November 2016 Archives
November 30
How to tell my boss no if she makes unethical, maybe illegal, requests?
I'm the administrator at a small business (s-corp, 100% owned by own person) and I am responsible for everything financial (paying bills, invoicing, payroll, anything to do with money). The owner sometimes asks for money from the business account to cover personal expenses. I am struggling with how to put a stop to this for good. [more inside]
Freelance Writing Contract
What are the best terms for a freelance writing contract? [more inside]
Sending a gift to Mexico
My partner's mother should have a gift, and I'm worried about sending it to her in Mexico. She hosted us in Mexico (SMA) during the Thanksgiving break. My understanding is sending it is fraught with difficulty, and it would be nice if she were not subject to form-filling-out and other exercise to receive it. [more inside]
Mortgage Filter: Pre-Approval Means What? Snowflake details
Some time after receiving bank statements, tax forms, pay stubs, firstborn child, etc., the loan officer sent an approval letter to my realtor and I thought we were all ready to go. I made an offer on a place and after a short dance it was accepted. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 7:36 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 7:36 PM PST - 16 comments
What grease/lube can I use to make my oven rack slide better?
We have a relatively cheap oven model with a wire rack that slides into the oven against the porcelain walls of the oven; no bearings or anything. It's always stuck a little bit, pulling it in and out — but since we did a self-clean cycle last week, there seems to be even more friction. Is there a food-safe high-temperature grease or other lubricant that I can use to make the rack slide better?
posted by mboszko at 6:42 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by mboszko at 6:42 PM PST - 7 comments
Martin Beck adaptations
Which of the European Martin Beck movies are the best? [more inside]
Destroy my (striped) sweater
How can I buy or make a person-sized, custom-all-over-printed striped sweater by Christmas? [more inside]
posted by glass origami robot at 6:23 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by glass origami robot at 6:23 PM PST - 23 comments
How to defrost salmon quickly?
Is there a good way to defrost a side of salmon (too big for the microwave) that doesn't take very long (dinner is imminent)? Will "cut it in half and defrost by weight in the microwave" work, or is there something better I should be doing?
What could be bothering my baby at night?
I have a 7 month old baby who is an absolute delight during the day. At night, we're having a horrible time with sleep. He wakes up every two hours at least, sometimes every half hour. He seems genuinely uncomfortable/upset. Generally he doesn't need to nurse when he wakes up - just putting him back on his side (his preferred sleeping position), putting the pacifier back in, and giving him a few pats is effective - until he wakes up again. Please give me some ideas of what we can try changing to help this kid stay asleep. [more inside]
posted by WowLookStars at 4:30 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by WowLookStars at 4:30 PM PST - 32 comments
Trying to remove a dark urine and feces stain from a hardwood floor.
How can I remove a large dark urine and feces stain from a hardwood floor? From a human, not a pet. [more inside]
Separation limbo!
This was me.
We've living apart, not really communicating, and still married. Now what? [more inside]
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 3:47 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 3:47 PM PST - 18 comments
58 seats. 62 Koreans.
Sweet fiancé and I are getting married in a park, in July. Seating is extremely limited. How do I work this out? [more inside]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:41 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:41 PM PST - 56 comments
I can't believe it's not snake oil!!!
I want to put some high end (or at least very effective) skin-care potions on my holiday gift wish list this year. I know nothing about this stuff. Need some specific recommendations and/or caveats. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:40 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:40 PM PST - 36 comments
Can you talk me down from my anxiety?
I have a therapist (but won't be able to get into see him for a month), I do CBT and mindfulness and other useful things but the last 6 weeks have blown my stress levels sky-high (over 360 on that psychological scale thing). I'm a late diagnosed aspie with a heaping of lifelong social anxiety on the side. I have some repetitive intrusive thoughts that I can't dislodge and I need your gentle help and logic please.
[more inside]
posted by b33j at 12:25 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by b33j at 12:25 PM PST - 31 comments
How even do you talk to people?
Being around actual people over Thanksgiving weekend showed me exactly where my weaknesses are in conversation. While I'm keenly interested in others' lives, I have no idea how to express such without feeling like I'm conducting an interrogation over pumpkin pie. [more inside]
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 10:52 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 10:52 AM PST - 17 comments
Duvet sets, amirite?
Why don't duvet sets come with a fitted sheet? [more inside]
Threaded rod shelving shelf ends.
I am looking for a source for these 'shelf end brackets' from this article. (and also the correct term for them if you know one). Must have the top and bottom holes.
posted by srboisvert at 10:28 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by srboisvert at 10:28 AM PST - 6 comments
what gives on net speed test
When I use the xfinity site (my ISP is comcast) it shows a download speed of about 120mbs. When I use another random test, it shows about 70mbs. I am curious as to why there would be such a large difference.
French Language BD's for non-french speaker.
When my kid was learning to read English, I picked up a copy of Hilda and The Bird Parade to read along with. The language is clear, concise and works really well with the pictures. (And is a great story.)
So, I'm looking for a similar BD (bande dessinee) with French that is as clear and spare.
Because of this, (very basic language required) Asterix and Lucky Luke haven't been cutting it.
Hopefully at some point they will (because Goscinny is a hilarious, soul enriching writer) but I need bridge texts until then.
Child is 13 and open minded.
posted by From Bklyn at 9:42 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by From Bklyn at 9:42 AM PST - 10 comments
Why do newspapers hide the article behind "continue reading" buttons?
Buttons like this from the Boston Globe. I have several guesses as to why they're there, but none are satisfying and I have no particular confirming evidence. [more inside]
posted by Nelson at 9:37 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Nelson at 9:37 AM PST - 9 comments
Please help me identify these Mexican Day of the Dead figurines
I have two small DotD figurines, each dressed identically. Each wears a red top, with an ankle-length skirt decorated with a floral motif around its bottom hem. Each has a colourful scarf/stole draped over its shoulders, which reaches below the knees. Each has a tight black hat and a pair of round decorations on its head where the ears would be. In comparison to the head, these decorations are about the size of cupcakes. [more inside]
What does it feel like to have ADD?
Someone close to me was diagnosed with ADD as a child, and takes medication to manage it. I'd like to understand better what it feels like to be in her brain. [more inside]
posted by Clotilde at 8:37 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Clotilde at 8:37 AM PST - 33 comments
Traveling vegetarian
I'm looking for vegetarian restaurant/cafe suggestions in the following Midwestern cities: Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Kansas City. They don't have to be 100% vegetarian but they should have more than one boring veg option. Thanks!
posted by bobobox at 8:13 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by bobobox at 8:13 AM PST - 18 comments
I need a brain planner for people bad at thoughts
This is bothering me way more than it should. Ballers is a show about someone who tries to help young football players be better with their money. There is another show or movie about someone helping another kind of professional be better with their money, but I can't think of it or google it. I can't even think of what the other profession is or who might star in this, but I'm sure I've seen it. Does any of this sound familiar?
Is there a "Couch to 5k" for creativity?
I'm in my early thirties and I don't think I've ever been creative. I just don't think I have much imagination for those kinds of things. But it's something I think I'd like in my life, and I'm a little bewildered where to start. Is creativity or imagination something I can learn (or be taught), or is it more innate?
posted by A Robot Ninja at 7:50 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by A Robot Ninja at 7:50 AM PST - 15 comments
Who sells lined women's trousers in the UK?
I want a pair of lined wool trousers, for women, in black. I'm in the UK and I like brands like Toast, APC, Margaret Howell, All Saints, and Cabbages and Roses. Most of the wool trousers from these brands seem to be unlined from the item descriptions. So where can I find black lined wool trousers for women in the UK?
Should I branch out from OkCupid?
I've been using OkCupid successfully for many years, but I'm wondering if I'm likely to have more success elsewhere now. What's the best option for finding poly/ENM people in the Boston area? [more inside]
Help me think through paganism
I just started going out with a delightful man. He's neopagan and I'm Christian. I'm looking for resources and experiences to understand paganism better. [more inside]
What's cooking in this Coke commercial?
What's cooking at the 7 second mark in this Coke commercial? [more inside]
posted by mpark at 7:06 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by mpark at 7:06 AM PST - 15 comments
Recommendations for homemaking books?
We just (as of yesterday!) bought our first home. I am a mixture of excited and clueless. Please recommend your favorite homemaking / housekeeping books for me to pore over. This is a genre I love but it's never been so immediately applicable to me before. [more inside]
posted by cpatterson at 7:06 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by cpatterson at 7:06 AM PST - 11 comments
If I can't get the shoes, how about a nice um-ber-ella?
For Christmas my wife is interested in a pair of the upcoming Puma by Rihanna velvet creepers. I know that the previous releases in this line have sold out in hours. Now that it has been named Shoe of the Year and this release is dropping in primo holiday shopping season (December 8th) I assume this new set will be even harder to get. My questions are (1) How can I increase my chances of snagging a pair of these shoes online as part of the official sale? and (2) If strategy (1) fails, are there sneakerhead resellers where I can buy a pair after the fact for not too much of a premium on the purchase price? [more inside]
posted by Rock Steady at 7:03 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Rock Steady at 7:03 AM PST - 11 comments
Criminal law for the laygirl
I am searching for the best online writing (blogs and columns) regarding criminal law that it not geared towards professionals. I've always been a true crime aficionado, but lately, upon listening to season 2 of the podcast Breakdown (which I couldn't recommend enough), I realized I am in fact much more interested in the actual legal writing side of thing rather than the often too typical sensationalist generic writing that falls under the definition of "true crime" (does that make sense?). [more inside]
posted by denika at 2:23 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by denika at 2:23 AM PST - 7 comments
Australian Windows laptop under $500 recommendations
I need laptop reccomendations very quickly after a change in a personal situation. I am in Australia (regional city) and need to be able to get my hands on it in 48 hours so online is out. [more inside]
Popstar/Protégé Kink over Distance
My long-distance girlfriend and I are going to try a roleplay D/s esque scenario where she's the Popstar and I'm their protégé/assistant/houseboi type person. What sort of things could we do over distance? [more inside]
Dating Filter: Something feels off
I've been dating someone long distance for a few months and have noticed a sudden shift in our conversations the last two weeks. He is still in contact daily but has subtly become less affectionate. I feel like he is no longer emotionally invested and I don't want to continue. How do I extricate myself gracefully from an undefined relationship? [more inside]
Should I donate my services to the school auction?
I work for myself doing a particular service for homeowners that is in high demand right now. I'm considering donating a consultation to my kid's school's auction. What should I think about before I do this? [more inside]
November 29
Why are you calling?
I just got a call a few minutes ago (10:20-ish pm) from a police officer asking what my license plate number was, regarding an accident I had back in October. I complied and gave him my license plate number, I didn't even think to ask why specifically and I've already forgotten what his name was. Now I'm sort of worried about the call. [more inside]
How do I get my child's father to respect my wishes regarding her care?
My child's father and I recently had a disagreement about when to start solids. I told him I didn't think child was ready; he said everyone thought I was wrong and planned to start them anyway. I asked for advice elsewhere about being okay with him starting before I felt she was ready and was told that as the child's mother, it is my right to decide how she is cared for. How do I get Father to understand that? [more inside]
Should I date a semi-famous person on the other side of the country?
The title of this question doesn't even begin to convey all the issues here. He lives in Hollywood and is charting a path toward becoming a celebrity. I live on the East Coast, am a bookish introvert, and don't particularly want to get my heart smashed to pieces. I also have ZERO interest in the entertainment industry. Yet we share other interests and have major sparks. [more inside]
posted by Guinevere at 9:16 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Guinevere at 9:16 PM PST - 22 comments
Sports vs. My Body - Cost Benefit Analysis
Recently took up a sport, which I LOVE, but which my body doesn't seem well suited for. It has been suggested to me to seek orthopedic treatment, but I think it's an anatomical problem. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by raspberrE at 9:10 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by raspberrE at 9:10 PM PST - 17 comments
Contractor's error: How to address it in a way that works for everyone?
Our general contractor made an error that substantially increased the cost of construction. They are now asking us to cover it. How do we respond to this while maintaining a good working relationship for the rest of the project? Input from folks in the construction business would be especially appreciated! [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 8:01 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by sibilatorix at 8:01 PM PST - 13 comments
cough cough cough cough cough
Nothing is getting rid of my cough. It may be from a ~chronic condition~ or it may just be from a virus. I like breathing and this cough is making that challenging so brilliant mefi invaluable insight on how to get rid of it appreciated. [more inside]
I'd unravel every riddle...
How do you rebuild cognitive strength while dealing with an extended illness? [more inside]
Is there such a thing as a science kit for adults?
I want to get my girlfriend something crafty or hands-on for Christmas. I know she has a secret fascination with geology, and we've talked about how she wishes she'd been able to play with science kits when she was a kid. So I really want to get her a science kit now, ideally something geology-related, but is it possible to get one that's maybe one a little more engaging for a woman in her 30s? [more inside]
NYC dentist- caveat must be trustworthy and painless!
Short version- I need a GOOD NYC dentist. Willing to go out of network if necessary. [more inside]
Post-Christmas/New Years Getaway
Where can I go on such short notice? [more inside]
Aces High(er): Pop/indie/dreampop/ethereal covers of metal songs
I've been listening to metal for nearly 20 years and lately I've gotten really into ethereal, dreamy, possibly sad or wistful covers of classic metal songs done by female singers. The Cardigans' covers of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Iron Man are getting close to what I want, but the instrumentation is not as sparse as I'd like. The original songs that scratch this itch probably stretch from Sabbath territory over to Iron Maiden, and less often into other metal subgenres. Please hit me with your best recommendations!
Remote Torrent
Is there an android or Browser app that will let me remotely control my PC at home? Most of the Android options I see are for a phone running on the same network and can only access a minimum of apps on the desktop. I'd like full remote desktop access from an android app. [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 4:29 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by kittensofthenight at 4:29 PM PST - 13 comments
Help me find a vacation spot in Utah-ish
I'm planning a family reunion of sorts. We have folks driving in and meeting somewhere near Salt Lake City, Utah. I know nothing about this area. Can you please help me find a vacation town/rental in this general vicinity? Details within. [more inside]
Sarasota to West Palm beach travel options?
I need to get from Sarasota to West Palm Beach. All the major airlines have crazy routes like JFK to Sarasota to JFK to West Palm Beach. Even the bus had an all day travel time. It looks like with a car rental it'd be 3.5 hours, but I let my DL expire. Are there private car services that's make the trip? Like how there's dedicated NYC to the hamptons options? Or anything that's not crazy to get me across the state?
Are they *all* good dogs?
I have read that there is a near-universal tendency for people to speak to pets in the same kind of high-pitched voice they would use towards babies because it is an instinctive response to smallness, cuteness, innocence.
And I know that
"Who's a good boy/girl/dog? Are you a good boy/girl/dog? Yes you are."
is an extremely common way for people to talk to dogs, their own or others...although what's behind this I can't guess. (Bonus points if you can.) [more inside]
posted by uans at 2:54 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by uans at 2:54 PM PST - 24 comments
ISO a 26" tall table
I need a table that's 26" tall, about 31-40" wide, with a minimum depth of 16", that I could get in Canada, ideally Toronto, ideally in a brick and mortar store, ideally tonight (or maybe tomorrow), for less than $120 CAD all in. [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:43 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:43 PM PST - 6 comments
Should I try to "grow" feelings for this person or listen to my anxiety?
I have been dating this guy for just over a month now. I knew him previously from HS, but we reconnected through a dating site. I had a huge crush on him in HS but I wasn't sure how I'd feel as that was a long time ago (25 now). Before we met I was honest and said I wanted friendship to start off with, cause I assumed he'd expect a hook up right away. We've hung out five times now, and been texting a lot but I'm not sure how I feel still. [more inside]
posted by oracleia at 1:52 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by oracleia at 1:52 PM PST - 16 comments
Best practices for Excel workbooks?
What are your best practices for error checking when creating and maintaining Excel workbooks? [more inside]
Comfortable, good quality, quiet-soled slippers.
I'm looking for a pair of comfortable, women's slippers that don't have a clunky or stiff sole. [more inside]
posted by Blitz at 1:02 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Blitz at 1:02 PM PST - 16 comments
Looking for Sci fi book gift
Hello! I need a book (possibly movie, but better a book) recommendation for a feminist leaning speculative fiction fan. What's new this year? [more inside]
Could a Trump administration strip me of my birthright citizenship?
Yes, I know there's strong Supreme Court precedent against it and it seems hypothetical now. But the current administration -- at least as far as I could tell -- would LIKE to revoke birthright citizenship. I know it's extremely implausible, but is it completely impossible?
posted by orangutan at 12:21 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by orangutan at 12:21 PM PST - 20 comments
Going into Wed.'s tiebreak, how can I best enjoy the world chess match?
The World Chess Championship is tied after 12 games, and goes to tiebreakers on Wednesday. I haven't played chess in years, but do understand the rules and can anticipate and avoid fool's mate. How can I get up to speed to best appreciate Wednesday's tiebreaker? [more inside]
Hidden Wedding Dresses
I took the dive into wedding planning and tried on dresses. It was fun, but everything felt pretty formal (and really expensive). I have seen interesting and more budget friendly dresses at places like Modcloth and so now I wonder: what other companies or stores carry wedding dresses? [more inside]
posted by thefang at 11:21 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by thefang at 11:21 AM PST - 37 comments
Evensong Service for Download?
I stream the BBC 3 Choral Evensong every week, but I'm hoping to find a version of these services that I can (legally) download for offline listening. I can only find Mp3 albums of individual services for purchase. Ideally, I would like a podcast-like feed of weekly services, or a large collection of archived programs, that I could download on my own. Is there anything like this out there? [more inside]
posted by Think_Long at 11:02 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Think_Long at 11:02 AM PST - 5 comments
What size wire inside Beats Solo2 headphones?
What size wire do I want to buy, to replace the one that goes through the strap from the left headphone to the right headphone in my son's Beats Solo 2 headphones? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 10:32 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 10:32 AM PST - 13 comments
Gift for the exceptionally cool 13 year old dude
I need to come up with a Christmas/birthday gift for an exceptionally cool, hip, mature 13 year old dude. [more inside]
Artists… tell me all about your website !
If you are a professional artist and have a web site, I’d like your insight. [more inside]
posted by jabo at 9:46 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by jabo at 9:46 AM PST - 6 comments
Great value stainless steel tri-ply cookware?
I'm look for some really nice and good value stainless steel tri-ply clad cookware. I'm replacing my old worn out teflon-coated nonstick pots and pans. I want tri-ply cookware that cooks evenly, is very sturdy, and can go in the oven and the dishwasher without problems. [more inside]
posted by FelineoidEntity at 9:31 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by FelineoidEntity at 9:31 AM PST - 20 comments
Japan in winter
I'm spending 9 days in Japan over the Christmas and New Year's holidays. I'm pretty well-covered as far as general Japan tourism suggestions, but I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on places to go and things to see that are *particularly* scenic, lovely, uncrowded-but-accessible, or otherwise worthwhile in the winter months. (I am aware that Japan is a world-class skiing destination, but I don't ski.) I currently plan to spend my time in Osaka/Kobe, Kyoto, Tokyo, and the Kii peninsula, but am flexible if something else enticing presents itself.
Who makes policy decisions at Twitter?
Say I wanted to contact the people who make policy decisions at Twitter. For example, the people who decide what types of users to delete and under what circumstances. Who are those people? [more inside]
I forgot how dating works!
Is it typical for a partner to not stay over after having sex for the first time, if it's not a casual sex situation and there's no obvious reason that they need to leave? [more inside]
Need help with Title ID, for early Hollywood silent film clips
I have a bunch of early Hollywood silent film clips that I am trying to source as part of a research project. Any idea of the titles of the films these clips are from? Thank you in advance! [more inside]
posted by stanleyhuff at 8:00 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by stanleyhuff at 8:00 AM PST - 5 comments
Where can you find motion dolls and angels for Christmas?
They used to have motion dolls years ago......like angles, and carolers, who moved back and forth holding candles, and some lit up and some played music. All I can find is Telco and Rennoc as company names for these dolls. But they are all used on e-bay. I think they were called motion-ettes. [more inside]
All I want for Christmas is a Beyonce Hat.
I have been utterly obsessed with the hat Beyonce wears in her Formation video and can not find a good copy, please help my Bey dreams come true. [more inside]
posted by zara at 6:09 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by zara at 6:09 AM PST - 11 comments
(Hopefully) retiring soon. Who do I tell first? It's tricky*
I work for an agency that allows for retirement after so many years of service, which can include unused personal and sick leave. To start the process, paperwork has to be turned in to a benefits person to verify service and any leave time credit. But, should I tell my boss first even if I am not 100% sure I have enough time? [more inside]
posted by bellastarr at 6:03 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by bellastarr at 6:03 AM PST - 17 comments
How do I new therapist?
My therapist became seriously ill suddenly and can't work with me any more. I need to find a new one but I can't face the thought of having to bring a totally new person up to speed with everything that's wrong with me. [more inside]
C25k for emotional intelligence
Are there any systems for learning how to develop self/social awareness/management skills? Ones where I can track my progress? [more inside]
If a friend is never happy for me, does that make her my frenemy?
I feel like my friend keeps sizing me and others up. I feel uneasy about this. I'm not sure if this is enough reason to cut off the friendship. She's an otherwise nice person. Should I just accept this as a quirk of hers? [more inside]
Advice for confidently and respectfully networking within my workplace
I would like to change roles internally at my organisation. How might I approach researching this and meeting new people at my workplace? [more inside]
How to seduce my boyfriend?
Our sex life is dying, and my usual tricks don't work. [more inside]
Nina, Kim, Dorcas, Millicent
Finished reading A Brief History of Seven Killings the other day. Great book, but I've been bothered by a theory I'd been developing about one particular storyline. It's left unresolved and none of the reviews I've read have honed in on it, which, well, probably says that I'm overthinking it, but I have to ask. Details (and Spoilers!) below. [more inside]
Has anyone ever received disability accomodation for deadlines?
It seems like nearly every organization you can interact with has some form of deadlines - payment periods, responses needed, return-by dates, applications, tickets, etc. These deadlines - and more specifically, dealing with time crunches - always seem to play merry hell with people with mental health disabilities, particularly when times enter dark periods.
Has anyone ever heard of someone arguing, successfully or otherwise, either privately or in court, that disability accomodation should apply to mental health as well for these scenarios? [more inside]
November 28
Burner Phones
Cheap and disposable cell phones, what TV detective shows love to call "burner phones" are always shown being thown away in trash cans. But if they are only used once, what happens to them? They all have to have the symbol of a trashcan with an X through it on the back cover to show they're capable of being environmentally recycled. [more inside]
Where is this image from?
I've seen this image around on tumblr, and all I want to know is: where is it from?
posted by Windigo at 7:39 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Windigo at 7:39 PM PST - 5 comments
Antiperspirant in new and unusual places!
Is it advisable to put antiperspirant on my head? If so, do you have a suggestion for a specific brand that will work under makeup and won't gunk up my pores? [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 6:39 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by tryniti at 6:39 PM PST - 17 comments
Best way to travel to Yverdon, Switzerland - fly into Zurich or Geneva?
I need to travel from Los Angeles, CA to Yverdon, Switzerland. Nonstop flights aren't available from LAX to Geneva, but are available to Zurich. So, is it better to fly into Zurich and take a 2 hour train, or connect somewhere, fly into Geneva and take a 1 hour train? A local is telling me to make a connection, but a flight connection anywhere in the world, including the US, seems worse than an extra hour in the train.
posted by carlodio at 6:01 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by carlodio at 6:01 PM PST - 12 comments
Podcasts: Speech Pathology/English/Psychology/Criminology
Hi. I'm a 27 y/o woman and I'm looking for something interesting to listen to on my way to work, so maybe something that's about an hour long. My interests are speech pathology, english, psychology, mysteries, criminology, history (american, history of language). Audiobooks are great too (mystery, historical fiction, etc) [more inside]
Advice needed
If you were starting out as an independent contractor how would you do it? [more inside]
TV series like literary novels
I recently inhaled The Crown. My all time favorite TV show is Mad Men. What should I watch next? [more inside]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:57 PM PST - 59 comments
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:57 PM PST - 59 comments
I want to take a nice bath
My apartment only has a shower. I have a couple of vacation days coming up, and I'm tempted to rent a hotel room that has a nice bathtub. Difficulty: I am 6 feet tall and like 240 lbs, which means that a standard size bathtub is really unsatisfying. I want a big bathtub, ideally with some kind of heating element so it doesn't get cold after twenty minutes. How can I find such a thing? [more inside]
Christian blog post about pro-life/pro-choice having lots in common?
I am searching for a blog post I read a few weeks ago, and regretfully didn't save a link to. It was written by a pro-life Christian woman, and the topic was essentially how the pro-life and pro-choice crowd on the left, have a lot more in common than we think. [more inside]
posted by Joh at 3:16 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Joh at 3:16 PM PST - 3 comments
How "precise" is 23andme?
My husband is curious about 23andme, and I'm thinking of buying him and me a kit for Christmas. What could we really learn from it? [more inside]
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, It's ASD Time In the City
Please cram my skull full of your experiences, info, and/or guidance about relocating from the suburbs to Philadelphia proper with my ASD/gifted/special-snowflake child. More inside. [more inside]
Transit approved commuter mug - 12 oz. edition.
Here in Halifax, transit drivers won't let you on the bus with a coffee unless it is in a travel mug. While I think this is pretty repugnant, I am tired of wasting a third of an americano when the bus arrives faster than I anticipate. After taking a stab myself, I am turning to you, the good people of MetaFilter, for a 12 oz. travel mug recommendation. [more inside]
posted by jamaal at 12:16 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by jamaal at 12:16 PM PST - 48 comments
Help me ID this Italian lullaby (or pop song?)
Around 1957, the Italian maid sang this lullaby to my father and his siblings. Based on my grandmother's remembered lyrics, can anyone help me find it?
Sulla sedia io mi dondolo / E tu sei fra le mie braccia / Piccolina della mama / Nina nana nin' oe' [more inside]
Transgender 101
My (niece) nephew came out as transgendered shortly before Thanksgiving. The extended family is accepting and wants to support him, but a lot of us don't really know much about transgendered folk. Is there a basic guide/introduction to this, somewhere online?. Nephew is quite introverted, so talking to him about it is not the best option.
posted by sarajane at 11:42 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by sarajane at 11:42 AM PST - 23 comments
For my next trip, I will be visiting Iron Mountain!
Hey MeFi! I have travel coming up in January to Iron Mountain, Michigan. I am a special snowflake while traveling and thus somewhat nervous about smaller cities, and this seems to be the smallest that work has ever sent me to by a lot. Please help me enjoy Iron Mountain! Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by bile and syntax at 11:40 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by bile and syntax at 11:40 AM PST - 2 comments
Books on divorce/living alone
Self-help or non-fiction books on divorce and/or living alone for the first time [more inside]
What are these small itchy bumps occasionally showing up in clusters?
What are these small itchy bumps showing up in clusters every now and then on my skin? [more inside]
What Android game should I play next?
I recently finished playing an Android puzzle game, Alcazar and I really loved it. What should I play next? [more inside]
Burned out social worker: what's my next career?
I guess “what should I do next?” is a pretty common question here and carries a high risk of snowflakes, if I’m understanding the local usage of that term, but here goes. [more inside]
posted by Smearcase at 10:48 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Smearcase at 10:48 AM PST - 7 comments
Can you be my career counsellor?
[Asking for a friend] I need a new career, but I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out what my options are, and what direction to take given my random work history. Looking for suggestions for potential careers or thoughts on services that help to navigate the options. [more inside]
anxiety + sleep loss + self-love/esteem
This will be a long one, so bear with me!
I've had self-esteem issues for a while now, around 10+ years. I'm in therapy, I go to Al-Anon, call people in Al-Anon for support and have a decent social network. However, I'm in a healthy relationship that I value a lot and it's brought out a lot of my own personal insecurities as well as a decent amount of nights for the past 4 months of below average sleep.
How can I address my anxiety better? Details in main post. [more inside]
Four people in a cottage for Christmas. How to do food?
Four people going away for Xmas to a beautiful but remote cottage. How do I approach planning, cooking and splitting food bills?
I like cooking, lists and being ORGANISED!! but three of us like to cook, so I don't want to trample over everyone else and get exhausted cooking. I also don't want it to be a mess or end up with not enough.
Has anyone else here dealt with a similar group holiday meal/food planning situation? [more inside]
National volunteer resource by priority?
I'm looking for a national volunteer resource similar to NYCservice.org which allows you to search by "high need area". [more inside]
What is social capital?
What is social capital, when and how do people acquire it, and how do they use it? [more inside]
posted by A. Davey at 8:20 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by A. Davey at 8:20 AM PST - 16 comments
How do you handle Christmas out-of-town with small kids?
For the first time, we're taking the Christmas show on the road, including two young kids. How do we handle gifts? [more inside]
uhhhhh grad school application: how do I do this when i feel bad
I'm applying to grad programs in the humanities and I'm working on my writing sample and it's bad. I feel like a failure, and it's impeding my ability to get this shit done in time for December 8, my first deadline. How do I get over it? [more inside]
What's it like for orchestra members before a performance?
For some fiction I'm working on, I need to know in some detail what the process is like for members of an orchestra before a performance. How early do they arrive at the orchestra hall? What do they do with their coats? Does everyone have a locker? Where do instrument cases sit during the show? Do people warm up at all before going out onstage to do the more public warmup? Is there a lot of chitchat? Basically, if you could walk me through the process step by step, that'd be a huge help.
posted by the phlegmatic king at 4:58 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by the phlegmatic king at 4:58 AM PST - 17 comments
How to I print a folder of email in Hotmail / Outlook Live?
I have a subfolder of emails in my inbox that I need to print and/or save as one single pdf. How do I do this? I thought it would be as easy as 'select all' and then 'print' but it would appear Hotmail doesn't provide any such option although I'm sure there used to be.
Poetry for the Apocalypse
Inspired by some clips of poems I've read in the holiday card threads, I'm looking for more poems to read in dark political times. Now that trump is the president-elect, what poems are giving you hope, perspective, or just a sense of camaraderie with the poet? [more inside]
posted by dysh at 4:05 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by dysh at 4:05 AM PST - 22 comments
Printing/framing a poster over the web for someone in Seattle
I want to get an A1 poster printed and framed and delivered to someone in Seattle. I'm in another country. Does anyone have any recommendations for who to go with? I have a 275 meg Tiff and can also get a print ready pdf of appropriate resolution.
November 27
Give me your favorite non-kitschy jigsaw puzzles.
Looking for cool jigsaw puzzles, preferably 1000-2000 pieces and under $25. Trying to avoid Kinkadian landscapes and anything overly busy. [more inside]
Vented range hoods: 2016 edition
A previous question exists, but it's from 2007. Looking for updated recommendations for an undercabinet-mounted, 30-inch vented range hood. [more inside]
Tenant/housemate with a drinking problem
My friend A owns a large house and rents out 3 rooms, while she lives in the 4th room. One of the housemates, D (the brother of one of A's friends), is a nice enough guy, but shortly after he moved in she discovered that he gets drunk every night. She is wondering a) what to do? and b) what steps to take to do it. [more inside]
posted by sleepingwithcats at 7:58 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by sleepingwithcats at 7:58 PM PST - 20 comments
Dealing with estranged parent dying
I came here a while back with a question on dealing with my narcissistic father and have disengaged with my father for about a year or so. (The whole story is in that AskMe). Have you ever had to deal with a parent dying when you were estranged from them? How did it go? Do you have regrets if you stayed away? [more inside]
Christmas in San Antonio, with snowflakes
I'll be visiting San Antonio for the 1st time, from 12/21-26, to attend my son's Air Force BMT graduation, with (adult) family, and would like some suggestions for vegan-friendly restaurants, in general, and possibly for Christmas, plus other activities. [more inside]
posted by j810c at 6:13 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by j810c at 6:13 PM PST - 3 comments
Thinking on creative work in times of real political trouble
Given the election of Donald Trump, I'm conflicted about spending my free time on creative work. I am committed to taking small, regular actions like calling my congressman, or maybe doing a phone bank or two, but I'm inclined to spend my free 40-60 minutes each weekday (I'm a parent with a full-time job) on things I find interesting and not at all related to politics. However, given how dire our situation seems, this seems irresponsible. This issue does seem like the kind of thing that people would have written about at length in the past. Can you point me at that work? [more inside]
My best manager did this...maternity edition
I posted this a few months ago and found it very helpful!
Can we try again, but this time with maternity leave related questions/answers? [more inside]
Help me gift homemade pasta and marina
I am really good at making homemade pasta and marinara sauce but a novice at making it keep for a long while. I want to gift out lots of pasta and sauce this year but (Read: important) not kill everybody.
Any tips?
Holiday/New Year's quotes for holiday cards
I'm planning my holiday cards, which I make myself every year. I'm not feeling particularly cheery or optimistic about the world right now, and none of the rubber stamps with short messages (Happy Holidays!, Merry and Bright!, etc.) that I have are really grabbing me. I'm trying to find a good quote to print inside that acknowledges, without directly talking about it, the dumpster fire that has been 2016. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 4:41 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by skycrashesdown at 4:41 PM PST - 12 comments
How can I be alerted about impending bad trends without reading news?
I can no longer handle seeing the continued awfulness and non-stop lying by the president elect. But somehow, I have stay aware of trends that might impact my family and me. How can this be done indirectly? [more inside]
Recommend me books about work
I'm looking for books about how to manage your working life effectively. That could be anything from productivity, to managing stress, to interpersonal relationships, to broader musings on work-life balance or authenticity or ambition. I know that the airport bookshops of the world are full of this kind of thing, but what's actually worth reading? [more inside]
Sensually yours (need erotic books/vids recommendations)
I’m seeking suggestions for steamy books, fanfiction, and videos/shows/series because I'm simply awful at picking these myself. Snowflakes divulged in the extended explanation. [more inside]
Pimp our chemo bag
My mom is starting chemo. Her cancer has already made her VERY sick. She will have IV chemo starting Wednesday and each time will take about 7 hours.
What should I consider packing for us?
posted by beccaj at 3:24 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by beccaj at 3:24 PM PST - 15 comments
Cheap, labour-intensive home improvements
We're buying a house - yay! I may be going on strike... oh no! What cheap improvements can I do to the house between shifts picketing? [more inside]
posted by MangoNews at 3:16 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by MangoNews at 3:16 PM PST - 11 comments
Crafts for the Craftless
Other than sketching, basic knitting and crocheting, we are not a family of crafters. I'd like to start giving gifts that will inspire family members to express themselves creatively.
People have expressed interest in learning to do some type of craft. Assume I know nothing about the world of AC Moore, Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics. I don't know what to buy; let's try to stick to $25 per person. [more inside]
Readable historical non-fiction?
My mom is obsessed with the Outlander series and really interested in that period of Scottish history (Bonnie Prince Charlie, Jacobite uprising, Culloden, etc.). I want to get her a solid, readable non-fiction book on that time period but I'm not too familiar with the material. Any recommendations?
Smearing / differential movement display problems on my LED TV?
My LED TV has always had a couple of (probably related) strange display issues. I'd like to know what this problem(s) is called so I can figure out if it can be fixed (and to avoid getting it in the next TV I buy - I might just trash this one!). See details below. [more inside]
Term for journalistic epithets/sobriquets?
Some journalistic articles tend to use a parade of little nicknames/titles/epithets for their subjects in lieu of repeating their names—e.g. “the actress,” “the Office star,” “the ‘Fancy’ rapper,” “the mom-to-be,” “the Portland native," “the bicycle enthusiast.” Seen super transparently in People-level articles, but I think also a feature of journalism more widely. Is there a term for these? Google has shown me nothing.
posted by little onion at 1:30 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by little onion at 1:30 PM PST - 13 comments
Pro Wrestling/Politics Question.
So, I've been rereading Shot in the Heart, by Mikal Gilnore, brother of the murderer Gary Gilmore. In one anecdote, the author describes the family, living in late 50's - early '60's Portland, Oregon, going to the local pro wrestling matches. They describe razzing and then befriending on of the grapplers, who wore a skull mask as part of his costume. The Gilmore says that now, the wrestler is a local conservative radio/TV show hero.
Who's he talking about?
Cancelled Reservation: Ask my kid for the money back?
So for Thanksgiving, my kid made the two us a reservation at a trendy vegetarian cafe, in the city, about 90 minutes drive from my place. We had to cancel (details follow), so I PayPal'd her the money to cover it, and she was going to find someone to go with. She didn't manage that; can I ask her for the money back? [more inside]
posted by quacky at 12:52 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by quacky at 12:52 PM PST - 26 comments
How safe is Carolina/San Juan, Puerto Rico?
I am going to an April wedding at the Marriott Courtyard in Carolina, Puerto Rico. I can stay at the hotel if that's the best option, but I did see some neat-looking Airbnbs that are in the walkable area of the hotel. How safe is this area of Puerto Rico? [more inside]
Bullet Journal journaling newbie. Simple resources?
I've wanted a good paper planner for a while, but can't find one I like. Inspired by the responses in this AskMe question, I think a bullet journal might work for me. I'm looking for YouTube channels or blog posts that outline how to start one from scratch. I'm also looking for any tips you have on maintaining one, or making it look pretty without spending hours on it. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by onecircleaday at 12:06 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by onecircleaday at 12:06 PM PST - 15 comments
Grown-Up Relationship Talks
In response to my last question, there was a reference to "grown-up relationship talks." I'm not sure what this entails. Looking for examples - whether from personal experience, movies or books. A certain degree of detail is helpful, as it the point in the relationship when it seemed appropriate to have a given sort of talk.
posted by bunderful at 11:30 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by bunderful at 11:30 AM PST - 12 comments
Miami - where to stay and how to get around?
Group of four friends going to Miami for just 3 days and 2 nights. 1. What is the best location to stay - and for a reasonable price? i.e. Coral Way, Miami Beach, Midtown.
2. Also considering to rent a car and split between the four of us. What is the best way to get around? Will there be a lot of traffic and parking issues?
3. What is public transportation like? i.e. metro or buses?
Thanks in advance! [more inside]
BuildingYourHouseFilter: land and construction loans
Have you recently gotten a land and/or construction loan to finance buying vacant land and building a house in the US? Who gave you a loan, and could you tell me about your process? [more inside]
Nonfiction book for multi-generational gift swap
I've settled on bringing a book and a thematically relevant trinket to my family's gift swap this year. The family consists of my grandparents (80s), my mother and her siblings (50s) and the grandkids (undergraduate/twenty somethings) with a few overlapping interests and I'm looking for a book that will be intriguing to as many of the attendees as possible - but particularly my grandparents who usually have the most trouble finding something interesting at our swaps. [more inside]
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 10:17 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 10:17 AM PST - 27 comments
Coffee Grinder + Brewer: Good, Bad, Indifferent
Is a coffee maker with built-in grinder a good idea? What brands/models are best? [more inside]
Getting educated
Please help me approach going back to school. [more inside]
Secret Santa: Baker edition
You: A person who loves to bake as a hobby. Me: Your secret santa with $30 to spend. What 2 to 3 gifts would make your baking more fun? [more inside]
Successful FWB practices?
I've never had a successful FWB, although I would like to. Dunno if it matters but I am a cis female involved with a cis male looking for tips from folks who have had/are having successful longish FWB relationships. What's working for you? What pitfalls to avoid? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 6:10 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 6:10 AM PST - 9 comments
What are the most interesting facebook groups to join?
After years of mostly ignoring facebook, I have decided to start using it more to learn interesting things and form an online community. In that regard, what do you think are the most interesting facebook groups to join, and why? I am an artsy and scientific nerd who likes intellectual culture, and I am interested in being exposed to new things.
posted by mortaddams at 5:16 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by mortaddams at 5:16 AM PST - 6 comments
Children of Men reminded me of another movie. Which one?
I am currently watching a lot of old sci-fi movies and went through some (best 70ies sci-fi movies, best 80 sci-fi movies) etc.
