May 2016 Archives
May 31
Should I break up with him?
So, me and my boyfriend have been together for over a year and a half. Met online shortly after I got out of a 5 year relationship. It has been an interesting relationship. I've had really good times along with bad and doubts throughout. I feel like I am bad at relationships; I don't really have standards for boyfriends or something, I don't know what my problem is, and if anyone can point it out to me it might help me... [more inside]
posted by anon1129 at 9:58 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by anon1129 at 9:58 PM PST - 36 comments
Funny lingerie for a bachelorette party?
So I'm going to a bachelorette party this weekend and I'd like to buy the bride to be some funny lingerie. Complication though - I need it by Friday, so I want to buy something in person (not online). I'm in NYC. [more inside]
Could this relationship realistically work?
How should I pursue this, if at all? [more inside]
What kind of generator do I want?
I'm looking for a generator that will power a landline phone and medical alert system during a power outage. [more inside]
posted by fozzie_bear at 7:32 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by fozzie_bear at 7:32 PM PST - 12 comments
A good JIRA Mobile Client?
Are any of the Android mobile clients for JIRA worth a darn? I’d like to both have a bit of a smoother browsing experience on the phone than is provided by the mobile site, and to be able to submit issues without a lot of pain. (If there were a version of OctoDroid for JIRA I’d be delighted.) Gobs & gobs of money might be an object, but small sums are not. Thanks!
What Are the Best Sources for Out of Print Videos and Audio Tapes?
I'm looking for a source of audio or video tapes with business/sales guru Don Beveridge. I checked a few of my local libraries but don't see anything there -- haven't talked to the actual librarians yet, but it seems like these may be fairly esoteric. [more inside]
Why do physicians in New Hampshire make more than in its neighbors?
Looking at this recent report, New Hampshire ranks second-highest for physician salary. Yet other Northeastern/New England states dominate the lowest-salary states. Certainly New Hampshire is more rural overall than, say, Rhode Island, but compared to "low-salary" Vermont?
What's the best home wifi option?
I'm so sick of having bad wifi. I'm willing to pay for a good router, but I'm not sure what to get. [more inside]
Replacing a roof with solar on it - is this a $$$ or $$$$?
I'm considering buying a home with a shake cedar roof which has "roughly five years" left in it (if we ignore the wildfire risks, which I won't) and has solar mounted on top. I assume replacing this roof, particularly with the solar mounted on top of it, will be very expensive. How much will removing and reinstalling the solar add to the roof cost? [more inside]
Appropriate fee for doing some freelance research?
A colleague of mine has some photographs of archival documents in French (a language which he does not read, but which I do), namely 166 pages' worth. He wants me to go through them and see to what extent they address certain topics/events. What do you think an appropriate fee for this would be? (If I were to do actual translating, I have a per-word fee that I have used in the past.) I have a PhD in European History but am currently "between jobs" at the moment.
Where are my photos?
I'd like to disentangle myself from iCloud, but I'm confused about the location of my photos and where they are located. My setting within Photos don't seem to line up with what I'm seeing w/in my computer. [more inside]
How Do I Keep My Wrists Happy?
I am embarking on a new career that is totally dependent on my wrists (and arms, shoulders, and fingers), and I'm interested in taking any steps I can reasonably take to maintain wrist health! Do you have any advice/experience in wrist issues? [more inside]
posted by carlypennylane at 4:08 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by carlypennylane at 4:08 PM PST - 13 comments
12-inch iPad Pro case compatible with Apple smart keyboard
We just got a 12-inch iPad pro. I want a case that will be compatible with the Apple smart keyboard -- but I'm not crazy about spending $80 for the Apple-branded silicone case on top of the cost of the keyboard and the iPad. Can anybody recommend a third-party case that will protect my iPad, work with the smart keyboard, and not bankrupt me?
posted by yankeefog at 3:41 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by yankeefog at 3:41 PM PST - 3 comments
Using Facebook ads for Etsy shop
I recently opened an Etsy shop for my art. On the advice of a handful of folks, I started using Facebook ads to promote it. Now I have a big bill, and the ads did not yield a single sale. Am I doing it wrong or are FB ads just really ineffective for this? More inside. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 3:12 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 3:12 PM PST - 6 comments
Making professional(ish) quality printed wall art from start to finish.
My boyfriend is having a housewarming party about a month from now, and I thought of a really fun idea for some wall art. I know some shops on Etsy take commissions, but for my own curiosity, I'd really like to know about the steps, tips/tricks, and overall process that I, as mostly tech-literate but otherwise digital-art-making-and-printing layperson, might take to create a solo or very limited run digital art print that I can frame and give as a gift. Bajillions more questions inside. [more inside]
posted by helloimjennsco at 2:21 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by helloimjennsco at 2:21 PM PST - 11 comments
What would happen if I let a leech leech?
There are leeches in a pond near here. What would happen if, out of curiosity, I let a leech latch and lunch? Any significant danger to me or the leech?
A solution is just a problem you haven't met, or, help me IT
My much-loved MacBook Pro 15" (late 2008) logic board is dying. Replacing the laptop is proving complicated. Please help me to understand how people manage their data in a post-HDD world. [more inside]
In a relationship but feeling empty…
I am living in a country that is quite far from mine because I got a great opportunity to work here in a newspaper. I’ve been dating a man for a year. I have feelings for him and know that he does for me too. However, I often feel shallow and full of doubts about our relationship. The first reason is that I cannot share a lot of my interests and ideas with him. I have a strong intellectual side. I like to read, discuss ideas, and learn stuff. My boyfriend is only interested in discussing gadgets, fashion, sports, and computers. I don’t mind these topics but I like more ‘intellectual’ things as well and I don’t like not being able to share them with him. I have also found out that some of his opinions are quite conservative and it bothers me because I am very liberal. [more inside]
What kind of Teeth Flosser and brand should we get?
Just like it says on the tin! What type of Teeth Flosser should we get? Which type of flosser do you use and love? More details within... [more inside]
posted by jbenben at 12:20 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by jbenben at 12:20 PM PST - 17 comments
How to fire my top salesman
I've got a salesman who has been with me for a long time. I can't stand him. He's disruptive, grandstanding, and has an ego that is unbelievable. He has every other employee in my company pissed off at him at all times due to his insults and personal jabs. He's let his sales numbers go to his head. [more inside]
Has anyone else had a parent who FORCED you into an eating disorder?
I (female) grew up in a house as the only girl with multiple brothers. My mother began putting me on diets at age 8, before I'd ever shown any signs of having weight issues. I was a normal 8 yr old girl, but not as scrawny as my brothers. From the diets she'd always put me on (this was the 80's, for cultural reference), it began a terrible cycle of me failing the diets and not ever being able to do enough to make her stop policing what I ate. I'm just now coming to the conclusion that I may never have had an issue with food / being overweight if my mom had not forced her insecurities on to me. Longer explanation included. Advice/perspective/fellow war stories appreciated. [more inside]
Are Shuron Clip-On Sunglasses A Good Idea?
So it's finally come to this: I need to wear prescription sunglasses while driving. I'm wearing progressive lenses in Shuron Ronsir Zyl frames, which I love. I was thinking to save money I'd get prescription sunglass lenses for just the the driving part, (distance only), not progressive lenses; then I remembered that you can get clip-ons for the Ronsirs.
My question(s) is for Shuron Ronsir wearers who have the clip-ons: [more inside]
posted by chococat at 11:43 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by chococat at 11:43 AM PST - 6 comments
Contrarian belief systems?
Are there organized belief systems that espouse contrarian ideals of human behavior, for example, that encourage harboring resentments or that prescribe retaliation as a moral imperative? [more inside]
What is the origin of the name of the James River?
No one seems to know when the tributary of the White River now called the James River (in Missouri) was named or who named it. Henry Schoolcraft traveled to the Ozarks in 1818-1819. In a View of the Lead Mines of Missouri (1819) he refers to it as the James River. In the 1820s, it was called the James Fork of the White in references in dealing with the relocated Delaware Reservation on that stream. [more inside]
Children: what do they eat?
I need to pack a handful of transportable (jiggle-proof), nutritious, disposable, filling, tasty, exciting lunches that DO NOT require any sort of refrigeration, can be packed the night before (stowed in the fridge if needed), and will be able to hack it between 70-80 degrees for about 5 hours prior to being eaten. Difficulty level: no pb&j (historically unpopular with this group). [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 10:43 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by phunniemee at 10:43 AM PST - 32 comments
Human Resources emails Personal Information
HR (Human Resources) group at work used email to send personal information (in the form of screenshots). The screenshots don't answer my specific questions. It seems they were sent in more of a dismissive gesture. This violates my sense of privacy and trust. It seems every time I correspond with HR it's a negative experience. [more inside]
Save me from sad sandwiches and early bedtime!
What are some cool things a solo traveler can do in London from 6 to 10 pm for under £10? [more inside]
posted by Owl of Athena at 10:27 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Owl of Athena at 10:27 AM PST - 19 comments
Penalties to re-file tax forms?
Asking on behalf of my roommate - she sent in her tax forms USPS certified mail, but the Post Office forgot to scan the tracking code, so they can't confirm whether her taxes have been delivered. Should she re-send them, or trust the post office? And how do you re-file forms? [more inside]
When I email myself, iMessage converts the email to text--how to stop???
I sometimes send reminders and to-do items from my phone to my gmail account. To do this, I send texts from my phone's text app (currently iMessage) to my gmail address. This system has worked fine for years. But ever since I entered/updated my Apple ID in my phone's System Preferences a day ago, all my reminder emails have been converted into texts. (It happens that my gmail account is also my Apple ID.) Each email is converted to an iMessage and shows up within the iMessage app ONLY, so I have a long -running iMessage conversation consisting of nothing but texts to myself. This is useless. Help?? [more inside]
posted by lotf629 at 10:18 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by lotf629 at 10:18 AM PST - 7 comments
After Bangkok, Chiang Mai or beaches?
We're going to Thailand, and need help deciding which area to visit. [more inside]
Is there a draft in here?
On my Mac, I keep dozens of windows and documents open so I can come back to them easily. Is there a better way to keep track of all the things I'm working on without just leaving windows open? [more inside]
Bday gift for tomorrow
A beloved person turns 21 tomorrow. Will be seeing said person this weekend. But would like to acknowledge this milestone on actual day. Difficulty level: said person is in Stockholm (suburb) and I'm in California. Stockholm is 9 hours ahead. Swedes: Can I get a Lilla My mug delivered? Flowers? Ideas welcome. Under $100. Thanks!
posted by Bella Donna at 8:36 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 8:36 AM PST - 2 comments
Unused backyard spot. Level of difficulty: shade & chickens
There's an eyesore of a barren area, about 2m,5 x 2,5m (8ft x 8ft), in my backyard. I want to do something about it. Challenge #1: part of the area is permanently shaded. Challenge #2: I have two free-range chickens eager to eat everything tender and green. [more inside]
Did Samson's riddle rhyme in the original?
If you're an average Joe you probably know Samson's riddle (Judges 14:14) as: "Out of the eater, something to eat. Out of the strong, something sweet." or something like that. Most English translations rhyme the [eat/meat] with [sweet]. But what about the original? [more inside]
posted by komara at 7:48 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by komara at 7:48 AM PST - 7 comments
Using Google Analytics for A/B testing
Using Google Analytics, I've managed to set up page A and page B to do some A/B testing. So far, so good. My sticking point: What I'd like to measure is which page sees more users clicking through to an external site. I can't figure out how to do this. [more inside]
I can't handle my friend's kid-- and increasingly, my friend
My friend's 4 year old says rude things to me, and my friend very subtly blames it on me. He has screaming hysterical meltdowns, and my friend pretends everything is fine. Kid has had a number of developmental challenges, which must be very hard for my friend. But the weird interpersonal stuff is making me crazy. [more inside]
Taking a job away from spouse - looking for success/failure stories
I'm out of work and after a 5+ month job search I have at last received an offer. It's a great company and interesting job - problem is that it's 9+ hr drive (1.5 hr flight) away from my spouse of 9 years in a small town that he will never be able to get a job. My previous job jumping means I need to stay at this job at least 3-4 years. Being apart seems workable to me, but he is strongly against my taking the job. I am looking for success or failure stories of people in similar long distance situations to help make a decision. Also - would you make the same decision again to take the job? [more inside]
Day Hiking
I would like to leave the world behind for a week in early July. I would like to do this by doing some solo day hiking in a awesome locale. Ideally I fly from Austin with minimal connections, rent a car, get a cool place to stay, and do some 5-15 mile hikes each day for 3-5 days. Where should I go?
Bosch dishwasher beeps at end of cycle, will not stop, losing my mind
I just bought a house with a Bosch dishwasher, model SHX56B06UC/14. It's the kind with the buttons on the top of the door, no display, so it has an end-of-cycle beep. And it will keep beeping every 10 minutes until you go turn it off. This is a problem, since we generally start the dishwasher at the end of the day, right before we go to bed. [more inside]
Starting a relationship with someone who's in a bad place
I met someone on OKCupid about a week ago and we really hit it off. We've been chatting on Facebook and Skype for around 6 hours every day which I've never done with anyone before. We've never met in person because she lives about 2 hours away, but things seemed to be heading somewhere serious. She's in a horrible situation right now though. She's from another country and she basically has no money and no income. [more inside]
Automatic Renewal -- What are the laws?
I'm posting this for a friend who lives in NYC. She's being harassed for payment and she's not sure what to do. I'm hoping that someone with some law or business know-how will have some advice. [more inside]
U.S. Military Officers wearing Medals
I always remember military officers who received an medal or award wearing a distinctive ribbon. Wearing actual medals on a uniform was associated with the Soviet military or that of a banana republic, and considered comical.
Lately I have seen U.S. officers wearing the actual medal on their dress uniform. When did this become a common practice and why?
Closing a small business - what to do with social media accounts?
We will soon be closing a small retail shop. I'm wondering what to do with our social media pages and web domain. We have Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus as well as our domain address. I'm not too sure what should be done with those and I couldn't find any good information about this on the internet. Delete them? Leave them up with a final post/thank you?
Thanks all.
Puppy recall deterioration, especially birds and ducks.
My puppy is a collie x king charles spanial cross. Her recall when out on walks was really great until about a month ago. We moved from a suburb to a city and started walking more along rivers and in parks than in quiet fields. Her recall has deteriorated a lot. The biggest problem is birds and ducks, nothing will get her attention. If on the lead, with a bird in sight, I can hold a high value treat against her nose and she doesn't even blink. If off the lead she will chase the birds persistently. [more inside]
Websites for Backpackers?
Hi everyone,
I'm traveling to Jordan this summer, and I'm interested in meeting other travelers while I'm there. The last time around people used couchsurfing.com to find events and places to stay, but it's been a few years and there doesn't seem to be much happening on that website anymore. Are there any new websites for travelers to find interesting events and cool people to go with? Thanks!
Which has better aerodynamics--a TIE Fighter or an X-Wing Fighter?
(very) low level of discourse of Star Wars fansites = Metafilter [more inside]
posted by BadgerDoctor at 1:59 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by BadgerDoctor at 1:59 AM PST - 15 comments
May 30
Being 30, childless, and single. Where do I go from there?
I'm turning 31 this upcoming November. I recently had a mutual break-up with my ex-girlfriend mid-April of this year. It was the first real relationship for me personally, and I can say that I went through verbal-abuse at times during the two year relationship. Eventually, the relationship became very toxic and my ex recognized the fact that we’re two completely different people. She was also apologetic about certain things that she had said and realizes that I wasn’t going to reach my full potential as someone who felt that he was walking around eggshells all the time. The breakup was civil, and it was better for the two of us in the long run. [more inside]
Let's stream this baby...
I am in search of a solution that would allow me to live stream an event. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by theartandsound at 9:37 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by theartandsound at 9:37 PM PST - 4 comments
In need of a hands-on hobby
I'm in search of a hands-on hobby/skill to learn and preoccupy myself with. [more inside]
posted by atinna at 8:31 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by atinna at 8:31 PM PST - 33 comments
Kind of similar to BitTorrent Sync, but for Chrome
I have 3 windows with about 50 tabs open in my Macbook. I now want to go to my iMac and have these same open tabs. How can I mirror that? [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 7:50 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by pleasebekind at 7:50 PM PST - 4 comments
How do nonexclusive relationships work?
I'm in the process of getting divorced and am seeing a couple different dudes. I like them both a lot but am in no place for a serious relationship. My soon to be ex is the only serious adult relationship I've ever had so I totally don't know what I'm doing. [more inside]
Elder flushing inappropriate objects down toilet?
Can anyone suggest mechanisms to stop an elderly person from flushing inappropriate objects down the toilet? Like, I dunno, a toilet lid that only opens up when you sit on it? Or some DIY thing? (He needs support while walking and transferring, so there'll be another human around when he goes.) [more inside]
posted by Alioth at 7:15 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Alioth at 7:15 PM PST - 10 comments
Woman's swimsuit, chlorine resistant
Is there anyplace in the Chicago area that sells chlorine-resistant swimsuits that I can try on in person? [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 6:55 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Joleta at 6:55 PM PST - 1 comment
Teeny tiny GPS?
My 7 1/2 year old just got glasses. Having been 8-year-olds with glasses ourselves, we know that some level of damage and loss is probably to be expected. We paid for the damage insurance plan, but that won't help if he loses them. What's our best option for a GPS-like device to help us (literally, if possible) keep tabs on them? [more inside]
Best chest freezer?
I'm looking for recommendations for reliable, small- to medium-sized chest freezers to buy new. [more inside]
The meaning of "sure" regionally
What does "sure" mean in response to a question? Yes, No, or "uh, kinda maybe"? [more inside]
When seeing roadkill, do you swerve, or smush?
From an ecological standpoint: When there is roadkill in the road, is it better to swerve around it, or run over it? [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 4:40 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by The otter lady at 4:40 PM PST - 20 comments
Life is a highway, and I still can't drive
I turn 30 in a few months. I still do not have my driver's license, but not for lack of trying. I feel like there's a brick wall keeping me from passing my test and feeling comfortable driving. What else can I try? [more inside]
posted by anotheraccount at 4:32 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by anotheraccount at 4:32 PM PST - 37 comments
Memorial Day observances?
I feel like we should be doing something in the spirit of the day, but just remembering doesn't feel like enough. What other ways are there, to honor the dead?
Exercise a freedom? Do something educational, to help avoid our wading into a future war that we shouldn't? Veterans and others, what would be a good way to observe the day? If you had fought, and not survived, what kind of remembrance would you want? [more inside]
Friend in crisis – need advice
My friend A. has bipolar which is usually very well controlled. The last few months to a year, however, she has come off her medication, and things have gone from bad to worse. Now she is in full-on crisis and keeps harming herself and others on a daily basis (so far mostly socially and emotionally). More specifics plus my question inside. [more inside]
posted by miorita at 3:30 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by miorita at 3:30 PM PST - 11 comments
Tell me about grilling.
