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I'm looking for more media about behind-the-scenes or little-known aspects of World War II. [more inside]
posted by TimHare at 10:44 PM PST - 36 comments

A few weeks back a car merged into me without warning, tearing up my back driver's side panel and door. Now they won't respond to their own insurance company's attempts to make contact and their insurance wants me to "prove" that it was their fault. The situation was a hit-and-run. What can I do? Pennsylvania. [more inside]
posted by erattacorrige at 10:23 PM PST - 8 comments

Can anyone come up with a source for the shawl pattern that Elora Danan is wearing in episode 2 of the new Willow series on Disney+. [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 8:33 PM PST - 9 comments

I’m an elementary school librarian and will be receiving a brand new collection of books next year. The books will be supplied by, um, a very large vendor, and colleagues of mine who’ve recently received new collections curated by this vendor have not been entirely pleased. I’m in charge of what books we’ll receive, can request specific titles, veto the vendor’s choices and otherwise control the process. What resources will help me curate the best elementary school library collection ever? [more inside]
posted by carterk at 7:55 PM PST - 7 comments

Lead singer was male and reminded me of the singer in "Disco Inferno". Lyrics were in English, primarily about dancing. Female backup singers interjected "Dance!" at regular intervals. I have attempted to reproduce the main beat that repeats through the song: vocaroo link. Hope this rings someone's bell. [more inside]
posted by mpark at 6:57 PM PST - 9 comments

My beloved 2007/2008(?) model 37" Sony Bravia tv has developed a line of broken pixels along the left side of the screen, top to bottom, and getting larger by the week like a run in a stocking. Have you, personally, fixed this issue? And if so, how? [more inside]
posted by mochapickle at 3:55 PM PST - 11 comments

I have an Excel graph, and I want to put some lines and circles on top of it (using Draw.) I then need to export these graphs as PNG files and then convert them to EPS (for an academic journal.) Help me flatten this into one layer. [more inside]
posted by melodykramer at 2:18 PM PST - 7 comments

If you are using the Alexa Together service to help facilitate daily life for an aging, not-technically-inclined relative who lives some distance away, can you please tell me how it's working for you and your family? [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 1:57 PM PST - 1 comment

What, if anything, has conservative Harvard law professor Adrian Vermeule said about the J6 insurrection and/or Republican election denialism since 2021? [more inside]
posted by mhum at 1:23 PM PST - 6 comments

I love this piece of art (image 1, image 2) but not the oh-so-groovy 1970s framing/mounting. Unfortunately, I was not blessed with any sort of creative aesthetic sense so I turn to you all. How would you make this look more modern? [more inside]
posted by the_shrike at 12:06 PM PST - 11 comments

A long time ago I had a pan that I used for jam tarts. It had six or twelve depressions that were VERY shallow and each probably 3 inches wide, which each had a small flat bottom and (relatively) long sloping smooth sides. The tart cases it produced were nearly but not quite flat disks that held only about a tablespoon of jam or lemon curd despite their diameter. [more inside]
posted by cali at 11:38 AM PST - 13 comments

I want to buy adult roller blades for my 12 year old nephew. Adjustable if possible but that's not mandatory. Just good quality and not heinously expensive. Thanks!
posted by bookworm4125 at 11:33 AM PST - 6 comments

I have an oddly-configured bookcase with a narrow shelf I've never used for books (until now). The shelf can accommodate volumes no taller than 175mm / 6⅞". I have enough little volumes to half-fill it. I'd like to get some more that will look appealing & intriguing on this shelf and feel good in the hand. These would need to be items readily-available in the UK. In other words, if you had a miniature coffee-table, what books would you put on it? [more inside]
posted by misteraitch at 10:49 AM PST - 13 comments

I’ve been struggling mightily with maintaining a creative life the past few years. Any insights you’ve picked up? [more inside]
posted by xenization at 9:14 AM PST - 15 comments

What can I do for my 5-year old outdoor cat, who is less willing to go outside every winter, but also more depressed about it too? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 8:40 AM PST - 16 comments

Looking for a more efficient and manageable way to copy or export texts from the Burner phone app. Either an app that will help or (more likely) workflow tips to help manage and stitch back together a zillion screenshots. [more inside]
posted by BespokePuppet at 8:14 AM PST - 2 comments

The Holy Roman Empire. The Glorious Revolution. What other historical things have wildly misleading or overpromising names?
posted by TheophileEscargot at 7:53 AM PST - 40 comments

I am able to see my top songs in 2022 by looking at "spotify wrapped 2022" on the app as well as a few Playlists (and was notified of it coming out today). But last year, they showed me a neat little presentation (which I really enjoyed) with stats about what songs I listened to, what genres, how often, etc. Is that not a thing this year? If it is, how do I view it? I have a spotify paid membership.
posted by bearette at 7:48 AM PST - 9 comments

I was contacted out of the blue last week by a major consulting firm (in the McKinsey/Bain/BCG vein) for a role related to my current job in industry, and following an intake call they have invited me to interview--in 7 days. I never attended business school, so I am starting from zero on the elaborate interview-prep process that seems necessary for these sorts of companies. Current consultants, former consultants, former consulting-firm candidates: what do you wish you'd known before your interviews? Do you have any tips on optimising the preparation process? [more inside]
posted by blessmycottonsocks at 5:08 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm about to write a brief scene that's set on a flat rooftop in São Paulo. What things might my character notice that would make the setting seem specific to that city? [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 12:53 AM PST - 8 comments

If you had this 2kg slab of wheat noodles, what would you be making? [more inside]
posted by Adifferentbear at 10:54 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm trying to find somewhere I can subscribe online (without paying for 200+ channels I won't watch on actual cable) to watch the new Hallmark Christmas movies coming out this year. NOT the "library" or all the movies from 2021 and older, which appears to be what's on offer now. [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:48 PM PST - 5 comments

For Christmas, I’d like to give my fiancé an experiential gift in or near NYC - maybe a cultural membership, season tickets, or an unforgettable date activity. What’s the best bang for your buck NYC experiential gift in 2022? [more inside]
posted by rabbitbookworm at 9:29 PM PST - 10 comments

I f*king hate my blender. Rec me a new one? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:24 PM PST - 8 comments

(Very preliminary idea; still exploring viability) What kind of grant support that would benefit both the grant organization (in knowledge generation) and the researcher (adding to their citation scores/career)? Looking for criteria and/or terms of reference. [more inside]
posted by cendawanita at 9:14 PM PST - 6 comments

My four year old son loves dinosaurs and loves our dog, Bailey. He asked me what dinos were the same size as our dog. She weighs 75lbs (but has been as high as 90lbs). I was able to find some dinosaurs that were about the same size as an adult human and velociraptors I knew to be around 40lbs, same as a medium sized dog. But I can't seem to find any examples there were between those two. Any paleontologists or dinosaur enthusiasts know of any?
posted by VTX at 7:16 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to make necklaces out of the tons of little doo-dad jewelry I have, from flea markets, inherited, itself, sort of like these but some of these objects do not have a hole in the top to put a link in. Some are metal, there's a cameo, there's an old watch face, etc etc., some are metal, some are stone. What should I be thinking about here? A Dremel? And, if I get a Dremel, do I then practice with various drill bits? how would I begin this craft?
posted by DMelanogaster at 5:33 PM PST - 10 comments

I was diagnosed with ADHD and was fired from my job in a two-week span, and I need help finding and keeping employment. [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 4:16 PM PST - 11 comments

I've got a week to kill and I'd like to do it sitting in a hotel room and watching the ships come and go. Cost is an issue -- flying there and back (starting in Mexico City) plus the cost of the hotel -- but other than that and a preference for staying out of the snow the world is open. Suggestions?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 3:03 PM PST - 16 comments

My husband's mother is very ill and we're unfortunately expecting a funeral in the next few months. My husband is in software and has been WFH for years; the last time he had to wear a suit was to my mother's funeral, which was almost five years ago. We had to buy the suit last-minute and have it tailored to fit and we don't want to repeat that experience. My husband's lost a lot of weight so he doesn't have anything in his wardrobe that will fit without extensive alteration. [more inside]
posted by gentlyepigrams at 2:35 PM PST - 11 comments

Looking for a gift for someone with chronically cold legs. She is still dining outside, probably the instance where this surfaces the most, but even heated patios leave her legs chilly. [more inside]
posted by supercres at 2:32 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm a huge subway aficionado, and I am strongly considering buying for myself a Toronto subway blind (link) which was previously used on TTC trains to show the final stop of a subway. Unfortunately it's 17ft long, and my ceiling is nowhere near that tall. How can I display it? [more inside]
posted by evadery at 1:46 PM PST - 5 comments

I've used the same old LL Bean book bag for everything for years. It's falling apart! I'm trying to find something to replace it that's a bit nicer, but as ever, buying a replacement backpack is a trial. [more inside]
posted by BungaDunga at 1:37 PM PST - 9 comments

I teach an 83 year old english learner once a week. Mostly Grammar for Dummies. He's been great until recently when he said his dementia is keeping his from processing some of what he's learning. His long term memory is good but his short term isn't. Are there any strategies for helping someone deal with this and keep learning?
posted by rileyray3000 at 1:34 PM PST - 8 comments

Rotary Club- what's it like? [more inside]
posted by emd3737 at 12:32 PM PST - 7 comments

Javascript help needed: what is the code that will bring me to the bottom of a webpage on Safari in IOS 14.8? [more inside]
posted by mirileh at 11:54 AM PST - 2 comments

I've spent 3 months on the all-in low-FODMAP elimination diet, figuring out what foods bother me, and unfortunately fructans, such as those in garlic and onions seem to be hard for me to eat. My old cooking style used chopped garlic and onion as the base for almost everything. Over the past few months I've been eating really bland food, but I'm looking to add back some flavour and complexity. Add more ginger? Other spices? chopped carrots as a base? Snowflakes below: [more inside]
posted by Valancy Rachel at 11:14 AM PST - 26 comments

Looking for your favorite fuzzy socks! I want to get some fuzzy socks for a gift for an adult. If you have some favorite fuzzy socks you can link me to that would be awesome! [more inside]
posted by cashman at 9:57 AM PST - 8 comments

Yes, it’s another Christmas music question!y tastes in Christmas music tend toward traditional carols—think God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen; Riu Riu Chiu; Ukrainian Bell Carol—and I’m hoping to add some lesser-known ones to my playlist this year. What are your favorite lesser-known traditional carols (or lesser-known arrangements of popular carols) available on Spotify? Please go by as broad a definition of “carol” as you like, and arrangements themselves do not have to be traditional! [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 9:17 AM PST - 52 comments

What is the origin of the "Item 1 and Item 2 and Item 3" meme that I see on t-shirts and posters and generally everywhere these days? [more inside]
posted by soy_renfield at 9:00 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm a total beginner looking to learn Python. What are your favorite online classes, books, or other resources for this endeavor? I'm not entirely sure what sort of learning style might suit me best, so I'm interested in any and all possible approaches. Thank you!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 8:12 AM PST - 18 comments

So I made homemade bread. It was awesome. I’m making homemade Castile soap this weekend. Very excited. What other stuff should I be making at home?
posted by leotrotsky at 6:48 AM PST - 69 comments

The HMRC sent me an email, I logged into government gateway and it says “you have a new tax statement.” I click, they say it’s been prepared and will be online within four working days… [more inside]
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 6:07 AM PST - 5 comments

Where will a donation go the furthest to help:

Get through the winter,

Win the war, and

Rebuild the country?

posted by steveminutillo at 5:03 AM PST - 7 comments

I recently uninstalled social media and blocked a way for me to check it. But now, when I'm waiting in line, or on the subway, or something else...I am a little at a loss about how to spend my time. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by treetop89 at 4:57 AM PST - 51 comments

I have never been a podcast person but I've discovered Maintenance Phase and now I'm a huge fan. I've been listening to their episodes on the web but I'd like to start using a dedicated podcast app. Not sure what features to look for for the best experience and also which app will be easiest to navigate their bonus Patreon content. I am an Android user. [more inside]
posted by M. at 3:09 AM PST - 12 comments

Can you help me find a psychiatrist in or near Chicago who takes Medicaid and prescribes stimulants for ADHD? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:56 AM PST - 3 comments

My cat (sweet, affectionate Ragdoll, about 18 months to 2 years old, healthy, excellent premium cat food diet, has a cat friend who she likes and enjoys spending time with everyday) has started picking up poo out of her litter tray and putting it inside her water bowl and her food bowl, both of which are a considerable distance away. Any suggestions for discouraging this? [more inside]
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 12:50 AM PST - 13 comments

I have been hoping to adopt specific breeds of dog when I finally have a backyard for them. I am doing regular research on reputable breeders and looking for rescues on Petfinder. Multiple people in my life are outraged by my desire to adopt anything other than a shelter dog. One family member told me point blank that I must support kill shelters, which was horrible to hear seeing as I donate upwards of $5k a year to no-kill rescues in multiple states. How do I talk about this? [more inside]
posted by The Adventure Begins at 10:38 PM PST - 37 comments

My iphone's Bluetooth connection with my car has been mostly fine over the years. Every so often it did something weird, where the two things seemed to have some kind of miscommunication, but a few days later sorted itself out without me having to do anything. Now it seems to have gone totally buggy and I don't know what else to try. [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 10:16 PM PST - 2 comments

Glamorous keto poached egg ideas, please! We have an abundance of eggs and having recently discovered an easy way of poaching them, and I would like to make some indulgent meals. Ideas for herbs, sides, something to serve with poached eggs on it? The keto is a big thing! We have one good bread that’s ok, if there’s a great toast serving method or something, but otherwise things like English muffins are out. Hollandaise sauce sounds like it’s probably just outside our skill level.
posted by Bottlecap at 8:44 PM PST - 20 comments

We have a spanking new ductless heat pump in our house, with mini-splits in multiple rooms. But having been used to a gas furnace, it is somewhat mystifying (in particular, seems to runs warmer than set), and I'm not quite sure what settings to choose. I've been told that heat pumps need to be set differently from gas/oil/electric heating, but don't know how to translate this into practice. [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 7:36 PM PST - 4 comments

If you had to choose, would a MacBook Air from 2017 or an iPad Air 3rd Gen. be better for editing short videos? Currently using an iPhone 13, and trying to see if either of these is an upgrade. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:02 PM PST - 1 comment

Each year, we take a photo of my parents with their grandkids. I want to print these for my mom gather them in something with room for the future photos. A classic photo album would be a perfect solution. However, I'd like to do it like a poster with the (smallish) photos in a grid. My google searches are not finding anything. Any ideas?
posted by cgs at 6:41 PM PST - 9 comments

You have something you are using as an end table and damn...it looks good. This object is not an end table. What is it?
posted by tiny frying pan at 4:13 PM PST - 50 comments

I think I'm going to ask for a digital frame (in fact, two...one to orient in portrait mode and one to orient in landscape mode). So what's state of the awesome in digital frames this day. I would love Google Photos integration, unlimited number of pics, and how awesome would it be if it auto-sorted by portrait and landscape pictures and fed them to right frame. Can I hang them on my wall without ugly? What other awesome features should I look for? Do you have a model you love? Almost all my pics are 4x6 / 6x4 [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 3:50 PM PST - 4 comments

I need to mail a gift for someone fancy in the US. What should it be? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 3:10 PM PST - 10 comments

Say I ask a question on a forum like "what are the best life hacks?" or "what are the best features of programming language X?". I get many small data points in response that I massage into a coherent (free) blog post. Later that blog post is incorporated into a paid book. What is the right/safe/legal way to do this sort of thing and not get sued and/or incite an angry mob? [more inside]
posted by commander_fancypants at 1:32 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm setting up the mass mailer for a 3000 person email list that belongs to a small library. Email goes out about twice a week. There's no way they can handle a sendy server of their own and the Easysendy evaluation has gone disastrously. Mailchimp seems to be the default here but the cost is prohibitive. How do you handle newsletters for your small, poor, technologically challenged organization?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 1:24 PM PST - 10 comments

My 5 year old son learned math from NumberBlocks. Like in two weeks over last winter break, he went from knowing how to count to adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, squaring, cubing, negative numbers. etc. etc. In Montessori he built up this skills He LOVES numberblocks. But he's definitely ready to add new math concepts like exponents (which he's already doing) and fractions and more thinking about negative numbers. And I'm ready to not hear the NumberBlocks theme ever again. Is there a show like numberblocks (in that it really gets at understanding concepts) for more advanced math? Not interested in apps or ads. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 1:15 PM PST - 15 comments

I'd like to replace my 10 year old gaming desktop with something that will ideally have a similarly long life, or at least 5+ years. Prebuilts have such a bad reputation but I found one on sale today that seems like a really good deal. Can I get a second opinion? [more inside]
posted by randomnity at 12:27 PM PST - 8 comments

I learned that my partner stole a book from the library and feels no remorse about it. I am not a religious person, but libraries are about as close to a sacred space in my heart as a space can be. Is this worth breaking up over? [more inside]
posted by MyBeautifulThrowaway at 12:18 PM PST - 57 comments

A long time ago I installed a shower doodad onto a tile wall with silicone adhesive, and now I'm trying to get it off. [more inside]
posted by Otto Franz Joseph Leopold von Soxen-Puppetten at 11:47 AM PST - 7 comments

I have realized somewhat recently that I need to leave my partner of 8 years. However, I still love them deeply, and am having trouble coming to terms with the sorrow and the loss. [more inside]
posted by tubesocks at 11:38 AM PST - 9 comments

EDM (?) song, female vocalist. Soft, maybe a little sad, almost like a lullaby. Lyrics include something like 'the world she used to know.' Help please. [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 11:04 AM PST - 1 comment

What is says on the tin. I need to find a trusted fee only financial advisor. I am familiar with sites like Napfa and FeeOnlyNetwork but last time I tried to do this, I got discouraged by the number of people to choose from, and got decision fatigue. Is there a better way to find a good one? Any personal recommendations? I need help with retirement, tax strategies, 529s, and all the other fun stuff that mid-career professionals with kids think about.
posted by jasondigitized at 10:16 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm having a birthday party for my cat. What should the featured cocktail be? [more inside]
posted by aaanastasia at 9:43 AM PST - 11 comments

I am somewhat of a traditionalist in my taste for Christmas music (Ray Coniff, Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, The Carpenters, Vince Garibaldi (Charlie Brown), etc.) but each year I like to discover new songs or groups or albums, in any genre. Please recommend a favorite or two. Links would be appreciated :).
posted by luvmywife at 9:26 AM PST - 35 comments

I have a couple of bookshelves with maybe 200-300 books. For stuff on my computer, I'm a big fan of search-don't-sort. Organizing my books seems like a lot of effort, and no system seems great. It seems like with current AI/OCR, there should be an app where I can just point my phone at my shelf and find the book I want. Does that exist? Alternately: What's a good low-effort way to find the book I want?
posted by ManInSuit at 9:05 AM PST - 8 comments

Please recommend a good blood pressure cuff. [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 7:58 AM PST - 11 comments

An illuminating conversation with a friend has revealed to me that I, a straight cis man, harbour a dislike for men and consider them all sexual creeps. This is deeply unhealthy, I acknowledge that. Therapy is 2 months out. What do I do to explore and counter this thought in the meantime? Snowflake details within. [more inside]
posted by Senza Volto at 7:57 AM PST - 20 comments

I want to point out that I love animals and one of my most significant hobbies is rescuing and fostering abandoned animals from the street and nurture them til they are ready for adoption. I appreciate and value history I have with each animal that was living with me, even short term. I kept two street cats, both are still rather timid, and I have my own shepherd dog; he is still an adolescent boy and learning but he is overall a well rounded, healthy boy. [more inside]
posted by Salicornia at 7:26 AM PST - 32 comments

Have you sold a Mac to SellYourMac? Were you satisfied with the transaction? [more inside]
posted by uncleozzy at 6:35 AM PST - 4 comments

I recently registered my music with BMI. One of my professional goals is to place one of my songs in a Hallmark Christmas movie. How do I find a sync agent that works with the music supervisors at the Hallmark Channel? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 6:16 AM PST - 1 comment

I used to live and work in the US. I have a company phone with Google and Microsoft authenticator apps installed, and I use my fingerprint to log in to Outlook and my banking apps. I now live in another country, use the same phone - unlocked, with a different SIM - and work as a contractor for the same US company (i.e. I left and got hired back). Now that I no longer have a US phone number, what will happen if I need a new phone - will I still be able to login to those apps? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge at 5:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me find books with advice on reaching the vaunted "flow state" and then staying right there, in the so-called zone. [more inside]
posted by dead_ at 1:49 AM PST - 7 comments

In my friends group, some people use slack, some use telegram, or whatsapp or fb messenger, and I feel like I'm always missing something. Is there a 3rd party solution that would pick up new messages from everything? Even if it just notified me/emailed me there was something I should go look at.
posted by korej at 11:22 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I turn a massive spreadsheet of in-game items into a workable app or website to easily look up info about each item? [more inside]
posted by creatrixtiara at 10:14 PM PST - 4 comments

During a recent visit I found myself in the following ambiguous scenario: [more inside]
posted by BadgerDoctor at 9:33 PM PST - 27 comments

I have a lifelong sleep aversion and have had success changing other habits by coupling them with something positive that I nearly always want to do (listening to my favorite podcasts during a run, for instance, or running a bubble bath with a nice candle when I really don’t want to shower, or scheduling a massage or foam roller session for afterward when I really don’t want to work out). What can I couple with going to bed on time? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 8:50 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm trying to find a ceiling fan with a light for the bedroom, and there are approximately one zillion options so of course I can't decide. Does anyone have one they're really happy with, or really unhappy with? The room is around 17' by 12', and I'd like to spend under $300. The last question on this issue was from 2017 and I figure there's probably new products since then. [more inside]
posted by holborne at 6:18 PM PST - 9 comments

Have a vulva and I'm unfamiliar with hair trimming/removal other than shaving my armpits and legs with disposable razors. I don't like those on my pubic region since I'm paranoid about nicking my clit and a mole that's on my labia. Would prefer something to just trim as opposed to complete hair removal, unless someone knows of a method that's safe for pubes. I've heard of chemical hair removal but I don't know what the long term effects are or if it's safe in that region.
posted by picklenickle at 4:30 PM PST - 15 comments

Some questions about hypomanic symptoms during a lamotrigine taper, inside. [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 4:20 PM PST - 12 comments

For an event, I would like to hook something up to a local bar's two smart tvs, to allow a few people to play familiar and fun video games competitively. I know basically nothing about what my options are. My dream vision is the two TVs, both playing Mario Kart or Mario Party on split screen, allowing like 4 people to play at once. My plan for making that happen would be to borrow two consoles & accessories and copies of the game from a hypothetical friend who might be willing and able to lend them. Surely, in the year of our lord 2022, there is a better way. I am willing to throw <$100 at the problem. HELP. [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur at 3:04 PM PST - 8 comments

I adopted a shelter dog about 2 months ago. She's adorable, sweet, and easy. I've fostered difficult dogs before her, and she's the complete opposite - no separation anxiety or aggressive behavioral issues. The 2 month mark is typically around when I start feeling attachment to these dogs, so why don't I feel emotionally attached to her yet? [more inside]
posted by koolaidnovel at 2:53 PM PST - 15 comments

Looking for the origin of a supposedly true story I either read or saw (I think it was a book, but maybe a TED-type talk / a movie I have otherwise forgotten), although it could also be an urban myth, I guess. It goes something like this: [more inside]
posted by Calvin and the Duplicators at 2:24 PM PST - 2 comments

In the 1952 movie The Narrow Margin, the police officer hero sends a message from a speeding train, apparently by writing it on a piece of paper for a railway employee next to the track to physically swoop it down. What is this device/interaction/method of communication ? [more inside]
posted by lewedswiver at 2:07 PM PST - 9 comments

I recently adopted a rescue dog who is more active and intelligent than any dog I've had before. I think he'd enjoy some kind of dog sports, but I myself am old and tired, with limited time for training. None of my old dogs were interested in anything more athletic than a walk. What might be some good dog activities we could do together, with a lot of activity and stimulation for the dog, and less of it for me? [more inside]
posted by moonmilk at 1:20 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm entranced by the sound of Annie Jacobsen, Laurence Fishburne, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and James Baldwin. Please suggest names/examples of captivating, intelligent orators with deep voices. Non American accents, non-native or non-western speakers are most welcome. [more inside]
posted by fake at 12:40 PM PST - 17 comments

We had Lily euthanized yesterday. It was time, she had an inoperable tumor. She was 15 years old and died happy. Now our house feels really empty and there are signs of her everywhere, We expect her to be there to greet us when we open the door or when we get out of bed. How have you coped with the grief of losing a loved one (pet or person) and actively feeling their presence even though they have passed on?
posted by Xurando at 12:29 PM PST - 19 comments

