Ask MetaFilter

In my life I've generally been pretty unsuccessful with dating, such that I find myself having reached my late/mid 30s and now am in the bracket where I just feel like my dating experience is way different from a lot of the people who might generally be interested in me. How do I approach conversations about dating or past relationships with these people I might meet as I soldier on in this dating world? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:18 PM PST - 17 comments

First my older son (8) and now my younger son (4) have had a first cold sore in the last two months. I'd love advice on managing them and also managing my extreme guilt that I may have given it to them. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:16 PM PST - 16 comments

One of the last photos of my late grandmother and I is a blurry image (of a physical photograph taken with an old camera) taken on a old iphone...I want to improve the photo as much as possible! [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 10:07 PM PST - 4 comments

Hi - I arrive on the ferry, and need to show a negative antigen result to the place where I'm staying. Where can I get a professionally administered antigen test this Sunday Jan 02 2022. Thank you.
posted by lapsang at 9:10 PM PST - 2 comments

Years ago I got a terrible illegal tattoo. It has aged as well as you'd expect. I'd like to update it - I've planned to update it for 25+ years, and well I just don't know how one fixes an old, ugly, stretched tattoo. Many questions inside. [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 5:43 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm trying to spend down what's left in my 2021 FSA and have been unable to figure out whether I can apply for reimbursement based on the order date and not the ship date. [more inside]
posted by oneear at 4:10 PM PST - 4 comments

My toddler has always preferred her dad to me. It mildly hurts most days, but now that we are visiting our conservative families with traditional gender roles, the puzzled and judgmental looks I get every time my toddler wriggles out of my grasp and screams for her dad are pushing me over the edge. I need some tools on how to navigate this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:43 PM PST - 23 comments

I left my previous workplace in fall 2019 and kept those two retirement accounts in previous employer's Fidelity 401k & 403b setup, and also started a new current employer 401k with TIAA. Recently, the Fidelity 403b got rolled into the Fidelity 401k. I'm not sure what that means for me materially, if anything. Additionally, I have a Vanguard Roth IRA. Should I be consolidating or nah? Can I even since it's been years and/or is there a timeout at any point? [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla at 2:10 PM PST - 4 comments

I just noticed some water around the base of a toilet in our basement. Do I need a wax ring replacement? How hard is that to DIY? [more inside]
posted by Mid at 2:10 PM PST - 13 comments

My spouse and I are considering getting a financial adviser. We make about $100,000 a year and have about $25,000 in savings. Can you recommend for or against any fee-only financial advisers that either work in New Mexico or will work us over a distance? Also, do you have any advice on choosing such an adviser?
posted by furtheryet at 12:01 PM PST - 8 comments

How do I prevent more rust within the paint chips on old car? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 12:00 PM PST - 7 comments

I thought I successfully battled the evil moths with many, many cedar balls. The moths laughed... [more inside]
posted by dancinglamb at 11:46 AM PST - 11 comments

How in the heck do I get to the washers in this sink handle? There are no visible screws. [more inside]
posted by Fuego at 10:42 AM PST - 7 comments

I've had a wonderful few years, acquired a demanding but meaningful and well-paying job and a spouse I adore, finally have enough money to do most of the things I need, etc. All is well. But perhaps predictably, I feel like I've lost some touch with the part of me that creates and quests for understanding. I used to be a freelancer who struggled financially but wrote things that mattered (at least sometimes); now I help others achieve those goals but miss what I felt like was the best part of myself. In 2022 I'd like to awaken my soft heart and open, creative spirit and would love suggestions and stories about how you have done this for yourself. Thanks and happy new year to all.
posted by artisthatithaca at 9:29 AM PST - 6 comments

I have thick, gnarly, talon-like nails on both my big toes which rapidly wear holes in my socks. I know I should trim the nails more often, but let's face it, that's not going to happen. What's the toughest and most talon-resistant brand of socks I can buy to combat this problem?
posted by Paul Slade at 9:07 AM PST - 6 comments

Nike has finally changed the magic formula in their standard ankle athletic socks that I bought for years, and doesn't look like they're going back. I am trying to buy up as many of the remaining scarce stock I can find without hoarding. I used to raid DSW but they've switched em out. Is there some way to hunt for socks based on.. ingredients? [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 7:31 AM PST - 4 comments

Please adjudicate a trivial disagreement. [more inside]
posted by ec2y at 4:33 AM PST - 16 comments

I want to get started with iClone animation, and iClone 8 releases in a few months. It will apparently sell for $599. Character Creator 4 (a helpful add-on) will cost $299. Looking at this hype page, there's a sale going on where they say you can get iClone 8 and Character Creator 4 for "free," if you purchase $399 of products now. (The specific sales claim is about halfway down the page.) Should I go ahead and buy $399 of whatever now, with the idea that I will then get the free upgrade in a few months? [more inside]
posted by Ursula Hitler at 3:57 AM PST - 3 comments

If you're spending the end of year by yourself or have done so before, please let me know how did you prevent yourself from coming unglued. It has been an exceptionally hard year (I felt the same way about 2020 but had thought/hoped about it being an aberration rather than an ongoing, terrifying new normal). No family or friends in the mix, largely thanks to a very sudden upswing in Omicron in my neck of the woods. All recommendations welcome. I'm feeling scattered and bereft of hope of things ever getting easier. Thank you.
posted by Nieshka at 3:48 AM PST - 32 comments

I have been working with a therapist who has suggested I look into stoicism as a means of managing personal existential issues. I've looked into various 12 step programs. These are not the right fit. I read that one practical Stoic tenet is an end of the day review. It sounds similar to what I call a "debrief" which is reviewing/recapitulating an event/day to a witness in order to be more in the present. Are there any online Stoic groups that are more therapy oriented rather than being simple study groups?
posted by goalyeehah at 3:10 AM PST - 6 comments

Can't remember and nothing is coming up in searches. He had first name and last, soft, melodic (very), I think there were African flutes in his songs, and IIRC he was Senegalese but can't be 100% sure. Not Youssou. Argh. Can anyone help me find him? Thank you.
posted by watercarrier at 12:18 AM PST - 7 comments

Today I touched the live wires of two lightswitches at once. One thumb on each, each one a different circuit. I didn't trip any breakers or catch on fire, but is it possible I got a double dose at 240 volts? [more inside]
posted by Snijglau at 9:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Apparently these aren’t uncommon. Two parter. 1) What can be done to mitigate any cognitive effects of hypoxia or anoxia a few weeks after a heart attack? 2) How do I deal with the changes? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:15 PM PST - 11 comments

A wonderful new friend and I have several non-overlapping food restrictions, but we enjoy dining together. What kinds of cuisines should we look for? [more inside]
posted by aquamvidam at 9:05 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm seeing relatives for the holidays and I really really want to just go home. Can I do that? Would I be a complete asshole? [more inside]
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 8:39 PM PST - 26 comments

Consider a square game board made up of four square sub-boards, arranged in a 2x2 grid. Each sub-board can be rotated to one of four orientations. Each sub-board can occupy any one position in the 2x2 grid. All four sub-boards must be used. How many game board combinations are there? [more inside]
posted by some little punk in a rocket at 6:13 PM PST - 5 comments

We inherited a genuine leather couch which was probably very expensive when it was first purchased. Now, it has an unsightly hole in one of the cushions and I am being laughed off Facebook local groups trying to move it. So, how do I get it out of here? [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 4:56 PM PST - 14 comments

My understanding is that the arrangements most libraries have with publishers mean they pay by the read, or have licenses for specific time periods for specific formats. What's the way to get library ebooks that will be most cost-efficient for my library? [more inside]
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 4:36 PM PST - 12 comments

In a fit of madness on a trip to Vilnius a couple of years ago I bought a truly horrible scarf. It is fine pure linen in alternating squares of mid blue, a vile bright green and bilious light pink, with the dyes bleeding into each other where they meet. I was going to donate it, but it is so ugly it would likely end up in recycling. So maybe it would be fun to keep it and dye it? Initially I thought of black but that seems a bit boring. However I’m not sure if the original colours would show through or affect the result if I chose an actual colour. Any advice or suggestions? I’m in the UK and looking at Dylon hand dye packs, I’ve never dyed anything before.
posted by ElasticParrot at 4:12 PM PST - 19 comments

The last two years have been rough and I'm not feeling that hopeful about the next one. So I might as well have some fun clothes to wear. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 3:17 PM PST - 17 comments

Asking for a friend. Friend has a dozen or so VHS tapes and friend of a friend will convert them but needs to know the preferred format. [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 3:07 PM PST - 14 comments

I sell a lot of random stuff on Facebook Marketplace. The algorithm has stopped showing my listings, I think to convince me to start paying to "boost" my listings. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 2:45 PM PST - 5 comments

Specifically gloves that are warm, but also that can be used with my phone, hopefully waterproof (but not necessary). I'm from a tropical country, and I'm having a hard time getting the right gloves. To be precise, I don't think it will go further than -20 C where I'm at. I've already bought two pairs of gloves. The first ones were pretty bad, though I should have figured out that the cheap price tag would lead to that, the second ones are an improvement, but they're not warm enough, I can't use my phone with them, and they are too bulky. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 1:15 PM PST - 12 comments

I recently watched a Russian movie called, The Postman's White Nights (2014). The movie was shot on location at a remote Russian village. I noticed that some of the doorways are bizarrely small. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 11:31 AM PST - 13 comments

Asking for friend who has has not seen daughter and mother for many years. Is there any way to facilitate this family reunion? [more inside]
posted by elf27 at 10:11 AM PST - 7 comments

I (43F) have been dating a man for about 5 months. Everything is going well except for one thing - I am utterly incapable of getting even 10 minutes of sleep when we share a bed. I had been single for a while before this relationship, so some of this is to be expected, but I'm getting desperate for a good night's sleepover. [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 10:07 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm thinking of getting a set of snow tires, fronts only, in part because this vehicle will be heading on a trip that might involve sketchy conditions. What should I consider before doing this? [more inside]
posted by diode at 9:55 AM PST - 11 comments

What should I serve to my gluten-free and vegetarian guests on New Year's Eve? [more inside]
posted by libraryhead at 9:35 AM PST - 11 comments

I only want to record my blood pressure every day. I don't want to wear an Apple Watch, I don't want to track any other things about my body, I don't want anything intrusive. I just want to keep track of the one thing. I used to use Apple Health but it got prohibitively complex and now feels useless. Any suggestions?
posted by artisthatithaca at 9:33 AM PST - 10 comments

I had a jar of opened applesauce (store-bought, not homemade if that makes a difference) that had previously been in the fridge. I took it out for reasons, and it's been on the counter for the past two weeks. Is it safe to eat? Thanks!
posted by xenization at 8:18 AM PST - 11 comments

I just discovered some water on the floor of my basement, and it looks like a PVC pipe on my furnace/AC came loose. Pics here. I put the pipe back together and it feels pretty snug but should I glue, epoxy, or in some other way bond them together?
posted by Tehhund at 7:55 AM PST - 15 comments

What was the name of the discount warehouse next to a D&K in some strip mall in the Buffalo, NY area in the early/mid 90s? [more inside]
posted by everybody had matching towels at 7:32 AM PST - 10 comments

I accidently spilled a drink on one of my partner's comic books, and I am trying to identify the book so I can replace it. He has demurred from telling me what the book was, and I don't remember. So I'm hoping folks here can assist in identifying it. [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 7:10 AM PST - 19 comments

Several members of my family will be traveling, and over the course of the past week I've been able to find 6 test kits at various drugstores. I left them in my car, but the temperatures at night went down to about 30 degrees F for one or two nights. They were really expensive and hard to find, and now that I look at the boxes I realize they are not supposed to be below 34 degrees. I wish the pharmacist had mentioned this to me! I know they need to be at room temperature when we use them, but are my tests ruined by dropping briefly below 34F? Or should they still work as intended? I don't know if I'll be able to find more and we fly in a few days. Thanks!
posted by betsbillabong at 6:44 AM PST - 3 comments

. . . without breaking the seal? [more inside]
posted by blairsyprofane at 5:53 AM PST - 8 comments

If you have had to be a person cleaning up after someone else has died, what were you not expecting? [more inside]
posted by Jenny'sCricket at 5:11 AM PST - 63 comments

Tired of dusty keys, it suddenly occurred to me to search for [usb computer vacuum]. Too many results. Can anyone actually recommend one? Tiny cordless vacs in general seem to be pretty ineffective unless you get a $600 Dyson; I'm guessing that's the way with these too? No? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 9:36 PM PST - 14 comments

I live in Brooklyn. I have to walk downstairs and then several blocks to the laundromat. I can no longer ignore that carrying 2-3 weeks' worth of clothes through the neighborhood in IKEA bags is leaving horrendous welts on my shoulders. Nearly all the laundry bags/backpacks I can find are flimsy, narrow-strapped things seemingly intended for college dorm use. Literal millions of us live in cities without in-unit laundry, right? Why doesn't anyone want to take our money? [more inside]
posted by sparkling at 8:55 PM PST - 24 comments

What's a cost-effective way to replace my previous 4TB MyCloud LAN HDD? I use it at home for some software backups, a lot of DLNA video streaming using e.g. UPNP in VLC/Roku, and camera photo storage. Experience level: Experienced server admin. The home network is mostly Linux. LAN access only is fine. SSH is a must. Would like at least 8TB. Open to creative or COTS solutions both. Thanks!
posted by circular at 7:40 PM PST - 10 comments

I made this lasagna tonight. It came out good, but a bit bland for my tastes. How should I spice it up for next time? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 6:46 PM PST - 43 comments

I’m looking for international dishes and recipes that are not normally exported - not a country’s most famous recipe overseas, but one that is popular at home. [more inside]
posted by sillysally at 5:58 PM PST - 37 comments

Sometime in the last few months there was a book mentioned on the 99 Percent Invisible podcast that was something about lists with asterisks or the disclaimers/stories behind those asterisks. (I don't think this was an actual example in the book but like a list of hall of famers but some have an asterisk due to drug use, that type of story.) I think it was 99PI but it is possible it was from the podcast series The Edge about the Houston Astros, which was featured on a 99PI episode?
posted by Wretch729 at 5:48 PM PST - 4 comments

I am looking for small, delicious, individually wrapped chocolates. [more inside]
posted by Gray Duck at 5:02 PM PST - 24 comments

Is there any reason not to apply to my first choice law school (CUNY) as early decision? My application is ready, so I can apply early decision or normal. (One caveat - I am applying the second time, after I was waitlisted and not admitted last year.) [more inside]
posted by davidstandaford at 4:21 PM PST - 5 comments

Content Note: discussion of child sexual and emotional abuse, child endangerment, trauma. Also contains spoilers for the 2021 film C'mon C'mon. [more inside]
posted by prewar lemonade at 3:58 PM PST - 5 comments

Do major motion pictures still circulate, nowadays, at rinky-dink second-run theaters? Or are they whisked away, never to be seen except streaming? (Tragic stakes and technical difficulties below the fold.) [more inside]
posted by feral_goldfish at 3:35 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm researching cooperative ownership structures for real estate. Specifically, friends and I are interested in creating a small eco-village on a plot of land, and I want to learn about how to structure the cooperative. [more inside]
posted by Dr_Janeway at 2:38 PM PST - 4 comments

I have $500+ in rewards points that looks to be expiring at the end of the year at Ulta Beauty. I have stopped wearing makeup since COVID and also stopped doing anything with my hair beyond shampoo/condition/wet bun. What in the world should I spend these points on? [more inside]
posted by jabes at 2:32 PM PST - 23 comments

I am currently in Massachusetts. This morning I made MassNotify active on my phone. Within hours I had a MassNotify exposure notification, saying that I had been exposed nine days ago. But I wasn't in Massachusetts nine days ago. What gives? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:27 PM PST - 3 comments

I’m a grad student at a major UK university and I thought I didn’t know anyone who wasn’t vaccinated. Turns out I was wrong. One of my really close friends (who works at my uni) hasn’t been vaccinated - and much to my horror - I’ve learnt that she doesn’t plan to get vaccinated either. I don’t see her that often - she works remotely and lives with her boyfriend in another city - but we do catch up in person once a month. How do I proceed? I would never tell her what to do - and I’d hate to get into an argument but, as it stands, I can’t meet up with her anymore without risking my health. [more inside]
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 2:10 PM PST - 28 comments

I'm looking for daily messages of positivity for the new year. It could be an app, daily email, podcast, etc. It should remind me to care for myself, be grateful, treat others kindly, etc. [more inside]
posted by Kalmya at 12:51 PM PST - 9 comments

while driving in miami on vacation, i saw this logo on the back window of a kia sedona. what is it? [more inside]
posted by bruceo at 11:51 AM PST - 4 comments

I love well-written novels with an excellent build up of sexual tension. I've read a lot of novels of this type and I'm looking for some new ones now. I am looking for newer authors/book releases, ideally post 2018. Not looking for romance novels, YA, or fantasy. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 11:36 AM PST - 14 comments

I was given this Pendleton shirt for Christmas. It feels like a nice cotton Oxford, but it is apparently 100% wool. It says dry clean only. Do I really have to follow that instruction? [more inside]
posted by alms at 11:27 AM PST - 18 comments

I installed a new Linux OS. My files were saved, but they were set Read Only and I don't have permission to change them. How do I get my files back? [more inside]
posted by Stuka at 11:23 AM PST - 14 comments

A friend of mine has some valuable art pieces and furniture that he would like to donate to a non-profit for a tax write-off. One piece's estimated worth is $6,000. Another is $4,000. Goodwill isn't a good home for them. What non-profit options would he have in the Los Angeles area who are art/design oriented/supporting.
posted by goalyeehah at 11:16 AM PST - 7 comments

YANMD but my previous bouts with foot pain (maybe plantar fasciitis) are back with a vengeance. There's way too much info out there and I'm a bit overwhelmed and don't have time to comb through it all - please just give me some straightforward advice on shoes, how to mitigate, when do I need to see a doctor/specialist, etc. [more inside]
posted by photo guy at 11:14 AM PST - 27 comments

Let's say there's an mac app that has an on-screen numeric keypad that only works with mouseclicks for each number. So for example, if I wanted to enter 1-2-3-4, I'd have to move the mouse to each number and click them in order. Is there a program, extension, etc, that would allow me to map the numbers on my physical keyboard to the locations of each number on the onscreen keypad, so that instead of using the mouse to point and click on each number, I could just press the corresponding keys on my keyboard to trigger the mouse click at the matching on-screen location, which would be much faster for entering long sequences of numbers?
posted by ericbop at 11:08 AM PST - 2 comments

Is anyone tracking how many educational materials are in open formats, a/k/a OER? [more inside]
posted by doctornemo at 10:45 AM PST - 10 comments

So, my hr manager sent my organization an email yesterday encouraging people to quarantine if they have COVID symptoms. My office doesn’t require masks right now, so I decided to send a (polite) message asking if management might consider encouraging them again while the current surge is taking place, backing my request up with data on transmission in our area, etc (we’re experiencing high transmission rivaling the previous surge). Unfortunately, I hit reply all instead of sending the message directly to her. [more inside]
posted by microscopiclifeform at 9:59 AM PST - 33 comments

Hi, as a very young child, a young friend of mine was traumatized by a scene from a horror movie. We'd like to track it down. We only have a few details. [more inside]
posted by thisclickableme at 9:08 AM PST - 4 comments

A long time ago (at least 15 years now) I bought this ring at Barneys, at the New York 5th Avenue store. It was part of an artist's collection of stacking rings of different sizes, with and without small gems. They were coated with some sort of treatment that would wear off over time, revealing the gold underneath. Can anyone help me track down the artist? [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 8:04 AM PST - 2 comments

While walking the dogs, this little metal thing caught my attention: What could its purpose be? Here it is in context. Note that this is on West 88th Street in NYC, and best I can tell the building was finished in 1896. [more inside]
posted by incomple at 8:04 AM PST - 11 comments

Buying a home.. Applying for a loan.. Applying for financial aid.. making an estate plan.. running for office (?) but.. I'm sure there are more than this. Googling wasn't so helpful in this brainstorm. Thoughts? small additional question to do with academic admissions below the fold.. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:48 AM PST - 28 comments

How do I get a relative of mine, that I'm currently at odds with, to get therapy or medical help for their gradually worsening anger and mood swings? [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 1:35 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for writing about cryptocurrency that is based in reality, where the author understands the technical and economic aspects of the things that they're talking about. [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 8:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Colorado Mefites, lend me your wisdom. There are plenty of places on the web that will tell me things like average temps and I can handle the job/apartment search. But there are other things I'd like to know! [more inside]
posted by emjaybee at 8:48 PM PST - 13 comments

A few times a month, unpredictably, my M1 iMac will suddenly just completely stop accepting (most) inputs from the keyboard and trackpad, and this will go on until I restart the computer. The "most" part is where it gets particularly weird — more details inside. [more inside]
posted by DoctorFedora at 8:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Is this a common practice for a death certificate, to add in variations of likely culprits? Is there some sort of cause of death tally or record kept by the county so they want to cover all possibilities? [more inside]
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 5:41 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm going to sell my house and will qualify for the capital gains tax exclusion. Or will I? Do I have to buy a new primary residence within a certain period of time to qualify for the exclusion? Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by bassomatic at 4:22 PM PST - 4 comments

In Episode 3 of the Peter Jackson movie, one can see someone in the studio fiddling around with what appears to be some kind of musical instrument. What is it? [more inside]
posted by 2N2222 at 3:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Elderly relatives keep getting admitted for various health crises, then getting sucked into cascades of interventions leading to protracted hospitalization and generally worsening health. I am not confident in the quality of evidence-based decisionmaking in our overburdened local hospital network, and they are also really terrible at communication. I would like to be more active in asking questions, exploring multiple options, finding and seeking care from the most competent specialists, and generally double-checking the recommendations at each step of care. What are some good tips for being successful at this type of watchdog advocacy? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 3:03 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm looking to rent a small place near Penn State University, with move-in flexible but ideally in the next month or two. The market seems to be dominated by complexes that cater to undergrads, and such places are mostly renting for summer 2022 and beyond. Where should I be looking? [more inside]
posted by eirias at 1:11 PM PST - 8 comments

I've looked at this recent question, but I'm in Canada (BC to be exact). I have been unsuccessful in locating a local brick-and-mortar retailer with these in stock so would like to get recommendations for ordering masks online. [more inside]
posted by nuclear bessel at 12:45 PM PST - 16 comments

I have swim bottoms but need a top for actual swimming in a pool. This isn’t for anything particularly serious or competitive, but it has to hold up to chlorine and stay on when wet and on a moving body. [more inside]
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 12:19 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for an equivalent replacement for the clear 3M/Scotch "Colored Plastic Tape." It looks like it's no longer manufactured, but it had a distinctive roll that you might remember (here are some photos to help). The model number might have been 190CL or 191CL (I've found references to both). [more inside]
posted by cosmic.osmo at 11:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Heard it in a shop - too slow to Shazam :(. It was a soul song - I would guess from the 70s but who knows? Google is not turning up anything. I also may have slightly misheard the lyrics, especially the "rock" part. It was a fantastic song so I'm hoping someone might be familiar with it.
posted by Jess the Mess at 11:46 AM PST - 4 comments

