February 2018 Archives
February 28
Can I eat it? Classic New England edition
I spent half the day making Boston baked beans, and then forgot to put them in the refrigerator until they'd been sitting out of the oven for 2 1/2 hours. They have pork in them. Still safe to eat? [more inside]
Are some languages just not punny
We were joking about the way a cattle farmer spoke to me about her husband (standing next to her). My wife said "did he look sheepish?" I replied "I thought he looked cowed". Are other languages as malleable pun-wise? Are there other languages that lend themselves to punning more (or less) than English? or is all about imagination?
posted by unearthed at 10:53 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by unearthed at 10:53 PM PST - 21 comments
Help me find a standup bit with a guy that talks a lot but says nothing
I feel like I'm losing my mind looking for this bit. The bit is a comedian on stage doing a standup act, but he actually says a not of nothing. [more inside]
posted by gc at 8:42 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by gc at 8:42 PM PST - 8 comments
How to tourist form Pearland TX with a baby (i.e. car seat!)
I'm going to Pearland TX to visit a family member. I'd like to do a small amount of touristing, specifically to tour NASA (anything else you suggest?). But how do I do that given that there's no public transit in Pearland and I would need a car seat for the baby? Note: I'm unwilling to get in a car with a baby without a car seat, even if the law makes exceptions for cabs or whatever. The laws of physics make no exceptions.
comfy and interesting headwear options for cancer patient
Seeking comfortable and stylish headwear options that are not the standard "chemo turban" for a friend who is very sensitive about her appearance. [more inside]
Excerpt from the Kingkiller Chronicles for a memorial
Asking for a friend. She's looking for a reading for her dad's memorial and thinks there might be something good in the Kingkiller Chronicles books by Patrick Rothfuss. Can the hivemind help narrow it down to a passage? [more inside]
French Netflix where the captions match
What are some relatively slow paced Netflix shows that are available in French with accurate French captions? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 4:50 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by jacquilynne at 4:50 PM PST - 10 comments
How to erase the print on a Moleskine cover?
I got one of those Moleskine notebooks with a print on the cover as a gift. Is there a simple way (household chemical etc.) to erase the print on the cover?
dinner near the DCPA
Suggestions on where a group of friends should have dinner near the Denver Center for the Performing Arts? [more inside]
Searching for good episode recaps for Babylon Berlin
I'm about 5 or 6 episodes into Babylon Berlin and absolutely love it. Any good recaps (in English) out there? [more inside]
Ideas for digital caricature distribution?
I've been hired to do caricatures at a local high school grad party in June. Do you have any good (and preferably cheap) ideas for sending the finished drawing along with the grads? I work on a windows computer / tablet, so the art is digital. [more inside]
posted by Monster_Zero at 2:32 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Monster_Zero at 2:32 PM PST - 8 comments
ham! ham! ham!
As disgusting coastal elites, we've ordered a delicious city ham from Zingerman's spring sale! What are your favorite things to do to the ham? Recipes for tasty favorite side dishes that go with the ham? [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 1:24 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by joyceanmachine at 1:24 PM PST - 17 comments
NYC to CA: A pipe dream for the snowflaked?
I just came back from a week in LA- my second trip out there. Knowing full well all that glitters is very much not gold, how terrible of an idea would it be for someone just starting out in his career, and with a physical disability, to make the move out west? [more inside]
posted by marsbar77 at 12:26 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by marsbar77 at 12:26 PM PST - 29 comments
Older, Slower, Colder, More Lonely
Too cold, kind of slow, definitely older, and somewhat more lonely. Hive Mind, you helped me move to Europe. Can you help me settle in? Health/Coping/Adapting questions. [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 12:16 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 12:16 PM PST - 13 comments
Gluten free, easily transportable, delicious
I have to feed dinner to a party of 10 people at a location that is not my house. The food should be ready to eat when it arrives, and it must be gluten free, seafood-free, and very delicious. What should I make? [more inside]
posted by rodneyaug at 10:21 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by rodneyaug at 10:21 AM PST - 13 comments
Quiet place in DTLA between 10-12 on a Friday night?
I have two hours to kill in downtown LA, alone, from ten to midnight on a Friday night. Where can an introvert go for a quiet-ish drink or dinner where I can sit with my book/phone without being disturbed or out of place? [more inside]
Help coping with new autoimmune issues
I'm still in the diagnostic process. How do I manage these symptoms and my own anxiety/reactions to them before I get into treatment? [more inside]
Cord cutting: explain it like I'm five.
We don't watch much TV, or stream movies. I have basic cable, and $50/month for 30+ home shopping channels and only a few networks is killing me. So I'm looking at the Youtube TV. [more inside]
Books to read together
Hello! I lead a read-aloud group for seniors, and we need a new book! We have been meeting for about six months now; I prepare large-print packets to read out of, and we take turns reading a page at a time before we discuss. We have a range of abilities and we usually can do 2-3 chapters a week. What should we be reading next? [more inside]
Need downloadable FAFSA and CSS forms to study
I DON’T want to log into the College Board or FAFSA sites. I want generic forms that I can download and print just to go over them BEFORE dealing with them with an advisor.
I could give more details about my particular stresses but they’re not important. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 8:48 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 8:48 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me catch up on the great movies of the last 10 years!
I have a chunk of time off and would like to immerse myself in film. In the late 90s and early 2000s I was conversant in What’s Good and now I feel like I haven’t seen a good movie since like 2008. [more inside]
posted by tatiana wishbone at 8:27 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by tatiana wishbone at 8:27 AM PST - 37 comments
Managing pain from bed rest
My mom had major surgery 3 months ago. The excessive bed rest and decrease in mobility is causing pain in other parts of her body. What can we do to help with this? [more inside]
Best practices for testing custom CSS in a CMS/LMS?
What are some best practices for testing custom CSS augmenting the default styles in an existing platform? [more inside]
Stories about Lesbians and Trees
I recently consumed a piece of media that involved a queer coded woman turning into a tree. I would have sworn I've seen this multiple times before, but honestly can only thing of one other example. Can you think of any others?
posted by dinty_moore at 6:28 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by dinty_moore at 6:28 AM PST - 14 comments
How can I Hang with my Friend?
I recently read the sad announcement that Zynga's Hanging with Friends is being discontinued at the end of March. What can my friend and I play instead? [more inside]
posted by erloteiel at 5:46 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by erloteiel at 5:46 AM PST - 8 comments
Is it possible to stay friends with an ex-liberal?
A valued friend, previously liberal and feminist, has swung to the Right. Is friendship still possible? [more inside]
posted by Grunyon at 4:22 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Grunyon at 4:22 AM PST - 33 comments
Help me work from home better.
I find working from home extreeeeemely difficult to do for various reasons. Seeking advice to help me become a better remote worker. [more inside]
February 27
Looking for lowest cost business checking account in California
Hello, I'm an independent contractor with an S corporation and am looking for a very basic business checking account. I have listed some requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by eliluong at 9:55 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by eliluong at 9:55 PM PST - 4 comments
The slow fade...sucks
I think my oldest and closest friend is doing a slow fade on me. I feel very sad and bitter whenever I think about it, which is often. How to cope, particularly when my existing and potential friend pools are quite limited? (for a bevy of reasons, detailed within) [more inside]
Getting indigent 94 yr old into nursing home +Medicaid - Illnois 2018
We are at the point of setting our hair on fire in dealing with the state Medicaid bureaucracy.
Our 94 year old sister (in law) - is very infirmed, legally blind, etc and extremely difficult to transport ($200.00 medicar every hospital visit!)
We are trying to get her into the best (small private room) Medicaid Home we can find in Chicago but the medical tests and records collection have us at our wits end. Its been going on for months
We have spent $1200.00 transporting her to hospitals just the last month in order to get the required medical tests in order to qualify for Medicaid and the nursing home but the two part TB testing is driving us up the wall. [more inside]
Social Media Management Tools
Howdy - looking for advice or first-hand accounts (good/bad/etc) about several social media management systems. Specifically -- have any of you had any experience with SocialOwl, Sendible, HeyOrca, or Buffer? Much obliged for any insight!
posted by davidmsc at 7:30 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by davidmsc at 7:30 PM PST - 4 comments
How to automatically export photos from Photos?
I'm going to be moving to a NAS (probably a Synology DS218+) in the near future to use for backups/cloud storage. One thing I can't figure out is how to best back-up my photos. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean at 7:22 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by noneuclidean at 7:22 PM PST - 4 comments
Can you be my Spotify?
I need a lot of loud, angry music stat, but I don't know enough about current music to make the "if you like this, you'll like this" function work. Can some music-savvy MeFites help me? Further explanation ... [more inside]
posted by mccxxiii at 6:47 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by mccxxiii at 6:47 PM PST - 39 comments
Copyright question about emulating a textbook format/layout
I want to publish a new edition of a public domain book -- can I position this book as a "spiritual" sequel/supplement to a current series of textbooks, presenting the public domain content in a very similar format? [more inside]
Could Trump get a security clearance?
Did he have to? How was he vetted?
posted by Gnella at 5:46 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Gnella at 5:46 PM PST - 11 comments
Do I continue to see therapist who has cancelled last 3 appts (4/7)?
Hey everyone.
I've been seeing a mental health counselor for anxiety at a facility specifically for counseling. Here's a timeline of what has happened so far:
Week 1: Goes well
Week 2: Cancelled (she said she had jury duty)
Week 3: Goes well
Week 4: Goes well
Week 5: Cancelled. Does't give explanation, but says she will be out of the office and returning next week)
Week 6: Says her extension to her license hasn't gone through and it should be in by the end of the week, do I want to be squeezed in if possible, etc. I ask right away if she can see me in a few days and she says she'll let me know ASAP, but doesn't. I text the day before our next scheduled meeting and she texts me the next day...
Week 7: Cancelled. Says they still won't let her see clients, we can "reconnect" and she can try to see me sometime this week, but if I want to transfer she "could help me with that as well." [more inside]
CookFilter: Turkey legs. Difficulty: Forgot to brine.
I forgot to brine my turkey legs, and I really want to make them for dinner. I forgot to dry-brine them with salt and butter like I usually do. Do I need to brine them tonight (i.e. wait another day), or is there a way to make them crispy, tender and delicious for tonight? Assume I have an oven, a grill and a lot of motivation.
posted by onecircleaday at 4:58 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by onecircleaday at 4:58 PM PST - 2 comments
Where can I find a business case study of College Works Painting?
I'm fascinated with this company. I love the idea of teaching young people about entrepreneurship. I love the idea of them taking a leadership role in the organization itself.
Where can I find an X-Ray of how they work? Everything.
I've been researching, but haven't found anything like a high quality case study.
Alternative to split rings and s-links for dog tags
I am looking for some piece of hardware that can replace the s-link/split ring that holds a dog's tags to the collar. Suggestions? Minor details within! [more inside]
posted by Janta at 4:52 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Janta at 4:52 PM PST - 21 comments
Entertainment/treats for long-haul flight
Looking for recommendations of things to bring for self-entertainment/comfort on a very long flight. I loathe flying and to make it up to myself I want to make the in-flight experience as luxurious and comfortable as I can without actually paying to upgrade my seat. [more inside]
Property development in post war Europe
So I was listening to 99PI and they were talking about redevelopment of cities after the second world war in continental Europe. I began wondering how were property rights managed in post war Germany? Say you owned a flat in an area that was descimated and scheduled for redevelopment in a "moderen" style. Did you recieve any compensation? If you owned part of the land in the city that was to be rebulit, did you retain any claim to it?
rental car accident - reporting process
I rented a car and there was a collision and both cars are damaged. The sheriff on the scene said I was not at fault but I don't have a written report just a report number. I bought insurance through kayak.com (Allianz) when I reserved the car. The car is from Hertz. Who do I contact first and what do I do? Alllianz website is asking for the rental claim number so does that mean I call Hertz first? Is there anything I should definitely not say? [more inside]
Where should we move? #8485902
My husband and I are looking for a new place to live. He's a software engineer, so our location can be somewhat flexible and we're trying to find the best place for our family. [more inside]
Did I handle this hair coloring fiasco appropriately?
I went to a professional hair salon for a hair color. After botching the color, two stylists promised they would do everything they could to get it to the color that I asked for. I paid the first time plus a generous tip, did not pay the second time (and was not asked to), and they tried to charge me the third time but I walked out without paying again after a long argument. Did I handle this situation appropriately considering the entire context? [more inside]
How many staffs would an all-staff staff if an all-staff could all staff
What are the duration, frequency, and agenda of all-hands/all-staff meetings at your workplace? [more inside]
ISO: A comprehensive history of Watergate and Nixon's resignation
If I were to read just one book about Watergate and the end of the Nixon presidency, what should it be? [more inside]
posted by fawaffle at 2:30 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by fawaffle at 2:30 PM PST - 5 comments
Looking for a feminist bookstore in Philly
A small press has done a feminist anthology called Nasty! and proceeds from sales go to Planned Parenthood. I'm looking for a bookstore in Philly that would be interested in hosting a reading. The small press is out in Portland w/o Philly ties and I thought that I'd knock on some doors for them. [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 2:01 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by angrycat at 2:01 PM PST - 7 comments
Fro yo at the gro sto
Is there a brand of frozen yogurt I can get at the grocery store (available in Texas, so probably HEB) that tastes like the plain tart flavor at every soft-serve fro yo shop? It doesn't have to have the same texture, I just want that tartness. Bonus points if you know where to get those plain mochi nubbins, too.
Which synagogues in Brooklyn are within an actual school?
It was suggested to me by someone I briefly met, but now I can't remember which synagogue it was [more inside]
WD Elements USB HDD Not liking USB 3.0 PCI-E Interface
I have been trying to use three different Western Digital Elements 2TB USB disks with my new USB 3.0 PCI-E interface, but they don't like that at all, making clicking noises and frequently hanging on file transfers. However they work totally fine with a plain USB hub plugged into one of my USB 2.0 ports. The manufacturer of the Inateck KT4001 PCI-E card says it can output max 5V/900 mA to each port. I am also using a 6 ft. USB extension cable from the port on the card. What is likely to blame? Should I just switch the extension cable to my USB 2.0 hub and live with the speed reduction when using these drives? My PC's power supply is a 600 watt. Thanks!
posted by circular at 1:23 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by circular at 1:23 PM PST - 5 comments
Employer randomly changed contract without asking?
My employer offered "5.5 months, [xx] hours per week" on a casual basis "with an extension to open ended" in November. Last week (i.e. not 5.5 months later) they suddenly showed me an open-ended but "guaranteed hours" contract with very few hours (to change randomly) which was backdated to 1 February. Even though I've declined they claim I need to sign if I want to get paid for the hours I've already worked in February. [more inside]
posted by yoHighness at 12:57 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by yoHighness at 12:57 PM PST - 7 comments
I'm mourning a loss, my dog, for the first time, what should I expect?
My 9 year old dog died at home over the weekend. I'm single, not terribly close with my family, and have never been able to sustain a relationship more intimate than a close friendship for very long, so this loss feels very big and very scary. I know it's only been a few days, but I'm already finding myself surprised at the things that are turning out to be harder than I expected. What surprised when you were grieving the loss of a pet? [more inside]
Help me find podcast episode about jobs that can't be more efficient.
I'm looking for a specific episode of a podcast which contained a comment about how certain industries - medicine and education - for example, can't always be made more efficient or productive. I believe that the episode was from Freakonomics or Planet Money, but I can't seem to find in my googling of their transcripts. [more inside]
posted by achmorrison at 12:24 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by achmorrison at 12:24 PM PST - 4 comments
Tell me your stories of weaning
I'd love to hear stories/strategies that worked from those who weaned from breastfeeding around 14 months, give or take a few months. I've read stories from people who weaned older (2 years and up), but while my son understands a lot, he's not verbal enough to express or understand at this point. [more inside]
posted by CiaoMela at 12:21 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by CiaoMela at 12:21 PM PST - 15 comments
Funeral etiquette with estranged family
My grandmother is likely in her last days, so I'm expecting to attend her funeral soon. The catch- I've been estranged from my mother (by my choice, for reasons that I think are valid, but she disagrees). How do I handle seeing her at the funeral with grace, but without letting her violate my boundaries? [more inside]
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 11:42 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 11:42 AM PST - 15 comments
What's the name of the Myst-like game where you look for missing crew?
I played a Myst-like game about ten-fifteen years ago on the PC and I can't remember the name, despite googling "Myst-like" and various tags. All I remember (besides it was fiendishly hard) was the premise - you've arrived on an alien planet in search of an exploring party that had previously come to the planet. Like Myst, it was first-person, and moving was very stiff (basically jumping from fixed view to fixed view). [more inside]
posted by Mogur at 11:41 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Mogur at 11:41 AM PST - 6 comments
Vacation recommendations keyword: restorative
My partner and I are looking for a nice vacation spot for our 5th anniversary. 'Restorative' is the word that keeps coming up in our conversations, so we would like ideas in that vein. Ideally not too much travel, (from SF Bay area) but we're open to hearing anything that made you feel like a new person. Aiming for a May trip. [more inside]
Who'd want to MIIS this?
Asking for a friend. Is the Monterey Institute of International Studies useful as a path for a career change from Lawyer to Trade Policy/Economic Diplomacy? What else should he be looking at?
Details inside [more inside]
What does the cat say?
A friend me got these ridiculously adorable cat stickers. I would love to know what the (Chinese? Japanese?) text on them says. [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 9:15 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by sailoreagle at 9:15 AM PST - 5 comments
African reviews of "Black Panther"?
I'd like to read some reviews of Black Panther written by African film critics. Who should I read? Podcasts are also good. The reviews need to be in English. [more inside]
What do Irish people consider their date of independence?
I got in an argument last year with a woman who insisted it was 1916 (and said she knew because she was Irish - but she's Irish like I am - American descended from people who fled because of the famine). I know there was a declaration that Ireland was a republic during the Easter uprising, but that independence wasn't until - 1922 or 1937 or 1949 or never (because of Northern Ireland). What do actual Irish people say? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 8:42 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by FencingGal at 8:42 AM PST - 10 comments
Ideas for how to help a relative whose tool-filled van was stolen.
My nephew in-law's van was stolen from out in front of his house yesterday in Detroit. Him and my niece are a stand-up couple that work hard for all they have and this is a really sucky thing to happen to them. How to help without positioning them as needy? [more inside]
posted by bricksNmortar at 7:02 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by bricksNmortar at 7:02 AM PST - 12 comments
Help me diagnose this weird audio problem on my parents' HDTV
I have been visiting my parents recently, and have noticed a weird issue with the audio on their 3-5 year old SCEPTRE HDTV. I have not been able to determine its specific make and model, and they live (and the TV was purchased) in the USA, if that makes any difference, but the problem seems generic enough that I suspect it's not really related to the specific model. [more inside]
Can I ask my therapist...
Since July I've been seeing an amazing therapist whose impact in my life cannot be understated. I am pretty focused on the work in therapy in general, but, hm, I actually also really want to ask her where she gets her shirts. [more inside]
posted by redwaterman at 5:51 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by redwaterman at 5:51 AM PST - 28 comments
Please save me from my alarm!
For days, at 6AM an alarm has been going off on my Samsung Galaxy S8. I did not set this alarm and it does not show up in my list of alarms. The music it plays when going off is not an alert I've ever heard on my phone before. The bottom of the screen says "powered by the Weather Channel," but I do not have The Weather Channel app. I have restarted my phone to no avail. Please, PLEASE help me disable this alarm. Right now, all I can do is turn it off when it goes off every day...at 6AM. [more inside]
posted by srrh at 5:27 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by srrh at 5:27 AM PST - 10 comments
Realistic makeup inspiration on Instagram
I have a ton of makeup. I like getting inspiration to figure out my 'look' for the day and challenge me to go slightly out of my comfort zone. I currently follow and am obsessed with Katie Jane Hughes. For me she hits that sweet spot between aspirational but achievable. Do you know of other accounts I should follow? [more inside]
Fashion for my feet
Where can I find colorful, whimsical socks that will make me happy every time I look at my feet? [more inside]
Show me to the fun yet tasteful shirts please
What's your source for mens' button-up shirts with fun, contemporary prints? [more inside]
Konsentriko = concentric?
Filipino speakers: is the word konsentriko fully equivalent to the English word concentric? If I were referring to the curved lines of rice fields as concentric, would I use the word konsentriko? I'm deciding whether to use this word as the title of a work of art, so I also want to make sure it has the same meaning if it stands alone as a single word.
Cardboard construction plans
Where can I find plans for cardboard construction projects? Ideally a community that I could contribute to? [more inside]
posted by freyley at 12:16 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by freyley at 12:16 AM PST - 4 comments
February 26
Periodfilter: Duration of period has become shorter
Duration of my period has shortened from its usual 7 days to 4 days. Is this a sign of something serious or just normal ageing? [more inside]
Burnout: should I stay or should I go?
Very bad burnout at work, and annual review is coming up. Boss always asks what I need, but I don't think my responses will change anything and I should secretly just find a new job. Is that the burnout talking? Or should I actually tell my boss what I need? [more inside]
Help me understand multiple chemical sensitivity
I find myself in frequent contact with a person who suffers from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. This is the first time I've encountered someone with this affliction in my day-to-day life. I've been asked by the person to accommodate a number of changes, including the type of shampoo, laundry detergent, hand soap, lotions, deodorant, and cleaning products I use, and generally refraining from using perfume/scented products of any kind. [more inside]
The place where the seagulls circle, hoping to find some fish in the sea
Does anyone recognise these lyrics to a song I heard while in a shop? (QD if you must know - and it might be helpful). [more inside]
How do you swipe your way to a second (and third, fourth,...) date?
I'm venturing into online dating, primarily with the swipe-based apps since those seem to be de rigeur. I have an OkCupid account as well. I am making some matches that lead to first dates, but I very seldom feel enough sense of connection/attraction with anyone to want a second date (and the feeling is evidently mutual). Without the underlying support of a shared social network or activity group, how do you sense enough potential with someone to motivate arranging dates 2 through n? If you swiped your way to a successful relationship, what's your story? [more inside]
It's a Trap...right?
An ex who broke my heart has written to me, a year after the breakup. Now what? [more inside]
Fossils Hunters in Los Angeles: Wild Style Edition
We were going to try to access Fossil Ridge Park sometime soon with a group of kids and adults, but looks like access is not possible. I'm not keen for encountering snakes or ticks on an unmaintained trail. What are our alternatives? [more inside]
posted by jbenben at 9:14 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by jbenben at 9:14 PM PST - 1 comment
Binding options for thick books that should lay flat
I have several perfect-bound tech books that are a nightmare to use while I'm working because they just won't lay flat when they're opened. I'm ready to march over to Staples to get them rebound with coils/spiral binding, but given that these are all dense books running 500-600 pages, and I've got one monster that's closer to 700 pages, is there a better choice? I'm in Toronto.
posted by maudlin at 8:20 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by maudlin at 8:20 PM PST - 12 comments
What to do in Savannah, GA this weekend?
A friend and I will be in Savannah, GA this Friday through Sunday. What should we do? [more inside]
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 8:09 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 8:09 PM PST - 7 comments
Why is the ten+ year old screw in my elbow vibrating?
I broke my elbow in 2006, and the section of one of the lower arm bones that flattens out to wrap around for your elbow broke off and had a screw put in to hold it in place. Recently it has been vibrating inside my arm. What is happening? [more inside]
10 days, based out of Frankfurt: Day trips and outdoor activities?
I have two to three days of meetings in Frankfurt, four days off, and two to three more days of meetings. I like outdoors activities and am interested in day trips. Any ideas? [more inside]
Two Corporate Jobs w/Great Benefits - Help?
I need to choose whether to stay at my current job with great benefits or take a job offer for a new position also with great benefits. I'm having a really difficult time weighing the pros and cons of each and would like input. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Tweens Role Playing Game in Imperial Rome
I’m a member of a homeschooling Co-op and have been throwing my creativity into the classes I teach there. I’ve been thinking about doing a pen-and-paper RPG set in Imperial Rome so that I can cut in educational stuff between the kids doing battle with roadside bandits. I haven’t run an RPG in two decades, so I’m a bit rusty. Can anyone point me in the direction of materials that would be helpful for this (either on the RPG side, the Roman History side or, most awesomely, something that combined both)?
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 6:04 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 6:04 PM PST - 10 comments
I can't do this alone any more
My wife has been unemployed and looking for work for about five years. I've taken care of all the bills since she lost her job, but we barely break even. We flat out need a second income. I am an avoidant person and am very poor at communicating anything that I think will upset people I care about. Please help me talk to her about this situation in an effective and caring way. [more inside]
posted by Chuck Barris at 5:59 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by Chuck Barris at 5:59 PM PST - 26 comments
Where should I start with Chinese opera?
Specifically, which recordings (video or audio) would you recommend? [more inside]
posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 5:54 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 5:54 PM PST - 2 comments
training service dog that I can give to my poor and blind Japanese pal
I wanna know if it's at all possible to train a dog to be able to "pass the test" to be a service dog, so I can give it to my blind Japanese friend. My friend's quality of life is severely impacted and she wants a service dog but they are expensive and have a years long wait list.
I know it would be really hard to do train myself, but what all would it entail and which hoops would I have to jump through?
Thanks.
5 Year-Old Being Walked All Over By Pre-School Clique
How do I talk to my daughter about a pre-school clique that bosses her around? I am especially bothered by her determination to be accepted and her efforts to appease the other children, even while she seems unhappy about the situation. [more inside]
posted by geekBird at 5:45 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by geekBird at 5:45 PM PST - 11 comments
Mystery White Substance on Garage Floor
A couple weeks ago I noticed a fluffy white substance on certain areas of my garage floor. It looks a lot like snow, but it isn't. Temperatures have been well above freezing here recently, and it doesn't melt if you touch it. Pictures and a lot more detail inside. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup at 5:08 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Juffo-Wup at 5:08 PM PST - 6 comments
What would cause engine misfire at low revs + high load/throttle?
My 2011 BMW 328i (N52 straight-6 naturally-aspirated engine) shudders and loses power if I give it lots of gas at low revs (less than 2500rpm). What are the most likely causes? [more inside]
SSN requested for online job app - is this still a thing???
I'm considering applying for a job, but the application portal says I need to enter my birth month and day as well as last 5 digits of Social Security Number to create a PIN number that will be used to identify my application in the system. Giving this info seems like incredibly poor security. Advice on how to proceed? [more inside]
posted by the thought-fox at 4:29 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by the thought-fox at 4:29 PM PST - 7 comments
Strange "ghost" folders confuse Lightroom and me
For quite awhile I have been having issues with my importation into LightRoom. I thought I had it clinched when I had discovered issue with the permissions on the ext hdd I was using as my destination. [more inside]
Help me fill this coat-shaped void
What kind of coat do you wear when it’s too warm for down or wool, but too cold for a trench or blazer? [more inside]
Weird pointless phone scam?
Why would someone call and claim that I missed a court appearance? Is this a scam of some sort? [more inside]
posted by mpark at 2:07 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by mpark at 2:07 PM PST - 11 comments
Novice Voyagers vs. Trip of a Lifetime: Victoria BC Edition
We are planning a 30th anniversary trip to Victoria, British Columbia for a week or so in August. We have questions aplenty, mostly lining up along two fronts. [more inside]
How effective can immersion schools be?
I am very well aware that multiligualism is beneficial, but in some cases I am not sure that it outweighs potential challenges with overall academic excellence.
We've been debating enrolling our son in a French immersion school, but my own experience has shown me that it can be unnecessarily challenging. If you have anecdotes or other evidenced opinions on educating children in a language other than the one(s) they speak/hear at home, I'd love to hear them. [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 1:13 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Everydayville at 1:13 PM PST - 21 comments
One-act play advice and tips?
I am wondering if there are any important tips and advice for writing and structuring a one-act play? I have written a short story, poems, and creative essays, but I would like to try to write a one-act play. Are there plays, films, books, links, etc. I should checkout firsthand? Thanks!
Help me evaluate my job choices?
Unexpectedly, my first two job interviews post layoff have resulted in two job offers (yay!, sort of) and I'm struggling to figure out what to do. I feel like I have no clue how to properly evaluate anything and it's driving my anxiety through the roof. Give me your thoughts on working contract for hire vs a regular permanent gig? [more inside]
An I eligible for an eBay refund?
This is a question involving UK consumer law.
I bought an item from an eBay business seller. When it arrived I realised that I ordered the wrong colour. I inquired about an exchange and received an email from the seller saying that they wouldn't do it.
Am I eligible to a refund under the Consumer Contract Regulations? I seem to be getting conflicting information depending on where I look.
posted by Kiwi at 1:01 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Kiwi at 1:01 PM PST - 5 comments
Korean Lessons For Toddler
Where can we find Korean lessons for our toddler? We'd prefer not to do get lessons in a church. But if we did, what would it be like? [more inside]
What can I bake with all this instant oatmeal?
I find myself in possession of a LOT of instant oatmeal. What are your favorite recipes for using it up in the form of baked goods? [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 12:34 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by MonkeyToes at 12:34 PM PST - 13 comments
Looking for a crash course in deep learning
I am applying for a product management job at a deep learning startup. I have a strong technology background but I am not a programmer or mathematician. I know generally what deep learning does, but not how it works, or how a programmer would evaluate or integrate a deep learning system into their products. I need to begin learning all of that. [more inside]
Basic eye makeup alternative to the cat eye?
I've been doing my eye makeup (black liquid-liner cat-eye) the same way for a decade. Help me find something new! [more inside]
Teardown/To the Foundation Reno - How To?
My family has made the decision to move to the burbs and I'd like to explore the possibility of tearing down or gut renovating to build the perfect moderately sized home. [more inside]
Copying/selecting text in Word text form fields
My organization has created a new Word document with fillable text form fields. After I enter text into these fields, Word does not allow me to copy or select text in any sort of normal manner; it generally selects the entire field, or will allow me to place the cursor in the middle of the field and then select everything in the field before the cursor, but it won't allow me to, e.g., select the second line and move it before the first line. It will allow me to select a single word. This is extremely frustrating, as the numbered list in one text field needs to correspond to the numbered list in a second text field, and being able to rearrange things is fairly necessary. Any ideas on fixing it? Windows machine running Word 2016. [more inside]
How to combine a bunch of individually scanned documents
Hello all.
I just scanned my thesis, all 200+ pages of it. Yay, or so I thought.
Then, when it was time to save it, I ended up with a couple hundred individual scans just sitting there on my desktop. Yikes.
Is there some way to combine all of this into one document?
I have an up to date Mac, I used HP Easy Scan, and I have an HP Officejet 5740. I have Adobe Reader, if that helps.
Thanks.
An inCREDOble offer?
Have you switched to CREDO from one of the large cell phone companies? [more inside]
In-cider Information
I somehow have 12 gallons of commercial pasteurized apple cider that has been sitting on my porch since December 5 in sealed plastic jugs. Ingredients are assorted apples and malic acid. Temperatures have been between 70 and below zero for at least a day in that time. Frozen and thawed several times. Help me figure out what to do with it. [more inside]
Who Is This Masked Musician?
Season 4 of Mozart in the Jungle includes a piece called Etude 3 by Nadia Skota. You can listen to this if you have Amazon Prime.
She does not show up in a Google search. Who is Nadia Skota?
posted by Raybun at 9:58 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Raybun at 9:58 AM PST - 4 comments
Portland, ME Advice/University of Southern Maine
Hi everyone, I'm currently reconsidering relocating to Portland, ME to study a 1 year program at the University of Southern Maine. I do not have a car and don't plan to get one during school, and although I've asked someone familiar with the area and have researched online, I wanted to ask here in case any previous USM students or locals might have more insight. [more inside]
Help me move home to Canada (except is it home???)
I have been living in the US since shortly after graduating from college (I'm a dual citizen). I never meant to stay here this long! Now I have a family and I want to move us home, but I don't even know what that means really. I am in the very early stages of thinking things through. [more inside]
posted by Lawn Beaver at 9:42 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Lawn Beaver at 9:42 AM PST - 13 comments
What are your favourite subtle emotions?
For example, some of mine are reading a beautiful or insightful or somehow otherwise earth-shattering passage in a book and having to stop and re-read it because it is so good, and the mind-blown-wide-open and appreciative feeling that comes with it. [more inside]
All I want is a decent-paying job -- what am I doing wrong?
Spent 18 years at a large IT company doing PR before being laid off 3.5 years ago. Life has not been the same since. It seems that nobody wants me. Not whining, just want advice and shared experiences. Thanks. [more inside]
my aching bed
I recently replaced my mattress last year due to Harvey flooding. I am a side sleeper and experience frequent pressure point pain on my shoulders. So I thought I had chosen my new mattress carefully. I ended up getting a softer one with a pillow top. [more inside]
No-fee RRSP providers?: the Canadian Retirement Edition
Basically does what it says on the tin. Shepherd and I are looking for no-fee RRSP accounts in which to park our current and future savings. [more inside]
Oh, my aching back....
So Flector Patches are the absolute best local treatment for pain I have come across.
In the past, I got them with a $50 co-pay. Now, my company will not pay for them, even with phone calls from my doctor telling them they are necessary. So I figure, OK, I'll just pay for them myself. Wait! The cost is over $800? [more inside]
Going to Universal Studios Hollywood Alone
I think this Friday I'll arrive in the Burbank area early enough that I could spend most of my day at Universal Studios Hollywood. I've never gone to a theme park solo. Does anyone have any tips? [more inside]
posted by obtuser at 7:57 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by obtuser at 7:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Google translate spoken Swedish into International Phonetic Alphabet
Alright, let's see if this exists. I am looking for a service that takes spoken Swedish and translate it into International Phonetic Alphabet. [more inside]
Can I drill new holes in exhaust fan housing for mounting purposes?
I want to install a new fan without cutting out part of the ceiling, but most new fans that fit in the existing hole have tabs that extend outside the housing for mounting purposes. Is it sound to drill new holes directly in the side of the housing so that I can attach it to the joists from the inside or will that compromise the integrity of the unit? [more inside]
posted by grumpybear69 at 7:22 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by grumpybear69 at 7:22 AM PST - 9 comments
Towards a more rational approach to cars
My family didn’t have a car when I was growing up, and I didn’t have daily access to a car until my late 30s. As a result, I think I have a superficial conception of the trade offs in buying/leasing/buying used, and the balance of the considerations in my particular case. Context inside. [more inside]
How to be a better storyteller - in life and in D&D!
I am a DM for Dungeons and Dragons. I would like to improve on my overall storytelling technique. Sometimes I have a pretty well-done story, but I find myself wanting to take the skill to the next level. I have done basic research on this topic, but I am looking for something more in-depth. Are there any resources/tips to help me fine-tune the art of storytelling? [more inside]
Clearing out my GMail closet?
I'm running out of GMail space. There used to be a widget call GMail Drive that would allow you to move - as in, extract - files from your GMail account to your hard drive. Is there a substitute? [more inside]
ID these edible leaves
I bought these leaves a Chinese supermarket. What are they? Thanks!
February 25
Go on a date with me? In March? Of 2019?
I made gym-friends with a clique of regulars late last year, and now I have a crush on one of them. He and I (mid-30s, hetero) are gradually moving toward talking about other things and spending time together outside the gym. We're both single right now, but we're each taking time off from dating to focus on personal growth. And, frankly, that's one of the things I really like about him. [more inside]
Successfully asking to go part time?
I am a senior sales rep and bid manager for a small business. I am as far up the ladder as I can be without doing a buyout. My boss says I can ask for a raise in March. I want to ask to move to part time. I have no reason for it (small baby, lack of childcare), I just feel like full time work is a con and I don't want to do it anymore. Help me be successful? [more inside]
Hiring a speechwriter 101 (for the speaker)?
I work in a leadership position leading a natural resources/conservation organization (about 500 employees) where I have to do a lot of public speaking. I'm a decent public speaker, but frequently don't have the time to develop something unique. So I end up saying the same thing a lot (which is mostly ok, but could be better). I'd like to pay someone to work with me to develop short (5-15 minute) speeches for a variety of groups. I'm usually talking about the importance of conservation to a variety of groups and lots of youth, but also explaining why I only have one shovel and not ten, which is a hard message to deliver. [more inside]
U.S. based gun registries
I've read that the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act, or another law or regulation, prevents gun registries by States or the Federal government. Is that true? Is there any way around that? [more inside]
Linguists: Help me sort my life, please.
