at 9:42 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by cazoo at 9:42 AM PST - 7 comments
Is there a reason to stop doing what I do during sex? NSFW
Is there a reason to stop doing what I do during sex? NSFW [more inside]
Former Employer was acquired and gave me two days to review paperwork
I exercised my options at the last company I worked at. It was a pitiful small amount, so I figured why not.
Now the company has been acquired, and I got the paperwork last night. It is a 400 page document! It suggests I get a lawyer to review, but expects a response by tomorrow. [more inside]
"Fresh Dad Jokes" is kind of an oxymoron, I know, but...
I'm planning my "Dad's Chili" booth for a cookoff in a couple of weeks. I give a free (alright, obligatory) dad joke with each bowl. This is my second year doing this, so my adoring public already knows where the general keeps his armies*, what's all brown and sticky**, and whats brown and rhymes with "snoop."*** I need some new material. [more inside]
posted by cross_impact at 9:05 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by cross_impact at 9:05 AM PST - 34 comments
How to parent together
We are expecting our first child in the next month (all the yays!). We've taken the classes and read the books that covers birth and the first few weeks/months. Most of it was about taking care of their physical well being, which is great because we don't have much experience with that stuff. But we also don't have much experience with the "parenting stuff", how do we figure out what our individual styles will be like and have a conversation about it? [more inside]
Cleveland-based ADHD doctor who prescribes meds for those on Medicaid?
My adult child voluntarily stopped taking their ADD medication (Vyvanse) a month or so back due to panic attacks and anxiety. Now they are close to losing their new-ish job due to a decline in work performance, and they are very much panicking. They talked to their doctor about going back on the meds, but the doc does not want to start them up again due to the attacks/anxiety. How can my child convince their doctor to prescribe again? Or else does anyone know of ADHD specialists that take Medicaid and prescribe in the Cleveland area? [more inside]
Can you switch recruiting agencies mid-contract?
My partner is currently fulfilling a year-long contract at a government office in Boston, MA. He was placed there and is technically employed by a recruiting agency, but ever since he started he has been approached by other agencies offering him the same position for more money. Can he switch agencies? [more inside]
posted by thefang at 7:29 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by thefang at 7:29 AM PST - 9 comments
Where to stay in London — 2018 "Hipster-ish" Edition
Can you suggest a place to us to stay in London? Essentially we'd like the Bushwick of London: good food, good Tube access, not terribly touristy, not so hip that I want to murder everyone (so not Williamsburg-esque!) [more inside]
Parent near end of life - in another country
My surviving parent is near the end. They are being cared for in another country by a sibling. Due to distance, work, childcare, child's school, budget, other stuff, I can probably go to say goodbye, or go for the funeral. Both might be difficult to do. Help me think through some options and gain perspective - thank you! [more inside]
Design our visit to the Loire
My husband and I are going on a long-awaited trip to Paris, with a couple of nights in the Loire at the end. Our Paris planning is on track, but in the Loire, we're stymied by the chicken-and-egg of where to stay, how to get around, and where to go. We'd like to visit the Château de Chenonceau, and we'd like to take an easy, ~1-3 hour paddle in kayaks or a canoe. We'd rather not rent a car if we can avoid it. Can you help us figure this out? [more inside]
Two-timing watch recommendations
I recently moved very far away from my best friend. As a gift, I would like to get us matching watches that can show two different times (my time and hers). Women's watch style preferred. I've tried to google but I haven't had any luck. Do y'all have any suggestions?
October 16
Am I signing up for massive text spam?
I received a text from republicans for the upcoming election. This is just wonky to me because I've voted Democrat my entire life. I was going to write back and say "you got the wrong number, buddy" but then I was wondering if these are mass texts that are going out with an attempt to see who is responsive. Sort of like "text spam" - is this a thing? Should I not respond? And if I do respond, do you know how to say, "I vote blue" in Russian?
Swedish people: knowledge of an American poem?
If a native Swede, college-educated and around middle age, read (in English) the phrase "I sing the body," would they be likely to think of the phrase "I sing the body electric" from the Walt Whitman poem? If not, what (if anything) would be a more likely association?
Importance of keeping complete personal medical records?
If so, how to obtain? 29f, Toronto Canada, recently decided to start properly being an adult and getting my stuff in order, wondering how important it is to obtain fulsome medical records, including putting in the effort to get childhood records. Snowflakes within... [more inside]
posted by vespertinism at 9:49 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by vespertinism at 9:49 PM PST - 8 comments
Payment date pushed back three months
I am a freelance writer. I've just learned that an issue I'll be in has been pushed back a few months, which means my payment has been pushed back as well. This poses a significant hardship to me, and I'm not sure if there's anything I can do (aside from politely mention it to my editor, which I did). [more inside]
Not that kind of druid.
Iron Druid universe druid costume - OK or not? [more inside]
dns probe finished nxdomain
I have a website hosted on a basic website host with a domain (the domain and the site are under the same provider), and a small percentage of people are saying the site isn't visible to them and is returning the error "dns probe finished nxdomain". I am in contact with the provider's tech support but I was wondering until I hear back from them, what can be done to resolve this by the domain provider? [more inside]
posted by bleep at 6:53 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by bleep at 6:53 PM PST - 4 comments
I want to write a book! How do I make sure I write it?
I have an idea for a non-fiction book. I think it's a good one. Tell me authors: What do I do now? [more inside]
How can I get better at following verbal and visual directions?
I'm dismal in fitness/dance classes and always have been. My lifelong inability to follow along with someone teaching me a specific movement has been gnawing at me. I love dancing, yoga, etc but need a lot of repetition to learn any new move and find myself embarrassed and frustrated in front of a class of people watching me mess up again and again even if a move is demonstrated over and over. This happens to me in yoga classes, weightlifting, circuit training, dance classes, etc. How can I get better at following along? [more inside]
Would you still think it's delicious if it weren't Thanksgiving?
What actually delicious dishes have you had at Thanksgiving? I'm not talking about just great versions of normal Thanksgiving dishes. I'm talking about dishes that were straight-up delicious. Dishes that you would still think were delicious on any of the other 364 days of the year. And then please give me the recipes. Thank you.
Composing a Craigslist rideshare ad!
As a solo female traveler , I'd like to post an ad that doesn't specify gender in order to weed out all the unpleasant correspondence I'm likely to receive. On the other hand I WOULD like to specify only wanting to travel with a woman / couple. And I can't think of a way to both without seeming like a creep! Which would you choose? [more inside]
Help us relocate!
My husband and I would like to relocate from Canada to the US. Please assume that there are no visa issues to contend with. Could you suggest some cities we might like working and living in? [more inside]
posted by some chick at 4:54 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by some chick at 4:54 PM PST - 28 comments
Show me some studies about TCO and vehicle maintenance.
I have a disagreement with my fleet manager about vehicle maintenance. I say that the path to lowest TCO is to faithfully maintain one's vehicle according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. He says that it's to do nothing but oil changes and then repair what breaks. I have an opportunity to take my case to a higher level. Can you arm me with evidence? [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 4:19 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 4:19 PM PST - 13 comments
Please help me to be a better - or at least less judgey - friend
I think I behave like a good friend -- supportive and kind and encouraging. However I am not always that person in my head, and it's reached a distressing level. (To me -- I really hope not to anyone else.) Particularly as regards a specific friend. What advice do you have to help me be less judgemental and unreasonably annoyed by actions that don't actually affect me? [more inside]
Trying to remember a novel
I'm trying to remember a novel I read within the last ten years--I've Googled, checked all my reading lists, and nothing. Please help? [more inside]
Can hayfever be this bad?
It’s spring in Australia, yay! But I have my usual bout of hayfever, but this year it seems to be particularly bad. I’m pretty sure I had a cold last week, but that I think is resolved, but I am still left with feeling, well, really crappy and am even taking time off work. [more inside]
posted by summerinwinter at 3:10 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by summerinwinter at 3:10 PM PST - 6 comments
Monitor-induced shortness of breath: is this a thing?
Reading text on any kind of monitor (computer, phone etc.) triggers for me a physical response in which I feel physically unable to take a deep breath. Do other people get this, why does it happen and is there any way to prevent or reduce it? [more inside]
posted by zeri at 2:47 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by zeri at 2:47 PM PST - 7 comments
Help me not think too hard for an invite for a work party.
In search of theming ideas for two groups coming together as one. Think: Brady Bunch...ish. [more inside]
Hotel Cooking
I'm going to be on another extended work trip soon, and I'd like to try to eat out less and cook in the room. How should I prepare for this? [more inside]
ISO Perfect Unicorn Lounge Pants
It’s getting cooler out (finally!) and that mean I need new comfy warm lounge pants. I’ve never been happy with what I have, and I know the perfect ones are out there and MeFi can help! Specifications inside.... [more inside]
Bots pretending to be Army officials
Recently on Instagram I’ve gotten friend requests from two bots that are “impersonating” US Army officials, instead of the regular porn bots that are typically scantily clad women, and I was wondering if this was some sort of new strategy? There have only been two so far, so that definitely doesn’t make a trend, but it’s so out of the ordinary from the typical spam I get that it’s made me wonder. [more inside]
posted by gucci mane at 1:33 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by gucci mane at 1:33 PM PST - 11 comments
Your favorite kids' chemistry kit?
I recently gave my younger child four plastic test tubes in a rack, and she is going to town with kitchen ingredients. It's a joy to watch. To riff off this, my parents have asked me to pick out a chemistry experiment kit as a birthday gift for the second grader. Do you have a favorite? [more inside]
Where can I meditate in a community in New York City?
I've been doing a lot of reading (Joko Beck, Pema Chodron, Joseph Goldberg, others) and I sort of know how to try to meditate and I do try at home. But I would like to find a place where I can sit and meditate in a room with other people. In Manhattan and preferably in the West or East Village. [more inside]
New Orleans in November - public transit touring & local picks
Please tell me about touring New Orleans by public transit and name your favorite places. I am coming to New Orleans in November and have the basics down - lodging, airport transfer (hello E2!), Jazzy public transit pass, city layout and the Ignacious O'Reilly statue. I haven't visited since Katrina. [more inside]
posted by jointhedance at 12:07 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by jointhedance at 12:07 PM PST - 11 comments
Spooky spooky tunes, where are you?
I've been reading horror novels on the train to work and horror film soundtracks are improving the experience, both by enhancing the mood and blocking out competing noise. What are some you would recommend? Instrumental only, please. Only recent stuff. Preferably on Spotify for easy access. [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:01 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:01 PM PST - 26 comments
Confused about front-facing car seats
We have been lucky enough to keep our old Subaru going strong -- but how do we install a forward-facing car seat on a car without the LATCH system? Our child is growing out of the rear-facing seat. Can we install one facing forward with only the seatbelt? What is this "top tether" I keep reading about when I Google this? I'm assuming we might not have that either? Thanks!
Need more positive self talk!
How can I stay motivated and ignore the influence of my loved one? [more inside]
posted by goodsearch at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by goodsearch at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments
Anti-Brexit filter: homemade sign slogans?
I'm heading to the People's Vote march in Hyde Park this Saturday, to protest for a new referendum on Brexit. I need a devastatingly brilliant slogan to rip off for my homemade sign. Currently lacking spoons or whatever the intellectual equivalent of spoons are. Any suggestions?
posted by doornoise at 10:34 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by doornoise at 10:34 AM PST - 11 comments
Favorite sour/acid recipes
Acid is basically my favorite taste. What are people's favorite sour (esp. dinner) recipes! [more inside]
What's a father?
My dad died the day before I turned six, so I don't have much experience with fathers. I'm 33 now. What did I miss? [more inside]
posted by woodvine at 10:16 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by woodvine at 10:16 AM PST - 33 comments
Resources for Secondary Trauma?
I am looking for books, articles, and information on secondary PTSD/ vicarious trauma. Most of what I find is (rightly) geared towards primary survivors, but I would appreciate anything geared specifically to the experiencing of working with people directly impacted by severe trauma. [more inside]
Any luck getting student loan forgiveness w/ a for profit benefit corp?
I am working for a non-profit that is becoming a for profit, public benefit corporation, servicing other non-profits. Has anyone had any luck with student loan forgiveness and a benefit corp? I recall finding some info that you can still utilize it with a B corp, but now cannot find anything.
Help me find a weird animation featuring sushi violence
A year or so ago I saw a strange animated short on YouTube. Probably 3D CG. The characters were all edible items on a sushi conveyer belt, fighting a violent battle with guns and swords. I think the main character was a female salmon nigiri, who is mortally wounded in the action. I think it was untranslated, either Chinese or Japanese. I've not been able to re-find it and it's niggling at me.
posted by snarfois at 9:15 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by snarfois at 9:15 AM PST - 4 comments
Help loved one with COPD live more happily/better
Someone close to me has COPD, and it’s making her miserable. I’d like to give her presents, take her places or do stuff for her that will make her life better. (Shaker Heights, OH, if it’s important.)
Details and constraints inside. [more inside]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:15 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:15 AM PST - 7 comments
Web meeting with multi user screen share
I need to find a free web meeting website or app, Windows compatible, which will allow guests as well as the host to screen share. Prefer as simple as possible on guest side (so it would be better if they did not have to download an app ahead of time, but if necessary we can deal with it).
posted by Kriesa at 8:57 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Kriesa at 8:57 AM PST - 8 comments
Does tired of London mean tired of life?
I came to London ten years ago and it’s time to move on but I'm scared. Did you leave a big city that you once loved? How did it work out? [more inside]
I need Supercook, but different...?
Are there webites like Supercook, MyFridgeFood, or Recipe Land but for other culture's foods? The Supercook of the Indian sub-continent, or MyFridgeFood for Korean? [more inside]
Should I continue in this relationship?
Sensecheck this scenario for me please? The guy I'm seeing claims to be separated but presents a united front with his wife to their respective highly religious families. [more inside]
YouTube video preview on Twitter and Instagram?
How do I get a YouTube video to post with preview on Twitter and Instagram? [more inside]
posted by *s at 8:25 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by *s at 8:25 AM PST - 9 comments
Programming languages for technical writers
If I take a class in C#, will that give me enough knowledge to be able to write APIs and code samples in C#? [more inside]
posted by Tailkinker to-Ennien at 8:08 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Tailkinker to-Ennien at 8:08 AM PST - 3 comments
On a quest... for flavor
I've been on a quest to find a particular kind of chili oil, and I'm having a hard time pinning down exactly what terms to use to buy the right kind, or even find a recipe to make my own. [more inside]
"Green" tea packaging!
What brands of tea have completely "green" packaging? [more inside]
posted by lucy.jakobs at 7:34 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by lucy.jakobs at 7:34 AM PST - 11 comments
How can I live in the US with my fiancee?
I'm a non-US citizen trying to live with my US citizen fiancee in the USA. What should I do? There are some relevant details I'll include below the fold. [more inside]
posted by insteadofapricots at 7:32 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by insteadofapricots at 7:32 AM PST - 12 comments
Land loans and mobile homes
Looking to place a mobile home on land we own and not sure whether to go super conservative or conservative. [more inside]
Plastic surgery to fill uneven shapes in bone?
I want to know if this is a reasonable cosmetic / plastic surgery request. [more inside]
Schools in Cambridge, MA
We may be moving to Cambridge, MA (yay!) But we would have missed the kindergarten lottery, so I'm a bit worried. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Help me look more polished
I am always feeling slightly disheveled. How can I easily make myself appear more polished? [more inside]
posted by superlibby at 6:20 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by superlibby at 6:20 AM PST - 18 comments
Inheritance issues
My family is fighting over a future inheritance issue. I don't know how to react. Help, please? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 6:12 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 6:12 AM PST - 10 comments
Kombucha: can I get a SCOBY in the Northern U.S. wintertime?
I am trying to gather interesting presents for my adult kids prior to Christmas. I want to get a SCOBY for one daughter who likes Kombucha, but since it is a living thing, I can't just order it now (I assume). I am in Minnesota and presume if I order it in December it will freeze in shipping. Perhaps there is someplace in Minnesota that has al fresco SCOBYs? Or perhaps they are more hardy than I imagine? I eagerly await the answers to all my Kombucha Kwestions.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 6:06 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 6:06 AM PST - 8 comments
October 15
Buying via mail from Craigslist - insane?
I found some car parts on Craigslist, the only problem is they're about 1000 miles away. What can I do to not get scammed? [more inside]
A compendium of Psychic Energy?
There are a lot of different models for "Psychic Energy". Auras, Ki, the mood of an audience or just someone being a downer all get that description. I’m looking for a book or other resource that breaks out the various forms and talks some about how they fit (or don’t) with the context they arise in.
Skeptical, non-skeptical, anthropological... I’ll take whatever I can find. Thanks.
Find me the grapefruit cough drops Daiso discontinued (or a substitute)
Daiso no longer sells "Grapefruit Cough Drops." Here is an image of the bag and an ingredient list. It is the best hard candy ever! Does anyone know of a source for this particular item, or a similarly real tasting grapefruit-flavored candy? Torie & Howard's Pink Grapefruit & Tupelo Honey candies are okay, but they're expensive, come in a wasteful metal tin and have an annoying nubby texture, while the discontinued candies are smooth. Please hope me!
posted by Scram at 8:53 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Scram at 8:53 PM PST - 10 comments
Legal structures for a four-person partnership?
I’m researching what legal structure to use for starting a business with other people. We are in California. We may move to another state within the next couple of years. The business is service-based and we would also like to accept donations. [more inside]
Can you help me talk myself into separating from a toxic partnership?
I'm ambivalent for no good reason. We really need to separate at a minimum, but I am struggling with waffling which is not helping matters. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 6:03 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by crunchy potato at 6:03 PM PST - 32 comments
My phone is auto-answering spam calls. Please help!
I got a new Pixel 2 this summer (Android 9), and have TrueCaller installed to block spam. I set both the native phone settings and/or TrueCaller to block calls from my area code, which is where a) I no longer live, and b) most of my spam calls come from. Somehow, the phone now answers up those (and only those!) calls on its own. I know I need to not answer those calls, but how? [more inside]
staining lip balm. I want it.
This is one of those "recommend a product within these parameters" questions. I have a couple of these wet n wild lip balm stains. I love this product, but need more colors, as they only have one color that works on me, and this product isn't easy to find in stores near me anyway. Recommend me other lip products that (1) apply straight on, not with a wand (2) don't feel sticky on (3) feel like lip balm/sheer lipstick, ie are not drying, and are relatively forgiving in the application but do (4) leave a decently long lasting stain of color. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:01 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:01 PM PST - 27 comments
Is there a word for the need to have a connection to the outside world?
For years I've been unable to sleep without having some sort of music / TV on in the background at a "low murmur". It can't just be an MP3 playlist - it has to be a radio feed, NPR or BBC stream, or even The Weather Channel on TV. It has to be semi-live, something that would be interrupted or updated if there were a disaster or national emergency, etc. Something that lets me know the "outside world" is still there. Is there a name or formal description of this condition? [more inside]
Suggestions on how to smooth out SSL certificate renewal process?
I've just taken a job at a web design company where I am responsible for renewing SSL certificates for quite a few domains every month. What is a good workflow for making the process smoother and more efficient? [more inside]
Quiet Restaurant in Owings Mills, MD
I'm helping my mother find a restaurant that meets the following criteria: located in Owings Mills, MD, open for lunch on Tuesday, quiet or has a private room available for about 10 or so people (several of whom are hard of hearing). [more inside]
Where in Seattle can I stay to walk everywhere?
I haven't driven a car in years and would rather not start up again in a foreign state. [more inside]
How to update corporate Facebook page automatically?