We’d love to plan a trip or trips by plane or train this year, but with a 14 month old in daycare we are all constantly catching colds (no covid yet, thankfully). How are parents in a similar position planning plane trips? There’s such a good chance that when the trip comes around, at least one of us will be congested, coughing, etc. [more inside]
posted by imalaowai at 11:31 AM PST - 17 comments

I just started a new job as a contractor (it's temporary to perm for six months). I really like it here. It's remote and my coworkers are great. The work is not too hard. I got another job offer from the same industry with much higher pay. I'm not sure if I should take it. [more inside]
posted by sheepishchiffon at 11:24 AM PST - 12 comments

I got a gel ant farm for Christmas. The weather is too cold to get ants shipped to me right now so I was curious if those tiny Argentine ants in my bathroom would work. Can't seem to find an answer over google... any thoughts are appreciated!
posted by Anonymousness at 9:48 AM PST - 4 comments

Last week, my daughter fell out of our baby carrier and hit her butt and then head on the floor. We called our pediatrician, and they recommended taking her to the emergency room at a local children's hospital, which I did. Later, I realized the hospital was out of network for my insurance. Help? [more inside]
posted by Fister Roboto at 9:39 AM PST - 11 comments

This is a question about getting a PCR test for possible Covid re-infection after a recent (November) positive test. Are false positives something to worry about? [more inside]
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 9:33 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking to invest over the next year in another specialty, either on my own, or with a new company. Sort of a self-made masters degree. What is likely to be successful? Go wild, the stranger the idea the better! [more inside]
posted by SunSnork at 9:24 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm starting a web store to sell prints and items featuring my parodies of motivational social media quotes. People want to buy prints and products with the images. I'm already juggling a ton with my art store and various pitching/submitting/writing projects, and I want this to be as passive as possible. I can't spend a lot up front. More details within. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:54 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm teaching a lower division undergraduate CS course in the spring semester. The curriculum requires that students complete a final project in a group. How do I design this so that it's not painful for everyone? [more inside]
posted by hoyland at 8:46 AM PST - 21 comments

I was gifted a giant container of honey from a neighbor who keeps hives. What should I bake with it? [more inside]
posted by nancynickerson at 8:37 AM PST - 29 comments

I'd love to hear what's been happening in the tradition of philosophy that diverged in the first decades of the 20th century over Hegel and followed the phenomenological school into what we now call "continental philosophy". What are the folks of the most recent generation(s), say thinkers and professors under 50, doing in this space? [more inside]
posted by dis_integration at 8:36 AM PST - 4 comments

Please recommend me books about moving to the woods, an island, the mountains, whatever. Memoirs great, contemporary great. [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 8:05 AM PST - 28 comments

Friend and I are suddenly having issues sending and receiving texts with each other. Do our phones have a grudge or is there something else going on? [more inside]
posted by Diskeater at 7:09 AM PST - 7 comments

If you had told me a month ago that I would have plowed through a 22 book alien romance/erotica series (plus 15 book spin-off series), I would not have believed you. But here I am, having finished Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarians and Icehome series, and wanting more. The romance stuff is beside the point: what I love about the series is that it shows a tight knit community, its trials and tribulations, from multiple perspectives, and how it changes over time. What other series can I read that scratches that itch?
posted by ocherdraco at 7:06 AM PST - 13 comments

Should I wait until I have a negative result on a rapid antigen test before leaving COVID isolation--even if it's been 10+ days? Everything I am reading says to go by a symptom/time-based strategy for ending isolation. However, it's my understanding that a rapid test is supposed to measure infectiousness and if I'm still testing positive then I must still be contagious... right? Are there any legitimate sources discussing this? [more inside]
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 6:03 AM PST - 12 comments

I am going to be working/playing in South Florida in February and March. We (two colleagues and I) are staying in Fort Lauderdale for 2 weeks, and then I am planning to stay on alone for another two weeks (2/27-3/12 ish), considering Lauderdale By The Sea, Pompano Beach and Hollywood for options. Any recommendations for a location where it’s possible to live walkable to a good beach for less than $2000 per week? I am liking the large hotel-style condo buildings with lots of amenities but the resort fees are adding up. I am checking VRBO, Air Bnb but the choices are not great. I am hoping someone has an under the radar idea. I would consider renting somewhere with a shuttle to the beach or easy public transport as well. Thanks for any ideas! [more inside]
posted by halfsorry at 4:12 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm considering buying a successful brick and mortar toy store near my home and would love advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:54 AM PST - 23 comments

I am looking for mostly image heavy, link heavy blogs of design and fashion, like Swiss Miss or Messy Nessy Chic. What used to be on Tumblr before that disappeared.
posted by PinkMoose at 12:05 AM PST - 3 comments

I am looking for good nonfiction books by authors who primarily write fiction — any recommendations? e.g.

• What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Murakami)
• On Writing (Stephen King)
• A Moveable Feast (Hemingway)
• In Praise of Shadows (Tanizaki)

posted by kepano at 10:55 PM PST - 36 comments

There are lots of good things about fantasy football... - a group activity that is Covid safe - low cost (gambling) - scratches an analytic itch for problem solving - the interface to 'play' is heavily enabled and subsidized by the current industry [more inside]
posted by Reasonably Everything Happens at 10:55 PM PST - 12 comments

Middle-aged lady goth would like you to help dress her the way she thinks she would like to dress. Crone Island Give No Fucks details inside. [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 5:47 PM PST - 22 comments

I have a lot of trouble feeling attracted to people with long bushy beards. On dating apps, often people will have some photos of themselves with that sort of beard, and others beardless or with beards groomed in ways that are not unattractive to me. I assume it's not cool to ask their current beard status before agreeing to meet up with them? [more inside]
posted by metasarah at 5:36 PM PST - 35 comments

I recently read a quote where the gist was: there are two types of people who give to others in this word --- those who want everyone to know and those who want no one to know. What's the real quote and who said it? [more inside]
posted by CMcG at 4:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Lastpass just notified me that someone in Mumbai correctly entered my master password (I am not in Mumbai, and don't know anyone there). Lastpass refused the login attempt as suspicious, but advised me to change my master password. How could someone have gotten my master password? [more inside]
posted by agentofselection at 4:03 PM PST - 16 comments

I live in the US, I am trying to find and watch an episode of CBC's The Fifth Estate investigation program from March 27th 2002 called "Deadly Harvest-Parts for Sale". I don't see it on the CBC Fifth Estate site and I don't see it on their Youtube channel but maybe I'm missing something? It is also not listed on this ostensible list of all episodes, there are huge gaps in the relevant time period. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 3:53 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm overwhelmed with the options. Someone please recommend me a VOIP provider who will (cheaply) allow multiple people to remotely receive calls on a single phone line. [more inside]
posted by aubilenon at 3:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Boostered partner flew to another city to visit with boostered family members, gets back today. I may be at higher risk for illness (asthma, overweight). What is best practice here for testing and distancing for covid safety? [more inside]
posted by c'mon sea legs at 3:38 PM PST - 10 comments

Trying to dig up a short science fiction story wherein a vaccination program has essentially made people immortal, with the caveat that it must be administered before puberty. This is causing resentment and violence among some adults. I don’t recall if the immortality is intentional or the side effect of a different inoculation. This would have been in a sci for magazine, probably Isaac Asimov’s. Publication date late-eighties to early nineties, at a guess. Any ideas?
posted by aspersioncast at 3:12 PM PST - 10 comments

I would like to buy the most unobtrusive piece of home exercise equipment that is still a genuinely good piece of home exercise equipment. What's the lowest profile I can get without nudging into shoddiness territory? [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 2:43 PM PST - 20 comments

As a possible 2022 project, I'd like to build a PC I can use for high-end gaming and home theatre, but the two PCs we have at home run hot and put out a great deal of fan noise, especially when playing GPU-intensive games, and it is almost too much with headphones. One PC has been put in a separate room with wiring run out to an adjoining room, to limit noise. So this might be a fruitless question, but I am jealous of how quiet my various Apples run and am wondering what the state-of-the-art is in noise dampening in homebrew PCs. Is AIO water cooling quieter than air-cooling for CPUs? Are there specific brands of fans and power supplies that run whisper quiet (within, say, three feet or so)? Are there ways to cool a GPU, as well, to minimize other sources of noise? [more inside]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 1:53 PM PST - 16 comments

The highlight of my holiday was my niece in full cosplay, and her showing me all of her outfits and wigs. Her makeup was spot on. She'll be 11 in March, but in most things, is pretty advanced for her age. When she's interested in something, she will learn (and likely master) it quickly. I would like to get her a sewing machine for her birthday. Help me pick one, and complete the gift? [more inside]
posted by MuChao at 1:43 PM PST - 20 comments

I’ve been exchanging my 5lb CO2 canisters at Homebrew Emporium in Cambridge, but I’m feeling really worn down by their aggressively rude customer service. Where else in the greater Boston area will exchange CO2 tanks with food grade gas (e.g., not Dick’s or other places that are mainly selling for paintball)? Many thanks for any leads!
posted by spindrifter at 12:50 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm interested in getting into strength training but I know if I'm not able to make it fun I won't stick with it. For cardio it's easy- dancing around to music (Zumba, etc) is pretty enjoyable. Is there anything equivalent for strength? [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 12:06 PM PST - 9 comments

This has happened throughout the pandemic, but now with Omicron I keep hearing people talk about the inevitability of us all getting Covid and it’s freaking me out! Even the most staunchly careful, isolating, etc people I know are suddenly acting like infection is just inevitable. [more inside]
posted by fleecy socks at 12:04 PM PST - 51 comments

I'm making a music video -- my own song and recording, illustrated with little pieces of YouTube videos I'm using with permissions of the people who put up videos (of their cats). I am putting this together using iMovie on my iPad. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:29 AM PST - 17 comments

Nothing shall do but that I get to kill off 2021 with a good spy series. I desperately want to watch the (MeFi-recommended) Worricker Trilogy, but can find no way to stream it (I don't have a DVD etc) in the U.S. I'm happy to pay! Or steal! Please tell me how to access this and, as a holiday bonus, what spy and spy-adjacent books, shows and movies have you been loving lately? Thank you!
posted by cyndigo at 11:28 AM PST - 16 comments

My incredibly caveman bf (now ex) attempted a kitten napping the other day by sneaking up on a pair of feral siblings and putting a sweater over it. He gets it to my car and the kitten is wailing and clawing, meanwhile the other sibling had rounded up Ma and Pa Kitteh plus called in a favor to a couple more and my car was surrounded by the feline equivalent of a crips street gang. I had to refuse to drive off and leave before he would agree to give the kitten back ((cont'd) [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 10:49 AM PST - 21 comments

My basset hound has a sore on her tail that she will not stop licking and gnawing on. It’s now swollen a bit and looking more red. We have an appointment to see the vet on Thursday, but until then we would love to find a way to keep her from fussing with her tail. We haven’t been able to find a cone that actually keeps our long-bodied girl from getting to her tail. She chews off bandages and ignores the sprays meant to deter licking and chewing. I am desperate for your suggestions! Pet tax
posted by shesbookish at 10:43 AM PST - 9 comments

I want to build my first-ever personal tarot deck in the new year but am completely illiterate as an artist. Hoping the Mefiverse can assist me with card stock info, art supplies, and general maker knowledge to make my first deck awesome.
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 9:15 AM PST - 6 comments

When I was a kid growing up in the UK (late 70's/ early 80's), I had this kit of small moulds, and you'd hang one upside down (usually in a pint glass), pour plaster into it and leave it overnight, then peel off the mould and paint the thing you've made. IIRC there were several moulds, but I only remember a small squirrel with a bushy tail, approx 3-4" tall. Did anyone have anything like this? If so, what was it called, and what were the other moulds? [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge at 9:12 AM PST - 11 comments

I have very limited time for exercise, but I started doing the 7-minute workout and was surprised to find that it helped a lot with strength and endurance. Now when I have time for more exercise like running, I'm finding it easier and more fun because I'm in better shape. What other short, fast, intense exercises could I add to my day (during work breaks etc.) that are similar? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 8:43 AM PST - 8 comments

Are modern eyeglass lens coatings more oleophilic than they were in years past? [more inside]
posted by Kyol at 8:30 AM PST - 17 comments

Our two girls — one tween, one newly minted teen — have been living in their Ugg boots since the Chicago weather started to get colder, but we've noticed their feet are falling inwards as they walk. The youngest is now walking on the side of the boot rather than the sole. We need to wean them onto something more supportive — but equally cozy/comfortable/fashionable. What's the solution? [more inside]
posted by Yo Soy La Morsa at 8:09 AM PST - 12 comments

I’ve taken a room in my house that was previously a kitchen, and turned it back into one. (It was used as an office for a while). I was making a meal today- had something on the stovetop, the oven pre-hearing, and some stuff defrosting in the microwave. The fridge is also on the same circuit. That tripped the circuit breaker. What can I do to make this work better? [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 8:00 AM PST - 14 comments

Can you recommend a simple chroma key hardware/software setup in order to drop in video backgrounds live (for some five to seven year olds) to play around with? Based on what's on hand, I'm thinking a camera (Android phone, no wired video-out capacity) pointed at the kids and the backdrop while they face a TV (Roku or Chromecast/GoogleTV or connected) to see themselves while being live-edited by a off-screen grownup on a laptop (Windows or macOS). What might be the fewest hurdles to get there?
posted by glibhamdreck at 7:26 AM PST - 3 comments

We have $250 to spend on small home gym equipment by the end of 2021. What should we get? [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 6:34 AM PST - 13 comments

I've recently inherited a medium sized chunk of money and just parked it in the bank while sorting out all the other stuff that comes with deaths in the family. In addition our household income just jumped up 25%. It's clearly too late to connect with a financial advisor and tax planner for this year (on the todo for Jan. I guess) but are there any easy and safe financial moves I can quickly make today for tax or retirement optimization (like i-Bonds or something like that)?
posted by srboisvert at 6:07 AM PST - 8 comments

I have what I feel like is a supremely dumb question about cross stitching, can someone help? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:44 AM PST - 10 comments

My favorite pair of boots died and aren’t available anymore. Tell me what comfortable winter work/walking boots you really like. [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:10 AM PST - 12 comments

I am trying to find a API with high-quality data (title, subtitle, author, release date, cover image if possible) about all books. [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 1:56 AM PST - 4 comments

A mentally disturbed person has been harassing me for years. They usually send me text messages and e-mails and I never open these. Can just opening an e-mail, without clicking on any possible links or attachments expose me to any kind of malware? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:49 AM PST - 12 comments

My ability to sincerely enjoy movies and tv shows has been really reduced by the obsessive behavior of (usually younger) fans. I feel like I can't go two steps on the internet without encountering elaborate (and sometimes disturbing) fanart and fanfiction about specific types of characters, and it's ruining the experience of watching so much that I've begun abandoning efforts to engage with anything new because I feel so put off. How do I disentangle these negative associations and enjoy content again? [more inside]
posted by The Adventure Begins at 10:43 PM PST - 30 comments

Hi. It's the holiday season, and we know every seethingly-religious aunt/uncle, or intensely-atheist cousin is present at whatever-dinner. What are your best techniques for remaining super neutral, or keeping the peace? What experiences have you had, when you essentially responded with some form of, "that's cool/interesting, let's have a good time," in whatever form? [more inside]
posted by firstdaffodils at 8:20 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for good suggestions of European RSS feeds to follow. I'm in the UK and have been using an RSS feed for years to follow my favourite sites. I've become aware that I have a bit of a bias towards sites in the UK and USA - and would like to change this. [more inside]
posted by treblekicker at 6:05 PM PST - 0 comments

Last year, I bought my wife this corner part of a modular sectional couch thing as a holiday gift. We love it! It's comfortable and nice. We'd like to get more pieces! But... I can't remember what the company was called, and I can't find an invoice or shipping information in my email. 99% sure it's a Canadian company. It shipped all compressed like those podcast mattresses, and you stuffed the compressed foam into a zippered shell. Photos here: https://imgur.com/a/sUmqQRj [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 5:56 PM PST - 11 comments

I will be visiting Portland, Maine in a couple weeks and was dismayed to see that virtually no restaurants appear to be advertising any significant covid-19 precautions such as indoor masking, limiting dining room capacity, or requiring customers to test/be vaccinated. Anyone local know of somewhere nice to have a relatively safe, low-key but nice meal?
posted by eunique at 5:04 PM PST - 5 comments

I know you don't clap between movements at the symphony, but when do you clap at the ballet? My fellow audience members seem to think the answer is "all the frickin time!" which doesn't seem right to me. But merely clapping at the end of each act and the end of ballet ignores a whole lot of motionless ta-da poses by the dancers which seem to deliberately invite applause. So please, guidance would be welcome. Please also tell me how you know your clapping scheme is the correct one, because I don't want opinions - I want the Truth.
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 4:31 PM PST - 6 comments

In the past, I've only stretched regularly when a particular muscle was bugging me. But now I'm working out every day, and I feel like that means I'm supposed to be stretching too. Right now I'm just sort of picking stretches at random, which I guess is fine. But how do I make sure I'm not leaving gaps? Or over-stretching specific muscles? I'd like a basic routine that most coaches would look at and be like "yeah, that's good enough." Does that exist?
posted by nebulawindphone at 2:59 PM PST - 8 comments

Why does every comment on a recipe say it was "bland"? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 2:14 PM PST - 33 comments

I think our dog injured his tail in a fall, what to do? [more inside]
posted by The Hamms Bear at 1:51 PM PST - 5 comments

A friend in Brooklyn has been diagnosed with Covid and will be isolating in her apartment for the next 10 days. What nice and useful thing could I have delivered to her house? Preferably something local. She lives in Prospect Lefferts Gardens.
posted by Kattullus at 11:52 AM PST - 13 comments

What are the most disappointing works by various entities who have an excellent reputation? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 9:19 AM PST - 55 comments

Does anyone here know about casters? Specifically, I think I want pneumatic / air-filled casters to give a smoother ride to the shelves I'm building (the floor is a little bumpy), I want them to swivel, I want to be able to lock the shelves so they don't usually move, and I'd prefer to spend <=$100 for four wheels. I'm striking out at Home Depot and Lowe's, Grainger's choices are very expensive, and the other options are overwhelming me. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 7:31 AM PST - 13 comments

Whether it's NFLShop.com, or 7-11 commercials, I've been seeing what feels like a meme of young black or Hispanic women riding stingray vintage bikes. What's up with that?
posted by CollectiveMind at 12:53 AM PST - 6 comments

I have a Hampton Bay ceiling fan I'm looking to go smart home with. It looks like one of the biggest faults with the official module for this is the lack of a reverse function (also price!) I can't seem to find any modules for this that are decent and also have a reverse function. Does such a thing exist? Could I install the existing wall control panel with the reverse function in parallel with the smart receiver to get the best of both worlds?
posted by gzimmer at 11:42 PM PST - 6 comments

So, a friend received for Christmas the very best present in the world: a potato with a picture of her dogs glued to it. It is wonderful, and she would like to keep it forever. How would one do that? [more inside]
posted by pleasant_confusion at 9:34 PM PST - 29 comments

I just finished watching Kurosawa's excellent, grim movie The Lower Depths, and one character, Kahei the Pilgrim, AKA Gramps, (played by the always expressive Bokuzen Hidari), wears an all white outfit with characters on the back that are repeatedly and deliberately shown to the audience. It's clear the director wants us to see the phrase(s) on Kahei's back at certain times in the film, but I don't speak Japanese and the internet is surprisingly silent on what the jacket says. Can someone help me out before I go mad? Thanks! Gramps' message
posted by but no cigar at 9:31 PM PST - 3 comments

What can I do to use up this nog? [more inside]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:53 PM PST - 23 comments

This house, which I often walk by, has symbols on the shingles of its roof. From street level you can only see one, but from the air (as in this screenshot from Google Maps) more are visible. Do they signify anything?
posted by not_on_display at 5:46 PM PST - 8 comments

I made a tomato-beetroot soup (from The Minecrafter's Cookbook) and it was just okay. I'm someone who loves beets, and it was too beet-y for me, much less my kids who thought it was basically going to be a pinker tomato soup. Help me repurpose it! [more inside]
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 4:48 PM PST - 10 comments

Is there a Bluetooth headset with a physical mute button that cuts off the audio from the source rather than sending a software command to the connected device? [more inside]
posted by chudmonkey at 3:56 PM PST - 6 comments

I know that some of you have far better research skills than I do. Can you help me figure out what's in those "splat" balls (examples inside)? One broke all over my kids and a bunch of stuff, and I'm seeing some mixed results on Google, so I'm not sure how much to clean everything and everyone. [more inside]
posted by slidell at 1:17 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm sure this is about as far from a unique problem as you can get, but I am curious to hear about your techniques for managing it. I perpetually have a bunch of different books I want to read, and a short attention span for what to read next. I try not to have more than one in progress at once, but I don't always succeed at that either. [more inside]
posted by primethyme at 12:44 PM PST - 18 comments

I hope nobody I know gets Covid during this holiday season, but it certainly might happen, and they might be high-risk for severe disease. I've read that the first 4500 or so rounds of the newly approved antiviral drug from Pfizer, Paxlovid, is being shipped to New York City in the next few days. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:24 PM PST - 4 comments

I would like to play the Hugo-winning video game Hades, but I'm not sure my controller skills are up to it, and searching to try to figure it out is full of spoilers. I'm also interested in ways that I can figure out if other games are appropriate for my skill level, ways to get better, and other story-based games available on the Switch. Examples of games I've played and how I did inside. [more inside]
posted by momus_window at 11:55 AM PST - 16 comments

Family are planning to visit this afternoon (after driving several hundred miles), and in preparation our household took QuickVue rapid COVID-19 AG tests. We're a little confused about the results. [more inside]
posted by pullayup at 11:09 AM PST - 6 comments

I have a damp basement and it normally smells musty. To control the mustiness, I set a dehumidifier at around 40% humidity. The unusual thing is that the smell often mutates into different flavors (sometimes very acrid, sometimes disappears altogether), though the humidity is constant and there's no other changes I detect. The only hypothesis I have is could be different breeds of mold growing for random reasons (?) I'm just looking for any other plausible explanations...
posted by Jon44 at 10:34 AM PST - 10 comments

Hello! I am shipping some clothes from Boston to San Antonio. I myself wrote this question in 2019, but now, when I go to the PayPal shipping discount link, I find that my only option is super-pricey USPS shipping. What's the current way to get an eBay discount on UPS or FedEx, if it still exists? Printing a label through eBay appears to require a sold item to associate it with. Thank you.
posted by 8603 at 9:52 AM PST - 5 comments

My kids have a new used laptop for Minecraft, and a new Glorious O gaming mouse. The MacBook won’t recognize the wireless Glorious O—it just never comes up in the Bluetooth window. [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 5:55 AM PST - 14 comments

Trigger warning: illness, death, and a heavy dose of the corporeal. Do not read if you're not up for a bit of a bummer on an already fairly dreary Christmas. Seriously. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 5:53 AM PST - 21 comments

Please help me win this very important Christmas argument. I could swear there was a Star Trek novel about either Klingons or Romulans or SOMEBODY growing Vulcan brain tissue (somehow? in vats??) for nefarious purposes, and Vulcans in Star Fleet could sense the pain of this tissue and had to rescue/destroy it. My housemates swear this novel does not exist, that I'm actually remembering fanfic, but I haven't actually read enough Star Trek fanfic for that to be the case (and I read waaaaaaaay too many Star Trek novels in my youth)(and some of my not-youth). So what was this novel?
posted by invincible summer at 9:44 PM PST - 6 comments