I, a middle-aged mefite, want to make a career change into linguistics, and could use some encouragement mixed with a heavy dose of realism in the job market. [more inside]
posted by greermahoney at 9:33 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by greermahoney at 9:33 PM PST - 26 comments
How to navigate conflict with sibling's adult child (and sibling)?
My sibling and their early 20's child (I am trying to obscure identity) blame me for something big. I don't feel I am at fault. [more inside]
posted by red chip blue chip at 8:31 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by red chip blue chip at 8:31 PM PST - 24 comments
Why is this child falling behind?
My partner's 10 year old son is in 4th grade but performing in school at the level of a 2nd grader. He is a very bright kid and all of the tests/assessments have come back negative, but he cannot read or write. Help. [more inside]
posted by orange and yellow at 8:29 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by orange and yellow at 8:29 PM PST - 21 comments
Suggestions for where to stay in Montreal, s'il vous plait
Taking a US-based teen to McGill for a tour of both the campus and to get a sense of Montreal this April and I'm looking for suggestions for hotels and must-sees. Thanks!
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 8:27 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 8:27 PM PST - 4 comments
Some insects are eating the leaves of my bougainvilleas
Something is eating little bits out of my bougainvillea leaves (not the entire leaves, just whittling them away). Over the course of weeks, they're getting a lot of my foliage. Fairly new plantings (about 4 months) fairly mature plants, otherwise healthy. What can I use to stop them (and what might it be)? I'm in southern California.
posted by arnicae at 8:09 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by arnicae at 8:09 PM PST - 3 comments
How do I help a young child be brave with Disney rides?
What can I do to prep my 6 year old to be brave on rides for an upcoming Disney trip? [more inside]
What should two older foodies from Pacific Northwest see/do in Vienna?
We would be tres sad to eat expensive frou frou food that is not also surprising and good. Or to stand in line at Disneyfied tourist attractions. Or to stay in town the whole time if there's something not to miss if you have a rental car. [more inside]
New amplifier for phono + optical
I am looking for a good quality amp with phono built in and optical connection(s). Up to £350ish. Where to begin? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious at 3:22 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by 0bvious at 3:22 PM PST - 3 comments
How can I use the equity in my house to buy another house?
I want to buy and move into a new house, and then sell the one I live in now. I own my current home outright (no mortgage). It's worth about $170,000. I'm looking to buy something that costs roughly twice as much, but I only have enough cash for a 10% down payment. What are my options for using the equity in my current home to contribute to a down payment on the next one? [more inside]
Help me read the crème de la crème of the internet!
But be able to stop when I've reached the ends of the interesting. [more inside]
Giant tote
I am looking for something that should be easy to find, but for some reason is not. I need a plastic tote that is 22 inches square. A rectangle is also fine, but all dimensions need to be at least 22 inches. The container must have a lid. [more inside]
posted by sockermom at 2:46 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by sockermom at 2:46 PM PST - 9 comments
Living in Gulfport/Biloxi Mississippi
I am about to accept a job offer in Gulfport, Mississippi. I have never lived there, or spent any significant time in the region. What should I know about the area, where should I live? Any other tips/warnings? [more inside]
posted by skewed at 2:12 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by skewed at 2:12 PM PST - 15 comments
CPAP failure
I think I'm a CPAP failure. I wore it religiously for 3 years. Finally I got sick of it.` [more inside]
How to start/pause ITunes using F8 key on imac keyboard.
The F8 key previously had the capability to control playback on ITunes. All of a sudden it stopped working. [more inside]
posted by elf27 at 1:30 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by elf27 at 1:30 PM PST - 1 comment
how can I create horizontally oriented timelines and family trees?
I hope it's ok to consolidate these questions, although one is probably simpler than the other. History note-taking and info-charting nerds, I know you're out there, help a sister out. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:50 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:50 PM PST - 13 comments
How much does a psychiatrist cost?
How outrageous or normal in NYC is a 1.5 hr initial evaluation with a psychiatrist who does not take insurance to cost $700? [more inside]
Recommend your most elegant futon
You are a grown-up with a refined aesthetic, but you live in an apartment so small that you sleep on a futon or couch bed every night, sometimes with a partner and sometimes alone. This elusive futon/couch is both genuinely attractive and actually comfortable (and ideally it fits into an 81" wide space). What's the brand and where'd you get it? [more inside]
Insight into evil people
The book Why Does He Do That gave a lot of useful information/insight into abusers. I'm looking for similar kinds of information, but about a wide variety of evildoers. [more inside]
Buy me a couch and then manuever it into an impossible space, please!
I've had an ugly futon in my living room for too many years. I want to upgrade to a couch but I need to be able to get it into my basement apartment, somehow. Please help me find an elegant looking couch that maybe comes in pieces so I can get it through the long narrow hallway into my apartment. [more inside]
Apple ID TFA disaster. Next steps?
As detailed here, my wife has permanently lost control of her Apple ID.
I have signed out of all iCloud everything everywhere that I can, but I cannot sign out of "Find My Mac" on her computer. Is there a way to do this by monkeying with plists and so forth? [more inside]
posted by mwhybark at 9:49 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by mwhybark at 9:49 AM PST - 17 comments
Oticon hearing aids: minirite vs minirite-T: value of a telecoil?
Two separate questions: 1. is the presence of a telecoil very useful, and 2. which Oticon/iPhone features won't work with the telecoil model? More inside... [more inside]
In Rwanda, will travel - but to where?
In July, my husband is travelling from Canada to Rwanda for a work trip. He'll be in Huye. I'm thinking of joining him towards the end of his work assignment, and then travelling around a bit for a week or two after. I'm just starting my research now, but need to narrow things down a bit. Where should we go? [more inside]
Construction-themed books for children, but oddly specific
Can you recommend picture books and books for young children that feature women in construction? Any construction trade is fine. Bonus points if the women are in charge. Thanks!
Italian Residency & Health Care
I'd like some input on the most efficient way for me to set up a life in Italy. I have some ideas with regards to registering a business &c. but I'm confused about a couple of things. Thanks! [more inside]
Millimeter by millimeter
Can anyone help me find a half-remembered quote about distance running? I have only these hazy memories: it's from an older elite runner (maybe a 60s or 70s Olympic marathoner?) about how people always ask him for the trick to getting faster. But the only trick is wearing down the soles of his shoes millimeter by millimeter. (Complication: it's possible this is about cycling and wearing down tires, not running)
posted by brozek at 7:14 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by brozek at 7:14 AM PST - 3 comments
Looking For Documentaries & Films To Inspire Intelligent Conversation
I am looking for movies and documentaries that will inspire good conversation. Things that have a psychological or philosophical component are especially of interest. If there is an aspect of moral complexity, even better!!! [more inside]
Kid's Play Place
Mrs. Pyro and I have been playing around with an idea of opening up a kids place (art, imagination play & activities, not a bounce or jungle gym place). The part I’m struggling is whether it’ll ever pay enough for it to make sense. I’ve been trying to run the numbers, but that’s kind of hard since I’m pulling some of the assumptions out of thin air. [more inside]
How do allergies change?
I used to have a (non-sheddy) dog. Now I seem to be allergic to dogs. Dare I get a dog? [more inside]
Polyglot tips for the formerly precocious
Hi folks. I am a 'returning learner' of languages looking for some tips. Here's a brief outline:
Grew up bilingual in Spanish/English, studied Japanese, Arabic, and Russian in highschool, became exceedingly lazy and 'lost' a lot of it. In the last year or so I've become newly interested in rekindling my interest in languages and not taking no for an answer.
I want to become a polyglot, and study multiple languages again. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by parkbench at 6:41 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by parkbench at 6:41 AM PST - 10 comments
Debunked best-sellers of days gone by
What best-selling books that "explain things" have gone on to be thoroughly debunked? I'm thinking of things like Guns, Germs and Steel and The Bell Curve.
Who fears changing technology, and what can you do about it?
I grapple occasionally with a fear of technological change, particularly to no obvious purpose or in a case where i feel like the tech has outstripped the ethics. This combines with a general fear of the accelerating pace of innovation and such, and I really don't want to feel this way. How can I feel easier in my mind, or otherwise cope with this vexing problem? [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 1:37 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Alensin at 1:37 AM PST - 7 comments
February 24
Name that Film
Asking for a friend - she and her husband watched a film a while ago, they think it was on UK Netflix and the cast were American but they can't be sure. Description Follows: [more inside]
Help me find this dimly remembered poem?
Lord of the Ringlets?
Help me find a half-remembered article that compared hairstyles of different groups in the Lord of the Rings movies to those of 70s-80s rock bands. [more inside]
posted by NumberSix at 10:48 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by NumberSix at 10:48 PM PST - 2 comments
Help Me Bust Out of the Google/Amazon Garden
Need your suggestions for cloud storage, file transfer, photo backup, online purchases, email, browsing, et cetera, et cetera, as low friction as possible. [more inside]
From the City of Big Shoulders to The Home of the Bean and the Cod
My company is consolidating the US R&D jobs to the home office in Boston a year from now. They are offering positions in Boston, which means moving from Chicago. If any MeFites have made a Chicago to Boston transition, do you have any guidance/advice about local differences to keep in mind? [more inside]
posted by Mutant Lobsters from Riverhead at 8:45 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Mutant Lobsters from Riverhead at 8:45 PM PST - 19 comments
James Brown Live Concert Video with Long Introduction
I'm looking for a specific video of a James Brown concert or TV appearance. [more inside]
Am I a bad person because of my job?
On Monday I will be starting a new job at a septic company, cleaning and servicing outhouses at construction sites, events, etc. [more inside]
Name that tune, round one billion.
I was driving in Portland, listening to the alternative rock station. They played a song that sounded like The Beatles singing Queens of the Stone Age. And there was a crazy prog-rock synth solo in the middle (I think it was a synth at least). It was great! What was it? [more inside]
posted by weed donkey at 7:22 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by weed donkey at 7:22 PM PST - 5 comments
Bonus goldendoodle photo inside!
How are we going to get this bottle out of this hollow post? [more inside]
Cloning a Pocket archive in Pinboard
I've saved a huge number of articles using Pocket. I’d love to copy my entire archive (both unread and read links) over to Pinboard, and the most obvious ways to do this seem cumbersome. Do you have a clever way of handling the import and export of the data between the two services?
Showerhead options ?
We are remodeling a bathroom and were hoping to have two showerheads in the shower...but it seems that that is not permitted in California. Are there any showerhead options for partners to shower together and both get plenty of water? or failing that, at least for both to be warm?
posted by lemonade at 4:02 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by lemonade at 4:02 PM PST - 15 comments
ISO the perfect workout log
I've been doing strength training with a trainer for about 3 months, initially 3x/week and now 1x/week with two workouts/week on my own. With the trainer I've done a bit of work on the very controlled machines that isolate muscles (ActiveTrax calls them "selectorized") and a lot of work with dumbbells, body weight, bosu, stability balls, trx, and machines where I have to stabilize myself. At this point I'm familiar with a lot of exercises and what muscles I'm working, and I'm comfortable with form, but I have trouble remembering the names of specific exercises and I can't just put together a workout on the fly. As I continue to exercise on my own I'd like to develop my own workouts and need a good system to do this. [more inside]
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 3:37 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 3:37 PM PST - 6 comments
What is this Fish Actually Called?
We got this fish from the specialized fish store a few months ago, and the store called it a "yellow fin", but the only "Yellowfin" I could find is tuna, which this clearly is not. So what is this fish really called? [more inside]
posted by TinWhistle at 2:59 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by TinWhistle at 2:59 PM PST - 4 comments
High calorie, low fat, low sugar, soft foods?
I am struggling to get calories in right now and could use some suggestions. [more inside]
posted by moira at 2:48 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by moira at 2:48 PM PST - 39 comments
Is this iOS Amazon gift card hijack malware or bad ads?
I primarily use an iPad Pro as my work device, and I love it — except that Safari is routinely getting hijacked. Is this malware, bad ads on some sites, or some other thing I haven’t thought of? And how can I make it stop? [more inside]
posted by Andrhia at 2:11 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Andrhia at 2:11 PM PST - 8 comments
"Gosh, that's certainly a drink."
I've ordered a glorified vesper martini four times from certain bar that contains plymouth gin, vodka, and "birch infused lillet blanc". From one bartender, it tastes... like nothing in particular. From another, it tastes and smells strongly minty/bitter, like it contains a glug of cleaning solution or really bad mouthwash. Which is correct (I don't know what birch OR lillet blanc is supposed to taste like) and if the latter is wrong, what might the bartender be accidentally using instead of (I'm guessing) the lillet blanc? [more inside]
Best books for beginning vegan
My 16yo is aspirationally vegan and would like to do some reading about making the transition, about good nutrition as a vegan, and about vegan cooking. [more inside]
Auckland tourist activities for the jetlagged
What should a newly arrived, exhausted tourist do in Auckland Tuesday morning? [more inside]
strange anomalous iphone behavior
My iPhone just went on a some kind of berserk activity mode for no good reason. Should I be concerned? [more inside]
Gun Control in America: Can Well Armed Citizens Overthrow the Govt?
I've been reading news about the recent school shooting and the increase in activism for more restrictive gun control laws. I'm squarely on the side of more gun control laws, but want to know more about the argument the opposition is making. [more inside]
Workplace bullies, sexual aggressors, inappropriate pests
Has the #MeToo movement had any noticeable effect on bullies, harassers, and pests in your workplace? [more inside]
posted by Elsie at 12:25 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Elsie at 12:25 PM PST - 4 comments
What happens to Google Authenticator codes if you lose your phone?
What happens to Google Authenticator codes if you lose your phone? [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 11:21 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by deern the headlice at 11:21 AM PST - 7 comments
Is it safe to take antibiotics after getting vaccinated?
Is it safe to take antibiotics after getting vaccinated? [more inside]
Physically Demanding Sport a Layperson Can Get Into
Any creative suggestions for a sport that will really challenge my body, that I can participate in without prior connections or too much expensive equipment? [more inside]
Where to find mole paste in DC or LA?
Looking for a good source of Mexican mole paste in either DC or LA. [more inside]
Now my relationship is over, how can I avoid repeating past mistakes?
My LDR boyfriend has left me in a not dissimilar way to a previous ex. I am now scared of eternally repeating patterns with partners and would like advice on how I can find someone more suited for me in future. [more inside]
posted by Willow251 at 9:59 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Willow251 at 9:59 AM PST - 15 comments
Go to references for smacking down alt-right online grooming
This Twitter thread was shared in the current US politics megathread, and it made me realize I do not have handy references for explaining to people why, say, Jordan Petersen is a problem. I’d like to fix that. [more inside]
Fire Safety during College Exams
Is there anything legally preventing a university professor from continuing an exam during an active fire alarm? [more inside]
Your website is pretty, but it's making me dizzy
Recently, I've been encountering a lot of websites with moving pictures that make me dizzy. A lot of these are websites that I need to look at for work. Apparently, this is a known accessibility issue. Can you help me figure out how to fix it? I'm looking both for individual solutions, like low-motion settings for my browser, and also for resources to help me explain the problem and argue for more-accessible websites. [more inside]
Durable micro USB cable?
After going through quite a few of these in the last 5 years, I ask you, hivemind:
Does anyone make a micro USB cable with a high build quality that can withstand daily use and hauling around?
posted by ryanshepard at 8:47 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 8:47 AM PST - 9 comments
Planning for a trip in the long term
I'm planning a trip to Japan and Korea next spring as evident by my previous questions. I won't be going until next spring, around March. I'm super excited about it but planning seems so overwhelming. I have almot a whole year to do it! When should I book accommodations and flights for best prices and least anxiety? How do I keep myself organized? [more inside]
I Can't Pronounce It, But Can I Freeze It: Galaktoboureko
My lovely partner made a whole pan of yummy, syrupy Greek custard pie with phyllo. It's delicious, but there's a lot of it, and only two of us. And I'm on a diet. Can we freeze this stuff without ruining it? If I can't, how much time do we have to eat it? And if I can, what's the best way to defrost it? Here's the recipe they used.
posted by SansPoint at 6:58 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by SansPoint at 6:58 AM PST - 3 comments
Washing Machines
Have you recently bought a washing machine? Do you like it? Can you tell me what model it is? [more inside]
Shiniest laundromat in Chicago
I'm looking for a laundromat or service with a large, extremely clean washing machine to get my new queen-sized comforter cleaner than new, using my own fragrance-free/propylene-glycol-free detergent. Open to dry cleaners also. I'm also open to the idea that all dry cleaners do this, or all cleaners do this, but I'm skeptical at the moment. [more inside]
Which writers are taking us to "vertiginous heights"?
Writers like David Foster Wallace, or Hunter S Thompson, go so hard with their writing. Italo Calvino, maybe. (FWIW, I am not a white male). I haven't kept abreast of the best writing in the last, say, decade, maybe more, whether fiction or non-fiction. The last book I remember that felt a little like that might have been House of Leaves. Which recent books or writers have really been trying to strain beyond what can normally done on the page?
Stumped About Loans
Explain this loan situation to me as though I know nothing about loans (because I know nothing about loans). [more inside]
Help me control my reaction to this.
A person has made a decision which has impacted myself and my partner. It's upsetting me a lot but I have no control in the matter at all. All I can do is manage my own reaction but I'm finding that really difficult. I don't want to be angry and bitter, I want to come to a calm place of acceptance, even compassion. Can you share what has worked for you in similar circumstances? [more inside]
February 23
Vegan side dishes with yellow rice?
Hi. I am looking for some tasty vegan side dishes with yellow rice. It can be any crusine as long as it meshes well with the yellow rice dish (salads, tofu, etc.)
Thanks!
Driving in snow to go skiing, scaredy-cat edition
So my family is interested in learning to ski. But my wife and I do not have much experience driving in snow. We've canceled trips already because of fear and uncertainty about road conditions. We aren't clear if we have the right gear, or what conditions are part of the experience vs. a definite do-not-attempt. Snowflakes inside, har har. [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 8:53 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by rouftop at 8:53 PM PST - 21 comments
Gifts that say 'world traveller'
My brother has saved up enough to take a six-month round the world trip. I'd like to give him a gift pack of stuff for the trip. Things I already have: a lounge access membership, some packing cubes, a travel journal. I'd love to find something more creative, too. [more inside]
posted by ontheradio at 8:20 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by ontheradio at 8:20 PM PST - 24 comments
Looking for comedy clip on border wall
I'm trying to find this video that my husband and I remember watching.
It was a comedy clip where a group of people are hired to build a Mexico-border style wall, then the builders figure out how to get over, under, and through it. [more inside]
posted by ReadNTravel at 8:17 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by ReadNTravel at 8:17 PM PST - 4 comments
Massage and Acupuncture Etiquette
When my treatment is done, my Massage Therapists and other wellness professionals have always told me to take my time, when they are done the treatment and are leaving the room to let me get dressed. Do they mean ‘please get up slowly, you’ve been lying down for a while’ or do they mean ‘by all means, lie there another minute or two before getting up’? [more inside]
posted by scrute at 7:33 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by scrute at 7:33 PM PST - 7 comments
Strange movie recall: Severed hands edition
I'm looking for a movie I saw in the nineties, and can't seem to find the right search terms with google. The villain kidnaps people to cut off their hands in order to give them to his daughter so she can play the piano. [more inside]
posted by vortex genie 2 at 7:23 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by vortex genie 2 at 7:23 PM PST - 4 comments
What color is your Target employees' shirts? Black?
I couldn't find a sub for what I wanted at the store but I didn't think I looked like I really needed help. A Target employee in black approached me. Do they wear black ever or was this security? [more inside]
Website Host and Builder Reputation
I noticed that a company called Dragify was offering website building and lifetime hosting for $50.
The company is unknown to me and I'm unable to recover any opinions about it. It does sound too good to be true but for a freelance writer it is very tempting.
Does the company and the deal pass muster with the green?
Thank you
One missed period and two negative pregnancy tests
Can I drink? [more inside]
It's 600 times sweeter than sugar, so help me dilute this.
I bought some pure sucralose and I would like to make it into something usable. Help me figure that out. [more inside]
Writing a character with a disability
I've been working on a story where the protagonist is a person with a congenital disability. Help me make her life truthful and interesting. [more inside]
Dinner and breakfast near Logan Airport?
My family (adults and children) will be spending the night at the Hilton hotel that's attached to Boston's Logan Airport. Recommendations for places to get dinner and breakfast? Going into the city is fine, but we'd prefer not to spend too much time on public transportation because we'll be in the middle of some long days. [more inside]
Friendly office mate suddenly cold
I'm new at the job. My peer (who is the unofficial second in command) was super nice and friendly and helpful for a few weeks, and over the last week has become much less so. How should I handle this? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 3:17 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by crunchy potato at 3:17 PM PST - 20 comments
Anxiety over making an important phone call to a total stranger
I've located descendants of someone I'm researching. My professor and others are encouraging me to call them, but I've been super anxious about doing it. This is an important call, and I've never made one like this. I have a few practical questions that would make me feel more confident. [more inside]
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 2:55 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 2:55 PM PST - 14 comments
Shower me with ideas!
My very best friend is about to have a baby, so it's officially my job to throw her the BEST BABY SHOWER EVER! So, um.... How do I do that? [more inside]
posted by Weeping_angel at 2:33 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Weeping_angel at 2:33 PM PST - 16 comments
Searching for alto recorder music and info
I dug my old alto (treble) recorder out of storage and want to play it, just some little tunes and things (nothing fancy). I'm looking for some good resources for music, and bonus if I can simply adapt various arrangements. [more inside]
posted by cats are weird at 2:12 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by cats are weird at 2:12 PM PST - 7 comments
Blade Runner Beverage Brainstorm
I'm going to a friend's house for a double-feature screening of Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 tomorrow. I'd like to show up with a pitcher's worth of delicious, non-alcoholic, themed beverage. Whatever this post-apocalyptic punch is made of, it's going to be called Tears in Rain. I need help with an appropriate mocktail recipe!
Replican't you help me, Hive Mind?
posted by lieber hair at 1:58 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by lieber hair at 1:58 PM PST - 11 comments
Two-thirds-sandwiches?
I'm reading a letter from Berlin 1932 to America in which the writer refers to a post rehearsal meal: "Strenuous music, then conversation with two-thirds-sandwiches and beer".
Two-thirds-sandwiches? The letter is in English, the author American, the phrase so off kilter that I have to wonder if it was a thing either in Germany or America in 1932.
posted by BWA at 1:25 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by BWA at 1:25 PM PST - 10 comments
Teaching ESL Abroad, Difficulty level: Cats
I am thinking about teaching English abroad, but I have two cats, and no-one who can really keep them for me for too long. I need to work out if I can take them along. [more inside]
posted by Archipelago at 1:22 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Archipelago at 1:22 PM PST - 6 comments
Best practices for presenting a workshop via Skype?
I have a two-hour workshop I teach on Topic, which I'm an expert in. I'm a great presenter, the workshop is always fun, and I get great feedback. Now, for the first time, I'm going to be delivering this via Skype. What do I need to know about teaching in this manner? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 1:10 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 1:10 PM PST - 6 comments
How to make an office into a community center
I volunteer periodically at a non-profit with a fairly strong membership and outreach component. Though the office has a large open area to welcome guests/members who would be interested in meeting, hanging out or doing work related to the non-profit, no one does this. I have the opportunity to make the space more welcoming - but how do I do this? [more inside]
Total Noob
How do I use my unlocked cell phone in Germany? [more inside]
Prague in May
I'm going to Prague for work for a week in May. I have never been. I'll be by myself socially and presenting at a conference for two or three days during the week. What tourist things can't be missed? What are the best restaurants? Any general recommendations for traveling in Prague?
I will not have car.
posted by Suffocating Kitty at 12:09 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Suffocating Kitty at 12:09 PM PST - 11 comments
Urban, Suburban, or Rural?
In surveys, I'm sometimes asked whether I live in an urban, a suburban, or rural environment. I am overthinking this question. [more inside]
Software that creates realistic room scenes?
My company sells flooring and would like to be able to superimpose a room scene with furniture, walls, ect over pictures of our planks. [more inside]
posted by lattiboy at 11:40 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by lattiboy at 11:40 AM PST - 9 comments
No nerve damage, but terrible residual shoulder pain
I have a relative who had shoulder problems and pain, probably from poor laptop ergonomics for years. He did rehab, and the doctor performed a test for nerve damage, and said their was no more nerve damage, but if someone lightly hits him on the shoulder he is in terrible pain. [more inside]
Slow, heavy, sludge-country cover of "Surrender" by Cheap Trick?
I heard it in a bar last night and really liked it. Shazam didn't know it. Do you? [more inside]
posted by dirtdirt at 10:03 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by dirtdirt at 10:03 AM PST - 5 comments
New embroidery Hobby - help?
I have some questions to do with my new embroidery hobby and, specifically, with making one of these butterflies. [more inside]
understated regalia
What are good examples of simple, or understated, honors, regalia and awards that are extremely important? I'm thinking of things like the Roman grass crown, a crown of grass and wildflowers that was considered the highest military honor, or the Hellenic white silk headband diadems that showed kingly authority.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 9:43 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by the man of twists and turns at 9:43 AM PST - 20 comments
Can you ID some contemporary art?
I'm trying to remember the names of two art pieces: 1. a video piece involving young men playing an absurd fictional sport; and 2. a very recent piece about the sexualized relationships people have with their phones. [more inside]
posted by a sourceless light at 9:41 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by a sourceless light at 9:41 AM PST - 1 comment
How do I get in shape to enjoy my vacation?
How do I prepare physically for hiking in mountains in 4 months when I live in a flat, cold place? [more inside]
posted by Bunglegirl at 9:16 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Bunglegirl at 9:16 AM PST - 16 comments
open the source!
How did you start contributing to open source projects? Looking for advice on identifying an appropriate project and participating in a (healthy) OS community. [more inside]
How to make ASCII art display in HTML email cross platform?
Hi,
I run an event series that uses ascii art to advertise our shows each month in a email blast formatted in HTML. We send through mailchimp. The Ascii displays correctly across all browsers and mobile platforms except the Gmail android app. Any advice for how to ensure this displays correctly in the Gmail android app?
Thanks so much.
How to talk to the love of my life?
I’m in love with a man I’ve been with for six complicated years. My ten year old girl believes this man is her entire world. Honestly, he is our entire world. I don’t know that he feels the same way for me anymore. I think he’s interested in a woman he works with as I’m not allowed to visit his workplace even though I know many of his workmates for decades. I digress. Three weeks ago, my younger sister told me she has cancer. I found out two and a half weeks ago that I have cancer. It’s in it’s early stage, so I’m lucky. I don’t know if I should tell this man I love that I have cancer. I don’t think he’s in it to win it with me and I don’t want him prolong the relationship with me because he feels bad for me. He stayed with an old girlfriend for several years because he felt bad breaking up with her while her mother was dying of cancer. Do I bother telling him I have cancer?
What do you keep in your office/cubicle that makes work more enjoyable.
I've been a bit of an employment nomad for years and so have never really kept much "stuff" at work - tell me what items you keep in your desk/cubicle/office make it a better place. [more inside]
posted by notorious medium at 6:22 AM PST - 49 comments
posted by notorious medium at 6:22 AM PST - 49 comments
BFF's dog died in tragic accident; how to best show sympathy/support?
My best friend's ex accidentally ran over their beloved dog yesterday and she is devastated. I loved the dog as well and am heartbroken. He was just buried hours ago where he was killed. I'd love to do something nice to memorialize her dear pet and show sympathy and support. What are some thoughtful ideas, mefites? Thanks so much.
posted by colorproof at 3:33 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by colorproof at 3:33 AM PST - 11 comments
Monologues for 16 year olds on the theme of 'contradications'?
Looking for 2-3 minute monologues on the theme of contradictions for a class of 15-16 year old students. Plays ideal, TV and films also good - even poetry or books at a pinch. [more inside]
Dental Tourism?
On two subsequent plane rides, I ended up talking with people who were bragging about how they went to Mexico and got a full set of dental implants. In both cases, the men said they paid 75% less than what they would've paid in the U.S. I don't remember where in the country they went, but it might've been Mexico City or a dental office in the outskirts. [more inside]
How to make a Sri Lankan guest welcome?
Our hospital is having a couple of Sri Lankan visitors for two weeks to observe and take notes around improving their hospital back home. We've volunteered to host one of them. What I know: he's male, a manager of an emergency department, so I assume middle class, Tamil and Hindu. What can we do to make his stay as comfortable as possible? [more inside]
posted by Silentgoldfish at 1:21 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Silentgoldfish at 1:21 AM PST - 6 comments
February 22
Menu suggestions for vegan and FODMAP-avoiding guests
I am going to serve dinner for four including two vegetarians, one vegan, and one of the vegetarians needs to avoid FODMAP-rich food. [more inside]
Superseding indictment
Do the superseding indictments in the Mueller investigation add to or replace the original indictment? [more inside]
After work anxiety
I have moderate anxiety related to work. I often get home and panic that I may have done something wrong. Sometimes my ocd sends me back to work to verify that I did not make a mistake and all is well.
I would love to hear from someone who has also done this and how they learned to quit doing it.
Thanks
posted by DieHipsterDie at 6:11 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by DieHipsterDie at 6:11 PM PST - 19 comments
Radiator ptoblems
I moved into a new place that I like, but it's a studio with the radiator in the main bedroom area. If it's all the way on it's hellishly hot. If it's all the way off it whines. Is there a fix I can do right now to solve it without involving a plumber? [more inside]
Hidden Gems in University City
Spending tomorrow in the University City district, what is there to eat, drink, see, do? [more inside]
posted by FakePalindrome at 5:21 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by FakePalindrome at 5:21 PM PST - 10 comments
English grammar for non-English speakers
I'm looking for a grammar book for an ESL student. She's around a 3rd grade reading level but has gaps in her knowledge. Starting with the basics is good. Can you recommend one? [more inside]
Please help shoe me - pregnancy slip-on edition
Hi all - I'm pregnant and starting to have difficulty getting shoes on now. Sigh. I'd love a pair of shoes that are truly slip on without me bending over to put my heel in, are not ugly, and are comfortable. I've read some random internet articles about this, but I'd love some first hand anecdotes and advice if you have them. Some additional details below. [more inside]
posted by FireFountain at 3:28 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by FireFountain at 3:28 PM PST - 16 comments
Another round of Name Those Cats!
We're adopting two rescue cats and we can't agree on names. [more inside]
posted by Catseye at 3:24 PM PST - 43 comments
posted by Catseye at 3:24 PM PST - 43 comments
How to get my sister out of a dog loan
My sister bought her ex a dog on credit. He wanted a $4K dog, and had no credit, and my sister, who is low IQ and disabled but legally an adult got a loan with some sketchy puppy mill loan company. Since the loan is in her name, the dog is too. Her ex pays her back monthly in cash but isn't diligent about it. He's refusing/too busy to do things like get the dog his necessary shots, so my sister is doing stuff like that out of a fear that the dog could give a kid rabies and sue her since the dog is in her name. He still owes something like $3K on the dog, and they are both using this as an incentive to keep each other in their lives, keeping their terrifically unhealthy relationship alive. How can we get the dog in his name or get the loan company to switch the loan into his name? [more inside]
How do I teach myself conversational Hebrew?
By way of Eytan Fox's movies, and plenty more after that, I have recently developed a taste for all things Israeli, and I want to learn basic spoken Hebrew.
I will probably visit the country within the next two years and I like the idea of knowing at least a few words in advance.
I have watched a ton of Isareli movies with subtitles, but all I've been able to gather so far were Shalom for Hello and Tov for good/well. [more inside]
Which is - objectively - the better side of the road to drive on?
For the first time in my life I'm in former british colony countries that drive on the left side of the road. I find some things a lot easier now. And I'm wondering if there's any study or facts that say which side of the road IS better to drive on. Like our eyes reading left to right. Or reaction time for non dominant hands on wheels. Is there any math that says one side is better than the other?
Maintaining energy levels after adrenaline rush
I get adrenaline rushes at work when conducting interviews. Afterwards I am exhausted, but need to continue working. Is there any way to come-down after a rush and still have energy left to to work? [more inside]
posted by haunted by Leonard Cohen at 2:01 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by haunted by Leonard Cohen at 2:01 PM PST - 3 comments
Lenovo Ideapad won't turn on or charge
I'm wondering is the problem most likely with the adapter plug/power cord or is it the power socket in the laptop itself? [more inside]
How common are misdiagnoses in cancer pathology?
I was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on the basis of pathology results from a lymph node biopsy. There seem to be some doubtful or anomalous things about the findings. Is it reasonable or feasible to try to get the samples retested to exclude all doubt, and if so how do I go about it? YANMD etc. [more inside]
posted by zeri at 1:46 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by zeri at 1:46 PM PST - 9 comments
Recs for fiction, memoirs about healing family estrangement
CW: trauma, alcoholism, abuse (nothing graphic)
Looking for comforting, validating, or revealing fiction, memoirs, or stories dealing with repairing relationships after abuse. Snowflakes within... [more inside]
Tell me about a Master's in Technology Management
I can Google things, but I like to hear what people have to say. So... tell me about the Master's in Technology Management degree. Who is the target market/typical student? What kind of jobs does this line a person up to pursue? Does it improve job prospects, etc.? Did you get this degree? Know anyone who did? Tell me about it. [more inside]
Are low carb diets are easier or harder to follow than other diets?
Low carb diets have some true believers. These believers believe in the carbohydrate-insulin hypothesis. So far, studies have failed to support this hypothesis.
Anecdotally, I've had success with low carb diets. My hypothesis is that low carb diets work not because the whole carbohydrate-insulin thing, but rather because low carb diets are more easily followed than an "everything in moderation" diet.
Has this hypothesis been tested? Can this hypothesis be tested? [more inside]
How to get my customers to pay on time
My husband owns a landscape and irrigation company. On the invoice it clearly states pay in 30 days or a $30 late fee will be added. He hasn't yet charged anyone this fee because he doesn't want to lose anyone. They do all pay eventually but still aren't paying on time. I would like to send a postcard to all his customers asking them to try harder to pay on time. Any ideas for wording it? We don't want to be too rude or impolite but we sure would like to get paid!
posted by shmurley at 12:23 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by shmurley at 12:23 PM PST - 24 comments
Do you have experience with Lewy body dementia?
A relative has recently been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies (probably Lewy body dementia, but possibly with some Parkinson's dementia features). I've done a bit of reading about it, and it seems the course and prognosis can vary greatly, so I'm hoping to learn more about what to expect and how to help with future planning and supporting his spouse. [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 12:05 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by stillmoving at 12:05 PM PST - 7 comments
Best Soap
I love fancy-pants artisanal bars of soap. The kind you can get at farmer's markets, craft fairs or Etsy, generally cold-process, very nice smells, sometimes fun colors or with fun mix-ins or toppings. If you also like using handmade bar soaps, who are you buying yours from? What are your favorites? [more inside]
These shoes are made for walking...help me find them!
What is the best pair of shoes that you've used for all-season walking? I walk about 1.5 miles each way for work. I live in Milwaukee, so I'm interested in shoes that can handle the elements, but are also comfortable and can take a beating. Thanks!
posted by Fister Roboto at 11:27 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Fister Roboto at 11:27 AM PST - 6 comments
(Wireless?) headset for Macbook with good microphone?
I have hours of Zoom/Slack/Skype meetings every week, and I'd like a nice headset to use for those meetings. I have AirPods for my iPhone, and they behave well when I'm doing meetings on my phone, and completely fall apart when I try to pair them with my Macbook. Suggestions for something with a nice microphone that I can reliably use for meetings on my mac? Wireless is a plus as long as it's still reliable.
Scientists: Can you measure heart-health changes via urine?