Children of Men reminded me of another movie I saw many years ago. The story is similar. All women are infertile, except one that has somehow to be rescued. [more inside]
posted by yoyo_nyc at 4:54 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by yoyo_nyc at 4:54 AM PST - 2 comments
How can I moderate exhaustion from career-related emotional labour?
My career requires me to periodically muster up tremendous amounts of emotion, energy, and enthusiasm, and perform huge amounts of emotional labour. It's like a rollercoaster: really fun and exhilarating once it gets rolling, but then it ends and drops me into a pit of fatigue and inertia. I mostly enjoy the highs, but how can I get better at managing the drops? (Lots more inside) [more inside]
How to split parenting more equitably?
One baby, two parents who both feel like they are doing more than their fare share of babyminding. How to equalize? [more inside]
Best way to take shareable meeting minutes
What is the current best way to take shareable meeting minutes/notes, preferably handwritten ones? Ideally this would involve some form of handwriting-to-text technology, but not necessarily. My understanding is that the abilities offered by the iPad Pro and MS Surface are still not quite there in terms of ease-of-use and accuracy. What other options are there? What is the current state of Smart Pens? Is there a low-tech solution? [more inside]
Why is Minecraft suddnely ignoring my mods?
I am playing Minecraft 1.10.2 with Forge installed and a handful of mods. Everything was working well until yesterday when suddenly the mods appeared to be broken and/or missing. Googling has brought up a possible issue with Java 8 (and indeed, this all went wrong after I updated Java), but I do not understand the suggested fixes posted online.
Can someone please patiently and in simple steps explain how I fix this mess? My skill level is slightly above Potato. [more inside]
November 26
Looking for books/movies/whatever diving deep into how cities work
I have read Jane Jacobs, but what I'm looking for is a lot more detail... every time I travel, I wonder: how does this city work? What do people do? How do they organize themselves? I'm looking for books which answer these questions (an example of a book that is closer is City of Quartz, though still fairly high level). My holy grail is the unpublished book Lagos: How it Works. I realize this is fairly specific so anything coming close is certainly welcome...
How to talk to a kid about maybe not-so mysterious headaches?
10 year old has always been a bit of a grumbler when it comes to activities he dislikes. Lately, however, he gets headaches on days when he has to play sports. Maybe it’s some kind of psychosomatic thing. Thoughts on how to talk to him about this? I would love to hear from anyone who has successfully dealt with this.
posted by Prof Iterole at 10:55 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Prof Iterole at 10:55 PM PST - 14 comments
Magical pen drive to resuscitate ancient PC - a fake?
Seen a lot of advertising recently for a pen drive costing €25/30 (various brands) which claims to put new life into an old PC. Has anybody used this, and if so what is your assessment? [more inside]
posted by aqsakal at 9:42 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by aqsakal at 9:42 PM PST - 19 comments
Podcasts by POC
I'd like to diversify my podcast consumption. Which ones aren't by white people?
In the queue already:
Note to Self,
Soo Many White Guys (over),
Sampler (Over)
Hidden Brain,
Politically Reactive (just ended),
Two Dope Queens,
Our National Conversation about Conversations about Race,
Code Switch,
PostBourgie [more inside]
My first time firing someone - and I need tips
I am on the board of an organization and I need to fire our executive director. I'm worried about doing it right and would appreciate tips. [more inside]
Troubleshooting a Canon EOS 20D
My neighbor lent me his Canon EOS 20D to photograph art and other merch for Etsy. I haven't dropped the camera or anything like that, but it's suddenly not turning on. Or if it does turn on, it lets me take a few pictures and then dies. There is a double battery, and both are fully charged. The red light doesn't come on when I turn it on. What can I try to fix it?
Denver Hotel Recommendation
I'm meeting up with my nephews for 2 nights in Denver. We need a hotel, with some specific requirements. [more inside]
How do you write about people and relationships?
I am working on a writing assignment that is a kind of autobiography (let's say for school, but not really). Well, apparently, describing people isn't the straightforward task it would seem! Tips for getting started would be useful! [more inside]
Pricing for wooden parts of an Eames Lounge and Ottoman?
I am trying to sell just the wood parts of an Eames Lounge and Ottoman and the potential buyer asked me for a price. Any suggestions? The price for the entire chair new is approx. $5,000.
Help with all the macbook pro dongles
Can you help me find the right dongles for my new MB pro? [more inside]
posted by special-k at 2:19 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by special-k at 2:19 PM PST - 5 comments
Suggestions for ways to play cards across distances?
I have googled and installed like a fiend but have yet to find a solution for the problem of playing card games with someone remote. I've tried a number of the "cards with friends" apps but they've been either poorly designed or a pain in the ass to use. Any suggestions? App options need to work on iOS / Mac.
Is becoming a WordPress freelancer feasible as a side job?
I've been thinking about doing some freelance work in WordPress in addition to my full-time job just to make some extra money. But before I invest in plug-ins, further education etc. I'd like to know what I could realistically expect to make and the best way to handle clients / ongoing website maintenance. [more inside]
Why is my turntable audio suddenly fading in and out?
Setup: Audio Technica LP120 plugged directly into Sonos Play 5 aux input, so using the LP120's internal preamp. More inside ... [more inside]
posted by freecellwizard at 9:05 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by freecellwizard at 9:05 AM PST - 6 comments
Nice places in Palm Springs
Whst are nice places in Palm Springs for a small (6 people) ceremony? [more inside]
"Uh-Uh-Uh-Uh-UhUh" and "wooWOO" - Mammal, Bird or Amphibian?
In early summer 2015, while hiking in western Washington in the North Cascade Mountains, I recorded the calls of a couple of animals. Can anyone identify the animals?:
[more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 8:37 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by ShooBoo at 8:37 AM PST - 7 comments
Marketing a Blog in 2016
I’ve recently started a blog based around satire/humor. I'm fairly serious about the endeavor and I want to work on building a brand. Please point me to a few good resources for marketing, branding, and growing a blog. [more inside]
Where to stop in Arkansas or Oklahoma in December
I will be driving from Austin, Texas to Columbia, Missouri to visit family next month. My two children, 10 and 12, will be with me and I'd like to break up the 12-ish hour trip with an interesting stop along the way. What's good? [more inside]
posted by pantarei70 at 7:53 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by pantarei70 at 7:53 AM PST - 11 comments
You Make Me Sick
I like salt. Why do certain types make me sick? [more inside]
Bank account that works both in US and UK
I'm looking for a bank account that works both in the US and UK. My situation - UK citizen, US green card. My main need at the moment - for folks in the UK who are dealing with estate matters to conveniently deposit sterling in the UK, which I can then access, should I need to, in the US or the UK. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by life moves pretty fast at 6:09 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by life moves pretty fast at 6:09 AM PST - 6 comments
Elderly person has no appetite
How can we stimulate appetite in an elderly person? [more inside]
Wordpress migration problems
Images on my free Wordpress blog are not showing up after moving from a Wordpress installation on a different/paid host, although they are in the media section [more inside]
How do I break up?
I've come to the painful conclusion that I should break up with my girlfriend, soon to be fiancé. Please help me work through these emotions and the logistics of such. [more inside]
How do you set good long-term goals if your values shift over time?
It’s a simple question, but one I’ve been thinking a lot about recently. As I’ve grown, what I want out of life has changed dramatically. As a very goal-oriented person who takes a long-term view, I’m struggling to understanding how to set good life goals given that I know my perspectives will shift with time. [more inside]
Does my Trump-voting father need to know about my past sexual assaults?
(CW: rape and sexual assault.)
My dad admitted to voting for Trump at the Thanksgiving dinner table. I am devastated because not only did he fall victim to a charlatan, he supported a sexual predator for the highest office in the land.
See, I have been sexually assaulted twice. I know I can't turn back time and his vote, but should I tell him about being raped to illustrate my dismay with his choice for President? If not, how do I get over this strange feeling of betrayal by my father? [more inside]
posted by princesspathos at 2:41 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by princesspathos at 2:41 AM PST - 14 comments
Making Twitter safer
So you may have noticed Twitter has a new option to report users for hate speech. How can I help link this to a safer Twitter by getting users banned? [more inside]
posted by sacchan at 1:01 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by sacchan at 1:01 AM PST - 5 comments
How to get rid of an apartment, part two
Thanks to you, I have found new potential (sub)-tenants for my apartment in Switzerland. How do I proceed now? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:51 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:51 AM PST - 8 comments
November 25
Help me identify this velcro-friendly fabric!
I'm helping a friend design a hand puppet out of a material that can be used with hook-and-loop fasteners (also known as Velcro). I remember helping my 3rd grade teacher cover a bulletin board with a smooth, low-pile, loopy fabric that velcro hooks would stick to; that fabric would be perfect. I remember it being pretty common in other classrooms in the 90's. What is this fabric called? [more inside]
Podcasts en français PAS facile, svp.
Looking for non-news podcasts in French that aren't geared towards beginners/language learners. Snowflakes within. [more inside]
how to volunteer for a suicide hotline and yet go to work well-rested?
I'm thinking of volunteering for a suicide hotline. I found the Samaritans', but their volunteer program requires one overnight shift per month. I work 9-5, and cannot afford to show up sleep-deprived on a regular basis. Are there alternatives that do not require overnight shifts? How much sleep can I expect to get during one of the Samaritans' overnight shifts?
Recommend a San Diego brunch/dinner cruise?
I'd like to do a brunch or dinner cruise for two in San Diego, can you recommend a company? Most important would be relaxing and at least somewhat romantic. Cost, alcohol not important. Relatively quiet, decent food, table for two, nice views more important. Loud music, fighting for a nice table/lack of reserved seating/group seating, crowded are minuses that I don't see much about on yelp reviews. Possibly I am mostly thinking of ferry crossings and none of these negatives actually apply. Suggestions for a specific company or recommended cruise? Thanks!!
charity recommendations (in lieu of gifts)?
We need your best lefty charities for our Christmas lists! [more inside]
Sitcoms where the characters get to progress toward their goals?
A common plot device used in sitcoms is that the main characters repeatedly try and fail to achieve their goals. But what are some sitcoms where the characters make significant progress and that's what drives the plot forward? (Other than Parks and Rec, which I love.) [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 7:19 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by capricorn at 7:19 PM PST - 36 comments
Good travel book for recently retired man?
My American father just retired and wants to do more international travel—what are some inspiring books about traveling abroad to less-common tourist destinations? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 7:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by critzer at 7:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me 27F healthily approach sister 20F, Thanksgiving is a shitshow.
Emotionally unstable sister (20F) brought home boyfriend, broke up spectacularly (like the 6th time) just now with lots of cursing and screaming, Mom is interfering and bringing them back together to talk it out. How do I help my sister who lashes out brutally at everyone when she's upset? [more inside]
posted by pengwings at 5:50 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by pengwings at 5:50 PM PST - 19 comments
Can you recommend me something to read
I'm looking to get immersed in a really great book... or audiobook? What book is everyone reading right now that's going to get made into a mini-series in about 18 months and everyone will say "The book was so much better!" [more inside]
A friend has a house who's house is about to be foreclosed on
An elderly friend has a home in san francisco that is about to be foreclosed on, she has exhausted all of her legal appeals and avenues to block the foreclosure and does not have any assets to bring the mortgage current, suggestions for ways to help her save the house or pull the difference in market value out of the house (my guess is ~ 4 - 600k in equity with some work put into the house)? [more inside]
Do I say something or do I let him go?
My friend with benefits seems to run hot and cold on me, and I don't know if there's a better way for me to communicate with him, or if I should just accept that he's not that into me anymore and let our "friendship" fade away. How do you tell someone who may or may not owe you any emotional support that their behavior is hurting you? [more inside]
two turtle doves, and a raaaat in a christmas tree
we live in the woods in northern california and want to decorate a large pine tree for christmas which currently lives about 15 feet from our front door. it will be staying where it is; we want to add some natural-ish decorations which could maybe feed the several species of birds that live around us. how festive. however, this being the country, we also have wood rats aplenty. the last thing i want to see on christmas morning is our tree filled with rats. is there a way to feed the birds without encouraging rats? or should we just dress the rats as soldiers and recreate the nutcracker suite in our front yard?
I want to put some sort of topical message on my family's holiday card!
My family (me, toddler, pregnant wife; we are all white US-ians) took some professional photos and are set to order holiday cards to send out to friends and family this year. But alongside a nice photo, the classically pithy "Happy Holidays" or "Happy New Year" greetings (and so on) aren't feeling quite right, as most of the people we're sending this to are as depressed about the state of our country as we are, and we'd like to acknowledge that people are afraid/uncertain/unbalanced/angry. What could we say instead? [more inside]
posted by ORthey at 2:28 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by ORthey at 2:28 PM PST - 13 comments
Help me pick one of the damn laptops for gaming & video editing, please?
I need a new laptop pronto, and I have a bunch of Amazon gift cards to spend! There are a couple of deals on Amazon today, but I've bought some lemons before (curse you, Lenovo!!) and I'm hoping the more computer-savvy folks of Ask Metafilter can help me pick a non-lemon this time. More info below... [more inside]
Grocery shopping for dummies.
I'm not an organized person, and find grocery shopping a most frustrating experience. How can I make trips to the grocery store more efficient? [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 12:58 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Everydayville at 12:58 PM PST - 25 comments
Generating interactive HTML charts from Python?
I need to generate a series of interactive charts and maps from data I have in Pandas dataframes.
The user should be able to filter by a category and have the chart update in realtime.
This has to be published to a website, which is where my doubts start. [more inside]
Looking for ideas for a warm new year's getaway
Wondering if anyone had any ideas/recommendations for a warm destination to go over New Year's? [more inside]
posted by Pademelon at 12:37 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Pademelon at 12:37 PM PST - 5 comments
What's an appropriate gift for a source of professional referrals?
I'd like to express my thanks to someone who's referrals to me for professional services probably make up 1/2 my income. My feelings of gratitude are sincere, but I worry, because of the circumstances, about coming across as self-serving or venal. Looking for suggestions on a specific gift and how to express my sentiments in a way that feels honest.
OK, time for yet another episode of name this thing!
My friend bought a mysterious antique thing. It looks like a cage, only it has no top, just sides and a bottom. The front is hinged and can open forward. It looks like this. Please do tell what you think it is.
How to run with audiobooks while keeping pace?
I am trying hard to become a runner, and I like to listen to audiobooks while I run so I don't get bored. But I find that I often slow down unconsciously because I'm not listening to "upbeat music" to keep me moving along at a quick pace. I have a potential solution ... somebody tell me if this is possible and/or stupid ... [more inside]
posted by mccxxiii at 9:53 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by mccxxiii at 9:53 AM PST - 4 comments
Best Raspberry Pi Book for Beginners
My 12 year old nephew has expressed interest in having a Raspberry Pi for Christmas. I have already purchased a starter kit for him, but I'd also like to get him a guide book to help him get started. He has some coding skills, but is a relative beginner. What book would be best for him?
posted by zabuni at 9:47 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by zabuni at 9:47 AM PST - 3 comments
What are some alternative winter holiday traditions I can observe alone?
Long story short: I no longer celebrate Christmas. This year I'd like to do something on the day that makes me feel happy, warm, loved, and good. What are some things I can do, make, experience on my own that I might be able to use as alternative winter holiday traditions? [more inside]
The Post Nasal Drip Blues
YANMD. Every year without fail, by late fall/early winter, I develop post nasal drip. It quickly leads to a sore throat and then weeks of laryngitis. Prescription and OTC drugs aren't helping. [more inside]
You can't predict the future, but will I regret NOT having kids?
I'm 99% sure I don't want children. I'm not maternal, I've never had any desire to go down that route. The more I think about what it means to have kids the less I'm interested in it... for a number of reasons.
I just turned 35 so I'm really at that awfully clichéd "Now or Never" stage in my life and it's made me start thinking about the future and whether or not I'll regret NOT doing it. [more inside]
posted by JenThePro at 8:59 AM PST - 58 comments
posted by JenThePro at 8:59 AM PST - 58 comments
Bullied by a professor; what to do?
My anatomy professor is bullying me, and it's taking a toll on my grades, and mental health. I'm reviewing all of my coursework together with her next semester; how do I assert that I have been treated in a biased way, without putting her on the defense, and in a way that gets me back the points that were docked unfairly? [more inside]
posted by erattacorrige at 8:49 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by erattacorrige at 8:49 AM PST - 14 comments
"Young Lost And Witty" artist search
Around 1964/65 I heard a song in the folk music clubs of Boston. I think the title would be "Young Lost And Witty". Though I never heard a recording of it I've been performing it ever since. I want to find out who wrote and performed it and whether there are more lyrics than I remember currently. [more inside]
What's the beef with the D.A.R.?!?
I've always known of this organization called the Daughters of the American Revolution but I'd never paid much attention to them until recently. Why are they controversial? Are they still controversial? [more inside]
posted by Jamesonian at 8:22 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Jamesonian at 8:22 AM PST - 33 comments
I'm depressed & I don't know what to do about it
I’m depressed and overwhelmed by self-doubt, and it’s worse than it’s ever been. I haven’t been depressed since my early twenties. Now, mid-thirties, it’s so all-consuming and long-lasting that it’s interfering with basic life responsibilities. I’ve barely had any interactions with formal mental health systems (though I’ve seen therapists several times in my life), and I don’t know what my next steps should/could be. I'm mostly looking for someone to explain potential treatment trajectories. (But of course I've written a wall of text inside to explain/justify myself nonetheless, and any other relevant advice is very, very welcome.) [more inside]
Reframing rejection, strategizing recovery and keeping it real
I've taken multiple, significant hits recently in relationships, work and other areas. They are all forms of rejection, which I do not do well with regularly. To have so many land in a relatively brief time span has left me very wounded, betrayed, embarrassed, angry and insecure, with so much of my confidence eroded it's scary at times. [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 7:06 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 7:06 AM PST - 6 comments
Please recommend some good punk/hardcore Christmas songs.
This has become one of my favourite Christmas songs in recent years. I'm looking for others of the same ilk. What do you recommend?
Speculative fiction/nonfiction about post-authoritarian-technocracy?
I find myself wondering if the rise of global authoritarianism might be deeply—like, inextricably—connected to the maturing nature of technological surveillance, or perhaps just global telecommunications more generally. Since I'm probably not the first person to think about this, I'm curious what stories, novels, long-form articles, or other analyses (fiction or nonfiction) are out there that focus on speculating/extrapolating what happens after the age of the authoritarian panopticon. Bonus points for plausibility; not really looking to get too "far-out."
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 6:30 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 6:30 AM PST - 10 comments
What sort of bulb does this fixture require?
What sort of bulb does this light fixture require? [more inside]
posted by enn at 6:15 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by enn at 6:15 AM PST - 6 comments
Please help me design an eGPU setup for my Lenovo x220
I'm looking to set up an external GPU for gaming and learning CUDA/TensorFlow on my aging but powerful and functional Lenovo x220 from 2011. I understand the generalities, but I'm having trouble with the specifics. The combinatorial explosion of options is driving me batty. [more inside]
posted by kandinski at 4:29 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by kandinski at 4:29 AM PST - 3 comments
Can iPads be used to grade assignments submitted via Blackboard?
Is it possible to use iPads for grading? We want our TAs to download the assignments from Blackboard, mark them up using a pdf annotation app and a stylus, and then upload the corrected assignments back to BB. (I think the main issue is getting the assignment files into the iPads where they can be accessed by an annotation app.) [more inside]
2 dozen little perfect bell peppers (capsicums), what to do?
I have just taken possession of about 2 dozen small but lovely, ripe, bell peppers, which we call Capsicums here, and I would adore ideas for how best to use them. [more inside]
Sunday night dinner in Manchester, UK
Where should I eat on Sunday night in Manchester city centre? [more inside]
posted by essexjan at 3:03 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by essexjan at 3:03 AM PST - 4 comments
Should I give up on this marriage when there’s still so much good left?
We fixed lots of things about our marriage since my last question, but sex remains an issue. How long should I keep trying? [more inside]
posted by Concertion at 2:07 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Concertion at 2:07 AM PST - 18 comments
Overhead Ruby Knife Hone
I saw this knife hone once many years ago on a Youtube about a sandwich chef. I have been unable to find it online, or to describe it to my brother-in-law who is into such things. It was ruby, I presume from the color, and mounted above the work surface. [more inside]
November 24
Ecuador and Pacific coast of Colombia
My current thinking is that the next trip abroad will be to Ecuador and Colombia (Pacific coast only)
What can you recommend for nice beaches, viewing flora & fauna, etc? [more inside]
June honeymoon help?
We need to decide on our June honeymoon location, but can't seem to make a decision. Help! [more inside]
What can you tell me about my little ceramic whale and mustachioed cat?
I have two little mid-century ceramic figures that my mom gave me and I'd love to know more about them (especially the cat.) [more inside]
posted by Room 641-A at 6:53 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Room 641-A at 6:53 PM PST - 3 comments
Am I overreacting to an office prank?
My boss and one of my direct reports teamed up to play a public practical joke on me. It feels mean instead of funny. Am I overreacting? [more inside]
After the Accident
My father committed a serious lapse in judgment and now wants to act like nothing's changed. What do I do? [more inside]
Friends with Benefits
I'm sleeping with my roommate (there are a total of 7 roommates in this house) whom I met two months ago. I initiated it, but I have tried several times to go back to being platonic friends without any luck. We are not in a relationship because of a language barrier, major cultural differences, I am moving away in a month and we don't really have a connection. [more inside]
How to delete old Flickr and Yahoo accounts after lock out
Trying to delete an old Flickr account that I made public for reasons only my younger self understands... [more inside]
How do I delete a (very) attractive male friend off Facebook?
An unusually good-looking male MA graduate classmate and I friended each other in RL + FB b/c we're in the same graduate class over the next year. We've worked on projects together, and have quite a bit in common. In the beginning - there was definitely attraction going on (esp for him). I felt he was very attracted to me b/c of my life experience, or that I don't pander to him like his younger female friends. He's also 22, I'm 38. In recent weeks, I've felt the age difference and his immaturity in certain issues show up, which I thought would be a good deterrent. The good news is I do not want to date him, nor do I see anything long-term if anything was to happen. But I'm struggling b/c I fear really hurting his feelings... yet I see him every week at school, so I don't know how to take him off? [more inside]
posted by sam3cat at 3:50 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by sam3cat at 3:50 PM PST - 15 comments
Broken Windows, is there a glazier in the house?
For the past 5 years or so, I have used Ubuntu Linux of various incarnations almost all the time. My laptop currently has Ubuntu 12.04 LTS installed "on top" of Windows 7, so that it is dual boot, but Ubuntu uses the Windows filesystem so there is only one partition. I always have kept Windows 7 around for the odd thing that requires it. [more inside]
Ours is not to reason why; ours but to do or die.
Did your spouse leave you for "more*"? If so, what was it like?
*More = attention, affection, interest in your needs/hobbies, directed goals, assitance, reliability, intimacy, understanding, emotional labour, enthusiasm, connection, time, etc.... [more inside]
What's the best way to sell digital goods?
I've got an unused Minecon 2016 Cape Code redemption link that I'd like to sell online but am not sure how to go about it. Ebay has a bunch listed but I hear (but can't verify) that lots are fraudulent. How do I sell this thing in a way that protects me from having the buyer use it quick but then file a claim with Ebay that I sold him a used redemption link? [more inside]
Good use for extra Christmas cards
It's me, the person who actually likes sending Christmas cards. I found an old box with a few extra. Where is a good place to send them this year? [more inside]
One Week in Basque Country - Help Me Plan!
My partner and I will be traveling to the Basque Country during the 1st week of April 2017. Can you help us plan the specifics of our trip? [more inside]
Parenting 3000: Advanced Techniques
I am looking for books/sites/groups/etc that offer parenting support beyond the intro level. My wife and I are good parents, in a calm and happy marriage, we both have graduate degrees in psychology/sociology, and we are struggling so hard with our 4.5 year old that we cry in each other's arms nearly every day from the stress of it. [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman at 11:14 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by arcticwoman at 11:14 AM PST - 21 comments
Fantastic dances with the stars?
I'm hoping to make a YouTube playlist featuring all of the best dances from Dancing with the Stars. I have not watched it in awhile. Which performances do you recommend? [more inside]
Why are some of my exported tracks from Logic Pro distorted?
I use Logic Pro to record (and edit) my podcasts, and twice in the past two months I've gotten distorted tracks that can best be described as sounding like the Breen from Star Trek. Why is this happening?
Garbled track here. [more inside]
Where did this snare sound originate?
I've recently noticed a particular, highly pitchy snare sound in lots of trap songs (see eg the snare in this Clams Casino track). I'm curious as to (a) where it originated and (b) how it was produced (to my ears it sounds like a heavily band-filtered snare sample, perhaps layered with pitched noise). Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
posted by Frobenius Twist at 9:19 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Frobenius Twist at 9:19 AM PST - 6 comments
How to donate teaching supplies
A family member is retiring from a decades long teaching career. They'd like to donate the large collection of teaching material that they've accumulated over the years. How can they do this efficiently and to places and teachers who need the items. [more inside]
Did Mo Rocca really say that?
Watching the parade now on TV and I have a memory of Mo Rocca participating in the TV coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade once in the 90s or 00s. He was talking to some kids on the street along the parade route. He said something to them like "So how about those smallpox blankets, kids?" and then the camera cut away. Wait, really? [more inside]
Retire in Canada with no car and a disabled daughter - where?
What are some places in Canada that meet the following three needs? 1. Walkable. No car needed for daily life. 2. Affordable. Housing and groceries can be managed on a modest income. 3. Great disability services for kids and adults with developmental disabilities/Down's/FAS/etc. [more inside]
Passport Renewall
I'm an American who has lived in Amsterdam for the past 7 years. I work for a travel company, and have to go to the US at least once a month. Although my passport doesn't expire for another three years, it is now full and no longer valid as each trip to the US takes up one page of stamps (one stamp for entering the US, one stamp for leaving the US, and then the same for Holland). I rarely travel outside of Europe for personal reasons, and more than 3/4 of the stamps in my passport are from work. I now need a new passport due to my extensive work travel, my company will not help chip in for a new one. I have another work trip next week, and now need to pay for an expedited passport on top of the regular fees for the new document. Am I being unreasonable in thinking my employer should help pay for this?
posted by alipie at 7:10 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by alipie at 7:10 AM PST - 15 comments
Schlock Pop
What is the Millennial/Gen Z equivalent of Tiffany or Stacey Q? [more inside]
posted by greenskpr at 6:51 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by greenskpr at 6:51 AM PST - 9 comments
Help me fix my wing mirror
2010 Hyundai i10.
The mirror itself has become partially detached: it adjusts normally left-right but not up-down. There's no play in it, and it can't be moved manually. There's no external evidence of anything being broken.
This feels like it should be a relatively little job, but I have no idea where to start. I'm completely open to hearing that it's not if that's the case, though.
posted by monkey closet at 6:47 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by monkey closet at 6:47 AM PST - 3 comments
Can I freeze a fresh raw NM chile (not roasted) and still use it?
Again with the NM chiles ... [more inside]
tax revenue from development expansion: really?
Years ago a "nonprofit" retirement community was given land as a consideration for locating on a limited portion in this small town. Now they intend to expand all over the open space used by public, severely impacting many neighborhoods. The city seems ready to pave the way for this, and the unsubstantiated argument is that it will bring in tax revenue needed for infrastructure repairs. [more inside]
Lager vs. Logger
Generally, what parts of the US pronounce the words "lager" and "logger" differently? Generally, what parts pronounce them the same way? What parts of the US are you as likely to hear differentiation as not? [more inside]
gift idea future bro-in-law
What should I get my future brother-in-law for Christmas- he's a farmer, it's my first time at the family Christmas. [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 5:00 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by freethefeet at 5:00 AM PST - 23 comments
Help me source books or websites on, er, sauces?
I’ve decided that through 2017 I want to focus my home cooking experiments on sauces; can anyone point me to useful resources? [more inside]
posted by AFII at 4:19 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by AFII at 4:19 AM PST - 10 comments
November 23
My brother is becoming radicalized; how do I bring him back?
So, following this election and its disastrous results, I've decided to heed the calls of liberal commentators and take some responsibility for talking to my family who contributed to it. Specifically, I want to connect with my younger brother and bring him back from the brink of anti-government militia-like conspiracy thought. [more inside]
posted by inky_the_pinky at 10:45 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by inky_the_pinky at 10:45 PM PST - 10 comments
Making Crop Rotation The Standard
Crop rotation sounds like such a great lo-tech tool for food production with a plethora of environmental good tacked on. So why isn't the usage of this tool commonplace? If it's economics, could we as consumers shift the incentives? [more inside]
Corned beef by the bay
FoodFilter: A dear friend of mine just moved to the Bay Area. He happens to be absolutely crazy about Reubens. But where can he get one now that he has moved?! Bay Area MeFites—can you hook a Reuben connoisseur up with your favorite spots for corned beef in the Bay? San Francisco preferred, but he works in Palo Alto.
posted by The Sock Puppet Sentience Movement at 9:44 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by The Sock Puppet Sentience Movement at 9:44 PM PST - 17 comments
Germ phobia gone crazy
My germ phobia has become so severe that the task of doing dishes has become an absolute nightmare for me, a task which has ultimately become too mentally taxing for me to handle. I can't have anyone else do the task for me—and I wouldn't want to anyway as nobody should have to clean someone else's dishes for them—but I absolutely must do something about this. [more inside]
How can I block all of Facebook, except messages?
Facebook is a perilous rabbit hole for me, and sometimes I block the whole thing in my hosts file for weeks at a time. But lots of friends and professional contacts use it for making plans, and increasingly I find I've missed important (or at least interesting) messages. I'd like to block it all, except for messages. But I can't figure out how! [more inside]
posted by tapir-whorf at 8:57 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by tapir-whorf at 8:57 PM PST - 9 comments
Question about anxiety surrounding moving in together?
My girlfriend and I are planning to move in together over the next couple months. This has been a little while in the making. Please help me resolve my anxiety surrounding it. [more inside]
What's a basic toolkit to keep in an apartment?
I have more tools than I can store in my apartment. I have a storage unit in the basement (1 floor down) where I will keep most everything, but I'd like to keep a basic set of tools in my apartment so that I can fix minor things that pop up. What should I keep in my tool drawer? [more inside]
posted by bendy at 7:08 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by bendy at 7:08 PM PST - 11 comments
You may not know them by name, but you'll almost certainly know them...
What are some examples of people like Ken Nordine, who "you may not know...by name or face, but you'll almost certainly recognize his voice", as one critic put it? It doesn't have to be voice necessarily, but people who most will "recognize" in some way without being able to name.
(Places/things, like certain landscapes or the Wilhelm Screm, most people similarly recognize as "familiar" but can't name are welcome as well.)
Bonus: is there a name for this phenomenon?
Netflix and breathe on Thanksgiving.
I'm going to be alone tomorrow, Thanksgiving. I'm already dealing with enough personal and family losses that all happened right on top of each other in the last few months that it hurts to breathe some hours right now. Give me your best suggestions for compelling, bingeworthy stories on screens to push through the hours (or other suggestions for getting through a first holiday while grieving and not able to be present with family and friends who know what's up). [more inside]
Making the most of a new decade of life creatively & personally
I turn 40 on Sunday (cue my internal panic) and have been thinking about things you can change/learn as you enter a new phase of your life, as well as looking for suggestions about creative ways to chronicle the first year of your 40s. [more inside]
Thanksgiving Etiquette Question, Can I ask For The Bottle Back?
We have been invited by friends of friends, to a fun, non traditional, Thanksgiving dinner. I was asked to bring Red Wine, which I am. I am also bringing my homemade Prickly Pear/Jalapeno Lemonade and a bottle of tequila to mix with it should anyone desire. The tequila is an expensive brand in a really cool bottle. I would not spend this much on tequila normally, and I would love to make something out of the bottle when its finished. Can I take the bottle back with me when I leave, or can I ask for the empty bottle to be saved for for me when its finally been finished, or is that just a total manners fail? I am pretty much a recluse normally, and have zero experience with dinner parties. Please help me behave like a civilized guest (even if I'm only faking it for the night).
How do I Thanksgiving now?
Tomorrow, family Ruki will be spending Thanksgiving with at least three out of four Trump voters. My immediate instinct is to walk out if the Trump praising begins, but that would be bad for family relations (although good for me and Kid Ruki's well being). How do I get through this?
posted by Ruki at 2:45 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Ruki at 2:45 PM PST - 22 comments
What's the coolest ($3 or less) swag you've received recently?
Helping organize a 450+ attendee conference, with a focus on I.T. in education for next year at my home institution; among other things I'm looking into various swag ideas for those who come. What's the coolest conference swag you've seen recently that has a pretty low price point?
posted by Shepherd at 2:35 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by Shepherd at 2:35 PM PST - 33 comments
When will broadcast TV cease to exist? Or why won't it?
Just curious if anyone out there knows why broadcast TV stations aren't going the way of the dinosaurs anytime soon? Broadcast TV occupies nice wireless frequencies that can travel long distances and penetrate walls, etc.. but with fewer people watching broadcast TV, why are there "whitespace" experiments -- and not full experiments to replace "TV spectrum" with general purpose "Internet spectrum"? Do TV stations have some kind of regulatory right to exist or something? [more inside]
Is there an effective unscented hard water remover?
We've had ongoing problems with hard water leaving a haze on our glassware, despite using rinse aid. I recently discovered products like Glisten and Lemishine. However, every product of this type that I've found has been lemon scented. Does an unscented version of this exist? [more inside]
Help me learn how to girlfriend
My new boyfriend's not a big communicator in-between dates -- I want him to be. Is this normal? How do I fix this? Can I fix it? [more inside]
posted by themaskedwonder at 1:01 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by themaskedwonder at 1:01 PM PST - 22 comments
How contagious is shingles?
One guest has shingles. One (adult) guest has not had chicken pox. Would you tell one of them to stay home? [more inside]
Quantifying economic outcomes for whites of minority-targeted programs
In personal experience, many programs notionally or popularly perceived to be aimed or benefiting primarily minorities end up making me (white dude) better off as well, e.g. Section 8 housing assistance. I'm trying to identify data and research sources that either support or diminish this claim. [more inside]
Non-FPS Xbox (or PS?) game suggestions for 16 & 12 yr old brothers?
Looking for suggestions for Xbox games that are not so violent, and definitely not FPS, as we're thinking of updating our antique Wii with an Xbox this xmas. Kids have gotten lots of mileage out of Super Smash Bros, Kirby, Mario Bros, Lego games on the Wii in the past few years. . [more inside]
Where do I buy dress shoes that won't wear out in 6 months?
I wear dress shoes most days to work (current pair is this nice looking brown one from Cole Haan) and I find my shoes are wearing out every six months if I'm not super vigilant about putting taps on. [more inside]
American Geburtstafel
When my wife and I honeymooned in Switzerland, I noticed a lot of signs on houses announcing the birth of a child. They'd have the name of the child and the birthdate, and usually a cartoon animal. This is a charming tradition, and now that we're a couple of days away from having a child of our own, I'd like to do something similar to call back to our honeymoon. [more inside]
Resistance is Textile
Where should I buy social justice merch if I want to be sure the money will go to support social justice causes? [more inside]
How can I get better at creative writing?
Occasionally I write things that I really love. Can I make it happen more often? [more inside]
Sock it to me!
I'm tired of sorting all black socks. My default outfit (NYC) includes black slacks and some sort of solid or multicolored top, and black shoes/boots. But the socks are black, right? Maybe a subtle pattern, barely discernible? Impossible to sort after doing laundry. Help me rock my socks. [more inside]
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 10:21 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 10:21 AM PST - 23 comments
Homemade stuffing recipe to please losers who love Stove Top
We're going to a group Thanksgiving and need to make the stuffing. My spouse loves to go nuts with elaborate recipes but none of the ones we've tried taste half as good as plain old Stove Top stuffing. And when we asked our friends they admitted the same. What's a recipe that will give that very basic kind of generic stuffing goodness but with a homemade flair? Or is there a way can we make Stove Top but make it less depressing and show some effort? [more inside]
posted by Comrade Doll at 10:16 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by Comrade Doll at 10:16 AM PST - 30 comments
Is there a name for this particular interpersonal behavior?
Is there a name for when people consistently and almost compulsively diminish the experiences, achievements or difficulties or sorrows of another person in comparison to their own? What is the best way to respond to this kind of behavior? Why do people engage in it? [more inside]
posted by armadillo1224 at 10:00 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by armadillo1224 at 10:00 AM PST - 27 comments
Name of a game? My memory is a shame
I'm looking for the name of (and link to!) a web-based game very similar to this Color Match game. I have tried googling but have failed, so I'm hoping the hivemind can help. (I may have even discovered the game on mefi somewhere). [more inside]
posted by girlpublisher at 10:00 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by girlpublisher at 10:00 AM PST - 2 comments
Gift for a first-time, multi-month European traveler (from the US)?
What is a useful, minimal gift for a first-time European-traveling couple from the US? [more inside]
Beginner cybersecurity, UK edition, Part II
I'm fairly well-versed in the things I need to do at the application layer, and standard advice for avoiding internet surveillance is "use a VPN, and hope they don't store logs".
But what impact would switching to IPv6 have on this standard answer? [more inside]
posted by Leon at 9:10 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by Leon at 9:10 AM PST - 1 comment
Spending Thanksgiving alone
I'll likely be celebrating the holiday alone tomorrow (crappy work schedule and family scattered across the country). I'll be hosting a Friends-giving on Sunday. I'm a little bummed about being alone tomorrow but would like to make the most out of it. I looked into volunteering but seems I'm too late to sign up for stuff. So far, I've got sleeping in and yoga.
I'd love other ideas as to how to make a nice day for myself.
Thanks! And happy turkey day to everyone :)
It's not kosher, but we're cool
Several years ago a friend of mine gave me a word that meant "it's not kosher, but it's more important to be a kind guest than refuse non-kosher food". I forgot the word. Any help? [more inside]
Beginner cybersecurity UK edition
Given the UK's soon to be new law on obsessive surveillance overreach what can I do to best thwart this? [more inside]
Can I glue a coffee pot back together?
Can I crazy glue a coffee percolator back together? [more inside]
Why is Mame Going to Pakistan if Lindsay is in India?
Hive-Mind, I need to understand why this event happened in Auntie Mame! [more inside]
posted by Hanuman1960 at 7:19 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Hanuman1960 at 7:19 AM PST - 4 comments
Great books on 19th + early 20th century photography?
I'm currently engaged in a project that will involve the use of many early photographs. Some of this material is online, but much of it is not. I'm looking to gain a better sense of early photography as a whole so that I know what to dig for—with a definite preference for detailed books over coffee table books. Thank you!
posted by Dr and Mrs Eaves at 6:40 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Dr and Mrs Eaves at 6:40 AM PST - 3 comments
Which way do you face in the shower?
I was astonished to find out this morning that my wife faces the showerhead when taking a shower. I face away from the showerhead and assumed everyone did the same. She says that most people face the showerhead and I'm the unusual one. [more inside]
How to deal with distance from new boyfriend and not self-sabotage?
I feel my new guy pulling away a little - should I talk to him or leave it alone? [more inside]
Soon-to-be ex-spouse lied on taxes
I'm about a week away from having my divorce finalized, and I just learned that my ex lied on her separate tax returns. [more inside]
How to look OK in a group photo with cooler, younger, prettier people.