I'd love to start grilling. Problems: I don't (yet) have a grill and I have a non-meat-eating partner. I have two specific questions:
1) Charcoal or gas? My dad says there's no easy answer to this... Benefits of each? Any specific grills you love or hate?
2) What can I grill for my vegetarian boyfriend? Recipes or resources would be amazing.
How do set appropriate boundaries in a new relationship?
I'm in a wonderful new relationship but I need help with communicating, setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries and getting the space I need while getting to know this person better. [more inside]
How to see credit card terminal outside?
New chip compliant credit card terminal for farmers market is impossible to read outside.
How can we shade it to see what it says and still be able to reach the keys? [more inside]
Can I get to there from here?
Help me solve my transportation conundrum! [more inside]
How Do I Edit/Disable Google Playbook Recommendations?
I bought an Agatha Christie book with Google Playbook. Now, it's recommending every Christie book.
Ditto Star Wars. I bought one book. Recommendations are awash with hundreds of Star Wars titles.
How do I fix this?
Google itself is no help.
Dogs on vacation in Winter Harbor/Acadia Maine
What to do with 2 hound mixes for a week in and around Winter Harbor, Maine, in July? We're booked into a dog-friendly tiny house on the ocean in Winter Harbor, and I've been reading up on Acadia. We'd like to include the dogs as much as possible in our jaunts around the area. One is reliable offleash and the other is probably not. (No intention of going offleash anywhere it's not legal or without permission from the owner/caretaker.) Hikes in Acadia are the obvious choice, but what else is there? How dog-friendly is the area in general? [more inside]
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 1:11 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 1:11 PM PST - 5 comments
Friends want to break their lease on my house. What do I say?
Friends rented my house with the intent to purchase. They bought a different house, and let me know they'd be moving out early. I did my utmost to close the sale with a different purchaser, as close to their move out date as possible. At the last second, the buyer bailed. My friends are moved out, with 2 mos left on their lease. I feel like a jerk charging them rent if they're not in it, but I can't afford not to. What do I say to them? To myself? [more inside]
Graduation gift for friend
One of my best friends is graduating from an MBA next week. Other best friend and I would like to get her an ingenious (aka not traditional) gift. Any ideas? We're all 33 year-old women. [more inside]
Help us strategize our phone situation in Europe!
Two American couples, in Europe for about a month, wondering how to optimize our cell phone coverage for the trip. What should we do in general, calling and datawise? And what is the best way for at least one person from each couple to have the best wikipedia/yelp/etc. access while we're out and about during the trip? [more inside]
Should I upgrade to Win 10?
I have a Lenovo Thinkpad T460 laptop. I purchased it with the Windows 7 Professional downgrade because I was not ready to make the Windows 10 leap. The free upgrade option ends in two months. I am trying to decide whether or not to go for it. I welcome all opinions, but especially those of IT people who can tell me what configuration, privacy, and hardware tradeoffs I'm making. [more inside]
What's the failure mode of permanent eyeliner?
I have the kind of eyes that really benefit from a dark line on the upper outer lid. I've gotten sick of even the best eyeliner smudging by the end of the day, though, and I've started considering permanent eyeliner. I'm aware that it only lasts for 5-7 years, but the question is: what happens then? [more inside]
What is a long hot pepper?
In the Northeast US around Philly (I don't know about anywhere else) the grocery stores sell peppers called only "long hots" or "Italian long hots." They are pretty great for all kinds of purposes. They aren't actually really hot by my standards, but they are tasty, cheap, easy to use, and do have a bit of heat if you don't clean out the seeds. I'd like to grow some in the garden this year, but from the googling I've done people seem to be unclear about what pepper exactly this is. [more inside]
How deeply to water new seedlings?
If I have some relatively newly sprouted seeds growing in the yard, should I just be watering the top few inches of soil? I know deep watering is good for root growth, but is it just a waste of water to water, say, 8-12 inches down? Is it preferable to slowly increase watering depth as time goes by?
"Cold-Calling" A Prior PhD Student Whose Dissertation You Read?
Is it appropriate to email a former grad student of a professor you might like to work with to ask about their PhD experience and the future of the niche field they studied? [more inside]
posted by sevenofspades at 9:24 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by sevenofspades at 9:24 AM PST - 17 comments
Former rock-bottomers: What made you say "this shit needs to stop?"
A loved one told me she's hit rock bottom and has pretty much ruined her life. She thinks her situation is hopeless; according to her, no one would be able to climb out of the mess she's dug herself into. I'd like to share with her some examples of people - famous, or otherwise - who HAVE been able to recover from seemingly inextricable situations which they have created for themselves due to poor life choices. What moment sparked the change in mindset that allowed said person to recover? Personal anecdotes are welcome as well. [more inside]
Recommendations for tattoo shops in Buffalo NY
Can you recommend high quality tattoo shops that take walk-ins in Buffalo? I'll be there for a few days at the end of June. Although I grew up in the Buffalo suburbs, I haven't been back in over 15 years. I'm excited about the possibility of getting a tattoo while on this trip. [more inside]
Temporary Ink
Are there any tattoo parlours that do temporary tattoos in Berlin?
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 7:47 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 7:47 AM PST - 4 comments
What is the most economical way to get into spinning yarn?
I really want to spin yarn as a hobby. I have a spinning wheel and I've spun up my first skein of (super bulky, bumpy) wool yarn. I really want to do more of this! However, is there a cheaper way? [more inside]
posted by christinetheslp at 7:32 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by christinetheslp at 7:32 AM PST - 13 comments
Name That Critter! (Sespe Wilderness Edition)
While hiking to the Sespe Hot Springs in the Los Padres National Forest over the weekend, I kept hearing this vocalization. (The low moaning one that repeats six times.) What creature is it?
posted by mykescipark at 7:27 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by mykescipark at 7:27 AM PST - 4 comments
Faucet without supply line
I am currently in morrocco and am coming across a lot of beautiful faucet heads unlike anything ive seen in the United states. The problem is that it appears the faucet heads don't have the usual copper supply lines running into the faucet holes.
Here's a picture.
You'll see that where there usually are hot and cold supply lines just have two separate holes.
Is this fixable? How?
posted by Karaage at 4:29 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Karaage at 4:29 AM PST - 14 comments
Help me buy a road bike!
I've been doing road cycling on a mountain bike and it's time to get a road bike. I'd like to spend around $1000. I'd appreciate any tips on searching for one. Assume I know nothing about getting a road bike. I'm riding in LA County, if that matters. Thanks!
posted by persona au gratin at 3:45 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by persona au gratin at 3:45 AM PST - 13 comments
Gamer Headset for Father Who is Hearing Impaired
My father has severe hearing loss (I'm pretty sure he hasn't heard my voice in the last 10 years). What we would really like is a headset that could plug into either his computer or his iPhone (preferably both) and allow him to both hear and talk with a mic. Basic criteria are: over the ear and mic. My brother is very into the gaming community and has his eyes on a headset but I hope someone here has more insight on what helps with hearing impaired. [more inside]
Airline leg-skipping (difficulty: switching destination country)
One-way flight PHL-LGW-DUB: any practical issue (for example, at LGW immigration) with not flying the LGW-DUB segment? [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 12:29 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by kalapierson at 12:29 AM PST - 12 comments
Are google business reviews anonymous?
I have been looking online for a specific service and came across a company that I had utilized 3 years before. All of the reviews were 5 stars. If I want to leave a review (not a good review) I need to log in to the googles. Is there any chance of blowback for me? [more inside]
posted by futz at 12:28 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by futz at 12:28 AM PST - 1 comment
May 29
Apology Email Etiquette: Do I reply to a reply?
I felt the need to apologize to a semi-notable person (if that matters) whom I have never met and doesn't know me. I emailed them a well written apology and a day later recieved a very gracious reply. Great.
However now I don't know if I should reply back and if so, with what? I don't want to seem like I am using the apology as a foot in the door to strike up a conversation. But I also don't want it to seem like their gracious response wasn't appreciated by me, because it was.
Best Webhosting for Adult Content?
Hi, I need to purchase some (cheap?) hosting for a small portfolio site for my camgirl/webcam model persona. I also need to host photos for my profiles on chat/clips sites. Is there a simple, easy, not shady, not expensive company you'd particularly recommend that is fine with adult content? [more inside]
Looking for kayaking route for multi-day Lake Powell trip.
We've been scouring the internet for cool routes and it's just not cutting it. There are a lot of routes that people suggest that have heavy traffic and boating. We're looking for something a little more remote or secluded. [more inside]
Do you have favorite New England spots for a summer road trip?
I'm looking to spend 7-10 days later this summer on vacation in New England. Areas of interest are Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, with Connecticut and Rhode Island as well if not too rushed. I would appreciate advice on feasibility but also would like to learn about neat things to visit in these states. [more inside]
Tuscany on the Russian River?
Hey wine buffs, looking for a winery in the Russian River area that sells wines similar to 'a good Chianti from Tuscany' - any leads? (Please go easy on me, I know nothing about wine.) [more inside]
posted by The Toad at 8:55 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by The Toad at 8:55 PM PST - 17 comments
Help us find a place to retire (not in the US)
Americans looking for a place to retire not in America. We are looking to purchase a place now, rent it out, and retire in a few years. Here is our must haves:
* 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
* Ocean view, access
* In walking distance to a town, if not in it
* Americans have to own property out right
* Public transportation a plus
* Public Infrastructure (doesn’t have to be completely development)
* Stable government
* Rentability
* Under 100K
Any suggestions?
So far we have: Ecuador, Belize, Cyprus, Albania
What is this noise coming from the bathroom?
We've already emailed our landlord about it, but what do you suppose this noise is? It just started today. It's really loud and lasts for several seconds, then it stops for minutes or hours.
Medical Edibles - what do I do with ones I hate
I am trying to sort out using medical marijuana for chronic pain and I had no idea when I started out that it would all be so vague and experimental. I am now finding myself with things that I have tried and will not use and assume I cannot return. I hate just tossing 4 taffy bars that are just too high in THC for me. Yes I tried tiny bites. Hated it. [more inside]
road food near Chicago
You're driving from Michigan to Wisconsin, taking I-94 to I-90. You'll inevitably have to drive around Chicago, and want to stop for lunch or dinner somewhere in there. Where do you go? Difficulty level: no cheese-centric cuisine. [more inside]
posted by yarntheory at 6:33 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by yarntheory at 6:33 PM PST - 12 comments
Best way to protect the contents of an external hard drive?
I have one hard drive with some important documents on it and I'm looking to protect these contents in the event of theft. What's the best (not too difficult) way to do this? I'm on Apple OS.
posted by malhouse at 6:22 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by malhouse at 6:22 PM PST - 5 comments
Mystery Dogtag Object
My in-laws recently moved, and found a metal dogtag-like object in the finished basement. It looks as though it has some purpose, but we cannot figure out what that might be.
[Side One]
[Side Two] [more inside]
posted by 1367 at 6:08 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by 1367 at 6:08 PM PST - 2 comments
Don't waste time
"I might come and see you off tomorrow.""I shouldn't waste your time. I won't be there."
This is from the book, "The Third Man". Well, when you say, " You shouldn't waste your time.",
how is it different from the former one?
posted by mizukko at 6:06 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by mizukko at 6:06 PM PST - 10 comments
Electric wiring question in a new old house
I am in the process of buying a new (to me) old (1942) house. Hooray! I just had the inspection done and have some questions about the wiring. I'm planning on hiring an electrician, but want to have an idea of what I might be getting myself into as well as safety concerns... [more inside]
Bootstrap theme for corporate, intranet application ?
Interested in recommendations of a Bootstrap theme I could buy which would work for an intranet application deployed in a reasonably conservative environment. More inside ... [more inside]
Lights and their shades
the house i have just moved into (inexplicably) has all the lights mounted on the walls, with bulbs pointing sideways out of the fixtures, no sconces or shades on them, just plain light bulbs. the bulbs are all (HORRIBLE) fluorescent lights. This will not stand.
1) exactly what bulbs should we be using? Low- to medium budget solutions preferred.
2) where can you get (or make) awesome light covers for wall-mounted lights? i have no idea.
3) general tips about bulbs and lights are very welcome, thank you. [more inside]
posted by andreapandrea at 5:08 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by andreapandrea at 5:08 PM PST - 8 comments
Ok to layer dirt in my compost?
I have equal parts dirt and 2/3rds complete compost. Can I combine? [more inside]
posted by cgs at 4:37 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by cgs at 4:37 PM PST - 6 comments
Auditing myself
How do I review, audit, question, and negotiate this stack of medical bills?
Employer-based insurance that is a PPO. It's decent. But the hospital's billing department, not so much...
Lots and lots of individual bills. Most valid, but some may not be. [more inside]
Toddler sad about war
Looking for a way to show my toddler Mr. Roger's Neighborhood Episode 1525, or something similar. [more inside]
How to get my name off someone's tweet?
I recently Googled my firstname+lastname, which I don't share with anyone else as far as I can tell, and found a tweet near the top of the results which I'm not particularly happy about. [more inside]
posted by STFUDonnie at 2:04 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by STFUDonnie at 2:04 PM PST - 7 comments
Fiction or non-fiction books that describe a job or profession
I'm looking for "behind the scenes of the XYZ industry" type books. They can be fiction or non-fiction. [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 1:58 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by jacobean at 1:58 PM PST - 29 comments
I want Ali Wong's glasses!
I watched Ali Wong's Netflix special last night. I LOVED her glasses and want to know who makes them and if anyone sells them. So do a lot of other people. [more inside]
posted by 41swans at 1:27 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by 41swans at 1:27 PM PST - 6 comments
Solo road trip advice, Virginia to Las Vegas - 4 days, full car
Virginia to Las Vegas. I-64 to I-70 to I-15. Four days on the road by myself. Any advice? [more inside]
posted by skewed at 1:25 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by skewed at 1:25 PM PST - 12 comments
What's the best way to store fresh herbs?
What's the best way to store store-bought fresh herbs so they last the longest? I usually have cilantro/coriander, scallion, mint, basil (Thai, holy, and Italian), and occasionally sawtooth coriander and Chinese chives on hand. [more inside]
posted by andrewesque at 12:56 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by andrewesque at 12:56 PM PST - 16 comments
Feedback on last minute Toronto trip itinerary
My landlord needs a couple of days to fix some stuff in my bathroom so I booked a last minute trip to Toronto this week, from Wednesday to Thursday (coming via train from Montréal). My birthday is also coming up shortly + I recently hit an investment milestone so I would like to treat myself a bit! [more inside]
posted by mephisjo at 12:55 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by mephisjo at 12:55 PM PST - 15 comments
Books on Tunisia
I'm interested in learning more about Tunisia. It would be great to read about its recent history since the Arab Spring, but nonfiction that goes a bit further back in time would be great too. Thanks for any recommendations!
I need to see better while biking.
My plan A for prescription lenses for my biking glasses isn't going to pan out. What should plan B be? [more inside]
Dealing with difficult strangers
A stranger thought I stole his citybike and proceeded to yell at me. I live in a nice area and this man "looked" to be a respectable middle aged business man, so it came as quite a shock for me. I know I shouldn't care about what crazy strangers say, but getting called a bitch and a fucking c*** really disturbs me! [more inside]
posted by Dooney at 11:04 AM PST - 49 comments
posted by Dooney at 11:04 AM PST - 49 comments
Genealogy Sites?
It's been a few years since this question has been asked, and I know things have changed since then. There's so much info out there on the various genealogy sites, and I'm not sure what to do. Right now I have free trials with MyHeritage and Geni, but apparently a relative has done a lot of research into a certain branch of my family on Ancestry.com. I'm looking for insight on which to pick in terms of price and usefulness, etc.
posted by trillian at 10:44 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by trillian at 10:44 AM PST - 10 comments
Follow the stream...to safety?
I was reading this article recently about a woman who got lost on the Appalachian trail and sadly died. It made me think about how I had always been told (at least hiking in the Northeast of the US) that if you get lost, head downhill, find a stream and follow it to a town. Is that total BS or is it good hiking wisdom? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 9:40 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by Toddles at 9:40 AM PST - 22 comments
Make my hair Seattle-proof
I have shortish wavy/curly hair that I straighten and add some texture to with a wand. It really doesn't do well with rain/mist/humidity, but I live in a part of the country where I don't have to deal with that as much. What should I do to make it more manageable when I move to Seattle? I'm looking mostly for comparison-shopping advice on the different smoothing chemical treatments but I'm open to other ideas. [more inside]
Tax Allowance to claim with 4 PT jobs and Low Income?
After a confusing tax season, I'm trying to figure out how many allowances to claim on my W-4s. I have 4 part-time jobs, am in a masters program, and barely live above poverty line (really killin it at life in NYC). I currently claim exempt, but was just told that's actually completely wrong. And I am single, no kids. What should I claim?
Cheaping out on a wedding dress!
Another 'find me a dress like this dress' question. I'm loving this dress for my wedding. Not loving the price tag. Suggestions for something similar either online or in Toronto? [more inside]
Why are sites switching to two page login processes
Tumblr and Google are now using two page login processes where you first enter your username or email and then are sent to a second page to enter your password. What's the reason/logic behind this switch from the standard two item form?
posted by srboisvert at 7:53 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by srboisvert at 7:53 AM PST - 9 comments
Most convenient way to get from Vancouver International to Seattle
What is the most convenient way to get from Vancouver International Airport to downton Seattle with an 8 year old in tow and plenty of luggage?
Visiting Seattle this summer but flying into Vancouver because flights are much cheaper. Now, how do I get from the aiport to downton Seattle with minimum hassle, and yet economically?
What are my options?
Is there a makerspace on Seattle's eastside?
I love TechShop, but there's none anywhere near here. I think there's some makerspaces in Seattle, but I'm looking for something on the east side (Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland). Some place with tools and space to use them. [more inside]
How can I stop being so envious of other people's happiness?
My life isn't at the greatest place right now and it's hard for me to hear about other people's good fortune. How can I get through a shitty period in my life without turning into a monster who is constantly envious of other people? [more inside]
Why do I wake up from, er, bathroom needs every morning?
Almost every morning, I wake up earlier than I want/need to because I have to empty my bowels. Why? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:12 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 12:12 AM PST - 13 comments
May 28
did you regret not having a dj at your wedding?
I am in the early stages of planning my wedding for next spring, and starting to look into who I would hire to play some tunes for the ceremony and party. I have a pretty good grasp of how insanely expensive wedding stuff is, but I'd sorely underestimated the going rate for a dj. Can I skip it, or is that a terrible mistake? Snowflakes within. [more inside]
posted by cakelite at 9:15 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by cakelite at 9:15 PM PST - 45 comments
GOT viewing bar in NYC?