Now that I'm in Europe I can watch shows like "Trust Me, I'm a Doctor." But I don't entirely trust this guy on TV. Is it actually possible to measure the health of your heart via a urine test, and is raw olive oil actually good for your heart? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 10:30 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 10:30 AM PST - 4 comments
No-show socks that will actually stay in place on large feet
I wear TOMS a lot and like to wear them with no-show socks, except every pair of socks I've tried pops off my heels after just a couple of minutes. I've tried every brand Nordstrom sells and a couple of generic brands from Amazon. The little grippy bit on the heel does NOTHING to help. Have you found any that will stay in place? Extra challenge: must fit size 11 (women) feet. [more inside]
How to respond when my boss criticises
I have been working on a change management project with a multi-discipline group within my company. The boss we are delivering the project to thinks it is excellent as does her boss. My boss however is not happy with how it is turning out - basically he doesn't want the organisation to change, thinks we should refuse to change, and is trying to organise against what we are doing. The others on the multidisciplinary team don't report to him - only me. [more inside]
Seeking small comforts during anxious times (or anytime!)
I find myself engaging in small comforting tasks or routines when I’m feeling anxious (or to ward off anxious feelings before they hit). Small things that make me feel safe. I’m realizing how meaningful these are for me and am hoping to integrate more small comforts into my daily life. [more inside]
posted by sucre at 9:41 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by sucre at 9:41 AM PST - 33 comments
Best label maker for molecular biology lab?
The standard in my lab is to either label tubes by hand or type and print each one separately with a portable label maker. I am not amused, as I just started a project that will generate 2,500 vials of bacteria for the -80 freezer. Please help me? [more inside]
Current best, cheap web hosts?
My current web host has jacked their prices through the roof. Where to go now? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 8:57 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Thorzdad at 8:57 AM PST - 9 comments
Sabotaged by my younger self - how to begin life at 40?
Help me stay positive about my career and romantic prospects later in life. Details below. [more inside]
posted by seraph9 at 8:01 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by seraph9 at 8:01 AM PST - 11 comments
CFL turning itself off -- wattage related?
My replacement CFL bulb has been shutting off on its own despite seemingly compatible wattage/voltage. What gives? (Details follow.) [more inside]
posted by inconstant at 7:37 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by inconstant at 7:37 AM PST - 12 comments
How do people keep up with the news in the Trump era?
Over in the current POTUS45 megathread on the Blue, the question "How does everyone keep up with the news?" came up. Rather than expand on the topic there, I wanted to ask the Green how everyone these days manages not only to stay informed about issues important to them - without entering a bubble - but also to avoid burning out or becoming overwhelmed. For the former, are what are particular websites, Twitter lists, or podcasts that provide useful news digests? For the latter, do people practice certain techniques to manage media-induced stressing out, such as restricting the number of sources to check regularly, setting aside specific times of the day for them, or limiting the amount of time spent on them? What else is there to do?
Pre-registration (when do you wedding gift?)
People I know seem to be increasingly having their weddings in increments. City Hall. Then a religious ceremony a few months later with a small reception. Then a big bash even later. Question: which of these is best attached to the wedding gift? Specifics within. [more inside]
posted by velveeta underground at 6:43 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by velveeta underground at 6:43 AM PST - 10 comments
Need recommendation for pretty PC monitor
Hi, I'm looking for a monitor with some very specific qualities. It needs to be around 24" and I will be using it for work, watching video and connecting my Nintendo Switch for some gaming. Since matte monitors seem to look rather washed out and dull for video I'm fine with having a glossy screen. It would be nice to have more than one input and to be able to do split screen with more than one source. I don't want to spend more than $200 but am open if it goes a bit above that. 1080P is fine.
How do you shower more efficiently?
I want to learn to shower more efficiently - be just as clean, but take less time and water! Help me with your tips and tricks. [more inside]
Should I let ex take me out for dinner if he makes a stink about paying?
My now-ex-boyfriend tends to "get back at me" for seemingly innocuous things, and the paying for dinner thing seems to be one of them. He wants to take me out again. Should I go? [more inside]
posted by Socolime at 4:29 AM PST - 52 comments
posted by Socolime at 4:29 AM PST - 52 comments
Help for a mum of a troubled teen
Can anyone recommend a book/article/website to help a mum help a 13 yr old daughter through difficult teen years? [more inside]
posted by beccyjoe at 4:20 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by beccyjoe at 4:20 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me remember ghosts aren’t real.
This is an odd ask, but I don’t know where/how to ask it and I need help ASAP. I have a supersition/fear that isn’t real and I have to face it in the next hour or so. Probably part trauma/ptsd, and part getting worked up by friends who are superstitious. [more inside]
How to mic a saxophone
I’m recording a song on my phone and I just hired a saxophone player. I’ve just been recording in my apartment, and I have an iRig vocal mic. What’s the best way to record a saxophone?
posted by pxe2000 at 2:48 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by pxe2000 at 2:48 AM PST - 4 comments
How to sew a dress inspired by a very specific dress
I've always been in love with this maxi dress from Mad Men. More images are at this link.
Any suggestions on how to take a stab at sewing something like this? I have a very pretty geometric print fabric that would look great in this design. It looks simple enough, or maybe appearances are deceiving, but either way my searches for dress patterns that resemble this one haven't been successful. (Sewing ability: Quite basic but I'd make an extra effort to learn and complete this one )
February 21
midlife crisis, literally: what would you do?
Any recommendations for a 47-year-old college-educated female who spent the last 10 years being supported by a boyfriend--who suddenly found herself homeless with no credit, no work history, and no car who's been living on very meager savings since May? I'm running out of options and seriously need some advice. [more inside]
Live cover of “Another Brick in the Wall”
Can you help me find a vaguely remembered live cover of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall” I heard on the radio, possibly from the 1990s? [more inside]
posted by rustcellar at 7:07 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by rustcellar at 7:07 PM PST - 5 comments
Like push-ups, but for knitting
I have been a knitter for 10 years. I've never moved beyond hats, scarves, or small plushies. I want to start working up to knitting sweaters but am unsure of how to best approach it. [more inside]
posted by brook horse at 6:09 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by brook horse at 6:09 PM PST - 25 comments
Help me translate a German doctor's bill from 1962
As the title implies, can you help me read/translate this doctor's bill from 1962.
Here is an image of the bill.
Thanks in advance. [more inside]
posted by codex99 at 5:12 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by codex99 at 5:12 PM PST - 10 comments
"when I grow up I want to DO ALL THINGS!"
Before my niece turned 2 she announced to her parents that when she grows up she wants to "do ALL things!". She's 5 now. What can her long-distance aunt do to encourage that spirit? [more inside]
How does team commentating work?
I'm watching Olympic figure skating with Terry Gannon, Tara Lipinski, and Johnny Weir, and noticing that they never seem to talk over each other in their commentary. Do they just take turns? Do they have a producer telling them when to talk or little buttons that light up? How does this work? Thanks!
posted by Threeve at 2:57 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Threeve at 2:57 PM PST - 10 comments
Avoiding the voice of Thin Doom
How do I learn to like and/or not care about the way I look as a fat woman? [more inside]
Apologising for being rude
How should I handle being accused of being rude? [more inside]
Alternatives to grad programs I don't really want
I'm set to finally get my BA in May. It looks like I will have good options for grad programs, but I'm really burned out and want to be done with school. I'm worried about throwing away great opportunities without understanding the alternatives. What are some ways to think about a non-academic future for myself as a research-minded person? [more inside]
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 2:05 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 2:05 PM PST - 15 comments
Best non-Olympic source for figure skating news and commentary?
Here in the States NBCSN (a cable sports channel owned by the broadcaster that has the rights for the Olympics here) has been running a temporary daily program called "Olympic Ice". It's an hour long show on the previous night's events, and what's upcoming, with commentary and analysis from former skaters, and interviews with current skaters, coaches, etc. It's a ton of fun, and I would love a concise but engaging skating news source like this in the regular season too. Do you have recommendations for one? [more inside]
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 1:46 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 1:46 PM PST - 2 comments
Why do I continue to go back to him
I'm desperate for help.
I cant understand why I continue to fall for a man who continues to hurt me?
*longer version* [more inside]
Don't believe in the evil eye, but how do I ward it off?
I don't believe in the evil eye, but friends and colleagues who do have been asking me in real seriousness if someone might have put it on me. What do people who believe in the evil eye do to ward it off? [more inside]
Tax preparer connundrum
My tax preparer fired me when I pushed back on a 140% fee increase. What would you do in this situation? Warning : wall of text within. [more inside]
What gift should we get for the family who housed our cat?
What gift should we get for a family who really did us a huge favor and housed our cat for weeks? [more inside]
posted by cali59 at 12:22 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by cali59 at 12:22 PM PST - 10 comments
Adobe Digital Editions not allowing me to return library e-books
I just got a new laptop, and installed Adobe Digital Editions on it. I'm an avid library e-book borrower, and have lots of holds on books. In the past, on my previous computer, all I needed to do to return a library e-book was right-click on it in ADE, and select the Return Item option, and it would be returned with no fuss. However, since putting ADE on my new laptop, that no longer works. I get an error that reads "Error returning item. Please authorize your computer first." [more inside]
A Sweeping History of Discoveries Related to the Human Body?
Can you recommend any books that narrates the history of humans' scientific understanding of the functioning of the human body? [more inside]
posted by cathycartoon at 11:27 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by cathycartoon at 11:27 AM PST - 3 comments
Call me Nermal.
I'm heading to Abu Dhabi for the last two weeks of March for work. What are your recommendations for things to see/do and restaurants not to be missed. [more inside]
posted by eulily at 10:58 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by eulily at 10:58 AM PST - 7 comments
Maybe dogs are just weird?
Dogsitting a family dog who sometimes pees in her cage, seemingly in fit of pique. Or is it something to be concerned about? [more inside]
posted by ldthomps at 10:32 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ldthomps at 10:32 AM PST - 11 comments
Listening that makes my mind/soul expand?
Recommendations for mind blowing lectures/convos with iconoclasts? [more inside]
posted by xammerboy at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by xammerboy at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments
Beauty and fashion tips for 35+ women
I'm 37 and have a fairly modern (but basic) wardrobe with staples like a black leather jacket, a good pair of jeans and so on. I do apply sunscreen daily and own some (not many) good quality makeup items. But what are the other fashion and beauty tips, must haves/do's I should have in mind to remain stylish and polished as I get older? Thanks!
Suggestions for a divorce lawyer in Madison, WI?
Can anyone recommend a take-no-prisoners-style divorce lawyer in the Madison, Wisconsin, area? Asking on behalf of my sister-in-law. [more inside]
Gift Ideas for a 13yo Japanese Girl
My partner's niece is a 13yo Japanese girl who lives in Tokyo. We have no clue as to what a nice present would be, and we haven't been able to get any ideas from her family.
She doesn't speak much English, and Google is returning a lot of weirdly gendered results (paint your own apron!). Do you have any wonderful ideas?
Thank you!
posted by Carravanquelo at 9:20 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Carravanquelo at 9:20 AM PST - 20 comments
Pixel 2 in Italy and Switzerland
I'd like to be able to use my Pixel 2 to make phone calls and navigate in Italy and Switzerland next month. How can I do it? [more inside]
Downhill running on a treadmill, on the down-lo.
Wanted: Temporary, reversible, quick-to-apply methods to make my building's treadmill go more downhill. [more inside]
What to do with a brand new whiteboard?
How do you like to use your whiteboard? [more inside]
Virtual assistance ideas
I have a whopping 205 virtual assistance tasks on Fancy Hands to use (think 20 mins x each on a computer or phone service) but I am struggling to come up with ideas to use them. [more inside]
East coast of Florida in mid-March?
Expanding on this question , we decided to head down to Florida in mid-March. We'll be flying into Jacksonville, renting a car, and driving South. What can we see and what should we avoid? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 7:03 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by bondcliff at 7:03 AM PST - 19 comments
Can you name that song with “the milk had soured” in the chorus?
Can you name that song with a verse similar to “the milk had soured” in the chorus?
Other clues:
1. Indie Pop
2. Female vocal
3. I vauguely recall lots of electronic sounds.
posted by brokeaspoke at 5:58 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by brokeaspoke at 5:58 AM PST - 6 comments
What events/festivals/gatherings/spectacles are worth experiencing?
I love to travel, I love diversity, I love celebrations, and I love spectacle. My mission in the coming years: to regularly combine these into a melange of awesome. I'm looking for events that are unusual and full of people. They're probably extremely reflective of local culture, or of a particular sub-culture. A few examples: [more inside]
Radiator quandary
My radiators always seem to need bleeding. Should I involve my plumber? [more inside]
Resources for graying hair
I'm looking for blogs, vlogs, articles etc about hair care (products, styling advice, cuts) for women with naturally graying hair. [more inside]
posted by bimbam at 3:23 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by bimbam at 3:23 AM PST - 9 comments
February 20
Family boycotting LGBT wedding. Help me not cry.
So I’m queer and my family does not “support” my sexuality and are therefore not coming to my wedding, which is in 90 days. How do I cope with how family oriented weddings are by nature? Practical advice needed. [more inside]
posted by sock,sock, sock, sock, sock... sock sock at 11:35 PM PST - 49 comments
posted by sock,sock, sock, sock, sock... sock sock at 11:35 PM PST - 49 comments
Looking for a user friendly/editable digital "badge" maker
Looking for a Wordpress plug in or other service that will allow me to create a templated image frame that users can then upload a photo to and edit text layers on.
Example 1: User would be able to upload photo, that would be masked behind the top layer/frame, and be able to edit where his name and title is.
In both cases, there would be a bottom layer as well, so if the photo was smaller than the frame it wouldn't just be white space. [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 10:39 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Unsomnambulist at 10:39 PM PST - 1 comment
How much of a difference is there, really, between a full and queen bed?
I understand the difference in size. My full mattress is 54x75 inches. A queen would be 60x80. What I'm really wondering is, since that doesn't seem like much of a difference, in reality is it a bigger difference than the numbers would suggest? [more inside]
Who becomes the App Academy (or other developer bootcamp) stars?
How does one stand out in the hiring process among the people who get through reputable boot camps? The programs, the really reputable ones, sound like they're hard enough and keep you on the ball enough that you simply can't graduate if you don't know your stuff--as in you can't just muddle through the weekly exams and paired coding projects. Is there significant variation in graduates' skill level, or is it a tightly clustered group because the selection process is rigorous? Are the good ones the most studious, or does talent come into play? [more inside]
posted by flyingfork at 9:27 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by flyingfork at 9:27 PM PST - 6 comments
Reverse Flight Bump
So we booked a flight from San Jose, CA to Washington DC for a friend's wedding this April with Frontier Air. We just got an email from Frontier saying that the first leg of our trip (San Jose to Denver) was rescheduled up by 24 hours. This means we need to take an extra day off work to sit in Denver's airport over night, which is not awesome. They don't seem to be very interested in finding us an alternate or much compensation. What can we do? [more inside]
posted by flyingfox at 8:36 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by flyingfox at 8:36 PM PST - 9 comments
Looking for quality online retailers that is not Amazon
I live in Asia and often see products on Amazon that would be difficult or expensive to buy in Asia but I would prefer not to give my money to Amazon. Reasonable international shipping a plus. [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 8:14 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by whitelotus at 8:14 PM PST - 5 comments
Shopping for a PHEV. Volt or Ioniq?
The Chevy Volt has an electric-only range of 53 miles. The Hyundai Ioniq has an electric-only range of 29 miles but better hybrid/gas mileage and is cheaper. Thoughts? Thanks.
Small space, lots of crap
Can you suggest any better way to organize this small laundry room? We have a small house with little storage and need to put all the cleaning supplies/laundry supplies/reusable grocery bags somewhere. Are there pull-out shelves or something else innovative that people who live in tiny apartments know about?
Tax return screw-up, what should I do?
I received a notice from the IRS that there was an error on my 2016 income tax return, and I owe over $3,000. I have my taxes prepared every year at H&R Block, and purchase their "Peace of Mind" guarantee, but I'm guessing they will say the error is not their fault. [more inside]
Corporate jobs are worth it because...
Those of you who choose to work at a large corporation and are generally content with your situation, what is it about your job that makes it work well for you and your life? Everywhere I look it's "corporate jobs suck" so I'm hoping to learn from people who don't hate their corporate jobs. Teach me your ways! [more inside]
posted by inatizzy at 6:51 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by inatizzy at 6:51 PM PST - 45 comments
Is it a good idea to go back to the mental health clubhouse?
The clubhouse is a place for people living with mental illness to socialize and do unpaid work to gain skills. I don't feel welcome there. [more inside]
posted by Eevee at 6:09 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Eevee at 6:09 PM PST - 14 comments
facial recognition software
I have two photographs of an important person in our local history. I found a third image that I think matches her. How can I use facial recognition software to solve this? Is there a website I can upload the pics? Would an iPhone X do this for me or is their software only for locking the phone? [more inside]
Removing lettering from photo
The press and I agreed I would do the cover of the upcoming book (because I want to and I know what I'm trying to convey). [more inside]
Can a teen have Paypal if she has a bank account?
My 13 year old has a bank account that she has had since she was five. It's connected to my husband's and my bank account, showing that she is a minor and that we could get into it if we wanted because she is 13, but her name is on the account.
So with that account, can't she have Paypal? She is getting into modeling and they want to pay her through Paypal, but I would like it to be under her own personal paypal just so that it is separate from My paypal.
I heard that you have to be over eighteen to have Paypal.
She does not have a credit card, but she does have the bank account with her name on it, so that could be how she is verified through the Paypal.
Thanks in advance!
No-cost program management tools: Conference line, PM platform
Hello,
I am working with a group of 4 individuals on a growing project. As we are getting further along in our work, we need program management tools.
Does anyone have experience with a free conference line? We do not need video, but we would like webinar capacity and a conference line/number.
Also, we will be anticipating the need for a program management platform for interactive management and archiving. This is a community-lead project, so free or low cost is preferred and appreciated.
Thank you in advice! [more inside]
Described video tips?
I'd like to create a Described Video track to accompany a video project... ie, an optional audio track in which a narrator describes the visuals onscreen, so that low vision people get context.
I'm seeking tips on how to do this well, things to avoid doing, or links to media with great descriptive tracks that I can use as templates. [more inside]
NBC Olympics coverage: some sports "women's" and some sports "ladies'"
Not a big sports fan here, this is a genuine question. Is there a reason that NBC describes some women's events as "Women's" (e.g. Women's Curling) and some as "Ladies'" (e.g. Ladies' Figure Skating)? The Olympics website just uses "Women's."
posted by HaveYouTriedRebooting at 12:00 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by HaveYouTriedRebooting at 12:00 PM PST - 6 comments
Germs and the new baby
I'm not sure how cautious I should reasonably be about people visiting and holding my baby when she is born in June. I see people on reddit barring friends and family from visiting their new baby unless they get a TDAP shot. That seems extreme to me, but am I just out of touch? [more inside]
Help me find a copy of this hospitality-industry chaise.
I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express this weekend and sat on what might be the most comfortable chaise lounge I've ever tucked up on. Unfortunately, it appears that the furniture maker of this particular piece only sells to hotels - can you help me find a decent retail copy? [more inside]
This is what google voice is for, right?
I have a new job where I don't have a work phone. Is this a job for google voice? [more inside]
Where can I buy hagelslag in Seattle?
Where in Seattle can one reliably find hagelslag (Dutch sprinkles) for sale? Ideally somewhere south of the ship canal.
posted by silby at 10:56 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by silby at 10:56 AM PST - 8 comments
Prescription lens snorkeling mask
I'd love to go snorkeling! However, I wear glasses (for near-sightedness), and I'm unable to wear contact lenses. I'd therefore consider buying a snorkeling mask with a prescription lens. I'm a total amateur and would use such a mask very rarely, so not looking to spend a lot. Any tips on where to buy? Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 9:54 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 9:54 AM PST - 14 comments
Where can I find adventure (at home)?
I love reading long-form adventure articles, or well-written books on same (eg. Krakauer's "Into Thin Air"), like this, or this. Point me to your favourite articles/books describing adventures, disasters, or a combination of the two. Bonus if they're heavy on the technical side.
posted by Nyx at 9:53 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by Nyx at 9:53 AM PST - 42 comments
Identification Nerd Seeks Resources!
I love learning and knowing the identity of a native bird or a tree or plant when I'm out and about is a nice dopamine hit. I'm seeking a couple of guides that will help me learn about the local flora and fauna of Northern California and Nevada. [more inside]
Looking for very specific movie or TV scenes
I'm looking for still photos or clips from movies or TV that show a man or men tied up in a non-sexual context and - crucially - they are afraid. That is, no angry/stoic/brave James Bond types. I don't care if they're later killed but I'd prefer the image not show the actual torture/murder. Ideal examples. Bad examples. ABSOLUTELY NO WOMEN OR CHILDREN. [more inside]
posted by AFABulous at 9:31 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by AFABulous at 9:31 AM PST - 27 comments
I need dishwashing hacks.
How can I make washing dishes better, easier, and something I do consistently? [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 9:23 AM PST - 56 comments
posted by ohsnapdragon at 9:23 AM PST - 56 comments
Where can person with parkinson's live?
My mom has Parkinson’s and after a broken hip 2 years ago moved to assisted living facility where she has her own apartment (living room, bedroom, bathroom, mini fridge and microwave). Meals are provided restaurant style 3 times a day. She has levels of care so she can get help with bathroom, dressing, etc but she needs to request help (which she doesn't do). [more inside]
posted by ridogi at 8:53 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by ridogi at 8:53 AM PST - 20 comments
Vocal + piano and nothing else recordings of standards (follow-up sorta)
Are there other recordings like "Intimate Ella" with just piano, no combo, for me to try and crib from? [more inside]
posted by Smearcase at 8:45 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Smearcase at 8:45 AM PST - 3 comments
Making friends in your 40s in a small town (Iowa City)
After everything I've gone through to get out of a 20 year abusive marriage (see posting history) I am on the road to a healthy and happy life. But ... [more inside]
Is the Flatiron School's online web development program worth it?
I applied for and received a partial scholarship to the Flatiron School's online web development program; I still have to pay half which would be a lot of money ($750/month). As I decide whether to accept I want to make sure I'm finding out as much information as possible. I know that bootcamps are already extremely divisive. Is this worth doing? [more inside]
Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly in Chicago
Does anyone have experience with movers who do furniture disassembly/reassembly? Is this something you hire someone else to do? What sort of person?
I'm located in Chicago. [more inside]
Desktop software that inspires!
I've upgraded our family PC to something powerful and I'm looking to pack it full of software that will inspire and enable creativity for my kids (10 and 12). Help me find the right software for it! [more inside]
Therapy through insurance, therapist seems confused
I started mental health therapy through my insurance for the first time. I thought it would be great because yay, my health insurance covers it! But my therapist has just started accepting insurance, and seems confused, and it has been a month since she has filed a claim for our weekly meetings, and I'm really anxious that something will go wrong with billing and I'll have to pay out of pocket. Anyone do therapy through insurance? [more inside]
posted by buttonedup at 7:00 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by buttonedup at 7:00 AM PST - 10 comments
Hearing voices - what to do?
In the last couple of years, I've started to hear "voices" occasionally - once or twice a week. I use the term loosely because the voices are generally indistinct, and when they are distinct, they always seem to be my name (perhaps I think too highly of myself). I'm afraid to go to a doctor about this because I think the fairly low impact to my life is outweighed by the non-trivial chance of being involuntarily treated. I have a good job, a good life, and a good family. I don't think I pose a threat to anyone. What should I do? [more inside]
Resources for homeless senior in Southern California
I just found out my dad has been sleeping rough for a couple weeks, and I am looking for next steps to help him find housing and stability. Do you know of resources for housing for people over 55+ who are functionally out of the system (but have a SSN)? [more inside]
Help me decide between auto drip coffeemaker or a pod coffeemaker
I need to buy an autodrip or pod coffeemaker by tonight, help! [more inside]
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 6:51 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 6:51 AM PST - 18 comments
Do the other people in your dreams actually speak to you?
Recently I noticed how lonely my dreams are. Is this a common thing? [more inside]
How can MS project users let me know when they've made updates?
I’m tasked with putting together a process for collecting and reporting updates to a large MS project plan. The plan includes high-level details for a number (10ish) of related projects. The project plan is on a SharePoint site and gets updated by about a half dozen folks.
I need to 1) create an easy process for people to update/notify me when changes are made to the plan, e.g., add/remove tasks or milestones, change due dates, maybe % complete updates, etc. [more inside]
posted by shoesietart at 3:03 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by shoesietart at 3:03 AM PST - 5 comments
What’s an easy, eco-friendly way to bind a printed A4 booklet?
I’m looking for an innovative, easy and eco-friendly way to bind A4 printed booklets. (I print these booklets — both sides, landscape, rarely more than 4 A4 pages thick — nightly for the articles I’ve Instapaper’d throughout the day, since I don’t like reading on-screen.) [more inside]
posted by scrm at 12:41 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by scrm at 12:41 AM PST - 5 comments
Retail statistics question
In a retail chain with multiple stores that are judged by sales statistics, how do returns and exchanges work? Say I buy something from Store A. Then I change my mind and return it at Store B for store credit. Then I buy something using that credit at Store B. Does my money end up going toward Store A's totals, or Store B? Both? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 12:34 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by btfreek at 12:34 AM PST - 6 comments
February 19
Male smooth-jazz vocalist from the late '70's?
I’m trying to peg a male jazz vocalist from 1978-1980 who had a lilting calm vibe but Google isn't helping. I remember a snatch of one lyric from a song where he compares his lover to a map, kissing her “down to your sweet Brazil”. Any idea who he is?
posted by mono blanco at 8:18 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mono blanco at 8:18 PM PST - 5 comments
Caffeine as a solution to depression?
Has anyone suffering from depression found caffeine to be somewhat of a solution? [more inside]
Idioms using numbers that do not actually have numerical meanings
What are some English (or, why not, other language) idioms that use numbers but do not rely on the exact numerical figure for their meaning? Examples: one-horse town, six of one/half-a-dozen of the other, four-eyes, the whole nine yards... [more inside]
posted by huimangm at 7:31 PM PST - 50 comments
posted by huimangm at 7:31 PM PST - 50 comments
Hiking boots for warm climate
I'm searching for (women's) hiking boots that will keep my feet cool and aren't overly structured, but won't let in a ton of fine dirt & sand. [more inside]
Discouraging sharing "fake news" - young and liberal edition
I have a childhood friend who is recently "woke" and is using Facebook to "educate" others. Great! But almost everything he shares is "fake news." What can I do about it? [more inside]
Adult Fun In Downtown Orlando
Mrs Ashtray Elvis and myself have some time to spend in Downtown Orlando...by ourselves. We need a place to stay, cool paces to eat and stuff to do.
We have 48 hours, no car and would preferably like to walk where possible but are open to stuff further afield.
There seems to be some information out there but most centers around the theme parks.
posted by ashtray elvis at 4:46 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by ashtray elvis at 4:46 PM PST - 6 comments
How can I find which Word docs contain embedded images?
I have 48,000 Word documents in a folder. Some of them contain embedded images and some of them don't. My life would be a million times easier if I could separate them. [more inside]
posted by infinitejones at 4:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by infinitejones at 4:43 PM PST - 7 comments
I've got the buttons!
What garment should I make with these buttons? [more inside]
posted by Melismata at 4:15 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Melismata at 4:15 PM PST - 9 comments
Recommendations for a pocket knife
Knife aficionados, I'd appreciate some pocket knife recommendations for a kid aged 9! [more inside]
posted by Ashwagandha at 4:10 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Ashwagandha at 4:10 PM PST - 17 comments
"Too many corpses being created" on laptop reboot
My non-technical friend's Macbook Pro (mid 2012, running High Sierra) won't boot up. On the phone, we've worked through booting into the recovery partition and checking the disk with diskutils. We've reset the SMC. We've unplugged all peripherals. The laptop still stalls out at the white screen with the Apple logo, with the progress bar crawling at about halfway. One clue: in verbose mode, the problem appears to be "Too many corpses being created" as various daemons fail to start up. Have you encountered this before? Any ideas about what it means? [more inside]
What's this "magic box" and how can I get my hands on one?
I would like to make or buy something like this magic box on display in the Antique Toy Museum in Mexico City: I love the depth and density of the interior universe, and that you have to crane your neck to see into it. Is there a specific name for this kind of object? Any thoughts on how it was made? Where should I begin searching? Terms I've googled: cajita magica; parabolic glass box; optical illusion box lens; mirror box. (I've also tried messaging the museum's facebook but have had no luck in getting an answer.) Thanks!
posted by brieche at 1:59 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by brieche at 1:59 PM PST - 3 comments
Cat Boarding in Vancouver
My wife, our cat, and I have recently moved to Vancouver. We're taking a short trip abroad next month, and we won't be able to take the cat with us. Please help us find a trustworthy cat hotel! [more inside]
posted by HoraceH at 1:56 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by HoraceH at 1:56 PM PST - 9 comments
Great coworking in Seattle?
I'm looking for a great coworking space in Seattle, preferably South or West Seattle, or Capitol Hill. Ideally dog-friendly and nonprofit-friendly (ie, not a tech-bro hangout). [more inside]
Best way to record myself/my laptop screen & upload to youtube for mom?
Doesn anyone have any recommendations about how to best record my screen? Basically, my mom's got some memory issues, and I need to explain some daily tasks step by step, on a medium that she can play again and again (like youtube) - think, remind her how to put on her cpap machine, how to turn down the volume on alexa show, etc, and I want to do three things... [more inside]
Author's photo is problematic
I've gotten a contract for my first book, hurrah! I need to furnish an author's photo. Boo! [more inside]
Tell Me About The Boys and Girls Club of America (BCGA)
I'm thinking about the BCGA as a possible activity for a 10-year-old. But I don't know that much about them, and not being from the US, it's hard for me to parse online opinions of BCGA. Anyway, I'm interested in organizations that are respectful and inclusive of diversity in ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Would BCGA be one of those organizations that fit the bill? Thank you!
posted by life moves pretty fast at 12:33 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by life moves pretty fast at 12:33 PM PST - 5 comments
tipping etiquette for business owners
There are four guys outside in our back yard taking down some trees (featured in one of my previous AskMe questions--good riddance, horrible trees!). Three of the guys are working their asses off and doing a very careful, meticulous job. One of the four is the owner of the company, who appears mostly to be supervising.
In addition to paying the agreed-upon price for the job, I'd like to tip. The question is, do I tip the owner, too?
The Importance of the Fine Arts in Schools?
A good friend teaches in the Fine Arts department at an urban community college, and the college is launching a viability study next week that will determine the future of the department. It could spell the end of his job if the study concludes that there is no future in teaching fine arts at the college.
The department is being asked to provide documentation in the way of studies, quote, books etc. that conclude that arts within schools is important and necessary. Please share!
posted by nanook at 11:52 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by nanook at 11:52 AM PST - 9 comments
How do you find synonyms for expressions?
How do you find synonyms for expressions, or common turns of phrase that embody a concept, rather than synonyms for a single word? For example, if I needed to find a synonym for "ins and outs", "boots on the ground", and similar compound concepts or metaphors - are there magical google search parameters or terms? Or perhaps a dedicated dictionary that does this? Thanks in advance for any tips.
On-demand Windows clients but not VDI?
My developers need a way to keep fully-configured Windows environments available, and to use them as needed. One might be set up for .Net development (e..g., Visual Studio and a particular .Net version), while another could be ready for Java work (e.g., Eclipse & a specific JDK).
They want to be able to swap among them with minimal notice (i.e., less time than a wipe of their laptop), and to share the if needed when a system breaks or a new project is approved. [more inside]
Italian medical marijuana shortage -- hope us!
My partner is suffering from a chronic condition, and as part of her pain management routine she takes medical marijuana. Apparently, Italy is having a huge shortage of the (now-legal) product, and we're not sure what to do next. [more inside]
Happy hour / depression med
Why does the medication label say do not drink alcoholic beverages when taking Wellbutrin? [more inside]
Does the IT dept usually help with office IT in a software company?
Does the IT dept usually help with office IT in a software company? [more inside]
posted by pracowity at 9:49 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by pracowity at 9:49 AM PST - 19 comments
instant pot recipes, with literally no prep
i am looking for Instant Pot recipes with some extreme requirements. They have to be "one pot" recipes, of which there are plenty on the internet. However, I would like there to be no prep required of the ingredients -- no chopping of vegetables, or anything like that. Do you know of any? [more inside]
non-chemical-smelling mattress cover
I need to cover this mattress to contain the old detergent odor. Found a $20 barrier at Bed Bath & Beyond, but the antimicrobial or plastic fumes are not good for me. Looking for alternatives. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 8:27 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by amtho at 8:27 AM PST - 7 comments
Advise me on a home wireless speaker system
I would like good audio quality speakers to fill a small one bedroom apartment that play well with Apple products for less than $500. I’m a complete audio newbie and am confused and overwhelmed by google results on this topic. [more inside]
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 6:12 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 6:12 AM PST - 15 comments
Question about grad school, loans and work
I am enrolled part-time in a grad program and working full-time currently. I want to quit my job, work part-time, and supplement living expenses with loans. Bad idea? [more inside]
Help me embrace being bad at hobbies (without judging myself)
I want to start using my free time to explore more creative hobbies, like drawing and writing (or, ideally, combining these things and making short comics). I've always wanted to make things, and right now I spend way too much of my free time mindlessly refreshing social media and reading the news compulsively. But I'm scared to try -- I'm having a hard time accepting the feelings of anxiety and inadequacy that come from being a beginner at something, and also wrestling with feelings of guilt over doing creative things. [more inside]
Help me find a personal information manager
After a decade of life on Apple computers, I am switching to a Windows-only workplace. I need a replacement for my personal information manager (currently DevonThink Pro Office). There are a lot of features I need; details inside. [more inside]
Safely eating in Korea and Japan with seafood allergies
I am super allergic to seafood as far as allergy testing has shown. I'm in the US and avoid it religiously, with yet to get a reaction. (Thankfully!) Let's just say it's probably epi-pen bad.
I'm planning to travel to Korea and Japan in a year. I went to Korea for a month and was okay. I mostly ate rice, meat and desserts. I want to know if anyone with similar allergies and travel experiences have tips to stay safe. Locals who know about Japanese or Korean food would be appreciated too. [more inside]
February 18
Could This Even Be Possible? (Figure Skating Edition)
After boasting to a friend about how wonderful MetaFilter is, she asked me to ask her question here, as a last resort.
Years ago (vague about date, after 1970, probably) she saw a figure skating competition on television. Two skaters had the front tips of their skates chained together, medium length chain, and they skated a traditional program while chained together. [more inside]
posted by kestralwing at 10:27 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by kestralwing at 10:27 PM PST - 3 comments
Why does my exhausted brain feel sunburned?
I have been keeping logs on periods of depression due to exhaustion over the last few years and noticed an accompanying symptom which makes me curious. I call it "brain scorch" because it feels like the top-front of the inside of my head is sunburned. A nap fixes this issue about 99% of the time (in most cases I found that bad sleep is the cause of my depression), but is there any literature on this accompanying "sunburned" sensation? I wondered if there are medical terms for it that would help me understand any deeper mechanisms. Thanks!
Santa Fe vacation
Based on your responses to this question I think we've decided on Santa Fe. There's still more work for you to do, though. [more inside]
Non-visual Thai tourism?
I'm totally blind, and visiting Thailand for the first time in many years, and trying to get a sense of the grandeur and history, without the pressing crowds. Can people recommend books, podcasts, etc which might be less visual? [more inside]
recovering and moving on from long-ago rape (trigger warning: sex, rape)
I'd like to hear suggestions about recovering and truly moving on from a rape that occured many years ago. If you, a male, and I were dating, what would you say if I told you about this before we had sex? I simply don't know how to answer the "are you a virgin" question without launching into an intimate story. [more inside]
posted by flyingfork at 5:48 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by flyingfork at 5:48 PM PST - 17 comments
From the East to the West
I'm planning to move from New Jersey to southern California by the end of the year. How do I pull this off? Advice would be much appreciated. [more inside]
What cables connect a laptop to a video projector?