I need to be in a group photo with 6 other mostly tall, all slim, all young, all very attractive people. I'm not disgusting or anything, but I am very short, very round, and very 40. I am seriously stressed about this. [more inside]
Seeking well-written, expert takedowns of terrible things
So I've been thinking about some of the things I like reading on the Web, and I think I've identified a favorite micro-genre: long, thoughtful, in-depth expert critiques of terrible things. Can you help me find more Slacktivists, Jenny Trouts, and Maciej Ceglowskis? [more inside]
posted by fermion at 1:23 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by fermion at 1:23 AM PST - 13 comments
November 22
Book recommendation on the Warren court
I would like to hear about the best book that will go over the momentous court cases of the Warren Supreme Court. It doesn't need to be basic. I would prefer one that goes over each case and puts it in social and/or political context. It doesn't necessarily have to have all the verbatim decisions (the published legal opinion) but could use parts of them to illustrate. I'd like all the cases mentioned in the Wikipedia entry, every thing from Brown vs. Board of Education to the Miranda case. Thank you!
bloghouse for the post-blog era
Let's say I really liked shimmery 80s-and-early-90s-influenced synthpop, with meticulous production and beautiful analog synths, dreamy or subdued vocals, and a hint of shoegaze inspiration, and felt like maybe the best recent examples of that were several years ago, stretching from 2004-2011. What should I be listening to these days to think, "This never went away, I just stopped paying attention?" [more inside]
posted by naju at 10:23 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by naju at 10:23 PM PST - 12 comments
How can I preserve a rotting old stump from rotting further?
There is a rotting old stump in my new yard which looks, from my office window, sort of like a natural castle, with turrets and windows and ledges. I would like to shape it a little more, and then put some of my plastic D&D miniatures on it to make a diorama. But the wood crumbles almost at a touch. Is there something I can pour onto the stump to freeze it in this shape? [more inside]
posted by Pastor of Muppets at 8:07 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Pastor of Muppets at 8:07 PM PST - 6 comments
Financial Success... for One
Mr. MMM, ERE, Afford Anything, Millennial Revolution, FrugalWoods - the common denominator seems to be couples. Are there any examples out there in the blogosphere for the single woman? [more inside]
If you had to wear the same shirt everyday - what shirt would it be?
I’m doing a “Try something new for 30 days” challenge for each month of 2017. For the first month I’m thinking of trying the wear-the same-thing-every-day technique, a la Steve Jobs. I need recommendations for a simple tee shirt that is inexpensive enough that I can buy a bunch of them, but not so inexpensive that I can’t stand to wear them. [more inside]
Where should my brother and his same sex-partner live?
My brother, a US citizen, has been living in Southeast Asia for over ten years and has a same-sex partner. They were married in the U.S. about two years ago, and are applying for a green card for the partner. They intend to move to the States next year as soon as that process is completed. But having not lived here for so long, he is not sure where a good place for them would be. He has asked me to help them find a region to move to. [more inside]
Outsourcing my Internet willpower
What with the Trumpocalypse and all, I need to get a better grip on my news and social media usage for the sake of my sanity.
I'm looking for an Apple-friendly anti-procrastination website/app blocker that gives you a metered amount of time per day rather than a set period. Bonus question: What is the category name for this type of app? [more inside]
Is there anything I can do about multiple late rent payment fines?
I made some late payments on my rent over the last year. I just re-signed a new lease starting in September. Now, my landlord is saying I owe $1,200 from previous late rent payments, which I was never informed about. Anything I can do about this? [more inside]
Parlez Vous Netflix
I am looking for recommendations of programs/movies available on Netflix and Amazon Prime in the U.S. that are in French with English subtitles. It can be for any age audience. Thanks!
posted by LilithSilver at 4:59 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by LilithSilver at 4:59 PM PST - 17 comments
Being diplomatic towards current job during an interview
I'd like to leave my current job because of my boss. How do I handle discussing this kind of thing when I'm asked about why I am leaving during a job interview? [more inside]
posted by ajax287 at 4:31 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by ajax287 at 4:31 PM PST - 9 comments
Looking for reports on experience with the Mysterious Package Company
I'm considering giving my 15 year old son an experience gift from the Mysterious Package Company for his birthday. I'm looking for any feedback folks may have either from the giving or receiving side of the equation. Thanks!
Moving from tech to government policy
Asking for a friend: she was involved in the Hillary Clinton campaign as a software engineer and now wants to get more involved in politics, particularly in the area of policy making. [more inside]
Electoral College Duty to Uphold and Defend Constitution?
Some states provide sanctions for not voting for the candidate who represents their party (apparently Wash does not) with provisions for electors to take an oath.... My question is are electors' like public servants required to take an oath to defend the constitution? Also does any political party in the US require members to take an oath to defend the constitution?
How do I hang....
....this lovely hanging lamp? My husband brought this back from the Middle East and it's been collecting dust for years because I don't know what kind of bracket to buy to hang it! Handypersons of AskMe, please point me in the right direction! Pics here.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 2:30 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by PorcineWithMe at 2:30 PM PST - 6 comments
THIN socks with toe seam on top aka please help me not lose my damn mind
I have freakishly sensitive and blister-prone feet. It is winter in California. I need to wear socks with shoes for the next few months. The toe seams are killing me. Please help. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:23 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:23 PM PST - 24 comments
Where can I get architecture/floorplan ideas for an apartment?
Where can I get architecture/floorplan ideas for an apartment? [more inside]
Merging digital lives in 2016
I will be getting married shortly and am looking for advice on how to handle the digital part of combining lives and households. What are the current suggestions for how to integrate or manage digital assets - music, ebooks, online accounts, devices, and the like?
How to professionally handle poor organizing for pre-employment screen
I've been offered a new job and already given written notice of my last day at my current job. New job had me conduct approval to a long invasive pre-screen digital set of paperwork 2 weeks ago. Today, New Job says due to a 'glitch' they lost my digital paperwork and made me re-do everything and that my official employment date may/will be delayed. More details under cut. [more inside]
ISBN to HTML in Excel
Last year I found instructions for turning a list of ISBNs into hyperlinks to our library computer using Excel. I am at a new library and have lost the file. I'll give more details below. [more inside]
posted by Biblio at 11:56 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Biblio at 11:56 AM PST - 6 comments
Tips on overcoming a language-learning plateau?
How do I overcome a stubborn plateau when it comes to learning a language? [more inside]
Buying Android Phones for App Testing
We're building an iPhone app, and just decided to do Android version. Problem: no one on the team owns one. App aims for full compatibility with v5, and decent compatibility with v.4.4 (that's not up for discussion). I need to buy 5 or so phones for testing, preferably older ones so we can detect lag. We'll use wi-fi only. Please suggest models (preferably a diverse spread), or even specific deals. If we can add 1 semi-modern model without paying $$$, that would be great (maybe cracked screen or poor cell function?). [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments
Truckstop cappuccino recommendations
I want to give my wife a variety of flavors of coffee and coffee flavorings for Christmas. She has no interest in quality, she is a connoisseur of what I like to call "shitty, super sweet coffee." Help me find some different flavorings and options to make her mind reel with the delicious possibilities! ($120 total gift limit) [more inside]
posted by BleachBypass at 11:10 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by BleachBypass at 11:10 AM PST - 28 comments
Tabletop DIY tree?
I'm wondering if someone could point me in the direction of a DIY miniature christmas tree? Needs to fit in a carry-on bag. No bigger than a can of soup. Not real. [more inside]
Trying to find a source for a detailed map of Burma circa 1942.
I am looking for a detailed map of Burma circa 1942 to purchase as gift. I have found a few examples, but they are all lower quality than what I am looking for.
Why is my twitter account on the first page of self-Google-search?
I have an anonymous twitter account I use for ranting about politics and bad jokes about basketball. It's not particularly offensive, but not very professional. I'm job hunting, so I just googled my first + last name for the first time in a while and it came up in the first page of results.
1. Why did this happen?
2. Can I make it stop? (Outside of just locking my account, which is a pain) [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:55 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:55 AM PST - 8 comments
best. reading. pillow. ever?
Mefites who work lying down - what do you recline on? [more inside]
How to make an artificial Christmas tree look okay?
Looking for a decent artificial Christmas tree on a bit of a budget. Do you have one that you really love? Tell me about it! I have been internet-searching these all morning but I can't really tell from the photos how they look, so I came to Metafilter for personal recommendations. (Alternately: tell me your tricks for making fake trees look less sad and fake!) [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 9:16 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 9:16 AM PST - 29 comments
Have you worked with an architect to build a home from scratch?
We are considering buying property and building a house in southern California. Every part of the process appears daunting to us (the loans, trying to come up with a realistic budget, trying to come up with a realistic time frame for completion, choosing a architect, getting permits, choosing a general contractor). We are first time home buyers who know nothing about anything house related. We are also open to "this is a bad idea, don't do it" advice. [more inside]
Best way to quantify results from bacteria sample growth on petri dishes
3rd grade edition! My son grew bacteria on petri dishes for his science fair project. He collected samples from apples (unwashed, rinsed with water, rinsed with vinegar solution and water). The unwashed section grew fields of bacteria. The other sections are countable sometimes, sometimes with colonies. Does he just display photos or is there a way to graph or otherwise show the stark difference between unwashed and washed? [more inside]
posted by LKWorking at 8:16 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by LKWorking at 8:16 AM PST - 12 comments
household intercom options?
So we've moved to a two story house, and are finding that before, where we could hear each other throughout the house, that is now not the case.
Are there any good intercom systems or apps out there that do not require being hardwired in? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl at 8:06 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by needlegrrl at 8:06 AM PST - 6 comments
Touch 1 hour, touch 2 hours
As a stopgap to a full fledget RFID/NFC time reporting system, I'm probably setting up a couple of touch-screens to allow our members to enter their time in the shop. What's the simplest way for me to accomplish this? (Slideshow inside!) [more inside]
Is there such a thing as a washable, dog nail proof Duvet cover?
We have a down comforter that we'd like to use, but we need a cover for it that will endure dog toenails. Our lab invades us while we are sleeping and has ridiculously long nails. He is high maintenance when it comes to nail clipping, and we are poor, so clipping is not as frequent as it should be. [more inside]
posted by yoga at 6:14 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by yoga at 6:14 AM PST - 9 comments
Walk on music – suggestions needed
I am presenting an award at a small company event, honoring high achievement. Presenters are been asked to select the ‘walk on’ music we want played as make our way form the audience up to the stage (maybe 20-30 seconds). I don’t want anything too silly, bombastic, or boastful (in the past, someone played “Started from the bottom” which was seen as sort of brag-y ) . It’s a happy, but sort of serious, professional event. Criteria -needs to be recognizable to a middle aged crowd; should speak to partnership or achieving results – but not in an ‘I’m the greatest’ kind of way. Suggestions?
What is this pig-nosed jungle animal?
Screenshotted from the Jungle episode of Planet Earth 2 and would love to know what it is! It appears on screen for only seconds.
posted by threetwentytwo at 5:28 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by threetwentytwo at 5:28 AM PST - 5 comments
Profound, moving, life-changing content (books, movies, etc.)
What are profound, life-changing books, movies, articles, content that you can suggest? [more inside]
Help me fill the void left by my amazing yoga teacher
My favourite yoga teacher is leaving soon. Help me find a non-woo, empowering, calming practice I can do at home instead. [more inside]
posted by third word on a random page at 1:29 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by third word on a random page at 1:29 AM PST - 6 comments
Premodern University Teaching, also convents etc. - History of Pedagogy
How did premodern universities, schools, convents, etc., work? This question is a bit confused as in formulating it I realized I was confused, but I will do my best! It came up when I was reading a fantasy novel and the novel was clearly "the author went to 20th century American college and just retrojected that on his imaginary medieval world." But what was it really like? I'm looking for the history of teaching, I think, and not just in universities. [more inside]
November 21
What's wrong with being too quiet at work?
I just started my second month in a 6-month temp assignment covering for someone's maternity leave. Everything is great, except it seems that my very quiet personality might be causing issues. [more inside]
strategies for distancing/dealing with my friend who I have a crush on
I have a crush on a friend who is in a relationship. Most recently she invited herself to be my +1 to a holiday party. I wish there were a way out of this but either way I'm trying to figure out strategies to remain friends while causing myself less anxiety. [more inside]
posted by aaabbbccc at 11:00 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by aaabbbccc at 11:00 PM PST - 21 comments
Have you seen these sneakers?
I saw a woman wearing these sneakers in the subway, and I was too shy to ask about them. Has anyone seen these before? They seem to be covered in fabric, with a wide black elastic band that goes over the top.... I wish I'd just spoken up, but since that never happened wonder if there's still a way to find them.
posted by avidreader at 10:41 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by avidreader at 10:41 PM PST - 7 comments
How do I tell my dad he's (probably) not going to get better?
Dad had stroke. 3 years on, he still has difficulty swallowing and talking. How do I tell him that his chances of full recovery are very low? Complication: he's pinning his hopes on trying an unproven, expensive, and potentially dangerous experimental drug. [more inside]
posted by butwheresthesushi at 10:10 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by butwheresthesushi at 10:10 PM PST - 12 comments
id an anime
I saw this anime movie in a theater between ten and twenty years ago. All I remember is 1) it featured a team of scientists of some sort one of whom is an enormously obese man that another, female, team member falls in love with, and 2) it includes extremely mind-blowing sequences that I took to be manifestations of the unfiltered subconscious mind of one of the characters.
posted by bertran at 10:03 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by bertran at 10:03 PM PST - 4 comments
Perfect women's chunky cardigan?
I'd like to invest in one good-quality cardigan for the winter. Specs inside! [more inside]
posted by bighappyhairydog at 9:00 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by bighappyhairydog at 9:00 PM PST - 6 comments
At work -- Measuring Co$t vs B€n€fit of spending decisions
At work, when you're faced with a decision that has a financial impact, do you have certain thought processes or rules of thumb that help you reach a decision?
For example... Buy a piece of equipment vs lease it? Delay hiring in a role? Sell a less profitable product because it will help you get your foot in at a customer? Agree to a $10k consulting bill when you don't have a benchmark to check it against? [more inside]
Can I buy pre-fabric'ed embroidery hoops?
Is it possible to buy the embroidery hoop equivalent of pre-stretched canvases like these? That is, can I buy a collection of cheap embroidery hoops, each already set up with white fabric suitable for embroidering? If so, where? [more inside]
posted by somedaycatlady at 6:59 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by somedaycatlady at 6:59 PM PST - 11 comments
Anti-racism Superman poster for sale?
Is there anywhere selling copies of the 1949 anti-racism Superman poster?
What is an appropriate thank you gift for a personal trainer?
My trainer for the last year and a bit is moving to a new job. What should I get him? [more inside]
Playback video and pre-programmed DMX
I would like to pre-program some lighting sequences to go along with various videos. Any suggestions for software that could play back video and lighting cues (over either DMX or MIDI)? [more inside]
How can I get my child to get involved in the game?
Several years ago, my daughter decided she wanted to play hockey. She has been skating for several years and played in an all-girls club last season. This season, she has been playing in a coed league.
She does great in practice, but when the time comes for her to participate in the game, she freezes up. [more inside]
posted by valentinepig at 6:07 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by valentinepig at 6:07 PM PST - 15 comments
Ongoing weekend volunteer gigs in San Francisco?
Seeking a weekend volunteer gig that requires a commitment and works with people in the refugee, immigrant, Muslim, African American, Latino or LGBT communities. I don't have many super specialized skills, but I could do some tutoring, and I have a car. I'm open to lots of suggestions about how I can help. What are some organizations I should check out? [more inside]
I need to set up a holiday drive in my building, asap!
I'm the property manager for a building in midtown Manhattan, NY with about 100 residential rental apartments. I'd like to set up some kind of gift drive, food drive, coat drive, etc, but I have no idea what to do! And maybe it's too late in the season? Help! [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 5:30 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by silverstatue at 5:30 PM PST - 7 comments
Favorite Secret Places
What are your favorite cool spots/stops around the world that aren't super popular tourist traps? [more inside]
I Don't Wanna Taco Bout It
Please, please help. I somehow lost my nephew's shirt. It is a long-sleeved green size 6 shirt from Gap with a taco on the front saying "I don't want to taco 'bout it." My sister and I have searched Gap, Amazon, Google images, and Overstock. Can anyone find this shirt, available for me to buy and have shipped to an address in California? Thank you!!!
Help Me Stock a Global Kitchen
If you were stocking a kitchen for people from all over the world, what seasonings would you buy? What are the five to ten spices or spice mixes essential to any country's cuisine? [more inside]
posted by sleepy psychonaut at 4:52 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by sleepy psychonaut at 4:52 PM PST - 14 comments
I have no idea why I like tracking ships.
I recently discovered that apparently tracking ships or trains is a hobby for some people. I'm wondering if anyone has identified the reasons why. [more inside]
posted by christinetheslp at 4:10 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by christinetheslp at 4:10 PM PST - 10 comments
Local Man Stumped by Child's Grammar Question
DOT, Jr.: "Is the 'y' in 'say' considered silent or a vowel? Or is it like part of a combination sound with the 'a'?" My guess is it counts as a dipthong with the "A" in some way, but honestly I do not know.
Help me turn my daughter into a deviant
My, very non-deviant daughter is in a high school sociology class. The teacher has assigned the class to engage in some sort of deviant (but expressly not illegal!) behavior, then write about the experience and reaction. [more inside]
Anyone use - not just work at- Jimdo for web design?
Need to pick a provider for a just starting our musical instruments seller. One of a kind stringed instruments, hand made and only a handful of customers right now. Wanting to build on that base of course.
So is Jimdo relatively easy to use? Have enough tools to make your website look like you want it to? Any support issues? [more inside]
Music Like Lemaitre's Closer
I'm looking for more music in the style of Lemaitre's Closer, primarily the jazzy horns & piano over a driving house-ish (?) synth and beat. Any recommendations for artists and/or tracks? Thanks!
Two days in Oslo in early December: what should I see and do?
I have two days in Oslo December 3rd after a conference and am wondering what I should do. I want to spend it all in the city (no nature or hiking for me), so looking for urban things such as museums, art galleries, etc. Plus something very non-intellectual as I will be keen on that after days of discussion. Recommendations for vegetarian or vegetarian friendly places that I should be sure to eat at also very welcome.
Any and all recommendations appreciated.
posted by lesbiassparrow at 1:56 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by lesbiassparrow at 1:56 PM PST - 14 comments
What can I do with a mobile phone with a busted sim slot?
I've got a brand new phone with a broken sim slot, that's been deemed repairable. I've been given a refund for the phone but they left the unit with me instead of taking it back. So, I've got a Motorola android phone that can connect to Wifi and do everything a phone without a sim card can do, and no idea what to do with it. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Silentgoldfish at 1:31 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Silentgoldfish at 1:31 PM PST - 19 comments
Leaving valuables in a hostel while climbing a volcano?
Some companions and I will be climbing Acatenango near Antigua, Guatemala in January and our hostel (El Hostel) has lockers we can rent while overnighting on the volcano.
What should we leave behind to lighten our loads and keep safe? [more inside]
posted by buttermilkmeeks at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by buttermilkmeeks at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments
Help with transition to US for foreign fiance
My fiance's K1 visa was approved, and he will be joining me in the US in mid December (yay!). We plan to get married shortly after his arrival, and apply for an adjustment of status so that he can work as soon as possible thereafter. I'm looking for suggestions of things I can have in place that will ease his transition before he's able to work, and also advice and ideas about handling somewhat unique financial circumstances. [more inside]
Help Replacing Watch Battery (and, in the process, the band)
I have a nine-year-old watch I like very much, inherited from my dad (though not an heirloom or anything), which is a Casio "Wave Cepter" analog face self-setting watch. Battery replacement with other watches in past experience used to be easy. Apparently this is no longer the case. [more inside]
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 1:09 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 1:09 PM PST - 6 comments
Treating depression with Ketamine, Genetic Testing or Marijuana
I have had lifelong depression and anxiety. I have tried meds, therapy and vitamin treatments. Nothing has worked. I am ready to try something new [more inside]
South Lake Union apartment
I'm looking for recommendations from mefites on buildings in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle (or nearby) that fit my special snowflake apartment needs. [more inside]
What about the other Trump voters?
There have been a billion new thinkpieces on why white rural and working-class voters voted for Trump. Where are the articles and books on the other Trump voters? [more inside]
Information about "mastery-based" courses in mathematics?
My department is interested in transitioning to a "mastery-based" precalculus class at the college level. The basic idea is that students would be allowed (somehow) to work at their own pace, and success in the class would be by demonstrating mastery of most of the material (80%?). Somehow. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of teaching, in any discipline? [more inside]
Resources/solutions/websites for database management with UI component?
As a non-super technical person (at a new company), I was tasked with developing a framework of how to combine a bunch of datasets (currently all in separate .csv files) into one database (preferably a relational database management system) but given that both technical and non-technical people will be using it, the solution needs to have a UI layer that would enable non-techy folks to search/pull/download relevant data from the database on ongoing basis with minimal tech people involvement/supervision. More snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Help with managing Facebook email alerts
I am taking a break from facebook and would really like to remove all but the emails I want (status updates from a few people, event invites, birthdays) from showing up in my inbox. As each type shows up, I can opt out. How do I just do a mass opt out? [more inside]
Volunteer chorus members in a professional chorus- what`s it like?
I'm thinking of joining (as a volunteer) a professional chorus that performs with the local symphony opera. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 11:40 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by winterportage at 11:40 AM PST - 4 comments
His ex wants to move in with him. Their bond is emotional but not sexual
My current bf had a codependent relationship with his ex, and she helped him through difficult times. Now she is losing her job and wants to move in with him, and he feels responsible for her happiness. Where does this leave me? [more inside]
posted by muppets at 11:16 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by muppets at 11:16 AM PST - 45 comments
Find me my next computer
I need help replacing my 2009 Macbook Pro. [more inside]
posted by mymbleth at 10:02 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by mymbleth at 10:02 AM PST - 9 comments
Excel Question: how do I paste some hyperlinks?
This seems like a simple question, but I can't figure out the answer. How do I paste a bunch of hyperlinks? [more inside]
Yet another Men's Lotion Question
What are good men's lotions for 1) after shave irritation, 2) general face and hand moisturizer, 3) general face lotion with some SPF. They must be fragrance-free! [more inside]
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 9:38 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 9:38 AM PST - 17 comments
Find the blazer of my dreams
About a decade ago I had an amazing dark green-brown/olive corduroy sport coat that I loved. It's since been lost in a number of moves, but I'd love to find something similar again. Please suggest a similar men's blazer if it turns out finding another one isn't in the cards. [more inside]
Help Me Up My (Natural Fibers) Sweater Game!
The weather is turning colder. Please suggest places to find something nice and warm to wear between my shirt and jacket to keep the cold at bay this season. [more inside]
*Bark* *Bark *Bark* *Bark*
Parent's dog won't stop barking/marking territory. Help me help them. [more inside]
2016 Personal finance software
This question comes up every now and then about what software is out there for personal finance. What's out there that people use (and that hopefully meet my criteria) ? [more inside]
posted by k5.user at 7:42 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by k5.user at 7:42 AM PST - 14 comments
Four Meyer Lemons
My coworker just brought me four huge meyer lemons. What should I do with them?? [more inside]
posted by monologish at 7:42 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by monologish at 7:42 AM PST - 15 comments
Help Me Create an Automatic Search to Return Results for our Database
I'm working to check a list of duplicates in our database and I'd like to be able to automate parts of this process. Please help me figure out what tools I should use and how to get started on this so I can learn something and be a more effective database manager. [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 7:04 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 7:04 AM PST - 14 comments
Lighten Your Load And Go Still Higher. War On Christmas: The Gladdening
Black Friday is fast approaching, and when the Electoral College convenes on December 19, its decision will perhaps literally decide the fate of the world. Frankly, that bare fact alone feels a hell of a lot more like an actual war on Christmas to me than anything I've ever contemplated before. And I ain't having it like that.
I'd like to seize the opportunity to turn every painful barb into a paean of joy instead. [more inside]
posted by perspicio at 6:58 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by perspicio at 6:58 AM PST - 20 comments
Best way forward with water damaged iPhone 6S?
My iPhone 6S got wet during a rainy hike two days ago, and despite my efforts to dry it out so far, I still see moisture under the front camera lens and the screen is having major issues. I do not have AppleCare+. Can you help me think through my options for either repairing or replacing my phone? Specific questions below the fold. [more inside]
Travelling for an extended period
As a 50th birthday present to my self, I am going to be spending six months in the US and Europe. My plan is for it not to be too hectic so I will be based in a couple of cities for a month or so (probably plan mini trips from there). I am going to be alone. How do I avoid becoming lonely? [more inside]
How do I bumble? FB coordination edition
I decided to try Bumble, but I wasn't sure whether it would be posting things to my Facebook, or drawing unwanted information into my dating profile. So I created a fake facebook with a fake name to try it out. Now I can't undo that. Use fake FB profile or undo it somehow? [more inside]
Shake-ups happening at work. Suggestions on how to handle it?
I work as a copywriter at an university in D.C. Lately, things has been piling up at this job with a series of events, and really starting to get to be too much. I'm not exactly sure how to proceed. [more inside]
November 20
I am seeking the Clare Torry vocal on "The Great Gig in the Sky"
I have many times looked on youtube and most anywhere else I can think of to find just Clare Torry's vocal, with any/all other instrumentation stripped off. I believe that it is the most beautiful, the most expressive singing I have ever heard. [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 11:43 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by dancestoblue at 11:43 PM PST - 4 comments
Songs, movies, books about being a grownup and letting go of a love
No tragic or dramatic plot twists or endings - just, making an adult decision to move the fuck on when the timing and circumstances are obviously not right. [more inside]
How can I avoid You-Know-Who?
I had a panic attack today on my way back from a weekend away. It's the second one I've had in recent weeks. After today's, I realized that my constant state of panic about the president-elect isn't just because of the obvious, but because he specifically reminds me of a person who used to verbally abuse me. I'm being triggered ALL THE TIME now. How can I avoid being triggered as much as possible until I can work through this with my therapist?
posted by ocherdraco at 6:56 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 6:56 PM PST - 25 comments
I'm leaving the cult of Apple and ready to buy a PC....Help!?!
I've had an Apple Mac Book Pro for the last 10 years. The computer is starting to breakdown / slow down, to the point where I'd rather bang my head against the wall then turn it on....Time for a new computer....I love Apple. I love my Macbook Pro...But..... [more inside]
Name upgrade for a cake swap
Instead of a Christmas gift exchange this year, my mom's small church is doing a cake swap. Each household brings a nice cake, pie, or other dessert, and at the end of the evening there will be a drawing to see who takes which dessert home. She wants a better name than "dessert extravaganza!" Any ideas? They're planning to display things nicely on multi-leveled stands, but any other thoughts on making this more special or entertaining are welcome!
posted by bizzyb at 5:47 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by bizzyb at 5:47 PM PST - 18 comments
Tell me about being a technical account manager!
I've decided that it's time to look for a new job, and based on the aspects of my current job role, I think I'd like being a technical account manager. However, I don't have friends with that specific job title, so I'm looking for some first-hand accounts about this position, and potentially reasons why it's not as good as a fit as I think it might be. [more inside]
posted by Transmissions From Vrillon at 5:18 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Transmissions From Vrillon at 5:18 PM PST - 3 comments
What do I do with the trimmings from a suit?
Whenever I buy a new suit or pair of wool pants, the tailor always gives me these leftover trimmings. What do I do with these? Are they useful for anything? [more inside]
posted by fremen at 4:58 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by fremen at 4:58 PM PST - 7 comments
Liquor for Tuaca lover
I have an aunt that loves Tuaca. I'd like to get her a present that is a bottle of liquor she'll love that she may not be familiar with. She'll drink just about anything, but her preferred cocktail is straight up Tuaca on the rocks. Anyone know of anything interesting or obscure that might be awesome?
posted by Jacob G at 4:37 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Jacob G at 4:37 PM PST - 12 comments
Help me build a post-Trump reading list
After Trump's victory, I feel the need to study, reflect, examine my assumptions about the world, and seek insight and solace. I'm looking for books that will help. [more inside]
toronto food/activity recommendations?
please direct me to the finest vegetarian food toronto has to offer. [more inside]
The Overthrow of Dictators: Stages.
I remember hearing a radio piece in which someone described how dictatorships were overthrown. This was about the time of the Arab Spring and I remember there being eleven stages, ending in "Get out." I think it might have been on This American Life. Does anyone remember this?
posted by feelinglistless at 3:10 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by feelinglistless at 3:10 PM PST - 1 comment
Desk signs in "startup-styled" corporate offices
Recently I've noticed that some corporate offices I've visited have started to implement a "startup-style" organization to their office layout. One of the aspects of that is a "desk status sign," explaining if the employee is OOTO (out of the office), ready to collaborate ("yes collaborate with me"), or busy. I'm looking for images of these in any corporate setting for one part of a research project. Are these at your office? Or have you been in an office where these have been part of the system?
I saw this for the first time while contracting at a Capital One office building in Virginia this past year, but refrained from taking a picture to maintain some professionalism. If someone on MeFi works at that office and recognizes what I'm talking about, that would actually be ideal, but that's a long shot.
Amazon Fire Kids edition - traveling with 2yo
My sister and bro-in-law are flying across the country with their active 2yo. My sister is looking at the Amazon Fire Kids edition to help keep the kid entertained. He has a wide range of interests: trains, tractors, AND excavators. Any advice? [more inside]
DCA to BOS = Snow Tires?
I am moving to Boston at the end of December. I have never lived north of DC before and thus have never had a need for snow tires before. Help a displaced Southerner out. [more inside]
posted by schroedingersgirl at 2:04 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by schroedingersgirl at 2:04 PM PST - 27 comments
A simple way to organize photos for Mac and PC?
I have several hundred photos I'd like to organize and send out for other's viewing. Or send them a link for viewing?? Simple to organize, and to scroll thru. Ideas?
Best NY Times digital subscription?
I have received requests for holiday gift ideas from loved ones. Having appreciated the reporting done by the New York Times during the election, I've been considering asking for a digital subscription to the outlet. Can you clarify the advantages of the different subscription types? [more inside]
Best DAW setup for visually impaired noisenik?
What's the best way to make electronic music when you can't see very much? [more inside]
posted by Devonian at 12:13 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Devonian at 12:13 PM PST - 6 comments
Breastfeeding/Pumping Question
Learning how to pump, first pump only yielded me 1/2 an ounce. Do I leave that in the bottle attached to the pump and pump again later to try to fill an ounce or two to then use? I'm confused if I should toss the little amount or if I can add more to it at a later pumping session ? [more inside]
posted by xicana63 at 11:46 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by xicana63 at 11:46 AM PST - 10 comments
In search of beautiful alphabet books . . .
I collect alphabet books and would like to add some new books to my collection. Any recommendations? [more inside]
Preserving tomatoes / Poor man's plastination
Our tomato plant has left us with some inedible but adorable balloon shaped tomatoes. Is there a good way to preserve them for a sculpture or art project. Like a shellacking process that would preserve the outside in some way [more inside]
posted by es_de_bah at 11:10 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by es_de_bah at 11:10 AM PST - 10 comments
Received a job offer.. sort of. Not sure how to approach this. Help!
Long story short, I went through the complete interview process for a job. The recruiter said they wanted to give me an offer, but that I needed to give them a compensation package I thought was fair before they extended an official offer.
Thing is, recruiter and I already had discussed salary expectations up front -- twice. Both times, I gave the same range. Both times, he said we were aligned. So why ask me this again instead of giving me an official offer, first? [more inside]
posted by 6spd at 11:00 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by 6spd at 11:00 AM PST - 12 comments
how do I take care of myself when my whole world no longer makes sense?
Last night I had a couple of things happen with people I considered friends that are making me feel unhinged. This, in tandem with my despair over the election results and my apparent social isolation are leading me down the road to a depressive episode. My therapist is on vacation. Please help me figure out if I am overreacting and/or how to get some perspective and move forward. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:57 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by anonymous at 10:57 AM PST - 16 comments
Do drill brushes really work for shower scum/mildew?
So, the shower grout is getting very mildewy despite my best attempts to clean, scrub, brush, etc. The bathroom is not ventilated particularly well, which only compounds the problem.
I've seen these amazing "Drill Brushes, advertising effortless, "manly" cleaning. Do they actually work? Will it clean the grout without damaging the tiles? Has anyone tried one?
What do I need to worry about behind the scenes of a wife's business?
My wife wants to leave her teaching job and do Teachers pay Teachers full time with her mom. I have some questions before they go full fledged into this. [more inside]
Property ownership type on my house title
My husband and I bought a house in Florida 10 years ago. We have been living in it and plan to continue living in it as long as possible. For estate planning purposes, I'm wondering if the way our warranty deed is worded is appropriate. [more inside]
posted by cynical pinnacle at 9:13 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by cynical pinnacle at 9:13 AM PST - 3 comments
Sigh Facebook. SIGH
I followed these instructions to sync my Facebook events with my Google calendar. And get this error: "The address that you provided did not contain a calendar in a valid iCal or GData format." AskGoogle and AskFacebook don't help. I hope ask.me can, though I would not be surprised if this was an intentionally broken FB thing. [more inside]
posted by crush-onastick at 9:08 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by crush-onastick at 9:08 AM PST - 7 comments
Sex life after mastectomy, need success stories
NSFW. I had a mastectomy with reconstruction in June, and it appears my ability to have an orgasm went the same way as my breasts. I really need to hear some success stories from women where surgery changed your sexuality, and recommendations/suggestions/anything please. [more inside]
How to help progressive social/political issues: US citizen outside US
I'm a US citizen living in Mexico. I want to do my part to help the country survive Trump and the GOP-led federal government, especially the people, groups, and programs/initiatives most at risk. I can't do any on-site volunteer work. I will donate (considering this advice) , but my pesos won't amount to much.
Any suggestions on how I can help, while still living outside the US? And any thoughts on how I can participate in mitigating the damage to the Mexican people? [more inside]
Tree roots, a stuck machine and $$
So my sewer has tree roots again. I've had my handyman clear them before but this time I had ****** Sewer Service do it. It was supposed to be a $250 job. Their machine is stuck 50 feet down the pipe. [more inside]
The future of climate change research under Trump
How fast and hard can Trump shut down climate change research? Can Congress pass a law that says "as of tomorrow, all federal grants touching on climate change are revoked and work must stop?" Can they pass a law which literally forbids climate change research? [more inside]
link to recent new alternative-to-password-safe tool?
Google-fu fail. I'm looking for this new open-source sw tool I saw the other day that avoids creating a database, instead computing your needed passwords on the fly based on your username and the web site info in particular. I think. [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 7:50 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by bitterkitten at 7:50 AM PST - 4 comments
What's the snopes for snopes?
I got into a facebook discussion with someone who posted dubious "news" about Monsanto recently. I linked to the refutation by snopes and she poo-pooed snopes as a) unreliable and b) influenced by bribes so she could continue to believe conspiracy theories.
What can I say to someone who refuses to trust anything but bloggers, specifically when I use snopes on a regular basis? Or should I actually be taking snopes stories with a grain of salt as well?
Do I save my father, or save myself? Can/should I do both?
My father was going to use all of the money in our joint savings account on a business. The money was originally intended for me; I just survived a mental health crisis that almost killed me, resigned from my job, broke up with my SO, and am recovering at one of my sister's homes in a new state. So I seized what was left of it
And? From what I can extrapolate from a relative, now homeless and too prideful to go get help.
I don't know what to do. Snowflakey and complications inside. [more inside]
Magazine covers that accidentally reference NSFW memes?
My aunt went into a nursing home. As I was sorting through her stuff, I found a copy of the Time magazine whose cover illustration inescapably recalls the highly NSFW goatse meme. I don't know if it was a coincidence or an inside joke, but it got me thinking... Are there other examples of magazine covers that inadvertently reference NSFW memes?
Should I date someone with MS (multiple sclerosis)?
I have recently fallen for, and become involved with someone with MS. Is this really a good idea? [more inside]
Can I buy a future for myself?
I'm middle aged, and I seem to be unemployable. But I have some money. Not enough to live off for the rest of my life, but surely enough to start a business. How do I invest €250 000 in a (low-risk) way that provides me with a job and a modest but steady income? I live in an affluent EU country. [more inside]
wolf research
Some time ago, I read an account by a researcher (possibly in Michigan's Upper Peninsula) on wolf behavior. The gist was the researcher had thought the stories of wolves cunning, audacity and violence were overblown, until (I hazily recall) a particularly hard winter, when the wolves started coming into the fields and farms. I'd like to read it again. Does this ring any bells?
Seniors in Vietnam
My parents are planning a trip to Vietnam this winter. They're both in their 70s. My dad has not traveled outside the country since his time in the Army, and my mom has never traveled internationally. Neither of them fly much, and my mom did not fly at all until maybe 10 years ago. This is a trip that has been discussed for decades and apparently may actually happen at last. [more inside]
November 19
Zip the zip
How can I download all attachments to an email sent to my Gmail account without them (necessarily) being downloaded as a zip file? [more inside]
Is my new housemate smoking indoors?
My new housemate smokes. He is supposed to smoke outside exclusively, however bits of our house still smell of smoke. I've never seen him smoke indoors but we are often in separate rooms. Is the smell normal or is he smoking indoors sometimes? He has lived here for 3 weeks so far.
Where have all the apples gone...
Since Apple decided to stop tethering their products, I've been seeing stories in the news about people just walking into stores in large groups and walking off with thousands of dollars worth of items. Explain Apple's business plan to me. [more inside]
How to move links from the home screen of Android to Chrome bookmarks?
I have put a lot of links that I saw while browsing the web with Chrome on my Android phone and plan to read "one of these days" on my Home Screen. I have since started bunching them together, and now I have 20+ links on my Android Home Screen. Is there a way that I can easily move these into my Chrome mobile bookmarks? And/or is there a way that I can put them all together into an HTML file or something of the sort that I could export and access on desktop? Thanks.
Tapering off ativan
How to taper off ativan [more inside]
I've got the E-Lectric Throw... and it's dirty.
Does anyone have an electric blanket/throw? How do you wash it? [more inside]
posted by Weeping_angel at 3:42 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Weeping_angel at 3:42 PM PST - 9 comments
If you knew then what you know now: recession edition
Hypothetically, if you knew (or had strong suspicion) that a major global economic recession was on the horizon in the next few years, what would you do to prepare? Not like, society as we know it collapses into a dystopian Mad Max scenario-- buy all the gold and build a bunker; more like what could an average person have done in 1928 or 2007 that would have helped cushion the blow of an oncoming recession? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 12:43 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by forkisbetter at 12:43 PM PST - 29 comments
Tips to keep our 9 month old puppy entertained during physical recovery?
A veterinarian has diagnosed our 9 month old sheltie puppy with a soft tissue injury in her front leg. In addition to a regiment of anti-inflammatory medication, the vet advises against running, jumping, strenuous play, and outdoor walks for the next 2 weeks. How do we keep our pup entertained during this duration? [more inside]
Foreign Language Pen Pals
I am learning a foreign language and am looking for an old-fashioned pen pal who lives in another country to exchange letters with! What is a good service to use to find the pen pal of my dreams? Preferably free, but I would not mind paying for a high-quality pen pal service. I am looking for a snail mail, not email, exchange.
Please note I am an adult and would like my pen pal to be around my age as well.
posted by atinna at 10:37 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by atinna at 10:37 AM PST - 8 comments
Who best to donate to, to fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline?
Any suggestions on where my dollars will have the most effect towards preventing the pipeline from happening? [more inside]
Go Pho Yourself Thanksgiving
Our Thanksgiving feast this year is Vietnamese cuisine. We're going to bring spring rolls and...something else. What should our something else be? Links to recipes much appreciated. The group is a mix of pescatarians and ominivores. Spicy food is just fine. We have access to a good asian grocery. [more inside]
How to get my old Aiwa stereo out of standby mode?
I have an old Aiwa LCX-100 mini stereo system. It's not been used for for several years and now won't come out of standby mode. When I plug it in, the red standby light comes on and the green lcd panel lights up, but no symbols appear on the panel and no functions work. (The tape deck motor works (ff, rew, play) but no sound is produced.) It worked fine before storage and isn't damaged. Does anyone know how I can get it to come to life again, please? [more inside]
Help me plan my road trip
Hi there,
I live in NYC and I am driving to homeland (Knoxville, Tennessee) for Thanksgiving. I am leaving on Monday and I need to drop off the car in Knoxville at noon on Wednesday.