I’ve found that it’s I’ve gotten older, my gross-out reflex has gotten a lot more sensitive, but only for food and food-related stuff, nothing else. (For example, I have zero trouble with very gory movies.) Has anyone else experienced this? [more inside]
posted by holborne at 9:16 PM PST - 10 comments

I've been using cloth masks the entire pandemic. Now they say they aren't nearly good enough. But how do people get K95s or whatever else is good enough when you literally cannot afford to buy any? Any suggestions? I live in Chicago. Thank you.
posted by tiny frying pan at 4:30 PM PST - 31 comments

I need to purchase a mac laptop and apple watch. I am on a limited budget, and so I want to buy refurbished/used. But its been a loooong time since I've done that. I don't need anything even as new as Apple Refurbished laptops, and want to keep the price under $600. I am afraid of the risks with buying used, so purchased a macbook via Amazon's Renewed program and was MASSIVELY let down. So what are my other options? My series 2 watch is dying, so I also want to replace/upgrade. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 3:50 PM PST - 15 comments

I've been a manager for half a year and I'm still struggling at it. Any advice? I came into a complicated workplace. It's slowly getting better, but I don't think that I've been a good manager. What can I do to improve? (I have difficulties trusting a particular employee). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:01 PM PST - 15 comments

My partner and I will be in Chicago at the end of March. Looking for recommendations! [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 1:25 PM PST - 8 comments

My dad has COVID. He's in the hospital right now. I also have it. We both got it from my unvaxxed brother. I'm so pissed at him. But I don't know what to do with all of the feelings. My brother was really upset, actually crying, last night. I don't want to make him feel worse than he does. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 1:07 PM PST - 21 comments

I have a wall mount book tree I am mounting on the back of my spouse’s home office for Christmas. I need to mount it on overlapping wood plank surface. Best way? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 11:27 AM PST - 13 comments

I left a little box of candy in our mailbox for our mailman. Today, apparently our mailman had a substitute, because a different mailman picked up the candy (I happened to be at the window and saw). Do you suppose I should leave out another gift for our regular mailman? Merry Xmas to all MF Xmas-celebrators!
posted by mpark at 11:19 AM PST - 10 comments

Always having thought I disliked sitar music, I recently listened to side 1 of The Concert for Bangladesh featuring Ravi Shankar. Something about it really resonated, it felt more like a jazz combo than the other south Asian music I'm familiar with. What can you recommend in a similar style?
posted by hwyengr at 11:11 AM PST - 7 comments

Are snow tires worth it? I’m in Massachusetts. The weather is wildly variable. It could be 70 in January, followed by a skyscraper’s worth of snow in February. I mainly drive on main highways and streets, and I’ve survived until now without them. [more inside]
posted by instead of three wishes at 11:03 AM PST - 28 comments

Please help me find a long sleeved, short, soft nightshirt (for women) with stretch. More details and special requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by routergirl at 10:48 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm looking for a book that compiles and explains infertility- and IVF-related research at a moderate/advanced level. The ideal audience would be healthcare/scientific professionals who are trying to conceive, and thus can mostly understand the research, but don't want to find/read it all, nor figure out all of the context. E.g., something that covers more topics than a review article: what we know (and don't) about what causes infertility, what we know (and don't) about IVF effectiveness, what tests seem worth it (and don't), etc. Does such a thing exist?
posted by anonymous at 10:22 AM PST - 2 comments

One of my new year's resolutions is to eat healthier. I do a fairly good job but I often unintentionally skip meals because I don't have food in the home because I forgot to order groceries/don't have time. I want to automate it as much as I can! [more inside]
posted by pando11 at 8:07 AM PST - 16 comments

Overthinking a tiny glass splinter? Yeah I can do that. [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 7:28 AM PST - 11 comments

Would be grateful for links to excellent sources assessing the impact of charity organizations -- specifically including World Wildlife Fund. I have info from my own Google search but wondered if someone knows a better resource than what I have. Thanks!
posted by nantucket at 7:25 AM PST - 4 comments

Posting for a friend. My friend's father passed away in Nairobi, Kenya. She is looking for a lawyer to help probate the estate. [more inside]
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 8:28 PM PST - 1 comment

Myself and a friend, females around 50, are planning to travel to Savannah for a show at District Live at Plant Riverside District. Do you have any recommendations for a place to stay, probably within walking distance? I love a place with an excellent bathtub, under $250/night. Happily accepting suggestions of places to eat, places to sip, and things to do, as well, in early April. Thanks!
posted by Riverine at 7:23 PM PST - 3 comments

I got a pair of new Merrells. They are warm and anti-slip, which is great. The problem is they have a stiff upper, which just digs right into my lower leg. It hurts so much I can't walk normally. I have to hobble along trying to place my leg a certain way to reduce the rubbing. I've tried slipping my pant leg into the boot but it doesn't stay in. Any better ideas? I guess I could wear a heavier sock, but I'm kinda happy with my current ones.
posted by storybored at 6:39 PM PST - 13 comments

It is going to freeze hard in Seattle after, if not over, Christmas weekend. We ate talking into the twenties if not teens on the Farenheit scale. What can I do to make an adhoc heater for two Perky Pet feeders over the weekend? [more inside]
posted by y2karl at 6:24 PM PST - 25 comments

So I’m freaking out. I just found out my grandparents and great aunt (all around 85) have been exposed by a visiting relative. Is there any intervention besides monoclonal antibodies available? We’re in the US. [more inside]
posted by microscopiclifeform at 5:58 PM PST - 16 comments

Two weeks back,I had a facial lesion removed from my upper right cheek.The lesion was about 20mm but it was attached to the skin and my otolaryngologist/plastic surgeon had to cut few inches to remove the lesion. I went to the doctor last week to remove the stitches.I had bleeding and my face was swollen .Now bleeding had stopped and swelling is almost gone except for a small spot near the end of the cut almost under the eye.I don’t feel any itching/pain anymore. The doctor told me to apply Vaseline or bacitracin for a week and then continue with moisturizer and sunscreen.He told me before the surgery,the scar will be just a thin line but looking at it doesn’t seem so. [more inside]
posted by SunPower at 5:08 PM PST - 14 comments

Basically, I need to never run out of quality MYSTERIOUS or TRUE CRIME documentaries or docuseries, or be in touch w/ the best immediate source for them. Seems like I've seen all the good ones. I can take only a few schlocky ones till I need something like MISSING 411/THE HUNTED, LULA-RICH, CECIL HOTEL, THE JINX, DISAPPEARANCE OF SUSAN COX POWELL, MAKING A MURDERER, etc. [more inside]
posted by noelpratt2nd at 3:36 PM PST - 20 comments

How is everyone, um, ""coping""? In an adult emotionally mature healthy way? (Do people even cope healthily anymore?) [more inside]
posted by coffeeand at 2:57 PM PST - 32 comments

My church and workplace both have issues with this age-old problem that just won't go away. How do the spammers know it's a fax number even if it's not publicly posted? Wouldn't war-dialing every number for fax numbers cause everyone that picks up a phone to hear a carrier tone (awful shriek), which certainly doesn't seem to be the case? (None of the spam calls I get ever have a carrier tone - they are all either robocalls or hang-up calls.)
posted by Seeking Direction at 11:05 AM PST - 4 comments

My MIL has again started talking with scammers online. They are really not that engaging. They send messages like, "sup, babe?" and she sends endless rambling texts back that contain PII of all sorts and they don't respond to anything and say, "I sent you a code, send it to me." And she does. [more inside]
posted by amanda at 10:28 AM PST - 12 comments

Referring to my original question here, I've now successfully sent a letter to the address. Now what? It seems that both times I've sent the package it stayed in Lisbon waiting for pickup. It is inconceivable to me that a person anywhere in Portugal has to travel to Lisbon to receive a package from outside the country.
posted by falsedmitri at 9:20 AM PST - 3 comments

I replaced the toilet seat and this is the result. What do I ask for at Bunnings to hide/fix this really quite nasty sight?
posted by h00py at 9:01 AM PST - 9 comments

Need recommendation for buying contacts online or to gut check if this place is too cheap. [more inside]
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 8:42 AM PST - 13 comments

The webpage at https://staging.firstunitarian.org/ has three links in colorful boxes -- the link text for the first of them is "Find Community". When I use the Tab key to navigate this page, it skips over these links. I've tried it in Firefox and Edge browsers on Windows 10. The links have no tabindex value, they are not floated, so I don't understand why they are skipped. Can anyone explain this? I guess basically my question is, what are ALL the possible reasons a browser would fail to tab to links?
posted by Chlorine at 7:25 AM PST - 5 comments

So two family members recently drove to the fancy part of the state and had a delicious lunch at Whole Foods consisting entirely of raw foods. I would like to find a cookbook, ideally one with awesome photos, that has a lot of great recipes that are similar to what they had for lunch. So really, any great, photogenic raw foods cookbook would probably fit the bill. [more inside]
posted by craniac at 7:11 AM PST - 7 comments

I am writing some code related to a two-player card game. I often need to refer to the players by their role (rather than, say, by whose turn it currently is). One player is the dealer, but the other player is the... what? Is there a standard term for this? I've been using "responder" but I don't like it.
posted by dbx at 6:53 AM PST - 14 comments

It's been a hard year, but I've decided to make it a priority at least one night a week to get all cozy and watch me something good, something that'll keep my interest while I'm lazing on the couch with a warm blanket. [more inside]
posted by HeyAllie at 6:41 AM PST - 20 comments

I'm 43F and having orgasm trouble (explicit details below). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:29 AM PST - 9 comments

I have a formerly healthy Dutchman's Pipe Cactus whose leaves seem to be drying out. It was a 5 feet tall bushy plant but a lot has happened to it. How do I save it? [more inside]
posted by Borborygmus at 5:13 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for beautiful and in-depth/scholarly documentaries about art and archaeology available on DVD. Ancient Rome, ancient Greece, ancient China, Africa at the time of the European middle ages, ancient underground or arcology-like cities would all be especial areas of interest, but any good recommendation is welcome. These are presents for someone who prefers DVDs over streaming. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 4:50 AM PST - 6 comments

Is there a ready-made software solution to create a database of a large musical repertoire and be able to sort by last-taught date, difficulty-level, and other criteria? [more inside]
posted by al_fresco at 10:52 PM PST - 5 comments

In the reverse situation of my previous question, I need to get a COVID-19 test before traveling from Seattle, WA to Canada, but I'm having trouble finding a solution that fits my date constraints. [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 10:35 PM PST - 7 comments

I found out that the person who had my job before me, when it was 20 hrs/wk instead of 40 as it is for me, was being paid a higher hourly wage. My boss told me this is because part-time positions often have their wages reduced when they become full-time. Is it common to pay part-time employees higher wages than their full-time counterparts? Is it fair? [more inside]
posted by the_arbiter at 8:20 PM PST - 22 comments

About a month ago I gave $100 to a kind-faced homeless man who was standing in front of the nearby public library in my neighborhood. He was so thin and dressed in a business suit, as if he had been in job interviews all day, all week. I couldn't bear to think of him trying to find work and facing rejection. I pulled over in my car and because there was no parking, I put my hazards on and quickly ran up to him and gave him the money. I said, "this is for you." He took it and smiled kindly at me. [more inside]
posted by ponibrown at 6:34 PM PST - 26 comments

What's your favorite non-dessert recipe that includes peaches? A friend gifted us a gallon bag of frozen peaches from their tree. No dietary restrictions.
posted by cozenedindigo at 4:09 PM PST - 23 comments

I am located in California and need to enter Taiwan as soon as possible but am getting confused by the constantly changing rules around border restrictions. Is there a forum/resource where I can find some answers about whether or not I qualify to enter? Or would it be better for me to reach out to an immigration lawyer?
posted by thelasttango at 3:39 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for a specific version of Silent Night. It's sung by an old male crooner from the 50's-70's, my brain is saying Bing Crosby but I'm not sure. [more inside]
posted by Philipschall at 3:28 PM PST - 10 comments

Windows user since forever but debating whether to go with some flavour of Linux on this new laptop instead of 11. If you have attempted this transition of your main OS in the past decade, tell me your story. Have you stuck with it? Did you give up and go crawling back to MS? What did you lose/give up on the way over? Which distro gave you the least headaches? so on [more inside]
posted by Freelance Demiurge at 12:43 PM PST - 29 comments

Two of my 4 stepdaughters came with us to our house on Sunday after spending a few hours at my extended family's house fully masked and isolating from others while eating. Their mom texts us that she was exposed Friday, and initial test was negative but today's test was positive. My issue is that the other 2 stepdaughters were supposed to join us today. They have been in the home with mom since Sunday and I don't know how risky it is for them to come. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 12:12 PM PST - 28 comments

We're signing a HELOC later today. Obviously I'm on the lookout for getting over-extended. But aside from that, are there things to look out for? We're getting it from a legit bank (PenFed); we called them first on the recommendation of a few people. But I remember stories from 2009 about predatory loan behavior and want to know if there's a good list of what to look for as I read the documents today. Thanks!
posted by slidell at 12:05 PM PST - 3 comments

I catastrophize a lot with work things. How do I give credit to myself and other people, acknowledge mistakes might happen but keep things in perspective, and be more easygoing? Looking for tips, articles, quotes, personal experiences, anything that could be helpful to reframe things. [more inside]
posted by watrlily at 11:48 AM PST - 4 comments

I need to edit a .rft file in Word in order to track changes. I've done this before without problems but for some reason I have a set of documents now that won't allow me to do this and I have no idea why. [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 11:46 AM PST - 9 comments

Dad has been SO excited to finally have our small family meet together after two years for Xmas. We took precautions where we could and then…brother in law tested positive. We are all vaccinated and most of us are boosted. Dad was devastated and says he wants to risk COVID because he’s boosted to see the family. Almost all of us feel NOT comfortable with that (“I could not live with giving your dad COVID” says bro in law.) But Dad is on verge of breaking down over it because he is in his 70s and feels like he won’t get to see his family again. (We don’t agree with that but who are we to argue against his feelings of mortality.) What do we do in this situation? I’m leaning towards going home and self isolating. A couple others think he’ll be fine because he’s boosted and if not, that’s his choice. Ugh. Ugh ugh ugh.
posted by buttonedup at 10:51 AM PST - 22 comments

I go to a particular gathering where everyone must be masked, but a few people wear bandanas instead of legit masks. The organizers of the gathering say "We can't ask them to wear a mask because the CDC says bandanas are okay." Is this true? Can anybody point me to actual, legit government guidance on this? We're in Los Angeles if it makes a difference.
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:30 AM PST - 20 comments

I’ve been contemplating checking out support groups for people with PTSD - CSA in my instance, although I may want to start with a more general trauma support group first before considering a sexual trauma specific forum. I’ve got a very good therapist and social support, but it’s still such an isolating situation to be in because I feel like no one I know can actually relate to me. However I have some hesitations (details below) and am wondering if anyone has done the trauma support group thing and would be willing share any experiences or input. [more inside]
posted by cultureclash82 at 9:13 AM PST - 6 comments

I am about to close on my first (single family, standalone) home. What tools and supplies should I have on hand right away? What can wait a few months, but I'll need at some point? [more inside]
posted by thefang at 9:13 AM PST - 34 comments

What's that fictional book about a woman who takes her mother's death pill and finally "LIVES." [more inside]
posted by letahl at 8:19 AM PST - 3 comments

I like to wear chinos (especially from Banana Republic). I like how they stop right at the ankle, are slim fit, but extremely comfortable and dont feel tight. I would like to buy sub $100 dark blue jeans that are similar in comfort and fit. Do you have any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 8:10 AM PST - 9 comments

My mother, serial charitable giver, asked me last night if I knew the best way to get money to Afghanistan to "help the starving children." I told her I knew some people who could give me some reputable organizations/charities to look into. [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 7:54 AM PST - 7 comments

I've never used a humidifier before, but this winter, like every winter, the inside of my nose is dry and painful, so I'm thinking of getting one. Honestly, the last thing I want is another gadget to figure out and tend to. But if you use one, do you find it worth it? And is it enough to just use it at night while I'm sleeping?
posted by swheatie at 7:33 AM PST - 20 comments

This morning, my Windows desktop is operating at 1/1000 speed, taking 15-20 minutes to boot. What are possible causes? I'm thinking a failing SSD, but are there other possibilities?
posted by SemiSalt at 7:13 AM PST - 3 comments

My grown daughter is bringing her boyfriend home for Christmas. He's never been to Chicago and when I asked if there was anything he particularly wanted to do, she said he wants to see the Bean. What else can we do while we are there? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 6:44 AM PST - 17 comments

I have an OG Pixel that works except it doesn't get software updates anymore and the battery lasts less than an hour. I also have a Pixel 5 that works except for a broken screen that doesn't respond well to touch and has a 1/2"-wide bar of pixels that are bright white whenever the screen is on. What's the best use of these phones? Is there anything better than just recycling them? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 5:45 AM PST - 9 comments

You: a medical or fitness professional of some sort, whether a practitioner or researcher. Me: an author writing a book of practical tips. What specific things do you wish more people did to maintain or improve their own health and fitness? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 3:56 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I survive spending the holidays alone and not feel defeated about my life? I am broke and hungry. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:19 AM PST - 35 comments

I recently moved into a basement apartment that has five single-pane windows. I’m looking for the best cheap way to cover the windows with some sort of rigid insulating material to stop the loss of heat from the room. I have an idea, but would appreciate any constructive suggestions/insulating experience. [more inside]
posted by blueberry at 12:56 AM PST - 11 comments

I've been using Gmail for a very long time and have now hit the 19GB mark. This is after moving most of my big files from GDrive to other places, and most of my storage is email alone. I'd like to migrate to a better cloud alternative. [more inside]
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 12:46 AM PST - 9 comments

And what advice do you have for a first-time solar power shopper, who isn't budget-conscious? [more inside]
posted by shrimpetouffee at 12:32 AM PST - 6 comments

Is the rapid rise of the novel-est strain enough excuse to postpone flying out to meet family this week? [more inside]
posted by Freelance Demiurge at 9:03 PM PST - 23 comments

I'm a middle-aged British guy, living alone, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago and have improved a little through metformin but hasn't fully embraced the changes needed to become healthy. What can I include in my one big supermarket delivery to get me eating healthy through the week, but without involving recipes? I know what I'm like and I'm happy to sacrifice other luxuries to pay extra for things like pre-prepared salads, fancy yogurts (I don't know whether fat-free or full fat though) etc. [more inside]
posted by AuroraSky at 8:29 PM PST - 12 comments

Was planning to go spend the holidays with family--but omicron has put the kibosh on travel at the last minute. Any recommendations for Christmas for one? [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 7:55 PM PST - 17 comments

I can find per capita case counts by country but nothing that ranks the cities of the world....any ideas?
posted by storybored at 6:14 PM PST - 8 comments

Over the last two years, family have given us two high quality HEPA room filters. We are having Christmas gatherings, and I am wondering the best way to use them. So I need your help. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 5:30 PM PST - 5 comments

I don't even know what to call this! It's a.. character battle tableau? Not looking for "generic two armies clash" but very specifically Our Heroes vs Our Enemies. [more inside]
posted by curious nu at 5:17 PM PST - 5 comments

The Great Leap Forward was mentioned on Metafilter today, which reminded me of a strange novel about that time, that I'd randomly picked from a library shelf years ago... [more inside]
posted by ovvl at 4:36 PM PST - 1 comment

Looking for a talented, tasteful, elegant female tattoo artist in Massachusetts or thereabouts [more inside]
posted by cotesdurhone at 4:24 PM PST - 3 comments

Hi all, I find myself needing to provide a link to a VMware Player-based virtual machine for game accessibility purposes (No, really.) it will include a copy of Linux, probably Debian as it's what I'm currently running, but no GUI. It will have to be distributed to people who know very little about the way Linux works. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 2:45 PM PST - 10 comments

Thinking about selling t-shirts through Etsy and Printful. What are some alternatives? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 2:41 PM PST - 4 comments

Long time partners considering marriage for practical benefits. We know some pros/cons, interested in filling in the list. Any gotchas? It's hard to back out! [more inside]
posted by HaveYouTriedRebooting at 1:17 PM PST - 23 comments

Does there exist a USB-A adapter/receiver that has a wireless charging coil with a female USB port to plug in a charging cable? I've got a Qi charger built into my standing desk and not enough USB ports, so I want to see if I can maximize use of my charger by plugging in my hands-free headset (which charges with a proprietary USB cable). I'm thinking something similar to these guys (https://www.amazon.com/Nillkin-Wireless-Charger-Receiver-Charging/dp/B01DLYF0Q0) except with a female USB port at the end.
posted by beammeup4 at 11:55 AM PST - 2 comments

What questions would you ask of your elders about their life experiences? I purchased a Storyworth subscription for an older family member after reading about it here on AskMe. This service sends a question to someone every week, they answer it via email, and at the end of the year they receive a hardbound book of their stories. What custom questions should I add to the list? [more inside]
posted by twelve cent archie at 10:01 AM PST - 21 comments

I'm reading Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and she says there's no hard evidence that moss damages roofs. Is she right? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 9:41 AM PST - 6 comments

I would like to be a literary translator when I grow up. Where do I learn about this craft and the business of it? If you'd like to offer consulting services, I'm happy to pay someone for their time! [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 9:28 AM PST - 5 comments

I have been wearing masks with no problems at all since the pandemic began. However, since last month wearing a mask often triggers my gag reflex. This is extremely frustrating! I can't figure out why this is happening or how to fix it. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 7:01 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm starting to take a medication and would like to use my phone to log various things to see what effect it's having over time. [more inside]
posted by roue at 6:14 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm in search of the perfect lamp...bright, small, and old-looking. Can you help me? [more inside]
posted by christinetheslp at 4:50 AM PST - 11 comments

I had a lot of recipe notes in Epicurious, they eliminated the Add Notes feature, and they're all gone. I know (I know!) I shouldn't have kept anything that mattered to me on someone else's site, but I'm so upset! I'm hoping my added notes are still stored in an Epicurious database somewhere, but I've emailed and tweeted them with no reply. What ordinary or desperate measures could I possibly try? (E.g., if there's someone at Epicurious who could send me a file with my notes, how would I find that person?) [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:40 AM PST - 8 comments

An old story of Christmas holidays. My maternal parent is narcissistic (perhaps malignantly so, at least in terms of the aggression and internal fragility, although not as bad as Livia Soprano), bad at boundaries, and excellent at semantic arguments. From therapy I'm newly trying to calmly defend my own boundaries with as little conflict as possible. For a few days I'm visiting. It's too late in life to effect much change in them. Strategies on coping and handling conflict would be very much appreciated.
posted by anonymous at 11:33 PM PST - 16 comments

I love this video of Chinese parents trying Mexican food for the first time. I love the dad's low-key appreciation. I love the people in the comments naming him an honorary Mexican dad for reaching for the liquor at first bite. I love the feeling of people digging each other digging each other. Help me find more. [more inside]
posted by argybarg at 7:12 PM PST - 28 comments