I have a 2018 Dell XPS 13 which it seems has Displayport and Thunderbolt ports. I want to be able to reliably connect it to video projectors at academic conferences around Europe. What cables and adaptors do I need? [more inside]
posted by Busy Old Fool at 4:22 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Busy Old Fool at 4:22 PM PST - 9 comments
How Not To Swim With Alligators
Seeking recommendations for pool bots that can handle abundant quantities of leaves and pollen without dying in a month. [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 4:06 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 4:06 PM PST - 3 comments
New Orleans breakfast/brunch convenient to I-10
I'm flying into New Orleans Monday night, and need to leave town by about 10:00 a.m. the next morning to drive to Gulf Port, Mississippi. Staying at an airport hotel. Where should I stop for an interesting breakfast brunch for one? [more inside]
Should I be worried about bipolar disorder?
I'm studying bipolar disorder in my clinical psych program and getting a little bit of med student syndrome, except in a prospective "oh god what if this happens to me" kind of way. The problem is I have family history that places me at risk. Please either a) reassure me, or if I am actually at significant risk, b) tell me what I can do proactively to keep an eye on any developing symptoms. [more inside]
posted by brook horse at 3:02 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by brook horse at 3:02 PM PST - 11 comments
Is this grammatical?
I'm helping a friend with a job application and we're wondering about the opening phrase of her cover letter. If she says something like "As an experienced widget-maker who has won an award for my gadgets, I'm skilled at..." is "has" correct? It sounds strange to me. She could possibly rephrase to something like "As an experienced widget-maker, I have won an award for my gadgets, and I'm..." but is hoping to keep this structure.
posted by pinochiette at 2:31 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by pinochiette at 2:31 PM PST - 21 comments
Insurance and laser/electro hair removal.
I need help finding hair removal clinics that offer direct ACA or WA insurance billing. [more inside]
Books on Comforting the Soul During Chronic Illness and Death?
Looking for books that will comfort a person who is dying written from a spiritual or Judaic perspective - or both.
Thanks
Looking for a Sydney Guidebook
It's my mum's birthday son and I'd like to get her a Sydney Guidebook so she can get ideas for what she wants to do when she visits me. I've recently moved here and while there are no current trips booked I'm sure there'll be at least one this year. [more inside]
Point Reyes, West Marin, CA - where to stay for last-minute getaway
A last minute opportunity has arisen for Mrs. AFAC and I to make a short getaway, next week, sans the offspring. Looking for ideas on where to stay, in West Marin, CA [more inside]
Lost phone. What to do?
I left my Pixel 2 in a Lyft yesterday. I have Google Fi. Google's "find my device" tool can't find it. The Lyft app has a "lost item" feature; I booted up my old phone and sent a request and used a number from Tempophone as the reply number--but no luck yet. I don't see a way to contact the driver directly. I can't access my texts because I use Signal and haven't set it up on any other devices.
Am I hosed? Options?
I don't feel prepared to go on a trip
In three months I'll be going on a trip with some friends. I'm probably the most sedentary and shut-in person I know. I'd love to be able to get to know the place I'm going as much as possible but I fear I'll be physically and mentally exhausted after a couple of days (and it's a month-long trip). What can I do to prepare myself?
What to do when a tenant says they have bed bugs?
A tenant just informed me they have bed bugs. I have no idea what to do, or what my obligations are. I'm a landlord in Illinois. [more inside]
posted by xammerboy at 11:22 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by xammerboy at 11:22 AM PST - 14 comments
Has anyone used a Boosted Board or similar?
Caveat, never skated and this is in NYC. I want to use it for commutes and going those extra three blocks. I almost bought a hover board but those seem to have been a gimmick.
Books in which people shop for clothes
I love scenes in books in which people go shopping or make clothes, with loving descriptions of the clothes themselves. Bring 'em on!
Shelving it.
My apartment comes with deep, built in shelves that run the length of the wall. I've been using them for books, but that's only in the first row and in the lower shelves so that they stay visible and accessible. I haven't quite figured out how to utilize all this extra space in a useful fashion. Difficulty: my apartment is a veritable dust magnet so whatever I put there would need regular dusting.
Any ideas, clever people of MeFi?
posted by Nieshka at 9:24 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Nieshka at 9:24 AM PST - 10 comments
Needs, wants, scarcity, abundance
What are some resources (books, essays, experiences, practices to try, whatever) to ameliorate a scarcity mindset? [more inside]
posted by gemutlichkeit at 9:13 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by gemutlichkeit at 9:13 AM PST - 5 comments
Adulting: nice wood furniture recommendations?
I am fortunate to be in a position to upgrade some of my furniture pieces this year. [more inside]
posted by emmatrotsky at 9:13 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by emmatrotsky at 9:13 AM PST - 14 comments
Favorite YouTube cardio for a small space?
I have found some great yoga channels, but I’d really like to find some equally great 30-minute cardio sessions on YouTube. Special requirement: needs to be doable in a 4 x 6 space surrounded by furniture. [more inside]
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 8:24 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 8:24 AM PST - 6 comments
Ethics reporting fallout?
I reported my manager for an ethics violation. Not-my-employment-lawyer, not-legal-advice especially welcome! [more inside]
Abstract Reasoning Practice Test Help request
I have to take an Abstract reasoning exam. The organization offers a practice test but no answers on the practice test. [more inside]
posted by tarvuz at 7:25 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by tarvuz at 7:25 AM PST - 13 comments
What type of software engineering would most suit me?
I've heard a lot of people complain that the traditional algorithmic interview process doesn't reflect what software engineering is actually like. But I actually love solving interview problems. Is there a field of programming that DOES resemble the very cerebral, abstract, puzzle-y nature of an algo interview, and how do I break into it? As usual, there are snowflakes below. [more inside]
Charging an Electric Car With Long Cord
I want to get a plugin hybrid but the closest I can get a car to my house is 70'. Do I need to give up on 220V charging and just get a very heavy extension cord and use the Level 1 handle that comes with the car (which would mean letting it sit out in the weather--and put a plastic bag over it)? Other solutions? Thanks!
Best way for users to manage files on Wordpress
I'm building a Wordpress site for a local company and it will feature a PDF price list which will be updated every quarter or so. What's the best way of allowing them to upload the new file through the dashboard without sending it to me and still have the link on the Home Page work? Additional complication is I would like to directly link to the PDF so it is viewable in the browser, not have the file automatically download. [more inside]
posted by jontyjago at 6:20 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by jontyjago at 6:20 AM PST - 8 comments
Need a book to learn Jazz/Blues piano improvisation for a beginner
I am an intermediate piano player and I’d like a VERY basic book to walk me through how to learn to improvise. I mean basic. I know nothing and need baby steps.
ID the Actor
Who is this man in the Big Mac commercial NBC is running every 15 minutes during the olympics?
posted by something something at 5:58 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by something something at 5:58 AM PST - 2 comments
Head shrunk, mind expanded?
I just finished A Really Good Day, Ayelet Waldman's rather astonishing microdosing memoir. Although it's been a couple decades since my last hallucinogen-fueled adventure, my interest has been rekindled, and then some. I'm ready to take another trip... only this time, instead of hanging out at Hot Topic for hours, grooving on the blacklit Hendrix posters and watching the cashier's face melt, I want to find a therapist willing to help me maximize the benefits of the experience. Is this even possible? [more inside]
February 17
Therapist Filter - London (UK)
A constellation of life events have me feeling increasingly, grindingly depressed. My old therapist retired, so I'm looking for someone new to help get me through this rough patch, and beyond. Do you have any personal recommendations for great female therapists? Or strategies for finding one? [more inside]
Drugs for social anxiety?
Are there drugs you can take for social anxiety and still be able to socialize "normally"? [more inside]
Keeping medications cold in the heat
I have medication that needs to be kept at room temperature (under 25 C). It cannot be stored in the fridge. Complication: My air conditioning is broken, it's summer, and my apartment is very hot. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by anonymous at 11:17 PM PST - 10 comments
How to deal with new neighbor who refuses to leash his dog?
My dog got into a scuffle with a former neighbor's dog 3 years ago and I've kept my dog away from other dogs since that time. New neighbor moved in 2 weeks ago, has been letting his dog run around off leash, and has made it pretty clear he has no intention to leash his dog. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by zug at 10:14 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by zug at 10:14 PM PST - 20 comments
Good travel shoe for young men
Can you tell me if this shoe is good for a week in Germany? I'm concerned about slipping and comfort. [more inside]
posted by loveandhappiness at 7:45 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by loveandhappiness at 7:45 PM PST - 9 comments
What stone are these made of, and how do I clean them?
I bought a chess set cheap on eBay. It was advertised as agate and jade, and mouldy. It's certainly mouldy, but I'm pretty certain it's not agate and probably not jade. Can anyone take an informed guess at what type of stone these are made of, and how to clean mould off them? [more inside]
posted by Hogshead at 5:54 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Hogshead at 5:54 PM PST - 11 comments
Jasper/ Banff vacation recommendations
I’ll be traveling to the Jasper area in late June with a 6 and a 2 yo. Can anyone recommend some really good hikes that would be doable for us? [more inside]
Solo, analog / card / pencil+paper based distraction suggestions?
I often find myself with long stretches of time on my hands to fill - I'm looking to spend less of it on social media and, after 35 years of near-compulsive reading, have temporarily burned out on that as a stopgap. What are some solo analog / card / pencil+paper based games or other, related activities that you find soothing, focusing, compelling, or amusing?
posted by ryanshepard at 2:45 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 2:45 PM PST - 24 comments
What jobs allow mostly-solitary, focused, part-time work?
I described my ideal workday inside; what jobs does it sound like? To summarize: independent, relaxed but focused work that requires some thought/creativity, doesn't require much interaction, and has part-time hours with a stable ~$25k salary.
Basically I'm trying to figure out specific jobs I'd enjoy, so I can minimize bumbling around in positions that are poor fits since I'll be basically entering the workforce at the age of 31 or so. [more inside]
Glamping in the PNW
We want to do glamping/yurt camping with some amenities in the Pacific NorthWest. We'd absolutely like to be able to swim. Please suggest locations. [more inside]
So, what’s my job title?
I’m on the market for a new job. Unfortunately, I’m not really too sure what my exact job title is. eCommerce experts will likely have the best insight on this. Job details can be found below. [more inside]
posted by omgkinky at 2:19 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by omgkinky at 2:19 PM PST - 8 comments
Sci-Fi episode about civilization that decides optimal career at birth?
I have such a vague memory of a tv episode - I think it was something like Star Trek TNG or of that timeframe (1990's). The group visits a place where all of the citizens have their ideal career path chosen for them, calculated since birth. [more inside]
posted by belau at 1:09 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by belau at 1:09 PM PST - 10 comments
Best non-US alternative/indie radio stations available on TuneIn
I've been listening to a lot of cool interesting alternative US radio stations on Alexa via TuneIn (WFMU, KXLU etc.) Having been introduced to the amazing Fip, I'm interested in exploring indie/alternative/ecletic non-English language DJ-ed music stations outside the US (all music genres welcomed). Any suggestions for great ones to try?
posted by Jellybean_Slybun at 12:59 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Jellybean_Slybun at 12:59 PM PST - 4 comments
What is happening with these Twitter posts?
A currently-running car commercial leads to a previously-unknown Twitter meme. [more inside]
Name that Cat!
Yup, another cat naming question. We adopted a new little cutie today and I could use some naming brainstorming. [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 12:27 PM PST - 66 comments
posted by hilaryjade at 12:27 PM PST - 66 comments
Wellbutrin + Lamictal= awesome?
YANMMD etc. I’m suffering from a pretty severe and frustratingly long lasting case of Post Partum Depression. I am currently taking 200mg of Lamictal. It definitely helps but things are still pretty tough on the homefront. I’m thinking about asking my psychiatrist about adding Wellbutrin. Would love to hear from others who take those two medications in combination. [more inside]
posted by jeszac at 12:22 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by jeszac at 12:22 PM PST - 10 comments
Let me steal your family traditions
I'd really like to start some family traditions in my own family, and I'm thinking I need to be more proactive than just saying they will come naturally. I'd love to steal some of yours. What were your favorite traditions you did as a family when you were a kid? [more inside]
Seeking advice regarding issues with getting my security deposit back
I know you are not my lawyer.
The condo is in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
I am unemployed, and I really need to get my security deposit back to put done on a new place, also, I need to give the deposits back to my two subtenants. Who can I contact in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Montgomery County, for legal assistance? Details below. [more inside]
Hey, Genealogists! A question about weddings in the 1930s
I'm doing some genealogy, and I just got a copy of my grandparents' marriage register (1931, New York state). It's signed by a pastor and witnessed by the pastor's wife. [more inside]
UK civil servant competencies
Hi, I'm applying for a grade 6 data scientist role in the civil service in the UK. It is my first application for a civil service role, there are a lot of hoops to jump through when it comes to the application. Does anyone have experience or any good resources for writing good examples for the competencies (this is specific to the UK civil service)? [more inside]
Physical Spaces that Inspire Activity and Wellness
What are good examples of physical spaces/places that influence people to be active and fit? What are some factors that cause these spaces to inspire wellness, activity, self esteem, good mental health, etc?
Using browned butter in baking
As I understand things, once butter has been melted it's no longer suitable for recipes that call for creaming butter with sugar—even after the butter has cooled and resolidified—due to chemical changes that occur in the process of melting. Have I discovered an exception to an otherwise sound rule or is this just a myth with no basis in science? [more inside]
posted by she's not there at 8:14 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by she's not there at 8:14 AM PST - 10 comments
Trump tax reform
Tax break and benefits to employees [more inside]
Best of mid-length Youtube
What are the best good quality mid-length (10-30 minutes) videos on YouTube? Alternatively, what are your favourite sources or lists for these? [more inside]
Not your secretary
I'm a female graduate student co-TAing a class with a younger, male graduate student. He refuses to work as a team and makes course and grading decisions unilaterally. I feel like I'm being treated as a secretary. Are there any strategies you recommend for fixing the situation? [more inside]
What's the best way to meet poly people these days?
My girlfriend told me recently she wants to open up our relationship. I'm new to this, so I've been going through a lot of grief and excitement and general stress about it. We're five years in, and I love her and trust her completely, and I'm mostly into it, so far, but I'm worried about one practical consideration: How does one meet a new person these days, for either casual fun times or a real romantic relationship, when the situation is poly? What about meeting a couple? Does Craigslist still work, or is it a wasteland? Are there better options? Are there ways to navigate this on mainstream dating services like Tinder or OKCupid? [more inside]
Should I dump/replace my shrink?
I've seen my current therapist for about five years, for depression and ADHD. I've had periodic depressive spells, but one hit quite hard late last year and hasn't really abated. I'm pretty dissatisfied with therapy, but it's hard for me to tease out whether my dissatisfaction has to with my depression or my therapy. [more inside]
February 16
Little and big social goals?
Help this socially anxious introvert brainstorm some little goals for increasing sociability! [more inside]
Circles within Circles within Circles
I need to produce—for eventual printing on 8.5" X 11" sheets—a graphic with four concentric rings of 24 circles each (the circles can be touching or have a small space between them). Is there a very easy way for me to make this, either via a website or with my ancient Adobe CS2 Suite? it's just for my own personal use, so no design budget to pay a pro to do it.
TIA for all pointers/suggestions!
posted by tenderly at 10:11 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by tenderly at 10:11 PM PST - 7 comments
So, uh was this menopause?
I've apparently inadvertently gone through menopause. What next? [more inside]
posted by SockPuppetOfShame at 8:14 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by SockPuppetOfShame at 8:14 PM PST - 12 comments
Where to find career guidance
White collar, middle-aged career guidance resources? [more inside]
Do you like the person who does your taxes?
I'm looking for a good, solid tax preparer. I have someone, but I'm not crazy about her. She does a good job, and maybe that's all I need an accountant to do, but I find her slightly unpleasant to deal with. And she's pricey. I freelance, so I'd appreciate someone who has freelance clients, but it's not essential. I'm in NYC, but they don't have to be, I guess.
Advice for a single woman visiting Ireland in June
I went to Ireland once 20 years ago - stayed with a friend and didn't have a car. Am alternating excited/nervous about being on my own for a week (Canadian friend joins for second half). Suggestions for helping me make the most of my time are welcome. (I fear I may already have too ambitious an itinerary). [more inside]
Should I go to grad school in psychology?
I work in a field totally unrelated to psychology, but I do have a BS in psych. I've been growing increasingly dissatisfied with my field and have been wondering if I should pursue a career in psych instead. [more inside]
How do I give my Instant Pot pot roast new flavors?
I love my new Instant Pot, but no matter what I do to my pot roast, it tastes the same. Delicious roast and tasty gravy, but seasonings and veggies make no difference at all. [more inside]
Querying Editors
I am working on a marketing plan to promote an upcoming book. One market in the mix is magazines to whom I'd submit freelance articles as excerpts about subjects in the book. I've read submission guidelines that say freelancers should suggest a story idea to an editor and wait for a response. [more inside]
Long-term car rental in Seattle?
My car is totaled and I don't want to buy or lease another one until my divorce is finalized. What's the most affordable way to rent one for one to three months? [more inside]
posted by centrifugal at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by centrifugal at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments
Give me permission to skip the ceremony
I have a wedding to attend of a relative I am not close to at all. There is a significant gap between the ceremony and the reception and I am not staying nearby. I would like to skip the ceremony but don't really know how big of a faux pas it is. [more inside]
posted by thirdletter at 4:05 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by thirdletter at 4:05 PM PST - 32 comments
Effective phrasing for boundary-setting?
I am working on setting up boundaries more effectively in therapy, as I am a child sexual abuse/emotional/physical/addict abuse survivor. I have trouble setting up boundaries effectively and am looking for some go-to scripting. Snowflakes within! [more inside]
posted by erattacorrige at 3:21 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by erattacorrige at 3:21 PM PST - 21 comments
Stop endless fluff & shedding from a second-hand machine-made scarf
This great thrift shop score could be my new best friend. It's very soft--label says "100% wool," maybe mohair, could be alpaca. It's got a slightly open weave. It sheds like a Persian cat. I'm a complete illiterate in the ways of laundry, much less wool care. Any way I can decrease this tendency? Wash it? Shave it? Some magic liquid?
posted by Jesse the K at 2:33 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Jesse the K at 2:33 PM PST - 11 comments
Is there an ink that's reflective like ballpoint pen ink?
I like to draw with the Zebra F-301 ballpoint pen, but it's slow, painstaking work to cover large black areas with a pen. I've tried using india ink but it's far less reflective. Is there an ink I could use with a brush that has similar reflective properties to ballpoint pen ink?
ID these shoes!
Can anyone ID the shoes on the floor in the 3rd pic on this website? Not the ones being crafted, the commercial ones. Thanks.
Like Pod Save America But With Less Swears & Irony
ISO: Current events, history, and social justice podcasts appropriate for listening to with a five-year-old. [more inside]
Where'd THAT come from, person search edition
The other day I looked myself up on one of those personal information search sites on the web. They had a religious affiliation for me that was out of left field, I've never been this religion, none of my family is this religion, I've never even been a guest at a religious service at this religion's place of worship. Where did they ever get information like that?
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 12:09 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 12:09 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me turn my unwieldy lawn into a paradise!
We bought a house a couple years ago that has a really nice, fenced-in yard that used to be a really pretty flower garden. But that was some time ago. Now it's overgrown, shady or partially shady in most parts, and generally a big mess of unrealized potential.
I've taken a couple stabs over the last couple years at dealing with it, but I really don't know what I'm doing. I'm looking at resources or advice suitable for beginners (like, Gardening 101 -- I don't even know how to clean a yard) that will tell me (like I'm 5, as they say) how I can take the back yard and turn it into something nice. (Details inside.) [more inside]
Arranging Pippi's Picnic
Swedish speakers and eaters, when you see the word ananaspudding, what do you think of? We are trying to recreate the picnic in the book Pippi Longstocking and we're not quite sure what type of pudding this is. [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 10:42 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by exceptinsects at 10:42 AM PST - 12 comments
Allergists of MeFi, I have a question
I would like to know what pollen/other allergen that blows up my hay fever when I visit Poland in April-June. [more inside]
What's good to watch with your kids?
I'd like some suggestions for tv programmes that me and my two kids (~5 years old, boy/girl) could watch together. So far we've enjoyed watching Planet Earth (amazing cinematography, animals), Dirt Every Day (we enjoy cars/trucks and outdoors) and random documentaries. What else might we try that is entertaining for both me and the kids?
posted by aeighty at 10:00 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by aeighty at 10:00 AM PST - 22 comments
Lonely Death of George Bell Filter
Is there anywhere in NYC I can recycle the enormous quantity of plastic bags I have accumulated over the years? [more inside]
Arkansas
I know about Black Oak Arkansas but was there ever a band called just "Arkansas" ala "Chicago" or "California"?
posted by josher71 at 9:21 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by josher71 at 9:21 AM PST - 8 comments
By answering this question, it will really help me
I'm a rhetoric/composition instructor at a community college. I see this (to me) very odd and distracting construction frequently in student writing, and I could use some assistance in addressing it. Examples: "By taking this action, it will help drive prices down." "With being an athlete, it makes it hard to study." Is there a name for this? Have you successfully addressed this in a class? [more inside]
Chicago: Where to see Black Panther on opening day
My partner (white) and our youngest son (black) are in Chicago this morning. The 10yo really wants to see Black Panther, and it occurs to my partner that this could be an opportunity to see it a) on opening day, and b) with a black-majority audience. Where to go? [more inside]
posted by Orlop at 8:50 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Orlop at 8:50 AM PST - 8 comments
Showing Off My Hood
I am contemplating studying to get the NYC Tour Guide's license and doing occasional guided tours as a side thing. Help me pick holes in this idea, or figure out how to hack it. [more inside]
Should I worry about my eye?
I have felt pressure on my right eye, off and on, since last Friday night. It varies, but is sometimes painful. It started just around my eye socket. [more inside]
How can i make this data visualization / map?
I have a set of data in a spreadsheet showing dates, location coordinates, & events. There are several hundred rows. I would like to take this data to create a visualisation / map (of Europe) where it shows the time progressing and small text bubbles popping up around the map showing a small piece of explanatory text for each sequential, date stamped event. [more inside]
good habits to build before you become an adult
my partner and I are at that stage where we're talking about marriage, buying a home, and having kids. we're relatively responsible for this stage of life in terms of job security/health/bills/credit but we want to be like survival prep prepared. what habits should we start building now as future homeowners and parents? [more inside]
posted by runt at 7:31 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by runt at 7:31 AM PST - 38 comments
Looking for an inexpensive hypoallergenic shampoo
I recently started using Exederm shampoo, which doesn't contain any fragrances, dyes, or potentially skin-irritating ingredients. I like it – it doesn't dry out my hair like most shampoos, and it does seem to be gentler on my skin. But at $18 for a 13-ounce bottle, it's kind of pricey. Is there a cheaper alternative that's still good?
Stream Escape to the Country?
Netflix US has 25 episodes of Escape to the Country available for streaming. I have learned that there are approximately 60,000 additional episodes that have been broadcast. Where can I, from the US, legally find these episodes and stream them online? I have money and a willingness to subscribe to new services. [more inside]
Why are you a researcher and not a scientist?
Scientists of Metafilter (and those who study them): Why do scientists mostly call themselves researchers instead of calling themselves scientists? Why do you?
posted by clawsoon at 6:54 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by clawsoon at 6:54 AM PST - 29 comments
I hurt my shoulder and I'm not sure how to adult this
So I was carrying a heavy basket and leaned over to put it down. My shoulder, which always had felt loose/flexible/double jointed sorta.. Felt slidy. This was late Tuesday. Wednesday night it hurt some, but thursday night it hurt enough to wake me up.
How I adult here? [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 6:27 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Jacen at 6:27 AM PST - 7 comments
Is Hulu worth it?
I already have Netflix and Amazon Prime, but I really want to watch past seasons of This Is Us and I see that Hulu has it. Before I get suckered into paying for another monthly subscription, however, I wanted to see if there were other sites people like better than Hulu, as I don't know of any others.
posted by massofintuition at 2:24 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by massofintuition at 2:24 AM PST - 23 comments
Dying leather furniture, prefer to dye white but black would work
I have put together a few pieces of leather (couch/love seat/ottoman) together and it's super comfortable. None of the colors match, which isn't some big terrible problem but it would be great if they *did* match. Bright white preferred, black the alternate. [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 2:11 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by dancestoblue at 2:11 AM PST - 4 comments
Short horror film screenplay ISO short horror film director
I wrote a screenplay for a short (5–8 minute) low budget horror film, the kind I watch all the time on YouTube and Vimeo, for a project that never got off the ground. Now I wonder whether there might be any aspiring short horror film directors looking for scripts to shoot, and if so, is there an easy way to find them? [more inside]
posted by ejs at 12:26 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by ejs at 12:26 AM PST - 1 comment
Japanese Arcades Currently Having The 'Table Flipping' Game?
Are there any arcades in Nagano, Hiroshima, or Osaka that currently have the table flipping game (Cho Chabudai Gaeshi! or Cho Chabudai Gaeshi! 2)?
February 15
Best Canadian baby registry?
Given that Toys'R'Us seems to be going bankrupt, what are good places for a Canadian couple to set up their baby registry? [more inside]
Suggestions for exotic authentic fishing villages around the world?
I love visiting old fishing villages that preserve their authentic "old world" charm. I am thinking places like Sete in France or the fishing villages of Newfoundland in Canada (note: specific Newfoundland villages suggestions welcome). Any other suggestions?
How do I find someone to proofread small bit of Spanish?
How do I find someone who can proofread a small amount (~380 words) of Spanish? I wrote a bilingual book for my baby, but my written Spanish just isn't there, so I need someone to check things like spelling and accents. I used Google, so it shouldn't be terrible, but it requires a human eye. How do I find someone who can do this? I'm willing to pay, but professional editors would presumably charge a minimum of hour so I'd be looking at $75+ and I don't need a professional editor. I already tried posting on mefi jobs. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:36 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:36 PM PST - 11 comments
Something cool to worry over?
Like everyone, my anxiety has been harder to manage lately. I realize that having something productive to work on or puzzle out with my hands has been really helpful. I am not really into crocheting or knitting... any ideas for things I could try out? [more inside]
Leg hair sock life hack?
Leg-hair-havers: I’ve recently stopped shaving my legs. It has been long enough that the blunt ended hairs that once were shaved are gone, so it’s not just long stubble, its unadulterated leg hair, if that makes sense. I do have relatively thick hair, both in diameter and amount.
I absolutely cannot stand the feeling of my hair squished against the grain when I wear tall socks. Am I missing something? How do y’all with leg hair manage to wear anything but ankle socks? Or should I just give up and start shaving again?
posted by Grandysaur at 6:42 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Grandysaur at 6:42 PM PST - 21 comments
Non-fiction reading for the agnostic soul
This year I've gotten into reading non-fiction, self help, memoirs type books. I am interested in recommendations of non-fiction books. I have been living under a rock, so please recommend super popular things. I am a feminist, liberal, agnostic looking for engaging reads. They could be from other backgrounds if they are uplifting, engaging, and/or thought provoking. Best reads of the year for me so far are: Designing your life; How full is your bucket; Let's take the long way home. Please recommend me more non-fiction to feed my soul.
posted by Kalmya at 6:35 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Kalmya at 6:35 PM PST - 15 comments
What's the best place for mail-ordering korean ingredients to norcal?
I can read and write korean fluently and want korean dry goods shipped by mail to a location in Norcal (Palo Alto). Amazon is expensive as crap for nearly all ingredients. Are there any places with cheaper stuff that ships by mail (hopefully with more obscure ingredients if possible)? Minimum orders are acceptable.
I go to the actual korean mart but can only make it about quarterly, so I often run out of specific dry goods
posted by hleehowon at 6:34 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by hleehowon at 6:34 PM PST - 4 comments
Who wrote about stock options to disincentivize self-dealing?
Blame Iacocca discusses some of it, but I thought I read a piece (possibly also by Surowiecki) in the New Yorker's Financial Page with more historical context. [more inside]
A more chill version of CandyCrush
Are there match-3 style games like CandyCrush that have a more chill, minimalistic vibe? [more inside]
posted by bleep at 5:37 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by bleep at 5:37 PM PST - 14 comments
Philosophical term for analysing the assumptions behind a concept?
I think that it is often very fruitful to look at the assumptions behind a particular concept or the connotations that are tied to it and examine situations where these don't apply or even break. I'm already aware of the term Conceptual Analysis, but this seems to cover trying to create a definition that is consistent, simple and in line with our intuitions, as opposed to analysing assumptions without necessarily having a definition as the end goal. [more inside]
Wash [the color] right out of my hair . . .
What is the best color-safe shampoo out there? [more inside]
Looking for a print shop that will do lenticular CDs in a run of 100
I'd like to have a small run of CD's made with lenticular cover art, can you recommend any print shops? [more inside]
posted by waxboy at 4:40 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by waxboy at 4:40 PM PST - 3 comments
Selling a car with patments left?
I'd like to sell a car I'm still making payments to Carmax for.. is this possible, or wise (or even marginally intelligent)? [more inside]
Beating fear and paranoia around crime
This is the first time I’ve lived in a big city that has a high perception of crime. It’s been a year that I’ve been here but I can’t beat my paranoia and fear every time I’m on the street or walking home. It hasn’t exactly interfered with my daily life, but it stops me enough from living as much of a fun life outside of work and necessities, and it keeps me up at night. Details inside. [more inside]
Why point out that soil must occupy space?
In this technical definition of soil (as referenced by clew in an excellent post about dirt), one of the necessary characteristics of soil is that it "occupies space". Why would they feel the need to make that qualification? [more inside]
posted by moonmilk at 2:31 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by moonmilk at 2:31 PM PST - 12 comments
Lesson plans/creative ideas for stretching intelligent students?
I am teaching students at one of the most prestigious schools in a capital European city. Three months before the end of term I am running out of steam and some of the kids are bored. Help?! [more inside]
How to best clean mini blinds?
My mini blinds are fairly dirty. It will take more than a mere dusting to get them clean and this may be more than I can accomplish, though I'm willing to try. If you have experience with this task, tell me, shall I do it myself or hire a professional? I have five blinds of average size that need cleaning.
Need skills similar to negotiation and making a convincing appeal.
I feel like I come across the type of situation where I am on opposite sides of a situation where both people are legitimately right. I'm wondering how to develop the soft skills of negotiation, collaboration and winning someone over in the face of opposition. I want to position us on the same side or at lease appeal to someone's better judgement so that they understand the urgency. And I mean this in the most genuine way for when it seems both parties (me & them) are right. [more inside]
Using a meat thermometer?
So I have a real good thermometer, still I can't seem to find, even in the supposed middle of my chicken, anything below the recommended 165 temp that might suggest the red interior I end up with... I'm tired of poking holes and making swiss cheese out of my chicken! [more inside]
Allergies or Sinusitis or Mystery, oh my!
Following up on this issue. I’m on allergy meds but still suffering at work, and now I’m the only one. [more inside]
Experience with an adenovirus?
I’ve been diagnosed with an adenovirus, i.e. Pharyngoconjunctival Fever, a.k.a. Boot Camp Flu, a.k.a. Japanese Swimming Pool Fever. Can’t make this stuff up. I am under medical care but does anyone have experience with an adenovirus and how long it takes to really clear up?
I'm doing everything I can to wreck my health and life. Help?
Bad: I have lipodermatosclerosis. I'm overweight. I eat mostly fast food. I'm tired and depressed and broke (lot of debt brought on from comfort shopping and eating).
Good: I have a job. I have insurance and take anti-depressants. I have supportive people in my life.
What now? [more inside]
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 11:52 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 11:52 AM PST - 20 comments
Scared of putting new battery in my Nexus 6p
I'm having that battery issue with my Huawei Nexus 6p where it shuts down at around 30% and it seems to go down to that very quickly. I've done all the easy fixes that involve draining the battery etc. with no luck. [more inside]
Drinks on Capitol Hill in Seattle tonight
My friend and I get drinks after work about once a month. We usually stay downtown, or if we go up the hill we go to Linda’s. Help us branch out! [more inside]
Historical fiction recs that go easier on the rape, torture, and misery
I'd like some recommendations for recent historical fiction with a female protagonist. Preferably, they would be set within the last 100 years or so that is gripping and dramatic, but not so heavy on the rape, murder, torture, and misery. [more inside]
posted by Comrade Doll at 10:47 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Comrade Doll at 10:47 AM PST - 19 comments
mic test, mic test, miiiccc teeestttttt
What's the best-working preferably-free OSX software for both connecting and recording podcasts on two+ ends? [more inside]
When Your Teen Starts Dating: Protocols
Well, this question was a timely one in our household. Our 13-year-old son has recently started dating, and it's kicking up a lot of dust. Help us help him... [more inside]
posted by pinkacademic at 9:59 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by pinkacademic at 9:59 AM PST - 36 comments
Help me come clean about the extent of my problems.
I am struggling way, way more than I ever let on. There may be help available for my issues (oh god I hope so), but I can't bring myself to admit the truth to anyone. [more inside]
posted by MiraK at 9:44 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by MiraK at 9:44 AM PST - 47 comments
Private sector solutions to "use-it-or-lose-it" work budget quandaries
Please give me good recommendations for books/papers/anecdata/etc that present solutions for low-value agency spending bc of expiring budgets at the end of fiscal periods. I'm in the public sector but I'm interested in both public & private sector solutions at decreasing this type of potentially-wasteful spending. I just started reading this, I'd like more! [more inside]
Coffee & Anxiolytics- self defeating to have both?
I woke up after a night of stressful dreams and want to take my anxiety medication, but I'm tired and also need a coffee. It occurs to me that taking a stimulant after a sedative is defeating the purpose of both. Is it? [more inside]
Newbie buying land in NOLA, overwhelmed with where to start
How do I begin to research buying land in New Orleans? Is there a novice's guide to this? The confusion is epic right now. [more inside]
How is conttract formed?
A freelance writing opportunity (my first) has just kind of fallen into my lap, which is great. To my surprise, I am expected to provide a freelance writing contract to the publisher. [more inside]
posted by Spathe Cadet at 8:35 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Spathe Cadet at 8:35 AM PST - 7 comments
What can I do about terrible office staff for a doctor?
Is there any recourse available against a doctor’s office whose staff is incompetent and neglectful? More details inside... [more inside]
Figure skating vs ice dancing?
How do wannabe Olympian skaters decide between pairs figure skating and pairs ice dancing? At what age are you set into one or the other? There are probably other related questions I would love answers to here that I can't think of asking.
How Do I Hat? (Flat Cap Edition)
I recently got a hat, similar in style to this one. Help me wear it without looking like a goofus? [more inside]
posted by halation at 7:14 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by halation at 7:14 AM PST - 18 comments
Where can I find a very small articulating figurine?
I'm looking for a small (1-2" hopefully) articulating figurine for a diorama-type display. I can't seem to find anything that small unless it's like a cartoonish thing; I'd rather have a relatively normal humanoid. [more inside]
Come here you ridiculous beast.
I need to train my mother's dog to walk up onto the porch on command to be let into the house (vs. just standing at the foot of the stairs staring at you). I understand slightly more than the basics of dog training, but I'm fearful I'm doing this wrong. What tips do you have for me? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 7:09 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by anastasiav at 7:09 AM PST - 18 comments
Tenant Rights, water bill edition
YANML: Due to a leak the landlord promised to fix, we received a $1000 water bill. Do we have any recourse to get landlord to pay some amount? [more inside]
More non-profit-friendly version of "Chief Operating Officer" title
I am in the process of establishing a new non-profit organization/NGO, and am looking for a job title for my role. In many respects, it will be similar to a Chief Operating Officer role, but this title feels too "corporate". Though I know it is used in some nonprofits, in my particular field it's pretty rare, so I'm trying to find a better alternative. [more inside]
posted by leticia at 5:55 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by leticia at 5:55 AM PST - 14 comments
Future work opportunities - availability versus commitment
I've been doing some contract/adjunct university teaching, and am liking it. The school wants to know if I'm available for 2018/2019. I am, at the moment, but if I find a permanent position I won't be. Do I need to make this clear to the university, and if so, how to possibly phrase this? Or are they not interested? Thank you! [more inside]
posted by life moves pretty fast at 5:37 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by life moves pretty fast at 5:37 AM PST - 4 comments
Take another little piece of my heart (emoji)
I went through a breakup at the end of last year and am sorting out final fews bits and pieces with my ex over email. How do I stop his name appearing in my email with the little emoji hearts that I once saved in the contact info on my phone? I am a mac user - Macbook Air, iPhone 8, and Mac Mail. [more inside]
First Art Show, What things to watch out for?