Staff members make updates to our public web site through a WYSIWYG editor. Some of these should automatically appear as Facebook posts. Is this even possible anymore? If so, how? If not, what is the best alternative? [more inside]
posted by nirblegee at 12:27 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by nirblegee at 12:27 PM PST - 6 comments
Trip to Juneau, AK for novel research! Writers & locals please help.
I'm going to be in Juneau, Alaska for two and a half days in the near future, and need some help getting the most out of my trip! I've written a first draft of a novel set in post-apocalyptic Juneau, and really want to get a sense of the place, the culture, and the history that I haven't been able to get through reading and googling. [more inside]
posted by bridgebury at 11:41 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by bridgebury at 11:41 AM PST - 9 comments
I think I'm agender or something, but what's the point of that?
First of all, I really don't mean to be disrespectful of anyone else's experience with my thoughts here. It's one of those things where my doubts about being "valid" only apply to me, not anyone else. Rather, I'd love to hear from people who have felt this way, or can recommend resources for me, because I am having a hard time wrapping my head around my own gender issues. [more inside]
What to do on my porch that isn't drinking a beer and having a smoke?
I quit smoking, yay! I'm not going to drink for a few months so that I won't slip back into smoking, another yay! Buuutttt, the weather has finally turned nice in Florida and my favorite thing to do is sit on the deck of my front porch and drink beer and smoke cigarettes. What can I do on the porch to enjoy the weather instead of my formerly favorite things? [more inside]
posted by onebyone at 10:01 AM PST - 48 comments
posted by onebyone at 10:01 AM PST - 48 comments
Looking for info about the "Kamloops (Tk'emlúps?) Eight"
My family vacationed in the Canadian Rockies back in May, and we took part of the trip via train. On the way into Kamloops, British Columbia one of the guides talked about First Nations people's involvement in one of the World Wars. She told a story where soldiers from Kamloops would sneak into enemy camps at night to count soldiers and get intel. I think she referred to them as the "Kamloops Eight" (Tk'emlúps eight?)
Assuming I'm not completely mis-remembering the details, does anyone know where I can read more about this story? [more inside]
Does a 100% abnormal sperm morphology preclude pregnancy?
My son and his wife have just had the results of a semen analysis, and my son has a 100% abnormal sperm morphology. Everything else about the analysis was normal. They are very upset and if possible, I'd like to be able to tell them there is some reasonable hope of conceiving children. [more inside]
posted by angiep at 8:56 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by angiep at 8:56 AM PST - 11 comments
Beginner knitter wants to do three color scarf. Help?
I'd like to do a scarf with three colors because I like them together and I often wear them together, so I think it would be a nice, unifying item (black, brown, and white-like a calico cat).
Plus it would fun and challenging. But I don't know how! [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:54 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:54 AM PST - 17 comments
What is this old collegiate plaque?
This plaque was my partner's grandfather's. Can you identify it?
He went to Wesleyan University in Connecticut - a bit before WW2, I think. This may be the crest of some society - maybe academic, maybe fraternity, I have no idea. Can the hivemind help identify it? Thanks!
posted by entropone at 8:35 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by entropone at 8:35 AM PST - 5 comments
Best short audiobooks for a drive on the shorter side of longish.
I have a trip coming up that'll bring approximately 4 total hours of driving into my life. I'm seeking recommendations for audiobooks of approximately the same length. The only constraint is that it MUST BE AVAILABLE on Audiobook CD (not downloadable audiobook) from the Chicago Public Library. [more inside]
Can someone read these two early modern Greek words for me?
Hiya!
I cannot read Greek. I would really (reallyreally) like to know what the two Greek words in this passage from a 1576 English book say, both as an English translation, and as a transliteration into an easily typable (so Latin, I guess?) script. Context and more pics within! [more inside]
posted by Dorinda at 8:09 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Dorinda at 8:09 AM PST - 9 comments
How should New Yorkers counter recent white nationalism and fascism?
We have had recent public displays of white nationalism/fascism-lite in New York City. What are good ways to respond to and counter this, from the small to the big? [more inside]
I'm not convinced that this brochure site needs eleven subsystems
I'm a LAMP developer. Lately, the entire dev world seems to be going bananas for microservice architectures – and people seem positively mystified to learn that I still build old-school monoliths. I don't get it. Help? [more inside]
How to handle calendar invites when I have multiple accounts?
I get a lot of calendar invites in my work. They don't work well because I have multiple email addresses and accounts. My primary calendar is a google calendar, attached to an account that I don't want to make public. My primary email is not a gmail email. Is there a way to make all this work? [more inside]
Flower Delivery at the Workplace
My wife has a relatively new job working the front desk of a financial advisory firm. Can I send her flowers at work? This vaguely feels like one of those "if you have to ask..." situations, but c'mon, flowers! [more inside]
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 7:35 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 7:35 AM PST - 19 comments
Shipping personal goods to Germany
I'm shipping 10 boxes of personal belongings from the US to Germany via USPS. I talked to people at the post office, but I'm still confused about some details. [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 7:00 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 7:00 AM PST - 7 comments
Superlatives
I like to flirt with the woman I'm dating by texting things like "I look forward to once again bathing in the radiance of your charm and beauty." (I don't know where I heard this first, but doesn't matter).
Please give me other such superlatives to show that I am looking forward to seeing her.
Does someone really have my new password already?
About a month ago, I got a critical security alert from google saying that someone had tried to log in to my gmail account with my password. I changed the password immediately to a unique password that I have never used anywhere else. In the last week, however, I have gotten three more critical security alerts saying that someone is trying to log in with my password, presumably meaning the new one. [more inside]
Is the movie "First Man" worth seeing in IMAX?
The title says it all. IMAX is more expensive and further away, so is there anything about the film makes IMAX worth those headaches?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 3:15 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 3:15 AM PST - 4 comments
Looking for a particular record in London.
I'm going to be in London for a few days later this week, and there's one vinyl record in particular I'm hoping to be able to find. I don't want to spend a good chunk of my limited time running all over the city in what might be a vain search, so I'm wondering if anyone could recommend a shop that might be more likely than others to have it. [more inside]
October 14
Clearly, I don't know how to use my scientific calculator
This is driving me bananas. I'm using inverse tan (tan-1). My opposite leg is 0.5 and my adjacent leg is 1.5. So tanϴ= 0.5/1.5 -- which means ϴ=18.43.
So why, when I enter 0.5 ÷ 1.5 and then hit tan -1, do I get 0.3217? [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 6:42 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by tzikeh at 6:42 PM PST - 4 comments
So-bad-they're-good movies (80s-90s preferred)
My partner and I (old-ish millenials) are on a bad-movie kick while waiting for the new MST3K season, and I thought AskMe might have some good recommendations for us. Films from the 80s-90s tend to be our favourites, but we're open to other eras if they're really worth it (we've already seen The Room and Rubber, for example). Our criteria and previous likes/dislikes below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Paper rabies at 6:35 PM PST - 94 comments
posted by Paper rabies at 6:35 PM PST - 94 comments
Difference between old and new bricks
Our contractor wants us to pay 2x as much for old (pre 1970s) rather than new bricks for aesthetics. What if anything is different about old bricks from the bricks I can buy by the pallet at Home Depot and is there any reason I should care? This is for a small patio for a 100 year old home and we do like the look of aged vs brick red bricks.
Best non-iron shirt in 2018
What is the best non-iron shirt in 2018? I have previously purchased Brooks Brothers shirts, based on a recommendation from Metafilter several years ago. I have been purchasing these, but noticed a drop in quality in recent years. They don't last. They rip after a year or two of use [more inside]
posted by metasunday at 5:42 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by metasunday at 5:42 PM PST - 8 comments
Stye on inner eyelid?
I've had persistent, annoying styes on my lower, outer eyelids before, but yesterday I woke up with a stye on my inner, upper eyelid. It's very tiny right now but it's pretty sore and even blinking feels a bit ouchy sometimes. The reading I've been doing about inner eyelid styes is distressing and I'm hoping some of you can tell me about your experience with these little devils. [more inside]
Is this phishing
I received an email today that says:
"This email has been sent to you because the sign-in ID (Email address) for the relevant Sony Entertainment Network account has been changed. If you did not change your sign-in ID, please contact Customer Support at the following address:"
The URL given looks authentic. The problem is that I don't have a Sony account and never have. [more inside]
Instant messaging -- what's out there besides Discord and Skype?
Looking for a super-slim instant messaging application for Windows, suitable for a tiny broadcast operation. It only needs to support 2 users. Skype and Discord will not work for this. [more inside]
Science or Not?
Who is qualified to conduct clinical trials? What are clinical trials? [more inside]
posted by loveandhappiness at 2:10 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by loveandhappiness at 2:10 PM PST - 8 comments
Scratchpad App for Mac
Need a scratchpad solution for jotting super temporary text on a Mac (an email address someone dictates over phone, a clot of text copied from Safari to be cleaned up before cut/pasting into a Calendar entry, etc.). Stuff that won't be saved, doesn't need to be catalogued or tagged or synched or searched. Simple and ergonomic, going in and out (don't ask me if I want to save, etc.) [more inside]
Where's the teachable moment in this math problem?
I am a long-term substitute teacher filling in for someone on maternity leave in a precalculus classroom. Last week I gave the first test of the marking period, which included a question on finding the intersections of a line with a circle. One of the students had an interesting alternate answer. [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 12:24 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 12:24 PM PST - 13 comments
What should I do if an abuser gets violent after I cut him off?
Alright, so I'll just be frank with this. The abuser is my older brother and I have tried to make it clear that I don't want anything to do with him but he doesn't seem to get it and thinks that just by showing "affection" everything is alright between me and him. [more inside]
Pescetarian - but hold the dairy?
I know that the modern livestock industry is unsustainable, which is why I follow a pescetarian diet. But if we all stopped eating the animals themselves, and just continued to eat dairy at our current levels, would this still be an unsustainable diet? [more inside]
posted by facehugger at 11:34 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by facehugger at 11:34 AM PST - 10 comments
Grew up here, not allowed to work...what to do?
My friend "Anna" is twenty-two and in college. She was brought to the US from India (legally) when she was ten years old and has not been back there since, but neither she nor her parents are citizens. Her parents live across the country now and give her barely enough money to survive, but we all know about college's hidden expenses and she's not allowed to work on her student visa (campus jobs are unavailable). Now she's at her breaking point emotionally and therapy only helps so much. What can she or anyone do? [more inside]
How do I download a full website onto my computer for offline viewing?
I am looking at a website and I need to download a copy on my computer so I can turn off the interview and view the full contents. The website has multiple pages - pictures and text. I have both a mac and a pc. What is the easiest way to do this?
How to encourage children to use a minority language?
Does anyone have any tips, tools, or strategies for changing a child’s attitude to a minority language? [more inside]
posted by Grinder at 7:56 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Grinder at 7:56 AM PST - 17 comments
Kid wants to build an app... how?
My 10-year-old wants to build her dad a racing game app for Christmas. What is the best way to do this?
She doesn’t want to long-hand code, if possible.
She wants to make it personalized to him. This would not be a commercial venture.
Can you recommend an app building tool or something else that can enable her goal?
Thanks!
Mixed signals from shy guy, what do you think?
Posted prematurely the other day, still a little confused and would appreciate advice! [more inside]
Help me track custom personal health data (my own)
I currently track my blood sugar (iHealth, MySugr) and period info (Clue) and I'm trying out an intermittent fasting approach to managing my t2 diabetes. I would like an easy way to put all this data together so I can try to correlate it all in a glance. Looking for ideas - apps (iOS) or roll-your-own approaches OK if not too technical. [more inside]
All aboard ... for anywhere
I drive a lot (all in NZ's South Island) servicing my jobs and doing sales. I'm normally alone so have a spare seat and room for a backpack. There's no service to connect hitchers and drivers here so I'm thinking of setting up something for myself (maybe it will expand but right now I'm just thinking about me). [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 2:58 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by unearthed at 2:58 AM PST - 5 comments
Reputable resume-writing services?
I am a recent maths/stats graduate looking for work in entry-level analysis or database management. I'd like to get my resume reworked by somebody who I can explain my specific situation to. Since there seem to be several hundred services online which do just that, can you recommend a good one? [more inside]
posted by solarion at 2:11 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by solarion at 2:11 AM PST - 5 comments
Which laptops still have a drive activity indicator light?
I need some help looking for a 14-15.6" Windows laptop with some specific requirements, which include: Easy-to-replace storage and RAM, can hold a second drive, has a number pad or dedicated Home/End/Page Up/Page Down keys, and -- maybe the most challenging aspect -- has a drive activity status light. I've found a couple of candidates; can you help me find others? More details/criteria: [more inside]
October 13
Nerves "waking up" after surgery
I had an invasive surgery two weeks ago where a few of my nerves were debrided and knocked around some. What else can I do to help my nerve pain at night to supplement my gabapentin? Lots of details behind the cut... [more inside]
Comfortable, Aesthetic Rope Bondage
like the aesthetics of rope bondage. I don’t like the restriction or things that are too tight over sensitive/painful areas of my body. Help me find some awesome patterns for my needs!? [more inside]
Help my Yelp on Apple Watch
Yelp app on Apple Watch 4 shows me nearby businesses but no star ratings or reviews. [more inside]
WI, USA: two absentee ballots in one envelope?
Spouse and I have just filled out our absentee ballots for the Wisconsin midterm election. We've put each ballot by itself into a plain envelope, signed and witnessed the certificates, and attached the appropriate certificate to the outside of each of our ballot-containing envelopes. Now, to mail the whole lot back to the city clerk, can we put both pieces in one big envelope, or do we have to put each person's ballot package in a separate big envelope?
(I suspect I'm being excessively paranoid, but one can never be too sure.)
posted by heatherlogan at 5:12 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by heatherlogan at 5:12 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me remember a quote about evil in America
I have a line or quote I once read bouncing around in my head, it was something along the lines of there being a pre-existing and long lived evil in America (or the Americas?) which was there before people (possibly it refers specifically to European settlers / “pioneers”) waiting to be discovered. I have a vague feeling this might have been from William S Burroughs. Perhaps I’ve made this all up - but it has been driving me crazy so if you can help me remember where I got this from and how exactly it was worded that would be great!
posted by nfg at 3:24 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by nfg at 3:24 PM PST - 2 comments
High wattage small appliance. What outlet strip to buy?
After turning it on, my new 1800 watt air fryer trips my dinky little outlet strip within a few minutes. What upgrade to my electrical situation do I need to make this work? [more inside]
posted by 6thsense at 2:48 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by 6thsense at 2:48 PM PST - 12 comments
Please dress me! (Within my criteria, of course)
It dawned on me yesterday that I haven't been shopping for clothing in many years, and I'm in need for new clothing that is more flattering for my shape, more adult, and maybe better quality. Unfortunately, finding clothing is one of my least favorite things and I don't even know where to start. Does anyone have suggestions for clothing to look at or brands that might suit my body type? [more inside]
Very petite, pregnant with twins, and winter is coming.
I need one or more maternity coats for my increasingly odd proportions. Where can I find such a coat? [more inside]
Adding a CCTV camera to a system without running more cable.
I have a classic issue with possibly a simple solution.
I have an 8 channel system and I would like to add one more camera.
On one side of the house I would like to mount 2 cameras where I now have one.
I only have one channel to service this side and in any case I don't want to run
another cable.
Does this simple device exist?
Thanks ! [more inside]
posted by gypsyfighter at 1:08 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by gypsyfighter at 1:08 PM PST - 5 comments
therapist in baltimore area
Looking for a therapist in the Baltimore area who has experience treating the effects of childhood trauma and has worked with addicts in recovery. [more inside]
Carfilter: Car won't start
I have a 4 year old Ford fiesta that has never given me any trouble. This morning I woke up, drove to lunch, came home, drove to get my hair cut, and when I got out of my haircut to my car to go back home, it wouldn't start. Please help me figure out why! [more inside]
posted by DynamiteToast at 11:49 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by DynamiteToast at 11:49 AM PST - 12 comments
How do I use these foraged persimmons?
There's a bunch of persimmon trees at work that are fruiting heavily; I'm inclined to forage some, but what to do with them? Ideas/recipes for food or fermented drinks, please. [more inside]
I've got a bad case of grout.
I have cracks showing up in the grout in my shower and I'm looking for advice on how to handle them. [more inside]
Canadian euro savings accounts - can they be accessed in Europe?
I am a Canadian resident but plan to spend the first half of next year in France so I'm trying to figure out how to best handle money while I'm there. I already have all the money I will need in euros, but I'm not comfortable carrying/keeping so much cash on me for a prolonged period of time. What are my options in terms of banking? [more inside]
posted by piamater at 10:05 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by piamater at 10:05 AM PST - 9 comments
Portland trip with family (toddler and prego mom edition)
We're taking a car free trip to Portland, OR next weekend. Would like advice on activities and food that can be accessed by public transportation and are good for a 34 weeks pregnant person and toddler. [more inside]
posted by toomanycurls at 10:03 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by toomanycurls at 10:03 AM PST - 8 comments
I can't draw, but can I doodle?
I really like swirly doodley images and I would really like to be able to draw my own swirly doodly images, but mine are never very good. How do I get better at swirly doodling? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 9:35 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by jacquilynne at 9:35 AM PST - 19 comments
Can I eat it?
I have a meal delivery subscription through Freshly. These are cooked meals that I only need to reheat in the microwave to prepare. My meals ship on Thursday and arrive on Friday. There was a delay and they arrived now on Saturday. I’ve been advised from the company to toss them out because they can’t guarantee freshness anymore. The numerous ice packs were almost completely frozen still and there’s also additional insulation surrounding the entire inside of the box. I’m considering eating these against the advice of the company. What would you guys do?
Knee pain and running
Is there any research supporting runners wrapping their knees to prevent pain or injury? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 8:15 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by latkes at 8:15 AM PST - 8 comments
Books in Spanish - Albuquerque or Santa Fe?
Where can I purchase books in Spanish in Albuquerque or Santa Fe? Used or new, any country, no particular specialization. [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 7:55 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by wnissen at 7:55 AM PST - 4 comments
Weird Feelings About Volunteering at a For-Profit Hospice
So I'm looking into volunteering at a hospice. I met the coordinator, she's seems great. The program seems great.
One thing that's been bothering me though...this is a for-profit hospice. Am I being overly nitpicky about where I volunteer? [more inside]
Working backwards from a PhD in ethics in AI
Say in 6-7 years, I want to do a PhD in AI ethics, basically how can we teach ethics to AIs, what ethics would AIs develop, etc. I have access to a university with a good AI research center that funds PhDs. [more inside]
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 4:03 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 4:03 AM PST - 18 comments
What to expect from a polygraph?
I asked this question. The school reported it to the police, and I am now in the middle of a police investigation I never really expected. I have been told to expect a polygraph exam as part of the process (I have already given a statement). [more inside]
Tips to donate food or money anonymously
When I am able, I have been anonymously mailing grocery gift cards to a food insecure family of three, that I am personally close with. Due to Circumstances, their mailing address has changed, which I know, but they have not told this to anyone outside of a very few close friends and even fewer relatives, if any. I have personally suggested food pantries when food topics come up, but for unknown reasons that idea has not yet taken hold, as far as I know. For the record, I have used pay-pal and zelle to send and receive money from this party for other typical reasons (think "thanks for driving, here's some gas money"), which is not anonymous. How can I continue the periodic anonymous food/food-related/cash donations to this family? I feel like there is no way to do this and remain anonymous. TIA for any tips or ideas.
How to help get out the vote without stepping outside my front door?