I just moved into a new place and want to install fly screens in my lounge room. [more inside]
posted by lulu68 at 5:26 PM PST - 0 comments

I've been noticing a lot more cars with the rear power circuit completely out (e.g. the headlights and other lighting in the front of the car are on but everything in the back is out) than I remember seeing in the past (compared to 10 or 20 years ago). Is it just my imagination that it's more common or is there a reason why I'm seeing this more often? Obviously the shift to LEDs has made individual lights failing less common.
posted by Candleman at 3:54 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for suggestions for a nostalgic drama along the lines of My So-Called Life or Felicity to watch next [more inside]
posted by bearette at 2:40 PM PST - 46 comments

I have an old piano with ivory keys. It needs some repair, but I'm planning to move across the country and that's looking complicated, so I don't know how much money I should put into it. Help me understand the laws and possible issues with hiring movers. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 1:39 PM PST - 7 comments

How do you strike a balance between enjoying a good romantic relationship in the moment/short-term future, versus looking objectively at possible (but not certain) incompatibilities in the future? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 1:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Got a new job and new insurance while on cancer treatment. Called hospital to get them to get pre-approval for last cancer treatment. They got pre-approval from the wrong/old insurance. I went and got treatment. New insurance doesn't cover this treatment and won't pay despite several appeals. Today I got the bill for the appointment 11 months ago. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:46 PM PST - 5 comments

My girlfriend and I are having some big conflict over having a child and I’m at a loss for how to solve it. The backstory is we’ve been together 6 years. Both in our early 30s. SO has always been clear that she wanted to have a kid when she was 30 - I also very much want to have kids and so our main point of difference was timing - with where we were at at the time we pushed that back a year. It was a compromise in that I could have waited even another year and she didn’t want to wait at all. But we worked it out and agreed to start trying when she was 31. We started trying and surprisingly got pregnant right away. Everything was fine and exciting- but when we went for the first ultrasound at 8 weeks, that’s when the problems started. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:44 PM PST - 31 comments

First up: I don't blame her at all for being upset, I really don't. I just wanted to get that out there first. Her feelings are valid. However, her anger about the situation and continually talking about it, while I'm visiting her on vacation, is really wearing me down and hurting/triggering some anxiety in me. More inside. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 12:27 PM PST - 42 comments

CanIEatItFilter: We left some cod out of the fridge for a few hours. We had planned on salt-curing it. Will we die a horrible death? [more inside]
posted by vernondalhart at 12:05 PM PST - 6 comments

Last week I asked this question about international money transfers, and quite a few folks suggested using Wise. I started setting up an account, but in order to connect to my bank account (Citi) I need to provide my online bank account username and password. I have never been asked to do this before so it's not sitting well with me - is this legit? The service Wise is using to do this is Plaid.
posted by my log does not judge at 10:24 AM PST - 22 comments

I have necklaces that are pendants on chains. Sometimes I need the pendants to hang shorter/sit higher, depending on the neckline of my blouse, but the chain is just one length with no option to clasp it tighter. Does anything like a necklace "cincher" exist, something I could use to gather the chain tighter temporarily? I don't want to replace or permanently shorten the chain. I just want something that's like a hair tie to pull it back a little.
posted by cadge at 9:56 AM PST - 10 comments

We recently switched to detergent sheets for laundry, we've always used bar soap instead of body wash, and used reusable grocery bags before they were even a nation-wide conversation. But looking around our house, we are finding so many things that come in plastic packaging (toothpaste, mouthwash, dishwasher detergent, floss, condiments, shelf-stable pantry items like rice, quinoa, etc). Help us find alternatives we will love? [more inside]
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 9:27 AM PST - 7 comments

My mother (81) has moved into a new house. The plan is to do what we can to have her living there as long as possible. What kind of professions do we need to engage with to assess the current layout and needs, propose changes, make designs and drawings. Further: what Canadian federal or Quebec programmes or tax supports exist to help implement these? [more inside]
posted by bumpkin at 9:04 AM PST - 3 comments

You are not my lawyer, but maybe you want to be or you know one who does? Looking for a lawyer in Western Massachusetts who specializes in Social Security Law. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by plinth at 8:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Hi folks. Like the title says, I am looking for a podcast app that will automatically play the next episode, as in, it finishes playing episode one and then automatically downloads and plays episode two. More inside. [more inside]
posted by bile and syntax at 8:45 AM PST - 12 comments

Do any Mefites who live in the Washington, DC area (DC, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Northern Virginia) know where rapid at-home COVID tests are still available? [more inside]
posted by bad grammar at 7:43 AM PST - 14 comments

Hey everyone, I'm at beginner level with Excel - I'm studying to be an accountant at the moment and I know it's crucial I become better at Excel. Does anyone know of any specific Excel courses that you would recommend to me that would bring me up to advanced level? I'm happy to pay, so any course - free or paid. People have recommended Udemy to me, but there are soo many on there, I don't know where to start. Thanks in advance :)
posted by Sunflower88 at 3:04 AM PST - 9 comments

If a private employer wanted to provide a pension program, how much would that cost them, and what is the legal structure in place to support that? [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 1:46 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a second-hand but extremely nice and warm Eddie Bauer sweater. It needs to be cleaned. The information regarding that has faded off the tag. I don't know enough about the materials clothing is made of to know what my sweater consists of. Here's a photo and here's another. Please tell me what it is and how I should clean it.
posted by bryon at 12:39 AM PST - 18 comments

Asking for a friend: I’m almost certain that I want to cancel my whole life policy, and I’d like to know more about what exactly I need to do in order to accomplish this. [more inside]
posted by mustard seeds at 12:10 AM PST - 9 comments

So after umpty years, I've decided, fuck my sofa. Please help me replace it. [more inside]
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 11:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Basically this. I want to have: 1. some kind of database (or list or something), of 2. albums and/or songs and/or playlists or whatever, 3. that I would be able to tag, and sort/filter by multiple tags. I don't know if this is RateYourMusic.com (which would be great) or Evernote...or Excel/Sheets (please don't make it be Excel/Sheets)...or what. But I feel like I've poked around for something like this multiple times over the years, and I'm surprised I haven't found it yet. [more inside]
posted by 2or3whiskeysodas at 9:28 PM PST - 7 comments

If not, how close can one get to proving something ethically "true" or not? Part of the reason I am asking this question is because I want to see what would be necessary for creating a "calculator" which could be used to replace representational government (since itʻs absurd that we are still subjecting ourselves to the whims and opinions of "legislators" like Joe Manchin to make decisions on behalf of humanityʻs future).
posted by defmute at 8:51 PM PST - 18 comments

So, Alison Roman's two cookbooks and some of her online recipes changed my cooking life. They're this perfect balance of unfussy and fancy enough to make me feel accomplished. They're fun and informal, but the results make an impression. They really added to my confidence as a cook. Aaaand they're very meat-heavy and I'm thinking of cutting back in the new year. I may need a new cookbook. A few more details under the fold. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 7:51 PM PST - 25 comments

My neighbors' dogs bark aggressively whenever we are outside. Is there a way to get them more used to us? [more inside]
posted by tchemgrrl at 6:24 PM PST - 8 comments

I have no idea what to get for my fairly picky parents who don't want stuff. Bonus: emotions! [more inside]
posted by theodolite at 4:01 PM PST - 28 comments

I'd like to get my 7 year-old nephew some comics for Christmas, but I'm having trouble finding something good that's suitable for kids his age. [more inside]
posted by Chenko at 3:32 PM PST - 29 comments

CareerChangeFilter: Did you leave data-oriented careers for something else? How did it go? Specific snowflakes within. [more inside]
posted by Sock Meets Body at 2:55 PM PST - 7 comments

I have an old gadget called a DreamScreen, which powers LED lights stuck behind my TV. I can't find the power supply, and there is no indication next to the input what it needs. [more inside]
posted by 4midori at 2:04 PM PST - 2 comments

I have a Google Sheet that has a line added to it automatically from a Withings Sleep Monitor. is there a way to make sure that the last line of the Sheet is always visible. What happens now is the cursor is at the top of the Sheet and I have to scroll down.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 1:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Ever since updating my Pixel 4A to Android 12, the notifications while I'm using Google Maps cover the entire screen briefly. Obviously not ideal if I need the screen to navigate while driving. Is there a way to change this behavior?
posted by cozenedindigo at 1:38 PM PST - 1 comment

I think I need a Cameo with Santa but I need to be able to explain the situation first and the situation cannot be explained in 100 characters which is all that Cameo allows. Will I get the chance to provide more detail later? Is there another way I can book a Santa to make a video that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 10:33 AM PST - 15 comments

I was offered a job on Friday. Do you have any advice about negotiating the pay? [more inside]
posted by furtheryet at 9:37 AM PST - 14 comments

I have a non-refundable ticket on United (USA Domestic) for holiday travel and just received info that the other party may have COVID. Can I get my money back? [more inside]
posted by soylent00FF00 at 9:30 AM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for a toaster (not toaster oven) with a temperature adjustment. I mostly toast bagels that I keep in my freezer. The problem is the toaster's heating elements are too hot, when the surface of the bagel is done the inside is still cold. I can leave the bagel in the toaster for longer after it completes but then the whole bagel is not as hot and a bit dry. [more inside]
posted by cosmac at 9:05 AM PST - 10 comments

My son has not been able to sign up for Instagram. They keep rejecting / disabling his account without ever letting him in. This is a problem because all his friends organize their social activities in Instagram chat. What should he do to get an account? [more inside]
posted by alms at 8:40 AM PST - 8 comments

They will never be friends. Fine. I just need them both to survive. I’ve read and watched everything on introducing cats. I’ll keep them separated for the rest of their lives before getting rid of one. What’s the ridiculous thing I can try to avoid that? [more inside]
posted by OrangeVelour at 7:26 AM PST - 16 comments

]Is it normal for a doctor to move a woman's hair out of the way in order to examine her or is that a bit unusual/out of the norm/overly familiar? [more inside]
posted by mintchip at 7:12 AM PST - 17 comments

Another last-minute gift question. My mom has recently taken up playing the keyboard, and she's suggested that she might enjoy a book about music--not a practical guide, but something more lyrical, beautiful, that gets at the experience of playing or listening to music. Maybe a memoir, maybe something else. Could be related to piano or opera, but not necessarily. [more inside]
posted by dysh at 6:51 AM PST - 8 comments

My partner and I are celebrating 10 years of bookclub with the theme of “Milestones.” We agreed it can be really loosely tied to that theme. I need 6 books. [more inside]
posted by CMcG at 6:18 AM PST - 10 comments

Who are the most famous and interesting trans and non-binary visual artists, and what makes them worth learning about?
posted by mortaddams at 5:43 AM PST - 13 comments

Is there a reputable dark mode extension for Chrome that you can enable for specific sites, instead of it being always on for everything, with a blacklist for specific sites? There's a few popular ones out there, but they appear to not have whitelist capabilities (as much as I can tell). Most sites I go to I either am fine with their color scheme or have their own dark modes, but I occasionally end up on some blinding sites and would love to just throw an addon at them. [more inside]
posted by flatluigi at 4:00 AM PST - 2 comments

Is it possible to go to a walk-in centre in the UK, queue and get your first Covid vaccine shot that day if you haven't been registered with a GP for decades but are provably legally resident in the country? What requirements might there be and what should be expected? Context is someone who is generally avoidant and legitimately anxious of medical settings as well as "having to justify [them]self" but equally has continually masked and Hands Face Spaced since the pandemic started. Someone who genuinely wants to get their jab and would be over the moon if e.g. Nurse Christmas knocked on their door to deliver it today, but might be discouraged if they felt "turned away"
posted by anonymous at 12:06 AM PST - 9 comments

I just finished watching RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service), a drama series about the RFDS, and I was so intrigued by the glimpses of life in the Outback. I knew it was sparsely-populated, but I had no idea that it has a quarter the population density of Alaska, or that Wyoming has 200x the population density of the Outback. I want to know more! [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:22 PM PST - 22 comments

I have been able to record and watch all the Jeopardy Professors Tournament shows the past two weeks on Hulu Cloud DVR (which costs $$$). The recording for 12/17/21 *looks* like the S38E70 recording (the finale), but when I open it, it plays some random news show instead. I watched it all the way through the confirm it doesn't contain any Jeopardy. WTF happened?! Did this happen to anyone else? How can I see the thing it was supposed to record? It is impossible to contact Hulu support (surely by design).
posted by anonymous at 8:05 PM PST - 4 comments

Should I wait to use my soon to arrive Pixel 6 Pro until it's peripherals are available or should I try to find a work around? [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 6:18 PM PST - 3 comments

I've never done contract work before, but I've been in touch on and off with a guy who's been working on getting me a contract job for about a year. In nearly zero time spent talking on the phone with the hiring manager, I suddenly have an offer ... [more inside]
posted by ZenMasterThis at 5:14 PM PST - 9 comments

I have 24 nights in my Marriott Bonvoy account for 2021. If I can get to 25 nights by Dec 31, 2021, I will be Gold status in 2022, which means more points per stay. Considerations and tips sought. [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 4:46 PM PST - 5 comments

My sister used our inheritance to buy a new house that we're both living in. My name is not on the house title. Now what? [more inside]
posted by lawgirl at 3:21 PM PST - 54 comments

Trying to think of a fictional work inspired by a fictional work inspired by a real person. [more inside]
posted by el_lupino at 3:21 PM PST - 22 comments

I need a Christmas present for my dad but he doesnt need or like anything! What can I possibly get him? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 3:16 PM PST - 29 comments

Are there any part-time or freelancing gigs for project managers that do not add 2x more stress to your workload? [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 1:37 PM PST - 6 comments

I park my car on the street in Brooklyn, and this morning I found a note on the windshield that said "I was a passenger in the Uber that hit your car...." and then left their name and number and the driver's name, make and model, and license plate. What do I do know? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 12:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Four of us, two coming from Bethesda, Maryland and two coming from Blacksburg, Virginia, would like to meet up somewhere mid-way between these two points between Christmas and New Year's Day. A gentle hike (perhaps in Shenandoah National Park somewhere?) and lunch is the preferred option, but we are open to other possibilities. Have any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by reren at 11:40 AM PST - 10 comments

I recently bought a Tello quadcopter by Ryze. It shares technology and design features with DJI so I expect it to be well made and perform well. Rather than use my phone, I wanted to use the recommended controller, the Gamesir T1d. But I had to buy it separately, It didn't come with the QC. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 11:06 AM PST - 2 comments

Who said "Time is the only thing which only passes?" [more inside]
posted by sleevener at 9:40 AM PST - 4 comments

I am 29F and just got engaged a couple of weeks ago. Everything was fine and now I am having major questions about our compatibility. [more inside]
posted by anon1129 at 8:13 AM PST - 67 comments

my parents, fully vaxxed and boosted 60 and 63 year old parents are entirely undeterred from their plan to drive from illinois to NYC for a holiday visit with me in New York City, where the hottest club right now is the line for covid tests. [more inside]
posted by wowenthusiast at 8:00 AM PST - 23 comments

So there's these I think magic, I think fish, I think in an underground/basement pool ... but I can't figure out what show (or movie) I'm thinking of and now I'm obsessing over it [more inside]
posted by one4themoment at 6:29 AM PST - 4 comments

I need to open some stuck double-hung windows for covid ventilation purposes. They’re really stuck! I don’t think it’s that they are painted shut - it’s an old house that’s tilted a little and the wood is probably warped.
posted by haptic_avenger at 6:11 AM PST - 3 comments

My 5 year old just started school but is refusing to use the classroom potty and instead pees in his clothes. His teacher has tried all the in-classroom techniques they can think of, it seems. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:13 PM PST - 23 comments

I'm interested in signing up for some kind of seafood delivery subscription and was wondering if any of you have experience/recommendations! [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Yesterday i learned that my vision abnormalities are due to an irregular astigmatism caused by keratoconus. We're going to try the scleral lenses and monitor it before doing the cross linking. My only healthcare is original Medicare, and I'm very low income. How many brands make the lenses, and how would one afford them more easily? (Looked at a similar Ask and answers don't apply.)
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:08 PM PST - 0 comments

Hello to all the amazing people on Ask who just... always have the perfect answer! This one is a unicorn. Probably 20 years ago, my brother said he saw a Chicago Blackhawks baseball cap that was essentially their team colors as flannel or plaid with the mascot on top of it. I am assuming it was something like this. I have been unsuccessful finding this for that many years and my google-fu is usually good. Mad props for anyone who can help.
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 7:46 PM PST - 6 comments

We are selling an RV registered in Minnesota to a buyer in Florida. I've been asked to figure out a bill of sale...I'm seeing a lot of options but not sure which to go with. Does anyone have any reccomendations?
posted by Archipelago at 6:08 PM PST - 1 comment

Have you received or designed a custom throw pillow as a gift? Do you have any suggestions, strong opinions, or counterintuitive considerations? (E.g., if you think certain materials, sizes, etc. should be avoided.)
posted by shrimpetouffee at 4:19 PM PST - 6 comments

On September 13 I received a form CP12 from the IRS, informing me of an adjusted tax refund for a little over $2k. The letter said I didn't need to do anything further and would receive the refund in 4-6 weeks. It's been 12 weeks and I still haven't received it. [more inside]
posted by churl at 4:03 PM PST - 6 comments

I mentioned to my kid that albatrosses can fly for 14 days non-stop. I don't know where I got that from, probably a book when I was a kid myself. Trying to verify this now and I'm turning up nothing. Not about 14 days or any other number of days. [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 3:39 PM PST - 8 comments

I've had diabetes for years, though as of 2019 I went into remission and was able to stop taking insulin as long as I kept my diet steady. I did this. Steady with all the wrong foods. I'm feeling really discouraged as I start from scratch. I need some help/hope to be successful again. [more inside]
posted by Draccy at 2:44 PM PST - 8 comments

At my job they have a program where individuals can nominate each other for "award points" that can be exchanged for things. I'm looking at it now and there's a huge catalog of things and I apparently have been accumulating these points. If your workplace has a program like this, is there an expectation of reciprocity? Like if someone gives me 50 points, are they doing it because they hope/are expecting I will give them 50 points back? [more inside]
posted by bleep at 1:15 PM PST - 19 comments

I have GeForce Now, basically cloud based gaming. I have most of my games on Steam and on Epic, which can be played through this system. But I have to add them to my GFN library one by one by hand? I need to streamline my game management! [more inside]
posted by J.R. Hartley at 1:14 PM PST - 3 comments

A friend of mine introduced me to the Sorting Hat Quiz and I loved it. I would like more online quizzes but have some specific desires. [more inside]
posted by jeszac at 1:08 PM PST - 4 comments

For as long as I can remember, I've had six Spotify daily mixes. Now I have five. What happened, and is it possible to get the sixth one back?
posted by box at 12:38 PM PST - 8 comments

My non-profit employer apparently has a deal with a company called Savi to help its staff with public service student loan forgiveness. I'm looking for stories from people who have used Savi for this purpose successfully (as in, you signed up and they did something valuable for you, even if you didn't get forgiveness immediately). Or, alternately, a simple explanation of how to do it on my own, and what has to happen for it to work with the new rules in place. Asking because I gave Savi $60 for this service and they have essentially ghosted me... so I may end up having to do this on my own after all? [more inside]
posted by invincible summer at 11:40 AM PST - 7 comments

Hi all, I'm looking for book recommendations for my partner, who has taken a recent interest in American Indian history/culture, particularly the Dine (Navajo) and other peoples of the southwestern US. Please give me your favorite suggestions, thank you! [more inside]
posted by obliterati at 9:42 AM PST - 8 comments

I get a lot of spam texts. My mobile network doesn't offer a spam text filtering service or app, and iOS itself is useless on this front. There are several options in the app store, but they either have a lot of solid reviews but collect way too much personal data (e.g. TextKiller), require a lot of manual configuration, or don't have a lot of reviews but at least don't claim to collect data. If you've had good results with a privacy-respecting, zero-configuration spam filter on iOS, I want to hear about it!
posted by jedicus at 8:58 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a home security system that I have never used and don't know the security codes on. Help me hack the code and reset this thing! When I plug it back in it's currently in 'armed' mode. Anybody have any ideas? [more inside]
posted by The_Vegetables at 8:27 AM PST - 5 comments

We've purchased a treadmill desk (see my ask). Wife and I will share it. We both use PC work laptops (ThinkPad and Dell), and for home we use recent MacBooks. All the devices have USB-C. We want to connect to external monitors (and maybe keyboards and mice), maybe watch streaming services. How should we set this up? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 8:01 AM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for an Apple Watch app that allows me to track habits and behaviors. My ideal app would be like Reminders, but I could mark a behavior as "Yes I did it" or "No I didn't" and I could export historical data to see when I did/did not complete the behavior over the last X weeks. What app am I looking for? [more inside]
posted by philosophygeek at 7:58 AM PST - 2 comments

Thanks to this excellent comment from Too-Ticky, I discovered that IKEA has a fabric Christmas tree in some countries only (not here in Sweden, for example). Alas, that fabric is sold out in the UK and in the Netherlands. It is on sale online via IKEA in Australia. Any ideas about how to get it bought in Australia before January 1, 2022 and sent to me in the new year? There is no hurry about shipping it to me. FYI, the package should be about 600 grams.
posted by Bella Donna at 7:29 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm making Leckerli cookies, which have a glaze on top. I've never made a glaze before. Instead of the glaze specified in the recipe, I'd like to use the syrup left over from candying the citrus rinds. But will it harden and get flaky/crunchy like it's supposed to? [more inside]
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 5:56 AM PST - 7 comments

We are in the middle of assesments for our children and have been advised to do genetic testing due to our difficulties and some (painful and scary) family history on my side. We won't know until March but I can't even find any positive stories online or stories that resonate and I am feeling pretty sad. Does anyone know of any resources or have experience with this they can share? [more inside]
posted by catspajammies at 1:40 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm watching BBC News. The anchors and talking heads are pounding the table about the Lib Dems winning the by-election in North Shropshire, and what it means for Johnson in particular and the Tories in general [more inside]
posted by BadgerDoctor at 9:34 PM PST - 31 comments

…as I near middle-age, and eventual death. [more inside]
posted by po822000 at 8:52 PM PST - 28 comments

I lost a close family member about a year ago and her jumpers and dressing gown still smelled like her for about a week but not after that. Yet somehow, my unwashed sweaty socks or t-shirts or jumpers or whatever can still kick up a stink for ages (I only need to do laundry less often now) This isn't intended as a glib question. Half-grief and half-science
posted by I'm always feeling, Blue at 8:01 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm bubbled with a family. They went on a trip. When is it safe to see them? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 7:24 PM PST - 4 comments

YANMD. Or his doctor. Just trying to understand how likely is his survival, and is there anything the rest of the family can or should do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:08 PM PST - 29 comments

Jane Austen did not write enough books. I'd like more in the vein of comedy of manners. Doesn't have to be set in any particular place or period. Cozy, but not a cozy mystery.
posted by freshwater at 3:46 PM PST - 50 comments

My existing milk frother (Nespresso Aeroccino 3) was great until it stopped working. Should I just buy a new one or is there a better machine out there? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 3:42 PM PST - 8 comments

Wonder some things about how Spotify wrapped works… [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 2:18 PM PST - 5 comments

