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Ok. Short and Sweet (pun intended:) Does The tuna salad recipe at American Delis or in your recipe book include SWEET pickle relish or DILL pickle relish? Please leave out the recipes that have no relish at all. My bf and I disagree about flavor options. I say sweet, he thinks dill is the preference.
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 9:33 PM PST - 45 comments

I would like to help people have fun and encourage them to volunteer. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:25 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm looking for a web comic I read on Tumblr three to four years ago. As far as I know it was a one off, and not part of a continuing comic. The comic features a person or group of people (maybe not exactly human) making balloons that are lifting other people up, but one person is making this massive weighted thing. [more inside]
posted by Tabitha Someday at 7:49 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm writing a short story in which there is a Russian artist who makes an installation about the protests of Putin's most recent inauguration. I'm trying to find out about symbols/imagery that Russians might use in their political art. More below. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 6:22 PM PST - 2 comments

I woke up this morning to find my refrigerator is making a clicking noise every couple of minutes and everything in my freezer is melted. Based on this article it seems like it may be the start relay. I've emptied the fridge and have got a new part coming on Monday but in the meantime, is it safe to leave it plugged in till I can make the repair or is there a risk of an electrical fire?I'm pretty sore from work and don't really want to move the fridge right now if I don't have to, but I will if need be.
posted by Pretty Good Talker at 5:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Character in my novel gets a job in the Standard Oil refinery in Richmond CA in 1972. Any chance you know something about this? [more inside]
posted by swheatie at 4:26 PM PST - 4 comments

My boyfriend doesn’t take care of his hair properly (doesn’t scrub, brush, or trim). It’s a hygiene issue. How do I broach this with him? [more inside]
posted by nowadays at 1:52 PM PST - 39 comments

I have a corn on the bottom of my foot and it hurts! I've already gone through a whole pack of the Dr. Scholl's corn remover pads (the style like a band-aid with a cushion/medication in the center) because they won't stay on my feet for more than a couple of hours. Help! [more inside]
posted by Weeping_angel at 11:49 AM PST - 8 comments

The Queen's Gambit is my favorite novel by one of my favorite authors, Walter Tevis. Tevis' writing style is simple and direct. His books are plotty and super amenable to being filmed. I'm looking for recommendations for similar novels. [more inside]
posted by lumpy at 11:42 AM PST - 10 comments

...and if so, is it worth researching/reporting? I am on my state's health insurance, which is pretty much a fancy name for Medicaid, and recently had an appointment for a "complete physical" with my PCP. But that appointment was no different from my regular check-ups. I'm wondering if by terming it "complete physical" she is charging the State for services not rendered? [more inside]
posted by Oriole Adams at 11:36 AM PST - 15 comments

My cat has developed a chronic case of rhinitis (sniffling, sneezing) that interferes with his breathing. The vet's been trying to rule stuff out and he's had antibiotics, steroids, etc - still sniffling. She believes there's something setting off allergies in our house. What could it be? More inside. [more inside]
posted by Miko at 6:22 AM PST - 16 comments

You know how science project boards or school bulletin boards often had letters cut out of construction paper? Like this? I would like a font (or a set of images of letters) to recreate that look. I think this requires both the shape of the letters and maybe some sort of shadow-like thing to look like they're slightly raised from the surface, and of course, a construction paper texture (though for a font I might have to do that in in-design since fonts don't have texture). Do you know of something and/or do you know how to search for this? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 5:47 AM PST - 9 comments

I want to adapt a salted caramel cheesecake recipe that calls for pretzels, but I cannot find any gluten-free around me. [more inside]
posted by bwonder2 at 1:57 AM PST - 8 comments

You are/were a parent or child in a "blended family" -- can you please share your tips/tricks, dos/don'ts, or pleasant/unpleasant surprises? Also, what does an Only who has been parenting an Only need to know about co-managing a household with more than one kid? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:52 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for a curio cabinet for a bunch of crystal figurines and am not sure where to start. I was wondering if there's any site that's like Wirecutter but for furniture (i.e. for any given category they'll give you a few thoughtful recommendations). Alternatively, I'm open to just receiving curio cabinet suggestions for showing off crystal glass.
posted by jtothes at 11:02 PM PST - 7 comments

Years ago I read an essay in which the author responding to a performance review where they are assessed as adequate. The twist/humor in the piece is the author is quite pleased with this dull assessment and spins it positively. It was very well executed and pops into my head often. I'd love to re-read it. [more inside]
posted by funkiwan at 10:25 PM PST - 2 comments

We're getting rid of our bricks and mortar office and are considering a virtual mailbox like travelingmailbox.com for both business and personal use. We might receive some important checks or other documents so it has to be reliable. [more inside]
posted by xammerboy at 7:48 PM PST - 5 comments

I’m trying to name my second EP. I would like a name from academia or librarianship. [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 4:19 PM PST - 36 comments

Next week I'm scheduled to give a talk at a conference that I have decided not to attend in person. The organizers have invited me to present electronically. This cannot be live because of constraints at the conference center, I need to record the presentation and have a video that can be played on the organizer's computer. How do I put this together? [more inside]
posted by medusa at 3:42 PM PST - 7 comments

For the past 4-5 days, my right eye has been tearing up excessively (the left eye is totally fine). When I wake up, the skin around the tear duct and below the eye is a bit swollen, and there's crud on my cheek from where it's leaked overnight. During the day, I wipe away tears every few minutes. Yesterday I took an antihistamine just in case it was allergies; I don't have allergies, and anyway the antihistamine didn't help. In the meanwhile it doesn't seem to be getting better, or worse. There's no pain or discoloration, and I suspect it's my tear duct, not a foreign object in the eye itself. What's going on? What I should do to try to treat it at home? When do I make a doctor's appointment?
posted by tapir-whorf at 3:38 PM PST - 17 comments

You are neurodivergent. You had trouble and were frustrated getting even OK results in some area or skill (music, gardening, math, a sport, what have you) that other people seemed to get with just a little application. Over time, your efforts in that problem area got better results and yielded greater satisfaction. Tell me about your journey! [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 2:06 PM PST - 10 comments

I am looking for resources to help me understand how to best help my child manage various social situations. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 2:00 PM PST - 5 comments

On March 9th there will be a nationwide protest in Mexico in which women will not go to work or school, and not participate in public activities, in order to highlight the problem of violence against women. My university supports this. Men are not being asked to strike, as the point is to emphasize the impact of the absence of women. So I (male) will still teach my Industrial Engineering class that day to the male students. My question is: Should I use the class to address issues related to women’s rights, and if so, how? [more inside]
posted by neutralmojo at 12:49 PM PST - 24 comments

The New Bedford Whaling Museum hosts an Annual Moby-Dick Marathon. At the end of the weekend, "the few hardy souls who brave the voyage by staying awake through all 136 chapters of the great American epic receive a prize when the marathon comes to an end on Sunday." What is that prize?
posted by DynamiteToast at 12:43 PM PST - 12 comments

My 7 year old son is struggling with anxiety about school. Looking for personal recommendations for books or other resources for parents of anxious kids. [more inside]
posted by subluxor at 12:12 PM PST - 10 comments

I already have three days' worth of shelf-stable emergency foods (soups, canned tuna/chicken, canned veg, crackers, nut butter, dried fruit, water, etc.) but would like to increase my store to 21 days' worth and plan possible recipes. Do you have meals that can be made from common shelf-stable pantry items that you could also use during non-emergencies? Hoping also to avoid purchase of foods I normally wouldn't eat, and to avoid food waste. Thanks in advance! [more inside]
posted by metarkest at 12:05 PM PST - 23 comments

A relative is having screws put in their tibia early next week. We have a surgical consult coming up the day before but need to know more details ASAP to prepare. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 11:23 AM PST - 13 comments

Aging and moving to a different climate has completely changed my skin care needs. Help me develop a new skin care routine, and please assume I am starting from very basic knowledge! [more inside]
posted by Space Kitty at 9:50 AM PST - 27 comments

An NGO that I am doing some volunteer work with has a long term goal of building a school in Haiti. They have an AutoDesk design drawing of the school completed. Without going to Haiti, they would like to estimate construction material costs. In particular they want to estimate the cost of cement and rebar based on their completed AutoDesk design. Are there software programs that can estimate construction costs for Haiti?
posted by Xurando at 9:43 AM PST - 6 comments

Is it possible to preserve cross platform Minecraft maps in older console editions in such a way as to be playable in other console Bedrock editions and/or Minecraft Java edition? What is the best version of the game to convert older maps to in order to best preserve them for a later date? [more inside]
posted by Ashwagandha at 9:42 AM PST - 1 comment

I moved into a new apartment a month ago in a cement construction building with thick walls. It is, for the most part, blessedly quiet. However, what I *can* hear is are the sounds of the front door to the building and the door to the trash room slamming shut whenever someone is less than careful in closing them. The sounds happen often. What are my best bets for muffling these noises and/or learning to live with them? [more inside]
posted by bridgebury at 9:06 AM PST - 14 comments

I started taking a Kroger Brand probiotic which has significantly improved my lifetime struggle with constipation, but at the cost of, uh, adding bulk. The probiotic has 27 billion lactobacilli and 3 billion bifidobacteria. My question is whether I should stick with the probiotic I'm using or try a different one? Also, Would a daily vitamin help? My diet isn't exactly fiber or nutrition friendly. Thanks.
posted by Beholder at 9:02 AM PST - 18 comments

I've been an online journalist, editor and writer for 15 years, working on tech, education and health subjects. Looking for ideas on next steps. [more inside]
posted by rpophessagr at 8:57 AM PST - 2 comments

My fiancée and I are writing our own ketubah text and would like to hire a translator to express about 350 English words in the dialect of Aramaic in which traditional ketubot are written. [more inside]
posted by all the marbles at 8:11 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for a winter jacket for NYC weather, casual and office that has a hood (but no faux fur), fairly clean lines, mid thigh length and blue. Here are similar jackets I've seen. I'd like to try to buy this in a store in NYC and pay between $200 and $400. Where should I go try them on?
posted by sandmanwv at 8:08 AM PST - 3 comments

I live in an apartment that is apparently heated by some kind of steam heating system, and I guess the superintendent recently added antifreeze to the system. Will this go away in a day or two, or is this something I need to talk to my landlord about right away? [more inside]
posted by millions at 8:06 AM PST - 1 comment

Help me, fatshionistas of Mefi! I am a fat woman who really likes men’s shirts with bold, interesting prints. Examples: Everything Tan France wears on Queer Eye, Alex Horne’s octopus shirt, this shirt here. But even when I can find things I like, I can't find them in sizes large enough for me, because men's shirts don't tend to be sized for the proportions of a cis woman with big hips (50") and chest (49"). Where should I be shopping? [more inside]
posted by Jeanne at 6:31 AM PST - 17 comments

Metafilter, please help! I have an earworm that's only one sentence long and because I don't know more that that, that same sentence keeps repeating inside my head. It's driving me off my rocker. The sentence is "I'm the king of doing my homework on the bus". It is sung in a male, young-sounding voice, and not boastful but rather in a tone that's meant to be reassuring, as if to a parent. Any clues as to where this is from, please?
posted by Too-Ticky at 5:49 AM PST - 5 comments

Is it legal for a prospective employer to ask me to train without pay? [more inside]
posted by soy_renfield at 4:55 AM PST - 13 comments

Please recommend other blog sites of similar quality to Metafilter.
posted by Narrative_Historian at 12:39 AM PST - 10 comments

I have encountered some REALLY difficult problems on my home network. It was very difficult to even find what to search for. Some of these cost me days of my time to fully figure out. How could I have found help with these problems more easily? Is there a professional service I can pay to get help? I have a Edgerouter Lite. Is there some remote support service I can trust to sign in via this and help me out when there's a problem? [more inside]
posted by jago25_98 at 12:21 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for fictional podcasts/radio dramas that tell a story about a romantic relationship. I would like it to have immersive sound effects, so not just a straight up audiobook, and I definitely want it to be a two-hander - I just want to hear hours of intimate conversations between lovers! I love slow burns and I hate investigations/murder stories. Currently I'm listening to Where This Service Will Separate, and I loved the dialogue in the game Firewatch. I need more love!
posted by facehugger at 12:20 AM PST - 3 comments

My question in brief: If I (a college professor) advise a group of high school student to apply for college, what financial resources could I also advise them to take advantage of? [more inside]
posted by bessel functions seem unnecessarily complicated at 12:09 AM PST - 12 comments

There's a magazine or newspaper that famously includes a scrapeboard (or b&w pointillism? Or similar?) rendering of author headshots in the byline. I'm blanking on what publication it and my typically fantastic Google-fu has nothing. [more inside]
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 9:22 PM PST - 3 comments

I, the aforementioned human, took my aging, multi-ailment cat to my awesome cat-only vet today. She's doing pretty well all things considered, but at the vet she discovered some left-over catnip from a previous visitor and went bonkers. I haven't seen her act that nutty and playful in years! And at the vet no less!! Obviously I've been a bad human all these years providing inferior catnip. I need to remedy this. Help me! [more inside]
posted by cgg at 8:40 PM PST - 13 comments

I’m invited to a ~50 person sex party this weekend, and I’m considering canceling because of COVID-19. Am I being overly cautious? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:19 PM PST - 19 comments

I've read solid advice about the ncovid19 problem. Not panicking at all, but it has reminded me that currently I'm not adequately prepared in event of emergencies. I'll look at some guidelines and put together a "go bag," but any long-term suggestions specifically for high-rise-living urban singletons are welcome. [more inside]
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 6:13 PM PST - 22 comments

The other day my friend made an incredibly insulting "joke" about women. I called him on it, and now he hasn't spoken to me in a week. Now what? [more inside]
posted by Neely O'Hara at 4:52 PM PST - 35 comments

I'm wondering how The Simpsons translated "cromulent" for other languages. Did they just leave it as 'cromulent'? Or did they replace it with some equally plausible but totally gibberish collection of syllables more attuned to local ears? How about "embiggens"?
posted by some little punk in a rocket at 4:39 PM PST - 4 comments

There is a “spa” that advertises two things (among others), in my local free weekly: (1) “All American Staff”, and (2) “Now Hiring”. Aside from the shudder factor, is this advertisement legal? Is it actionable in any way? Mainly hypothetical, but it grinds my gears every week.
posted by ftm at 4:01 PM PST - 8 comments

I tried to follow this recipe for sous vide clotted cream and all I got was cream. Completely clot-free. [more inside]
posted by shothotbot at 3:59 PM PST - 5 comments

My wife and I are looking for a new primary care doctor in Santa Fe, where we have moved. We are having some trouble locating a person who a) is experienced with mental health, including ADHD and anxiety (me) and depression (her), and is willing to keep prescribing us the medications we have been taking for several years successfully; b) is comfortable with queer people (we are both women); c) is not made of woo or spirituality. Combining (a) and (c) has been surprisingly difficult. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Last year my dear coworker quit after realizing how undervalued they were by our CEO. They had been let go multiple times only to be brought back abruptly, was paid less than interns, and never received positive feedback about their work except from me. A few months after quitting they discovered that one of our clients was hiring -- so they asked for a job and got it. I supported this decision. I still do. But now things are messy because the client has decided to cut ties with us. So I feel really, really guilty. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:09 PM PST - 28 comments

I recently have been reading about the zettelkasten (slip box) notetaking method used by Niklas Luhmann. I like the idea because I've often struggled with some of problems that this method seems to tackle: maintaining connections between what I'm reading and learning now and other things that I've encountered before. I've found a few resources, including a book and some other online resources, as well as downloading some software, but I'm still having a lot of trouble understanding the method. Is there a really simple explanation out there, preferably with lots of actual examples? [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 2:35 PM PST - 3 comments

I really enjoy eating liver, and trying new things when I cook. But every time I look for recipes and inspiration for liver, all I can find are things for people who don't like it but want to force themselves to eat it anyway. This is not what I want. Do you like liver? How do you like to cook it? Have you had it in an interesting way that you can describe to me? [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 2:21 PM PST - 18 comments

We will be passing thru Santiago on way to Easter Island. With 4,5 days in Chile, suggestions to things to see?
posted by ebesan at 1:46 PM PST - 7 comments

Hello! I’m a worrier by nature and Coronavirus is scaring me a little bit. At the moment I am living with two special needs kiddos 3 and 4 in a European country that has probably the worst healthcare in Europe. My husband is working in Germany. Me and the kids were planning to join him after preschool ends in June. I’m afraid of schools being shut here and having the smallies on my own maybe getting sick, and no social contact and my husband maybe not being able to visit. Is it okay to take a wait and see approach? [more inside]
posted by catspajammies at 1:39 PM PST - 15 comments

I've come to realize that my least favorite thing about modern radio drama/ podcasts is their jokes, especially in the scifi/ fantasy realm. Are there any good genre dramatic podcasts that avoid jokes, pop-culture references, wry sarcasm, and are NOT influenced by the Whedon-verse? Like the most boring, dry, un-fun hard scifi podcast serial would be my ideal.
posted by Think_Long at 12:30 PM PST - 13 comments

I am looking for examples in the United States of arts centers that are housed in former churches and operated as adjuncts to local museums. Arts centers meaning places that may have exhibits, performances, education, etc.
posted by beagle at 12:01 PM PST - 13 comments

Is it possible to have a slideshow of a folder of images as the background on Windows 10's sign-in screen? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer at 11:43 AM PST - 2 comments

Is there an existing term for a condition or phenomenon where a person in a position of power begins to hold crazy opinions or behave badly caused by having ended up surrounded only by sycophants? [more inside]
posted by KwaiChangCaine at 10:31 AM PST - 19 comments

Basically looking for best practices for moving cross-country. We have about four months to prepare and then move. What hacks/tips/tricks have helped you? What one weird thing worked? Details below. [more inside]
posted by mrfuga0 at 10:11 AM PST - 19 comments

Looking for an app for managing shopping list with spouse. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 9:50 AM PST - 7 comments

Where The Wild Things Are is just right. Delightful to read aloud, perfect balance of words and pictures per page. Evocative, imaginative illustrations. My two year old and I both love it before bed. Can you recommend any other kid's books that might provide a similar experience?
posted by lordcorvid at 7:59 AM PST - 42 comments

I'm looking for an alarm clock that a) shows the time large enough to be seen from across a room and b) plays music that I choose. Google just turns up "use your phone as an alarm!" hits. Help? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 5:22 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm pretty new to fermentation processes, but am enthusiastically getting the hang of it. I've got a batch of sauerkraut going right now, two days in and bubbling away, and was inspired to add a bunch of fresh cilantro and jalapenos I came across. Can one just toss them into the mix and then pop the lid on again? Also, as a side note, I had no scale when I started this batch and have no idea how close to 2% salinity I'm at. How exact must one be?
posted by St. Oops at 3:02 AM PST - 4 comments

I think I've managed to internalize an extensive philosophy of biological determinism that undergirds a resistance to treatment. It's a particularly tenacious answer to nearly any question born of disappointment. While I've been wanting to seek help (which has proven very difficult where I live, when unemployed), I'm afraid it has inoculated me against any solution that isn't self-harm. [more inside]
posted by constantinescharity at 11:49 PM PST - 16 comments

I’m really scared. Please help and please don’t be mean. I need to do something ASAP with this one cockroach . I’ve dealt with and killed and stalked many many cockroaches in the last two years and I hate it but I moved into another apartment in the same high rise. The day has come of my biggest fears moving here. There is one in my kitchen now that I’m not cut out for by my usual method. It’s the biggest I’ve seen in my life bigger than the ones by the boiler room which terrify me. I’m scared to chase it with paper towels because if it moves or moves towards me I think I’ll scream and shake in terror. I can’t sleep knowing it’s alive. I’m chronically ill and can’t walk much but I have a cvs a block away. Is there a spray that I can aim poison at it and will kill it instantly? I so scared to see it run or leap. I don’t know why it’s here I lived here 3 months and deliberately didn’t use the kitchen sink or cook and it doesn’t seem to be moving? I wonder if it’s weak and came here to die. I saw that once in my old apartment with a smaller roach anyway please help and please don’t link me to sites that say what to do they terrify me. Please just tell me. Thanks.
posted by Blitz at 10:46 PM PST - 44 comments

In mid-August, my 15-year-old son and I have 10 days to travel from Zürich to Munich for our our flight home to the US. The plan is Zürich → Innsbruck → Bolzano → Salzburg → Munich. Advice would be helpful. [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 10:04 PM PST - 7 comments

I was born and raised in the NE. My skin is horribly dry and this year after having a kid, it’s an 11 on the dryness scale (our of ten, heh). I’m talking cracked and bleeding with scaly fingertips. (Lotion really doesn’t even put a dent in it.) We are moving to the PNW in March, and I’m excited for lots of reasons. But will my skin improve? [more inside]
posted by ancient star at 9:25 PM PST - 19 comments

Have you worked for a large multinational corporation and engineered an international transfer between offices for yourself (i.e. the idea for the move was yours and you successfully/unsuccessfully convinced The Powers That Be to go along with it)? Please tell me about it! [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 7:09 PM PST - 6 comments

Predicting transit issues from coronavirus – I'm healthy with no direct concern re. the virus, but I have U.S. / Europe travel coming up that my work and plans depend on. Are there info sources I should follow to predict chances I'll have to cancel those trips? [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 6:20 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there an option for reading Reddit with a "professional white background?" No images, headers etc.
posted by kittensofthenight at 5:07 PM PST - 7 comments

I registered a couple of domain names but never did anything with them. Subsequently, I began to receive spam calls about services for these websites. WHOIS lookup, fair enough. But more recently I have received a couple of calls about a domain name I do not own, which links to an online casino site. This is a bit more concerning. Can I be liable for the actions of this site? Is there anything I should be doing about this?
posted by solarion at 4:51 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm in the market for a new heart rate monitor, but I'm not sure whether to go with a model that uses a chest strap or reads the rate from the wrist. [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 4:24 PM PST - 12 comments

In a few months, my beloved Wunderlist is being discontinued. This is negatively affecting both my work and personal life. Tell me about your favorite todo list apps that fit the following: [more inside]
posted by mollymayhem at 3:37 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm interviewing someone and helping him write a memoir for his family. I'm a slow typist and transcribing the interviews is taking me a long time. I'd like to try Temi, which is AI transcription, but are there any issues with confidentiality? [more inside]
posted by gigondas at 2:53 PM PST - 11 comments

My husband and I will be traveling to Mexico City from Saturday, March 14 to Thursday, March 19. We have already booked a room at the Red Tree House for the last two nights, and so we need a place for the first three nights. Do you have a specific recommendation? [more inside]
posted by TrarNoir at 2:29 PM PST - 12 comments

How do I renew my driver's license to show a future address I'll have possession of in a few months? [more inside]
posted by kittysockpuppet at 2:22 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me level up my Super Smash Bros Ultimate skills just enough to show my kids who's boss. [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 2:20 PM PST - 9 comments

A close friend of mine I’ll call Jane was told in the fall of 2019, that come fall 2020 they would be transferred to another office (similar commute). This was upsetting for Jane. They like their office, like the people, the neighborhood etc. This impending move was a big deal for Jane and a near constant topic of conversation for us. I listened to Jane vent, commiserated, validated their feelings of how unfair this was for them, on days when they were feeling up to it we discussed the silver linings of the move. I became firmly entrenched on team ‘this sucks, I’m sorry this is happening to you’. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 1:33 PM PST - 15 comments

MY ISSUE: my laundry comes out of the washer SO LINTY AND DOG HAIRY. I have run everything through the dryer so they are clean-looking enough to wear, which sucks because I'd rather hang them on the line. MY QUESTIONS: Is this just how life is with an old washing machine? Is my dog hair level just that unmanageable? Do I just need to replace or clean a doodad on my washing machine? Am I doing something wrong? Things I've already tried and more below the fold! [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur at 1:11 PM PST - 17 comments

I have a friend who I’ve known for a couple years now. We are calling him Pete, okay. We have grown close in many ways — we throw events together regularly now, after a while of hanging and talking and realizing we had shared interest and desire to make some things happen. He is at base a very sweet guy, but he has a suite of behaviors that I’ve found very challenging. I’m looking for some perspective on these kinds of things and any help figuring out how best I can not get super annoyed or frustrated. [more inside]
posted by wemayfreeze at 12:07 PM PST - 18 comments

I work for a giant company who has 4 salary ranges for each job title, based on your location. This year, they downgraded the zip code I work in from second to third and thus my range went down $10k. My salary did not go down, but the range factors into my yearly raises, so this will hurt me in long run. [more inside]
posted by soelo at 11:55 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm replacing the baseboard molding in my 1950's house. It has sidewall heating registers like this. Where can I buy new ones? [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 11:51 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm running a mid-80s themed tabletop RPG, and I like to incorporate lots of props. I have some information I want to convey that they get through a dial-up BBS. Anyone know of a quick-and-dirty way to get this across without a lot of coding? I could probably rig up something in html if there's no better way. I could run it on Windows or Raspberry Pi. [more inside]
posted by rikschell at 11:33 AM PST - 8 comments

I feel like I missed something in housekeeping 101, but I don't understand how to use bleach to disinfect surfaces when certain manufacturers/experts recommend that you do not use bleach. Can you tell me more about how to disinfect? I want to figure this out before this becomes an actual problem. More details below... this question brought to you by a toddler who will surely one day bring home norovirus (plus a touch of coronavirus anxiety). [more inside]
posted by CiaoMela at 11:23 AM PST - 16 comments

I am finally working remotely on the regular and need to dial into Zoom/Teams video meetings, but the lighting in my home office is abysmal. What product(s) do I need and how can I set this up so I will look better on the screen? Not interested in/capable of setting up a whole home studio situation, but I'll buy some gadgets off the internet and fiddle with them ... Thanks!
posted by mccxxiii at 11:21 AM PST - 4 comments

After reading this article on Heated, I'm inspired to try more canned seafood. My only exposure to it here in the US has mainly been canned tuna (which I love, especially when lit on fire), anchovies, and sardines. I've never been able to develop a palate for the latter I'm guessing due to the quality of what I've tried. (This is not even mentioning the pickled creamed herring I've seen my FIL eat!) What specific brands and preparations do you recommend? What might help me get over my aversion and learn to love the potted pescado? [more inside]
posted by slogger at 10:31 AM PST - 49 comments