I want to volunteer to help elect Democrats this month. Due to both some social anxiety and a knee issue, I don't want to do the door to door thing. I've read there's ways to volunteer for campaigns that basically involve just texting people--that sounds ideal to me. How do I plug in like that? [more inside]
posted by overglow at 12:36 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by overglow at 12:36 AM PST - 14 comments
October 12
Niece, 11, wants to spend less time on 'phone
11-year-old, spending an average of 2.5 hours a day, mostly watching videos I think and mostly in the evening. She says she's doing it because she's bored and would like to cut down. We thought we would try an activity jar. We fill it with alternative activity ideas and she picks a random one when she's bored. [more inside]
Great documentaries... streaming
What are your favorite streaming documentaries about ordinary people, communities, problems? [more inside]
Does paper size matter for printing absentee ballots?
I am overseas and voting absentee in a Florida election. I was emailed a PDF ballot to print and mail. Does the size of the paper I use to print the ballot matter? I don't want to invalidate my ballot by printing on the wrong size paper. [more inside]
posted by amusebuche at 9:42 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by amusebuche at 9:42 PM PST - 3 comments
Punk personal style as an adult
I would like to explore a side of myself that I never got to experience in high school and college. I want to be a punk in glittery shoes, with blue hair and black clothes. How should I get started? [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 7:51 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by 3491again at 7:51 PM PST - 18 comments
How to (literally? metaphorically?) get rid of emotional baggage?
I was in a rather unpleasant relationship from my late teens to my mid 20s, and I think the ghost of that relationship still haunts me although it's been 6 years since it's ended. How do I deal with it in practical terms? Special snowflakes inside ... [more inside]
Quitting my job without feeling like a Judas
I'm in a situation where I may have a better job offer, but I feel like if I take it, I'd be both missing out on getting to be part of a cool organization (my current job with a new nonprofit organization) with potential and pulling the rug out from under my boss, clients, and co-workers. At the same time, it seems foolish to turn down a job that offers that when I'm perpetually worried about being able to pay my rent with what I'm bringing in. [more inside]
Softening onions already in a dish
I am making turkey shepherd’s pie. Though I cooked the diced onions at a low heat for 15+ minutes before adding the other ingredients, they still taste crunchy in the filling (which includes ground turkey, corn, peas, carrots and mushrooms). I have not yet added the mashed potato topping. How do I get the onions to become soft before putting the dish in the oven?
posted by lieber hair at 4:11 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by lieber hair at 4:11 PM PST - 8 comments
Hosting overnight guests comfortably in a one bedroom apartment
My partner and I are considering a one bedroom apartment for our next place. It’s almost 700 sq ft. If it was just myself, I wouldn’t think twice about hosting guests, but with my partner staying there, it feels more complicated. It’s just the living room and bedroom. When my mom comes, I’ll kick my partner and myself out most likely to the couch so she’ll have the bedroom. But with other guests, or if a couple comes to stay, what’s the best way to configure that? [more inside]
Treatment in Seattle area for bipolar disorder
My 41-year-old son has been undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder for the past year. The meds seem to have stopped working, but his psychiatrist won't prescribe newer meds. He has become physically and verbally abusive with his wife and child. He has taken himself out of the house and wants treatment. He needs a proper evaluation and possibly inpatient treatment. Does anyone know of good docs or places in the Seattle area?
Best option for dumb mobile phone in Canada for tech-averse cousin?
My cousin lives in Calgary and needs a mobile phone for occasions like calling taxis. She's old, not tech-savvy, and doesn't want a smart phone or any other features – just a phone. AFAIK she never leaves the city so coverage doesn't need to extend outside of that. What options can I recommend to her? [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 2:46 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by StrawberryPie at 2:46 PM PST - 5 comments
How can I step away from immediate family without physically leaving?
I've turned the other cheek for years now with my sister and mother, but I can't keep doing this anymore. Help me get out. More details inside. [more inside]
Failure to Launch
Last week, I took my youngest daughter to launch model rockets, and things did not go so well. Please help me diagnose what we did wrong. [more inside]
Creating Ad on FB to Help with Program Enrollment
Greetings All!
I am managing a new program for families experiencing housing instability and evictions. We are having a challenge getting the word out about the funding and help available with our program. Someone mentioned to me that I should look at targeted paid Facebook advertising. Does anyone know if there is a way I can have a paid target folks that are goggling 'rental assistance'.
Any help is appreciated! Thank you!
Travel tips and must-dos in Sedona?
Next weekend, I'm going on an impromptu trip to Sedona with a small group of friends. I'm very excited! Can you please share your favorite things to do in Sedona? [more inside]
Blue screen after windows update. Please help.
Hi. My wife's laptop is running windows 10. She recently applied a windows update. Her system now goes to the blue screen immediately when she boots her computer. Here are some pictures of what she sees. She's in college and needs her computer for programming assignments and midterms next week. What's the best way to fix this quickly?
What glue is safe to use to mend breadmaker paddle?
Is there a food-safe glue to mend it? [more inside]
What digital asset management app has the best UX?
What digital asset management (photos, videos) type of software has the best UX for searching and filtering and finding stuff you're looking for? [more inside]
How do I find a mentor?
I am a 35 year old person transitioning careers from the service industry into tech. I am a little over halfway through this process. I have been charting this journey alone so far, but am approaching a couple different breakpoints and believe that a mentor would be very helpful. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by lazaruslong at 10:59 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by lazaruslong at 10:59 AM PST - 11 comments
Should I let my insurance company monitor my driving?
I now have an insurance agent, apparently. While he was going over car insurance, he slipped in this thing about a dongle that plugs into the car diagnostic port and monitors for speeding above 80MPH, hard braking, late night trips, and total mileage. Should I let my new insurance company monitor our driving habits to save some money? (Given that we barely drive, it would save money.) What are the social implications - should I feel bad for making society more Orwellian if I agree to this, and does it matter? Or has the avalanche already begun anyway?
Unknown artifact ID help
My museum has been contacted by someone looking for help identifying something they purchased at a flea market in a Western state in the U.S.. You can see photos of it here.
It does not seem to be Native North American, and people have doubted it was from Europe or the Middle East. Some have thought it might be from South America. (It is also not from Easter Island apparently.)
If anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate it (contemporary art object or fake are also ok answers :-)
PhilosopherFilter: Virtue Ethics for Dummies
This past post on the blue has really resonated with me over the past few months, and I want to dig deeper into Aristotle's virtue ethics, but I know if I just buy his writings they'll sit unread on my shelf. Does anyone have recommendations for readings on the same theme/ideas, that are maybe less intimidating than the source material? My last philosophical exposure was about a decade ago in a Phil101 class. Thank you!
posted by matrixclown at 10:17 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by matrixclown at 10:17 AM PST - 5 comments
Can I get into an OK grad school?
I've always wanted to get a Master's or PHD degree in Education or the humanities. But I'm worried that my poor academic record will stop me - after a decade long undergraduate career that included plenty of failed classes, I came out with a 2.5 GPA. More details after the jump. [more inside]
Brother's ex keeps trying to contact us after years - what to do?
My brother’s ex-girlfriend won’t stop trying to connect with him and our family. What’s the best course of action? They’ve been broken up for years and not only is he married to someone else, but so is she. The concern is I’ve always thought she was crazy and she is acting particularly crazy now. [more inside]
How to deal with renovation fatigue?
We're in the middle of a home renovation that is dragging on...and on...and on. It's no one's fault, but it's been months and the end of the project is still nowhere in sight and I'm starting to have some trouble coping with my living space being a perennial construction zone. Any survival tips from those that have been there and done that? [more inside]
posted by anderjen at 10:02 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by anderjen at 10:02 AM PST - 10 comments
WiFi extender network doesn't work on phones
We use an extender to expand our wifi coverage in our house. The extender network- which is the only one that works on one side of the house- works on our computers, but when we try to use it on our phones we can't go online, make WiFi calls etc. What on earth could be going on? [more inside]
My skin itches all over, every day, unless I take an antihistamine.
This has been going on for more than a year. The itching is mild, not extreme. There are no rashes, dryness or flaking anywhere, except a little bit in my scalp. [more inside]
posted by wutangclan at 9:01 AM PST - 40 comments
posted by wutangclan at 9:01 AM PST - 40 comments
Messy crush situation -- feeling confused and so broken-hearted
I (bi, trans male) was rejected twice by someone I had big feelings for, a classmate (gay, cis male) in our small graduate program. I am 27 but these feelings I have had/are having are so akin to a high-school crush, a first love. It is hard to deal with and I am confused by our latest interactions and don't know if I should just completely forget about him or what. (Long-winded story inside.) [more inside]
posted by sevenofspades at 8:39 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by sevenofspades at 8:39 AM PST - 25 comments
US Customs in Canadian airports: rules about timing?
Is there a rule that one must clear U.S. Customs in Canadian airports some minimum time before one's scheduled departure time, even if one's flight has already been delayed? [more inside]
posted by heatherlogan at 8:16 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by heatherlogan at 8:16 AM PST - 8 comments
Conference Calling on a Landline or Cellphone
Hi,
I am looking for a service that allows you to set up a conference call directly from a phone (rather than an application or browser). Preferably something where you can dial in, enter a code and talk. We have been struggling to find a service like this that is trustworthy and reliable. We use this about half a dozen to a dozen times a year.
Any recommendations or names of providers for a service like this? We are located in Toronto.
Name This Voters' Education Radio Show!
A few of us in the League of Women Voters are developing a radio show (and podcast), covering issues that are interesting and relevant to voters -- that is, political, legal, and civics issues. We hope to broadcast our first episode very soon, before Election Day. But before we can release anything, we need a snappy title! What should our name be? [more inside]
posted by rue72 at 7:33 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by rue72 at 7:33 AM PST - 13 comments
Adulting 101: Step up from jeans and hoodies
I've been rocking jeans and hoodies for the last 20 years. My clothes have steadily gotten nicer and more expensive, but the basic recipe hasn't changed. Where do I go from here? [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 7:30 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by aeighty at 7:30 AM PST - 13 comments
How do TVs work in 2018?
I have never in my adult life owned a television, but I might want to change that. What is the shortest path to me watching a movie on a larger-than-laptop screen? Can I go to Target, buy a TV, and plug my laptop into it? Do I need some other kind of device? Am I going to have to spend an hour trying to get my TV to connect to my wifi? Talk to me like I'm 85 years old and do not understand any TV technology that doesn't come with bunny ears.
We have 10 hours to help a hoarder. What's our approach?
My brother and I are in town from abroad for a few short days. We would like to help our dad begin the process of downsizing from his 4 bedroom house to a 1 bedroom apartment. This would be a daunting task for anyone, but our dad has special challenges with accumulating things--mostly books, newspaper articles, and notebook paper with notes to himself. We can only do so much with the time we have, so our goal is to help develop a process and clear next steps for him and those who can help him moving forward. [more inside]
Same old depression, new terrible flavor
I’ve dealt with depression off and on since 2010 (previously). Now, after the recent Supreme Court confirmation and concurrent retraumatization, it’s back with a vengeance. In the past, my depression has been characterized by a nonstop negative inner monologue that constantly criticized myself. This time, that’s been replaced by a nonspecific but overwhelming sense of worthlessness. I haven’t dealt with this before; maybe you have, and can help me out of it? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 12:25 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 12:25 AM PST - 33 comments
October 11
Pulling together resources for my sister post-hurricane
My sister lives in a town that was smacked awfully hard by Hurricane Michael (Lynn Haven, Florida, just North of Panama City). My mom got word from her earlier today thanks to a neighbor that found a cell signal that she and her dogs are alive and uninjured, and there's not significant damage to her house. That said, it will be several weeks or more until life there even begins to resemble any semblance of normality. What resources can I pull together from long-distance in the meantime to help the recovery process? Pertinent details for her life inside. [more inside]
Tips for De-Escalating Your Anger
Trauma survivor seeking self-soothing suggestions for how to turn down the volume on moments when I feel severe anger. Routines, mantras, insights, thoughts, the anger equivalent of fidget cubes. (Please not book recommendations ... for now.) Whatever works for you with your everyday anger, I'd like to know about it. [more inside]
Seeking ways to encourage group attendance
I am looking for ideas on how to encourage, reinforce, or incentivize attendance for my voluntary time management group. It’s been going okay, but we can do better. [more inside]
posted by dreamphone at 6:43 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by dreamphone at 6:43 PM PST - 12 comments
What if I don't want something that applies to me?
I had a gender-questioning phase. Now I have an answer. And I don't like it. How to stop being childish about that? [more inside]
posted by cage and aquarium at 6:08 PM PST - 111 comments
posted by cage and aquarium at 6:08 PM PST - 111 comments
How best to run a Windows app on Cloudready
A small non-profit, with limited IT resources, has converted most of its Windows PCs to run the ChromeOS fork Neverware. This was instead of upgrading to Win10. This is fine in many ways, except we have a mission-critical Windows-only application that we sometimes need for most users. [more inside]
posted by wilko at 5:40 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by wilko at 5:40 PM PST - 4 comments
Green tea enthusiasts, teach me your ways!
I have recently decided to start drinking green tea for the health benefits as well as to replace some of the sodas and coffees I drink throughout the day. [more inside]
How to ask a friend out
I have a crush on a new friend of mine and want to figure out if it’s reciprocated without jeopardizing our friendship. [more inside]
posted by armadillo1224 at 3:56 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by armadillo1224 at 3:56 PM PST - 17 comments
Sculpey left in oven - maybe
I’m a school librarian. I may or may not have left a toaster oven on at 215F on in my office with a one inch piece of polymer (scupper) clay inside, baking, around 11:45. I cannot remember if I turned it off. If it’s stull turned on, what are my chances that it will still be fine overnight and not catch fire or explode? There’s a limited custodial staff there at night but I have no way to get in touch, and my badge won’t get me into the building this late. Plus it’s forty minutes each way. Thoughts???
posted by firei at 3:03 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by firei at 3:03 PM PST - 15 comments
Need more feel good fiction
I grabbed Becky Chambers' first book based on a recommendation I saw here. Then I read her other two books at warp speed. Until she writes more, it's time to move on. Where do I go next? [more inside]
Super simple query of google sheets on a simple html page
I have a question about womping up something that mimics a database using a simple website-builder website & google sheets. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by bleep at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments
I need help with a pair of trigonometry problems.
I'm making these workbench type sawhorses in two different different heights. I want one pair of sawhorses to be exactly 36 inches tall and the other pair of sawhorses to be exactly 30 inches tall (without the plywood tops). The problem is that the legs splay out at a 5 degree angle, so I don't know how long to make them. [more inside]
posted by Daddy-O at 2:09 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Daddy-O at 2:09 PM PST - 15 comments
Help a lifelong Mac user transition to Windows.
I've never used a PC outside of work which only consisted of light internet browsing to waste time, Excel, Outlook, and that's about it. Help. [more inside]
posted by MNMCSOJGPFTAATMOTTSOITATTMSFMVOOW at 1:55 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by MNMCSOJGPFTAATMOTTSOITATTMSFMVOOW at 1:55 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me find a stereo speaker
This is such a simple question. I need a pair of low priced stereo speakers, under $400 the pair, for home use with an amplifier/reciever. It's impossible to sort through the (non)information on line to try to find what I want. I listen to classical music, not loud. I want clear natural sound. Does anyone have any suggestions? I sure would appreciate it. Remember the old days when you could go into a stereo store and actually listen to the different equipment that was available? Thanks.
Ping! Sync!
Please explain this computer-guy in-joke (?) circa 1998. [more inside]
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 1:03 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 1:03 PM PST - 20 comments
He wasn't a scaredy cat before!
Our wonderful tuxedo baby Crocket got a bit of a scare yesterday and now he won't come downstairs! Can you reassure me it will be all right? I'm feeling like a bad kitty mum! [more inside]
Is it possible to fix this crack in a molded refrigerator door at all?
The refrigerator that came with my flat (late 80s-early 90s vintage) has a molded interior door, and a piece of it cracked and snapped off, rendering a shelf unusable. Can it be fixed? [more inside]
Looking for a reputable copyright attorney
I used an copyright attorney through an Oregon lawyer referral service and was not satisfied with the interaction or the end result. Among other trust issues, although high fees were expected, but surprise fees were not. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 12:35 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by CollectiveMind at 12:35 PM PST - 2 comments
Vegetarian brunch ideas needed
Help me plan a brunch for four people. One's a vegetarian and eating keto-ish, and the rest of us are flexitarians. Bonus points for things that can be prepped ahead. [more inside]
Gas Range with "Natural" Knob Layout?
Does anyone make a freestanding oven/range with the knobs arranged in a “natural” layout (where the knobs are in the same arrangement as the burners)? This is a common arrangement for separate cooktops, but it doesn't seem to be possible to find in a standard 30″ gas range. Years ago, I had a glass-top electric range with staggered knobs, but I haven't been able to find even that — searching several dealers and makers has failed to turn up anything but a straight-line layout.
Vacation recommendation needed - which European city do you recommend?
I am looking ahead to next summer, and trying to figure out where to go on vacation, and leaning towards Europe. Please give me your recommendation on where we should go based on the snowflakes inside. [more inside]
SF short story about people forming ubermind to repel invaders?
I read this story in an anthology in the 70s/80s about how a group of alien/robotic invaders have easily taken over the Earth, and are ignoring the remaining population while they extract the resources they came for. (Not the prequel to Half-Life 2.) At some point, the outraged humans form a giant telepathic consciousness and give themselves up for the greater good. The consciousness uses human bodies as swarming weapons to immobilize the alien vehicles and stop their advance, finally chasing them off the planet.
Any thoughts on what that story is?
posted by sneebler at 10:33 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by sneebler at 10:33 AM PST - 6 comments
Help me find a dongle!
Desperately seeking a dongle which will allow me to pair bluetooth headphones to a device, and that I can plug into EITHER a headphone jack OR a USB port. Does this thing exist?
How to make a house disappear?
I have a very old home that probably needs to be torn down. How do I get rid of it? [more inside]
Contract law filter - National Health Service Corps repayment, breach of
A friend of mine just started his first job as a medical doctor after completing residency. He isn't from the United States and doesn't have much in the way of financial education; so although he had previously entered into a contract with the National Health Service Corps to work in primary care in a rural area, he didn't read the fine print as he didn't think it mattered. Long story short, despite essentially fulfilling the same sort of job as specified in the contract, and although he is still actively trying to make this right, they are now coming after him for what seems like a truly extortionate amount of money, and it's beginning to destroy his sanity.
Looking for advice or tips on what sort of lawyer to contact for legal advice. [more inside]
posted by Jonathan Taylor Swift at 10:04 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Jonathan Taylor Swift at 10:04 AM PST - 9 comments
Tell me your healthy, nut-free, legume-free baking recipes please!
I've been looking for healthy baking recipes, e.g. cakes, bread, snack bars with no refined sugar, no flour or other processed grains, but a lot seem to use substitutions involving almond flour or other nuts.
Needs to be nut-free and also legume-free (i.e. no peas, chickpeas or lentils). What have you got? Bonus if it actually tastes good too!
Like the Room of Requirement, but without the copyright
I need some names/synonyms/ideas for, or examples of, a small, hidden space, such as you might find below the stairs or in the back of a closet. [more inside]
Homicide/Missing Persons Investigations during Natural Disasters
How would a homicide and/or missing persons investigation be handled during a natural disaster? How does the timeline get shifted in those situations? [more inside]
Well-handled sexual harassment complaints
Have you seen, heard of, or experienced good handling of sexual harassment complaints and situations in a workplace? [more inside]
posted by spindrifter at 8:56 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by spindrifter at 8:56 AM PST - 6 comments
http hangouts font size changed! help!