We're in NYC for the holiday with no HBO and would like to go out to a bar to watch Game of Thrones. I found a place in Brooklyn but... My Jersey friend wants to stay somewhere accessible by PATH. Anyone know of places in Manhattan near a PATH stop or in Hoboken / Jersey City?
posted by DoubleLune at 9:06 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by DoubleLune at 9:06 PM PST - 1 comment
fiber optiic internet in the east end of the San Fernando valley
Anyone know how to find out if there is any fiber optic service in the Glendale/Montrose/La Crescenta/ Tujunga general area? (within say five miles of this area?) The Verizon, Time Warner etc. fiber optic "search availability" functions are really vague... even if you get them on the phone, they tell you to provide a specific address. How can they not have some sort of record of where they have laid cable??
posted by ConnieL at 8:51 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by ConnieL at 8:51 PM PST - 2 comments
Need a new TV show, with previous suggestions
Know of any good drama-ish TV series that are great to dive into? [more inside]
Networking (and socializing) for socially awkward people.
I'm ashamed to say I've been somewhat avoiding the whole job application and networking stuff. I find it very difficult to speak to people because I have a quiet voice and I'm very standoffish. I tend to have a very robotic way of speaking and I've been told I look overwhelmed and scared a lot. I find it very difficult to express myself and sometimes I wonder if I even have a personality. How do I change so I can be more likable and approachable? [more inside]
posted by sheepishchiffon at 7:26 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by sheepishchiffon at 7:26 PM PST - 14 comments
Little House on the Prairie companion
I've started to read my childhood favourites to my children. This week we started Little House on the Prairie, which is still wonderful but.... Pretty culturally insensitive. We're glossing over some bits, and having some good talks about the First Nations being displaced by the settlers, but.... [more inside]
posted by Valancy Rachel at 7:10 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Valancy Rachel at 7:10 PM PST - 12 comments
Bird ID Question--small black birds with brown heads
These little birds show up every day and hang out on my wife's car. It's really cute. I can't identify them though. I am in Wisconsin. Here's a quick video of them in action. It includes one of them trilling right near the middle.
posted by Slinga at 5:43 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Slinga at 5:43 PM PST - 4 comments
Couples conflict - how do you fight - your stories?
Hive mind, I'm looking for effective conflict resolution techniques/behaviors. A lot of what is written online seems a little too artificial to work in reality with the different personalities of people. What has worked for you in marital conflicts/arguments and why do you think it works? It is said it's not that a couple has fights but how they fight that matters. Having been in a relationship where one person simply doesn't validate the other person's issues and still expects peaceful co-existence, and the other person has a lot of anger in return, i'm trying to figure out what behavioral changes can we make to improve our conflict resolution. Some more details inside [more inside]
posted by whatdoyouthink? at 4:56 PM PST - 51 comments
posted by whatdoyouthink? at 4:56 PM PST - 51 comments
How do I meet someone new every day? (without scaring anyone)
I've been given a challenge- Meet someone new every day, for 40 days- but I have no idea how to do this. [more inside]
identify this necklace
Can you identify this necklace? [more inside]
o tote bag my tote bag
I would like to surprise a friend by replacing her favorite tote bag, a conference giveaway that is fraying & on its next-to-last legs. Can you help me find one? The actual bag style, not what it says (i.e. conference art) is the important part. The fact that it was a conference giveaway makes me think it's available SOMEwhere, if it was used in bulk like that. [more inside]
posted by listen, lady at 3:41 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by listen, lady at 3:41 PM PST - 18 comments
Recipes for restaurant "house" hot sauce?
This might be a lost cause but two (very) different restaurants in my town have house hot sauces that are very similar styles which makes me think it may be a thing. Thick - about as thick as Frank's - a little milder than Frank's, not too much vinegar, strong garlic presence, GOOD. I know that's not much to go on... is this a known style? Does it come in gallon tubs from Sysco? Recipes? Thank you in advance!
Career in IT and Computer Programming with zero knowledge?
I'm fascinated with computers, robotics, and photography. Yet, there's something captivating about IT and Computer Programming. I'm almost finishing up my Social Science bachelor's degree (Sociology), which is pretty worthless from a marketable angle, little job offers. I would like to learn more about IT (Support Services for software) and Computer Programming as well, but I have no background in these two fields. Should I pursue a degree in either of these fields if I have no experience with math and computers? [more inside]
Anxious Procrastination. Delaying gratification.
What are your favorite hacks for beating anxious procrastination? How do you delay gratification, in favor of getting things done? I'm looking for anecdata and personal testimony about techniques you use; not so much app recommendations. [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 12:07 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by nightrecordings at 12:07 PM PST - 21 comments
Is it really impossible to have a rowhouse built for under 300k?
I potentially have the chance to buy a cheap plot of land within easy subway distance of downtown Philadelphia. Initially this appeared a golden way to own my own home at an affordable price. (Complications inside the fold). [more inside]
I Just Want Grilled Corn, Goshdarnit
What's wrong with my grill and how do I fix it? Propane grill, 2 years old, unused for a season.. suddenly won't supply enough propane to the flame elements to cook anything (or stay lit if all five heat elements are turned on). [more inside]
posted by erst at 11:07 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by erst at 11:07 AM PST - 11 comments
What is the name of this book that is tangenitaly about fly fishing?
My SO asked for this for his birthday and I forgot the title. It's a book about a guy who takes a break from his (tech/math/physics??) career and does a lot of fly fishing. It has a MC Escher bird-to-fish print on the cover and may have been featured somewhere like BoingBoing. Any help?
posted by genmonster at 11:04 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by genmonster at 11:04 AM PST - 5 comments
Backpack recommendations for the thoroughly confused
I'll be honeymooning in Iceland soon, and we'll be doing lots of light hiking and general wandering around. I'd like to take a backpack, but there seem to be lots of options and I'm not sure what I'd want. [more inside]
Short fiction recommendations
What are your favourite collections of short stories written by a single author? [more inside]
My iPhone 6S keeps needing to reboot to connect to LTE?
I have an iPhone 6S that hasn't gone through any sort of damage, all of a sudden I've needed to restart it/power cycle to get it to connect to LTE. What's the deal? WiFi works fine, but I'll either get No Service or 1x, reboot and I'm fine for the day. I have no idea what I need to do to get this working correctly, any ideas?
Following up with a job lead?
I'm looking for advice on how to follow up with a job lead in light of an upcoming promotion at my current job. Advice welcome! [more inside]
US tax Roth IRA ladder conversion/recharacterization questions
I'm looking into using a "Roth conversion ladder" to periodically convert some of my money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, which I can then withdraw five years later in a tax-advantaged manner, despite being younger than the typical age to withdraw funds from IRAs. I have several questions about this. [more inside]
posted by Sock McPuppet, Jr. at 8:35 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Sock McPuppet, Jr. at 8:35 AM PST - 10 comments
Help me fight brain fog from bupropion (generic welbutrin)
I have been taking Vyvanse 30mg for about a year and a half for ADD. I had combined it with Celexa and then Cymbalta for depression. I tapered Cymbalta to later realize I really needed something for depression. The doctor put me on bupropion XL (generic Wellbutrin) and now I have been taking 300 mg for about a month. [more inside]
What's an Oxford tutorial (or Cambridge supervision) like?
My nephew (who is American) is applying to Oxford and Cambridge to do (read?) English. I'm excited about the idea, but he's not able to go over to visit before he applies (and presumably does his interview.) Can you tell us more about what a tutorial/supervision is like? [more inside]
Chaotic Neutral 8 Yr Old Needs NerdFood
My son, who is turning 8 in June, has out of the blue asked for Dungeons and Dragons for his birthday. I played some D&D as a kid, so I am comfortable DMing whatever game he gets, but am not sure what system would be the most fun for him. [more inside]
posted by joelhunt at 7:07 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by joelhunt at 7:07 AM PST - 11 comments
What kind of things can I do to help my partner with his business?
My husband just started his own house painting plus remodeling business after several years of working at a local college managing a mostly student-lead paint crew there. He also other years working part-time in the trades. (And after basically remodeling/building our house). I want to help him grow and be successful. [more inside]
posted by Rocket26 at 6:38 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Rocket26 at 6:38 AM PST - 16 comments
Examples of great moments in politics
I'm looking for examples of successful politics - what can happen when people work together to identify and resolve a problem. Any country, state or city, any political group. I'm especially interested in people from opposing parties working hard together and making a real difference. [more inside]
Drawing blood twice in 2 days— problem?
Two doctors asked me to perform blood tests. I unthinkingly decided to do them two days in a row— one on Thursday and one yesterday. I didn't tell the second nurse that I had just had my blood drawn the previous day. Is it dangerous to have blood drawn twice in two days? Less importantly, could it mess up the results from my second blood draw? [more inside]
posted by I made this account so Matt could have a $5 beer at 4:25 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by I made this account so Matt could have a $5 beer at 4:25 AM PST - 10 comments
Should I fade from this friendship?
I have had a good friend for about 2 years. He is also close friend with someone who seems to have a huge amount of animosity towards me and goes out of her way to put me down. She is super nice to him though and he only speaks very positively about her. A lot of bitchy behavior towards me happens in front of him and he always tells me that I am over-reacting or being too negative. Her behavior keeps escalating and I am frankly disappointed that he seems to take her side. Time to cut the friendship off? [more inside]
May 27
Do I make a lateral career move strictly for happiness?
Hola Mefi,
Here's the rub: I work at a place that I do not like very much, but is on the up and up with lots of funding. I am the last person in my department who has not quit and hold a lot of tribal knowledge. I got a job offer from a competitor for the same amount of money and the same title. Do I make a happiness move or do I try and make a few bucks? Deets inside. [more inside]
Tell academic supervisor about depression?
I want to disclose to my (former) supervisor that I've been struggling with depression this year, but I'm hesitating. [more inside]
Help someone be a (phone) genius in France
My wife (C) is going to Paris soon. She'd like to use her current US iPhone there for voice & data, but is a bit technophobic about SIM-buying & -swapping. I'd like to get her a step-by-step how-to. [more inside]
Help make my game awesome
I'm developing a 2D mobile game. What are the little details that I need to be sure to think about to make it awesome? [more inside]
If you had a programmer for 6 months ... what would you do?
I have a programmer with nothing to do for the next 6 months. He can build almost anything. What can I have him create that would could generate some passive income? [more inside]
How do you digitial art?
I need to step up my game with Photoshop. What monitor, what tools, what software does a real digital artist like yourself use? What tips do you have for me? [more inside]
What to do with 3 full drums of diesel fuel?
My landlord's ex left 3 industrial drums of diesel fuel on the property when they split. I just moved here, and would like the yard space free, which would please everyone since they're just taking up space at this point.
What's the most responsible way to get rid of them? Post on Craigslist for people who need bulk fuel? Hazmat?
Thanks!
posted by hot_tea at 7:23 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by hot_tea at 7:23 PM PST - 9 comments
What are these jewelry findings/medal components called?
...and where can I buy them? Jewelry/trophy/award makers of MetaFilter, I'm hoping you know some standard trade term to describe these two different components of medals/ceremonial jewels that are typically worn pinned to the left breast. [more inside]
Lunch me!
There have been many lunch questions, but this one is mine. Snowflakes inside: [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 6:37 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by youcancallmeal at 6:37 PM PST - 15 comments
08 Jetta -- doesn't start, then does after key left in ignition
08 Jetta, manual. Drove out to a store, parked, came back, wouldn't start, tried a bunch of stuff. Electrical system came on but no warning lights. Happened to leave the key in the ignition while discussing the problem and suddenly all the dash lights popped on, after which point it started fine. Drove home, turned it off, tried to turn it back on right away--same situation all over. [more inside]
How can I fill my salad days as simply as possible?
I have tons of surplus lettuce that I need to eat this week! What is your favourite super simple homemade oil & acid combo? [more inside]
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 4:42 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 4:42 PM PST - 30 comments
My Dog is Giving My Dog Walker a Complex. Why?
The next entry in my series of newbie dog questions. My newish rescue dog Huggy is difficult about walks in general, but is now making our friendly dogwalker insane by refusing to walk. She clearly likes her, so what gives? [more inside]
posted by frumiousb at 4:33 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by frumiousb at 4:33 PM PST - 15 comments
Resurgence, or, Can I Surge Protect My Entire Building?
The electricity in our neighborhood often spikes. So far it has killed several fancy toaster ovens, the electronics on the oven, and the rooftop air conditioner.
It's easy enough to find a surge protector for a toaster oven (they make 1875 W surge protectors), but what about major appliances like ovens and air conditioners? Is there a way to surge protect where power comes into the building (in which case the entire condo building could benefit)? Are there heavy duty surge protectors for ovens and rooftop air conditioning units? Do they work?
posted by Native in Exile at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Native in Exile at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments
Lesbian London in one night?
Myself and my girlfriend have an unexpected day and night in London, England tomorrow (Saturday, May 28). What should we do and where should we stay? [more inside]
Setting Boundaries vs Being Controlling?
I have very poor boundaries, and I'm just beginning to understand what that means. I've been trying to be aware of that and then set them in my relationship with my husband - but I'm unsure I'm doing it right, and am not just ending up being controlling. [more inside]
Can I use this bulb in this lamp?
I have a lamp. The socket is marked "660W", but the outer part of the lamp says not to go over 60W. I used a 250W infrared bulb in the lamp for a few hours with no problem. Is it safe to continue doing so? Is it even safe to use a normal 60W bulb?
easy x delicious?
I made a delicious caprese salad the other day, and was really impressed by the amount of tasty it was relative to the amount of prep work. I know lots of things that are easy to cook (or, in this case, leave uncooked) and lots of things that are delicious, but could use a lot more crossover. [more inside]
What is the quintessential poetry style guide book (if one exists)?
My wife just graduated with her masters in poetry and I'd love to get her a high quality, hardcover, commemorative book. [more inside]
posted by TimBridge at 2:52 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by TimBridge at 2:52 PM PST - 10 comments
How to cope with living in an awful place
I'm 21 and still live in my parents' apartment. It's awfully messy with trash and clothes and clutter all over the place. My room (the only bedroom) is fairly cramped. To make matters worse my mom insists on putting laundry bags full of clothes in my room. And my 13 year old brother is going to move in my room soon. [more inside]
Change your attachment style
I have an avoidance attachment style. I want to be secure. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by Kalmya at 2:10 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Kalmya at 2:10 PM PST - 7 comments
Seeking resources for small business newbies
We are in the early stages of considering a new business - exciting! While we're very much at the "tossing around an idea" phase, we'd like to have as much information and advice as possible. And so I come to you, Ask MeFi, seeking your best recommendations for resources, knowledge, & discussion to help us turn ideas into a plan. [more inside]
Looking for ways to keep my room from smelling like shit
Someone I know keeps complaining about how my room has a 'gross smell' even though I wash regularly, don't let food rot away in my room, empty the garbage from my room quite regularly, vacuum at least once every 1.5 weeks and, to my knowledge, don't do anything that would be the cause of things smelling like shit. Regardless, I'd like to take steps to keep my room smelling fresh. [more inside]
How is babby foot unformed
I'm in the shedding-like-a-snake middle of a Korean Foot Peel, and it absolutely, positively needs to be finished in 48 hours. Help. [more inside]
How do you pronounce "moths"?
Do you say moth-s, mawths, mothz, mawws, or something else entirely? I've recently found out that no one can understand me when I say "moths." I don't believe I say any other English word so confusingly, so I'm curious how I came to say it so peculiarly, and whether my pronunciation is unique to me. I do have a bit of the northern cities vowel shift (and no longer live in the midwest), so I'm wondering if that adds to the confusion.
Cultural Appropriation in the Mechanics of Magic
I am a white cis-het male working on a writing project that includes both a fantasy novel and a tabletop RPG system and setting, based in an alternate history Earth where magic is a part of normal life. I believe in the importance of diversity in representation, so I would like to depict an America in which European/American culture is less hegemonic than in reality. One of the ways in which I want to do that is having non-European systems of magic be influential on the art and science of magic in this world. In particular, I am considering whether there is a way to incorporate chakras into both the fiction and the game's system without it being cultural appropriation. More details after the break. [more inside]
posted by Caduceus at 11:38 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Caduceus at 11:38 AM PST - 13 comments
Blogs for binge reading?
Looking for addictive, binge-worthy blogs that I will want to read from beginning to end. Basically, if you couldn't stop reading, I'd like to hear about it. [more inside]
My Twitter Account has booted me out, is asking for phone number - hope!
My Twitter account wanted a phone number to verify a new account, and when I entered it it told me "unsupported phone number". Also, the drop-down menu pops back to Canada when I've selected United States. Please hope me! [more inside]
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 10:52 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 10:52 AM PST - 12 comments
Doc required me to sign a mandatory arbitration agreement. Sketchy?
I fractured my ankle and went to an orthopedic doctor this week. Before I could see the doctor I was required to sign a form agreeing to waive my rights to a jury trial and solve any problem with arbitration. I've never been asked to sign this in a medical setting and it felt sketchy and coercive since I was in a lot of pain and needed to see a doctor. Is this normal? Should I get a different doc? [more inside]
Therapist recommendation in Roanoke, VA?
Looking for a therapist in Roanoke, Virginia for an anxious new college graduate. [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 10:37 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Sweetie Darling at 10:37 AM PST - 3 comments
Smart thrillers, not too gory?
Here's another "choose my entertainment for me" question: If I like "Alias" and "The Night Manager"—smart, not-too-gory, lots of twists and turns—what else will I like? [more inside]
How do I handle seeing gross and unsanitary behavior at a restuarant?
I was getting take out from a restaurant yesterday when one of the workers behind the counter cut themselves. I was shocked when another worker pulled out a first aid kit, placed it on the bag my food was going to be placed in, and helped the other worker put a Band-Aid on their cut DIRECTLY OVER THE FOOD PREP AREA. This is clearly appalling behavior, but I'm not sure what to do about it. [more inside]
Best cheap or free resources for learning R?
I'm looking for some help cutting through the mix of crap that Google throws up and finding some quality free (or very inexpensive) resources for learning the statistical programming language R. [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 10:05 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 10:05 AM PST - 8 comments
I liked your study, let's hang out?
Is it appropriate to ask out someone I met while participating in his experiment? [more inside]
posted by Guelder at 9:58 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Guelder at 9:58 AM PST - 6 comments
Help! Who was this hilarious NOLA comedian?
I was in NOLA in February or March 2016, visiting an old friend. One night we went to Comedy Gumbeaux at Howlin' Wolf, sort of an open mic style thing. The obvious crowd favorite was a younger-looking black woman who had a hilarious set about "getting marmaladed" (when a tourist gets seduced into moving to NOLA by a sexy local) and dick pics and Cain gift cards. WHAT IS HER NAME??? [more inside]
posted by leemleem at 9:37 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by leemleem at 9:37 AM PST - 6 comments
Why would someone lie about their age on a draft notice?