OUAC requires a 12 digit number, but the teen in my household who is applying has a 9 digit number. Googling a bit, I see some suggestion that the solution is to add zeros in front of the number you have to get up to 12 digits, but no workarounds are to be found on the OUAC FAQs. Can anyone confirm this is the correct work around? [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 1:38 PM PST - 4 comments

Husband and I are not making it home this year for Christmas, much to our parents' chagrin, so we offered to make up a schedule of shared activities we can do over the course of a week or so to make up for it as best we can. Got a few ideas and looking for more! [more inside]
posted by caitcadieux at 11:51 AM PST - 17 comments

I've found a guy who I think I'm very compatible with on a number of levels but I keep worrying that I don't find him physically attractive enough. I'm looking for perspectives! [more inside]
posted by starstarstar at 11:00 AM PST - 46 comments

I’ve been hoping for some time to see a file manager that allowed for sorting and filtering by extended metadata attributes. For example, a music folder with MP3s might have columns for Artist, Genre, Year, etc. and allow the user to filter down to a certain genre over a certain time period, then sort the results. Sort of like spreadsheet functionality for files. I know this is kind of a niche feature, but it would be awesome for a lot of use cases (academic papers, e-books, sysadmin scripts, and so on).
posted by dcotter at 10:57 AM PST - 7 comments

My medical insurance from OldJob ends on 12/31/2021. The insurance covered my family (spouse, son, and me). The NewJob insurance starts 1/1/2022 and is not as good and much more expensive. However, spouse’s insurance at SpouseJob is about as good and affordable as my OldJob insurance, and the whole family can be covered. But SpouseJob requires that if I am to be covered with their insurance, I must also purchase NewJob insurance for myself as my primary insurance and SpouseJob insurance as my secondary insurance. Is it worthwhile and cost-effective to have primary and secondary medical insurance? [more inside]
posted by Sock, Sock, Sock, Sock, Sock, Goose! at 10:52 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me figure out where I should go for a winter vacation. Looking for a combination of beach/water and city, but they don’t have to be the same place. [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 10:46 AM PST - 14 comments

Help me understand and explain the phenomenon where the energy behind a creative endeavor depends on not talking about it. [more inside]
posted by headnsouth at 10:13 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking for recipes that are so simple that you know them by heart. I've found that I gravitate towards making dishes that are easy to memorize. [more inside]
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 10:10 AM PST - 67 comments

I'd like to read something about free will vs determinism. [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 9:31 AM PST - 14 comments

Looking to crowdsource ideas for a team-based activity we can do with about 100 people that incorporates wireless communication/video/etc. [more inside]
posted by kingjoeshmoe at 8:44 AM PST - 7 comments

Raw feeders: what are your favorite online or print resources for raw feeding for dogs? Personal recommendations sought. [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 7:24 AM PST - 2 comments

The California Franchise Tax Board says I owe additional tax due to a difference between what they have on record for me and what the IRS has told them. I don't know if the difference is from an earlier adjustment they made or something else. Opinions? (Insert "You are Not My Accountant" disclaimer here) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:28 AM PST - 5 comments

A person close to me is applying for law school LRAP (loan forgiveness) program. Even given consultations with school financial aid LRAP specialists, there are (too) many questions left and not enough time to get proper answers with extended follow-up questions. (It's kind of like when you go to the doctor and, after they explain stuff to you a couple of times, you've extended your welcome and you walk out of there still confused.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:25 AM PST - 8 comments

What are some short stories, TV shows, or novels where something abstract is made literal, normally to prove a point? For example, Mother Tongues is a short story about a Chinese-American selling their Chinese ability to put their daughter through school. And here's flash fiction about people abandoning their consciouses at one lady's house. [more inside]
posted by Trifling at 5:08 AM PST - 22 comments

woodworkers and furniture restorers of metafilter: I have a mid-century coffee table with a veneer top and solid legs. I'd like to change the color slightly because it blends in with the floor right now, but there is no way I'm stripping/refinishing it in this lifetime. can I slap something over the top of the existing finish to darken the wood grain? I'm ok with some light sanding and brief use of noxious chemicals if needed but don't want to paint it a solid color.
posted by genmonster at 4:51 AM PST - 6 comments

I have a defined-benefit pension plan with my current employer. I am thinking of changing jobs. Do you have any guidance or resources to help me quantify how much additional pay I should be looking for to make up for losing that defined benefit? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 7:29 PM PST - 9 comments

I absolutely love cold sesame noodles—the kind you find at many Chinese restaurants in the U.S. I'd love to know your favorite recipes for making them at home. Thanks so much!
posted by DavidNYC at 3:56 PM PST - 10 comments

I fantasize about teaching abroad. Tell me why this is a bad (or not so bad) idea. [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 2:59 PM PST - 38 comments

I've been reading about how even companies who use backups can still be devastated by ransomware attacks, since the backups themselves may contain infected files (and other reasons). I wondering if this holds true at the user level too. [more inside]
posted by robverb at 2:49 PM PST - 7 comments

We are a small theatre company that teaches acting. We used to have an artistic director who ran the operations, but he left. The school has stopped classes because of covid. We decided to have four people who were interested in keeping the theatre company going become a leadership team to take on the task of reopening. Since we are not getting any revenue, they are volunteers. From a recent note they sent to the Board, they believe that the Board is not giving them sufficient leeway to operate. This comes as a surprise. [more inside]
posted by flannelpants at 2:47 PM PST - 12 comments

Strangely, I've found that videos of people just talking about something that interests them, often many short videos about slightly different variations of a thing, are really good background noise. But I'm running out of good topics to search for! Help me out please? [more inside]
posted by aspo at 1:05 PM PST - 40 comments

Ok, a bit of a long shot, but: For whatever reason, I can't seem to find an article I know I saw on the NYTimes homepage recently (I think within the last week, but what's time these days). I forget the exact headline, but the lede was something about a scholar or author making the case that contemporary life is far weirder than we are able to fully comprehend. Anyone read this and able to point me to it? Thanks!
posted by coffeecat at 12:10 PM PST - 2 comments

Years ago, I briefly had a job as a research engineer/technician in a university lab. Even then, it struck me as pretty much my ideal job. I left that job for reasons that are no longer applicable, and now that I am job hunting again I would like to see if I can capture at least some parts of what I liked into my new job search, without limiting myself to exactly the same sort of role. [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 11:25 AM PST - 15 comments

Yet another "Should I attend this event?" question. I joined my company a year ago, and while most of my team lives locally to me, I haven't met any of them in person. My team is doing a holiday gathering soon (outside, but not masked, I presume) and I really wanted to go, but now with Omicron in the mix, and immunocompromised person at home, I'm feeling like eh, it's not worth the anxiety. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 10:44 AM PST - 21 comments

Where can I find online courses to help me diversify my skill set? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 10:43 AM PST - 3 comments

I was 24, her 35, and her maid of honor. I didn’t help plan her wedding, and brought my boyfriend who she invited but then changed her mind about inviting. I am now engaged and feeling guilty, just wanting perspective. [more inside]
posted by anon1129 at 10:05 AM PST - 42 comments

I got myself a marshmallow advent calendar this year. Each marshmallow has a clue and then underneath it tells you the flavor. Turned out to be a fun little game with my non marshmallow loving husband. Smell it, take a bite, guess the flavor. Are there any other kits or gifts available year round so I can keep this going?
posted by mokeydraws at 9:59 AM PST - 9 comments

Do you have tips for scheduling tough meetings? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 9:54 AM PST - 13 comments

Wells-Fargo told me in September that poor dirtbags like myself with less than $500K in assets would be charged $150 a year. So I want to move my money. Where to? [more inside]
posted by atchafalaya at 9:49 AM PST - 16 comments

I’m an author, and often I read and record my own stories to share with others as part of my process (or for publication). But for an upcoming project, I need to modify my own voice for specific lines only, and I’m stuck. [more inside]
posted by mcbaya at 9:47 AM PST - 8 comments

What is the current best option for watching live MSNBC, CNN, ESPN, ESPN2 and Tennis channel, but without subsidizing FOX (i.e. no Fox, Fox News channels)? [more inside]
posted by thewildgreen at 8:35 AM PST - 6 comments

Several years ago, maybe even a decade ago, I bought the perfect little planner at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Can you help me find it again or something very similar for 2022? [more inside]
posted by Jess the Mess at 7:04 AM PST - 8 comments

A girl I used to share an apartment with is regularly trying to keep in touch with me, trying to meet up for drinks and so on. I don't enjoy her company for many reasons, mostly because I find her personality extremely annoying and I don't agree with her opinions and the way she treats other people. She also used to be really mean to me when we lived together, which is why I didn't spend much time with her back then and I never initiated any sort of contact after I moved out. But for whatever reason, this girl apparently considers me one of her closest friends. How do I politely let her know I don't want to be involved in her life at all and would prefer to never meet again? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:24 AM PST - 23 comments

I recently watched a non-fiction medical tv show where an emergency medicine doctor encountered a patient who had a snapping turtle latched onto his neck. The solution ended up being to give a paralytic agent to the turtle, which relaxed its jaw and released the bite. In a practical sense, how did this work? [more inside]
posted by averageamateur at 9:08 PM PST - 6 comments

I drank 2 glasses of red wine and then vomited three times in 30 minutes. When i emptied the bottle... [more inside]
posted by MT at 8:50 PM PST - 4 comments

Slow, melancholy, minor key, 4/4 time, solo piano. Sounds similar to a Chopin nocturne or Scriabin's Etude in C# minor. Begins with 2 measures of chords, then a slow run of eighth notes up the keyboard, followed by some call and response between right hand and left hand. Then the slow run up and call and response sections repeat several times, with variations, until now we're in a major key. I loved dancing to this in ballet class as a kid. [more inside]
posted by danceswithlight at 6:55 PM PST - 3 comments

I've realized that I'm not that good at understanding the distinctions between Asian countries, history and cuisine. This is my fault, I'm dumb about this and I'd like to be less dumb. What books/resources/materials/documentaries/youtubes might help? [more inside]
posted by mulkey at 3:52 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for suggestions for the most cost-effective way to access mental healthcare (ongoing therapy sessions) for my spouse who has CTPSD and DID. We have Kaiser insurance which I gather now isn't the best for mental healthcare, but I can also change my insurance if I do it before the end of the month. Suggestions for insurance plans or specific therapists that take insurance very welcome! [more inside]
posted by rose selavy at 3:06 PM PST - 7 comments

I am looking for a moisturizing shampoo with no protein or shea/coconut /avocado oil. Shampoo with protein (or shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil) makes my hair very dry and tangly. I'm getting frustrated because most shampoos contain at least one of these ingredients. Ideally, my replacement shampoo would be easily available in a Canadian drugstore. I don't want to pay $100 per litre for it, but I would consider a lower-priced salon shampoo if such a thing exists. Fuller list of undesirable ingredients inside. [more inside]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 1:27 PM PST - 14 comments

My cat has an ear infection and a prescription for eardrops. We started the drops two weeks ago and stopped after about four days because she was having such a hard time letting me put them in. Her symptoms are back and I know we have to restart the treatment. How do I subdue her? I have tried scruffing her and kind of bear hugging her but that has made her afraid of me and that sucks. Advice please! [more inside]
posted by Hermione Granger at 1:14 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm a former academic who is transitioning into industry, and I need a goal. [more inside]
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 1:08 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking at how to comfortably entertain guests outside during New England winter. I want to understand heating options and air flow in terms of min/maxing the right combination of - Retaining heat - Circulation to reduce Covid exposure - Venting CO2 and other gas byproducts Can it be done? [more inside]
posted by Reasonably Everything Happens at 12:52 PM PST - 15 comments

Longshot, but here goes! Trying to find a YA book from ~1985-1995. Plot: Fat girl falls in love with formerly popular now fat boy. [more inside]
posted by nancynickerson at 12:38 PM PST - 7 comments

Peter Suber (previously on Metafilter) appeared on the Tonight Show sometime in the mid to late 70's, probably 1976 per his Wikipedia entry. I've been casually looking for years but have never been able to nail down an actual date. His appearance is not listed in Wikipedia's list of Tonight Show episodes. As the first step in finding actual video, how can I find the air date?
posted by donpardo at 12:32 PM PST - 5 comments

Has anyone used this and actually gotten useful feedback about your sleep? I've been having shitty sleep for a while and am kind of curious what my sleeping patterns look like. Or is there some other wearable that's better?
posted by madonna of the unloved at 11:46 AM PST - 12 comments

I am drawing an absolute blank while searching for a few small, fun things to stuff into a stocking and I decided to outsource this to you guys. Parameters inside. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:32 AM PST - 34 comments

I used to be a teacher, and I remember people frequently referring to a study that went something like this:

1. At the beginning of the school year, elementary teachers are told that a (randomly selected) handful of their students were destined for a year of academic/intellectual "flowering".
2. At the end of the year, these randomly-selected students demonstrated more growth than the control group, thus showing how powerfully teacher expectations affect performance.

[more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 10:57 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me find or make this in the US [more inside]
posted by melamakarona at 8:23 AM PST - 12 comments

I have 2 accounts in Outlook. I received new mail sound notifications for both. I want to turn off sound notification on one of these. How do I do this?
posted by falsedmitri at 8:14 AM PST - 1 comment

Hi, I'm looking into booking a flight to sunny San Juan and my best options are to arrive around 2am. Will there be taxis/lyfts available? Is it safe for a solo female to arrive at that time? I don't speak much Spanish. My hotel will be in the touristy area of Avenida Condado.
posted by jello at 8:01 AM PST - 6 comments

I have really hard time asking people (who are not my directs) for requests, giving deadlines and following up. When I decide to be more direct, it always goes the wrong way, and I flip to being too much of a hard ass and get accused of being too forward or railroading. Have you been able to improve in this regard? How do you do it? What mantras do you use? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 7:27 AM PST - 14 comments

Hello Hive Mind, My sister works at a call center for a major insurance company. Her depression has become so bad she moved in with me (but pays rent on an apartment) and can only work 2 days a week. When she is not working she is trying to recover. I suggested she look into short disability to focus on her health. However, she is afraid she would lose her job. Any advice on where we can start is much appericated. Thank you
posted by TRUELOTUS at 7:00 AM PST - 5 comments

Not sure how to play this one - need to sign a new card payments contract, these are usually three year long, but only have three months left on my lease for the buildings I have my business in, and I'm not sure if I'll continue or not. Question is: is it normal to pass on your card payment provider if you sell your business as a going concern? This is a bricks and mortar UK business. Thanks
posted by dance at 6:52 AM PST - 5 comments

Have you used vayama.com to buy tickets? Are they as bad as the reviews seem to indicate? [more inside]
posted by signal at 4:53 AM PST - 9 comments

Currently using ActiveCampaign, and the software is set up to create long term automated campaigns, but we’re just trying to send a one-time text to an existing contact list of 300 people to invite them to an online event. Can we find that functionality within ActiveCampaign somehow (stumped by Help options at the moment), or should we use a different service?
posted by hot_tea at 12:24 AM PST - 4 comments

We need for people to be able to meet up with and safely be with others who were also out of commission during the pandemic, isolated from their kith. It should be&feel safe... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:09 PM PST - 8 comments

So my partner has decided that his relationship with drinking needs an overhaul. I am super on board for this exercise, but I am unsure how best to support him. I am asking him, of course, but he's never done this before and so far he says, "you're doing a good job." I'm interested in hearing from others who supported loved ones in this process, or people who have gone through it, regarding what was helpful (or unhelpful, that's fine also). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:09 PM PST - 16 comments

I live in an area with very hard water. I run humidifiers for most of the year, and I also run an evaporative cooler in the summer that gets full of scale by the end of the summer. I also do love soft water for my curly hair. I'm not handy person, so I'm not going to be installing anything myself, and likely not maintaining it either. What do I want for my hard water improvement? Reverse osmosis filter under the sink? Whole house softener? Something else? Both?
posted by answergrape at 10:56 PM PST - 11 comments

My company has about 75 people located all around the US. How might we create a map of people's home locations that is easy to maintain and works within our existing tools? We do not want to use this to *track* people's location, just show their home city location on a map so we can visualize how we're all distributed. [more inside]
posted by oxisos at 9:30 PM PST - 7 comments

How do you screen print (???) decals (???) on a mirror? You know those funky ‘70s mirrors with stuff on them? How do you do that? [more inside]
posted by Charity Garfein at 9:28 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking to track down a Czech hand cream as a gift, but the only options I've been able to find don't ship outside of the Czech Republic or Slovakia. Is there any place that will ship to the US? [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 9:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Say I have two booths in a large room, each an enclosed room, like a vocal booth. Each booth has a window that faces the other booth. How do I light the interior of the booths and the exterior room that the booths are in so that you can look thru the window and see what's inside the other booth without only seeing your own reflection? [more inside]
posted by vocativecase at 8:15 PM PST - 2 comments

Here's our internet situation: the wifi is working as usual on the connected PCs and smart devices, but not on the iOS devices. Why? What should we try next? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 7:21 PM PST - 9 comments

I have a full-time work from home contract, and I'm considering moving to Malaysia for a month to six weeks, to save money and just to be somewhere different. Nothing in my contract mentions anything about this, my place of work is just listed as "home". As I'm only ever seen on blurred background video calls, do I have to tell them if I move? [more inside]
posted by Dag Maggot at 5:19 PM PST - 14 comments

Also, should I stick with .com, or go for a cheaper .net/.org/.ca/etc. domain? [more inside]
posted by hoist with his own pet aardvark at 5:00 PM PST - 14 comments

I’d like to make an easy yet scrumptious gluten-free dessert for a family holiday dinner. What should I make that can be transported either as a finished product or in easy-to-assemble parts? [more inside]
posted by pepper bird at 4:52 PM PST - 25 comments

Is making the leap from busy, for-profit environments like tech startups to the nonprofit world ultimately worth it in terms of career fulfillment? Are there frustrations to consider? Regrets? [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 3:29 PM PST - 16 comments

If you were wanting to move to work in the ski industry and settle somewhere which is more likely to still have snow in the next few decades, where would you go (North America edition)? [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 3:24 PM PST - 10 comments

I've been using Mint for awhile and am frustrated by its limitations. I like being hands on with my numbers, reconsiling my monthly numbers and making adjustments to my accounts when necessary. I actually like to not have my account linked directly to my bank. For me, Mint doesn't give me this wiggle room. I liked the Quicken versions from the mid-Aughts that allowed me to do these entries and changes on my own. Is there any software/apps available that allows me this freedom
posted by goalyeehah at 3:20 PM PST - 7 comments

15 or 20 years ago there was a set of toys that came together to make a ball sorting "factory". I have it in my head that it was named similar to Roblox, the online game platform, but that's not right. [more inside]
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 1:51 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm feeling like I've stagnated in my career a bit, and I'd like to learn a skill that I can immediately apply to a new job. I did the math and I spent about 800 hours playing video games over the last year - so I figure if I can do that, I can spend half that time in dedicated study. A list of some things I've thought about after the jump. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 1:31 PM PST - 8 comments

I have been with my partner for about 17 years. We have two children, ages 3 and 6. We are friends, and we definitely love each other, but I am feeling more and more like I want to try to open our relationship to other people. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:34 PM PST - 46 comments

We know about the Millennial Whoop. We're all sick of the ukulele and glockenspiel. This is the sound of your new truck. But I must have more. Is there anyone keeping a TVTropes-style compendium of commercial musical clichés? [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 12:16 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm in the US and need to pay $4K in fees to a language school (ISI) in Japan. The options they have provided are Flywire or bank transfer. I am unfamiliar with the gotchas of using either method - does anyone who has done this before have a recommendation?
posted by my log does not judge at 10:44 AM PST - 9 comments

Part of my job is handling the logistics of sending computer hardware and other parts to people around the world. Right now I need a method to: Send specific LEGO set(s) to a person anywhere in the world. A simple gift card won't work because it needs to be specifically for LEGO sets, and we don't want them to be able to use it for any 'ol random thing. [more inside]
posted by zerolives at 10:13 AM PST - 3 comments

In the course of many years of living in the UK, I have acquired several nice kitchen appliances (food processor, stand mixer, juicer, etc). I will soon be re-locating permanently to the US: will I be able to use any of these there with a plug adapter, or should I plan to have to replace them all? If I can use an adapter, should I expect any difference in performance?
posted by muhonnin at 10:12 AM PST - 12 comments

My (US, big city) neighborhood post office is having a rough time and I'd like to send them something. Can they accept it? If so, what might be appreciated? Many of the employees are out sick right now, or my first thought was something like a lot of muffins and bagels early in the morning.
posted by sepviva at 10:12 AM PST - 10 comments

Amidst a night of revelry, a question was raised about which there was much debate. There was no consensus and debate continues via slack today; I'm hoping that someone on here has a slam dunk answer that will end it. What is the first type of artificial object that humans made a billion of? [more inside]
posted by _DB_ at 8:06 AM PST - 38 comments

I have AltStore installed on both my iPhone 13 Pro and iPad Air 2 (both running iOS 15). What apps do you recommend I sideload? [more inside]
posted by mr_silver at 7:58 AM PST - 0 comments

We've been enjoying the reality show "Blown Away," which features glassmakers competing against one another to make great art. Can you recommend any other reality shows like this that are uplifting, educational, and focus on the skill of the competitors rather than any "drama" between them? I'd also put the Great British Baking Show (which we like, too) in this category. Thanks for your ideas!
posted by DavidNYC at 7:55 AM PST - 47 comments

I got a new job! Hooray! I'll be managing a small team in an organization that's new to me. I have several years of management experience at my current company, but current company was my first management job. Before that, I was an individual contributor for several years. [more inside]
posted by woodvine at 7:33 AM PST - 10 comments

I recently finished reading the Hobbit to my 7.5 year old. At some point, I'd like to read her the LotR trilogy in an illustrated edition. Can recommend which to read? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:29 AM PST - 5 comments

Since the PayPal automated system won’t connect me to a human, claiming it isn’t business hours, I’ll ask here—I am treasurer for a small nonprofit. We aren’t registered with companies house. PayPal wants a business registration document uploaded. What should I use that they’ll accept?
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 6:43 AM PST - 1 comment

It's wintry out, the sofa is comfy, and the wood stove is humming along. When we're using the wood stove for heat anyway, is it nice to use it for cooking/making anything in particular? Note though, a pot on top doesn't simmer, and the temperature inside is inconsistent. [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:58 AM PST - 23 comments

A little bit jazzy, a bit droney, what is the name of the album/artist I barely remember anything about? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 4:18 AM PST - 5 comments

There's a weird smell coming through my vents. I think it's a dead animal but I'm not sure. Please help. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:47 AM PST - 5 comments

I am the newly-elected leader of a professional association that will be facing some major issues requiring public support at the national level in about a year. What are the best things to do between now and then that will ensure we have the profile and image that we need to call on the public to understand our concerns and support us? What should be part of my marketing/promotions action plan between now and then? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:46 AM PST - 1 comment

Long-term disability insurance is an "adulting" topic that has slipped through the cracks for me. I am considering purchasing it for the first time, but I am uncertain how to make a good choice. How do I get there from here? [more inside]
posted by Comet Bug at 10:48 PM PST - 11 comments

Planning to spend the last weekend of February in Los Angeles with the goal of seeing art. What part of town should I stay in and what galleries, shows, events, and museums are open? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 10:18 PM PST - 7 comments