This is a silly AskMeFi, but it's driving me nuts. At hangouts.google.com on chrome 69 + win 7 (no extensions, just at the web https version), I was typing and accidentally hit some combination of keystrokes that reduced the font size by several points. [more inside]
Crash course on typography
Help me find authoritative sources that will explain to people at work why it's ludicrous that we're still required to use a fixed-width font in written work, and why we should switch to a variable-width font like pretty much every other organization in the known universe. [more inside]
posted by holborne at 8:39 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by holborne at 8:39 AM PST - 11 comments
From Burbank to Claremont - things to eat and do
I'm taking my kiddo on a short weekend college-tour trip to the LA area this weekend. We are flying into Burbank and staying in Claremont.
The kid and I are both adventurous eater and we will have a car so the sky's the limit (budget is not!) Looking for breakfast and Dinner suggestions near Claremont. I'd love a good Dim Sum suggestion too. (especially one that's okay in the afternoon as our mid-mornings are filled.)
Essay about caring for the audience in performance art?
Years ago I came across an essay online by an artist, I think one who does a lot of performance art, arguing that confronting the audience with hostility was pretty tired and worn-out territory, and that caring for the audience (e.g., washing their feet) and expressing love and hospitality was the new frontier. I thought I bookmarked it but can't find it. Anyone remember this?
posted by brainwane at 7:49 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by brainwane at 7:49 AM PST - 2 comments
Christmas vacation: mid-lantic cheapskate empty-nest MY TURN version
Tips & Tricks: Italy
I'm leaving this weekend for 10 days in Italy with my mom. We're going to Rome, Florence, and Venice. I usually do exhaustive research before I go on vacation but I haven't had time. Please assume we're already doing the heavy hitters as far as museums & sights to see - but what else would you recommend? [more inside]
posted by something something at 7:24 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by something something at 7:24 AM PST - 23 comments
Name this program: legal advocates help tenants with asthma
My organization needs help coming up with a great program name. Legal advocates will go to the homes of low-income tenants with asthma and other respiratory conditions, help them get free legal help if their landlords haven't made repairs, and provide dehumidifiers and similar household items. The advocates will also help them connect to health care providers if needed. [more inside]
Dating Filter: Disclosing Adoption Plans
I decided a long time ago that if I ever became a parent it would be through adoption (or step-parenting*). I’m looking for advice on meeting and dating men as a single woman (early 40’s, big northeastern US city) when my intention is to meet someone with whom I would eventually adopt a child. Am I being smart about how I’m doing this? Any tips? [more inside]
ISO the Cliffs Notes version of an MBA
I've taken on a new role at work that requires me to be more conversant with the worlds of business and finance--especially financial markets and business/financial regulations--than I am right now. I'm Can anyone recommend a solid introductory online learning resource or book that can help me get up to speed? [more inside]
Best quality way to connect a Macbook Air to external monitor?
I want to connect my Macbook Air to another TV and want to figure out the best adaptor or cable for doing so. VGA, S-video, RCA? [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 6:54 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by andruwjones26 at 6:54 AM PST - 8 comments
Help me understand a statement about statistics, please.
I read an article yesterday about some study results being released, and the final sentence of the piece says "Instead of a margin of error, the study has an overall confidence interval of 95%." The last statistics thing I did in life was have a panic attack and only narrowly pass a stats-for-poli-sci final in grad school 12 years ago. Can someone explain this sentence to me in a way that I would understand?
posted by mccxxiii at 6:35 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by mccxxiii at 6:35 AM PST - 7 comments
A lamp that dims on its own at bedtime
Does this exist for purchase -- a lamp that goes from on to off, or to a dim "night light" level, over the course of 20-45 minutes without you personally making adjustments? Googling has found me a bulb with mixed reviews, and then a lot of dimmer switches and other manual solutions. Thanks!
How do I clean suede indoor slippers with sheepskin linings?
How to clean a pair of suede slippers with sheepskin linings without buying fancy suede or sheepskin cleaning products? [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 5:31 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by whitelotus at 5:31 AM PST - 8 comments
Powder eyeliner reccs
I want to switch to using pressed powder eyeliners. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 5:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 5:22 AM PST - 4 comments
How does one ride the stock market
I finally made an executive decision to be an adult and move a large chunk of money I've saved over the years into a taxable investment portfolio (moderate risk, ETFs and bonds). Bad month to do that! I know it's impossible to "time the market" but what do normals do in this scenario? [more inside]
Leinster rugby tips/suggestions?
On a whim I booked a ticket to Leinster Rugby match in Dublin for Friday 12. I’m going solo, but I want to maximize this experience. [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 3:32 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by sandmanwv at 3:32 AM PST - 4 comments
October 10
One day in Beijing (twice)
Thanks to long layovers, I will have most of a day in Beijing, twice, in early January. What do you recommend I do in the city in a day? [more inside]
In the beginning ...
What is the most clear and concise way to convey the earliest days of a group, when it was just starting to be planned, well before it was official? [more inside]
posted by maurreen at 10:21 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by maurreen at 10:21 PM PST - 9 comments
By week six...
I'm looking for an easy to read list or maybe infographic that breaks down what happens to my body over time if I exercise consistently. [more inside]
posted by sockermom at 10:01 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by sockermom at 10:01 PM PST - 4 comments
Whatchamacallit: Hardware store bracket/floating shelf support edition
I'm looking for a L or elbow bracket with just a very short side that is actually screwed into the wall and the long side of the L projecting out being 9-13" deep. I'd prefer not to get galvanized pipe, but that is in effect what I'm looking for (PVC would be fine). Something like this (the grey metal portion of the pic) would be ideal. I'm not sure how to find or describe this to hardware stores. I need 2-3 and I'm in California near Ace, Home Depot and Lowe's.
Queen's Birthday: George III edition
Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, was born in May, but celebrated her official birthday on January 18 as Queen of GB/the UK. Simple question: Was this date picked for a particular reason? And if so, cite please?
Duck Hunt for Xbox 1?
I work with a young man who loves the FPS games in arcades, but does not have the ability to move both a player and aim a gun at the same time. Is there a game for the Xbox 1 where the player is only responsible for shooting at targets? Bonus points if it has a gun like peripheral. [more inside]
posted by rip at 7:38 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by rip at 7:38 PM PST - 9 comments
Safe to wash new queen comforter in a stackable GE washer/dryer?
I'm getting conflicting advice online on the safety/possibility of washing a new queen-sized comforter. I have a top-loading (with agitator) stackable washer/dryer, but it's large capacity up to extra heavy/super capacity, so I'm not sure. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 6:58 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by dubious_dude at 6:58 PM PST - 11 comments
On being an easy target, part 2...
A few years ago, I wrote this question about being an easy target for people who had bullying or predatory tendencies. Now that I've actually come across another person in the workplace, it's time to work on applying those skills... [more inside]
How to transfer Mini DV tapes to Windows as painlessly as possible?
I have several Mini DV video tapes, a usb to dv cable, a Canon ZR900 camcorder and a Windows 10 PC. Is there an easy way to transfer my Mini DV tapes onto my computer? If not, is there a device I can purchase that would simplify the process? My Googling suggests that it may be difficult with Windows 10.
Hue app: gotta be a way to do this, but I don’t see it
I have a few Hue bulbs plus a Go, but I can’t see how —with the Hue app—to make a light fade back and forth between 2 diff colors.
Is this such a wild thing to want to do?
Little kids songs en español- who is the Spanish Raffi?
I'm in search of some great kids songs/albums for my kid's car ride to preschool (bilingual, English/Spanish). Raffi has been a big hit and has a couple songs in other languages, but I'm looking for someone singing fully in Spanish. Who's the Spanish-world Raffi?
Searching found me this great thread but that's for French.
Any suggestions for kids songs/albums en español?
Single again...How do I feel & stay safe living alone?
I am a newly single woman & one of the few things I am dreading about single life is feeling afraid at night. Now I wear earplugs & an eyemask every night. I am not sure I could sleep like that when I move out.
Should I be looking for a second or third floor apartment? An apartment building with buzz-in doors?
What are some things you've found that make you feel safe?
(A dog is certainly in my future but that is years away. )
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 5:35 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 5:35 PM PST - 26 comments
Range maps for crypozoological creatures
I'm in the woods in Ohio right now. It's dark, and I realized I would very much enjoy knowing if I am in the range of a Chupacabra or Jersey Devil or Michigan Dogman or similar. Does anywhere know where I can obtain range information for such creatures? It strikes me that this could be a really fun GIS mapping project.
And then there was one...cat
How do we go from two cats to one cat? [more inside]
Decembering in Japan for Non-Skier
I am going to have the opportunity to travel to Japan for 17 days this December (flying back to the states on Christmas Day).
I know next to nothing about Japan and am feeling really overwhelmed with figuring out an itinerary. Going to plan for at least 7 days in Tokyo, but what are some other places that would be lovely to check out in winter for someone who doesn't ski or snowboard? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 3:50 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by forkisbetter at 3:50 PM PST - 9 comments
How can you legally own wine before you know how much wine you need?
For a wine walk: when you are legally required to own the wine you will need before you start, but cannot risk extra unsold bottles, how do you legally draw up the purchase agreement with the winery? Some sort of blanket purchase order or is there a better way? How do you do it if so? Is this even possible? [more inside]
posted by corb at 3:47 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by corb at 3:47 PM PST - 13 comments
Have Pistachios, Will Cake
I made chocolate cake (aka sponge, not yet frosted or anything). I have a bunch of roasted, shelled pistachios. How shall I incorporate the pistachios into the cake? [more inside]
posted by meese at 2:51 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by meese at 2:51 PM PST - 9 comments
Alternative to IKEA ALVE laptop table
One of my family's favorite pieces of furniture is our IKEA ALVE laptop table, pictured here. Unfortunately we have just one table and two laptops, and the product is discontinued. Please hope us find an alternative! [more inside]
posted by tonycpsu at 2:44 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by tonycpsu at 2:44 PM PST - 8 comments
Dog Toys Under Couch
My dog keeps accidentally pushing or rolling her toys under my couch and then she barks because she can't reach them. It's driving me crazy. How to solve (besides buying a new couch)?
ENT doc rec in OC/LA area
I'm looking for a good ENT specialist located in OC/LA for the treatment of sinusitis. [more inside]
Dentists and Retainers?
15+ years after finishing childhood braces and 10 years since I last wore my upper retainer, my teeth have started shifting a bit and I'd like to correct or at least stop it. My dentist offered to make me retainer for $300. Will a dentist be able to handle this adequately, or should I really see an orthodontist? [more inside]
What are the best over-ear, wireless, great-battery-life headphones?
What are the best over-ear wireless headphones with a great battery life for less than $350? [more inside]
OSX Video editing - light duty
Lightweight video cropping software for OSX needed. [more inside]
Roots touch up
Best solution out there for frequent root touch ups for dyed hair? There are so many options and I don't know where to start. [more inside]
"Go to school. Learn a little. Live dangerously." Where?
I recall seeing a movie poster in the 1980s that quoted Alexander Pope's line from An Essay on Criticism, "A little learning is a dangerous thing," and then followed it up with a catchphrase or slogan: "Go to school. Learn a little. Live dangerously!" Can anyone confirm this and point me toward the movie? [more inside]
posted by brianogilvie at 12:03 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by brianogilvie at 12:03 PM PST - 4 comments
Name my animals & history podcast! Win prizes and everlasting fame!
I am working on my first podcast, focusing on animals in history. So many stories, so many ideas, so much delicious research...but I can't quite decide what to call it. [more inside]
Cleaning/Decluttering Help for a Hoarder- Columbus, Ohio
Greetings,
My mom had a stroke and I flew home to care for her. She needs help with getting her home to be safe, she can barley get to her bed without tripping. I need help taking about garbage, cleaning the fridge and other tasks that are beyond the scope of what a cleaning person would do.
She has pets and the air smells unclean.
Please help me. I am not sure where to start. I just started a new job and I have to go back out of state. She lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Thank you!
Getting the Landlord to Yes
How do I convince the landlord to grant me the lease to the market-rate apartment I have lived in for the past three years, paying nearly half the rent, as a roommate to the prime leaseholder? I have several strategies, but I’m seeking more suggestions. Note this is in New York City, where renting is an experience very unlike that of the rest of the country. [more inside]
What is this stock robot sound, and where can I find it?
I have a robot voice sound effect as an earworm right now. It's been in a ton of stuff, but all I could find conclusively is this blink-and-you'll-miss-it clip of a robot busting down a wall in a Venture Bros. episode. What is it, and where can I get more of it? [more inside]
posted by FakeFreyja at 9:54 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by FakeFreyja at 9:54 AM PST - 6 comments
Coffee table polymer book
Hi,
I have a vague childhood recollection of a cool coffee-table type book about (new and exciting?) polymers. I distinctly remember one image of a cute kitten sitting happy and unharmed on a transparent perspex-like block, with a Bunsen burner or similar roaring underneath. IIRC there were more pictures throughout the book of various polymers, interspersed with ball-and-stick models of the chemical compositions, and maybe some explanatory text. [more inside]
posted by puppygalore at 8:41 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by puppygalore at 8:41 AM PST - 5 comments
PC Load Letter?! What the f... does that mean?!
I'm in charge of a small lab with 8 computers in it. I would like to be able to print to one printer from all 8 computers. I have tried a few different configurations and none of them work reliably. So, what is the best way to print from 8 computers to 1 printer? [more inside]
Books/resources on siblings of anorexic children?
CW: disordered eating
Please recommend resources (books, websites, research papers, memoirs, youtube channels, useful search keywords etc) that will help me understand the experience and long-term psychological impact of children who grew up with an anorexic sibling. [more inside]
posted by atetrachordofthree at 6:50 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by atetrachordofthree at 6:50 AM PST - 9 comments
My son, his mother, her partner, and me
I (male) have a 25 year old son ‘Adam’ with a previous partner, ‘Deb.’ We had only dated two or three times, and for various reasons not important here, Deb decided she wanted to travel and raise Adam by herself. She returned after a short time, and moved in with a mutual friend of ours, ‘Paul.’ Deb and Paul set up house together, and brought up Adam. It was all reasonably cool, certainly not acrimonious. [more inside]
What to do when coparent puts kids in the middle?
My coparent often fills our 2 children in on details of fights that we are currently having between ourselves, and then the children start to talk to me, weighing in on their opinions of the fight. I know that the general advice is to stay above this and not talk to the kids about ongoing conflict between my coparent and myself. Under what circumstances should I say something to the kids (possibly bringing them further into the drama)? Under what circumstances should I say something to my coparent? [more inside]
Raw files in GarageBand for iPad
Following up on my previous question... I'm actually using GarageBand for the iPad Mini, current iOS. How can I get to the raw files?
posted by pxe2000 at 5:48 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by pxe2000 at 5:48 AM PST - 2 comments
Attachment issues. With my wall vent.
I painted a wall recently and noticed that my wall vent seemed to be attached to the wall with some sort packling/plaster like substance (see here, but there was a lot more of it). It was kind of crumbling, so i scraped it all off and took the vent off.
Now that I'm done painting, I realized that there's nowhere to screw in the vent. There's no little hole for a screw to go in, so I'm guessing thats why the previous person spackled it in. [more inside]
Skills: "Whatever the opposite of the Midas Touch is"
For the past three years, I've been working in the weak link of an otherwise thriving organization. It's time for me to move on, but what the hell do I put on my resume? [more inside]
Help me break an unhealthy relationshipping pattern!
I'm attracted to men who are bad for me. I've learned to see the red flags and stay away from them, or at the very least - dump them quickly. I'm now making a conscious effort in seeking out kind, healthy men and asking them out. It's not working out. [more inside]
posted by mesija at 5:22 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by mesija at 5:22 AM PST - 18 comments
Which exchange rate to use?
I have a short-term contract with a domestic subsidiary of an European firm. We have negotiated my rates in USD, but I shall be invoicing and receiving local currency funds via a domestic transaction. So, the, perhaps silly, question is, which is the 'fairest' or 'proper' exchange rate to use in my invoice? Is the normally published inter-bank rate fine?
posted by daksya at 5:04 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by daksya at 5:04 AM PST - 5 comments
October 9
Please help an old feller with identifying this youtube demo's tune
Can someone identify the song this guy is playing? Going nuts, it is so familiar!
Hour-long phone interview!
This is a part-time, on call position (this is perfect as I've snagged another part time job) at a nearby public school. Those of you following along know that my prior job at a large educational bureaucracy was eliminated due to the "budget cuts".
So....I have an interview this Friday.
1) What on earth are they going to ask me for one hour?
2) How can I make the very best impression? (Checking similar stories).
Thanks all.
When do you call a celebrity by their real name?
With celebrities that use a "stage name" or a pseudonym, who is expected / culturally allowed to use their real name with them? [more inside]
Tell Me Your Tales of Body Contouring Procedures
CW: Body image stuff, plastic surgery, etc. [more inside]
Compendium of 'least ethical'?
Is there a compendium of the least ethical brands and companies, worldwide or by country?
Help me name my actuarial consulting business?
I'm beginning the steps to start an actuarial consulting business. The business will work with lawyers in Canada to provide pension valuations (in the case of marriage breakdown), and lost wage and cost of care valuations (for wrongful dismissal, wrongful death or personal injury cases). I'm trying to come up with a name for the business, but coming up short. Most businesses in this line of work are named as "John Smith Consulting" or just "Smith Consulting" and I'm trying to think of something more clever to help stand out. I've heard that folks here are good at coming up with clever names for businesses and was wondering if anyone had any ideas? Thanks!
Slightly more ethical dog food
I'm a pescetarian for ethical and environmental reasons but I have pets and they are not. What is the most ethical meat product produced for the pet food market in terms of avoiding factory farming conditions and impact on climate and ground water? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 12:19 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by latkes at 12:19 PM PST - 11 comments
Best receiver for home theater?
I have a projector, decent speakers, and a Chromecast. I need them to play nicely with each other. My movie nights need better audio. [more inside]
posted by ananci at 12:03 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by ananci at 12:03 PM PST - 11 comments
What is the name for this part of a song?
I'm listening to Mirage by Jean-Luc Ponty, and wondering if there's a name for the sort of foundation or bed of music on which the various solos are performed. Examples in the linked video would be the part between 0:30 and 1:10; this seems to return in a different key in 3:00 and 3:10, between the drum-fill-thing and the keys solo. In one way I guess you could say "it's called the song," or something silly like that, because it's there the entire time, but I'm just curious if there's a name used to differentiate the kind of background-theme from the more prominent solo parts, like "hey guys, after that solo let's go back to the ____ for a while". Thanks!
posted by circular at 11:56 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by circular at 11:56 AM PST - 8 comments
The best small Android tablet to replace a Nexus 7?
Sadly, Google did not announce the replacement for my beloved-but-dying Nexus 7 that I was hoping for today. What is the best replacement? [more inside]
posted by alby at 11:19 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by alby at 11:19 AM PST - 10 comments
Where should I go on my way to Lanzerote?
I am flying Toronto - Lanzerote (and back) at the end of March. The flights seem hellacious. I am looking for somewhere to stop for one or two days on the way there or the way back to make the flights less awful. [more inside]
I’m a 50 year old man who would like to present more feminine
In the last month I have become aware that I identify significantly as female and I am looking for ideas to present slightly more female, though it will be enough for now if I am the only one who knows it. I am looking for ideas (ie what sort of clothes to buy or how to wear them) and any other resources. [more inside]
ISO double garment rack
My room doesn't have a closet, so I'm looking at garment racks. I like the style that has two tiers and some shelves (like this), but most seem to have online reviews suggesting they don't actually have enough length for men's shirts to hang without dragging along the bottom. I keep trying to wade through reviews to figure this out and getting stuck. Can anyone recommend a sturdy double rack with long enough spaces on both tiers? (ideally for less than $50 but I can go a little higher if necessary.)
I want what is best for the frogs.