US-ian, verizon (him) ATT (me). He also sent texts from a satellite phone occasionally. I’m his next of kin. I would pay a lot of money for this service. Is there anyone or any service that could help me with this? Texts not related to lawsuits or money, just a connection to my loved one.
posted by arnicae at 12:26 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking for a New England-style fish market in New York City. Help? (I grant that this question may be something that people will only really understand if they have lived in/visited both New York City and coastal New England, but I live in hope.) [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:54 AM PST - 8 comments

When I was eleven or so, I loved the Dragonlance books. I had the calendar and everything. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 11:03 AM PST - 23 comments

Any ideas (photos of examples/ideas, woodworking plans, just thoughts) for building a simple (or complex) sofa, easier to move than a futon, with removable cushions, that's also very comfortable? Example: I'm exploring the world of innerspring crib mattresses. Looking for: above-average comfort; easy to move/disassemble; back slopes slightly (not straight up-and-down) like a sofa. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 10:22 AM PST - 4 comments

I've just upgraded to a 14 Pro from an XR, and I'm hoping somebody can help me keep my existing music setup working. I have a large iTunes library that lives on a 2009 Mac Pro (El Capitan 10.11.6) running iTunes 12.8.2.3. I do all my music management manually, about 10K songs and a few smart playlists that I have copied over to my phone. After doing a direct transfer between phones during the setup process, I plugged the new phone into the Mac Pro and it seemed fine initially – iTunes needed a device support update, but that seems to happen with every new phone or iPad. After the update everything looks normal in iTunes expect the most important thing: When I click on the phone's music library, it appears as empty, even though everything is there and working on the phone itself. I can successfully back the phone up, so it's not like it just can't see the phone's storage at all. I've also used Retroactive to install iTunes 12 on my iMac 5K running Catalina, with the same results. Any ideas on how to fix this?
posted by aaronetc at 9:26 AM PST - 5 comments

If you are a North American person around forty, what differences have you noticed between yourself and your work colleagues/friends/family in their mid-fifties? Bonus points for female perspectives. Comments from the fifty-something side also welcome, although I'm particularly seeking views from the younger side of the equation. Looking for everything from dress to attitudes to use of language, technology, etc.. [more inside]
posted by rpfields at 9:17 AM PST - 53 comments

Please share suggestions for film, books, songs, architecture, design, theater or similar that addresses issues of disabilities intelligently, with compassion, with bonus points for consideration of disability as an aesthetic. [more inside]
posted by tidecat at 8:05 AM PST - 17 comments

I want to buy something (a supplement) that's sold in the UK but not in the US. I emailed the company and they don't ship to the US. I don't know anyone who lives in the UK, so I assume I'm just out of luck. But is there anything I'm not thinking of?
posted by gigondas at 7:16 AM PST - 8 comments

I am a remote nomad U.S. citizen spending a month in Cyprus. Last week I arrived at Paphos Airport in the Republic of Cyprus (the southern part of the island), and my accommodation is in the South. My next destination will be Türkiye. It is significantly less expensive to travel to Türkiye from Northern Cyprus than from the South. Consequently, at the end of my month here I am considering departing to Istanbul from Nicosia Airport in Northern Cyprus after crossing into the North through the Green Line (the border between North and South). Is this a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by fenwaydirtdog at 6:36 AM PST - 2 comments

I need to find a pattern for adaptive thumbless mittens. I have found precisely one, and it isn't all that. I have thoughts ...? [more inside]
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 6:07 AM PST - 6 comments

Hi, I work in academia, and my professor is a 70 year old scientist. Recently at lunchtime he's been asking a lot of questions about trans stuff. Like "If someone can choose their gender can I choose my race or age" hypotheticals. I don't think there's any malice in it, I think he's trying to wrap his head around something that's new to him. I've been doing my best to explain the little I know, but I am not very educated in the subject either. I've decided I'm going to get him a book for a Christmas present that will be a better teacher that I am. Does anyone have any good recommendations? [more inside]
posted by Ned G at 5:49 AM PST - 22 comments

If you were a woman born into a wealthy family in 1801, in the Hudson Valley in New York, what major inventions, events and publications would impact your upbringing and young adulthood? What would you remember? [more inside]
posted by mani at 5:04 AM PST - 7 comments

I have an iPhone 7 with OS 15.7.1 that works fine and does everything I need. Will I soon need to upgrade the phone to be up to date with security patches?. Currently, the Apple store has a promotion so this could be a good time to upgrade, but I will be happy to stay another year with my iPhone 7 if it is still safe to use. And in case of an upgrade, shall I go with SE or 13 mini? the difference is £200. Thank you.
posted by slimeline at 3:01 AM PST - 7 comments

I've booked flights for a 3 week solo trip to Vietnam, and I'm in doubt on whether I should travel 10 days with an Intrepid tour group or not. I'd love to get insights from independent humans who've tried a tour group, or traveled solo through Vietnam. [more inside]
posted by Thisandthat at 2:27 AM PST - 12 comments

I’ve been prescribed Tamsulosin for the usual reasons. I’m finding it difficult to figure out what time of day to take it. Does the time actually matter, in terms of efficacy? Have you been taking it *not* in the morning, and found it to work OK? [more inside]
posted by jerome powell buys his sweatbands in bulk only at 9:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Sitting here eating a bag of Chip’s Fuego (pretty spicy!) I brought home from Mexico, I got to thinking that 5 years ago I would have been scared to even try one. I just was not a Spicy Food Person. Like, at all. Now I love spicy food. Why? Is it age? Did I grow a new tongue? Scientific explanations, speculation, all welcome!
posted by rhymedirective at 7:32 PM PST - 8 comments

A surrealist may (or may not) have eaten a wardrobe. For sure, in my memory a wardrobe was eaten by someone, piecemeal and not in one go, but my memory is not reliable. I've searched the internet but found no hints of the event. Can any kind person here help with more information? [more inside]
posted by anadem at 6:27 PM PST - 2 comments

I need help finding a reputable employment lawyer familiar with disability laws to help me discern whether a new requirement that my company has set for remote workers is reasonable/safe to comply with. My employer is in Los Angeles, but their parent company is in Texas, if that makes a difference. Thank you.
posted by The Adventure Begins at 5:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Related to a previous question, I may adopt a senior dog soon. Has anyone had experience with Wag that you'd be comfortable sharing? Or is Nextdoor good for finding dog walkers? I also asked in the Facebook group for the organization's volunteers and fosters, of which I am one. It's Muttville in case anyone is curious. :) How do I find a great dog walker? Thanks!
posted by bookworm4125 at 4:15 PM PST - 10 comments

Over the past few years, I've finally got to the point where I can afford the arts/crafts tools that young-me wanted but couldn't afford. Of course, I don't have time or energy or ideas to use them, now that I spend all my time working and recovering from working. Thoughts on getting creative energy back? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 4:09 PM PST - 11 comments

Due to various operational and logistical happenings out of my control, I’ve been very lucky to be left with an unexpected week’s holiday in Japan – but not much time or ability to plan for it beforehand! I will be disembarking from a research ship on the 5th of December in Shimizu, Japan, and leaving for home (UK) early on the morning of the 13th from Haneda airport. [more inside]
posted by sedimentary_deer at 3:38 PM PST - 12 comments

I recall a poem, possibly by Stephen Dunn that references playing the card game Push with a friend. I think the friend may have been dying, and had stopped over and they played the game. What poem am I thinking of?
posted by david1230 at 3:00 PM PST - 2 comments

I’ve posted about my job numerous times. I’ve made my peace with staying in the position I’m in. There are many good, solid reasons for doing so. There are a number of reasons to like my job. But my default is to dislike my job. How do I change that? [more inside]
posted by furtheryet at 1:39 PM PST - 18 comments

Our 10yo wants to create stop-motion animation. They like the Stop Motion Studio app. We just need a decent, positionable tool to take the pictures! Their friend uses an iPad, but we're a PC family that doesn't love Apple products, and it's so pricey. We don't want to loan them our phones. They have a Lenovo Yoga laptop, but it doesn't run the app. We have an Amazon Fire tablet, but it's glitchy and the camera is lousy. [more inside]
posted by equipoise at 11:59 AM PST - 5 comments

Is it standard practice for a designer to go for an hourly fee instead of a flat fee? [more inside]
posted by omar.a at 11:51 AM PST - 2 comments

Okay, so I used dried shiitake mushrooms to add to my noodles (dunked in warm water as per instructions) - the mushroom-ey stock was lovely, the mushrooms turned to rubber. Is there any salvaging them, or in the bin they go?
posted by Nieshka at 11:11 AM PST - 5 comments

I've read recommendations in other people's questions for non drying lip balms. I bought a highly recommended malin +goetz on for $14--drying. Blistex and eos--drying. Is there any hope for a truly non frying lip product?
posted by bookworm4125 at 10:56 AM PST - 40 comments

I'm applying to an academic job at an institution in Europe. I'm an assistant professor in the US. Part of the reason (although by no means the entire reason) for applying is because my wife is European and wants to go back to be closer to family. Should I mention this in the cover letter as part of the rationale for applying? [more inside]
posted by Mr. Pooh Baggins at 10:54 AM PST - 19 comments

My middle-aged wife had symptoms on Sunday, tested negative on Monday and has been isolating in the bedroom since Tuesday when she tested positive. Today is Sunday. She has not had fever in several days but is still testing positive on the home test. [more inside]
posted by captainscared at 8:21 AM PST - 20 comments

I took my kids to an animation exhibit at a museum, and one of the exhibits was a drawing station that my five-year old loved. You chose a design, put a piece of paper over the screen, and traced the design, step by step. He was fully focused on it and was very proud of himself! I'd like to find an iOS app that does the same thing. [more inside]
posted by shirobara at 7:53 AM PST - 6 comments

Where, if anywhere, can I find advice, help or resources for autistic adults dealing with older parents/relatives/other family who are not autism aware or autism friendly? [more inside]
posted by Flitcraft at 5:51 AM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for stories, and especially data, about schools that have turned around for the better. Also interested data or stories about school districts or states that have made significant improvements. And, of course, I'd like to learn how any of these made those improvements.
posted by NotLost at 3:16 AM PST - 10 comments

The player was in the backround in the hospital scene of "The Godfather." It looks like the front is one big horn. Any idea who made it?
posted by Marky at 11:10 PM PST - 4 comments

I've been searching for some kind of (already created) Windows software to 1) download my contacts and text messages from my Android phone to my computer, 2) view them on my computer (CSV, md, or other user readable file), 3) and, ideally, put them on a new phone (probably Android). Searching has only turned up "recovery" and copy-to-new-phone items. Anybody know where I can get software for this (system is Windows 7)? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 9:19 PM PST - 7 comments

I love using good-quality (but not $uper-high-end) men's grooming products. Shaving, skin care, cologne, etc. Consumables (e.g. razorblades, aftershaves) and durables (e.g. hairbrushes) all welcome. Things that make you or others in your life feel or smell nice. [more inside]
posted by Caxton1476 at 7:38 PM PST - 16 comments

I have one friend who makes really good, low-budget fantasy and sci-fi movies, and he really needs more publicity. I have another friend who self-publishes good magic realism-style fantasy books, and he's struggling to get any attention at all. If they were making horror stuff I can think of a number of fairly popular horror podcasts, blogs and Youtube shows that might review their work, but where are the places to get reviews like that for fantasy and sci-fi? [more inside]
posted by Ursula Hitler at 7:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Iditarod runner Blair Braverman tweeted that "the point of warm clothing is to be thick while still being comfy. This is why down works so well: it’s full of air, and it’s very light. (Primaloft is great too.) But if your jacket stops at your waist, it’s still limited. When in doubt, go long." What's the best VERY LONG, VERY PUFFY coat (available in a women's size M)? Bonus points if I can try one on without leaving Washington, DC city limits!
posted by capricorn at 7:14 PM PST - 17 comments

What family holiday traditions do you have that can be conducted remotely? We're looking for a way to do some bonding with the extended family over the holidays. We can't all convene in the same spot, and I think some are getting burned out on gift-giving. What other ways have you found to be a part of each other's lives for Christmas?
posted by echo target at 6:28 PM PST - 6 comments

After COVID started, my mom has struggled a bit with money due to her hours at work being reduced. I started setting aside savings each month for a "Family & Friend Fund" as my way to assist my family and friends if they needed it. [more inside]
posted by starpoint at 5:32 PM PST - 19 comments

We have some dear friends in their early 30’s who have never had the opportunity to leave the US. We are gifting them that experience. Which book do you suggest to give them destination inspiration? [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:00 PM PST - 14 comments

I want to learn more about current disabled-people-led (and probably radical) thinking around disability. What sorts of keywords should I be using when searching for resources? Who are excellent writers and thinkers in this field who I should explore? Please recommend books, podcasts, websites, art, music, and any other resources. I'm interested in a broad range of conceptions of what it means to be disabled. [more inside]
posted by cnidaria at 4:28 PM PST - 14 comments

It’s been 11 days since my tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and septoplasty. Recovery has been expectedly awful but I’m getting closer to the end, I think. My current concern is that I have a bitter, metallic taste in my mouth all the time that is ruining the ability to enjoy any food now that I can eat. When will my sense of taste return to normal? [more inside]
posted by rbf1138 at 4:26 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a laptop that now has two hard drives, a larger 1TB HDD and a 250GB SSD. The SSD is new. I would like to set up the PC to boot from the SSD but I can't quite work it out as the SSD and HDD don't show up in the BIOS (but do in Windows!). Any help gratefully received. [more inside]
posted by NoiselessPenguin at 2:49 PM PST - 2 comments

My father finds it physically uncomfortable to read books. He has said that he's really enjoyed the books-on-CD that I've bought him in the past. Books-on-CD, however, are expensive and there's not a huge selection, and I'd love to get him something like an Audible subscription so he can stream books he wants to listen to. However, he does not have (and refuses to get) a smart phone, and he does not have anything "smart" in his house. He listens to the books-on-CD in his car, which is new enough it probably has Bluetooth. He has a laptop, and I think he has wireless but I'm not actually certain. I'm not physically near him to set up any new equipment, and he probably would not do it himself. Is there any reasonable subscription or equipment I could buy him that would let him listen to books?
posted by lapis at 1:21 PM PST - 25 comments

The musical Hamilton has a part in the song "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" where Hercules Mulligan raps about being a spy for the revolutionaries (the song on YouTube, Hercules' bit at 1:48). I love the sound and energy and rhythm and swagger! I know there's hip-hop and rap like this, but I don't know much about these genres or where to begin looking. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by cadge at 10:42 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm deciding between 256 GB and 512 GB. I hope to keep the phone for 4+ years. It looks like this will be Apple's last mini phone for the foreseeable future, so I want to use it as long as possible, and don't want the memory to be the sticking point. [more inside]
posted by ClaireBear at 10:42 AM PST - 18 comments

I woke up this morning and turned on the kitchen faucet but no water (hot or cold) came out. It felt almost as though the faucet was decorative, not connected to anything. Everything else plumbing-related in the house worked fine. About 45 minutes later, the faucet worked as expected again with no sign that anything was ever wrong. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 10:26 AM PST - 10 comments

Do you know a good photographer in LA who does candid family photography? [more inside]
posted by KneeHiSocks at 9:56 AM PST - 1 comment

I was watching Army of Shadows last night and in several scenes there are cars driving around with gas cylinders strapped to their roofs. Like the kind of cylinders you would find at a welding supply store. What is going on there? are they running on compressed gas? and which gas? For some context this movie takes place in occupied France during the second world war and these were seemingly just regular passenger vehicles. [more inside]
posted by selenized at 8:02 AM PST - 12 comments

How can I narrow down my career options when all paths seemed open, but time is running short? I am fortunate in that I feel there are many options available to me. I do have some constraints - a family, age - but many things interest me. I feel trapped by my own indecision. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:03 AM PST - 3 comments

I had my gall bladder removed three weeks ago and am finding conflicting information about what my diet should be for the rest of my life and what I can expect my digestive system to be doing now in the short term and also in the mid+longer term... I see two schools of thought on diet. The NHS seems to say I can go back to my previous diet*, whereas many other online resources say: keep fat to a minimum and also eat more smaller meals rather than three square ones. [more inside]
posted by dance at 2:31 AM PST - 13 comments

I would like to keep small dog training treats available to me quickly and easily at all times near the places I like to sit. But I have a determined and hungry cat who will absolutely try to break into any containers full of treats wherever I'm not watching. I would like the container to be easily opened by me, but proof against a cat by who will throw it off shelves, gnaw through bags, and claw at anything he thinks has food in it. Air tight a plus. [more inside]
posted by sciatrix at 8:20 PM PST - 26 comments

Seeking coding related gift ideas for my niece who loves Scratch, but not robots. [more inside]
posted by dede at 7:33 PM PST - 7 comments

Real, delightful tree that becomes a fire hazard entirely too quickly, or fake tree that is appropriately sized, yet… fake. Help me figure out if we should stick with real trees or get a fake one. [more inside]
posted by larthegreat at 5:24 PM PST - 40 comments

I just peeled 15 eggs for deviled eggs under a running tap. A half hour later I filled a white bowl with water and saw the water was yellow. It’s not clear why the water is yellow and we haven’t had this happen before at my house. If I wash the (still uncut) eggs at my mom’s house are Ebro still edible? Or are there just too many questions and I should pitch them? :(
posted by hungrytiger at 3:07 PM PST - 10 comments

I've finally admitted to myself that I'm queer in approaching middle age, but I may well end up in a relationship with someone of the opposite sex. Should I say anything, or not, or ... ? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:53 PM PST - 28 comments

I’m quitting smoking and want to create a crowdfunding campaign that allows people to pledge $x/month per month that I quit. 100% of proceeds will go to charity so am looking for low/no fees. Which is the best platform I can use for this?
posted by hot_tea at 11:09 AM PST - 3 comments

Is there any app for Android that will wake me up with a spoken weather forecast instead of an alarm sound? [more inside]
posted by turkeyphant at 10:26 AM PST - 9 comments

Short version: I turned off the water supply to my toilet, but when I turned it back on the tank isn't filling. Help? [more inside]
posted by middlethird at 10:25 AM PST - 15 comments

I need to replace either the whole vise/clamp on my yarn ball winder, or better yet, find a longer metal… thingy to sub in the current one. What search term am I looking for? [more inside]
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 7:56 AM PST - 4 comments

I really liked the video linked in this comment on MetaFilter, in which a singer performs a song from Les Miz as written in the score, rather than in the way it has evolved through performance. I'd like to see more of people singing while I follow the written music. Point me to them! [more inside]
posted by Well I never at 7:41 AM PST - 7 comments

My 13yo has become obsessed with a TikTok personality who espouses a lot of toxic ideas. I feel comfortable having conversations with him about misogyny and more generally why this guy is a scam artist, but I would also like to direct him to some entertaining TikTokers who aren’t pushing a lot of toxic masculinity. Interesting topics could include logicical fallacies and how they work, US History [more inside]
posted by amandabee at 6:34 AM PST - 20 comments

I have a moth infestation in my living room. They've attacked a rug. I also have two chairs in there, both probably considered "mohair," but very different from each other. One is almost demolished by moths; the other is untouched. They've also ignored my velvet sofa. Is there a way of knowing in advance what fabrics the moths will eat and what they'll ignore? Do I have to know what species of moth they are? I would like to use this information to help me buy a new chair.
posted by DMelanogaster at 5:44 AM PST - 7 comments

What are the best ways to say "Goodbye X, Hello Y" in Ancient Greek? [more inside]
posted by Glier's Goetta at 3:14 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm a teacher. I need to make picture cards every day. Resizing images to fit on a page really slows me down. I just want to go from a clipped area of the screen and get that into a flashcard template that can quickly be printed. Perhaps there's a way to just print a lot of images directly from a filesystem directory into a pdf of large thumbnails, maybe 6 per A4 page, that I can then print? [more inside]
posted by TheGreenRye at 2:56 AM PST - 6 comments

We are going to the London Eye this afternoon for a treat and want to eat really well afterward in a place with great atmosphere that actually has availability-- with 2 kids. It is a treat so fancy is OK if kid-friendly. Walking distance would be great but can also take bus or Tube. Any suggestions? Thanks!
posted by heavenknows at 1:46 AM PST - 7 comments

What would you wear to meet your boyfriend's family on Thanksgiving, presuming you're 41 years old and have not had many "typical" family gatherings in your life? What is your best suggestion of what might be appropriate? Please help me, I have been throwing clothes in piles for 90 minutes and this is very important to me because it's a big deal for us both. Thank you hive mind!
posted by fairlynearlyready at 10:34 PM PST - 26 comments

Help me think through this springtime trip to Europe - probably Spain and Scotland?? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 7:47 PM PST - 12 comments

Pitfalls of being transferred from a Canadian subsidiary to a UK Plc mothership corp location? [more inside]
posted by porpoise at 7:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Hearing Club Q patrons lament that it was one of the few places where they felt safe touched me in some deep way. No one in this country should have to think about where they can feel safe to be who they are. What can I, as someone who lives 1000 miles away and realizes that this is way larger than Colorado Springs, best do to show solidarity and support, to let the LGBTQ+ community know that I am in their corner? Donate to equality groups? Frequent gay bars? Something else?
posted by DrGail at 5:37 PM PST - 9 comments

I used to value knowing things. Now I don't. Some of that is intentionally dismantling the identity of the erudite person. Some of it is... I'm not sure what. I mostly don't care but part of me does care. Details below. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 4:58 PM PST - 22 comments

We recently bought an old farmhouse and in the basement are a bunch of old style glass lid canning jars. I'd love to reuse them but the wire bail assemblies that keep the lid secured are very rusted and corroded (to the point of falling apart) so they're not reusable. [more inside]
posted by macfly at 3:44 PM PST - 5 comments

This Black Friday I want to upgrade my bag. Do you have any recommendations for cool cross-body bags or fanny packs that can be worn that way? [more inside]
posted by miltthetank at 2:07 PM PST - 21 comments

My partner got covid 1-2 months ago, right before the new shot came out, and again today. [more inside]
posted by aniola at 12:51 PM PST - 10 comments

I sometimes get a song in my head that I sang in middle school choir. I think it was called “Homeward Bound’ and is NOT the Simon and Garfunkel song of that name. Nor does googling it bring any results. I went to middle school in Nebraska circa 1982-83. The sheet music we used was the store bought glossy kind you can buy in music stores. Lyrics under the cut. It has a soft melodic sound in my head, like a hopeful ballad. Does anyone know what this is from? [more inside]
posted by ferrisll at 12:35 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm helping someone who is hiring a lawyer for the first time. The lawyer just sent a contract asking for a large retainer fee + an hourly rate. I understand why the lawyer probably wouldn't want to provide an estimate for about how many hours they think this might take, because that would be speculation. But is that actually common or uncommon? And also, does the contract usually specify how often hourly fees will be billed? If not, is there a convention or a typical practice for this? [more inside]
posted by bleep at 11:34 AM PST - 10 comments

An older relative (in her 90s) would love to know the spelling/exact meaning of an insult used by *her* mother. [more inside]
posted by heyforfour at 11:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Did you either have a very positive IUD insertion experience (as a person who has not given birth) in NYC or have you had a positive experience with Nexplanon? Please tell me about it! [more inside]
posted by A Blue Moon at 10:25 AM PST - 17 comments

In the 1903 film "Excavating for a New York foundation", https://www.loc.gov/item/00694384/ , you can see a church in the background...what church is that? [more inside]
posted by theatro at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments

I have back acne, how do I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 9:08 AM PST - 18 comments

I've had a couple of good batches from a few random online recipes, and I can hardly imagine that this is the first time this or similar has been posted, but I'd like to hear from (you) (today). What's your go-to Instant Pot beans meal? I will likely use dry black-eyed beans or black beans, or a mix of the two. Thanks in advance.
posted by elkevelvet at 8:47 AM PST - 10 comments

I have a lot of green split peas. I am tired of split pea soup. What else can I do with them? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:43 AM PST - 14 comments

Here’s an easy one: how do I force Chrome to always load the latest version of a website? [more inside]
posted by Diskeater at 7:20 AM PST - 5 comments

In Minneapolis in the mid to late nineties I saw a band. I have remembered this forever after but they otherwise do not seem to exist. Can you identify this band? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 6:57 AM PST - 7 comments

Gallerist-filter: One blank office wall, two framed companion pieces of significantly different size. What's the most pleasing arrangement? [more inside]
posted by hwyengr at 6:47 AM PST - 4 comments

Considering weight loss surgery. I have some questions. Trigger warning for weight loss talk. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 4:49 AM PST - 22 comments

I'm a railway modeller looking to buy a portable airbrush for weathering, simple paint jobs, etc. Do you have any recommendations for me? [more inside]
posted by soundofsuburbia at 3:39 AM PST - 2 comments

I have a family photo that I hired someone online to convert to a sketch. It's for a Christmas gift for my wife. My son has said he wants it to have "a million hearts in it". I know nothing about image editing. Is there somewhere I can go to hire someone to cheaply put in some hearts in the style of the image? I'd ask the original artist, but her turnaround time was incredibly slow and it seemed to keep dragging out and I'd like to hire someone to do it quickly.
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 11:26 PM PST - 7 comments