I'm going to be having my first show the first friday of March, and while I've gotten my work and framing situation going, I've entered Rumsfeld's Abyss (tm); I don't know what I don't know.
Help? [more inside]
A missing aphorism about bending/bowing/something.
I've half-forgotten a maxim of the form "X bends/bows/comes to Y; Y does not bend/bow/come to X." I'm pretty sure one half is usually not said, only implied. It means something like, depending on level of cynicism and accuracy of my memory, "you gotta make your own way and make an effort", "you're a small fry in this context so get used to it" or "you're dealing with a force of nature here". Any thoughts?
posted by flibbertigibbet at 4:37 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 4:37 AM PST - 3 comments
Trauma and therapy and triggers
I went to see a therapist for the first time yesterday for help with coping skills and the conversation ended up focusing on childhood trauma and it was immensely triggering. I'd like help with figuring out some immediate coping skills/if I should see this therapist again? [more inside]
posted by twill at 4:00 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by twill at 4:00 AM PST - 14 comments
February 14
Website creation
I will want to be creating a website for a business that I am in the (slow, long) process of creating. The site will be simple, fairly static, no database, perhaps a form for submitting messages, possibly blogging. I am wondering what tools to use to create it. [more inside]
How do I uninstall Spotify?
How do I uninstall Spotify? [more inside]
Is this used car a good deal?
For my first time ever buying a used car from a dealer, I found what seems like a really good deal on a 2008 Prius...but it's been in an accident. [more inside]
I type 45 words a minute. How do I get faster?
I type with about 6 fingers, and only need to glance at the keyboard. At 45 words per minute I've been able to do better than just get by. But I have a dissertation to write and I'd like to be more "fluent". Plus, I've been doing it the wrong way for over 50 years, have hand and wrist pain, and I'm tired of not having the skill. Was this you? Did you learn to touch-type after many years of not being able to, but being reasonably fast anyway? How did you do it? [more inside]
posted by angiep at 8:13 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by angiep at 8:13 PM PST - 17 comments
People who menstruate
I have an academic theologian friend, who is writing about menstruation. She is looking for a good inclusive noun for people who menstruate. Any ideas?
posted by PinkMoose at 8:04 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by PinkMoose at 8:04 PM PST - 28 comments
Ethical, fun Las Vegas Restaurant?
I need recommendations for a Vegas restaurant that is 1) accessible from the Renaissance Hotel (light rail is fine), 2) ethical for a bunch of leftist historians, and 3) not super expensive. [more inside]
posted by LarryC at 7:26 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by LarryC at 7:26 PM PST - 8 comments
Workfriend(+?) conundrum
A coworker and I have become (slightly problematic) friends over the past year. I think she wants a romantic relationship. I do not. [more inside]
posted by Caxton1476 at 6:43 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by Caxton1476 at 6:43 PM PST - 28 comments
How can I help after school shooting?
Today's FL school shooting took place just down the road from me. What can I do to help? [more inside]
How to deal with dry gritty eyes?
I've been having dry eye symptoms for a while: my eyes feel tired after a few hours of computer use, and I get woken up every night by grit in my eyes. I've been doing a bunch of things to alleviate it, but nothing's really helped. Suggestions? [more inside]
How to stop overengineering everything
Have you ever gone from being a person who does things "slowly and carefully" to doing things "efficiently"? Please tell me your secrets. [more inside]
A friend broke my heart; do I give her another chance?
A dear friend of mine basically disappeared for two years. Stopped responding to texts, calls, and emails. We've been there for one another over the years, so I was surprised that she went MIA. We live across the country from one another, so I grieved the loss of friendship and gradually accepted that she was no longer going to be part of my life. Then, out of the blue, she reappeared. I'm torn. [more inside]
posted by Mystical Listicle at 3:45 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by Mystical Listicle at 3:45 PM PST - 31 comments
Dumb question about the new Queer Eye (spoilers)
A friend of mine is telling me that I must drop everything immediately and binge QE on Netflix because it is amazing and life changing and he wants to talk about (almost) every episode. I would like to accommodate him, but I have a problem that can only be solved by people who've seen the show and can answer a very specific question but don't have any emotional investment in whether I watch it or not. [more inside]
Fiction About Fatherhood
I'm looking for feel-good fiction books that feature the relationship between father and child. [more inside]
posted by lakemarie at 2:40 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by lakemarie at 2:40 PM PST - 11 comments
Match me with a matchmaker
I'm looking for a good matchmaker in the New York City or Philadelphia area. I'm a successful career-oriented woman in my mid-30s. [more inside]
Great Chinese food in LA
A friend is going to be in LA for about a day before she gets on a cruise ship, and wants to spend that time eating great Chinese food. She'll be in the Long Beach area, possibly staying on the Queen Mary but if not in a hotel in that area. Where should she go?
posted by PussKillian at 1:55 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by PussKillian at 1:55 PM PST - 8 comments
One Pen To Rule Them All
What is your favorite pen for writing things that should look special and nice (birthday cards, announcements, valentines etc.)? [more inside]
Does this kind of game exist?
All of the collectable/customizable card games I'm familiar with involve playing individual cards from your hand to use against a single opponent. Are there any CCGs that have a playstyle more like traditional playing card games? [more inside]
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 12:43 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 12:43 PM PST - 9 comments
Post-marriage financial quandary - who should pay this bill, me or her?
My wife and I separated. I thought she was covered under my employer's health insurance until the end of the year. She wasn't. Who should pay her doctor's fees? [more inside]
Is My Career a Dead End?
I've been in IT for over twenty years. I've been either a full time developer or a developer/manager hybrid for about fifteen. I don't want to write code, but I'm finding it impossible to get real interest from recruiters and hiring managers for roles that are leadership only without hands-on involvement, and the coding experience I have isn't shiny or trendy enough to be considered for current hybrid roles. What do I do now? Snowflake class instances within. [more inside]
Teen anger - how to diffuse?
Had a really upsetting evening with our teenager last night (Bob), and am in need of some insight. Does/did your teem exhibit random, prolonged outbursts seemingly without cause? Is this a thing? What worked to diffuse the situation? [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 10:41 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by walkinginsunshine at 10:41 AM PST - 30 comments
Flint corn uses
What do you do with whole-kernel flint corn? [more inside]
Your best curried pumpkin/squash soup recipe?
Once upon a time, our household had a great curried pumpkin (or maybe butternut squash) soup. It was so good that we knew we'd remember where we got the recipe. You can guess what happened. Recipes we've tried since haven't had the same combination of bright curry spice and creamy pumpkin. What's your best curried squash soup recipe? We don't have any special dietary restrictions that come into play (gluten free if that matters). Bonus points if we can put it together fairly quickly.
Help me gain glute/hamstring strength
Following recent good advice on core strength, I'm now looking for recomendations for exercises for my glutes and hamstrings. I seem to be very quad-forward and can't engage my glutes and hamstrings as easily. I’m looking for recommendations for exercises to strengthen them, but without risking significant loads on my back/spine, like squats. (I'm not looking for advice on squats.) Compound movements would be preferred, along with exercises in which I could progressively increase the difficulty with additional weight or time. [more inside]
How to survive to Monday
I have a work deadline Monday. I am sick (a not overly debilitating cold) for the second time since January 21st when I moved to a new continent. My jet lag never went away, so my sleep pattern is shot. I woke up with a cold sore, a couple of hours ago I just experienced vertigo (only popped up a few times 3 years ago), and feel very homesick and sad. Plus I have ADHD. I’ve got food. How can I take care of myself and get work done?
posted by Bella Donna at 6:04 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 6:04 AM PST - 9 comments
Condo conundrum
Our Brooklyn apartment building is becoming condos, and I can't tell if this is a lucky chance to buy or just time to look for a new apartment. [more inside]
posted by postcommunism at 5:20 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by postcommunism at 5:20 AM PST - 8 comments
What can be done about a company selling defective products?
I bought some double-walled insulating mugs. Two of them have failed in the same way -- the plug between the two walls fails, allowing liquid to get trapped. I contacted the company, and they told me it's a known defect, but their solution is to replace failed cups with more of the same, while also continuing to sell the same cups. Is there anything an irritated customer can do? [more inside]
Simplest of all time tracking apps...?
I need to get better at tracking how my time is spent during the working day. I think an app that works as follows would help me do this: [more inside]
Potemkin relationship collapsed. Now what?
Serious boyfriend was cheating, without condoms, throughout our relationship. He never had feelings for me; our entire relationship was a lie so he could use me. Now I'm doing everything right but nothing helps at all. What else? [more inside]
Feeling like the odd man out in grad school
I started grad school in the fall and I constantly feel like the odd man out amongst my cohort. It's starting to affect my enjoyment of the program and I can't figure out what needs to change so I either a) fit in better or b) care less. [more inside]
What are my options?
Hi everyone, I’m at a loss as to what to do and looking for advice again. I have written this previous question. [more inside]
February 13
Seeking an effective tin foil hat on the cheap
I'd like to make/buy a pouch that can block cell and wifi signals. Ideally the materials will be inexpensive, but more durable than literally wrapping my laptop and phone in tin foil. Can you recommend fabrics that would work? Would a zipper closure undermine the Faraday cage-ness? Sewing it with ordinary needle and thread? [more inside]
posted by brackish.line at 9:50 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by brackish.line at 9:50 PM PST - 11 comments
Layover for Gatwick airport when flying different airlines to Barcelona
I am flying from Seattle to Barcelona this June via London and need to change airlines at Gatwick, not sure how long a layover to allow... [more inside]
Best Case Scenario: How to be overjoyed if my phone is sliiightly bigger
What benefits can I legitimately expect from a cell phone case? I just got a used Galaxy Note 5, I think I want a case for it, but I'm wondering if I'm just going to find that frustrating or if there are features/benefits I don't know about. What does your case actually _do_ for you other than "protection", and is it worth it? [more inside]
Private online network for professional interaction
I'm working in a nonprofit/educational setting, and we are brainstorming ideas about how to create a social network for participants to ask questions to us and amongst themselves. We are not knowledgeable in this area. What should we be considering? [more inside]
Grocery delivery options in Chicagoland
For the most random of reasons, one of my friends won't be able to drive for several months. Instead of Lyft and such, he's opting for a grocery delivery company. Can you help him pick between Instacart, Peapod, and Freshdirect? [more inside]
How to dye a nylon and polyester bag?
Hi, daughter of monkeytoes here. I picked up a small crossbody bag at a rummage sale a few years back and I was wondering whether I can dye it or not. [more inside]
How do you plan your day/tasks?...if you do, that is.
Do you use google calendar? Do you buy a dayminder every year? Do you wake up in the morning and write: "7:00-7:30 breakfast. 7:30-7:40 get dressed. 7:40-8:10 commute. 8:10 pick up paperclips before work" or something like that? I'm interested in details--specific tools, philosophies, etc.! [more inside]
I think I want a content management system. Do I? Advice.
I have a lot of files in a Windows 10 filesystem. I want to put them online so that my solicitor (and nobody else) can access them. My best present solution: Zip the files, FTP the whole thing over to a filespace I own, password protect the directory, and let my solicitor download it in one big lump. It's an acceptable fallback but I'd rather have a nice interface we both can use to search and so forth. Suggestions? [more inside]
How can I Help Fill Low-skill job openings?
My mom runs what is essentially a fast-food/cafeteria service concept on the campus of a large tech company. She's been struggling to fill low-skill, part-time service positions. I want to help, but am not sure how? [more inside]
Help me figure out what my kid should do this summer.
Parents of kids around 15ish, I need advice for figuring out what my kid will do this summer, since he's too old for the camps he used to attend, but too young for some other options. Bonus: he doesn't want to do anything. Help. [more inside]
Victorian recipes don't always give tons of information
I'm looking at a cake recipe from 1896, and it says to add the yolks before you add the whites. There's no indication that the whites are to be beaten. What is happening here? [more inside]
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 3:36 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 3:36 PM PST - 15 comments
Tips for approaching crush
I've had a crush on someone I'm mutually friended across several social media platforms and it's been a long time since I've been in a position like this. I need advice. [more inside]
What kind of doctor can be in charge here?
A previously vigorous healthy 74 year old friend has suffered one health setback after another. A million specialists, but no one seems to be in charge and friend is too ill and fatigued to be her own advocate. [more inside]
Am I eligible for Polish citizenship?
I am a U.S. citizen. I'm trying to figure out if I can get a Polish passport, but it's really confusing. Hope me, please? [more inside]
Did I See Donald Trump Around '99-'01?
Did I see Donald Trump getting into a helicopter around Chelsea Piers sometime between Fall of '99 and Summer of 2001? [more inside]
posted by shushufindi at 12:14 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by shushufindi at 12:14 PM PST - 14 comments
Can I consume this? The juice edition
Re-watched Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. Got a little inspired. Spoke about it endlessly to spouse. Spouse came home late last week with some fancy bottled juices from fancy hipster juice place. Fancy juices have sat in fridge the whole time. Can I still drink them? [more inside]
posted by spicytunaroll at 11:44 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by spicytunaroll at 11:44 AM PST - 7 comments
Post-nup situation
My spouse and I have been married for a year and they have recently said to me that they would like us to sign a post-nup because of the disparity between our financial situations. [more inside]
Suggestions for quiet keyboards?
Someone who sits near me at work just told me my loud typing is making it hard for her to concentrate. I'm not even conscious of typing loudly, but other people have mentioned this in the past and I believe her! Can anyone recommend a keyboard or accessory that will preserve my colleagues' sanity? I work in local government, so really high cost is probably not going to fly. Thank you!
posted by centrifugal at 10:46 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by centrifugal at 10:46 AM PST - 17 comments
There Are Worse Problems To Have.
I have been gifted with a 5 kg (11 lb) block of dark coating chocolate.
What the heck should I do with it? [more inside]
posted by VioletU at 10:43 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by VioletU at 10:43 AM PST - 10 comments
In search of a fantastic necklace
Looking for this necklace (view 1, view 2) (or something reasonably similar) that I saw in the movie A Fantastic Woman. It was shot in Chile so I don't expect to find the original vendor, but it seems simple enough. It's a curved gold tube on a silver snake chain. Alternately, how can I get a good quality facsimile made? [more inside]
Where should we be donating maternity / infant stuff?
Looking for the most responsible and effective place to donate gently or not-at-all used breast pump supplies (breast guards, milk containers, unused sanitizing bags, that sort of thing), infant clothing, some toys, etc in New York City, more specifically within Brooklyn. We're sure we could just drop this off at a shelter but want to make sure it will be distributed and used by those that have the most need. Any suggestions?
Meeting closing exercises, any advice, examples?
Greetings,
I joined a new workstream at work focused on child health. The team leader asked me to create and lead a closing reflection exercise. The meetings are on a conference line with a small group, and we know each other well. It would be nice to have a spiritual element. [more inside]
posted by TRUELOTUS at 10:11 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by TRUELOTUS at 10:11 AM PST - 7 comments
Recreational reference book recommendations!
I'm in the "w" section of the engrossing Home Ground: A Guide to the American Landscape, and am about to run out of book.
What are your favorite reference books for casual reading? I mean one that is suited for those moments when you have just the time or inclination to get through an entry or three. [more inside]
What plants can survive me?
I've killed most plants I've tried to grow through, frankly, a combination of ignorance and neglect. However I have managed to keep some oxalis triangularis (purple shamrock) thriving over several years indoors, even propagating it through repotting. I'd like to know what other plants I am likely to be able to keep alive on a New York City fire escape (moving them inside during the winter if necessary). [more inside]
Finance Qs, MIL edition
An offer to help get my MIL's finances into this century revealed that she is living above her means. She does not live extravagantly and does not have any kind of addiction issue - just simply does not make enough money. Help me help her. [more inside]
Why would you use a stolen credit card to send items to holder's address
I got two large charges on my credit card for items I did not order. I also received these expensive items (two robotic vacuum cleaners) in the mail. I reported the charges as fraudulent and canceled that credit card, and the credit card company removed the charges from my bill. Now the credit card company is saying that I am responsible for the charges, as the purchases were made in my name and I received benefit from them. How can I convince them that I should not be responsible for these charges? [more inside]
To cleave or not to cleave
If you've got it, flaunt it? 30-year old female teacher seeks advice about whether or not cleavage is appropriate. [more inside]
help me write disability
Writers of mefi please hope me! I'm applying for disability, and since I have an unusual set of disabilities I'd like to add a letter with a description of what my life/day looks like. I could use writing help (inspirations, tips, prompts, questions, ESPECIALLY slant suggestions)! Specific questions after the jump. [more inside]
The Internet Choir: Huge, crowd-based voice recording?
I'd like as many voice recordings of a short, given phrase as possible - from all kinds of voices. Size matters more than quality. Does anyone know of a resource, platform, solution, method that makes this possible? [more inside]
posted by gmm at 7:41 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by gmm at 7:41 AM PST - 7 comments
Sartorial advice
I need help dressing for an event at a fancy New York restaurant. [more inside]
Duration of life after discontinuing chemotherapy
My mom has been fighting cancer for years and has just discontinued treatment. She is 75 years old and in excellent health except for the cancer. Any thoughts on the time-line between now and her death? [more inside]
Lessons of leadership in a pot of soup
An unpleasant experience at a cooking event has me reflecting on leadership lessons I may be missing. Can you help me figure out what they are? (Long anecdote inside.) [more inside]
I want to read more about the kind of abusive relationship I was in
This question will likely contain triggers for those sensitive to domestic violence, and will contain spoilers for the show Big Little Lies on HBO. [more inside]
How do I reach occasional and non-Anglophone Python programmers?
I'm working on a project (link in my profile) that affects probably 50-80% of people who use the Python programming language, and will want to spread the word super-wide (a) when we're in beta, to get testing and (b) when the big switch happens, to alert them of why things are changing and adjustments they may have to make. How/where should I advertise to reach programmers who don't or rarely read English, and programmers who only use Python occasionally? [more inside]
i'm not going to take it any more! Alternatives?
I'm on the hunt for similar speeches along the lines of Network's I'm not going to take it any more. Could be from anywhere, radio, comedy, theatre, commencement speeches etc. It's to go over a short film talking about the environment that ideally I'd like to be able to clear. Does anyone have any ideas and suggestions? Thanks!
How can I import my .csv and still keep my Excel Formatting?
I have a formatted Excel Workbook (column widths, headers, colors, etc) that I need to populate with data from a .csv.
If I open the workbook and csv, copy and paste, all is good...however I want to automate this a bit.
Doing an import brings in the data, but all the formatting disappears!
I appreciate any thoughts!
KIT
Beam Me Up
I'm trying to solve another carpentry problem.
I want to run a beam across a small room which will act as the end support to the floating ceiling and a bit of wall. So it would be great if it could be a nice continuous beam across the room. However, the room is the front cabin of my boat and the geometry of this room is such that I'm pretty sure I won't be able to actually get the beam in place. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 3:55 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 3:55 AM PST - 6 comments
Oh my darling (16) Clementine(s)
I have 16 clementines that are going to go bad soon if I don’t do something with them. What would be a good way to use them all at once?
posted by ocherdraco at 3:30 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 3:30 AM PST - 24 comments
Looking for carribean reccomendations
We need to get away, we love Isla Mujeres, but we've been there 3 times already. What are some other places to go that have a similar feel? [more inside]
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 2:58 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 2:58 AM PST - 5 comments
Not Getting Tenure, Not Getting Answers, and I'm Angry
This was me. The principal marked my card that I would not be offered professional status at the school because "it's not a good fit." I really want someone to tell me why, but all I'm getting are bogus non-answers. [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:54 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:54 AM PST - 9 comments
What style of music plays on the Disney "Riverboat" ride?
Help me to find some good examples of the style of music that plays on the Disney "Riverboat" ride?
It's slow, harmonica and guitar. Real relaxing
Example
Dating or cartooning?
I've been on a dating odyssey in the last year but I'm wondering if it's distracting me from my freelance cartoon career? [more inside]
posted by blokefromipanema at 1:50 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by blokefromipanema at 1:50 AM PST - 6 comments
February 12
Periods not the same anymore.
YANMD but maybe you are a female person who has had a similar experience and I seek your insight. My periods were consistent and predictable when I was on birth control. I went off birth control for 4 or 5 months. Since going back on birth control well over a year ago, my periods have been very different and it's worrying me. [more inside]
Sending gifts to a gay friend in Malaysia
My bestie and I are brainstorming items for a care package to send a friend in Malaysia. Friend is a middle class gay man in his 30s, lives in KL, and wants "quintessentially American" items. What might he like? What would be appropriate?
Lois isn't real, is she.
I'm coming out as a lesbian in my 30s, having been sexually withdrawn and repressed all my life. I missed the experimentation and awkwardness you're supposed to go through in your teens. I want to make up for lost time now, but how do I find women to do that with? [more inside]
Explain it like I'm 5: Home-buying edition
I am moving to a new city this summer. After living in a series of apartment rentals for the last 15 years, I really want to put down roots and buy a place; thanks to an unexpected inheritance I might just be in a position to do just that. I have no idea what I'm actually doing, though. Many, many questions inside. [more inside]
posted by basalganglia at 6:07 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by basalganglia at 6:07 PM PST - 26 comments
Looking for Reputable Spanish Lessons via Skype
I have a upcoming trip to Argentina in 2 weeks. My Spanish is pretty much non-existent. I have been going through grammar books and Duolinguo but I feel to get real learning I need to speak it with real life human being. My goal is to learn basic survival Spanish to make my travel easier. There are a lot of Spanish learning advertisement on Craigslist but I am not sure if they are reputable. Can anyone recommend a online service that they know is good? [more inside]
posted by Pantalaimon at 4:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Pantalaimon at 4:52 PM PST - 9 comments
Seattle this rainy snowy weekend
We'll be in Seattle for a wedding this weekend and it's looking like it's going to be a couple of rainy and possibly snowy days. Our main interest is eating all the asian food and seafood, but what should we do between food if it's that cold and gross outside? [more inside]
Peaceful Evening Gaming Vibes
How might the experience of playing games on a Nintendo Switch compare to other kinds of screen time? In particular, I'm curious if the psychological effect is lower than traditional consoles or gaming on a PC. [more inside]
c. 1523 He toke kyng Dampeter by the legge and turned hym vpsedowne
Why is the cover and spine on one volume of my compact Oxford English Dictionary upside down? [more inside]
posted by not_the_water at 2:50 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by not_the_water at 2:50 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I find a replacement class ring from Newcomb College?
A loved one who is a 2000 graduate of Newcomb College (the former women’s college of Tulane University) has lost her class ring. The ring was made by local New Orleans jeweler Mignon Faget, but when I called one of their shops for help I was referred to the college. Unfortunately, Newcomb College was closed by Tulane in their renewal plan after Hurricane Katrina. Does anyone have any suggestions for finding a replacement ring from this now defunct college?
posted by theory at 2:31 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by theory at 2:31 PM PST - 5 comments
Good feminist documentary?
What is a good feminist answer to a documentary like "the Red Pill"? Same format please (documentary) [more inside]
Gift ideas, travel edition
Partner and I are taking an exciting vacation together soon. His birthday is shortly before our trip and I think it would be fun and sweet to base his gifts around our travel plans, but I'm hitting a wall on the specifics. [more inside]
How soon is it OK to follow up on status after a job interview?
Hi. I had my second job interview with "Company X" on Tuesday the 6th. Although I'm not optimistic by nature, I had a good feeling afterwards regarding the impression I made and my prospects of getting the job. I sent a thank you e-mail the following day (I'm now second-guessing myself, i.e. was it too soon?), and thought I would have heard back from them by now, but I haven't, and it's been nearly a week. [more inside]
posted by DavidfromBA at 1:20 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by DavidfromBA at 1:20 PM PST - 9 comments
Learning to love the spreadsheet
I'm a Creative Director, which means my career is becoming less "make things, be cool with clients, and manage a person or two" and more "build a vision for a practice, execute sound strategic decisions, become an expert in how clients should intelligently spend their money, interface with Global muckity-mucks, etc." Cool. But I don't yet know how. Looking for recommendations. [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 12:56 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by functionequalsform at 12:56 PM PST - 7 comments
How can I encourage my stinky cat to wash more?
We adopted an adult cat who had been under stress at his home. I thought the smell was a result of stress. A month later, he is still pretty stinky. I gave him a bath, hoping to encourage him (figured he'd wash himself to dry the fur), but no luck. I brush him daily, which he likes. But aside from licking his paws, and washing his face, not much is happening. [more inside]
posted by Enid Lareg at 12:47 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Enid Lareg at 12:47 PM PST - 15 comments
Short essays to record for my partner
Can anyone recommend essays or short articles that might sound good when read aloud? I'm making a mini-album for my partner. All topics are welcome. [more inside]
i don't want to bring my own lemon
Looking for tart teas. [more inside]
Pattern ID, on Japanese Ceramic bowls?
Does the bamboo pattern on these bowls have a name? They're probably Japanese.
posted by Rash at 10:52 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Rash at 10:52 AM PST - 4 comments
Let's talk about doggie dementia.
In just a few short months, my 14 year old good boy Caye's eyesight and deafness has gotten worse. Now he's exhibiting classic Canine Cognitive Disorder symptoms - pacing, panting, quietly whining, random yelping, what people refer to as Sundowners as it typically happens after dinner time. It's heartbreaking to watch. I've been treating him with CBD oil and melatonin which help at night, but now his symptoms are starting to occur in the morning and throughout the day too. I'm going to try Cholodin too, which others have recommended. [more inside]
posted by HeyAllie at 10:39 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by HeyAllie at 10:39 AM PST - 9 comments
Beautifully illustrated puzzle book
Looking for a “find the objects / find the situations” fantasy-themed puzzle book with very well-executed and slightly grotesque painted illustrations. By puzzle book I mean similar to Where’s Waldo / Where’s Wally or the Usborne Puzzle Adventure series. Clues inside! [more inside]
posted by chappell, ambrose at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by chappell, ambrose at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments
Cloud Identification
Any guesses on what this (1, 2) cloud formation or weather phenomenon is? See especially the detail photo of the base of the cloud, which looks like a bunch of stacked lenticular clouds. [more inside]
posted by cocoagirl at 10:01 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by cocoagirl at 10:01 AM PST - 7 comments
Tally of prices in Excel depending on an adjacent column?
I'm dividing up tickets between 4 people and I need help creating a tally of those prices to see how much everyone will owe. [more inside]
posted by Carillon at 9:54 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Carillon at 9:54 AM PST - 4 comments
East Bay: good places to eat without eating grain-based stuff
I am doing some lunatic diet that is I vaguely south-beach-ish and currently includes eating very little in the way of wheat products, rice, etc. I eat out a certain amount and am looking to expand my list of restaurants. [more inside]
posted by Smearcase at 9:46 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Smearcase at 9:46 AM PST - 11 comments
Recommend some 'chatty friends' style podcasts for me
For a long time I thought that I hated podcasts, but it turns out I just hate "NPR voice" and overly serious, professionally-produced podcasts like Serial or Radio Lab. Then I started listening to Another Round and Dear Prudence because I'm a fan of the people involved. I love these podcasts! They are silly, casual, unscripted, and it feels like I'm hanging out with cool friends while they talk about smart stuff. What else should I be listening to? [more inside]
Bored of the nitty gritty in technology. What next?
I'm fed up and bored of the low-level details involved with code and hardware and all the other things that come with computing. Management seems like the same thing, just one layer up. Any alternative ideas? [more inside]
Another round of name that comic
I thought I saw this on MeFi, but my search queries are failing me. Looking for a comic recommended for fans of Saga. [more inside]
Help me slow cook this grilled tilapia recipe
Defrosted some tilapia filets this weekend that I meant to grill yesterday, didn't get around to it. I'd like to cook these in the slow cooker today so they'll be ready to eat around 5-6pm tonight, looking for the easiest way to do this. [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 8:18 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by andruwjones26 at 8:18 AM PST - 8 comments
need "sunglasses" for my office
i need sunglasses to stare at my computer screen because my office is insanely bright. [more inside]
Shiftwork + marriage = dealbreaker?
After 7 years with a husband on shiftwork I have realized that the shiftwork has made it difficult for me to feel settled, at home and like family with my husband. I had a childhood of abuse/neglect/instability and still struggle with anxiety & ADHD and long for a certain homey rhythm of life. [more inside]
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 6:57 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 6:57 AM PST - 17 comments
Should I get a flu shot before an upcoming work trip to the US?
The current flu outbreak in the US has me a bit concerned. I'm freelance, so not eligible for sick leave, and work is very busy right now. Should I get a flu shot before I go? [more inside]
My friend is hurting badly. What can I do?
How can I best support a friend who is going through an extraordinarily difficult time (involving the disintegration of her marriage due to her husband's addiction)? [more inside]
Next steps for online harassment
A former college roommate who I don't keep in touch with anymore has been harassing me online over the last year and a half, and I'm looking for practical help with next steps. [more inside]
What's the scam? Amazon Third Party edition
A product I'm interested in has a 3rd party seller posting that potential buyers ask that they contact them at an email address before ordering. Any attempts to purchase and place the item in the cart before ordering gets the sale canceled. Contact at the email address has the person asking for personal info. [more inside]
posted by Karaage at 3:30 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Karaage at 3:30 AM PST - 14 comments
Musicians: they'll only break your heart
I'm an amateur graphic artist, and I've been making some cover art for a band for free. I've made about 10 different pieces they like and want to use. Yay! But tonight, the guy texts me, "oh here is our new logo." It's totally different, not to mention ugly af, and makes the art look unbalanced. (New typeface is extra-light, old typeface was extra-bold.) Did mention it was ugly af? Sob. [more inside]
February 11
Will slug pellets keep my butterfly caterpillars safe?
Slugs, cabbage loopers, and butterfly larvae roam the vegetable garden beds. Will slug peletts/Sluggo/iron phosphate keep the butterfly larvae safe, but kill the other two? [more inside]
Safety in Mexico, specifically Mexico City?
I'd love to visit Mexico city and see the amazing artwork, culture, history and eat the incredible food. But every tourist website I visit has a 'What to do if you're kidnapped" section that is freaking me out slightly. Do you have any experiences/advice for visiting, or would you advise just not visiting, as some of my American friends have? [more inside]
Two old hardcover superhero omnibuses?
In the 1970s my town library had a giant hardcover tome containing the first few issues of many Marvel superheroes and a second massive origin omnibus for DC. What were these two titles? [more inside]
posted by JamesD at 7:24 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by JamesD at 7:24 PM PST - 4 comments
Explain like I'm five filter
How can I get all the news articles I want to read on my Kindle? [more inside]
Why does my cat want marshmallows?
My cat usually has no interest in human food - even cat-friendly stuff like shrimp. But if she catches a whiff of marshmallows, she WANTS them. BAD. Even after taking a lick. But...cats don't even have sweet receptors, so what's the attraction? [more inside]
posted by Caravantea at 6:42 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Caravantea at 6:42 PM PST - 21 comments
Help me surprise my partner for his last day of a job!
My partner has been suffering through a crummy job that he's thankfully leaving for an awesome new one! This Friday is his last day at said crummy job, and I'd like to come up with a clever way to commemorate the occasion. Can you help me out? [more inside]
posted by knownassociate at 6:40 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by knownassociate at 6:40 PM PST - 8 comments
How to remove glue from cast iron pans
I am receiving a half-dozen antique Griswold pans from my parents. Mostly frypans, but also a couple waffle irons and a muffin tin. The cookware was hung from the wall as decorations for most of the past couple decades, and my parents had stuck felt pads on the edges of the pans to keep them from marring the wallpaper. How do I safely remove the (decades-old) glue residue? [more inside]
posted by ardgedee at 6:30 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by ardgedee at 6:30 PM PST - 13 comments
Should We Eat It Filter (fuzzy mushroom edition)
We made a soup for dinner with mushrooms, and they all looked okay. Lurking at the bottom of the container was a moldy mushroom (white fuzz - no pink or green). We didn't notice this until tossing the other mushrooms into the pot. The soup will boil for 45 minutes, enough to cook the wild rice. Is this safe to eat?
State tax return headache
My company headquarters is in New York. I live in California and work in the California office. To which state do I owe taxes, and for which state(s) do I have to file a tax return? It appears the company withheld taxes from my paycheck for New York but not California, which...doesn't seem right. [more inside]
posted by sunset in snow country at 6:14 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by sunset in snow country at 6:14 PM PST - 6 comments
Are these carpet beetles and if so how do we get rid of them?
A couple of days ago, while I was cleaning out my sock and underwear drawer. . . [more inside]
What kind of car should I buy?
I'm getting ready to trade in my 2010 Honda Insight for something newer. Please help me figure out what to buy, based on the following criteria: [more inside]
Acute Renal Failure in 18 month old cat? What to do?
I have a beautiful 18 month old calico with the emergency referral vet at the moment who's suffering from acute renal failure. The vets put her on IV fluids but her kidney numbers have only gotten worse. Is there anything that this indicates? They're just going to stay the course but does anyone have any more info on younger cats and kidney disease?
Best way to stream KEXP archive shows (or other "live" radio streams)?
We are huge fans of the "Swinging Doors" show on KEXP. Is there any way to stream the show to Sonos or Alexa-type speakers or some other way more reliable than web-to-Airport Express? [more inside]
Shut down when living with people
I feel like other peoples consciousness is absurdly draining to me. I can't armor myself against it and prefer to engage people in a time limited way. How can I extend my social endurance? I feel hyper alert to other peoples (and animals) existence and only cope by shutting them out or avoiding. [more inside]
posted by perdhapley at 3:44 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by perdhapley at 3:44 PM PST - 16 comments
Getting calendars in icloud to show up on iPad
I have reached the age where I have a calendar on my macs that keeps track of my medications, so I can look back on any date and see what I was taking then. I set up an all-day event for each med. Now when my iPad syncs to icloud, most of the calendar is missing. [more inside]
Password managers, 2018 edition
Pursuant to prior related queries, what are your thoughts on a preferred password manager? [more inside]
Want to make tasty vegetarian sandwiches!
I want to hear about your favorite vegetarian sandwich combinations! [more inside]
Vegetarian friendly restaurants in NYC, 2018 edition
I am traveling to NYC with my family and I am looking for restaurant that will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. [more inside]
Is $60K in loans for a post-bac premed program worth the price?
I have not taken any of the prerequisite classes for applying to medical school yet and can get them done in one year for ~$60,000, potentially attend medical school right after, or try to squeeze them in while working full-time over the course of at least two years, and not attend medical school for at least a year after completion of all courses. I am scared of debt and am having a hard time deciding if taking out loans to pay for the one-year program is worth it. [more inside]
Zelda for Mario players?
I have a Nintendo Switch and love Super Mario Odyssey. Should I get Zelda BOTW? I'm a complete Zelda newbie. [more inside]
Recovering after burglary
We got burgled (including the burglar coming into our bedroom whilst we were asleep) and I feel gutted and terrified and sucky and I need help. UK. [more inside]
Learning to communicate again
Communication in my last relationship was.... tough. Expressing my wants and needs and boundaries always led to conflict, where he always tried to make me feel at fault. Now I'm in a new relationship, and I can't bring myself to speak up. [more inside]
advice on potentially purchasing a pre-owned hybrid lexus ct 200h
Following up on my recent question where you all provided great advice I have test driven several pre-owned vehicles. I drove a 2014 lexus ct 200h with 41k miles at the lexus dealer--managers special $18,888, with premium accessories (Carmax shows that similar cars get over $20k). However when saw the carmax it showed two previous lessors--1 for 2.5 years who drove 17,000 miles, and then one for 10 months who drove 25000 miles. Should I be concerned about such heavy usage and the short amount of time on the lease? [more inside]
Which disability organization?