Along the way I’d love to check out some nature and small-ish towns. Any ideas for pit stops between New York and Knoxville? I’m all ears!
Dyeing hair for the first time ever with ombré - effect on hair health
My wife asks:
I am wondering if I dye my hair ombré, would the roots/upper part of my hair stay unchanged and healthy? I know the color will not change on that part because only the tips are dyed. But will the process change my hair health entirely? [more inside]
Is Apple Pay Worth The Time Sucking Annoyance of Getting It Set Up?
Trying to set up Apple Pay on a new iPhone SE has been a huge and aggravating and unsuccessful time sink. It "Just Fails".
If you use Apple Pay, do you like it? How often do you use it? In what circumstances do you still pull out a credit card?
After 9+ hours of phone time with Apple support and card issuer support, turns out the card I use daily is not eligible for Apple Pay because it was issued to me several years ago to replace a "partner" card. Apple does not support "partner" cards. Obtained new, the card is fine with Apple Pay. But, my card, in effect, was grandfathered back to the "partner" card. The card issuer has no solution other than applying for a new card.
A second card with a different card issuer can't be activated because the card issuer is texting a verification code to the wrong number. They "don't know" why, so they've opened ticket.
How strict are antibiotics frequency times?
I have a recurrent problem which needs antibiotics, often multiple ones. They are to be taken every 12 hours, or every 8 hours, or whatever the doc prescribes. I don't like taking more than one at the same time, so try to stagger them. [more inside]
posted by aqsakal at 4:06 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by aqsakal at 4:06 AM PST - 10 comments
Bungled US replacement certificate of naturalization form - what now?
Made a fatal mistake on my N-565. Do I wait for US CIS to bounce it, or do I just send in a new application? I don’t care about the $. I only care about not pissing off US CIS and getting this done ASAP. [more inside]
non-profit communications
What has been your experience working as the sole comms person at a non-profit organization? [more inside]
What is the best news podcast
Hello MeFites,
I am looking for a world news podcast that I would be able to listen to while commuting, I have been listening to BBC World News which is 30 minutes, twice a day, but I have no interest for the miscellaneous stories such as ballet dancing or the renovation of the Queen's palace. I would like to find a podcast with the following characteristics: [more inside]
What syntax should I use to make Google Calendar recognize events I add
I use Google Calendar a lot, and mostly to add events occurring at specific times. I click on the desired day on the monthly calendar, and fill out the field with something like "6am remember to take out trash", but for years I haven't been able to discern a pattern as to whether this will result in creating: 1) A calendar event set for 6am that says "remember to take out trash", or 2) A calendar event set all day (not at 6am) that says "6am remember to take out trash". [more inside]
November 18
Recommendations for verbal de-escalation training in or around Seattle
ISO: An individual or organization who can provide verbal and behavioral de-escalation training to a loose-knit group of committed safety pin-wearers in the Seattle area. [more inside]
Can/should I call the elected officials if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
I'm a Canadian living in the U.S., and I've been outraged/horrified by the White House staffing decisions. Since I'm not a citizen, I obviously didn't vote - so, can I call "my elected officials" to give my opinion and denounce these decisions? Should I? [more inside]
Income ideas for stay at home mom?
I have a sibling who is in her mid-30s and is a full-time mom to two young kids. Finances are tight, and she is looking for ways to make some money from home while she watches the kids. [more inside]
How to read a single tumblr blog.
Is there a way to read through a single tumblr blog on an iphone (ios 10) or less helpfully, a PC? It will take me weeks to read through since it is so big. bookmarking the "page" doesn't work since the blog updates frequently, so i lose my place.
Brand Identity for Real Estate Agent
A friend, who is a real estate agent, is looking at creating a personal brand. [more inside]
posted by ashtray elvis at 4:21 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ashtray elvis at 4:21 PM PST - 12 comments
People who have succeeded in their careers without social capital?
I'm 29, stuck job-wise, and have always lived paycheck to paycheck and below poverty line. I'm looking for examples of people who have succeeded in their careers or dreams without social capital to make this dreary Friday better. Not looking for a lecture on what I need to do, just some examples. Thanks. [more inside]
posted by Kombucha3452 at 3:48 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Kombucha3452 at 3:48 PM PST - 21 comments
How do I keep in touch after leaving Facebook?
I am in the process of deleting my Facebook account. How do I stay in touch with my friends at scale? [more inside]
posted by snortasprocket at 2:51 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by snortasprocket at 2:51 PM PST - 28 comments
How has Trump justified economic protectionism to US elites?
It's not apparent to me how withdrawal from free trade agreements would benefit the top 2-5%, since the current arrangement's been pretty good to them. Why would anyone in that class support him (of those who did?) How did Trump justify this position to them during the US election campaign, and what is he saying now? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:31 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:31 PM PST - 6 comments
How can I apply sunscreen without actually applying sunscreen?
Reading various AskMe's has convinced me that I should protect my very fair skin from any (further) sun damage. Can you suggest a product that will add some sun protection without expanding my determinedly minimalist under-makeup regimen? [more inside]
yet another health insurance terror question
when should i try to sign up for an ACA health plan? [more inside]
Financial insurance reading recommendations
Help this creative writer be smarter at my exciting financial insurance marketplace job. [more inside]
posted by kinsey at 1:20 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by kinsey at 1:20 PM PST - 3 comments
America's History
Which is a good book to read about American History? [more inside]
Is replacing the fan on a convection oven a DIY project?
Is replacing the fan on a convection oven a DIY project? The fan on my Viking electric oven made a bunch of noise then started smoking, so I'm guessing that's what failed. Is replacing it a doable project for someone with moderate electrical skills? And is it something I should try to tackle this weekend, before Thanksgiving? (I can cook w/o convection in the meanwhile.) [more inside]
posted by sixpack at 12:38 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by sixpack at 12:38 PM PST - 7 comments
Seeking Specific Steven Universe Fanart
Looking for a set of Steven Universe fanart images depicting gems posed together a split-second before fusion. I believe they were on a white background, and the artist may have been Japanese: I think I saw a Japanese username or website on some of the images. Can you help me find it?
posted by homodachi at 12:37 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by homodachi at 12:37 PM PST - 3 comments
Elegant pooping
Since I'm always struggling with plumbers here at my home, I realized that my home was just not built to have a water closet. And I have come to wonder how things worked back in the day.
My apartment is clearly intended for the upper middle class. It is spacious and originally had a room for staff. But it was built without a toilet. There was a bath, but what is now the toilet was originally a storage space. Actually, the whole back part of my apartment was clearly not open for guests - the doors are lower and the decoration is more primitive. I can't bring in a normal fridge because the doors are too narrow.
My question is: how did the people who visited my apartment during the early 20th century pee? There is a huge dining room and a den and generally the layout suggests tons of entertainment (very little space for private life). But these guests must have had bodily functions? Or what?
Seeing the best of Buenos Aires?
My wife, my parents and I will be taking a 6-day trip to Buenos Aires in late November. What should we not miss? [more inside]
Identify a Book My Grade-School Class Read in 1988
Help me to remember a long-lost fantasy book my grade-school class read in or around 1988. [more inside]
posted by saladin at 11:16 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by saladin at 11:16 AM PST - 6 comments
Who is my representative?
I live and work in the US on a H-1B visa. I file US taxes as a resident alien. I am not a citizen and therefore cannot vote. In the legal sense, do the senators and representatives in whose state/district I live represent me? And would the answer to this change if I had a green card (i.e. was a permanent resident but still not a citizen)?
Why are my emotions so strong?
From the time I was a girl, I've felt my emotions very deeply. The negative ones sometimes interfere with my life very badly. lately it's been very intense. And this might be a bit too woowoo for some of you, but I've been getting more in touch with my spiritual side, and I wonder if that has something to do with it. [more inside]
How to Access Google Photos on Windows 10 File Explorer?
I want to be able to access Google Photos on Drive as a local folder, but I don't want to download / sync my photos on my new Windows computer. Any ideas how to do this? [more inside]
Book recommendations for my 9-year-old daughter
I like to get my daughter a book or two at Christmas and I'm hoping you folks have some great recommendations. She is a good reader for her age. Some of her favorite books are the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, Louise Erdrich's Birchbark series, Eva Ibbotson's Star of Kazan, and Kate Sered's The Good Master. I think she likes girl heroines, adventure of some sort, and a setting in a different time and/or place. She also been into fairies and mermaids lately (we just read the first Emily Windsnap book).
Games like Uncharted... and Rachet and Clank?
Pretty much what it says on the tin. My dad enjoys both Rachet and Clank and the Uncharted series, but he's pretty much caught up with both of them. I'm looking for similar games with a similar mix of adventure/puzzle solving/etc on the Playstation 4 - further criteria below the fold. [more inside]
I am going to need a new writing program that has a sidebar in it
I need a replacement for Rough Draft that works in Windows 10. [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon at 9:20 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by jenfullmoon at 9:20 AM PST - 14 comments
What game should I play next?
I'm getting older and have a kid so less time to play computer games. However I just played the Witcher 3 and it was great. Best game I've played in a long time. So what next should I play? [more inside]
ParentingFilter: Improve my 4-year-old
My delightful 4.5-year-old son has many fine qualities. He also has many areas in which he is behind the curve of his peers. Please recommend some resources to help me help him. Specifics inside. [more inside]
Can you recommend your favorite resources for learning Spanish?
I'm a complete beginner and will not be able to take in-person classes. Your favorite books, web resources, tips and tricks would be most helpful!
An work of art a day keeps the doctor away, so help me find them.
Is there a Twitter feed that posts a variety of works of art regularly? I'm trying to inspire myself to be more artistic, and a part of these efforts is to expose myself to art that I might not see otherwise. I'm on Twitter on and off throughout the day, so I thought that a Twitter feed that posts images of works of art would be helpful. I'm particularly interested in modern art, collages and mixed media. Any thoughts? Thanks!
How to sell a UK house, buy a US house and everything in between
We are an early-30s couple with two children who live in London and intend to emigrate to the US in mid-2018 (specifically Los Angeles, California). Help us please! [more inside]
Dying grandparent, a toddler, and Thanksgiving
My father in law has end stage terminal cancer and intends to die at home--talking days/weeks. My wife and I will be going for a Thanksgiving visit in a couple of weeks with our 2.5 year old, who loves her grandfather very much. He is not going to be in good shape, and may well pass away while we're there. Help?! [more inside]
ID this discontinued IKEA lamp?
This is sort of silly but we have this old IKEA lamp that has stopped working and I'd love to scour eBay for another only 1) it doesn't have the made up Scandinaviesque name anywhere on it and 2) every one of the million search strings I have tried has turned up nøthing. [more inside]
posted by Smearcase at 8:01 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Smearcase at 8:01 AM PST - 4 comments
Is it okay to ask small business owner if they support Trump?
"Vote with your dollars" they say - how to go about doing that if I want to as much as possible avoid patronizing businesses (small & large) who's owners support Trump? [more inside]
How to identify companies desperate, hungry, and ready for change
So I just finished watching the movie Moneyball. It's a pretty entertaining flick if you haven't seen it yet. My question has to do with change management and how to identify companies ready for change. More to my question below the fold. [more inside]
App for calling elected officials, and keeping track of calls
Like many people, I'm trying to call my elected officials much more frequently and I'd like to have an app to help me, and to track my calls. I haven't found anything- the closest was Countable which helps you email your reps about active bills. [more inside]
Should I ask my parents if they voted for Trump?
My dad and stepmom are historically conservative, but not Obama-hating Bible-thumpers. I am hoping they held their noses and voted for Hillary (or at least Johnson) but I fear the worst. I am a trans gay guy, which they know, and a Trump administration will be likely disaster for me and my friends. I have been physically ill with stress since the election and seeing my family is making me more anxious. Should I ask them? Or how can I function without knowing? [more inside]
posted by AFABulous at 6:55 AM PST - 62 comments
posted by AFABulous at 6:55 AM PST - 62 comments
Looking for Trump quotes and contradictions that define Trump
I am putting together a hybrid fiction/factual piece on Trump. Although there are many sites that collect his lies, his outrageous statements, etc. I am looking for those quotes that most define him. Particulars inside. [more inside]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 6:31 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 6:31 AM PST - 5 comments
Please help de-alcohol this cake!
I'm making this cake for Thanksgiving and need help substituting a couple of ingredients. [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 6:27 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by hilaryjade at 6:27 AM PST - 7 comments
Resources for Arabic speaker (ESL) learning lab maths?
An Arabic-speaking student with weak English needs a crash course or quick reference for the basic maths required to do postgraduate biology bench research. Any suggestions for resources I can point them to? [more inside]
posted by metaBugs at 5:39 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by metaBugs at 5:39 AM PST - 2 comments
Magic Mike has a lot to answer for: Bangkok Edition
So, my best friend is getting married in Bangkok. I am one of her bridesmaids. She wants to go see male strippers for her hen do/bachelorette party. Please help me make this not terrible. [more inside]
posted by litereally at 5:17 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by litereally at 5:17 AM PST - 4 comments
Rider Waite Tarot Deck Explained
I'm looking for either a book, or online resource that will let me learn about the Rider-Waite tarot deck. This is strictly an academic interest, and I'm more interested in the meanings behind the cards, and the way they can be interpreted together, than I am in trying to divine my future. Do any mefites with occult interest have suggestions?
posted by dortmunder at 4:01 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by dortmunder at 4:01 AM PST - 9 comments
Help me remember the name of this break up related country love song
I heard it on country radio some time between 2008 and 2011, I think it was on a lot back then. It's sung by a man in first person, about reluctantly going on a date despite still being depressed about a past breakup, and having his world brought back to life by the new woman during the course of the evening. [more inside]
November 17
Unsure how to handle this relationship issue
I've been dating another man for about six months. He's had the same roommate for over a decade but they've never dated, though his roommate has a crush on him. My boyfriend and I have been going on a date every Friday and sometimes spending a few hours together on Sunday. He informed me today that he's spending his birthday--Friday--with his roommate, which apparently is something they've been doing for years, and that I am not invited. I'm not sure how to handle this. [more inside]
YANMD, but any insight as to what might be going on with my finger?
The lateral nail fold of my middle finger has been raw and cracking for maybe 8 months now. I'm not sure what's wrong and no remedy has seemed to work so far. [more inside]
Need a specific kind of character from books, movies, folk-tales, etc.
HIVEMIND! I'm looking for a character from some domain of culture who pretends not to be human to convince other people that they have special powers. For example, a person might pretend to be an alien to convince other people that they can read minds, or something of that sort. The more classic and well-known the example, the better (although it doesn't have to be). Thanks!
What should I study to help reduce suicide and depression in this world?
My home country of South Korea is suffering from #1 suicide rate in the entire world. It's happening mostly to young people in their 10s, 20s, and 30s who are severely affected by modern-day capitalism. Many attribute it to the culture that is ridden with status anxiety, comparison to others, severe competition and appearance-obsession, and I only see it getting worse. I would like to start studying an academic field that will help me make an impact in this area. Can anybody point me in the right direction for the best field of study so that I can start making myself into somebody who can make an impact in this area? (I'm guessing it's related to Psychology) [more inside]
posted by burea1124 at 5:50 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by burea1124 at 5:50 PM PST - 19 comments
Homeowner needs help with exterior repair
I've spent months trying to get any contractor in this very small town to come button up a damaged area on my home's exterior before winter, without success. I'm resigned to a best-I-can-manage DIY solution, and tomorrow may be my last best chance before the snows begin. Help? [more inside]
posted by peakcomm at 4:05 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by peakcomm at 4:05 PM PST - 17 comments
Can a woman who goes back to school have a normal life?
Guys who go back to school in their 30s seem to not have the rest of their lives suffer, but I'm worried that I'll have to give up a future of being able to find a partner + have kids + better friend group if I choose to further my education. Do women fear worse socially/romantically if they return to school? Please prove me wrong, Metafilter! [more inside]
posted by blerghamot at 4:05 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by blerghamot at 4:05 PM PST - 21 comments
can I eat this: preserved lemon edition
Jar of commercially prepared and jarred preserved lemons, expired in April. They are totally fine, right? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 3:59 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by goodbyewaffles at 3:59 PM PST - 4 comments
Does he do what Daddy did to Mommy to get me?
My same-sex partner has been asked to father a child - how do we make this decision? [more inside]
How can I make a difference in my corporate diversity committee?
I'm a recent hire into a rotational program at a major engineering company/supplier in the automotive industry. A committee has just been formed to promote diversity in our group of 40-50 rotational employees. I'm passionate about the topic and eager to make a difference, but this is my first time in a role like this, and I don't know what will be helpful for me to do. I'm also certain that I have blind spots, and I want to try and come into this as informed as I can be. Can you help me figure out where I should try to push the committee's mission and agenda? [more inside]
Help me find cabinet hinges.
I want to do a little upgrade to the kitchen. The cabinets frame is solid wood (maple?) but the doors are plywood. My plan is to paint the doors white, then change the hinges and pulls. [more inside]
Is a 4k monitor, downscaled to 1600x900 crisp?
Can a 4k 21.5 inch monitor do 1600x900 crisply? The standard 21 inch resolution is 1920x1080, which means DPI 102, and that's unusable for me. UI elements are too small for me to see. I could scale it to 1600x900, but for a standard monitor, it gets fuzzy. Does a 4k monitor solve this issue? I'm using a late 2014 Mac Mini (i7 3.0GHz, 16GB RAM). [more inside]
Pre-Employment Drug Test - Legal and Illegal substances
I know variations of this have been asked, I'm just hoping to get some advice on my specific circumstances. I've got a preemployment drug test coming up next week. I have taken a collection of drugs recently they test for - all but one a valid prescription buuuuuut really don't want my future employer to know various medical conditions so I don't know what I should do. [more inside]
Neither my co-workers or I can solve this cryptogram meant for children
My publication pulled a cryptogram puzzle from the generic content producer we are subscribed to for our holiday guide, however when editing the pages we realized no one knows how to solve this. [more inside]
posted by john-a-dreams at 1:42 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by john-a-dreams at 1:42 PM PST - 16 comments
Blocking robot downloads from a publically available mp3 on a website
I "run" the website for a friend who is a musician. I say "run" because I don't know what I'm doing really. Anyways, I have some mp3s of his works on his website. He likes this and it is important to him, but a vast majority of the traffic I end up paying for is various scraping robots and the like that I imagine just download every mp3 they can find in the world just because. Is there some smart way to block this while still letting the website work?
posted by cmm at 1:34 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by cmm at 1:34 PM PST - 9 comments
I'm hideous. Volumizing product needed
I want a volumizing product that I can reapply everyday because it won't harden and kink up overnight, or which will magically help me retain kink-less volume after one application until I wash it out. Ideas? [more inside]
How to soundproof front door of old rental on a budget?
hello Mefites:
I hope you guys can have some tips for hubby and me. We recently moved into a downstairs rental unit in an old apartment building. The unit is lovely, but our next door neighbor, who lives across the front entrance foyer from us, complains to us that she can hear us talking on the phone while we are inside and our dog barks too much. [more inside]
I'm Dr Frankenstein, my Gmail password is a monster of my own creation
I can't remember what I changed my Gmail password to when I reset it last month, and I no longer have access to my recovery email address. I can still access my Gmail from my phone, but I can't get in to my Gmail account on any browser! Is there any hope for me? [more inside]
posted by rodneyaug at 11:43 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by rodneyaug at 11:43 AM PST - 13 comments
What does my baby want for Christmas?
My baby will be almost three months old by Christmas. People want to know what he 'wants' for the holidays. We have a lot of stuff already so I'm not sure what to say. [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 11:17 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by ficbot at 11:17 AM PST - 35 comments
80s songs that suddenly seem oddly relevant?
So, post-election, I'm feeling kind of like I'm hearing a lot of songs (particularly 80s/Cold War era- songs) for the first time all over again. Help me build a playlist to explore this phenomenon? [more inside]
posted by aecorwin at 11:15 AM PST - 105 comments
posted by aecorwin at 11:15 AM PST - 105 comments
How do you keep track of books you own on paper, Kindle, Audible & Nook?
OK, I have ended up with a library of about 125 paper books (after down sizing), 35 Kindle books, 100 Audible books and 15 Nook books (legacy), for a total of 275 books, not counting PDFs, magazines, etc. What is the easiest way to keep track of all this? [more inside]
Modern short stories with a clever revenge twist.
What are some short stories that feature a clever way of taking revenge on a villain?
Light-hearted but knowledgeable news podcasts, no politics allowed
I'm looking for some great podcasts about news and current events. The twist: ZERO POLITICS ALLOWED. Do these exist? [more inside]
Socially responsible investing, A to Z
I have my money invested in conventional mutual funds, in a Wells Fargo account. I have a checking account with Citibank, and a credit card with Chase. I want to move my money into more socially responsible* funds, in more responsible financial institutions. I'd like recommendations on the following: [more inside]
USB 2.0 devices on older Windows PCs?
I need to get a Windows 7 machine to recognize USB 2.0 devices, which it currently seems unable to do - they don't show up in the file menu or the device manager. Is there a relatively simple way to do this that I'm missing?
What are your radical/indulgent self care ideas?
Like many folks right now, I'm hurting and could use some ideas of radical self care. I tend to take care of everyone else first, and I'm not great about prioritizing myself. What things can I do? I'm imagining somewhat indulgent ones, but I'm really open to ideas.
posted by advicepig at 10:14 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by advicepig at 10:14 AM PST - 33 comments
Website selling cool/ unusual found tools and the like?
I'm trying to refind a website that I used to peruse on occasion. It was a website that had unusual and cool objects. I specifically remembered it having a fair number of tools. It was fairly plain in design with a white background and seemed to me more like a display of cool stuff than a place really pushing to sell things. [more inside]
posted by adrianb at 10:12 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by adrianb at 10:12 AM PST - 7 comments
What to do with bare oboe carcass?
I recently visited an oboe factory (amazing!) and was given a wooden oboe carcass complete with metal connectors from their stock of cracked rejects. Now, I dislike stuff for stuff's sake, so what can I DO with this item? All reuse ideas gratefully received.
posted by doornoise at 10:05 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by doornoise at 10:05 AM PST - 16 comments
"Sport" the YA book?
I'm trying to find a book I read as a kid. I think it was called "Sport" or "Scout" or something like that. It was about a kid who liked to pretend he was a spy? Something like that? I think the cover had an image of him hiding under a hotel room service cart. My Google-fu just keeps finding books about sports. Does anyone know what book I'm talking about?
posted by edjusted at 9:56 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by edjusted at 9:56 AM PST - 5 comments
How to quickly find a subleaser/next tenant?
I need someone to take over my apartment so I can move out. Quick. Help, please? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 9:29 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 9:29 AM PST - 8 comments
Tall men of America! Where do you get your sweatpants?
I'm looking for sweatpants to fit a teenager with a waist of 32" or 34" and an inseam of more than 34". The pants have to have an elastic waistband and generally be comfortable (i.e. no jeans or khakis). Where can these be found? Specific items and links, please, not general advice like "Old Navy has a tall section."
What type of plant is this?
Originally saw these plants on Fox’s Son of Zorn (pretty good show with lots of potential). Looks like asparagus or bamboo.
Link.
Best playground in Toledo? (and Youngstown, and Somerset, etc.)
I'm driving from Chicago to Washington, DC with my family for Thanksgiving. What great places are there to stop (relatively quickly) along the way that would appeal to a squirmy two-year-old? [more inside]
posted by ndg at 8:49 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by ndg at 8:49 AM PST - 3 comments
oh, just interested in history I guess
What books would you recommend on the collapse of the Weimar Republic and the rise to power of the Nazis? I am not interested in WWII itself. Bonus points if it covers the rise of similar demagogues in other countries at the time.
posted by benzenedream at 8:43 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by benzenedream at 8:43 AM PST - 17 comments
What's the wrong way to do kegals?
I returned from my first OB appointment (yay!) with a booklet of every which thing, including the advice given everywhere to do kegals but "make sure you're doing them correctly." Any kegal-related advice always includes this warning. I assume this means people often do them wrong. But I can only figure one way to do them. How do people who do kegals wrong do them? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:29 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:29 AM PST - 16 comments
What Happened to the Toasties' Twitters?
What happened with Mallory Ortberg's and Nicole Cliffe's Twitter accounts? [more inside]
posted by mhum at 8:25 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by mhum at 8:25 AM PST - 4 comments
Oh, Facebook
Facebook admin is unknown; how to reclaim a page? [more inside]
Getting to know the right wing
I'm looking for a right wing equivalent to Metafilter. [more inside]
Craft kits for kids of wide age range (4 to 12)
I would like to get my four grandchildren craft kits for Christmas. Their mom thinks it would be fun if they were all doing the same thing. Their ages are 12, 9, 6, and 4. Bonus points if you know about felting. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Book Recommendation Filter: Vacation, Sci-Fi, Entertainment
Greetings to the hive mind!
I'm going to the beach for a week and need some book recommendations. I'm looking for something entertaining, some parameters below the fold. [more inside]
Recovering old-ish files from a current hard drive
I have some files in common formats - .doc, .pdf, .xls, etc. - on my hard drive. They were created around 2010. I can no longer open them, but I'd like to. Over time, the files have been migrated between both Mac and PC laptops (at work, hence the mix), and at least one of these (the PC) crashed and had to be recovered. [more inside]
I sticks m legy out real far
What do these sciencey words mean?
While I know you are not our doctor, we just discovered my mom has cancer. She had been sick for 7 weeks but they told her was osteoporosis. [more inside]
Making a plastic container air-tight
Can you help me with a quest to reuse plastic peanut butter jars? [more inside]
November 16
Updating the making lemons into lemon-aid adage
The phrase, "if you've got lemons, make lemon-aid" has become my internal mantra, but its beyond cliche to use in real life. Certainly there are more creative and other ways to deliver this same message... please help me find a few?
posted by Unsomnambulist at 10:01 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 10:01 PM PST - 20 comments
MovieFilter - Help me remember this movie...
Okay, I need help remembering what movie this partly remembered scene is from...
A kid has done something wrong (I think) and another parent goes over to talk to the kid's parents about an incident (?)...but nothing but coddling begins....the mother has had enough and says something along the lines of, "Oh for Christ's sake! Who runs this house? Who's the parent around here!?!" She then takes charge and...whatever...
(More inside) [more inside]
posted by Gerard Sorme at 8:16 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Gerard Sorme at 8:16 PM PST - 5 comments
I want to GOTV in 2018
I am a progressive and am upset about the election. I live in a solidly blue U.S. state, and I want to spend 3 months in 2018 volunteering to do GOTV or community organizing for an organization dedicated to electing democrats. This will be in addition to giving money -- I want to actually talk to actual humans and make an actual difference. How? [more inside]
NOLA for 20th Anniversary, with 12 year old.
Planning a first (and likely only) trip to New Orleans for the 1st week in April. We will celebrate our anniversary, but also have our 12 yr old son along. Having read older questions, I'm still looking for tips, suggestions for specific tours, etc and wondering what a reasonable timeline would be. [more inside]
posted by Cloudberry Sky at 7:36 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Cloudberry Sky at 7:36 PM PST - 10 comments
I'm gonna need some dog treats for this
I am interested in baking some dog treats. Except these treats aren't for dogs, and they're not even really for eating. Instead they're a cosplay prop, and the most important thing is that I can hold them in my mouth as long as possible. Do you know how I might make these? [more inside]
posted by brett at 7:20 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by brett at 7:20 PM PST - 12 comments
Will hindsight be 20/20 in 2020?
Are there examples from history (ideally in modern or at least post-1776 times) of an authoritarian leader coming to power, and then being peacefully voted out of power during the next election? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 7:11 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Sara C. at 7:11 PM PST - 4 comments
Really nice coworker - who is also a Trump believer
I work at a small company and sit in the vicinity of someone who is very nice, friendly, helpful. Right now, I can not stand his stupid smiling face. He was already a bit annoying but tolerable in small doses. [more inside]
posted by puppup at 7:03 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by puppup at 7:03 PM PST - 15 comments
Preparatory reading
I'm looking for a good, readable book or three about the social and political dynamics of fascist, demagogic, and authoritarian regimes (especially in the early, consolidation-of-power stages). Nothing too terribly academic – something approximately as accessible as Guns, Germs, and Steel would be ideal. [more inside]
Best non-fiction holocaust books
I'm finishing up The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. I would like to read another similar book more specifically about the Holocaust. [more inside]
posted by so fucking future at 6:29 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by so fucking future at 6:29 PM PST - 11 comments
Looking for a music video
I'm trying to remember the name of an animated music video that concerns three men in a mental hospital. They comically escape in order to carve their names into a tree, then steal the guards' car that come after them. It may have been by a French group but I'm not confident about that. [more inside]
Best protein fiber yarn for luxuriously soft dream blanket?
I plan to hand weave a luxuriously soft bed blanket for myself. I am a handspinner so will be able to spin blends if required. Which protein fiber should I use? Qiviut/Vicuna is too expensive but I do have cashmere/silk/yak/baby camel/alpaca etc. in my stash. It does not need to be really warm (I live in a warm climate) but I will like it to be as soft and luxurious as sleeping under a cloud.
posted by whitelotus at 5:19 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by whitelotus at 5:19 PM PST - 7 comments
Don't touch those buttons.
Where can I get a cover or case for my key fob (2016 Subaru) so that I won't accidentally press the keys when the key fob is in my pocket? [more inside]
Who are some of the most notable people to perform at Symphony Hall?
I'm looking for a list of the most notable people ever to perform at Symphony Hall in Boston. Anyone from 1900 to date.
What's a good a yoga teacher training program in NYC?
I'm a Pilates instructor looking for yoga teacher training program recommendations in NYC. [more inside]
French videos with subtitles?
Where can I find videos of French people speaking French with English subtitles? [more inside]
posted by Cwell at 1:14 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Cwell at 1:14 PM PST - 10 comments
Is this car rental price in San Jose Del Cabo too good to be true?
My brother and his partner are traveling to San Jose del Cabo Mexico and are trying to secure a car rental for the trip. They have done some research online and have found a cheap fare on Travelocity through Budget Car Rental, but it's not at the airport. We are trying to get a sense of whether:
A) The price might be too good to be true (ie. hidden fees etc...) the fee is stated as $75 for two weeks which seems ridiculous to me.
B) Is it safe to be renting anywhere outside of an airport.
Does anyone have experience with car rentals in or around this area and could offer some advice or suggestion.
Should I buy a second-hand Mac Pro?
I use a 2006 Mac Pro. It's so old that I'm stuck with OS X 10.6.8 and lots of apps (even Firefox!) won't update any more. If I buy a second-hand Mac, am I at risk of (say) 2009 Macs falling out of OS support life while 2013 Macs are still supported, or is the architecture effectively identical from the OS' perspective? [more inside]
posted by Joe in Australia at 12:55 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Joe in Australia at 12:55 PM PST - 17 comments
What are some good pain relieving tools for knitters?
One of my housemates is an active knitter and sometimes complains of aching hands. She's past retirement age and has a little onset of arthritis. I've found some fingerless lycra support gloves that claim to help with that sort of thing. Do any of our knitters have experience with these things, and if they do help, is there a good brand I should look at?
posted by Karmakaze at 12:29 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Karmakaze at 12:29 PM PST - 9 comments
My mac's security has gone awry
In the past week or so, a few aspects of my Mac's security setup have changed without my (knowing) intervention. 1. I've got my Mac set to lock itself after 60 minutes of inactivity. That is no longer happening; 2. Safari is bugging me to enter my password when I launch it. [more inside]
I don't know how to dress myself. Please help.
I need help figuring out how to dress for the theater in the winter. [more inside]
posted by msali at 12:24 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by msali at 12:24 PM PST - 19 comments
Calling all readers of internet advice columns:
Which columns would you consider the best of the genre? What posts were particularly memorable? [more inside]
Looking for cat fiction
What is sex - from Brooklyn99
Some time in the first two seasons of Brooklyn 99, the character Jake explains to the character Amy what sex is (as a joke. It's a sitcom). I remember pausing the show and saying to my co-parent, 'Geez, that is actually a really good explanation of what sex is, I should remember that for talking to the kids.' I forgot it and I can't find the quote online. Anyone else remember it? [more inside]
posted by bq at 11:34 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by bq at 11:34 AM PST - 2 comments
Will IUD insertion remain free on my insurance through 2017?
I want to get a Mirena IUD, but I am still losing pregnancy weight and I would rather finish doing that first just in case the IUD makes it harder. Will IUD insertion remain free on my already-purchased insurance plan for 2017? [more inside]
posted by insoluble uncertainty at 10:24 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by insoluble uncertainty at 10:24 AM PST - 9 comments
Organizing media assets for presentations
I often assist with finding assets for executive presentations such as images, videos, and links. It would be great to organize these so they are easy to find and reuse. I'd prefer to do this with a simple, common set of tools such as Google apps or Dropbox. [more inside]
voicefail
I received a voicemail via email through our office phone system. I double-clicked the attachment to play it in iTunes (Mac) and it's a legitimate voicemail. However, there is a lot of background noise (coffeeshop ambience, some singing). After the voice message finishes playing, the background audio continues and doesn't stop until iTunes is closed. Has anyone experienced this or knows what is causing it? [more inside]
Looking for a leftist lily pad....
In light of the recent election, it has become more evident to me that I need to become part of a community where there is more of a liberal presence. This includes not only political persuasion, but also religious leanings as well. Currently in AZ. I would like to leave this area and relocate to a place that would be a better fit. Additionally, in researching potential cities, I can't help but noticing that a lot of the most desirable leftist cities also have very high costs of living. [more inside]
Chinese dialogue in Arrival
I just watched Arrival last night and want to know more about the Chinese dialogue at the end. I'm a heritage speaker so I caught the gist, but does anyone know exactly what was said, especially the recitation near the end of the scene?
Away We Go - It's The Final Countdown
We're looking to relocate our family and have narrowed down our options (with the help of Metafilter) to Buenos Aires (Argentina), Toronto (Canada) and Melbourne (Australia). We've done our due diligence with on-line research, but we'd like to hear some personal anecdotes/experiences from people who've lived, worked or traveled to any of the above. [more inside]
Any research on why high-population-density areas are more liberal?
I'm trying to find serious, scholarly studies on why areas with high population density tend to be more politically liberal in the U.S. All I've found so far is just speculation. Have sociologists addressed this question, and I've just missed it?
Help me fight voter suppression
Following the election, I'm realizing that I need to spend some time fighting voter suppression, gerrymandering, and taking down the electoral college. But I'm pretty broke. What can I do? [more inside]
Help me understand the Russell Amendment
I'm trying to understand which aspects of the language in the Russell Amendment to the National Defense Reauthorization Act make it so dangerous. I've read that it's too vague, I've read that it will give sweeping powers of discrimination. I don't doubt that this is true. However, it's written in bill-ese and I'm therefore having difficulty parsing exactly what the status quo is, and what will change. Given the recent problems with liberals and conservatives reading entirely different sets of news, I'd like to have a deeper understanding so that I can explain to conservatives in specific detail what the problems are, and why it's not true that it's no big deal. [more inside]
Put me on your list
I'm subscribed to a listserv with my Gmail address. I've never received an email from this listserv. They're not in junk or trash or categorized mail. The listserv manager can forward me a message, and I can receive it. The listserv manager has confirmed that my email address wasn't mis-entered and is not getting any bounce back notifications. [more inside]
Something Different for Christmas Dinner?
What kind of special, fancy, slightly fussy meals would you recommend I make for Christmas dinner? Details inside. [more inside]
Wheeeeeeere's Johnny?
In 1977, Harvard's Hasty Pudding named Johnny Carson their Man of the Year, and hosted him on campus for a night as part of the ceremony. While there, Carson spoke in front of cameras, and made a remark about how much the award meant to him... because it had been ages since he had last had sex in a college dorm. It may have been while he was having breakfast the next morning. I know it's on video. I've seen it. But I can't find the clip. Can you?
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 3:21 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 3:21 AM PST - 5 comments
All eggshells lead to me...
I am the person all your Asks are about, the person you dislike or fear and end up walking on eggshells around. For nearly all my 38 years I have struggled mightily with anxiety and a host of low self-worth behaviors. I've taken medication, been in therapy (and currently am), read books, all the things. Along the way I've heard complaints that I'm too controlling. Too critical. Hold people to impossibly high standards. Knowing these things to be true has always saddened me deeply, but now it's reached a breaking point and I'm looking for hope. [more inside]
Where can I learn to shoot without giving a single penny to the NRA?
In case this really is the darkest timeline in the US, I would like to know how to shoot and operate a gun. However, I hate guns and I don't want to pay any money that will support the NRA or its fans. Is there such a thing as an anti-NRA gun training facility? I don't want to own a gun and, unless necessary, I never actually want to be around guns. I just want to know how to use one in case. Any advice? Southern California location would be easiest.
November 15
Help me navigate a potentially depressing Thanksgiving
A parent fell ill 5 months ago following complications from surgery. My friend was just killed in an accident. Three days after the funeral was the election. The day after the election I found out this parent may not walk on their own again and may need to be in long-term care indefinitely. My Thanksgiving visit will be spent planning next steps for the parent. I have more emotions than I can process right now. [more inside]
posted by good lorneing at 11:27 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by good lorneing at 11:27 PM PST - 13 comments
How to get text from Android Notepad app?
My new phone (Huawei SCL-Lo2 Android 5.1.1) has a note-taking app (Notepad version 010) - so I've been entering my mileage at the start of trips: saves on logbooking manually - But ... how ever do I get the text files out of the phone?
Can't find anything useful on app, and app doesn't show up in phone's installed apps list.
Just curious: what happens to returns?
I order things online all the time, especially clothing, and often send back most of what I ordered. What happens to this stuff? [more inside]
Can you tell me about our domestic armed security forces?
This past weekend, I was involved in a lockdown in a public place in an upstate NY city, there were apparently shots fired indoors and we had to take cover in a small back room for hours while the police and other forces did their work. I'm still trying to process this event and my biggest questions are about the forces that secured the area and swept for the perps. Who are they and where did they come from? [more inside]
Thanksgiving aka Presidential Debate round IV
Holding my head up high at Thanksgiving, with the majority of my relatives as Hillary supporters. But, of course, there's at least ONE person who is fiscally conservative and has been following conservative & libertarian blogs / news. I can't turn back time, but I intend to fight misinformation as much as I can at the dinner table. [more inside]
posted by hampanda at 8:28 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by hampanda at 8:28 PM PST - 15 comments
Looking for fiction with a change in POV, both character and narrative.
I'm looking for any novels or short stories that feature both a change in character point of view along with a change in narrative point of view. [more inside]
Searching for uncategorizable things I'd never find otherwise
Usually when you ask for recommendations, you have something specific in mind: a particular kind of scifi novel, for example. This question is sort of the opposite of that. I'd like recommendations for all sorts of things- with the only limitations being that they're (1) unique- difficult to put in any sort of category- and (2) almost certainly not something I would stumble upon otherwise. In other words, things I wouldn't even think to consider looking for. Examples of the sort of thing I'm talking about below. [more inside]
posted by perplexion at 8:14 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by perplexion at 8:14 PM PST - 8 comments
How do I change my blog's domain name while keeping the same host?
I have a 13 year old self hosted Wordpress blog. I want to change its domain name while keeping it at the same host, which I've also had for 13 years. Google searches on the subject tell me how to move it to another host and a new domain name, or how to move from Wordpress.com to self-hosted. I need a few pointers, please. [more inside]
How does the Space Jam website from 1996 still work on today's browsers?
After 20 years, the website, despite looking comically outdated, still works with today's browsers! How did they do this - is it really the same website? If someone could get a Windows 95 or Mac OS 7 computer online today, would it still display in Netscape?
posted by Seeking Direction at 7:20 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Seeking Direction at 7:20 PM PST - 7 comments
Multiplayer mobile poker app without in-app purchases?
Looking for a mobile app to multiplay poker (preferably Texas Hold 'Em) remotely without in-app purchases. iOS good, cross-platform even better. More than happy to pay for the app. (Suggestions for any other card games in this mold welcomed.)