My purchase attempt through Alibaba has stalled with Alibaba rejecting my PayPal and displaying that the credit card I gave them as an alternative was declined despite the fact that the credit card company has no record of them trying it. Had I not done business through Alibaba in the past I would be walking away right now, but I’m willing to give them a little leeway. Is Alibaba still a reliable broker? [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 8:48 PM PST - 2 comments

I am no longer able to digest beans/lentils and need cheap protein alternatives. [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 7:40 PM PST - 26 comments

I'm looking for some podcasts to listen to in the early morning on walks outside or on the treadmill. Ideally, they would have content that inspires me, gets me thinking, makes me feel motivated. More details below. [more inside]
posted by airplant at 7:26 PM PST - 7 comments

I've been doing genealogical research on my very complicated family for a long time. So many people have said, "wow, that's a crazy story, you should write a book/start a blog/etc". I've procrastinated mostly because I don't know what to use to write and share my stories. [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 7:24 PM PST - 2 comments

Help us choose a new oven! What do you love about your recently purchased stove/oven? [more inside]
posted by dazedandconfused at 5:54 PM PST - 23 comments

...it's not for me. I have a 10 year old with minor sensory issues related to things touching his skin, including any sort of abrasive scrub or creams that are too "sticky" or thick. I know his keratosis pilaris is not really hurting anything, but his upper arms feel like gritty sandpaper and I know that it'll get worse from here. [more inside]
posted by daikaisho at 4:19 PM PST - 24 comments

My sibling has a genetic disability. Because she is permanently disabled, she receives SSI-disability with Medicaid, which has a $2,000 asset limit. She has received this for decades. When her bank account exceeds $2,000, she does a "spend-down", ie, withdraws any dollars in excess of $2,000. [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 4:13 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I get too much baking soda out of a Japanese-style futon? Is it possible? [more inside]
posted by wym at 4:02 PM PST - 2 comments

Is there any way to get my new Roku TV remote to control my older Vizio soundbar? [more inside]
posted by bove at 2:38 PM PST - 9 comments

I actually am not sure if this is a book or a novella or what, and I probably found it through some MeFi list, but the beginning was a nightime helicopter raid on a local community which was "stealing" water owned by a large corporation, in the southwest I think. Fighting, guns etc., and that's all the further I got through it, anyone know what it is? TYIA.
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 2:30 PM PST - 6 comments

I’m a tech worker who got laid off this summer, was pregnant, and went on Medicaid since I had no income. Now I’m starting a new job and they offer health insurance (although it ain’t free). Should I stay on Medicaid or leave Medicaid and take the new insurance? [more inside]
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments

I've discovered new genres and now I need to find all the books. Actually 2 genres. [more inside]
posted by Ftsqg at 1:33 PM PST - 42 comments

We live in a small home (300 sq ft), and there are no walls subdividing the space. Is there specialized equipment we can buy so that we can both be on Zoom calls without our voices bleeding over to each other's calls? We sit about 10' apart and can face away from one another.
posted by 10ch at 1:24 PM PST - 15 comments

I may have ruined my long-term relationship with my girlfriend over my teenage son's behavior, and how I handle the situation. This is the latest escalation of a long-running three way conflict, I am definitely to blame here, and I know I've royally screwed the whole situation up. How can I fix this? CAN I fix this? (Long, complicated background follows) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:00 PM PST - 40 comments

Trying to come up with white-ish food for a winter wonderland party I'm hosting. I have good ideas for the desserts/sweets, but it is really hard to come up with savory dishes. I would love to have suggestions for appetizers, snacks, and main dishes. Thanks for any help!
posted by poppunkcat at 12:49 PM PST - 31 comments

I’m making a green salad as my designated Thanksgiving side dish. Currently planning spring greens, croutons, and some apple and/or fresh mozzarella. What kind of dressing should I make? Can’t use onions or garlic due to allergies but garlic powder is ok. My usual go-to is a lemon and olive oil dressing with lots of garlic, so looking for other options.
posted by skycrashesdown at 12:34 PM PST - 8 comments

I have vague recollections of tv and movie villains, who, at the end of the story and upon realizing their dastardly plans have been foiled, furiously take off their hats and begin stomping on them. A variation of this may be taking off one's hat and biting it in frustration. But I can't recall even one specific example. Did this actually happen, or is this another mysterious paint roller situation?
posted by mochapickle at 12:26 PM PST - 17 comments

Looking to put together a play list about realizing that someone or something isn't worth your time, knowing that you are the better person, choosing to take the high road when you know you could annihilate someone instead, etc.. A little of Elton's "I can bitch, I can bitch, 'cuz I'm better than you" would also be most welcome. Open to all genres but upbeat vibe preferred.
posted by rpfields at 12:10 PM PST - 11 comments

You have helped me identify poems before. I'm looking to find one about a shopping mall, no more recent than the '90s and probably older. It compared the mall to a cathedral and discussed a family's mall habits. [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 11:31 AM PST - 0 comments

I have linked fields in access -- projects and partners. This partner is on this project. That project has these partners. But access doesn't know these are reciprocal relationships. Like I can on the projects table select which partners are on that project OR on the partners table select which projects that partner is on, but whichever I do, the other table won't reflect it. How do I make the tables reflect each other correctly? Feel free to point me, instead, to a youtube or linked-in learning course that will cover these sort of moderately-advanced access functions (or that will give me the correct language to google them).
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:57 AM PST - 5 comments

I wear a lot of black tights all winter. I’m looking for very opaque (100 denier is the absolute minimum) and durable. Ethically and/or sustainably made is ideal. Where should I be shopping?
posted by vanitas at 9:38 AM PST - 12 comments

How do I cite to the page number of a legal document that exists in print when all I have is digital access to it via Westlaw or Lexis? [more inside]
posted by crocodiletsunami at 9:13 AM PST - 4 comments

I have a book group which reads mostly Very Serious Literary Fiction in English (including in translation) - that is, not SF, detective stories, romance, etc - but our collective expertise gets really spotty after about 1960 and our tastes all differ. We are looking for book recommendations which meet the following requirements: [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 9:01 AM PST - 68 comments

Previously I had asked about how to have Access either choose from a list of pre-existing options or allow entry of new options. Now i need to do the same, but in a combobox where the user can choose MULTIPLE of the values from the other table. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:48 AM PST - 1 comment

I had a large change in my personal life. [more inside]
posted by ebesan at 8:44 AM PST - 10 comments

My father has some old books of Pogo books, and I want to bring them home and share them with my child. But... they are very old and falling apart, and the child is... a child. Any tips on how to read these old books? [more inside]
posted by Vatnesine at 7:21 AM PST - 9 comments

In the 1950s the Hotel Humboldt was built overlooking Caracas, by the dictator Marcos Jimenez. It was abandoned for many years and finally renovated in 2007 and is now open to the public, in whatever way that means in current Venezuela. In 1994, I stayed there while in Caracas looking for a friend. During that time I was with a couple of companions who would be continuing on to Brazil. We spent a couple of days in the city looking for our friend and realizing it was nearly an impossible task- this being a time when we had no internet or cell phones. I am trying to find more information, images, or history of this place! [more inside]
posted by catrae at 6:59 AM PST - 0 comments

Could you help us re-find our love for the name "Mabel", in the face of small-but-cutting amounts of negativity? [more inside]
posted by laumry at 6:58 AM PST - 78 comments

As the title says — I'm making a bean dip for a Friendsgiving gathering, but the host is vegan, so I'm trying to figure out vegan substitutes for the non-vegan items of this recipe, while preserving the delicious taste. I'm not a vegan, nor do I normally shop for vegan food items, so any help would be appreciated! [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 6:55 AM PST - 22 comments

I'm a short little dumpling of a woman who can't wear traditional jeans at all comfortably, but feels best in a tunic/trouser outfit situation. I have found a pair I like but it's flimsy fast fashion - I'm looking for a more robust, and heaven forfend, a smidge more ethical, alternative. Examples inside: [more inside]
posted by Gin and Broadband at 6:55 AM PST - 3 comments

My memories are fuzzy and google-fu is failing me. Last time I was in Rome, I went on a house tour outside the center where 19th British artist(s) (I think? Maybe Italian?) painted murals in a home. [more inside]
posted by cardamom at 6:09 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a 15-euro amazon.fr gift card I need to use up soon and am looking for Kindle recommendations. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Tamanna at 5:39 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm using my son's old dorm refrigerator. It's an Emerson CR2828 (doesn't seem to be made anymore). It's black, a one-door model with a small cooling (not freezer) section inside. It seems to cool fine, but maybe is too cool on the very coolest setting I've put it on. The cooling dial ranges from 1 to 6. Any idea what the best number would be for normal refrigeration? Thank you.
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:29 PM PST - 2 comments

I want to connect a WiFi transmitter (ADC) to my turntable & phono preamp set up to transmit to a WiFi enabled receiver (Denon AVR-S730H) and a seperate set of WiFi enabled powered loudspeakers (KEF LS50 II) because reasons. Essentially something like the McIntosh MB20 but WiFi instead of Bluetooth. And ideally at that price point or below, as opposed to the $2k McIntosh MB50 which feels like price and feature overkill for what I'm looking to do. Has anyone embarked on this same silliness before? Anyone have a recommend?
posted by matt_od at 8:20 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm going to a pot luck. Usually, these events are full of inexpensive carbs and baked goods. I can afford to spend some cash on protein. But I also want it to be easy — I'm a decent but not terribly disciplined or exacting cook, and a lot of folks might be vegetarian. [more inside]
posted by Roy Batty at 7:04 PM PST - 29 comments

We're visiting grownup friends in New Haven, Connecticut, for Thanksgiving (Wednesday to Friday). Our five year old will be the only young kid around and will need some outings. Can you help us brainstorm things to do in New Haven on and around Thanksgiving that might be fun for adults and one five year old?
posted by john hadron collider at 5:45 PM PST - 12 comments

cw: swarming insect talk. Every year around this time these so called "well prepared ants" come looking for food & water and they find it all over my house. So then they come out and get it. I need help dealing with not wanting to clean them up. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 5:41 PM PST - 14 comments

i'm finding conflicting information. Chef Google says a fresh (not frozen) turkey can last in the fridge for 1-2 days, or maybe 3 days tops. but I bought a fresh 12lb turkey at Whole Foods on Sat, the guy said "its buy-before date is 11/28 so you'll be fine for Thanksgiving" so I bought it & put it at the bottom of the fridge. now I'm wondering if it's gonna last. [more inside]
posted by jerome powell buys his sweatbands in bulk only at 5:32 PM PST - 6 comments

I am a hobbyist willow basket weaver. Several years ago I became frustrated with the lack of basket weaving willow available to purchase in my neck of the woods, so I planted a small patch in my (small, city) backyard. It's going great but it's still a really small amount, and I'm not able to do much with it. I'm starting to think bigger, not only for my personal basket weaving development but perhaps to also fill a hole in the basket willow market. What is my next step? [more inside]
posted by Gray Duck at 12:18 PM PST - 22 comments

Do you have a toiletry bag that you don't hate? If so, please tell me about it.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 11:11 AM PST - 36 comments

Recomendation needed please for a private dining room in a restaurant in Toronto for a milestone birthday with likely 8-10 attendees on a Saturday evening. Open to locations anywhere in the city, but centrally located preferred. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 11:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Taking it for long and stressful imaging 30 mins ahead. Can I be alone or will someone need to be with me? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 10:12 AM PST - 15 comments

Whenever I plug my iPhone into my MiL's car inevitably whatever I was last playing will start playing AT VOLUME automatically. I need this to stop, but how? [more inside]
posted by terrapin at 10:05 AM PST - 8 comments

In the last few years, any time my hands/luggage have been chosen for the chemical swab in airports, they come back positive -- apparently for 'Tetryl'. What could be causing it? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 9:58 AM PST - 13 comments

The non-profit I work with has volunteers who log their hours. These separate work instances get added together over the course of the year. The volunteer will accumulate 10 hours by the end of their responsibility period. We've got a kludgy way of doing this at the moment and would like to improve the system for next year. [more inside]
posted by xo at 9:48 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a precocious 5th grader who is finishing up Crichton's Jurassic Park. I'd like to find him some good reads with multiple narrators. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by bfranklin at 9:45 AM PST - 10 comments

For personal and professional reasons, I'm interested in setting up a Mastodon server. In fact, I asked about it in 2018, but that went nowhere. I think I've kind of wrapped my head around the idea, but am having a devil of a time understanding how instances interrelate. [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 9:32 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm in the Longmont/Boulder region of Colorado. I'd like to find a place to legally run my two high energy dogs around without too many other dogs present. Farmer's fields with permission, more remote trails that allow dogs... Any other ideas? [more inside]
posted by SunSnork at 9:08 AM PST - 10 comments

What is the best file system for formatting an external drive to work with both Ubuntu Linux and MacOS? [more inside]
posted by piyushnz at 7:41 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm getting conflicting advice about some fire safety inspection issues in my house. Can anyone help? [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 7:37 AM PST - 7 comments

I don't like using body lotion in the winter because it makes me feel cold. Do you use a warming body lotion that you love that isn't super heavy or gunky? Not looking for anything that's face or hand specific -- just something I can use on dry arms and legs that won't make me feel cold when I'm putting it on.
posted by bookmammal at 6:31 AM PST - 9 comments

I love the sound of Bhangra drums, played fast, joyful and loud and want to dig deeper into the development of the sound. Recommend me your must-know artists/tracks/documentatries! [more inside]
posted by freya_lamb at 6:31 AM PST - 5 comments

For 10+ years in my Mac Calendar, I had been saving a specific calendar as sort of almanac that I called "for the record." It had, for example, a record of first snow each year, or when I started a certain project, or a historic anniversary such as the fall of Constantinople or Thelonious Monk's birthday. One day this spring, after a couple of chaotic months at work, I noticed that somehow that particular calendar disappeared. I now have a bit of time to fiddle with trying to recover this stuff. But I cannot get the data out of a cache file. [more inside]
posted by nothing.especially.clever at 5:59 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm a remote worker and expect to be moving country to country every 3-6 months. I need a 2nd monitor for my job, but carrying a monitor in a box when I travel will tip me into too much luggage to carry alone. I'm looking at portable monitors, but they're a bit small: how do other folks manage this? I use a 27" at home, so maybe I buy two portables and use them vertically side by side? I just need real estate, vs e.g. 4K. I'm on a Surface Laptop 4/ Win 11.
posted by my log does not judge at 3:01 AM PST - 16 comments

Hello, I was recently diagnosed with PTSD and I remember being diagnosed with PTSD in 2010 but the psychiatrist’s office in Pasadena has already shredded the paperwork (I didn’t know what PTSD was then, I just thought it meant I was stressed out). My last employment in the US was in 2008. More inside… [more inside]
posted by pairofshades at 11:53 PM PST - 8 comments

I may have a habit of working myself to the point of exhaustion. The exhaustion may be manifested in chronic health conditions, and also debilitating fatigue. Can anyone recommend resources for learning to listen to the body, or prioritising rest, or choosing less ambitious goals? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:27 PM PST - 12 comments

I’ve never used an Alexa/Amazon Echo device, so I don’t even know what they’re good at. Which of the countless devices out there would be most useful for my relative? She has very poor eyesight as well as memory problems and dementia. [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 7:35 PM PST - 12 comments

Sometime in the mid-noughties I bought a couple cat beds from Cost Plus World Market. They were the greatest cat beds of all time. I've been kicking myself for years for ever getting rid of them. Please help me find them again. [more inside]
posted by Jess the Mess at 5:04 PM PST - 8 comments

So, this happened. [more inside]
posted by Rumi'sLeftSock at 4:21 PM PST - 10 comments

Struggling with the human aspect of leaving these kids behind [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 1:32 PM PST - 23 comments

I have my eye on an item that's sold and shipped only within the EU; I am in US. Have you used one of those reshipping services that will receive and forward your package? Recommendations for good services, or caveats to avoid getting scammed? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 1:20 PM PST - 1 comment

Is there somewhere I can find a set of random music clips of different genres, say 3-10 seconds in length, arranged in one place, in long form? Like a 10-60 minute-long Youtube video with one clip immediately after the other, for example? [more inside]
posted by circular at 1:04 PM PST - 7 comments

I am making apple pies with hot water crust, but I can't quite figure out the filling. Pie bakers of Mefi, any tips? Gluten-free, but probably non-GF can weigh in, too? Specifics within. [more inside]
posted by pepper bird at 12:30 PM PST - 9 comments

The title says it all and we both have iPhones. What sort of games, Apps or whatever can a couple use to spend time together while they're physically apart? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:27 AM PST - 11 comments

I'd like to put up some outdoor string lights to accent our seasonal yard art. I've never done this before and want shopping and staging advice. [more inside]
posted by eirias at 11:26 AM PST - 6 comments

Solo female disorganized traveler leaving from Canada! [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 11:02 AM PST - 7 comments

A friend has been given medical advice to reduce most carbs in her food intake. I want to buy her a good low-carb cookbook that isn't super "diet"-y. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:49 AM PST - 2 comments

Go to the working directory and upload (or replace the already-existing) devconfig.json with this file. It contains a flag that sets allowDebug to true, which lets us open the Chrome DevTools. [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 10:38 AM PST - 7 comments

I get really sick from certain odors and fragrances. Candles, cleaners, any artificial scented things. I’m able to avoid this in my own spaces. Unfortunately, I had a few experiences in the past couple weeks and I need to find more solutions. [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws at 10:28 AM PST - 18 comments

I have an old (2017) mostly-unused 9.7" ipad that I want repurpose for reading articles on. I want to make it more pleasant on my eyes, ie more matte but ideally preserving image quality/sharpness as much as possible. I know people like Paperlike but I don't use the ipad for writing/drawing so Paperlike seems pricey given that I don't need a good surface for a stylus. Recommendations? (I have e-ink devices for books, but I want this for reading shorter articles without the hassle of connecting to wifi, syncing, etc.)
posted by needs more cowbell at 10:01 AM PST - 1 comment

I've been reading about the "snowmageddon" in Buffalo, NY. But I haven't seen any discussion about how, exactly, the city is coping with five feet or more of snow. What are the physics & logistics of moving prodigious amounts of fluffy, frozen water? [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 9:46 AM PST - 18 comments

I am very interested in a hearing at the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 7. Do you know any way I can watch it from New Mexico (live or recorded) or read a transcript?
posted by NotLost at 9:29 AM PST - 3 comments

Good Xmas gifts for a new CPAP user? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 9:18 AM PST - 11 comments

I am trying to learn what the heck I gotta do to play Steam games on my television with a game controller - and have been out of the loop for a while. Details within. [more inside]
posted by tiny frying pan at 8:56 AM PST - 7 comments

iPhone 11 Pro Max. I only want a photo to show when I pick the phone up, until I unlock it. I cannot find how to do this. I've done it with many android phones. Here I've got this big pretty screen, I want only a photo until I unlock it. I want no clock. No calendar. No apps. Nothing. Just the image. That's it. Period. Is there some app to buy? Hold my mouth in some special way? Throw the phone into the river?
posted by dancestoblue at 3:42 AM PST - 5 comments

What happens, in America, to Americans who have been deported/kicked out/sent back to America from other countries for visa violations? [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 6:56 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm looking for a recipe for a specific strawberry jello salad that used to be part of my family tradition but not having any luck! Do you eat a strawberry jello salad with cream cheese balls? [more inside]
posted by possibilityleft at 3:42 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for interesting recipes for fresh cranberries, other than making traditional sauces or syrup*. Does not have to be Thanksgiving themed at all. They're pretty, they're local, there has to be more I can do with them. [more inside]
posted by sepviva at 3:20 PM PST - 56 comments

How do I make a delicious thanksgiving meal over a campfire without tearing my hair out too much? [more inside]
posted by sparringnarwhal at 1:41 PM PST - 17 comments

This is the third time it's happened now: when I go into my local Aldi, my phone changes the date to April 2003, the internet stops working (mobile and wifi), and it stays that way until I restart. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 12:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Hi everybody. I received a laptop for my work-from-home job some time ago, and the tiny monitor is taking a toll on my eyes. I'd like to connect it to a [much] larger monitor. The problem is that although I suspect it's a simple enough procedure, I'm not very tech-savvy to put it mildly. Here's the tiny bit of information I do have: [more inside]
posted by DavidfromBA at 11:59 AM PST - 10 comments

Inspired by a comment from dobbs in the Gift of Freedom thread, how do you resist temptation and stop buying shit this holiday season? [more inside]
posted by Juniper Toast at 11:23 AM PST - 33 comments

Please keep it to San Francisco because I don't have a car and anyway I don't want to drive after I have fulfilled my craving. [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 10:56 AM PST - 2 comments

I am looking for ways to add nutritious foods to my regular eating routine. I'm not at all looking for tips on removing food from your diet. What are your best recipes and techniques? [more inside]
posted by Neely O'Hara at 10:43 AM PST - 34 comments

I'm helping a student apply for an F1 visa to enter the U.S. for high school. She's from Syria. She was denied in Beirut, Lebanon, and needs to re-apply, either in Beirut or in Amman, Jordan. Please tell me everything you (or a friend) experienced to broaden my understanding of all the possible experiences she might have. [more inside]
posted by Capri at 10:12 AM PST - 0 comments

I like to listen to soundtracks as background music when I'm writing, and am looking for some new recommendations. Game soundtracks tend to fit my specific criteria best, but this isn't required. Criteria and examples inside. [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 9:14 AM PST - 23 comments

I have US citizenship and live in the UK. It's getting increasingly difficult to manage US finance accounts. Specifically, Vanguard (but others too). Is there a way I can have a US phone number for these accounts? I need to receive security codes and make the very occasional phone call, and to do this online from the UK. [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 8:51 AM PST - 17 comments

For whatever reason, I am very picky about podcasts. Please help me find some for my commute. [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 8:13 AM PST - 11 comments

I have a long drive coming up and I want to binge a podcast, ideally one of those investigative-style ones that unfold over a series of episodes. [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 7:23 AM PST - 24 comments

Can someone help me understand the difference between using coinbase and venmo from a tax perspective? [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 7:20 AM PST - 4 comments

I need new boots. I will be using them mostly for outdoor walking (usually a mile or less), mostly on pavement, mostly 10F - 40F weather, sometimes with a few inches of snow on the ground and sometimes when it’s moderately icy. [more inside]
posted by maleficent at 6:50 AM PST - 19 comments

I need to buy a gift for a college sophomore - they are math minded, not into fashion or any particular fandom, etc. What is a cool gift for a man this age (forgive me, I am rapidly becoming old and out of touch)? What might be something not too dorky or young-coded for him to play around with in a dorm? [more inside]
posted by tiny frying pan at 6:33 AM PST - 17 comments

I (28) have wanted kids since I first realized I could be a functional enough adult to do a good job . My wife (25) told me about a month ago that she has been doing her best to reconcile herself to being a parent, but she feels now that she will not want to have kids. I'm having a crisis about it, she's not doing so hot either. [more inside]
posted by Summers at 5:47 AM PST - 41 comments

I posted about my son’s stomach issues few months ago .Like many of you suggested , we took our son to a new gastroenterologist and he did CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, multiple blood test. They found some intestines wall thickening and slightly elevated fatty liver. [more inside]
posted by SunPower at 3:52 AM PST - 5 comments

I grew up using CMSes like GreyMatter and Movable Type where you just had to change a couple of settings, upload the install files to your server via FTP, maybe mess with the cPanel, and off you go. A lot of CMSes nowadays want you to use the command line and/or start Git and I feel out of my depth. Halp? [more inside]
posted by creatrixtiara at 12:33 AM PST - 10 comments

I lost a book. I’d like to find the title so I can read it again. I believe it was about using social science for activism / social movements / social good, like a prosocial version of “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.” I think it cited and explained studies. I read it within the last five years or so, and I think it was relatively new. I think it wasn’t very thick. Can you help me find the title?
posted by NotLost at 9:21 PM PST - 5 comments

Bay Area-filter: Our preschooler is dying to take a ride on Caltrain - what should we do when we hop off (and where)? [more inside]
posted by Synesthesia at 9:06 PM PST - 13 comments

I saw this book recommended on Metafilter several years ago, but I haven't been able to find the post. Turns out, it's my favorite book of all time and I want to read more like it! [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 8:02 PM PST - 8 comments

I have recently read numerous "pandemic books" that are so designated because they were written in lockdown. I would like to read some fiction that is set during the COVID-19 pandemic. [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 5:30 PM PST - 20 comments

Can anyone give me a read on whether it seems ok to drive through upstate NY (specifically, Watertown/Thousand Islands on 81 to Ontario) tomorrow, Sat 11/19, given the weather? Just from the snow totals and timing/descriptions it looks possibly ok as long as I'm through there during the late afternoon (no plans to leave the highway there), but I don't know if I really understand lake effect snow. [more inside]
posted by advil at 5:17 PM PST - 4 comments