A lovely colleague who knows I like cooking, found out I'd never cooked with saffron and has given me a whole gram of saffron but was very vague about what they suggested using it for. I'm looking for favourite recipes (sweet or savoury) using saffron. There has been a previous question about this, but as that was nearly ten years ago I thought that asking again might bring up some new recipes.
posted by Vortisaur at 10:12 AM PST - 18 comments

Mr. BlahLaLa is recovering from an injury and can't drive his car. How often do I need to drive it to keep it in good shape? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:15 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm looking to buy an inexpensive specialty item that seems to only be available from online sellers located in Russia or the Ukraine. I'm in the US, and I don't speak/read Ukranian or Russian. Is this do-able? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 8:40 AM PST - 4 comments

I am always flip-flopping on decisions - because I can see the pros and cons of most things, it makes it very hard for me to commit to a path. How can I learn to be more at ease with the fact that every decision has an opportunity cost? What are some ways you have found of being more decisive? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 8:04 AM PST - 21 comments

I've just finished making a huge template for work using building blocks, but there has to be a better way! [more inside]
posted by welovelife at 7:40 AM PST - 0 comments

Max steps in dog poo. His classmates call him Dog Poo Boy. Should this nickname be capitalised? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 6:51 AM PST - 13 comments

I just have to carry my laptop from my office to my car and then to my office. I've got joint issues and try to keep things as light as possible. I've been trying just sticking the laptop in the water reservoir sleeve of the backpack and wonder if that's safe so long as I'm always in a controlled environment? [more inside]
posted by Jon44 at 6:48 AM PST - 10 comments

My employer recently offered access to Silvercloud, an online CBT program which has been recommended here before (e.g. here and here) and it seems it could be useful for my depression and anxiety. However, I'm moderately concerned about privacy, and the privacy policy doesn't ever say something as clear as "we won't let your employer know you are depressed". How worried should I be? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:19 AM PST - 2 comments

YANML but YAAL in Pennsylvania, with experience dealing with estates/probate. I am the executor of my father's estate; he died in small town Pennsylvania, which is far from where I live. I have one step left in dealing with probate and wrapping up the estate, but my lawyers have given me confusing information and I'm not sure they're doing the right thing, so I'm here for a second opinion. Finding a lawyer was difficult, finding another would not be impossible but would be that much more difficult; I'll do it if I need to, but I'm hoping you all can help me determine if I do need to, or if my lawyers are right but just incapable of explaining this to a layperson. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:18 AM PST - 4 comments

I am 38 and have not been to the gynecologist in a long time for reasons. do you have a gentle and kind doctor you can recommend in the NYC area who will not judge or shame me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:18 AM PST - 12 comments

What are the best steps to take to prepare for limiting possible coronavirus infection if/when it comes to my area and weathering possible lockdown? What practices do current best evidence suggest are reasonable? I'm having significant anxiety about possible coronavirus infection, although I live in the US and am not currently in a known outbreak area. I would like advice on what type of preparation for the possibility of community spread of COVID-19 in the US might be reasonable versus overly anxious. [more inside]
posted by medusa at 8:34 PM PST - 29 comments

I used to have a handful of quality, forward looking websites/blogs that I could reference for graphic design trends. My very favorite was something like "graphicporn" or "designporn" or something that was a play on the idea that it was graphic design eye candy. I tried both those options and neither came up and due to the word porn I obviously can't google. So, where do you go when you need some visual eye candy?
posted by vividvoltage at 8:06 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for reccomendations for better tablets than my Kindle Fire HD which are <$250. [more inside]
posted by chrono_rabbit at 7:26 PM PST - 4 comments

I have been depressed since I was about 12. I am now in college and struggling to do much beyond survival and basic crisis management (no social bonds to speak of, little motivation to focus on assignments other than avoiding failure, and most notably, an overly obsessive attachment to a guy which I am extremely embarrassed about). Please help. [more inside]
posted by hnl_u at 6:36 PM PST - 12 comments

I have been asked by my branch manager to come up with an activity for International Women’s Day. I work in a planning and engineering firm. There are approximately 20 women and 40 men. Input from all genders is valued and appreciated. How would you like to celebrate women or be celebrated in your workplace? Thanks for your help. [more inside]
posted by Juniper Toast at 3:24 PM PST - 34 comments

After thinking about it for years, my family (myself, my spouse and our two kids) is moving to Canada this summer. It looks like moving our stuff is going to be a big hassle. Looking for advice on logistics, moving companies, etc. [more inside]
posted by number9dream at 3:17 PM PST - 9 comments

My credit card comes with Primary collision damage waiver for rental cars up to $75,000. Great. What it doesn't come with is liability. I don't own a car anymore so I don't have regular car insurance. I only drive internationally - soon to be Northern Ireland AND Republic of Ireland. What's the best way to deal with liability coverage?
posted by rileyray3000 at 2:35 PM PST - 7 comments

The local Transamerica agency (Colorado area) is expanding; and seeking agents. [more inside]
posted by Afghan Stan at 2:28 PM PST - 6 comments

I have a retirement account that rolled over from a previous job and which I can, at long last, afford to start paying into again. I want to find the most ethical place to put my money. (Understanding that no investment is going to be perfect and it's still participating in capitalism.) I'd prefer to put my money into an IRA and, frankly, the less interaction required on my part beyond a monthly contribution, the far more preferable. [more inside]
posted by kalimac at 2:05 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm hungry for salad recipes that seem outrageously easy. I have fallen in love with this format, more than seeing actual recipes, as I know how to throw things together: Arugula + quinoa + chickpeas + cucumber & tomato + feta cheese + lemon juice/balsamic/olive oil/dijon mustard. ___ + ____ + ____ = your favorite salad recipe of this kind?
posted by tiny frying pan at 12:40 PM PST - 21 comments

My shower handle is like this. Normally it points down towards the 6 on a clock and you turn it up to the 12 for hot water. Recently it changed and now it points at the 4, and you turn it to the 9 for hot water. I noticed it after my cleaning lady was here. Nothing else has changed. How could this have happened? WTF does this change mean?
posted by bleep at 12:00 PM PST - 8 comments

When I reboot my iMac, it's basically unusable for 10-15 minutes after it restarts. [more inside]
posted by jonathanhughes at 11:07 AM PST - 8 comments

I need advice on getting a teenager to not hate me. Dating a divorced dad with a 15 year old son. More below.... [more inside]
posted by annieb at 7:35 AM PST - 56 comments

I have a friend who, like me, enjoys karaoke. But she really likes performing with people. What songs can we try? [more inside]
posted by xenization at 6:55 AM PST - 19 comments

I built a Microsoft Access database for a small non-profit org years ago, and it's worked well for our needs until now. However, we have someone taking over management who works on a Mac, so it's time to make a switch. [more inside]
posted by sabotagerabbit at 5:45 AM PST - 21 comments

My bed is giving me hip pain and sciatica. Why? What other bed might be better? Details within. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 5:17 AM PST - 11 comments

I bought glasses and they broke. I was eligible for a replacement in a different year which I had to pay for. They are not giving me documentation that my FSA provider will accept. How can I force them to give me the documentation I need? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 5:13 AM PST - 2 comments

How do we stop one of our hound dogs from excessive barking on walks? [more inside]
posted by ilikemethisway at 5:00 AM PST - 7 comments

I'll be in Malta for two weeks in March. While researching all things Maltese in preparation I have developed a taste for their traditional song form known as għana. Anyone know of places I could go to hear some live?
posted by valetta at 3:34 AM PST - 6 comments

My work has started using a niche TLD. They aren't using a www subdomain, instead links are this.domain.butt (not mad about it no). These aren't autmatically converted to links by outlook when I mail, can I force it somehow with a setting?
posted by J.R. Hartley at 3:04 AM PST - 2 comments

How do I interpret patents on a resume that don't match search results? [more inside]
posted by Dashy at 10:54 PM PST - 16 comments

Last time my housekeeper came, she kept getting off-task and finding other things to work on. I'm irritated that if I have her back, I'll be paying for what should have been done last week. I'm trying to figure out how to approach this with her or if I should find someone else. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 10:37 PM PST - 27 comments

I work in a manufacturing plant. We’ve been having a lot of problems with people not catching mistakes or problems and leading to high costs and customer complaints. Does anyone have any ideas for increasing our chances of having employees catch problems. [more inside]
posted by ReadNTravel at 8:17 PM PST - 17 comments

I'd like videos that just show a series of paintings or other art-- not documentaries. [more inside]
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 7:20 PM PST - 2 comments

My parents are getting calls from someone who says I owe debt. They have never been on any credit card or loan I’ve had. To my knowledge, not that it matters, I have no debt. I don’t really care about this likely scammer, but how do you deal with parents who think you’re in some sort of debt? They’ve obviously got into their head and my plea to not answer calls from unknown numbers goes unheeded. I am not worried about them falling into the scam, but I’m trying to keep my own sanity. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 7:15 PM PST - 14 comments

An app company called 2 App Studio makes an app called JotterPad. For years, it included cloud backup at the basic, free level. There were also two paid tiers that offered other features -- advertised as "Pay once, use forever". I -- and presumably many people -- paid for one or both of these tiers (I think $15 - $20). Recently, the developer moved the free cloud backup to a new, third, subscription tier that you can only purchase annually, essentially cutting off access to the files of people who expected to "Pay once, use forever". [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 6:54 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me sort out my feelings about marriage. Why does it hold particular meaning to me, and can I change that? What meaning does it hold for you? [more inside]
posted by yawper at 6:22 PM PST - 29 comments

I am in the process of designing/building a simple DIY music controller and am trying to buy some switches from mouser or digikey but am not sure which "switch function" is the one I am looking for. I'm not quite sure how to interpret the On-(On), On-On, On-(Off), etc..., values. [more inside]
posted by Television Name at 4:57 PM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for a comfortable bra for all day wear. I have a smaller band size and larger chest. I'm looking for a bra I can wear to work in a lab (10 hours) and feel supported and comfortable in. [more inside]
posted by Kalmya at 4:45 PM PST - 22 comments

I had my first primary care doctor visit in awhile last April, a routine new patient wellness visit, which is supposed to be 100% covered under my ACA plan. After a bizarre issue with the initial billing in December, I've now received a partially-uncovered $500 bill for the visit despite everything being in-network. Is this at all normal, and if so what's the best strategy for getting this number way the heck down? [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi at 4:03 PM PST - 15 comments

A couple months ago, I met a new friend Jessica through mutual friends. Jessica suddenly needed an income source and started to give tennis lessons. I think her lessons are very good. It started as group lessons, but everyone else dropped out except me. I've been going alone and paying a "private lesson" price, which is outside my original budget. Now I'm not sure if I want to keep going, but losing the income from my lessons could create financial hardship for her. What are my responsibilities toward her? [more inside]
posted by cheesecake at 3:23 PM PST - 8 comments

I'll be traveling to Berlin alone in late May. I'm very accustomed to traveling alone, but this is the first time I'll be by myself outside North America. I have questions about dining. [more inside]
posted by holborne at 3:18 PM PST - 8 comments

So our HOA Management company is terrible, and we are a small condo HOA. We need options. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 2:56 PM PST - 2 comments

What brands of men's dress trousers still include coin pockets inside the right front pocket? [more inside]
posted by willnot at 2:52 PM PST - 5 comments

I've been invited to interview for an amazing doctoral program. The interview is this Thursday from 8am to 5pm and it is going to be rigorous. Multiple interviews, scenario role plays, etc. Yay! But. I have a chronic illness and am currently in a real downswing. Fever, exhaustion, low appetite, on and off GI distress. I haven't been able to complete a full work day without rest in the last month. Boo. What, if anything can I do to maximize my energy on Thursday? [more inside]
posted by jeszac at 2:21 PM PST - 16 comments

I’m a new homeowner and am in the position to rent out a room in my house to a peripheral acquaintance. I’ve lived with roommates before but this is my first time being on the other side. What should I consider beyond a lease/security deposit? What are good questions to ask the potential tenant? Location is Oakland, California.
posted by Francies at 1:35 PM PST - 16 comments

How exactly does it work when you leave City A in the middle of a vacation to also visit City B, and then want to come back to the same lodging? Do you need to get two reservations at Hotel A-ville, or do you just eat the cost of days spent in City B? Does this work differently in VRBO, as opposed to a hotel (where coming back to a different room at the same rate is acceptable)? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 1:33 PM PST - 14 comments

Hey, I think I'm hot stuff but I missed a lot of info regarding creating particular types of documents and I'm seeking your help. I am charged with creating a program grid doc for a 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, fixed program schedule for radio shows. Days along the top, hours along the side. Editable. Easy to read. [more inside]
posted by lakersfan1222 at 1:23 PM PST - 3 comments

My life is falling apart. I have questions about a tech career, possible relocation, and the end of a romantic relationship. [more inside]
posted by All Might Be Well at 1:15 PM PST - 2 comments

My friend and I used to get together to watch streaming service shows and discuss them, but now that they've moved away, how can we watch them in our respective locations but keep the video synchronized so we can discuss in real time? [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 1:12 PM PST - 8 comments

I have not sought child support because paying it it would make my ex-husband irritable and angry with my child (12) and he would, besides, seek additional visitation to reduce costs. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:56 PM PST - 22 comments

I'm struggling to find a dating company in London that do profiles/search for potential matches based on a persons profile for them without the price being ridiculous or an annual fee (I think most people would have a goal of finding someone from a dating company/site in less than a year). Can anyone recommend a company I could have a look at please (more inside) [more inside]
posted by sockpim at 12:31 PM PST - 0 comments

I'd like to get some books for my friends' daughter, who is just beginning to read in English and in French. She already has a ton of books in English that her parents (and I) read with her, so I'm looking for a few French-language books that would also be appropriate for her reading level. Extra points for humor, delightful illustrations, and representations of diversity.
posted by theory at 11:52 AM PST - 10 comments

Boyfriend owns a home in a rural area. I rent a nice abode in a safe, walkable neighborhood, one in which stores, parks, gym, library, etc, are close trips on foot or via my bicycle. He wants me to move in with him. If I did, I would have to forfeit the walkability/bicycle-ability, and would have to drive everywhere. I would also have to give up having a garage, which I find to be extremely convenient. He does not want to rent out his home and move in with me (I have plenty of room) as he does not want to forfeit the rural atmosphere and his garage. He is not open to us renting a home with a three-car garage. If I don't move in with him, he plans to dissolve our relationship. Thoughts?
posted by SageTrail at 11:43 AM PST - 54 comments

Something I realized recently is that music tracks are not credited at the end of episodes of Netflix shows. This is particularly frustrating when I liked some music in an episode but then the track/performer is never listed in the credits. Why is this the case? What's the legal situation that allows them to not have to credit the music?
posted by indyjones at 11:12 AM PST - 9 comments

My current partner, previously mentioned in this question (We had the talk and things are fantastic!) has recently completed his PhD coursework and is now just working on completing his dissertation. I want him to knock his dissertation board dead, and to help in anyway I can. I’m curious if the Hivemind has any suggestions on how to be a helpful partner during this usually stressful time that often chews up and spits out hopeful doctorate students. [more inside]
posted by Quincy at 10:29 AM PST - 9 comments

Please help me figure out how to address this in my application! A couple months ago, I applied for a job at a company "DreamCo." I interviewed with Dreamco but ultimately they did not hire me. Today I saw a listing for a different kind of position in another department that I very very much want. What next? Lots more details below. [more inside]
posted by prewar lemonade at 10:21 AM PST - 6 comments

When you see a banjo with a scroll-style peghead (as opposed to other shapes), does it evoke... anything to you? In particular I am concerned if you see it and just immediately assume the person playing it is a racist or strange Civil War fetishist or similar. I know that there are a great many important and meaningful THOUGHTS on this topic, from many angles, but I'm particular interested in off-the-top-of-your-head reactions. [more inside]
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 9:45 AM PST - 30 comments

My wife has this framed item up in our bathroom: https://imgur.com/w0l1qnZ. I can't figure out where it's from and I can't figure out why she likes it. Can you help me on either front? Question 1: Google has failed me - any ideas where this is from? Is it actually page 86 of something? Question 2: Any idea why someone would find this amusing? [more inside]
posted by slide at 7:48 AM PST - 24 comments

A person signed up to my facebook event that I don't know.... their profile is filled with pictures of celebrities and dozens of comments on each one saying lb. it's just lb. What is this? [more inside]
posted by xarnop at 7:14 AM PST - 7 comments

I need to enable a few hundred people the ability to buy high-quality prints, made from a digital file. We have a high-quality digital file of the commissioned artwork, and the right to resell as desired. What's the best place these days to upload the file to enable members of the group to purchase (primarily) high-quality prints (8 x 10, maybe up to 16 X 20 or slightly larger), and maybe coffee mugs and assorted other items. Focus is on the prints though. We need to ability to set our own prices as this is a fundraiser.
posted by COD at 6:49 AM PST - 2 comments

Which is the best & simplest project/task management app to use? I'm looking for something quite basic and can't quite find the right tool. I manage clients and want them all listed in columns on the same page/or as few pages as possible that are easy to see. All they need to contain is some basic info about the client, what I'm waiting for from other people, and what the client is waiting for me to action. It should sync across devices and be quite simple to use.
posted by meerkatty at 5:50 AM PST - 9 comments

MeFites previously talked us out of a veneered, 'engineered wood' dining table. We’ve been looking for solid wood instead, for durability. But our heavy use and our cats are making even that seem questionable. If you've got a heavily-used table that you don't baby, that you've had for years, and that still looks great, what is it? What would you suggest for us? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 5:29 AM PST - 26 comments

Humid tropical sunshine for two weeks straight. Had all the windows open and fans blowing for two weeks straight because the whole house HVAC system kicked it. New HVAC system comes this week. With two weeks straight of 60-80 degrees of temperature and around 80% humidity, how long should we seal up and dehumidify the house and let the piano set before we get it tuned? Upright Yamaha, 18 years old, two owners, played infrequently.
posted by anonymous at 11:45 PM PST - 2 comments

I run a number of small, busy offices in the L.A. area. that for REASONS are highly likely to be one of the first places that individuals who are carriers of the Coronavirus may contact others. My organization does not have any planning in place other than our existing planning (gloves when providing patient care, regular reminders to wash hands). Without being alarmist, what sensible things can/should I be doing now to prepare and protect my office, staff and customers? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:45 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm turning 30 this year and many people around my age are married/partnered and buying houses. That's great for them and I'm glad for them but I'm not sure that's for me. I'm trying to figure out what kind of things are out there so I can figure out what might be for me. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by azalea_chant at 8:52 PM PST - 4 comments

Around a month ago, I seem to remember leaving a small (3 x 4 inch) piece of notepaper with important information on it inside a book. When I went to look for it inside that book, it wasn't there. Is there still any hope of actually remembering where I put (rather than simply eventually finding) the note? [more inside]
posted by tenderly at 8:51 PM PST - 17 comments

Caveat: no nuts [more inside]
posted by existentialwhale at 7:00 PM PST - 24 comments

A very good friend of mine who lives in NYC has struggled financially for years. I helped bail her out after a brush with homelessness in 2016, and then she won lawsuit that helped keep her afloat for the last 3 years. That money has run out, and she's asking me for financial help again. I can give some short term help, but I'm desperate for some resources to point her to help with this situation. Many details inside. [more inside]
posted by kimdog at 4:38 PM PST - 10 comments

'Friend' totaled their car, then left it off-street at my place while insurance things happened. Insurance is now apparently resolved but 'friend' has less-than-zero interest in moving it, or in supplying me with the title. I do have the registration, from the glove box. How can I get rid of it? Thank you! [more inside]
posted by carter at 3:58 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm going on holiday to Uzbekistan soon. Looking into spending money, it seems that cards are very rarely accepted, working ATMs all but impossible to find and you can't buy Soms outside of the country. So, will need to take cash and change it there. But, FX shops in Uzbekistan will only take pristine cash - ie no marks, never been folded, no dog eared corners etc - and preferably USD, maybe also EUR or GBP. My questions are: [more inside]
posted by ElasticParrot at 3:53 PM PST - 6 comments

For a long time, since I've been sharing a bed every time, I've struggled with how to note down things at night. I've got my own bedside lamp, but it's too much to flick that on for every dreamy thought, and taking notes on my phone, which I sometimes do, is so unpleasant I mostly don't bother. It just occurred to me - after years - that there probably exist pens with built-in lights. That would be perfect: I'd sleep with a notebook under my pillow and nothing would be forgotten. Can you recommend such a pen? What should I look out for when buying one?
posted by cincinnatus c at 3:49 PM PST - 3 comments

Doing my 2019 taxes and my husband and I disagree on how to enter the new roof we had to buy last year for our barn/garage/storage space. [more inside]
posted by chaiminda at 3:35 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm reading a mystery novel set at a law firm in post-WWII London (and written around that time). One of the secretaries at the firm is extremely literal-minded. A partner, chaffing her for it, says, "Would you search yourself anxiously for traces of strawberry jam if someone accused you of being a--" She cuts him off, "Really, Mr. Cove!" [more inside]
posted by praemunire at 3:09 PM PST - 10 comments

In Hindu mythology, Chitragupta was born to help Yama avoid making mistakes. What became of Yama’s previous mistakes? [more inside]
posted by klausman at 2:24 PM PST - 3 comments

I often can't read archived New Yorker articles because they are scanned onto the website in such a way that it's just impossible to see the text clearly. Is there a better way? [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 1:53 PM PST - 6 comments

My life has been a disaster since I graduated college in 2016. I haven't socialized with almost anyone since then because I feel too ashamed of myself and inferior to my friends. [more inside]
posted by 8LeggedFriend at 1:23 PM PST - 14 comments

I don't like texting from cell phone keyboards, so I'd like to do so from my desktop or laptop. So I'd like to find the best way possible to send text messages and manage my smart phone settings from the comfort of a full-sized keyboard. I'd like to do that in a way that doesn't needlessly give away all my information. [more inside]
posted by earlsofsandwich at 1:10 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm so tired of constantly begging/bossing my children to clean up after themselves. Help me before I ... I don't know what. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:25 PM PST - 59 comments

A week ago, I noticed discolored drywall around a light switch in a room directly below my shower. There's no consistent leak that I can detect, but I've been keeping an eye on it and now today I could tell the drywall was damp again. I should call a plumber to inspect for a leak, right? Also, because the leak does not seem to be major, is it ok to use the shower until we get it looked at, hopefully early this week? [more inside]
posted by crLLC at 12:03 PM PST - 4 comments

I like to keep an older computer in the kitchen to read news or stream tv while I'm in there. I'm trying to decide between two, both elderly but good enough. [more inside]
posted by sageleaf at 11:15 AM PST - 9 comments

Remote Control Software where the End User does NOT have to provide a Security Code or Click Allow before I can assist them? [more inside]
posted by dgeiser13 at 10:44 AM PST - 10 comments

In elementary school (late 80s/early 90s) I read a wonderful book about kids in some sort of school book club that got to have a slumber party in the school cafeteria. I think it was more J(uvenile) than YA. Other details: one character loved The Phantom Tollbooth, there was a scene where they let loose helium balloons with book recommendations tied to them, I learned the word "apropos." What was this book that seemed to be written just for me??
posted by rhiannonstone at 10:09 AM PST - 2 comments

My family member has 2 kids, one who is about 6 and one who is about 2. They just learned that the younger one has an orthopedic issue (likely has been present from birth) and will need to have surgery to correct it. The rehabilitation period will include being in basically a full-body cast for 3 months afterwards. I would like to send them something(s) to make their lives easier during or after the surgery period. [more inside]
posted by Bebo at 10:00 AM PST - 5 comments

I am assisting with logistics for a conference to be held in Sioux Falls, SD during the 2nd week in May. We are planning 2 dinners during that week for approximately 130 people. I believe we have a venue already set but I just need to find a caterer to bring in. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by sundrop at 9:02 AM PST - 0 comments

I realized I know next to nothing about the US civil War and now seems like a good time to correct that. There are too many books to choose from, though. What should I read that will give me a comprehensive understanding of the context and events and immediate aftermath of the war?
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 8:11 AM PST - 20 comments

Do you have a period system that includes reusable menstrual pads and underwear? Did you go out and buy 7 days worth of $30/pair Thinx? Or is there a set of reusable pads that's actually secure and won't slide all over your normal underwear? What works best for preventing leakage when your period is really heavy? I already have a cup but I need serious backup. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:36 AM PST - 13 comments

Hello Hivemind! Thanks to AskMe for suggesting Scott's Cheap Flights, because, OH HOLY COW, we found a round trip to Ireland from Texas for roughly the same as flying from Texas to the East Coast! Now that the plane is booked, a happily married couple of ~15 years is wondering what we should do to maximize this experience. We will be there for about a week in late September. [more inside]
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 7:33 AM PST - 15 comments

Where do I go in Portland, Oregon to get tested for autism without a waitlist? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:51 AM PST - 1 comment

What are your favourite recipes that use truffle oil aside from having it with eggs or drizzled on pizza? [more inside]
posted by EndsOfInvention at 6:46 AM PST - 21 comments

I have tiny ears. I need noise to sleep. I need headphones at night and in 2020 it’s somehow complicated and frustrating or expensive. Help? [more inside]
posted by Crystalinne at 6:40 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm looking for an accessible and fairly recently written history of Mesoamerica, in English. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 5:45 AM PST - 3 comments

I’ve got a pair of knock off cables iPhone headphones (I cannot find my standard issue ones anywhere) and when I plug these in, they don’t pick up the audio but there is a single digital beep. What gives? Can I fix this? I just want to take a call this afternoon and I swear I’ll go to the apple store and get a real set tomorrow. iPhone xs if that matters.
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 5:28 AM PST - 4 comments

I'll soon be working with my European team for a Kenyan client. My knowledge of (East)African culture is close to none. I'd love suggestions what to read/watch to get up to speed. [more inside]
posted by Thisandthat at 4:43 AM PST - 2 comments

So for an ongoing project, I need to peel about 300 avocado pits every week. The end goal is to grow plants from the pits. Manual peeling is getting very tedious. Can you think of a way to dissolve/soften/loosen or otherwise gently remove the skins? [more inside]
posted by PardonMyFrench at 2:39 AM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for short clips (preferably on YouTube) that showcase some of Trump's quotes that show who he is as a person but that also need no background knowledge of US politics or US daily life. Stuff like "windmills causing cancer" or "it is an island surrounded by water" not "lock her up". This is for a friend of mine. [more inside]
posted by M. at 2:03 AM PST - 12 comments