Which is worse for the frog - being tossed (not thrown, flung or hurled) over a few feet of weeds into the water, or set down in the weeds (in which I've seen black racers and ringneck snakes, the former active during the day, the latter at night) to find the water itself? [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 9:13 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 9:13 AM PST - 16 comments
who owns my words?
I belong to an open internet forum about parenting. A childless guy just posted there to say that he is going to make a documentary about the struggles of parenting, and he would like our permission to use some of our posts in his documentary. He said that if we don't give him our permission, he will use our posts anyway, because they're all public property. Is it true that he doesn't need our permission? [more inside]
posted by colfax at 9:02 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by colfax at 9:02 AM PST - 17 comments
Why won't my OTA antenna work?
I've cut the cable cord and while streaming has answered most of my concerns, my over-the-air antenna sometimes shows a blank screen or a digital "blurry" image. Any ideas on how to fix it? [more inside]
posted by jaybeans at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by jaybeans at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments
Your best resources for helping homeless students get into college?
I volunteer with an organization that tutors homeless kids. My kids are finishing high school and want to go to college. I need your best resources for everything from managing deadlines/admissions requirements, to finding/applying for scholarships and aid. [more inside]
posted by Aubergine at 9:00 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Aubergine at 9:00 AM PST - 7 comments
Your best Would-You-Rathers?
I need to divide large groups of students into either two or three somewhat equal groups every day, and use Would You Rather-type questions to do this quickly and efficiently. I teach some students over three years, and need to refresh my stock of dumb questions for my oldest group. Can you help? [more inside]
Can I eat tumeric the day before a colonoscopy?
My colonoscopy prep diet says i can have a small amount of poached chicken for lunch the day before the procedure.
I am poaching chicken, but on total autopilot, i dumped some fish sauce and tumeric into the poaching liquid. Fish sauce is clear, but tumeric can stain. Can i eat the chicken or do i need to head to the supermarket and buy another chicken breast?
Plan My No Car Ski Weekends!
I'm a single parent in NYC with a demanding job and an overscheduled seventeen-year-old (academics, FIRST robotics, Model UN. He's a nerd.) We are both enthusiastic but kind of lousy skiers, and we didn't manage to go at all last winter because of the overscheduling problem, which made me sad and him sadder.
This winter he's going to be just as overscheduled again -- there's no hope of taking a week to go someplace and settle in, so we were hoping to take maybe a couple of three day weekends over the course of the winter. (Literal) snowflakes below. [more inside]
posted by LizardBreath at 7:52 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by LizardBreath at 7:52 AM PST - 9 comments
More, "Did We Just Become Best Friends?"
I'm working on increasing social skills with my high school students and focusing on getting past first impressions and giving people a chance. To that end, I have two clips. First, from Stepbrothers when Will Farrell and John C Reilly initially despise each other then decide they're best friends. Second is from "The Office" when Andy and Dwight, while competitively jamming to impress Erin, end up having so much fun they end up ignoring her and becoming buddies.
Hit me with all your clips in this vein!
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 7:03 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 7:03 AM PST - 14 comments
Preschooler-safe slapstick
My two (almost three) year old has just discovered Winnie the Pooh and the Hunny Tree. The parts where he falls out of the tree (hitting every branch on the way down), getting his butt stuck in the tree (and later in Rabbit's door), and being flung about by a rapidly deflating balloon makes he laugh hysterically. So, my kid clearly loves slapstick. What else can I find to delight her? [more inside]
Looking for a new PCP, NYC area
I live in NYC and have HIP Prime HMO insurance (for city of NY employees). I'm looking for a new PCP and a new practice in general because the one I have is very hard to get in touch with to get same day appointments. Does anyone have a doctor in this network they like? I'm primarily looking for a woman/woman of color, but I'm open to anyone that's great.
Because phones break after hours when you have to travel.
My teenager's iPhone broke. She is making a plane this morning. We need to stop at Target on the way to the airport to get a temporary phone. What does this entail in 2018? [more inside]
Is it normal to want to see your parents often?
I'm a 40-year-old grown-ass adult, I currently only see my parents on average 3x a year due to distance, and I feel like I never see them. I feel like this level of attachment is not typical though - many of my friends live much closer to their parents and visit them less frequently and feel totally fine with that. Am I overly attached or unhealthy? Is this normal?
Looking for a text book on spatial statistics
If it was focused towards R and/or QGIS but with some explanation of the underlying statistical methods that'd be great. I don't have formal training in stats but I find it helpful in my work (landscape analysis and plant ecology). [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 12:05 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by unearthed at 12:05 AM PST - 4 comments
October 8
Eye contact or grill focus?
I'm self-conscious about my teeth. I am an anxious person on the autism spectrum. When neurotypical people interact with each other, do they focus on each other's teeth? [more inside]
Should I tell him how I feel?
My feelings for this guy are reaching a crescendo. I can't stop thinking about him and when I'll see him next. I want him to know that my feelings haven't changed for him since the beginning but I don't want to lose what we've got going on at the moment and push him away for a second time. Should I wait a bit longer before admitting how I feel? Or should I continue to see how it plays out? [more inside]
Please recommend a destination for my bachelor party in April!
I'm getting married in June and planning the bachelor party for a weekend in late April. We're spread out all over the US, so a destination is in the cards, but I'm not sure where. [more inside]
posted by masters2010 at 7:21 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by masters2010 at 7:21 PM PST - 5 comments
Tassimo...in 2018
I've just inherited a gently used, several-years-old Tassimo machine. I wouldn't have bought it on my own but now that I have it, I'd like to use it occasionally. Is it any good? My googling is not promising. [more inside]
posted by yawper at 7:12 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by yawper at 7:12 PM PST - 4 comments
Stupid battery-operated projector
I've got this amazingly tiny projector (axaa p2b) but it has a terrible design flaw: It only runs from the battery. I don't care about the battery feature, and i'm fine with always having it plugged in. So, am I crazy to just rip out the battery and hook it up to an adaptor? [more inside]
posted by kamelhoecker at 5:31 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by kamelhoecker at 5:31 PM PST - 13 comments
Ice cream cone dog costume
My dog is white with black spots of different sizes, most smaller than a Dalmatian’s spots. He looks like cookies and cream ice cream. So I would like to make him a cone costume for Halloween. [more inside]
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 5:21 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 5:21 PM PST - 9 comments
Birth question: shoulder dystocia prevention
What, if anything, can I do to help prevent (by even the smallest increment) a second shoulder dystocia, medical and midwife types of Metafilter? [more inside]
What is the best cookie recipe?
These are terrible times and I'm fixing to eat my feelings. Also, the holidays are upon us and I had a surprise success with cookie-based gifts last year. So what is the best cookie recipe? [more inside]
How do I adult: time management edition
I'm really smart. But I seem to have missed a lot of the "adulting 101" lessons everybody else appears to have a handle on. (I know appearances aren't always realities.) So I ask you, the adultiest adults who ever adulted, how do you manage time? (Snowflakes abound!) [more inside]
Avoiding a Homeless Foop
Looking for resources for low-budget/disabled renters in the Central Coastal California area or other semi-nearby areas that might be easier. After 13 years at the same address, a new owner has given me until the 30th of November to vacate. I've been so comfortable in this place that it gives me several problems with moving. [more inside]
posted by oneswellfoop at 3:08 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by oneswellfoop at 3:08 PM PST - 7 comments
How to make friends with older LGBT people
I am ending a 25-year relationship and I have become very isolated. My sexual orientation is complicated. I used to say I was bi, but then married a man, and now I don't know who I am. I want to make friends with LGBT people aged roughly 40-60 years old -- not necessarily for a sex or a relationship, but for friendship and community. How do I do that? [more inside]
Showing solidarity with striking workers
I'm planning to attend a conference that's currently scheduled to take place at a hotel where the workers are on strike. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by torridly at 1:56 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by torridly at 1:56 PM PST - 9 comments
CA "permanent vote-by-mail"
If I'm registered as a "permanent vote-by-mail" voter in California, can I still vote in person on election day?
You loved Downton Abbey, now you love...
My wife just told me she's looking for a series that is "like Downton Abbey." I basically take this to mean a period drama that is juicy and fun. I'm open to all suggestions, because I know that there are people here who have trod this ground. (Incidentally, bc I'm not sure if she'd like it, how is the adaptation of Wolf Hall if you loved the book?) [more inside]
posted by OmieWise at 1:35 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by OmieWise at 1:35 PM PST - 38 comments
what's the easiest way for me to demonstrate/visualize workload?
I'm trying to train our warehouse crew to do time studies of some of their work so we can better arrange deadlines and ETAs. For example, if we have 5 orders, and they take 1 hr, 2 hrs, 1 hr, 3 hrs, and 4 hrs to process, I'd like to be able to visualize those as e.g. 1 hr blocks. And then to further visualize what happens if e.g. there's a rush order or someone's out, I'd like to be able to simply "move" those blocks around... [more inside]
LegalFilter Family Farm Edition - Should I waive my timelimited option?
Should I waive my time-limited option to purchase?
YANML, I'm just wondering if this is pretty standard and basically just paperwork.
The Grownups are selling the family farm. Due to the last will and testament of the GreatGrownup there's a thing. The thing being that the G's must extend to the Children of the G's "an option of twenty days within which they can meet the offer and its terms". [more inside]
posted by zengargoyle at 1:12 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by zengargoyle at 1:12 PM PST - 14 comments
Finding broad history books that aren't super eurocentric
seeking broad topic overviews (eg: "super important battles") where the overview is not totally eurocentric. [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 12:19 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Cozybee at 12:19 PM PST - 15 comments
Which Teenage Engineering P-O?
I want to get one each of the slightly more expensive and slightly cheaper pocket operators from Teenage Engineering. But which two? [more inside]
posted by J.R. Hartley at 12:04 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by J.R. Hartley at 12:04 PM PST - 7 comments
What are reasonable boundaries touchy political topics?
Hi! It's me again, this time I need help figuring out reasonable boundaries with potentially political topics to avoid fights with family. It would be easiest just to avoid everything, but that's not feasible. While I am ready to just cut ties with all of my associates who haven't disavowed the GOP at this point, I also don't want my kid to not have relationships with their grandparents/aunts/uncles. So how do we do this now? [more inside]
posted by sock potato at 11:51 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by sock potato at 11:51 AM PST - 21 comments
Does Wearing a Mask Reduce Flu?
I work at an organization where if you don't get the flu shot you're required to wear a mask all flu season. I've already gotten my flu shot, so no worries there, but I'm curious if there are there any reputable (NEJM, JAMA, The Lancet, CDC, NIH, etc.) sources that suggest that having un-vaccinated people wear a mask during flu season is effective reducing/preventing the transmission of flu? [more inside]
Moving to Mongolia: what do I need to do? What do I need to know?
So it looks like I'm about to take a job in Mongolia teaching english for a year, starting in November. While I'm looking through all the travel websites about the country, most of them seem to be focused on visiting not LIVING there. So what should I know about: banking, phones, customs, food shopping, internet blocking, stuff that's legal here but illegal there and vice versa, things I should be immunized for, etc. What are the known unknowns of life up there for an American?
Breaking a Rent Stabilized Apt Lease in Los Angeles
I need to move out of my apartment before the year lease is up. I found a few potential people to replace me and notified landlord. They are refusing to break the lease and insisting on a sublease with the replacement person (which is forbidden in the lease I signed with them as far as I remember). [more inside]
Warming up cool LEDs
I have a smattering of small home lighting devices that are cool white, a color of light that makes me slightly nauseated, but I hate to just throw all these things away or shove them in a back of a drawer. Can they be DIY'ed warmer? [more inside]
Can I substitute cotija for farmer's cheese?
I would like to make some little cheese turnovers that call for equal parts feta and farmer's cheese. I have all the ingredients except the farmer's cheese, have never seen it here, and have never even tasted it. I do have some cotija. Will that work or is it too dry?
How do I remove index formatting from Open Office/Libre Office?
I've used Libre Office/Open Office to create an index. Index words were located within a manuscript, and were highlighted as they were put in the index. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 8:37 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by CollectiveMind at 8:37 AM PST - 3 comments
LinkedIn Profile but involved in 3 different businesses
What do I put on my Linkedin Profile when I’m involved in 3 different businesses. All of these businesses are my own. One business is the cash cow. One covers a niche which brings in around 30% of my income. And the third one is semi-experimental. All these businesses are in the area of information technology. [more inside]
Lazy but presentable winter outfits?
Cold weather is coming and I need a master plan for a casual winter "uniform." Criteria: maximally warm and cosy, comfy and flexible (thus, no jeans). Looks put-together enough to not be embarrassing if you run into your boss at the grocery store. Not necessarily fashion forward, but not painfully dated. Ideas? [more inside]
New Vet Recommendation Needed - Pittsburgh/SW PA
Pet owners of Pittsburgh(ish), do you love your vet? Will you share your amazing vet with me? Cat specific would be amazing, but at this point I'd settle for someone with kind and competent staff members (across the board). Please and thank you. [more inside]
How to deal with insane chemistry when you don't like the person
And when lobotomy is not an option [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 7:21 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by winterportage at 7:21 AM PST - 25 comments
Setting boundaries at family meals
At family dinners, I consistently get made fun of and end up leaving the meal feeling terrible aboit myself. I want this to stop. How? [more inside]
posted by Ocellar at 7:13 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Ocellar at 7:13 AM PST - 17 comments
Tactile or wearable metronome besides the Soundbrenner Pulse?
Can anyone suggest a wearable (or pocket-able) metronome that delivers a tactile beat, besides the rather expensive Soundbrenner Pulse wearable? An iPhone app is also acceptable. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:38 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 6:38 AM PST - 2 comments
Allt om Pippi
My 4-year-old daughter and I enjoy reading Pippi Longstocking books. I think my daughter, who is very independent herself, particularly responds to Pippi’s self-sufficiency and daring. I’m curious to hear, especially from native Swedes, a bit more context to the stories, as being Pippi seems a bit of a mixed bag. [more inside]
Please give us some hope about inpatient rehab
Since her traumatic very early childhood, my wife has struggled to sleep. None of the proscribed or prescribed solutions have worked for her. Now her health problems are coming to a head and we are working very hard at getting her help. In the latest development, she has been told to go to inpatient alcohol rehab before her sleep therapist will see her again. Okay. Now what? [more inside]
Lovely wedding venues within striking distance of London?
A friend of mine is getting married, and is looking or a venue around London. Have you been to a marvelous wedding recently? [more inside]
October 7
Where can I find a ruined wedding dress?
I'm doing an art project that requires a wedding dress. It's okay if the dress is ruined. In fact, it's more art-y if it is. But wedding dresses are expensive and I'm a broke college student. How can I find one for relatively cheap?
Thick scar developing on my finger - how to treat and thin?
In a moment of genius I managed to take a reasonable sized chunk of skin and flesh out of my index finger about a month ago. It's healing (mostly healed now) but the scar is still getting thicker, which is causing issues for flexibility, sensation etc. Is there anything I can do to minimise this? [more inside]
In this situation, who was insensitive? (NSFW situation ahead)
Please help me come to grips (pun intended) with this situation with an ex that still causes me guilt. My ex-girlfriend would wake herself up nearly every morning by masturbating. It bothered me mainly because it woke me up an hour or two before my alarm and I had a hard time falling asleep afterward. I'm not particularly into morning sex and she also didn't seem to expect/want any participation on my part so it felt strange to lay there while the bed shook. [more inside]
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 8:28 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 8:28 PM PST - 26 comments
all-inclusive boutique hotels? is that a thing?
Hi! Looking to go on a very relaxing vacation in February: we are usually very adventurous travelers but want to do a bunch of nothing some place beautiful. And we are considering all-inclusive except ... I hate all-inclusive and mega-resorts? [more inside]
CatholicFilter: No Wine at Communion
I grew up in a Catholic parish that did not have wine at communion until I was about 12. This question made me realise I have no idea how common (or not) this is, nor how common (or not) it is for some individuals to not take wine at communion. Can anyone explain how this has changed over time/place? [more inside]
Germany for Christmas?
My wife and I are planning on a vacation for Christmas this year and we were leaning towards Germany. Does Germany shut down for Christmas? We're planning on being there from ~ Dec 20 - Jan 2. [more inside]
posted by Uncle at 3:44 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Uncle at 3:44 PM PST - 10 comments
New Paltz schools - what's the deal?
Hi. I was poking around real estate in the Hudson Valley, specifically, around New Paltz. I keep seeing fairly low school ratings on GreatSchools.com. This is true not only of New Paltz but quite a few towns immediately above NYC. Is there anyone local can speak to this? Niche.com tells a different story. But, I'm not certain of the criteria etc by which either site makes their ratings. We have 3 boys ages 7, 11, and 13. I'm wondering what's the truth? What do local people think or hear about the schools?
Thanks!
posted by Shanachie at 3:17 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Shanachie at 3:17 PM PST - 8 comments
Help identifying specific intersections in Manhattan
I would like to identify the specific intersections in these four photographs so I can remove the stickers, which are from a white supremacist hate group. Can you tell me where the four stickers have been posted? [more inside]
What are the pros and cons of robotic lawnmowers in 2018?
Columbus Ohio Food Recommendation for Three Generations
It has just been decided that we should meet up in Columbus, OH next Saturday, the 13th for my mother's birthday. Where should we eat? We'll have my parents who are in their 70s, my wife, sister and I who are in our 40s and my sister's children who are 7 and 10. [more inside]
Communion for Celiacs
I have celiac disease. This has made taking Eucharist (in Episcopal, Methodist, Lutheran, and UCC churches, usually) very difficult. Do any celiacs, clergy, or others have ideas for a kit I can bring to churches to make communion safe for me? [more inside]
posted by cnidaria at 1:59 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by cnidaria at 1:59 PM PST - 21 comments
Can't catch sick friend's sick cat, need vet home visit, Alameda 94501
My friend has been hospitalized. He has a cat. The cat seems to be sick, perhaps because my friend was physically unable to give it water in the few days before the ambulance came. I caught this cat and put it in a humane society box to bring from his old apartment to this one. Never again. The vet must come to the cat. Does anyone know a vet who will come this afternoon, say between 3 and 7 pm? or tomorrow afternoon? [more inside]
posted by KayQuestions at 12:41 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by KayQuestions at 12:41 PM PST - 10 comments
Help a single mom regularly get pictures with baby? Google clips?
I'm a single mom and it causes me great grief how few pictures I have with myself and my baby, especially pictures of daily life (playing, reading, eating, cuddling etc.). Please help me set something up/buy something/figure something out so I don't have the same problem going forward. I can throw some money at this, but not much. especially interested on hearing from anyone who's used a Google Clips. [more inside]
Nutrition app that isn't about calories?
I want to keep an eye on what I eat, in terms of general health -- not counting calories, not getting into micronutrients, more of a "hey, eat some more salad, lay off the Saltines" way. Suggestions? [more inside]
What's the name of a 60s TV Spanish course in Los Angeles?
This question itself is useless but if I can't figure out I'll never stop thinking about it.
In the mid-60s, there used to be a TV Spanish learning show on weekday mid-mornings in Los Angeles.
All I remember of the program is that it featured a woman who would introduce some words or a phrase, say it once, and then whisper it one or two times.
Any idea of the show's name or the instructor's name?
Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl at 11:38 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by holdenjordahl at 11:38 AM PST - 3 comments
It slices *and* opens wine
I'm looking for a folding tool that's a combination of a waiter's friend corkscrew with a pocketknife with a 4"+ straight blade. I've searched online and come up empty, does anyone make this? [more inside]
posted by Nelson at 11:15 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Nelson at 11:15 AM PST - 11 comments
Invisalign orthodontic treatment, price differences justified?