My partner needs a water bottle that holds ice really well. He's bought some and they all apparently suck. I want to make his Christmas! Do you know of one? Price not too great of an object for quality. Thanks!
posted by Saucywench at 4:37 PM PST - 17 comments

The second week of December I am engaging in a rite of passage and taking a bus trip with my mother to NYC to see the Radio City Christmas spectacular. I'm looking for suggestions for a place to eat lunch and some nearby touristy holiday things we can see. [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 2:34 PM PST - 14 comments

I work doing field research in a group with three grad students, another tech, and a PI. The grad students are based at a different location from the rest of us and we have enough going on during the growing season that meeting synchronously is hard. We need productivity software to share information. We have around ten projects at a time. PI would also like task tracking so that they can see who is in charge of what, what the deadline is, and task status (started, completed, etc.) Ideally, these would be the same system. Things we've tried inside. What is our ideal free/cheap solution? [more inside]
posted by momus_window at 2:31 PM PST - 12 comments

... and it's not (necessarily) an Ikea Strandmon [more inside]
posted by rawralphadawg at 2:23 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm thinking of replacing my aged cell phone, and right now the phone I'm eyeing at, say, Best Buy is $100 cheaper if I buy the unlocked version vs a carrier version. What's the reason for the price difference? Is there a catch to buying an unlocked phone and switching it my carrier on the spot?
posted by TwoStride at 2:23 PM PST - 5 comments

My dear dog (husky shepherd, 12 year old female) appears to have some slightly inflamed gums. I'm wondering if there are options for treating this that don't require a full-on dental cleaning. [more inside]
posted by thebots at 1:10 PM PST - 4 comments

In a survey where all questions are voluntary but questions are sometimes accidentally skipped, what alert text could I display next to skipped questions that briefly (1) prompts respondents to answer the question if they wanted to do so and also (2) communicates that they don't have to? [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 11:39 AM PST - 18 comments

What are your favorite foods and snacks in and around Portland? Bonus points for best chả giò, lumpia, bao, gyro, nachos, sandwich, and bar food? [more inside]
posted by Ministry of Truth at 11:36 AM PST - 6 comments

We're thinking of giving a home to a rescue dog but neither of us have owned a pet before. I've watched a lot of videos about training dogs, and some about coping with a new puppy (which we don't want), but I'm missing the real basics! [more inside]
posted by fabius at 11:36 AM PST - 16 comments

I am based in the north of the UK and finish my current job on Wednesday 11th January, and start a new one on Tuesday 24th January. I want to go on a solo holiday to recharge and rest, ideally with impressive scenery and quite quiet (I'm not one for nights out!). Where is nice in deepest darkest winter, that is a bit off the beaten track? Ideally somewhere with a temperature above 5C / 40F. [more inside]
posted by philsi at 10:16 AM PST - 17 comments

I'm actually making good progress in recreating my previous setup in Access However, there's one thing I'd like to be able to do that I suspect is possible but I don't know how: Where I have a linked field (so you get a dropdown menu based on values from a field in another table), I want to have one of the options be "Add New" so you can type in something not already in the other table. I then want that thing to appear in the other table (and yes, I realize some fields for that row will be initially blank). How can I do this? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:41 AM PST - 4 comments

I read a book 20+ years ago in one of my academic programs - my recollection was that it was called "Skin", by a (female?) German author. It was an overview of how the idea of 'personhood' has changed over the years; it referenced and had photos of things like the beautified anatomical models of young women in the early days of anatomical research and teaching; it talked about torture in different cultural contexts and how the idea of whether the "self" is a thing that resides inside of your body or your body is an integral part of the Self has evolved over the last few centuries. Any help appreciated!
posted by Silvery Fish at 9:36 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me give myself the gift of freedom. What is something you used to do, that you thought was very important, that you stopped doing, and didn’t notice a difference? Or a smaller difference than you expected? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 7:16 AM PST - 79 comments

Tell me about nice exterior doorknob/deadbolt sets [more inside]
posted by saladin at 7:12 AM PST - 6 comments

I am writing some press releases related to MetaFilter as part of the community effort to keep this boat afloat. In addition to targeted journalists/outlets, I also want to get the word out to as many places as possible. PR Newswire and similar services cost money. This is a zero-budget affair. Does anyone have deeply discounted or free access to one of these services? Would want to use it potentially three times; next week, in early December, and sometime in January. But getting access once only would totally work. Ideas?
posted by Bella Donna at 6:32 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm currently a heavy Evernote user and want to look at alternatives. We've had some good threads on notetaking/note management apps in the past, especially these threads from 2018: Notetaking app and Best note-taking app for serious note-takers? Since then, a couple of new products have entered the personal knowledge management market, like Roam, Obisidian, and maybe Notion. Details after the jump. [more inside]
posted by BlueTongueLizard at 5:58 AM PST - 9 comments

Eight years ago, my mother left me a large camel collection. They ended up with a camel lover in Ravensthorpe, Western Australia, nearly six hours from Perth. After eight years, her camel museum is finally open! But the woman who runs it is not great with technology or photography, and I'd really like it preserved in all its glory. I'm guessing what I probably want is someone to go in and take not just photos of everything in situ but make a full walk-through model, e.g. using Matterport. How do I go about finding someone to do this, given how extremely remote this place is? Do I need to pay someone to do the 12 hour round trip from Perth, or is it possible to find someone closer who can do the work?
posted by dmd at 5:43 AM PST - 5 comments

College roommate from many years ago wants me to socialize with her ex-husband, and I'm not interested. [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 4:53 AM PST - 13 comments

I’m in a field where freelancing is not common (at least not that term) but having your own private practice is more common. I didn’t do that, but I’m an independent contractor and not sure if listing it this way on my resume makes the most sense? [more inside]
posted by buttonedup at 3:50 AM PST - 3 comments

I have three kids to get gifts for this year. My budget is $50 each but I’d love to spend less if possible. Help me get things that they will enjoy. [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 3:45 AM PST - 10 comments

So in our continuing saga of making a short film, (thanks to all who helped with previous questions!), we are now in post-production and we've used DaVinci Resolve to get a rough cut. Now what about music/sound? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 9:27 PM PST - 0 comments

What it says on the tin, specifics within [more inside]
posted by wooh at 9:16 PM PST - 8 comments

Another "where should I move?" question. I'm a single WOC approaching 40 with a somewhat location independent career wanting to plant roots somewhere I can find community, and be close to nature. Where should I go?? [more inside]
posted by Eudaimonia at 8:27 PM PST - 21 comments

Finally confirmed what I suspected for weeks, we have bedbugs. Heat treatment seems like the way to go (cost no object). I have questions for people who have been through this, particularly about what needs to be removed so it won't be damaged by the heat. [more inside]
posted by metahawk at 8:21 PM PST - 9 comments

My desktop computer was working fine today until I stepped away. Came back and it had stopped working properly. I'll list troubleshooting steps I've tried, but would love to get some more eyes on this to see if I missed anything. [more inside]
posted by Carillon at 8:15 PM PST - 9 comments

At least 10-15 years ago, I had an album of famous songs including Nirvana's Come As You Are that was re-arranged and covered as slow bedtime songs. I cannot find it on Spotify or Google because there are so many search-optimized cover versions now. It had a dark blue grungey cover with I think a cradle and crescent moon. Please! The baby will not sleep and grandma cannot take anymore goddamn Cocomelon.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 8:06 PM PST - 7 comments

I am planning on getting a masters in teaching -elem ed, graduating in august 2024. There are a lot of reasons I believe this is the right move for me. I am 51 and am hoping this is my last job/career. I am excited. But everywhere I turn is negative about teaching and education. Low pay, long hours, crappy politics. For me my starting salary would be higher than any I’ve ever had. And long hours and politics are ubiquitous in the us working culture. I would really like to hear from teachers who still love teaching and aren’t planning on leaving. Please tell me all the reasons why you are staying. Thank you.
posted by ChristineSings at 7:14 PM PST - 11 comments

Hello! Like many I am concerned that Twitter will implode and I will lose track of the several hundred artists that I follow. Many of them put URLs of their other websites or galleries in their Twitter 'bio's, or in a single pinned-tweet. Do you know of a utility or website that will do something like, collect and display the bios of the users I follow? [more inside]
posted by panhopticon at 5:28 PM PST - 12 comments

I have a niece who is moving to Chicago next summer. She's asking me where she and a roommate should look for apartments. We live in "Chicagoland" which means I work in the city sometimes, visit for concerts, restaurants etc. But I haven't lived there in 15 years. Can you give me some pointers? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:42 PM PST - 16 comments

I’m looking to get into working with data. I'm learning from a Udemy course on Excel. I’m looking for a career roadmap. Should I start out in simple data entry then graduate to data analysis? I’ve looked and data entry jobs vary widely in pay, from $8 per hour to $30. I’ve had a basic data entry job before. What should I be aiming for? I’m in Austin, TX. Are there any agencies? I looked at Matrix but they didn’t have any data entry jobs. How do I communicate with an agency? [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 3:40 PM PST - 16 comments

I am in the process of applying for jobs that require very tangible digital skills. I’m enrolled in a full-time masters programme where I’m studying relevant courses. How do I show I have these skills but not mention I am currently studying an MA? [more inside]
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 3:04 PM PST - 2 comments

I want to set up a business that would involve meeting each client every 2 weeks. If possible, I would like to build up to having 20 hour-long client meetings per week, but not more. Would a good way to develop a steady base of clients — and not be pushed into working too much — to be to charge older clients less and newer ones more? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by sindark at 2:39 PM PST - 14 comments

I’m looking for well-informed, progressive, and non-western-centric perspectives on international issues. MeFi is one of the few places online where I see people saying things re: these issues that I agree with. Where are you getting your information from? Broadly looking for recommendations on regional/local news sources, people to follow on twitter/mastodon/substack/blogs/podcasts, etc. [more inside]
posted by bongerino at 2:13 PM PST - 13 comments

Looking for help locating an MP3 album by Spoon Studio from the early 2000s that doesn't come from a sketchy website or service. [more inside]
posted by jazon at 2:11 PM PST - 4 comments

There are about two dozen VHS tapes, of 1990s - early 2000s vintage, which need to be digitized. [more inside]
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Asking for a friend who does not have mefi... she and her spouse have a young child but are not able to conceive another due to medical reasons. They are now seriously thinking about adoption but have no idea where to start. Presumably they would get in touch with an adoption agency but googling kind of brings up junky results. If anyone has any information about how to begin at least exploring the process, I would be glad to pass it on to them! They are located in Northern California, if it matters. Thanks.
posted by madonna of the unloved at 12:27 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm a small woman, but when I sneeze, it sounds like an angry roar. I'm so damn loud, people 4 metres apart from me on the street jump, coworkers clap hands over their hearts and gasp etc. How do I not?? [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 12:09 PM PST - 20 comments

In your pockets, in your wallet, in your purse? Did you learn this from someone? [more inside]
posted by rhonzo at 12:00 PM PST - 94 comments

My old boy Franklin loves the "hot pad" we have on the couch for the cats, and I have another one I want to put on my desk for him. [more inside]
posted by misanthropicsarah at 11:09 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm interested in hearing peoples' experiences dating someone much younger/older than them. I'm interested in casual experiences, serious ones. Good ones, bad ones. What was good? What was bad? It it ongoing? Is there anything you wish had been different? Anything you are grateful for? [more inside]
posted by LambSock at 10:39 AM PST - 43 comments

Please help me find a new laptop [that I can purchase within Canada]. I need something beefier than what I currently have, but I'm also working with a limited budget so I'm keeping my requirements flexible. Details under the fold. [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 10:00 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm starting to figure out what to wear to my office holiday party (we go all out). I have a dress, but it's short-sleeved and I think I need a blingy jacket for it. Where do I look for it? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:59 AM PST - 16 comments

When I share photos from my iPhone by emailing them to Outlook, Outlook only makes them available for download as a thumbnail. There used to be a "download" button below the photo in the Outlook message but now the only option seems to be to right click and save, which results in the image being saved as a thumbnail only. This is a recent change. How can I download the full-resolution image after emailing it to myself?
posted by Clustercuss at 9:40 AM PST - 0 comments

I've had this image framed since I was a child. It seems to have come from a calendar in the early 80s. All I can find of it online is the following link to a bookplate: https://bookplateink.com/product/ms100-mouse-fireplace/ I was wondering if there were any mefis who know who drew this picture, or where it originated? Thank You! [more inside]
posted by triage_lazarus at 9:20 AM PST - 6 comments

Some years ago now, John Goodenough and Maria Braga announced a new type of battery with seemingly miraculous properties. There was a lot of skepticism about it, Hydro Quebec licensed the technology for production, and then…nothing. I haven't been able to find any news about it. Has there been any?
posted by adamrice at 8:56 AM PST - 7 comments

I’m a fully adult person who is about to finish their Bachelor’s in May after struggling on and off for almost twenty years. This is great and feels good, but the problem is that I’m not sure I want to take the obvious career path that everyone else seems to be moving towards. What else can I do? [more inside]
posted by Reuben Klopek at 8:54 AM PST - 13 comments

I have a mildly fussy coffee setup optimized for a single serving (aeropress, electric kettle, handheld burr grinder) - I'm the only coffee drinker in my household and have to limit myself to one cup a day, so this works fine. From this starting point, what's the easiest way for me to serve coffee to 2-3 guests without having to serially grind and plunge multiple batches? "Easiest" as in, minimizes the amount of new stuff I need to acquire and keep in my kitchen.
posted by btfreek at 8:50 AM PST - 20 comments

Every day at least one bird flys into my big bay window. How can I stop this from happening? [more inside]
posted by archimago at 7:52 AM PST - 11 comments

I have a friend - to whom I'm their one friend - who is diagnosed bipolar and not regularly taking their medication, and is addicted to alcohol "to shut down their thoughts". I am looking for generalized advice – anything that someone who's been there before might want to tell me. Full details after the fold. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:42 AM PST - 4 comments

I made a career decision that needs adjusting but I cannot think my way clearly through this. I will try to paint as complete a picture as possible. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:42 AM PST - 25 comments

I have been a good doobie and set up two factor authentication for most of my essential accounts. I want my partner to have access to these accounts, on general principal, but also in case of emergency, if I am incapacitated and unavailable. How is that supposed to work? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 7:24 AM PST - 12 comments

I'll be in the market for a new (or at least, new-to-me) car soon. I drive about 20,000 miles a year, and I make surprisingly little money considering how over-educated and charming I am. So I'm looking for the best combination of reliable, excellent gas mileage, and inexpensive. [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 7:22 AM PST - 15 comments

I am interested in innovative, creative uses and/or abuses of the Twitch streaming platform. Streamers who have used the platform as a creative medium, regardless of its (main) intention as a place for game streaming. Art and performance are what come to mind, but I am open to anything, either a single use case or a particular streamer who uses Twitch in an ongoing 'weird' way. [more inside]
posted by 0bvious at 7:11 AM PST - 10 comments

Sometimes in conversation, people tend to refer to other people (not in the conversation) by full name, every time. Like saying "Ted Danson" several times instead of switching to "Ted" or "Danson". But sometimes we don't, e.g., "Biden". Is there research about patterns in who does this, which names get truncated vs. not, etc.? I have intuitions but would want to double-check. Would this be a linguistics thing, maybe interdisciplinary with sociology?
posted by brainwane at 6:14 AM PST - 12 comments

I need some help troubleshooting what I would call a partial connectivity problem that only affects one type of device on my network -- internet streaming radios. [more inside]
posted by JanetLand at 6:08 AM PST - 7 comments

I am traveling solo next year for the first time. If you travel a lot, help me with your advice, tips and hacks? [more inside]
posted by Balthamos at 6:05 AM PST - 22 comments

Looking for a tool to monitor and log when my home internet goes out. [more inside]
posted by BigLankyBastard at 4:53 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm working from home most of the time, and don't want to heat up the whole house just for myself. What are some ways to keep just one body, mostly sitting at a desk, warm, while still being able to use a computer? [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 2:41 AM PST - 40 comments

My spouse’s family has decided to skip individual Christmas gifts this year, and instead focus only on stocking stuffers (and they’re pretty into stocking stuffers generally, in any case). I would like to buy something fun and science-related to put in everyone’s stockings. What should I buy? [more inside]
posted by peperomia at 9:44 PM PST - 19 comments

I'd like some sort of organization or database for my recipes, both online and cookbooks. I've considered using Evernote, but am wondering if that's actually the best way to do this? [more inside]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 8:45 PM PST - 19 comments

I am making Thanksgiving dinner for the second time. A couple of years ago, I made this sheet-pan dinner for two. But now there will be a total of three adults. Can I just increase the ingredients of this recipe by 50 percent, or do you have another suggestion? I started looking for a sheet-pan holiday dinner for three or four, but I got overwhelmed by the choices. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:10 PM PST - 5 comments

So I got a haircut. I showed my stylist pictures like this and told him that I liked the sort of separate section-y look of the styles. He told me that that was done with a curling iron. He told me there is basically no haircut that I wouldn't have to style at all. Now because of my own fault, we didn't have much time (I got mixed up and was late) and he didn't have time to dry or style my hair. Now I don't know how to style it. How do I style it? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:09 PM PST - 21 comments

What's the scary story a grandmother told a kid to put them to bed? Why is grandma no longer allowed to tell bedtime stories? Does anybody know what I'm talking about? [more inside]
posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:54 PM PST - 6 comments

I leave for work before the sun comes up. While it rarely snows where I live, it's cold enough in the winter that my car's windshield is usually icy. I need to scrape it, and also sit and wait for the defroster to do its thing on the interior. What could I do to make the de-icing process go faster, or not have to happen at all? Parking in a garage is not an option.
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:41 PM PST - 23 comments

My boyfriend and I are going on a trip for his birthday. I want to bring a portable gift for him to unwrap but am feeling a bit clueless. He has many interests -- he is an avid reader, writer, visual artist and musician. He is interested in politics, travelling, science and culture. He loves to cook! He loves and is interested in so many things, I can't believe I'm having trouble. [More inside.] [more inside]
posted by jerboa at 4:11 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm curious as to alternative ways to visualize interconnected family trees. I'd love a new image or visual metaphor to symbolize the complex (spiderweb? fishermen nets?) of connections which are dynamic in their change and growth. Something that could actually be utilized to keep track of one's genealogy would be great - but even if it's purely hypothetical -- (constellations?) I would love some suggestions just to break free of the tree cliche! Thank you.
posted by egeanin at 3:39 PM PST - 10 comments

The Week 3 Fundraising Update is live on MetaTalk. We’ve blown past our Survive target thanks to you, and are well on our way to being able to 🌱Revive🌱 Metafilter! [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 2:53 PM PST - 1 comment

I want to watch Italian movies and TV with the subtitles on, for language practice. Is there anything on? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:34 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm trying to find a silverware set for sale with either wooden or turquoise handles, as close as possible to the one featured in this photo. I'd consider either a new set or, if this kind of thing isn't being made as much any more, an antique set in good condition. I've browsed through the offerings from places like Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie and Williams-Sonoma, but have been striking out so far. [more inside]
posted by flod at 2:24 PM PST - 9 comments

Trying to sell concert tickets (under face value!) but running out of places to post, limited by Ticketmaster being an asshole, not sure of my options. [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 2:07 PM PST - 5 comments

So as a followup to my previous question I got a look at the coding bootcamp of the woman who asked me for help and it's feeling...sketchy. They charge a bunch up front and ask for salary AFTER graduation. What's a virtual program that you know of - Ideally one that offers some scholarships and such for hardship - and ISN'T sketchy?
posted by rileyray3000 at 1:11 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm doing ancestry research, and I'm trying to figure out where an ancestor is from. This person was born in 1901 - in then Russia. My genealogy records where she is from what is now Poland or Lithuania. However, I can't read the handwriting or figure out where she is from. Her Mother is from Białystok, Poland and her father is from "Volnynia" - which from my research seems like a huge regon, now spread across Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. The document I have is a US Naturalization form from 1924. It says on it she is from: "Yas*****orska, Russia" (perhaps "Yassorrorska, Russia"?), but I'm not great a reading messy cursive. By the way this was written down in the US state of Georgia. I've attached the handwriting here but I'm not at all sure what it means. Anyone have any thoughts on where this might mean she is from? Thanks so much!
posted by cazcazcaz at 12:28 PM PST - 5 comments

In July, my friend unexpectedly died. This year, it seems that Twitter will die rather... expectedly. The literary circle we were both parts of wishes to preserve our friend's Twitter account, as a kind of record of the virtual round table her account was over the last four or five years. How can we do this in absence of a probated will or with an as-yet unconfirmed-by-the-court literary executor? [more inside]
posted by infinitewindow at 11:29 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm looking for a Spanish immersion program for my daughter next summer, when she'll be 14, ideally in Mexico or Central America. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 11:15 AM PST - 1 comment

A family member is selling a piece of art worth US$5 million. Is there an advantage to using a particular auction house, or consign it to a gallery, or something else? [more inside]
posted by CashmereSock at 10:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Can you point me to a history of Ticketmaster(tm) logos with examples? In particular, I recall a period when they were using branding like "rock/ticketmaster" or "ticketmaster/rock". I've gone through the official guides I can find on the various public Ticketmaster sites but the motherload at design.ticketmaster.com is behind a login.
posted by donpardo at 10:22 AM PST - 9 comments

We have an old Westinghouse range/oven that came with the house and might even be close to original for the property, which was built in 1952. It's a 40" (!) double oven and it's really great, except it isn't heating properly anymore. I'm trying to find replacement parts for it. [more inside]
posted by hippybear at 9:25 AM PST - 11 comments

Are all reading glasses basically the same, or do any brands have extra features that make them worth searching out? Is it worth it to buy them from a "real" place (either an optometrist or even like Zenni)? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 9:19 AM PST - 12 comments

My grandmother had exactly 3 kid's books in her house and I've been trying to track down one of them forever. My memory is hazy, but what I recall was a picture book about a little community of polar creatures: possibly penguins and polar bears. I believe they had shops, homes and furniture made out of ice and at some point in the story, the ice started to melt... [more inside]
posted by Text TK at 9:13 AM PST - 2 comments

I made a joke at someone's expense at work and hurt their feelings. What's the right way to apologize? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:31 AM PST - 30 comments

I have an upcoming psilocybin therapy session. What should I read and listen to in advance to optimize the experience? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:31 AM PST - 3 comments

Writing a thing ... I'm looking for a profession in which time is critical. A watch repair person is my first idea, but that is somewhat antiquated. And I'm looking for something more than timekeeping, 9-5, sort of thing. What do you know?
posted by falsedmitri at 8:04 AM PST - 35 comments

I have a 3-quart Magnalite pot (like this one) with a lot of black burned food marks on the inside of the pot. Can I use Barkeeper's Friend to clean the interior if I wash it thoroughly several times before cooking in it again? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 8:03 AM PST - 4 comments

In my old job I was using an online database-compatible (like it let you build databases) system, but now I don't think my new employer would like confidential notes in someone else's cloud. I need to keep track of projects, to do lists (including keeping separate lists for each project that will somehow merge into a master list and be filter-able by ...anything ) meetings, calednar, deadlines and documents. We use Microsoft 365. How do I do this and how do I learn to do it? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:00 AM PST - 13 comments

Hey all. I'm hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, and using it as an excuse to buy baby's first tablecloth and napkins. Please help me choose! [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 7:32 AM PST - 17 comments

Can you please recommend any books that make you feel better about living life as an individual inside a chaotic world? The political catastrophisation of every issue has left my friends group feeling inadequate to face the challenges of modern life. And yet, life goes on, we keep aging, and, despite near-daily predictions, the sky has not yet fallen. What do you find hopeful, helpful, or healthy to read? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 6:18 AM PST - 30 comments

I have been potential offered a spot in a trauma program but the group therapy sessions would be in a language that is not my first language. My google translate app doesn’t always work great, is this because I have an iPhone 8 and it’s old? What are my options? I have an interview next week and I think if I have a little translator running then I will be able to understand enough to make it I to the program. I am probably high A2.
posted by pairofshades at 5:04 AM PST - 6 comments

I haven't been able to update Calibre for several versions. This is a long shot but I'm hoping someone can help. [more inside]
posted by aussie_powerlifter at 1:24 AM PST - 3 comments

Earlier this year I discovered Lost Cherry by Tom Ford and I love it. I've never been too big into perfumes but there are some I've liked over the years (Chloé Eau de Parfum and Stella by Stella McCartney, mostly), but Lost Cherry is just... amazing. But I can't figure out *WHY* I love it so much. How do I figure out what notes or what scents are why I love it? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:13 PM PST - 10 comments