Transitioning from full time work to non-profit volunteer position?
I am trying to get out of my current dead-end job and would love to get an internship at a local social justice non-profit that appears to have openings. How can I do this smoothly and get good references out of my current job? [more inside]
Should I stop patronizing a business over political differences?
I've discovered that a business owner whose services I use and love has some political leanings that are diametrically opposed to mine. I'm trying to convince myself to stay tolerant and open-minded, but it's really hard. [more inside]
I don't get pins and needles anymore, is this a health problem?
For the past few weeks, I've woken up in the middle of the night every night because my arms and/or legs have fallen asleep and gone numb. But I've noticed that as my limbs wake back up I don't feel any pins and needles like I did in the past. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
I'm an American living abroad trying to cobble together something for Thanksgiving sans oven. I also am an idiot when it comes to cooking.
I can buy roasted sweet potatoes on the street, how can I make them like sweet potato casserole or similar?
Also, any other easy Thanksgiving-ish side dish ideas would be appreciated.
posted by Trifling at 4:24 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Trifling at 4:24 PM PST - 14 comments
Ear pain after plane ascent; should I worry about problems on descent?
Asking for a friend!
Time-sensitive question! On the way up for this 4-hour flight, I suddenly noticed that my left ear hurts when burping or hiccuping (also when I try to pop my ears via the Valsalva manuever, which I haven't successfully done.) Any idea what's going on? Is this going to put me at risk of big-time pain when we descend, and if so, is there any way to minimize/avoid that? I've got a couple hours before we start descending... [more inside]
Information to Send my Mother about the Dangers of a Trump Presidency
I would like to put together an email to my mother explaining why I’m so afraid of a Trump presidency and the people it will empower both inside and outside of the White House. I would be grateful for any suggestions you can provide about information to include, especially with sources, particularly anything that makes clear the authoritarian/fascist aspects of current events. I’m not looking to make her read long articles, I just want a clear and straightforward list of points to make that show how scary and out of the ordinary this is for America. [more inside]
Which haka?
Last weekend the Māori All Blacks performed a haka that is unfamiliar to me. Was this in particular respect to Anthony Foley? And where could I get a translation of it or any other information about it?
Supporting journalism
More than ever, I feel like it's really important to fund real journalism. I like long form articles which explain the historical, economic and political forces that shape current events. I want to understand the motivations of both sides. In the vein of Longreads, the Atlantic, Mother Jones . . . assuming I can only choose one or two subscriptions, which ones do you recommend?
Smartest route for an iPhone 7 on Verizon?
I have an iphone 6 with Verizon. My contract is about to expire. Googling has left me with a wide variety of seemingly conflicting answers. What is the cheapest, smartest route for me to get a new iPhone 7? I'm not sure I trust the local Verizon people to give it to me straight, so what has your experience been? [more inside]
Trying to find an animated film
Years ago I watched part of a (short?) animated film that freaked me out so much I had to turn it off halfway through. Now I'd like to watch it again because, apparently, I am a glutton for punishment, and also I'd like to find out if it wasn't just part of some horrific dream that I had, in which case by all means recommend me a therapist. I'll give more of my recollections of the film inside, but it concerned a man who has murdered another man by drowning him in, I think, an ornamental fountain... [more inside]
posted by Life at Boulton Wynfevers at 2:25 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Life at Boulton Wynfevers at 2:25 PM PST - 2 comments
Best way to let a semi-friendly ex-spouse know you are getting remarried
How should I let the ex-husband I'm still somewhat friendly with, know about my recent engagement? Difficulty: he (erroneously) suspects that my fiance was a primary factor in our divorce. Lots of details inside. [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 1:33 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by egeanin at 1:33 PM PST - 25 comments
Call current congressperson or newly elected one?
I want to call my congressperson to object to an announced hire by the Present-elect. Do I try to contact the current rep who chose not to run this cycle or the one who will replace him Jan 3rd? Both are Rs.
I want to volunteer and provide effective support post-election. Help!
What are some good organizations to volunteer with, particularly after this election? Ideally in Portland, OR? More special snowflakey details inside. [more inside]
Letting go of a failed relationship...while we work together?
Gay filter: I am a 23 year old gay male. I started a relationship with a man of the same age that I work with. The relationship started fast and ended even faster. I went back to him after he hurt me, but soon decided enough is enough. Now I can't stand the pain when I see him in work, and I am still lingering over feelings of attachment to him...even though he hurt me! What should I do? [more inside]
Help me call up my state senators. New Citizen edition.
I actually have what boils down to a two part question. I am a new citizen of the US and want to do what I can to stop the appointment of several members of the new presidential cabinet. It is my understanding that the cabinet has to be OK'd by the senate? If so which senators pass approval the current ones or the newly elected ones? [more inside]
Best practices on labeling spaces as "accessible"
Is there a generally accepted standard for how wheelchair-accessible a space has to be to "count"? I'm adding accessibility information to the website for a series of monthly events in a number of different spaces. Many of these are kinda-sorta accessible but with serious caveats: "There's a ramp next to the side door, but the organizer needs to remember to unlock the side door and they sometimes forget and there's no doorbell" or "The event itself is on the accessible ground floor but bathrooms and the meal afterwards are in the inaccessible basement" or whatever. (There's a lot of venues, so I'd really like general advice and not just judgments on these two specific examples.)
posted by nebulawindphone at 11:29 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by nebulawindphone at 11:29 AM PST - 20 comments
Please help me avoid further injuring myself
YANMD - but my doctor thinks I may have a slipped disc. If you are active, into fitness, running, strength training, etc, how do you manage the associated aches and pains and avoid aggravating things? What can I do now to (hopefully) nip this in the bud, but still enjoy exercise? [more inside]
Help me frame the argument against Arlene's Flowers
Heard on NPR that the Washington Supreme Court is hearing the case against Arlene's Flowers disputing their right to refuse to beflower a same sex wedding on religious grounds. I know where I stand on this issue, but I am having real trouble playing it out logically. [more inside]
posted by bluejayway at 11:04 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by bluejayway at 11:04 AM PST - 17 comments
Where to get a massage in Washington, DC?
Seeking all recommendations for places to get a massage in Washington, DC. Thanks!
Sartorial Palimpsest Query
I'd like to be able to paint various pictures and messages on the back of my leather jacket throughout the year. Is there a kind of paint that I could keep cleaning off without damaging the jacket (i.e. leave no trace)? Ideally one that also wouldn't come off if I leaned against a wall, laid down on a couch, or got rained on. Like it only comes off with coconut oil or ranch dressing or something.
How to navigate a tricky friendship?
Friendship can be hard sometimes, but even more complicated when both people suffer from different mental health illnesses. How do you work it out or get out of the relationship if that is the best answer? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by maxg94 at 9:22 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by maxg94 at 9:22 AM PST - 6 comments
Pimp my post-election audiobook reading list.
I have a bunch of holdover credits from Audible (6 and soon to be 7) that I need to use at some point. I want to feel like I'm reading some things, both fiction and nonfiction, that are either productive or motivating or in some way relevant to making the world better than what it is right now. I also just moved and I've got a much longer commute now, so it seems like a good time for this. What should I be listening to?
Need to build a dummy car alarm with bright-red flashing LED
Someone recently broke into my car at night. I can't afford to install a true car alarm. Instead, I'd like to put a bright red flashing LED on my dashboard. [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 7:50 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by akk2014 at 7:50 AM PST - 6 comments
Is this rental break clause dated wrongly?
Help me clarify the break clause in this English tenancy agreement. [more inside]
Verizon wireless "upgrade" policy?
I'm not understanding Verizon wireless's "upgrade" policy - is there any benefit? [more inside]
Resources for student/family Thanksgiving discussions?
I'm on the faculty at a small liberal arts college, and I'm hoping you can point me toward resources to help students get through this post-election Thanksgiving break. [more inside]
Swasti-can't.
What are some clever ideas for covering up a giant graffiti swastika on the side of an abandoned school? [more inside]
Recent and highly readable WWI / WWII fiction or memoir?
I have an older relative who's immobilized after surgery, and I'd love to mail him a couple of books to help him pass the time during recovery. He's an amateur historian whose greatest interest is World War I, followed closely by World War II and the Cold War. [more inside]
ISO Chrome site blocker customizable for each day of the week
I'm searching for a Chrome site blocker that will allow me to set different blocking parameters for workdays and weekends. (For example, so I can limit distraction sites to 15 minutes per day during work hours M-F, but allow myself an hour on Saturday and Sunday.) StayFocusd doesn't have that feature, unfortunately--it only lets me select which days it runs, not how much it runs on each day. Suggestions? [more inside]
Making my biorhythms work for me
Like everyone, I have certain times of day that are generally better/worse for me than others. I'd like to figure out what patterns exist and use them to help me be happier and more creative. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 4:44 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 4:44 AM PST - 2 comments
Organizing a flash mob
I would like to organize a flash mob for Inauguration Day. Special snowflake details below the fold. [more inside]
Help me understand what is different about these geofencing options?
I do marketing for a chain of stores in the Midwest. One of the owners thinks we need to spend money on geofencing. He found a company that does it for a hefty price. But they claim that a person does not need to access their phone within the fence to receive an ad impression. Another company I work with tells us that your phone must be accessed within the fence. Both agree that you have to have location services on. Which is it? Are they both right? [more inside]
Should I give this polyamorous relationship a chance or end it?
I'm in a polyamorous relationship of less than a year. It has increasingly been a struggle for me in terms of self-esteem, fear of loss, and anxiety. Lately I've been thinking it's more fair to end this relationship than continue. Is it worth attempting to take this journey in hopes that it will be ok or should I just end the relationship with the idea that, like marriage or wanting children, it's a incompatibility that's a deal breaker? More details below. [more inside]
November 14
Was this building an ice house?
What was or is this building used for? It is one story small with stairs leading to short 4ft doors. It is at the end of East St. in Golden CO along Clear Creek.
How to combat mansplaining
Looking for just this - a short script or set of communication skills to combat mansplaining. [more inside]
What's a good slogan for a neighborhood anti-racism poster?
Someone put up white-persecution, alt-right posters in the neighbourhood where I grew up. I am staying tuned to plans for collective action / response but I will be there on Thursday and plan to put up some posters of my own, as a personal response. What's a good slogan / message? Bonus points: kid-friendly/kid-understandable (it's a park with athletic facilities and a playground), pithy.
In the style of...
I just watched That Thing You Do for the first time in ages, and fell in love with the title track all over again. It got me wondering, what other good and notable songs were written to sound like the popular songs of a different era? [more inside]
Why were there so many shirtless album covers in the 1970s?
There's an incredible number of album covers in the mid-late 1970s where the (male) artists were shirtless - especially black artists. It was only for a few year period but was incredibly prevalent. It's also definitely not done in a 'sexy' way. It's often just a bunch of guys hanging out without shirts on. Is there a particular reason this came into vogue or was it just a quirk/fad of the era's fashion style? [more inside]
I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night
I am apparently organizing some sort of neighborhood solidarity/anti-fascism meeting. I have literally no idea what I am doing and there's an overabundance of resources and uh I have anxiety so I am coming here for some hand-holding. [more inside]
Pink-collar problems
Posting for my wife: I was recently hired as a nanny by a lovely family. Our initial arrangement was for four days per week; but over the past month or more, due to the kids' illnesses and other unexpected events, I've probably worked about half of that. Am I justified in wanting a more regular schedule for this kind of work? And if so, what's the best way to broach the subject with my employer? [more inside]
Is Boston a Sanctuary City?
According to Boston.com, City Councilor Tito Jackson is pushing to make Boston a Sanctuary City, following the lead of our neighbors over the river, Cambridge and Somerville. As a Ward 9 resident, I planned to call my councilor tomorrow to urge him to support Councilor Jackson - until I saw this article in the Globe, which included Boston in a list of Sanctuary Cities. So...are we or not? [more inside]
Girl pays the mortgage, taxes, insurance. Her ex collects half the rent.
My girlfriend and her ex own a two family house. She pays the entire mortgage/taxes/insurance. She lives in one half, and her ex collects half the rent of the other unit. What's her best course(s) of action? [more inside]
posted by smersh at 6:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by smersh at 6:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Source for Norwegian Sweater w/o Norwegian Designs?
I like heavy, Scandinavian sweaters in the winter (e.g., from Norwegian company "Dale"), but most are way too "ski-y" looking to wear in a business casual environment. Dale actually started offering Merino business casual pieces, but they're thin and not nearly as warm as their more traditional sweaters.
Could someone suggest a company that makes thick (preferably Merino) sweaters that could be sneaked into an office environment by offering more of a classic, simple look?
(To me, this means solid colors and lack of oversized ribbing or ornamentation in the knitting, which 'ruins' much of Dale's stuff.)
Dog for a day?
Does anyone know of any places near Portland, OR where you can just play with or hike with a dog for a day? Like this program they have on Kauai: Shelter Dogs On Field Trips. [more inside]
posted by FireFountain at 4:55 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by FireFountain at 4:55 PM PST - 9 comments
Baby steps for a young man with no job
I have a young unemployed relative (25 years old), who lives with his mother, who is at her wit’s end. I would like a series of tiny steps to give to him to start living his life and becoming independent, or whatever you think might make a difference. If you were that young person who was disillusioned with the world and unemployed, what helped you to change? If you were the parent of a person like this, what did you do in the end to change things? I have no influence with him. If I send him a link to this question, he will be hurt and angry. [more inside]
Will I regain the weight I lost too quickly?
Dr. Google suggests I may be losing weight due to a thyroid issue. If they fix the problem, will I regain the weight I lost? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 4:23 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by JoannaC at 4:23 PM PST - 6 comments
Maybe it can happen here
I'm interested in reading first-person accounts of what it's like to be in a society that is falling apart - either through dissolution into civil war (e.g., Syria, Rwanda) or turning from a relatively free to oppressive government (Nazi Germany, Iran). [more inside]
Help me crack this nut!
Looking for a perfect version of the Nutcracker ballet to share with my two-and-a-half-year old daughter. Dance of the snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by timestep at 3:09 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by timestep at 3:09 PM PST - 4 comments
Where should I give my tourist dollars for a short, warm vacation?
I'd like to take a short 3 night vacation with my husband around New Years (yes this is last-minute) to somewhere warm. Suggestions for destinations that need tourist dollars? [more inside]
posted by rmless at 2:56 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by rmless at 2:56 PM PST - 12 comments
Exponential laws in technology development?
I recently learned about Haitz's law, the LED equivalent of Moore's law. Is there a good discussion somewhere of exponential laws in technology development? Do they apply broadly across modern (semiconductor) technology development? Is there an equivalent for digital camera sensors?
posted by pombe at 2:19 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by pombe at 2:19 PM PST - 4 comments
I need a database to organize books
I am looking for a way to categorize and search a list of books using database software. Details inside. [more inside]
Is this yet another scam?
My retired physician father died 7 months ago. I've been helping my Mom organize her bills and go through the papers he has left behind. Shortly around his death, a letter from the International Association of Emergency Physicians arrived inviting him to be part of a published listing citing his distinguished career. It doesn't ask for any amount of money in order for his name to be published but it's definitely part of some kind of marketing scheme. [more inside]
posted by IndigoOnTheGo at 12:20 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by IndigoOnTheGo at 12:20 PM PST - 15 comments
Help Me Get Rid of this Propane Submarine!
How can I get the propane company motivated to remove the 1,000 lb. tank in my yard? [more inside]
posted by summerstorm at 11:55 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by summerstorm at 11:55 AM PST - 12 comments
Great but lesser-known cookery books?
Thanks to my local library, I've been working my way through the best-known cookery books (in the UK, at least). Delia, Gordon and Jamie have been thoroughly perused, as have Mr Slater and Mr Stein etc etc. I'd love to expand my repertoire further and find more obscure things to have a bash at! [more inside]
posted by threetwentytwo at 11:46 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by threetwentytwo at 11:46 AM PST - 12 comments
When does ST:DS9 start getting good?
At which point during the run of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine did the show start becoming good and heavily serialized? [more inside]
posted by wutangclan at 11:31 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by wutangclan at 11:31 AM PST - 24 comments
How can I use my degree for helping fix policy?
I'm going to be finishing my MEng in mechanical engineering in the spring. Originally I was going to continue with a PhD, but recent events have killed that plan and I find myself needing to go into the job market. I'm seriously considering going into some kind of non-profit advocacy or policy field, but I'm at a loss for what I'd actually be useful for with this skillset. Where are some places I can look that might need an engineer? [more inside]
posted by ultranos at 11:16 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by ultranos at 11:16 AM PST - 14 comments
Eating in Paris at Christmas
I'm spending the week from Christmas Eve to New Years Eve in Paris. I'm curious what to expect as far as things (restaurants, shops, etc.) being closed. Our general plan is to wander around and look at stuff and be in Paris. I don't mind losing a day to formal sightseeing on Christmas Day itself; in fact I'm kind of looking forward to the quiet. I'm a little worried about food, though, especially because we arrive (via train from Munich) at noon on Christmas Eve. [more inside]
posted by something something at 10:57 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by something something at 10:57 AM PST - 6 comments
Will my waterproof iPod Shuffle electrocute me?
I bought this waterproof iPod shuffle so I can listen to music while I swim laps. Sadly, I don't understand all the science involved. What is the likelihood this thing will electrocute me? [more inside]
posted by when it rains it snows at 10:19 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by when it rains it snows at 10:19 AM PST - 11 comments
Is There an Entity to Consolidate My Donations?
I want to contribute to a range of orgs like those below. I'm worried that by fanning out my contribs I'll increase risk of my opt-out request being ignored. Is there some umbrella entity I can contribute to, which supports causes like those below, so I only need to deal with one entity (preferably one with ironclad privacy options and terrific efficiency stats)? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 8:32 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 8:32 AM PST - 11 comments
Animal documentaries for kids
I am seeking animal documentaries for kids aged 6-8 years old. Ideally, I am looking for ones that talk about animal senses: how a dog's nose works, how bats use echolocation, how elephants communicate subsonically, how cat whiskers work, etc.
Ideally as well, these would be available on a publicly accessible video stream online: YouTube, Vimeo, etc., or hosted on an educational site that is offering them for free.
posted by jammy at 8:05 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by jammy at 8:05 AM PST - 9 comments
Finding Delicious Asian Crackers Again
My friend bought these cheesy, buttery, sweet sandwich crackers from a local Asian supermarket (I think Ranch 99?), but I can’t seem to find them. Description inside. [more inside]
Getting a passport while the getting's still good
I'm transgender. My only ID that doesn't match is my birth certificate. Therefore, I need a physician's statement to get a passport with the correct gender on it. The letter I travel with currently (to explain things to the TSA if necessary) is dated 2015. There is no guidance on the State Dept website or from the NCTE on this. Should I: a) get a new one from my current doctor, adding 2+ weeks to the whole process? b) use the one I have now? "Complete" means complete, right, or is that too logical for the government? [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:37 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:37 AM PST - 10 comments
Recommend songs for a shitty world
Help me rock out to how terrible everything is. Looking for uptempo songs of general disgust with the world. [more inside]
posted by rikschell at 7:25 AM PST - 72 comments
posted by rikschell at 7:25 AM PST - 72 comments
Mount Caramel
I need a caramel that will drip when warm, but firm up at room temperature. Help me fulfill my dipped cookie dreams! [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 7:15 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 7:15 AM PST - 8 comments
In photos it's always a supermoon
Why does the moon appear so much bigger, relative to other elements in a photo, than it does in real life?
posted by LonnieK at 5:57 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by LonnieK at 5:57 AM PST - 9 comments
Watching videos from Twitter on Windows XP isn't working.
As mentioned above, I can't watch videos linked from Twitter. I've found this as a possible solution but I feel stupid and contagious. Can you please step me through this as if I didn't know where to start?
Tips For an England Football Match
I'm taking a football-loving six-year-old boy to the England v. Spain friendly at Wembley this week. This will be the first pro football (or "soccer," for Americans) match either of us have ever attended, and I know next to nothing about the sport. What advice would you give me for having a fun and safe night out? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 5:52 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by yankeefog at 5:52 AM PST - 10 comments
Converting house doorway temporarily into a fortified castle for a party
So my son is about to be six and he's having a "Castles, Kings and Queens" party (his choice of theme!) at our house at the end of this week. Like him, I too love drawbridges, moats, crenellations, portcullises etc etc. [more inside]
Take my money!
Which newsletters do you happily pay or donate for? [more inside]
What can I do about my decade-old credit card debt in Australia?
Almost ten years ago I moved from Australia to a European country. When I left Australia I had about $5k in credit card debt. What can I do about it now? [more inside]
How do I avoid being excessively deferential and go after what I want?
I recently came to the conclusion that this is something I really need to work on. I’ve done ok in life — multiple degrees from top universities, a six-figure job and a seven-figure net worth in my 40s.
But I’ve always been more cooperative, less willing to go after what I want, and looking back at this advanced age, it has hurt me. [more inside]
Help us move to the UK (London/Hatfield, Hertfordshire)
We are currently weighing our options about a possible move to the UK (London/Hatfield, Hertfordshire area) and have some very practical questions. Can you help? [more inside]
Help me diagnose a CAT5e UTP cabling gremlin
I have two RJ45 outlets in one wall plate, labelled B-01 and B-02. An analog phone that worked for several years when connected via B-01 failed spontaneously; a quick test shows that it now works reliably via B-02 but cannot be persuaded to work via B-01. And yet, a PC with a gigabit Ethernet connection still works via either, and the TDR cable fault tester in the local network switch returns identical results for both. What am I missing? [more inside]
posted by flabdablet at 12:28 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by flabdablet at 12:28 AM PST - 6 comments
November 13
Rebuild or replace my laptop
I'm running a refurbished Fujitsu LifeBook PC Tablet T5010 (originally released in 2008, purchased mine in fall 2012). As you can guess, it's showing its age, but I really like (the idea of) the pen interface/ surface. I've built PC towers and an HTPC in the (distant) past, so I'm not a novice, but I feel like my skills and knowledge are rusty. More details and thoughts inside. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 10:48 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by filthy light thief at 10:48 PM PST - 8 comments
How do I get accurate ambient temperature?
I've discovered that the variety of indoor and outdoor themometers I have disagree with each other wildly. Is there some device I can buy that will give a temperature that is known to be accurate so I can calibrate the others? [more inside]
posted by primethyme at 9:43 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by primethyme at 9:43 PM PST - 13 comments
Comfort when your hero "dies."
Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
How do I get lefty organizations to stop using voter report cards?
I'm pretty upset by a get-out-the-vote tactic that I see Democrat-aligned organizations using to shame voters. How do I get these organizations to stop using voter report cards and especially voter report card post card mailers equating people's address with their voting history? [more inside]
Stinkin' 2: Bedroom Slipper Bugaloo
So I know a guy with very stinky sheepskin Sorel slippers. He loves them. I hate them, and since we live together, and my sense of smell is keener, I want to find a replacement.
Assume I'm great at finding slippers. But I'm having trouble finding slippers that are well rated for washability or smell repellence. Sweethome doesn't mention this feature.
Ideas? It's going to be a long, stinky winter.
Should I reverse life course after the election to "fight Trump"?
I'm a physician who has been building a career in global health for the past few years. While still in the early stages, things have been going well and I may be getting offered a dream job soon. Over the last year, I have become more and more interested in US politics, and with the election results, I don't know if we can stay abroad much longer, but don't know what I'd do if I came back home. [more inside]
Readings and songs for a Trump presidency
I'm looking for relatively short readings, quotes, songs, poems, etc that can be read at activist gatherings to create a sense of urgency, resolve and/or hope. [more inside]
posted by galaxy rise at 7:46 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by galaxy rise at 7:46 PM PST - 19 comments
Dubiousness AND Non-Dubiousness Sought
My 7th graders need to learn how to fact check on the internet in a productive way. So what researchable (fairly) low-controversy examples (both true and false - I want a mix) could they fact check in a short amount of time? This list has some examples of what I'm looking for, though some are not 7th grade appropriate. [more inside]
Vehicle Attrition Rate from 1965?
Math Geniuses, I am trying to figure out how many trucks from 1965 may still be in operation. I'm using 2.5% totaled or lost per year, over 51 years. If there were 3250 produced in 1965, how many would be left today? [more inside]
posted by atomicmedia at 6:28 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by atomicmedia at 6:28 PM PST - 5 comments
Examples of long lasting, successful partnerships between "non-friends"?
It is well known that Penn And Teller have had an extremely successful partnership in magic for over 40 years, despite the fact that they are not "friends" outside of their professional life. What are other good examples of well known partnerships who have managed to be creatively, culturally or financially successful, despite the lack of friendship (or even outright hostility) between the involved parties?
posted by melorama at 6:21 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by melorama at 6:21 PM PST - 34 comments
Emotional Support Animal Letter Online
I am in California and would really like an emotional support animal (a small, older dog). My PCP office's policy is not to write letters recommending them at all. I am seeing a new therapist at the end of the month, but in the meantime, I looked at Certapet. Question: Has anyone gotten a letter for an ESA online? If so, how was the process for you? Anything to be aware of, or any specific sites your recommend/don't recommend?
posted by bookworm4125 at 6:17 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by bookworm4125 at 6:17 PM PST - 4 comments
Donate or volunteer at Standing Rock? Both?
My partner wants to go to Standing Rock to donate and deliver supplies for a couple of days. We both want to do something to help after the election. [more inside]
posted by rhythm and booze at 5:57 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by rhythm and booze at 5:57 PM PST - 11 comments
New High School LGBTQ Club Sponsor looking for readings/resources/etc
I am a new sponsor for a high School LGBTQ club and I am looking for readings/resources/etc to help me lead this group of kiddos with information, grace, and support. [more inside]
How long are dried mushrooms good for?
I bought 4 ounces of dried porcini mushrooms last year with the intent of making a bunch of Magic Mushroom Powder for people as Christmas gifts. This did not happen. The mushrooms have been sitting in a dark cupboard in the dining room (so away from sources of heat in the kitchen) for the last year. They came in 1 ounce plastic bags that are still sealed shut. Okay to use? I'd like to actually make the powder this year. Thanks!
If I take this gasket out, will my shower fall apart?
Our one-person shower stall leaks a bit. It has this one-piece rubbery gasket thing along the outside of the glass that doesn't look like it's doing a very good job - maybe it was good when first installed, but now it's coming out from the corners. I want to rip out the gasket and just caulk it, but I'm not sure if the gasket is important for keeping the glass in place. What do you think?
posted by Vampire Cat at 5:09 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Vampire Cat at 5:09 PM PST - 5 comments
Should I eat this pork roast that looks sponge like?
What is going on with this meat?
So we just roasted a pork roast bought from a well known national discount grocer, that rhymes with Aldi. It came out with a bunch of holes that we initially thought were "pretenderizing". But on further examination, it doesn't look like any jicarding outcome that happens to meat. Here are the photos: https://imgur.com/a/AuMaa
Font size on social media
I only use facebook and twitter via a web browser. Recently I've noticed that certain posts have a larger font than others. Whats going on????!!! Here's another example from Twitter. [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 2:32 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by kittensofthenight at 2:32 PM PST - 5 comments
Help Me Fit in at the Gun Range
I am a petite white woman in my forties. How can I pass as a conservative? Hateful people seem to be able to tag me immediately as a leftist, no matter what I'm wearing. [more inside]
posted by sleepy psychonaut at 1:56 PM PST - 69 comments
posted by sleepy psychonaut at 1:56 PM PST - 69 comments
Electoral College Yearbook 2016
Food Giftcard for Those in Need
I would like to carry food giftcards with me to handout to the homeless during my daily commute, what type would provide the most bang for the buck? [more inside]
posted by Sreiny at 12:39 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Sreiny at 12:39 PM PST - 23 comments
How to slow down google's image search page load?
Bear with me. In the split second between hitting enter and the results loading, google throws up a bunch of place-holder colored blocks that reflect the color of the individual images that will eventually load. I want to grab a screen capture of the page of the colored blocks. [more inside]
posted by cocoagirl at 11:40 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by cocoagirl at 11:40 AM PST - 5 comments
Slugs
How do I kill slugs? [more inside]
Pimp My Noodles
What ingredients should I always have around so that I can easily whip up a great bowl of noodle soup, or just noodles, with all of the ramen, rice vermicelli, udon and buckwheat I have? [more inside]
Trying to find a Dicksens memoir/short story about his childhood
Many years ago, probably in college, I read a short story sized work by Dickens about his childhood. His parents were in the poorhouse because of some debt and he was supporting himself. He talked about walking to work (some horrible industrializing job) and having to decide between a sticky bun for breakfast and no dinner or plain bread and some dinner. I probably misremember the details, but the overall point - no safety net, child on his own, working, etc. was the point. Wikipedia has a good description of the actual facts of that period of his life. [more inside]
posted by Measured Out my Life in Coffeespoons at 10:12 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Measured Out my Life in Coffeespoons at 10:12 AM PST - 2 comments
That's why we invited you
Trying to track down a song or its origin. Whenever someone was acting like or mentioned the words "party pooper," my Dad would pipe in with the lyrics "Every party needs a pooper / that's why we invited you... Party Pooper!" I'm trying to find out where it comes from and what the official version was. Googling turned up this awesome woman singing it, as well as a clip from Father of The Bride II, but I know it's much older than that. Is it a whole song? Or was it in a film? A radio comedy?
Recommend me a NYC neighborhood
Looking for suggestions for a neighborhood to live in. I'm leaning toward something in Manhattan, but may consider Brooklyn. [more inside]
posted by villafoyager at 9:02 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by villafoyager at 9:02 AM PST - 17 comments
Yet another song ID
I once uncovered the identity of the song that Richard Bona plays and sings in this demo for De Grier basses, but I can't find where I stashed the link. I think it's old, like from the 50's or 60's. Hope me?
posted by thelonius at 8:39 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by thelonius at 8:39 AM PST - 2 comments
Looking for fun restaurants for kids in Boston
I'm looking for recommendations for restaurants in the Boston metro area that are either kid-centric or have some sort of hook that make them a lot of fun for kids. Note - not restaurants that are just kid friendly but that have something special or different that makes them especially appealing and fun for kids. [more inside]
posted by pallas14 at 8:28 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by pallas14 at 8:28 AM PST - 11 comments
Where can we find a Zika-free cruise-like vacation for a "babymoon"?
Looking for a relaxing, drinks and snacks by the pool resort since we can't go on a Caribbean cruise. Ideas? [more inside]
Twitter Oasis: happy/funny/strange accounts with NO POLITICS?
I need a happy place online - give to me your your funny, your odd, your interesting, your happy twitter account suggestions! [more inside]
posted by pseudonymph at 7:36 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by pseudonymph at 7:36 AM PST - 22 comments
Managing a Facebook Page without a Profile
I would like to take an extended break from Facebook, but I manage a professional page. Is it possible for me to keep managing it if I deactivate my private account? [more inside]
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 6:46 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 6:46 AM PST - 2 comments
Does this behavior have an actual designation?
For my entire life, my dad has enjoyed (as far as I can tell) needling me, winding me up, essentially picking a fight over politics. When I heard this Story Corps story, I cried because it felt so close to home. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 5:54 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Medieval Maven at 5:54 AM PST - 18 comments
Christmas tree net?
You've just bought a fresh Christmas tree. You know that plastic wrap/ net / loom that pulls all the branches close to the trunk...what is that called? And where can I buy a roll/spool it? [more inside]
posted by sandra_s at 5:38 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by sandra_s at 5:38 AM PST - 5 comments
Which Console (again!) - and Best Deal in UK
Hello dear mefites. I appreciate there have been a number of recent questions about consoles (here, , here) but they refer to some specifics (i.e. for kids) that I feel don't apply and I'd appreciate some advice on whether to get an Xbox One or PS4. I have been promising myself a new console, but I can't decide on what approach to take and how to get the best deal. I'm in the UK and looking to buy at the beginning of December. [more inside]
posted by sedimentary_deer at 4:25 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by sedimentary_deer at 4:25 AM PST - 11 comments
Art recommendations for a gift to a math student?
My boyfriend's birthday is approaching and I want to get him a piece/a series of art to hang in his almost entirely blank room - he does appreciate art, just doesn't go out of his way to collect adornments of any kind. He's deeply interested in computer science and pure math and I have very little background in either. I'd like to select a work that resonates with him, that he can admire compositionally and that in some way reflects the concepts that he studies. < [more inside]
posted by reedfields at 1:06 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by reedfields at 1:06 AM PST - 25 comments
November 12
Beginner's guide to encrypting everything
I've decided it's finally time to figure out all that security/ encryption/ anonymity/ privacy stuff that the EFF is always talking about. Where do I start, and how much hassle am I looking at? [more inside]
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 10:36 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 10:36 PM PST - 5 comments
Mosquitoes in NYC apartment popping up in November?
This has been a bizarre problem that's been plaguing us every late fall: for some unknown reason, we get a sudden influx of mosquitoes in our apartment that STARTS in October/November. It's always after the point in time when the weather is cold enough that mosquitoes shouldn't be alive anymore (right now it's 44ºF, for example). [more inside]
posted by lanewinfield at 10:25 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by lanewinfield at 10:25 PM PST - 7 comments
mystery series similar to Bernie Gunther
I would like to know of any series that is similar to the Bernie Gunther series or the series by Hans
Helmutt Kirst. Both of these series focus on an individual who served in the Germann Armes Forces during WWii. Both of these individuals were not very happy serving under Hitler and in their own ways tried to undermine the Nazi system.Any help in locating similar series would be highly appreciated.
Free of the evil master...I mean iPhone
My smart phone broke and it's been...awesome! How can I continue to cut my smart phone addiction after my phone is repaired? [more inside]
NOLA Thanksgiving
Husband and I are heading to New Orleans for Thanksgiving and I have a three part question. We are driving from Austin and just booked a hotel in the French Quarter from Wednesday to Sunday. It will be our first time there. I saw this question from 2009 and this one from 2013 which are both very helpful. My questions: 1) what should first-time visitors do to soak it in? 2) are there Thanksgiving related events or meal recommendations? 3) How is the drive from Austin to NOLA and are there any noteworthy stops? About us: originally from Northeast, just moved to Austin this Fall, love ethnic food, do not need turkey or traditional Thanksgiving fare, like visiting new cities and spending hours walking around.
What should I put in the Christmas hamper?
I'd like to make a Christmas hamper as a gift to my parents' household. Do you have products you would suggest? [more inside]
Should I be worried or am I acting jealous?
My husband has a history of having not-great boundaries with women. He has cheated in previous relationships, and while he had not (to my knowledge) cheated on me, he has pushed boundaries in the past. He has recently started a new job. A woman who he works closely with has recently broken up with her long-distance boyfriend. My husband has apparently talked to her about this quite a bit, and now wants to include her in some of our family activities. [more inside]
posted by LittleMissCranky at 6:29 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by LittleMissCranky at 6:29 PM PST - 22 comments
O Say Can You Not Nazi
What factors make 2016 America different from Weimer/early Nazi Germany? [more inside]
New Apartment Toilet Quandaries
I have moved into a new apartment and am highly suspicious of the toilet -- it has a weak flush and does this sort of ponderous overfilling (but not overflowing) and slooow swirling drain during the flush. [more inside]
posted by space snail at 5:30 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by space snail at 5:30 PM PST - 11 comments
How to help a healthy toddler cope when their sibling has cancer?
Asking for a friend. Twin 2 year olds. One was just diagnosed with leukemia and started chemo yesterday. Their twin is traumatized and feels neglected. Experience with this or a similar situation with young siblings? How to help? [more inside]
Can I boil chicken feet in my already prepared chicken stock?
I made some chicken stock. Then, I picked up a bag of chicken feet. I want to increase the collagen/gelatin concentration in the already made stock by boiling the feet in it. However, a friend I trust once said that you should never boil stock. [more inside]
posted by danep at 4:37 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by danep at 4:37 PM PST - 14 comments
What kind of bug is this?
Can you identify what type of critter this bug is? Photo 1, Photo 2
posted by willnot at 3:20 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by willnot at 3:20 PM PST - 6 comments
Harvard Keychain in Sacramento
Does anyone know of a store in greater Sacramento where I can buy a Harvard keychain today or tomorrow?
Woke up and I'm not eager to fall asleep again
What are the best resources for educating oneself about politics/current issues? [more inside]
Cosmetic dentist in NYC
I had beautiful veneers done 10 years ago in California by an amazing dentist who has since retired. I'd like to see a recommended cosmetic dentist in NYC to discuss how to best maintain the veneers (and to answer questions about a night guard). Any recommendations?
Reentering the Dating Pool in your late 30s - Guidance needed
After splitting up with my Girlfriend of 8 years over a year and a half ago, I am ready to reenter the dating world. I'm glad that I took time off to work on myself. I instantly wanted to date after breaking up, but it was for all of the wrong reasons. I'm now ready and I need some guidance
Details inside [more inside]
Retroactively formatting citations in Microsoft Word
I am making edits to a document in Word that has citations indicated by numbered superscripts that correspond to a numbered list of sources. These were not created using the citation function in Word (or if they were, the version of the document I have no longer contains that formatting). My additions to this document contain new citations, which I have created using the citation function in Word. So the result is that I have a document that contains two separate citation lists that both start from number 1, and superscripts are not ordered numerically within the document. [more inside]
How to do life with a family but without a fridge?
Our refrigerator just shit the bed in a big way, and because it's under warranty I've got to jump through all the hoops, use the approved vendor, etc. so it'll be days, minimum, until it's working. I already trashed most of our food but I have a couple of questions re: some food that might not have to be trashed. And, more importantly, how am I going to function and feed my family without this. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:03 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:03 AM PST - 31 comments
How to make small celebrations feel festive?
I grew up having fairly large family celebrations of birthdays and holidays, but now it's often just me and one or both of my kids (12 and 16). Without having more people around, celebrations feel more forced and less fun, and not very different from day-to-day life. Suggestions? [more inside]
Short films about issues affecting Black people
I'm a member of the White Coats 4 Black Lives chapter at my medical school. We were thinking of showing the documentary 13th by Ava DuVernay, but at an hour and 40 minutes, it's too long for our purposes. I'm looking for documentaries that address issues Black people face in the United States that are around 45 minutes long. What do you suggest?
Drowning in Dog Dirt
Small house + "yard" full of dirt + two hairy rambunctious dogs = HELP [more inside]
How to deal with split feelings on the Trump win inside your home?
My spouse did not vote for Trump, but he is a leftist who has a lot of frustrations with "liberals" and is...not as sympathetic as he could be. Even though he knows I fought Trump, he doesn't understand why I am so deeply affected and it is really affecting my stress levels. Please help! [more inside]
posted by corb at 9:21 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by corb at 9:21 AM PST - 47 comments
CS things are important too!
How can I make sure to learn a strong foundation of computer science principles while pursuing a masters focusing more on scripting and data analysis? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 8:55 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by elephantsvanish at 8:55 AM PST - 8 comments
Lets pretend that Obamacare is not going away
I know, I know, it’s a hypothetical now.
But I’m in NY state and I’m looking for a plan for a married couple that doesn't see the doctor that much - knock wood - but has lots of prescriptions. Healthcare spending would be a plus but not a necessity and I’d like to pay around a grand for the two of us. Suggestions?
I want to laugh, dammit!
I keep hearing we're in the golden age of TV. And yes, there's definitely too many acclaimed dramas to even keep up with, and new must-watch ones each year. But what are the great new sitcoms of today? What makes you laugh on a regular basis?
Knowing the warning signs
It's been a few days and I've come down off of the ledge a little with regards to the US election and the President Elect. However, there's still a big chance that everything will be terrible and we'll need to make some huge decisions about what we'll need to do to either help our friends or leave the country. How do you know when it's really bad? [more inside]
posted by TrishaLynn at 6:30 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by TrishaLynn at 6:30 AM PST - 30 comments
Big Bloated Budget Movie or Rom Com with a Twist?
Looking for an old commercial with a couple trying to decide what type of movie to see, but using generic titles instead of actual movie titles. Can you help? [more inside]
Tyre balancing - how specific to vehicle spec is it?