How much does the orthodontist actually do during this treatment? It is my understanding that the teeth get analyzed and the treatment plan and printing of the aligners is done by the US company anyway. Is there any reason why not to go with a cheap price (e.g. in Eastern Europe)?
Treatment costs are from 2500-8000 Euros.
How Do I Spread Positivity & Help People/Connect With Fellow Humans?
There is so much pain and negativity in the world. I want to do what i can to ease some suffering and connect with fellow humans. What can i do? [more inside]
What are some good senior jokes where the elderly come out on top?
There are a lot of jokes making fun of seniors. What are some jokes where the seniors come out winners? Where they aren't the butt of the joke?
Digital art for beginners
Is digital art for me, or would I need to spend more money on the hobby to find out? [more inside]
Unhappy Hours
My husband’s social life revolves around drinking with the younger women who work with him and it really bothers me. Am I overreacting? [more inside]
iTunes, iCloud payment problem
My wife has had an Apple account for many years. Within the last year, she has added the 0.99 monthly iCloud service.
She recently changed her credit card/payment method without a hitch. However, her .99 iCloud service continues to be billed to the old credit card.
How can she fix this?
Using gift cards during travel
I’m going on a big trip soon. I have hundreds, perhaps thousands, on various gift cards I’ve received over the years. I hate managing these things and I’ve found companies like AMEX will only let you consolidate them up to a fixed amount. Can I use multiple gift cards to pay for larger expenses on this trip like hotel rooms and car rentals?
What are good movies with strong young female leads for 8+?
I am looking for movies with strong female lead characters, preferably preteen, that are suitable for 8-to-10-year-olds. Nothing involving dolls, they are creepy, but horror and action are otherwise fine up to a point. Bonus points if they involve dogs, and extra bonus points if an adult can enjoy the movie. [more inside]
Would awesome employer benefits persuade you to have another child?
I don't know how people actually "decide" to have another child. It's so hard to make that conscious choice IMO. So I'm wondering if really great employment benefits factored into anyone decision to have another one and how it all worked out in the end? [more inside]
October 6
Help me plan a fun, active driving itinerary in Crete in late April
I'm flying into Chania on the morning of Orthodox Holy Thursday (Thursday April 25) and out on the afternoon of Orthodox Easter (Sunday April 28). I'd love to zip along some mountain roads, stay in some atmospheric settings, and enjoy a bit of the Greek Eastertime vibe. Where should I base myself, and where should I go? [more inside]
My sink is gross
My sink smells bad. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to describe the problem to get my landlord to fix it. [more inside]
I am looking for a quote...
I read a quote 4-5 years ago.
I believe it was written by a man in the early 1940's.
The quote was about atheists and heroes.
The quote was along the lines of some atheists, in the fervency of their belief that there is no God, should be careful that they do destroy other peoples belief in secular heroes.
Help!
How do I Kindle on my iPhone?
I would like to read an acquaintance's self-published novel, which is a Kindle book for sale on Amazon. But I don't want an e-reader. Is it possible to buy it to read on my iPhone? Thanks!
posted by pseudostrabismus at 8:17 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by pseudostrabismus at 8:17 PM PST - 4 comments
Double dipping dirty dishes
If I dump a yogurt container full of soup into a pot, can I store my new, zombie leftovers in that selfsame without washing it? [more inside]
posted by zinful at 8:10 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by zinful at 8:10 PM PST - 11 comments
Heater for baby's room
What's a safe portable heater for a baby's room that otherwise doesn't have any heating? Bonus if energy efficient.
Weird sound from my computer speakers
I was sitting here at my computer this evening. I heard what sounded like a crackle (the same as what it used to sound like when you were tuning a radio long ago when the knob was dirty, a dirty variable coil or rheostat sound. ) and then a small "ping" that sounded like a system sound that I've not heard before. I am running windows 10. Nothing popped up on any of my screens (comp or phone) with any notification. More inside. [more inside]
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 7:08 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 7:08 PM PST - 8 comments
Ultrawide monitor - Keyboard shortcuts for L/R/Ctr?
On my prior 20" screen, I would use keyboard shortcuts all day long to move windows to the left or right of my screen (Windows Key + LeftArrow or RightArrow). Now I wish for shortcuts to snap things to L/R/Center. Can it be done? [more inside]
How long does small crock fermentation take?
Why does the Mortier Pilon cookbook and instructions claim that you can ferment food in significantly less time that it actually takes? [more inside]
How can I hate training less?
I am not a manager or a trainer, but because I work for a big retail chain, am mildly competent, and they don't want to pay people with actual credentials to train new people, they keep foisting new people upon me. Unfortunately, I hate training them. [more inside]
Search terms for finding personal cruise blogs?
I really like reading personal cruise/travel blogs...the kind that read like diary entries with lots of personal color and details...but all I'm finding lately when I search is commercial travel writing. How can I narrow down my searches to get more personal blogs and especially the super in-depth ones?
Can I make yogurt using only reconstituted powdered milk?
Looking for anyone with first-hand experience of doing this to tell me whether it'll work, and whether it'll taste good enough to actually eat. [more inside]
posted by penguin pie at 3:55 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by penguin pie at 3:55 PM PST - 23 comments
Could the AppleTV unit be the problem?
We have a dual-band wifi router in our condo, and we watch everything through either the AppleTV (Netflix, Hulu, HBOGo, etc.) or through AirPlay (some, uh, found footage of GBBO, for example). Sometimes Hulu and Netflix play perfectly; other times, it's nothing but buffer and stutter. The thing is, we're not sure Hulu or Netflix is the problem - my AppleTV unit is an old model. Could that be the problem? [more inside]
Cabo for a long weekend in February
We (2 adults) are considering a long weekend in Cabo in February. Tickets are pretty cheap and it isn't too far. We aren't party/resort people, so need suggestions on where to stay, eat, and things to do.
Little terrier pup needs a name... help!
I adopted a little male terrier mix a month ago. (awww so cute!). He is currently, and sadly, the no-name pup. [more inside]
posted by imbri at 3:05 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by imbri at 3:05 PM PST - 44 comments
Why did my internet radio stop working with new internet provider?
I recently switched from Verizon to Comcast for my internet service. Also bought a new wireless router. I had been listening to internet radio off of an old iPod Touch (from the station's website off the browser). Now it no longer works and other radio station's apps don't work either.
Any tips appreciated. [more inside]
What is wrong with my daughter’s palate?
I recently noticed that the roof of my daughter’s mouth looks strange, almost as if she has some sort of cleft palate? Picture in details. [more inside]
How can my friend stay clean while vanquishing a dirty opponent?
My friend, a young, media-savvy local political figure, is battling for for changes that would make both her and her nasty, old-school, street-fighting opponent more accountable to their shared constituency, On paper, she has much more legitimacy than he does. However, he is fighting her tooth and nail, deliberately undermining the work of his own organization and slandering her and her supporters in an effort to protect his own privilege.
How can she expose what this guy is doing without stooping to his level? What are the risks she might not be aware of in dealing with something like this ? Personal experiences are very welcome, as are other resources. [more inside]
autumnal orzo
I want to make some kind of appropriately fall-ish pasta dish with orzo and some/most of the other ingredients listed inside. Help me out! [more inside]
Blu Ray Storage for backup purposes?
Ok. So I ripped all my DVDs and Blu-Rays to a hard drive, set up a backup, then attached to plex. What shall I do with all these troublesome discs? [more inside]
Nightlife around Disney World?
I have to go Disney World with a bunch of families. I don’t have any interest. What bars are outside the Disney World complex that are reasonable to get to by Uber? Bonus if there’s a indie/cool whatever district in Orlando (I am sure there is!). There’s got to be a place the staff themselves unwind close by though. I’m open to other adult things to do besides bars, I just don’t like having to sit in a theme bar and order a Mickeytini or whatever.
Resources for learning transliterated Urdu or Hindi?
I am interested in learning Urdu/Hindi in order to better communicate and socialize with my in-laws, including by text message. However, most of the resources and courses I find are either in Arabic or Devanagari script, which doesn't suit our situation. [more inside]
posted by thelastpolarbear at 7:51 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by thelastpolarbear at 7:51 AM PST - 6 comments
Unique, interesting takes on interior design
I was blown away by this bedroom makeover video catered to a blind person, where everything was super tactile and super sensory as per her wishes, such as a sequin wall and a stuffed-animal headboard. What other examples are there of bedrooms or other residential rooms that take unusual approaches to decor?
October 5
I don’t know how to apologize or forgive after sibling estrangement
Is there such a thing as reconciliation ‘lite’? Try as I might, I can’t resolve my resentments and forgive just yet. But I want to move on with some some semblance of peace; also I’m scared about what happens after our parent dies (property, inheritance, etc). [more inside]
Grownup coping for embarrassingly middle-school work dynamics?
For the foreseeable future, I'm in a job where several immediate coworkers seem to low-key dislike me. Fair enough, but I've got mild social anxiety tendencies, and this really exacerbates them. Suggestions for staying sane and socially functional? [more inside]
Solo Trekking in the Summer? Ideas Please.
I have a huge desire to go to Nepal but my travel window is July/August. I'm interested in doing some trekking/walking/hiking and am looking for some suggestions. [more inside]
posted by bquarters at 8:48 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by bquarters at 8:48 PM PST - 9 comments
what accent is this?
The hosts of the How Ridiculous youtube channel have an Australian accent that's quite different from the fairly consistent accent I've been exposed to over here in the US. What kind of accent do these folks have?
posted by moonmilk at 8:43 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by moonmilk at 8:43 PM PST - 13 comments
How best to show woodworker my concept for a custom wall mount?
I want a local woodworker to make me a set of custom, wall mounted wooden hooks. I want them to look a certain way, and have an idea in my head of what measurements I want. I am not an architect or artist, and have never drawn in 3D. How do I best communicate my requirements and desired outcome with the woodworker?
I was thinking of using some modeling clay, but is there a better tool or medium out there for us unskilled folk to show an artisan what we would like made? Thanks!
posted by vacuumsealed at 7:23 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by vacuumsealed at 7:23 PM PST - 7 comments
ISO dirt cheap speakers for tv
I inherited an lcd tv and it's way too quiet so I want to hook up speakers. I'm not an audiophile, I have no techie expertise, and my budget is tiny (less than $50). Here is the back of my tv. Please post recs as specifically as possible; I have zero interest in reading articles or comparing reviews. Used or refurbished is fine.
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:17 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:17 PM PST - 5 comments
Book suggestions for a family book club
Seeking your meatiest, most enthralling reading suggestions for a book club of two young adult children and two middle aged parents - more details below the fold! [more inside]
posted by mossicle at 6:28 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by mossicle at 6:28 PM PST - 7 comments
Wash citrus fruit in the dishwasher?
Can I wash (without soap) a bunch of citrus fruit in the dishwasher to get to of wax, chemicals, etc, before using them in vodka infusions, or is this a bad idea?
posted by J0 at 5:13 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by J0 at 5:13 PM PST - 11 comments
Feminist romance movies for thirtysomething women sick of men's bullshit
I love romantic movies—they're one of my favorite types of escapism, and I've seen many well-known traditional romantic comedies and almost every time-travel or travel romance I can find. Yet after a few years of heavy feminist and queer reading, the emotional labor thread, #metoo, sexually predatory politicians...I'm finding it difficult to believe in the movies' heteroromantic vision. I still want to like romance movies involving men, though. What are some actually feminist, or even quasi-feminist, romance movies I might watch after a rather trying week? [more inside]
posted by limeonaire at 4:42 PM PST - 84 comments
posted by limeonaire at 4:42 PM PST - 84 comments
Pacific Northwest in January?
I'm planning to fly up from LA to SF to see Snail Mail at the Fillmore in January, and I'm thinking of adding one or more of her subsequent PNW dates as well. Are Portland, Vancouver, or Seattle especially pleasant to visit in winter? Or are any of these venues particularly good or in particularly nice-to-stay areas: Aladdin (Portland), Imperial (Vancouver), Neptune (Seattle)? [more inside]
Cat likes junk food
How can I get my cat to not turn up his nose at higher quality food? [more inside]
The truth about power-cycling routers & modems
I'm dealing with frequent cable internet outages at home. The tech support guides me through a five-step procedure which seems like superstitious ritual. Why can't I just plug my cable modem and wifi router into a power strip? [more inside]
posted by Jesse the K at 2:05 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Jesse the K at 2:05 PM PST - 20 comments
ideas for repurposing or donating leaky air mattress
Is there _anything_ you can think of I can do with this air mattress other than throwing it away or keeping it? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 2:02 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by amtho at 2:02 PM PST - 15 comments
Like "Fearless Girl", but angrier
I really like Garbati's Medusa with the Head of Perseus statue. Last I checked, it was still available for sale. So I'm thinking of getting money together to buy it and donate it to a good home. What would be a good home for a feminist re-interpretation of the Roman story of Medusa? Note that it's 7' 8" tall, and cast in resin. Bonus points if said place is in Massachusetts.
Checking laptop security after remote access
I'm doing some freelance work for a (reputable) company. Their IT contractor accessed my Lenovo laptop remotely to set up my access to the portal, webmail, etc. I want to run a security check on the laptop "just in case." [more inside]
posted by NorthernLite at 12:37 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by NorthernLite at 12:37 PM PST - 5 comments
What's the rock club scene in Las Vegas like?
I went to a rock show in Las Vegas this week, and it was...odd. Are they all like that? [more inside]
What kind of wire is this, and where can I buy more?
My job is to build stuff. Some of the stuff I build depends on this spool of unique wire that someone got from a firesale a long time ago. There are no identifying markings on the spool, and no one knows what it is. The unique thing about it is how extremely thin the insulation is, which makes it very useful to me. Problem is, the spool is running out, and I'd like to find more, but all searches have failed. Please help me! [more inside]
posted by Salvor Hardin at 12:10 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Salvor Hardin at 12:10 PM PST - 9 comments
Sunscreen for face...on lips?
Instead of buying an extra lip balm with SPF, could I get away just smearing for-face sunscreen on my lips? And could I do that with for-face mineral/physical sunscreen? Or are there functional differences between for-lip and for-face sunscreens?
posted by facehugger at 11:17 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by facehugger at 11:17 AM PST - 9 comments
Making Space For Windows7...
I inherited an older Windows machine which has its hard drive partitioned so that its system files must fit into a 40GB partition. Is there a way to move users to other partitions? What can I delete from the system files? Windows update cleanup? [more inside]
posted by mhh5 at 11:09 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by mhh5 at 11:09 AM PST - 5 comments
How to display workout progress at 3 different levels in a linear way
Programmers and data scientists, I need your guidance on displaying a certain configuration of workout results in graph form for an app I am working on. Details below the fold. [more inside]
What's your best Shepherd's Pie Recipe?
I make a very good Shepherd's Pie (although it's really a Cottage Pie because I mostly use beef mince, but that's beside the point!) but it's in need of an update or a change, so I'm wondering - what are your Shepherd's Pie secrets? [more inside]
emotional boundary with new housemate!
I'm relatively new to setting healthy boundaries, but I am keen to do it. Will you, dear MeFi, be a sounding board for my plan to address a housemate issue? (possibly snowflakey; apologies and gratitude in advance)! [more inside]
posted by redwaterman at 9:55 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by redwaterman at 9:55 AM PST - 26 comments
Why am I suddenly a hot job prospect?
Over the years I’d gotten used to a steady drumbeat (say one every two weeks) of recruiters mailing or calling to say they’d found my resume, blah, blah, blah. Ten months ago I disabled all (I think) of my job site accounts, and contacts slowed to a trickle. Two weeks ago, it all went nuts. [more inside]
How do I find critical novel beta readers who won't coddle my emotions?
I am on the brink of finishing my novel! I need beta readers who are willing to be cruel to be kind. How do I find them? [more inside]
Kid projects with water cooler jugs
If you had some empty 5 gallon water cooler jugs, taught preschool, and just thought there must be something fun to do with them, what would that be?
posted by transient at 8:39 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by transient at 8:39 AM PST - 12 comments
Mature mefites: What did you wish you knew in your mid 30's/early 40's?
It's easy to know what you'd tell yourself if you could go back to age teens, 20's or even 30 because society puts so much emphasis on our foundational years yet.. [more inside]
Name that Plant (Variety)!
I have what I believe is a volunteer amorphophallus in my yard. I want to ID the variety, and also learn about the best care to keep it alive. [more inside]
Hire a mover for the effects of the recently deceased in Cambridge, MA?
My sister died unexpectedly of a mysterious health issue three weeks ago. Now in clearing up the rubble left behind, I have the very real problem of dealing with her stuff in a different state (Cambridge, MA). Help me sort out how to handle this, especially with hiring movers? [more inside]
Attention Pokemon Trainers: My kid needs help
My 6-year-old son has recently gotten into playing Pokemon with some other kids in his afterschool program. I dutifully went out and bought him this trainers kit with 60-card deck. He now reports that the other kids won't play with him because his deck is too weak. I am Pokemon clueless. He keeps talking about EXes and GXes and I have no idea what any of this means. [more inside]
posted by soren_lorensen at 5:58 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by soren_lorensen at 5:58 AM PST - 16 comments
How universal is the concept of "calling dibs?"
I'm curious about the idea of calling dibs, what other international words there might be for it, and what variations there might be on the concept. [more inside]
How to ask for soft, comfortable t-shirt material?
I'm in charge of our branded company t-shirts this year. In the past they've always been extremely scratchy and uncomfortable (in my opinion). But I'm told we've always ordered the most expensive kind. (From Fruit of the Loom.) What should I look or ask for, to get a t-shirt that's a pleasure to wear? I'm willing to consider a different manufacturer (we're UK-based). [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 4:37 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by snarfois at 4:37 AM PST - 22 comments
Manager weirdly harassing at work, how to deal?
A manager is targeting me for my "attitude" despite my work being strong and ruining my reputation. I have the support of many colleagues but he just lashed out at me at an office social, over a question I raised about bias in the workplace. I feel like I'm being bullied and I want to figure out how to cope. Details inside. [more inside]
October 4
How to automate my email with filters, tags and folders in 2018
(Especially) if you work in academia, have you got a good system for sorting, filtering and filing emails? Do you keep your inbox empty and stress free? Are you confident you aren't missing important emails in the flood of not-quite-so-important ones? Tell me about your filters and automation system! I use gmail, but I am open to changing if another program will offer better solutions. [more inside]
Living in an RV in my own yard?
My wife and I own a 2 family home in sunny Medford, MA. We live in one apartment and rent out the other. We are looking for ways to save money, so we were thinking of buying an RV, parking it in our yard and living in that whole we rent out the apartment. Are we mad? [more inside]
Hey there, can I borrow the product of your blood, sweat and tears?
A co-worker casually asked me to share a work presentation so he can pull pieces from it for his work. I don't want my presentation format floating around the org yet. How do I politely decline? [more inside]
posted by amycup at 7:47 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by amycup at 7:47 PM PST - 20 comments
Easy no-bake desserts?
What's your favorite relatively easy no-bake dessert to bring to a party? Been googling but wanted to get the hive mind's input. Caveats: no peanuts please, and I don't have a stand mixer.
posted by cozenedindigo at 7:11 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by cozenedindigo at 7:11 PM PST - 32 comments
How do I save this pre-med semester?
I stink at math (3 high schools, teenage trauma, self-harm, sexual abuse, etc) and did not study anything remotely mathematical in college. I'm back in a pre-med program, and am struggling hard. Failed my first exam, and am falling behind on classwork, so thus being penalized for late work. I get it,b but, very slowly, because I have to work out everything the way children read and spell phonetically. Self-harm ideation I have not had for 16 years is surging, and my work isn't improving. How can I improve on chemistry faster? [more inside]
Eyeliner traveling up my eyelid
My old favorite eyeliner was discontinued and my new (non-gel, non-liquid) eyeliner travels up my eyelid over the course of the day. I like the liner and would prefer not to have to try others, would eye primers, primers in general or anything else help stop my eyeliner from traveling? Mixed skin, no other eye makeup other than sunscreen.