For most of my life, I’ve considered the default color of both cheddar and American cheese to be yellow. I’ve always been aware of the existence of white cheddar and white American, but those have always seemed to be variations, like green tomatoes or blue corn tortillas. But not in New England. Why? [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 4:18 PM PST - 25 comments

HI... I'm in the U.S. and trying to watch BBC iPlayer on my Sony TV with Amazon Fire Stick. I've got Nord VPN installed and set to the UK; also installed the 'Downloader' app. But when I go to Amazon store to try to download the app, it shows the logo, but says 'unavailable' when I try to do it. I can watch this no problem on my laptop, but trying to get it to the TV and having trouble, not sure if anyone's got a successful workaround...
posted by dearleader at 3:42 PM PST - 8 comments

Do you work in an academic library? What creative ideas have you implemented to help hungry students? Our library has a satellite of our campus food pantry, in a repurposed newspaper box, but we'd like to do more. [more inside]
posted by crepeMyrtle at 3:26 PM PST - 10 comments

What should we know about global Eurail pass travel in winter? [more inside]
posted by ojocaliente at 2:57 PM PST - 8 comments

For the past week or so, I've been getting calls and texts from a number of survey-takers wanting to ask me about how I voted in the Minnesota elections. However - I live in Brooklyn, New York. How did this happen, and how can I make it stop? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:38 PM PST - 10 comments

Suplena is out of stock everywhere. Nepro is available. I consume Suplena because I have kidney failure. Nepro is also for people like me. But I haven't been consuming it and it's not listed an alternative for me. I need to know if Nepro is okay for me. [more inside]
posted by Stuka at 2:34 PM PST - 3 comments

I recently got reading glasses. A ridiculously weak prescription, but still, I enjoy reading so much more. And it's come to my attention that if I wear them while at my computer, I enjoy reading that more, too. But when I google this I'm just getting "no, reading glasses don't cut blue light or glare." Ok...but they make everything more in focus!! I like that. Is it safe for my eyes to use my reading glasses to read off the computer. Computer is at about the same distance as a book would be.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 12:27 PM PST - 21 comments

My father was born during some bombings in London in 1940 and then when he was ten years old he was in a taxi going to school that hit and killed another school child. When he went to take his exams he wasn’t able to answer any questions and “they” said it was because of the stress and (so) then my grandparents emigrated to America. What would he have been diagnosed with? What diagnoses were common at that time for ptsd or that type of thing?
posted by pairofshades at 10:36 AM PST - 15 comments

Hey, elf-hive: for a personal project, I'm looking for a vintage Christmas album cover that uses multiple ornaments and/or wrapped gifts to promote artists involved (where their faces/heads are in the shapes of the ornaments/presents). More like this basically!
posted by Unsomnambulist at 10:32 AM PST - 8 comments

I need to rebuild my new organization's website from the ground up (on Wordpress), while simultaneously keeping the existing (Squarespace) website going. Can I keep the current site live, build out the new one at ourorganization.wordpress.com, and then swap the domain to point to Wordpress when I'm ready to launch? More importantly: would such a transfer be too complicated for someone who is not a back-end web developer to handle? [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 10:22 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm experiencing a pain near the ball of my foot. It was here for two weeks, then went away suddenly, and now it's back. None of the diagnoses seem to fit. If you had similar pain, how did you address it? [more inside]
posted by mr_bovis at 10:21 AM PST - 7 comments

My kid is 13 and a big Talking Heads fan. I'd like to gift them with a trip to NYC (we're just a few hours away driving and they have been once before), but base the trip around Talking Heads trivia and landmarks. [more inside]
posted by stefnet at 9:56 AM PST - 13 comments

My feet get really cold in winter, no matter what I wear. I assume this is because my ultra-efficient capillaries cut off circulation to protect my core, because my feet are just literally cold to the touch. You also have this problem and yet you keep your feet warm. How? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 9:52 AM PST - 44 comments

I just lost my job after a decade with the company. I now have to figure out what’s next. Details inside [more inside]
posted by IWantAnswers at 9:12 AM PST - 15 comments

My grandbaby is 16 months and 30 pounds. We want to take her hiking - what carrier are you using for bigger toddlers? What do you like about it and why? [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 9:07 AM PST - 4 comments

I like to watch videos about things. Making and fixing things especially. This post is both a list of the types of videos I enjoy, and a request for discussion about other similar videos. [more inside]
posted by arantius at 8:33 AM PST - 19 comments

This is such an embarrassing problem but I feel like I can never get my ears really, really clean. I don’t wash my hair every day but when I take a body shower, I still try to get my ears as clean as possible. It feels like by the end of the day they are oily, and the oil has an unpleasant scent. Things I have tried... [more inside]
posted by Threeve at 8:12 AM PST - 12 comments

I did something stupid. Help me recover. [more inside]
posted by treetop89 at 8:02 AM PST - 22 comments

Butt hurts and recently restarted biking. See a doctor and/or buy a new seat? [more inside]
posted by signal at 7:55 AM PST - 11 comments

Can you recommend a comfortable non-electric scooter that offers a smooth ride? [more inside]
posted by redondo77 at 7:46 AM PST - 3 comments

I add kale to my smoothies. Two weeks ago, I bought a big bag of kale from the grocery store and took out some of the kale to make smoothies. I put the (clipped) bag back in the refrigerator for a few days, then put the bag in the freezer so I could save it for the next batch of smoothies (later this week). I believe the kale was put in the freezer before its expiration date. Is this okay/safe? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 7:04 AM PST - 9 comments

I've poked around wirecutter etc. but they do not share my #1 interest, which is no mold! I have bad allergies and the mold in my current front-loader is ruining my life. Due to space constraints, a front-loading/stackable washer is my only option. Do you have a front-loading washer that is not gross? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 7:00 AM PST - 16 comments

I recently learned about decade-old friendship sabotage -- should I confront the saboteur or let it go? [more inside]
posted by somebodytellme at 6:54 AM PST - 21 comments

So, there's a very wealthy estate with a lot of land attached. The owners have made part of that property a wildlife refuge, and the pertinent state and/or federal authorities manage that land. The rest of it is still quite a chunk of significant acreage, though and this employee manages it. What are they called? [more inside]
posted by taz at 5:40 AM PST - 17 comments

Looking to help a relative who will be arriving at Pearson (YYZ) by coach bus from London, ON. She will get dropped off at Terminal 1 and needs to get to Terminal 3 for her flight. [more inside]
posted by gursky at 2:52 AM PST - 6 comments

Spouse has bazillions of photos in iCloud and is bumping up against the storage unit for the next tier. He doesn’t want to spend $9.99/month for 2 TB of iCloud a month when we know we are going to be stuck being Amazon Prime customers forever for living-in-the-boonies reasons and can have unlimited storage there. What’s the best way to move them there? [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 12:24 AM PST - 8 comments

Met a girl who got out of an abusive relationship and is starting over. Had a kid early. Bad parents. The whole deal. Yet somehow she has the poise and personality of someone who's educated...even if she isn't. Is very self conscious of the fact. I said she can fake it if she just reads enough and retains it. So what should be on that reading list today?
posted by rileyray3000 at 11:53 PM PST - 70 comments

U.S. banks and credit card companies have varying policies about using forwarding services as primary addresses. VirtualPostMail et al. can provide a more "legitimate" address, but at a significant premium and even it's not guaranteed to always be accepted. How do you handle finance in the U.S. with no permanent address in any country?
posted by anonymous at 10:51 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm having a cat scan in a day or two. Great! Tell me how it goes, if you've had a cat scan. [more inside]
posted by vrakatar at 10:38 PM PST - 16 comments

My credit score dropped 40 points today due to "increased credit usage" on one of my cards. I purchased a laptop on my Apple Card in October and am carrying a $3k balance since I am paying it off in installments, something I have done with this card before. What's going on that would cause such a huge drop when I have never dropped that much in one go in 20 years of having credit? [more inside]
posted by The Adventure Begins at 8:31 PM PST - 10 comments

but everything else does. what it says on the tin, specifics within [more inside]
posted by wooh at 6:58 PM PST - 4 comments

I'd like to make a big batch of egg rolls and freeze some of them to eat later. Do I cook them before freezing or can I freeze them raw? Or maybe I should not do this. If you've tried it, I'd love to hear about your experience.
posted by entropyiswinning at 6:37 PM PST - 6 comments

What is your go-to non-greasy hand cream that is actually non-greasy while still being moisturizing? Bonus points if it’s nicely scented and a little bit more upscale so as to be worthy of being given as a gift.
posted by keep it under cover at 6:34 PM PST - 20 comments

I'd like to find out how I could design a macro to find a solution to space out elements as much as possible.

[more inside]
posted by cacofonie at 6:29 PM PST - 5 comments

I use Alexa/Echo to do some basic tasks: turning on lights, setting timers, telling me the weather. The last few days, something has changed. I gave the command to set a timer earlier today. “She” started by saying “Tada. Setting your timer for…”. Just now, I asked for another, and got “Ready, set, starting timer now”. How do I make it stop? [more inside]
posted by AMyNameIs at 6:27 PM PST - 15 comments

Someone I encounter in a business has a name tag listing their pronouns as they/she. I use they, which I assume to be their preference about 80% of the time, but have several times slipped, within their earshot and used the wrong pronoun. Should I apologize and correct myself? Should I just pretend it didn't happen and make a stronger effort to do better? Added complication: In the presence of my 5 year old. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 5:52 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm trying to track down an eggnog recipe I used about a decade ago. Twist: I'm pretty sure it was from a sexologist! [more inside]
posted by Devika at 4:42 PM PST - 7 comments

There's a high-energy/punchy string patch that pops up lots of places in late 80s House and early 90s electronic music, especially in rave. Say, at around 2:10 in John Etkin-Bell's Disco Italia or at around 0:46 into Black Box's Strike it Up. I imagine it comes from a Roland box, but I don't know which and I don't know what the patch is called. What 80s electronic music instrument makes this iconic sound, and what is the patch called?
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 4:21 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for a new jigsaw puzzle app to play on my iPhone. The App Store is filled with a million scammy seeming ones, so I'd like a personal recommendation. [more inside]
posted by umwelt at 3:36 PM PST - 4 comments

Taking Birth control continuously, but still having break-through bleeding. [more inside]
posted by aetg at 2:55 PM PST - 11 comments

Strangely, formerly Big Earrings Only me is really into tiny stud earrings. Please share your favorites - from etsy, regular storefronts, wherever!
posted by tiny frying pan at 2:36 PM PST - 17 comments

I have an email account in the Mail app in Windows 10. It connects to a GoDaddy email account. Is there a way to download the emails, so that if I lose access to the internet, I can search through old emails/attachments etc?
posted by lewedswiver at 1:38 PM PST - 1 comment

Looking for the most prestigious publications in the UK and non-North America publishing prose and poetry [more inside]
posted by cotesdurhone at 1:34 PM PST - 3 comments

I just asked my sister what she wanted for Christmas this year, and she messaged back, "No specific suggestions this year other than the château in France that I've had my eye on." I'm afraid a French château is out of my budget, but her suggestion did help me come up with a concept for my sister's Christmas gift: a box of French-themed stuff she could enjoy until she gets her French château. What inexpensive, cute, and useful items could I put in this box?
posted by orange swan at 1:10 PM PST - 33 comments

What are examples of circuit courts refusing to abide by Supreme Court precedent when making decisions? (Especially examples where the Supreme Court subsequently agreed with the circuit court decision and reversed its own decision.) [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 12:23 PM PST - 8 comments

I believe asking for timesheets each week (vs each month) will improve timeliness, while management assumes the opposite. Who's right and are there studies to support this? [more inside]
posted by BeatriceB at 11:42 AM PST - 17 comments

My wife had her Paypal account locked while trying to complete a sale and it's not at all clear what she should do about it. [more inside]
posted by no regrets, coyote at 11:25 AM PST - 3 comments

My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S10. It's just over 3 years old. Most days, battery charge has decreased from 100% to about 65% over the course of a day. But recently, it has started going down faster and bit erratically. It's 2pm as I write and the phone is down to 59%. [more inside]
posted by SemiSalt at 11:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Happened across this unauthorized YouTube posting of the most recent episode of Last Week Tonight. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YS6KU-HQtO4 There is an inset in the lower righthand corner of a person signing which, as far as I can tell, does not correspond to the program. Can someone provide an interpretation? (Note: I’m aware that it might not be American Sign Language. I am not versant enough to recognize the differences between regional signed languages).
posted by Silvery Fish at 10:59 AM PST - 1 comment

What's your favourite online source for cute, fun, not-earth-shatteringly expensive, stickers? [more inside]
posted by notquitejane at 10:53 AM PST - 9 comments

My partner is going to become a citizen of Canada this month. Yay! What are some Canada-themed presents or experiences I can give to him, to commemorate the occasion? [more inside]
posted by tinydancer at 10:24 AM PST - 26 comments

I don't have the musical language to describe what's going on here, but in the song (see this video at around 1:40, for instance) Al Jourgenson pushes his voice up, like, a half-step or something. "...all the people seem to stop and stare / They say why are you dressed like it's Halloween..." To my uneducated ear the rest of the music is unchanged; he's just forcing himself to be... musically off-tone, and it's subtly disconcerting (which I like). Is there a name for this? Is it a thing in music "oh yes, that's the Brechstein Tonal Squanch"?
posted by Shepherd at 9:51 AM PST - 9 comments

Please help me find (or at least start looking for) a library (or at least library-related) job in Calgary, Alberta. [more inside]
posted by The Card Cheat at 9:37 AM PST - 10 comments

It's about time for me to replace my desktop machine (a 27" iMac from 2017). The problem is figuring out what to replace it with, ideally that will give me more screen space. Apparently 27" isn't enough. I'm interested in ideas on how to do that sensibly for my needs and situation, and in recs for a monitor depending on what I end up picking. [more inside]
posted by jenettsilver at 8:42 AM PST - 18 comments

I recently heard a version of "Why don't you do right?" by Julie London and can't tell what instrument(s) is playing a refrain in the song - a brass line with a vibrato/modulation effect that's audible here (from 1:22 to 1:29) and in several other parts of the song. [more inside]
posted by ciocarlia at 7:25 AM PST - 4 comments

I love these Rolife miniature kits but I don't really want to keep them around after they're finished as I am not crazy about the aesthetic. Are there other model kits out there like this but less twee? [more inside]
posted by cilantro at 7:14 AM PST - 15 comments

Relatives got a phone call from someone claiming to be looking for me about a court case. Called the number they left with the relatives and it turns out I supposedly owe abot $4K US from years ago for a computer I leased. [more inside]
posted by clocksock at 7:11 AM PST - 11 comments

I took a big tumble on September 23 and hurt both wrists. Seven weeks later, my left wrist still hurts, though Dr. Google suggests that wrist sprains can take up to 10 weeks to heal. I plan to go to the doctor if I'm not feeling better by week 10. In the meantime, is there anything I should be doing to help recover that I won't regret consulting a doctor on first? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:01 AM PST - 4 comments

I basically missed the holiday season for the last two years. Between underemployment and federal stimuli, I have no sense of where my personal finances are. Between inflation, supply chain issues, and being totally out of the loop for two years, I have no sense of what a reasonable price is for things to buy. How are you deciding your holiday budget this year? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 5:44 AM PST - 10 comments

Sometimes Messages stops notifying me. When it fails, if my phone is asleep and a message arrives, nothing happens -- no sound, and the screen stays black with nothing on it. If I pick up my phone to look at it, the screen turns on and the message is there, waiting, even though I never got notified. [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 5:02 AM PST - 11 comments

I have very large bunions. No non-sandal shoes fit me without pain. Is it possible to have an existing pair of shoes customized to accommodate this? [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 4:16 AM PST - 11 comments

Im looking for a book on how to affect dopamine activity via behavioral changes. These books come up in an Amazon search. [more inside]
posted by waving at 3:36 AM PST - 5 comments

I think I have strained some arm and shoulder muscles. I doubt it’s anything worse than that, but it hurts like absolute hell and has for going on five days. Help me check reality. [more inside]
posted by bryon at 11:15 PM PST - 6 comments

If this were a personals ad, it'd read like this: First time parents seeking short-term in-home care for our newborn once we're both back to work. We both work from home, and in these our COVID times, we'd like to wait until kiddo can get their COVID vaccine before getting them into daycare. How do I go about looking while I'm still on leave? Any keywords? Didn't have time to search before they got here and have had new parent brain mush since. [more inside]
posted by OhHaieThere at 9:40 PM PST - 10 comments

I’ve been alternatingly vegan, vegetarian and pescetarian for 15 years. I’m thinking about giving very occasional meat-eating a shot — like once or twice a month. Are you a former veggie who switched to occasional meat eating? Are there any health benefits from eating meat like this or am I just fooling myself? [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 6:38 PM PST - 26 comments

Why my responsibility is blurred a bit, my team is severely underperforming. I'm positive and cheery with them, asking if there's anything I can do to help (including working night hours). Everyone up until executive management has had meetings with them and I find myself creeping into micromanagement. They simply don't follow up with tasks or get work done, they will agree to tasks and then cannot complete them. Is the best course of action to step back as far as possible or begin dictating? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 6:32 PM PST - 24 comments

My minor child received a (paper) check from the settling of a will (not huge), but she doesn't yet have a bank account - can she sign the check over to me, or is that a thing of the past? I haven't dealt with terrestrial banking in a minute, so have no clue. She is old enough to sign her name. Thanks! (Support Metafilter - go donate! See top of page.)
posted by tristeza at 5:43 PM PST - 9 comments

how much freedom is there in editing Garmin watchfaces? I am interested in the Vivoactive 4s except I don't like the black watchface. I'd rather have a look like the Vivomove linked. Will I be able to just change out the face on the Vivoactive? [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 5:18 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm pretty sure I have Dupuytren's contracture based on my symptoms, and the MRI readout. [more inside]
posted by soylent00FF00 at 4:48 PM PST - 5 comments

I want to find a PhD program in Europe, preferably taught in English (or Spanish or French), and not in Business or any of the hard sciences. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by maxexam at 4:41 PM PST - 22 comments

Can you help me find a community chorus in Chicago? Or even just a regular group-singing event? I don’t want Sweet Adelines, Chicago Community Chorus is both too far away and too formal. (I’m in Avondale and don’t drive.) I am already a member of the DePaul Community Chorus, but it’s…just not that fun. For personal reasons, stuff at Old Town School is out but would otherwise be a good fit. [more inside]
posted by Charity Garfein at 4:15 PM PST - 6 comments

I have a large collection of music files saved on an external hard drive. Some, but intentionally not all, of that collection has been already added to my iTunes music library. The hard drive itself has already been backed up, but what I’d like to do is export ONLY the files that are in the iTunes Library, and I’d like them to be exported in a specific way that might require scripting. Can anyone help? [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 1:18 PM PST - 2 comments

GiftFilter: Hobbyist mixologist friend loves reading, and loves cocktails. Recipes are plentiful and abundant, but is there a good book about history, origins, cocktail evolution, or fun facts that comes to mind? Current contenders include Imbibe! and I’m Just Here for the Drinks, but I would be grateful for your suggestions.
posted by Juniper Toast at 11:23 AM PST - 21 comments

I have a set of cartridges for a respirator. I'm trying to find more detail about what kinds of particulates they filter out. [more inside]
posted by mr_bovis at 10:54 AM PST - 6 comments

I like this Sims 3 hair. I'm seeking both a name for this haircut and also photos of this hair on actual human heads with types 1-2a hair texture. Thank you!
posted by phunniemee at 10:09 AM PST - 14 comments

Have loved Brooks Ghost for years, but would like wider toe box now. The rest of the sneaker is great for me. Have tried Altras, they're not better in that respect, and worse in others. Do not want 'barefoot' sneakers, nor 'wide foot' sneakers. Just the toe box. [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 8:32 AM PST - 26 comments

I love eating canned sardines and herring as snacks, they are delicious and filling. But I can only eat them when everyone else is out of the house because my whole family thinks the smell is absolutely awful. Is there anything else that is as tasty, full of protein, and as easy, but less smelly? Restrictions: no cooking and shelf-stable. [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 7:35 AM PST - 22 comments

I recently moved into a place that has a heat pump; my previous experience has been with blown air, baseboard heat or wood burning stoves. Largely as an energy saver (and because I sleep better at lower temps), I’m used to setting the thermostat to 66F at night and then bumping it up to 70 in the morning. Last night we had our first “cold” night - low of 32 degrees - and it took almost an hour for the ambient temp to raise a single degree — and that might have been because I turned on the space heater in the main room. Temps this week will drop into the teens — how do I set my thermostat so that it doesn’t take 4 hours to bring the place up to a comfortable temp but also don’t have the thing running constantly all night long?
posted by Silvery Fish at 7:03 AM PST - 16 comments

What's something that's made your life or the life of your loved one better, as someone with chronic illness/disability? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 6:21 AM PST - 30 comments

I've been offered the chance to move to Warsaw for a couple of years on a fellowship. I need to find a new job because my current contract ends soon, and this fellowship pays well and I like my prospective boss. But I have reservations about living in Warsaw with no Polish, about the overall scientific environment and its effects on my future career, and about my experience in the culture at large and my ethical position as a bisexual woman who has trans friends. I'd be grateful for any relevant input from people living or working in Warsaw themselves. [more inside]
posted by jlibera at 4:47 AM PST - 3 comments

We are hosting Thanksgiving this year and I’d like to try out a new side dish or two. [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 2:27 AM PST - 36 comments

I had a weird experience on ativan. I'm fine now but I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:57 AM PST - 7 comments

Hit me with your gift recommendations for the neuro spicy folks! [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 11:38 PM PST - 18 comments

Does anyone have advice for an entry-level, remote jobseeker with a bachelor's degree hoping to do something to help with climate solutions or environmental protection? [more inside]
posted by crone islander at 7:17 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm going to be camping with young kids with temperatures dropping to about 40 degrees F at night (it will be about 60 at the warmest during the day). I've winter camped before on my own in the past at much lower temperatures (sleeping in snow), but it's been a while and it's never been with kids. Tips would be welcome on how to stay comfortable and warm - for everyone!
posted by Toddles at 7:13 PM PST - 24 comments

I've just started getting into the whole mechanical keyboard thing, because nothing is more fun than a niche hobby enjoyed only by yourself and ten thousand YouTube influencers. I'm getting this keydous nj80-ap. Help me find the perfect keycaps for it? [more inside]
posted by invincible summer at 6:40 PM PST - 5 comments

Somehow we lost the screwed on plastic tank top to our irobot braava jet water tank? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 5:02 PM PST - 3 comments

I'd like to commission a renaissance-style painting of a pet. Can anyone suggest a reputable artist?
posted by cosmic owl at 4:13 PM PST - 7 comments

A bit of an embarrassing ask. I apparently have a morbid interest in the indulgent and largely shiftless lifestyle of the "royal we" - the Duke and Duchess of Windsor post-abdication. I just read 'The Traitor King' and 'Wallis In Love' and am looking for more information, specifically regarding what they actually did all day and how.
posted by Selena777 at 3:36 PM PST - 5 comments

I love this pitcher (if you’re English you’ll probably call it a jug) which sits decoratively in the windowsill of the toilet at my local pub- right next to the toilet roll which helpfully provides a comparison for scale. What search terms do I need to use to find this pitcher online as well as more glassware in this colour and pattern?
posted by cilantro at 3:30 PM PST - 9 comments

I've got a 1" rise between the porch and house that is just made to trip over/annoy people in wheelchairs. Obviously I can build a small ramp but before I do I thought I'd see if people who are currently dealing with mobility issues had any thoughts on best practices.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 2:47 PM PST - 8 comments

We got a gift box with a bunch of this stuff, which is maybe aspen "wool" packing material? Can I use it as kindling for our wood stove?
posted by 10ch at 2:36 PM PST - 6 comments

I need to buy a new snow blower. Looking for some ideas on what model and where to buy. I want a 2-stage machine, gas powered and capable of handling New England Nor’Easter size snow storms. My previous snow blower lasted 25 years. I’m hoping there is a place that will have a Black Friday sale. Any suggestions or experiences are appreciated. Thanks!
posted by GernBlandston at 2:07 PM PST - 5 comments

What are your tips and tricks for the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky (US)? [more inside]
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 12:33 PM PST - 6 comments

My average glucose is high and my liver is chonky. Doctor didn't use the word "diabetic" or even "pre-diabetic" but says to get some exercise and eat low fat AND low carb when possible. I want to see better blood tests in a month but meanwhile eating is how I feel better about [gesticulates at world.] Hit me with recipe links for things that are satisfying and don't feel terribly like an emergency rescue plan? [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 11:48 AM PST - 17 comments

I just have a simple set of rabbit years with the round UHF antenna hanging on the wall above the TV. I'm about 15 miles from the transmitters. Signal strength is 97/100 on ABC on channel 8.1, yet the audio constantly drops out for a second or two. This is especially annoying during Jeopardy! What's my next move here/? Doesn't seem like an outdoor antenna is going to help, as signal strength is not the issue. Do I try an attenuator next, on the theory the signal is too strong? Maybe a 4G/LTE filter?
posted by COD at 10:41 AM PST - 6 comments