When balancing tyres, does the difference between e.g. 2 distinct engine types on an otherwise identical chassis need to be taken into account? My snow-tyre-flake inside... [more inside]
posted by protorp at 4:33 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by protorp at 4:33 AM PST - 10 comments
How do I contact a lawyer about potentially being their client?
How do I locate a lawyer to take a robocall case on contingency? Not looking for legal advice, just advice on how to contact a lawyer/what to write/send them in the initial contact. [more inside]
Computer Power Supply making rattling/buzzing noises
It does this every so often and I'm not sure what to do. Details to follow. [more inside]
posted by james33 at 4:06 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by james33 at 4:06 AM PST - 6 comments
Seasonal Job Ideas
I'm a bit of a career jumble... but to be honest, I like it that way, and I'm looking to brainstorm ways to keep the ball rolling.
So far, I've got experience in Outdoor Education, Tour Guiding, Non-profits, and politics. I can move anywhere and I like something intellectually challenging and with people, and have been entertaining the idea of moving back in a more non-profit or activism direction.
I am, however, nervous to give up my seasonal life and current travel habits. Open to all and any ideas, the crazier the better. [more inside]
posted by Wanderwhale at 12:22 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Wanderwhale at 12:22 AM PST - 5 comments
November 11
Adding lavender scent to kinetic sand?
I'd like to add a lavender scent to some kinetic sand for a friend. I was wondering if I could somehow add a scent to store bought batch? [more inside]
Cocaine Kola Nuts
Are there still bottles, kegs—anything—out there in the wild that contain Coca-Cola from back when Coca-Cola contained (trace amounts of) cocaine? If yes, would I be breaking laws by purchasing it? [more inside]
Roommate best practices for living with a friend?
It looks like I will be moving in with one of my best friends, instead of staying in my mother's house.
I am hoping the hive mind can give me some best practices/pointers to help our co-habitation go well. [more inside]
posted by Archipelago at 8:53 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Archipelago at 8:53 PM PST - 17 comments
Toddler car trip audio options?
I am one day and 6 hours into a 4 day, 1200 mile, 18 hour experience alone in the car with my 16 month old. We have listened to (and I have sung along to) the same Raffi album (singable songs for the very young) roughly 11 billion times. Please share some additional downloadable options for toddler friendly audio that will help keep dad sane. She only has about a dozen words, so she won't be doing that much in the way of engaging, but she does find singing along by me to be entertaining.
posted by rockindata at 8:34 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by rockindata at 8:34 PM PST - 31 comments
Authors like Stephen King?
Are there authors with a style similar to Stephen King? [more inside]
posted by atinna at 7:47 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by atinna at 7:47 PM PST - 23 comments
NYC Apartment Filter: Paying the deposit/first month's rent
From my research, one is expected to pay the deposit and first month's rent for an apartment in New York City with some sort of certified funds. Some things I've read have said cashier's checks, some have said traveller's checks, some have said certified checks, some have said money orders. I don't have an account anywhere with a physical presence in New York City. How do I handle this situation? Do I need a cashier's check to pay the broker's fee as well? Can I just dodge this whole problem by wiring money? [more inside]
posted by hoyland at 6:53 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by hoyland at 6:53 PM PST - 14 comments
I need happy things to watch
I need happy, upbeat, fun cartoons or anime to fill my time, so I'm turning to AskMe for recommendations. [more inside]
posted by ralan at 6:09 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by ralan at 6:09 PM PST - 23 comments
Hey Grammarians, I need terms describing some comparisions and words
Three comparison types: 1) A is old, 2) A is older than B, 3) A is x years older than B. Two words: 'old', 'older'. I'm going to post on a forum for a highly technical subject where people usually ignore the content if they can ridicule a flaw (English or subject) in the post. My post will be about the comparisons typically made on the forum.
posted by Homer42 at 5:43 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Homer42 at 5:43 PM PST - 8 comments
Recommendations for restaurants near (but not in) Times Square?
I'm heading to NYC this weekend with my two sisters to see Hamilton (yay!). I go into the city semi-regularly to see shows but since one daughter is vegan we tend to eat at vegan places so I haven't really looked for any other restaurants. We're staying at the Marriott Marquis since it's so close to the theatre, but I want to avoid the tourist restaurants in Times Square. Walking distance would be preferable. Two of us are vegetarians so vegetarian friendly also. Any suggestions?
Is there any good environmental NGO to donate to?
I've seen the other "where should I donate to counteract Trump" threads, and I already plan to hit up PP and ACLU. But is there any effective environmental group I can give to, in light of his abhorrent plans there? I'm guessing political pressure will not do much in the current environment, so maybe one more litigation oriented?
Oh, Columbus?
There's a chance I may be moving to Columbus, Ohio for a job. Post-election and as a liberal person of color, I'm a little nervous. Can you tell me what it's like? And maybe if I'll like it? [more inside]
Why are we confident our voting machines were not hacked?
I would like to understand why we should not be concerned that voting machines weren't hacked during the election. [more inside]
GoFundMe for Faithless Electors's Fines/Fees
Would there be any value to a GoFundMe that offered to pay any fees or fines incurred by "faithless electors" who vote against their party line and instead vote for Hillary Clinton? [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:26 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:26 PM PST - 14 comments
Vow Renewal and Marriage License Renewal?
Question in light of the threat to Obergefell vs. Hodges, with transgender complications. [more inside]
Delay receiving emails from one contact during specific time of day?
For a number of reasons I want a way to delay the delivery of emails from a specific contact to my email client during a two hour period every day. I want whatever system to be automatic and don't want the emails discarded; just held until the set time has passed, and then they can be delivered. Is what I want impossible?
this doesn't exist, right?
Is there a dating app for people who want to go on a date, like, now/tonight? I know it sounds like I'm literally just describing a hookup app, but that's not at all what I want. [more inside]
Where can I learn medical German?
I have taken German language classes in the past, but I've never learned medical German. I think there's some overlap with English medical terminology and I can probably guess many words, but I'd also like to be able to learn the terminology so that I can express myself and not only understand similar-sounding words. [more inside]
posted by gemutlichkeit at 1:32 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by gemutlichkeit at 1:32 PM PST - 7 comments
Relocating to Pittsburgh/Ann Arbor, lifestyle, tech jobs?
Hard to give a shit at the moment, but here we are! New grad boyfriend was just offered job + relocation package to either Pittsburgh or Ann Arbor, and we are trying to make an informed choice about the opportunity. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 1:21 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 1:21 PM PST - 17 comments
How can I find out what companies are in cahoots with Trump?
I would like to boycott any organizations or companies that have supported Chump and his cronies. How can I find out who has ties to his administration? I'm thinking mostly of large groups (e.g., Anheuser-Busch, Wal-Mart, etc.), but smaller ones welcome too. I'd like to get a massive boycott going to hit them all in their pocketbooks, if possible.
posted by stillmoving at 12:58 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by stillmoving at 12:58 PM PST - 17 comments
Ok, so YSearch doesn't work.... is there anything similar around?
I paid for a Y-DNA test about 5 years ago. I can't find any site, besides ysearch, (no longer works) which allows me to enter my results and compare to others. Any suggestions? The company I used was DNA Consultants, which gives you the results but has no database of its own which can be used to compare to others.
posted by brownrd at 12:56 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by brownrd at 12:56 PM PST - 4 comments
How to Have Difficult Conversations
What do we already know about how to talk with people who are closed-minded to own own (admittedly pretty close-minded) points of view? [more inside]
Zero-Knowledge Negotiation Protocol
Out in the Twitter sphere..
Are there any tools available for non-technical people that would enable to scrape owned Twitter content (all the tweets that are attributed to a handle)? I know there are ways for more tech savvy folks to tap into Twitter API, however, is there a service (free or paid) that would enable non tech people to load in a bunch of Twitter URLs and get a spreadsheet of tweets? Your input is very much appreciated!
Disappearing storage on MacBook Air!
We have a Macbook Air running Sierra 10.12, upgraded within the last 10 weeks or so. Since then we can't keep free space on the hard drive. It just continually disappears, to the point where the drive is almost full and the computer stops functioning properly. I can't find the source of the problem, except that the space used by "System" files is just growing and growing -- today it's at 150GB! Are there any serious Mac experts out there who can help me? [more inside]
posted by leticia at 10:40 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by leticia at 10:40 AM PST - 26 comments
Stunning places in California
Seeking comfort and beauty. Can you recommend beautiful spots to visit in California? I'm looking for excessively, stunningly beautiful places. Bonus points if they are peaceful. [more inside]
Help me find a routine to do during the day
I'm currently unemployed and waiting for a school program to start. I've been having trouble finding things to do during the day so I'm not stuck home and depressed. Any ideas of what I can do to kill a whole working day's worth of time?
Could airplanes use water vapor to replace liquids?
Would it be possible for an airplane to produce potable water from the air vapor outside of the plane? [more inside]
What is going on with health insurance customer service departments?
With more than one insurance company in the last year, I've had major problems getting seemingly simple billing issues resolved. I'll be told by customer service that I am correct in my complaint and that a problem will be fixed, but then it isn't. I'll call again and state that the problem wasn't fixed after the first call, and the same thing happens. Does anyone have any insight into what's going on here? [more inside]
posted by wondermouse at 9:58 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by wondermouse at 9:58 AM PST - 6 comments
Let's say I wanted to replace the Washington State caucus with a primary
I don't think caucuses are as inclusive and fair as allowing anyone to vote their conscience, via mail, with whatever free time they have.
So I'm trying to learn how to change the system but I'm not sure where to start. Does anyone know what that process would look like? Ballot measure? Precinct voting? Thanks!
posted by jragon at 9:20 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by jragon at 9:20 AM PST - 7 comments
How to bounce back as a couple after conflict
Everyone disagrees. We have conflicts that stretch out too much, and both wait on the other to establish a firm baseline of safety afterward. This results in our repair efforts getting thwarted it the reopening of wounds when we need to create positive forward movement. Please help. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 8:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by crunchy potato at 8:47 AM PST - 11 comments
Google Classroom Explainer Pointers Please
On Tuesday I have been asked to speak for 45 minutes about Google Classroom to some teachers from the vocational high school who are not very technical with computers (though they are in other ways). I have the weekend to put something together that is not too granular but covers the basics. I have a login for our local instance and would like to learn the basics in an efficient way. Are there resources other than the basic ones on Google that would be useful? Maybe some Ed Tech resources I might not know about? Thanks for pointers, personal experiences also welcome. [more inside]
posted by jessamyn at 8:21 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by jessamyn at 8:21 AM PST - 15 comments
Crash course on website design lingo (bonus points for higher ed field)
I'm an expert in my field and know what information our customers need, and I have to convince a website expert with no knowledge of my field how our website should be re-organized. [more inside]
Food for breaking bread and giving thanks
We're hosting a very small Thanksgiving! Help me figure out what to make-- special breadcrumbs inside. [more inside]
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:03 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:03 AM PST - 27 comments
readings on history of civil rights struggles for ages 10 to 12
I've seen requests from multiple acquaintances for materials suitable for 10 to 12 year olds the history of civil rights struggles and also in philosophy. Please help.
My mother is "Minnesota Nice" and it is driving me crazy
My mother (my kids' grandma) drives me crazy. She acts like she is interested in her grandkids, but honestly she wants nothing to do with them. How do I respond to her constant texts asking how everyone is doing if she really doesn't care and isn't going to help and is just texting out of guilt? [more inside]
posted by tangomija at 7:30 AM PST - 48 comments
posted by tangomija at 7:30 AM PST - 48 comments
Long term bad news
I've seen lots of discussion over the years about how we send clear messages across time, for example nuclear waste sites and how we warn 50 generations down the road. This is a corrollary, what substances are the most dangerous over the long term? I assume it's some form of radioactive material , but which is the worst for the longest?
posted by Unioncat at 7:05 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Unioncat at 7:05 AM PST - 2 comments
Working to fight climate change
I have been increasingly worried about climate change, and the election has pushed the needle to 10. I'm planning to volunteer with a local environmental organization, but if I were to pursue career options in the field, what might those be? [more inside]
That's not my department
As Silicon Valley rushes to normalize the new president, I'm interested in reading historical accounts of scientists and engineers collaborating with evil. What are some examples of scientists and engineers who supported, normalized, or ignored encroaching evil through their actions or work? Stories of heroic resistance are also welcome, but I'm mostly interested in cautionary tales.
Finding a light fixture with a little (non-venting) fan?
Similar to this question, my bathroom does not have a fan. I live in the desert so humidity is not a problem, but it's a small apartment and the bath is centrally located. [more inside]
Trans law help for a lawyer
Hi MeFi! I am a queer lawyer with a lot of trans friends. I am getting bombarded with questions from my community about what the Trump presidency is going to mean for the LGBT community generally, and questions about how to handle trans legal matters specifically. The problem? This isn't my area of practice. Help help, more details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by bile and syntax at 6:15 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by bile and syntax at 6:15 AM PST - 8 comments
What do LGBTQ groups look like at your place of work?
Some coworkers and I are starting a networking/education group in our office for LGBTQ folks. We'd like to benchmark across other organizations and learn what has been successful. [more inside]
Book recommendations for a Maud Lewis lover
For Christmas, my husband and I would like to get my mother-in-law a book about an artist (ideally, a painter) similar to the Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis. What are some books about similarly inspirational painters or interesting artists with touching, uplifting stories? [more inside]
"This land is flat because of the war"
Long-shot identify this quote for me, please. "don't you understand? This land is flat because of the war" from a novel, this was an extract played on CBC radio about 15 years ago. The scene was two women driving through the part of France affected by World War I and it talked a lot about the effect of the war on the land. I don't remember anything else, but it's a good bet the author was Canadian.
posted by Space Coyote at 5:40 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Space Coyote at 5:40 AM PST - 2 comments
How to let my defenses down?
I am 48. I had avoided relationships and women generally for several years after a long-term GF cheated on me. I was also emotionally abused for years by my mother, smothered and forced to be her confidant and emotional support even though I was a child. [more inside]
Can you recommend a Hungarian immigration lawyer who speaks English?
I believe I might be able to get Hungarian citizenship based on ancestry (my grandparents were citizens), but I don't have copies of all the necessary birth/marriage certificates (or really, much clue about this works). I'm looking for a lawyer who can help me navigate the process and dig up the documents I need and file all the legal paperwork, etc. Who can I hire to help figure this out and make it happen?
Dating without being a heel
How can I date without hurting people when I'm not after anything serious? [more inside]
posted by blokefromipanema at 1:43 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by blokefromipanema at 1:43 AM PST - 19 comments
November 10
Native American Rights non-profits/charities?
I have a Native friend and hear quite a bit about their struggles as a basically constantly-ignored minority, and I fear that their struggles will only get worse in light of recent events. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good charity/non-profit to give to here for Native rights/Native issues? [more inside]
posted by Aleyn at 11:11 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Aleyn at 11:11 PM PST - 6 comments
Why are you sad, fridge? Is it the election?
My fridge has been in storage for four years (just elsewhere in the house, normal conditions). I just plugged it in and no lights, no camera, no action. [more inside]
movies and tv shows that display radical empathy
What are some movies and tv shows that display radical empathy? Another way to phrase what I'm looking for might be a complex, non-judgmental understanding of what it is to be humans, specifically and generally. This kind of storytelling is helping me right now. [more inside]
Story ID: impossible invention competition (anti-gravity, etc.)
I'm looking for a science fiction short story about a competition between human and alien scientists to see which are better. The challenge is to replicate existing technology of the other species. Both sides cheat and ask the other team to replicate impossible tech (anti-gravity and, I think, force fields). [more inside]
posted by zanni at 9:49 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by zanni at 9:49 PM PST - 4 comments
Slack Users: How does your company organize Slack Teams/Channels?
I'd love to learn more about how companies of, say, ~2000 people have organized their Slack implementations.
Do you have one large Team for the entire community? Do you create new Teams as requested by different departments/divisions? Do you let users create them as needed without any intervention from your IT group? A mix of the two? In either case, do you use the free version. Standard? Plus? Do you employ LDAP integration and user provisioning or do you require each user to sign up for and create an account for Slack individually for each Team? [more inside]
posted by TimBridge at 9:37 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by TimBridge at 9:37 PM PST - 5 comments
Probate lawyer never told me I had to file taxes for dead person
I am the administrator for my stepfather-in-law's estate, which is in probate. I hires a lawyer and he never told me that I had to file tax returns for a dead person, and now the IRS and the state is coming after the estate for about $10,000 in penalties for failure-to-file (the estate earns income from a partnership). [more inside]
Agent for the Homeless in Chicago?
How do I pay someone to walk a homeless person through getting paperwork, and other services? [more inside]
posted by Evilspork at 8:37 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Evilspork at 8:37 PM PST - 8 comments
Should I give my video to the news media?
I took a video at an anti-Trump protest. Just chanting and marching, nothing too dramatic. NBC assignment editor contacted me on Twitter and wants to use on "all platforms/partners (with credit)". Any downside? It feels weird to give this away for free, but OTOH I'm sure she's not going to pay me for it. I don't care if my Twitter handle is associated with it.
Help me help my mom prepare for the impending end of Medicare?
So. It's a foregone conclusion that Medicare/Medicaid will be gutted as soon as Trump takes office, and Paul Ryan has free reign over Congress. My mother is in her 70s, and has several chronic health issues (arthritis in various forms, scoliosis, a heart valve problem, lupus, and a degenerative cornea disease that will require a cornea transplant soon, among other issues). My older brother, who lives with her, has CIDP, severe bipolar, and is on disability. Both rely on Medicare/Medicaid. [more inside]
Trouble printing Gmail Uber Receipt
I am on OSX 10.9.5 running chrome.Want to print out my Uber receipts but can not. The system stalls while trying to do print preview and nothing prints. Oddly enough I CAN print other emails without any problem.
Ideas of a fix?
Asset allocation for the end of times
Say you were worried about your retirement investments due to the upcoming transition of power and subsequent appointment of unqualified people to manage the country's economy. Say you are worried about a downturn in stocks and government issued bonds. Where would you allocated your money?
I want to be a teacher. What's my plan?
I have a BA in Not Teaching. I don't reeeaallly want to go through a whole Master's program. I live in a state with ZERO Alternative Teaching Certification programs or placement opportunities (the one through my local university and alma mater just shut it's doors). I don't know what to do. More below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur at 4:23 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Grandysaur at 4:23 PM PST - 14 comments
What are the sources for these three documents with Vietnam War data?
I have three short pdf scans from books regarding the Vietnam War which I have uploaded to PDF Archive sharing service. Vietnam Polls is a table/timeline of polling information on support for the war. Vietnam Numbers is a flow chart with numerical data on no. of men eligible for draft, no. of men drafted, no. of men who went to Vietnam, etc. Vietnam Deaths is a table/timeline of the number of US deaths in Vietnam by month throughout the war. Can you identify the book sources of any of these scans?
posted by Jackson at 4:22 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Jackson at 4:22 PM PST - 1 comment
Hope me with modern versions of Vegas by Crystal method
Vegas by Crystal method makes me happy and productive. I need a new album! [more inside]
posted by k8oglyph at 4:06 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by k8oglyph at 4:06 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I find a former university admissions officer to interview?
I’d like to interview a public university admissions officer on camera for a documentary project I’m working on. They should be able to speak candidly about the admissions policies and practices that many schools in the US have implemented to cope with funding cuts by the states, such as favoring out-of-state and foreign students who pay full tuition. Someone who is retired or who no longer works in admissions would presumably have more freedom to speak on this subject. How would I go about finding such a person?
posted by theory at 3:05 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by theory at 3:05 PM PST - 7 comments
Alternative morning tea without caffeine or tea
I've been drinking herbal tea (without green or black tea) for a while, and recently have been adding Chaga and Lion's Mane mushroom powder to my base herbal tea. It may be my perception, but I seem to be getting a nice brain state from this combination. What are some other teas I could be drinking in the morning that will make my brain happy and energized, yet don't contain traditional (black or green) tea or caffeine? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 2:54 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by mecran01 at 2:54 PM PST - 14 comments
Dealing with the smell of local sewage
I've recently moved into a house about half a mile from a sewage treatment plant; I'll be there for at least a year. During certain times of day, our neighborhood smells like sewage and/or processed sewage. The smell doesn't penetrate indoors, but it makes the porch and yard unpleasant. What can I do about this? The current leading candidates are: paths and flowerbeds made of cedar chips, and aromatic (evergreen) shrubs. Does anyone have any experience with this, or advice on dealing with outdoor smells?
"Clearing out the swamp" -- or preserving the wetlands?
Hillary was quick to concede and the media seems very quick to try to make the best of things and move on with President T. Is there any conversation about NOT accepting this outcome? [more inside]
Understanding the Trump-Voting Relatives
Yes, I saw this question. My question is somewhat different - I AM planning on attending Thanksgiving with a mostly Trump-voting family, and am trying to figure out how to discuss the things that will undoubtedly come up in a way that allows me to understand their point of view (whether it's rational or not), and effectively communicate my point of view. [more inside]
posted by Jaclyn at 1:13 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by Jaclyn at 1:13 PM PST - 27 comments
Another "help me find this movie" question
Asking for a friend: trying to remember a movie featuring a cover of "Blowin' in the Wind" toward the end. [more inside]
How do I connect to my home network securley while traveling?
I want to connect to my home network, video and voice chat with my family securely, and possibly even screenshare or remote control one of the the PCs. What do I need? [more inside]
Can I ask people if they voted for Trump before hiring them?
Before hiring someone to do one-time tasks (by which I mean things like paying a plumber to fix something, or a painter, or whatever), can I ask them how they voted? [more inside]
posted by Another Sock Puppet at 11:28 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by Another Sock Puppet at 11:28 AM PST - 45 comments
Becoming a Security Researcher
How do I get into the IT Security area? Not just superfluous knowledge based on a certification, but a genuine Security professional. [more inside]
posted by theobserver at 10:55 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by theobserver at 10:55 AM PST - 9 comments
What to put in my apartment window to show solidarity and support?
How can we best show our neighbors and passerbys that we welcome all and that we are a safe space? What signs would best get this message across? [more inside]
posted by raccoon409 at 10:43 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by raccoon409 at 10:43 AM PST - 33 comments
Writing on glass
Librarians, curators, history and literature nerds - can you help? My JSTOR and googlefu is failing me. I'm trying to find out whether anyone has researched the phenomenon of writing inscriptions on glass with a diamond which was trendy in the late 18th/early 19th century. [more inside]
posted by Flitcraft at 10:34 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Flitcraft at 10:34 AM PST - 7 comments
Montage of trying to teach someone something
Looking for a montage (maybe Simpson's?) where a group of people are trying to teach someone something and have to keep going backwards to a more and more simple idea because the student doesn't get it. The joke is that they have to go back pretty far, like to something incredibly basic that apparently the student doesn't know in order to move forward. [more inside]
posted by LKWorking at 9:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by LKWorking at 9:47 AM PST - 11 comments
Is there some sort of fascist-killing machine?
Are there good examples from history of fascists or proto-fascists being granted power, and then subsequently being repudiated or de-fanged before becoming completely entrenched and without significant bloodshed? I'm looking both for strategies to consider and reassurances that it might be possible.
posted by contraption at 9:13 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by contraption at 9:13 AM PST - 9 comments
We Shall Not Be Moved
The last few days have been hard. Mavis Staples has been restoring my soul. As a devoted Stax fan, I know the music of The Staples Singers pretty well. But what are some other gospel and/or soul tracks from the 20th century Civil Rights movement that are rich with hope and strength? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:00 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:00 AM PST - 16 comments
A book of letters from my father 2.0
My father lived in Paris for many years and wrote me a daily letter. He made a copy of each and then had them printed and leather bound in a book titled "Letters From Your Father in Paris" (it is a funny title, as he is my only father-I think the title implies that I have other fathers around the world). I'd like to have a few copies made of the book for my future generations and need help figuring out how to do make this happen. [more inside]
posted by jennstra at 8:57 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by jennstra at 8:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Fall colors near DC by public transportation?
I'd like to get out of DC for a day this weekend to see the last of the fall leaves. Difficulty: no car. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by une_heure_pleine at 8:23 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by une_heure_pleine at 8:23 AM PST - 10 comments
WordPress Page Duplicate Plugins do not duplicate CSS Styling
Typically when I want to duplicate a page, I'll just copy/paste the code from the page I want to duplicate into the new page. Mission accomplished, everything looks/works as you'd anticipate.
With this latest site though, when I do that not all of the CSS styling 'comes across' to the new page. It's minor, but my divs lose their background-color and borders. It's more aggravating than anything else. [more inside]
posted by bricksNmortar at 8:06 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by bricksNmortar at 8:06 AM PST - 11 comments
which book has this print?
I would like to buy a collection of Duane Michals' photos that contains this work (one example, another example). I don't remember which book I saw it in years ago and my googling has failed me. Please help?
Community organizing book recs
Looking for history, how-tos and biographies on community organizing, especially with a feminist bent. [more inside]
Australians and New Zealanders, what do your kids watch?
I’m specifically looking for reasonably recent TV shows or films for kids that are made in Australia or New Zealand. I have boys in the 6 to 12 age range. Thanks.
Why does Amazon have to estimate sales tax?
I live in Chicago. When I buy something from Amazon (as in "ships from and sold by Amazon.com"), the checkout process and confirmation email show me an estimated sales tax of 10.25% (the sales tax rate for the state + county + city). The final tax actually charged, however, is the correct state-only tax of 6.25%. My question is why Amazon ever has to estimate. [more inside]
posted by mama casserole at 6:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by mama casserole at 6:18 AM PST - 4 comments
What practical things do I need to be concerned about?
South Asian female permanent resident with African American citizen partner - we have a child together. How concerned should I be about our future prospects in this country? [more inside]
Mother dying -- please help me get stuff together.
My mother is in the hospital and unlikely to make it. I need to go back to the US and tie up everything. Help me make a checklist -- I have no one I can ask in the US for help. Have been googling, but don't want to miss anything. (I saw the list on the AARP website, but the stuff about wills and financial planners doesn't apply.) [more inside]
[BioFilter] - Seeking graduate school, will travel. Good idea?
Does it look bad to universities if an applicant obtained their Masters (or other higher degrees) abroad? I know that medical students who study in the Caribbean and then return the the US can be looked down upon. Is this similar in the biological/wildlife sciences? [more inside]
posted by Drosera at 5:22 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Drosera at 5:22 AM PST - 6 comments
Rage Against the Machine...auf Deutsch?
Help me musically channel my impotent rage and improve my German language skills while I prepare my body for the Thunderdome. [more inside]
What's taking so long in the last few states?
How come Arizona, New Hampshire and Michigan haven't been declared yet? [more inside]
Substitutes for the giving subreddits, please!
I usually give via lots of subreddits like r/assistance, random acts of and santa's little helpers. I don't want children to go without, but I just don't have it in me to use Reddit anymore. [more inside]
Wheeeeee splash wheeeee
Is it possible to arrange a one-day deep water soloing excursion in Majorca? [more inside]
Books by Irish authors set in the Nordic region
Please help me come up with some books that are set (even partially) in Sweden but are written by Irish (including Northern Irish) authors. I am also interested in the other nordic areas, but my main focus is Sweden.
posted by J.R. Hartley at 2:11 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by J.R. Hartley at 2:11 AM PST - 2 comments
Reaching out to a former female co-worker via email?
It's been about 6.5 months now that I've gotten off a 2 year relationship which was filled with verbal abuse and drama. Leaving the relationship has done wonders for me such as re-connecting with old friends, making new ones, and working out consistently at the gym. I feel that I am ready to go back to dating after boosting my self-esteem. [more inside]
November 9
Vacation destination to reset my kids' routines
I need to take a vacation to help reset my kids' routines. Where could I go? [more inside]
Competence Porn
I love Leverage and I want more competence porn, especially ones centering women of all sorts and men of color. Happy endings only! Bonus if the people involved don't get into major ethical violations at the beginning and ending of each season and then pretend like it doesn't matter, à la Bones and NCIS. Double bonus if it includes the open ended character development Leverage gives me.
posted by Deoridhe at 10:27 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Deoridhe at 10:27 PM PST - 22 comments
what youtube clips of the West Wing should I watch now?
This is very similar to the other question about escapist visions of functional societies, except Rinku specifies no West Wing and I love the West Wing. I just want to watch a bunch of clips of the West Wing. What are your favorite clips of the West Wing? Doesn't have to be happy (I'd totally watch Noel right now) just has to be good.
What if I leave my job right after getting a promotion?
I think I've got a strong case for a promotion at work, and could use the extra money. But I'm also sure I want to jump to a new company and I'm actively looking. What are the considerations here? How do I avoid burning bridges, but also do right by my career?
posted by boghead at 8:26 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by boghead at 8:26 PM PST - 4 comments
I need a good laugh, badly
It's been 24 hours of despair. I need good, fast laughs. (So not a movie or tv episode.) Jokes, pics, awful puns, Vines, YouTube, whatever. I'm sure I'm not the only one who could use this right now. Whatcha got?
highest mountain ever
Mount Everest is 29,029 ft. Mauna Kea is something around 33,000 ft from base to peak. Since Olympus Mons is 69,650 ft about the mean for Mars, these are not absolutes for Earth. What is the highest mountain in Earth's history,and how high was it?
Advice for people in the US but not a citizen?
I've seen a lot of advice for US citizens who wish to take care of their affairs post-Trump, but what are some useful measures for people in the US not as citizens (visa-holders, undocumented, Green Cards) to take care of themselves? [more inside]
Birth Control Preppers
Are fears of restrictions on hormonal birth control in the wake of a Trump/Pence victory well founded, and what should I do about this in light of my specific snowflakey reproductive situation? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 6:59 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Sara C. at 6:59 PM PST - 18 comments
Anti trump rally
I would like to join an anti trump rally.. [more inside]
plastic garbage bag alternatives?
so i've never had to purchase garbage bags.. always just get plastic grocery bags instead of canvas when i'm low. i know we shouldn't and i voted for the ban yesterday but now i'm not sure what to use. [more inside]
A Donald Trump Thanksgiving?
I'm in the "racists and murderers" group, according to our President elect, and though I am a US citizen, he has promised to deport 11 million people who look like me. I incredibly angry and upset at the results of the election. My family is not in my ethnic group, and voted for this person. I've been invited to Thanksgiving, which I go to pretty much every year. It's an eight hour drive each way, along with a long weekend, and I only see them a couple times per year. Snowflakes inside, but should I go? [more inside]
posted by cnc at 5:52 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by cnc at 5:52 PM PST - 36 comments
Story of a Crying Woman
Hi there,
there's this story I'm looking for the source of. It describes a woman who when her husband leaves in the morning cries all day until he comes back home. The analysis of the story is that she is afraid of the freedom of being alone all day and being able to do what she wants.
The story's a device for psychology I think possibly Freud. Cheers!
Desperate for distractions - tumblr, twitter, and metafilter are out
I need distractions from the end of the world as we know it, and I have to go zero-tolerance on my go-to scrolling of tumblr, twitter, and metafilter. I can't concentrate long enough to watch movies or tv shows, or read books. I'm looking for Internet-based distractions that include no political content and don't last very long. [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 5:30 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by tzikeh at 5:30 PM PST - 29 comments
[Leftie Filter] Help me discuss contentious issues better
Please point me to resources that help make socially progressive points by addressing the values one is likely to encounter from those that oppose those progressive positions. Example below the fold... [more inside]
posted by man down under at 5:21 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by man down under at 5:21 PM PST - 3 comments
photo of latinx democrats praying in texas
My friend and I are trying to find a photo he saw on one of the many live blogs on Election Day. Despite our successful Google-fu track records, we're unable to find it. Can you help us? [more inside]
Blood under skin on arm after blood pressure was taken?
A nurse took my blood pressure yesterday with a blood pressure cuff, and today I noticed that there are a few faint lines down my upper arm that are made up of tiny bits of blood under my skin -- petechiae, I guess? Is this something to be worried about? I've had my blood pressure taken a million times and this has never ever happened. Should I call the doctor?
Need guidance on sticking to a serious news and social media diet
Another question inspired by recent events: I need a major break from the bad news, negativity, doom and gloom projections, etc. How do I stick to a life diet that doesn't include the the 24-hour news cycle and social media? [more inside]
posted by lovableiago at 3:09 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by lovableiago at 3:09 PM PST - 8 comments
Understanding why Trump won.
Looking for good analysis, preferably quantitative, of how Trump won. Where are people looking at the available data and sharing ideas? What parts of Trump's message brought people out for him? How can other politicians address the legitimate concerns of his voters without all the negative stuff that goes along with him? [more inside]
What logo does this remind me of?
This looks like a logo I've seen before but I can't pin down what it is. I think it's a tech startup or product type company:
http://imgur.com/i5Ppfll
Please recommend an hand blender
I'm in the market for an immersion blender, aka hand blender. Your recommendations are welcome. Tell me about the appliance's price, features (necessary and unnecessary), ease of use and cleaning, accessories (necessary and unnecessary), durability, and anything else you can think of. Thanks to you in advance.
Should I still buy a condo given the election result?
I am supposed to close on my first home next week. With the election results being what they are, I've completely lost confidence in the wisdom of buying a home at this time. Am I better off waiting with this much uncertainty ahead? [more inside]
Activism (or just action) for high school students in the US
What programs, field trips, organisations, or anything else can highschoolers get involved in to take the power back from old white men? My friend is a high school teacher in a majority non-white school in New York, and in her words "I want to give my students knowledge and action (and if possible, a sense that maybe not every person in this country hates them)". [more inside]
How should I advance my career in molecular biology?
I'm 35 and I have a master's degree in biology, specialized in evolutionary bio and mycology. I have a couple of publications and many years of experience doing pcr-related things. Currently I work at two different places designing, testing, and implementing qPCR assays for pathogen detection. It's fun, but it doesn't pay very well. I'm starting to think maybe I should go back and get a doctorate. But, I'm not sure - and I'm not sure what field to get it in, if I do. [more inside]
Sweet cornbread
I'm revving up for Thanksgiving (and in need of some comfort food today). What's your favorite recipe for sweet, moist, cake-like cornbread? Bonus points if it tastes like Marie Callender's cornbread mix. [more inside]
Small person with small ears need small in-ear earphones.
I am very small; my ears are very small. I want earphones, preferably sound-reducing in-ears, that actually fit in my ear for use at work. I do care about sound quality. I like the idea of sound-reduction so I don't turn my volume up to potentially damaging levels in order to hear my music over the noise in my open-concept office. On- and over-ear cause terrible headaches, often within 30 minutes of use (I blame my thick glasses arms and tiny head, which sometimes has the headband floating above my head on the smallest setting). Any recommendations?
DC Property Prices
What's Up (or Down) with Election Results [more inside]
Help Me Become a Would-Be Expat.
Please help us talk ourselves out of moving out of the USA. No, not to Canada. [more inside]
Women who have won the popular vote to become head of state?
Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May never ran as specific candidates at the countrywide level, but rather were elected from within their parties, a much smaller subset of the population. Was that also the case with Angela Merkel? [more inside]
posted by pocketfullofrye at 11:52 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by pocketfullofrye at 11:52 AM PST - 15 comments
Policy requiring employees speak only with gender neutral pronouns?
A new transgender supervisor wants to implement a policy that requires employees to use gender neutral pronouns at all times... Is this sort of thing allowed? Where is the legal basis for this? [more inside]
posted by ascetic at 11:50 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by ascetic at 11:50 AM PST - 21 comments
Resources on most impactful individual actions on climate change
I've seen a decent amount of writing about the relatively negligible impact that individual action can have on climate change. Is there any kind of data-based analysis of exactly which individual actions make the biggest difference? [more inside]
Birth control in the Darkest Timeline
So, I have some questions about how I should handle my birth control now that it looks like 2016 is Just Not A Good Year. I'm in the US; more after the jump. [more inside]
Can you identify this theme (maybe from a Haydn string quartet)?
Can you identify the piece of music this theme is from [link to YouTube video of me trying to bang it out on a piano]? I think maybe it's from Haydn? I think I knew it from a simplified piano arrangement but for some reason I think it might come from one of his string quartets? [more inside]
Therapy in the time of Trump
Had juggled some interpersonal issues that made me question / lose grip on reality; President Trump has made it bad enough for me to finally seek therapy again. Agent Orange contaminated snowflakes follow (content warning: self-injury) [more inside]
posted by Tsukushi at 10:34 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Tsukushi at 10:34 AM PST - 7 comments
Concrete Steps: Arizona Addition
I'm a white, heterosexual woman. I am terrified about what is going to happen in the country, and especially here in Phoenix. I want to be prepared, and I want to do what I can now to stand for the rights of immigrants, Muslim Americans, Latinx Americans, etc etc etc. What concrete steps should I take? [more inside]
Will more RAM make up for low graphic memory on my iMac?
I have an iMac from 2012 that is starting to show signs of age, notably when playing games and when browsing with multiple tabs. Would upping the memory from 8GB to 32GB (the max this machine can take) help enough to be worth the $200 price tag, or should I save my money for an upgrade? Specifically interested in people who have done this with a Mac and how much real difference you saw. [more inside]
posted by oblique red at 10:11 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by oblique red at 10:11 AM PST - 6 comments
Good mechanic in San Francisco for Japanese sportscar (1995 300zx)?
Hi! I've used both The Garage (recently) and John Gardiner Automotive (in the past, very $$ and can be slow) for repairs to my '95 300zx twin turbo, but I need some suspension work and am trying to find a new mechanic because The Garage wants to charge me nearly double the online price for parts and won't let me supply the parts myself. Also, I need to replace the antenna mast, which is a widely available $45 part, but they're saying they can get only the full motor for $500 from their distributor. [more inside]
How best to handle water draining onto driveway
Water drains onto my driveway from the bed next to it and I'm unsure how to fix it. [more inside]
posted by ND¢ at 9:07 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by ND¢ at 9:07 AM PST - 10 comments
herniated discs and dealing with chronic pain
How do you deal with it? Any tips/stories? [more inside]
Same sex couple in Kansas, marry now or in April?
Me: a trans white lesbian, her: a black bisexual woman. Wedding in Kansas in April 2017. Will it still be legal? Is it worth risking it?
Should we do the marriage certificate now and the wedding as planned?
posted by motioncityshakespeare at 8:09 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by motioncityshakespeare at 8:09 AM PST - 23 comments
What's the difference between a betting exchange and a regular bookie?
I'm a part time UK resident, very unfamiliar with the gambling world, trying to understand what a company like Betfair is and what it does.
posted by Morpeth at 7:39 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Morpeth at 7:39 AM PST - 6 comments
Have MATESOL. Will travel. Help me find some resources to find a job.
I want to teach English to adults abroad.
I have a Master’s Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and about two years of experience teaching ESL in the US to adults.
The big issue I’m finding as I’m looking is that a lot of jobs to be geared towards people who don’t have the qualifications or experience I do. [more inside]
Running LED strip off batteries
I would like to run some portion of one of those cuttable LED strips off of a battery or batteries. Is this possible? How do I calculate how to do that given that these strips use 12v DC converters to run when plugged in?
Away We Go - Again?
Almost three years ago, we asked for suggestions of family-friendly, queer friendly, and senior friendly locales to set down roots. In light of recent events we'd like to revisit the question, but with a specific focus on areas outside the USA - though if you know of/live in a particularly staunch bastion of of our criteria on our native soil, we'd still like to hear about it! [more inside]
posted by givennamesurname at 7:09 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by givennamesurname at 7:09 AM PST - 14 comments
makeup shopping in Philadelphia
I need to replenish my makeup supply, and don't want to do this through trial and error. Where should I go in Philly to have someone who knows what they're doing tell me what to buy? [more inside]
posted by sepviva at 6:55 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by sepviva at 6:55 AM PST - 2 comments
Should I get married now?
Fiancé and I were planning (and have paid deposits for) a July 2017 wedding. Given the US election news (we are Americans, living in a rent controlled apartment in New York), is there any reason we should elope in the next nine weeks?