Specifics within but it's pretty straightforward [more inside]
posted by wooh at 10:29 PM PST - 4 comments

How do you deal with the financial, emotional and other deprivations while cutting expenses to the bone in order to save up for a harp? [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 9:10 PM PST - 36 comments

Where can I buy fresh (as in not dried) rosehips in Toronto, preferably near the Dundas West & Bloor area?
posted by orange swan at 7:18 PM PST - 1 comment

I have a 220 V AC swimming pool pump in an outbuilding. The pump is connected to an over-sensitive GFCI breaker which nuisance-trips once or twice a week. I'm having trouble finding an Arduino compatible circuit to sense when the breaker trips and the voltage to the pump goes away. [more inside]
posted by monotreme at 7:05 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm a beer person who likes to try traditional styles from around the world and I'm going to Belgium imminently, so of course I need to try all kinds of Belgian beer. How can I best do this during my ~5 day trip without investing a full day in an organized "beer tour" or anything like that? Details within. [more inside]
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 6:26 PM PST - 11 comments

Partner would like read novels and such before bed and is contemplating buying an e-reader of some sort. That's about as far as we've got, so... [more inside]
posted by 5Q7 at 4:18 PM PST - 32 comments

For unclear reasons I should explore in therapy, I always assumed I'd go to my grave having never skied and was 100% okay with that. Even happy about it! But now I'm going skiing next weekend because I am dating someone who loves skiing. I have NEVER skied. I'm a fully grown adult. Going to Big Bear, in California. I've got a private ski lesson booked. Will rent equipment. My questions: [more inside]
posted by namemeansgazelle at 3:00 PM PST - 38 comments

Cooked an octopus. Ended up with a lot of soupy water. Saved it, cooked another octopus in it. What can I do with all this dilute fishy water?
posted by musofire at 1:45 PM PST - 5 comments

My mother used to describe somewhere out in the sticks as what I would tentatively spell "khubbutzville." I find one or two internet instances of "huppitzville." I think of it as from Yiddish but don't have a real reason for saying that and don't know what the root of that would be. Can anyone attest this?
posted by less of course at 1:34 PM PST - 9 comments

What kind of rug pad should we get for our new rug? It should hold the rug in place well and not damage the wood floor underneath, and preferably be on the thin side (less than 1/4" thick). The rug is woven wool (so wool on the bottom; no backing). Some questions on the options I've seen are below. [more inside]
posted by Mechitar at 1:28 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm braising some short ribs and wonder what I should serve them over. [more inside]
posted by valkane at 12:45 PM PST - 10 comments

Socially anxious but want to do Heavy Bag punching. Live in Small Apartment, not a lot of room to install any equipment.. Looking for advice on where/how I can do this if possible. Or maybe alternatives that are stationary (but not just wii ring or fit... I want something solid and resisting - but please - remember socially anxious minimal human interaction is one of the key concerns). [more inside]
posted by symbioid at 11:48 AM PST - 5 comments

I signed up and pre-paid for for 3 facial (IPL/photofacial) treatments last fall. This was at a skincare salon, not a dermatologist. I wasn't sure whether I should include a tip, but thought I'd figure it out and tip on the last one, if I did. Then it got a little more complicated. [more inside]
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 10:37 AM PST - 6 comments

My wife had an emotional affair last year. Recently the other man was kicked out of home by his partner. Since this time, my wife has been convinced he is angry at her, despite no direct evidence for it. I am seriously concerned about her mental health and do not know what to do [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:51 AM PST - 34 comments

Inspired by the person in NYC, I also need a new rheumatologist. Snowflake details below. [more inside]
posted by bile and syntax at 8:21 AM PST - 0 comments

You work for the leader of the organisation, whose time and attention are a limited resource. But you are not their PA or secretary. You communicate throughout the whole organisation, look for developing issues within or between different teams, and help resolve them or let the leader know when things that need their attention. You have no direct reports of your own. What is your role called? What is your job title? How would you distinguish it from related roles? And where would you find this job? Would prefer UK opinions if this is something that varies internationally.
posted by automatronic at 8:06 AM PST - 28 comments

Last year, I got out of the Boston area, got a terrific job offer and I moved to a very cool antique farmhouse in southern Vermont. If I had only Boston and NYC (previous homes) to go by, I would totally love it here. However, I recently visited Asheville, NC, and saw everything I really want, and I want to get out of Vermont and move there. How do I do this economically and sanely? [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 7:51 AM PST - 17 comments

A friend is starting to break into more advanced English and would like some resources to help her improve her essay writing. Details within! [more inside]
posted by wooh at 6:25 AM PST - 3 comments

There's a whole load of software available but I need to grab something before this evening so I can't wade through the options. Requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 6:16 AM PST - 2 comments

I am looking for a print of Jackie II by Andy Warhol. Where can I buy one? [more inside]
posted by Alvin80 at 6:05 AM PST - 5 comments

I love the long, operatic-sounding, heavily instrumental outros on some rock albums, like Black Mountain (reminiscent of Pink Floyd) and Dondante by My Morning Jacket. Is there a name for this style, and can you recommend similar songs? [more inside]
posted by adrianhon at 3:43 AM PST - 14 comments

I have a history of liking guys for months at a time, spend much of my mind space fixating on "signs" they like me (often creating a narrative in my mind of our relationship being closer than it actually is), and then get disappointed/hurt/feel bad about myself when it turns out they don't or at least probably don't. Sometimes it feels like my options are to pine after a guy (and most likely end up getting hurt), or to completely write off a guy as an option. I know disappointment/pain is inevitable in relationships, but how can I manage my expectations in a way that helps me protect myself, without closing myself off from hope? Also, given that I don't know if I'm ready to ask someone out, how can I better manage my thoughts regarding if someone likes me or not? And if I suspect that someone may not reciprocate my feelings, how can I show compassion to myself better? Specific story inside. [more inside]
posted by Eleutheramina at 9:17 PM PST - 15 comments

How much should I pay down each credit card account? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 8:29 PM PST - 11 comments

I have $23,000 USD in a savings account. The amount of interest I earn is minuscule. Where can I put my money that would earn more but still be accessible should I need to use any of it for an emergency? [more inside]
posted by ydaltak at 5:09 PM PST - 16 comments

A friend and I are going to maybe "meet in the middle." I'm in northern-ish Illinois and they're in northern-ish Indiana. A vertical line passes approximately between us through Gary, IN. Does anyone have recommendations for low-key but non-chain food or coffee within a 10-20 mile radius around Gary, IN? Or even a favorite, safe-/clean-feeling, franchise-chain-filled highway oasis?
posted by zeek321 at 4:28 PM PST - 5 comments

Partner is thinking of jump-starting her coding skills with one of the local (Seattle area) code programs, namely General Assembly, Hack Reactor, or Ada. Have you been through one, run one, applied to one? What are your thoughts and recommendations on what to expect and what utility they provide? [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 3:18 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a 24 year old Toyota with 83,500 miles on it (no that's not a type), all city driving and a manual transmission. How often should I get the oil changed? [more inside]
posted by ydaltak at 2:44 PM PST - 10 comments

I am looking to establish some solid routines to make myself more productive. I want to be more organized and consistent each day and stop wasting time. Getting up early, exercise, write, etc. [more inside]
posted by GernBlandston at 2:20 PM PST - 8 comments

What are your tips for not being on your smartphone all the time? I’ve gotten better at this lately but I’m still a long way from where I’d like to be.
posted by ferret branca at 2:17 PM PST - 25 comments

Manhattan or Brooklyn, please. [more inside]
posted by unannihilated at 2:06 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm using photoshop to make fake illustrations based on composite photos. I'm saving the composite photos and then going through and applying various filters to turn them into illustrations. The problem is, sometimes after I've done all that and it looks great as an illustration, I find a problem with the photo. Now I have to edit the photo and redo the illustration. Is there a way to tell photoshop "take whatever I did to that photo and do it to this photo"? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 1:01 PM PST - 9 comments

All I've seen for a reason they can cause weight gain is that your appetite may improve as your depression lifts, stuff like that. I'm more into knowing whether there is something in the SSRIs that causes you to pack on weight despite no change in your eating habits. Something chemical, or related to metabolism, whatever.
posted by noelpratt2nd at 11:33 AM PST - 21 comments

If you 1) currently live in NYC and never drive, 2) will move to another city in another state that requires some driving in exactly 4 months, and 3) do not a valid US driver's license... what will you do and why? [more inside]
posted by redwaterman at 11:25 AM PST - 10 comments

I've really enjoyed Erica Jong's Fear of Flying and the movie Y Tu Mama Tambien. What are some other picaresque novels or films with female protagonists? [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 11:05 AM PST - 26 comments

I was laid off this week during a reorg at my company leaving me with a decent severance that will financially cover me for a few months. I have been working with very little vacation or free time for years now and after letting everything soak in, decided to start planning on what to do with my free time for the next few weeks. It's a challenge! Help me make the most of this time. [more inside]
posted by hillabeans at 10:51 AM PST - 19 comments

I am planning an April trip to Japan from NYC. Will coronavirus likely have any impact on a vacation to Japan, at that time? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 10:40 AM PST - 22 comments

I'm looking for essays that apply analytical thought to the in-world logic of fictional worlds. For example, this essay criticizing Gringotts for failing to offer interest-bearing accounts, or Larry Niven's Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex. [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 10:19 AM PST - 15 comments

Can repeated IV placement cause scarring that restricts blood flow? I’m having my 6th IV iron infusion today, 2 more to go after that, and had an episode of Reynaud’s last night. I’ve only had a couple before and I think they were close in time to IV infusions (this was a couple of years ago though). Should I ask them to place it somewhere else today?
posted by HotToddy at 10:14 AM PST - 3 comments

We are interested in replacing a never used shower with shelving/a closet. What should we consider and who does the work? [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:02 AM PST - 2 comments

I need to make regular money transfers to a person who does not have a bank account. What is the best way to accomplish this? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:31 AM PST - 17 comments

After a decade-long hiatus, I just started playing trumpet again. I have been blown away by how much joy it brings me; it feels like rediscovering a long forgotten part of myself. As I work on getting back up to speed, I am trying to listen to music critically again. Please give me your suggestions for musicians and music in jazz, modern classical music, or other genres that can help me become an informed and growing musician again. Trumpet/cornet/brasswind performances preferred, but I am open to learning!
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 8:56 AM PST - 18 comments

Trigger thumb filter: if you managed to reverse your trigger thumb with home care please tell me how you did it! [more inside]
posted by mirileh at 8:25 AM PST - 3 comments

I am a quite an introverted person and like being by myself listening to music or audiobooks, or reading psychology articles online. However I don't work through disability and am really very socially isolated - it's started to get me down. I have social anxiety so Meetup has been a mixed bag for me. I think I am getting clear about what I need (explained below) - what sort of environment could I find it in? [more inside]
posted by AuroraSky at 8:20 AM PST - 10 comments

My partner and I have been loving the nuggets out of HBO's documentary about the years-long rigging of the McDonalds Monopoly game, and I'm looking for more shows/movies that scratch the same itch. [more inside]
posted by Tomorrowful at 8:16 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking to buy a new office chair for my home office in NYC. I want to visit a brick-and-mortar store so that I can sit down and try some actual chairs. (I do not wish to order online.) Can you suggest any stores? Also, if there are any particular chairs you've purchased and love, please tell me about them! Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 7:32 AM PST - 2 comments

I want to take a small position (£500) in cryptocurrency to hold for a long time, with the hope that it goes up in value. Should I go with plain old Bitcoin or something else? I know these things are super volatile, hence the limited outlay. [more inside]
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 6:24 AM PST - 6 comments

I have several extra days tacked onto a work trip to Santa Fe in March, and I'm looking for advice to what to do with them. We've been to Santa Fe several times and enjoy it, but we're interested in recommendations on where else to go after Santa Fe. [more inside]
posted by soleiluna at 6:14 AM PST - 13 comments

Hourlong house party DJ mix. Video is of a small room in someone's house; 2 DJ's spinning funky tracks from records on either side of the room. One guy, "DJ Jesus" has long hair. There's a gal slightly nodding her head and smiling on a chair to the left. One guy on the couch is rolling joints basically the whole time. [more inside]
posted by tintexas at 5:26 AM PST - 1 comment

Friend's laptop is hanging on start-up when installing a Windows update - gets to 95% and freezes. There doesn't seem to be an equivalent of safe start-up for Windows 8.1. The options are system reset or system repair, both of which require a password friend doesn't remember. Is there any other option short of taking it to a repair place? Thanks.
posted by paduasoy at 12:07 AM PST - 6 comments

Can you recommend good parodies or satirical novels for an 11 year old? [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 10:46 PM PST - 45 comments

I'm trying to locate a film for a (very vaguely recalled) scene depicting the humiliation of an older woman as she overhears expressions of irritable distaste toward her by individuals she was trying to befriend. [more inside]
posted by mefitem at 10:02 PM PST - 6 comments

I have a 9 month old, my first. Despite having a supportive partner, I am very sleep deprived, exhausted, and in barely surviving mode. Besides my job, which I’m not able to give 100% to, even though I love it, there is literally nothing that seems to interest me or feel important besides keeping this kid alive. [more inside]
posted by redlines at 9:23 PM PST - 40 comments

A la this question about kitchens, I'm going to be doing a gut reno of our weirdly large, aggressively beige master bathroom in the next year. We have the structural elements more or less complete--long wall of quartz counters, double sinks, and mirrored medicine cabinets, with shower and jetted tub on the other wall. (The jetted tub is mandatory. I know soaking tubs are beautiful and all the rage but I want to be pummeled with water.) Beyond those basics, what neat stuff would be in your ideal master bath? Are there particular, say, toilet or shower features that are mandatory for you? Do you insist on/always tear out a built-in lighted makeup mirror? Key data point: I live in Houston, land of permanent year-round indoor temperatures managed with a/c.
posted by anthropomorphic at 7:16 PM PST - 35 comments

I came close to completing an English degree many years ago, I was probably short a semester or two but I haven't looked up my transcripts. Now I want to become a therapist in the LA area, and my own therapist says I could possibly combine my time finishing my BA degree with my studies for an MFT degree, at the same school, and get the whole thing done in maybe a year and a half. I'm very broke and it's currently difficult for me to work due to disability, but I'm hoping there might be some scholarships or grants available for a disabled, 50+ therapy student. (Would it help that I'm a cancer survivor?) Due to my health I'd prefer to study online but I'll do what it takes to get this done. Unfortunately speed and cost are MAJOR considerations. Once I'm earning a living I may well go back for further schooling, but I need the simplest route to get myself started. I'm at the beginning of this process and I'd be very interested in any advice about affordable schooling, grants, scholarships, and other tips for the best route from here to where I want to be. I'd also appreciate suggestions for relevant forums or other places where I can ask questions.
posted by anonymous at 6:36 PM PST - 7 comments

I have 2 months to finish my PhD lab work, and I want a varied playlist to keep me entertained while I'm doing mindless repetition. Have any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Paper rabies at 5:39 PM PST - 9 comments

What are your favorite podcasts that feature smart, skeptical, knowlegable, usually-kind hosts talking about UFOs, cryptiods, conspiracy theories, psuedoscience, and other fringy stuff? I've recently found myself really enjoying podcasts about strange and almost certainly false beliefs, produced by people who don't believe them. I'm a fan of ArchyFantasies, Oh No Ross and Carrie, QAnon Anonymous, Wild Thing, Sawbones, and The Dream. What else should I try? [more inside]
posted by eotvos at 5:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Our kids, 6(f) and 3(m), will only go to sleep when I (Dad) put them down and the resultant pressure and sleep disturbance it’s causing an unsustainable family dynamic. We know/hope that this will pass, but how can we repair or survive this period? [more inside]
posted by sxtrumpeto at 4:15 PM PST - 12 comments

I was given small amounts of bitcoin. (It's now $39 worth) I think it was 21.co that I know turned into earn.com. Earn.com is [more inside]
posted by notned at 3:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Due to a miscommunication, my one year old twins wound up eating, for lunch, chicken that was cooked one week ago today. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by millipede at 3:25 PM PST - 16 comments

I’ve done a bit of a botched job on my home balayage and I can’t get it fixed professionally. Tell me some at-home fixes that might make it look slightly better!! [more inside]
posted by raspberry-ripple at 2:44 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm taking a trip to a large gathering in a few weeks and like every year, someone has a smash and grab pulled on their cargo trailer, or, last year, they stole the entire trailer outright. Part of me is looking at something like Spytech's GL300MA, but another part of me is thinking that something more like a basic alarm system that goes off if the trailer is moved or the doors are opened might me more effective in preventing theft to begin with. Another part of me is sure that there's a product that does all this available in one package but everything I seem to be finding is more geared toward my commercial fleet than my trailer full of camping gear and the like.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 1:59 PM PST - 1 comment

Thanks to time zone weirdness, apparently there is no time on the clock at which the entire world is officially on the same date. So at what time does as much of the world as possible share the same date? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 11:27 AM PST - 10 comments

Do you know of anyone who has written an autobiography and then a memoir? [more inside]
posted by all the light we cannot see at 11:05 AM PST - 7 comments

I have $150K in federal student loan debt. I make $63K/year pre-tax with a possibly yearly bonus of 15% of my salary, so total possible pre-tax income of around $73K. I am single. I'm almost 40 and this is stressing me out. I need advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:57 AM PST - 29 comments

At your organization, are you required to track certain incoming letters and emails, often from Very Important People, and your organization's responses to them? What magical tool (a wish list inside) do you use? [more inside]
posted by kinsey at 9:45 AM PST - 9 comments

I've got the baking bug. Inspired by the success of a few early attempts at some baked delights over the holiday season like a pumpkin pie, pavlova & several different cakes & then binge watching the great British Baking Show I've set myself a goal I want to master 10 baked items, one a month, over the remaining 10 months of the year. Bakers or Baked good eaters what would your suggestions be for the things a newish baker but pretty experienced cook should master that would set me up with a range of baking skills going forward? [more inside]
posted by wwax at 9:20 AM PST - 25 comments

My Congressperson (R., House) has an official Facebook page where he posts news and opinions about government matters large and small. Constituents can leave comments, but the comments do not display--that is, X number of comments have been made, but the hover tag over the number of comments shows the message "No visible comments." Is this currently legal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:55 AM PST - 6 comments

I have a friend and follower who seems to like every FB and IG post I make. Is it possible for one to set there ability to "like" for every post without actually reading the post and actually liking it.
posted by goalyeehah at 8:43 AM PST - 7 comments

I recently saw the trailer for the new Call of the Wild movie with Harrison Ford. It appears that basically every single animal in this movie is computer-animated. I find the effect...deeply unsettling. Can anyone shed any light on why the decision might have been made to just build fake dogs and give them unnervingly human facial expressions? Is it cost? The logistics of using real animals on a film shoot? Why would they do this?
posted by helloimjennsco at 8:30 AM PST - 16 comments

We have issues beyond dripping/leaking with the taps in our upstairs and downstairs bathrooms and I don't know enough about plumbing to tell if all of our problems will be solved by replacing the washers, or if we need new taps instead. [more inside]
posted by terretu at 8:12 AM PST - 7 comments

I work on a digital marketing team in higher education. Currently my job consists of a lot of buckets of work (more on this in the extended section). I'd say I'm most heavily in the web sphere and my first instinct is to call myself a web developer, but I'm building in an instance of Drupal specific to the university and not building out pages from scratch; it doesn't feel like I'm really "web developing" -- mind you this might be the imposter syndrome talking. The reason I ask this question is that my title currently is incredibly opaque/ambiguous/inaccurate/unmarketable -- I'm an "Architect." I'm relatively new to this industry and google searches of web titles haven't really been fruitful. [more inside]
posted by mrk021 at 7:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Looking for some short (5 minutes is the target), good-natured videos to make my four-year old giggle. [more inside]
posted by skewed at 7:36 AM PST - 24 comments

I have $400 in pretax commuter benefits that expire in about a month. I live in NYC. Any ideas on how to use them up or bank them? [more inside]
posted by Borborygmus at 7:26 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm making a film about a guy who works with his hands in an antiquated profession and want him to read a poem. Any fitting works come to mind? No specific time period required. Thanks.
posted by captainscared at 6:25 AM PST - 21 comments

I am very sensitive to bright light, so I carry sunglasses with me whenever I leave the house. But the only sunglasses that work for me are sports-style, e.g. wraparound. Regular flat sunglasses just let in too much light around the edges. All the sports sunglasses I've found are kind of big when closed, and even bigger in a case. Kind of a pain to carry around, especially if I want to protect them from scratches. [more inside]
posted by TheBraveLittleSock at 6:16 AM PST - 4 comments

Having just started poking about for freelance writing gigs, I keep finding absolute scads of shifty looking proposals for Kindle books that all want precisely 25 pages. What gives? [more inside]
posted by Jilder at 4:57 AM PST - 2 comments

I was having a mouse problem in my apartment. The two maintenance men both went above and beyond to deal with the situation, far beyond what maintenance has ever done in any of the other places I've lived. I want to send a thank you note to the main office so they know how great these guys are, it that appropriate or really weird and I should not? Mice are a real phobia of mine so this was seriously impairing my daily functioning.
posted by Aranquis at 4:16 AM PST - 12 comments

Considering going on antidepressants again, but really wasn't a fan of some of the side effects (I tried a couple). Before I go back to the doctors, can anyone point me to useful resources on the short(ish) term use of antidepressants (1-2 years) and the longer term effect this can have? [more inside]
posted by starstarstar at 1:57 AM PST - 15 comments

Pretty self-explanatory, I think. Sometimes when I turn my on garbage disposal, the drain on the other side of the sink erupts. what's causing it? Could it be something isn't working right on the disposal?
posted by BadgerDoctor at 10:13 PM PST - 8 comments

I would like to retrieve some data from a dead laptop (it wasn't backing up everything I thought it was). I've removed the hard drive but am a bit stuck on the next step. [more inside]
posted by nirblegee at 9:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Tell me about applying to coordinator-type jobs in higher ed. [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 8:16 PM PST - 8 comments

Ugh. I stupidly got into a political argument at the gym today, with someone who is a disingenuous political debater and a steamroller in these conversations, and now I’m annoyed at myself. Help me feel better? CW: references to rape culture and the current president [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 6:59 PM PST - 10 comments

I want a Concept2. However, it will be used in my garage that is underneath one living space and adjacent to another. How obnoxious sounding is the Concept2? I use the ones at my gym but the gym is a terrible environment for gauging noise levels. [more inside]
posted by apex_ at 6:30 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm pretty sure I remember seeing, several years ago, a rant by Will Smith about people who pronounce the "t" in "often." That's all I got. Halp?
posted by bricoleur at 6:12 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm writing website copy for a very up-scale hotel. [more inside]
posted by feistycakes at 5:54 PM PST - 17 comments

I’d like to hear about bicycle garages — or even better, publicly available climate-controlled bike rooms — with spaces for monthly rental in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Jersey City. Automobile garages that also have spaces for bikes could also qualify. The most important features are 1) protection from the elements 2) some security against theft 3) ease of access during business hours, but 24-hour access would be even better. I’ve checked a couple on this list but they’re pretty exposed to potential thieves or are outrageously priced (as much as it would cost to park a car).
posted by theory at 5:34 PM PST - 4 comments

Discomfort with dating a very different type of person, or red flags, or something else? [more inside]
posted by mild deer at 4:49 PM PST - 16 comments

I currently live on social security disability to be able to not have to work. I'm also currently working on an app which is my main ambition. I am, however, finding that I have enough time to work a 9-5 as well as do what I do and have been getting concerned about whether my resume will suffer or if just listing the app would be fine as far as there being no gaps in my employment history. If it's better to get a job, I want to take the job without money because I want to make sure I keep my social security benefits in case something happens in the future in relation to my disability. TL;DR: is it possible to take a job and refuse money?
posted by defmute at 4:10 PM PST - 16 comments

For about 5 years I have had issues with both anxiety and body pain that come and go, that I've done a lot of things to try to deal with, but the pain is getting debilitating. I don't know what to do or what I'm supposed to do anymore. Any advice from you, if you've been here? so many details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by socktastic at 3:55 PM PST - 11 comments

My 13-year-old is not doing well in a public school environment, despite fantastic support via an IEP. We have recently learned they are autistic and non-binary. Most of their stressors seem to be social. At this point, I am considering alternatives, but I have my own personal limits that make me worry that any home schooling sort of setup will be a magnificent fail. Please help me learn what some good alternative options might be, and how I can find support for both of us. [more inside]
posted by Eolienne at 2:35 PM PST - 16 comments

I like games and am looking to find new ways to motivate myself to have better habits with both diet and exercise. [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 1:36 PM PST - 16 comments

A klaxon's blaring because of a note a prospective buyer sent with their auction bid. Please help me figure out if my concern is an overreaction? Thanks in advance. [more inside]
posted by furtive_jackanapes at 12:51 PM PST - 12 comments

A professor dreams up a project she thinks has the potential to become a big movement in the future (say, a "lab" within her law school for pursuing Access to Justice initiatives). This requires people, a space, perhaps some funding to develop a website or funding for new software, and down the road, maybe some funding to create a fellowship. How does she get funding? What steps does she have to take? How long is the entire process, and what are the variables that make this process longer/shorter? Who does she need to go through / whose approval does she need, and for what? [more inside]
posted by saltypup at 12:23 PM PST - 8 comments

I live in an area with hard water. Just in the course of washing off my glassware with it, it accrues mineral deposits from the water. What's the recommended way to clean it off so that it looks clean and sparkling?
posted by jtothes at 12:15 PM PST - 11 comments

I've had full-time employment for so long that I'm out of the loop on freelance rates plus I've moved to NYC. So...as a freelance Senior Product Designer should I charge an hourly rate commensurate with annual salary or is there a better strategy? [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 10:00 AM PST - 17 comments

I finally figured out how to listen to podcasts. I listened to Season 1 of Serial and enjoyed. I tried some other things, but I think I really don't like the "person chatting on topic" or "people conversing on topic" format. I like things that tend more towards scripted/edited/produced. I enjoy the kinds of things you read in the The Walrus/The Atlantic/Harpers. I like current events, history, science for dummies, pop-[academic subject]. Open to fiction (I read lots of CanLit and other literary fiction. I don't really want ghost story type things). I'm also open to well-done lectures/speeches. What should I listen to?
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:57 AM PST - 41 comments