I've got a friend in medical school who is having problems related to a physical disability. I have already put her in touch with the Coalition for Disability Access in Health Science and Medical Education, as well as people from my personal network. Can you think of other organizations that may be of help? Feel free to PM me if you prefer. Thank you!
posted by 8603 at 12:26 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by 8603 at 12:26 PM PST - 10 comments
Messed up grout in a rental apartment
For a while I have noticed that the grout in my shower has areas where it is starting to crack and recede. I waffled on what to do about this for a long time, but I'm thinking I should bite the bullet and put in a maintenance request to ask if my apartment complex will repair it. The problem is I'm fairly sure it is at least partially my fault that this is happening and not sure about my responsibilities or the potential consequences of calling it to my apartment management's attention. [more inside]
posted by space snail at 12:00 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by space snail at 12:00 PM PST - 16 comments
Cone-free anti-frizz hair products?
I have very thick Caucasian hair with very loose S-waves. It’s frizzy and poofy and huge. Usually it can only be tamed in a tight braid or bun. I used to use anti-frizz products with silicones, but noticed that I get much less facial acne since going cone-free. Is there a good leave-in product that will defrizz and deflate my hair without silicones? [more inside]
How long can a cooked spinach pie (spanakopita) last at room temp?
Visiting a family member in a nursing home this afternoon and bringing her favorite treat: spinach pie. Problem: she has no way to refrigerate it, and would like to save the leftovers for a day or two. Realistically, how long can spinach pie last at room temperature without going bad? [more inside]
posted by zarq at 11:12 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by zarq at 11:12 AM PST - 11 comments
Clothes for a beanpole
My 16yo is 5'11" and 116 pounds. He is having a terrible time buying pants. Please help. [more inside]
The soundtrack to the stars (& lasers & spaceships & ...)
Music/Roleplaying Filter: I'm running a science fiction tabletop roleplaying game for friends, and it's been superbly fun. We've talked about adding some mood music to help set the scene (e.g., foot combat; space dogfighting; exploring a space station; walking down the streets of an arcology). What are your favorite songs that could fit right into the fictional year 2120? [more inside]
posted by Keter at 10:21 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Keter at 10:21 AM PST - 16 comments
Organizational behaviors of IT's boom and bust?
I'm looking for citations/quotes that might help frame the landscape of 1996-2002ish US tech-industry organizational behavior tendencies. [more inside]
How do I learn how to delegate, against all my instincts?
I'm terrible at delegating work, but I need to start doing it more. How can I overcome my hesitation and fears and learn to delegate in a professional and effective way? I'm looking for helpful books or maybe a class I could take in NYC. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 9:50 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by silverstatue at 9:50 AM PST - 15 comments
Identify vintage fabric from Hong Kong?
My mom doesn't sew much anymore which means that all the fabric she's hoarded over the past few decades are available to me. Yay! Today I'm wondering about flannel (picture inside) that my grandfather brought over from Hong Kong 40+ years ago. I'd love ANY more info on it. (Fabric type, pattern, etc.) [more inside]
On the radio
As a young adult (high school/ college/ recent grad) did you or your kid ever have a steady job or unpaid internship with a college, community or other alternative-focused radio station, especially one where you were allowed to experience some air time? [more inside]
ISO: funny safe-for-work wallpaper for iPhone
A pharmacist friend has this as their work iPhone's wallpaper. It's perfect: funny, silly, work-safe, doesn't demean anyone. What's an equivalent phone wallpaper for someone who works in IT, especially in enterprise IT? I used to have one about "have you tried turning it off and on again" but it rubbed me the wrong way as a dig against end users.
Help me get into video games
Many therapists over the years have suggested getting into video games to help with my anxiety and depression. I have severe OCD. The OCD makes this endeavor more difficult than it should be. I get overwhelmed. Which games? Which systems? Can all games be played on all systems, etc. Details within [more inside]
SSRI + SNRI = synergestic?
If I were to take half a dose of an SNRI (example, Effexor) and half a dose of an SSRI (example, Zoloft), would I be at greater risk of having Serotonin Syndrome than if I were to take the same total dose but of only one drug? [more inside]
February 10
Best way to repair/sell vintage Morris Minor?
My mum has a 1958 Morris Minor coupe. It is a very cute car. It also isn't currently functional due to electrical issues. She has since got a Fiat 500 which scratches a similar car itch. If you have dealt with selling a 1. reasonably valuable, 2. not particularly obscure, 3 but obviously vintage/older car, what would you do? [more inside]
posted by solarion at 11:56 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by solarion at 11:56 PM PST - 11 comments
Need Help Seeing The Forest For The Trees
I'm burnt out. I've come to the end of what I can accomplish at my current job and it's time to find a new one. But because I'm burnt out I'm struggling articulating a bigger picture vision for myself. My therapist suggested going on a retreat to do some self-care and self-discovery. I love this idea, but have no idea where to go.
So tell me MeFi, what are some awesome retreats you've been on? [more inside]
Help Me Have Faith in Birth Control Again
I've gotten pregnant with a copper IUD in, which was supposed to have been one of the most effective forms of birth control. Should I get another one because lightning hopefully won't strike twice? [more inside]
Reasonably Expecting Knifepoint Robbery, What To Do?
I work alone in a small shop. There have been a number of knife/hammer/machete-point robberies in the area. My place of work has experienced three such robberies in six months, none of which my employer has reported to police and I am now shifted on the one evening of the week that these three have all taken place.
I can't afford to just quit. Beyond looking urgently for other employment, articulating concerns to my employer, documenting everything, compliance when threatened and keeping as little money in the till as possible are there any other measures I can take for my own physical, mental and financial safety? (large sums lost may or may not be illegally docked from my wages)
Jurisdiction: UK
I'm Brian Fellow
There used to be a site that aggregated Saturday Night Live reviews from amateurs. It didn't matter who you were, if you typed up a review they posted it. I know I submitted reviews around 2002-2003, and I'm looking for the site. I believe it was up as recently as last year, because I remember cringing at what I wrote not too long ago.
Does anyone remember what this site was called?
How can I buy Soohorang (2018 Olympics mascot) swag?
A young friend is having a tough year and he loves Soohorang (the 2018 Olympic tiger mascot). I'm trying to figure out how and where to buy him a sweatshirt and headband from South Korea and sent to the US. Any advice? Hoping not to pay the exorbitant rates for things listed on eBay ($39 for a headband etc). Thanks!
posted by stewiethegreat at 8:36 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by stewiethegreat at 8:36 PM PST - 5 comments
How can I be a truly wonderful host?
I have a lot of out-of-town visitors who come for dinner, for the night, or for a week or two. How can I surprise and delight them? What have you truly enjoyed as a guest, that's made you feel special and loved and extra-welcomed? Things I've loved: a friend who has a giant bin of guest slippers for his please-no-shoes house; my aunt's snack cabinet (she remembers personal favorites and stocks up ahead of time with specific guests in mind). I'm a bit of a busy bee, so I'd love suggestions that don't require too much prep (or time away from my guests, like cooking an elaborate thing). Welcome signs? Treats on the pillows? Perfecting one really cool cocktail with ingredients that I can always keep on hand? Hit me!!
posted by red_rabbit at 8:04 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by red_rabbit at 8:04 PM PST - 39 comments
Any way to block entire domains from showing up in my Google results?
I know Google used to have this feature built in, but it's long gone. Is there an extension for any browser that would keep certain sites from ever showing up in my search results?
posted by Seeking Direction at 7:43 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Seeking Direction at 7:43 PM PST - 6 comments
Beat poets/writers who were not sexist?
I want to appreciate the writing of the Beats, but I have a hard time stomaching misogyny and/or stories that depict women as "cardboard cutouts with vaginas." To help me connect with this period, can you recommend Beat literature with strong female characters, or if the stories center on men, an absence of throwaway comments demeaning women? Bonus points for female writers; double-bonus for a San Francisco connection.
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 6:54 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 6:54 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me name and maybe finish up a painting?
I am waffling over the title of this painting of young puffins and also whether or not I should ground them more with cast shadow. I would appreciate others' takes. [more inside]
Career/mid-life-crisis help!
Help me consider options and alternatives for changing careers from something financially-rewarding but not in line with my personal ethics and my desire to live a creative and professional life in music. [more inside]
posted by gorbichov at 5:04 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by gorbichov at 5:04 PM PST - 8 comments
Small Plates in NYC?
Friends I haven't seen in ages are coming to visit! I want to find us (party of three) a restaurant to go to where we can split a series of small plates, without splurging too much. (NYC) [more inside]
Apple pie is classic, but too obvious
[Recipe filter] I have 6.5lbs of Fuji Apples and 4lbs of Asian Pears (~2900 grams and ~1800 grams, respectively). Please help me create awesome food with them. Sweet or savory - nothing's off the table. [more inside]
Questions to ask starting a volunteer organisation managerial position.
I'm starting up a side technical managerial volunteer role in a organisation. The role involves looking after a piece of software the organisation runs. I'm looking for things that I might need to consider and discover that I haven't thought about yet. [more inside]
Where's Totoro when you need him?
I have a large backyard and would like to start a vegetable garden. I need direct links ( or direct....directions) on how to grow certain vegetables within my climate zone, as well as how to prepare ground for plants. All other advice and experience welcome! [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 3:01 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by FirstMateKate at 3:01 PM PST - 17 comments
eBook of the Month Club?
Are there any equivalents of the Book of the Month Club that offer their selections as ebooks? I'm already a member of the BotM, but I find myself reading my ebooks a lot more than physical books, and I'd love to add something else to the mix. [more inside]
posted by itsamermaid at 2:20 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by itsamermaid at 2:20 PM PST - 5 comments
What are the best Las Vegas dining experiences?
My parents have offered to take my husband and I out for a "dining experience" while we are in Vegas during the second week of March this year. I'm overwhelmed by the restaurant options and not being a local is complicating things. Cost is not really an issue. If you had one great meal to eat with adventurous diners in Vegas (no dietary restrictions) what would it be?
posted by Saminal at 1:35 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Saminal at 1:35 PM PST - 17 comments
Do you have two middle names?
How much trouble is it? [more inside]
resources or guidelines on moderating a company intranet
My company (5000 global employees) encourages the use of our intranet as a social networking tool for employees to collaborate on projects and company culture. For example, people post pictures, tell stories about projects, have hobby and diversity groups, share relevant news articles, etc. However, when company policy interacts with anything in the political sphere, things get heated. How can we do this better? [more inside]
How far can power of attorney extend?
Quick question - it’s too late now but is there any possible way my (now) wife and I could have gotten married while sitting in a bar several miles away, through proxies with power of attorney? This might be a stupid question on its face and you are also not my lawyer. Thank you!
posted by ftm at 12:13 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by ftm at 12:13 PM PST - 1 comment
Steam Mop + Gapping Engineered hardwood?
How do I keep my hardwood floors clean and looking good? I've tried lots of options and I'm strongly considering getting a Shark steamer mop. Something like this
My big concern is that our engineered hardwood planks (about 12 yrs old) have started to separate in a few places, like this and this.
Anyone have experience with this? Will it be ok, or is the steamer going to cause buckling?? [more inside]
How to react to an excessively gallant Tinder gentleman
Not used to this excellent but a bit overwhelming behaviour [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 10:50 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by winterportage at 10:50 AM PST - 15 comments
What's my job?
Does your employer have someone who does this kind of work? What's that position called? [more inside]
Too much thyme
What can I do with an excess of fresh thyme? [more inside]
Where to buy life insurance?
I'm a healthy 34 year old male Ph.D. student who wants to buy life insurance. [more inside]
Paging Cortex to the White Courtesy Phone
What clicker/incremental game should I play next? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 9:38 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by jacquilynne at 9:38 AM PST - 14 comments
Little old housewarming for Pasadena
As it says, I have a pair of lovely friends who've bought and have been renovating a house in the LA area. I wasn't able to do much by a way of a wedding present when they got married, so I'd love to get them a housewarming present to show I've been thinking of them and that I know how important the place is to them. Complications - I've never owned a house; place-making has never been important to me; I've never been to LA. Anybody who fits those categories, please chime in! [more inside]
Care after tooth extraction
My poor husband has been diagnosed with severe periodontal disease and is going to have to get a few teeth pulled next week. I'm sure he's going to feel miserable after. What can I do to help him feel more comfortable after the extraction, both physically and mentally?
Not like in soccer, like in your living room.
My wife is baffled that I call our powered device that uses both a vacuum and a rotating power brush to clean dirt off the floor a "sweeper" and not a "vacuum cleaner". I maintain that sweeper is a valid description of the device and sweeping is the process, even though the device uses motors and a vacuum to assist. She insists that only a broom or purely mechanical device with brushes or bristles can sweep, and vacuum cleaners vacuum and should be described as such. Dictionaries are not helpful. Please help us... clean up this disagreement.
posted by eschatfische at 7:12 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by eschatfische at 7:12 AM PST - 47 comments
Audio File conversion
I downloaded a few voice text messages from my phone and the file is just called "file." I can play the files in VLC Media player but nothing else will play them. I want to convert them to .avi or mp3 so I can use them for project. I even tried Trader's Little Helper and that software couldn't do it. Any ideas?
posted by zzazazz at 7:01 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by zzazazz at 7:01 AM PST - 15 comments
Presentations and Slide Shows Before Powerpoint
I've been playing around with reversal film and projectors and it made me wonder: how were business presentations prepared for the ol' Carousel? [more inside]
posted by hwyengr at 6:53 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by hwyengr at 6:53 AM PST - 14 comments
Snooglarize me, baby
How do I know which is the right pregnancy pillow for me? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 6:19 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 6:19 AM PST - 15 comments
I think my BF likes another girl. How to reattract him?
I’m pretty sure my boyfriend likes his female friend. He says he doesn’t and she’s not his type, but he’s always talking about stuff she likes and making time to hang out with her. How do I reattract him back to me? I was told to act distant. What does that look like? Also how do we go about making our partners better people so they don’t look elsewhere?
W e live together and I feel like familiarity is breeding contempt in my relationship and I don’t know what to do to spice things up so he’s not running to his friend as an escape.
Nikka From the Barrel, from where?
I went to the Nikka Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido this past week and fell in love with Nikka From the Barrel (as recommended by a previous question from 2016!). To my horror and despair, the distillery’s store was sold out and told me tough luck for the day. I’m in Tokyo now, and have been confusing every grocery and combini employee by asking them for Nikka FTB. I have a full day and some odd hours left in Japan before I fly back to the States. I’m at a loss where to go next. Where can I buy it in Tokyo? [more inside]
posted by sums at 4:47 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by sums at 4:47 AM PST - 5 comments
What's this British midcentury font?
The one on the old Greenwich Time Signal. Similar to the one that used to be on BBC Television Centre (cw: huge image, maybe not mobile-friendly). What is it? [more inside]
What's this spooky UK film about summoning demons?
An easy tip-of-the-tongue question - I'm trying to remember the name of a recent UK horror film the premise of which is a woman hires a man to perform a ritual of summoning for her; it all takes place in a rural house, and goes predictably wrong.
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 4:18 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 4:18 AM PST - 2 comments
What was Haskell Curry's hair color?
Haskell Curry was a mathematician who worked in logic; the Haskell programming language was named after him, and a way of defining functions known as "currying".
Unfortunately, all of the pictures of him I can find are black-and-white, so I can't tell what color his hair was -- could be blonde, or just gray! Please help. [more inside]
posted by vogon_poet at 4:11 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by vogon_poet at 4:11 AM PST - 5 comments
Green beans! Are wonderful! What is your favorite green bean recipe?
I could eat green beans every day of the week but do not have 365 recipes. Which is surely possible! How do you eat your green beans? [more inside]
February 9
Colp or Followup PAP?
So it's pretty simple: I am 38. I had an abnormal PAP and my doctor wants to do a colposcopy. I think I would prefer to do a followup PAP in six (now four) months. Am I being stupid? [more inside]
How to plan to deal with a rebellious child?
My sibling was pretty rebellious when I was growing up, not coming home some nights, doing drugs, and being in fairly bad relationships. This caused a lot of argument and discord in our family that still plagues us to this day. Now that my partner and I are thinking about having kids, I'm starting to worry about how I would handle a kid like that. Hivemind parents, how did you prepare for situations like this? More inside. [more inside]
I have a problematic relationship with alcohol, how do I fix it?
I drink too much. I’m not having bad problems now, but I know I need to change something and I don’t know how to get there. [more inside]
15 year old car randomly stalls: diagnose/repair or say goodbye?
I have a 2003 Honda Civic that has sputtered to an inconvenient stop four times in the past year. It happened today at a red light on a steep highway off-ramp, and I had a lot of trouble restarting it. I am ok with random things breaking on my car at its age, but I am not OK with it stalling out in unsafe situations. Do I DTMFA? [more inside]
posted by Maarika at 9:09 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Maarika at 9:09 PM PST - 14 comments
I Don't Want to Return My Amazon Return
I bought a vinyl record on the outlet section of Amazon (.ca) a while back. The package was lost, so they were supposed to send me a replacement, but they ended up accidentally sending me a completely different record. My problem is I happen to want both this record and the one I was supposed to be sent. [more inside]
posted by Dismantled King at 8:02 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Dismantled King at 8:02 PM PST - 6 comments
Can I mix these two colour palettes and how do I pair up the colours?
I'm making a board book and I need a colour palette. I like these two 1, 2 . But I am not a designer. 1. Would these two palettes work together? 2. Each page spread (11) will have two colours on it. How do I figure out which colours to pair with which? 3. If the two palettes won't combine well, please help me pick a colour palette. [more inside]
Bad car repair, yet I'm wary to let shop 'make it right' - am I SOL?
I have not given an auto shop the chance to fix a bad repair job, and thus have let a different (and better) shop fix their mistakes. Is any compensation from the first shop out of the question, seeing how I didn't give them an opportunity to try and 'make things right' ? [more inside]
posted by kilohertz at 5:39 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by kilohertz at 5:39 PM PST - 3 comments
My TV sound sucks. Help
The Onkyo Receiver that I run my TV sound through has died. The B channel is dead on both the primary and auxiliary speakers. I've owned a detached receiver since I was 16 years old, but I know that not how the kids do things these days. I am sad. [more inside]
How do you consolidate your political/social views in the workplace?
Maybe consolidate isn't the right term, but what do you do when you realize your beliefs clash with those of the people you work with or those who have authority over you? [more inside]
ISO Geometric Tattoo Suggestions
I'm considering getting a nape-of-neck undercut, and a tattoo on the undercut area to go with it. I really like geometric tattoos. I really dislike cultural imperialism. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 4:14 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by DarlingBri at 4:14 PM PST - 17 comments
Start a social science club?
Is it a good idea to start a club about the various social sciences, such as psychology, history, and criminology? [more inside]
posted by Eevee at 3:44 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Eevee at 3:44 PM PST - 3 comments
Ideas for somewhat-fancy, non-obvious birthday treats
My brother's birthday is coming up and I would like to make some sort of edible treat for the occasion! Cake is already very well-covered (between family, friends and his wife he will be having cake all week - lucky guy) so I am looking for something else that is, ideally, shareable, keeps well, tastes good and is a little bit "special occasion". [more inside]
Can you identify these wood types?
I recently got a heap of wood off-cuts for wood crafting but I have no idea what types of wood they are. The guy I got it from said it was all untreated. Mostly hardwood, but softer wood also. Pics: HERE
Thanks!
What school to get Math MS - impact on getting CC teaching job?
I have an undergraduate degree in math and want to get a masters so I can teach community college. I’m choosing between three Tier 2 universities in Arizona - ASU, UA, NAU - that all come w teaching assistantships. The programs are virtually indistinguishable except one (NAU) offers a 2nd non-thesis track with coursework emphasizing Teaching Community College Mathematics. How much, if at all, will my choice influence community college hiring decisions?
posted by carriest at 2:55 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by carriest at 2:55 PM PST - 4 comments
he who is not one up is one down
In discussing the family of phrases "messed up"/"screwed up"/"f-cked up" (but also "clean up", "make up") with an English language learner coworker, he raised the question "Why 'up'?"
None of us native English speakers could formulate a good answer, so I turn to you all. Why "up"?
posted by 4rtemis at 2:48 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by 4rtemis at 2:48 PM PST - 14 comments
Trapped in the wrong career, fallen behind, and struggling/suffocating
I have fallen into a very technical niche in my industry that I am not naturally interested or talented in, and the more I've managed to advance career-wise, the deeper I go into the niche. The deeper I fall into the niche, the less I actually learn/absorb/truly understand and the less I manage to accomplish. I now find mysel fallen completely behind, trapped in a constant state of fear and anxiety. [more inside]
Should I get an Apple Watch?
I've been toying with the idea of an Apple Watch (series 3, not the cellular one) for a while now, but I'm still not sure if it would be something I would really get a lot of use out of. [more inside]
Help me find a bouncy, energetic, HR-friendly song
I'm producing a video for my company's employee meeting, and I've been asked to soundtrack it with a peppy pop song. Degree of difficulty: I am woefully out of touch with current pop music. [more inside]
posted by DrAstroZoom at 1:48 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by DrAstroZoom at 1:48 PM PST - 12 comments
A Tale Of Two (Pairs Of) Jeans - Full Price vs. Outlet
OutletFilter: I bought a pair of NYDJ jeans at full price at Nordstrom. Then I bought the same pair of jeans - brand, model, size - from Nordstrom Rack for 50% less. After wearing the Rack jeans for a day, they stretched out so much as to be unwearable. I just looked at the website listings for the two stores and the two *identically named* jeans have different fiber content, inseam, etc. -- even though they were advertised as the same jeans. What gives, and how can I avoid this in the future? [more inside]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 1:08 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 1:08 PM PST - 13 comments
Weird security issue with iPhone Messages suggesting update
My partner (with whom I share a data plan) told me today (from a different geographical US region) that in her list of text threads in iOS messages, near my name there was a little inline prompt announcing “updated contact info” for me at a totally different area code. There was a little “update” button, and an X button that she used to dismiss the prompt. I haven’t changed my phone number. What could be going on here? This is very hard to Google.
posted by oxisos at 12:45 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by oxisos at 12:45 PM PST - 2 comments
Ethics of ordering delivery in a snowstorm
I have enough food in the house, but I'd like to order delivery. Complication: we're in the middle of a snowstorm. Ethical or no? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 12:34 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by FencingGal at 12:34 PM PST - 22 comments
roll to sniff butts
Help me find this kid-friendly tabletop RPG where you played as a dog and had dog-ly adventures as a pack in the city. I read about it a jillion years ago, and it could have been a homebrew variant of another game, but it sounded great. Please help me find it again. [more inside]
Historically grounded literary urban fantasy suggestions?
I really like Tim Powers, especially his stuff set in the near past. I'm looking for other books that are historically grounded, well-written, seem internally plausible, and deal with any or all of the following themes: urban fantasy, the occult, the cold war, spy stuff in general, myth, magic. [more inside]
Seduction via book recommendations?
What books might I recommend to someone in order to flirt with/seduce them? [more inside]
Name that Yiddish name.
I have been told orally about a Yiddish speaking woman, born in the mid-1800s in what is now Rumania, whose first name was something like Sluve. [more inside]
posted by flourpot at 11:05 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by flourpot at 11:05 AM PST - 7 comments
Adjustable bed experiences and recommendations
We are going to buy a new bed. My wife spends 23 hours a day or more in bed. She has rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. We are looking for an adjustable bed, almost certainly with split king mattresses-- basically two long twin mattresses next to each other so each of us can have our own mattress and make adjustments independent of the other. What have your experiences with this type of bed been? Is there anything you would do differently? What advice and recommendations do you have? [more inside]
Morning reports for 513th PIR, 334th Infantry, or 432nd AAA?
Does anyone know of a source forWWII morning reports, other than going to the National Archives in Suitland, MD? I am looking for:
- 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1945 before April
- Company K (King) of the 334th Infantry, 84th Division, any time
- 42nd Coast ArtilleryBattalion, later the 432nd antiaircraft artillery (AAA), any time
Also, rosters to further narrow down their assignments (ie., company or even platoon) would be very valuable.
SO MANY THANKS. [more inside]
What earbuds work for an iPod Shuffle 3rd generation?
I just bought a used third-generation iPod shuffle for listening to podcasts at the gym. Because I am an idiot, I completely forgot that this generation Shuffle had all of the controls on the earbuds, and I cannot find compatible earbuds. I can find them on Amazon with "play/pause" and volume controls, but I need play/pause. volume, and previous/next so I can skip around from podcast to podcast. Am I screwed? [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 10:05 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by 4ster at 10:05 AM PST - 3 comments
How do we get control of a nonprofit?
I'm on the board of a non-profit, and last year, the person with the majority of the information and control (bank accounts, financials) left abruptly and is not currently on speaking terms with the majority of the board. She is also the nonprofit's registered agent, which means that mail goes to her. Just to add to the fun, she's the only one who lives in the state where the nonprofit was incorporated. [more inside]
Northwest Costa Rica for 3 extra days
My brother and I are taking our parents to Costa Rica for their 50th wedding anniversary at the end of March. We'll be there as a whole family for a week, flying into and out of Liberia, and then my wife and I will be staying for 3 extra days after everyone else goes home. Where should we go, that we can get to fairly easily from Brasilito, where we'll be at the end of the first week?
More details below about the kind of stuff we're into. [more inside]
posted by crookedgrin at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by crookedgrin at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments
DirecTV, Internet and Me
We currently have DirecTV for, well, TV. Paternal unit wants to bundle tv, internet and security system. We have internt through WOW. Don't have the foggiest idea who security is with. [more inside]
Meals to cook for a nice dinner for two
I'm looking for meals to cook for a nice dinner for two. Details inside! [more inside]
Help in getting doctor to take pain seriously
I am struggling to get my primary care physician to take my ongoing (at times debilitating) pain seriously. Please help me frame my concerns to him in such a way that he won’t keep blowing me off. [more inside]
Public Fax Options
The short version of this question is: how can my library set up a fax machine for patrons to use without costing them or us a large amount of money?
Details below. [more inside]
posted by holmesian at 7:17 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by holmesian at 7:17 AM PST - 16 comments
what goals do I need to make therapy effective?
so I've been thinking I should go back to therapy, I'm kind of struggling to cope with really low moods at the moment, but I don't want to go back on antidepressants , I don't think I've reached that point yet, and to be honest, they've never felt right to me and to be honest I cant stand the thought of going back to a psych doctor. The trouble is I've been to six different therapists / counselors in the past and its never really worked out. [more inside]
Give me your best hacks to help a barking, anxious dog.
My mom recently had a stroke, and I am taking care of her dog until she comes home. He's generally a great dog, but my living situation is proving to be a real challenge for him (and me). He is used to a quiet home life in the suburbs with a yard and no other pets, people, sounds etc. I live in the city with 2 cats, no yard, and endless noises. He barks. At. Everything. All day and night, and will not stop. Halp! [more inside]
Best project management resources
I have been tasked at work with taking on a more formal project management role. I have 20+ years of professional experience, and have led projects of various sizes, but have never been The Project Manager. We're also looking at developing a PMO. I have a lot of exposure to project management principles, and I have a purple belt (Lean certification), but I want to improve my skills and my cache of resources related to project management.
What are some good intermediate- to advanced-level resources on project management? [more inside]
Denver Restaurant Recommendations
I'll be traveling to Denver in a couple months and am looking for some restaurant recommendations. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean at 5:09 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by noneuclidean at 5:09 AM PST - 12 comments
Stop reminding me already!
Besides the official Google Calendar email notification, I get multiple notifications of the same event from some unknown entity. I feel like this was the result of some add-on I used to have, but I can't figure out how to turn it off. How do I get rid of it? [more inside]
Photoshop lite... does such a thing exist?
Is there a software out there that is a simpler version of Photoshop? [more inside]
posted by madonna of the unloved at 12:47 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by madonna of the unloved at 12:47 AM PST - 14 comments
February 8
Holy-wheeled
I'm going to be in Hollywood/LA attending a gallery exhibit, with two friends ( female). Coming from NYC, what should our trip look like, given that we want to make the ABSOLUTE MOST out of our limited time there, and given that I'm in a power wheelchair? [more inside]
Southern England and Wales - the Train Adventure Edition
Mr. Darling and I have managed to snag an opportunity to travel to the UK and meander our way from London to Pembroke. How should we plan our itinerary? [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 7:54 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by tafetta, darling! at 7:54 PM PST - 13 comments
What show should my wife and I watch next?
Now that we've watched all the Call The Midwife that's available for streaming via Netflix in the U.S., my wife and I are looking for a new show. [more inside]
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 7:53 PM PST - 46 comments
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 7:53 PM PST - 46 comments
Easing into 57 year old fitness
I could use some suggestions about getting myself stronger and fitter... without taking myself the wrong direction. [more inside]
Do I Complain Up?
A month ago, I tried to meet some friends at a hipster, nerdy, steampunk-ish basement speakeasy cocktail bar. [more inside]
Keeping a daily video diary - Team Edition.
A few years ago my partner did 1SE (One second everyday) for a year, and it was one of the most rewarding things to watch at the end of the year. I'd like to do the same thing with my business - but instead of one person recording and uploading, spreading it across 10+ people. Is there an app (iOS) or workflow, that I could achieve this with? [more inside]
Whither scissors?
I have a very sturdy pair of 3.5 inch nail/cuticle scissors from Tambour Solingen. They are very old. They are very good. They're losing their sharpness, which would be bad enough. But the screw holding them together is also wearing out, so they no longer fit together well for easy cutting. I can find many places to get them sharpened. No one seems willing to replace the screw. Is that a thing that can be done? If not where can I find a similar pair online? [more inside]
the cutting edge of transparency
Trying to find the link to a story I was told about, mentioning a Virginia city that has started posting every check it writes on its website. (Locally, this would have been over Radio IQ.) I've not been able to find the link - help? Supposedly aired within this past week.
posted by mmiddle at 6:12 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mmiddle at 6:12 PM PST - 5 comments
Fonts for board books -- plain and simple one rounded block
I'm making two board books. I need fonts that are either commonly included on a windows computer or free. I need a font for the body of the book A. The title of Book A will be in Gabriola. Book B will be a counting book (1 apple, 2 bananas, say). I would like a nice rounded block font that I can put in colours for the numbers and a body font for the other words (e.g. "banana"). Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:06 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:06 PM PST - 7 comments
Edumucate me please
Looking for best resources to self learn how to program in R, python, or machine learning. Preferably of use to a person with a background in biology, little to no programming experience. [more inside]
posted by Wolfster at 4:51 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Wolfster at 4:51 PM PST - 19 comments
Instrumental Cover Wedding Processional Songs Needed
I need some help finding good instrumental cover versions of popular songs to play before the ceremony. That's my entire question. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Draccy at 4:43 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Draccy at 4:43 PM PST - 11 comments
Movies about taking on The Man?
Hi - I'm trying to come up with a list of movies that are about people coming together to take on their oppressors. Star Wars is an obvious one, but Norma Rae and Braveheart would work too. The more inspiring the better. Any others that come to mind?
putting a new hardwood floor into an old house
We want to hire someone to put in a hardwood floor in our dining room, and I have some questions. Such as: should we use solid planks or composite pre-finished ones? How do we choose the right contractor? [more inside]
posted by colfax at 2:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by colfax at 2:43 PM PST - 7 comments
Asking a landlord to buy a rental house
I'd like to ask my landlord to buy the house I live in. Are there "best practices" for this sort of thing or am I overthinking? [more inside]
Toddler skin turns red after oatmeal exposure. Allergy?
Yes, YANAD.
My daughter had some oatmeal (oats, milk, sugar, cinnamon) and made a mess on her face. Her skin where the oatmeal was stuck for a few minutes turned bright red. After washing it off, the red splotches went away within 15 minutes. No hives, no spreading rash. The oatmeal wasn’t hot so it wasn’t a burn.
Should I worry about severe allergic reactions? I will ask her pediatrician but would also love to read up on this. I would especially love evidence-based advice, not just anectdata. [more inside]
posted by The Toad at 1:52 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by The Toad at 1:52 PM PST - 11 comments
Any input "poor prognosis for older men dignosed with prostate cancer?"
Surprised after reading this 2018 article as I understood that the older a man was when diagnosed with PC the less virulent or slower the disease progressed.
I realize the article refers to the fact that older men may present and be diagnosed with physical symptoms (or with a negative DRE test?) and not as the result of a high PSA test.
Thank you.
Make my hands stop itching!
I've never had any skin allergy problems but oh my god, my hands now get red and itchy and I cannot figure out why. HALP [more inside]
FreebieFilter: Best app for making invites?
I want to create my own invitations and have them printed. I really love Canva's interface and layout options, but it's astronomical to print the invites through them and it's not an option to export their file into one that I can use somewhere else. Is there another app out there for making invites?
Help tracking down some generic art
I am looking for the art canvases pictured here. Can you help me find them? [more inside]
posted by whodatninja at 12:42 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by whodatninja at 12:42 PM PST - 2 comments
The faraway nearby
You live near but not with your long-term partner, with whom you have a loving, stable marriage-like commitment but no plans for future cohabitation. How do you coordinate your lives together, especially if they're super-duper intertwined? What do you keep at each other's houses? How do you navigate the low-key logistics of plan-making together? Give me your advice, tell me your tales and anecdotes! [more inside]
posted by tapir-whorf at 12:10 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by tapir-whorf at 12:10 PM PST - 14 comments
What to do for a colleague in the hospital?
My manager has been in and out of the hospital fighting an autoimmune disease. He's there again now, and will be for a few more days... [more inside]
Gifting pains
Are there any go-to gifts for people who are pretty much impossible to buy for? [more inside]
Goodnight, sweet square...
So my beloved 2006 Scion xB just got declared totaled by the insurance agency. I'm now at a crossroads - track down another 2006 xB, or buy a new car. My conundrum? I don't think I've liked a single car I've seen since my beautiful box left production (the later xB designs were terrible). [more inside]
Living in my new place, given an opportunity to move to another place.
The new place I'm living at isn't working out the way I hoped it would. Was given the opportunity to move to a new apartment, but big pros and cons, so unsure how to proceed. [more inside]
Should I get an undercut?
I'm a lady with a long bob and I am considering getting an undercut in the back or on the side. [more inside]
How do I dispose of these potentially dangerous magnets?
I'm in possession of a set of "Buckyballs" magnets. I don't remember when I got them - I think someone gave them to me for Christmas. The coating is coming off them, so I looked it up, and they've been banned in several jurisdictions for being very dangerous when ingested. How do I get rid of these responsibly? [more inside]
posted by spielzebub at 10:32 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by spielzebub at 10:32 AM PST - 11 comments
WordPress editor leaves me in tears
I recently built a small, simple site using WordPress, but I have a lot of trouble with the editor. I have great difficulty formatting the pages so that they look the way I want them to look. [more inside]
posted by JD Sockinger at 9:42 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by JD Sockinger at 9:42 AM PST - 7 comments
Constantly sick after moving across the country
I moved from Chicago to San Francisco has summer. Since then, I have had a cold (not flu) five times. This is very abnormal for me, can I track down the cause? [more inside]
Oh You Beautiful Doll
I'm looking for miniature art supplies, but all I'm finding are art supplies with which to make miniatures. I want tiny replica props of art supplies. [more inside]
posted by Devoidoid at 9:11 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Devoidoid at 9:11 AM PST - 8 comments
Please help me find my lost heirlooms
I managed to lose a small zippered pouch containing precious family jewelry. I'm desperate at this point. [more inside]
posted by marfa, texas at 9:04 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by marfa, texas at 9:04 AM PST - 35 comments
I want my pup to whine at me, yes!
I have a very wonderful little doggo who doesn't know how to communicate when he needs to be let outside. How can I teach him how to do this, for the sake of his potty training? [more inside]
Alternative to this "Magic Cream"
I use Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream and it is crazy good. In my house, it is called "Magic Cream" because it magically heals dry skin, dry lips, small eczema, etc. However, it's expensive. Can you please tell me what about it makes it so effective, and what alternatives there might be for cheaper? [more inside]
Double whammy
While reading about the 1974 Steely Dan tour I was surprised to discover that there were two drummers on stage. [more inside]
My girlfriend is pregnant
What would you do if your open relationship got real, real fast? [more inside]
Should my husband get a flu shot?