The day after Thanksgiving, winter outerwear at every price point (boots and parkas; wool coats) will fly out of the warehouses, as always. But doesn’t almost everyone already have everything they need? (I’m not talking about kids or adolescents, who are still growing and need new things that fit.) [more inside]
posted by BostonTerrier at 10:29 AM PST - 32 comments

I've been on a meandering career path and received an offer for a start up. I've never worked at a start up, and would love folks insight with the job offer I received. [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 8:07 AM PST - 8 comments

After years of using a Motiv fitness tracking ring, I recently got an Oura, which tracks HRV, among other things. My HRV is pretty much always in the red! I dislike getting a bad score on things, and so I would like to know how much this matters and how to improve it, if it does matter. [more inside]
posted by xo at 7:16 AM PST - 10 comments

I have an Instagram account where I post things occasionally for friends and family. In September I posted a reel of a model rocket launch with no tags. It's not a particularly interesting post. Yet, someone must have shared it somewhere somewhat popular as two months later I still get "likes" daily (near 300 now) and there's been more than 17,000 views of the reel. I'm curious on where my post was shared, but I haven't had any luck finding where. Can you? [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 6:47 AM PST - 8 comments

A family member is dying and I have to travel to the UK from the US asap, probably in the next few days. Complication: I'll be traveling with a child. My executive functioning has gone out the window and I can't figure out all the different internet advice. Please help me figure out how to make it easier. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:26 PM PST - 24 comments

YANMD. I'm about to be prescribed a statin drug because three years of lifestyle changes haven't lowered my cholesterol. In fact, my cholesterol has only grown worse. What should I know about statin drugs? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:25 PM PST - 27 comments

When I (male) was 5 or 6, my older teen cousin, also male, was babysitting me and my sister (who was 3 or 4). [continues...] [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:21 PM PST - 9 comments

What are the best things someone can do to support a loved one who is in a potentially long and painful process of dying?
posted by rednikki at 2:20 PM PST - 17 comments

I am based in Toronto, Ontario. I'm offering consulting services, which will be conducted entirely online, remotely, to a client in Quebec. (ie: they will be in Quebec the whole time, I will stay here in Ontario) How do I charge GST/HST? Is there some online source that explains this? Thanks!!
posted by ManInSuit at 2:02 PM PST - 8 comments

I am trying to find information on the CCC 3689th company from January through July 1940, in based in/working around Mt. Pleasant, Utah, probably Camp #SCS-5 -- what they worked on, records, narratives, whatever. Or places I could find those things. (I already have the national archives records of the individual, we're now trying to figure out what he did.) We know he worked as a surveyor/part of a survey crew. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 1:19 PM PST - 5 comments

I am trying to help a friend get a number of different databases, some made using an older product that are increasingly non-functional, into a single format. He wants these to remain offline / out of the cloud. I have some questions about the best way to do this. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 1:13 PM PST - 4 comments

Why has my MacBook suddenly stopped playing nice with my home wifi? It started about 5 days ago. It says it’s connected to the network (Centurylink), and will work for a minute or so, but then…nothing. Still looks connected, but nothing comes through. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 12:42 PM PST - 8 comments

I just found out I got no raise at level where at least Cost of living raises are expected. So I got a paycut. I'm grateful that I have a well paying job that's not destroying my mental health and decent work life and still have a job. This isn't that fun. Want to do something fun that takes me off this and just make me not give a crap at my job for the next several months?
posted by sandmanwv at 12:36 PM PST - 6 comments

I just noticed this antique leather-topped desk for sale (full size image). Is it a particular type of desk? Is it for a particular purpose? [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 12:14 PM PST - 15 comments

I am seeking some coding games/apps for the Hour of Code for kindergarten/first grade students. [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 11:49 AM PST - 7 comments

This is a really silly question, but it's just something that I was idly wondering about. Could you run an LED light at night to attract bugs and then somehow ingest those bugs to make enough electricity to run the light?
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 11:27 AM PST - 3 comments

A few years ago, we bought two one-pound containers of whole black garlic. We used one container, a bulb or two at a time, to flavor pizza, congee, and hummus. What can we do with the remaining pound to use it up more quickly?
posted by QuakerMel at 10:29 AM PST - 6 comments

I had a great time with a friend, treating him to a birthday dinner one on one on Wednesday night. He mentioned that he might go axe throwing with his friends, with his friend making the reservation, so suggested I reach out to her to ask and join. However, when reaching out to the friend, she said he had already made the reservation and that there was always next time. I'm confused and feel a bit misled; is this my anxiety talking, or is something deeper going on? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 10:25 AM PST - 45 comments

I've recently received some good news in a year that has otherwise been hellish on work and personal fronts. Usually when I celebrate I do it with fancy food, friends, or travel. For various reasons these options are not possible right now. How, then, do I mark this occasion? Keeping this very general in the hope of sparking some ideas that I'm clearly not thinking of right now. Thank you!
posted by Nieshka at 8:57 AM PST - 11 comments

I need to get on the ball and get presents for my nephews before we meet u p at Thanksgiving. One (10 yo) is in to D&D related things and stories and the Second (12 yo) likes drawing and legos. Main consideration is that we are driving so nothing terribly large.
posted by tafetta, darling! at 8:53 AM PST - 4 comments

I want to buy food (groceries, restaurants) at places in NYC (any borough!) where the employees have a Union. Where can I do this? [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 8:04 AM PST - 8 comments

The weather app Dark Sky is going away soon and I can't find a good replacement [more inside]
posted by john m at 6:50 AM PST - 11 comments

How does one adapt Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way to work for the modern day, especially if they are a marginalised person who's turned off by anything vaguely "manifesty"? [more inside]
posted by creatrixtiara at 5:42 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm paranoid about taking big steps in life, for a specific reason. How do I get unstuck? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 5:25 AM PST - 14 comments

As above. As of a few days ago I would take a pic on my phone then transfer the pic to my laptop. The format was always png that I could open with photos or whatever. Now all of the sudden they are in HEIC format and I need a new app. What's the deal?
posted by Saucywench at 4:27 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm exploring the idea of transitioning from a mid-senior role directing marketing and communications to freelancing as a writer/strategist. I've been working on establishing whether or not the market I know can support me, but wonder what I might be missing. [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 3:21 AM PST - 4 comments

Recovering from a very mild bout of covid and feeling like Rapunzel’s mother with an craving for vegetables and a specific balance of umami and spicy. Help me find recipes? I want a veggie dish that is crunchy, not creamy or fatty. savory but not an overdone umami bomb, and spicy. Miso soup was good, but not looking for a giant bowl of ramen. Should not be raw, but also not looking for a stew. Should be crunchy but not cold. And then pickled would be good too! Ideas?
posted by haptic_avenger at 8:23 PM PST - 17 comments

A friend’s doctor recommends zinc supplements (50mg, 1x per day, along with 2000mg vitamin C) to people who are recovering from covid. This strikes me as borderline quackery even if it is probably harmless, but I am not an expert on such things. What’s the deal? [more inside]
posted by skewed at 6:41 PM PST - 13 comments

I am copying a large amount of songs from a Linux Mint computer to an off-brand MP3 player. (Luoran MP3 Player, FWIW.) By large, I mean, I have put in a 1/2 TB SD card in and am only 70% sure it will fit everything. It straight up doesn't like "special characters". Question marks, accent ague, colons are all right out. Haalp! [more inside]
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 6:23 PM PST - 10 comments

Serious question: when movies and shows are presented letterboxed... why don't the captions/subtitles make use of the unused black space at the bottom of the screen instead obscuring part of the image? I assume there's a reason.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:14 PM PST - 16 comments

Person is in their mid-sixties. Mildly mentally disabled, but has been living solo for decades. Why are their kidneys improving? [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 5:38 PM PST - 7 comments

A letter was delivered to my building, and I'd like to send it on its way. [more inside]
posted by gigondas at 5:06 PM PST - 9 comments

I recently ordered this cheap armillary sphere ring: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NJKJD3N?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details What I got in the mail was similar to the photo in the listing, but definitely a knockoff. Does anybody know where to find the original? Google image search just turns up a bunch of the same. [more inside]
posted by lgyre at 5:05 PM PST - 2 comments

Do you buy dry beans on the internet for delivery to a US address? If so, what's your favorite source? (Quantities of one to five pounds of beans are plenty; I'd prefer to avoid Amazon.)
posted by yarntheory at 4:15 PM PST - 17 comments

My organization is looking to create some sort of online platform, something akin to a classified ad listing site, but with more of a community-minded focus; a way to seek/share items and skills without an expectation of payment. What sorts of platforms might we explore utilizing? [more inside]
posted by wats at 3:56 PM PST - 7 comments

I always feel down during the winter and I always thought it was the cold. Today it's very warm where I live (by November standards) so it hit me that it's not the temperature - it's probably the darkness. We just changed clocks for DST a few days ago so now it gets dark earlier. Any tips to avoid feeling down in the darkness?
posted by whitelily at 3:55 PM PST - 16 comments

Even places like Trader Joe's and Costco, it seems like all the "snacks" are terrible for you. I want my kids to eat healthy snacks at school but I want them to like them and for them to not take forever to make. No nuts allowed at their school. Any suggestions? Can be easy to make or store bought
posted by Easy problem of consciousness at 3:28 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me enjoy the World Cup. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 2:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Over spring break (so end of March-ish), we'd like to take the kids to their Gram's in New Mexico, which they haven't been able to do in a REALLY long time, and, on, incidentally, take a quick peek at the Grand Canyon. Come inside to see my proposed itinerary and give me criticisms/ideas/etc. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 1:49 PM PST - 15 comments

I have an ancient Grundig S350 radio (Amazon exemplar) that's perfect, except for its broken antenna. Sounds like a simple replacement, right? But no. [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 1:29 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking into taking a long weekend (4-5 nights) somewhere warm and swimmable in January. As folks who really enjoy museums, parks and gardens as much as the beach, where should we go? [more inside]
posted by thecaddy at 12:59 PM PST - 2 comments

I have some friends who care deeply about the earth, sustainability, and making a difference. I'd like to give them nice gifts that also celebrate our journey to living more eco-friendly, sustainable lives. Please recommend your favorite sustainable gifts to give or receive. [more inside]
posted by rebent at 12:32 PM PST - 19 comments

What are examples of credentials that you can obtain by self-study? [more inside]
posted by fuzzy.little.sock at 11:38 AM PST - 26 comments

I just got back from Great Wolf Lodge. So much fun!! Anyway, part of the deal is that my kid got a magic wand. Apparently this is an IR transmitter. That means if you buy an IR receiver you can ...? Something really cool...but what? Well, if I can, then I must. I'd love it if I could set up something Christmas-y for Christmas, but other ideas welcome. I need ideas, and technical expertise. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 10:09 AM PST - 6 comments

As the next step in the renovation of my home office, I plan to hire painters. Do you have any advice or relevant information, or is this really straightforward? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 9:31 AM PST - 8 comments

I started volunteering as an ESL tutor in June. At first, my student was very enthusiastic, asking for homework and showing up ready to learn. She canceled occasionally, often at the last minute. Now she's canceling more often than not, and has stood me up twice. I'm frustrated and considering telling her we're done until she can really commit to our sessions, but I'm not sure a) if that's being fair to her; and b) how to go about doing so. [more inside]
posted by writermcwriterson at 8:57 AM PST - 24 comments

I am my organization's entire Marketing and Social Media department. As a result I do not, for example, have the time to scroll through TikTok for the latest trending sounds to pair with my content. I am looking for resources (blogs, newsletters, other social media accounts) to help me stay current on trends, algorithm changes, strategy, etc. [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 8:48 AM PST - 3 comments

My new apartment is awesome, but the bathroom is on the older side, and whoever grouted and siliconed the tile and the edges of the tub did it sloppily, so there aren't clean lines on silicone and the grout around the shower tile is flaked off in some places (like glass block window areas - these seem more discolored where there isn't grout). Other sections are intact and can be scrubbed but it's darn hard when so uneven. Any ideas for consistently cleaning these different surfaces? (Apologies if my terminology of silicone sealant and grout aren't the right ones).
posted by tiny frying pan at 7:43 AM PST - 7 comments

I bought a pretty substantial oil painting at a garage sale several years ago, shown here, and I'd like to try and identify the artist. [more inside]
posted by laxattitude at 7:39 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking to watch every game of the World Cup on my desktop computer (in the U.S.), and am wondering which streaming service I should choose to subscribe to, given some very specific feature requirements/wishes I have. Please advise! [more inside]
posted by edlundart at 6:26 AM PST - 8 comments

At my work I need to communicate with people who are a. new to the US b. do not speak english c. do not read or write in their native languages. I need help getting them the information they need. [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 6:25 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm studying English. 'Please imagine yourself.' and 'Please imagine to yourself.' Could you explain the difference between the two?
posted by mizukko at 6:23 AM PST - 19 comments

This is hard for me: I want to ship, for a reasonable cost, personal gifts to friends in expensive-to-ship-to places (i.e. not in North America, where I reside). This means they need to be very very small. My go-to is cute socks with a relevant theme, but they're borderline too big, and surely there are better ideas? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 9:27 PM PST - 22 comments

My husband's office has been having a tough few years because of government funding and covid and everything else, but they do really great work for the community and I'd love to give them a gift to lift their spirits. Can you please recommend some sort of luxurious item I could buy for them, to give them a little bit of joy throughout the day? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 5:09 PM PST - 23 comments

I'm trying to identify a television program that I watched in the early 2010s. It was an unscripted travel and perhaps mixology program about two women who lived in California. They were into vintage fashion. One time they went to Marfa, Texas. [more inside]
posted by ob1quixote at 5:00 PM PST - 2 comments

I’m making a print and play edition of a board game and I want to print a mini rulebook to fit into the box I’m using to store the game. I have no design skills or experience prepping digital files for printing. [more inside]
posted by rbf1138 at 4:36 PM PST - 3 comments

I think I've cracked the code for my office White Elephant, coming up in a month: people really love a useful household item that is much, much more adorable than the version of that item they already own. In particular they like when that item is made to look like something cute (vs. just decorated cutely). How should I dominate the game this year? [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 3:58 PM PST - 36 comments

I am currently pick up my masters in psychology and am taking a course on Family Systems Therapy. For the final, I am to make a presentation of my family and ancestors incorporating a genogram. I got a great deal going go on with moving, other coursework, and work [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 3:28 PM PST - 2 comments

Auto accident (Ann vs. Bill) requiring repairs. Bill is at fault and his insurance accepts full responsibility. Ann files through her insurance; her normal policy does not include rental car coverage. Bill's insurance will ultimately cover the repairs, but will they also pay for a rental car while Ann's car is in the shop? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 1:56 PM PST - 9 comments

My band jams in a circle in a large room. How to record them cheaply and well? [more inside]
posted by Sauce Trough at 12:17 PM PST - 9 comments

I don't mean this critically, I mean genuinely as a conceptual matter it seems to me incorrect to use statistics to invoke the "odds" and "chances" of specific electoral outcomes. Help me wrap my mind around it? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 12:12 PM PST - 24 comments

📢📢📢 Now, we ask you to help REVIVE Metafilter 📢📢📢 As of today’s fundraising update, we’re only $500 a month away from our Survive target!* The community is coming together to keep the lights on at our shared online home. But we need to go further to safeguard Metafilter’s future. It’s time to 🌱Revive Metafilter.🌱 [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 11:09 AM PST - 17 comments

I'm in Atlanta (north side), and am trying to find someplace that will teach me how to go out on the dance floor at a night club and do something other than shuffle awkwardly from side to side. Every "dance lesson" place I've found teaches the more formal dance styles, but I'm interested in something waaaaay more simple. Any suggestions would be much appreciated (especially by my wife, who's had to endure years of the awkward side to side shuffle).
posted by richmondparker at 10:57 AM PST - 4 comments

How do you dispose of a china cabinet? Nobody wants them anymore. [more inside]
posted by La Gata at 10:26 AM PST - 14 comments

I had been intermittently using a recording app on my Samsung phone and saved some voice recordings on it. It was an app that came with the phone. Now it's gone? Went to use it and can't find it anywhere on my phone even after searching apps. I don't remember specifically what it was called, but it had always been on my home screen. Any ideas where it went or what happened? Thank you!
posted by bearette at 9:41 AM PST - 6 comments

I’m in NYC and have been going to the same veterinary practice for over 25 years. Our dogs have always gotten great care there and the people are lovely. But their prices have always been high, and ever since Covid, it’s gone even higher. And with the huge influx of pandemic puppies in our neighborhood it’s become harder to get appointments as well. Recently, a couple of national / chain vets have opened branches nearby, particularly Bond Vet. Is it worth making the switch? [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 8:27 AM PST - 6 comments

There are some requirements though...can't be meant for the thumb being the big one. More discussion within! [more inside]
posted by wooh at 7:55 AM PST - 7 comments

Getting a new modem. Yay! Do I really need to use the setup app? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 6:34 AM PST - 3 comments

If I have [down, wool, cotton, and fleece] blankets, flannel sheets, down sleeping bag, heated blanket and mattress pad, and all manner of base layers in my arsenal, what's most efficient way of staying warm at night? [more inside]
posted by 10ch at 5:33 AM PST - 20 comments

Looking for a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for our bedroom to keep our brown noise generator and heated mattress pad running during frequent brief power outages at night. Since the point of getting one is to allow us to sleep through outages, we need one that doesn't beep or buzz or otherwise make noise when the power goes out. Not something that can be silenced by pressing a mute button, but one that never starts making noise to begin with.
posted by Jacqueline at 5:03 AM PST - 8 comments

Please delete if this is chatfilter. I've been learning a lot recently about the damage gambling addiction does to people, and it's common among my peer group to argue for an end to sports betting, casinos, and loot boxes, etc. The same people are very unlikely to extend this thought to tighter controls on alcohol. Why? [more inside]
posted by Braeburn at 3:42 AM PST - 18 comments

Whenever I start / restart my Win10 desktop PC, I see a quick flash of 2 boxes, those black boxes like when running a batch file or windows commands in DOS. [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb at 2:22 AM PST - 6 comments

I am waiting for a delievery that is currently held up at the polish-belarussian border. It is on a train and I got a note from customs, but as it is in polish I have no idea what it says. I tried to google translate it but it is not clear to me. Can you have a quick look and tell me the gist of it? Text below the fold. [more inside]
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 12:18 AM PST - 4 comments

It's (going to be) that time of year again, where I find gifts for people who already have everything. Recommend me some good nonfiction books from this year or last (but not too good, or they'd already own them). _{*or something else I can give them; clever solutions welcome}
posted by queen anne's remorse at 9:07 PM PST - 18 comments

We're going back to in-person at the office (two days a week) and it's my first time in a while working somewhere where I get a desk! This is exciting and I want to celebrate with a fun thing on my desk. Something more unique (and less annoying) than a Newton's Cradle. What are MeFi's go to "office toys"?
posted by LSK at 8:25 PM PST - 38 comments

At a semi-rural cabin, there is an outbuilding with a water shutoff valve that during the colder months we have to use, along with two faucets, to drain the system and avoid frozen pipes. The problem is that the valve and faucets are at the bottom of a truly unpleasant hole that one must lie down next to and reach into in order to manipulate them. Help us change this! [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 6:34 PM PST - 11 comments

My buddy and I have finished shooting a short 7 minute film for a film festival. Now we are going to edit it using DaVinci Resolve. We both want to learn editing. What would be the most effective and efficient way of having the two of us edit the film? We have about ten days. [more inside]
posted by storybored at 6:20 PM PST - 8 comments

I need pants that are soft enough for yoga/exercise, but keep me warm and stop the winter wind while I walk the dog. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:15 PM PST - 6 comments

Athletes: how do you figure out if you need a rest day, or if it's a good day to be active? And how do you recover? Seeking anecdotes and science. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 5:30 PM PST - 17 comments

I have a gift idea for someone and it involves laser cutting and engraving a flat wooden object, but I am by no means a "maker" type person and have no idea how to get it made. Not only that, I have no idea how to even find someone who can help me get it made. Please help me...more details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean at 4:39 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm helping organize a bilingual online conference this weekend. We need a web-based text chat with automatic translation (probably via a bot) OR a workaround for Discord's overzealous anti-spammer measures. [more inside]
posted by aniola at 3:47 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm getting into gaming on my new PC and wanted to try the mouse/keyboard. Is there a analog stick that could attach to the keyboard and when I tilt it, it presses a key? Or alternatively an external Wii nunchuck type item that would do something similar? It seems like such a simple idea but I can't find anything. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 2:22 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm tired of relatively standard Doc-Martin-Oxford-style men's dress shoes, mostly because I don't like walking around in them for very long and they 'feel' like dress shoes, but I have 40 hours a week where I need to wear nice shoes at work. So, I'm shoe-shopping for comfort, while keeping the 'dressy' look. [more inside]
posted by AzraelBrown at 2:12 PM PST - 16 comments

A person on my holiday shopping list has asked for mens pj pants, and I want to get them a pair they'll really enjoy. Criteria as follows: not flannel, not micro fleece, ideally not cuffed at the bottom, a simple pattern would be ideal, needs to be soft, ideally with pockets. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 1:25 PM PST - 13 comments

I have a broken right hand and need surgery tomorrow on it. The wedding ring on my left (non-injured hand) is refusing to come off (it hasn't in years). Before I go fire up the mitre saw, how likely is that it will be a block to being in surgery under general anesthesia. [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 12:06 PM PST - 21 comments

I'd like to give my friend a really fantastic, beautiful "all about xyz" book, and include in it the tools and materials needed so they can follow along and learn themselves. Can you please recommend best-in-class how-to books, and the best "good enough" materials they would need to get started and complete their first project? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments

Im running a fundraiser for one of my kid's teams. It involves a lot of data entry, and I'd prefer to make someone else do it. [more inside]
posted by Ftsqg at 11:40 AM PST - 3 comments

Can you recommend a video series to guide a new painter with fine motor deficits through simple techniques using large brushes or hands and water-based paints? [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist at 10:30 AM PST - 6 comments

You love your house slippers, and you didn't have to talk to a loan officer to buy them. (other reasons you love them below the fold) [more inside]
posted by ivanthenotsoterrible at 9:54 AM PST - 30 comments

Over the last few days, there have been numerous comments on the Gray, the Blue, the Green, and on MetafilterMeta on Reddit asking why the fundraising banner in the Metafilter menubar isn't communicating the site's fundraising needs both more urgently and more noticeably. It's well-known that not everyone reads the Gray, yet the non-Gray readers, long-time lurkers, and friends of the site are not being well-served here. Who has control over the banner, and why isn't this a priority? [more inside]
posted by Violet Blue at 9:51 AM PST - 29 comments

Gandalf. Yoda. Mr. Miyagi. I've got a list of classic pop-culture guide figures. But despite more recent updates to all of these properties, the list skews very Gen X, white, and male. Can you please point me to examples of guide figures who are more recent and more diverse? Thanks much!
posted by MelanieMichelle at 9:33 AM PST - 18 comments

I have a single piece I'd like t have this evening. Quick Google search is only offering full roll recipes. I am thinking roasting in oven and reverse sear. Any suggestions?
posted by goalyeehah at 9:06 AM PST - 3 comments

I am in my early 30 and have been partnered up for a long time. I have never really wanted to be a parent. My partner wants a baby but is supportive of the fact that I do not want a child at the moment. I do not want to entirely rule out starting a family mainly because I am worried I may regret it when I am 50. But as it stands, I do not want children. How do I tell my in laws to stop getting after me about this? [more inside]
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 8:54 AM PST - 38 comments

When using google calendar a thing that often happens to me is this: I click on a calendar event to open it, and, in so doing, I accidentally move the event to a new time or delete it. This happens pretty often: Like once or twice a day. But weirdly, no matter what I do, I can't replicate it. It "feels" like I am accidentally dragging or something, but I'm not sure. I'm on a Mac, using a Magic Mouse if that matters.
posted by ManInSuit at 8:05 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for songs that tell a story. For instance, "Hurricane" by Bob Dylan, "The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot and “Viva la Vida” – Coldplay. I'm searching for lesser known songs and they can be either fiction or non-fiction.
posted by Coffeetyme at 7:55 AM PST - 87 comments

Like many others, I drew a picture (on paper) every day in October for Inktober. I’d like to put them on a print on demand site for various friends who are interested. But I feel a bit overwhelmed by the process of getting them off the page and onto the site. [more inside]
posted by music for skeletons at 7:43 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a good trusts and estates attorney, licensed in New Jersey (but doesn't have to be physically present in the state). [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 7:41 AM PST - 2 comments