Should I delay FAFSA submission?
I'm applying for a second Masters' degree starting in the 2019-20 school year. I am married with one kid. Our income in 2017 was much higher than our income will be in 2018 (and 2019 and beyond). Would it be beneficial to wait to submit my FAFSA until after we file our 2018 taxes at the start of the year? Or should I just do it as soon as possible?
posted by HeroZero at 5:58 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by HeroZero at 5:58 PM PST - 1 comment
Android game to help me survive my overwhelming life
Please suggest an Android game that I can play when overwhelmed, but also easily put down. [more inside]
Is there a way to make my studio monitors play audio for my TV WELL?
I like to listen to music via YouTube which I can get on my TV via Roku. But it doesn't sound good through the TV's speakers (of course it doesn't!). The TV is pretty crappy - it's an Olevia, 30". I also happen to have a pair of studio monitors -- (Mackie MR5). I thought that if I could plug my monitors into the TV I would have great sound for music AND regular TV shows. So I did plug them in. BUT... [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 4:54 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 4:54 PM PST - 19 comments
Need psychiatrist/psychologist recs for Bipolar II treatment in Chicago
A friend with a Bipolar II diagnosis is having a depressive episode, and asked me to help them find somebody to talk to. This friend is on medication but is having trouble getting in touch with their prescriber to adjust their meds, so if you've got recommendations for a great psychiatrist for dealing with bipolar I'm happy to hear those too. [more inside]
Celebrity Siblings Anonymous
My same-gender sibling is newly.. famous. Looking for advice, suggestions, and experiences to help me deal. [more inside]
Where to find men's jeans in "odd" sizes?
I'm having trouble finding men's jeans that (a) I like, and (b) fit me well. Details below. [more inside]
posted by tonycpsu at 2:47 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by tonycpsu at 2:47 PM PST - 7 comments
Ebay item not as described, but no comeback?
I think I may have been a little naïve. Bought some reclaimed wooden flooring on eBay UK from an architectural antiques place. Listing was for a single square metre then seller asked via my Paypal email for a BACS transfer for the money to cover the other 24m2. Flooring arrived today and 25% or more is unusable. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by doornoise at 2:24 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by doornoise at 2:24 PM PST - 14 comments
Long Shot: Where are these beach rocks?
Do you recognize the beach rock formation in this photo? I know this is a long shot, but it may be a lead to finding a friend who is missing and at great risk to himself. Likely location is southern California. [more inside]
posted by aabbbiee at 2:21 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by aabbbiee at 2:21 PM PST - 15 comments
Tell me about your small-space storage successes
What's the best way to add storage capacity to an apartment without spending a fortune? DIY-ish solutions are preferred. [more inside]
Looking for some comedy in NYC October 14-17
Looking for some good comedy when I visit NYC October 14-17th. [more inside]
posted by smeater44 at 12:56 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by smeater44 at 12:56 PM PST - 7 comments
Best ways to use a Kindle Fire to learn English?
I have the opportunity to carry a Kindle Fire to an English language learner in an African country. He and his siblings range in age from early to late teens. They do have the ability to charge it. WiFi is limited, but they can access it in a local Internet cafe.
What are some great ideas for setting up a Kindle Fire for a teen English Language Learner? What books and videos could I download onto it? Any great apps that aren’t entirely internet dependent for ELL?
I’m going to install some programs for middle school/high school math and science as well. Any educational programs would be welcome. His oldest sister (post college) speaks fairly good English so she could also help if needed.
posted by jeanmari at 11:48 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by jeanmari at 11:48 AM PST - 4 comments
Congrats, it's a cross country move !
I decided to take that cross country job and I’m moving! But I am not super reassured with my own logic on how to move across the country and what would be a smarter move. Money savvy, mover experienced Mefites plz help! [more inside]
Question for an ophthalmologist?
I'm writing up a patient narrative after an interview. She has glaucoma, had a stent implanted in her eye to relieve pressure. The day after surgery her eye pressure had spiked dangerously high. To quickly relieve the pressure, she said her doctor "poked her in the eye." That was the only way she knew to describe it. But I'm guessing that's not the technical term. What is she likely referring to? She said it worked, by the way.
Soap and Candles Inc.
I have started making soaps and candles for my family and friends. People love them. I am now considering selling them to strangers / customers. I would like to know what I need to do / who I need to talk to / what I need to buy, to sell soap and candles, decrease the probability of bad things happening, and if something bad does happen, protect my personal assets. [more inside]
posted by kaizen at 9:55 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by kaizen at 9:55 AM PST - 10 comments
Recommend a recruiter in Minneapolis?
I have my eye on the escape hatch at my current job. I'd like to work with a recruiter to find something new. But experience has taught me that there are recruiters and then there are recruiters. Are there any individuals or organizations that you've worked with in Minneapolis that you would recommend? [more inside]
YANMD- Freestyle Libre and Insulin
Really basic question that I haven't found an answer to by searching on the internet. I am now a cyborg. I have the wearable tech of the Freestyle Libre glucose monitor. I want to know if I can inject insulin into that same arm without impacting the results of my monitor. Anyone know?
Thanks!
posted by Draccy at 9:44 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Draccy at 9:44 AM PST - 5 comments
Should I just go back to LA Times print edition?
l want to glance at the headlines each morning on my computer (US and World news). And, I HATE AUTOPLAY VIDEOS. Ideally, a grid of pictures with headlines under them, click to open story. And, NO AUTOPLAY VIDEOS! Any suggestions? I would prefer not to pay, but if that's what it takes, I'll do it. [more inside]
Where to buy cheap blocks of tourist-y postcards?
I am doing Postcards to Voters and need lots of cheap, interesting, and inoffensive postcards to send. Since I am in the Washington DC area, I thought that it would be good to get tourist-y style postcards of the area. But where can I buy them? [more inside]
Physical Book from Facebook Statuses
I have been terrible at keeping memory books of my kids' first years, but I have been fairly good at keeping up their Facebook pages which I use to share videos, photos, and quips with extended family and friends. I'd like to export all of this into a site to print a physical book. There are tons of services that do this - which should I choose? [more inside]
What software do you use to generate automatic emails?
I work with a small non-profit, and we are about to launch a campaign that includes reaching out to elected officials. We want an easy way for our supporters to reach them. But what is the software or website that we should use? [more inside]
Help me get my son's Instagram under control
Last summer, we let my 13-year-old son get an instagram account. A couple of weeks ago, my wife discovered that he was following more than 5000 accounts. He says he didn't follow the vast majority of them, and given the number of Russian cosmetic dentistry spam accounts, we believe him. We just can't seem to unfollow enough accounts to get the account under control. [more inside]
What are some common emergency room/hospital mix-ups?
I'm writing a scene for a fictional character in which he tries to meet his girlfriend (who was in a serious bike accident) at the emergency room, and I want to make things at the hospital and confusing and disorienting as possible for him. Sorry, I know this sounds sadistic! It's part of a larger motif. I have so, so much sympathy for anyone who has ever had to deal with a stressful situation like that.
Anyone–especially doctors, nurses or paramedics–have insight into plausible mixups at emergency rooms or hospitals? What can go wrong for someone trying to visit a loved one in a serious accident?
How did your family handle becoming rich/poor?
Did your family (or someone you know) go through steep financial changes? Such as being from a middle-class lifestyle and ending up on welfare or going from being poor to being rich? How did your family manage the transition?
What's the best strategy when looking for suitable dating partners?
Move to where you have the best dating pool or live wherever you feel like because life is unpredictable? [more inside]
posted by whitelily at 6:08 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by whitelily at 6:08 AM PST - 19 comments
[Middle school teacher] Parents, how do I make parents' night better?
Tomorrow at 8:00 p.m, parents/guardians of a hundred 13-year-olds trudge into my classroom for ten minutes "classes" to hear my presentation/slideshow on curriculum, philosophy, homework, etc. Last year, a parent told me "You've got great press in town, our kids love you, but your back-to-school nights are terribly dull!" It's true. So, parents, how do I make my ten-minute presentation better - without relying on gimmicks to force the participation of attendees? What do you *really* want to know? [more inside]
posted by mr. remy at 3:20 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by mr. remy at 3:20 AM PST - 22 comments
Divorcing someone with a disability
We have a child together, married less than 7 years in a "father's rights" state (FL). I am concerned that my co-parenting cannot safely manage the child solo and will be seeking custody accordingly. I am getting ready to see a lawyer about my options and need help formulating questions to best use that consultation time. [more inside]
posted by What a Joke at 2:55 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by What a Joke at 2:55 AM PST - 16 comments
October 3
What to do with Wild Violet Oil?
I have been given a bottle of Wild Violet Oil from Pakistan as a gift. I have no idea what I can do with it. Can I use it on my face? Hair? Bath? It smells fine, but not particularly floral.
Any suggestions?
How do I get my meds from Canada to the US?
I live in Canada. (I don’t think it matters, but I am an American citizen with permanent residency in Canada.) I have medication I need to take daily. I am in the States for a family emergency for an indeterminate period of time. How can I get my medication to me? [more inside]
Where can my wife get frames of this shape?
Years of playing with kids has done a number on my wife's glasses. She would like to replace them with something as close to her current pair as possible. BUT when we looked, neither Luxottica nor Warby Parker seemed to carry frames of this shape. Does one of those carry them and we just didn't find them? Or would they be available somewhere else, and if so, where?
Why doesn't teen Groot speak English?
How did Groot learn Groot? [more inside]
What to wear to South Korea, and also what to bring?
Going on a trip to S Korea for a week this month. I want to know what I should wear to fit in more. Is t-shirt/jeans too casual or tourist-y for an everyday look? I (half-korean female) already know I'm not going to shop there because I'm waaaaay too big and tall for their clothes. Also, is there anything really important I should bring with me as I am out and about?
In this case, I think it is indeed legit to quit
I had official disability status as a student, due to some mental health issues. I'm quitting my job due to the work environment, and I realized I may have underestimated the significance of those issues outside of the university. As I search for a new job, how should I anticipate and address these issues so I can be happy and comfortable in my future workplace? [more inside]
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 7:52 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 7:52 PM PST - 10 comments
Snow removal, no twisting.
Is there a solution for sidewalk snow removal that meets my needs? Please tell me about your personal snow plow or snow blower or snow shovel... [more inside]
How can I use up these shandies?
I've got most of a summer shandy sampler box left over from the summer and I'd rather not drink them as-is. Could I use them as a basis in some sort of cocktail? If so, what can I make? [more inside]
posted by anderjen at 5:34 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by anderjen at 5:34 PM PST - 11 comments
What is this song?
Easy listening, soft pop. A female vocalist; the song has some quieter, almost harpsichord-like sequences. I have hummed part of the melody which she sings a few times. I did not write down, nor can remember, any lyrics (argh!). It was playing over the sound system of a bar of a large hotel in England. The bar staff did not know (they did not have access to the CD it was apparently on). Neither the hotel branch, nor their central HQ, have responded to emails. Heard it about a month ago.
What is the best replacement for Amazon Music?
Can you help me find the best cloud-based service to host music so I can stream it via Amazon Echo or easily download tracks to my Kindle Fire HD 7? [more inside]
posted by tacodave at 5:03 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by tacodave at 5:03 PM PST - 1 comment
This hurts more than a new pair of docs
Cherry 8-eye Docs have been my go to shoe for many years, but they don't make them with a removable insole any more which is a dealbreaker. I need new shoes for all the things for my annoying feet. Far too much information below. [more inside]
posted by cholly at 4:18 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by cholly at 4:18 PM PST - 10 comments
How to I find information about this analysis problem?
I want to figure out how to compare time-to-resolution (TTR) for requests before and after a procedural change. There's a subtlety I came up against that others must have addressed, but I'm not sure how to find information it. [more inside]
posted by Gorgik at 3:41 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Gorgik at 3:41 PM PST - 6 comments
How to avoid choking - strangers and sports edition
I'm trying to get into ultimate frisbee. I'm not very athletic in general, but I can throw okay and know how to make cuts. But when I play with new people or teams I get very nervous and in my head and throw terribly. To the point where people think I've never thrown before. I lose my spin, and often throw in the wrong direction.
How do I keep my composure so when I start throwing with a stranger I do my best?
Help me name some city streets! :D
I am designing a housing development and I might get to name the streets! I need 3-7 street names (it will depend on if the city wants one street to be considered a loop or different streets). I am looking for some additional ideas for street names! In particular, if anyone knows names from Hispanic mythology that would be cool/appropriate to use, that would be awesome. [more inside]
posted by miss so and so at 2:37 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by miss so and so at 2:37 PM PST - 26 comments
Looking for ANYTHING like Mandy
What books, movies, music, tv shows, etc, are like Mandy? I just saw this movie and completely loved it. [more inside]
posted by miltthetank at 2:24 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by miltthetank at 2:24 PM PST - 11 comments
Suggestions for a week in Lebanon (Tripoli/Beirut)
I will be taking a trip to Tripoli, Lebanon in mid-November and, while I will be hanging with a friend there (a Tripoli native who has lived in the US for several years) the whole time, I was wondering what lovely tidbits of knowledge (things to see/hear/do/buy/avoid) the Green might have. I'll be staying in Tripoli the whole time, though we plan to spend at least one day in Beirut, so info on either city is great. We will have a car. [more inside]
Canadian Rockies in the snow
Hello, good citizens of Calgary and surrounding areas. The news just informed me that you recently received a record-breaking amount of snow. A friend and I are flying up tomorrow for a weekend in the Rockies, visiting Jasper and Banff. According to Banff Now, roads remain open, so we're continuing as planned. Do you have any advice for exploring the park given the current conditions? [more inside]
What is it that breaks my webpage in Safari?
I have a webpage that used to run perfectly in Safari (and still displays OK in Chrome) but since a few updates (I can't time it exactly since I use Chrome in my day to day life) doesn't display well/at all in Safari on a Mac (it works with the most current Iphone Update).. [more inside]
Turning an old detached garage into a home gym (+mold?)
Tips on converting a detached garage, possibly with some mold, into a workout space. Tips on making a home gym? [more inside]
posted by semacd at 12:48 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by semacd at 12:48 PM PST - 9 comments
Better fitting shirts, please!
I have smallish shoulders and a long torso. How can I find or alter shirts to fit me better? [more inside]
posted by aka burlap at 12:25 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by aka burlap at 12:25 PM PST - 5 comments
How hard is it to cut slate?
I have an old slate chalkboard that I want to cut for a bathroom counter top. How hard is it to cut a hole in slate for a sink? I'm reasonably handy and have a friend with a tile saw who will help. The wood substrate is already cut, can be used as template.
Last fearful flying question: window or aisle?
I guess this is mostly for other people who are petrified of air travel: do you find that
a) aisle seats give you some tiny feeling of sweet egress
b) windows give you some sense that you are still in the world and not a tin capsule forever or
c) other thing, upon which you have much to say
? [more inside]
Christmas in New York
My mother (70s) and my sister (40s) from North Carolina, are visiting me in Brooklyn for Christmas. I'm only going to have them for Christmas Eve and Christmas day but I need to figure out a) what to do with them and b) where to have a Christmas dinner. [more inside]
What kind of car should I buy?
I was recently in my first serious accident and my 2011 Chevy Malibu was totaled. I need to start car shopping, and I’m excited about having a new car but I’m also overwhelmed with the choices and how to decide on what kind of car to get. I’m not a car person whatsoever, so besides checking Consumer Reports, I don’t know what’s considered a “good” car these days, or what matches what I’m looking for. (more inside) [more inside]
posted by koolaidnovel at 11:41 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by koolaidnovel at 11:41 AM PST - 27 comments
Help me eat! Need recipes and meal ideas for a rather specialized diet
I cannot eat gluten, mammals, or more than 20 carbs (net) a day.
I am looking for recipes and meal ideas primarily, but also good websites or books focused on recipes that might work for me. [more inside]
posted by congen at 11:33 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by congen at 11:33 AM PST - 10 comments
How can I navigate this family situation?
Went out with my sister-in-law, she drank quite a bit and got cozy with the guys at the club. Not sure she remembers it. How should I respond? [more inside]
The Perfect Planner
I'm currently using an Erin Condren Life Planner, but I'm looking for a more streamlined planner without all the "fluff," but want to stay away from a super "corporate" feel. [more inside]
Simple, non-internet-enabled security camera for a storage space
Hello. What is a good "security" camera that: 1) records to an SD card 2) does not require wifi or any sort of Internet connection 3) has decent battery life? This is for my dad, who is not great with computer stuff, so simple set up so I don't have to walk him through it on the phone would be best. It's going to be mounted on a wall in a storage building, so I suppose it should also not be too heavy or bulky for that.
posted by ignignokt at 8:22 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by ignignokt at 8:22 AM PST - 8 comments
Ridiculous shark game!
This lovely post has me addicted to this ridiculous game
And this article seems helpful- BUT I don't have any shrimp or sponge!
What am I missing?
Employment filter: Contract or back to salary
I got caught in a department reshuffle in Company A over the summer, and was let go with severance. I applied for another role in Company A after leaving, and started the interview process for it. Before receiving an offer from the first company, I was offered and accepted a multi-year W2 contract from Company B, in a different industry. The hourly rate is significantly more than my salary at Company A. [more inside]
Pop a up Camping Tips for North Carolina, Please...
We recently came into a pop up camper and have been enjoying it immensely. Do you have any tips or tricks that made camping more enjoyable? [more inside]
Books about Christmas!
I friggin love Christmas (82 days to go!), I'm in the last few weeks of pregnancy, and I need some light-hearted reads to get on my Kindle and get me in the holiday spirit. Any recommendations? [more inside]
Is it hard to get rid of a strong soap smell in a former soap factory?
This is a weird situation but our theater school is considering renting a space that is now used as a soap manufacturing operation. The space is small (1000 sq ft) has no central air, and a very heavy smell of perfumed soap. Would it be easy to remove the smell? Some of our students are scent-sensitive.
what is like Pepsi Blue, but not as blue?
I'm looking for non-political examples of fake grassroots campaigns (marketing efforts, Wikipedia pranks, etc.) for a talk I'm working on. My audience will be scientifically sophisticated but not necessarily geeky. Bonus points if the story comes with a good picture that I can add to my slides.
posted by yarntheory at 6:33 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by yarntheory at 6:33 AM PST - 16 comments
Can I bring pet remains into Germany?
My wife and I are relocating from the US to Germany in 2 weeks. We have the ashes of our three cats, each in a pretty little box. The thought of leaving them behind breaks our hearts. Can we bring them into the country? We have no plans of scattering the ashes there.
What's the digital version of a kid running down the hall with a bell?
My school does not have bells because students are on different schedules. Adding to the confusion, the school clocks and computer clocks are off by a few minutes. I would like to set up bells to ring when classes start and end. I don't want to have to turn off the bells when they ring (like an alarm on my phone). Any ideas for an app or website that will make this easy? Thank you!
Remote bonding with sister
I'm living pretty much permanently overseas and want to play games or watch stuff with my sister via the internet while gabbing. Do you know good options? [more inside]
October 2
Paint sprayer- Help me choose?
Should I use a paint sprayer? I have a large wall hanging that looks like a carved teak wood mandala (similar to this), but it's actually made of something like light MDF or pressed cardboard. I'd like to paint it.... [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus at 11:43 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by pseudostrabismus at 11:43 PM PST - 9 comments
I need to sleep at Oregon Health & Science University for a few hours.