Where can I get a simplified view for a hardcore sports fan that knows little to nothing about formula one on what transpired today in the last race of the 2021 Formula 1 Season? I'm reading articles but don't totally understand. There was controversy? Why? A Vox Explainer or a Bill Simmons mid 2000s style piece explaining English Premier League would be nice. [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 8:00 PM PST - 11 comments

I just learned of the existence of "open-end" interviews- a record with, say, the Beatles giving just the answers to scripted questions, but the questions are not on the recording. Example. A radio DJ would broadcast themselves "asking" the Beatles the canned questions and the Beatles would "respond" via the recording, thus creating the illusion that the DJ is actually interviewing them. So far, I have found Al Green and The Beatles, but am struggling to find other ones. What's out there?
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 7:34 PM PST - 8 comments

This Christmas I would like Santa to not give my family members really dumb things that shouldn't even exist. For example, I would like Santa to give my wife a note saying he is not giving her a cat litter box that will send a notification to her phone whenever the cat poops, along with an actual product description of this thing. What are some other things Santa shouldn't give my relatives? [more inside]
posted by alms at 5:51 PM PST - 30 comments

For some reason, I don't seem to be getting this... [more inside]
posted by ivanthenotsoterrible at 1:45 PM PST - 19 comments

My wife and I like to dye our hair, but despite best efforts, we also end up dying the shower surround as well. Tips to prevent would be great but the damage is done -- what's the best way to clean it? [more inside]
posted by possibilityleft at 1:20 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm shopping for a refi. I have an offer from Citizens Bank. But... [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:55 PM PST - 7 comments

I want to get someone a magazine subscription as a stocking stuffer. I need something in the vein of Atlantic Monthly, Texas Monthly, Harpers, NYer, Utne Reader, etc. Something relatively smart, general interest, left-leaning, but preferably a tad more obscure than the above. Thanks in advance!
posted by nushustu at 11:01 AM PST - 32 comments

Some much loved Blue State relatives of mine insist our country’s character was shaped the way it is (Trump, Ron DeSantis, etc.) because Britain “sent over its worst” people here and that Red State voters are heavily influenced by their ancestors who were in penal colonies. I think that’s probably not good history or criminology but I’m not a historian. Can someone please explain in the kindest possible way whether this is accurate?
posted by johngoren at 9:11 AM PST - 35 comments

Memoirs that represent addiction may show two distinct people: the addict and the sober person. The sober narrator has perspective and self-knowledge that the addict character does not. The memoir shows a credible path that leads from the one to the other. Are there examples of texts like this for people who have used positions of power to be sexual harassers and abusers? [more inside]
posted by sy at 5:10 AM PST - 6 comments

The person I am dating aspires to be a politician. Is it weird that I find this off-putting? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:03 AM PST - 29 comments

In therapy, I recently realized I search for external validation + attention in order to deal with my dirt-poor self-esteem. This is an illuminating realization and is something I'd love to change about myself. Problem is, I'm drowning in shame over this coping mechanism, and it's keeping me frozen. How can Iive with the ways I've survived, especially when they're so off-putting? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:08 PM PST - 24 comments

I am in need of uplifting political stories. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:13 PM PST - 15 comments

We welcomed in/kidnapped a stray kitten here in the San Francisco Bay Area a month ago. He's affectionate and playful and growing as a housecat where the two reigning middle-aged strays tolerate him. We want to keep him. We're a little cash-strapped right now, and we're looking for a vet who can fix our new kitty and do basic worming and inoculation services without breaking the bank. We've heard that close-in veterinarians are kind of overwhelmed right now. Does anyone have good advice about vets that are a bit further from the center of The Bay who are still doing these services affordably? Or other strategies that get these services done without making us cash-vulnerable?
posted by Scarf Joint at 7:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Fairly early in the smartphone era, I had a phone game that was a logic game or puzzle using simple geometry and also ?harmony?, represented by something like fluid dynamics. It was pleasant to listen to and got difficult pretty quickly. I think it started in black and white and developed colors. The name was vaguely portentous, and maybe started with R. Do you remember such a thing? [more inside]
posted by clew at 5:58 PM PST - 4 comments

My job is ending at year end, and I just learned I'll have to return their laptop. I'm currently using their Lenova Thinkpad using Windows 10 Pro with the Windows Feature Experience Pack. If I had the funds, I would simple type the specs into Google and get another one just like I'm using. However, I don't have the money [It looks to be $1000+] or the technical know how to understand where I can cut corners, and have it still be useful for finding and doing full-time remote work without access to tech support. [more inside]
posted by Space Kitty at 5:50 PM PST - 19 comments

To my surprise and dismay, I was fired recently by my longtime employer. The termination was accompanied by an offer from the employer to keep me on their group insurance plan for a period of time. I am very far from an expert in US health insurance law but it surprised me that this was a possibility. Upon further reflection, I am wondering if it actually is, and whether it is safe to rely on the insurance provided under such circumstances. I would be very grateful if someone knowledgeable in this area could explain further: under what circumstances can an individual remain on an employer's health insurance plan after being fired by that employer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:03 PM PST - 6 comments

I am hoping to get a new computer soonish and was dismayed to learn that foof has gone out of business. Is there a similar laptop sleeve? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 3:06 PM PST - 5 comments

My Google Pixel 3 XL died today. Will not turn on, charge, or go into recovery mode. No lights, no noises, no connection when I go online and try to locate it. Any ideas for a fix? [more inside]
posted by papayaninja at 2:49 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for a service or Android application (okay paying a premium or subscription) that messages me at X time of day with an hour-by-hour forecast for the next Y hours. I need to be able to select which days of the week the message is pushed out from the app/service. I would prefer this be a standalone app or service, not something I configure through an ITTT-type app. [more inside]
posted by snerson at 12:46 PM PST - 7 comments

I was dating someone and they pulled away and said they wanted to take things more slowly and weren’t ready for a relationship. Did I make the right call by walking away, and can there be hope for the future? [more inside]
posted by popcorngirl at 10:41 AM PST - 18 comments

When he's born next year my nephew will have the incredible fortune of being a citizen of the US, Croatia/EU, and Japan. Not all countries make it easy for kids born overseas to mixed-national parents unless certain criteria are met, particularly Japan. I want to help my brother plan ahead to maximize his son's chances of keeping all three passports for life. There must be some magic combination of place of birth + timing of birth registration at consulate/embassy + status of parent(s) to do this? How could I even begin to look into this? Any advice generally? Thanks!
posted by lecorbeau at 7:12 AM PST - 16 comments

Please recommend a WiFi outlet that 1) turns itself on if the power goes out and comes back on 2) can be controlled from anywhere, not just when I'm on the same LAN.
posted by Tehhund at 5:28 AM PST - 3 comments

So reddit used to have subs where their adult videos were embedded on the page. Then they got rid of that feature and I'm sad. For personal reasons, I am looking for a new source of adult content that would not show up in a domain name so that it is untraceable if someone were to look at my browser history. And just looking for vanilla sort of content; don't need anything too crazy!
posted by anonymous at 1:27 AM PST - 15 comments

I want to print calendars of my sunset photos for friends to purchase. I’ve used Vistaprint and I like the quality of the print, the editable dates and the spiral binding. I can do Cafepress… but they only do saddle stitch. Are there any other online printings options that Mefis like?
posted by jabo at 11:24 PM PST - 2 comments

It turns on, the graphics card lights up though the glass window on the side, and the fan (which also lights up) whirs like it normally does during startup, but then no input shows up on my monitor, and then after every 3 minutes the desktop whirrs the fan again. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 10:01 PM PST - 7 comments

I've only been doing therapy for a month, but meeting mostly every week for an hour. My therapist has just suggested EMDR therapy. I've done a little reading and it seems too good to be true. Is this actually a thing, or is it pseudo-scientific woo? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:11 PM PST - 36 comments

Los pipes I am constantly throwing out these aluminum pipe cutoffs from 1' to 8' in length. I have tried and tried to think of something useful or fun or creative to do with them, but I got nothin. Also, I'm pretty lazy. Any suggestions?
posted by SampleSize at 5:07 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm using Google Meet for work meetings and sometimes it shows the clock and other times it doesn't. It would be really helpful for me to be able to see where I am in the hour without looking at a different phone to check the time. Am I missing something obvious?
posted by less-of-course at 4:53 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for stories like this: "I have to stay in (prison, or church, or toxic family)...because we all know if I get out again, I'll revert to the same behaviors again." But then they don't! They overcome. Or something changed and the same old outcomes are different now. Books, films, comics, lyrics welcome. From known & feared apex-predator chaos agent to new baseline of ethical conscientiousness, even if by circuitous route. Fiction, non-fiction, both OK. [more inside]
posted by circular at 4:06 PM PST - 8 comments

My plastic glasses snapped at the bridge. .I have a backup pair but the prescription isn’t quite right. Want to get old pair together temporarily, but the way they broke makes it hard to hold the pieces together during gluing or taping. I have epoxies and tape and glue. My question is how best to hold everything together to bond. I live alone and don’t have a car so only have myself and CVS.
posted by mermaidcafe at 2:17 PM PST - 15 comments

San Francisco restaurant recommendations for a walk-in party of 4 at peak dinner hours on Saturday night -- in a neighborhood with easy parking? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 2:06 PM PST - 11 comments

I have a ~14 year-old Melitta Mill & Brew (yes, the cult-adored MEMB1B) that I (for reasons you'll see inside) really want to get working again. Just two snags: (1) the carafe lid won't stay attached, and (2) the latch for the grinding basket has snapped. If you know about this particular machine, you know these are the two most common failures they experience. I need help with a permanent (or semi-permanent) solution to both issues. [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 1:39 PM PST - 7 comments

So my new apartment is managed by a corporate management office, overseeing several buildings. They use email to communicate with tenants, which is mostly useful - but a couple times they've used it to send out messages urging us to vote a certain way on housing bills. Is this...bad? How should we react? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:45 PM PST - 28 comments

I feel like I'm on an edge of falling into limerence, again. Being older and maybe wiser, along with reading about the mechanics of limerence, is so far is helping me be in a place of mindfulness about it, rather than losing my mind. I'd love a soundtrack of songs to listen to that capture what limerence is like, especially how it's utterly consuming despite simultaneously knowing you're in a state and the desired connection is unfulfillable. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:06 PM PST - 29 comments

67 next week. Barely passed DL vision test 5 years ago. It'd be nice to toss reading glasses but the big deal is not being tied to a pair of glasses for anything/everything else. No one close to me has done this, sibs have all strapped glasses onto their heads. So I do not know what can be done, done by whom, what does it cost, who in Austin to use. Where/what to read about this? What's my next step?
posted by dancestoblue at 11:10 AM PST - 15 comments

Extremely long shot game ID: sometime between 2004 and 2008 I had a game on my Windows laptop and I'm trying to remember more about it or, even better, find it. It was a theme park builder sim. IT'S NOT ROLLERCOASTER TYCOON. ok. Very limited other recollections under the fold. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 10:41 AM PST - 10 comments

I am trying to track down three specific collections of children's short stories. Below the fold are the details I remember. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 9:45 AM PST - 4 comments

Have you made your hand stronger? If so, how? I am in my 60s, not my 80s, and yet I was just barely able to open the snack-size potato chip bag I bought 5 minutes ago on a train. Grrrrrr. I am not asking about my core, or cardio, or legs, just about how I can become strong enough to open a fucking bag of chips and take the top off a soda bottle. Thank you!
posted by Bella Donna at 8:58 AM PST - 35 comments

What software would you recommend for tracking inventory and cashflow that works cross platform on iOS and Fire tablets? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:10 AM PST - 4 comments

Please recommend any products you have found helpful when caring for a person at the end of life. [more inside]
posted by hiker U. at 7:01 AM PST - 14 comments

YANMD. I just want to know if I should be freaking myself out, or nah. [more inside]
posted by MiraK at 6:34 AM PST - 9 comments

I often feel patronized by others. I think some of it is people intentionally being patronizing, some of it is because I must put out signals saying "patronize me", and some of it is probably me being extra-sensitive to it and probably reading into things too much. Looking for strategies to help me overcome this, and ways of reframing how I think. I am a gay male who is not entirely gender conforming and a lot of the advice out there is aimed at women or at straight alpha males, which I sometimes find difficult to navigate. [more inside]
posted by iamsuper at 2:18 AM PST - 17 comments

Who is recognized as having the best deepfake audio software, or performing the most sophisticated research in this area? [more inside]
posted by 4midori at 8:27 PM PST - 3 comments

I am a writer. I have found that I am most productive in the late afternoon/early evening, which happens to coincide with the time I would like to spend with my family. Have you found any tricks for shifting your creativity time? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by you'rerightyou'rerightiknowyou'reright at 7:53 PM PST - 9 comments

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the theatrical release of The Fellowship of the Ring, and I am putting together a custom Lord of the Rings themed Quiplash game to play with friends. Looking for ideas for Quiplash prompts for this purpose. [more inside]
posted by panther of the pyrenees at 7:41 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm 39 years old, and I have a difficult relationship with my mother. In short, I love her, but I feel like I have no voice, and can't be my own person when I'm with her. She has good intentions, but criticized me a ton when growing up, easily gets upset (so you have to walk on eggshells around her) and is heavily dependent on others for everything since she lived with my Grandma her whole life, like a child who never left home. I'm not allowed to have feelings around her aside from being happy all the time. No crying, being angry, etc. Not allowed. [more inside]
posted by starpoint at 7:19 PM PST - 36 comments

What's the safest way to repair a broken laptop hinge? Disassemble+ swap the shell, or rebuild the busted hinge housing with epoxy? Help me not destroy my machine, metafilter [more inside]
posted by moonlight on vermont at 7:09 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm a current US citizen who is (as far as I understand) eligible for dual German citizenship. If you or someone you know is has both, I'm wondering if there are any implications I haven't thought of. [more inside]
posted by beyond_pink at 5:54 PM PST - 9 comments

I just whipped up a batch of this pizza dough, and for reasons, will only be using half of it this evening (yield is 2 crusts). How can I save the rest of it for another day? [more inside]
posted by wats at 5:37 PM PST - 14 comments

More than 85 earthquakes have occurred along the Blanco Fault, off the coast of Oregon, since Tuesday. Before this swarm, there had been relatively little activity. Experts say these earthquakes, which are part of a slip fault, are in no way connected to the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault, which is much closer and shallower. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 5:12 PM PST - 2 comments

We have a mouse problem. Specifically, ONE mouse is haunting our apartment. Help! [more inside]
posted by sucre at 3:57 PM PST - 21 comments

I received a FedEx overnight package, signature required - in it are a pair of AirPods Pro that I didn’t order. I spent a good hour on the phone with Apple Support and they appear to be legit. I’m pretty sure they thought I was being paranoid about a Christmas present, but I don’t know anyone other than my spouse who’d give me something that expensive, and it wasn’t him. [more inside]
posted by Kriesa at 3:54 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a connective tissue disorder that causes joint hypermobility. Essentially, my joints can dislocate or at least partially dislocate relatively easily. I’m a lot stronger now with physiotherapy but I need to be very careful. What doesn’t work: contact sport, racket sports, golf, and so on. What I love: cricket, horse riding, golf (I did all this as a child but it’s impossible now). Any suggestions?
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 2:07 PM PST - 25 comments

Literally. I dreamt of this coat and now I must have it. Details: green wool coat. not supper fitted, no belt, hits about the knee. More androgynous than feminine. Picture this coat, in this color. This coat is pretty much it, but my price range is a couple hundred dollars cheaper. This one is also close, but a little too baggy and a little too fuzzy. If I must comprimise on color, I'd like the my green to skew chartreuse rather than hunter/forest green. Any leads?
posted by Grandysaur at 1:52 PM PST - 14 comments

A car will be delivered to me tomorrow. The person doing the delivery will be driving in the car for about 4 hours. What should I do before I drive the car to protect from COVID exposure? [more inside]
posted by microscopiclifeform at 12:46 PM PST - 4 comments

What's a hobby you picked up as an adult?
posted by NorthCoastRiver at 12:27 PM PST - 81 comments

My daughter is only 8 but has large feet for her age (size 6, the last stop before she's out of kids sizes) and will likely have to move to adult footwear within a few months. This initially seemed straightforward, but the vast majority of women's shoes are not child-friendly or don't match a child's taste, and I am having a ton of trouble bridging this transition for her. I need suggestions for where to shop for a young girl in women's sizes so we're prepared for next summer and winter. [more inside]
posted by anderjen at 11:46 AM PST - 23 comments

My five-year-old is due for a doctor visit next week. There is a recommended waiting period of two weeks between a flu shot and a Covid vaccine. So he will receive one if these (but not both) at the checkup. Which one should I ask for? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 11:42 AM PST - 16 comments

Hi I have Washington Post and The New York Times Subscriptions so I am aware of their podcasts. I have a few other liberal podcasts I listen to but need new ideas. My goal is to get a list of liberal podcasts and Radio shows to listen to. To get me through the Holidays. Sorry if I offend anyone here not my goal and I respect others choices as long as they don't call the president the administrator in chief, and Democrats - the - commie Socialist party. Sorry I learned those titles from my in laws - Cheers
posted by Upon Further Review at 11:28 AM PST - 24 comments

I would like to get my partner a pair of pull-on insulated boots like Bogs, but with built-in micro spikes. My googling has been fruitless. Does such a thing exist? I want the traction device built in to completely eliminate the issue (or possibility) of taking the the traction off and on. Just boots he can stick his feet into to walk the dog, that will always have this traction built in.
posted by HotToddy at 10:45 AM PST - 14 comments

I've lived in the Bible Belt of the US for my entire life and I'm ready to leave. What cities or areas of the country should I look at? [more inside]
posted by Is It Over Yet? at 10:15 AM PST - 23 comments

My parents consistently catch colds when they either eat ice cream/drink ice cold water or bathe with cold water. They insist the cold exposure is what causes colds. I tell them it's a virus, but they say the correlation is too perfect for the cold to not be a factor. What is the biology behind this? [more inside]
posted by redlines at 9:36 AM PST - 12 comments

We want this to be the child's responsibility (they're 6) as much as possible. I assume a goldfish in a bowl is not a great set up for the fish, but a big, expensive, high maintenance tank situation is probably more than we can take on. Is there any version of this that would make sense for us, our kid, and the fish? We're open to any type of fish (a betta maybe?)
posted by malhouse at 8:49 AM PST - 17 comments

I've just moved to gmail after many years with another service. I'm interested in add-ons and extensions. I'm especially interesting in being able to send someone an email, and getting reminded to bug them if they don't respond within X days. I gather boomerang can do that. Has anyone used it? Is it good? Is there another better tool? [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 8:41 AM PST - 1 comment

I've been taking online Spanish lessons with a tutor based in Mexico. I'd like to send a Christmas tip to them. Looking for info: [more inside]
posted by thecaddy at 7:50 AM PST - 7 comments

For smaller projects like masonry repair of outdoor stairs, building new wooden raised garden beds, and repairing sections of drywall: do tradespeople call you back? Both in the Before Times and now. I'm curious if this is just an STL thing or not. Note that I do not DIY. Thank you.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 5:59 AM PST - 36 comments

I am due for bloodwork on Monday, routine stuff. I have had my two vax shots and should get my booster now (prior two were Pfizer). I have MS, diabetes type II, a boatload of autoimmune diseases -- I had a heart attack and triple bypass surgery followed by DVTs in both legs and multiple pulmonary embolisms. [more inside]
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 10:20 PM PST - 15 comments

In a nutshell I am full of eventful prose and fiction story lines but can't come out of my busy tax examiner mind enough to put the first words on a page and get a book written. Are there websites that I can find other writers with whom to collaborate on our ideas and actually go the distance ? I don't mind if they charge a fee i just would like some help
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 9:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I recently learned that a neighbor of mine (older lady, smoker) has been unable to get any COVID vaccine because she has an allergy to surgical steel. Does she have any options? [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 8:37 PM PST - 26 comments

Per Mr. Honeybee413: I work at a large university, about a 75-minute commute away from home. I have two dogs who are wonderful but very needy and don't do well in a group setting. These factors together severely decrease the amount of focused time for research and project management. I'm at my wit's end and am looking for help gaining some of my time back, but I don't want to neglect the creatures I love or add to labor exploitation. Help! Snowflakes below. [more inside]
posted by honeybee413 at 8:13 PM PST - 20 comments

If only this was for a fanfic, but I'm just really curious. Imagine you had the corporate accounting knowledge and got tapped as a 'consultant'. Would modern Batman take the risk of making WayneCorp a publicly listed entity, and either way, what's the implications of his moral character? Considering the amount of public discourse we've been having these days, I guess I'm trying trying to have my cake and eat it with regards to a rich man superhero. I'm imagining a few scenarios below. [more inside]
posted by cendawanita at 7:28 PM PST - 17 comments

I've been wanting to visit Philadelphia since about forever and finally have 4 days/3 nights January 29-Feb 1, and editors interested in stories! (I'm a food and travel writer.) No car; I'm happy on public transportation but don't want to stand freezing at too many bus stops. I saw this recent Ask and am looking for further recommendations, particularly things located in the nice warm indoors. [more inside]
posted by cyndigo at 3:16 PM PST - 12 comments

My work requires me to do a lot of banking transactions throughout the day. My bank logs me out after a laughably short period of time and then forces me to go through a song and dance to log back in that takes several minutes, seriously slowing down my productivity. What can I do to extend the session? (I am fully aware that it's a security measure. For the purposes of this question, please assume that I am ok with the risk of staying logged in, and that I would only do this on a secured network with no possibility of anyone else accessing my account.) Thank you for your suggestions!
posted by cyberian at 2:52 PM PST - 13 comments

I originally posted about all of our issues here. This shouldn’t be that big of a deal but it’s stressing me out, because I feel like if I do it “the wrong way” she will be very offended. [more inside]
posted by anon1129 at 1:55 PM PST - 17 comments

Hong Kong is obviously one of the world's major cities, so this question may be completely pointless. But I've never visited there, so I'm wondering if there are any cuisines someone from the U.S. might not typically be able to enjoy there but could here? Asking b/c I have a friend who's lived in HK for 10 years visiting soon (and I'd like to surprise him, so I don't want to ask him). If the answer is "None, they've got everything you can imagine in Hong Kong," then that's the answer! Thanks so much.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 11:55 AM PST - 13 comments

I want to learn how to eat so that I don't get hungry so quickly, and don't spike my blood sugar. (I'm not interested in losing weight). Most articles say that the more processed a food is, the higher its glycemic load. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 10:03 AM PST - 12 comments

Mrs. TheCoug was forced to get a new phone after her old one died. Now when composing an email, the Mail app no longer autocompletes addresses from before the update. Is there a way to import the autofill cache from an old backup? Or force it to build a new one? iOS 15.1 GMail via iOS Mail
posted by TheCoug at 9:10 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm searching for a cotton blanket (to reduce static electricity) that's warm/cozy, but not hot. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 8:59 AM PST - 15 comments

A couple of times a year my cat Zzyzx will lick a particular spot on her hind leg right above the knee (I guess it's actually her ankle, cat anatomy is weird) until all the hair is gone. How do we protect the area? And how can we prevent this behavior? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 8:23 AM PST - 10 comments