We are leaving tomorrow morning on a 10-day trip to Europe. Which is the greater risk - being on a germy plane without one, or having potential side effects from the shot?
What's your experience with a split double oven range?
Are double oven ranges any good or just a gimmick? [more inside]
High-falutin' novellas sought
My book group needs recommendations - we read shortish experimentalish fiction (with our brows very elevated) and we're running low. [more inside]
Archive Shows from TiVo Roamio?
Tivo Desktop for Windows/Mac seems to be gone from my available options.
So: how can I get .tivo files from my TiVo DVR to my backup storage?
posted by Kahomono at 4:56 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Kahomono at 4:56 AM PST - 6 comments
How do I add real value to my social media output?
I am about to start a Twitter page for my business. But how do I add real value for followers? [more inside]
Examples of great indoor mapping
Does your workspace, public centre or visitor attraction have a great digital map? Point me to it! [more inside]
Best place to buy a standalone headboard / footboard for a bed?
They sell them at Ikea, but only for queen size beds (I have a full/double).
Amazon has a fairly limited selection, as does Wayfair, but I'm interested in hopefully getting something delivered in the next few days.
I cannot find footboards or standalone headboard/footboard sets anywhere.
Lactose intolerance 101
I seem to have developed lactose intolerance. I have questions. [more inside]
posted by insectosaurus at 3:25 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by insectosaurus at 3:25 AM PST - 24 comments
my son wants a dog
My son, 9 years old, would very much like a dog. At his school, they occasionally have visits by dogs (they visit with their handler and are trained to visit schools), and some of his class mates have dogs and so does his favourite teacher. [more inside]
posted by 15L06 at 2:59 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by 15L06 at 2:59 AM PST - 20 comments
Help Me Download Voice Messages from a Facebook Messenger Conversation
My... romantic interest and I have been having a wonderfully loooong and meandering conversation over Facebook Messenger over the past few months. It's been just so wonderful getting to know her more and more... but my question isn't entirely pure or chaste. [more inside]
Why does this use of the verb "fuck" sound weird?
A minor linguistic puzzle. This friend of mine was chatting to a guy on a gay hookup app. The guy asked if he was a top or a bottom, and my friend said "both". And got back this reply: "let's fuck each other"
Why does that sound kind of ... off? It's grammatical, it follows that Gricean maxim of not being superfluous (since it reveals that he is also both top and bottom). Yet it's something (IMHO) a native English speaker wouldn't say. Why?
February 7
Charlie and the Movie Factory?
What are some cinematic portrayals of factory workers in narrative feature films, where we actually see them working at their jobs? (Not interested in television or documentaries.) Thanks! [more inside]
Can you help me flesh this out? *shudders*
My colleague uses the term "flesh this out" all the time at work, and it totally grosses me out. What is another saying to use? [more inside]
name this short story about a fake artists' residency
What was this short story I read online in the last few months? Six artists arrive at a distant city to find that the art residency they'd come for was actually some kind of political statement about art and capitalism, and now they're on their own. We learn a bit about the background of each artist and the varied ways they react to the situation.
posted by moonmilk at 8:27 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by moonmilk at 8:27 PM PST - 1 comment
Best location for outdoors-oriented families to stay in Finger Lakes?
I'm looking to narrow down our "Finger Lakes" vacation plan to a more specific location. Our family is planning to meet up and co-vacation with a few old friends and their families in the Finger Lakes region this August. None of us are from there or have ever been there. We want to do outdoorsy stuff and do not care for wine tours or shopping. [more inside]
Broaching the question on hiring a vendor's employee
We have been working with a third party to help my company code our emails - and in particular one of their employee who has been working with us for several years. We are very happy with his work and he works solely on his account but I've been tasked to explore options to bring this function in-house. I'd like us to hire him, but there is of course some sensitivity I'd like to consider. Details below. [more inside]
Russian language
I just saw the movie "The Road Movie" which takes place in Russia. At one point someone refers to someone else as a skibby. What is a skibby?
ADHD medication for children
Parents of children with ADHD, how did you decide that medication was the way to go? What effects were you worried about before your child started medication and how did that change after they started taking it? Does anyone have experience giving this specific medication to a child? [more inside]
posted by smashface at 5:40 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by smashface at 5:40 PM PST - 22 comments
Cool+creative+efficient way to collect opinions at an event?
Planning a work event where we'll be doing a chocolate tasting and need to collect opinions electronically from about 100 people about what they like. More inside. [more inside]
Questions about a protest group using public domain for creative works
A protest group that I'm a part of is considering putting our creative and design work in the public domain. We want to make sure we are not missing anything major, and that our understanding of this is accurate. Some questions inside. [more inside]
Going back to work after a disability
I am 45 years old and currently getting disability for what my doctor's suspect is an inoperable brain lesion on my brain stem. I also had 2 strokes back in December 2014 and January 2015 and I have some residual disability. I want to go back to work more than anything but I'm terrified that I won't be able to cut it anymore. More snowflakes inside... [more inside]
posted by Amalie-Suzette at 1:39 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Amalie-Suzette at 1:39 PM PST - 5 comments
Strawberry flavor, with hints of Tide detergent
Let's say you washed your pants with an unopened tube of treasured all-pink Starbursts in the pocket. Are they still safe to eat? [more inside]
posted by spaet at 1:18 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by spaet at 1:18 PM PST - 18 comments
Seattle residents, help me find a new place to stay
I need a new place to live by in or around Seattle by end-of-month. Moving from 5 roommates to solo so sticker shock // mild panic setting in. Help me figure out what I want and where it should be. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by isauteikisa at 12:55 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by isauteikisa at 12:55 PM PST - 4 comments
Curse of the gift card
My boss let it slip today that I am going to get a gift card to the place of my choice for the hard work I did on a particular initiative. Instead of choosing something or some place random, she wanted to give me the choice (yay!). What do I choose? [more inside]
Why is this old item appearing in a Google search of my legal name?
Not understanding how trackbacks and SEO work, I am curious why an old case I worked on now appears on the first page of search results associated with my name. [more inside]
Anyone with experience of edenapp, snow removal/lawn cutting service?
I'm having problems. Currently it's set up as an opt-out service -- that is, after a snowfall, a contractor automatically undertakes to remove my snow and I have 5 minutes to opt out. Then I get charged if I don't. Even in the middle of the night when I'm asleep. [more inside]
these gloves they are my own
It's time for me to buy new winter gloves. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 11:42 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by phunniemee at 11:42 AM PST - 7 comments
Sticking the landing but fumbling the runup?
Here's a "modern dating" question: what happens between the time you score a first date (online, natch) and the date itself? [more inside]
Need advice for helping 14 year old with drug problems
Family member has a son who is 14. He’s been in trouble at school for smoking, and selling pot. After getting in trouble for selling, his parents enrolled him in a treatment program. That did not work. They sent him to an inpatient rehab center for two months, and that did nothing. Looking for any advice or options to help. [more inside]
My iPhone doesn't have MDM anymore, why does it say it's supervised?
A while ago I got an iPhone through a previous job and paid for an upgrade to a 6s. Apparently since I paid for the upgrade it's mine, and they let me keep it when I left that company. When I was with the company it had a MDM profile installed. When I left they didn't remove the MDM so I did a factory reset. But in Settings it still says "this iPhone is supervised and managed by ." Can I get rid of that message? [more inside]
In desperate need of a relaxing week at the beach
Work is really draining...I'm a social worker. Winter where I live is dreary, rainy, icy and cold. I *need* a vacation in a warm place where I can unwind, walk on the beach, watch waves break (instead of hearts). [more inside]
Help Me Fill Out My Cyberpunk Reading List
Hi folks,
I'm working on a long-ish critical project about cyberpunk literature, and I'm trying to fill out my reading list with some early and/or obscure works, edge cases, and proto/post cyberpunk. Recommendations for works by POC and women are particularly welcome, as they tend to be few and far between, or at least dramatically less visible. [more inside]
posted by Fish Sauce at 8:00 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by Fish Sauce at 8:00 AM PST - 39 comments
Montreal to Cincinnati by bus/train
Would this be fun? [more inside]
Can I eat this?
I tried to cook pork in the pressure cooker, it didn't work after multiple tries though it did get warm, I moved the pork to the fridge. I'm not sure how hot it got or if it should be considered to have spent too much time in the danger zone. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 5:20 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by bunderful at 5:20 AM PST - 12 comments
Ask Metafilter for dogs and babies
I am newly pregnant with lots of questions about pregnancy and being a mom, and I also have an aging dog that has recently been having a lot of health issues that I am trying to get a grasp on. [more inside]
February 6
Epub/Mobi/Pdf reader
Looking for an ebook reader that does not rankle me [more inside]
Skype therapy in English vs. in-person therapy in a second language
Looking for guidance about whether to do therapy via Skype in English (my native language) or in-person therapy in a language in which I am generally proficient but not fluent. [more inside]
Insomnia and work pressure and getting through the week
I am totally overwhelmed by everything right now. I need help creating some basic plans to keep my shit together until I get over this. [more inside]
Conventions of dating.
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) Test?
Tested positive for the Hepatitis B surface antibody test, what now? [more inside]
Do intermittent sounds cause headaches, and if so what are the remedies?
A 15-year-old of my acquaintance told me something interesting and disturbing: he told me that intermittent noise (from, for example, kids talking in class, or "echoey rooms") in his high school regularly gives him severe headaches. This raises several questions. [more inside]
I need to remove a stain from a wall... but how?
Ack!! I bought a new pillow for my bedroom a month ago and today I've noticed that the colour from it (red) rubbed against part of my bedroom wall and has turned it red/pink-ish! I'm not really sure what to do as this is a room I'm renting. Is there anyway I can clean this? Can I just buy a magic eraser? [more inside]
Where does a fish go to be out of water?
Which, in your experience, are the countries in which a white American male can experience firsthand the absence, or at least a starkly perceptible diminution, of privilege? Had a few experiences recently that showed me how unwoke I actually am, in spite of my being fully on board in theory. I discovered that in spite of my loathing for entitled people, I am one--I just couldn't see it before. [more inside]
posted by bricoleur at 5:45 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by bricoleur at 5:45 PM PST - 45 comments
Seed catalogs are my jam
Best veggie varietals for home gardeners? [more inside]
posted by libraryhead at 5:02 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by libraryhead at 5:02 PM PST - 21 comments
Costume ideas for a Twin Peaks-themed party?
I've been invited to a Twin Peaks-themed party this weekend. I've never watched the show (and don't have any plans to), but I would love some costume ideas!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 4:05 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 4:05 PM PST - 19 comments
Please help me choose a recent-year pre-owned car
I need to replace my recently-totaled Lexus IS 250. I would like to stay close to the $15,500 my insurance company will give me. I know I won't get another luxury sedan, but please share your experiences buying a recent-year mid-size sedan (preferably Japanese, but will consider others) including possible hybrids. I know my new car won't be as fun to drive as my last one, but I'm on a different budget now. I'm in LA and don't drive too far (maybe 5-6000 miles a year). I'm also considering buying used from Enterprise or another rental company-if you have recent experiences with doing this, I would love to learn about them. Also, if you have experience adding Apple carplay aftermarket, please tell me how it went.
Is this an offensive remark?
I have a casual friend who asked me about engagement rings, and I showed him the ring I bought, and I also showed him the ring I was thinking of buying. He then said that the ring that I did not buy was better. I kind of felt a little offended by what he said... am I just over thinking or was he being rude about the choice of ring that I bought.
Woodstock, VT
Woodstock, Vermont: what are the haps? Is this a good place for a couple to retire in New England? [more inside]
electric razor - try before you buy
I don't like shaving, but I really don't like having even a small amount of stubble. For various reasons explained herein, I'm considering buying an electric razor, but I don't really want to spend the money on something that might not do what I want it to do. [more inside]
how to quickly sell a lot of office/church furniture?
Say there's a building about to be demolished -- say a church. The organization is strapped for cash. There is a fair amount of nice and extremely usable furniture in the building. How can the organization come out ahead? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 3:00 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 3:00 PM PST - 10 comments
Barely-remembered Scottish indie rock song with woman talking?
I'm getting old: what was that Scottish (?) indie/chamber rock song from the 90s or early 2000s with a woman talking (saying something about the stories old folks used to tell, or the days when people used to tell stories)? [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 2:54 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by lunasol at 2:54 PM PST - 7 comments
Relaxing week with a little Mediterranean Sun
Two adults looking for advice for a relaxing week with a little Mediteranean sun in May. Picturing cycling to a quiet beach with a book, dinner outdoors somewhere with a glass of wine. [more inside]
A Canadian Indie-Rock Band From The Aughts/Teens With A French Horn?
I’m trying to think of the name of a Canadian indie rock band from the aughts that I’ve lost in my piles of music, and am looking for help. Details that I can recall are inside… [more inside]
posted by Going To Maine at 1:44 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Going To Maine at 1:44 PM PST - 7 comments
Transferring a Verizon iPhone to a different Verizon account
I have an iPhone 6s that I want to give to my husband, who also has an iPhone 6s but unfortunately dropped it into the bathtub. We both have Verizon service, but are not on the same account. What do we need to do to make my old phone into his new phone? [more inside]
posted by something something at 1:28 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by something something at 1:28 PM PST - 7 comments
Low carb adaptation: exercise recovery and cognition
I'm eating low carb; I don't think I'm going into ketosis. My appetite is almost nonexistent, and I'm having trouble exercising and getting work done. [more inside]
Clueless Computer Question? Help me salvage these drives!
I built myself a computer several years ago and it ceased to function properly about a year ago. So I bought a laptop to replace it -- but the old PC has a bunch of working SATA drives in it. What's the best way to harvest and use these drives with my new laptop? [more inside]
Great V-day present for Shadowrun game runner
Looking for something for my SO, I don't grok Shadowrun so heeeeeelp [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 11:56 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by angrycat at 11:56 AM PST - 7 comments
Strength Training Every Morning
I'm new to strength training and have started doing it quite a bit lately. I'm wondering if it will be bad to incorporate a 30 min morning workout everyday, plus 2-3 heavier workouts per week. [more inside]
Do you sing along with running water?
Following up on a convo cortex and I were having on the podcast because we mentioned the YouWHAT page on the wiki: do you sing along with running water? [more inside]
I want to create a manufacturer coupon.
If I want to create a coupon that is recognized by Lowe's, Best Buy, Costco, etc., who is the gatekeeper? [more inside]
posted by blueshammer at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by blueshammer at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments
Turns out The Thing isn’t peer-reviewed
I’m trying to find human population projections for Antarctica. I’d expect the projections to be climate-change-focused but other factors are welcome. Has anyone come across this?
Excel Help - Creating a List from a Master Table
Advanced (I think) excel question... example below. [more inside]
posted by FireStyle at 10:20 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by FireStyle at 10:20 AM PST - 17 comments
Mysteries of the Human Body: Weird Groin Lumps Edition
hey everyone so i'm back at it again with the groin questions, thanks and sorry, YANMD.
I got a suspect lymph node biopsied and it ended up not being cancer, which is good. But it also wasn't an infection, and may not have been a lymph node at all. The surgeon isn't really sure what it is or what's caused it. Any guesses? [more inside]
Emotionally absorbing TV shows
I just finished watching Better Call Saul and I got extremely emotionally attached to Jimmy's character. I'm looking for other shows that I can get immersed in and characters I can fall in love with. [more inside]
Resources for pre-teen girl on resisting the patriarchy
My friends daughter, a very smart 12 year old, is listening to Heathers: The Musical and they are looking for some positive messaging to go along with it; Specifically about girls building each other up and not tearing each other down. [more inside]
Have you tried simultaneously eating and not eating legumes?
What advice can you give me on living with medication-related diarrhea? Lithium is working great for my brain and really screwing with my digestion: mild stomach cramps and diarrhea on a good day, running to the bathroom a few times in an hour on a bad one. Any tips on coping with this would be great, but in particular I'm wondering if eating differently would help. The thing is, there is SO MUCH ADVICE out there on what to eat when your digestion sucks. ("Eat beans -- they have fiber!" "Avoid beans -- they're FODMAPs!" "Something handwavey about inflammation!" "Probiotics!" "Gluten!" "Veganism!") Is there any real evidence about which of these might help in my situation? [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 9:22 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by nebulawindphone at 9:22 AM PST - 26 comments
The one thing Google doesn't know
My Google account has 4 alternate e-mail addresses. People often share documents with me using my alternate e-mail addresses. When they do that, I can't access the documents. How do I fix that? [more inside]
Escape from Boston in March?
Looking for a place to travel to from Boston for a week or so in March. Warm, easy and fun. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 8:02 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by bondcliff at 8:02 AM PST - 14 comments
What video game can teach me to sing?
I can't really sing, and I'd like to learn how. A karaoke videogame seems like a good way to get started -- but the sheer number of them out there is overwhelming. Are any of them better suited to a beginning singer, or should I just go for the one with the most appealing track list? I have access to a Mac, a PC, an iPhone, and a Wii. [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 8:01 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by yankeefog at 8:01 AM PST - 5 comments
That's a bit of a stretch
I've seen this question on daily stretches and the answers are helpful, but I would like a bit of a routine that I could follow. Obviously there's heaps on you tube but I'd prefer a MeFi recommendation!
So, would anyone care to recommend a particular video or app (Android, free or once-off payment) to take me through say 5 or 10 minutes of stretching? I'd particularly like to focus on flexibility since I basically don't have any right now.
Thanks!
posted by pianissimo at 7:35 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by pianissimo at 7:35 AM PST - 5 comments
Deciding between 2 job offers. Which one is better?
I'm having a good problem right now but it's been the hardest decision thus far. I've gotten offered 2 job positions and I'm trying to decide between the two:
1) This is with a small insurance company I've been doing internship at so I know all of the people and the job. The position is full-time, work-at-home, laid back, archaic technology, but allows me to be challenged every day. Pay, competitive bonus, and benefits are great. Not many opportunities for advancement since the office is 4 hours away and I can't get into the office for other jobs.
2) This is with a large insurance company with great name. Job is for full-time variable staffing pool which means there will be weeks I get full time, and other weeks I get part time. Also work at home, tough metrics, more stressful. Pay varies based on needs, bonus. No health benefits, only 5 days of vacation. Lots of opportunities for advancement. Most people start out in this position and move up to other positions. The location is in my hometown so I have a lot of options.
I appreciate any inputs you have to help me make my decision.
Help us eat delicious food
Can you recommend a nice restaurant for a four-person birthday dinner around Somerville or Cambridge, MA? It must have awesome desserts and at least one option for a very picky eater (roasted chicken, plain steak or a plain burger, etc). Bonus points if it's not very loud.
Fridge not cooling but lights are on
I'm trying to debug a broken fridge but being completely new to debugging fridges, I'm not really sure where to start... [more inside]
Help me figure out boundaries for this friendship
I am friends with a guy I met at an old retail job several years ago. I have mixed feelings for him and I know our friendship isn't healthy, but I do not want to end it and neither does he. He knows I have feelings for him, and he's okay with it. I need help setting and sticking to boundaries because things tend to get out of hand between us at times. Some NSFW details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:23 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by anonymous at 6:23 AM PST - 15 comments
Choosing bathroom stuff -- help!
We are finally updating our bathroom -- yay! But TOO MANY CHOICES. Ideas? [more inside]
Loud cat owners, how do you live with your cat?
I work at home, in an apartment. My cat meows, loudly. So much loudly. I think he's bored and seeking play time, but I have to work and at the moment I have an eye tic and several more pages of work to get done. How do I make my cat happier and quieter? [more inside]
posted by wakannai at 3:46 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by wakannai at 3:46 AM PST - 23 comments
Please tell me what I need to know about adopting a child in the US
For several reasons, it's very unlikely that I will have biological children. While it's very difficult, I have always wanted to adopt an older child so emotionally I am doing OK. However, my DH prefers to have biological children, but he is coming to understand it's unlikely to happen for us. [more inside]
Interview tips for HR job
I interviewed for a job in HR and have a second interview with higher ups in the department, how do I handle a second meeting with the other members of the team? [more inside]
How can I determine my worth in USD?
I've been looking at applying for a position with a non-profit based in NYC. One of the parts of the application is nominating a desired salary - how do I translate my Australian salary to a US Salary? [more inside]
What's the scam here? Weird PSN message spam(?)
What are PSN message spammers trying to achieve? [more inside]
What to do with earrings returned to sender by postal system?
I started selling earrings recently and am wondering what to do with earrings in parcels that get lost in the postal system and are eventually returned to sender (me) for hygiene reasons. [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 12:09 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by whitelotus at 12:09 AM PST - 29 comments
February 5
Combos and sauces for freezable homemade grain bowls?
I'm looking to do weekly preparations of grain bowl lunches that can be frozen then microwaved.
What are good, relatively simple combinations that will freeze well and what are sauces that will tie things together? [more inside]
posted by mrmurbles at 10:11 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mrmurbles at 10:11 PM PST - 5 comments
Cairns area and Great Barrier Reef in 5 days
We're planning to spend 5 days around Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef in August. What should we do? (followup to this question) [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 9:39 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by ShooBoo at 9:39 PM PST - 8 comments
Need a safe drink holder/table for a floor height bed for disabled woman
A bed bound relative of mine has a bed which is lowered to the floor most of the time. She needs some way of holding her drinks and snacks which will be easy to reach and not spill over if she falls asleep. Help me find a solution for her! [more inside]
ticket tracking and wiki software for household management?
My fiancee and I would like to set up a private, but Internet-accessible instance of some ticket-tracking and wiki software for communicating and documenting household stuff with my fiancee. Both because it'll help each of us remember things better, but also to help share work more equitably. I especially care about this because I expect it'll be an uphill battle once we have kids for me to stay involved (and be seen by others to be involved). [more inside]
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 9:10 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 9:10 PM PST - 9 comments
Easy, cheap trip to the ocean?
I want to bring my two kids (under 7) to the ocean this June for a few days on my own.
Somewhere with temps averaging between 65-80, swim-able, easy to get around.
We'd be flying from Chicago and most likely renting a car to explore.
I'm thinking northern California or North Carolina, but totally open to ideas.
I'd like to keep ticket costs under $800, and hotel costs under $120 per night.
Any ideas?
posted by retrofitted at 7:57 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by retrofitted at 7:57 PM PST - 29 comments
How do I find someone, or maybe what happened to them?
I met a non-traditional student while i was at school, and we became friends. She's since made some choices I question, and we've lost touch. How do I find her? Sad snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Is the formal memo a dead genre?
So those of you that work in corporate environments: Do you ever write and print a formal memo? [more inside]
please stop walking in and out of the office
I work in an office in a room shared with five other grad students. There's one guy in the office who constantly walks in and out of the office. I work near the door, and he works deeper in the room (away from the door), so I constantly have to see him coming in and out of the doorway. I kept track and once he walked in and out of the office twenty times in an hour. Is my annoyance reasonable? If so, how do I tell him to tone it down? [more inside]
Brotherly discord
I'm a sjw and my brother's an asshole. Do I keep in contact with his wife and children, despite a non-functioning relationship? [more inside]
posted by Amity at 6:25 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Amity at 6:25 PM PST - 11 comments
What old movie features this sight gag?
I think this is from the silent era, but it really seems like it could be in a Jacques Tati movie. It's set aboard an ocean liner. The gag consists of two separate shots of an inebriated man (in the film the shots might be a few minutes apart) that together compose a great visual joke. [more inside]
posted by theory at 5:43 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by theory at 5:43 PM PST - 5 comments
Live links Chatline Commercial"In Your Hand' Actress
Who is the blonde actress that appears in the Live Links Chatline commercial entitled "In Your Hand", in which she imagines herself to be a schoolteacher, beauty queen, Swiss maiden, etc.? [more inside]
How do I make myself less available to him?
I have romantic feelings for a male friend. He shares my feelings but has been tentative about starting a relationship. I feel that I’ve been too available and too accommodating, and that’s making it easier for him to drag his feet. I really really like him and would like to try being less available/accommodating to see if that helps motivate him. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 4:14 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 4:14 PM PST - 23 comments
Jonathan Richman
What is a Jonathan Richman show like these days?
What's something that can overwhelm and negate your sense of smell?
Basically I'm wondering if there's anything out there that, if you wore it close to your nose, has such a strong smell that it temporarily negates all other smells. But isn't like smelling salts where it's impossible to have near you for extended periods. Like garlic maybe? Does such a thing exist?
Wifi for dummies (laptop edition)
I'm a worker bee who works from home, and my new (temporary) digs in a townhouse are proving troublesome because my work laptop is getting sloooow internet, or frequently no internet at all. I have limited tech literacy and I don't understand how or why the wifi could be supporting great connection speeds for what seems like EVERY other device in the house, except for the one computer that really needs it. Can you explain this to me like I'm five - and maybe help me figure out how to fix it? [more inside]
Best ultra-light weight budget/expense-tracking app for iOS
Sadly, with the most recent iOS update, I can no longer use the minimalist expense-tracking app I used to use. It was just called Budget. It was based on the envelopes system, and was little more than a series of line items showing your spending against a fixed allocation over a recurring period (weekly, monthly, whatever), with optional rollover. Transaction entry was similarly simple, just a little pop-up screen for the amount and date and payee. I used it for casual expense-tracking only, not anything more complicated. I handle my macro budget issues separately. [more inside]
posted by praemunire at 2:00 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by praemunire at 2:00 PM PST - 6 comments
More NYC Apartment Hunting Woes
I am currently in a Clinton Hill sublet for 1650 a month that is more or less the upper end of my budget, but is very comfortable. My sublettor's trip ended early and he wants to move back in ASAP, although we'd previously agreed on me staying till the end of February. No pressure from him, but he's been a good person to work with so I'm pressed to find a new place. Tons of irritating details below the jump... [more inside]
Another "how do I make a good impression at my new job" question
I'm stepping into a new role that stretches me in terms of the project itself as well as the team dynamics. I want to start off on the right foot and hope you'll refresh my memory with all the best ways to do that. [more inside]
SXSW near miss
I'm going to be in Austin riiiight before SXSW- approximately March 4-7. How will the timing affect my trip? Are there any cool pregaming events? Conversely is there anything or any areas I should avoid as they will be too crazy or shut down? I'm staying in a central air bnb and will have a car. (By the time the festival starts on the 9th I hope to be in the middle of nowhere in Big Bend)
Two things I've lost on the internet (Grace Paley quote, music pdf)
Grace Paley said something to the effect of "all I understand of the stock market is when someone fires a thousand workers, the market goes all the way up." I have googled various parts of this sentence and can't think what else to google, but surely it's on the internet somewhere or where did I read it in the first place? She of course said it in her inimitable language. [more inside]
Creating illusion of height on a long wall
We already have two bookcases in our living room, but there is a space that aesthetically requires a tall piece of furniture. Suggestions for tall pieces of furniture or other ideas to create an illusion of height? [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 12:42 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Everydayville at 12:42 PM PST - 16 comments
Portable Dishwasher Hack
We'd like a portable dishwasher, however my husband really likes our current pullout spray faucet. What are my options for keeping some type of spray thingie and being able to hook up the faucet? [more inside]
How does freelance writing work?
I've always wondered how do people find writers for magazines and online sites other than job listings. Are there writing contests? Do writers just submit articles for review? [more inside]
chunky monkey converse edition
help me recapture the those halcyon days of the mid 90's when the wide toe box was a fixture throughout the land and converse had a men's one star leather upper version that was just perfect for me. [more inside]
posted by lescour at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by lescour at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments
How much safer are newer cars?
Our friend is encouraging us to buy a new or new-ish car for safety reasons. We currently drive a 2006 Ford Taurus and plan to drive it into the ground. Is he right? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 12:07 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by kitcat at 12:07 PM PST - 33 comments
What tool does this graphic represent?
This shop fascia features a series of common tools (and a lightning bolt). What is the item in the centre?
posted by lucidium at 12:00 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by lucidium at 12:00 PM PST - 12 comments
Looking for a large image of Marsha P Johnson
I need to print out (on overlapping paper) a large image of Marsha P (Pay it no mind) Johnson. My Googlefu is failing me. [more inside]
posted by anya32 at 12:00 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by anya32 at 12:00 PM PST - 3 comments
Where can I find a tripleta (Puerto Rican three meat sandwich) in NYC?
Google searches only bring up a food truck that doesn't seem to exist anymore, based on further searching. [more inside]
Creme Less-than-Fraiche?
So, I've never had crème fraîche, and therefore don't have a baseline for comparison, and this is also not something that's available to buy as a discrete item in my location, so I used this recipe to make some. However, I accidentally let it sit a lot longer than recommended, and now I can't tell if it's throw-it-out-and-start-again, or it's-fine-just-go-with-it. [more inside]
posted by taz at 11:29 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by taz at 11:29 AM PST - 8 comments
Undercooked salmon, recooked. Can I eat this?
My partner cooked a thick fillet of salmon yesterday, and the center is undercooked. We ate the thinner cooked parts last night, and then popped the rest in the fridge. Can we safely cook and consume the rest of the salmon tonight?
posted by chowflap at 11:05 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by chowflap at 11:05 AM PST - 8 comments
Mobile data in Mexico
My partner and I are traveling to Mexico for 12 days next month and would like to know about the easiest and most cost-effective options for mobile data for our smartphones while we're there. (Whether that's a SIM card, an international plan, etc.) We both have iPhones. She has AT&T and I have Verizon (both based in the U.S.). Not particularly concerned about talk & text—just want to be able to get online. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 9:36 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 9:36 AM PST - 13 comments
ISO: Small drone for HQ indoor filming close to people.
I want a small drone, with 1080+ resolution, high bitrate, decent optics, stabilization, smooth navigation, which is safe-ish to operate close to humans. Does this exist? [more inside]
posted by Jack Karaoke at 8:48 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Jack Karaoke at 8:48 AM PST - 9 comments
Light “switch” that is a button instead of a switch
I’ve been trying to find a replacement for my house light switches but I don’t know how to google what I’m looking for. My house has several light switches where there is a light switch at each entrance to a room. Either can turn on the lights and either will turn off the lights. However, because of this turning the light on one side means the “off” position on the other side is the opposite direction. Where as a normal light switch is off in the down position, this switch is off in the up position.
I want to find light switches that are, instead of an actual switch, just a button. That way the indicator of on and off is the light itself rather than switch position. Do these sort of light switches exist?
posted by ArthurBarnhouse at 8:36 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ArthurBarnhouse at 8:36 AM PST - 11 comments
Should I eat this? Ginger paste
There's a tube of very yummy looking ginger paste in our fridge at work. Its listed expiration date is October of 2016. It was never opened, still has its foil tab inside the cap, and has been in the fridge continuously with no power outages since it was purchased. It looks fine. Should I chance it? What's the worst thing that could happen with aged ginger paste?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:24 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:24 AM PST - 14 comments
Looking for Calendar Scheduling App, Alternative to Calendly
I currently use the app Calendly for scheduling appointments with clients. It's a great and simple app to use... I just send clients or colleagues my calendar link and they can book appointments on my Outlook calendar which is fantastic.
However, I recently learned that this app is incompatible with my organization's sales and marketing platform. Is there an app similar to Calendly that natively works with Dynamics CRM and Kentico CMS? Unfortunately, Zapier is not an option due to our IT infrastructure that can't/won't be changed anytime soon.
Thanks!
Getting mildew out of hand-wash-only items
Basically what it says on the tin. I have a few hand-wash-only items that came out of a hand-wash, line-dry process smelling kind of mildewy. A re-wash and re-dry have lessened the smell but not totally removed it. How best to de-stink them? [more inside]
San Francisco in March
I'll be in SF on March 16 - 28, for GDC but with several days before and after the conference to look at the city. What is worth seeing, beyond the obvious items? I like games, history, science, coffee, cocktails, and cats. I can't drive.
posted by Zarkonnen at 7:29 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Zarkonnen at 7:29 AM PST - 13 comments
Conference attire for Phoenix, AZ in May
I'll be attending a conference in Phoenix in early May. I'm not specifically worried about the actual conference program as I expect a typically over air conditioned hotel & convention center, but rather the adjacent events. [more inside]
posted by TravellingCari at 7:23 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by TravellingCari at 7:23 AM PST - 4 comments
Once bitten...
In the absence of suitable antivenom serum, what if anything can one do to ameliorate a poisonous insect bite? [more inside]
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 6:11 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 6:11 AM PST - 14 comments
Where should a 3-generation family group go on vacation?
For the first time in many years, my family may have a chance at a vacation, probably in late March. Ages: 4, 32, 32 and 64, with 2 29 year olds and 62 year old possibly also coming. Our main interest is nature/hiking, with secondary interests in cultural sites, good food, and music. We are from northern New England/upstate NY so we are not afraid of the cold and would consider going farther north, but we are also, you know, a bit tired of it. There are a few other constraints inside. Where should we go? [more inside]
Recommend a sketchbook
I am new to sketching and drawing. I need a sketchbook, and I although I'm willing to buy and try a bunch, I'd like to not be wasteful. Here's what I want: a hardcover book (not spiral bound) that will lay flat that I can draw (mostly ink and pencils) and use watercolors in. At least 90lb paper. Size can vary, but my ideal would be 8x8 inches. I'm in the US. Hit me with your recommendations!
Help me recover a forgotten neologism for retro/nostalgia styles
My latest white whale is a term for retro music/art that I ran into maybe a decade ago at most, which conjured the sense of nostalgia more than any specific era or style being resurrected. It was a simple neologism that may even have been built on the word "nostalgia", but no amount of searching is digging this up for me! [more inside]
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 4:04 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 4:04 AM PST - 3 comments
How to restore WhatsApp messages?
I found backups of my messages from an old phone and number (both of which I don't have anymore). Is there a way to "unpack" and restore these files so I can see them on my new phone, or even on my computer? [more inside]
February 4
What exercise clothing will solve my problem?
Female plus-size exerciser here, trying to figure out what to wear that leaves me free to move + covers my body enough to keep me psychologically comfortable + keeps me warm + is breathable so I don't overheat. Halp. [more inside]
Looking for DBT therapist or class in or around Plym
Hi, Looking for a DBT class or therapist in or around Plymouth UK. Queer friendly is a requirement. Private, please - the NHS waiting lists are wildly long.
How to average survey results?
I work at a large university. Instructors here all teach a number of classes, and students rate each of the classes using surveys.
Now the university wants to give a combined score to each instructor, based on the results of these surveys.
But some classes are large, and some are small. What it looks like is that scores will be calculated without considering the size of the class. So, to give a simple example, Instructor 1 teaches class A and class B. Class A has 30 students, and the mean rating for the class is 2. Class B has 60 students and the mean rating is 4.
The university calculates this as a combined average of 3 (2 plus 4, divided by 2 classes). [more inside]
Outro Song on Two Dope Queens HBO Special Episode 1
Who's the artist that's featured on the song at the very end of the first episode Two Dope Queens HBO Special? It plays while the roll the credits. So good!
posted by OsoMeaty at 8:59 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by OsoMeaty at 8:59 PM PST - 1 comment
Who Will Be the Jonas Salk of Social Media?
who can i work on a ms/phd with for detecting... [more inside]
Teach me how to write a better love letter.
Or refer me to articles which you think offer good advice on this. [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 7:13 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by unstrungharp at 7:13 PM PST - 13 comments
What is new in your field?
I want to know what the new areas of research, or new discoveries, are in your field. Things such as CRISPR in biology. I'm interested in all fields, not just the sciences, but I'm especially interested in math and sciences.
I also want to know where to go to hear more news about new discoveries. I read Quanta Magazine occasionally. Where else should I be looking? I want to be reading accurate sources, both shorter sources and ones that go more into depth.
Looking for reputable suppliers for DIY cleaning product ingredients
I've dabbled in mixing my own cleaning supplies for a while and so far it has worked out well. Now I'd like to go all-in and ditch the brand name products altogether. Can you recommend any reputable suppliers for "bulk" ingredients? [more inside]
Washing machine leaving clothes streaky
We have a new agitatorless top loading washing machine. It consistently leaves lint and general gunk on clothes trapped in the folds of 3-5 pieces every load. This is a blatant example, sometimes it's more subtle, which means I have to carefully sort and then run clothes through a second rinse every single time. Hope me? [more inside]
Should I watch Get Out?