I've long been interested in many aspects of Japanese culture (film, woodworking, apparel, textiles, stationary) and my family did work and lived there for 1.5 years when I was young. I'm considering learning the language as a middle aged adult and I'm curious to get a sense for how much time I should plan for study, successful tools and practices, and realistic outcomes. I'm a working professional with a small child at home, so I probably about 5-8 hours per week or so available for study.
posted by ccoryell at 9:42 AM PST - 17 comments

"Better Call Saul" is a good show with crummy representation of Hispanics. I want to write to someone with authority about that. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 9:27 AM PST - 3 comments

My ophthalmologist has sent prescriptions for me to my local CVS. The first time, I went to CVS after the appointment for Medication A, they filled it while I waited, no issues. While I was at the CVS, I got a text message from something called "DrFirst" that said something like "Dr [Opthamologist's name]" has written you a prescription. Click here for more details." I didn't click on that one because I was already at CVS and they had it. Then things got weirder. [more inside]
posted by sineala at 9:10 AM PST - 13 comments

Four months ago, I adopted a dog — and made the mistake of letting her sleep in the bed with me at night. She is extremely needy and it helps her confidence. But she’s a really active sleeper and she is making it impossible for me to get a good night’s rest. I can’t have her sleeping in the bed anymore. But how do I “sleep train” a dog? [more inside]
posted by rue72 at 8:29 AM PST - 19 comments

My partner has an FIV cat she wants to move in with my two non-FIV cats when we merge homes. Is this possible without hurting my cats or is it a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments

I lived with cats while I was growing up, and took care of my ex's cats while we were married. Now, on my own, I find that I can't take care of a pair of cats that I adopted by myself. Is this burnout from the divorce? Am I just not cut out for solo pet ownership? If the first, how do I get back the ability to take care of things that I had before? [more inside]
posted by bridgebury at 7:41 AM PST - 20 comments

I've been enjoying a very specific kind of Jewish bakery linzer tart since I was a kid and don't really have access to them anymore. I can't find a recipe that looks like what I want. [more inside]
posted by LKWorking at 7:27 AM PST - 4 comments

My family is going to New York City in early April for a vacation. Should we avoid being there on Easter Sunday (April 12) b/c things are closed? Or are there so many cool things that we should definitely be in New York on Easter? [more inside]
posted by bijou243 at 7:13 AM PST - 6 comments

NYC: a quiet, private place to talk (FLURRY OF SNOWFLAKES INSIDE) [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 6:02 AM PST - 14 comments

I need help brainstorming ideas for analog security systems at a very rural cabin. [more inside]
posted by Tchad at 5:23 AM PST - 14 comments

My daughter was just diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. How do I think through the ethical issues surrounding when, and to whom, to disclose? [more inside]
posted by sockrilegious at 4:19 AM PST - 8 comments

My 13 yr old kiddo is intimidated to invite new acquaintances to “hang out” for fear of them being bored. Can you share what your teens do after school together? [more inside]
posted by gryphonlover at 2:05 AM PST - 20 comments

I declined to renew my lease when my rent increased by $50, then found out they turned around and offered my apartment in a listing online for $300 less than that. Help me figure out what to say to the property manager. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:08 AM PST - 21 comments

I moved recently, and it made me realize just how much stuff I have. Things I forgot about, things I haven’t had cause to use in years. I would like to cut down on my possessions. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:07 AM PST - 13 comments

My wife claims to be too weak to do many everyday tasks that do not strike me as being particularly difficult. Stuff like, grating cheddar cheese, or carrying a hamper of dry, loosely packed laundry down the hallway, or lifting a 12" frying pan (triply, not cast iron or carbon steel) off the stove. But I am not a small woman myself, so I don't really trust my intuitions about what she should be able to do. Is this a real thing? [more inside]
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 11:05 PM PST - 69 comments

Layperson educational or informational podcast recommendation? I love Futility Closet but I'm approaching the end of my second complete series listen so I'm looking for new podcasts in a similar vein. Bonus points if they are on Spotify. [more inside]
posted by Mitheral at 7:40 PM PST - 10 comments

What are some monthly challenges my brother and I can do together? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 7:39 PM PST - 21 comments

My current career doesn't really allow me to take care of myself. I get burned out easily, find myself sleeping through weekends, and getting sick more often than I'd like, which means I also don't have a lot of time to just grow as a person, period. Given my skills and education, what might I consider doing instead? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 7:23 PM PST - 10 comments

My husband and I will be traveling to Italy for our anniversary at the end of May. I would love to hear about your favorite restaurants, vineyards, hotels, tour guides or anything else you recommend in Florence or throughout Tuscany or Umbria. We’re starting in Florence, then renting a car a driving around Tuscany and/or Umbria for 5 days. Currently considering: Pienza, Greve, Chianti, but nothing is locked in yet. We’ve both traveled in a Italy before but it’s been a long time. What should be on our list? Thanks!
posted by brbmaroon at 6:41 PM PST - 8 comments

I teach test prep classes professionally, and I have just been put in charge of making a podcast about one of the tests I teach. Yay! I was a music major in college, so I do have some good experience doing sound engineering, and I have all the equipment and software I need. But I don't have any experience actually putting together a podcast, and I want to avoid screwing anything up royally. Anyone who has made a podcast, is there anything you wish you had known when you started? (Inside: a few specific things I've been wondering.) [more inside]
posted by rjacobs at 5:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Are there fields like science communication that cover non-science subjects? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 5:21 PM PST - 7 comments

We want to convert our guest room into a tv room. Give me your best sofa bed recommendations! [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 4:11 PM PST - 14 comments

We are going to be taking a road trip with the kid fairly soon and I'm hoping to put on good Spotify playlists for us all to listen to. What are your favorite playlists for kids? [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 12:49 PM PST - 20 comments

New Zealand has temporarily stopped incoming mail from China. I buy a lot of rotary tool bits and the like from AliExpress, most of which ships from China. They are cheap and good quality (once you find the right ones), but with the NZ postal ban this is not an option at present. Can anyone suggest a similar online source where I can get these objects at similar prices?
posted by New England Cultist at 12:24 PM PST - 4 comments

iCloud has been nagging (in a very unApple like way, like in the middle of a DVD) for months now that my iCloud storage is full. I don't really want to pay for more storage, so I'm trying to free up space to stop the nagging. But I'm petrified of a) deleting photos irrevocably. b) thinking I'm deleting only from iCloud photos but then iCloud photos might reach into my iPhoto library on my Mac and delete what I think are locally stored photos there, because the entanglement is greater than I realise. [more inside]
posted by dance at 12:12 PM PST - 10 comments

I've been on a dark ages history jag recently - reading some but also listening to history podcasts. These are great but I would really like some visual resources to go along with it.... [more inside]
posted by WinterSolstice at 11:38 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to google renovations done on houses similar to mine. But to do this, I need search terms! It's a 1967, 2-storey home in Canada. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 10:46 AM PST - 28 comments

We got tired of New England mediocre winter and booked a last minute cheap trip to Myrtle Beach for the first week of March. It's the offseason. What should we do? [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 10:04 AM PST - 13 comments

Should I get: a 2-year Master of Science in EdTech at a prestigious university in which I am already admitted? or a shorter UI/UX bootcamp certification? [more inside]
posted by hot_tea at 8:59 AM PST - 23 comments

I'd like to get a mini crock pot for meals at my desk. Can I use it to heat leftovers? (The USDA says no.) Do I have to fill it to a certain level? Do you like yours? Please share all your tips. [more inside]
posted by kristi at 8:38 AM PST - 16 comments

Help a not-so-gifted mother magic-ify an old Linux for her gifted but very young Vulcan. [more inside]
posted by letahl at 8:08 AM PST - 10 comments

Hey ya'll, I've told my boss I have to get some required training in California during the first week of March. Training is in Mission Viejo, but I've booked my hotel in Laguna Beach (because fuck yeah sunsets on the beach for six nights). I have some questions. [more inside]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:57 AM PST - 9 comments

This week, Bloomberg was in Chattanooga for an event, where he was pressed by a reporter on his remarks about the NYC stop and frisk policies. He looked like he was taken off guard by the question and said he was elected 3 times and New Yorkers must have liked what he did, pressed again, he said: "It was five years ago, and, you know, it's just not the way that I think." [more inside]
posted by mmf at 7:02 AM PST - 3 comments

Years ago (15? 20?) I read an article about a guy (in the US, I think) who was trying to get and save digital copies of all recorded music ever, and I'd like to find it. [more inside]
posted by fabius at 5:45 AM PST - 7 comments

Does anyone know of a plan for demolishing the central part of Harlem (above Central Park) that may have been discussed at Yale in 1964? It can have been by Paul Rudolph, but it is not his Lower Manhattan Expressway project from 1967. Obviously neither the site nor the date fits. During my current research, I've found some written and drawn lecture notes. The sketches suggest something Rudolph-y, but it could be a follower. My google skills are failing me, and I know this is a long shot. But I'd really like to know. [more inside]
posted by mumimor at 4:36 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm doing a presentation on hacking to a local chamber of commerce group. Could there be repercussions from using the names of real businesses in a fictitious case study? [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 4:08 AM PST - 14 comments

I have walnut liqueur and I'd like to use it in food. [more inside]
posted by all the light we cannot see at 3:48 AM PST - 11 comments

I got a final government job offer (this was 5 months after my tentative offer) and start in 3 weeks. However, I just got a tentative job offer last week for another position - can anyone help in terms of how I could think through this situation? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:10 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking for links to "checklists" (online or in books) that a couple can use to discuss each person's comfort level with a range of relationship-opening scenarios that are not full-on polyamory, but more on the "monogamish" side of the spectrum. Kink-adjacent is OK but not core to the situation.
posted by anonymous at 1:10 AM PST - 8 comments

I have a crush on a friend who probably has autism. They (afab) and I express affection in different ways. We will need to talk about it but they’re not emotionally expressive, which I mirror. Please advise.
posted by Sterros at 12:55 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm looking for public domain and Creative Commons writing for use in a commercial education project. Can MeFites give me any tips on how to search for this kind of writing? [more inside]
posted by matkline at 11:23 PM PST - 4 comments

Historically, I've been a pretty anxiously-attached dater. I've done a lot of work on this in therapy and on my own, and am really feeling like I finally have a solid handle on it. However, I've now found myself pushing people away who seem to like me more than I'm comfortable with early on, and I'd like some tips on how to handle those situations. [more inside]
posted by deus ex machina at 10:16 PM PST - 13 comments

My cat and I were in our yard when an unleashed pitbull charged us out of nowhere. In the ensuing mayhem, my cat bit my ankle and gave me a deep puncture wound in the muscly area between Achilles tendon and shin bone. I went to urgent care and got amoxicillin, but the area has swelled quite a bit and hurts. What are the next steps? [more inside]
posted by cat friend at 9:04 PM PST - 16 comments

Do you use a dish soap dispenser that brings you joy? (Also helpful: soap dispensers that you hate or find annoying that I should avoid!) I need a new dispenser and I wash a LOT of dishes. I previously used this simplehuman 15 oz pump. I'm also open to getting the same one if the hive mind recommends it! Thanks for your help!
posted by sums at 7:13 PM PST - 19 comments

I am registered unaffiliated and will be voting in the Democratic primary on Super Tuesday. I need some resources to help me figure out who to vote for. (More inside) [more inside]
posted by ChristineSings at 7:07 PM PST - 14 comments

Are there any journalism projects in the U.S., either by mainstream media or independent journalists, that have the goal of interviewing all candidates running for state office? [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 6:22 PM PST - 2 comments

My apartment came with a really weak microwave and an electric oven with a crappy thermostat. Both work fine most of the time, but just suck to use. I'm thinking I'd like some kind of high end countertop oven ($200-600) but there's a lot of options and I'm not sure what to get! [more inside]
posted by ikea_femme at 4:02 PM PST - 22 comments

I'm coming into a small windfall (less than $10K) and am having trouble deciding what to do with it! Dreamy me wants to install solar power but practical me thinks that other things might be more... practical. Please help me decide! [more inside]
posted by bighappyhairydog at 3:37 PM PST - 15 comments

Can you find an illustration called "The Faune" by George Barbier? Because I can't. [more inside]
posted by Joan Rivers of Babylon at 3:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Postpartum, moving back to DC from less dressy satellite posting and need pump friendly business uniform. Your machine washable cardigan advice required. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 2:34 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm on the faculty at a small liberal arts college, with courses in international relations and environmental politics. After a conversation with a colleague, I'm thinking about starting a very specific type of email newsletter for students (possibly alums as well), but I'm not sure which platform would be the best choice. [more inside]
posted by brozek at 2:07 PM PST - 7 comments

I've lost some weight (actually, I've lost some fat and gained some muscle so am kinda +/-0). Where I had "hard" fat previously I now have very soft fat and while it is lovely and squishy, if there's something I should be doing to take care of my skin please clue me in. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 12:20 PM PST - 7 comments

I just confused my partner by making a silly joke about how we "go together". I meant what I thought was a common phrase from my childhood meaning "dating" or "going steady," he thought I just meant we're compatible. Turns out he didn't grow up with this phrasing at all. Now I'm curious if it's a geographical thing or age thing. If I asked you "Will you go with me?" would you understand that as a request to be my romantic partner (vs. a request to accompany me somewhere)? When and where did you grow up? [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 9:42 AM PST - 102 comments

My 20-somethingth birthday is at the beginning of April. For the first time in honestly my entire life, I feel really good and excited about throwing a birthday party. And yet I still have some lingering anxieties. [more inside]
posted by mekily at 9:26 AM PST - 18 comments

My doctor recommended that I begin taking 2 tsp daily of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for mental health reasons. It is giving me digestive issues. I know you aren't my doctor and this isn't medical advice but purely from a biological perspective how do you know if your body is absorbing something that seems to go right through you? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 8:47 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm facilitating a table discussion next week at a local software user group meeting. I want to put together some resources that participants can refer to after the event. Think YouTube videos, blog posts, white papers, etc. What is the easiest way to share links to these resources offline? [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean at 7:49 AM PST - 8 comments

We are planning a trip to Lisbon with two kids, 4 and 6. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by caoimhe at 7:05 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking for suggestions on how to fill in a leggy fiddle leaf fig with additional growth. [more inside]
posted by smokyjoe at 6:09 AM PST - 5 comments

What are some pop songs that use the 12-bar blues format? There’s “Kiss” by Prince, “I Feel Good” by James Brown, and the verses of “Can’t Buy Me Love” by the Beatles. What else?
posted by pxe2000 at 5:29 AM PST - 9 comments

Death of a family member is bringing up lots of trauma. I want to be with family but I can't for Reasons. I feel paralysed. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 3:03 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm feeling rather tired of adulting and would really like to talk to someone professional about it. I can afford it, so why not, right? But what kind of therapist do I want and how do I find them? [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 2:05 AM PST - 14 comments

I had a bad experience with an abrasive business owner and wrote a Yelp review laying out my experience. A few weeks passed and the business owner replied to my review with several paragraphs of unflattering and untrue rebuttals. Help me move past this feeling that I must defend myself, in this situation and in others. [more inside]
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 12:27 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm looking for something to recommend to my straight friend. Stuff about general allyship would be good too, since a lot of the principles of allyship apply across the board.
posted by fruitdroid at 8:48 PM PST - 5 comments

I very recently posted a question asking for advice on losing weight. Got some terrific feedback, and one thing I've been thinking about all day is how important it is for me to move out of my parent's home for weight loss (and other) goals. [more inside]
posted by KTN at 8:16 PM PST - 21 comments

Going through my grandparent's things, we found a signed baseball. We can't make out the signature, so we don't know who signed it. They were lifelong Cubs fans, so it's almost certainly signed by a Cub, and likely from the 1980s or earlier. The baseball was in a container with a caricature drawing that my grandmother likely put in there. Here's a gallery with a few photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LHKQdDxYKGHC7byt9
posted by ErWenn at 8:14 PM PST - 7 comments

Howdy, the wife and I are putting together 8 days along the southern French coast and wondered if you had any "oh holy crap do this" recommendations? Thinking of flying into Marseilles and getting a car, and maybe doing Saint Tropez, Porquerolles Island, Cannes, Antibes, maybe Nice, Monaco, whatever. Help me!
posted by xmutex at 7:25 PM PST - 7 comments

So, in this Youtube world there are plenty of snapshots of the current president that get rolled into jokes (memed?), like Trump mis-handling the umbrella at the airplane door. But within the era of photographic / TV history there must be similar photos of past presidents- how to locate them online? [more inside]
posted by pgoes at 6:00 PM PST - 9 comments

A friend found the most amazing pillow at Marshall’s a month or two ago, and we would both like to purchase more immediately. However, being the finicky dude that he is, he unfortunately cut the tags off right after purchase so we aren’t sure of the brand. The only identifying info we have to go on is a small, gold, embroidered fleur de lis logo on the bottom right of the pillow. [more inside]
posted by perpetual lurker at 3:42 PM PST - 6 comments

I want a small (11.6-inch) laptop mostly for word processing, email, and streaming music. I've been using a Chromebook but would like to try a Linux computer this time. I need it to be light weight, with decent battery life and a good, clear screen, below $500. Is this a thing? [more inside]
posted by hungrytiger at 3:05 PM PST - 28 comments

It’s midwinter break, and my friend’s son has an injured foot. They’re going to LA Monday. Any ideas on what they could do that doesn’t require tons of walking? [more inside]
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 3:00 PM PST - 9 comments

My cousin, "Sandy," opened a business in 50-50 with a partner, "Andy", who has turned out to be dishonest, erratic, and unstable. The business is a year old and had become extremely lucrative thanks to my cousin's business smarts. Basically the business started becoming very successful, Andy was onsite more than Sandy, and he (unstable and possibly nursing a drug addiction, I think) started embezzling money, underreporting profits, the whole bit. Andy also got the bright idea to kick Sandy out of the business. Andy has more money (sudden windfall) than my cousin and knows it, has shut the whole thing down and REFUSES to buy Sandy out (but will only allow Sandy to buy HIM out for ~$250,000, which is money he knows she does not have) out hoping to starve her out so he gives up and leaves. WTF? [more inside]
posted by shaademaan at 2:59 PM PST - 11 comments

How do you get all of the texts off of an Android phone? [more inside]
posted by colorblock sock at 2:54 PM PST - 3 comments

Is this punctuated correctly (example made up for illustration)? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 2:04 PM PST - 11 comments

I speak decent Spanish, and need to learn Portuguese. But my mind doesn't retain stuff I've formally studied. Knowledge inputs easily, but doesn't stick long term. So my plan is to slow it all down and really churn/obsess over just three vocabulary words and one conjugation form per day. Return to the micro lesson du jour (something my mind IS good at) over the course of a day. Make sense? Any add-on suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:51 AM PST - 12 comments

Can I fix this, or do I need to buy a new computer? Each of these problems occurs one at a time, while my Mac Mini is sleeping. When I go to wake it up, either the keyboard won't work, or the mouse, or the external hard drive, or the monitor. Everything else works fine, and the offending device reappears as soon as I have disconnected its cable and reconnected it. It doesn't matter whether I use a hub or connect directly to the USB ports on the back of my Mac. [more inside]
posted by chromium at 11:15 AM PST - 6 comments

Every now and then, I see a news article or headline about a community that is trying something radically different. Free college tuition, or UBI, or purchasing medical debt. What else is out there? What other projects are under way, where a community or organization is trying something radically beneficial, and radically pro-human?
posted by rebent at 10:57 AM PST - 21 comments

I bought some Calvados for a chicken liver mousse recipe. There’s a lot left over and I’d like to put this bottle of apple brandy to good use. I think this particular bottle is better for cooking rather than drinking because it’s fairly young and rough around the edges, so let’s hear your favorite recipes that might call for Calvados! No dietary restrictions.
posted by theory at 10:50 AM PST - 15 comments

If my father cannot be around people who have had a live attenuated vaccine (for how long after the vaccination?), can he be around fully vaccinated people who are around people who have just had the live vaccine? Specifically when my friends' kids get their vaccines, can I see them and then see my father the same day? The next day? After a week? I can't figure out what the timelines are. [more inside]
posted by sockingjay at 8:40 AM PST - 1 comment

I’m tagging along with a friend who has an appointment in Greenpoint. We’re staying in Greenpoint for four days and while she’ll be a bit busy about half the time, I have several days to be a tourist. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by areaperson at 7:50 AM PST - 18 comments

I have a very, very strong glasses prescription (single strength, no prism). Most places seem to consider -4 to -6 to be strong, whereas I am over double that. If you or someone you know is like me, have online glasses places (like warby Parker or Zenni) worked for you?
posted by Aranquis at 7:43 AM PST - 17 comments

I gave my old iPad to one of my elderly Japanese students and he loves it. And he also loves asking me how to use it. But I'm leaving soon and he needs more help. Is there a video or video series online - and in Japanese - that shows a newbie the ins and outs of the iPad? I've looked but, not speaking Japanese, I don't know what's good.
posted by rileyray3000 at 6:32 AM PST - 7 comments

Recommendation for an Executor for basic wills for a couple that live in NY state. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:12 AM PST - 3 comments

Problems with co-worker and I am now seen as the office rat [more inside]
posted by ForeverTracy at 4:36 AM PST - 14 comments

My parents are interested in taking a trip to Russia in May or June. The 10- to 14- day packages they have found are very expensive, but include reasonably nice hotels, all transfers, tickets to tourist sites, and most importantly, assistance with obtaining a visa. Is it possible to tour Russia for less money by booking everything yourself? [more inside]
posted by gursky at 2:43 AM PST - 9 comments

How to motivate myself to lose weight... [more inside]
posted by KTN at 9:45 PM PST - 23 comments

I saw a dog agility event once in Chapel Hill. Now I want to do it again, in Chicago. I cannot find any events listed of this type, but there must be some agility competition for the 4 gajillion dogs here. Where?
posted by amtho at 9:38 PM PST - 5 comments

YANML/ImmigrationAgent/TaxAgent: Suppose you're in the US on a B1/B2 tourist visa, which bans you from earning an income. While you're there, one of those social media stunt philanthropists like Mr Beast or Bill Pulte decide to make you the target of a stunt giveaway and give you, say, $1 million out of nowhere. According to US law, this money is taxed. Does this count as income, and thus are you now deported? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 8:54 PM PST - 18 comments

Especially after retiring from teaching and bringing my paintings/prints back home, I have almost twenty pieces of art in my basement. The frames are primo. Some of the art is, too. Now what? I'm old. Don't need them.
posted by kozad at 8:13 PM PST - 11 comments

I have an Excel spreadsheet from a 159 pg pdf. It contains names, addresses, state, city, zip, phone number, age, gender and a field code. I need it in a sortable format. [more inside]
posted by dave78981 at 7:18 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm having people over tomorrow and am just now back to normal after an exhausting head cold. Although I'm healthy, I am still low energy and need to spend tomorrow actually cleaning my place, not cooking for hours. What is a comforting, EASY, vegetarian main dish for a crowd that I can serve, with dairy on the side that folks can add if they so choose? [more inside]
posted by rogerroger at 6:35 PM PST - 14 comments

When I travel to a city, which resources (websites, apps, books) can I use to find locations with great architecture & design, where I can explore or savor for an hour? I'd like to enjoy the building interior or grounds, not just peer at the exterior from across the street. [more inside]
posted by cheesecake at 5:49 PM PST - 7 comments

For a big milestone birthday (60!) I'm going to the UK for the first time in May. For part of my trip I'll be alone. I was thinking I would take a train to Oxford, then rent a car in Oxford and drive to Bath, breaking my journey for the night. [more inside]
posted by primate moon at 5:14 PM PST - 8 comments

A couple cycling friends of mine are taking a guided bike tour through the Alps in June. Their tour company (that one of them has used before) has everything covered during the ride but aren't proving very helpful in explaining how to move around Europe with two big bike cases (in addition to the usual backpack). [more inside]
posted by introp at 3:24 PM PST - 4 comments

1. Any idea what this houseplant is? It sends out hardy vines with cool reddish parts. The leaves remain smallish closer to the roots and get bigger and bigger as the vines grow longer. 2. Cuttings usually grow well in water. However, the latest cutting has developed tiny dark brown spots on the underside of two leaves with sticky gel-like blobs on each spot. Any ideas? Thanks!
posted by Majorita at 2:21 PM PST - 9 comments

Hi. I am wanting to do a master's in either political science. I am not sure if it would be best to go to McGill for the name recognition, and because Montreal is a nicer and more interesting city. [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 2:00 PM PST - 10 comments

Trying to organize momentos/souvenirs/etc into a dated-archive kind of thing, in only my under-bed storage. [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 1:55 PM PST - 7 comments

I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The onset of my symptoms aligns with an unhealthy relationship I was at the time (not anymore). I want to read more about the ways our emotions and stress contribute to chronic physical illness, and I’d love to read about how doing psychological work can lessen symptoms. Please no woo-woo:I can tolerate mindfulness and meditation, but no Law of Attraction, vibrations, or affirmations. Are there good books that fit this criteria?
posted by mermaidcafe at 1:43 PM PST - 13 comments

I followed a link from an app on my phone and discovered an interesting article. It vanished, like tears in the rain, when I failed to save it to Pinboard. It was a blog post about what is lost when we unbundle/disaggregate social technology. It was not "Bundling and Unbundling" by Drew Austin, but was in a similar vein. It had a Ribbonfarm-esque feel, but does not appear to have originated in the Ribbonfarmverse. One of the examples may have been the unbundling of physical exercise from mobility. [more inside]
posted by Svejk at 1:04 PM PST - 2 comments

i have to do a LOT of writing at my job and i've noticed that using the simple stick pens is really aggravating my carpal tunnel.... [more inside]
posted by megan_magnolia at 12:45 PM PST - 30 comments

I'm looking for a way to do a quick, automated, and reliable sync (download) of photos from a wireless mobile device to a Windows PC. [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 12:09 PM PST - 2 comments

Where in the San Francisco Bay Area may I consume really excellent chocolate mousse? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 11:57 AM PST - 9 comments