In the early morning I have a appointment with the oral surgery people. At pretty much the end of the day I have to see a radiologist. So lots of time to kill and there is no way I can stay awake between the two appointments. So I am looking for a couch or patch of grass to sleep on. Surely there is a place that won't care if I crash if I have appointments.
I have never been to OHSU before but my appointments are near Sam Jackson Hall.
People who never use the internet: why/how?
Do you personally know anyone who never uses the internet? Can you tell us why they don't, and how they manage without it? [more inside]
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 10:14 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 10:14 PM PST - 56 comments
Goldilocks and the Ghost
Help fulfill my toddler's bedtime story request. [more inside]
posted by slidell at 10:12 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by slidell at 10:12 PM PST - 6 comments
Parking in Boulder CO on Thirsday?
Is there a place I can park a truck & small camper near downtown Boulder, CO, preferably within walking distance of a dog friendly lunch spot? Difficulty level: day after tomorrow. [more inside]
What simple Android app are you missing?
For a friend. What would be a good first/second android app for a beginner to try and tackle? [more inside]
posted by zengargoyle at 9:12 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by zengargoyle at 9:12 PM PST - 14 comments
What are these bits of metal coming out of my faucet?
Little bits of metal are falling out of bathtub faucet. My derrière is scared. What can I or my building do about it? Pic below the fold... [more inside]
Three-way lamp splitter?
I like having bright lighting, so I've used some lamp socket splitters (here's an example) to put two LED bulbs in a single socket. Because they're LED bulbs, it's still comfortably within the power limits for the fixture. What I'd like to do, though, is to use the fact that they're three-way fixtures to get a choice between three levels of brightness. Is this possible? Details below the fold. [more inside]
How do I keep a program from accessing internet in Windows 8?
I want to run a program but prevent it from accessing the internet. This is windows 8. I thought that's what the windows firewall did, but I can't figure out how to set it up. I have tried googling and that just made me feel dumber. How do I do this?
Off-the-beaten-track mason jar breakfasts?
I’ve done overnight oatmeal before and hate scrambled eggs. What other grab and go breakfasts can I make in a mason jar? [more inside]
All apologies
My partner hates apologies. I probably over apologize and expect such. I am at my wits end. Help me rationalize and come out healthier. [more inside]
posted by xaire at 6:39 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by xaire at 6:39 PM PST - 39 comments
West E Library Media Exam --- How tough is it?
I am studying to take the West E Library Media test here in my home state of Washington. While I've never taken and Library Science classes, I am boning up on MARC and Dewey Decimal categories. If you've taken the test and can speak to its difficulty I would appreciate your advice. I suspect the Praxis test is very similar to the West E so I've have used reference materials for both tests to study. Good idea or bad idea? Thanks in advance!
Looking for "The Voice" Episode
I'm looking for a "The Voice" episode, I think from Season 13. There was one episode where Kelly Clarkson was a "guest coach". Would appreciate both knowing which episode it was and hopefully, somewhere I can watch it. (I know she's a coach this season; looking specifically for episode where she was a guest coach) Thanks!
posted by bearette at 6:06 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by bearette at 6:06 PM PST - 1 comment
Just hypothetically...
Is there any way a person can, in 2018, get in trouble for sharing their cable log-in with someone outside their household to, say, watch the baseball playoffs.
Examples of real-life data tables describing social media users
I'm looking for examples of actual real life published database tables, that have been or are still used to describe users of social media platforms. I want to use them as teaching examples, as it makes it more real, but I was having a hard time coming up with anything. So: does anyone knew of any examples published online? Thank you! [more inside]
We didn't call it the Lonely Room
I asked once before and this question resulted in a real life store.
We're looking to expand and since MeFi did so well naming us the first time, we're hoping for a clever name for our expansion. [more inside]
Novels similar to Hemingway's The Old Man and The Sea?
In terms of style of writing, narration--setting can be from anywhere. Nature and beaches would be an asset.
How to avoid crossing your legs/feet after surgery
My father is undergoing heart surgery in a few days. He's been told that after the surgery, he should avoid sitting or lying with his legs or feet crossed (as it can interfere with circulation). He habitually crosses his feet at the ankles when he sits or lies down. It's largely automatic, unconscious behavior, so it seems hard to stop. He's wondering if there are tips for how to remedy this. Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions much appreciated!
Can you help me pick a workout tracking app?
My cycling coach has me going to the gym to do some weightlifting and other exercises. Cycling is easy to track on tools like TrainingPeaks, but so far I'm just tracking my sets and weights in Notes.
Searches in the Apple app store yield a LOT of noise. Here's my ideal snowflake app: [more inside]
posted by uberchet at 3:01 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by uberchet at 3:01 PM PST - 8 comments
Please give me resources on CPTSD (YNM mental health professional)
It's been a pretty shitty few weeks, not least because I've been confronting the... strong possibility that I have some form of CPTSD. Trouble is, I'm having a hard time finding resources and wrapping my head around things, especially because my trauma is neither sexual nor military. Please help me find in-depth materials that talk about what this is like to experience and, if possible, what the hell I can do about it. [more inside]
posted by sciatrix at 2:44 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by sciatrix at 2:44 PM PST - 14 comments
Leaving the USA for a year or longer. What's my best iPhone strategy?
So I've got an iPhoneX on T-Mobile with a phone service apple watch. For the most part it's been great. Cheapish phone rates and free texts & data (at 2G) have worked around the world and I've been happy. Except now if you stay outside the US for longer than 3 months they can cancel your service. So I'm moving to either Siberia or Mongolia and I need a new plan. What will work with my watch and my phone? And how can I keep my number here and just forward the calls?
slightly conceited, Not Really - Modeling Question (Dallas, Tx)
Very random question...I'm a male in his 40s and I think I have somewhat of a unique look (long Groomed beard, sleeved tattoos, and somewhat muscular), think biker / Hipster /stylish dad look. Anyways, I see a lot of commercials, catalogs, etc. with guys with a similar look. How does someone get into this? Recommendations? Should I even bother? Just wondering and thanks for taking your time to respond. Oh, and I'm about 5'9 1/2 tall, Live in Dallas Tx, obviously no experience. Thanks!!!
How about a nice rug to complement a burnt orange couch?
Help me find a rug that complements my goofy orange couch! Something I can see in NYC before I purchase. [more inside]
Spoke with a lawyer about my work visa and want your second opinion
I am on an H1B and received a job offer from another company that I would like to take! I am getting married in 3 weeks (to a US citizen) and do not want to come back to my current employer after the honeymoon. I'm confused about timing and associated risk. [more inside]
How to health care?
I am in Washington State. My wife, who has provided our health insurance via her employer, is losing her job on Oct. 31. We have established a user account at hca.wa.gov and I am filling out the forms on her behalf. They are confusing. How should I fill them out? [more inside]
Knitting ?: keepin' it flat
I've been using a knitting stitch that naturally curls the scarf. I like it, but for my next scarf I'd like slightly less curling without losing the bouncy stretchiness of the particular stitch, which is kind of a fun stitch. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 11:05 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by A Terrible Llama at 11:05 AM PST - 26 comments
Managing "Risk"
I've got a group of friends that is almost entirely composed of former coworkers, all a bit younger than me who, at our previous job, were part of a big clot of young players at that company of that legendary strategy boardgame, Risk. I was not in that clot and, in fact, I've never played the game. I want to remedy this. [more inside]
posted by Sunburnt at 9:57 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Sunburnt at 9:57 AM PST - 21 comments
How can I tell if someone has muted me on Twitter?
How can I tell if someone has muted me on Twitter? [more inside]
Liminal music
I want to read/listen to things about the musical concept of playing between the notes or the silence between the notes (or anything similar about using liminal space in music). [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 9:09 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 9:09 AM PST - 11 comments
What will the fidget spinner of 2018-2019 be?
As in, what's the next cheaply produced, inexpensive to buy, endlessly iterated miracle to come out of Southern China's manufacturing centers and be drop-shipped worldwide? (FYI: I'm not specifically asking about toys.) [more inside]
posted by tapir-whorf at 8:50 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by tapir-whorf at 8:50 AM PST - 23 comments
Wanted: Adventurous Cartoons
I just sailed through Transformers: Prime, and I'm currently digging the 2012 iteration of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Help me find more TV shows to scratch this itch for adventure. [more inside]
posted by xenization at 8:25 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by xenization at 8:25 AM PST - 15 comments
Shutting off EQ, reverb, and other effects in GarageBand
A friend of mine is doing a remix of a song I recorded straight to GarageBand. He asked if there was a way I could send him the raw files. I shut off as many effects as I could, but I think the default Nice Room filter may have added EQ, reverb, and some other effects. Is there a way I can either take these effects off to get the raw recordings, or to completely shut off the Nice Room setting so I can get a completely raw track?
Best resources for learning about Agile quickly
I have an interview for a product owner role in a large company that makes enterprise software. I have software and product management experience but have never done formal agile. I need to come up to speed quickly so I can at least show that I've done my homework.
What are some good books, articles, and other online resources that will get me familiar with Agile terminology and best practices? [more inside]
Help me fill the processed meat “hole” in my breakfasts？
I gave up processed meats a long time ago because of the supposed cancer risks and am looking for healthy meaty protein substitutes. [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 7:25 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by whitelotus at 7:25 AM PST - 31 comments
Will I still be employable after this role in tech?
I moved from academia to industry at the beginning of this year and seem to be moving from a hard technical role into bizdev/product management/architecture. I'm worried about what comes after this. I seek advice from people who might have gone through similar situations. [more inside]
A man has been invited to sleep in my ex's backyard shed. We coparent.
According to my kids, my ex-wife is letting someone sleep in her backyard shed, and has given him a key to use the bathroom in their house. I'm not sure what to do about that. As many details as I have inside. [more inside]
Used car strategy: newest w/ highest mileage
A colleague mentioned that his used car strategy is to buy the newest car with the highest mileage that meets his criteria (when considering late-model cars). Does this make sense? [more inside]
Title and source of this 1940s documentary
Do you know the title of this (I assume) mid-1940s American propaganda film on Japanese interment? I assume it was a government produced newsreel. I need the title and year. Thank you. SLYT
posted by nantucket at 6:26 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by nantucket at 6:26 AM PST - 3 comments
A Week in Maine
What not to miss during a week in Maine. [more inside]
posted by freshwater at 6:17 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by freshwater at 6:17 AM PST - 9 comments
October 1
goodbye sunny day
My car's sunroof needs some repairs and since I've never used it anyways, I wondered if covering / filling it in might be an option. If this is a thing, is there some kind of term for this mechanical work I could use to start searching for local autobody places that do this type of work? [more inside]
Boarding a cat vs keeping at home
We are leaving to go on a 4-day trip on Wednesday. We have three cats-- two seniors and one frisky rambunctious young one. I'm having last-minute doubts about whether having pet sitters over twice a day will be enough to keep rambunctious cat from bullying one of the older cats. Should I board him instead? Many more relevant details inside. [more inside]
Make my portfolio less overwhelming!
I have a massive portfolio/resume - even when I trim it down it's overwhelming. How do I present it online in a way that's more accessible? [more inside]
What should I do with a bunch of ugly rocks?
We have the typical rocks coming up on our farm, plus old pieces of cement foundation from a previous barn. They are not attractive, even when the dirt is off of them. What should we do with them? Farm work will inevitably produce more of them so whatever we do has to be able to continue to (slowly) grow over the next few decades. [more inside]
Love is like oxygen. Silent, silent oxygen.
My boyfriend snores like a giant dragon and I am a light sleeper with insomnia. [more inside]
Chicago men’s Haircut on Mag Mile
>$35
Where can I get a men’s haircut on Magnificent Mile (north Michigan Avenue) for less than 35 bucks.
Please Help Me Find More Songs Like These
Slow song mostly carried by the bass line and vocals. Here are the examples I can think of (really it was hearing the NIN song last year that made me realize that I like this kind of song):
- Nine Inch Nails - This Isn't The Place
- U2 - If You Wear That Velvet Dress
- Passengers - Your Blue Room
- Elbow - I've Got Your Number
- Lamb - Lullaby
Should I learn to stop worrying and love their wireless router?
Am I being needlessly paranoid about connecting directly to my ISP's combo cable modem / wireless router, as opposed to connecting my own wireless router to the modem? [more inside]
Healthy ways to consume a lot of leftover bread?
Our neighbour has gifted us with two unwrapped loaves of bread. This is much more bread than we usually eat, especially now that I'm being more careful of my caloric intake. The only thing I can think of doing with it is slicing and freezing it for my occasional piece of toast. Can anyone think of a better use for it that doesn't entail eating a lot of empty calories?
posted by suetanvil at 4:15 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by suetanvil at 4:15 PM PST - 20 comments
What's the state of circumcision, culturally and medically?
I know I'm wading into a firefight here, but we're about to have a baby boy and the quest of circumcision has come up. Initially I was against it- While I am circumcised it does have a ring of unnecessary medical intervention about it. On the other hand, I think that socially it could make his life a whole lot easier.
What's the state of the debate? Is there a pressing piece of evidence one way or the other? And, yes, YANAD :) FWIW, we're in the US.
How can I find someone to illustrate some recent experiences of mine?
Unfortunately my budget is rather limited but can anyone please suggest how I can find an illustrator to produce some short pieces? I am thinking akin to a Graphic novel - Harvey Pekar / Crumb, Sacco, Guy Delize type style + scenario. I have made some basic jottings with pages into squares and ideas of dialogue representing some very challenging experiences I think may be of interest to some small group of others out there. Any suggestions gratefully received.
How did you find your side hustle?
I want something to do outside my normal job, but everyone I know with a side hustle employs skills that they already have developed. My job (HR, yay!) and my past times (Learning new hobbies, drinking coffee, watching netflix) don't seem like things I could turn into money. But I know I'm not the first person who has felt this way! I'm looking for inspiring stories from YOU about how you figured you needed to find a side hustle, and eventually you got there.
No knees after 40?
I'm in my early 50s and finding it hard to navigate current skirt and dress lengths, since what's mostly on offer is above the knee (that and midi length, which is straight out). On the one hand, the voices in my head say "mutton dressed as lamb" and "no knees after 40," but on the other hand, I'm quite fit and, age aside, shorter skirts are what looks best on me proportionally, because I'm short. On the third hand, my legs are in fact middle-aged, especially my knees. What are the rules anymore? Please don't say there aren't any. I need some actual guidance.
Storytelling activities for career discernment/ job search?
I'm looking for some engaging career discernment and job search activities for a largeish group. The famous What Color Is Your Parachute? has some nice individual worksheets that draw on personal storytelling for career insight/ interview prep, but it's hard to see how those would translate to a larger in-person workshop environment. Has anyone participated in a story-based career exercise of any sort? If so, how did it work? [more inside]
How often should I be replacing my brake rotors?
We have two cars: a 2012 Honda CR-V and a 2013 Toyota Prius. The brake pads on both of the cars wear out with time (as brake pads do) and have needed to be replaced. Our mechanic, who comes highly recommended, has recommended that we replace the brake rotors every time we've replaced the pads. Is this reasonable or am I a sucker? [more inside]
posted by Betelgeuse at 11:59 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Betelgeuse at 11:59 AM PST - 12 comments
Bean(less)plating
Yet another "where do I buy this" question: I need plates. I have very specific snowflake requirements. I am in the UK. [more inside]
Slides not showing up in Keynote presentation
I made a slide presentation using my very primitive Keynote skills. However, when I set the display to presentation mode, some of the slides aren't showing up as I click through- all that shows is a black screen. When I go back to preview mode, however, the slides are there. [more inside]
Baked meal-prep ideas
What are some ideas for weekly meal-prep lunches that take advantage of my sudden interest in baking (and my impulsive purchase of a stand mixer)? [more inside]
How to best use dwarf mondo grass in a stepping stone path?
My current front yard path is terrible. After two years of weeding and barefoot pain I am replacing the crushed seashells with stepping stones surrounded by... something. Perhaps dwarf mondo grass. Perhaps nice landscaping stones/rock/aggregate. Can you advise? [more inside]
WiFi speed issues: Get a faster setup, a mesh network, or both?
My wireless internet connection is not meeting all my needs. Do I upgrade my speed, set up a mesh network, or both? Or something else? Details inside! [more inside]
How to create a sheet of wallet-sized photos to print?
I didn't like the school photos, so I took my own photo of my child to give to relatives. I was hoping my photo printing store would offer the option of printing a sheet of wallet size photos, but they don't. Help. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 8:39 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by kitcat at 8:39 AM PST - 10 comments
What printer should I buy?
I've become my company's forklift and AWP instructor, which means I need a printer for the operator licenses. I'll be printing on Avery 5371 card stock. I'm looking for something small and simple but of high quality. Thanks.
Peaceful music for a garden
Seeking peaceful music to be played in a public garden. [more inside]
What is the spiciest & icy-est muscle rub you know of?
I have restless legs and have found that Biofreeze works well enough to make a big difference for falling back to sleep. But it is expensive so I am looking for an alternative.
Can you recommend a muscle or pain rub that provides lasting heat/warmth/menthol sensations?
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 8:21 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 8:21 AM PST - 14 comments
How do I write a Software Engineering Manager resume?
I manage two teams of software engineers. I am looking for a new job. How do I write my resume? [more inside]
Is it worth having a room-fan for a top-floor, hot, New-England bedroom?
I think any fan would be too noisy for me to sleep with, so I'm wondering if it's worth getting a fan just to cool off the room before bed once temps go down in the early evening. Is it that much better than just having two opposing side windows? [more inside]
AEP Ohio net meter bill- what does it look like?
I'm considering an 8Kw solar panel installation on my pole barn in central Ohio, sized to cover my documented needs. I'd like to have a better understanding of the impact of the net metering on my electric bill, particularly as it affects the non-supply charges. A search of the internet doesn't come up with anyone sharing that information. Can somebody out there enlighten me? (Any other feedback welcome as well - this would be a DIY with qualified electrician to connect, have quote from Wholesale solar in the 10K range delivered that seems reasonable).
posted by bullatony at 7:38 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by bullatony at 7:38 AM PST - 1 comment
Tips for managing anxiety related to compliments
Query: do you feel anxious when you receive compliments? If so, do you have good managing techniques? Feel like sharing some? [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 7:28 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by angrycat at 7:28 AM PST - 23 comments
Recommendation for geriatric couples counselor therapist near New Haven
Pretty much what it says, but a few relevant details inside. I understand that it may not be my place to recommend this to my parents, but would like to have this handy just in case. Also, I know one or both of my parents should ask their physician(s) about this. [more inside]
Real ID questions
I'm flying within the United States in November. How do I comply with TSA ID requirements? [more inside]
Looking for books about South Korean culture
I’m volunteering as an ESL tutor for adults and am working with a woman from South Korea. I’m looking for resources, especially books, on everyday South Korean life, customs, and culture. [more inside]
posted by bookmammal at 4:58 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by bookmammal at 4:58 AM PST - 4 comments
Dog with SARDS, blind dog tips?
I'm still a bit in shock. My lovely RottieX rescue girl Huggy has suddenly gone profoundly blind. She literally woke up that way this morning. I spent all day today at the vet and they have diagnosed SARDS (Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome). I'm looking for experience with a suddenly blind dog or from other dog owners with SARDS. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by frumiousb at 3:48 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by frumiousb at 3:48 AM PST - 8 comments
Office apology: I shouldn't have said that out loud edition
Whilst talking with some colleagues this morning I voiced my opinion of a co-worker. I was not very complimentary. Turns out that said co-worker was in the office at the time, and potentially in earshot. Should I apologise if this doesn't come up — I don't know for certain that they heard — or should I just shut the hell up and be ashamed in silence? [more inside]
posted by six sided sock at 1:21 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by six sided sock at 1:21 AM PST - 11 comments