In T. Kingfisher's The Wonder Engine, there's a scene where the characters enter an underground "Shadow Market" and have to glean information from people without giving away their identity and goals. I keep thinking about what a stressful predicament this is, and I'm interested in finding more examples of people having to enter an unfriendly environment to try to extract information without tipping one's hand. [more inside]
posted by Oliva Porphyria at 7:36 AM PST - 9 comments

The Lights are on but is anybody Home? I need a password reset for Pinboard.in and I've been unable to contact Maciej Cegłowski who I understand is the owner/sole administrator? [more inside]
posted by Faintdreams at 7:11 AM PST - 29 comments

Are you on twitter? What decisions have you made about your non-twitter social media? I am especially interested in replies from people who are Really On Twitter so it's not just a matter of spending a bit more time on Instagram instead. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 6:51 AM PST - 42 comments

I woke up in the middle of the night last night with a sharp pain in my right eye. Seven hours later, the pain is gone, but my vision is still blurry in that eye, and I'm blinking constantly. (I have a vague notion that blinking is a normal response to eye problems, but I thought it was worth mentioning.) Any idea what could have happened? Will it heal? How can I help it? [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 6:32 AM PST - 20 comments

Asking on behalf of a friend, who was assaulted by bikers over the weekend, and is now looking for recommendations for lawyers. This is in Massachusetts. His ask is in the extended explanation: [more inside]
posted by spindrifter at 5:36 AM PST - 1 comment

Are there any sites (other than, I'm assuming, Consumer Reports) that currently reliably only write about things the writer has physically examined or tested themself? It's OK if items include affiliate links (I know web hosting costs $!) but ideally they wouldn't avoid reviewing items that can't be purchased using an affiliate link (e.g. something only available direct from a manufacturer's website.) [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:19 AM PST - 20 comments

I had a recent visit to a dental hygienist. Some things about it struck me as weird. I’d love for somebody who knows more about dentistry to tell me if I’m over-reacting. [more inside]
posted by Lovely Warm Socks at 4:34 AM PST - 8 comments

Very responsible teen daughter would like a "real" camera for the holidays, by which (I believe) she means not a little point-and-shoot digital. So I'm looking to buy a solid beginners camera, fairly lightweight, not too many bells and whistles. Maybe like this? Totally out of my expertise so I'm looking for advice from MeFi photogs. Specifically, can you recommend a beginner-friendly digital camera?
posted by nkknkk at 4:21 AM PST - 20 comments

In your own words, how do you strengthen the pelvic floor without sex? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:16 PM PST - 15 comments

I'd like to have a disposable or reloadable credit card for online purchases. I'm a sucker for dodgy Facebook gadget ads, and also want to buy the occasional adult material online without it showing up in my regular checking account. Years ago I used preloaded cards that you bought at a checkout stand, but they had some significant fees. Has the technology or market for that changed at all in the last decade? TL;DR - Easiest way to make online purchases, including porn, that I don't have to worry about being tied to my main bank account and also rebilling that I can't turn off?
posted by anonymous at 10:15 PM PST - 5 comments

TRIGGER WARNING: General mention of CSA: I'm a witness in an ongoing civil suit and am hoping someone can tell me what I might expect in my role. Tips? Warnings? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:15 PM PST - 3 comments

Watch out Macbeth; our son was born by c-section two weeks ago. I’d love thoughts on care strategies and successes she you have both a newborn and a recovering partner. [more inside]
posted by SandCounty at 8:18 PM PST - 9 comments

What's an awesome homemade or purchasable gift I can give to someone to give to their rabbit? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 7:59 PM PST - 9 comments

I need to download one episode of Cesar 911 to a locally-stored standard video file (i.e., that's watchable without needing a specific streaming service's app to decode the DRM protections). Is there a way to do this legally? [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 7:57 PM PST - 2 comments

and since it's fundraising season, if you can help me get this done, I will donate an extra 50USD to mefi I'm looking for an artist with a somewhat specific set of skills, basically being being able to genderswap based on a photo into an anime style [more inside]
posted by damedeshou at 7:49 PM PST - 11 comments

I've suddenly (as of last night) found myself unexpectedly unemployed, and I'd appreciate any and all pointers and suggestions about self-care, resilience and keeping busy during my job search. (I'm not an ex-Twitterer, btw) [more inside]
posted by infinitejones at 6:37 PM PST - 11 comments

At the Metafilter auction!
posted by NotLost at 6:27 PM PST - 1 comment

A member of the household has covid. He is isolated in his room. Can I close the windows in the rest of the house and depend on the HVAC system pulling in fresh air from outside, or will it be recirculating from all the rooms? It's cold. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:21 PM PST - 13 comments

Every year I love to give advent calendars to my family to enjoy together. What are some good ones to buy this year? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 6:01 PM PST - 19 comments

My friend has a new ice cream maker and is looking for vegan recipes- book or websites welcome! [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 5:35 PM PST - 3 comments

About attachment styles and the dating pool [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 5:17 PM PST - 16 comments

I can't quite place it, but there's a lyrical technique & key change combo in Fujii Kaze's song Shinunoga E-Wa (just after 3m 22s) that is reminding me of another maybe-hit song from years past, and it's kind of killing me. Kind of a pseudo-rap, and I want to say I heard it from the American Songbook or Rat Pack era. Maybe this is a bit vague but hoping for some pointers. Or genres, was it bossa nova? Or maybe even a name for the technique. Thanks!
posted by circular at 5:11 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm trying to find a security system that has an app that will notify me when doors & windows are opened, and also easily allow me to see which doors & windows are currently open. Do any of the more common self-install-type security systems have this? [more inside]
posted by brainmouse at 4:25 PM PST - 4 comments

We are sober vegan Canadians; on paper, the least fun people on earth. But in practice, we're a hoot! We like art galleries, funky cafés, bookstores, outdoor walks, creepy ol' buildings, cats, records, and a lot of other things. With a weekend to spend in upstate New York in late November, where would you recommend we stay and poke around? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 4:20 PM PST - 12 comments

I recently moved to western Montana and we just had our first major snowfall, so it's time for winter snow tires. But... we also have a two-week roadtrip down to Southern California planned for the holidays, and expect to be making a similar trip at some point every winter. What kind of tires should I put on my car for the winter? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 3:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Do you know of these two Calexico fan sites that seem to no longer exist? [more inside]
posted by brokeaspoke at 2:51 PM PST - 3 comments

Is a wool mattress topper worth it? Not interested in latex. [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 2:41 PM PST - 2 comments

My 17 year old wants some game recommendations. He wants something hard, prefers single player for PC, Switch or (less preferred) Xbox. Ideally not a 3D game. Ideally he’d like something with a vibe like Bloodborne or Blasphemous or Inscryption. A good story is a plus but not necessary. [more inside]
posted by Redstart at 2:13 PM PST - 25 comments

US election filter: Looking for specific organizations where a last-minute donation might possibly do some good. Things like groups providing rides or helping to counteract intimidation at the polls in areas with tight races, for example. I have some dollars I can donate, but don't know where. Maybe you do?
posted by trig at 12:53 PM PST - 5 comments

So this is a very very basic Excel question but I've never really used Excel and have no idea how to search for this. So column A is a list of names, and columns D to J are numerical grades that the people in column A have given to parts of a course. Now I want to calculate the average grade that each user has given to the course. I looked up how to calculate an average but only found how to do it cell by cell. [more inside]
posted by M. at 12:46 PM PST - 15 comments

What's a good hiking/camping water filter that won't get ruined by freezing? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:35 PM PST - 6 comments

I just learned that I am the executor of my aunt's and her partner's trust. I'm guessing the advice here is, "Read the trust, dummy," but beyond that, is there a resource you can point me to, or just specific advice you can provide, to help me get ahead of this? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 12:12 PM PST - 9 comments

Two weeks ago someone used my personal email (very unique name) to apply for a checking account with First Citizens Bank. I thought it was a phishing thing so I ignored it, but I kept getting email reminders and today I got a message saying that "Your new First Citizens Free Checking account is now ready to use" with account details, including the name of the account holder. More inside. [more inside]
posted by The Adventure Begins at 11:44 AM PST - 8 comments

What would be useful small gifts to bring to a grade school classroom in Costa Rica? Mrs. Raybun and I are going there on a guided tour. One of our groups activities is a visit to an elementary school class where each tour participant has the opportunity to bring a gift of school supplies of our choice. We had done this before in Mexico and we wished that we could have brought better items.
posted by Raybun at 11:34 AM PST - 8 comments

I just finished a critique of a conference I just attended. I attended it at the request of a friend who attended to secure the support of the conference organizer for a project he and the organization may collaborate on. That project represents a 20 year dream of my friend and for the last year, he and I have been working to get him to this conference. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 11:29 AM PST - 10 comments

How can my friend bring an end to her serious addiction to Instagram? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 11:21 AM PST - 15 comments

I live a 📱 life, but I need a plug in phone for the intercom/buzzer at the apartment building front door. Details… [more inside]
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 11:20 AM PST - 5 comments

My spouse's 13 year old nephew was groping my daughters. I know what I intend to do, but curious if there are options or perspectives I haven't considered. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 11:11 AM PST - 35 comments

I would love personal recs for a nice and interesting (not $$$$ but not super bare bones) dinner, something that could accommodate a group of 8, within about a 20 minute walk from the Seattle convention center, preferably either Southeast Asian (Vietnamese preferred) or fresh farm-to-table, interesting, veg-conscious. Thanks!
posted by ojocaliente at 10:43 AM PST - 10 comments

What new technology is out that that can help my family stay connected, and how has your family built new habits around staying in touch with people who are far away or isolating? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments

Hyundai owns about 1/3 of Kia, and the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride share many features. Both cars are very had to find on the lot--the Telluride has a monthslong waiting list, and the Palisade is just not arriving at dealers in quantity (though no waiting list if you find one). We think we want one or the other, but are unlikely to get a chance to do a real test drive comparison. Have you experienced them both? Any reactions to share? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:08 AM PST - 4 comments

So on my work computer, I use both my email and a shared email. When I log into the shared email with the shared email credentials, it opens my personal email rather than the shared email. I can only open the shared email in an incognito window. The emails are not linked and I can't toggle into the other email from my email. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 8:49 AM PST - 4 comments

I've been enjoying making bao from scratch. The fillings are no problem, the end product is decent, but I have yet to get the pillowy fluffiness that I'd like. Can you give me some specific help on that? [more inside]
posted by SaltySalticid at 8:14 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm giving my dad my old iphone 8 so he can put music from his computer on this device and listen to it in the car or on walks. He has windows 10 with itunes. I will wipe my old phone and make sure itunes is on it. Do you need apple music to play downloaded songs these days? How (with a cable) do you get downloaded stuff from your computer to your iphone? I use spotify these days and haven't had to do this in like a decade. [more inside]
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:00 AM PST - 8 comments

I want to ask for a particular design of drinking glasses as a Christmas gift from family members, but I don't know how to describe them. The only example I've seen comes in a box of six and ideally I only want two, as we don't have room to display or store six glasses and we seldom have enough guests that we'd ever use six at a time. These are the glasses in question. I'll also share this image in case the Amazon international redirect sends people to the wrong product page. [more inside]
posted by terretu at 6:59 AM PST - 8 comments

Hi All, I would love some guidance on how much to pay for metafilter as an individual. I'm having a block with donating. [more inside]
posted by halehale at 6:51 AM PST - 19 comments

We did the shoot of our short film on the weekend. We're going to edit it with DaVinci Resolve. But my ancient PC can't hack it. I'm going to upgrade. Which brand-name desktop model would you recommend as a minimum? The more specifics the better. I don't plan to be a power video editing user, but I also don't want to pound the walls in frustration. Thanks!
posted by storybored at 6:34 AM PST - 4 comments

Every time I get an email notification from Gmail or open Gmail by the app icon it takes me to Important and unread instead of just Inbox where I can actually see all my emails. How on earth do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by turkeyphant at 6:19 AM PST - 2 comments

We moved into a new rental. There are a couple of wall outlets at head height meant for plugging in a wall mounted tv to. We already have one television, don’t need others. Any other interesting uses for these plugs besides just hanging a picture over them?
posted by dvrnvn at 6:03 AM PST - 14 comments

What are you tricks and tips for the rolling out stage to keep it from a globby mess, using a Kitchenaid roller? [more inside]
posted by archimago at 5:23 AM PST - 9 comments

I want to buy a book(s) for a teenager (16) who has become interested in neurology. I need recommendations for something engaging, accessible, and appropriate for a kid who loves anatomy class, but isn't a huge reader.
posted by papergirl at 5:09 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm getting married in Scandinavia in the first week of January. I have purchased this dress, but have no idea how to accessorize it. I turn to you for help. [more inside]
posted by socky_puppy at 4:56 AM PST - 17 comments

I wouldn't tip a medical provider, which is what I meant to see. But this location has mixed purposes that are throwing me off. [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:30 AM PST - 6 comments

After I turned 30, I feel increasingly unhappy and obsessed with this notion that if only I had gone abroad to study, I would have absorbed the beauty and the other qualities of the place, become happy, and not be living at home now, and developed more as a person. I think obsessively about this morning, afternoon, and night. I feel like I have not moved past being the teenager I was, fifteen years ago, and may never become more than that unless I get rid of this thing. Right now I really want to do it again. But I know it won't be like what I think it should be. I won't make any friends, everyone will hate me, I'll be last in class, struggle a lot, the teachers will hate me, I'm middle aged, and I won't be able to get a job. When I wash out or graduate, I'll be sent packing back to Singapore. [more inside]
posted by Didnt_do_enough at 8:13 PM PST - 18 comments

I know a lot of people who have reached a certain age and regularly endure hot flashes. What kinds of things would be good gifts for them? [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 8:07 PM PST - 15 comments

My apartment's security situation is not the greatest. Should I even bother trying to fix these issues and if so, how so? Trauma, drama, and the mysteries of WiFi routing under the cut. [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 7:28 PM PST - 11 comments

I’m looking for a list of movies that are rainy and/or snowy! [more inside]
posted by sillysally at 5:58 PM PST - 45 comments

I work for a private company that will probably IPO some time in the next 1-2 years. I'm middle management and have no equity (no chance of getting any, either). My boss says the IPO will be a big opportunity for promotion for me. Is there any truth to this? [more inside]
posted by dede at 4:40 PM PST - 17 comments

Our portable (roll-away) dishwasher always leaves the dishes smelling like cat food after a couple of loads, no matter what we do to try to cleanse it. Is there anything we can do to make it stop? [more inside]
posted by peppercorn at 3:43 PM PST - 8 comments

I recently did a first interview for a job and realized after poking around a bit that the company is owned by scientologists. The job would be done remotely (I'm being deliberately vague but it's a solitary research-based job and the company is based in another state). It seems like work that would be a good fit for me otherwise. Should I continue with the interview process or run away? If I should continue, anything in particular to watch out for? [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 3:39 PM PST - 21 comments

I ordered a replacement thermistor for my freezer, but decided to check it against the table in the service manual before installing it. I'm having trouble understanding the results, specifically why I'm seeing roughly twice the resistance I expect. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 3:11 PM PST - 7 comments

Kiddo makes a landslide of art. How do you manage yours? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 2:51 PM PST - 12 comments

What is up with the difference in the pricing in ink toners? Staples has one 12,000-page toner for the MFCL6700DW for $132. Precision roller has it for $30. Amazon has 4 for $200. Inkjet 7 for $150. Are these all the same quality? Any reason not to buy the cheapest?
posted by andoatnp at 2:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me find cookbooks and recipe sources for a couple of *advanced* bakers in my life. People who can easily and joyfully pull-off the Bake-Off technicals (back when they weren't terrible on multiple axes) but want to encounter those recipes in other contexts and from a wider array of cultures. There are three factions of such folks in my life. See inside. [more inside]
posted by janell at 1:12 PM PST - 11 comments

Have you read a great fiction book that has a focus on plants or trees or botany? Please tell me about it. Adult as well as kid's fiction. Doesn't have to be a recent book. [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 11:58 AM PST - 39 comments

I have a recurring frustration with the Apple TV app across a variety of devices: It "forgets" my library of 1000+ movies and shows. They just don't appear. Why? How can I fix it? [more inside]
posted by jdroth at 11:27 AM PST - 5 comments

A friend and I are planning an Alaska trip next fall. Can you help us plan a trip featuring lots of nature, frequent but not super rigorous physical activity, and ideally also history, art, local culture? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 11:26 AM PST - 9 comments

What are some of the best, richly-illustrated reference style books for kindergarteners? My preference would be for a book that introduces different countries and cultures, but if you've got a recommendation for a book about the natural world, I'll take that too!
posted by Rora at 11:09 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm visiting three sets of niblings (nieces and nephews) this holiday season, and I'd like to give them gifts that we can use together, totally consume, and leave very little mess / cleanup / waste. STEM-related activities are a plus, and I would be delighted to take a shopping list to the hobby store as well. [more inside]
posted by rebent at 10:45 AM PST - 13 comments

I will at some point ask a doctor about this. I'm just wondering if there's any "oh, I get that too" that will put my mind at ease a little about this thing. It's sort of gross, at least to me, so I'm putting it under the fold. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 9:58 AM PST - 13 comments

For 40 years I have been self-employed and done my own taxes, on paper. Yep, I am old. I have never had any problem. And never been off more than $200 or so. [more inside]
posted by jtexman1 at 9:11 AM PST - 18 comments

"I already had a recurring payment to metafilter, so when I saw the casual banner note about fundraising, I initially ignored it. As others have suggested, making the situation more obvious/dire might attract more attention. I've since sent a one-time payment and upped my monthly payment. I'm not saying this to brag, but to stress that it nearly didn't happen due to me initially not realizing the severity of the problem." Did you know? Anyway I figured that's fixable, so now you know! [more inside]
posted by aniola at 8:29 AM PST - 15 comments

Donate Button [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:29 AM PST - 2 comments

Who is this particular singer in the Carpenters' cover of Sleigh Ride? It's not Richard, is it? I ask because this guy's voice absolutely ruins the song for me every time I hear it.
posted by The Adventure Begins at 8:11 AM PST - 3 comments

Our new apartment's kitchen drawers are narrow and long and our old flatware organizer won't fit. All the flatware organizers I'm finding online are way too big, way too small, or won't accommodate our 9.5" steak knives. Any suggestions? Must ship to US.
posted by Jacqueline at 8:05 AM PST - 4 comments

A pal wants us to dine out with them in Edinburgh in December. But no restaurant advertises clean air or ventilation as Covid precautions - just useless stuff like hand sanitising, based on the wrong model of transmission. I would settle for a large airy place with few people in it - but that's also impossible to predict. It's too cold for outdoors at night. Has anyone any ideas?
posted by Flitcraft at 7:46 AM PST - 8 comments

I am going to try making a raised meat pie for our Friendsgiving this year, and it will be my first time making hot water crust. I have questions. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 7:45 AM PST - 10 comments

There are a lot of hospice facilities in Massachusetts. I have family members that have been in a couple and they were absolutely nightmarish. Does anyone have a recommendation for a hospice facility in the Greater Boston area or on Cape Cod?
posted by rednikki at 7:05 AM PST - 1 comment

My college-age daughter wants to find a new TV show to get into, or maybe a fiction podcast, and she wanted me to see if you guys could offer any good ideas. She’s not interested in anything set in the ordinary real world, especially not high school. Apocalypse or post-apocalypse, dystopia, or science fiction would be great. The main thing she looks for in a show is at least one character she really likes. Her favorite characters tend to be outsiders who are quirky or different in some way and also very competent at something. [more inside]
posted by Redstart at 5:56 AM PST - 57 comments

Yes, yes, it's a paranoid question but...still, I ask it, just to assuage my anxious mind. FWIW, iPhones sold in China cannot see the Taiwanese flag emoji, so there is precedent for government policy influencing China-specific firmware. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 1:17 AM PST - 10 comments

I find living with my partner makes it harder to clean, be productive at home, and just get things done. It's worse when they're around in the same physical space. I've never had this with the roommates I lived with in the past. And it doesn't apply to career or "meet your goals!" motivation—we're great with that. Anyone else experience it? What do I do about it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:23 PM PST - 20 comments

I had two mutual friends, let’s call them "Richard" and "Carol". I introduced them to each other about five years ago. They fell in love and bought a condo together. Things were going great until they broke up about two years ago. Right now, Richard is tied up in a court case because of an accusation Carol brought upon him, and I’m in the middle. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:23 PM PST - 23 comments

We’re upgrading our kitchen; as part of that process we’re rethinking our pans. Ideally, we’d like to invest in a set of pans that we could buy over time, but would last us for many years to come. I love to cook, but am very much still an amateur home chef. What should we buy?
posted by WaspEnterprises at 10:06 PM PST - 32 comments

...ie, the Chinese language words / expressions in the Joy Luck Club (the novel). Can someone help me figure out what some of these might be if written in characters? Simplified or traditional, it's all good. [more inside]
posted by ditto75 at 7:57 PM PST - 5 comments

We're continuing our 7-minute short film project which we plan to enter into a festival. We are shooting this weekend. What are some best practices to reduce the complexity of post-production? This is an indoor set with two actors. We did a storyboard and we think we have a complete shot list. We will slate every take. What are some "filler" shots that we could use to make up for gaps in coverage?
posted by storybored at 7:29 PM PST - 6 comments

I'd like to take a relaxing solo vacation to somewhere warm and ideally coastal in January or February. Just want to eat good food, lounge around a pretty place, maybe swim. The biggest limiting factor is that I don't drive, so need somewhere I can get to/from/around via any combination of public transit, taxis, walking, or biking. Probably not an all-inclusive resort though--I feel trapped at those and the food is rarely good. Do you have recommendations for specific places that meet these requirements?
posted by rhiannonstone at 7:14 PM PST - 14 comments

Is it safe to feed canned cat food 6 months old? 18 months old? From 2019? [more inside]
posted by rawralphadawg at 6:47 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm getting a haircut next week. Like everyone, I want to just wash my hair and go, or (more often) wash and go to bed with wet hair. I want haircuts compatible with this lifestyle but when I googke wash and go hair I get lots of pictures of women who have very obviously done more than that. Where can I see pictures of women's hair styles minimally-style (like yeah ok untangle it but nothing involving the application of heat or finicky handling).
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:25 PM PST - 27 comments

Recommend more music that fits the following [more inside]
posted by Gorgik at 5:06 PM PST - 10 comments

I signed up for my first marathon after decades of being a casual runner. I have been making some serious upgrades of gear because now I’m running with goals in mind. I am pretty aware of how my current technology (watch, headphones, ipod) is obsolete, and I’m trying to figure out what I actually need. Runners of metafilter, please help! [more inside]
posted by August Fury at 3:08 PM PST - 11 comments

The term "soapbox" is used in its modern meaning, I'm told, because people would stand up on upturned soapboxes in the street in order to yell their message at passers-by. But why soapboxes, and not any other type of box? [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 3:05 PM PST - 15 comments

After several replacements over the last two years, I'm underwhelmed with the performance of my wiper blades on my 2008 Honda Fit. Can anyone recommend a better product? [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 2:08 PM PST - 9 comments

YouTube changed my language to Portuguese. How can I change it back to English? English is my default language in all my accounts online, including all Google apps. Portuguese and French are listed as secondary languages. [more inside]
posted by plant or animal at 1:59 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm dying to own a stocking cap/knitted beanie that comes to a point at the top. Not one that makes me look like I'm dressed as an elf or otherwise in costume, just something cute, slightly or somewhat pointed (not exaggeratedly, elfishly so, and not so pointy that it flops over like an old-timey sleeping cap, either). [more inside]
posted by knucklebones at 1:00 PM PST - 4 comments

My husband, US/UK dual citizen, expects 5 months salary in 2023 on his current contract, and then we are selling my house and moving to Glasgow. Employment for either of us in UK during 2023 is unknown. What should I be factoring before submitting our application through healthcare.gov this year regarding our income? [more inside]
posted by droomoord at 12:20 PM PST - 1 comment

Would a boys size 18 jeans fit a woman who wears size 6 women's jeans? I've googled until I'm blue in the face to try to find the answer. I've considered the brick and mortar route to find some to try on, but I'd rather just order online. However, I'd like to get an idea before I order as to how steep the odds are that I'd have to return the jeans because they don't fit.
posted by SageTrail at 12:00 PM PST - 13 comments

Hello Hive Mind! We have an upright piano in our house that has been completely unused for the 14 years we have lived here. I suspect it has probably not been played in about 30 years. I have restoration questions. [more inside]
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 10:28 AM PST - 6 comments

Longtime cocktail enthusiast here, but thanks to the pandemic, I'm no longer up to date on the bars really worth trying here in NYC. I'd love to hear both about specific (newer) bars that you like a lot, as well as trusted resources (websites, reviewers, social media accounts etc.) for learning about new places. Thanks for your tips, and happy tippling!
posted by DavidNYC at 10:22 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm consulting with a company that specializes in products that feature botanical illustrations. We're having a hard time finding someone who specializes in this work but is also doing it digitally (ie vector or high res bitmap). Where would we begin looking for such an individual? [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 9:55 AM PST - 6 comments