"I'm going to see what I can do about that."
So, what would have to happen to undo same-sex marriage? How bad is this? [more inside]
I need to feel like I can do something. Please give me hope.
As an American currently living in (Pittsburgh) Pennsylvania, I'm pretty sure I'm still in the "denial" stage about the election - beyond the intense sadness, all I feel right now is a need to DO something to counteract what the country is about to be put through. How do I help stop the hatred from winning? What are other people doing? [more inside]
Where should we go now that the world is over?
My partner and I would like to move away from the U.S. & need help answering a few questions regarding location and job possibilities. [more inside]
Have you applied before? How to answer.
Govt. job requires background check, how to be truthful without looking bad. [more inside]
posted by irish01 at 5:01 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by irish01 at 5:01 AM PST - 6 comments
In light of the election results, who should I donate to?
Like many others I'm reeling at what has just happened in the US. As a first step in resisting what's to come, I would like to donate to charities or other organizations that work toward the causes that have been imperiled by the election results. [more inside]
Escapist Visions of a (more-or-less) Functioning Society
I've been binge-watching Parks and Rec over the past few hours. It's hitting a sweet spot because of its warm portrayal of competent, caring people who manage to get things done for the public good despite opposition. Mr Smith Goes to Washington is a bit too saccharine, but is the right ballpark. The Goblin Emperor scratched this itch perfectly, even though it's not about a democratic society. Books, TV or movies. [more inside]
Baby friendly hang outs between Boston/Sommerville today?
Heading into Boston to commiserate with my BFF. Baby is six months old and actively crawling. Both me and BFF are currently unemployed, so cheap or free is better. Where could we go? [more inside]
Where can I find a sweet set of dominoes?
I'm looking for a Christmas gift for my dad. I can't find one. [more inside]
How can I as a Canadian, help Americans?
I'm a Canadian woman, who is absolutely heartsick at the outcome of last night's US election. I've never had to worry about being the target of violence based on my race, gender identity or religion, being deported, or losing any of my rights, and I want to help my neighbours who are worried about those things. [more inside]
Help me put more woo into WooCommerce install
I’m trying to get an online business launched. I need some help and direction with using WooCommerce, please. [more inside]
Help me fly a flag - US, post-election
I'm looking for a flag that represents solidarity and a commitment to progressive ideals, justice and protection for all, including minorities. The opposite of what the Gadsden flag has come to represent. [more inside]
Is Obamacare toast?
Just how easily can Republicans repeal Obamacare? Can the repeal be fought in court? Can the repeal be drug out until the next 2020 election? Trump's promise to replace it is obviously smoke and mirrors, but what would he replace it with if he followed through? Lastly, is there a hope that some states might fight to keep some form of health coverage for their poorest residents?
Yes, I am deeply worried.
November 8
What Should We Do Now?
We are married and own a small business in LA. My husband is a POC and technically Muslim, although we both lean towards Buddhism. I am White. We have a son. We are not religious or political. It's apparent our comfy West Hollywood bubble is not going to protect us the way we have previously enjoyed. His family is mostly in Dubai, some in Alexandria, Egypt. My roots are in NYC and NZ. We're both fluent in French. He also speaks Spanish. Our family business is very locality specific, if we move we'll not have an easy transition business-wise. Should we stay in this Los Angeles or make plans to emigrate? Please advise.
posted by jbenben at 11:58 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by jbenben at 11:58 PM PST - 17 comments
How much to pay someone to post to company Instagram account?
Glassdoor et al are a veritable minefield of conflicting job descriptions and salary numbers. What is the accepted standard? Pay by the post, by the hour, or on retainer? And how much? [more inside]
Jealous and anxious about something that *might* happen
There's a girl that would be perfect for my fiancé at my workplace. And my fiancé is joining the same company in a couple of weeks. How can I stop myself from feeling anxious and upset that something may happen? [more inside]
What options aren't we seeing?
Me and my partner are in the process of building a small house in a rapidly-gentrifying neighborhood and we're in over our heads. Is there a way out? [more inside]
What are all the above ground NYC Subway Stations?
I need a list of all the NYC Subway stations that have above ground platforms. I've seen this map, and Wikipedia has this. But, ideally, I would like a table or list of the actual stations in text form. I found this fantastic NYC Transit Subway Entrance And Exit Dataset, but it doesn't list if the station is underground or not (not sure if I can infer from the data it does have?). Transportation nerds of MeFi, can you help me?
Can't access Thai-registered LINE account with Chinese SIM
How do I use Thai-registered LINE account with a Chinese SIM? [more inside]
Where to watch the election results tonight??
We're on holiday and arranged to meet people to watch the results in a bar. The bar they picked is apparently the only place in the world not interested in the results and is instead showing only hockey. They're from out of town, we're from out of the continent. We're in NY at 33rd and Broadway. Where can we go to watch the results come in at a decent bar with a good atmosphere, preferably where the beer is good. Thank you!
Organizational strategies for writing historical fiction
Hi. Normally I write little stories that closely resemble my silly life. Now I want to write a story set in 1890s Portland, Oregon. I'm reading tons. There's a bunch of information I look forward to using, based on sensory data, socioeconomic conditions, and the exploits of this particular dude who liked to kidnap people. But how do I organize all this? [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 4:25 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by angrycat at 4:25 PM PST - 6 comments
Retire Us to East Coastal, Island-Feeling Town
Spouse is almost 62, I'm almost 55, and we want to retire to some town on the east coast of the U.S. that feels islandy, has a great community feel, and has great options for walking/hiking/biking. [more inside]
Is Netflix replacing in-room movies at hotels?
Just stayed in hotel (Gaylord Opryland, operated by Marriott) anticipating the typical in-room movie options. No movies, but instead had Netflix, YouTube and other forms of Internet TV. Is this a thing?
How do I left foot accelerator?
I am looking for a recommendation for a left foot accelerator pedal for a friend who has mobility issues with his right foot. Googling has lead me to several models, and I'd like to hear from anyone who actually uses one. [more inside]
posted by klausman at 2:13 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by klausman at 2:13 PM PST - 2 comments
Can opener and rice cooker
I am tired, it's been a long year, and I need some new items for my kitchen. Please make my consumer decisions for me. [more inside]
posted by stowaway at 2:12 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by stowaway at 2:12 PM PST - 25 comments
Graybeard sysadmin asks what job stones I'm still leaving unturned
Fellow sysadmins of MeFi, I chose the wrong year to be out sick then stuck in a wheelchair. Please describe the toolkit and read me the runbook for 'every freakin' thing I can do to get back to work ASAP' [more inside]
KaraokeFilter - Help a soprano find something worth singing?
I am going to sing at a karaoke bar tomorrow night. Yay! I haven't done karaoke since I was 12, and I have a girlish soprano voice that sounds terrible with most pop and rock. Boo! Help me find something that is both fun and impressive? [more inside]
Cat driving us batty; we have twins--help!
Our twin boys are 9 weeks old. Awesome! Sweet little Zoe hunts pacifiers and nipple shields relentlessly and desperately wants to be an outdoor cat. She's also attempted to jump into the bassinet a few times. Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by eggman at 11:27 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by eggman at 11:27 AM PST - 25 comments
One kid, two households, many bedbugs
The kiddo, who I have 50% custody of, and who is in elementary school and after school care in the US, has acquired numerous bedbug bites at The Other House. Nothing at my place that I can see. What should I be thinking about here?
posted by life moves pretty fast at 11:22 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by life moves pretty fast at 11:22 AM PST - 16 comments
Trying to find children's book from late-80's-ish?
A friend of mine recently asked about a children's book that she couldn't remember the name of, but wanted to find it again. She described it and I realized that I ALSO had loved that book and didn't know the name of it. So HELP, AskMefi, you're our only hope. [more inside]
posted by Concolora at 11:18 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Concolora at 11:18 AM PST - 3 comments
Joint budgeting -- best approach? best bank?
What bank account should we get? How should we jointly budget? With my husband, I'm trying to set up a joint system where we have personal accounts and also a joint account with "envelopes" for certain expenditures and certain savings. Please review my plan below and tell me what bank to get an account with. [more inside]
What should we name our rescue orginization
Were looking to officially and legally start a rescue organization for mainly dogs. Cats may be in the picture in the future, but this group will mainly focus on hard to adopt dogs, such as older dogs, dogs with medical issues and mothers with their pups that have been dumped. These are all selected from high kill shelters from the South and transported to the East Coast.
So, were looking for an official name for the paperwork that sounds like us and sounds credible, but not insanely saccharine. [more inside]
Made a mistake on my vote-by-mail ballot
I made a mistake on my CA vote-by-mail ballot and I still have it in hand. Can I exchange it for a new one at any polling place, or do I have to go to the polling place that is designated for my registered address? Or do I have to go to an office of some sort?
Help me find some big beetles for my kids
My kids both want a pet. We live in small apartment that's often cold during the day in winter, and I feel shitty about keeping any animal cooped up in it, cage or otherwise (I also don't want to deal with the hair, dung, and exercise needs of a mammal). We've sort of compromised on some stag or other large beetles in an aquarium, but I'm having a hard time finding a source. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 9:28 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 9:28 AM PST - 5 comments
Harry Potter pregnancy announcement
My parents are visiting soon and I'm going to tell them I'm pregnant. My sister is going to wear a "future aunt" type shirt and we will wait for them to notice. But all we can find are lame ones. Help us design a Harry Potter themed aunt announcement shirt! [more inside]
Alternative Activities to Gambling
I have been introduced to gambling a couple of years ago, and I am looking for activities similar to gambling that are as engaging and addictive but productive, and not at all destructive. I'm thinking if that activity would also have some elements of chance/randomness, and/or, has an element of "winning" something. [more inside]
Lizard = bad?
Have seen a lizard around the house several times. Possibly more than one lizard even. (two?)
I don't really mind singular lizards, but I know that for example one cockroach is never one cockroach, and I'd like to know if there's any reason to be worried about an incoming lizard horde.
(alternately, if there's a reason I should mind even singular lizards, I'd want to know) [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 8:30 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Cozybee at 8:30 AM PST - 12 comments
An unfortunate series of voting events
Because I am dumb, I don't have a photo id to take to the polls. Is there anything I can do? What's the deal with provisional ballots? (Rhode Island filter) [more inside]
Toys which lend themselves to modular acquisition
We have had some success with toys one can acquire in bits and pieces and combine to make one big bin that gets more fabulous over time. We are looking for ideas for further toys which lend themselves to such a system. [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 7:52 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ficbot at 7:52 AM PST - 11 comments
Election returns from the Wild West
California became a state in 1850, and voted in the 1852, 1856, and 1860 Presidential elections before the transcontinental telegraph. Oregon became a state in 1859, so also voted in 1860.
How (and when) did the rest of the country find out how they voted? Did their electoral college results get to Congress in time to be counted, and how were they sent?
posted by Huffy Puffy at 7:25 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Huffy Puffy at 7:25 AM PST - 15 comments
Barbershop talc scent in the wild?
Thrice now in the last two or three weeks, a scent just like that talcum powder you might have smelled at a barbershop has come wafting in through my bedroom window-- on the top floor of my nine story apartment building. Any ideas what it might be? [more inside]
What is your Hole Hawg?
In an effort to describe Unix, Neal Stephenson draws a comparison to the Hole Hawg, an unattractive but highly functional drill used by contractors but not everyday homeowners.
Are there any other 'Hole Hawg' tools out there; tools that are valued by experts but either useless, dangerous, or misunderstood by laymen? [more inside]
What do you do with wordpress accounts of former staff?
I work at a library with a self-hosted Wordpress website. We've had some staff turnover recently, which has left us with a bunch of blog posts on our website authored by now-former staff who have been replaced in their positions. What is the best way to handle the accounts of former staff - delete them and merge all their posts into their replacement, or just leave them alone? [more inside]
Election watching NYC
My friends are not political to the extent that watching parties are a thing with them. I've kept up with all the election threads and want to be around people who are fretting the senate races as much as I am (and of course cheering on the big race).
Where can I go tonight in Brooklyn or downtown Manhattan to be surrounded by people feeling all the election feels?
posted by newpotato at 5:22 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by newpotato at 5:22 AM PST - 7 comments
What channel should I watch election returns on?
I'm watching the U.S. election returns tonight. What network will have the best anchor, most informative commentators, and accurate calls?
Language immersion programs for young highschoolers?
Help me send my kid far away for a good portion of the summer... [more inside]
Need life advice, could have been so much better, now a sad code monkey
I am turning 29 this month. I graduated 3.8 GPA with a undergraduate Business degree in 2010 from a good university but then went through about 4 career changes in the last 6 years. I thought this kind of "soul-searching" would help me explore a lot of different areas and find myself. But in fact, I'm so miserable about the fact that I'm so behind and have not built anything worthwhile in the last 6 years. Today, I'm stuck at a uninspiring coding job out in the suburbs and just am staying with it because it pays the bills but I know I can be so much better. I see my peers who are now graduating with their MBAs + PhDs from Columbia and Cornell and getting married or just doing amazing things with their lives in general and feel terribly behind, have so many regrets, extremely depressed. How can I turn my life around? [more inside]
Where are the catering/events sales jobs in Austin?
Calling catering/events business folk in Texas: We are planning a move to Austin, TX and are trying to research the job market but can't find any job listings for catering or event sales. What's going on? [more inside]
Gestalt group therapy?
Any thoughts on whether the Gestalt approach, esp. in its group form, is for me? [more inside]
November 7
Last minute Australian/NZ wine recommendations, please
We're finishing up our lengthy vacation Down Under; tomorrow is our last day in Sydney before flying back to Toronto, and one of our planned stops is the Oak Barrel, a really great and well stocked independent bottle shop. We've already bought a few very nice New Zealand wines (thanks to a few days on Waiheke Island) but we'd also like to bring home some good Aussie wines that aren't so easily obtainable overseas (IE no Yellow Tail or Jacob's Creek or other widely distributed wines). [more inside]
posted by mightygodking at 11:57 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by mightygodking at 11:57 PM PST - 11 comments
Incorporating Mission Planner
I am thinking of getting a Cheerson CX-20 quadcopter. I also want to use Mission Planner software on my tablet to set flight plans for the drone. What do I have to do to the flier and the tablet to get them to communicate with each other?
posted by CollectiveMind at 9:43 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by CollectiveMind at 9:43 PM PST - 2 comments
Article about moving the goalposts of taboo, Republican think tank guy?
Last-minute U.S. election-related question. I read an article—almost certainly linked from MetaFilter, like most of what I read—that talked about a Republican think tank person who came up with one idea for which he's famous and then died in a private-plane accident. The idea was that you can move the frame of what's considered acceptable in a society by assiduously introducing ideas just outside of the frame of taboo in the direction you want, making those ideas commonplace, and then repeating. Can someone point me to that article? Thanks!
posted by The Minotaur at 9:40 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by The Minotaur at 9:40 PM PST - 4 comments
Spending time at Disneyland Vs Universal Studios
Our family of four is going to California in less than two weeks. Our mission is basically to see Disneyland and Harry Potter World/Universal Studios. We have 2 little girls, one in Kindergarten and the other a Fifth Grader. We have six days to spend between these parks. We are thinking about 4 days at Disney/California Adventure and 2 days at Universal/Harry Potter world. Does this seem like the right allocation of days in these parks? [more inside]
How to host a visit from my estranged father to meet his grandchild
I haven't spoken to my father in 10 years. I now have a 22 month old and emailed him saying "Hey you have a grandkid. Come visit our town if you want to meet him." He wants to come for 4 days and stay at our house. I already know such a request is more than I could handle but I don't know what to tell him is more appropriate or logistically feasible. How do I plan this visit so that I don't cry too much or feel suffocated by awful feelings the whole time? [more inside]
posted by beekept at 8:10 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by beekept at 8:10 PM PST - 15 comments
Favorite DC First Dates?
I'm not super familiar with DC, but would like to plan a first date there. I was thinking something with good food (no known restrictions, but good options would be nice), something that's decently priced, and might have stuff around to walk to if the date goes well or we want to extend things a bit. Casual attire is preferred, and an easygoing atmosphere for conversation. Metro accessible would also be nice. The person I'm planning the date with is pretty familiar with DC, so nothing touristy.
Your meal prep tips
I love prepping meals for the week but feel like there are better ways of doing some things - maybe you have some tips to share on cooking with the purposes of reheating? [more inside]
Bathtub Overflow of my dreams
We just installed an new freestanding clawfoot tub and just installed all the waste lines and faucet - however I'm finding that while it's deep enough for my wife, the location of the overflow is a little too low for my tastes, and I'd like to cover the overflow so I can get a couple more inches of water in the tub. [more inside]
posted by Karaage at 5:37 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Karaage at 5:37 PM PST - 12 comments
Where are your books on ... ?
Practical question for librarians past/present - what are the common splits in collections organised by Dewey? For example, you might find books about dreams and dreaming under 154 (psychological aspects) or 612 (what is happening in the brain). I'm not looking for all possible crossovers from a theoretical cataloguing point of view, but the ones that frequently crop up in public libraries. More details below. [more inside]
posted by Athanassiel at 5:02 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Athanassiel at 5:02 PM PST - 11 comments
Non-middlebrow podcasts
It seems like every podcast I listen to shares the same aesthetic. Sort of a Slate/Vox/NPR white college educated late 20s creative professional thing. Same aesthetic as "oral histories" and contrarian thinkpieces about TV shows. What are some good podcasts that aren't in this bubble? Leaving this deliberately broad. [more inside]
Help me transfer a tiny comet goldfish to a 20 gallon tank, please!
My 3 year old and I have recently become fish parents to Green One, a two-inch long comet goldfish. I'd like to transfer him from the 1.5 gallon tank where he's lived for the past 3 weeks to a new 20 gallon tank without murdering him (and also prove my mother wrong in the process). [more inside]
Are there good apps for learning Hebrew?
Do you know any great apps to help a youth's Hebrew self-study? [more inside]
Nor-cal diebetic need raspberry but no seeds
Where to buy seedless Low- or No-sugar raspberry preserves? Or to put it the other way, where can I buy Sugar-Free Raspberry preserves that are seedless? [more inside]
Where to Celebrate the Election in San Francisco
Thanks to you fine folks and PN, I'm actually getting hopeful that there may be cause to celebrate tomorrow night. (Don't worry, I already went outside, turned around three times, cursed and spat. So while I am tempting the thing from high upon the thing, I've covered my tail.)
So... Where might those in a celebratory mood be gathering tomorrow night in SF, ideally close to the Castro?
Thanks!
posted by susiswimmer at 1:48 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by susiswimmer at 1:48 PM PST - 7 comments
What image was taken?
While we were waiting to cross back into the US from Canada at Blaine, I saw a green flash of light. What was it? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 1:16 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by pdb at 1:16 PM PST - 5 comments
Jeremiah Denton blinked Morse Code as a POW. Who figured that out?
Jeremiah Denton was an American POW in Vietnam. When interviewed for a propaganda video by the North Vietnamese, Denton provided confirmation of conditions by blinking "T-O-R-T-U-R-E" in Morse code while feigning light sensitivity. How did American intelligence know he was blinking Morse code? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 12:51 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by jefficator at 12:51 PM PST - 5 comments
Online transcribing work - how to tell what's legit?
Hi guys. I recently posted this ask . I got some really helpful answers, and am on my way to some sort of diagnosis (for the moment, it's 'a hypermobility syndrome, not sure which one, fibromyalgia, and maaaaaybe POTS.' It's a start). I've had to give up my job, and although I'm not really well enough to be applying for a regular job, I do need some kind of income fairly urgently. [more inside]
When to lower house price?
Trying to sell my house. The realtor is pushing to lower the price significantly. I'm pretty uncertain. [more inside]
Best beginner calligraphy pen
Looking for beginner calligraphy pen recommendations. Details within. [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:16 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:16 PM PST - 14 comments
Give me your tired, your hungry, your 2008 Club Bangers
For my election night celebration (TTTCS) I'm looking for the hottest, most rare choice indie electro club bangers of 2008. [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:12 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:12 PM PST - 14 comments
bathtub vs walk in closet
We are planning a remodel our master bath and need some advice on likely buyers' preferences.
Currently the master bedroom has two 6-foot-wide single depth closets. The bath has a soaker tub, separate shower, double sink vanity and toilet. We would make one of the closets a walk in by expanding it into the bath at the expense of not including a bathtub in the new design.
What will buyers consider more important, a walk in closet or a bathtub? [more inside]
Acoustic, noisy version of the Star Spangled Banner
Help me find a version of the Star Spangled Banner I heard a couple of years ago. [more inside]
posted by griseus at 11:41 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by griseus at 11:41 AM PST - 2 comments
Great Airbrnb in an unsafe area. Should I mention it?
My girlfriend and I recently visited Kansas City and stayed at an Airbnb. The accommodations were great, the hosts were friendly, and our overall experience was very positive. However, the area nearby that they told us was safe is not safe (in fact, I heard a shooting there overnight). Do we mention this in our review? [more inside]
Things which are true now but were not true 6 years ago
A major shopping mall just opened in our area. My mother made a funny remark about how the baby will live in a world where the existence of this shopping mall was always a truth whereas his six-year-old brother has not. It has me wondering about other things, bigger and smaller, which are true now but were not true six years ago... [more inside]
Fun ways for a 5 year old to enjoy playing music on an iPad?
It's coming up to my daughter's 5th birthday and I'd like to get her some kind of musical instrument (probably a keyboard) that will connect to her iPad and allow her to play some fun games, learn some simple tunes, develop her ear and generally have a good time. [more inside]
Chronic post-nasal drip limiting my speaking voice
I have chronic post-nasal drip. It's not literally all the time, but whenever I stay up an hour or two too late, it turns on like a faucet and continues to pour down my throat for a week or more. I have it far more often than not. It coats my vocal cords and screws up my voice in a variety of ways, which sucks extra because I'm a standup comic. [more inside]
posted by randomname25 at 9:55 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by randomname25 at 9:55 AM PST - 13 comments
How to Preschooler: Getting Dressed Edition
Our charming and funny three-year-old has chosen getting dressed as her battlefield for asserting her independence. This is...not good. While we have plenty of time to eat and play and enjoy our family in the mornings. But lately we have been spending that time battling over whether mini-rainbow will wear clothes to school. We adults always win, but not without feeling like we have already maxed out our interpersonal patience reserves. We both work in people-centric jobs so it would be helpful if we could leave the house in a better interpersonal space. [more inside]
What's the current wait for a Nexus appointment @ Montreal or Toronto?
A bit of a long shot but does anyone know what the current wait for a Nexus appointment is at either the Toronto or Montreal locations? I'll be traveling to both cities over Christmas, and was wondering if I applied for Nexus, what is the likelihood of getting an appointment in the week and a half window I have. [more inside]
posted by danny the boy at 9:50 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by danny the boy at 9:50 AM PST - 6 comments
How do we find a house to rent when it's not a big city?
We will be moving to the general Bennington, VT area sometime after February and we're no longer spoiled for places to house search. [more inside]
posted by shesbenevolent at 9:08 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by shesbenevolent at 9:08 AM PST - 14 comments
Wrong name on new credit account
I purchased a sectional in October from Jennifer Convertible. Because there was an offer for a year of free financing for qualified customers, I applied for it and received it. I made a deposit payment and planned to set up regular monthly payments so the balance would be paid off before I incurred any finance charges. I was told I'd get information about the balance due and account when the furnitures was delivered. Now I've discovered the account was set up under a different name than mine. [more inside]
Big Top MKB
We're going to the second edition of the masquerade ball we went to in January. What to wear? [more inside]
That Flea Market Art Frame
I don't know how else to describe it: you know that style of frame that you see on velvet paintings of unicorns, bad Bob-Ross-style art, and big-eyed-kid-ripoffs? I want to find that material. [more inside]
Help Me Find This Safari Browser Extension
Hi all,
Two days ago I read about an extension for Safari that I wanted to install. Long story short, I did not install it at the time and now I can't find my way back to it! (Yes, I've been through my browser history.) Plus I've looked all over the web and can't find it again for the life of me.) Here are the details... [more inside]
I need a vacation - but where?!
complicating factors: no passport, don't deal with planes well, never vacationed before. [more inside]
I may give away my problem dog to a shelter, how to manage the guilt?
My 2 year rescue mutt (45lbs) attacked another dog today while on leash, this not the first time. He is just not a good dog. My wife and I fight about him, I'm stressed and I don't know what to do. [more inside]
What's the code for "Late Bloomer"?
I'm 43 and want to learn to code for the fun of it...would love to hear from any non-coders out there who have successfully managed to do this. Can you give me an idea of what I can realistically expect out of this experience?
Special snowflake details after the jump... [more inside]
posted by richmondparker at 4:48 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by richmondparker at 4:48 AM PST - 15 comments
YA novel involving immortality via drowning
In the early to mid-90s, I read a YA novel about a girl (?) from the present day who discovers the existence of two immortal characters (one good, one not so good). The most distinct thing I remember about the novel is that to become immortal, there was some kind of magical/mystical process that involved drowning. [more inside]
posted by Johnny Assay at 3:57 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Johnny Assay at 3:57 AM PST - 5 comments
Can you identify these bugs?
I found these bugs hiding in an old blanket under a bed. There were a few bugs on the bed, too. [more inside]
posted by amb at 3:52 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by amb at 3:52 AM PST - 4 comments
I don't want a double life of being seriously ill
I'm getting a diagnosis for something that if not cancer, is likely equally annoying given other health complications. I have access to good healthcare and things are speeding up, meaning frequent appointments at the hospital, insurance bills and probably risky surgery soon. However, the timing sucks. I'm divorcing with shared custody, starting university for a career change and next year moving countries. In two weeks I'm supposed to start two papers, I'm primary parent and my ex is behind on financial support. I need strategies for specific challenges. [more inside]
Airport apps that are actually useful
I'm looking for recommendations for useful iPhone (specifically iPhone 6) apps for airports.
Useful means: includes decent maps (ideally including the location of the airline lounges); decent navigation; for multi-terminal airports, shows how to get between terminals quickly; not limited to US (most of my travel is in Europe); includes public transport options. Nice if it works offline. No objection to paying for it--maybe even preferred if it means no ads. [more inside]
posted by Logophiliac at 12:55 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Logophiliac at 12:55 AM PST - 2 comments
November 6
The Accidental Jewelry Maker
I've never made jewelry, but I suspect that's about to change. I was gifted a huge box of jewelry-making supplies and now I'm full of questions. Lascivious details within. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 10:31 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 10:31 PM PST - 7 comments
Relationship bridge with older siblings
I've always felt like the odd (wo)man out when it comes to my siblings. Past attempts to address this have not gone over well. We're all regionally co-located again and I'm upset by missing out on another meet up that I would have gleefully attended if invited. What can I do to change this situation? [more inside]
I guess it's just me and you, God....
What do people do during Christian 'quiet time'? [more inside]
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 8:15 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 8:15 PM PST - 14 comments
What is this song? Election 2016 Edition
What is the background song that plays between ~4:04-5:20 in the Hillary Clinton video The Story of Us?
A Forty-nine Mork Captain Channels?
My wife and I have been revisiting Square Pegs, only to find that we like, totally didn't understand the punchline of the joke at the 8:40 mark in this episode. Any interpretation?
posted by eschatfische at 7:33 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by eschatfische at 7:33 PM PST - 4 comments
"Unadventurous" restaurants in the East Bay?
My parents are visiting me in the East Bay this coming weekend, and once again I'm facing the prospect of finding restaurants that they'll like. I haven't had much luck in the past. Recommend some restaurants based on the criteria inside? [more inside]
posted by crazy with stars at 7:24 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by crazy with stars at 7:24 PM PST - 34 comments
Help me help my kid with her homework.
My 6 year old has started bringing home reading homework from her grade 1 class. She quickly gets frustrated with it and shuts down, which I in turn find very frustrating. It is complicated by the fact that she is in a french immersion school and while I speak decent french, it is definitely a second language for me.
Give me ways to help her that she will respond to. Or give me some insight into her behaviour so that I can do better at keeping my cool about it. [more inside]
posted by keeo at 7:19 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by keeo at 7:19 PM PST - 16 comments
Where can I buy Forward Day by Day?
I need to buy a copy of the new edition of Forward Day by Day from Forward Movement (for November 2016 to January 2017). My church ran out of copies, and there's a man in the congregation who really needs one. I've searched and can't find a place to buy it online, but there must be somewhere I can get my hands on it.
posted by OrangeDisk at 6:47 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by OrangeDisk at 6:47 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me find a speculative fiction short story for my father?
I'm trying to find a science fiction short story my father read back in the '60s. [more inside]
posted by peripatetron errant at 5:53 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by peripatetron errant at 5:53 PM PST - 4 comments
Ideas for personal goals / habits that aren't self-centered
For as long as I can remember, my personal goals & habits have had a common theme: self-improvement. Then one day I wondered, What would life be like if I defaulted to thinking about others or observing my surroundings instead of thinking about ways to improve myself? [more inside]
posted by ialas at 5:19 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by ialas at 5:19 PM PST - 15 comments
Unable To Blow
I'm trying to blow out the sprinklers on new sprinkler setup and can't figure out what part I need to connect up to my compressor. Here is a photo. [more inside]
Mystery letters, some sort of fraud?
I live in one of three houses provided by my employer. Over the past month, there have been a spate of letters addressed to people who have never lived in any of these houses, all from car insurance companies. Now we are getting parcels delivered. What is going on? [more inside]
posted by sarahdal at 1:54 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by sarahdal at 1:54 PM PST - 4 comments
Can I justify not spending Christmas with my father this year?
I have to decide whether to spend Christmas with either side of my family - please help me decide? [more inside]
iPhone app the tells me the frequency of a guitar note - does it exist?
What I want is simple: I pluck the guitar string (or make some other sound), and the app tells me the frequency in Hz. [more inside]
posted by mai at 12:54 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by mai at 12:54 PM PST - 7 comments
To Temp or Not to Temp?
I'm currently applying to grad school and working a couple part time jobs to make ends meet while taking the last set of pre-requisite classes for grad school. I'll be finishing up my classes by the end of this semester, leaving me with a 6-9 month chunk of time between finishing up class and potentially going. I'd like to be able to save a bit of money before starting grad school if that happens. Do I look for a temp job to fill that time or something else? [more inside]
Best practices for collecting memories/life story from an elderly person
My grandfather has a fascinating life story, maybe even the stuff historical dramas are made of. In the past few years he made a serious attempt to write it all down, but his efforts were thwarted by a computer crash. He has not started again because his wife doesn't want him to overexert himself. Now his memory is starting to slip, and one of our concerns is getting his history written down before it's lost forever. [more inside]
voting in London on Tuesday?
I registered to vote in Ca for an absentee ballot which has not arrived. I also only have a photocopy of my passport because I am applying for a new visa. Can I vote at the American embassy on Tuesday?
Numb after depression - cause, name for it?
Can long-term depression cause numbness? Is there a word for this? [more inside]
posted by maiamaia at 9:47 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by maiamaia at 9:47 AM PST - 15 comments
Send me your Inspire-Cry media recommendations - pretty please.
Election stress plus personal life stress is getting to me. I need a good cry out (probably pretty easy to achieve at this point), but with happy + inspirational ending, not a depressing, humans are evil, what's the point of living ending. Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, podcasts, or other internet recommendations? [more inside]
posted by Neekee at 9:38 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by Neekee at 9:38 AM PST - 24 comments
Stay, go, something else entirely?
A few months ago I had to leave my apartment in a new city and move back in with my parents due to illness.
Do I move back to apartment alone in unfamiliar city where I don't know people and hope I can somehow cope, some third option I haven't thought of yet? Hope and suggestions please? [more inside]
Refilling the tank of life
I've had the busiest and most stressful year of my life, how do I recover (mentally, physically, emotionally, socially)? [more inside]
I've a hankering for a good collect-em-up on this lazy Sunday
I enjoy games where a significant part of the gameplay involves finding and collecting various items. Examples include Banjo-Kazooie and Psychonauts – this mechanic seems to have been particularly popular in 3D open-world platformers (but I'm open to suggestions from any genre). Recommendations? [more inside]
Any Let's Players who are similar to Supergreatfriend?
I really like Supergreatfriend. Love him. However, when I try to check out other Let's Players, they're not working for me. Do you also love Supergreatfriend and have you also found other tolerable Let's Plays? [more inside]
Cold weather iphone and headphone use
Can you help winterize my iphone for cold weather use (and quick battery drain), and find some new earbuds for running or general outdoor listening use? [more inside]
My grocery list is a disaster! iCloud woes
in iCloud (calendar, reminders) text is autofilling, how to stop? (MacBook and iphone) [more inside]
Mock cock?
I'd like to construct a hyper-realistic mock human penis, that's edible and tastes at least something like you'd imagine a human penis to taste - I guess like kidneys? Any advice? I figure you'd start with a sort of sausage concept with an internal "skin" to replicate the urethra, but what about all the other details - pigmentation, etc etc etc. All advice / speculation welcome.
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 2:38 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 2:38 AM PST - 20 comments
501(c)(3) "donations" that aren't
I perform vocal music with a 50-member nonprofit chorale. We are asked to "donate" $200 per year in order to participate...but it really doesn't appear to be an optional fee at all. Is this legal? And how do I notify the org leadership of the extreme problem I'm having with the way they handle this? [more inside]
posted by mysterious_stranger at 2:22 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by mysterious_stranger at 2:22 AM PST - 36 comments
November 5
How open should I be?
I've been on a five dates with a guy and not sure when to tell him certain things about my life. [more inside]
posted by akita at 11:57 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by akita at 11:57 PM PST - 18 comments
Help me put this into words
I've been doing some writing lately. It has been my goal in life to publish at least one book. I haven't made a lot of progress. There's one type of memoir I want to write but I need inspiration. I just don't know what to search for. [more inside]
Putting my computer to work
So I recently discovered I could make a few extra bucks by setting my computer to mine cryptocurrencies. I'm part of a mining pool and while my pretty decent computer runs at a rate of about 20 H/s, the top miners perform at a rate of 25,000-70,000 H/s. What would explain the difference in rates? Are they using supercomputers? Do they control botnets to mine the cryptocurrentcy? Have they set up multiple instances in a service like Amazon virtual machines? Something else maybe? Thanks in advance for the insights.
posted by Gosha_Dog at 10:05 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Gosha_Dog at 10:05 PM PST - 6 comments
Need Advice for To-Do Apps, Life Management Tools for Couples
My husband has a new, demanding job, and is forgetting a lot of stuff and not communicating well with me. We at least need a shared calendar and to-do list for Android, but other ideas are welcome, too. [more inside]
Does buying a big screen TV have to be this draining
Does buying a big screen TV have to be as draining - emotionally, chronologically, financially - as it seems? [more inside]
Mirror wall, minus the wall
I'm moving from a tiny apartment into a slightly less tiny apartment, and I would like to utilize some of the space for dance practice by setting up some sort of portable mini mirror wall. I expect most of the limited wall space to be blocked by furniture, so I would like to set up something that could be placed in front of, say, the TV stand, during practice, and then put away if the TV needed to be used. [more inside]
posted by space snail at 5:05 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by space snail at 5:05 PM PST - 7 comments
Another Relationship Question
I haven't had much luck with relationships and I'm not sure why. I definitely put myself out there. I volunteer, I have social hobbies, I do online dating. Now and then I meet someone I like who seems to like me back. It's very exciting, butterflies everywhere, we date for a while and it fizzles after 2-3 months. I almost always get the slow fade, and it's always sad and confusing for me. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 3:34 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by bunderful at 3:34 PM PST - 27 comments
Trump digs coal.
I'd like one of those very simple white text on black background "Trump Digs Coal" signs that were handed out at West Virginia rallies as a memento of this...interesting...election year.
I've looked around the internet but no dice. I'd rather get it from a third party than buy it from the campaign.
Anyone know where I could get one?
Thanks.
posted by the offing at 3:17 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by the offing at 3:17 PM PST - 2 comments
Night life in West Palm Beach
Ms Wimp and I are spending two nights here (Saturday and Sunday) and are wondering what the best nightlife is that the area has to offer. We've heard about the Improv and the Blue Martini from the B&B host. Any other suggestions?
posted by Mental Wimp at 2:11 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Mental Wimp at 2:11 PM PST - 2 comments
Why am I so desperate for love?
[Gayfilter] I am a 23-year-old gay man who has never had a serious relationship, not through lack of trying. When potential relationships come to an end, I get severely depressed and can't handle the rejection. I have tried therapy, medication, self-medication, hobbies, you name it, but I cannot shake this unbearable heartache that plagues me every time a guy I like calls time on our fleeting romance. [more inside]
posted by Lewnatic at 1:58 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Lewnatic at 1:58 PM PST - 16 comments
New relationship after traumatizing one -- How To Do It?
When you enter a new relationship with a secure person after one that has traumatized you, how do you separate the anxiety triggered by trauma from legitimate ones about the new relationship? [more inside]
Should I let my friend crash at my place?
A friend of mine has been bouncing from place to place after moving out of her last apt (with roommates). She had asked to crash with me (I live with my boyfriend) for two days and then at the last minute said she was going to stay at her other friends' place - which I was happy with. Now she just let me know her place fell through and wants to stay 4 days with us. Should I nip this in the bud and tactfully suggest airbnb? [more inside]
posted by soooo at 12:56 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by soooo at 12:56 PM PST - 18 comments
How do I do retirement?
I am planning to retire at the end of this school year, June 2017. I will be age 65 at retirement and have worked at my current job for 31 years. My spouse is 70 and receives a small Social Security pension. Neither of us can nor will claim any disability.
I currently live in California but will have to move to Oregon to be closer to family. I have researched so many things but I still can't find the answers I seek to get the most bang out of my remaining bucks. Can you tell me where to find the answers to these questions? [more inside]
Help me find this shirt in the USA or figure out how to ship from UK
I found the perfect Ben Sherman shirt for my boyfriend for Christmas but can't figure out how to get it to the USA from the UK... [more inside]
Ramen Fixins
I've been eating a lot of ramen recently and I've taken to dicing up leftover meat into it, which is great. But what's some stuff I can keep in the fridge/cupboard that doesn't expire too quickly I can also put right in the ramen? [more inside]
Looking for good software employers in the Boulder, CO region
Middle of the road, broadly experienced software developer here. Does anyone have recommendations for a good employer in the Boulder, CO area? [more inside]
Many words about a housemate situation
I've been trying to figure out what to do about a very nice but exhausting housemate/friend. For years. Be prepared to be buried in beans and snowflakes. [more inside]
posted by velvet_n_purrs at 5:34 AM PST - 74 comments
posted by velvet_n_purrs at 5:34 AM PST - 74 comments
Charcuterie help
First attempt, this is after ten days. Small spots of mould starting to appear. Ruined? What should I do? Is it salvageable?
posted by conifer at 3:27 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by conifer at 3:27 AM PST - 7 comments
Private internet connection as part of anti-virus software
The latest version of my anti-virus software includes a new "Phantom VPN" function, which, when active, creates a "private connection" to a "virtual location in the USA."
When active, it lists a "% used" statistic determined by a ratio of KB to MB. For example, right now it tells me I'm using "0%", or "219.38kb KB of 500MB Secured Traffic"
I would like to know:
A) In terms of security, what does a private/Phantom VPN connection accomplish, and is it worth using every time I connect to the internet?
B) What does "% used" have to do with functionality? Is the percent KB/MB something I need to pay attention to?
Thanks
November 4
How close can I get to Borges on Project Gutenberg?
I like what I've read of Borges so far. I was browsing Project Gutenberg and wondering if there are any authors of a similar cant who can be found there. I like reading old books. Thanks.
posted by circular at 10:11 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by circular at 10:11 PM PST - 11 comments
What's a great place to snuba?
What is the prettiest place for snuba (or failing that, snorkeling) on a December vacation? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 7:42 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by critzer at 7:42 PM PST - 8 comments
Methods on increasing perceived value of free publications?