I need some help brainstorming. Looking on Ancestry.com, I have found two draft cards (well, one draft card and one draft registration card) that are definitely the same person, but the birth year is off by four years. It doesn't seem to me to be an issue of skirting an age limit on either end. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:42 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:42 AM PST - 17 comments
Looking for a good men's suit / tie / shirt combo for a summer wedding
I will be attending a wedding as a guest next weekend. My options for a suit are: dark grey, light grey, and a lighter navy. I'm interested in buying a new shirt and tie combo for the occasion, but I'm looking for some options. I'd like something that's bright and fun, but doesn't clash (which I often have a hard time discerning). [more inside]
A Boat has no Name
I bought a new-to-me Bayliner 175 identical to the one featured in this old promo pic. It's my first boat and I'm thrilled. But what's its name? [more inside]
Debt Collection Questions - What do the dead owe?
I have some medical bills that my late husband apparently accrued in the last months of his life. I've been trying to figure out for what and how to get them covered by his insurance for months now and it appears that it's gone to collections. What should I do? [more inside]
Repeated sleep paralysis while falling asleep?
I'm going through a really stressful period in my life and only sleeping about 5.5 hours per night. While falling asleep, with my mind going and going, I realize that I'm awake and paralyzed and it causes delayed release of adrenaline as I sort of eventually jerk awake.. [more inside]
Homeowners title insurance fees on a closing of a property, got scammed?
Gave power of attorney for a closing we we're physically present for, got the sale receipt and found that the attorney charged a 3385.00 title insurance fee to his own name. Did we get scammed? [more inside]
Is this a bedbug?
I found this little monster crawling on the wall of a short-term rental apartment I'm staying in. HALP
posted by homodachi at 7:28 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by homodachi at 7:28 AM PST - 15 comments
Yes really! Really!
Have you experienced relationships with people who respond to (what feels like) everything you say with, “Really?...” or with some variation of (benign?) incredulity? [more inside]
posted by Dressed to Kill at 7:04 AM PST - 72 comments
posted by Dressed to Kill at 7:04 AM PST - 72 comments
Can I pay the Internet to write my emails?
I suck at correspondence, and would like to pay another human to draft the occasional very brief email message for me-- standard thank-yous, requests, friend check-ins, etc. (I don't need a full-on virtual assistant; just the occasional $5, 5-minute task). Is there an established gig website that handles this sort of custom short content request? How else could I go about tracking down someone to provide this service? [more inside]
Should we get supplemental insurance before getting pregnant?
We plan on getting pregnant in a year. I have heard about getting short term disability insurance before getting pregnant, which you can then collect after the baby is delivered. Does anyone have any experience in this? Is it worth it? Which plans worked for you?
Things to do in Denver when you are a puppet
What should I do while in Denver (starting tomorrow). I will be there through Thursday. [more inside]
Old metal. High crime. Bad stash.
What late 90s or early aughts crime show starred an aging metal musician sporting a distractingly weird moustache? Thought it involved Slash but I can't find anything.
posted by es_de_bah at 5:51 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by es_de_bah at 5:51 AM PST - 3 comments
Being a Breaker instead of a Maker?
I'm curious if there's any information about people who have trouble with creating something wholly new but instead seems much better at modifying or creating by assembling parts of things they already know. [more inside]
May 26
Hotel in Brussels
I am looking for a hotel in for two nights in Brussels. I have a flight to West Africa on Tuesday, June 7 at 10:25 a.m. so I will need to get to the airport very early. I see that the hotels near the airport generally cost more than those downtown, and aren't necessarily easier to reach. For speed and safety reasons, I'd like to stay at a place that's a direct train or taxi ride away from the airport. [more inside]
posted by smorgasbord at 9:24 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by smorgasbord at 9:24 PM PST - 7 comments
Get My AC Into This Terrible Small Window
Becoming a speech language pathologist and cognitive therapist - fast
A relative suffered a brain injury and stroke. We want to learn everything there is to know about assessment and treatment of speech and cognition problems after severe brain injury. Researching this, it has been hard to cut through the morass of questionable information coming from companies pushing a product or service. I'd like to get the information that doctors/pathologists/therapists get in their training. Things like textbooks, manuals, class notes, clinical guides, peer-reviewed articles, etc. are great. Free and on the internet is best, but not necessary. Thank you.
Wordpress/Site Hosting
My question is two part: 1) the problem I am currently having with Wordpress site and 2) a larger question around what exactly is the most cost effective way to use Wordpress to create a professional website. [more inside]
Beating Summer Bloat
How do I deal with bloating which seems to take place in hot/humid weather? [more inside]
Some stores accept ONLY chip cards?
I had to replace my credit card this week due to fraud. I've received a super basic (no pretty image, no bank name, no chip, etc.) temporary card until my permanent one arrives. Just tried to use the temporary one, and was declined. Called up the credit card company and was told that the purchase was declined by the retailer because the card does not have a chip. Is this correct? Do some retailers only accept chip cards? I actually had to go through this whole new card number process not two months ago, and this was never an issue during that go around (even using it during interstate travel).
posted by riverandstars at 5:56 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by riverandstars at 5:56 PM PST - 5 comments
How to best help others find work?
Over the last six months, I've been looking for a new job. It's been awful. Once I've got myself squared away, how can I most effectively help others find better work? [more inside]
What should I do with the dead Hyundai in the garage?
About a year ago, the 2009 Hyundai Sonata I had been driving to death suddenly went kaput. I was driving back to work from lunch when the check engine light came on. I pulled into the nearest auto store and checked the oil. It was bone dry. [more inside]
How does NAFTA work for a self-employed person?
I'm a Canadian citizen who is self-employed who regularly employs the services of others to produce some of the merchandise I sell. I've recently been getting items made by someone in the US, who produces the items themselves. I know that, under some circumstances, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) can make it that I don't have to pay duties when importing these items. However, I can't find specific information to explain what situations these are. Can anyone help me out? [more inside]
Dividing family heirlooms (animosity edition)
What is a fair way to divide family heirlooms with cousins? There was a long-term estrangement with these cousins, and we have tried to make the best of being stuck making decisions with them regarding the care of the person who owns the heirlooms (and is now in a nursing home with dementia and unable to make decisions), but it hasn't worked out really well. Now we are supposed to meet to split things up. Is there any way to make this more fair/easier? More inside. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 4:40 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by FencingGal at 4:40 PM PST - 25 comments
Solo hiking trips near Phoenix
I enjoy hiking and just found out that I have a long weekend this week! Any recommendations for day hikes near north Phoenix? [more inside]
(Virtual) Summer writing programs for a teen?
A talented and typically sullen sixteen-year-old girl is about to meet the vast free time of Summer Vacation and I'd like to find something that feeds her inspiration more than her desperation. She's a fine writer and it's good for her mental health for a whole pile of reasons. Registration for the local, in-person summer writing programs has come and gone, so I'd like to find some online options that encouraging her writing. Give me your online classes, camps, communities, apps, or anything else appropriate for a teen who likes to write, but could use some constructive encouragement. [more inside]
What are your best resources for a customer support job?
A friend is having a very rough time working from home doing phone (tech) support for a big company. They want to stick with this job for various reasons but are finding it soul crushing from day to day. What are the best resources that you know of that teach skills to deal with a high-paced, stressful customer service/call center type job? [more inside]
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 4:01 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 4:01 PM PST - 8 comments
Help Name... Me!
I am a trans person looking for a new name, and I am having the worst damn time coming up with something suitable. Difficulties within... [more inside]
US Security Monitoring
How common is the following scenario? Is it believable? If so, can anything be inferred about the people involved? [more inside]
Crowdfunding in Russian
My group wants to do a fundraiser to help an anti-Putin cause. We want to do our fundraiser in Russian.
I'm almost positive it's not worth using any of the crowdfunding sites that are actually located in Russia, because our cause is so controversial in Russia it will just be shut down. What crowdfunding sites in the rest of the world are compatible with the Russian language?
(I don't speak Russian myself, someone else in our group does and will run the fundraiser.)
posted by Cinnamon Bear at 2:48 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Cinnamon Bear at 2:48 PM PST - 4 comments
Do I Even Want to Be a Part of It (New York, New York)?
What do you wish you'd known about moving to and living in New York City before taking the plunge? [more inside]
name that children's book filter: cat airships?
another installment of the name-that-children's-book-with-no-details-about-title-or-author:it was a picture book; it came out or was out around 1993-1998; I have almost no memory of the plot...I read it as a child and it reappeared to me in my mind's eye suddenly and is driving me crazy; it involved fantastical themes of animals with complex societies, at least one of which were cats (but maybe woodland creatures?) [more inside]
posted by zingiberene at 1:30 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by zingiberene at 1:30 PM PST - 4 comments
Blue Apron, Hello Fresh so many options. Which to pick?
I have been looking at boxes grocery services like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh. There are so many to choose from. What services have you used? What feedback can you give. I really like the idea of having my meals planned, groceries bought, and it all delivered on a specific day. I like the price point of about $10 per meal per person for 4 meals per week. Our tastes are varied with almost no limitations.
Amsterdam and beyond
The Amsterdam trip in May didn't happen for reasons. But we now have our tickets for July. Arriving 7/12 and leaving 7/25. Please help us plan the part of our trip where we venture out to other countries.... [more inside]
Can my cat eat this?
Is there a literary equivalent of going back to high school?
I am looking for some young adult fiction that describes current high school experience. [more inside]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 12:41 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 12:41 PM PST - 9 comments
I would not have this problem at an ASHRAE convention!
How long does my Landlord have to fix the central AC. [more inside]
posted by clavdivs at 12:23 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by clavdivs at 12:23 PM PST - 11 comments
What washer and drier to get? How to decide?
We bought a new-to-us house that does not come with a washer and drier. However, washers and driers seem to be way more complicated than I could have ever possibly imagined.
Does anybody have any recommendations for a good washer and drier? Or, can anyone point us toward somewhere that will help us narrow down our decision? Or even tell us brands to consider or avoid? [more inside]
Possibly apocryphal story about Stax Records and Van Morrison?
Did someone at Stax Records recommend "His Band and the Street Choir" as an example of great soul music? (My question is not about whether it qualifies as r&b or soul music, to be clear.) [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 11:20 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by kensington314 at 11:20 AM PST - 1 comment
SNL"s Penelope is my colleague. Make it stop.
I'm a director at a small company. Penelope is also a director. Penelope spends most of her time trying to one-up me. I don't want this to continue. [more inside]
posted by nubianinthedesert at 11:00 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by nubianinthedesert at 11:00 AM PST - 16 comments
Blogs about plants and plant collecting?
I'm looking for blogs about unusual plants, collecting plants, growing plants...but not gardening blogs (necessarily). [more inside]
posted by lemonade at 10:59 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by lemonade at 10:59 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me help my favourite person.
How can I help a young child who has recently lost a parent? [more inside]
posted by futureisunwritten at 10:36 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by futureisunwritten at 10:36 AM PST - 23 comments
Car camping recommendations in the Plumas/Graeagle/Gold Lake area?
Planning a week long car camping trip to California's Lakes Basin region -- roughly Gold Lake/Yuba River/Feather River (the general area of this map). Looking for recommendations for campgrounds. More details/requirements below the fold. [more inside]
posted by mosk at 10:34 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by mosk at 10:34 AM PST - 2 comments
squirrel gone wild
Service-based new baby gift in London
My brother and his wife are expecting their first child any day now. I want to get them a service-type gift they can use to make their lives easier post-baby. [more inside]
posted by Aubergine at 9:58 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Aubergine at 9:58 AM PST - 13 comments
Remembering a poetry book from my childhood
What was this anthology book from my childhood?? Read at my grandmother's house in the early to mid 1990s. [more inside]
Do I need a wedding coordinator?
I need to stop reading wedding boards. Everyone says I need a day-of-coordinator for my wedding, but do I really? [more inside]
Looking for a new subscription-based media service
My sister and I share logins for several media services. Now we're looking for another one. [more inside]
posted by Lucinda at 8:28 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Lucinda at 8:28 AM PST - 14 comments
What evidence is there of economic warfare against Venezuela?
President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has claimed on a number of occasions that powers outside Venezuela are engaging in economic warfare against his country. Maduro usually blames the United States, though he has also claimed that certain Colombians are behind Venezuela's economic crisis. America's dismal record of interfering in Latin America makes it the usual suspect when things start going wrong. However, what evidence is there that the US or any other country are attacking Venezuela's economy? [more inside]
posted by A. Davey at 8:19 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by A. Davey at 8:19 AM PST - 4 comments
Ennio Rotten
I am looking for punk/post-punk/new wave songs that feature spaghetti western styled guitar sections. Examples include: Do You Believe In The Westworld? by Theatre of Hate, Obsessed by 999 and tons of Adam and the Ants songs.
posted by ericthegardener at 8:14 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by ericthegardener at 8:14 AM PST - 17 comments
Trying to locate a space research webcomic which I can't find again.
The characters were all in semi-puffy jumpsuits, and looked somewhat indistinguishable from each other. They were all working on a space research ship or outpost. The main character, a woman, was a botanist I believe. There were images of small plants growing in a space lab setting. The tone was wry and understated from what I remember. [more inside]
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 8:03 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 8:03 AM PST - 2 comments
How to buy home playground equipment
My kiddo is turning three this summer and we are thinking about getting him a playground set for the backyard. I've been looking at some online and realize I'm not even sure where to start on this - the prices vary to a crazy degree and there are so many different options. If you have a playground set, what do you like or dislike about it? What should I consider when making this purchase? Was it worth the money, or is it just collecting dust?
posted by galvanized unicorn at 7:55 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by galvanized unicorn at 7:55 AM PST - 17 comments
Travel Planning Tool?
What travel planning tool do you use and recommend? [more inside]
How do I find out if a UK college is reputable?
I'm wanting to go back to studying briefly for the sake of a planned change in career, but my understanding of the UK education system is limited, so I can't figure out if the college I'm looking at is reputable. [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 6:29 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by sailoreagle at 6:29 AM PST - 12 comments
SMALL high quality toiletry kit
I'm looking for a small, lightweight kit that can hold a toothbrush, shaver, shaving cream, toothpaste and not much else. I'm having trouble finding this in stores or online. I've googled 'pencil pouches' which is more of the form factor I'm going for, and I'm not wanting to use zip locks.
Must be gender neutral/male focused (if that makes sense).
Thoughts?
posted by sandmanwv at 4:47 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by sandmanwv at 4:47 AM PST - 12 comments
Feeling the burn and it's not going away
What could be causing an internal furnace-like heat on the left side of my body? And more importantly, how can I get rid of it? [more inside]
Should I help a colleague with a job? Even if I find them mildly evil?
This is the prettiest question I've asked and I feel pretty crap asking it. However, I'm a student about to enter the working world for the first time, so I don't know what the rules are around this kind of thing. Help please? [more inside]
Staying with NHS GP when homeless and moving around?
UK Healthcare: Is there a way of remaining registered with your GP when recently homeless and staying with friends in other cities? Or accessing GP services generally without a permanent address? [more inside]
Sequence of images of numbers
I'm looking for a pack of images, each one of a number from 0 to 99. PNG format would be best, but if that's not available I'm not fussy. If there was also a way that I can script this in Photoshop or in Automator (Mac), or some other way to create them. I'd like to download something to test an idea, but eventually will have to make the images to my own specs. [more inside]
posted by nevan at 3:21 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by nevan at 3:21 AM PST - 7 comments
How long should insurance take to finalize an auto damage estimate?
I was hit by another driver, who sped off and likely won't be caught (no plate). I have coverage for this but it took nearly three weeks for my insurance company to approve the estimate from the shop. The first adjuster assigned to the claim wasn't local to the area and tried to do everything by phone/email and the company wasn't particularly communicative about the process. Is this run-of-the-mill feet-dragging for insurance companies or does mine suck? [more inside]
posted by DyRE at 12:35 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by DyRE at 12:35 AM PST - 9 comments
May 25
UkeFilter: Help me rock out!
Ukulele-playing mefites, please give me your best recommendations on an electric solid-body ukulele. [more inside]
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:18 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:18 PM PST - 3 comments
Looking for funny article about a young child arguing with parents
I remember reading a humorous article about a 4 year old arguing with her parent about whether she can have a cookie*, but I can't seem to find it in google.
*I might have the age and cookie parts wrong.
posted by vegetableagony at 11:17 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by vegetableagony at 11:17 PM PST - 12 comments
How can I watch my favorite Bravo shows without cable?
I'm almost too ashamed to name which ones, but the one I watch the most is one of the more popular franchises on that network. And Top Chef. Yeah, that one. So I have Netflix and Amazon Prime already. I just signed up for the free trial of Hulu and discovered they don't stream Real Housewives unless you have a specific cable provider. I have Comcast, which they don't even accept and which I plan to cancel once I can find something to replace it.
Kiss attempted. Kiss rejected. Is there any hope?
Women of Metafilter : have you ever given a guy the head-dodge (or the cheek-turn) at the end of a first date, and then actually wanted them to ask you out on a second date? [more inside]
Lyrics for Dixieland song -- Sing On
I love this old Dixieland tune "Sing On" and in the chorus I can hear "Sing On," but I can't find the lyrics anywhere. There are other songs called this and Google has a lot of red herrings. Anyone have a clue where I can find the words? Here is a classic example
How to deal with a copyright claim—YouTube version
I made a trailer for a math class using Battle Without Honor or Humanity (not very creative, sorry). Now I'm embroiled in a copyright claim and I'd like to know how to respond. I checked some old asks, but they're three years old or so. [more inside]
posted by middlethird at 7:52 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by middlethird at 7:52 PM PST - 15 comments
Semi-common construction or meme having to do with sacrifice
Recently I've seen occurrences that are basically "name, verbing the thing," where the second part is a sad thing. I think this sometimes shows up as a call and response, where one person says one name and a sad thing they did, and the other person names someone else who did a sadder thing (typically related to the first.) What is this and where did it come from? [more inside]
posted by punchtothehead at 7:39 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by punchtothehead at 7:39 PM PST - 4 comments
A dachshund by any other name... another round of Name That Dog!
We have a super chill year-old doxie named Poppy. In a couple weeks, Poppy's NEW BABY SISTER is moving in! [more inside]
Help me not rage-drive my car into a telephone pole
I have a 2016 Honda Fit. It has a Bluetooth connection, but I usually plug my phone into the aux cable so my phone can charge while I'm driving ( the aux connection overrides the Bluetooth). Whenever I do this and the car audio is on, my iTunes music automatically starts playing (in alphabetical order by song) as soon as the phone is plugged in. How can I keep this from happening? I can only hear "Alcohol" by the Barenaked Ladies so many times before I go mad.
Can a beginner make a table without screwing up irreplaceable wood?
I have enough surface wood from an old velodrome to make a smallish coffee table or a large endtable - inspired by this beauty. I'd use the surface wood for the table surface, and mount it on... something. But though I'm reasonably handy, I have no experience woodworking. [more inside]
posted by entropone at 6:57 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by entropone at 6:57 PM PST - 18 comments
Name still on home loan after divorce...
It's been a long frustrating 18 months going through divorce. In trial my lawyer and I tried to get the house, but were unsuccessful. So, Asshat gets the house in the decree and I get a cash settlement. [more inside]
Tokyo hotel recommendation?
Please help me find a hotel in Tokyo! (details within) [more inside]
clearance in front of window ac unit?