I’m working on an article about music in Harold & Maude. What are some other films of the era that feature single-artist soundtracks? I can think of The Graduate, McCabe & Mrs Miller, and Skidoo... are there others? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 8:21 AM PST - 28 comments

I’m buying a house and have a close date of Jan 15. I’d like to do some renovations before I move in (bathroom remodel and interior painting are the most disruptive to moving in). I’m wondering what I can do now to speed up the process so that I can move in as soon as possible. Thoughts/suggestions? [more inside]
posted by sirion at 8:18 AM PST - 20 comments

Help me decide between a range extender and a mesh network. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 8:06 AM PST - 19 comments

Looking for loose-leaf tea in Chinese styles, but for less money than "gourmet" tea shops like Adagio. [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 8:05 AM PST - 15 comments

My older parents got a new TV and it is great, but the remote is not working like their old one used to and they are back up to 4 remotes. They have an LG TV, Dish Network satellite box, Samsung dvd player, and some kind of sound receiver thing. Ideally, there'd be One Remote to deal with all four items. Better than what they have now would be one remote to power on the tv, do volume, and select channels. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:50 AM PST - 10 comments

My 14 year old wants to build muscle. He plays rugby, and wants to be stronger by training season. [more inside]
posted by Ftsqg at 6:42 AM PST - 21 comments

Me, female, stay at home parent with loads of health problems and few spoons. Spouse, male, works from home. One child, age 3. Take it on faith that we all love each other, we work hard, everyone is very tired. Sometimes when things need to get done around here, things get tense. [more inside]
posted by champers at 6:18 AM PST - 75 comments

Went for a dental checkup recently and asked the dentist about options for some missing molars. The dentist suggested I could get orthodontics to shift my teeth back into the correct position and then perhaps get implants to replace the missing molars. My question is, is this process something that orthodontists actually do/are familiar with? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by iamsuper at 5:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Vegetarian MeFites! Please hope me appetizer! [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 5:48 AM PST - 24 comments

What's a product that you swear by and you would totally recommend to anyone? How has it changed your life/day/way of doing things? [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 2:59 AM PST - 45 comments

This will be my third dose. All Moderna. After the 1st shot, I felt no symptoms at all, except a sore shoulder. After the 2nd shot, I woke the next day feeling like I got hit by a truck. I felt awful for 24 hours, but by 48 hours later, I was feeling 100% A-OK. What should I expect after I get a Moderna booster? I'm asking because I'm debating when to schedule it.
posted by 2oh1 at 1:31 AM PST - 45 comments

Trying to get a feel for the current prospects and future promise of blockchain technology. What companies are doing well with a blockchain-based product line/service? What are those products/services? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 9:18 PM PST - 16 comments

I keep almost doing one of those things where you pay a native speaker to teach or do conversation with you (my grammar's ok so I mostly just want conversation) but never quite pulling the trigger. I looked again recently and there are LOTS of them. Is there a good way to choose from among them? (And, incidentally, is it reasonable to expect conversation rather than grammar lessons? It seems actually harder for the provider to come up with things to talk about than to go through grammar lessons.)
posted by less-of-course at 5:34 PM PST - 7 comments

Recently I've seen a few articles about CA's proposed new math framework, and how some school districts are doing away with D/F grades. I don't feel like I have a good grasp about why and what exactly reformers are proposing. [more inside]
posted by toastyk at 5:21 PM PST - 8 comments

I hate putting air in the tires of my car. I am not good at it, I frequently have trouble managing to get the air in all the tires before the air machine comes off, I am always out of quarters, the ground is cold and uncomfortable, and I can never find an air machine when I need one. Is there someone or somewhere I can pay to adjust the air in my tires so I never have to actually fix it myself except in direst extremity? [more inside]
posted by sciatrix at 4:38 PM PST - 47 comments

My dad has suffered major health problems forcing him into early retirement and pushing my mom into an abrupt caretaker role. He was a high earner and his income supported my mom's "vanity" business which will now need to close in the near future. My mom is NOT taking this well and rapidly descending into serious depression, anxiety and alcoholism. [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 3:46 PM PST - 9 comments

We're looking for an in-drawer multi-tier (example) knife block that will store knives with ~6" blades (such as the Wustof Classic Utility 6") in the upper tier. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 2:45 PM PST - 4 comments

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to the holidays apart to "think things over about our relationship". I thought we were on the same page about our long-term goals and plans but he has been having some second thoughts. I leave tomorrow and won't be back until after the new year - how do I stay sane and not lose my mind with worry and relationship angst over the holidays? [more inside]
posted by sock here, sock there at 2:26 PM PST - 37 comments

I would like people to be able to search the contents of pdfs in an online folder. It is proving to be surprisingly difficult to find a way to do this. [more inside]
posted by not_the_water at 1:28 PM PST - 5 comments

I know the Photos app is supposed to detect duplicates and not re-import them, but for some reason that is not working for many of my photos/videos so now my Photos library on my Mac is getting tons of duplicates. Is there an easy way to detect dupes and delete one copy?
posted by malhouse at 1:13 PM PST - 4 comments

I want to better understand the display of the Aclara I-210+c Power meter. Here is a sequence of displayed information. [more inside]
posted by nostrada at 1:06 PM PST - 3 comments

Noted sufferer of ADHD Steven B. Johnson has been regailing me for years with tips about integrating technology with the writing process, often using different applications to create semantic connections between his notes. Now he has a $60 webinar that I desperately want to purchase but can't afford and that won't help at all. Please talk me down. [more inside]
posted by craniac at 12:43 PM PST - 20 comments

Where can I find an attorney with relevant experience to review a software development job contract? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:12 PM PST - 1 comment

I am a young female in a straight relationship with a man of many years, and I have only been with one woman before my current male partner, and my attraction for women is growing more and more for some reason. I am not sure if I should let the cravings ride out, or actually do something about it and my straight relationship? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:12 PM PST - 22 comments

We invented a holiday with our friends in 2017, and celebrate this holiday every year by sending each other a silly/delicious gift. We need help with ideas this year. Strict stipulations inside. [more inside]
posted by millipede at 11:51 AM PST - 3 comments

I normally print out my SS statement late each year. This year, I noticed my 2020 earnings had not been updated. I waited a few weeks and tried again. Same thing. [more inside]
posted by jtexman1 at 11:03 AM PST - 1 comment

Which laptop has the best combination of computing power, audio quality and large screen size for live music production? [more inside]
posted by gnossos at 10:42 AM PST - 11 comments

Hi. I had a hardcover children's book that I loved and am trying to find again - I don't remember too many details but it featured a beautiful dress for a little girl that came tissue wrapped in a box, and somehow ended up flying off with the wind. It was eventually found stuck on a clothing line and was delivered (in the nick of time) to its intended recipient. I think the setting was winter/cold. I had it in the mid-90's. Any ideas as to what it was called?
posted by and her eyes were wild. at 10:40 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking to hear your experiences of changing travel plans as a result of testing positive for Covid. What did you do? How did you know when to rebook your flight for? This hasn't happened to me (yet), but I'm curious as to how to manage such a situation should it arise. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 10:36 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm a huge Steely Dan fan and wish to make an art print shirt based on this really weathered (but very cool) Japanese cassette of the classic Steely Dan album Aja. [more inside]
posted by Senor Cardgage at 9:48 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm slowly making my way through the "Get Back" documentary series. In the first episode, there's a scene where Paul McCartney is strumming his bass as if it were a regular guitar. I'm curious about this technique. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 9:31 AM PST - 20 comments

Both my partner and I want a mutual and friendly divorce and don't know where to start or what the process is. [more inside]
posted by red47Apple at 9:06 AM PST - 16 comments

I've decided to accept that I just love books and will have a lot of them. Nonetheless, I've gotten rid of about twenty boxes of books and would like to get rid of more. Help me with your nuanced thoughts and suggestions for letting go. Snowflakes within - if you don't have time to read them, maybe skip this one. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 6:41 AM PST - 41 comments

What OS should I put on this old laptop? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer at 6:05 AM PST - 8 comments

I recently missed out (by a few hours, arggg) on an online auction for a local cause I care about that had some really great items (especially things that were more in the "services" arena, eg virtual music lessons or piano lessons, editing help, massages, stuff like that.) Do any of YOU all know of any great online auctions for your favorite causes coming up? i'd love to hear about them! Location not so important, I'm thinking, as I wouldn't bid on anything that had to be sent or picked up far from me. Thanks : )
posted by elgee at 9:18 PM PST - 3 comments

I would like to hire a person to help me figure out health insurance for myself, figure out medicare stuff for elderly relatives and deal with signing up, and also deal with paperwork on claims/payments/preauth/etc. [more inside]
posted by yohko at 8:41 PM PST - 12 comments

According to my Kindle, I’m about 25% through The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty. There’s a particular subplot that is disturbing to me and I’d like to know if it will be resolved positively. If it’s not, I’d rather quit now. [more inside]
posted by erloteiel at 7:46 PM PST - 1 comment

About four years ago, I remember a short time where there was a lot of hype around this beast that some considered a legitimate threat to Tesla's Semi aspirations. It was supposed to go into production in 2019, according to press releases. Yet searching for it reveals no articles newer than 2017. What happened?
posted by Seeking Direction at 6:07 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm curious where I can find resources explaining the costs that go into running clinical medical research studies. [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 5:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Is there a speech recognition engine with an API where I can read how confident it is in its interpretations, adjust the confidence threshold below which it refuses to interpret speech, and maybe be able to access multiple interpretations of ambiguous input? Ideally running locally rather than as a cloud service, and with free or low cost noncommercial use.
posted by moonmilk at 5:14 PM PST - 3 comments

Say you have an updated firewall, how would having older obsolete versions of operating systems behind the firewall post a security risk? [more inside]
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 3:12 PM PST - 9 comments

I need help in understanding how (if possible) to get Excel to update an existing table to have the same number of rows as another table. [more inside]
posted by komara at 1:46 PM PST - 10 comments

We live in a crowded Brooklyn neighborhood, right next to a large apartment building. We bought our house several months ago, and since we've moved in we have people on the sidewalk right below our bedroom window playing music, drinking, and smoking weed until late at night, including opening our front gate to sit on our stoop. Not in front of any other house on the block - just our house. [more inside]
posted by 1adam12 at 1:36 PM PST - 85 comments

Considering purchasing a Storyworth—or perhaps a similar but different service—subscription for my family, and asking them to contribute to it over the next year in lieu of traditional presents (to me). I have some questions, though… [more inside]
posted by Kadin2048 at 1:04 PM PST - 9 comments

Can you recommend any companies or websites to teach or tutor online? I have a Bachelors and Master's in social science. There seem to be a near infinite number of companies, and I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for lots of work available, flexible schedules, decent pay, etc.
posted by davidstandaford at 12:39 PM PST - 4 comments

I just bought a new Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop kit. The mouse and most of the keyboard works just fine, but the backspace key doesn't work. What gives? [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 12:09 PM PST - 11 comments

I have an old cell phone. The (replacement) glass is in one piece with no cracks or visible damage, but it is non-reactive in a few spots, which wouldn't be problem, except that one of those spots is directly over "call answer" button. Oh, and I mainly use my phone as a phone. [more inside]
posted by sardonyx at 11:38 AM PST - 9 comments

Am I playing with fire by buying my wife a gift certificate to go to a high-end salon she's never been to, and not probably heard of? [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 11:22 AM PST - 28 comments

My beloved senior kitty is dealing with kidney failure on top of a host of other issues. It's probably time, but I need advice. [more inside]
posted by jzb at 10:44 AM PST - 31 comments

Before Google, there was Yahoo Search. Before Amazon, there were online bookstores. First- mover advantage seldom persists. Is there an example in tech where the first mover ended up with long-term market success?
posted by storybored at 10:33 AM PST - 28 comments

I work in an academic unit with a staff of undergrads (with a handful of exceptions). We have an on-campus Christmas party coming up. What would go over well with this group? [more inside]
posted by Definitely Not A Robot at 10:02 AM PST - 8 comments

(American) English has versions of a joke/prank that goes something like: P1: "Sounds like updog" P2: "Whats updog?" P1: "Not much dog, what's up with you?" Surely this is not unique to USAmericans -- what are equivalents in other languages (e.g., a joke you play on someone by getting them to say a homonym?) [more inside]
posted by dismas at 9:20 AM PST - 16 comments

I'll try not to add too many snowflakes even though it's December!! ;) I'm in need a playlist. It's for my wedding this weekend (yes, I know...nothing like last minute, right?) so thank you for any suggestions! I've looked at previous "dinner playlist" questions and I was able to cull some ideas. [more inside]
posted by foxhat10 at 9:18 AM PST - 3 comments

I got a house to live in, in this overpriced market, but the furnace had been operated for a long time without a filter, and they had pets for many years. I was able to hire a company to clean the bulk of the hair etc. out, but the pros are all stumped on how to deal with the last bit of stuff. I have to figure out how to DIY. [more inside]
posted by Nish ton at 8:21 AM PST - 21 comments

I'm a middle-aged guy living in Scotland who suffers long-term with low mood, part of which I feel is due to being long-term single (since 2013). Reading articles it seems there are lots of men also not doing great, for example men whose wives were stuck with the emotional labour of arranging socialising, and now they are divorced and not coping well. Yet there's a subset of single people who are thriving. Are there particular things I need to build into my lifestyle to feel better or is it more a change of mindset that's required. [more inside]
posted by AuroraSky at 7:57 AM PST - 16 comments

I am someone's SSI payee and the payee recommendations suggest creating a bank account for the recipient but I have no idea what bank or type of account to use or how to set this up. Any guidance would be appreciated (specific suggestions would be great but I'm also happy to receive links to articles or fora where this is discussed). [more inside]
posted by an octopus IRL at 7:23 AM PST - 5 comments

So if I can make diffuser with a vessel and some bamboo sticks, could I do the same thing with just water and a jar and some bamboo sticks and provide any noticeable humidity to a houseplant next to which it is placed? Or would the evaporation be too small to make a difference? I know about pebble trays, I just don't have any pebbles and do have a pack of bamboo skewers.
posted by wellifyouinsist at 7:12 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm at my wit's end looking for well-made full-length pants for petite women. The scourge of ankle pants must be stopped. [more inside]
posted by Fuego at 7:10 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm interested in cases where bending (or breaking) a genre convention is seen as an unforgivable sin (or at least false advertising) by the intended audience. A certain segment of people who identify as sci-fi readers get very loudly upset if they're "tricked" into reading a sci-fi novel that they feel isn't science-y enough (or just too touchy-feely...). What upsets the readers of other genres? [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 5:43 AM PST - 42 comments

Have you tried to get a walk-in booster vaccine in the UK, even without a letter of invitation? Let me know how it went, or if this is not worth trying at all. [more inside]
posted by guessthis at 4:25 AM PST - 14 comments

So I am living in an old rented place, the kitchen faucet is chrome and is short, so if I use it as is without an extender, water splashes everywhere. I went ahead and got an extension that was advertised as stainless steel, which is good. Well, the part that attaches to the braided hose extender broke somehow with use and the inner working got exposed. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 3:05 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking for a Very Large Duffel Bag! 60-70 liter carrying capacity. Would replace using the big Ikea bag. Do you have a recommendation? Preferences below... :) [more inside]
posted by J0 at 9:29 PM PST - 14 comments

I am looking for a more unbiased short-form news service. This particular report on the NBC Nightly News on 12/5/2021 seemed blatantly funded by the fossil fuel lobby. [more inside]
posted by metatuesday at 9:21 PM PST - 6 comments

Checked our bank account and someone had “cashed” a check for $30,000 on it. On our account was a picture of the check - right account numbers but not one of our checks. Wrong signature. The memo line said “home purchase.” We had enough money in the account to cover it because we are in the process of buying a house. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:13 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm angry in general that health insurance is tied to employment and especially frustrated right now. I lost my contract job and therefore my health insurance on November 20th. I have several doctor appointments and major med expenses in December and I feel trapped. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:12 PM PST - 11 comments

My mom bought a house. I was not present when she viewed the house; it is 3 hours from me. I have been there now that she owns it, and it smells strongly of urine - especially the master bedroom. The carpet has been removed and her plan is to install the very thin pergo-type flooring left behind by the sellers. It's about 1/8" thick. Unfortunately the subfloor is made of particle board, which of course, is stained with cat or dog pee (or both). [more inside]
posted by happy_cat at 8:27 PM PST - 17 comments

Can anyone recommend a book with translations of everyday clay tablets or other ancient sources? The ideal would be a picture of the tablet on one page, and then on the facing page the translation and a bit of historical context. [more inside]
posted by BeeDo at 7:34 PM PST - 2 comments

Where can I buy stainable primer for use on my kitchen countertops? [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 4:09 PM PST - 1 comment

This year I plan to put up icicle style christmas lights. Last time I got cheap strings of lights that didn't last more than a couple winters. Can anyone suggest a brand / model / product that will last ? We live in an area that gets lots of rain and some snow so waterproof is best.
posted by metadave at 3:51 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there a setting I have wrong or is it impossible for my bluetooth headphones to connect to Teams and to stream white noise simultaneously, if they are perfectly capable of it when plugged in? [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 2:38 PM PST - 3 comments

We just moved into a 1 bedroom adobe house in New Mexico, which in this (unseasonably warm) November seems to be full of dead flies! I'm cleaning up 50+ dead/dying flies on the floor/window sills every day. I hardly ever see a thriving/flying one, which has me spooked. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 1:31 PM PST - 12 comments

A young male teen in our home has experienced nausea for 6+ consecutive days. We have scheduled a Dr’s appointment for next week (earliest we could get an in person appointment). The duration of this illness seems long to us and unusual for them, and we are working to create a list of possible questions to ask at the Dr. appointment. I am not seeking medical advice. However, can you help to brainstorm questions to ask? [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 1:10 PM PST - 18 comments

Obviously, there is Mefi, but I am curious what other gems you use to connect to people online, or have connected to people in the past? [more inside]
posted by aeroboros at 12:08 PM PST - 8 comments

I've tried twice now to send a package from USA to Nazaré. The package measures 2.5" x 6" x 9". The first time was through stamps.com. Apparently it sat in Lisboa for a while and then was sent back. The second time was through the USPS. It was returned with "Não reclamado" from the Portugal CTT. The recipient never received any notice about it. What do I need to do?
posted by falsedmitri at 11:24 AM PST - 4 comments

Can you help me determine if my tardiness is passive-aggressive behavior? [more inside]
posted by loveandhappiness at 10:55 AM PST - 30 comments

Sports fans: What is the best value in subscription TV sports packages? My partner would be mainly interested in watching football (esp college), basketball, and lacrosse (is that a thing you can watch on TV?). I can get anything that can be had via a Firestick. This is for a Christmas gift. Thanks!
posted by HotToddy at 10:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Can you recommend a lovely hotel in the Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo areas to have a working vacation for a few days? Looking for a place with great walkability (proximity to the beach or local hikes, or to downtown), and nice outdoors space in the hotel (or room itself) where I can work on my laptop for a few hours each day, possibly with food/drink service. Aiming to spend no more than $300/night. [more inside]
posted by acidic at 10:08 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for Christmas ghost stories to be read aloud by the guests at a Christmas party. I've done some searching and there a ton of Christmas ghost stories out there, so any suggestions on good ones that are relatively short to be read like this are much appreciated.
posted by star gentle uterus at 9:40 AM PST - 8 comments

A couple of people in my life are waiting for Christmas lists from me. As usual, my mind has gone utterly blank. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 8:23 AM PST - 22 comments

Please help me find gentle, hopeful stories of people surviving long-term and remote isolation through ingenuity, resourcefulness, serendipity, and strength of character. [more inside]
posted by mochapickle at 8:10 AM PST - 15 comments

I have discussed immigrating to Canada with my teenagers recently, as I've become more and more disturbed by gun violence here in the USA. What else do I need to consider? [more inside]
posted by GliblyKronor at 8:02 AM PST - 13 comments

A strange-looking bird showed up at my feeder this morning in Connecticut, and I'm wondering what it is. I have an hypothesis what it might be, but it doesn't quite fit with the pictures I've found online, and I wanted to see if other folks agreed or had other ideas. Here's a link to some photos & video, though the lighting is poor because it refused to move onto the sunlit side of the feeders. [more inside]
posted by Johnny Assay at 7:58 AM PST - 6 comments

How do I find assisted/independent senior living options for a liberal, religious, vegetarian, educated, still mentally sharp but physically limited 84-year old woman that doesn't crush her beautiful old-hippie soul with classic rock, terrible food, and anti-intellectual culture? [more inside]
posted by spitbull at 6:07 AM PST - 16 comments

A beloved relative recently asked if I would act as their primary medical power of attorney, and as a split financial power of attorney. What sort of information should I know about them? [more inside]
posted by honeybee413 at 5:50 AM PST - 6 comments

I would like to help two professionals not have their entire Internet persona be linked to a tragedy. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:30 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a (hopefully) mild case of acid reflux that I'm more or less managing, but want to find a cure. Doctors offered PPIs. I'm skeptical, and would also like some longer term perspective. Help me manage the doctor / patient relationship, decide if I take PPIs, and get better. Details and more specific questions below. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:29 AM PST - 23 comments

I can export gmail search results to a .mbox file and convert that file to text. Most of the email messages are threads with multiple "replies", which are then repeated in the text document. So, what should be about 350 pages, is instead 1940 pages - and I REALLY don't want to delete all the extras one at a time. Can this be done or is there a workaround?
posted by she's not there at 10:15 PM PST - 5 comments

My spouse and I plan to spend a day or two in Chicago, hopefully in the fall of 2022. Please help us make the most of it. We will arrive and leave by Amtrak. We will be there only a short time because we have other stops to make. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:20 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for an O.T. preferably in Brooklyn or possibly Manhattan who could help an adult improve their handwriting.
posted by DMelanogaster at 6:17 PM PST - 4 comments

What quieter NYC restaurants have survived covid? [more inside]
posted by brujita at 4:15 PM PST - 7 comments

How often to California income tax brackets change, and when should I expect 2022 brackets to be announced? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin at 3:21 PM PST - 4 comments

I recently watched a video about street food in Tokyo, and I'm particularly intrigued by the cheese omelet sandwich from Steam Bread (starting at 1:18 in the video). How can I make a gooey soft omelet like that at home?
posted by moonmilk at 1:56 PM PST - 14 comments

How can I add more lights to an existing circuit in my garage? [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 1:30 PM PST - 6 comments

I’m curious about people’s favorite examples of songs where the lyrics mainly consist of just listing off a sequence of objects. I feel like there are a lot of songs that use this lyrical trope but I’m having trouble coming up with generally known examples. [more inside]
posted by demonic winged headgear at 1:29 PM PST - 86 comments

We need to share passwords with people collaborating on a project. We don't want to make everyone create another account with another service. Is there a password manager or related tool that offers a passwordless authentication option? [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 12:56 PM PST - 10 comments

What's something fun and social that my work team can do together online, remotely (like over Zoom)? We're a team of 11 web engineers and designers. We've worked hard all year and we'd like to do something together just for fun, interactively (i.e., not just "let's watch a movie"). We're all on USA Eastern Time. It can't require alcohol. Previously we've played Among Us together, and that went well.
posted by cadge at 11:59 AM PST - 18 comments