Can anyone point me in the direction of resources or communities for those interested in Baltic (especially Estonian) paganism and neo-paganism? No luck with google or reddit so far. [more inside]
posted by LegallyBread at 9:40 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I find out what online/digital platforms Bloomberg is running ads on? I know he is running google ads on search results. I would like a list of any other digital/online/app ads he is running.
posted by andoatnp at 9:10 AM PST - 14 comments

I booked a trip to Greece and Istanbul before I was diagnosed with IBS. From my reading about the national cuisines, it seems that it will be difficult to avoid my trigger foods. I'd like to hear from anyone with this condition who has had first-hand experience of travel in Greece and Turkey (perhaps the entire Middle East?). Thanks.
posted by feelinggood at 8:47 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a product that I have invented and have a patent pending on. I am having a website for online sales developed. I also need to think about brick and mortar retail, particularly package design. The thing is plastic and measures 1 3/4"l x 1"w x 1 1/4"h (a rectangular cuboid, more or less). Are there specifications by the brick & mortar industry for packaging? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments

If I wanted to move to Ottawa for three months, could I get a licensed daycare centre (not home daycare, not nanny, not babysitter) spot within a few weeks notice for a preschool age kid? I'm not actually interested in (and am pretty opposed to) "preschools" as in anything trying to be school-like and teach in any school-like way. If there's any hope of this, any advice on how I would proceed is also welcome.
posted by anonymous at 7:09 AM PST - 1 comment

A not-terribly close friend is having financial difficulties and I am about to come into a small windfall of money. I'd like to give a small fraction of it to my friend but I am not sure the best way to do it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:09 AM PST - 10 comments

I have a colleague who's really draining to deal with. I try to be compassionate with her, but I'm more or less at the end of my rope. Help me cut her off politely but firmly. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:09 AM PST - 14 comments

A common pattern I've noticed is that my managers tell me that I need to show more initiative. I usually do what's required and do my best at it. How do I break out of this pattern and do what's more than expected? [more inside]
posted by sheepishchiffon at 6:38 AM PST - 18 comments

I once heard recited a naughty Alice in Wonderland poem, and now I would like to find it, but I can't remember any exact lines from it. [more inside]
posted by ivancho at 6:37 AM PST - 1 comment

I’ve been trying to learn to play pool and the sticks at the place are crooked. Please recommend me a cheap stick available on Amazon. [more inside]
posted by Sterros at 3:17 AM PST - 2 comments

Looking for the episode of the Roadrunner vs Coyote cartoon where the coyote stops and actually converses (in a sort of aristocratic accent) with the audience about why he wants to catch the roadrunner. What episode is this - bonus points for a Youtube link online.
posted by Toddles at 8:30 PM PST - 3 comments

Fellow plus-size women on metafilter! What do you wear to the gym? I know I'm totally overthinking this, but I need to buy some new workout clothes because I haven't been to the gym in ages. I kind of feel lost! I have no idea what to wear. I'm kind of adverse to wearing yoga pants/leggings. I've never gotten into leggings and think I would be uncomfortable in them, especially at the gym. What do you wear? What should I wear? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 6:09 PM PST - 32 comments

Let's say you're the matriarch of a rich family who's bought a house in a very nice neighborhood, knocked the old house down, and built a newer, bigger one in its place. You're all moved in. On the day you break ground for an in-ground pool, however, the backhoe operator comes to you and shatters your happy life to pieces by telling you they've unearthed. . . what? [more inside]
posted by Black Cordelia at 5:47 PM PST - 90 comments

My memory is bad, especially for events and conversations. Bad enough that it interferes with my life. It feels like it's getting worse, though I'm only 38. When should I start worrying and what should I do about it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:34 PM PST - 35 comments

How do you describe the feeling of disliking a book or a film or other creative work that you expected to like because of its synopsis or glowing reviews. This dislike is almost immediate. The feeling can be anywhere from medium indifference ("boring") to strong irritation or even outright disapproval. Are there certain qualities such as prose style, cinematography or assumed audience* that you notice that you consistently dislike? [more inside]
posted by spamandkimchi at 4:04 PM PST - 34 comments

I tried Google, YouTube, Tumblr, Reddit, Google Scholar, and Metafilter but no luck so far. I'm looking for a helpful explainer to send to a straight friend.
posted by fruitdroid at 3:16 PM PST - 10 comments

We spend all day at the lodge, but we're pretty tired of PB&J and granola. Help me jazz up lunch so we don't end up buying overpriced food from the cafeteria! [more inside]
posted by madajb at 2:54 PM PST - 10 comments

I know YANMD, but would like advice anyway for how to deal with this. [more inside]
posted by forza at 2:53 PM PST - 16 comments

My husband has a brand new knee and is taking Norco for the post op pain. This is a combination drug with hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol). He is trying to take as little narcotic as possible. [more inside]
posted by SLC Mom at 2:00 PM PST - 20 comments

What can I do to help her gain confidence and break bad habits, without being an annoying backseat driver? [more inside]
posted by denriguez at 1:36 PM PST - 32 comments

I am in my late 30s and have around size 34B breasts. In my early 20s i used to be very sensitive to touch on my breasts, but recently I have noticed that the sensation there is significantly less, to the point that I don’t really enjoy it much when my lover touches them, whereas before it used to drive me wild. Is this normal and more importantly is there any way to get that sensation back? [more inside]
posted by pleasehelp82 at 12:54 PM PST - 5 comments

Especially how it's better than the Bay Area. Also how living in Canada > living in the US generally. [more inside]
posted by hoist with his own pet aardvark at 11:59 AM PST - 17 comments

We are having a lot of behavior issues at school with my daughter. We recently had her tested for gifted classes, and her test scores were very high, high enough to enter the program...but she was not admitted into the program because she does not work independently in class. [more inside]
posted by JXM368 at 10:57 AM PST - 35 comments

Sad things happened to my friend, and she's just moved into a new place. I want to send her a care package. What should be inside it? More info inside. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:48 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm trying to match names to phone numbers from 2 different tables in Mac Numbers. It's not working as I think it should. I don't know if the problem lies with the Text Encoding (not even sure what that is, TBH) or something else. Maybe you have solved a similar problem? [more inside]
posted by 6thsense at 9:59 AM PST - 5 comments

I’m planning to walk the Camino de Santiago this spring and I have very little experience with international travel (coming from US), or even with adulting in general. My questions are below, and I’d be so grateful for direct responses, but I’d equally love to be directed to web resources with further info. In my internet searches, I am of course encountering lots of product advertisement instead of real information. [more inside]
posted by shocks connery at 9:55 AM PST - 18 comments

My feet are always too hot. What are some men's-style shoes that are NOT sandals but still very breezy and cool with as much airflow as possible? I'll entertain all options. [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk at 9:38 AM PST - 18 comments

As part of DrCoTII’s Mainish wedding weekend we had a lobster boil. During the evening after that we made some lovely lobster stock. We would like to make a soup or stew with it that does not involve the purchase of additional lobster, and all of my searches default to Lobster bisque, which I don’t want. We’re fine with all sorts of midatlantic seafood, have a modest budget, and the teens are fans of Guy’s Grocery Games, so unusual options are welcome. We’ve got the base, help us get to melodious soup!
posted by childofTethys at 9:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Wondering if anyone has a process for remembering more of podcast/audio lecture material while driving? [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 9:08 AM PST - 3 comments

5 years ago we bought two new gas furnaces and air conditioners. Since then we've had dozens of service calls for a myriad of issues. But the biggest issue remains -- our house can't maintain a temperature in extreme cold/heat. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by arniec at 8:47 AM PST - 30 comments

Currently thinking about refinancing the mortgage on our brooklyn co-op and am trying to figure out how to proceed with it. [more inside]
posted by jourman2 at 7:54 AM PST - 1 comment

What are your favorite brunch spots in Philadelphia? That's all!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 7:43 AM PST - 16 comments

How do I find someone reliable to clean my (North London) flat? I don't want to use a cleaning 'agency' which doesn't protect its staff or its customers properly. [more inside]
posted by citands at 6:57 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for some high quality, comfortable kitchen chairs. [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 4:44 AM PST - 10 comments

I am refinancing my home with the same lender that services my mortgage right now and they're going to apply the money that's in escrow right now (for property taxes) to the payoff of the loan, forcing me to fund a new escrow account at closing. Is this normal? [more inside]
posted by King Bee at 4:19 AM PST - 7 comments

I bought a dining set online using IKEA delivery. It was a table I had seen in person and the chairs looked fine. But they are impossible to clean! Help me save these from the donation pile. [more inside]
posted by neematoad at 3:23 AM PST - 17 comments

Can you buy greetings cards in convenience stores in the USA? If yes, what is the selection like: just birthday cards, or a bigger range? [more inside]
posted by daisyk at 2:01 AM PST - 14 comments

So I made lotion bars today, and they smell weird, even though I added the amount of essential oils suggested in the recipe. (They smell sort of industrial-- a little bit like the shea butter and beeswax that I used.) How do I make some bars that smell nice? [more inside]
posted by tuesdayschild at 10:17 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I stop trying to win over everyone around me all the time? [more inside]
posted by Sock Meets Body at 9:27 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm planning on helping a new friend move this weekend. Tonight, I remembered that she'd mentioned about week ago that she had brought bedbugs back with her from a trip to visit family abroad. Ack, can I still go over to her place and help her lug her stuff around? Or does that sound like a recipe for successfully acquiring bedbugs? [more inside]
posted by Uncle Glendinning at 6:25 PM PST - 20 comments

We moved from the urban East Coast to a small town for my husband to take a tenure-track academic job, and I'm having massive trouble adjusting. Please advise. Sorry in advance for the wall of words. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:05 PM PST - 83 comments

My real estate agent is pushing me to use a local mortgage broker rather than USAA whom I've used for banking for decades, I can't see any reason to do this and it feels a bit like they're just trying to funnel my business to their friend. Thoughts? Should I be hesitant to use USAA for a mortgage? [more inside]
posted by Shutter at 4:20 PM PST - 15 comments

What is the name of the phenomenon when incremental changes over a period of time make little difference to the trend line, but suddenly one change represents "the straw that broke the camel's back" and the trend line changes dramatically and irrevocably? I want to call it an "event horizon" but I know that term is specific to astrophysics. I'm thinking of things like the "hockey stick graph" of climate change. [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 3:52 PM PST - 12 comments

My memoir was accepted for publication but I'm nixing it. YAY or NAY? Pathetic details inside [more inside]
posted by MiraK at 11:39 AM PST - 45 comments

Lazy and stealing housemate. Please help me decide whether to ask him to leave or not [more inside]
posted by starstarstar at 11:26 AM PST - 38 comments

I was invited to be an admin of a Facebook Page. The invite doesn't show up in my notifications. I navigate to the page and I have only the permissions of an ordinary user. How do I resolve this?
posted by Mistress at 10:33 AM PST - 3 comments

Is there anything I can do to make saying no to a date less godawful for him? [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:00 AM PST - 34 comments

My dad told me a story about a Black boxer fighting a White one outside of the US. The Black boxer took a dive after a while because he was told/was under the impression that he would not be allowed back in the US if he won. Memory details inside. [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 9:52 AM PST - 5 comments

I know there are a lot of questions about anxiety, but I'm hoping for excellent success stories on managing it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:21 AM PST - 42 comments

My family likes to eat at home on Valentine’s Day, and enjoy cooking something new together. Well, my husband and 10 year old son enjoy, my 13 year old sighs and rolls her eyes and reluctantly joins in. We eat pretty much anything, and we work the day of but can meal prep tonight. [more inside]
posted by purenitrous at 8:38 AM PST - 14 comments

I have a bad habit of hitting the snooze alarm, wasting time on my phone in bed, or just falling back asleep every morning. Looking for advice on how to reset my brain/body so I can get out of bed at the first alarm and have a more productive morning. [more inside]
posted by jschu at 8:28 AM PST - 43 comments

I'm asking specifically about 1970/71 before the oil crisis and the advent of self-service. Pretty sure the station near our house closed up at night. But I'm assuming others stayed open late in various parts of town? And by late, I mean 9 or 10. Any firsthand recollections?
posted by swheatie at 8:26 AM PST - 13 comments

What are some songs about tough guys, fights, or fearsome figures that would have been recognizable in the U.S. prior to 1933? Details below. [more inside]
posted by northernish at 7:37 AM PST - 12 comments

It ends up that I have an interview tomorrow, and this morning is time that I have to find a suit that looks nice and also fits well. I've never really done this before, and any in terms of history, any jacket that I try on never fits well and is begging for alterations. Also, pants tend to run a little bit long, even when the dimensions seem right. I'm wondering if there's any way to do this in the time-frame that I'm looking at. I have a few hours this morning and this afternoon, and I'd have to pick it up no later than tomorrow morning. Is this doable? Are there places anyone could recommend? I'm in the LA/Orange County Area. Thank you!
posted by SpacemanStix at 7:28 AM PST - 12 comments

For Valentine's Day, I want to get my boyfriend tickets to a romantic and interesting tour in Chicago (he lives there, but I don't). He loves history and culture, but isn't much of an aesthete. Food is fine, as long as it's vegetarian; he's also not a big drinker. I'm hoping for tickets for the two of us to be under $100, and a Sunday tour is best. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by rue72 at 7:23 AM PST - 7 comments

I regularly work with a few different business partners across China, and I wanted to send them a physical postcard or letter to be delivered within a week or two. Is there an online service I can use that will print my custom message on physical cards/letters, and post them within China? [more inside]
posted by PardonMyFrench at 5:54 AM PST - 2 comments

This is a two part question. Part 1 is: Can you help me find a blogpost or essay I read in the past couple of weeks where a male worker writes about his daily life as a welder on construction sites, with flashbacks to his younger years, including being deaf in one ear and never telling his mom 'til he was in his teens. He also writes about standing around the lunch truck, and also about being the only blue-collar writer in a writing program, and about why he writes. Part 2 is: A teenager of my acquaintance recently said to me "I've never read anything I liked", after I asked him if he was liking the book he's reading for lit class. What would you suggest he read?
posted by cyclicker at 5:52 AM PST - 23 comments

I currently have what is essentially a dopp kit sort of bag that I leave inside my house, as opposed to the short walk to my storage/tool/woodworking shed, for honey-do type projects. It inherently devolves into a mess and I don't like it, nor does my spouse when I leave it laying about in between projects. How do you handle this? Bonus points for addressing limited storage space/small home while maximizing functionality.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:43 AM PST - 19 comments

Looking for books, podcasts or other resources to help a (nearly) teenager with emotions. She's almost 13. She's struggling with rage and with friend difficulties. Expresses a lot of drama and unhappiness, especially when tired. Resources either for her or for the adults around her, either to help her understand her emotions or for strategies for all of us to make life easier for her. [more inside]
posted by paduasoy at 4:08 AM PST - 15 comments

Was there ever a group of people who traditionally made coats or robes out of butterfly wings? [more inside]
posted by daisyk at 2:23 AM PST - 3 comments

As the old saying goes: the definition of a gentleman is a someone who can play banjo but doesn't, however I have no aspirations to being a gentleman. I do have aspirations to learn more songs for banjo, so what's a good book to buy for nice arrangements of the standards? [more inside]
posted by threecheesetrees at 12:38 AM PST - 9 comments

I live in an house in the south that is on a street that is a hill. My house is almost at the bottom of the hill. There is a basement with a sump basin that fills up and drains a lot whenever it storms, and empties into the neighbors (unused) yard. Trying to figure out where the heck storm water can go that is legal and not a dick move. [more inside]
posted by softlord at 8:42 PM PST - 21 comments

I have a teenage kid who's apparently very sweaty, to the point of being embarrassed and uncomfortable. Can I help her? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:59 PM PST - 30 comments

I am fortunate to live by a plethora of Indian chaat places/grocery stores and buy a variety of pickles and spices that I'm more or less familiar with, but I'm overwhelmed by my options when it comes to bagged crunchy snacks. Because I love papadum, onion bhaji, and pakora, I think I really would like would be something chickpea-flour based. What words should I be looking for on the bag?
posted by mzurer at 6:35 PM PST - 8 comments

Moving to a new computer. This involves moving a library of files that have been churning for 15 some odd years. Many are obsolete and a lot of them are duplicates. The duplicates need to be weeded and others need to be sorted by age and evaluated. I bought a copy of the latest 64-bit version of Xplorer2 that claims to find and remove duplicate files. It does not do the job. What do you use for dealing with duplicate files?
posted by Raybun at 5:50 PM PST - 16 comments

Over the past few years, Mort Garson's Plantasia has been on heavy rotation at my house. It's my favorite "walk the dog around the neighborhood" album. I need more; I don't want to burn out on this album. [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 4:08 PM PST - 10 comments

I’ll be having a golden birthday in a couple months and trying to start thinking of celebration ideas now. Previous birthdays have involved a picnic potluck in a park, and multiple potlucks at various places I’ve lived. I want ideas of things I could do that feel a bit special but don’t involve all the effort falling on me. I’m in the Twin Cities.
posted by azalea_chant at 3:54 PM PST - 9 comments

I needed to use up several CSA leeks and had lentils on hand, so on Monday, I cooked a double batch of something like mujadara. It's, like, fine, I guess? Edible, especially doctored up with hot sauce. But I've eaten it for five meals already and there's still so. much. left. What should I do with the leftovers? (That's pretty much it, but a bit more inside...) [more inside]
posted by adastra at 3:06 PM PST - 15 comments

I got a job as a substitute teacher in NYC for junior high and high school. I have no experience teaching those ages. The temp agency that I work for does not do any training. What tips or advice do you have for a new substitute teacher? [more inside]
posted by davidstandaford at 2:37 PM PST - 8 comments

Looking for a subscription (prefer quarterly over monthly) like Field Notes Limited Edition. Don’t want toiletries/makeup, apparel, or consumables. Recommendations? I saw a quarterly knitting project subscription that appealed to me. Also like the idea of stationary.
posted by katyh at 2:06 PM PST - 5 comments

I befriended a coworker last year. He seemed like he had some good ideas on college classes I should take to beef up my resume plus we were going through a shut down and it was nice to have the sympathetic ear. Over time he has displayed a quasi-affection for me which I gathered through his text context (read on) [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 1:57 PM PST - 22 comments

Cooking mefites: Decades ago I frequented a German cafe that served what they called "nusstorte" (nut tart). I'm still dreaming about it, but when I Google nusstorte it's something completely different. [more inside]
posted by Frenchy67 at 1:53 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm re-watching Derry Girls and remembered how much I loved the Cranberries back in the day as well as some of the other Irish music from then. What's a current singer or group in Ireland who's doing new stuff like it? Or even covers of the old 90's sound?
posted by rileyray3000 at 1:50 PM PST - 1 comment

My sister has adopted a pitbull mix and my father and his wife hate the dog. We are a close family, and this is becoming a Big Deal. How can we manage perceived risk and outdated perceptions of pitbulls and keep the family peace? [more inside]
posted by heathergirl at 1:50 PM PST - 36 comments

I wish to spot the Nazis. [more inside]
posted by Evilspork at 1:43 PM PST - 24 comments

I'm looking for fun and interesting videos involving piano or keyboard to show in my general music class. [more inside]
posted by Kicky at 1:36 PM PST - 7 comments

Are you a lesbian? Do you have a sense of a real-life lesbian community? If yes- where do you live? [more inside]
posted by Balthamos at 1:12 PM PST - 8 comments

I have had a small metal sign behind my bathroom sink for years - it's the well-known Rosie the Riveter "We Can Do It!" sign. I would like something that is similar in feel, meaning an advertisement or upbeat positive message, but that is not...that, any more. I would like your suggestions as to what that would be. I would prefer something non-political and non-controversial, and it would be a bonus if the sign is plastic instead of metal. Where should I look, or do you have a particular image suggestion?
posted by tiny frying pan at 12:51 PM PST - 4 comments

What should we do about a bathroom sink that is cracked and leaking? [more inside]
posted by vernondalhart at 12:20 PM PST - 7 comments

I've been using YNAB for a year and there is still so much that I find confusing. Asking questions on the forums only makes me confuseder. What I really want is for someone who knows what they're doing to walk me through the specific things I need it to do. My finances are actually very simple--no debt, and I run everything through a credit card that I pay off weekly. Does such a thing exist? Where?
posted by HotToddy at 12:13 PM PST - 9 comments

I have a Microsoft Team for my large research team that features a very wide Excel spreadsheet containing details about each of our study subjects. As the "Keeper of the Data," I've locked the spreadsheet down so that it is Read-Only. How can I make a Form view of the rows contained in this spreadsheet so that my team members can quickly browse for the study subject in question, and see data presented in an easy-to-read view? Challenge: I want this to be viewable from within our Team. Form view (via regular Excel) doesn't appear to work in the Team version of Excel.
posted by Anonymouse1618 at 10:40 AM PST - 4 comments

What’s the most important change you’ve made to your life as you’ve gotten older? [more inside]
posted by sprezzy at 10:21 AM PST - 44 comments

What's the best solution for low volume carpet cleaning in my house? [more inside]
posted by lazaruslong at 10:00 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm going to a bar tonight for a meetup, and I'd like to order a cocktail. But I need it to be pretty low alcohol. What should I order? [more inside]
posted by Mouse Army at 9:54 AM PST - 22 comments

Recently I came across this video for It's a Fine Day by Jane and learned that it is actually a poem done a cappella. I'm looking for more of the same, recordings of sung poems a cappella with a similar "mood". Bonus points if it's lullaby worthy.
posted by WeekendJen at 9:43 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a history of serial monogamy - some successful, some not so successful. I seem to find it easy to fall into relationships, sometimes with fantastic people that for whatever reason it didn't work out with, and sometimes with people who are so clearly ill-suited to me that I have obviously been shaping myself around them like a pretzel - which I don't realise till it falls apart and I realise how unhappy I've been. Help me find strategies for not giving into going on dating apps / starting to look around for men whilst going through the acute withdrawal stage (2 weeks after a breakup) by telling me why this will be good for me, what periods of being single have done for you and how I can stop feeling like I'm 'wasting time' if I'm not progressing towards marriage and kids with someone (FWIW, I'm female and 35 and time pressures have definitely played into my serial dating the past couple of years). [more inside]
posted by starstarstar at 9:31 AM PST - 15 comments

Who are some good nonfiction writers covering archery? I've read Zen in the Art of Archery and the Reeves Wiedeman piece in Harper's. What else is out there? I'm looking less for Lanny Bassham and more for John McPhee.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:56 AM PST - 1 comment

I just finished building my PC, and was able to install Windows 10 and get to the desktop and access the internet, but there are some problems and things missing (such as my Internal HD), probably resulting from going through BIOS the wrong way as well as perhaps connecting cables the wrong way during the build. My motherboard is a Gigabyte X570 Gaming X. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 8:01 AM PST - 16 comments

I have been asked to coach the young woman who I supervise in speaking more effectively. Are there any resources that could help me? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 7:44 AM PST - 8 comments

I fly a lot. I need your game suggestions for iPhone games that don’t require internet, are not dependent on sound being on, and bonus points for mental stimulation. Basically, I want something to keep my fingers busy while listening to podcasts in the air, but isn’t (for example) an RPG that requires full mental focus to enjoy. (I don’t multitask well.) What have you got?
posted by po822000 at 7:18 AM PST - 28 comments

Let’s say you’re a parent to a teen who is recently diagnosed as bipolar 2 and won’t consider meds. How do you convince her? Is it impossible? Do you have to wait for a(nother) crisis to hit and hope then she sees just how they’re needed? How do you manage BPD without meds? Is that even an option?
posted by anonymous at 7:01 AM PST - 13 comments

I’m been daydreaming about a setup involving 5-8 screens/frames fixed to a wall. When I pressed a button on a remote, they would all shift to whatever is on that ‘channel’, (i.e. all showing images of different sunsets when I press the 'sunset' button), which could be an image or a loop of images. Ideally, I'd be able to adjust what’s on which ‘channel’ for each screen without having to take them down off the wall! Is this currently possible? And how can I learn more about setting it up? [more inside]
posted by wattle at 5:42 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm wondering about the incidence of resignations by civil servants that are tasked to uphold laws in the legislature, the judiciary or the executive branch, but changed regimes have made it impossible for them to perform ethically. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 2:53 AM PST - 2 comments

I have received my first and somewhat sudden transcription request and find it tedious. Am I doing it wrong? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 10:35 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm intrigued by Twitter bots that tweet small, random fragments of stories. I wish to create such a bot, but I'm not a coder and don't think like one. Help? [more inside]
posted by all the light we cannot see at 10:10 PM PST - 4 comments

Not having a butt means you have to wear additional underwear over them, which is largely redundant when already wearing a jock strap. Why the lack of butt? [more inside]
posted by brenton at 8:56 PM PST - 10 comments

Yoko Ono wrote Voice Piece for Soprano in 1961. I've read Grapefruit and am familiar with her instruction pieces. However, I've been trying to find out more specific info about this piece. Most of my search results refer to the more recent MOMA exhibition, but I'm looking for information about her writing it or performing it before then, as well as anything she may have said about it. I am not looking for analysis of it, just history.
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:52 PM PST - 0 comments

I’m interviewing to be the On-Premise Representative for a US distillery. What questions should I ask? How do I negotiate salary etc? [more inside]
posted by qi at 8:40 PM PST - 0 comments

Silicone can be produced in a way that makes it sticky without leaving a residue. You see this in silicone nipple covers (possibly NSFW example), and also in double-sided nano tape. I believe silicone scar tape is similar. I'm looking for a product that is double-sided like the nano tape but skin safe, like the nipple covers and scar tape. Anyone have any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 7:04 PM PST - 3 comments

The last few years I've tried to live by the mantra, "What Would Mr. Rogers Do?" But I find I'd like to do something un-Rogers-like and end my relationship / go no contact with my mother. Land of, unfortunately, Not-Make-Believe inside. [more inside]
posted by jzb at 6:38 PM PST - 29 comments

Hi everybody. I'm increasingly beginning to wonder how much longer my MacBook Pro, purchased new in the fall of 2009, is going to last. Certain websites, including but not limited to The Onion, don't load properly, and it's increasingly common for sites in general to take an inordinate amount of time to load at all. [more inside]
posted by DavidfromBA at 5:44 PM PST - 15 comments

About 20 years ago, I was in an English Language and Literature class that covered poetry from around the world. I'd like to find a racist poem we discussed. [more inside]
posted by stripesandplaid at 4:35 PM PST - 6 comments