I would like to put my loveseat in front of the window that houses the small air conditioner. How much clearance should I give it? I could do up to 2 feet but I'd like to put it as close as I can. Thanks.
Tips for dealing with my 5 year old's broken arm
My 5 year old broke his arm yesterday. We are getting excellent health care. I'm looking for advice on how to cope with the next 4-6 weeks he's in a cast. [more inside]
posted by thenormshow at 5:32 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by thenormshow at 5:32 PM PST - 21 comments
Crazy bold font
A Macho, Macho....compassionate man?
For Reasons, I need examples of stereotypically "macho", successful, "strong" men throughout history (or modern!) who also exhibited and or/talked about having compassion for others. Bonus points if they engaged in documented "sensitive" behavior to their family or friends. [more inside]
posted by corb at 4:43 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by corb at 4:43 PM PST - 26 comments
How do I ebay?
So, I am still trying to offload these discount codes and I set up an ebay account to do it. It has 3 page views, possibly all mine. Help me up my game in case it does not sell at all and I need to relist it. [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 4:38 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Michele in California at 4:38 PM PST - 7 comments
Intitiate me into (documentaries about) secret societies
I want to watch some documentaries about secret societies, conspiracies, occult mysteries, etc. that feel sorta like reading Rat Scabies and the Holy Grail -- a little skeptical (but not cynical), a little fascinated (but not overly credulous), fun, and weird. [more inside]
Best place to hang out in a parked car in San Francisco?
This is not a sex question, I promise. Owing to some logistical ridiculousness, I'm going to have to spend part of a weekday sitting in my parked car, somewhere in San Francisco. No leaving the car. Where's the prettiest place that can be appreciated from a parked car? [more inside]
posted by pickingupsticks at 4:22 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by pickingupsticks at 4:22 PM PST - 11 comments
What do I cover granite countertops with since I'm renting?
I need the equivalent of plastic couch covers or tinfoiling your stove for counters. I'd like to use the counters with the covers on. Appearance is unimportant. Usability of the counters is. [more inside]
Gettin' Mom Some Teeth
My mom's in dire need of a dental makeover. She's 82 and over the last few years her teeth have really suffered - broken, fallen out etc. She stopped seeing her dentist a few years back because of what appeared to be egregious billing and a ridiculous $43,000 proposed dental plan for her.
She's not in pain, but she's got some serious gaps and chewing problems.
Problem is, neither of us can afford to get her fixed up. Other than DIY dental implants, maybe you have an idea or two....? [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 3:43 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by ecorrocio at 3:43 PM PST - 9 comments
Left-field suggestions for BBQ sides
Can you help me come up with unorthodox/off-the-beaten-track sides to go with BBQ pulled pork next weekend? [more inside]
ISO divorce lawyer in the SF Bay Area
Can anyone recommend a great divorce lawyer in the San Francisco Bay Area? (The couple involved have been married for 20 years and have no children, if that matters.)
We're Gonna Party Like it's (a Year that Ends in 6)
Two of my dear friends are turning 40 and 50, respectively, so we're going to have a party. Throw me some great songs from 1966 and 1976 to put on the mix!
Bonus points for forgotten gems; a simple thanks for songs that are still in oldies-tight-rotation.
Helping baby take a bottle
My delightful three month old doesn't know how to drink from a bottle. I'll drip milk in his mouth, and he'll get interested enough to take the bottle nipple in his mouth for a second, but it seems like his typical tongue action just pushes the nipple back out again? Is there a better nipple to try? Is there a specific way to hold the bottle that'll help him? [more inside]
posted by slidell at 2:03 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by slidell at 2:03 PM PST - 19 comments
Travel filter: Grand Canyon, Bryce, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Zion edition
Asking for a friend, who says: "Our family (two adults, three kids, 15, 8, and 6) will be traveling to Arizona in mid-June. We will fly into Flagstaff on June 14th, rent a car, and fly out of Flagstaff on July 2. Please help us plan our itinerary and suggest any must-sees/should-avoids along the way." [more inside]
Eating out in Budapest
Have you been to Budapest recently? Can you recommend restaurants/pubs/cafes with local fare that are not tourist traps and are decently priced? And also bars where a couple can have a pleasant martini or two? Thanks!
What is this potted plant?
Asking for a friend who recently acquired an unknown houseplant from another friend. Can you identify this plant and offer any advice on care? [more inside]
All About That Bass
Please help me add to my list of pop songs that have a great low frequencies. [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 12:46 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by overeducated_alligator at 12:46 PM PST - 41 comments
Understanding Options for State Jail Felony in Texas
Posting for a friend:
Someone I'm very close to is in a criminal legal situation and while I totally understand that Metafilter is not a substitute for actual legal advice, I'm writing this in hopes of getting educated opinions or shared experiences (and won't say no to legal advice in the process). [more inside]
Making the move to Android from Iphone today
Obviously lots of web resources to help novices make this move...
Are there any guides people found really well done to help a real technophobe?
Blowback after expressing concerns of co-worker's suicide risk
A friend from work (Rachel) disclosed to one of her close friends (Monica) that someone on her team (Phoebe) had expressed suicidal ideation that was becoming seriously concerning. Monica works at another location, so Rachel talked with Monica in order to get advice on how to report her concern while remaining anonymous, avoiding blowback, and keeping the trust of her team-mate. Instead, Monica immediately reported her concern to the regional manger, Phoebe was immediately suspended and told Rachel reported her. Blowback has ensued. How does my friend deal with this perceived lack of professionalism? [more inside]
How to find my father's old house?
My father lived in Portland, OR in the early 70's. He wants to see if he can find the house he lived in here, if it still exists. He doesn't remember much about what streets he was on but he remembers that it was located by a dollar theater and a big park. He says the house was sort of like a town house, but they were for sailors when they'd dock and stay for a short period of time. He thought maybe if we could find a list of dollar theaters he could find it, but I imagine that's impossible. How would we find this house? Is it even possible?
posted by gucci mane at 11:45 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by gucci mane at 11:45 AM PST - 20 comments
Why do they do national polls?
The American public will be inundated with national poll results until November 8th, and I can't understand why. [more inside]
What did I see on the highway this morning?
Why was a motorcycle cop and an unmarked van escorting a tour bus on the interstate? [more inside]
posted by Bromius at 10:33 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Bromius at 10:33 AM PST - 15 comments
FICO Score Rebound
How long does it take a FICO score to recover from a 60-day delinquent report, why has my score's recovery stalled, how can I speed up it's recovery? [more inside]
posted by no1hatchling at 9:52 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by no1hatchling at 9:52 AM PST - 17 comments
Has anyone gone back on an antidepressant after time off?
I was on multiple SSRI's during adolescence but have been off for four years. I am now considering going back on something due to increasing anxiety/panic symptoms. Does anyone have experience with this? Is it something I should look into? [more inside]
SF to Portland or Portland to Seattle? Roadtrip filter.
My best friend (also a MeFite) and I are going to do a west coast road trip for the last week of July. We'll arrive Sunday evening and need to fly home to the east coast on Friday. So we have four full non-air travel days. Would you recommend travelling from SF to Portland or Portland to Seattle? [more inside]
posted by mercredi at 9:26 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by mercredi at 9:26 AM PST - 16 comments
How to get motion-activated pics of an animal?
An animal's den has appeared. Gophers which were near the den before have disappeared. There are bobcats and foxes around here and now and then scat turns up that doesn't belong to a domestic pet. I would like to get a few pictures of this new resident. [more inside]
Has anyone else experienced a "neurological rebound" effect from Advil?
I've been taking Advil (ibuprofen) for about two weeks due to a major toothache followed by a root canal. Last night was the first time I went to bed without taking anything, and it took me hours to get to sleep. I seemed sensitive to everything: position of the bed covers, hair touching my arm, position of my legs. [more inside]
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 8:34 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 8:34 AM PST - 15 comments
Is a gift necessary? If so, what?
A bunch of family is meeting for lunch. I feel compelled to bring a hostess gift. Should I? [more inside]
posted by catch as catch can at 7:53 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by catch as catch can at 7:53 AM PST - 18 comments
Hard-Wired Remote-Controlled Under-Cabinet Lighting
I have 4 sets of cabinets in my kitchen with under-cabinet lighting, and each light is controlled by its own switch (on the light). We rarely turn them on because you have to walk all around the kitchen. Are there lights I can replace them with that are hard-wired and can all be turned on from a single location, without running new electrical to connect them to a new in-wall switch?
posted by chriswarren at 7:42 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by chriswarren at 7:42 AM PST - 11 comments
Weekend Project Ideas
I have 3 days on my own this weekend – what projects can I get stuck into that will take about that long? [more inside]
posted by Law of Demeter at 6:07 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Law of Demeter at 6:07 AM PST - 16 comments
Is there such a thing as being slow to understand the spoken word?
After yet another work meeting where I left feeling like I was from another planet, I would like to ask if I could possibly improve my understanding of verbal communication. [more inside]
I got the job! Marketing Director at Regional Theater. Now what?
In the fall I will be taking over the position of Marketing Director at a regional, equity theater (yea!). Can anyone in a similar position point me to great resources or offer any nuggets of wisdom/advice? None of my official education was really in marketing. 9 million thanks in advance. [more inside]
Name that Horror Game
I'm trying to remember the name of/find traces of an old horror computer game that I came across when I was a young kid (early-mid 90s-ish). [more inside]
Why does James Brown always say "hit me!"?
Is it a drug thing? Some variation of telling the band to "hit it"? Was this a part of Southern / Black vernacular? What does it MEAN?
posted by Meatbomb at 4:14 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Meatbomb at 4:14 AM PST - 12 comments
Gift cards bought in the US to be used in Canada?
Some friends are moving from the US to Canada. We live in the US and want to get them a gift card of some sort as a going away present, but I found a few articles that say US gift cards can't always be used outside of the states (something about financial regulations). I'm confused and turning to the hive mind - what's the simplest way to do this? [more inside]
May 24
Where have all the bohemians gone, long time passing?
There used to be bohemians (not avant garde artists, not beats, not hippies). I'd know one if I saw one, but can't seem to bring their essential qualities into focus -- except for a distain for the bourgeoisie. Are they still around? What do we call them now? [more inside]
posted by kestralwing at 10:58 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by kestralwing at 10:58 PM PST - 32 comments
How to bring myself to end this abusive relationship?
I have to end my relationship of a decade, and there are many feelings involved. As a highly-sensitive person, I feel everything so deeply, and after some terrifying behavior lately, I feel like the strength I had built and my determination to leave have gone flat. I feel emotionally on the floor and mentally exhausted. How do I bring myself to end this relationship for my own sanity and healing? [more inside]
What was/is this job title?
Ages ago I worked at Office Depot. I briefly trained with a back office person and I'm trying to remember what her title was. She was the person who collected all the cash and receipts from the cashiers and made sure everything was in order. I think she organized all the deposits for the managers to take. And probably set up the drawers with the correct amounts and denominations for the cashiers to start out with. And I think she made sure there were credit card receipts for all the actual credit card transactions, etc. [more inside]
posted by Beti at 9:52 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Beti at 9:52 PM PST - 16 comments
What to do in Boston?
I am going to Boston this weekend. I have been there a billion times but have never really done any Bostony things. What should I plan to do? Things I like: seafood, New Englandyness, American history, public transportation, and roast beef but I think I've got that covered.
Jimi Monterey strat duplicate paint replica variations
There's Jimis legendary original version which lasted one night, there is a John Mayer copy of it that for some reason varies slightly, and then there is seemingly a third version where a rose is replaced by a yellow and pink daisy in the corner with some additional yellow dots and tiny amended details. [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 8:43 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by jitterbug perfume at 8:43 PM PST - 1 comment
Best coastal camping in Maine?
My sister is going to do some solo camping in Maine this summer, and would love to be as close to the coast/beach as possible. Favorite campgrounds? [more inside]
Best Kid's RV Vacation in New Hampshire?
OK. We have an RV on loan for a week's vacation in the first week in August (we can fudge where the week begins and ends). We have a six year old. We have at least one parent, probably two, nostalgic for New Hampshire in high summer. [more inside]
Appalachian Translation: What's a railroad man?
I was listening today to Bascom Lamar Lunsford’s “I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground”, which includes the unforgettable line, “the railroad man, he’ll kill you if he can/And drink out your blood like wine”. Who is this guy? Will he? Why? [more inside]
posted by trotzdem_kunst at 7:43 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by trotzdem_kunst at 7:43 PM PST - 19 comments
Radiator vs. A/C: Whichever wins, we lose.
The radiators in our new home are going rogue and destroying our attempts at using A/C. How do we turn off our radiators for the season? [more inside]
posted by Luminiferous Ether at 7:33 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Luminiferous Ether at 7:33 PM PST - 8 comments
How/why are the electric socket wires suddenly both positive
The light socket next to my bed stopped working and the electrician says it's because both wires are positive. I asked him how it could have happened and he said he didn't know, it was very strange. Electricians of MetaFilter, what's happening here? [more inside]
posted by Room 641-A at 6:55 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Room 641-A at 6:55 PM PST - 17 comments
Where to buy Milliput in NYC?
Bathtub project -- signs point to Milliput, but I can't find any fast enough. [more inside]
Smoking Jacket filter...
My school's mascot is the Yellow Jackets, and I'm trying to plan a gala fundraiser event. Any ideas for catchy names? It's a dinner & drinks kind of thing, and I'd love to have an easy title for it that's easy for people to remember, but I'm at a loss. Anyone have a better brain for this kind of stuff than I do?
Replacing driver's seat due to back pain?
My mom has been experiencing back pain due to the driver's seat in her car for the last five months. She's now looking into replacing the seat. Is this the right solution, and if so, what is a good seat to replace with? Details inside... [more inside]
Overwatch & advice on gaming reentry
Been out of console or PC gaming for years, but the pending release of Overwatch has me excited about getting back in! What platform do I want? [more inside]
MacGyver this Cauliflower!
Hey folks! I have pretty much a full recipe of Thug Kitchen's Landlocked Ceviche in the fridge right now, minus the cilantro and avocado. Basically, a salad of cauliflower, tomato, red onion and jalepeno doused in lime juice and salt. It's...just ok. Can I shoehorn it into tonight's dinner? [more inside]
posted by theweasel at 4:15 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by theweasel at 4:15 PM PST - 14 comments
Going Away Party. Difficulty Level: Minnesota-themed.
Our awesome boss is leaving/retiring to move back home to Minnesota. My co-worker had the fabulous idea of throwing him a party with a "Minnesota" theme. However, we have never actually been to Minnesota. Can we pull it off? Give me all things that are awesome about the North Star State. Thanks, MeFites!! [more inside]
Successfully Flying in Rocket League
So I've been playing Rocket League for about a year now. I just can't understand why I'm so bad at flying through the air. It seems like I watch other people fly around for a good 5 seconds in the air. I'm glad if I last 1 second.
Should I be holding forward on the left thumbstick while flying? Any tips or tricks would be helpful. Thanks a bunch!
Where can I buy a shark ring in NYC?
Where can I buy a shark ring in NYC as soon as possible? [more inside]
St. John's wort recommendations, please?
In the past, I've had excellent results with Kira-brand St. John's wort for mild depression. It appears to have been discontinued since I last used it. Can anyone recommend a high quality replacement, hopefully one that undergoes a reputable third-party assay for active ingredients? I'm in the US. [more inside]
Which of these spaces can store more records?
I own a record store and am considering a new location as I'm out of space at my current one. However, I’m pretty innumerate and not spacially inclined. I’m therefore having difficulty determining which of these two locations will allow me to display the most inventory. Could those of you good with spaces and floorplans please help me decide? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 12:50 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 12:50 PM PST - 9 comments
Would I like Uncharted 4?
I am in need of a video game to get me through the summer, and the nice people on the internets seem to really like Uncharted 4. I love getting engrossed in a game, but I only seem to enjoy a few titles that come out each year. They have to put me in a "play until my fingers bleed" mindset," or I get too bored or frustrated to continue. More picky details inside. [more inside]
shelf-stable DIY cooking kits?
I have been visiting older relatives in their late 80s still living on their own. They were once wonderful cooks and still enjoy good food but they are losing the ability to cook from scratch on a regular basis. What are some DIY cooking kits I can put together for them so they can still cook for themselves? [more inside]
posted by Sparkling Natural Mineral Water at 12:00 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Sparkling Natural Mineral Water at 12:00 PM PST - 24 comments
Saiing crew options
I began to sail over a year ago and love it. I am a part of a club in which I pay monthly dues. At this moment I would like to explore other low cost/no cost opportunities I may have to crew. All suggestions appreciated.
posted by goalyeehah at 11:57 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by goalyeehah at 11:57 AM PST - 9 comments
Buying tickets to a Broadway musical, idiotproof edition
How do I buy "good seats" for a long-running NYC Broadway show for the minimum amount over face value? Assume that my knowledge of musical-ticket-buying only goes so far as a Google search. [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 11:51 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by serelliya at 11:51 AM PST - 10 comments
Taking applications for Colonel and Major contractors too.
Looking for recommendations for general contractors in Portland. [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 10:46 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by furnace.heart at 10:46 AM PST - 6 comments
I need advice on selling a diamond engagement ring.
I've been divorced for 4 years now, and I think it's about time I get rid of my engagement ring. It's a 1.5 carat solitaire in a big hunk of white gold, so rather than chunk it down the sewer, I'd like to see about getting some cash out of it. I've done a lot of reading about different ways to do this (pawn shop, consignment, diamond broker, online site), but I'd like some advice from anyone that has successfully sold fine jewelry. [more inside]
Flying Orlando International to Canada - how long to clear security?
We are flying on a Saturday morning, in a couple of weeks. Wait times to clear security have been in the news lately. How bad is it? How early do we need to arrive?
"Classical" music?
I'm looking for types of music that I don't know the name of. I guess they are on the continuum of Western classical music, they might be orchestral or choral or composed for small ensembles or single instruments, but they are outside of what I think of as like the top 10 of famous European composers. Examples and details below.
What terms should I use to search for these musics? What do you recommend I listen to? How do I find the actual recorded music to listen to? [more inside]
Resources for parenting defiant young teen
My family is in crisis. My son is 13 and in 7th grade. He's generally responsible but lately has been pushing boundaries. He lost his phone (to us) following poor behavior recently. Things have escalated. We have a family therapist, but she's booked up for months, and I am waiting to hear back from her via email. I need to know what my resources are because my family needs help. [more inside]
How to make our first trip to Toronto, and Bala, awesome?
Sam Roberts band is going to play at Kee To Bala at the end of the summer. We don't know anything about the area. We'd like to learn and make the trip awesome. Your guidance will help! [more inside]
posted by Thistledown at 8:04 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Thistledown at 8:04 AM PST - 11 comments
do i have to replace my kids' car seats?
our car was rear ended on the highway going ~75mph. no kids in the car, one car seat was installed, the other was in the trunk. there was minimal damage to the bumper, and the air bags didn't deploy. [more inside]
posted by sabh at 7:48 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by sabh at 7:48 AM PST - 10 comments
How do I send SMS on my computer?