My wife and I learned this week the 13-week old baby she's pregnant with has stopped growing. The baby's heart just stopped. We have no idea why, and we're devastated. Next week, she has to go in for surgery for a D&C as the doctor says there's too much risk from waiting for the body to have a natural miscarriage. I'd really like to come up with ways to help her in her physical and emotional recovery. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:25 AM PST - 14 comments

I acquired a fast fashion dress in plain grey jersey, but with shiny metal circles glued all along the neckline and hem. I dived into Google and removed the circles with an acetone soak as recommended for rhinestones on dance costumes. But traces of the glue are stubbornly remaining despite repeated applications of acetone, stain remover and heat. It's not tacky, sort of dry but not flaking off. How can I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:16 AM PST - 6 comments

I need to send a really nice thank you gift. I want to send a gift basket with food and wine, but Harry and David doesn't seem like high enough quality. Giftee is in Seattle. Bonus points if gift has either Minnesota or Vermont connections. What can you think of that is truly delicious and delightful?
posted by shadygrove at 8:52 AM PST - 28 comments

A recruiter from a local office of a global tech consulting firm (not one of the big ones) recently contacted me to have an informational interview (i.e., not focused on a specific role). The conversation went well and he wants me to talk with one of their managers/directors, again informationally. It sounds potentially interesting, but I've never done consulting before and I don't know what questions to ask along the way. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean at 7:21 AM PST - 3 comments

New laptop (Razer Blade 14) mostly seems to work fine, but web browsers (Edge, Chrome, and Firefox) are all exhibiting the same problem. Very often (usually on first loading, or when scrolling for a couple of seconds) the currently displayed tab will crash and be replaced with an out of memory error. [more inside]
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 10:00 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I print Avery labels from Google Docs for free, he asks, with just a few weeks to go until Christmas? Is the Avery "Design & Print with Google" web app the only way? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:17 PM PST - 10 comments

My father is not a bad person per se, but he's really quite annoying. I hadn't seen him for over 2 years as we live in different countries. I'm currently visiting him and have another 10 days left. Help me not murder him during this time, please. [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 6:37 PM PST - 37 comments

My favourite books are: Blindsight by Peter Watts The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch, The Last Policeman by Ben H Winters, Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Anything new out there like these? Amazon and Good Reads have failed me.
posted by Dag Maggot at 5:22 PM PST - 28 comments

I'm interested in learning about people who are highly respected and known by colleagues in their field, but may or may not be appreciated by a wider audience. For example, people who are considered to be a "musician's musician", a "director's director", a "chef's chef", etc. If you can provide reasons why they have this reputation, even better! [more inside]
posted by Yiggs at 3:54 PM PST - 22 comments

I'm asking on behalf of a friend. She is moving into a new condo. Before moving in she had new wood flooring installed throughout as well as having all the walls painted. She did not re-surface or do anything to the ceilings, which are those textured plaster ones. [more inside]
posted by primate moon at 3:50 PM PST - 11 comments

I have tried, for the past several years, to find work at, let us say, a circus. It is the type of job that doesn't pay well, but lots of people want to do it. Over these years, I have volunteered at the circus and worked temp positions. I am currently being offered and sort-of-offered two very short temp positions under circumstances that mean that no matter what I do, I am going to let people down, people will be angry, and basically no good is going to come to me. More stupid details inside. [more inside]
posted by LadyOscar at 3:26 PM PST - 19 comments

I was all ready to make a batch of lavender kumquat shrub for a gift when I noticed that my kumquat tree doesn't currently have any ripe fruit. Do you have any good ideas for a shrub with a southwestern US/NW Mexico-inspired flavor?
posted by queensissy at 3:01 PM PST - 6 comments

My grandson is 4 and has been diagnosed as ASD1. We live 8 hours away. We have sent 5,000.00 this year, and it's all we can afford. What else can we do? [more inside]
posted by Enid Lareg at 2:05 PM PST - 19 comments

I have the opportunity for a consulting gig developing a new training curriculum, facilitation guide, and training of trainers on a sensitive topic on which I'm an expert. I've developed things like this, on this subject even, before, but as a W2 employee with staff, and I have VERY limited consulting experience. I am terrible at estimating - please help! [more inside]
posted by centrifugal at 12:57 PM PST - 8 comments

I get advertised a lot of household products (like soap tablets and detergent sheets) that purport to help you reduce household waste. Which, if any, are worthwhile? [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 10:30 AM PST - 43 comments

I know there are negative connotations to this but hear me out. [more inside]
posted by red47Apple at 10:27 AM PST - 58 comments

I've got an annual subscription to Office 365 for Mac. I have a complicated question about Styles. I cannot find any way to get any help from MS -- not a person, not a chat, nothing. Every number I call says 'support has moved online' and gives me a link to a site that is basically all sales and no support. Is there any way to get to a person? [more inside]
posted by Capri at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments

I’m making a video and would love for a few shots to have ASCII animation. Is there a plug-in for iMovie that would allow me to convert some of the shots to ASCII?
posted by pxe2000 at 9:49 AM PST - 3 comments

What would be the best way to help my MIL go sightseeing with us this Christmas? [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 9:27 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm considering spending a year or two living in Mexico, and would like any insight you can share on possible places to live. [more inside]
posted by nancynickerson at 8:40 AM PST - 14 comments

I have a 5-ish year old who has no problem playing with Legos on his own, including some pretty fiddly small bits, though he occasionally needs help prying pieces apart. Is he ready for K'Nex, or should I get him another building system? [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 7:57 AM PST - 9 comments

I live in a NYC apartment building. Anytime the building's workers work on someone's apartment they leave a grocery store-style shopping cart in the hallway. They use the cart to bring tools back and forth to their workroom in the basement. The cart bothers me because it's an eyesore. It might also be a fire hazard. I brought it up with the super and he dismissed my concern over the fire hazard (he says people can get around it) and said leaving the cart in hallways has been their longstanding practice (he says they can't bring the cart into people's apartments because there often isn't room to do so). Seems to me that they could bring the tools into the apartment and take the cart back to the basement while they're doing the work. I have two questions. 1) Where can I find info/documentation on whether or not leaving a shopping cart in an apartment hallway a fire hazard and against city/state regulations? 2) Regardless, how should I go about convincing my super to change his policy?
posted by timnyc at 6:48 AM PST - 27 comments

I am working on a few contracts that use my ability to consume large amounts of policy and research information and summarize key points applied to local community development questions. But - my output is bulleted lists, lots of parentheticals, direct quotations from key source materials, and somewhat unrefined ... something (see what I mean?). What's the next step for learning to turn that into a nice PDF with lots of words that sound good? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 6:40 AM PST - 5 comments

Is there a hard-science equivalent of the marketing/design concept of 'lock-in'? [more inside]
posted by signal at 6:39 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm doing my best to cut out sugar & complex carbohydrates. Also trying to minimize the amount of meat that I eat...it's not forbidden, but I'd prefer to be mostly plant-based. It's not exactly Whole 30, not exactly Paleo, not exactly Vegetarian...is there a name for this type of diet?
posted by richmondparker at 6:09 AM PST - 21 comments

I'd like to make a variety of homemade snacks, and mail them to friends for the holidays. Specifications within! [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 4:59 AM PST - 10 comments

Preferably without losing my mind. I am trying to learn Blender. It's awesome! There's an embarrassment of resources out there! Some of them are organized into helpful lists, some are playlists on youtube, some are forum posts, etc, etc. I'm struggling with how to organize these resources so that I can reliably and easily find them and access them as I'm ready for them. How do you manage this? Because right now I have approximately 17 million tabs open and my computer is unhappy.
posted by schadenfrau at 4:48 AM PST - 7 comments

I do not have a decor wise bone in my body. My only saving grace is im fond of re-use and repurpose decorating ideas such as turning a bar stool upside down and using it as a corner shelf or nailing my 3 panel Chinese room divider to my bedroom wall and making a head board. (Cont"d) [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 2:57 AM PST - 4 comments

Many years ago, I saw a quote from a comedian who had dramatically changed their style. Roughly paraphrased, it was something like, "I was popular for several years, but when people stopped laughing, I knew my contract with the audience had expired, and I had to negotiate a new one." Of course, "contract with the audience" is a frequently used metaphor, but I'm looking for a quote that used it specifically in the context of a comedian needing to reinvent themself to stay relevant. Can anybody help me track it down? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 2:53 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm updating a graphic design assignment for the course I'm teaching. I need a short quote (possibly lyrics from a song?) that my younger students might connect with. Challenge: this is an online course with students from all over the world and the way it's structured makes it difficult to ask the students themselves what they might like. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 12:55 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm in the process of organizing tens of thousands of digital family photos from the last 15 years. I'm a bit worried that there may be some "adult" photos of me and my wife mixed in there. I'd like to remove those from being backed up. I'm wondering if there's any kind of (preferably free) tool available that can scan a set of images and (perhaps using machine learning or something) help identify any that contain nudity?
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 12:25 AM PST - 7 comments

I need to replace a Nook HD with something newer, but basically the same size. I'm looking for other advice from other Nook users / former Nook users [more inside]
posted by TimHare at 9:52 PM PST - 8 comments

A friend is seeking advice for delivery apps like Uber eats or door dash or even cannabis delivery (friendly state). There is a lot of conflicting information online, anything from, "no one purchases commercial insurance." To, "occasional business usage," coverage, to, "you absolutely need it." Any insight? [more inside]
posted by firstdaffodils at 9:49 PM PST - 6 comments

How do catering companies manage staffing for sexually explicit events? [more inside]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 9:38 PM PST - 9 comments

Asking for a friend: The object in question. Possibly relevant information: Found in grandmother's jewelry box, believed to date from 50s-70s; grandmother was bowler and grandfather was a firefighter and in the American Legion. Any ideas?
posted by queseyo at 9:22 PM PST - 5 comments

I'll be moving from a private home shared with family into a small NYC apartment, and since the apartment is unfurnished I'd rather acquire some chosen pieces of new furniture than move around the existing furniture from the home. I could really use some opinions from current or recent apartment dwellers for things that I (a 6ft, 2inch person) can bring in. [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 7:14 PM PST - 15 comments

I have two kids each with their own Roblox account. I want to get them each a subscription but Roblox is refusing to take my money. The only thing I can think of is that they are both tied to my email address. Do I need to associate one of their accounts to a different email address?
posted by tafetta, darling! at 6:23 PM PST - 2 comments

A friend in the PNW is looking for auto insurance. Is it possible to speak with someone/an agent to go over various quotes or even tax information? Inexpensive is ideal. [more inside]
posted by firstdaffodils at 4:45 PM PST - 4 comments

I am trying to track down an account that I'm 99% sure was posted on the subreddit QAnonCasualties, about a woman whose family dragged to her to a cabin to try and "convert" her to QAnon. She posted the account while locked in a bathroom, I think at Starbucks, because it was the only place she could get WiFi... [more inside]
posted by Merricat Blackwood at 4:36 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for a cruet with a tiny output hole with a lid that doesn't become glued on. I have this cruet, which I love because it only emits a few droplets at a time, letting me sprinkle evenly and conservatively on a salad. Huge problem: the glass-on-glass precision ground lid interface often seizes like glue, so it's really impossible to refill. All the tiny hole cruets I can find also have that classy, ground glass, chemistry lab lid interface. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 4:34 PM PST - 12 comments

In late 2015, the house I was renting had a bedbug infestation. Exterminators sprayed a lot of poison around and the infestation went away. Several months later, I moved, and most of my belongings went into storage. Is it safe to consider using some of them now? [more inside]
posted by hanov3r at 2:56 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm tired of soap for men with obnoxious, gender reductionist marketing. I'm not interested in like Butch McWussystomper's Whiskey and Axel Grease Soap. I want to smell masculine, but in a sophisticated way. Less Tim McGraw changes the oil on his own F150 and more Mads Mikkelsen enjoys a walk through the forest in a crisp linen shirt. I'd like it to be natural, but in a way that doesn't cost $20 a bar, or dissolve within four washes. I want it to be a bar soap. What do I want to try?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 2:44 PM PST - 52 comments

We've been told that our brand new LG dryer won't work in our apartment because it won't work with a vent longer than 20'. The dryer has a sensor that detects inadequate flow, and shuts down. Is there some sort of fan I can put between the vent tube coming out of the dryer and the vent in the wall that will force enough air up the vent, so that the dryer isn't triggered to shut off? [more inside]
posted by musofire at 2:37 PM PST - 2 comments

I’m looking for evidence on what was recommended in the US regarding measures to take concerning Covid-19 in the past. Specifically I need to know what was recommended before March 15, 2020. [more inside]
posted by tractorfeed at 1:25 PM PST - 9 comments

I just saw a preview of the movie "Swansong" where someone with a terminal disease is perfectly cloned and if he never tells his family, the cloned "he" will live on while the original "he" dies. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 1:18 PM PST - 9 comments

Right after booking a COVID test 3 days before our Sunday flight to America, the White House changed the rules and now it seems like we need to be tested the day before. But that means Saturday. Is there a reliable clinic open on Saturday? [more inside]
posted by johngoren at 1:17 PM PST - 3 comments

I'd like to become more efficient and productive in both home and work life but am struggling with how to start this journey. Mental health aside, I think I'm a natural ponderer, I've always been a bit slow and tend to think too much about things. Not one for action at all! Please could you recommend any books or other resources that you've read that you think I might find useful?
posted by Sunflower88 at 12:01 PM PST - 12 comments

In this video clip, Dudley Moore is performing on the piano what Johnny Carson said is the theme song from a movie. What is the name of the movie or the title of the song?
posted by davcoo at 12:00 PM PST - 4 comments

My husband is not aware, but we're about to embark on a trial(?) separation as we work through some things. We Need Therapy. He really doesn't want to go. I've heard it's not good to go to couples counseling when there's an abusive situation. And this is definitely turning into one. I don't know how to pull back or how to leave open the possibility of reconciliation if/when I move out. Basically, is this even worth saving? Can I save it? Can I alone save it without him trying at all? I know you can't answer, but... can you answer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:44 AM PST - 76 comments

2 things have me stuck in a rut and I'd like someone to help with ideas and motivation. What sort of a professional should I be looking for? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments

I am taking a medicine but the pills available where i am are 30 mg. I take 20 mg. Without using a hefty scale, how to i effectively split these capsules with powder inside? [more inside]
posted by jander03 at 10:51 AM PST - 9 comments

For many years, the chorus I belong to produced CDs of our concerts. For the most part these are for member use only, because we did not obtain the rights to produce commercial recordings from our collaborating musicians (e.g. orchestra members). We stopped producing physical media a couple years ago (although we will burn on demand for technophobic members), but we have A LOT of CDs left - several hundred all in all, mostly in jewelbox cases. [more inside]
posted by mskyle at 8:07 AM PST - 8 comments

My father was a hoarder and I can't find the original Will. [more inside]
posted by ShaSha747 at 7:19 AM PST - 4 comments

I made hard-boiled eggs in my air fryer for the first time. When I peeled the eggs, the egg white is slightly brown. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 6:36 AM PST - 14 comments

I have this drill. Recently, getting a bit out of it has been a fight because the chuck gets stuck. Last time I needed a wrench to loosen the chuck to get the bit out. I can see it's gotten rusty inside. Is there a proper way to oil or otherwise lubricate part of the drill to stop this from happening? Or some other solution?
posted by gwint at 6:32 AM PST - 5 comments

I have been tasked with making cookies and/or squares for a holiday dinner. Mostly adults, no allergies, no mint (I don't like it). What are your favourite cookies and/or squares? Bonus points for some that can be mailed as I plan to mail a few and my "must eat freshly baked" is set. Also bonus if they can be frozen unbaked and just baked at the last minute. Assume I can get any reasonable ingredients, am a good baker who is lazy about finishing touches, and have a stand mixer.
posted by jeather at 6:22 AM PST - 16 comments

An elderly relative has asked me for help in supporting another, younger relative. The issue is that I am in another country and even if I weren't, I cannot/will not have a relationship directly with this younger relative. More details within. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:11 AM PST - 6 comments

For various grief related reasons our family is finding it difficult to listen to Christmas music this year but we would like to listen to albums which feel festive, in other words the artist didn't set out to make a Christmas album with jangly bells and talk of presents and trees but suits the cosiness of the period anyway. Taylor Swift's Evermore seems to fit this mood perfectly or London Town by The Magic Theatre but it could be any genre.
posted by feelinglistless at 3:47 AM PST - 25 comments

I know YANME (you are not my electrician) but does anyone have any idea how the chuff I can diagnose an intermittent (ie randomly occasional) trip of either the RCD or the MCB for the "sockets" ring in our house? [more inside]
posted by dance at 3:16 AM PST - 7 comments

Or is this even possible? I basically followed the package instructions but substituted water with soy milk and none of the oats ended up getting cooked; they just stayed small and hard. I've tried with both instant oatmeal and "quick oats." Is the only other option to cook it on the stove with soy milk or can I do something different with the microwave, like put more soy milk or cook it longer than the instructions?
posted by Forty-eight at 2:47 AM PST - 12 comments

The French fashion designer Madeleine Vionnet (1876-1975) is known for popularizing the use of the "bias cut" to create garments with soft, flowing lines that cling to the body. What physical forces, on the warp and weft level, are involved in adding elasticity to the fabric, and how do they differ from those forces affecting cross-grain or straight-grain cuts? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 2:11 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm buying my wife and I a stand mixer for the holidays. We've always wanted one, and have decided to plunk down a bunch of monies. But I don't know which one to get. I'm trying to decide between a Kitchen Aid, or Kenwood, because of all of the available attachments. My budget is €500, without extra attachments. I also live in Germany, if that matters. Halp? [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 1:15 AM PST - 13 comments

I've been posting photos of my progression in ceramics. Tonight I successfully added about 30 photos to my feed but now I'm getting messages "Your Post Goes Against Our Community Guidelines". Gahhhh. They're photos of pots that I made. Nothing even vaguely suggestive or offensive. Any ideas or experience with this type of nonsense? I'm not trying to sell anything here. Just want a record of my progress. Thanks!
posted by lois1950 at 12:12 AM PST - 5 comments

I just need a script to be both polite and professional and escape. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 PM PST - 8 comments

Can anyone point me to an interview with the author Frank McCourt explaining the title of his book Angela's Ashes? Written or video is fine.
posted by orange and yellow at 6:32 PM PST - 2 comments

Looking for ideas on where to start adapting my family’s rice and lentil recipe to make it in the Instant Pot! [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 5:21 PM PST - 7 comments

I sell a product that involves a two time use of a video. Historically, I’ve traveled with the video in question, played it myself, then taken it with me when I left. Is there a way for me to give clients access to the video for a certain time, limiting their ability to save or copy the file, and have access expire after a while? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 4:41 PM PST - 9 comments

My partner had ankle surgery a year ago and LOVES the socks he was given in the hospital. These socks have no grippiness on the bottom, and they are not compression socks. They are just knee high, fairly thin, white knitted cotton socks with no elastic band at the top. He wants more. How do I procure them?
posted by bilabial at 3:29 PM PST - 2 comments

What are the prospects for a New Year’s Eve vacation to Germany and Amsterdam from NYC? What is the chance we might have to quarantine, or is there any other important reason that we might want to postpone this trip? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 2:59 PM PST - 14 comments

Assume the propeller is always directly facing the wind. If I wanted to calculate the wind speed based on the number of rotations of a propeller, is there an equation for that? [more inside]
posted by czytm at 1:58 PM PST - 13 comments

Hi Metafilter, please share your wisdom on eating somewhat old smoked salmon, details inside! [more inside]
posted by DTMFA at 1:42 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm trying to find a song, maybe just to hear it again and figure out what I was listening to. Might have heard it in a retail environment 2000 - 2006. The basics of the song are end rhyming /Eis/ as in the English word ice. The lyrics went something like "I think it was really really nice/ I think it was a really nice price," but I am mostly sure those aren't the words, just the sound that rhymed. Thus the retail connection. More inside. [more inside]
posted by Snowishberlin at 11:12 AM PST - 10 comments

Hello! I am a musician who manages a set of files (plugins) on my computer in a specific way. I install them into one big folder (as Ableton prefers) and then I have a separate folder with category subfolders and aliases of the original files and then point Ableton to the aliases folder. I would like to keep these in sync with a script so that everything (and only the things) in the original folder is in the aliases folder. Of course, there are challenges to syncing two folders that aren't exact duplicates but should have the same number of identically named files. [more inside]
posted by softlord at 11:07 AM PST - 7 comments

I need help finding the best aftermarket backup camera for our car. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 10:41 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm exploring GUI programming for desktop utility applications in Linux, and wanted to check in as to how people are doing things out there. Example windowed application: Arbitrary grid of icon buttons in first tab, and editable paths to button executables and icon images on the other tab. Which langs, libraries, and toolkits are you using? I'm open. Thank you.
posted by circular at 10:25 AM PST - 11 comments

Speaking of Law and Order, how in the name of Jerry MF-ing Orbach can a person binge the hell out of all seasons of this venerated franchise? Where does it live? Some later seasons appear to be gettable on Amazon Prime but I want it ALL. DUNN-DUNN!
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 9:19 AM PST - 9 comments

My town claims that a protected bike lane (e.g. with vertical posts) must have a buffer and therefore cannot be implemented on most town streets because there is not enough space. This is said to be an MUTCD standard, but I'm struggling to find appropriate documentation to support that. [more inside]
posted by idb at 8:34 AM PST - 5 comments

So a good friend is sick with cancer. She's getting surgery and will be recovered by Feb. Got her a light at the end of the tunnel trip and bought her flights, hotel and train to see the northern lights in Alaska. Cost about 2k all in. Normally I buy travel insurance but how do I do it so it pays ME if her trip cancels and not HER?
posted by rileyray3000 at 7:29 AM PST - 2 comments

This Christmas I'm flying from the UK to the USA, starting in Georgia, then driving up to Ohio, passing through Tennessee and Kentucky. Do any of these states have apps that track Covid exposures with Bluetooth, like the NHS Covid App? Do enough people use them to be useful? And if the state doesn't have an official one, are there any unofficial options?
posted by Glier's Goetta at 7:16 AM PST - 10 comments

What are your favorite current instrumental rock and/or pop acts? [more inside]
posted by signal at 6:33 AM PST - 38 comments

Learning ballroom has been on my wishlist since I was a teen but I am someone who takes a very long time to learn how to dance because it's just not something that comes naturally. Impatient teachers kill my resolve quickly. What's it like being in a beginner class for adults and how can I work with an instructor so they will be really patient with me? (I am strangely good at waltzing if I have a talented partner so maybe there's hope?)
posted by Hermione Granger at 5:49 AM PST - 11 comments

It was a Law & Order episode (I think) where a teen hacker hid his hacking materials behind a secret door of a video game. [more inside]
posted by Flotsam Rosewater at 5:27 AM PST - 4 comments

I want to buy a decent 3-in-1 charging cable to charge my plethora of micro-USB, Lightning and USB-C devices - however my Google/Amazon searches always give me ones that work with a USB-A charger (example). Are there any ones from a decent brand (ideally sold on Amazon UK) that work with my 40W USB-C charger? I'm unable to find a single product and would like to avoid using a USB-A to USB-C adapter if I can!
posted by mr_silver at 4:17 AM PST - 8 comments