I recently had a teak dining room table and chairs refinished. The result, for the table at least, was....disappointing. [more inside]
posted by alonsoquijano at 4:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Back in the fall, a friend gave us about 10 pounds of pears from their tree, which had given them a bumper crop. Not knowing what to do with 10 pounds of pears immediately, we consulted the internet, and decided to peel, slice, sugar, and freeze them. Now we're trying to figure out what to do with them. Complicating factors is that they release a lot of juice when they thaw. [more inside]
posted by Johnny Assay at 4:15 PM PST - 15 comments

What should we not miss in Norway, when we make day-long stays in Bergen, Alesund, Geiranger, Flaam and Stavanger? Mrs. Rabarberofficer is taking us on a cruise to Norway. I would love to surprise her by taking her to some hidden gems along the way... [more inside]
posted by Rabarberofficer at 3:54 PM PST - 8 comments

On my iPhone I accidentally deleted an iMessage exchange I had going with my husband (about three years' worth of conversation). He is alive and well but I am stupidly sentimental and despondent at the loss of this lovely record of our daily conversation. He still has the whole conversation in his iMessages on his phone. Is there ANY way to just copy the conversation from his phone to mine? [more inside]
posted by lovableiago at 2:59 PM PST - 9 comments

Writing a novel set in earlier decades. Constantly, and I mean constantly, running up against things I don't know. I've got a character who's 18 in 1968, married, just out of high school. He's working in the Mother's Cookie factory in Oakland. It doesn't have to be there, but I'd like it to be. Any chance you know anything about what job he might have, and what he would do all day? Other factories also possible, if you know something about those.
posted by swheatie at 2:30 PM PST - 16 comments

You sleep on your back. You love your pillow. What is your pillow? Why do you love it? [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 1:56 PM PST - 21 comments

A member of a private forum is in a bit of a situation right now concerning a visa for foreign adoption to bring their newly adopted child back to the US. Their normally one day wait has been over two months with not even a status update. This problem is not political and is likely specific to their circumstances. Would anyone have any insight or path forward with the details below. [more inside]
posted by Yorrick at 12:09 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm wrapping up my PhD this summer (woohoo!) and need to figure out my next steps. I don't want to stay in academia - I've realized I need more separation from my work and a better work-life balance than academia can offer. However, I just won a fairly prestigious postdoc fellowship award. Should I do it? [more inside]
posted by Paper rabies at 11:52 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm going out for karaoke with my coworkers! Yay! But I've never been. Do you have general advice on how to have a fun karaoke night? [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 11:34 AM PST - 36 comments

Do you have experience with treadmill desks? We would consider either purpose made or DIY. Are there any considerations or pitfalls we might not know about? Dr. Advicepig would like to be able to get a little walking in while she spends all that time working on her laptop.
posted by advicepig at 11:19 AM PST - 5 comments

Our longtime neighbors recently sold their townhome, allegedly to a family member. The alleged family member has immediately turned around and offered the house for sale at a higher price - but I can't see how their numbers make any sense. What's going on here? [more inside]
posted by Naberius at 10:55 AM PST - 20 comments

I have a chronic illness which, some days, some times, can make sustained office work challenging, or even inviable. Working from home helps, but many employers don't offer this an option. How to handle this when starting new employment? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by falcon42 at 10:22 AM PST - 17 comments

I am considering going back to school, about 6-7 years after I last completed credits. I need to write a 'transfer essay', and I'm really intimidated by it. Does anyone have any idea what these are actually looking for, or what colleges are looking for in accepting transfer students, that might help me get the confidence to get started? [more inside]
posted by corb at 10:18 AM PST - 12 comments

I donated to a bunch of congressional races a couple of years ago through the DCCC when they called me, and now I keep getting emails from random Democratic congressional candidates from all over. I unsubscribe to every one, but I keep getting more of them and I think they're all coming from NGP Van or somesuch. My internet searching hasn't turned up a way to centrally unsubscribe from all such emails. If you've had any success in doing so, how did you do it?
posted by coolname at 9:24 AM PST - 9 comments

I am trying to find some scholarly academic (peer-reviewed) articles on the Bloc Quebecois's resurgence in the Canadian parliament. [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 9:15 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I get alerts on an iphone when I receive emails from a specific email address? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 9:12 AM PST - 3 comments

All the kids were bored to tears at the last family wedding. I would like ours to be slightly less boring for them, so we're putting together activity packs. So far, we have wedding coloring/activity books and crayons for the smallest, sketch books and colored pencils for the older ones (who like to draw), glow stick bracelets and glasses, candy, Jenga, and some plastic maze toys. We have extra space. What else can we stick in there? What would be a hit with your kid? [more inside]
posted by marfa, texas at 6:50 AM PST - 27 comments

For two months in a row, I have thrown my back out right as my menstrual period was starting. Is this a coincidence, or is there a hormonal explanation? [more inside]
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 6:24 AM PST - 16 comments

Question about the relationship of farting and weight loss. This is a gut flora issue, yes? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:23 AM PST - 13 comments

Would it be possible to take a paragraph of text in word and (efficiently) put each word in a cell, but have each line of text a separate table? (No need for the words to be aligned column by column. I'm wanting to add some analysis word-by-word).
posted by Hadrian at 2:05 AM PST - 6 comments

Do you have recommendations for physical stores that have women's plus sized shirts in Chicago? I'm looking for actual experience, ideally within the last 12 months. Please do not include online recs or guesses. One solid lead is better than 20 places from Google maps or yelp or Macy's. Thanks MF. Professional not casual.
posted by anonymous at 1:33 AM PST - 4 comments

I have some experience using Terminal on my Mac, but only for basic stuff like searching for orphaned files using wildcards, altering video metadata with ExifTool, showing hidden files (yes, I now know there's a keyboard shortcut for that), and a few other random actions that I've learned about by Googling. I'm aware that in Catalina (MacOS 10.15.x) the default shell in Terminal will become Zsh if I run a command to update it. So far I haven't done that. What will making the switch to Zsh mean for a novice like me? [more inside]
posted by theory at 1:31 AM PST - 12 comments

WARNING: PARASITE SPOILER INSIDE! [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 9:36 PM PST - 4 comments

I got it from the library circa mid 1990's (I was in primary school though it came from the civic library). It was a comic book/graphic novel about elves (i think, they weren't human) that leave their homeland (because of bad people?) and find a new land with new people (paradise?). I remember it being quite raunchy and people/elves died. I believe it was probably an adult book that was mis-shelved because of the comics part? [more inside]
posted by Lesium at 9:11 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm building a PC, and I've gotten to the part of installing the PSU. The instructions don't make sense, they don't label things (that I know of) and there are tons of cables. How do I know what wattage to use? Below is my PC build parts. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 7:11 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me understand why my automatic transmission would go haywire after an oil change + services at one of the chains. [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 5:13 PM PST - 12 comments

I found this in the grass near the parking lot at work. [more inside]
posted by hypersloth at 4:47 PM PST - 6 comments

When I was in middle school (early 2000s) I found these neat cardboard packets of oracle/tarot-esque cards that had maybe 5-7 cards per packet along with a beautiful paper fortune teller/cootie catcher in the same art style. For the sake of scratching a mind itch, I'd love to find a photo or two of these cards. Any takers want to help me search? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 4:11 PM PST - 0 comments

Going to Red Rocks Canyon with two friends. We're looking for an affordable place to stay that's not on the strip. Would love to have a pool/hot tub. [more inside]
posted by monologish at 2:46 PM PST - 14 comments

My family would like to spend a month volunteering this summer (doing something which makes it more likely that we’ll have a Dem president in 2020). Since we don’t live in a swing state, we plan to travel. Can you help me figure out how to plan this? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by hungrytiger at 1:59 PM PST - 8 comments

If a tweet contains a url you may end up seeing a "full" preview of the web page or you may get a panel which contains just some header text and a logo, a "cut down" preview. Examples of both are inside. How can I tell before I send a tweet which of the two the URL I'm going to reference will be shown as ? [more inside]
posted by southof40 at 1:39 PM PST - 4 comments

I have two basketball hoops that, in theory, electronically record baskets made. The hoops blatantly under-report. With a big spreadsheet of points earned on each basket, but not shots attempted, by teams in a league can I statistically show the likelihood of one hoop being worse at registering shots than the other? [more inside]
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 1:18 PM PST - 14 comments

It's time to start the search for a new laptop, and I'm hoping to get some recommendations! Pretty simple (I think) requirements inside: [more inside]
posted by carlypennylane at 12:09 PM PST - 8 comments

About 25 years ago, there was a track that mashed up hip-hop beats with a Zen-like story (Jack Kornfield?) about a bug who lived his life in carpet fibre, and only when getting scooped up by a... bird?... could see the beautiful pattern of the carpet. Do you know what track that was? It may have been on the Ninja Tune Xen Cuts compilation.
posted by Shepherd at 12:02 PM PST - 3 comments

Recipe that serves four, shows 510 grams of carbs in nutritional information. Ingredients follow; INGREDIENTS 10 garlic cloves, chopped - 4 serrano chiles, with seeds, sliced - 3½” piece ginger, finely grated - 1 cup olive oil - ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce - ¼ cup apple cider vinegar - ¼ cup sugar - 3 tablespoons fish sauce - 1 tablespoon kosher salt - 2 lemons, sliced - 6 sprigs thyme - 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 3½ lb.) All of the ingredients except the chicken are used to marinate the chicken for twelve hours. The marinade is discarded. - What is the source of the carbohydrates?
posted by leafwoman at 11:38 AM PST - 7 comments

Is it warm enough to spend time on the beach in Italy in late May? If so, which beaches would be the best bet for warmest weather at that time of year? Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 11:34 AM PST - 6 comments

I’m a stay at home mom going back to work in an office after 2+ years at home. I’m so very tired of wearing leggings and t-shirts and flip flops. I want to use this opportunity to look a little goth/metal, a little off-kilter, a tiny bit weird and possibly queer. [more inside]
posted by tatiana wishbone at 11:13 AM PST - 15 comments

Are there any genealogy websites, preferably free to all, that allow people to collaboratively build family trees? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 10:30 AM PST - 8 comments

At my workplace, I'm getting ready to publish an internal annual report for 2019. I'm looking for advice on the most-effective way to present some data graphically. [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 10:22 AM PST - 12 comments

I need to make a birthday cake for my coworker's birthday tomorrow. No sugar*, no chocolate, no dairy, bonus points if the recipe uses a purple sweet potato. [more inside]
posted by aniola at 10:19 AM PST - 20 comments

I'm looking for blogs, articles, etc. that explain how a "digital nomad" handles chronic health conditions. [more inside]
posted by Ms Vegetable at 10:14 AM PST - 9 comments

I saw these amazing boots recently, and fell in love and took a photo, but the person wearing them couldn't remember where they came from. Brown leather or leather-like material, intricate flower pattern, lots of interesting topstitch detail, and a colorful felt wool cuff. [more inside]
posted by danceswithlight at 10:04 AM PST - 8 comments

When Frozen was recently released, I read someone's article analyzing why the song was so infectious from a music theory point of view. [more inside]
posted by House of Leaves of Grass at 9:51 AM PST - 5 comments

Hi! I have a preschooler and I want to buy him ice skates next year (he will be 4). Should I get figure skates or hockey skates? [more inside]
posted by Bebo at 9:28 AM PST - 9 comments

For health reasons I need to eat more like a vegan. I am not prepared to go full vegan, but want to limit/eliminate dairy and eggs. I’ve got coffee covered with oat milk. I love Greek Yogurt. [more inside]
posted by CMcG at 9:12 AM PST - 15 comments

We are adding an addition (3 bedrooms) to our house and in an attempt to future proof our digital needs we will be wiring 2 Cat 6 cables and coax to each of the bedrooms and hardwiring wifi access points to multiple floors. I'm doing this based on internet research suggesting "future proofing". I understand the network speed value of doing this, but I am wondering if there are other benefits I may be overlooking or not taking advantage of.
posted by blackjack514 at 9:08 AM PST - 9 comments

My husband's grandfather was a featured speaker at a civil rights rally in the 60's. As a birthday present, I was able to find an original handbill promoting the event. He also has a transcript of the speech his grandfather made. I'd love to frame them together -- but how do I incorporate the speech? [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 8:42 AM PST - 13 comments

I got some lovely advice from you all about negotiating salary (or not.) I’m happy to say I have an offer! But the way they presented it has thrown me off a little bit and wondering how best to handle it. [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 8:39 AM PST - 22 comments

I want to write a parody song to be performed for a group of international college students, around 20-22 years old. I want to take a song that as many of them as possible would know, and then rewrite the lyrics. But I'm getting old and don't have a great grip on their cultural references. The students are from various places including the EU, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK so I guess I'm looking for an international pop hit or something like a Disney movie song. Thoughts?
posted by rouleur at 8:10 AM PST - 7 comments

Sometime in the next 2 weeks I'm going to be meeting with the tattoo artist of my choice for a consultation to get my first tattoo. The design is an original character of mine, in a style that's a bit different from their own work. Is this a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 8:00 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me find pet-safe recliners (or let me know there is no such thing). Many specifics inside. Trigger warning if pet death disturbs you (as it does me) [more inside]
posted by arniec at 7:59 AM PST - 5 comments

Assume that you use sheets and blankets, not a duvet, and assume that you use pillow protectors. How often do you wash the blankets, quilt, pillow protectors, mattress cover and pillows? (I am looking for advice since I do this on an ad hoc basis.) [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 7:52 AM PST - 17 comments

Seeing Once Upon A Time In Hollywood got me thinking about how Tarantino and his production design team recreated late-60s California: dozens of vintage cars, billboards, household items, etc. All of this got me thinking about the (still working!) out-of-date computers I own, and wondering if a movie prop house or someplace similar would be interested. [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 7:41 AM PST - 10 comments

To-do list app users: How do you distinguish between "actual external deadline," "fake deadline I set to motivate myself," and "day when I put the task on my schedule to work on"? It's often the case for me that all three dates are different, and I've gotten myself in trouble before by forgetting one of the three, but most apps seem to only allow one due date. If this is a situation you find yourself in too, how do you handle it? [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 7:38 AM PST - 8 comments

My mainly bottle fed 8 month old has started refusing bottles. She’s also extremely clingy and afraid of strangers and new places. I’m at the end of my rope. Help. [more inside]
posted by redlines at 7:36 AM PST - 18 comments

I have a board with a simple connector, and I can't find the proper connector for it. [more inside]
posted by mhz at 7:28 AM PST - 6 comments

Were Marian and Vivian Brown, the lucky twins of San Francisco, mentioned in any of the Tales of the City books?
posted by pxe2000 at 6:46 AM PST - 2 comments

My workplace is feeling really toxic and I feel like I'm in over my head here. Help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:46 PM PST - 9 comments

I have an iMac using El Capitan, and I have a new MacBook Pro 16" using Catalina. What is the best way to move old El Capitan to the new MacBook? [more inside]
posted by artdrectr at 10:18 PM PST - 11 comments

I’m looking for semi fancy recipes that two people of wildly different cooking expertise can prepare together. Sure, for Valentine’s day...and beyond! [more inside]
posted by zinful at 8:34 PM PST - 20 comments

I am a event organizer/program coordinator and need a mobile tech solution to keep track of my to-do lists, notes, ideas for future programs etc. I'd love this solution to mimic writing on paper but be easy to share, access on a mobile device and have the ability to add tags for easy sorting and retrieval. [more inside]
posted by victoriab at 7:59 PM PST - 5 comments

Older Lenovo laptop, running Linux Mint 19.3, Chromium web browser (open-source version of Google Chrome browser.) Chromium Extensions: DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials. HTTPS Everywhere. AdBlock Plus. Linux Mint Update manager runs every time I boot the machine, so all browser software is up to date. I still use FireFox browser also. But Chromium has become my go-to. Should I head on back to Firefox Land?
posted by dancestoblue at 7:05 PM PST - 10 comments

After spilling coffee, breakfast shakes, and tumblers full of iced lemon water on my way into work, I am in desperate need of a new solution! [more inside]
posted by WaspEnterprises at 6:19 PM PST - 33 comments

In Colorado visiting my ill, elderly dad. Have been using his old (2004?) Pontiac Grand Am for 2.5 weeks. Tonight I tried to start the car but the key simply would not turn. The lights turn on, so the battery isn't dead. I have never been able to actually turn the key to the off position (see photo at this link). Instead, it has been in the ON position always and I turn it to the start position for it to start. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 6:19 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm 43, and so far not much of a beer drinker. I want to change that because its something that I would like to expand my horizons on. I'm not looking to get drunk, or anything of the sort. I'm a mature adult who wants to learn more about beer and needs a place to start. [more inside]
posted by Draccy at 5:10 PM PST - 29 comments

How can I correctly punctuate this sentence: If you have ever asked your partner "What sounds good for dinner?" then you should check out this article. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 4:49 PM PST - 15 comments

The year is 2020 and all the previous questions I could find were at least four years old. Recommend me some machines. [more inside]
posted by queen anne's remorse at 4:39 PM PST - 19 comments

I kind of like the idea of going to a weekly writing get-together, but it seems almost antithetical to how I want to write, which is focused and not-chatty. What sorts of writing groups have you been to, and what have they been like? Lots of focused writing and then chatting afterwards? What's the mix of "I have to write to live" and "I am a filthy casual and just like working on small things" attendees? Have you found one of these groups useful for growing your social circles, or are they pretty work-focused?
posted by curious nu at 3:56 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for podcasts (in English) from outside of the US. [more inside]
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 3:36 PM PST - 4 comments

I have biggish boobs. I am exercising in ways that require a sports bra. But I am losing weight and my boobs are changing size regularly. How do I keep up without spending a fortune? Bonus difficulty inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:09 PM PST - 20 comments

I was promoted more than a year ago to an executive position to replace someone who left. My boss left soon after and has not been replaced, so I report to their former boss (FBoss). I’ve never really been fully vested with all the responsibilities (and opportunities) of my new position. This is causing me some discomfort in applying for outside jobs. Strategies? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:09 PM PST - 4 comments

I recently started a new job in an office with a business casual dress code. I have previously been working from home, so I need to up my work clothes game a bit. I walk over a mile during my commute and so I am only interested in women's work attire that is also comfortable for active commuting, often in rain or other unpleasant weather. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 2:58 PM PST - 11 comments

I’ve recently realized that I very much enjoy sensory activities. Scrubs, strong essential oils, massage, and more. Help me think of more stimulating experiences to add to my list! [more inside]
posted by sucre at 2:56 PM PST - 14 comments

I've been using doing Linux development on Windows using WSL2. I have no need for Windows development or containers. Unfortunately WSL2 broke on the latest "fast ring" update. I'm confused by how WSL2/Multipass work but I liked how native and fast WSL2 seemed and integrated with VSCode for debugging. Specifics are inside but I am often on a laptop, "only" have 16GB of RAM and battery-life are big. I'd rather not spend a week figuring out Multipass and redo my dev environment, only to find out it has a weird set of limitations. or [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 2:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a professional backpack that doesn't stick out a mile yet holds all my stuff. [more inside]
posted by altolinguistic at 12:39 PM PST - 17 comments

One of our neighbors had a short horror film on super 8 that he used to pull out for his kids’ sleepovers. Help me figure out if my memories are accurate. [more inside]
posted by q*ben at 12:13 PM PST - 3 comments

I grabbed a cheap Olympus E-P3 off ebay in order to play with some inherited 80s SLR lenses and it takes very strange pictures. After some digging I've discovered that they look suspiciously similar to these photos taken by cameras that have been modified for infrared photography. Specifically the one in the Standard IR row and the "Auto WB Unretouched" column. Is there any way to verify that this is what has happened to this camera? [more inside]
posted by clockwork at 11:31 AM PST - 12 comments

I saw the short film "Henrietta Bulkowski". It is described by the filmmaker as follows:

A determined young woman, crippled with a severe hunchback, will stop at nothing to fulfill her dream of seeing the world. This is the story of how she finds happiness.

Without discussing my own reaction, my question is: What are people with physical disabilities saying about the film?
posted by the antecedent of that pronoun at 10:03 AM PST - 9 comments

Are you familiar with smaller cities in Japan outside of the usual Kyoto/Osaka recommendations? I'm looking for a smaller, less hectic city in which I can focus on a personal work project for a month or two. [more inside]
posted by bluecore at 9:55 AM PST - 11 comments

Y'all were heroes with the brunch question, so next up is coffee. [more inside]
posted by joycehealy at 9:40 AM PST - 16 comments

To those of you who live in Salt Lake City : can you recommend a doctor for me to see about my knee osteoarthritis? I do have insurance but can't wade through the listing of doctors. [more inside]
posted by ydaltak at 9:25 AM PST - 1 comment

I love ‘90s tv because episodes tell a complete story but they were starting to experiment with light serialization. I hate modern “pile of shit that happens” tv that you feel compelled to binge through because each episode is unsatisfying on its own. [more inside]
posted by Automocar at 9:20 AM PST - 34 comments

A friend of mine has a blind spot in the middle of her field of vision due to a macular hole, and as a result struggles with reading. Her college is happy to provide materials printed specifically for her, but she doesn't know what language to use to describe the font characteristics that are helpful for her, or what specific fonts she might suggest. [more inside]
posted by Orlop at 7:40 AM PST - 6 comments

Who were the trailblazing 'out' celebrities of the 1970s (in the U.S.) who made it cool to be gay, before HIV/AIDS became stigmatized? I'm looking for household names from that era. Elton John doesn't fit as he was not out in the 70s.
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 3:37 AM PST - 62 comments

What's the nerdiest sourdough book you know of? Which book will give me the most information about the process of sourdough bread baking and why I'm taking various steps? Ideally with a proper biological/chemical breakdown of the processes involved. [more inside]
posted by Acheman at 1:24 AM PST - 7 comments

We leave for the Big Island tomorrow, staying in Kailua-Kona. We were last there before the big eruption. What should we see, hike to, look at, or otherwise not miss, now? What’s different?
posted by kerf at 9:09 PM PST - 3 comments

The kids loved Harry Potter, couldn't get into Pratchett's Truckers, what's next? [more inside]
posted by colin_l at 8:03 PM PST - 39 comments

Ex-party animals of MeFi: how did you change your life and reinvent yourself when it was time to stop the party lifestyle? [more inside]
posted by noxperpetua at 7:48 PM PST - 35 comments

I've always wanted to cross the atlantic by boat. A conventional cruise ship isn't really appealing to me. I have a little money to spend on this dream (50th birthday present to myself!), but don't know where to start. The web pages of the freighter lines that take passengers are not really helpful, and some raise red flags. [more inside]
posted by plantbot at 7:45 PM PST - 3 comments

We got an Instapot for Christmas. I used it last night to make tomato soup. It was delicious. I get most of my recipes from blogs. I'm looking for Instapot specific blogs. No dietary restrictions. Savory and sweet both interest me. Thanks!
posted by kathrynm at 5:15 PM PST - 11 comments

My soon to be eight year old is now on YouTube, etc.; and not always supervised. He spends his time mostly on MineCraft videos, Wild Kratz, and more MineCraft videos; and he uses Apple platforms to do so. I'd like to be able to see where he goes to; control where he can / can not go to; and to be able to track and control his time on his devices. TIA mefi folk. :)
posted by Afghan Stan at 3:48 PM PST - 7 comments

My aging parents are now baffled by technical problems, principally involving television and the internet. There is only so much I can do from 600 km away. Who can they pay to come fast to the Upper West Side of NYC and fix simple things?
posted by musofire at 3:15 PM PST - 2 comments

What food options are available on the route from Christchurch, NZ, to Arthur's Pass? If we prefer a place to relax, even for a light meal, are we better off choosing a different daytime outing?
posted by John Borrowman at 3:00 PM PST - 4 comments

I’m looking for the best tea sachets out there. The kind with pyramidal bags with loose leaves that smell really fragrant and fresh, not dusty and old. The tea leaves can swirl around in the bag at least a little bit. A wide variety of flavors would be great. (I do not want non-bagged loose leaf tea.) Available in San Francisco or online.
posted by jroybal at 2:29 PM PST - 13 comments

I just got started in my field (data), and I have a great job. Normally, I think I'd know how to plan out my career... but I have MS. How do I plan out a career path with an uncertain illness? [more inside]
posted by thebots at 12:58 PM PST - 10 comments

I want to buy a Galaxy Note 10 (probably 10+). They are currently on sale on Samsung.ca for $200 less than their regular price. Will they get cheaper after Galaxy Unpacked? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 12:42 PM PST - 4 comments

I have this MacBook Pro, which has a Mini Displayport. It currently runs Ubuntu 18 LTS. I have this Dell docking station, which has a USB-C connector. Is there an adapter I can get that will let me plug in my old MacBook to the Dell docking station and use the two monitors connected to it? Is this even possible? I know the MacBook won't get power from the USB-C connector, I just want it to drive the monitors.
posted by ralan at 12:35 PM PST - 3 comments

I have been in immense turmoil over this situation and I would really like to get other's opinions. I am in a long-distance relationship with a man from a different country. We have been pursuing each other now for over two years and I just returned from seeing him in his country for the first time. We are early thirties. Basically, to summarize the issues - Although we are immensely close and serious, there is something wrong and I am not getting what I need. Certain things going on cause me suspect he might be cheating with a friend he has who he works with who is on the outs with her boyfriend. [more inside]
posted by Aurora13 at 11:47 AM PST - 22 comments

I'm thinking of getting a Chromebook solely for the purposes of work and writing. I have some strong bad habits around wasting time on the Internet and I'd like to find some sort of parental control software (or something like that) that will let me set it up so that I can only go to a small set of specific websites. Is that a thing?
posted by overglow at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments

I am reading bits of Polanyi's The Great Transformation for a third-year university class, and I am having difficulty grasping the term double-movement. Can anyone explain what this and its relevance?
posted by RearWindow at 10:50 AM PST - 2 comments

I love boating -- but I get horrifically seasick, especially when a ship is at rest and bobbing on the water. Someone suggested spinning in circles each morning as an exercise to accustom one's inner ear to queasy-motion. I'd like to try it but need specifics -- how long to spin, eyes open vs closed, how many days in advance of a boating trip? Any other "inner ear training" tips likewise appreciated! [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 10:26 AM PST - 6 comments