My personal phone is an iPhone 5. My work laptop is a Dell running Win7. I'd like to send/receive texts on my computer. How do I do this? [more inside]
Need a title-quote referencing past year + coming year
I have a line: "The Year in Review, The Year Ahead". I'd like to keep that sentiment but specifically have it be a quote. Could be a song or book title. Could be a single title or if you've got two that work well together, that's fine too.
Bring the best of the world to my home reno!
I'm a Canadian doing a large scale home renovation. I know Japanese-style toilets, and German-style tilt and turn windows, and they're amazing. But what else am I missing? Can you recommend any other game-changing home innovations from around the world that aren't common in Toronto, Canada? [more inside]
I broke up with this guy, but did I do the right thing?
Broke off a short-term relationship, now struggling badly & unsure if I did the right thing. Tell me I have, or haven't. [more inside]
Living with less: Any regrets on decluttering?
I've come to the conclusion that I have way too much stuff and want to simplify and get rid of a lot. For those who've gone before, any regrets? [more inside]
posted by jzb at 6:47 AM PST - 56 comments
posted by jzb at 6:47 AM PST - 56 comments
We're all cat experts, but where are the cat PhDs?
I would like to read any great science writing out there on cats -- particularly, that focusing on interspecies communication. But I'll take whatever I can get! [more inside]
posted by melissa may at 6:31 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by melissa may at 6:31 AM PST - 7 comments
Further Filtering Facebook News Feed
On an average day, only a dozen posts on Facebook are from my actual friends. Most of the other posts are things that my friends have liked of their own friends, or shared posts of others, neither of which I couldn't care less about. Is there a way to filter these out? [more inside]
How do I use this tie clip?
I received a very short tie clip as a gift, but I'm not quite sure how to use it. It's of a similar size as this one on ebay. Usually I'd use a tie clip to fasten the top and bottom layers of the tie to my shirt placket, but since the clip is so short it doesn't even necessarily reach the bottom layer of some ties. So how should I use it?
Kenwood Chef Attachments
I have a Kenwood Chef. I'm thinking about buying some of the attachments.
What are your recommendations? Are the attachments worth it or are they useless? Do you use yours?
Debt collectors want me to prove I'm not the debtor
UK-filter, so beware: US laws do not apply. I moved into a new flat about a year ago and have since received various overdue fines and letters of demands for someone else. He wasn't the previous resident, I have no information about him, so I've been sending the mail back, labelled UNKNOWN, NOT AT THIS ADDRESS and SERIOUSLY DO YOU GUYS NOT GET THIS. (Having accidentally opened one, I know that it's for two speeding fines in Reading a few years ago.)
I've just received a letter from a debt collection agency saying they "require evidence of the current occupiers" to "amend their records" and "prevent further visits". So do I respond? [more inside]
posted by outlier at 1:06 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by outlier at 1:06 AM PST - 12 comments
May 23
How Do I PhD in Physics/Astrophysics?
I have recently gotten rejection letters from all of the PhD programs to which I applied for the coming fall. Now I'm back to square one and I think I need to figure out what's wrong with my approach so far. Basically I want the hive mind to tell me exactly what steps it thinks I should take to find the right school and make my application competitive. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by runcibleshaw at 11:07 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by runcibleshaw at 11:07 PM PST - 45 comments
Hope me blog
I am starting a personal translation project. I plan to translate a few paragraphs a day from Italian into English from a classic work of Italian literature that is mostly unknown to English speaking audiences. It kind of makes sense for me to share this online for kicks and giggles and motivation. What's the best platform for me to use, given the format and subject matter?
Is it limerence, sexual obsession, or something else?
Even though I am generally happy, I sometimes have a hard time with a breakup from last year. I know it wasn't love. But it's messing me up. Confusion inside. [more inside]
posted by destroying_angel at 9:34 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by destroying_angel at 9:34 PM PST - 8 comments
Help pick my son's birthday
My first child is due around the 25th of June this year. Due to various health-related reasons my wife will be having a C-section for the delivery. Silver lining is we get to pick the day! [more inside]
posted by Arandia at 9:31 PM PST - 40 comments
posted by Arandia at 9:31 PM PST - 40 comments
Help me manage wedding drama before it becomes wedding drama
My partner proposed to me yesterday! Hooray! We will be planning a very small wedding (under 20 guests). Here's the thing: neither of us like the woman my brother is dating. [more inside]
How to be a 'middleman' broker to resell goods?
American guy, longtime expat living in Asia and Europe. I'm comfortable financially with social security plus freelance writing/marketing gigs – but not especially in love with my work and want to try a new venture. [more inside]
Not maxing out 401k in favor of saving for a house?
All the financial advice I see recommends maxing out tax-advantaged retirement accounts, which is what we've started to do. However, we don't know if we'll retire in the US. Should we redirect some of those funds to short-term savings? Snowflakes below. [more inside]
I want to get pregnant, but Zika.
Is now a stupid time for a woman living on the East Coast to get pregnant? [more inside]
posted by Miss Viola Swamp at 4:50 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Miss Viola Swamp at 4:50 PM PST - 17 comments
equifax credit report freeze issue
equifax credit report freeze issue [more inside]
Where to find some brainstormers to evaluate my businesses idea?
Does a service exist where you can pay someone or a team of people to evaluate your business idea and provide an honest critique? Where do I go to find such people? [more inside]
posted by Gosha_Dog at 4:05 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Gosha_Dog at 4:05 PM PST - 9 comments
Help my mom find a replacement electric frying pan
Hello all. My mom called me today, lamenting the loss of her beloved Farberware electric frying pan (model 300-A). She wants me to help her find a replacement, but she has a list of requirements. It has to be stainless steel (no non-stick stuff) in the 10"-12" size range, round, with a shallow cover. In other words, she wants the same pan 50 years later!
Checking eBay, I found almost exactly the one she had: FARBERWARE Electric Skillet Chicken Fry Pan 10" #300-B .
My concern is the lifespan issue of replacing her worn out pan with one that could conceivably die in a week. So, before hitting 'buy', I'm asking the home chefs out there if you have any suggestions for a more modern replacement that fulfills her requirements. My mom and I would be grateful!
More like this!
I'm looking for more music that sounds like this Lou Reed bootleg with Don Cherry on trumpet. [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:03 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:03 PM PST - 6 comments
How to ask for help finding a job without being a jerk
I have some quasi-friends that I used to work with, and I feel guilty about not keeping in touch with them. Now I need their help finding a job. Can I email them and say "Hey, I have been ignoring you but now I'm your friend because I need a favor from you," except not be a jerk? [more inside]
Mountainous visual reference of 19th century Japan?
I'm gearing up to draw several hundred pages of comics set in the mountains and small villages of Japan, as it was in 1865. Recommendations for movies, manga, anime, books, anything that I can add to my collection of visual reference? [more inside]
Books to put on a baby registry
I want to set up a baby registry on Amazon. What are the must-list baby and kiddie books I should put on it? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 2:46 PM PST - 40 comments
posted by JoannaC at 2:46 PM PST - 40 comments
Should we move to Portland (OR) or the Twin Cities?
Mid-twenties, starting "professional" careers. Details under the fold. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 2:31 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 2:31 PM PST - 22 comments
Dating IRL with few social connections
I’m a 31 year old woman and I want to expand my options beyond just online dating for meeting men and finding someone. [more inside]
Restore a handful of PCs
We are a small dive shop in Hawaii and have around ten PCs with different versions of Windows installed. Over the years, they've gotten cluttered with a lot of extra files, software, etc. I'd like to clean them all up and get them running the same version of Windows, possibly in a domain configuration (with one machine running a copy of Windows Server). [more inside]
posted by roygbv at 1:59 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by roygbv at 1:59 PM PST - 5 comments
ADHD specialist near Seattle?
I'm looking for a Seattle-area doctor who's particularly knowledgeable about treatment for ADHD, for an adult. Any recommendations?
Keep track of my life. My WHOLE life.
How do you organize your tasks, thoughts, and notes in a way that (a) helps you prioritize and focus and (b) makes them accessible long-term? [more inside]
Possiblity of court for unreturned deposit?
Is there a limit to the time frame I can take a delinquent landlord to court for a un returned deposit he owes me? In Houston, Texas. Its been a year and a half and I am 99.99% sure he owes me the deposit. No receipts for repair expenses were given, despite his assurances he could. Thank you!
Best single volume history of the American Revolution
My wife recently pointed out my lack of good history books about the American Revolution. I have (and loved) James McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom and John Keegan's The First World War, but was struggling to come up with the best single volume history of the war in a similar style to those. There are any number of books that would be great if I wanted to find out information about single aspects of the war and the causes of it, but I want a single book that mostly focuses on the actual who was where and why. [more inside]
posted by caseusvelox at 11:20 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by caseusvelox at 11:20 AM PST - 7 comments
Is it really this hard to ship to Mexico?
I went to a fed-x today to try to ship some chocolate and OTC headache meds to my friend in Mexico. It got complicated fast.... [more inside]
posted by j_curiouser at 11:18 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by j_curiouser at 11:18 AM PST - 17 comments
Meditations on traveling and wandering
Looking for books that reflect about travel, being a traveler or tourist, and being a stranger in a new place. Also: cities, correspondence, being lost, thinking deeply about the nuances of culture and language. [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 11:01 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by pleasebekind at 11:01 AM PST - 26 comments
Where/how do students live in Portland OR?
We are thoroughly terrified by the stories of the rental market in Portland, but just like everyone else, we might want to move there. My wife would be a grad student. Is it possible for a couple and a dog to find a decent place? How do students afford to live there? [more inside]
What's the big deal about followups?
I just had my wisdom teeth taken out. They told me that there would be a followup appointment, but didn't bother to schedule it. Their office has the WACKIEST hours - it's hard to even get them on the phone. I've got a weird schedule with school. It doesn't seem worth the effort to try to schedule a followup appointment. Is it really that important, or can i safely skip it if everything feels fine?
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 10:48 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 10:48 AM PST - 10 comments
Going Paperless at Home- ISO Imaging and Tagging Solutions
I am my family's Chief Paperwork and Filing Officer. I hate it, and we don't have a lot of room for storing paper. And besides, paper is dumb. I would like to digitize everything that I currently have to file, store it securely, and tag it such that items are easy to recall. Access to these files away from home isn't necessary, really. [more inside]
posted by bluejayway at 10:46 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by bluejayway at 10:46 AM PST - 8 comments
High-end streaming device?
We currently use the streaming capabilities of our DVD player. The UI is very sluggish to respond, and rewinding/fast forwarding/scrubbing is a nightmare. We use Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, primarily, with a smattering of YouTube. [more inside]
Looking for eBay consignment/selling assistant/service in Boston area
I'm looking to sell a bunch of miscellaneous electronics and kitchen appliances and want some help with it. Ideally, I'd like to turn over all the boxes to someone who can handle the entire process, keep a commission, and pay me the remainder. I'd like to be able to physically bring the boxes to someone in the Boston area (near Cambridge ideally) because there are some large and heavy items. [more inside]
Where I can I find cheap flights - to anywhere, anytime
I'm looking for a way to search for cheap flights (round trip), but the thing is that I don't care what date the flight is. I'll have a couple months off this summer and was thinking about flying somewhere new, just to get away, explore, and push my limits. I've heard about bargain flights for around a hundred dollars or less, but is there any place I can go to search without having to specify a date? I have a few places in mind, but I'd like to browse and see where I can go for the least amount of money. I should also mention that I'd like to stay in the US.
posted by holmesian at 7:36 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by holmesian at 7:36 AM PST - 15 comments
Customizable exercise app/video?
I love love love Yourself!Fitness, but it doesn't work on my new PC. Are there other apps (Windows/Android) which have the same features?
Namely, that you can set/choose: duration, equipment, type of exercise (cardio/strength/stretch), and difficulty level.
Plus it always gives you randomized exercises, so the workout is never completely the same.
I'd like something where I can press "start" and just go, without having to look up different exercises or download videos, and it would give me a long-term program, so I can gradually level up. [more inside]
International travel (zika positive zone) with 11 month old- Panama?
I understand this is more of personal or professional question but I am really torn about whether or not to take our 11 month old on our trip to Panama in 2 months. [more inside]
posted by MamaBee223 at 5:30 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by MamaBee223 at 5:30 AM PST - 7 comments
Best way to store paper in non-climate controlled garage
I have a bunch of boxes of books and other paper ephemera to store. I'll store all I can inside the house, but some, surely, will have to go in the garage--good roof, but not climate controlled, and door is drafty. Hot and humid in summer and cold and dry in winter. How to make the best of it? [more inside]
How to get the most out of San Sebastian over a rainy weekend
After years of raving about San Sebastian to my husband, we're finally going together for a 4 day weekend! I just checked the weather and it's going to be raining buckets. I was hoping for a lot of nice walks and hanging out in parks to work off the wine and pintxos but now that seems kind of unlikely. The aquarium seems like an option, but what else could we do? (Of course if you have recommendations on where to go for more wine and pintxos, do share!)
It's not you; it's me, not understanding you (Closure Edition)
What characterizes someone for whom closure is anathema? Or at least, feels no drive toward closure, and is perfectly OK with broken, messy, unresolved relationships? (Not just romantic or interpersonal ones... but those are what matter most IMO.) [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 2:56 AM PST - 49 comments
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 2:56 AM PST - 49 comments
Syncing Facebook Events with iPhone
How do I sync Facebook events with my Google calendar and/or iPhone calendar? [more inside]
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:36 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:36 AM PST - 4 comments
May 22
Seeking diversity in family movies
Appropriate for elementary school age kids. Looking to expand our repertoire of movies that feature families with same sex relationships, racial diversity, disabilities visible or not. This does not need to be the focus of the movie, just present.
It's About Ethics in Gaming Purchases
It sounds like I'd really like Offworld Trading Company as a video game but there was some dispute in this thread about the Civ 6 announcement as to whether or not buying the game puts money into the hands of publisher Brad Wardell, who has apparently been complicit in the harassment Zoe Quinn and other icky stuff. I absolutely do not want to support harassers. Help me figure out where my money's going. [more inside]
posted by dry white toast at 8:20 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by dry white toast at 8:20 PM PST - 12 comments
From EDI sans car
What's the best way from Edinburgh Airport to the Old Town without a car? Difficulty: 2 adults, 2 kids, luggage.
Going cross-eyed while trying to find what I want on Etsy...
Is there a way to search specifically for shops rather than items on Etsy, with each shop turning up only once in the results? [more inside]
Bookable signs/marquees in Maine?
I would like to have an important birthday message displayed on a sign or marquee in a town within 5-10 miles of the highway, somewhere between the Vermont/Maine state line and Portland/Falmouth, ME. Difficulty level: this coming weekend-ish (May 29-June 1)! Do you have a Hail Mary you could throw my way? Thanks in advance.
Why can't I go to Google? Why do I sometimes get redirected to LinkedIn?
This has happened to me off and on for a couple of years, and I've never resolved it. Sometimes, on my Macbook, using both Chrome and Safari, I'll try to do a Google search by typing my search directly into the address bar (my usual way of doing things), and when I press enter, I get this screen (Chrome), or I get redirected to a totally unrelated website - usually LinkedIn like just now, but I think I've been redirected to Facebook in the past. This always resolves on it's own after no longer than a day. I don't have the same problem on mobile, on the same wifi network. I can't seem to find anything about it with a Google search (or maybe I'm not using the ideal search terms?). Anyone know what causes this and how I can fix it?
posted by ohmy at 3:13 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by ohmy at 3:13 PM PST - 5 comments
How does a woman date online safely?
Is it too much to ask for a full real name and date of birth before meeting so that I can do a background check on them? [more inside]
Let go from job—flexible spending account deactivated, $1,800 lost.
I was recently let go from a job that wasn't working out after a few months. I had signed up for the employer's Flexible Spending Account to apply pre-tax dollars from my paycheck towards healthcare and transportation costs. They turned off my card the day I was let go and I cannot access the ~$1,800 (of my own money) on the card. Both they and AmeriFlex (FSA provider) claim their hands are tied and they cannot disburse any of the money. [more inside]
Damaged insulation disc inside ceiling light
When replacing the burned out bulbs in one of the ceiling fixtures in our staircase I noticed that the disc of insulation inside the fixture had singed/burned through above both bulbs - here's a picture: http://imgur.com/UT5PgLf Yikes! 2 questions: [more inside]
Please help me stop reading Seveneves
No, seriously. I keep on rereading the first two-thirds of Neal Stephenson's Seveneves, and I gotta get out of this place. Please make me aware of other things I should read. [more inside]
posted by BrunoLatourFanclub at 1:37 PM PST - 40 comments
posted by BrunoLatourFanclub at 1:37 PM PST - 40 comments
What are some songs with great guitar licks like in Fleetsood Mac's.....
What are some songs with great guitar licks like in Fleetsood Mac's "Gypsy?" The epic one at the end.
Grief at work
How the fuck do I handle grief and grief police? [more inside]
posted by vers at 12:54 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by vers at 12:54 PM PST - 24 comments
Where do I BUY pdf versions of academic monographs?
*NOT ASKING FOR HOW TO DOWNLOAD ILLEGALLY* Where do I go to buy academic books (monographs in anthropology, comp lit, and so forth) as PDFs? I can't imagine this isn't already a thing-- fill me in on that missed memo! [more inside]
Learn all the coffee things
After a few years away from caffeine, I'm coming back. How do I best go about learning the different regional and roasting effects on coffee's flavor? [more inside]
posted by bfranklin at 12:36 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by bfranklin at 12:36 PM PST - 5 comments
Defunking an old comforter
Is this funky old comforter beyond help? [more inside]
Hate - ignore, avoid, stay apathetic, help!
So, there's someone who has been a real absolutely mean apathetic narcissistic jerk of all jerks with my husband and me (mostly, me). It is a close relative. We can't ignore them (too close), we can't avoid them, and when they visit they take over our lives for a couple of months every few years (2-3? if we're lucky). I have never hated anyone as much. How do I not let it influence me? [more inside]
posted by greta_01 at 11:23 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by greta_01 at 11:23 AM PST - 25 comments
Songs for healthy relationships
Searching for examples of songs that are romantic but not about breakups, not full of co-dependent sentimentality, and nonreligious. [more inside]
Help me turn wine into water please!
My mom drinks a lot. What can I do to encourage her to lower his alcohol intake and/or to help her stay healthy? [more inside]
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 11:02 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 11:02 AM PST - 17 comments
Best books of current human migration science
What are the most current books that explore the fields of research relating to the anthropology and genetic work of determining who migrated where and when in human history? [more inside]
What's up w/ the huge number of white people with dreadlocks in Montreal
My husband and I are visiting Montreal and we've never seen so many white people with dreadlocks in one place. What's up with this? [more inside]
posted by dysh at 11:00 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dysh at 11:00 AM PST - 7 comments
What do do in the midst of a child's rage?