Is there a way I can make craigslist useful again by filtering out the dozen other towns in the USA with the same name as mine? [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 9:48 AM PST - 6 comments

I require over 10L of water per day in order to be capable of any ordinary activity. I also need lots more food, for example often becoming hungry two hours after large meals. Without these, I am extremely lethargic. I have been checked for everything my very smart GP can think of and she is "out of ideas" (more below). What could cause this? [more inside]
posted by lookoutbelow at 9:16 AM PST - 38 comments

Currently, I work at a large tech company. I am quite tenured there, well-respected, and make a generous salary. However, after such a long time in the role, I'm looking for a change. Am I crazy for considering a significant, significant pay cut to move to a high-stress public sector job? [more inside]
posted by averageamateur at 8:50 AM PST - 31 comments

We'll be in New Zealand this summer, have arranged lodgings in various places over the course of the visit, but don't have any plans around doing anything while there. It's getting on about time to figure that out but of course I have all these constraints to deal with... [more inside]
posted by majick at 7:22 AM PST - 11 comments

I recently was diagnosed as an adult with ADHD. I have suspected some type of high functioning autism for several years and have been told by medical professionals that I don’t have it. I am dubious and also struggle to get anywhere romantically, and am curious if anyone has experience with both having ADHD and being unable to gain traction romantically. [more inside]
posted by Whale Oil at 7:18 AM PST - 4 comments

What are some good gifts for a toddler loves petting and snuggling things, especially very soft, very large, or fuzzy, feathery, leafy, interestingly textured things? Looking to skew either more interesting or more durable and higher-quality than the generic polyfleece stuffed animals that quickly get ratty. [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 5:05 AM PST - 16 comments

Does the color of light affect how useful it is for navigating our otherwise dark bedroom? [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 1:35 AM PST - 3 comments

NSFWFilter: For the past 3 months I have had not only no libido, but a complete loss of…physical sexual feeling. WTF is going on and what kind of medical professional should I be consulting? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:30 PM PST - 15 comments

YANMD. YANAD. My partner has, for about a year, had unexplained fevers. They onset at work, near the end of the workday, with a tingling sensation and pain in his back. By the time he gets home he’s got chills and violent shivering. His fever goes up to 102 or so, HR is the 130s, pulse ox at 94-96. He goes to bed, the fever breaks, he gets all sweaty, by morning he’s fine, maybe a little tired. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:28 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me find resources on managing adult ADHD, perfectionism and obsessive thoughts while I get together enough funds to start therapy. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:28 PM PST - 2 comments

With the potential demise of Twitter, I'm wondering what's gonna happen to the amazing accounts I've found over the years. How can I save the entirety of someone else's tweets, graphics included (retweets not included)? I'm thinking of people with massive archives, like 350k+ tweets. How could I save it in a way that would be easy to read, search, and maintain as a forever archive? I'm a luddite in these things.
posted by loonietrillium at 8:30 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm been having a strange issue with Firefox (but not Chrome) on and off for the last month or so. Sometimes- not all the time- Google services don't load. Search, YouTube, CAPTCHAs on other sites, Gmail. It acts like it's timing out, YouTube throws up a message ("You're offline. Check your connection."). I've tried my usual troubleshooting steps and the only thing that helps is turning on a VPN. [more inside]
posted by BungaDunga at 7:41 PM PST - 3 comments

We will be in New Orleans and it's always been my dream to see / take part in a second line parade. Will we be safe at this parade and the route that is described? If yes, what time should we arrive there? [more inside]
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 7:36 PM PST - 5 comments

A family member has two mystery ailments, one of which is excruciatingly painful (on the level of "how much morphine you got?" that may or may not be related. Docs at the hospital are basically ¯\_(ツ)_/¯and are going to discharge her. How do I find a Dr. House to investigate? Cryptic details inside. [more inside]
posted by rednikki at 7:15 PM PST - 11 comments

My very careful elderly relative has experience fraudulent withdraws on two separate checking accounts in less than two months. Why is this happening and how do we stop it? [more inside]
posted by fies at 6:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Just had my Bivalent booster early this week. As with prior Covid vax shots, I developed a highish fever and was miserable for a couple days. This time, I've got some fairly significant & uncomfortable lymph node swelling under my arm. Searching reveals that this is common and can last from days to 6mos(!) Is there anything that can be done to reduce the swelling/the discomfort or speed the process along? If you experienced this, how long was your recovery period?
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 4:26 PM PST - 12 comments

A friend wants to buy a rollator (a walker with wheels and a seat) and to be able to try out a few different kinds in person. They also want help adjusting the height and maybe a bit of training on using it. Where can they go, especially somewhere open on weekends? [more inside]
posted by soelo at 4:00 PM PST - 6 comments

A store I frequent now has a sign up behind the register, which says that they no longer accept US$100 bills due to increased counterfeiting. Given how many security measures are put into this bill, as compared with lower denominations (which this store's sign says are accepted), I find this difficult to believe. Is there credible reporting on how this phenomenon is recently on the rise, to the extent that more businesses are now refusing to accept US$100 bills?
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:36 PM PST - 7 comments

I’m getting in the hygge mood and want to make a bunch of Pinterest-esque bowls of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, etc. with braised and wine-stewed meats poured artfully across (garnished with chopped chives and chiffonades). What are your favorite exquisitely velvet-y bases for this style of foodstuff? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 1:10 PM PST - 21 comments

I’ll be spending Veteran’s Day weekend in Toronto visiting my undergrad son — what’s fun touristy Toronto stuff? Is the CN Tower a reasonably entertaining experience, or are the lines and so on too long? This time of year, will the islands be worth going to? Assuming that we are willing to walk any distance imaginable, what would you do for fun in Toronto?
posted by LizardBreath at 1:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me identify this snack i saw on a TikTok and now can't find or remember. [more inside]
posted by jazon at 8:53 AM PST - 10 comments

Where to get Korean 연습장-like notebooks in the U.S.? They're typically B5 size notebooks made of cheap unlined paper. [more inside]
posted by research monkey at 8:23 AM PST - 15 comments

I just ordered a large quantity of pastries from a local bakery-cafe, for a party tomorrow. They use Toast for checkout, so when I paid I was asked if I wanted to add a tip. I wasn't prepared for that, the tip amounts offered were very large, so I tapped "no". Should I have tipped? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 8:06 AM PST - 36 comments

Hi! My friend and I (both F, mid to late 40s) are taking the Thalys from Rotterdam to Paris for a few days mid December. Please give me your best tips and recommendations for the city. [more inside]
posted by mirthe at 7:28 AM PST - 5 comments

I have had a sore throat since yesterday. This morning I have a mild runny nose and a very mild sinus headache. My5 year old son has had a quite runny nose and some phlegmy cough since TUesday or Wednesday. I have negative covid tests. I'm going on a trip on Monday and today is the last day to cancel/change without losing a lot of money. Should I pay for a PCR test or can I assume it's not covid? Also, visit immunocompromised mom sunday? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:00 AM PST - 28 comments

Are you aware of a cheaper version of this small but very expensive sconce? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 5:55 AM PST - 8 comments

My client has some audio "webinars" on their Wordpress site now that they would like to convert to podcasts- currently users can only listen to the audio file directly on the website from the basic Wordpress audio player which of course no one does. I may not be asking Google the right questions because I can't figure out the best way to do this. Specifics about requirements within: [more inside]
posted by cilantro at 4:40 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for a song I used to hear at work, and I know it involves a female singer, and there's definitely something about burning houses, but I'm almost certain it's not Burning House by Cam, though it might be contemporary? [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 4:27 AM PST - 20 comments

I have a kinesis freestyle 2 which I use in a full split, with a metal brace they sell so that the keyboard halves are at an ~80 degree angle. I like this a lot, but it's quite bulky to travel with. Are there any comparable keyboards that travel more conveniently? While I have you, am also interested in other accessories to create a standing desk ~easily on the go. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 4:11 AM PST - 6 comments

I own this electric kettle. Recently it's developed an odd quirk. I add water to it, press the button, the 'stunning LED lights' go on and nothing happens. After a certain period of time, as much as 5 minutes sometimes, the heating turns on (you can hear it hissing and bubbling). This is not how it used to be - formerly, one could hear the heating start as soon as one pressed 'on'. It does not, as far as I can see, need descaling. What could be the reason for this odd behaviour?
posted by tavegyl at 4:05 AM PST - 2 comments

The psychiatrist I've been seeing for 10+ years had a stroke and - understandably - retired on the spot. The local (small town) psychiatrist available through my insurance won't even see me unless I agree to reduce my Adderall dose by 2/3. I've taken Adderall for 20+ years, it's been nothing but good for me. Further - as a result of a shortage several years ago - I already know what this quick reduction would mean for me, i.e., ADD symptoms return with a vengeance and crushing depression due to withdrawal. Looking for info regarding online services. [more inside]
posted by she's not there at 3:29 AM PST - 9 comments

If I were near the Termini Station in Rome, Italy, and willing to walk and/or take a train 45 minutes in any direction, where should I go to buy interesting textiles, and/or get a massage on Saturday or Sunday? [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 2:24 AM PST - 3 comments

What are the options I have for space heaters these days? [more inside]
posted by downtohisturtles at 12:53 AM PST - 9 comments

I’d like to get one or more things to put with some other things on one wall of my home office. I would like these things to be tied to one or, even better, more of the following themes. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 11:17 PM PST - 11 comments

My wife needs a new iPhone, but I have a question about unlocking. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 9:10 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm planning to subscribe to Shudder to watch the "Queer for Fear" documentary. Based on what else I've previously watched and liked, what other movies should I watch while I'm subbed? [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 8:08 PM PST - 13 comments

My elderly father has Covid. He is all alone, and it looks like I will be travelling in a rush to help him. What do I need to do, and how do I avoid catching it? [more inside]
posted by China Grover at 7:53 PM PST - 9 comments

Hivemind, I got this shirt as part of a race that I entered this year. I’d like to get more running shirts out of this fabric, but the shirt does not have a manufacturer’s label. Can you help me find either the manufacturer(s) of this type of shirt, or search terms for this new-to-me fabric? Thanks!
posted by Stephanie Duy at 6:34 PM PST - 6 comments

What are we using for cheap cell service these days? I specifically need a service that will TELL me via text when I have exceeded my data limit and will be charged extra. I just discovered that I have been accidentally leaving my phone with wifi turned off and racking up insane bills with Spectrum and had no idea because they don't text me. So upset.
posted by HotToddy at 4:08 PM PST - 19 comments

My wife talked to a neighbor outside yesterday for 3 or 4 minutes. They were approx 5 feet apart and he was wearing a mask. His wife is now positive but he's not. Are the odds in my favor on this one? Also, any suggestions on not worrying obsessively about this are obciously welcomed. Thanks.
posted by captainscared at 4:08 PM PST - 15 comments

I did Google and AskMeFi searches on "best charity for hurricane ian donations" and didn't find much detail. Even Charity Navigator just listed charities they recommend (in general) on the page dedicated to Hurricane Ian. More after the break. [more inside]
posted by forthright at 4:05 PM PST - 3 comments

Before I give up on pain-free typing forever, I'd like to try a smaller keyboard. What are the brands I need to look at? [more inside]
posted by the liquid oxygen at 1:57 PM PST - 19 comments

I’m growing saffron crocuses and they flowered for the first time this week!! I’m harvesting and drying the threads as the flowers bloom. What super-special thing should I make with this fresh homegrown saffron? I’m an omnivore and I already know about paella - go!
posted by centrifugal at 12:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Despite trying really hard, I can't find anyone who is even interested in going on a date with me. I have no idea why and my friends have no idea why. What do I do now? [more inside]
posted by chernoffhoeffding at 12:51 PM PST - 24 comments

We are 1 of 6 families in my community of stay-at-home moms who want to support each other with childcare (we need days off!). We have occasionally helped each other out but we want to set up something more regular. Help me think through how to set this up for success. [more inside]
posted by gillianr at 12:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Am considering getting a bidet for my apartment bathroom. Some questions under the fold. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 12:24 PM PST - 22 comments

I have an Ikea FRIHETEN couch, which fits my space, folds out into a decent guest bed, and is generally fine. However, there isn't much padding/cushioning in the seats at all, and as a day-to-day couch I really wish it could be more plush and "comfy", for lack of a better descriptor. What can I do to accomplish this? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 12:21 PM PST - 8 comments

Following up on this question, I've started to question why I'm setting aside space for stairs. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 11:56 AM PST - 10 comments

MixCloud is about to limit uploads for their free tier. I use MixCloud to share full radio shows containing copyrighted songs. Are there any other services that legally host mixes or radio shows and pay the required royalties? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 11:40 AM PST - 0 comments

Christmas is coming, and I get my niblings (ages 0-13) books for most gift-giving occasions. But the books have to pass muster with their conservative parents. I'm looking for ideas on books that offer as much diversity as possible without risking getting tossed. [more inside]
posted by Bambiraptor at 9:35 AM PST - 62 comments

We're trying to find a counselor or therapist for our 13-year-old daughter in Portland, Oregon. Looking for any advice to help move the byzantine process along. [more inside]
posted by El Curioso at 9:19 AM PST - 7 comments

I stored some loose Bengal Spice Celestial Seasonings tea bags (excellent tea) in an Oxo Good Grips Pop Container (clear plastic). The tea left a clear, initially sticky residue in the container. What is it and how do I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by stray at 9:04 AM PST - 9 comments

Another "should I get a dog" question. Much much more under the fold. [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 8:29 AM PST - 10 comments

For Reasons (involving Apple gift cards), I want to buy my next phone directly from Apple's website. I'd prefer to wait as long as possible before upgrading, but I don't want to risk Apple not selling the phone I want anymore - the iPhone 13 mini. Does anyone know how long I can (or can likely) wait to purchase the iPhone 13 mini directly from Apple?
posted by ClaireBear at 8:07 AM PST - 10 comments

For 2 years, I have been living with my partner/best friend/lover/partner/confidant/supporter who makes life better for me/my son/my mom every day. He is a foreigner who has permission to stay in US, but not to work. We deeply love each other but are struggling to overcome deep disparities in retirement savings and income (we are both 50) as we confront the desire/imperative to marry. Is there an equation that could help us? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:02 AM PST - 58 comments

I am melting down trying to access social services for myself, a verbal and normal-on-the-surface adult with autism. I'm diagnosed, and I'm registered with the state's main disability office. It's all a bit Kafka-esque and I just want to hear from other people who have relevant experience with this, and/or going the independent route (like through AANE) to find stuff like supported employment, peer mentoring, whatever. Help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:00 AM PST - 2 comments

I have long managed pain in my arms related to the use of computers and phones. But in particularly, I'm quite sensitive to touch screens, which is something most other RSI sufferers don't seem to have. I'm curious if there are any resources specifically for this [more inside]
posted by wooh at 5:49 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a pack of individual serving whole dairy milks that were stored at room temperature in the store. They expire in January. My spouse put them in the fridge but they are taking up too much room. Can I just take them out again? They don't care, right?
posted by Emmy Rae at 7:34 PM PST - 6 comments

In our continuing novice adventure in filmmaking, our gang of newbies is entering into a film festival contest. (Deadline Nov 30th!). It's max seven minutes long. But we have a question. The contest requires films to be submitted in 1080p. Our gear can do 4K. Is there any advantage to shooting in 4K? Any advantage to editing in 4K and then rendering to 1080p? Or should we just shoot in 1080p?
posted by storybored at 6:24 PM PST - 16 comments

Like many of you who live in the United States and have ever made a political donation, I've recently experienced a massive uptick in spam texts and phone calls. I also know that MetaFilter has some wonderful, brilliant analytical and statistical minds, so I thought I'd ask... How many times will I need to block spam U.S. phone numbers until I've blocked them all? [more inside]
posted by dngrangl at 4:58 PM PST - 12 comments

I loved Square One TV, the math show for elementary schoolers, sooo much when I was 9. But part of what I liked was that it made math seem sort of adult and hip to me, with references to MTV and pop culture. My kid would find all the cultural references completely baffling; I barely understood them in 1994. What kind of content exists to make recreational math seem at least a little cool that way for today's kid? [more inside]
posted by potrzebie at 3:43 PM PST - 5 comments

What are some traditional teas that feature other plant ingredients or flavors added to actual Camellia sinensis leaves? [more inside]
posted by dusty potato at 2:35 PM PST - 28 comments

I have lists of files (plant names, also items purchased) I want to rename individually, by stepping through a list (most probably in Powershell, or VSCode as far as as I understand) and using autocomplete - probably from a dictionary list, but is this even possible? I want to do this to save time and avoid spelling errors. Batch rename would not work as naming is based on image content. Is this more of a metafilter jobs question? as it seems complicated. [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 1:42 PM PST - 13 comments

I need to pick up some new dress shoes for an upcoming wedding and am looking for suggestions of good retailers in Seattle. [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 1:24 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a 5 foot tall velociraptor in front of my house. Help me turn her into a passable turkey with minimum of effort and fabrication. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 1:12 PM PST - 32 comments

It’s Metafilter’s annual fundraiser! Contributions from the community keep the lights on, and we’ve been asking you to help fund Metafilter. Here’s an update on MeTa about our first week of fundraising. [more inside]
posted by tavegyl at 12:38 PM PST - 0 comments

My mother-in-law just moved to a new state where she doesn't know the neighborhoods like she did in her old home. We would like to get her a GPS for her car so she can drive by herself, but it has to be ridiculously simple to use. [more inside]
posted by Neely O'Hara at 12:21 PM PST - 11 comments

The U2 post on the blue got me thinking: The Edge, The Rock and The Public Universal Friend are all people known primarily, or close to it, by names beginning with the definite article. What others are out there? I'm looking for non-fictional, known individuals. I'm excluding titles (the King), fictional characters (the Joker), placeholders for unknown people (the Zodiac Killer), or epithets following the name (Andre the Giant).
posted by automatronic at 11:17 AM PST - 62 comments

I have a third monitor for my Mac and am interested in creating an "at a glance" screen (either in software or a webpage) that would have multiple widgets that auto-update. Things like a news feed, Twitter feed, weather radar, stocks. A bit like Apple Widgets, but displaying all the time on a dedicated screen. Any options?
posted by UMDirector at 7:17 AM PST - 2 comments

Have you had concrete countertops for a number of years, put only minor effort into maintaining them, and do they still look great? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 5:22 AM PST - 9 comments

What to consider when getting a tablet for our child's use. We're in the UK and are happy buying something we won't need to upgrade or change for five years (if we can get away with it). We're most familiar with Apple products. Do you have specific suggestions on sizes, models, specs and accessories? I imagine there are robust screen guards? [more inside]
posted by einekleine at 4:28 AM PST - 20 comments

Oddly specific request. Do you have this book? May I ask you to share the recipe on page 129 for Artichoke & Black Bean Dip? Thank you! [more inside]
posted by Juniper Toast at 10:48 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a lovely opportunity - invited by the people in question - to introduce some really great vegan home cooking to people who are open-minded eaters but not yet adventurous cooks. [more inside]
posted by Lyn Never at 9:20 PM PST - 36 comments

I find myself in a crisis of sorts. I seek some sort of connection with something greater than myself but I'm feeling dead inside. [more inside]
posted by Zooming Right Along at 7:06 PM PST - 31 comments

I've been using Signal as my default texting app for years, but they're about to stop supporting unencrypted SMS on Android. So I need a new app to use for SMS and I'm looking for recommendations. [more inside]
posted by polymath at 6:55 PM PST - 10 comments

I lost my iphone. When I log into my icloud account, it generically says "offline." I don't have full access to my icloud account (bc unfortunately, I also lost my wallet and any ability to do two-factor authentication). But, when I call the lost phone, it rings, indicating that the phone is in fact connected to some network. Can I find my phone? [more inside]
posted by neematoad at 5:39 PM PST - 4 comments

This week is the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions and I could not be more excited; this is like the Super Bowl and I have been eagerly anticipating watching every night live. But I will be out of town and working during two nights of the tournament. Is there any way to watch it away from my cable box? [more inside]
posted by Neely O'Hara at 4:05 PM PST - 8 comments

I’m helping a friend with this. Do you know this comic? “ On Twitter I saw a comic strip by a Japanese artist about a man who keeps seeing a cat out of the corner of his eye and I forgot to save it. Please please help me find this again”
posted by andoatnp at 3:55 PM PST - 9 comments

Do local Spanish-speaking residents actually call the capital of Mexico “CDMX”? If so, do they speak the letters out loud (“ce de eme equis”)? If not, what do locals call Mexico City colloquially? What terms do Spanish speakers who live in other parts of Mexico use? I’m asking because I thought DF (“de efe”) or just México was the norm, but I keep seeing CDMX and am curious how widespread it is. I see that the official designation is no longer DF, curious what people actually say 6 years later.
posted by vunder at 3:36 PM PST - 5 comments

I've started making meal replacement/protein powder drinks with a shaker bottle, and I'd also like to start drinking hot matcha tea. Which would mix *both* protein powder and matcha powder the best - a shaker bottle or a milk frother? [more inside]
posted by loonietrillium at 2:20 PM PST - 4 comments

There are a lot, and I'm looking for one that does these specific things: (1) Blocks websites with whitelist/blacklist functionality, (2) Blocks specified applications, (3) Lets me set daily time limits for specified websites, (4) Can be quit in case of emergency or change of plans. I would prefer one that can be purchased outright instead of requiring a subscription, but that's flexible.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 1:51 PM PST - 3 comments

I was told Hyper-V was disabled at work as it and containers are a security risk. Is there any truth to that or is it possible their monitoring software can't penetrate containers and they're using security risk as an excuse? I doubt I can get it enabled as they're so paranoid they geo-restrict where we can login our laptops, but I'm genuinely curious if that's an excuse or not. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 1:16 PM PST - 12 comments

Looking for a way to set up a pet camera without having to use a subscription model. No storage necessary. I want a live view and sound, and to be able to check from my phone. Does this exist?
posted by kittensofthenight at 11:43 AM PST - 24 comments

I just finished a slow taper off of duloxetine (aka Cymbalta). It's a process I've gone through a few times and there have been very predictable side effects involving dizziness when standing, bursts of tinnitus, and most notably excessive sentimentality. This time the side effects have been delayed and I'm wondering if that's A Thing. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 10:51 AM PST - 6 comments

When I finish one container of yogurt and use the same spoon to scoop some out of a new container, I like to think I'm introducing two long-separated strains of lactobacilli or whatever to each other to live in harmony. What's actually happening? Do they go to war? Do they intermingle? Do they eat each other? And could it possibly affect the yogurt?
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 10:11 AM PST - 6 comments

What is the latest research and anecdotal reports on nasal sprays for covid prevention? At one point I had heard about a range of ideas being studied.
posted by xo at 9:37 AM PST - 8 comments

If I wanted to use a phone that plugged into a jack (not a handsfree with just charger and I wanted to put that in a place where it is not practical to string a phone cord from VOIP model to the phone, is there an adapter that can do this? I'm assuming a transmitter plugged in that the VOIP modem and a receiver with an "out" jack by the phone? Handsfree phones basically do this with the receiver in the handset, but I'd like to adapt a regular pre-handsfree phone. Can I?
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:45 AM PST - 14 comments

I want to get an airline ticket for a coast-to-coast flight in January. I haven't flown for quite some time, so I feel rusty and also nervous. What are your best practices for getting the best ticket under current circumstances? [more inside]
posted by theatro at 8:29 AM PST - 30 comments

This picture was hanging in a pharmacy and I was trying to figure out what the 3 glossy red things on the top of the right side are. They are between the grapes and apples, behind the green stems on the red peppers. There are already other pears, apples, peppers, and tomatoes in the picture so I think those can be ruled out. Here is a similar one with them in roughly the same position.
posted by soelo at 7:43 AM PST - 7 comments

What is the root cause of a person who second guesses every decision/choice/action they make with "I should have done X" or "I should have Y'ed". Someone I know is a chronic "should"-er and wants help breaking these negative thought spirals.
posted by Anonymouse1618 at 6:51 AM PST - 19 comments

My partner recently took in a young (early 20s) friend (P) from our queer hobby group when their family kicked them out. We’ve since realized that P doesn’t have the skills needed to live on their own. Are there classes for this? [more inside]
posted by quiet wanderer at 6:51 AM PST - 28 comments

Two months of messages just disappeared for me on a WhatsApp group that I'm in. They disappeared for me both on my phone and on my computer. I quit and reopened the app on both devices, and the problem persists. Strangely, they're still searchable. They don't show as "deleted", so along with them still being searchable, I'm pretty sure nobody intentionally deleted them. Still, how can I get them back?
posted by Seeking Direction at 5:59 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm going to NYC this weekend and I want to splurge on a fancy dinner. Details within! [more inside]
posted by anotheraccount at 5:35 AM PST - 14 comments