I am looking for women's cargo or work pants with specific criteria. Please help me find them. [more inside]
posted by windykites at 10:16 AM PST - 12 comments

I came across a t-shirt I really liked and am trying to find more similar. The shirt in question was a cotton/linen stretchy blend but seemed very broken-in, the fabric was heavy and had a soft, heavy hand. Whatever the opposite of tissue t's. Draped beautifully. Kind of looked like extremely lightweight sweatshirt that you'd had for 10 years. I'm looking for more, ideally without slogans on the front. [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 10:07 AM PST - 4 comments

We love our children (4 and 7) but have the opportunity to take a kid-free 7-10 day vacation this summer for a milestone birthday/anniversary celebration. For Reasons, we're looking at Mexico & Central America. Where would we maximize the advantages of being child-free and minimize our regret that they are missing out? [more inside]
posted by scyllary at 9:56 AM PST - 2 comments

I ordered some things on amazon, and the package never showed. Then I talked to customer service, who said they would "make it right", and sent me replacements, successfully. However, it appears that this might have been opened as a return: I see them in "my returns" with status "replacement requested", and the reorder email seemed to imply I should return the items. The question, before I try to wade through amazon's customer service process again is: is this normal for a replacement for a missing package? Or did they likely misunderstand me and/or initiate the replacement wrong? [more inside]
posted by advil at 9:49 AM PST - 5 comments

We have about a week in New Zealand in early June after I have a conference in Australia. We will have a baby and a tween. What should we do? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 8:26 AM PST - 7 comments

My boring voice puts babies and toddlers to sleep! After years of procrastination, I am capitalising on this by making an awesome 8 episode podcast. I am looking for fabulous royalty free short children's stories, lullabies, short songs, long songs and poetry I can record with. [more inside]
posted by parmanparman at 8:02 AM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for some classy looking, but affordable, custom-printed stationery. I live in the EU and don't want to pay outrageous shipping charges from the US or UK, so I'd like to find a European website that offers this. [more inside]
posted by all the light we cannot see at 7:31 AM PST - 6 comments

I have run a Meetup.com group for years. It cost me 20 bucks a month. It is now 25. I've had group regulars, but out of 1000 members, about 1% actually RSVP and show up. This is expensive. I am looking for options to lower the price or pause the meetup. Other questions and details inside. [more inside]
posted by Alvin80 at 6:41 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for resources available electronically (ebooks, videos, websites, podcasts, etc) on ways to deal with and curb compulsive behavior. It may sound dumb but the behavior I want to get a handle on is having massive amounts of browser tabs open all the time and feeling like i can't close them until I've absorbed all the info and decided how to mark it so it's accessible in the future if I need it (I never do). [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 5:23 AM PST - 10 comments

I've read fairy tale retellings of Naomi Novik and Robin McKinley, as well as lots of T. Kingfisher / Ursula Vernon. Who else can I read with a similar vibe? (Not necessarily fairy tales, but magic world...female author and female world view.) Thanks!
posted by Omnomnom at 3:56 AM PST - 39 comments

I finally identified an itch I've had for years. I am entranced when I see video of people brainstorming & I often daydream about having been a fly on the wall when great ideas were hatched and/or fleshed out. Help me scratch that itch by recommending things to watch, read, listen to or search for! [more inside]
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 3:03 AM PST - 7 comments

How do you remove the vocals from a track to create an instrumental version of the song? Difficulty level: No special equipment or expensive software. [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 12:45 AM PST - 4 comments

My division of the company is shrinking, and with that comes voluntary layoffs and tight budgets. I'd like some tips on dealing with the increased stresses and expectations as an individual contributor. One big issue is the attitude from upper levels that things haven't changed and expectations stay the same. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:24 AM PST - 8 comments

My sibling has been struggling with depression for several years and does not want to seek help from a doctor or counselor. I want to be supportive but I'm not sure how. If you've been on either side of this situation, what, if anything, was helpful? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:24 AM PST - 6 comments

My job is too difficult for me. I can't quit. How do I survive this? It's seriously impacting my mental well being. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:22 AM PST - 20 comments

I'm trying to make an effort to meet new people. It hasn't gone as well as I'd like. Still, going out by myself is a huge step forward. I have friends but they don't go out much, so I decided to meet new people. Sometimes going to places makes me really anxious. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 9:56 PM PST - 8 comments

I lead a subgroup in the Democratic Party of New Mexico. We are registered as a PAC (political action committee) with the NM secretary of state. We are considering various types of involvement in a congressional race. Is anyone familiar with any federal election law or regulations that might be applicable? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:50 PM PST - 3 comments

You have a shower head that you bought from Home Depot that you really like! It wasn't too cheap. It wasn't too expensive. It's held up decently and is durable. It doesn't waste water but also doesn't feel like a trickle of piss. Can you tell me which one it was so I can buy it too? [more inside]
posted by shadygrove at 7:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Question about streaming in the US. The newer Dr. Who is apparently not on Netflix or Hulu. Google is saying it's been licensed on HBO plus. I'm having trouble figuring out whether the new Who is on Britbox. If you have access to Dr. Who streaming (all the new seasons) in the US, where, oh where, are you watching it? Secondary question: Is all the classic Who available in the US on Britbox? Thank ya kindly!
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 7:36 PM PST - 10 comments

I need a dresser for my apartment. I really don't want to spend over $50 on it. I don't care what it looks like or how old it is or what color it is. Basically what I want is something that does not host a colony of bedbugs and will get my clothes off the floor. [more inside]
posted by ldjflut at 3:05 PM PST - 13 comments

Does anyone have tips about services or companies or any other resource for someone on the autism spectrum who might want some help finding gainful employment? I think there are tech companies that focus on hiring ASD people, and perhaps there are employment agencies that specialize in it? I've seen a few articles on this topic but I'd love to compile the different options at one's disposal. Thank you! (PS if it matters, the relevant locales would be NYC and LA)
posted by malhouse at 2:57 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm a straight white cis man, and alongside another straight white cis man, I run a music events series in my city. We've put on ~30 events, and of those events, ~90% of the headliners have been "culturally diverse" -- which is to say, not straight white cis men, but POC, LGBTQ2S folks, etc. How do we describe this in official contexts while maintaining boundaries of respect? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:54 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm 56 and for all of these years had a very strong sense of smell. I didn't realize it had diminished until my doctor game me memantine off-label for trigeminal neuralgia. Overnight I have what my spouse calls "X-Men level" smell and I'm catching things I've not smelled in years. It's often uncomfortable. My doctor has never seen this side effect before. You're not my doctor of course. I'd like to be able to suggest the mechanism whereby this is happening or even other anecdotal reports. Could it possibly be a sign of early dementia?
posted by rcMAC at 2:11 PM PST - 8 comments

There's a decent chance that I'm going to be promoted at my non-profit job; one thing that this means is that I need to work on my project management--managing buckets of work, timelines, deadlines, supervising staff and their workloads, etc. What software, app, system, or overall approach might help me get this under control? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 1:48 PM PST - 10 comments

Sending thank-you notes or sending my mom a card on Valentine's Day are nice things to do. But going to the store, picking out a card, signing it, and then getting a stamp or going to the post office? No thanks. There has to be a better way... right? [more inside]
posted by AppleTurnover at 10:45 AM PST - 18 comments

Is this a silly question? I don't really know. I live in a large US city. Could what is happening in Wuhan -- related to the spread and intensity of the coronavirus -- happen here? Why or why not?
posted by nanook at 10:15 AM PST - 22 comments

My wife needs to take medical leave from her stressful job because of chronic and worsening health issues and a concussion. She's the income-earner right now, so we need help with some financial planning. [more inside]
posted by Caduceus at 10:13 AM PST - 11 comments

Men's styling -- husband has a long torso/big neck and short arms, so has a really tough time finding shirts that fit right. What styles/retailers should we be looking at? [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 7:18 AM PST - 18 comments

I want to keep up with the happenings in the world but there's too much, and the bad news is so daunting and demoralizing that I find it really undermines my energy to take action in the ways that I can. I'm looking for sources of generally good or positive news stories ESPECIALLY with actionable takeaways for readers, including letter writing, phone calls, showing up at events, donating money, sharing information, hosting gatherings, or whatever. Sources for good and hopeful news even without actionable takeaways are also welcome here.
posted by spindrifter at 6:20 AM PST - 9 comments

Is it possible to do telepsychiatry as a US-credentialed psychiatrist with American clients but from France? [more inside]
posted by mrmanvir at 5:09 AM PST - 7 comments

I have a feeling y'all would be the right people to ask about this. [more inside]
posted by Sterros at 11:33 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm putting together the paper programme for a conference. The theme is anniversaries and memorialisation. We cover a variety of anniversaries - births, deaths, events, buildings. The theme is not the individual anniversaries but how they have been remembered and commemorated over time. We have an image for each paper in the paper programme, but want a front-page image representing memorialisation generally. We've thought of candles and calendars - what else would work? We have someone with art and DTP skills so could commission images or put several things together if one image won't work. Thanks.
posted by paduasoy at 10:50 PM PST - 15 comments

How long, does a population in the throes of a ramp up to a civil insurrection, or a despotic overthrow, continue to or refuse to see the signs that may lead to said insurrection or overthrow? [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 10:25 PM PST - 9 comments

DOT Jr. has a birthday coming up and is very interested in Dungeons and Dragons. I grew up during a climate when the game was considered to be the express lane to Satan so I missed out on that. It seems cool, but I know nothing about it. What will he need to get started? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:05 PM PST - 21 comments

I am "sort of" old school, in that I don't want to stream my MP3 files from my desktop machine. What I would like to find is something that streams internet radio, _and_ which has a decent media player interface to play music from a USB drive connected to the device. [more inside]
posted by TimHare at 8:30 PM PST - 16 comments

A piano pupil of mine is into Burt Bacharach songs. He's noticed in the songs that he has, that the composer lists only one dynamic marking---at the beginning. [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 6:36 PM PST - 7 comments

Hivemind: Does anyone have a copy/remember a photo of Dolly performing outside in a country fair/rural location in the 70s? The performance was outside, the audience kind of wasn't present and Dolly was wearing a pink jumpsuit?
posted by PinkMoose at 6:18 PM PST - 5 comments

Netflix is throwing a DNS error three days in a row but only AFTER it plays one show - any ideas how to fix this? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 6:14 PM PST - 6 comments

Developers of MetaFilter: does clean production code actually exist? [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 5:04 PM PST - 31 comments

My husband's first work trip for a new company involves sharing a house with 2 other men that he knows just a tiny bit. He is *very private.* He wasn't asked or warned about this - just kind of heard it through the grapevine. Is there a way to just pay for his own place without it being even weirder? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:56 PM PST - 23 comments

I have been taking generic "IR" (Instant/Immediate-Release, NOT Extended Release) Adderall for almost 10 years. For the past 3-4 years, I've had my prescriptions filled at a large CVS in Brooklyn with mostly no problems. By "mostly no problems", I mean they occasionally can't fill my prescription for 1-2 weeks because they say they have monthly limits to how much they can order. For the past 3-4 months, though, I've been totally screwed by the variable "deadlines" for these monthly limits, and I've had to go up to 6 weeks without filling my prescription. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:56 PM PST - 16 comments

Can the same light that would help plants grow also help me? [more inside]
posted by bluedaisy at 3:47 PM PST - 3 comments

What counts as a fever if your normal healthy baseline temperature is 35C/95F? My main doc has documented this as a quirk, but it makes home temperature taking a guess. If I feel feverish at 36.5C, is that the equivalent to a ‘normal’ 38.7C fever?
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 3:29 PM PST - 8 comments

I have an iPad Mini 2 running a very out of date iOS (9.3). I want to free up as much memory as possible and give it to my dad. Basically I want it to run iMessage, email, Audible, Netflix, Safari and podcasts. What is the best and easiest way to clear my stuff off the iPad (eg my own iMessages and email) without affecting my current iPhone and iPad which are synced to it? I do NOT want it to attempt to update, which I understand it will try to do with a factory reset.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 2:02 PM PST - 5 comments

I work for a piano moving company, and we are experience new problems with old solutions. Lots of people are choosing greener options in home remodeling, and one of these trends is using water based sealant on their floors. How do you slide incredibly heavy items with few points of contact long distances without damage? [more inside]
posted by maleru at 1:15 PM PST - 13 comments

My Google-fu is not working. Read a story (podcast?) perhaps 2 years ago, using as an example a building at MIT (building 26?) where academics of different disciplines were warehoused, perhaps for lack of room, but of course when lepidopterists and rocket scientists talk over coffee, they find great innovations because of cross-pollination (rocket-powered butterflies I suppose). Anyone remember where that article is (or a similar story)?
posted by VeniceGlass at 12:36 PM PST - 11 comments

Hi folks. I have a big ol' cast-iron frying pan. It was working fine, but I washed it and accidentally left it on the lit burner to dry for like half an hour. It had a layer of black powder (soot?) in it, so I cleaned that off. The bottom was kind of rough, so I used a piece of wadded-up aluminum foil to scrape it flat. Now it's dull and silvery, and there are a few flecks of aluminum foil that refuse to come off. [more inside]
posted by Slinga at 12:35 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm looking for a Discord server that is primarily made up of adults, that is active but not off-puttingly huge, and that is open and welcoming to new members. Topics could include writing, books, podcasts, or general nerdery, but that's less important. [more inside]
posted by missrachael at 11:30 AM PST - 11 comments

Hi! What are your recommendations for hotels in downtown Indianapolis, near the convention center? Thank you!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 11:19 AM PST - 7 comments

Our cat died in December 2019. Spouse, who raised cat from a kitten since before they met me, wants to get kittens. I am completely panicky about this prospect. If you have raised kittens - particularly in a 1BR - help me be realistic and calm down? [more inside]
posted by MarianHalcombe at 9:52 AM PST - 37 comments

It's time. I have to get a license/learn to drive. But how? I would really like it if someone could just give me a list of things to do in order with details on how to get a learners permit/learn to drive/get a license in San Francisco. I have a great deal of anxiety around this as I feel cars are dangerous but considering my parent's declining health I have to learn for emergency driving purposes. Hope me metafilter!
posted by Homo neanderthalensis at 9:14 AM PST - 31 comments

Craigslist? Meetup? Where do musicians find each other? [more inside]
posted by less of course at 8:53 AM PST - 11 comments

I'd like to give more and better foot massages to my wife and I want to have some kind of oil to really make it best. Is there any kind of oil out there that's better than others?
posted by fso at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments

I don't really expect this question to be "answered", because there's really no way to do so. But I think that attempts to answer it would lead to some good recommendations, so... A couple of decades ago, I was in a bar and heard a song. I have a few more details, but not many. What was the song? [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 6:20 AM PST - 24 comments

US family traveling to Dublin in a week or so. I’d like to speed our passage through immigration/passport control/customs both at the Dublin airport on our way out and Boston Logan on the way back. We have Global Entry, but are flying Aer Lingus, which does not participate in that program. Frequent flyers, what’s the best way to get through those airports? Clear? Mobile Pass? Something else?
posted by Admiral Haddock at 4:35 AM PST - 12 comments

After reading the piece Adventures in Publishing Outside the Gates, I'm curious about where I can find books like the one the author wrote - well-written, interesting books that stand on their own merits and/but didn't get the publishing industry's publicity treatment for other reasons. I'm not clear on whether lists of books that have won literary awards are useful (enough) for this or if books tend to need the industry's publicity machine behind them to be considered for most awards, too. (Specific recommendations are fine but I'm particularly curious about lists/general strategies.)
posted by needs more cowbell at 4:26 AM PST - 12 comments

How do I let go of a sense of ownership over work that I am paid to produce? Too often, I find myself overly frustrated and angered when people criticise work I have done. No one benefits from my getting angry. It's just bad for me. It would be better if I didn't care, but how can I learn to care less? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 2:55 AM PST - 23 comments

I am a 35 year old cis man, and I have been only with women my whole life. Suddenly I find myself being attracted to men, and my first gay sexual experience is coming up! I feel like a teenager again :) How should I prep for this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:10 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm racing to finish a crazy book project. Last time I did something like this I used an Espresso Book Machine but they seem to have died out. Does anyone know a similar vendor that could do a one or two day turnaround, at a reasonable price? I got a quote from Kinko's for $57 per book which is at least 3x too expensive, if not six times. Thanks!
posted by msalt at 9:02 PM PST - 5 comments

Sometime over the last decade, the lane markers on my city's arterials and highways became a lot harder to see at night than before. I suspect all the strong LED street lights overhead are now overpowering the lane markers, making them especially difficult to see on rainy nights. Both the yellow center line and the white lines take more eye-straining to see now. There are also very few lane reflectors being used on the routes I drive. Is anyone else noticing and talking about this? [more inside]
posted by oxisos at 7:35 PM PST - 28 comments

I have 2 sets of these keys for my flat, and would like more. I live alone, have a cat, and travel frequently so it’s comforting to have a few sets scattered with friends and family. My apartment management won’t allow me to have more, even if I pay the $50 lost key charge. Can anyone recommend a reputable company that will copy? Thanks!
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 7:30 PM PST - 6 comments

In 2017, I bought my first home by myself and I bought my dream couch from Article and I was so happy. Less than three years later, this thing is utterly wrecked and I need to replace it. Help me prevent another heartbreak. [more inside]
posted by katieinshoes at 6:46 PM PST - 21 comments

What's the easiest/cheapest way to take a unencrypted Bluray disc and make several copies to DVD? [more inside]
posted by roue at 6:26 PM PST - 9 comments

I want to get a personal copy of an obscure tune that came out as a single in the UK back in the late 90s. It is only available now either in its original format via Discogs for $$$ (and I do not even have a turntable that I could play it on), or on Spotify as part of huge compilation of late 90s UK tunes. Alas, that entire collection has been incorrectly labeled "Explicit," and so cannot be played on the desktop version of Spotify. [more inside]
posted by tenderly at 5:01 PM PST - 14 comments

Looking for a good place to take the family to dig for fossils President’s Day weekend. Are any good fossil quarries open? [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 3:41 PM PST - 3 comments

I work in higher education administration and was recently given an unsolicited promotion (title, expanded duties, salary increase), meaning it wasn’t during annual review time, and my boss suggested it, I didn’t request to be considered for a promotion originally. I am excited to do the work (I already am), but I feel I deserve more compensation than what I was given based on the quality of my work, what I think it would take to hire an outside person to do this job, and based on what others with my title make. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:55 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for accessible writings that consider how the purpose and policy of bureaucracies and institutions are affected by their own need to recreate themselves and lobby for the necessity of their own existence. [more inside]
posted by mzurer at 2:51 PM PST - 1 comment

My last remaining grandparent (93) is on his way out. My mom and her sister (both late 60s) need my help dealing with legal/logistic/emotional/medical/everything. I'm going down there (Texas) tomorrow afternoon. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by slenderloris at 2:18 PM PST - 13 comments

My son is 3 years old and recently went to the hospital to have tubes put in his ears because he had water behind his ears. We were told that he should get ear moulds for when he takes a bath or goes swimming. Is there a difference between getting moulds from a pharmacy versus an audiologist? [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 1:49 PM PST - 15 comments

The department within the organization I used to work for, but was laid off back in the fall, has offered me a contracted job, specifically to manage a system I used to manage when working there full-time. I'm torn if I should take this opportunity or not. [more inside]
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 1:26 PM PST - 29 comments

Democratic Primary (USA) Filter: I received an email today from my preferred candidate's campaign, asking me to apply to be one of the candidate's delegates at the national convention this summer. I would love to do this! There's a short written application and applicants can also attach an optional video pitch. What's your advice for making my application shine, especially the video portion? [more inside]
posted by nowadays at 12:32 PM PST - 1 comment

How to find an editor for a more academic financial services focused book around 30,000 words especially when.... [more inside]
posted by rich at 12:27 PM PST - 4 comments

I've been tasked with setting up a virtual Customer Advisory Board, and it's been surprisingly difficult to find a platform that meets our criteria. The board will consist of around 20 people; they need to be able to respond to question prompts in a way that allows them to see and interact with each other's responses. The solutions I'm finding are usually way too robust and expensive for our needs (e.g. zendesk, hivebrite). More details below. [more inside]
posted by a.steele at 12:24 PM PST - 2 comments

We're heading to southern California this summer, and we're pricing out various attractions and events. We're skipping Disneyland because of the price, and the crowds. LEGO Land is a must, but summer tickets are almost as expensive as Disneyland. Does anyone have suggestions on how to cut that cost? More details below. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 11:45 AM PST - 13 comments

I need to speak to a live person about the status of my Canadian Permanent Residence application. The phone number is 1-888-242-2100; however, I can't seem to figure out how to get past the automated system and speak to a real person. [more inside]
posted by mekily at 11:34 AM PST - 10 comments

I have several cats, including one who occasionally pees on things when she's stressed. She's about to be in close contact with a cloth sectional couch, and I need a good cover for the couch so If (or when) she does, it's a simple matter of washing the cover and not trying to get pee out of the couch. [more inside]
posted by jzb at 11:18 AM PST - 5 comments

I just realized that can feel my heart chakra!?? It feels very very very real and visceral in my body. Now what? I’m looking for deep, thoughtful, real ruminations and thoughts on it. [more inside]
posted by many more sunsets at 10:41 AM PST - 12 comments

The bench is actually a toy box which has been painted and has a wax protective coat. How can I make the cushion stick?
posted by MiraK at 10:03 AM PST - 12 comments

I want to propose to my partner on a trip to Portland. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 9:27 AM PST - 13 comments

Hello, I'm looking for help finding items that give the impression of home security. Think fake surveillance cameras, bogus signage, etc. [more inside]
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:14 AM PST - 25 comments

I've got a Canadian family member who wants to move from BC to Oregon. He's currently here on a tourist visa. We are now exploring the mountain of paperwork involved and we have questions. [more inside]
posted by chuntered inelegantly from a sedentary position at 8:31 AM PST - 7 comments

My son is ~5’4” and wearing a 31W x 30L jean, but there are problems. His pants slide down in the back, and he seems to have trouble keeping them zipped. Does he need to go up a waist size? Or is there some other pants intervention we can try? Assume that “he needs to pay more attention or try harder” is way off the table.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 8:22 AM PST - 12 comments

I've got video of a traffic accident that occurred and the license plate number of one of the participants, but didn't stop to get contact info - what next? [more inside]
posted by Karaage at 8:15 AM PST - 4 comments

For the first time in my life, I'm thinking about a committed relationship where career/location decisions become about "us" and not "me." This is causing more anxiety than I expected, and I don't think it's all logical. Any suggestions for reframing / rethinking this? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 8:11 AM PST - 12 comments

Is there an IOS habit tracker (with bonus points for an Apple Watch version!) that doesn't use the calendar-streak method? [more inside]
posted by grumblebee at 6:03 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm about to order a new computer screen, and am looking for guidelines (CAN be experience or woo based) on choosing a monitor that is easiest on the eyes and/or brain. [more inside]
posted by mirileh at 5:26 AM PST - 10 comments

This week I'm teaching English crime terminology to my teen class and I wanted to show them videos of things to test their ability to witness details and talk about malleable memories. There used to be a show that did this I think. Where can I find these kinds of clips or videos?
posted by rileyray3000 at 12:49 AM PST - 12 comments

I've been cutting back on my alcohol consumption in January and want to continue it. However, I'm hosting a party this weekend where there will be my big weakness - wine. Help me find some mocktails that still have a bit of alcohol so I don't have full FOMO and down some chardonnay. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 8:15 PM PST - 22 comments

I just got a google home mini because it cost less than a regular bluetooth speaker. Now I want to order it to play music from my computer or phone. I can't seem to do this. Also, is there a way to set up a thing I can activate where it will do X in ten minutes, do Y in x+3 minutes, do Z in x+7 minutes, etc. Can i have it say a certain thing at a certain time? Also, can I order it to play audible books? When I'm setting an alarm, can I have it go off on my phone and can I make it play specific things? Where can I find a comprehensive list of "suggested things you can do, especially toddler related." [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:56 PM PST - 13 comments

In some ways I am a typical perfectionist who hates being bad at things in public, but I've found a loophole in that my anxiety vanishes if there is someone around who is worse at the thing than I am. Is there a name for this phenomenon, and is there some way I can harness it so I feel the same way even when that "worse person" isn't around? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 6:56 PM PST - 9 comments

How would you brand, in a catchy slogan, a $1B green renovation for "The Airport Of Tomorrow" in Pittsburgh? [more inside]
posted by none of these will bring disaster at 4:18 PM PST - 14 comments

I’d like recommendations for books, short stories, etc in Spanish. Preferably stuff that I can find but rarer stuff can become a quest. In English, I like to read speculative fiction. Favorite authors include Ellen Kushner, Ursula LeGuin, Nnedi Okorafor. I love Angelica Gorodischer but have mostly read her stuff in English. It seems to be at university libraries or really expensive in Spanish. I’ve started to read mysteries too and I’d be up for any kind of recommendations if they have strong characters. Thanks!
posted by azalea_chant at 3:51 PM PST - 6 comments

What was with this car I saw on the freeway with right-hand drive and taped-over badging? [more inside]
posted by agentofselection at 2:33 PM PST - 3 comments

I am a person who is very jumpy. I am also a person who often works in my basement with loud machines that spin sharp metal really really fast. This is a bad combination when my wife or child comes down to ask me a question. How can I fix this with buttons and lights? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 1:30 PM PST - 34 comments

Looking to hear from people who are in this situation: You grew up in a dysfunctional or otherwise abusive family. As an adult you got married or are in a relationship and you’re happy together. You don’t feel you are repeating the abusive patterns you grew up with. How did you do it? How old were you when you had your first non-abusive relationship? Do you have children? What’s that been like?
posted by pleasehelp82 at 1:18 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking at using a drone to help me with landscape site setout but know nothing of what drones are capable of. A typical recent case; while manually setting out a large irregular shaped pond on uneven terrain I wondered about having a drone going ahead of me to the next setout point and maybe shooting a laser dot down to the point, I would then mark the point and follow the drone to the next point. I also mark lines in dense forest and woodland and that would be another typical case. [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 1:09 PM PST - 9 comments

My kid's daycare is back-charging us and the late fees are piling up and I don't know what to do. [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 11:16 AM PST - 19 comments