What can I do in the midst of a violent rage from my preteen? [more inside]
How to cope with overhearing venom and hate?
I overheard a very hateful conversation last night--how do you keep hateful things you've overheard from taking root and ruining your day? [more inside]
posted by bookmammal at 10:39 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by bookmammal at 10:39 AM PST - 13 comments
Tony Zhou's Every Frame a Painting, but for comics?
I've recently been getting into Tony Zhou's Every Frame a Painting series of youtube videos that really dig into the details of how cinematographers compose their shots and why they make the choices they do. I was wondering if there was anyone out there doing something similar for comic book art or the like? I like to draw and can see myself making a comic for fun much more easily than making a film. Having something to watch that is similarly engaging, but that I could actually apply would be really neat.
Signs of quality in a wood bed frame
I need a new bed frame, and I found one that's hitting a lot of my buzzwords: it's hand-made from locally-sourced hardwood by a small business. And at $280 (Canadian) for a queen, it's less expensive than comparable beds from IKEA. So I'm assuming it's made by someone in their garage. How can I tell if it's well made? [more inside]
posted by Banknote of the year at 9:59 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Banknote of the year at 9:59 AM PST - 7 comments
One day/night at/near Shannon Airport
What to do/where to stay for 24 hours near Shannon Airport in September.
We're two adults flying from the U.S. into Shannon early Sunday morning and need to be back at the airport on Monday to meet with a group of people.
Basically, trying to figure out where we should go for the day, spend the night, and (hopefully) something interesting to do on Sunday while we get used to the time change. Transport info would be nice, too.
posted by Man with Lantern at 9:37 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Man with Lantern at 9:37 AM PST - 10 comments
I need to stop sleeping on my face
Sleeping position is causing problems. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 9:17 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 9:17 AM PST - 13 comments
Most amazing aviation themed play space in North America?
I have a nearly four year old who is mesmerized by all things aviation, plus I have a mass of airline miles and hotel points. Where to go? [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 8:48 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by inflatablekiwi at 8:48 AM PST - 20 comments
Labyrinthitis – how long?
I've been diagnosed with Labyrinthitis. I've had it for 6 weeks, and it doesn't appear to be going away. If you've had this or someone close to you has, how long did it last? How did you cope? If it didn't go, what do you do? Surely it should be going away by now. More details below... [more inside]
posted by inner_frustration at 8:18 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by inner_frustration at 8:18 AM PST - 11 comments
What size is the dosing cap on Clorox Control Bleach Crystals?
I have a 24 ounce bottle of Clorox Control Bleach Crystals, but I lost the dosing cap. I would like to know the the volume in fluid ounces of line 1 and line 2, which is referenced on the instructions on the back of the bottle. I tried calling Clorox about this, but they couldn't / wouldn't help.
If you have a bottle of this stuff in your laundry room, could you measure the dose for line 1 and line 2 for me?
Thanks!
posted by joebakes at 8:11 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by joebakes at 8:11 AM PST - 2 comments
Should we give daughter special education or let her be who she is?
We are troubled as to whether or not we should put our daughter in a math special education program. The school has said she needs it, but she is adamant that she does not want to be seen as different. [more inside]
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 8:03 AM PST - 65 comments
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 8:03 AM PST - 65 comments
Visiting Mom in hospital when she says "no"?
My Mom is in the hospital for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She's had an infection for the past few days and isn't doing well - she's not critical or anything, but she's not looking/feeling great and doesn't want anyone to see her in this state. I - plus some other close family members - REALLY want to visit her, especially considering her condition could change quickly - but we are worried she will get upset. What to do? [more inside]
Cats. Money. Grief. Stress.
All three of my cats have been hospitalized this year for various reasons. I’ve spent about $10,000 on vet bills since February of this year. They’re still not healthy. [more inside]
What to do with this money, right now?
Because Reasons, I suddenly will be receiving $450K from a family inheritence. I'm in California. I have, like, a normal-sized bank account like normal people who don't usually receive $450K suddenly. I am going to have to find a financial planner who can advise me how to deal with this money long-term, but where am I going to put it, like, next week when they want to give this to me? [more inside]
How to be a partner to a person with cancer?
I don't know what I can do to help my partner come to terms with his illness. [more inside]
May 21
Would you help me find a chair?
I'm not sure if this is a matter of getting recommendations, or just going to try out a bunch of them in person, but if you have some recommendations, I would love to hear them. I would like to buy my first adult chair. [more inside]
Cheap and easy escape room props
Because my job is a big pile of awesomesauce, I get to help put together an escape room for a one-off event. The theme is ancient Egyptian, and I need some help figuring out to do a couple of the props on the cheap (if possible). [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 9:04 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by lollusc at 9:04 PM PST - 11 comments
Arthritic flare up, in another country, what do I do?
I am a Canadian visiting in London England, staying at an AirBnB near Baker Street Station. I have bone spurs/ osteoarthritis in both knees, usually very manageable.
On Monday I suddenly developed crippling pain in the right knee. Rest and ice stopped it-- but normal walking soon triggered it again Since then I've been using ice, my knee brace, Naproxen and/or Voltaren and of course *long*periods of rest but in fact the pain is getting worse. It is more and more easily triggered. Yesterday I rested the entire day and did nothing but walk a few blocks in total to go for dinner, and tonight I woke myself just from the pain of a wrong movement [more inside]
posted by uans at 8:37 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by uans at 8:37 PM PST - 13 comments
What can a rolling average show?
Accounting filter: What can a rolling average reveal? [more inside]
Help make our trip to Europe amazing, Paris edition
Our family will be spending a few days in Paris in June. We're traveling with kids, so our plan is for a mostly low-key trip filled with lazily exploring the city, relaxing in parks, and eating pastries. But we're also looking for other unique or special experiences we could do as a family that would really make our trip special. [more inside]
Take-out dinner in downtown Seattle?
I'm going to be in downtown Seattle (near the library) on business and won't have time for a sit-down dinner. Where would you recommend I get some take-out dinner? (No need for breakfast or lunch.) [more inside]
posted by paperback version at 5:42 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by paperback version at 5:42 PM PST - 7 comments
I want to contact my ex -- is my reasoning sound?
Two Firefox Desktops
I somehow have two desktops running in Firefox 46.0.1 on OS X 10.11.2. How do I delete one of them?
posted by partner at 3:52 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by partner at 3:52 PM PST - 3 comments
Horrible vinyl "shutters"
Buying a an old victorian that needs a lot of work, including the removal of vinyl clapboards and the accompanying fake shutters. Since we can't do the siding yet, we were thinking about starting by removing the shutters -- they are half the reason the house looks so awful. But what would it look like underneath? Would removing them make things worse? Are there big holes where they attach?
Outlook not so good
One of my users is experiencing an issue with the Scheduling Assistant in Outlook 2013. She is unable to view any meeting information for other users and I'm out of ideas. [more inside]
What is the most efficient use of Duotrope?
Hello there. I've been using Duotrope primarily to see what market is opening or re-opening and targeting markets that way. Yet Duotrope's search function is getting pretty kewl, in terms of targeting subgenres and lengths and whatnot. So I'm curious, fellow writers: what is your Duotrope process? [more inside]
Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and.. start a business
How easy/how common was it for a person to start their own business in the US in, say, the 1800s to mid 1900s? Are there good books or online resources about this? [more inside]
posted by atinna at 1:07 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by atinna at 1:07 PM PST - 14 comments
Mentally active physical activity!
Suggestions please :) [more inside]
Another round of: name our cat?
Hello metafilter!
We just brought home a new cat from the shelter today. He's a small, young, tuxedo who's simultaneously playful and a love bug. Name ideas? [more inside]
posted by sazerac at 11:16 AM PST - 59 comments
posted by sazerac at 11:16 AM PST - 59 comments
Rent vs Buy: Rental Market is Bananas edition
Mr. Getawaysticks and I are attempting to move the Downriver area of Michigan (this is ~30 miles south of Detroit or so). The rental market in this area is really expensive compared to what it would be in monthly mortgage payments. Our credit is fine and we have stable jobs, so we should buy, right? But what if we want to leave the area in 2 years? [more inside]
posted by getawaysticks at 11:08 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by getawaysticks at 11:08 AM PST - 20 comments
Italian (???) film identification help
I'm sorry in advance for the extremely sketchy details I remember...it might not have even been Italian, my memory is so hazy... [more inside]
Legality of 1P-LSD in Romania?
Where is the best place to find out whether 1P-LSD is legal in Romania? I am considering shipping it here but I want to know whether I should expect any trouble from the authorities.
posted by jpziller at 10:56 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by jpziller at 10:56 AM PST - 2 comments
Outlook gone after Windows 10 build - possible to recover structure?
Can I easily recover my Outlook accounts and folder setup after Windows 10 rebuilt my computer, or must I do though piece by piece and rebuild from folders I had in a backup? [more inside]
Give my dog something to chew on
I have a large dog who's a powerful chewer. She's not interested in plastic/rubber bones or other toys. What can I get her that will maximize time chewing for the lowest cost, without choking/digestion issues? [more inside]
Severe depression and job search
Feeling serious despair. I left a toxic work environment, yet not in the smartest way and that was a year ago. I've done some PT work before moving to another state. [more inside]
Low Libido... Nooooooooo
I’m a 35-yr-old cis woman married to a wonderful man. I’m attracted to him in every way, and we’ve been together for 10 years. This is the first time I’ve needed to reach out for this problem… [more inside]
Mindless iphone games?
I'm looking for a truly mindless game or two to pass the time. Low stress, quick play, no major commitment. Examples within! [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:14 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:14 AM PST - 38 comments
Folktale Finder! Gifts of Riches but Poor Man Beats them All?
Mythfinder help. What's the story where everyone tries to prove their love by giving someone (the father?) expensive things, but someone ( a poor son?) gives a humble but heartfelt gift that pleases the elder the most. [more inside]
Questions for accountant?
I am looking for a business accountant and am finding industry agencies that work on a percentage basis but am worried I will be paying too much. There are several business accountants in my area but I want to make sure I am getting the best deal. What are some essential questions I need to ask while making this decision?
Uninstall Prey from Mac
I have Prey installed on my Mac and need to uninstall it to troubleshoot an Internet connectivity issue. They provide no uninstaller—their site only instructs to type in a command line in Terminal, but when I do so I get "Command not found." I have written Prey three times and they do not respond. Anyone have suggests? Thanks very much...
Donald Trump "rescues" 200 marines?
Did Donald Trump fly 200 marines home free of charge in 1991? [more inside]
posted by Salvor Hardin at 5:35 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Salvor Hardin at 5:35 AM PST - 5 comments
Somewhere to watch England v. Russia in Boston 6/11/16?
I'm meeting a friend in Boston on June 11th and we'd very much like to watch the England v. Russia Euro football (soccer) in a pub. We'd be looking for ideally the closest experience to watching it in a pub in England, i.e. a place dedicated to watching just this match with a partisan crowd shouting for England, or as close to that as possible. Anyone got any suggestions for venues? Thanks!
What crazy laws did the UK parliament pass without help from the EU?
With the impending EU referendum in the UK, the 'leave' side have made a lot of noise about ridiculous laws passed by the EU. However, not much has been made of ridiculous laws that originated in the UK, and in the interests of balance, I'd like to find them. [more inside]
posted by matthew.alexander at 3:05 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by matthew.alexander at 3:05 AM PST - 4 comments
About how many total bullets and missiles did WW2 era Japan have?
I would assume that WW2-era Japan would have over 220,000 individual rounds of ammunition, but is that true? How many bullets would there be per plane, ship, individual gun, plus in storage, and how many planes, ships, etc? [more inside]
posted by Quarter Pincher at 12:08 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Quarter Pincher at 12:08 AM PST - 8 comments
May 20
Complicated household finances
What experts do my fiance and I need to help us figure out our complicated multinational financial situation? [more inside]
What's the best way of preventing an envelope from being folded?
I sell slim graphic novels by mail. They are 8.5 x 11 inches. What's the best way to prevent the post office from folding them in transit? The obvious idea is to put a piece of thick cardboard in with it. But I want to minimize shipping costs. What would be a cool way of doing that?
Cartoon of...the futility of war?
Advice on releasing a domain I no longer need
I went to namecheap tonight to give up a domain I no longer need. It expires in 20 days, so I figured I would just get rid of it now. [more inside]
posted by forthright at 7:41 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by forthright at 7:41 PM PST - 6 comments
How to find my Airport Express password?
I reinstalled system software on my Powerbook G4.
Now I can't figure out my Airport Express password.
I went to my Keychain and found my Base Station password. I tried it multiple times and it doesn't work.
Any ideas what could be wrong?
Thank you.
Entomologists of MeFi! WTF is this weird-ass bug thing?
I came across this weird bug feeding on a lilac bush while walking my dog this evening. I have never seen anything remotely like it. [more inside]
posted by torisaur at 5:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by torisaur at 5:52 PM PST - 9 comments
Break me out of LinkedIn prison
I want to delete my LinkedIn account. I'm tired of it, the security breaches, the spam, the shady practices of gobbling phone contacts, the spying, and the horrible no good worthless "news feed". But I need a bit of a "resumé presence" on the web. Is there a service that can do what I want? [more inside]
posted by tybstar at 4:43 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by tybstar at 4:43 PM PST - 12 comments
Track down original video of Japanese girl singing karaoke (= genius)
This video on FB of a little (assumed Japanese) girl singing karaoke is one of the funniest things I have seen on the net for a while. Please help me find the original posting (YouTube or Japanese equivalent?) [more inside]
Gift ideas for my best friend at med school
I'm in med school right now, and my best friend in my class is about to have a birthday (during our last week of classes before our last summer break ever). I'm looking for some help brainstorming potential gift ideas. Information about his interests inside. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 4:37 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 4:37 PM PST - 8 comments
Selling a car registered in one state in another, how to?
I have a 1999 Subaru Forester I want to sell ("as is", it starts/runs, but has a misfire issue that makes it not something I want to drive at this point even short distances and it also has a small oil leak and small coolant leak). I drove this car from PA to Baton Rouge, LA and now want to be rid of it. I have the title (no lien), it is registered in PA, and I still have it under my insurance policy. [more inside]
Taking bottled water home from a restaurant in Italy?
I'm in Italy for a little while and figuring out the restaurant customs — including purchasing a liter of flat or sparkling water at each meal. Today, I was still a little thirsty but had to run, and asked if I could take the half-empty (glass, but obviously commercial) bottle. The server said I couldn't, and I asked if the same was true for plastic bottles. She said that, in either case, it's not appropriate to take leftover water.
What's up with that (assuming it's generally true)?
posted by Sidnicious at 2:35 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by Sidnicious at 2:35 PM PST - 34 comments
Choosing a school for 2 year degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
[Posted on a friend's behalf]
I am researching schools for a 2 year degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Though there are limitless wormholes about "top schools" I haven't been able to deduce which ones possess both quality programs and a balance of cost-effective places to live while obtaining this degree. I have a background in the visual arts and am now in my mid-40s, so this is an epic step forward in viewing the Big Picture. [more inside]
Match Vs OkC... which for long term relationship IN NYC specifically!
The age old question of which online dating site is better often has differing answers based on location.. So what about in NYC specifically? [more inside]
Headphones for Bounty Hunter Tracker IV metal detector
Hello;
I bought a Bounty Hunter Tracker IV metal detector.
I need headphones for this.
Can I use just ear buds for this?
Any tips about headphones for this?
Stereo,mono,adapter etc?
The manual says this:
Bounty Hunter Stereo Headphones
Use with Bounty Hunter metal detectors. Lightweight and adjustable with
true stereo sound, adjustable volume, 1/8 jack with 1/4 adaptor,
4’ cable. HEAD-W
Thanks everybody.
posted by LOOKING at 2:02 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by LOOKING at 2:02 PM PST - 3 comments
What framework should I use for a hobby web/programming project?
I have a need I could probably satisfy with something COTS, but I kinda want to build something again. I've been out of that game for a while, and getting my hand back in would be nice. What should I use? [more inside]
posted by uberchet at 1:27 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by uberchet at 1:27 PM PST - 14 comments
Clothing babies; politely disseminating a baby registry
Mr. liet and I are expecting a baby in July, and as he'll be our first baby, and I have absolutely zero experience with other people's babies, I have questions. The AskMe archives have covered most of them, but I'm curious about two things: how much and what kind of clothing we should have on hand, and how to disseminate our registry without throwing a baby shower. [more inside]
posted by liet at 1:02 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by liet at 1:02 PM PST - 36 comments
Where did they come from and where did they go?
This article from Pew says that millenial voters have nearly caught up numerically to baby boomers. But what I'm wondering about is this chart, where the number of baby boomers spikes up between 2002 and 2004, then drops back down by 2006 to roughly 2000 levels and remains level through 2012. [more inside]
"Voodoo" is maybe not the right word
I'm presently reading a (post?)cyberpunk novel, Richard K Morgan's Broken Angels. Like William Gibson's Count Zero and others in the genre, voodoo, its practitioners, and its beliefs are an element of the plot and setting. I haven't got the faintest idea about the religion, not even what its proper name is. What should I read / watch to remedy this? [more inside]
posted by 4th number at 12:03 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by 4th number at 12:03 PM PST - 10 comments
Parking at Tukwila International Boulevard Station (Seattle)
I'm heading to Seattle tomorrow and would like to park at the Tukwila International Boulevard Station park and ride and take light rail into the city. Will parking be a problem around 11AM on Saturday?
Thanks!
posted by Automocar at 11:43 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Automocar at 11:43 AM PST - 2 comments
Skin and bones
Is there any scientific way to determine the weight of bones in a body? [more inside]
How to handle an eager employee if you can't afford their help?
A young company employs someone in an hourly capacity who is really enthusiastic about the company and loves telling people about it. The problem is the employee has recently begun to do more than simply tell people about the company, but asked for flyers and took the day off of work to promote the company. The company cannot afford to employ another person in this capacity right now but feels obligated to pay her for the day (as well as the temp who had to replace her). How can this be handled going forward in a diplomatic, fair way? [more inside]
posted by Danila at 10:04 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by Danila at 10:04 AM PST - 26 comments
How do I avoid the troll picks in the Hugo nominees?
I want to separate the wheat from the chaff. [more inside]
Scare my socks off!
I am looking for horror novels that will really scare me. I mean, lingering-two-days-later, don't-read-after-sunset, check-under-the-bed kind of scary. Please recommend me some.
Preferences (but not requirements) under the cut. [more inside]
posted by darchildre at 9:19 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by darchildre at 9:19 AM PST - 28 comments
Great tortilla soup recipes that don't use a slow cooker?
Pretty much as above - can you tell/point me to a great tortilla soup recipe that doesn't use a slow cooker? I love love love tortilla soup and decided it's about time I learned how to make it. I don't have a slow cooker though and have no interest in buying one. I live in south Texas so I can get pretty much any ingredient required easily. I know I can google for recipes but I'd rather get tried and true recipes.