I like movies, and Get Out has gotten rave reviews and an Oscar nomination. I want to watch it, but I haven’t because I don’t like horror. At least, I don’t like/ can’t watch most horror movies. Without spoilers, can people give me a recommendation of the type of horror I’d be dealing with, and whether I should watch it? [more inside]
posted by alligatorpear at 5:07 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by alligatorpear at 5:07 PM PST - 18 comments
To Vancouver... and beyond!
I’ll be in Vancouver for a few days in mid-late September. While in the area, I want to see All The Nature Things over an extended two week trip. Can you help me build a realistic itinerary for a solo woman during that time of year? [more inside]
Why is a car considered an asset?
I've been thinking about getting a car, but I hate the idea of being married to a big hunk of metal. I found a service that will basically rent you a car on a long-term monthly basis. But in reading up on it, the major criticism seems to be that you pay a bunch of money but you never get the ownership of the physical object. But in my experience the actual car is more of a liability than an asset. Is there something I'm missing? [more inside]
Is it possible to have ADHD as an adult but not during childhood?
I'd like to hear about any experiences of having adult ADHD without obvious childhood symptoms, or of having anxiety that causes a lot of issues with focus and distraction. Do you know of differences between the symptoms of adult ADHD + anxiety vs. anxiety by itself? [more inside]
posted by Lurch at 2:05 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Lurch at 2:05 PM PST - 15 comments
How to buy life insurance with the fewest steps?
My husband has tried getting life insurance multiple times, but something always interrupts the process. Is there a way he can go from start to insured in one day? If not, what are the fewest possible steps, to limit the number of ways he can get sidetracked? [more inside]
posted by helen_of_tron at 1:58 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by helen_of_tron at 1:58 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me find more soup recipes as easy as this one.
I've recently fallen in love with this red lentil soup recipe. Not only because it's delicious, but because it's dead easy -- I can use pre-chopped onions from Trader Joe's, jarred garlic, lemon juice from a bottle, boxes of stock, etc. Can you find me other soup, stew, or chili recipes that require very little work but turn out a fresh, healthy product? [more inside]
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 1:28 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 1:28 PM PST - 21 comments
Quick question: loose leaking pipe triage
Can you help us decide how serious of a problem this is? Plumber now or wait until Monday? [more inside]
posted by peacheater at 1:27 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by peacheater at 1:27 PM PST - 8 comments
Helpful resources for a mom of a trans kid
What are some resources to share with a mom who has a kid, A, who has transitioned in the last year, who is under 10 and is facing some tough issues socially? [more inside]
Time for Another Round of "Where Should I Live?"
I’m hoping for ideas and input on potential places for me to live! I’m looking for somewhere affordable that has nature, either in or near a medium sized or larger city/urban area, with moderate climate. Lots more specific details inside. [more inside]
Why does my furnace lose power randomly?
Occasionally the power to my furnace completely cuts out, and my thermostat goes blank. I have to turn the furnace power switch off and on a few times and it comes back, but it's very annoying. I've never caught it in the act of cutting out, but to the best of my knowledge it happens when it's heating up, and happens more frequently the colder it gets outside. What might be causing this? [more inside]
posted by sputgop at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by sputgop at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments
Most useful flowchart or decision tree from your field/daily routine
Searching through past posts I have found a ton of funny flowcharts / decision trees. Are there any you actually use in your day to day life?
Freezing rain and bamboo
We have bamboo that is bending under the weight of freezing rain. Should I be worried? Will hosing it down help melt the ice off (it is about 35 degrees Fahrenheit) or just make it worse? What can I do to make sure it survives?
Where to send an old Macbook for repair or to parts out?
Recommend me a Macbook Pro refurbishing service. Thanks! [more inside]
How do I secure... my bread?
Problem: I like bread. Unfortunately, so does my cat. She'll get into any cabinet or battable object to destroy a loaf of bread. I've been putting bread in the refrigerator to prevent her from getting access but would definitely prefer not to. Are there any solutions for storing a loaf or two in a way that is cat-proof?
posted by Hot Like Your 12V Wire at 9:31 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Hot Like Your 12V Wire at 9:31 AM PST - 20 comments
Best resource for pruning
I've got three young fruit trees, plans to get more, and a couple blueberry bushes. I've taken a pruning class but I would like a good reference resource for keeping these trees & bushes pruned and healthy. What's the best book on pruning - ideally fruit-tree specific?
(I live in the SF Bay Area.) [more inside]
How is your stage 4 lung cancer going?
Do you or a loved one have stage 4 lung cancer? Tell me about your journey. [more inside]
Have a full day in LA tomorrow. Suggestions on how to spend it?
We'll be in LA all Monday, but we're a little overwhelmed with what we could do and what would be reasonable to do in one day. We're hoping for a little help planning our day. [more inside]
What kind of houseplant/tree is this?
We adopted this orphan tree a few years ago. Here's a closer-up of the leaves. It goes outside in summer (in Vermont) and seems to like a shady spot. Identification please!
posted by beagle at 7:47 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by beagle at 7:47 AM PST - 3 comments
Write this joke for me please
For a story, not for real life :)
A snarky comment to be aimed at a spiritual guru type with partial hair loss. Like "You need to get in touch with your inner toupee" or "Did you kill a hairdresser in a previous life" but y'know, FUNNY.
posted by KateViolet at 6:47 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by KateViolet at 6:47 AM PST - 24 comments
Encouraging a relation to better face their spouse's cancer?
She's just been diagnosed and is facing the full monty (mastectomy, chemo, and likely radio too); It seems he's currently facing what's coming with a kind of cold rationality that likely aims to minimise, so as to worry less - but it's feeling heartless and disappointing to her. [more inside]
posted by progosk at 6:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by progosk at 6:47 AM PST - 11 comments
Want To Improve My Cardio - What Type? How?
I have been going to the gym for years and lifting weights. I primarily got back into the gym to relieve stress and feel better. I haven't done much cardio since I find it so boring at the gym. I can no longer run outdoors due to tendinitis. What type of cardio is the best "bang for the buck" for me?
Details inside [more inside]
What do I do about dog peeing on own leg?
What do I do about my dog peeing on his own leg? [more inside]
Am I over the hill or just over it?
I’m a white collar 'digital professional' facing a middle-life work crisis. I don't like what the tech world has become. Where can I go from here? [more inside]
So, um, what if everything I know really is a lie?
How do you process and recover from discovering that large chunks of your past may have been fabricated or embellished by an abusive family member? [more inside]
Help Me Name This Project.
The not-for-profit agency where I work is launching an initiative to locate and retrieve inappropriately discarded syringes from our community. This has been a big, hot-button topic locally. I need a catchy name or acronym for this project. Help! [more inside]
What kind of attorney for will and "community property" issues?
My father died.
He left 50% of his estate to my mother and 25% each to me and my brother. This puts his assets in so-called "community property." My mother is trying to sell his car to a family member, but she can't sign over the title herself. She needs our signatures. That's fine. She found a form and sent it to me, which has to be notarized. However, the form is pretty specific about it needing to be signed by a notary in Louisiana. I'm in Texas.
We're not sure how to handle this and various other related issues. Ultimately, it seems like we should talk to an attorney, but what kind?
February 3
Safety of lead tests?
I used these 3M LeadCheck Swabs to test something in my apartment for lead (result was negative). The kit contains a testing card to check the validity of the tests, which has lead on it. After using the kit I handled a bunch of other stuff in my apartment before washing my hands. Should I be worried about that? [more inside]
Adoptee contact
A bit over a year I found out that recent changes to state law allowed me, as an adoptee, to request a copy of my original birth certificate, including mother's unredacted name. My first two attempts at contacting my birth mother via mail at the most recent address info I could found got returned undeliverable. In early December I made my last attempt with a better formatted address that I think should be more accurate, and it hasn't been returned, but I also have not received any return contact. I have other people I know are related/affiliated with her I could contact but I am not sure of the ethics of contacting them, either directly as a relative or as a way to find her correct contact info. [more inside]
posted by drlith at 9:01 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by drlith at 9:01 PM PST - 19 comments
Great Medley Tracks
Was listening to the “Finale Medley” from Johnny Cash Live at MSG and was wondering what other great medley-style music there might be out in the world. [more inside]
Birth control or norethisterone for teen needing to delay period?
Hi,
My daughter is 14 and has acting and modeling jobs occasionally. She loves it so much, but when her agent calls about a job that is coming up, she worries about having her period. She wants to be carefree on these jobs and is hoping to plan it out so she does not have her period. [more inside]
Help me cut out soy
I've been experiencing debilitating migraines for the past few months. By diligently tracking my food and symptoms, I've identified soy as a trigger.
I know the obvious things to cut out (soy milk, edamame, soy sauce, teriyaki, etc.). Where else is soy lurking? And what are safe options are when going to restaurants whose cuisines are often soy-heavy (e.g. Chinese, Korean)?
Sticking things on to things
I’m making some wall pieces that feature a variety of wood pieces (mostly wood anyway) attached to a backing board. I could use ideas on how to best attach the pieces - faster. [more inside]
Replace Samsung S4 with A5 or S7 Compare cameras? Other features?
Mrs Maninuit's Samsung Galaxy s4 is biting the dust. We want to buy her a new Android phone.... She doesn't want to pay for a super top-of-the-line phone. She does do a fair amount of photography and video. Looking for suggestions and have a question or two... [more inside]
Software recommendation for image tagging?
I'm looking for a way to speed up what is currently a tedious data entry project. I have a set of approximately 700 photos. Each photo can be of up to 8 items (e.g. cat, dog, house, cup...) of a set of 20 total possible items. I need to tag each photo with the list of objects in each photo. [more inside]
Food-related misnomers
What are some examples of food-related misnomers? For example, the infamous "Rocky Mountain Oysters" obviously have nothing to do with oysters, while a "Boston Cooler" is from Michigan, not Boston. Even restaurant names are welcome, like Boston/Boston's Pizza, which is not available anywhere near Boston.
posted by Seeking Direction at 5:01 PM PST - 78 comments
posted by Seeking Direction at 5:01 PM PST - 78 comments
Where should I move in the DC area?
In what neighborhoods in the DC area could I find a metro-accessible studio apartment for about $1500 a month? [more inside]
Productivity when your body says "no"
I'm chronically ill and frequently have to deal with periods of feeling awful for no discernible reason. I'm also a grad student in a PhD program. Sometimes I can't afford to just wait until I feel better to be productive again. What tips and tricks do you have for focusing when you don't feel well? [more inside]
posted by brook horse at 4:25 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by brook horse at 4:25 PM PST - 22 comments
Do I want this old house?
I am considering buying a house that is 80 years old, single story, and made of stucco. I would plan to build a second story on top of it. Will this be a huge earthquake hazard, or will standard retrofitting during the renovations make it safe? [more inside]
posted by insoluble uncertainty at 4:10 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by insoluble uncertainty at 4:10 PM PST - 21 comments
2.5 pounds of beef stew meat
I impulsively bought 2.5 pounds of beef stew meat at the store today and now I have to figure out how to turn it into lunches. Difficulty: not great at cooking meat, just started eating beef again after a decade. [more inside]
Music me in DC
It's too cold for weeknight meanderings so I'd like to try and spend some evenings listening to live music. Where can I go to see, specifically, classical piano, string quartet, blues, funk, or bluegrass shows in DC, on weeknights, for under $20? Alternatively, what's the most exhaustively comprehensive listing of music events in DC? Needs to be in DC proper, not MD/VA suburbs.
posted by capricorn at 12:29 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by capricorn at 12:29 PM PST - 13 comments
Armstrong Vinyl Tiles Needed
I'm laying a floor with 12 x 12 Vinyl Composition Tiles and am short a few tiles. The colors were special ordered from the Armstrong distributor by the local supplier, so he has no singles, though he does have singles in certain common colors.
Does anyone know of anyplace in the country where I might find single tiles in the colors that I need?
posted by partner at 12:27 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by partner at 12:27 PM PST - 5 comments
Where to go blues dancing in NJ/NY
I'm a recent East Coast transplant and BDNY doesn't actually play blues. Where do I go to get my blues fix?
posted by 3lliot at 11:32 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by 3lliot at 11:32 AM PST - 5 comments
Baby, why you want to hurt me?
Have you had success repositioning your baby in the womb? [more inside]
We was gettin' freaky now we back to the root
Find me songs where the singer explains the music's composition in the lyrics of the song [more inside]
What's that sound behind the applause in the live opera broadcast?
I like to listen to the weekly live (or recorded-live) radio broadcasts from the Met Opera. Whenever the audience applauds, there's a weird sound in the background - to me it sounds like alternating kinda high G and F# notes, 2 or 3 times per second, slightly irregular in timing. I've noticed this for months. What the hell is it? [more inside]
How do old people find new music
I have become a Typical Old Person and don't listen to a lot of new music. I've tried Spotify weekly playlist thing and it's okay--but there's got to a better way to find new music, because I don't have this problem with books or movies or music or videogames. Ideas?
Support, welfare and other options for homeless people in Vancouver?
YANMD Is it all in ( or on) my head?
I wake up most mornings grouchy, with dull aches and pains everywhere, most notably in the form of what feels like a knot in my corrugator or orbiculari oculi muscles ( right between the eyebrows and behind the eyes) and in a brain fog that no amount of coffee can shake. Even recent ( very positive) changes in medication leave a lingering depression and inertia that doesn't go away with any amount of sleep. I have a really strong urge to either climb back into bed or stare into space for six hours. Hope? [more inside]
Does this estimate for brake work sound reasonable?
Today when I had my 2014 Kia Rio LX serviced, the mechanic told me that my rear brakes were at 3 mm and that I should replace the brake pads and rotors for $375. I asked if I could wait until the next oil change, and he said it would be OK because it was the rear brakes, but that I should definitely plan to replace them next time. The front brakes are at 8 mm. My questions are: 1) Is it normal to replace both the pads and the rotors, or just the pads? 2) Is $375 a reasonable amount? 3) Am I risking a more expensive repair by waiting for the next oil change, or should I take care of this sooner?
posted by JDHarper at 8:52 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by JDHarper at 8:52 AM PST - 13 comments
Maintaining PUR filter pitcher for non-brackish water?
Even after washing the pitcher and components for this PUR water filtration pitcher, the water tastes brackish after one day. Any ideas for how to maintain it? [more inside]
Old Reader's Digest: "Support your friends, avoid your enemies" article
Some thirty years ago, I read an RD article which had several pieces of advice which included being good to people who are on your side and avoiding those who aren't. This is so sensible and so little said that I'd like to find the rest of the article to see if it's as good. [more inside]
What should I charge an acquaintance?
I’m a freelance writer and editor, and an acquaintance of mine would like to hire me to critique her novel. [more inside]
Executive health experiences?
Do you have any experience with executive health programs? Can you share some of it? [more inside]
They give us those nice bright colors/They give us the greens of summers
A family member moved and can no longer store what feels like a metric ton of old photos and miscellaneous memorabilia. I volunteered to house the boxes vs. let them be trashed. But now what? [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 6:12 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 6:12 AM PST - 3 comments
Run to yer mama
I have a folder full of low-resolution images, basically thumbnails by today's standards, with descriptive file names, and a stack of DVDs full of high-resolution jpgs straight from cameras with long serial-number-type file names. I'm certain that the originals for most of the thumbnails are on the DVDs and I need a magic way to match them up, so that each little lost orphan thumbnail can find its mama original. [more inside]
Notetaking app
I'm considering swapping from Evernote to something else for long-term note taking but I can't seem to find the right solution. [more inside]
February 2
Don’t be the other woman
I recently started a post-graduate course that is closely related to my profession. I noticed a man in the course and, over a few conversations, a mutual attraction sparked. But I discovered HE IS MARRIED and we skated close to doing something stupid. I feel dreadful. Help me navigate through this. [more inside]
CBT for chronically late people
I prefer being late, I don't know why - are there CBT resources for people who have a preference for being late? [more inside]
Help me find the postpunk primitivist illustrator of my dreams.
I'm looking to hire an illustrator who can do (or specializes in!) work in the vein of Neville Brody's classic album covers [1] [2] [3]. I am completely at sea in the world of commissioning original art. Any recommendations for (a) people you know of who work in this style, or (b) schooling me on how one finds and hires talented visual/graphic artists nowadays? (Assume I don't want to insult them or myself by using a platform like Fiverr. I believe in paying people a humane sum for their craft.)
spicy chinese memes for english-speaking teens
I'm a Chinese heritage speaker in my 20s. I'm trying to learn Chinese again and I know I learn best by trying to decode pop culture, wordplay, weird Internet culture, and yes, dank memes. I loved Magpie Digest's dispatches from the Weibo deep web, the music videos from Rap of China, and the inimitable Karma's a Bitch. Are there any other Chinese pop culture explainers out there, preferably with a language-learning focus? [more inside]
Advice on picking an older micro 3/4 camera.
I’m considering seeing if I can pick up an older micro 3/4 camera used. I have 2 cannon DSLRs, and I love them, but it’s a pain to travel with because of the size of the body and lens. I was playing with a friend’s Panasonic lumix gf1, and realized something like that could fill the “need glass, but not always a big camera” when traveling. Looking for used to same some money. [more inside]
North of Boston - what did I just see?
I saw a shooting star-type object on my evening commute that seemed unusual for a few reasons. I'm wondering if anyone else either saw it or knows what it might have been. [more inside]
Have Funds, Will Travel... Possibly Permanently. How?
My family has been considering leaving the US for a while for France, Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. We wouldn't necessarily have jobs lined up, but we have language skills, in-demand high-level job skills, and a good amount of liquid dollars. What are some ways we could make this happen? Expat status is on the table. [more inside]
No Default Browser Please!
I use both Firefox and Chrome on my windows 10 machine, usually only having one open at a time. Each instance has way too many tabs. When I click a link from an email or some other source, my default browser opens. If the default browser isn't the one that I happen to have open at the time, then there's an explosion of new tabs and a spike in memory usage as the other one tries to start. [more inside]
posted by softlord at 2:14 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by softlord at 2:14 PM PST - 13 comments
Managing an extremely anxious employee
One of my direct reports is highly anxious. I sympathize but feel like I'm failing to help him succeed at work. I need tips for how to manage him! [more inside]
posted by schroedingersgirl at 1:38 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by schroedingersgirl at 1:38 PM PST - 14 comments
White rice substitute?
I'd like to swap out the white jasmine rice I eat on a near-daily basis for a grain/pseudo-grain/grain-like substance that has a lower glycemic index (basically, something better for my blood sugar.) What should I consider? [more inside]
Bright/sunny/colourful TV, films and games?
The winter months are dragging on, the darkness is getting me down, and I'm looking for games and TV shows that are visually bright or sunny. Bonus points if they're on Netflix, GOG or Steam. [more inside]
posted by AllShoesNoSocks at 12:39 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by AllShoesNoSocks at 12:39 PM PST - 31 comments
Getting "Fiber" internet, how exactly might they wire my home up?
I'm leasing a brand new home, and I have a question about how Cox (my provider) might be planning on wiring things up. Specifically, I'm looking for how the internal network itself is setup. [more inside]
posted by sideshow at 12:36 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by sideshow at 12:36 PM PST - 5 comments
DOG VIDEO MEMES
Is there a central internet repository for weird meme dog music videos?
Examples: one, two, three, four. [more inside]
Looking for a More Interesting Roast Beef
I am in the mood for slow cooker roast beef. Chuck roast cooked until it's just about falling apart, smothered in some sort of nice sauce. Trouble is I'm bored of the plain ol' brown gravy and carrot/potato combo. Is there a more interesting take on slow cooker roast beef I can try?
Roof leaking slowly. Sanity going a little faster.
My 2009 composition shingle roof has a couple of leaks causing small wet spots on the ceiling drywall. I’m turning myself in knots trying to figure out short vs long term fixes in a wet Seattle winter. [more inside]
Life Triage
When you're not happy with the way your life is going, what are the best steps towards change? [more inside]
What is the name of this embroidery stitch?
I am working an embroidery kit from 1975 and it tells me to do a tufting stitch that I don't understand at all. Does anyone know what the name of this stitch is so I can look up a video for it? My googling of tufted stitches isn't giving me anything that looks like the stitch the pattern asks for. Here is a link to the pattern instructions on that stitch.
posted by ilovewinter at 10:07 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ilovewinter at 10:07 AM PST - 5 comments
What's vegetarian for "This is a special family celebration?"
Where I grew up, you knew it was a special occasion — Easter, Thanksgiving, a big round-number birthday for someone — because there was a whole ham or a turkey and stuffing on the table. There's a whole bundle of meaning attached to those foods for me: they're comforting, familiar, un-fussy and un-exotic, but they also clearly say "Today is important to us." Are there foods that carry those same meanings in your family that happen to be vegetarian? [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 10:00 AM PST - 77 comments
posted by nebulawindphone at 10:00 AM PST - 77 comments
I don't want (to) hookup
Just read this Ask, which lead me to follow down the rabbit hole of portable/compact washers. What is your experience with mini/non-hookup required washers? [more inside]
Looking for a top urologist in Chicago for a prostate biopsy.
My 75 year old husband found out, from a rectal exam during a colonoscopy, that he has nodules on his prostate gland. This was unexpected as he had no symptoms. Feels great, runs every day, vegetarian, etc. 'Has not had a recent PSA test.
We are feeling overwhelmed and now are pouring through information for a top doc in Chicago, hopefully at the University of Chicago.
Any personal recommendations for a urologist for the biopsy? Thanks! ( )
being proactive about probiotics
I want to eat more food containing probiotics. Kefir is relatively easy to get where I am (Toronto, centre) I have always enjoyed sauerkraut but how can I tell if it is raw? I have yet to see a label that tells me that. Bonus points if you can tell me where/how I can buy fresh, unprocessed pickles in downtown Toronto. Thanks!
posted by uans at 8:21 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by uans at 8:21 AM PST - 13 comments
Help me plan beverages
I need to bring drinks for a total of 9 people to a training event that will last from 9 to 5. Coffee and tea are already taken care of. I will bring some lemonade, because that's what I like. Do you have any suggestions to drinks and quantities? Thanks.
Can a Wemo outlet go 20 minutes on, 40 off, all day?
I can't find the answer anywhere online - can a Wemo outlet be set to go on for 20 minutes, off for 40, all day, with the stock app? If it requires setting up all 48 rules one time I'd be okay with that but I'm not up for any coding/hacking just now.
If there's an alternate smart wifi switch that can do this that would be fine too. Any info from an owner or pro would be much appreciated!
posted by ftm at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by ftm at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments
Help me configure a new Macbook Pro
Last summer I asked a question about whether it was worth fixing a broken trackpad on my 13" Macbook Pro 2012, and consensus was a yes, so I did and got a bit more life out of it, but it has more problems and I think it is time to buy a new laptop.
I would love some help configuring it. I tend to do a little bit of light Photoshopping along with Word, Excel and PowerPoint and often have them running together. I really feel at sea with all the various options.
How do I work with these veggie crumbles?
I need help working with a veggie meat substitute in a dish that would normally have meat. [more inside]
posted by Pope Guilty at 5:57 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Pope Guilty at 5:57 AM PST - 10 comments
Database Selection
I'm building a little app at work as a personal project. It's a node.js site with a database backend. I'm using SQL Server Express because we use it for the proper heavy lifting MIS Datawarehouse thing we support.
However every guide or tutorial or whatnot I see talks about MongoDB (or possibly MySQL). Should I, at this early stage switch over and make it work with MongoDB or stick with SQL Server? What are the pros and cons? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:42 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:42 AM PST - 17 comments
Do clincs give refunds for mistakes?
My longtime doctor wrote the wrong dosage on a prescription sent directly to an online pharmacy. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 1:18 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 1:18 AM PST - 10 comments
Need a name for a fictional vintage clothing/knitting shop
One of the characters in a story I am writing owns a shop in Balham, South London. It started out as a vintage clothing shop but has expanded in recent years to selling wool and offering classes in knitting and crochet. It's also kind of a hangout place for the craftily-inclined. [more inside]
posted by shibori at 1:06 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by shibori at 1:06 AM PST - 25 comments
Can I pay for school without working?
I'd like to go to school to become a mental health therapist. I currently write about mental health on my blog, am trying to get a volunteer job at a mental health hotline, and am hoping to start a peer support group. Both the Bachelors program and Masters program that I'm interested in will have internships. I'll have plenty to keep myself busy with even without having a job. [more inside]
February 1
VR / 360 video not starring me!
I've just gotten a Samsung Gear 360 and would like to use it to record the path from place A to place B, allowing people to VR-goggle view it like it was them walking. How do I do that without blocking the shot? [more inside]
posted by J.R. Hartley at 11:30 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by J.R. Hartley at 11:30 PM PST - 5 comments
Can I smoke it?
I have just stumbled onto a small stash of marijuana that I thought I had lost long ago and now I call upon the hivemind to determine... can I smoke it? [more inside]
Why is my smart thermostat so dumb?
We got a Nest thermostat this Fall. While we were already using a programmable thermostat to good effect, I was looking forward to having a thermostat that was internet connected and better learned our habits. We have been underwhelmed to the point I think that maybe I’ve done something to screw it up. [more inside]
can't get Netgear wifi extender to forget its old network name/settings
I have a Netgear N300 WiFi extender, model EX2700. We recently changed internet providers, and I'm trying to do a factory reset on the extender so that I can re-install it on the new network. No matter what I do, I still see its old name. [more inside]
In this AskMe: What’s the book I can’t remember???
This book, the title of which escapes me but not you, depicts the author’s experience living with the (I think!) Achuar peoples of the Amazon. The most striking part of his account was the way members of the tribe would share their dreams with one another upon waking. The subject of your dream was meant to inform your activity that day, or you would keep your eyes peeled for that symbol. I gave it away as a gift a few years back and would like to gift it again! Thank you!
posted by stinkfoot at 3:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by stinkfoot at 3:43 PM PST - 7 comments
Alternative to 1984
Hey folks! I have a book dilemma. We're reading 1984 for my Mass Media class and I'm not in the mood for misogyny this week, so my professor said I could read something else because they're great. However, I have to come up with some sort of alternative. [more inside]
posted by dysh at 3:31 PM PST - 53 comments
posted by dysh at 3:31 PM PST - 53 comments
Single-artist tributes to single albums?
Apart from The Walkmen in Pussy Cats, Petra Haden Sings The Who Sell Out, and Rise Above by the Dirty Projectors, are there other single-artist tributes to a single album?
What's the most impressive backyard fountain I can DIY?
I'm looking for inspiration impressive and interesting fountain designs I can build myself in my backyard. [more inside]
Do you have osteoarthritis? Have you taken glucosamine?
(YANMD) I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hands and neck. I’m on Diclofenac for pain, which has helped a lot. My rheumatologist told me I could consider adding glucosamine. He said studies are mixed on the effectiveness but that if I wanted to try it, it might be worth it to see if it would bring additional relief.
I’d like to hear from people with osteoarthritis who have taken glucosamine—what effects, if any, did you experience as a result?
Creative Cloud for the clueless
So Adobe Creative Cloud is getting foisted onto me at work because apparently I am good with "visuals". Pls hope. [more inside]
posted by turbid dahlia at 2:13 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by turbid dahlia at 2:13 PM PST - 6 comments
Hiring a researcher for archival work
I need photographs of some court documents housed at a National Archives facility far away from me. How should I go about hiring a researcher, and what can I expect to pay for the service? What should I expect in general? [more inside]
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments
7 year gap in resume + old references - hiring manager filter
Asking for a friend. What's the best way to handle this situation a) on the resume and b) in the interview? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:01 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:01 PM PST - 6 comments
What shall we do with the Striped Bolting?
I'm going to knit Stephen West's Striped Bolting shawl, and need help figuring how how to deal with his unreasonable yarn requirements. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:57 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:57 PM PST - 11 comments
problems with prepaid phone plan with new simcard
I just moved from USA to Denmark, and I am having phone problems that are driving me insane and draining my bank account. [more inside]
Does Firefox keep a browsable record of UPLOADED files?
Halp! I just submitted a job application on the institution's website and I am second-guessing whether I actually uploaded the right .pdf file.
Is there anywhere in Firefox I can look it up for my own peace of mind? [more inside]
Lifehacks for changing my bullshit biorhythm
I am very clearly biologically inclined to be nocturnal, whether due to hormones or depression or whatever else. Give me all your tricks for changing this? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 1:27 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 1:27 PM PST - 16 comments
How to clean a projection screen
I need to clean smudged dry erase marker off a projection screen. It seems like it's vinyl. When I walked into the room to make sure the equipment was working in preparation for tomorrow's presentation, the mark was just a blue line about 8 inches long. I tried to make it better. Now it's a gray smudge about 6" x 10". [more inside]
posted by donpardo at 1:24 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by donpardo at 1:24 PM PST - 10 comments
Divorce, Chaos and Grief: Advice to Get Through?
In the past year and a half I have moved in with my partner, lost friends in a fire, gotten married, lost more friends to diseases, an overdose and a suicide and am now ending my volatile marriage and moving once again. How do you stay sane and not fall apart in the face of so much change so quickly? How do you make sense of it all? Hyper-dramatic snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by JaneTheGood at 1:23 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by JaneTheGood at 1:23 PM PST - 10 comments
What can I do with three weeks off, in London?
I’ve just finished a project that’s taken me nine years to complete and that I worked on pretty constantly (albeit inefficiently) over that period. I promised myself three weeks completely off work of any kind when I was done; I plan to take that time off this June. My problem is that my imagination for “fun! relaxing!” has kind of atrophied and my list of things to do in this period is shorter than I like. I’d love some suggestions to add to my list. [more inside]
Pregnancy and working a physical job
I work a job that can be physically demanding at times, and involves the use of chemicals and other hazards. I'm wondering how to manage this with early pregnancy. [more inside]
Travels in Norway
Headed to Norway this summer. Spending 5 days on a friend’s farm 2 hours from Oslo, 4 days in Oslo. Where else in Norway should we go for 3 days? Train or fly, we won’t have a car. Open to just about anything!
posted by gryphonlover at 1:03 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by gryphonlover at 1:03 PM PST - 7 comments
Have You Used a TENS Unit For Pain Relief?
I'm interested to hear from anyone who has used or uses a TENS unit for pain relief ( not sex play). I am considering using one for recurrent mild lower back pain. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 1:00 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by WalkerWestridge at 1:00 PM PST - 16 comments
How to manage wet/smelly gym clothes
I sweat a lot when I work out, which is leading to a couple issues with laundry management. [more inside]
Basement... Heated floor? Or rads?
Can you help me assess the pros and cons of creating a heated floor, versus adding a few radiators, in the unheated basement of my Canadian house? [more inside]
How to create a program management document that is a timeline w/tasks
Hello,
I have been asked to a professional looking program management document that is a timeline and includes tasks and key deliverables. Is this a Gantt chart? Do you have templates or suggestions of where to go to get examples? I’m in the public health field.
Thanks!
Waking Up in Vegas (with snacks)
I'm going to Las Vegas for an extended ladies' weekend with some friends next month. We're staying in multiple hotels because we were able to get some free nights different places and also just for the fun of seeing a few different places. I'm in charge of snacks and drinks and I'm looking for ideas on how to best handle the storage and transportation of these items during the trip. [more inside]
posted by shesbookish at 12:16 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by shesbookish at 12:16 PM PST - 5 comments
Couch to 26.2? Former runner returning to sport!
I used to love running, but life interrupted and it's been 5+ years since I've done any running at all. I finally have more time and bandwidth to do it, so looking for some tips! I'm in overall good health, but obviously deconditioned a bit. The C25K programs seem a bit too simple as I've done marathons and was a six minute miler. My plan at this point is to just buy new shoes and crack on, but would like any tips or insights from other lapsed and returned runners. Thanks!
Saturday and Sunday day care for 3 and 5 year old in San Francisco
I'll be at a conference in San Francisco (at the The Moscone Center) over President's day weekend (Feb 17-19). We're bringing our kids (ages 3 and 5). Historically daycare has been available on site, but that is not true this weekend. Can you help me find daycare? [more inside]
Large Metal prints with Drop Shipping?
Does anyone have a professional photo lab they regularly deal with that they like that will print larger than 30x40 prints on aluminum and then drop ship them to a client with no identification of where it was printed and containing no invoice inside the package? [more inside]
24 hour a day bluetooth headset wear
How can I add bluetooth headphones to my daily routine in a way that works for relatively constant use. [more inside]
Have you ever fixed supination with physical therapy?
I put a lot of weight on the outside edges of my feet. I wear out new shoes within a month, and then my low back and hip begin hurting. I need to fix this. I'm skeptical of doing it with PT. [more inside]
By George, Lake George
Our family is thinking about a new summer vacation spot in the Lake George area. Our go-to spot in the past has been Lake Tahoe, NV but for reasons, we're staying in the East Coast area this year. We're in South Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia and looking for something within 5-6 drive from home. [more inside]
What are ethical travel responsibilities?
Is it unethical to travel to Myanmar as a tourist? [more inside]
Is there a hosting and email provider that isn't completely garbage?
I don't want anything complicated, just something that *works*. No ecommerce, no huge traffic. Just a few domains with associated email accounts. I literally just want to be able to be sure that I receive email that I'm sent, and that the emails I send go where they're supposed to go. I use the associated email addresses for email sends to a mailing list for work, so I also want to be sure I don't screw that up somehow.
What company actually works, doesn't sell all your private info, and doesn't have terrible customer service? I'm willing to pay more for something not terrible.
Gender reveal cake
I'm coming out as nonbinary trans at work in three weeks, and am planning on getting a tongue-in-cheek gender reveal cake to celebrate getting through the day. I want the cake to say something that expresses "My gender is: who cares", but funnier and friendlier than that. My boo and my nearest and dearest friends are going to be eating this with me. Funnier-than-me minds of MeFi, what should it say?
posted by avocet at 8:33 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by avocet at 8:33 AM PST - 32 comments
Improving my performance performance
How can I make my sets as a singer-songwriter as engaging and captivating as possible? [more inside]
Recommend high-risk obgyns/obstetricians in NYC?
I'm a woman with several high risk factors trying to pregnant, and I've grown to dislike the OB practice I've been seeing. Who should I switch to? [more inside]
Looking for Architect recommendation in New York City
Looking to find an architect who will give a free consultation regarding putting an extra bedroom in our space. Needs to be licensed and familiar with getting the required permits and all that jazz, so that we can get a reliable estimate of total cost/complication of the job.
matchmaker matchmaker make me a laptop
I need a new laptop and don't know how to buy a Windows machine. Complication: for use in rural areas in Africa. [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 6:25 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by quadrilaterals at 6:25 AM PST - 21 comments
Chicago Baby Filter
Expecting! We are First time LGBT parents in Chicagoland area, looking for resources, groups, patenting classes and hugs. Lots of hugs. [more inside]
Manipulated by employer--how do I get my career back on track?
[UrbanismFilter] I feel trapped in a job I was essentially tricked into accepting as a young graduate. After three years of broken promises from my employer I've decided to pull the plug. How, oh how do I get out and back into the planning profession I originally wanted to pursue? [more inside]
posted by peakes at 3:15 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by peakes at 3:15 AM PST - 13 comments
Can my LLC have a business-casual bank account?
I am in the process of setting up an LLC in the US. Unfortunately I'm going to be out of the country for a bit. This doesn't present impediments for setting up the LLC but does for a business bank account (or any bank account). I know that the bank account for your LLC and your personal bank account must be separate. I have a personal bank account that I have not used in a very long time (don't ask, long story). If I use this as the bank account for my LLC until I get back to the country and can set up an Actual Official(TM) Business Bank Account, is that likely to be sufficient as a band-aid or am I completely screwed with the IRS? YANMA(ccountant).
posted by rednikki at 12:28 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by rednikki at 12:28 AM PST - 5 comments
English prepositions with regards to vehicle type
I'm not sure what to Google for this. Why do you "get in a car" but "get on a boat"? [more inside]
posted by lesser weasel at 12:08 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by lesser weasel at 12:08 AM PST - 27 comments