I am a straight mid-30s man who recently exited the only relationship of my life after a few years. I have never had sex with or even kissed anyone else. Part of the reason it ended was because I want to experience dating a variety people before I get married. Now that I am trying to start dating again, how can I know what kind of dating/relationship I am looking for? [more inside]
posted by hijol at 10:42 AM PST - 11 comments

Ex wants to be friends, friends telling me to stay away.... [more inside]
posted by Twinge at 10:24 AM PST - 24 comments

My husband and I are buying a house. We are currently in inspection negotiations. It needs a new roof, a new sewer line and some other things. It also needs cosmetic work, like new floors and a bathroom renovation. But recently, we found out the the roof is not really but kinda under warranty and we could get it replaced... [more inside]
posted by ancient star at 10:17 AM PST - 16 comments

Can anyone shine a light on this line from a song? [more inside]
posted by Cosine at 10:03 AM PST - 4 comments

I need to generate some QR codes for work and there are dozens of QR code generators. Is there a "best of field" generator that is privacy-conscious and doesn't track anything? Most of the sites I've found don't have https:// or privacy policies, which raises red flags.
posted by melodykramer at 10:00 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me settle a disagreement. Who is more rude, someone walking headlong with their face in their phone (unknowingly), or someone walking headstrong directly in their path (knowingly)? [more inside]
posted by Pig Tail Orchestra at 8:48 AM PST - 69 comments

What's the easiest/quickest way to take an album of google photos and create a second album with COPIES of those photos that are cropped to 4x6. I would like to view/approve each crop, though having an initial crop just set that I can just approve if it's fine would be great. I am aware that I will likely need to download the pics and re-upload, though online-based solutions are fine, too. I want copies, not just non-destructive editing. Windows. Android.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:34 AM PST - 3 comments

My wife's circa 2014 Acer C720 needs a new battery. Given that it's 6 years old at this point, I'm thinking maybe it's time to replace it as I assume the same money we spent 6 years ago will buy a lot more capability today. She uses it as her everyday computer. Does anybody have opinions or experience with current Chromebooks in the $200-$300 dollar neighborhood?
posted by COD at 8:26 AM PST - 4 comments

I would like to create a tool that converts an .rtf file to an XML or HTML document. I have familiarity with markup languages, but very limited knowledge of programming/scripting languages. What would be the best language for me to learn to try to create this tool? [more inside]
posted by pinwheel spark at 8:00 AM PST - 8 comments

I live in my head and always have - I think, over-think, ruminate, dwell, ponder.. and being physically present is a huge challenge for me. I'm in my mid-40s now and for a variety of reasons, I'd like to reconnect with my body - but how? I start therapy tomorrow and I am looking forward to it, but any personal experiences you can share would be both inspiring/motivational and helpful, I think. Like, this CAN be fixed, right? [more inside]
posted by VioletU at 7:04 AM PST - 38 comments

I’ll be traveling to Denver today for a few days, staying downtown. I’m looking for a reliable place to get decent tea/tisanes, in walking distance of the convention center. [more inside]
posted by eirias at 5:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Is it even possible to job hunt nowadays without having a LinkedIn profile? [more inside]
posted by TayBridge at 3:50 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm going to be doing a hack day doing *something* on drone deliveries. What data do you think I need? Do you know where I could find said data. What sort of things do you think it would be interesting to know? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 3:46 AM PST - 2 comments

I've set up a time lapse of growing flower bulbs, using my canon camera and a tripod. However i must have picked the wrong settings on the camera, as the light exposure is not even across all the shots. How do I even it out? I have the entire adobe suite at my disposal, and i'm on Mac. [more inside]
posted by PardonMyFrench at 1:53 AM PST - 5 comments

YANAD, YANMD, but IANAD either and am struggling to have my concerns heard following a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate Graves’ disease. Without going down any quack-y rabbit holes I’d like to be able to better understand potential treatment options & outcomes in order to advocate for myself. Details below the fold. Thanks in advance. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:38 AM PST - 12 comments

I am currently visiting a third world country and would like to stay a bit longer to attend a former-student's wedding. I am hoping that I might be able to earn some extra funds by doing work online. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:38 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm remoting in to a client's Mac to get files for a project. The external drive where the Dropbox lives is so close to full I can't move any more files into the Dropbox. When I "Get Info" for the drive, it says it's 1TB capacity with 7GB free space. But in Finder the Dropbox shows its total file size as 3.4TB. Looking in a couple of folders within it looks like the folder sizes could easily add up to that. Definitely more than 1TB. Um... why? What's actually going on? [more inside]
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 9:13 PM PST - 4 comments

Watching the Superbowl Halftime show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira reminded me of the Superbowl Halftime show with Beyoncé in 2013. Their dance routines were punctuated by open leg moves directed at the audience. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 9:08 PM PST - 2 comments

Nor the obvious things like “he hit a wall next to my head”, but the other things that added up to make an abusive individual. [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 8:44 PM PST - 67 comments

Seeking your favorite recommendations stretchy yoga-stretchy-esque pants masquerading as structured pants. Slim leg pants work best on my body type, but I'd consider other styles as well. I recently discovered jeggings and I'm eager to convert my entire collection of bottoms into things that feel like pajamas all day. Betabrand is the obvious recommendation, but it's a little expensive for me -- what else might I try?
posted by Anonymouse1618 at 8:05 PM PST - 9 comments

Short story-filter: disabilities that present as virtually invisible and are substantially aided by a trained support dog. For a fiction story. Character appears normally-abled but requires the support of a dog. Emotional support and PTSD dont fit with the character. Suggestions?
posted by arnicae at 7:14 PM PST - 13 comments

I run a community calendar website for sci-tech events across the state. It's WordPress, uses a mobile responsive theme, and looks really good on a tall/narrow smartphone. I want to send this view as an email newsletter. [more inside]
posted by pzarquon at 6:49 PM PST - 5 comments

I’m looking to hear from people who’ve had (or known someone who’s had) vascular diseases (e.g. PVD, AAA) about experiences, anecdotes, guidance on how to navigate discussions with Dr’s. about initial test results that indicate vascular disease where surgery may be likely. [more inside]
posted by armoir from antproof case at 6:31 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm nice in person but my work emails are mean. How can I fix my tone? [more inside]
posted by mannermode at 6:04 PM PST - 33 comments

Yes, it's true, you are not my lawyer. And Saul Goodman is unreachable at the moment. However, you may be able to help me vet a list of stipulations in the work contract I'm about to draft, especially if you have longterm freelance or contract experience. More fun inside. [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 5:33 PM PST - 7 comments

TIA...Can anyone identify a relatively quick, interactive psychology based science fair project (6th gradish) that people who visit my kid's spot could do? [more inside]
posted by skepticallypleased at 5:33 PM PST - 9 comments

Any advice appreciated. Many thanks.
posted by my-username at 5:22 PM PST - 3 comments

At my job, I have many slips that I must fill out every day, with the following information: student name, teacher name, class period, and the next day’s date. The information changes daily, as I do not see the same kids every day. In the past, I have always filled these out by hand on a printed template, but I can imagine that there is a much faster way, using tools in either Microsoft or Google. [more inside]
posted by to recite so charmingly at 2:48 PM PST - 16 comments

I am not a person who suffers from social anxiety, but perhaps you are. If you are, how can I help make difficult social situations easier for you? [more inside]
posted by cleverevans at 1:14 PM PST - 33 comments

I have some old Calphalon pans and they are pitted. Does this mean that aluminum has been leaching into my food? If so, how worried should I be? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 1:03 PM PST - 6 comments

My four year old daughter was a late talker, and now she has technically caught up. I still see her as behind her peers, but she's outgrowing traditional speech therapy. What next? (Or am I pathologizing her personality?) Would love to hear from parents in a similar situation or people who had speech difficulties themselves. [more inside]
posted by caoimhe at 12:57 PM PST - 17 comments

I was inspired by this artist who gives paintings to people who donate at least $25 to any charity of their choice. I would like to do something similar but a bit different. [more inside]
posted by luvmywife at 12:36 PM PST - 3 comments

I have a stainless steel travel mug which is used exclusively for black tea. It has been very heavily used (daily for about 5 years), and the insides are permanently brown and feel pitted. But I don't know whether this is due to build-up of tea and minerals, in which case I could possibly get it off, or whether the tea has just eaten into the metal. [more inside]
posted by jb at 12:35 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm trying to find a Mac game I played in the early 2000's and I'm stumped -- it was like a cartoony 2-player competitive version of Arkanoid you played online. [more inside]
posted by churl at 12:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Our car had minor damage in an accident. The driver's insurance company declared it a total loss, and says we need to provide a salvage title to them in order to get the second check. Does this sound right? [more inside]
posted by hellbient at 12:06 PM PST - 23 comments

I'm looking to upgrade our ancient pool controls, but I don't want one of the newfangled wifi-enabled systems. I just want something simple and as user-friendly as possible so the whole family can do it. Any suggestions?
posted by malhouse at 11:58 AM PST - 1 comment

The sizes given for armies in the pre-mechanized era frequently set off my B.S. detector. For example, Napoleon’s 685,000 soldiers marching on Moscow would have required 1000 tons of food daily and would have left a swath of 365 tons of excrement per day in their wake. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 11:05 AM PST - 16 comments

I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 20 and have been very successfully medicated for the last few years. I still really struggle with keeping a to-do list, managing self-care habits like showering, brushing teeth, flossing, etc., and also with impulsive spending. I'm thinking it would be good to create a reward system for my habits that involves spending $X after a month of successful habit practice, to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Does that make sense, and, if so, how best to implement it? [more inside]
posted by baptismal at 10:58 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for indie songs, preferably sung by women, whose lyrics follow this similar pattern and repeat. Come on inside! [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 9:59 AM PST - 11 comments

I have to set up a phone interview with an MD for a piece I'm writing for a nonprofit. I addressed him formally (Dear Dr. Smith), and in his response he signed off informally (Thanks, Joe). How should I address him in the next email? I think normally I would just go with Joe, but the nonprofit's CEO is cc'd on the email, so want to be sure I'm being professional.
posted by gigondas at 9:59 AM PST - 12 comments

Our planter with thyme and oregano went into the (northern climate) garage in October and has been sitting there ever since. I pulled a few leaves from each plant yesterday and they're still quite fragrant. Could/should I harvest and use these as dried herbs, or are they ruined somehow? I'm not sure how to tell. Pics here.
posted by mefireader at 9:40 AM PST - 7 comments

USA tax filter: Do pension contributions count towards the IRA contribution limit? [more inside]
posted by millipede at 9:34 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm learning Mandarin right now. I'm doing well at learning vocab and grammar, but I'm not great at physically enunciating strings of tones; my throat often feels tired after doing so for only a little bit. Are there recorded drills or some other way that I can practice this part? I read somewhere (so it may be apocryphal) that in schools in China, younger students spend time reciting the different initials and finals with varying tones to strengthen their diction, which sounds like the kind of thing I'm looking for.
posted by miltthetank at 7:34 AM PST - 10 comments

I'd like to try to watch as much of the full network TV coverage (I can find clips online) from this past New Year's Eve in Times Square. I know that at least CNN, NBC and ABC did live broadcast specials and that's mainly what I'm interested in. Are these available online anywhere? On demand? I am open to solutions that cost money, I'd really like to try to see these in their entirety (this is for work). Thanks!
posted by brbmaroon at 7:31 AM PST - 3 comments

Unfortunately I'm back. Y'all recently advised me on my modem purchase (I got this one, max 400 mbps). Just had my Comcast technician visit and it turns out that the router I had purchased on Ebay to use with it is busted, so I'm now going to need another router. [more inside]
posted by ClaireBear at 7:28 AM PST - 7 comments

My boss is fond of the phrase "hangalachangala." Not sure if I'm spelling that right, but from context it seems to be the process equivalent of "yadda yadda yadda." Example: "The order wasn't flowing through the system, but we did a little hangalachangala and now it's working." Is this a phrase other people use? Where does it come from?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:55 AM PST - 25 comments

Plain and simple I've started wearing false lashes but I do my makeup and I'm afraid to mess it up with misapplied glue. Yet if I put the lashes on first I might lose the bond of the glue with powder. What order in the makeup sequence do false lashes go on? And assume I've got on primer, foundation, liner, eyeshadow, blush and lip gloss.
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 5:44 AM PST - 8 comments

The best thing I learned in marriage counseling was a set of guidelines regarding how to have rational discussion about difficult issues (i.e., argue), e.g. "I" statements, no accusations (inc you're not listening!), no assumptions regarding the other person's motives (don't be so defensive!). Unfortunately, these communication skills don't transfer all that well to relationships with people who haven't been through similar training. My new partner has asked for more info on the subject. [more inside]
posted by she's not there at 12:48 AM PST - 6 comments

I used to be very creative, but for the past few years, my mind feels like it's hitting a wall when I try to think of stuff. What is causing this blank, and how do I go back to where I was? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:40 AM PST - 6 comments

How do we sell our house to a non-profit for less than the market value? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:23 AM PST - 14 comments

I think my BFF was depressed, but now it has turned into something more complicated because communication is tense and difficult now. Wall of text to follow... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:23 AM PST - 6 comments

I had an extended hospitalization a few months ago. I am doing much better, but not better enough to return to the work I was doing. The ideal would be working at home for 6 months to a year, part-time, as I focus on my full recovery. [more inside]
posted by hworth at 11:04 PM PST - 9 comments

I make plenty of money, but I don't love my current job and feel trapped there. What's next? CRNA (nurse anesthetist), helicopter pilot, submarine pilot, scuba instructor, boat captain, ???. Right now I'm thinking CRNA, but I'm hoping to hear some other ideas, as well as feedback on whether working toward becoming a nurse anesthetist would be a great move or a mistake. I'm located in the USA. Help! [more inside]
posted by octopodiatrist at 7:10 PM PST - 28 comments

YANM Psychiatrist. I may need to add something to my med schedule to help with persistent sadness that is interfering with my ability to go to work and socialize. Latuda is on the table. If you've taken Latuda, what was your experience with it? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 6:56 PM PST - 12 comments

What are your favorite exercises for working through your values? And what tools do you use to set and keep track of your goals? I'm trying to figure out what I value and use that to come up with some goals for myself. [more inside]
posted by switcheroo at 6:12 PM PST - 7 comments

My mom has a long-standing history of focusing on all the negatives, especially as it relates to her relationship with me. Every few months she tries to begin a feud with me over a perceived slight, but her latest is a doozy. She's spinning over a remark I apparently made post-surgery when I was taking Percocet. [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 5:07 PM PST - 27 comments

Lately, I've run in the same type of person oversharing online and I'm wondering if there's a good way to deal with them? [more inside]
posted by chrono_rabbit at 4:28 PM PST - 8 comments

I've tried the free versions of okc, bumble and coffee meets bagel without success. I'm willing to try paid, but would like to know if it made a difference for anyone. [more inside]
posted by Aranquis at 4:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Due to a family member moving out and plans to replace some main living area furniture, we think it would be wise to do something about our wood flooring before moving forward. Our home was built in the early 1970s, purchased by us in 1986, we immediately pulled up the contractor grade wall to wall carpeting and have done *nothing* to the floors since. Links to photos and more details after the break. [more inside]
posted by forthright at 3:04 PM PST - 10 comments

I recently bought a reconditioned iPhone SE and have been really happy with it. Unfortunately I dropped it a week ago and cracked the screen, so took it to the local phone stall for a replacement screen (I’d used them before with a previous phone and been happy with the result). It was £40 (+£5 for the tempered glass stick-on screen cover I got too), and I guess you get what you pay for, because the screen colours are now very dull. Am I stuck with this? [more inside]
posted by penguin pie at 3:04 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me parse what's normal and what's maybe a little strange and intense about my boyfriend's relationship with his coworker, and tell me, would this bother you too? Very strange goings on inside [more inside]
posted by starstarstar at 1:46 PM PST - 38 comments

This Air Wick Essential Oil Diffuser is exactly what I'm looking for in an air freshener, except that many of the reviews say it sucks because it breaks/ is unreliable - are there better versions/ brands? When I search I find a bunch of ultrasonic diffusers which require regularly filling up with water, but I'm not looking for something which requires almost any degree of maintenance.
posted by my log does not judge at 12:55 PM PST - 1 comment

Looking to rearrange a lot of rooms at the house and work. Being able to enter room and furniture dimensions on an App and then move things with my finger would be great. What iOS app to you suggest?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:55 PM PST - 2 comments

I have long wavy hair and will soon be spending several months in a living situation with low pile carpet and a really inadequate vacuum cleaner. Replacing the vacuum is not an option (weight, size, storage space, and it's not mine), so I am thinking of a carpet sweeper or rubber broom. MeFites, if you have personal experience removing human hair from low pile carpet with a carpet sweeper, rubber broom, or similar item, what worked best for you? [more inside]
posted by inexorably_forward at 12:35 PM PST - 3 comments

Purchased a diffuser for my wife. We are both enjoying it. However! Looking for somewhere besides Amazon to purchase scents that are more "masculine" and not so floral. Snowflakes after the jump. [more inside]
posted by kuanes at 12:18 PM PST - 10 comments

My android phone is acting a bit odd with it's SMS app and I'm wondering if anyone knows what might be causing it. [more inside]
posted by Pademelon at 11:27 AM PST - 4 comments

I lost my job in a company reorg this week. Been working there for 28 years, so my job search skills are a little rusty. I'm looking for advice on getting another job. [more inside]
posted by GernBlandston at 11:03 AM PST - 10 comments

Am I slowly destroying my hearing, by constantly listening to white noise? [more inside]
posted by meese at 10:21 AM PST - 3 comments

Higher density populations in coastal locations, development pressures and revenue? Are there examples of strict construction standards, resilient and flood protected design in floodplains? Are there any that take predicted rising sea levels into account? And specific to NYC, do the requirements equally cover Residential, as well as Commercial and Manufacturing construction?
posted by ebesan at 9:59 AM PST - 6 comments

After a recent incident that could have been pretty bad but thankfully had a happy ending, I need to help my senior parents (early 80s) get a new cellphone for emergency purposes when they are out of the house. Dad is very low tech and has some minor vision issues. Mom has increasing memory issues. They have a landline, so they don’t need a ton of minutes every month, they don’t need bells and whistles—just an easy to use, dependable phone for emergencies. Suggestions/personal recommendations, please!
posted by bookmammal at 9:05 AM PST - 9 comments

I used to buy men's T Shirts from Costco's Kirkland brand that I loved, they were IMO the perfect T-Shirts. A few things I love about them: Slub knit - more interesting than plain knit. Taped and vented sides. A little longer than average Tees. A little spandex in the knit. And Cheap! Under $20. Come in decent basic colors like navy, dark grey, black. They still sell them sometimes but only in colors I hate. Any suggestions for a new perfect tee that won't break the bank?
posted by mattholomew at 6:52 AM PST - 5 comments

A relative has just been hospitalized with acute liver failure. They live in a rural state with no transplant center, their insurance does not cover out of state care and they will need to plead urgency to a transplant board in any case. Who can advise me about insurance and their condition? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:14 AM PST - 8 comments

Do you know of any open source projects that use Linux or cloud technology that could ALSO use tech docs, new or improved? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 3:31 AM PST - 4 comments

My job is ending overseas in Asia and I have 2 suitcases and no permanent home. I need to get a new job but I want some cheap downtime somewhere to look for that next gig. About a month should do it. Where's a cheap place in the world with decent internet, a big airport not too far away (for a cheap flight), relatively safe and somewhere I can live on street food for a couple of bucks a day?
posted by rileyray3000 at 2:14 AM PST - 10 comments

Well, two - glutes & hamstrings. Do I have to do full body workouts for results? Mid-30s cis woman here if it matters. [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 1:56 AM PST - 11 comments

My son went to a city just outside of Wuhan China a couple of weeks ago to attend a wedding. He has since been trapped in an apartment there by the caronavirus and resulting Chinese transportation lockdown. He has a seat to leave on a US State Department sponsored flight leaving Monday, but as of now (Sunday afternoon in China) he can't get to the airport that's only an hour's drive away. [more inside]
posted by randomfan at 11:04 PM PST - 11 comments

Last week I was given a THC gummy by a friend - it was the best drug experience I have ever had, and I'd like to figure out what exactly I ate. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:25 PM PST - 7 comments

What kind of tax professional am I looking for? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:24 PM PST - 9 comments

Back in the day (mid- to late 1970’s), I read a type of author that I don’t see anymore. They were generally taught in university level contemporary literature courses, and while not best-sellers, were somewhat recognized and popular (I bought a paperback copy of Gravity’s Rainbow at the grocery store.) Has that kind of writing died out, or am I just not aware of it? [more inside]
posted by rtimmel at 5:37 PM PST - 19 comments

I adopted a very low carb, higher fat diet in the new year to help lose fat. So far, I've been successful in terms of weight loss. But, I do have some questions about long-term outcomes and impacts of this way of eating. Is there anything I can read that is accessible, and actually approaches this from an objective perspective? [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 5:06 PM PST - 15 comments

Thanks to Ask MeFi, I'm the proud owner of these Blundstones. So I have durable, comfortable, and stylish shoes to cover me through fall, winter, and early spring. Can you recommend flats and sandals in a similar vein for the warmer months? I'm seeking flats and sandals. Parameters inside. [more inside]
posted by charcoals at 4:49 PM PST - 6 comments

So a friend is thinking of branching out into YouTube videos. Is there a website for video production that’s similar to transom.org in audio so that they can build skills?
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 2:27 PM PST - 1 comment

My 2009 Honda Civic (31k miles) was the subject of a hit-and-run. My insurance (Geico) is offering $8600. KBB estimates trade-in value at $5371. Carmax has 2009 Civics selling for $12k with 64k miles. Should I push back at my insurance and how? I'm in the Bay area.
posted by invisible ink at 2:20 PM PST - 12 comments

I don't mind helping my elderly mother with practical needs, but I really don't want to support her emotionally. How can I navigate the relationship to be helpful in the ways I feel I am able to without putting myself in positions I don't want to be in? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 1:26 PM PST - 11 comments

Spotify alerted me at the end of last year that I'd listened to about 45 thousand hours of music throughout 2019. And yet here I am querying the hive for more. [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 1:25 PM PST - 7 comments

I want to volunteer to help register new voters, and would like to do so within a group that is not endorsing particular candidates. Surprisingly, there isn’t a League of Women Voters branch in my town. What are other options for me?
posted by bookmammal at 1:18 PM PST - 9 comments

I have a Lenovo Thinkpad T460 with a failing wireless card (Intel AC 8260). More details on that within if needed. I would like to replace it, but am not sure which wireless card to choose. I tried this M.2 AX200 but after installing it my computer wouldn't boot up--it started booting up again when I re-installed the old one. How do I find a card that will work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:59 PM PST - 3 comments

I've had a recurring ache in my left hamstring for probably the past six months. YANMD, but who should I see to figure out what it is, and how can I try to alleviate the pain in the meantime? [more inside]
posted by monologish at 12:36 PM PST - 5 comments

This seems like a simple question, but my paltry GoogleFoo is not up to the task. What's the simplest way for my iPhone photos to show up (automatically and continuously) on my Windows 10 desktop computer? [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 12:29 PM PST - 14 comments

I've tried calling Netflix on the phone, but the people I talk to cannot solve my problem. This is the second time I've had this problem. Is there another way to contact someone in technical services? See explanation below. [more inside]
posted by ydaltak at 12:10 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking for recos to introduce a 7yr old to Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. I just told my daughter that we are going to visit Disneyland next week. She’s well familiar with the various Disney princesses, Pixar, but the classic characters not so much. She will have 6hrs of screen time between now and then. What should we screen? I just signed up for Disney+ trial for the week but wasn’t much of a Disney fan growing up. Help?
posted by dismitree at 10:20 AM PST - 10 comments

Which password manager with a family plan is better for my less tech-savvy parents on iOS/iPads: 1Password or LastPass? [more inside]
posted by bluecore at 10:19 AM PST - 7 comments

Next weekend (Friday through Sunday) I’ll be going off by myself for a solo creative retreat. Writing, drawing, painting, and reading are at the top of the agenda. Maybe some journaling and reflecting as well? Anyway, wondering if you’ve done something similar and have any thoughts on how to maximize this great opportunity. Thanks!
posted by shallowcenter at 10:16 AM PST - 6 comments

My periodically neglected blog has been up since 2011. Hacked a couple times, but recently fine, I believe. Hosted at DreamHost, all plugins/themes updated. I have been trying to add a new post for a few days and though I can see a list of all the existing posts in the Dashboard, when I hit "New Post" or even try to edit an existing post, I just get a blank page. [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 9:20 AM PST - 7 comments

My friend is the new President of a condo corporation in Toronto, Ontario (Canada). In the summer, one of the owners complained of water leaking into their unit from the apartment above. Contractors came and could not identify a source from the plumbing in the apartment but they did find and repair an issue with one of the window frames in the top unit that might have been allowing some water in. Since the window frames are part of the common elements, the condo paid for those repairs. Now, months later, the owner has come back to say that they want the condo corporation to pay for additional damage inside their unit. [more inside]
posted by rpfields at 9:11 AM PST - 5 comments

My only camera is a smartphone, and I'd like to get an old DSLR to take a headshot for work and just to have fun with outside. I'm not too particular, so I don't need something very new, but I'd like a decent lens. What should I look out for when buying a camera on Craigslist? [more inside]
posted by pinochiette at 9:08 AM PST - 8 comments

More research on what ails, this time the heart. Looking for online documentaries and films about the heart, everything and anything that's scientific and true. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 9:00 AM PST - 1 comment

I suffer from depression. Even when I am doing well, I always sort of wonder what the point of anything is. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by kbbbo at 8:41 AM PST - 38 comments

I've been receiving strange emails about a student loan and not sure what to do about them. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 5:32 AM PST - 5 comments

I live in an Asian city that has a large number of confirmed Wuhan virus cases and am avoiding going out because of that. Help me with emergency food storage and feeding myself? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:10 AM PST - 18 comments

I started ADHD medication a few months ago. The amount of calories I am burning according to my Garmin watch has gone up. Is this real? Am I really burning these extra calories without doing anything additional? I'd like to know, so I can manage my weight properly on the medication. YANMD but I'd like to make an educated guess, my google research threw up a lot of crazy things and I keep forgetting to ask my doctor in appointments. [more inside]
posted by Nilehorse at 1:37 AM PST - 11 comments