Keeping in mind that the content will be top quality, what are some clever methods on increasing the perceived value of a magazine that is distributed for free? I am worried that it's like "polishing the brass on the Titanic" so to speak, as magazines and newspapers are dying a slow death anyway--but I want to take my chances in the hopes that it would pave the way to other online projects. [more inside]
INFJs, Raise Your Hands
I have a question for any INFJ's out there (or anyone who's in a close relationship with an INFJ) - Do any of you notice that the more you run out of fuel, and the more you need to be alone, the more talkative you get? [more inside]
posted by quiet_musings at 6:35 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by quiet_musings at 6:35 PM PST - 28 comments
How potentially dangerous is a shock from DC 5.9V 1000mA (baby camera)?
I'm waiting on a call back from the doctor, but am just trying to understand the magnitude of this potential shock. Minor or major? [more inside]
Copenhagen or Berlin for New Year's Eve?
What it says in the title! Which one is more awesome? We are 30ish, like good beer and good food, and while we are not generally late-night partiers, we could be for NYE. [more inside]
Should I be concerned about Zika virus in Hawaii?
So I am the first to admit that I skew more paranoid and often worry about things that most people wouldn't give a passing thought to. So that brings me to my question, which is, is there any risk at all of contracting Zika in Hawaii currently? We are thinking of going there mid-December to early January.
Should I feel guilty?
I helped provide evidence that will lead to a 17 year old being tried as an adult. Should I feel guilty for providing this evidence? [more inside]
Did I Imagine This Novel, Irish Convent School Edition
Have you read this novel about teenage girls in an Irish convent school in the mid-twentieth century? Let me jig, er, jog your memory, and maybe you can help jog mine about the title and/or author.
So, I read a novel many years ago. Definitely more than thirty. As you'll see, I remember a number of details, but Google is coming up with absolutely no results from them.
My hope is that either someone will recognize something they've also read elsewhere, or that one of MeFi’s team of nimja librarians will know some arcane search method previously outside the ken of we mortals. [more inside]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:54 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:54 PM PST - 2 comments
What this place needs is some jawas
Here's the plan—we get pairs of red LEDs, battery powered, with little speakers that make jawa noises. Then we disperse them throughout that space in back that's just piles of old office equipment. What's the best way to achieve this critical mission?
Cutting edge research on user registration best practices?
There are so many product design options for user registration and signin these days: email/password, Facebook login, Google auth, SMS PIN numbers... so what are the current best practices, and where's the data to support them? [more inside]
Long-Distance Psychiatry/Therapy
Is there such a thing as a psychiatrist/therapist who could diagnose and treat (and maybe prescribe) via Skype or another remote mechanism? [more inside]
Getting past someone when nothing went wrong
How to get past someone when nothing terrible happened and there was no break up and it's for your own good? [more inside]
Dating a guy who expressed one thing that bothered me
The "Are you disgusted by the extremely obese?" question on okcupid: he answered Yes and marked No as unacceptable. Help me work with this? [more inside]
NYC driving school
Have permit; need instructor. I am a total beginner. I no longer know anybody locally with a car who can teach me, so where's a good driving school for adults that can get me through the test, ideally located in Brooklyn or Queens?
art babby tryna become art teenagger
How do I go from “people like my one-off weird art pieces On-Line” to “I have a legible artistic Practice with several long-term projects going with collaborators”? Complication: I want art to be a side hustle, since I’m a PhD student in computer science who’s aiming to become a professor. [more inside]
posted by glass origami robot at 11:57 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by glass origami robot at 11:57 AM PST - 6 comments
I need some badass yoga music
I teach heated vinyasa flow yoga. In the past, I have not normally taught or practiced with music, but I recently started teaching at a couple of studios that expect music to be played during class. So I am looking for some good tunes. Difficulty level: I do not like typical "yoga music." [more inside]
In the Mood for Glass-Smashing
What are your favorite primary source documents (historical speeches, essays, quotes, letters, etc) related to women making history and women's rights? [more inside]
How do Roku TVs work? (For Dummies)
Help me understand and make an informed choice when it comes to Roku, TVs and Roku TVs. [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 10:40 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 10:40 AM PST - 15 comments
Question about the end of 'It's Alive'
I have a question about the end of the classic and underrated 1974 Larry Cohen movie 'It's Alive'. [more inside]
posted by J0 at 10:31 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by J0 at 10:31 AM PST - 3 comments
How do I report credit card fraud occurring on a website I manage?
If I know about instances of attempted fraud online, where can I report it? [more inside]
Help Me Conquer Fear, Death, and the Unknown!
I am interested in pursuing a career in grief counseling and want to hear from Mefis in similar work about the reality of accomplishing this. [more inside]
How do I sell my dead father's house?
Precisely: how do I find a real-estate agent who can handle any complexities that arise in selling a house as part of an estate liquidation? [more inside]
posted by Made of Star Stuff at 8:56 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Made of Star Stuff at 8:56 AM PST - 7 comments
How do social media platforms address users potentially in crisis?
A public figure, active on social media, is displaying signs that might be construed as mania. Do social media platforms have policies on how to address this? [more inside]
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments
The job is fine, but the location is not fine
Previously, I asked this Question about taking a job you may not stay in long. Well, I interviewed for the job and just received an offer. Another possible opportunity popped up, but I don't know if I'm being a silly, idealistic recent grad. [more inside]
Are there critters in my tea?
(Spoiler alert: The answer is probably yes, but I'm curious about what kind.)
I always keep some iced passion tea/lemonade around in my eternal effort to cut back on Diet Coke. I make it by heating the water, tossing in the big teabag and letting it brew for anywhere from 10-30 minutes, then pouring it over ice with the lemonade and sticking it in the fridge. It lasts a few days. The other day I forgot about the tea and accidentally left it sitting out overnight - without taking the teabag out and putting in the ice. [more inside]
will LA for snacks and wrestling
First time to LA this weekend!! ISO best eats, art, and maybe also lucha? [more inside]
French culture and medicine
I have multiple myeloma, which generally is considered an incurable cancer, though some people stay in remission for decades. I am in the US. My doctor tells me that, once people are in remission, American doctors tend to put them on low-dose maintenance chemo for life, while French doctors, using the exact same data, have concluded that maintenance therapy is appropriate for a year, but after that, it has too negative an impact on quality of life for the benefits to be worth it. What gives? [more inside]
From 1 Pull Up & Chin Up to 10 -- In 6 Months. Possible?
I can currently do a single pull up and (barely) a single chin up. I would like to be able to do 10 of each within 6 months. What other exercises can I do at home (hoping for no or minimal equipment) to help me get to this goal? [more inside]
Is it possible to get a Hawai'i TB clearance without a PPD skin test?
I need to get a TB clearance from the state of Hawai'i, but they won't give me a chest X-ray without documentation of my past positive PPD, which I don't have. Every other medical professional I've ever asked about this has told me not to get another PPD, but that seems to be the only thing I can do here, right? [more inside]
posted by Snarl Furillo at 3:32 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Snarl Furillo at 3:32 AM PST - 11 comments
Guitar tab "format"
Is there such a thing as a widely used guitar tab file format, and associated software? There seems to be everything on the net from text files with just letters to proper sheet music with the guitar tab written underneath and I'm getting a bit lost. [more inside]
Self Help Skills/Teen ADHD Version
This year in my special education classes, I have a handful of 15/16 year olds who have the most severe ADHD I've ever seen. What can I do to help these kids learn to help themselves? I modify their assignments and the classroom to help them (yoga ball chairs, etc.) but I want to teach them how to live with this. Adults with knowledge of ADHD -- what hacks work for you? [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:43 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:43 AM PST - 9 comments
November 3
Submissive Person with Social Anxiety, how to overcome this?
I'm a 25 year old female, recently I got diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, came as a surprise because even though I've always felt uncomfortable around people, I never viewed it as a disorder. The problem with me is that I'm also very submissive and meek, I find it impossible to tell others what I truly feel or think, partly because I don't know what I want, or what to think in the first place. [more inside]
The Effectiveness of 'The Pill'??
Why is the combination birth control pill effective after only 7 days? How do birth control manufacturers determine that this is the amount of time after which bc pills are effective?
Speaking of, how much time (hours?) does it take for the bc pill to get in the blood stream after taking it. [more inside]
posted by twill at 7:09 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by twill at 7:09 PM PST - 11 comments
Low-Key Beach in Central America or the Caribbean
I'm looking for a laid-back, beachy, inexpensive place to go in January or February this year, ideally somewhere that I can reach by direct flight from Miami or Ft Lauderdale. And I'm looking for a specific kind of place to stay there. [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 6:01 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by lunasol at 6:01 PM PST - 7 comments
Stories about activists
I want novels/TV/movies about activists, people who devote time to fight for a cause they believe in. [more inside]
posted by Frenchy67 at 5:25 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by Frenchy67 at 5:25 PM PST - 48 comments
Where to find event listings and fun things to do - Detriot
What online resources can I check out to learn what's going on in Detroit/Ferndale this weekend? Google isn't turning up the kind of information I am looking for. I am not looking for major concerts, conventions or the like. Moreso, I am looking for fun hipster appropriate listings such as dive bars with themed Karaoke the 1st Saturday of every month, fun retro dance parties with a diverse crowd every Friday at XX location, special sing-along showing of Grease at XX theatre Sunday afternoon.... Suggestions?
BookFilter: DIY holiday party decorations
I'm hosting a book-themed holiday party, and I'm scouring the net for some good DIY creative decorations that are book-related. Pinterest is a big help but I need all the help I can get! [more inside]
posted by onecircleaday at 3:58 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by onecircleaday at 3:58 PM PST - 11 comments
Songs with the same beat
I'm looking for songs with the same drum beat (on the hi-hat) as this one. Any time period or genre is OK.
Public viewing of election results in Austin, TX
Myself and a group of co-workers will be in Austin, TX from Portland, OR on election day. We are pretty typical Portland liberal types and would like to find a place relatively close to downtown that serves good food (preferably BBQ or tacos), good booze and, most importantly, will be showing election results as they come in Tuesday. [more inside]
Medical offices like Freelancers Medical or One Medical in Brooklyn?
I was a customer of Freelancers Medical in Brooklyn, and I loved their approach to medical care. They went out of business and transferred their patients to One Medical, which isn't as nice but still way more pleasant than a traditional primary care practice. Are there other practices in NYC (preferably near Park Slope) with a similar approach? [more inside]
Pork!
I bought a pig. Right now it is happily running about in a pesticide-free field with its friends, eating organic food, rolling in the mud or swimming in the pond.
(tw not vegetarian stuff below the fold) [more inside]
posted by mumimor at 1:53 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by mumimor at 1:53 PM PST - 34 comments
Please help me ID this actor.
I'm trying to ID an actor! I thought he was in "Rubicon" (in the first few eps, anyway -- I only watched three or so) but I don't see him on the IMDb cast list. [more inside]
posted by paperback version at 1:43 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by paperback version at 1:43 PM PST - 56 comments
Remove empty folder in bash script?
I need help with a bash script removing empty folders after it completes. I have no idea what I'm doing! Details within. [more inside]
What do I need to wash after we picked up a tick?
Yesterday, my son and I went to a wolf sanctuary! This morning, I found a deer tick munching on him. The tick is being tested for Lyme via the town lab. Do I need to wash his sheets and blankets? (He wore clean pajamas last night but we didn't notice the tick when he changed into them.) My sheets and blankets? (I also put on clean pajamas before bed.) What about the jackets, all hanging together overnight on the coat rack? What about the fabric interior of the car?
Where's a good beginner swing dancing class in Boston?
My parter is an experienced (and patient) swing dancer and I'd like to learn, so I'm looking for a class that gives a gentle intro for people with no experience and plenty of time to practice. Anywhere in Boston accessible by Ⓣ is good; bonus for near JP or the orange line.
Suggestions for better understanding my sexuality.
Are there any suggestions of books like She Comes First by Ian Kerner or works that were instrumental in bettering your understanding of your sexuality? [more inside]
posted by city_park at 12:18 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by city_park at 12:18 PM PST - 7 comments
Responsive Image Map on WordPress?
I want to create a responsive image map for a website running on the WordPress platform. What is the best method for doing so? [more inside]
posted by jammy at 12:11 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by jammy at 12:11 PM PST - 4 comments
Supportive NYC tax expert needed to help sort out my tangled mess
After years of struggling (and slowly failing) as a freelancer, I finally have a decent job and some savings. I also have a huge tax debt, including a few unfiled years for both the IRS and NYS. Can you recommend a tax expert in NYC (or nearby) to assist me in getting out from under? I'm looking to file returns and work out payment plans, as well as get on track for the future. I feel intense, paralyzing shame about this, and I really need someone who won't add to that with lectures or chastisement. Thank you!
ISO adults who adult
I love a good exploding superhero cartoon as much as the next nerd, but this election really has me missing people who act like grownups. Can you recommend recent film or TV dramas in the vein of A Most Wanted Man, Spotlight, or Show Me a Hero that depict realistic characters who act like adults and do their jobs without a lot of fuss? Parameters and [more inside]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 10:58 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 10:58 AM PST - 29 comments
Fired, what do I do now?
I started a job 9/26 and have just been fired. Many things were contingent on this job--what do I do now? [more inside]
Seeking sweet television shows as an antidote to the sour US election
In the most recent election thread over on Metafilter blue, a discussion about the British comedy Detectorists and its effect as a balm to us election-weary folks has been at a gentle simmer. I am one more episode from the end (again), and am looking for a new show to watch with my mom that has a similar kind and calming feel. It need not be British (though aren't they just the best at this?), but something available on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime is ideal. [more inside]
Why is the New York TimesPres. Poll so much more pro-Hillary than others
538 is about 60-something for Hillary today. Why the huge discrepancy?
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:46 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:46 AM PST - 10 comments
Tricks to help me be more chill about life
I have identified in myself the unfortunate habit of seeing 'general life things' and 'other people' as obstacles on my path to optimisation. I'd like to be less anal about things. Please help? (examples inside) [more inside]
After the Crash
So, Tuesday night I was rear ended, hard, by a speeding, inattentive driver without insurance. She was cited and all but -- no insurance. I seem to be free of injury but per the collision repair place, my poor 2005 Lincoln Town car, previously a vintage vehicle in creampuff condition, can't safely be repaired. I'd love advice on 1) dealing with my insurance adjuster and 2) replacement car purchase. [more inside]
posted by bearwife at 9:07 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by bearwife at 9:07 AM PST - 13 comments
Help my family Secret Santa
How can my family arrange Secret Santa in a fair but not Scrooge-like manner? Details below. [more inside]
posted by bimbam at 9:00 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by bimbam at 9:00 AM PST - 12 comments
How many channel numbers do people remember?
It occurred to me today that I only know about six TV channel numbers anymore, and I was wondering whether that was particularly low. Is there any research into this? [more inside]
I wanted to "Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle!" not take a nap!
So this isn't a panicked "what am I going to do. I'm POISONED" kind of thing. I know it's not that serious! I was just an idiot. I didn't have my contacts in yet, thought I took my 20mg of adderall so I could get started on my homework for today. Instead, of course I took my 1mg of Xanax. Not too worried about it but I take Xanax to put me to sleep. I have a ton of homework I'm supposed to get done today. I took some activated charcoal thinking that would help.
Definitely feel the Xanax kicking in now, though. Can I take an adderall in an hour? I've got work to do! I can't be chilled out right now.
I don't want to try to make bleeding sexy, sorry
For the past ~7 years, I have bled/spotted maybe 75% of the time I have sex. As a single person who has sex with new partners occasionally, this sucks. My OBGYN assures me it's not indicative of any sort of problem other than fragile cervical tissue, but short of putting a towel down every time (ugh), is there anything I can do to make this stop? [more inside]
Windows 8 app that works like Colors! for Nintendo et al.
I inherited a Surface 3. I'd love to use it to draw, and specifically to draw and be able to replay the course of the drawing. The old homebrew app for Nintendo DS Called "Colors!" did exactly what I want. Is there a Windows 8 clone? [more inside]
How do I get better at sketching out ideas I have in my head?
I have a hard time planning things so when I go about building something I mostly make it up as I go along. I would like to change this. How can I get better at taking an idea I have in my head and sketching it out on paper? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 7:57 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by bondcliff at 7:57 AM PST - 10 comments
Appliance upgrades - Fireplace insert or new washer dryer?
We have a small budget ($4k) for home improvements. Please help me choose which would be better in terms of bang for my buck and energy efficiency. [more inside]
Identify another short story for me?
It would be a fantasy / horror story anthologized sometime in the '70s or '80s, involving the witch-burning of a servant girl. I remember only two things about it, both horrific. (CW: gore) [more inside]
Commute Productivity Filter: Help me keep my phone from sliding away?
I commute via public transportation, on a bus full of other long distance commuters. I am tired of lugging my laptop along, and would like to use my phone with a bluetooth keyboard, but don't have a tray table. How can I keep my phone from sliding away during turns and sudden stops? (And accommodate phone designs of the future?) More details inside. [more inside]
posted by metarkest at 6:36 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by metarkest at 6:36 AM PST - 9 comments
Wetting the bed through a diaper
Our almost-three-year-old is regularly soaking through her diaper at night, to the point where she often wakes up in the morning with a completely wet diaper, wet pajamas, and wet sheets. We've tried different diapers and none seem better than the others -- can anyone recommend particular diapers that are especially absorbent? [more inside]
Donating to Fight Voter Suppression in the Home Stretch
Donating to Fight Voter Suppression in the Home Stretch: In the hands of what group will my money do the most immediate good to make sure that targets of voter suppression in the US will get to vote? [more inside]
posted by D.Billy at 4:43 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by D.Billy at 4:43 AM PST - 5 comments
Lacquering error correction?
I'm restoring a little deco side table, lacquering its two surfaces. I sanded away the original coat of paint, and since it felt nice and smooth to the touch, proceeded with a first coat of black synthetic. Once it was dry, it was clear that there was substantial grain that was still going to show, the intended smooth lacquer finish wasn't there yet at all. [more inside]
posted by progosk at 12:48 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by progosk at 12:48 AM PST - 15 comments
Named as executor, but with wrong name and there is little to administer
My elderly friend died last month. I am supposed to "handle" her affairs, but she had no property, not even a car and there is not that much to handle. Just the same, I would like to do what I am supposed to do correctly. [more inside]
November 2
Making a shelf to hang off a picture rail
Our apartment has plaster walls and old-fashioned sturdy picture rails. Can I use these rods to make something like this that costs less than $175? [more inside]
Baseball. Protective barrier on the dugout.
I am so sure (of course, I am) that in the 80's or early 90's, a player got hit in the dugout by a line drive. And that is why the big protective barriers are up for the dugout. I know several have been hit since...Cano. Dietrich. Who was the, er, genesis of this, if I am (possilbly incorrectly) remembering this? I feel like this player went on to be a coach.
posted by oflinkey at 11:21 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by oflinkey at 11:21 PM PST - 2 comments
Eat the right thing
What specifically do you tell yourself to successfully override food or alcohol (or other) cravings, drives towards emotional eating, temptation, etc.? [more inside]
Why were post-Soviet Russians so obsessed with salami?
I am reading Svetlana Alexievich's Secondhand Time, about the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union, and it's great. But there's one thing I don't get: all the references to salami. It seems like when 1990s Russians talk about the capitalist tendency in their society, they mention jeans, and they mention salami. Why salami? Is this a translation of a Russian word that means something like "fancy food" more generally? Or do Russians literally see salami, specifically, as a synechdoche for expensive Western goods?
posted by escabeche at 11:04 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by escabeche at 11:04 PM PST - 7 comments
Was I right to end this relationship?
I just found out that my new boyfriend of 2 months slept with his ex wife after our third date. I ended the relationship. He is now trying to win me back. [more inside]
How many balls are available for a major league game?
The internet says that frequently 90~100 are used, and I'm sure they have well double on hand, but does anybody know exactly how many they stock?
posted by colin_l at 8:16 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by colin_l at 8:16 PM PST - 4 comments
Why won't Instagram allow me to register my name?
In a nutshell, I have a company and all my social media accounts have the same "/companyname" ending to the web address except for my Instagram. Trying to edit my profile while online, I get a message saying that 'That user name is not available'. When I try to log in with the name (I think I may have signed up with it initially years ago, but forgot), it says 'This username doesn't belong to an account'.... [more inside]
From a contract to a permanent job position in my new career
I need some advice about how to transition from a contract position straight out of a master's degree in a professional health care field (communication sciences and disorders). Can I ask for a $17,000 raise? [more inside]
What are amazing cities to visit for ONLY 1 or 2 days?
So I've got this round the world ticket. And I've got a little over 3 weeks to use it. So I want to see as much as I can in the time. But I don't want to blow through places that clearly deserve more time to see. I did that in Vienna and regretted it. So what are the best cities in the world to see for just limited times. As in, VERY worth seeing but spending MORE than two days seems excessive.
How can I understand subnetting?
Despite great efforts to understand computer network subnetting, I am hopelessly stuck and feel like I will never get it. What resources can I try that treat the topic differently for someone without a computer background? [more inside]
Where to find Italian speaking psychotherapists in Atlanta, GA area?
Where can I look for an Italian-speaking psychotherapist in the Atlanta area? [more inside]
Just use fingerprint scanner on a Nexus 6P?
How to *just use* fingerprint scanner to unlock a Nexus 6P? [more inside]
posted by My Dad at 5:04 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by My Dad at 5:04 PM PST - 8 comments
Seeking: Boston-area psychiatric care; a treatment plan; hope
I have a pile of treatment-resistant psychiatric symptoms, a long list of possible diagnoses given to me by different doctors over the years (including various mood disorders, ADHD, autism, and borderline personality disorder), and nearly a decade's worth of history with different psychiatrists trying different med combos with limited success. I want a knowledgeable professional who is a good diagnostician and listens well to help me dig through this shit and work out a treatment plan that makes sense. Can you recommend someone like that in the Boston area? [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 5:03 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by nebulawindphone at 5:03 PM PST - 11 comments
Need travel insurance with pre-existing condition. From Canada to USA.
Looking to buy 8 days of travel insurance for a trip from Canada to the US. Difficulty: Pre-existing condition with an unclear diagnosis. However, I'm willing to pay extra for coverage. Thoughts on a provider? [more inside]
How does tipping work on a cruise?
I am taking a Carnival cruise in a couple of months, and I am trying to figure out protocol. What I am reading about tipping online is confusing. Do people bring money to tip cash? Do tips get applied automatically? Are you supposed to do both? Also, how large of tips is normal? Any insight would be appreciated.
Personal trainer
My gym is trying to get to work with a personal trainer for 1 month . I nee to lose 40 pounds. Do you think is worth vs going to the gym on my own??
Would I see better results?
Title ID, for early Hollywood silent film clips
I have a bunch of early Hollywood silent film clips that I am looking to ID. Any idea what films these clips are from? Thank you in advance! [more inside]
posted by stanleyhuff at 3:20 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by stanleyhuff at 3:20 PM PST - 9 comments
Where can I buy unbranded pre-packaged trail mix?
I'm contemplating starting a small business, selling a kind of a gift box, with multiple items included. I'm considering the possibility of including a small package of trail mix in the larger gift box. Where can I shop for small packages of unbranded trail mix? [more inside]
posted by waterisfinite at 2:36 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by waterisfinite at 2:36 PM PST - 7 comments
loose-fitting pants
Does anyone still make nice but cheap loose-fitting casual pants for men anymore? It seems like everyone is on the super-slim trendy bandwagon, and I hate that. I'd like a fuller cut, more info inside. [more inside]
I cannot vanquish my brother, the Duke of Modena
I recently bought Crusader Kings 2 during a Steam sale. I'm getting better at the politics, but I can't figure out how to go to war or defend my lands. Could someone please point to a CK2 combat tutorial written for people who have never played grand strategy games before? [more inside]
Lower Manhattan Quick Tourism Hits
Big family wedding coming up in early December in NYC. There will be a lot of family gatherings going on, so there won't really be time for us to do whole day tourism schleps. We will be staying in Tribeca and I'm looking for any and all recommendations for fun, interesting, cool things to do (in December) that are quick and easy to get to from where we're staying, and won't take all day to experience. Things that we can run out and do in an hour or two in between family events. General interests inside. [more inside]
posted by soren_lorensen at 12:18 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by soren_lorensen at 12:18 PM PST - 24 comments
The Truth
Please help me understand this story by Ted Chiang. [more inside]
posted by bq at 12:10 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by bq at 12:10 PM PST - 7 comments
Help me fall asleep on my back without choking on my tongue.
I find it much easier and more comfortable to fall asleep lying on my back than on my side or stomach, but once I actually slip into unconsciousness my tongue falls into the back of my throat and suffocates me, causing me to wake up. Is there anything I can do about this? [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 11:33 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 11:33 AM PST - 17 comments
Better Call Saul Embezzlement Results
Question about what would have happened in Better Call Saul if the Kettlemans had gotten a new lawyer (spoilers within) [more inside]
Processing news of infidelity in last relationship - can I hasten this?
I recently discovered that my ex-partner was seeing someone else before we split up and has been together with her ever since. At the time I was aware that he was visiting her house frequently for 'band practices', but it seems the 'music' they were making together was of a different sort to that which I was led to believe. I feel like I'm reliving the early days of our painful breakup all over again. Please help me process this more quickly. [more inside]
posted by doornoise at 10:49 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by doornoise at 10:49 AM PST - 31 comments
Is it worth getting a Wii U at this point?
Now that the Wii U is nearing end of life I've been thinking of picking one up along with several of its best games. Caveat: I would probably play exclusively on the tablet and not hooked up to a TV. Is this feasible? Would using the controls on the tablet be too uncomfortable? Can I use a pro controller or something while I use the tablet strictly as a display? Anything else I should consider?
glucose intolerance and oxygen
What is the known relationship between glucose intolerance (that can lead to diabetes, if I understand correctly) and oxygen? Specifically, I'm curious if lower oxygen levels lead to glucose intolerance, or the other way around. [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 10:15 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by SpacemanStix at 10:15 AM PST - 3 comments
Tell me about treating hand, foot and mouth disease
Pretty sure my young kids are coming down with hand, foot and mouth. Please share your advice for treatment and prevention from reoccurrences. [more inside]
posted by areaperson at 10:11 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by areaperson at 10:11 AM PST - 15 comments
What to do in Switzerland in the fall?
The Mr and I are starting to plan a trip to Switzerland and parts of northern Italy next fall, and would like ideas about what to do and where to go in Switzerland that are not hiking or other athletically-inclined activities and are within reach of train stations. [more inside]
What do you mean we don't have any more sweet potatoes?!?!
Baby Kitty is rocking the solid food, and Mr. Kitty and I prefer to make it ourselves. We have little ball 4oz storage jars that we keep in our chest freezer and defrost for meals, but we lose track of how many we have of each food type and will run out of favorites.
Is there a good recommended app that will log when a solid food was created, used, and provide alerts when certain categories (ie pears & sweet potatoes) drop below a pre-determined minimum.
Transportation in Cleveland: car or no?
I'll be in Cleveland this weekend starting this weekend and going into next week, trying to keep the world safe from the forces of neo-fascism. I'll be staying downtown and traveling to the Board of Elections, and I'm trying to figure out my transportation options. [more inside]
Christmas Present for New Grandparents
We had a baby this year (yay!); she is the first grandchild for all four of her grandparents and they are all nuts about her. For Christmas, I'd like to get my parents and in-laws something related to her. The problem is, we send photos every day so I don't want just to give them more pictures and they don't want stuff so no mugs or t-shirts with her picture. Ideas appreciated! [more inside]
Reading nook furniture quandary
I have a room (closet) with a window, approximately 5 feet by 5 feet. I would love to make it into a cozy nook for reading and relaxing, preferable with a comfy chair/pillows and fabric hangings.
Added level of difficulty - since it's a closet, the door is only 24" wide, so I cannot fit large furniture through. Any thoughts on how to do this? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl at 7:53 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by needlegrrl at 7:53 AM PST - 12 comments
Meta Deal Finder
Does anyone know of a good deal finding website or service? I'm looking something where I can just say I'm looking for a type/category of item and it will scour deals and just give me an updated list I can check on or send me an alert when there's a hot deal. [more inside]
posted by mayonnaises at 6:57 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by mayonnaises at 6:57 AM PST - 6 comments
Help me find furniture that looks like this
I saw this credenza on curbed and kind of love it. The coffee table as well. However at 7000 GBP it is probably more than we are looking to spend. I appreciate that quality case goods are expensive tho and am pretty open to other ideas.
Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts of other producers I should be looking at if I like this? Specifically what I like about it is the geometric nature of the pattern combined with the modern silhouettes.
How to take my drawing skills up a notch or three?
I've been drawing for most of my life. I'm competent, but not good. How do I get good? [more inside]
How can I get an amateur radio license while abroad?
I'm a Canadian (with NL citizenship, if that matters) living abroad in Romania right now. I wonder if there are any easy routes to me getting an amateur radio license. I've wanted one for a long time and I'm competent when it comes to electronics -- I'm just not sure what jurisdiction I should be trying this in, or whether it's possible in English without a lot of travel. Any ideas?
posted by jpziller at 4:48 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by jpziller at 4:48 AM PST - 5 comments
Did the Clerk Make Off with My Much-Needed Original Title?
I moved to Washington state recently and went in to register my vehicle. They gave me a 'Vehicle Title Application/Registration Certificate' but took my old and original title from my home state, was I supposed to retain that old title for my records? [more inside]
posted by Avosunspin at 2:39 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Avosunspin at 2:39 AM PST - 16 comments
Need advice on making my wardrobe a little less gender-normative.
I'm a 28-year-old lesbian who has always presented as very feminine: sundresses, tights, heels, the works. Lately I find myself really longing to dabble in more androgynous/masculine fashion, but I have no idea where to start. [more inside]
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 12:25 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 12:25 AM PST - 18 comments
Cope with frequent, stressful meetings with a supervisor?
In grad school and must suffer through anxiety-filled weekly meetings with a supervisor. How can I deal? [more inside]
In today's set of first-world problems...
I'm an adult, but my parents still control my revocable trust. This makes me feel weird for a number of reasons. How should I deal with this? [more inside]
November 1
Best gallery rail system?
We need to install a new rail system in a university space to hang various, rotating artwork (range of sizes and weights). Do you have any opinions as to which is the best system and/or cheapest for quality equipment? We're located in the US if that impacts shipping prices.
shapewear specifically to calm a butt down?
I'm thin, but with a big butt that I'd like to minimize while wearing a particular piece of formal attire. All I can find is shapewear that minimizes tummy, thighs, and hips, while "lifting" the rear. Help! [more inside]
What kind of helicopter is this?
Consider this stock photo of a military helicopter. Can you identify the model, type, maker, country, whatever?
posted by Naberius at 7:15 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Naberius at 7:15 PM PST - 3 comments
Darling, what do you DO to have such lovely cuticles?
Actually, never mind lovely. What do you do to have simple, healthy cuticles? [more inside]
posted by kestralwing at 7:10 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by kestralwing at 7:10 PM PST - 25 comments
Switching from Zoloft to Welbutrin
Almost a decade ago, I used Welbutrin for anxiety and depression. It was my first time using an anti-depressent, and I remember feeling a somewhat nervous while I was on it, like my mind was racing. I ended up on Zoloft, and I have been using it ever since with a quarter-tablet of Abilify. This works well for me, except for the weight gain. As such, I would like to give Welbutrin a try again, and i have an appointment with my doctor in two days, but I have some questions. [more inside]
Non-alcoholic beer — but for spirits? Help replace my gin.
I'm trying to reduce my alcohol intake, much of which is made up of either a bottle of beer after work, followed by a later bourbon or gin over ice. I've switched to non-alcoholic beers for post-dinner on weeknights, which seems to satisfy the craving.
I'd like to find a similar substitute that can take the place of the spirits. Something herbal, full-flavored and sip-able. Does this magic drink exist? [more inside]
Two Pints of Sam Adams
Dinner and an election in downtown Brooklyn [more inside]
posted by postcommunism at 5:54 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by postcommunism at 5:54 PM PST - 6 comments
Does the look I'm thinking of even exist?
I am a 30-something woman, and I would like to 1) wear pants 2) to work 3) in the winter 4) with a heel no higher than 1 1/2 inches 5) and not look frumpy.
Where can I find the items I need to pull this off? First, the pants. I'm assuming that I want something more fitted/skinny than loose/bootcut. But nothing skintight, no leggings-as-pants or their ponte equivalent, and it's winter, so no "ankle" or "cropped" lengths. This eliminates pretty much all the dressy pants I've seen this season. Then, the shoes. I don't even have the most basic idea of what I'm looking for. Most low heels and wedges seem to be designed with the assumption that you've completely given up.
Any ideas?
posted by Ralston McTodd at 5:51 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Ralston McTodd at 5:51 PM PST - 24 comments
How to have an excellent life with chronic pain
I am a woman in my mid-twenties with chronic back pain. How do I find a job suited to my lifestyle, and communicate about my pain without putting off employers? [more inside]
Close Reading - Book Group Suggestions
What are your suggestions for books for a close reading book group? [more inside]
I thought print was dead
About a year ago I started getting teenagers at my door, claiming to be from an "inner city", out here to get people to buy magazine subscriptions so they can have a better life, etc etc obvious scam etc. In the past month it's ramped up and last week I've had three of these guys at my door. My question isn't so much how can I get them to stop - they're not scary or anything - but how can I help these kids get out of this scheme without giving them money? [more inside]
Theme song for a fantasy RPG setting!
Inspired by the fact that episodic TV shows have brief theme songs, I want one that I can adopt for the D&D setting I've been DMing. Something to set the mood during the first ~2 minutes, during the previous-session-recap phase. Help me find the perfect track. [more inside]
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 3:13 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 3:13 PM PST - 18 comments
Cell phone for handicapped person
My mother in-law has severe bone on bone arthritis. Needs a new cell phone with actual buttons, large buttons preferably, and not a touch screen. [more inside]
What the heck is this thing?
Asking for a friend, really.
Here it is, with a ruler for scale. Metal, iron, but not cast iron I don't think, weighs a pound-ish.
We think it might be a paperweight, or maybe some kind of printers tool?
She bought it at an estate sale in the Twin Cities Metro.
posted by Ecgtheow at 2:48 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Ecgtheow at 2:48 PM PST - 12 comments
How do I buy this stuff?
I want to buy Soft & Gentle products, specifically Hair Minimize and Cool Boost. However, I can't buy them online because apparently no one sells them in, or to, the United States. I only see the products on ASDA and Superdrug, and they only have the price in pounds and won't take my zip code. [more inside]
The long (and expensive) road back to school...
As a follow up to my previous question, I'm thinking that going back to school for a masters in public health would be the most rewarding solution. Advice on weighing the pros and cons of this decision appreciated. [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 1:37 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Everydayville at 1:37 PM PST - 3 comments
Wait, wait, don't cut off that song
Song-ID-filter: On This week's episode (10/29/2016 with Steve Young) of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me there was a song used as bumper music right after the Limericks section. I'd like to hear the whole song but Google is not helping me find it from the lyrics that they played. [more inside]
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 1:24 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 1:24 PM PST - 3 comments
I can't ex, he can. How to relationship?
Long-term lovers: can two people who identify with opposing schools of thought on exes and opposite-sex friends coexist happily? I want him to stop talking to his ex completely. He'll do it (and loves/respects me), but he thinks it's overkill. [more inside]
London, early December
I'm in London with a 13 year old in early December. Wondering where to go for a good holiday market, especially any with a European feel, dates are Dec. 1 - 6.
We do have a Sunday free, do you have a recommendation for an advent service?
Which doors are you supposed to knock on for Halloween?
When you are trick-or-treating which doors are you supposed to knock on: lights on or lights on and pumpkins/other decorations? [more inside]
Print! Just print, d@mn you!
So tired of doing workarounds -- need a small footprint, B&W Brother printer which will play nicely with my Dell All in One until I can pull it together and purchase a whole new system. Currently Windows 7. [more inside]
Is it safe to use MDMA while taking an SSRI?
Is it safe to use MDMA (ecstasy) while taking an SSRI such as Lexapro (escitalopram) or Zoloft (sertraline)? I am particularly interested in scientific research (that is accessible to lay people) on the subject, though anecdotal information is also welcome. Thank you.
Book recs please! Help me imagine a different life/place/time...
I'm looking for book recommendations. Specifically, books that make me feel like I understand on a human level what it would feel like to live a different life. This can range from non-fiction that tells stories of intense adventure experiences to fiction that really allows me to imagine what it feels like to live in a different time period. Basically, can you recommend books with powerful storytelling that allow me to imagine things that would otherwise be beyond my ken? [more inside]
posted by jeszac at 10:46 AM PST - 52 comments
posted by jeszac at 10:46 AM PST - 52 comments
Getting Tickets for Hamilton
My SO has been obsessed with the soundtrack for a while, so I'm thinking of getting some tickets for his xmas gift. I know next to nothing about Broadway and acquiring tickets for shows. [more inside]
posted by monologish at 10:09 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by monologish at 10:09 AM PST - 20 comments
Is the use of the FBI logo in a small part of an app okay?
I'm making my first android app, a dinner party murder mystery complete with minigames, and I want to add a "fingerprint database" check, as shown here.
The screen currently features a small picture of the FBI logo, and the text will make reference to the FBI. Is this within the bounds of fair use? [more inside]
posted by Archibald Edmund Binns at 9:45 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Archibald Edmund Binns at 9:45 AM PST - 13 comments
Cat travel and vacation home
How do I make two 8-year-old cats comfortable on a 90+ minute car drive, to and from a vacation house every weekend and for the duration of the visit? [more inside]
posted by Neeuq Nus at 8:54 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Neeuq Nus at 8:54 AM PST - 23 comments
Philosophy Training
I am looking into founding a training company to offer critical thinking / logical analysis / other philosophy related skills to businesses.
This is not something we really know how to do.
Have you either hired training for a company or been involved in doing it?
More detailed questions inside. [more inside]
Help me pick a (moderately) high-performance laptop?
I am looking for a new personal computer which I would run Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice recognition software on. Other than that I am a light computer user. One recommendation I got for laptop specs to run Dragon 15 is 16GB RAM, 2.6GHz i7 processor with a 6MB L3 cache (example i7-6700HQ) and a solid state drive. What laptop should I get which has those specs (or other specs which would suite my needs), is a good reliable machine, and is a good price? [more inside]
Restroom Police
How does one go about policing public restroom "fecal vandalism"? [more inside]
Collective noun for parts of the day?
So from what I gather, one 24 hour period can be broken in to bits. 'Daytime' and 'Nighttime' are popular. These can even have subdivisions such as 'Morning', and 'Evening'. Is there a collective word for these divisions? [more inside]
posted by quinndexter at 6:50 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by quinndexter at 6:50 AM PST - 9 comments
How do you make it work at a job you hate?
I hate my current job, Job A, but I've been very good at it and they are trying to retain me. In the meanwhile, I applied for and got very far along in the process with another company- Job B. That process allowed me to be more honest with myself about unhappy I was in Job A.
I didn't get Job B, and in the meanwhile Job A has made a very lucrative offer. Should I try and make this work? [more inside]
Specific question about HIPPA
I am a nurse. Is it legal and ethical for me to, with the patient's consent, refer my patient to a reporter to do a story? [more inside]
Portfolios, how do they work?
In search of a radical career change, I need an online portfolio to pursue creative technology. My stuff is all over the place. How to get it more coherent? [more inside]
Organizations to support a bottle-feeding mom?
I know about La Leche. But are there organizations out there who will offer support to a bottle-feeding mom? More inside.. [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 5:10 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by ficbot at 5:10 AM PST - 25 comments
Uber, or not Uber?
I am debating getting a car and becoming an Uber driver. Is this a good plan? [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus at 3:01 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by pseudostrabismus at 3:01 AM PST - 20 comments
Help me delight my lovely team for Christmas
What are some fun activities in London (West or Central) with food, for 50 competitive twenty-somethings with an afternoon to spare? [more inside]