Thanks!
posted by WinterSolstice at 9:04 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by WinterSolstice at 9:04 AM PST - 17 comments
Nicely asking for no hospital visits after baby
How can I nicely let people know that we don't want any visits in the hospital after my baby is born? [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 8:48 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by CrazyLemonade at 8:48 AM PST - 27 comments
Weekend trip out of Denver
I'll be in Denver in mid-July and thinking of taking a weekend trip out of the city. Looking for a relaxing place to stay. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 8:41 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by lunasol at 8:41 AM PST - 21 comments
Driving into--and parking--in Washington, DC.
The driving part I can handle, the parking part not so much. Steer me in the right direction. [more inside]
Employer doesn't know how pay promised insurance benefit
Employer promised health insurance and is now saying the Affordable Care Act is too confusing to figure out. [more inside]
How to find month-long housing in Melbourne
First-time renter looking for a place to stay in Melbourne in July (and probably September). What’s the best way to approach this? [more inside]
Books on the tendency toward anachronistic approaches to church history?
So I've been listening to this podcast on the History of Christianity from the Reformed Theological Seminary and there is an odd way that events in the early period of the church are presented which seems rather anachronistic or suffers from "hindsight bias". Is there a term for this? I was wondering if there is literature on this tendency in religious thought (i.e. in which present orthodoxy is retrojected into past debates and conflicts over doctrine.) Is it common? [more inside]
Classics nerds of MeFi! Name my dad's adorable Latin YouTube channel?
My dad (80, sharp as a tack) is the beloved, rumpled Latin teacher at a girls school in the NE. He wants to start a YouTube channel "like Bill Nye for Latin"-- a mix of light grammar lessons, history, etymology and trivia. I think it will be great and have offered to help--first, by naming it. But what should it be called? [more inside]
Do places exist that offer *small* storage options?
I live in Los Angeles and there are a ton of businesses that offer storage here but I have yet to find any that offer anything smaller than a 4x4x~12. The amount of actual stuff I need to store is a fraction of that and I can't seem to find something where I'm not going to be paying for a bunch of space I won't use. So what are my options? [more inside]
May 19
Community for non-expert Photoshop artists?
Where on the web can I get critical feedback on my Photoshop pictures? [more inside]
How to work efficiently with Italians?
I work as a voice UI designer for a US tech company. I've recently started a project for a client in Italy and have just spent several frustrating hours on the phone, first with our team in Italy, and then at the kickoff with the customer. [more inside]
posted by Dragonness at 9:41 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Dragonness at 9:41 PM PST - 14 comments
Google Photos: any way to organize albums into larger collections?
I'm looking at transferring my photos from Flickr To Google Photos. One thing I can't find is the ability to organize my individual albums into larger collections, such as "Family", "Friends", "Arty", etc. Any advice?
Which camera to take on Safari?
Help me decide on the camera gear I'm going to take on safari. [more inside]
posted by sid at 1:21 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by sid at 1:21 PM PST - 25 comments
Help me destroy our forefathers with Future Noise
I like Skrillex. I'm sorry, but I do. I especially like it when it's all wub-wubs and computer noises and sirens and screaming or Jamaicans saying random things. On a higher level than that, I love the idea that this is the terrifying lurching and aggressive future-music that our grandparents didn't even have the foresight to fear when Rock and Roll was coming on the scene. [more inside]
Beads in pipes?
It often sounds like there are little beads or ball bearings rattling around the pipes in my workplace. Why? [more inside]
You know what would make this mandatory training better? EXFOLIATING.
What are your favorite at-home spa products? [more inside]
posted by castlebravo at 12:29 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by castlebravo at 12:29 PM PST - 16 comments
A well known author said something like: within the detail is the world?
Hello MetaFilter.
I recently came across a succinct (single sentence) quote by , I think, a famous author (perhaps began with a J? Joyce?).
It beautifully expressed the idea that:
"within the single detail is the world"
or
"everything is contained within a tiny detail"
I can't find it via Google. Please could you help me to find the correct quotation?
I think it should be fairly well known.
Many thanks.
posted by Speculatist at 12:26 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Speculatist at 12:26 PM PST - 22 comments
iTunes won't accept my podcast. What am I doing wrong?
I've been fighting with this for so many days that I'm starting to not see straight ... but iTunes Podcasts Connect says that it can't accept my feed. Please tell me what I'm doing wrong. [more inside]
What's up ... ummm ... doc?
Help me understand my daughter's medical school situation. [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 11:40 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by lpsguy at 11:40 AM PST - 15 comments
How can you tell if you're being manipulative?
How can you tell if you're being manipulative? [more inside]
posted by triggerfinger at 11:24 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by triggerfinger at 11:24 AM PST - 24 comments
Where should we go in Greece for 2 Weeks?
My wife and I will be in Greece this summer from June 18-July 9. We're flying in and out of Athens. Aside from staying in the capital for a few days, we're not sure how to narrow down where else to go. If you were us (priorities after the jump), which destinations would you choose? [more inside]
Another brick in the wall
Freelance writer considering education in front- and back-end coding. I've chosen an educational path, but I don't know how to make the best of my new-found skills as I move forward. More inside. [more inside]
How do I Choose My Next Career?
Have you made a radical career change? I currently have a job as a digital marketer at an ad agency, however, I've been here a couple years and find that I'm not quite suited to office work and the schedule it entails. Skills I have: seo, web analytics, copywriting, media sales and public speaking. More inside. [more inside]
California Dreamin': Road Trip Edition
What would you see in California if you were starting out in LA and had a car and 7 days to travel, only caveat being that you need to be in San Diego on the morning of the 8th day?
We're going to LA for a family wedding in August. Taking an extra week afterwards to travel around and see as much of California as possible. However, we have to prioritize as we only have 7 days. Flying out from San Diego on the 8th day.
We will have a rental car and we're interested in seeing as much as possible, as it will be my first time in California. Driving a lot is not a problem; we love roadtrips, and both of us drive so we can take turns. Please help us plan an itinerary! [more inside]
posted by spicytunaroll at 11:04 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by spicytunaroll at 11:04 AM PST - 19 comments
Looking for Amazon Echo help...help...help
Just set up a new Echo for my mother, and we are having an issue that is small, but sort of irritating. Alexa is answering all queries (as best she can), but the little "bong" that acknowledges that she is being addressed is not happening. Glitch, or do the newer ones just not do it anymore? This has proven difficult to Google.
How to make my students read or listen to foreign language materials
I teach teenagers ESL. I've been building a small library including graphic novels and books (The Stonekeeper, American born Chinese, Anya's ghost, Frankenstein makes a sandwich, In real life, The cartoon guides, Adrian Mole, Klutz book of inventions etc. - even drawing manuals) but also DVDS (Simpsons, Futurama, Father ted, Flight of the Conchords, Amandla, Secret of Kells...) and Cds (Elizabeth mitchell, They might be giants, Jack Johnson, The rutles...). [more inside]
posted by nicolin at 10:30 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by nicolin at 10:30 AM PST - 17 comments
Fix or abandon an LTR?
Our six-year-plus relationship has gone south in a matter of days. I said and did things I could have said and done better and that I regret. I've apologized, but she remains in noncommunicating mode. [more inside]
What are these slug looking things in my garden pond?
Home stand mixer that can handle bagel dough?
Decent bagels are unavailable 'round these parts, so we make our own. My current stand mixer chokes on the dough, and kneading by hand is a lot of work. Is there a (non-commercial, non $$$$) mixer that is up for the task of mixing a very, very stiff dough? [more inside]
Help me navigate a meeting for a biotech contract writing opportunity
Full time and mostly happily employed as a tech writer at company A, but it's not a long term career plan. Company B asked me to come in to see about a potential short term gig. This could be great. Or not. Help me navigate? [more inside]
posted by aperturescientist at 8:46 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by aperturescientist at 8:46 AM PST - 1 comment
Is this 3D poster based on a painting?
A friend bought a '3D poster' that now proudly hangs in his office. It has become quite a conversation piece and he would like to know if it is based on a well-known Biblical painting or based on Greek or Roman mythology. He would like to know the story of what's depicted.
Does anybody recognise it? Thank you in advance.
posted by kryptos at 8:19 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by kryptos at 8:19 AM PST - 21 comments
Good clock radio for listening to NPR Morning Edition
I'd like to be able to listen to NPR Morning Edition seamlessly as I walk around the house in the morning and I don't want to wear headphones. Thus I am looking for a clock radio that a) gets good radio reception, b) can be programmed to automatically switch on at 7am and off at 9am, and c) is relatively inexpensive so I can afford one for each room (I'll need about five, I think). Any recommendations? Thanks!
Should I buy a home in an area with shrinking population
I may be moving to a tiny community (<2k residents), one where I expect I'll live for 3-5 years. The NYT rent/buy calculator says "buy" in this instance. What they can't factor in: the population of the community has reduced 20+% in the last 15 years. I assume the population will continue to shrink in the time that I'll live there. Is it foolish (from a resale perspective) to buy a home in a community with a shrinking community? [more inside]
dog fencing through creek?
I want to put a dog-proof fence around a 1-acre place I am planning to buy, which includes some frontage along a small-ish creek. Legal issues aside, is there a fence design that would allow the stream to flow through without snagging flotsam and jetsam, yet keep dogs within boundary? [more inside]
posted by mmiddle at 6:27 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by mmiddle at 6:27 AM PST - 13 comments
Recommendations on a small bluetooth speaker?
I'd like to get a little bluetooth speaker that I can keep in my bag, for all-purpose music listening. What can you recommend? [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 6:18 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 6:18 AM PST - 16 comments
Call in phone games?
When I was a kid, I would play these Choose Your Own Adventure style games that you played by dialing a phone number and then pressing numbers on the keypad to make choices. Is there anyway I can hear these games again? [more inside]
Advice on the Ethics and Potential Pitfalls of A Job Search
I’ve started a long term job search and would like some advice on the ethics and potential pitfalls of approaching a company that I’ve been working with in my current job. [more inside]
posted by Jalliah at 5:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Jalliah at 5:16 AM PST - 5 comments
Book Filter: YA novel
I read a book sometime between 2006-2009. The plot was something about book sharks or something where these "sharks" or creatures would maybe come out of the pages if you read. Or maybe they would just make book pages go blank or something. (?) The mission of the two-three young adult or teenage protagonists was to make the book sharks go away, which was dangerous, and which they may have done by luring them away. (?) I'd like to recommend it to a young book worm I know but that's all I remember about it.
posted by FiveSecondRule at 4:39 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by FiveSecondRule at 4:39 AM PST - 4 comments
jQuery: click on a #button, change data attribute of the iframe within
I have a set of buttons that, when clicked, should display a specific iframe. In order to keep all the iframes from loading when the page is first loaded, I have the url stored as a data-src attribute in the iframe tag. How can I ask jQuery to change the data-src to src and load the iframe when the #div is clicked? [more inside]
My Dog is Really Sick.
My dog has been sick for about 6 months and things are getting critical. I need advice, please. My heart is breaking here. [more inside]
May 18
So My Teeth Are Falling Out - Need Periodontist or Dentist?
IKYNMP, am in need of some major decision making right now and am in a loop. Need some clarity and if you know a lot about this subject please help.
I am in Israel right now and don't know where to go, who is good and qualified and even what kind of help I should go for as preliminary care. [more inside]
Headphones= itchy ears?
Wearing in ear or over the ear headphones results in a feeling of itchy ears. You are not my doctor, but does anybody else encounter this and if so, what helps?
Dissecting anxiety in a relationship
So I'm in a new relationship. Two months. He's great! Yay! But some subtle things have turned me into a neurotic mess, and now I'm having a hard time differentiating between irrational neurotic anxiety and actual concerns that I'm brushing off as a result of an anxiety disorder. [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 8:43 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Amy93 at 8:43 PM PST - 15 comments
Include Personal MBA on resume?
I'm working through the Personal MBA reading list (https://personalmba.com/). Once I complete it, is this something I should/could list on a resume? What would be the best way to include it? [more inside]
Switching Careers into Agency Copywriting - What Do I Need To Know?
I am seriously considering pursuing a career in corporate copywriting and want to know the ins and outs. I have plenty of writing credits from various sources, both in print and online, but want to know from industry professionals about how to go about getting my foot in the door and being able to solidly present myself to agencies. [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:33 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:33 PM PST - 3 comments
Been to Trujillo, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Cajamarca, or Chachapoyas, Peru?
I'm considering a trip to northern Peru this summer. I would love to hear from people who have been to Trujillo, Chiclayo, Lambayeque or Cajamarca recently, as well as from anyone who has been to Chachapoyas or to the site of Kuelap. I'm primarily interested in Peruvian archaeology and history, but I also love the Peru of today. I'm proficient in Spanish. What were your impressions? What sorts of day trips and excursions did you go on? Pros and cons? [more inside]
posted by A. Davey at 5:53 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by A. Davey at 5:53 PM PST - 4 comments
Should She Be Playing with Me? (And More Newbie Dog Questions)
This is my dog and I have some dumb questions. I had dumb questions in this post too, but now I have more of them. [more inside]
posted by frumiousb at 5:36 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by frumiousb at 5:36 PM PST - 25 comments
How to be fair at a company picnic awarding door prizes...
Ok, so we have around 10 big/nice door prizes to give away. We were also going to give out door prizes that were more like gag prizes (seat cushions, t-shirts, cups, etc). We had planned on giving all the 120 employees a ticket to put in a fish bowl and then draw the winners names out at random. [more inside]
(How) can I make a french loaf that tastes like it came from a can?
Some combination of nostalgia and longing for comfort food is making me crave Pillsbury French loaf, which I really enjoyed 20 or 30 years ago. Nowadays, though, I live in the UK and in any event I need to stay gluten-free. Can anyone point me to a recipe for something that will taste similar? [more inside]
posted by sueinnyc at 4:48 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by sueinnyc at 4:48 PM PST - 7 comments
Mobilize, organize, moving, shaking, etc
I just found out my beloved program, Community HealthCorps, is de-funded. What can I and the rest of my cohort do to organize to get this program reinstated? [more inside]
Should I switch to my future career now or stay in dissatisfying job?
TL;DR:
Current job:
The good: relaxing, fancy title, nice perks/benefits, flexibility, easy schedule
The bad: boring, frustrating, mundane, not in a field I love, full of micromanagers, no room for growth, no intellectual challenge
A different job:
The good: a field I think I want to be in, intellectually challenging, meaningful, room for growth
The bad: loss of perks/benefits, potential loss of schedule flexibility, not easy, stressful, lots of unknowns
Which would you chose? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:17 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by anonymous at 4:17 PM PST - 19 comments
Measuring time in inches with a pendulum for a metronome
I have several music books published during the mid to late 1800s. It seems to have been a period before metronomes, however there are things like “quarter note=pend. 10 inches,” which I take to be a metronome marking of sorts using pendulum. How does this work? [more inside]
posted by jackmcc at 4:16 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by jackmcc at 4:16 PM PST - 4 comments
GPS / Heart Rate Monitors, Linux, Cycling...
I have various questions related to GPS watches and cycle computers, particularly when used with Linux. [more inside]
posted by andrewcooke at 3:32 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by andrewcooke at 3:32 PM PST - 5 comments
Hello flu, goodbye hot flashes. Huh?
I've been having frequent hot flashes consistently for the past ten years, have tried numerous remedies and finally decided that keeping folding fans strategically placed around the house was the only workable option. But since I first came down with the flu, the hot flashes have vanished. [more inside]
posted by DrGail at 2:22 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by DrGail at 2:22 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me stop staring at other women's breasts
I'm a straight cis woman. I keep staring at other women's breasts. I feel horrible about it. How can I stop? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Protecting the autographs on my ukulele?
I recently took my ukulele to a convention and had it signed by two gentlemen close to my heart. I still want to play it (even more so now!), but I worry about the signatures scratching/fading. [more inside]
posted by Skybly at 1:54 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Skybly at 1:54 PM PST - 6 comments
What to wear as a groom who hates formal wear?
I'm getting married this summer :D and can't decide what to wear D: I really bristle at the idea of wearing traditional men's formal wear, especially a tux—it just feels wrong and inauthentic for who I am. I need help finding something that feels right and while we've had no trouble saying 'screw tradition we'll do it our way' for pretty much everything else wedding wise I'm struggling in figuring out what that is for me in this case. [more inside]
posted by metaphorever at 1:35 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by metaphorever at 1:35 PM PST - 34 comments
Cleaning my treasured comb
A few years back, this wonderful community helped me find one of my favorite personal items, a beautiful vintage folding comb. I use it often. The only trouble is, I use it after I have applied a variety of hair products, including, but certainly not limited to, petroleum-based pomades like Murray's and water-based pomades like Layrite and Reuzel. The result is gross grey-ish buildup that I suspect is a combination of hair gunk, scalp gunk, and pocket lint. [more inside]
Cold War-influenced, all-gender cat name
I'm looking for a name for our new cat, who is fluffy and has white boots on all of her feet. [more inside]
posted by analog at 12:43 PM PST - 54 comments
posted by analog at 12:43 PM PST - 54 comments
Doublesided bookcase
Where can I find bookcases with the following specs? [more inside]
How to interpret feline EKG results?
We took our 14 year-old cat went in for what was supposed to be a routine dental procedure yesterday, but a pre-surgery EKG detected a heart anomaly, so she referred us to a cardiologist for an echo cardiogram. The cardiologist estimated it would cost "between $500-$800", which is a lot of money to spend if this turns out to be nothing. You're not my vet, but how would you assess the risks in this situation to make an informed decision? [more inside]
posted by tonycpsu at 11:54 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by tonycpsu at 11:54 AM PST - 9 comments
Astana, Kazakhstan on short notice
I've been offered a short-term job in Astana, Kazakhstan that I probably to accept or turn down before the end of the work day, and I don't have nearly enough time to begin researching Astana, or Kazakhstan properly! Plus, accepting the job would upend some summer plans I've already made (otherwise I'd say yes instantly), and would require a lot of pre-departure prep work. Is Kazakhstan, or Astana in particular, amazing? Tell me all your Kazakhstan stories, recommendations, or snark. But also help me figure out whether to accept the job in the first place! [more inside]
posted by tapir-whorf at 11:31 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by tapir-whorf at 11:31 AM PST - 17 comments
I'm visiting Seoul next month -- can you give me some advice?
My wife and I are visiting Seoul for the first time next month, and I'm hoping some experienced visitors can help me with some logistical questions. Specifically, Google isn't being super helpful with transit into and around the city, and wireless connectivity. We will have two Verizon iPhones that I'd like to be able to connect while we're out and about (our hotel has free wifi), and it looks like renting a mobile hotspot at the airport will accomplish that. Is there a better option I should look into?
A complicating factor is that our plane arrives at about 4:00am local time, but it appears we can get the hotspot delivered to our hotel. Is there normal transportation into the city available at that time of day? We will be making our way to Jamsil-dong, near the Sports Complex subway stop. Once in the city, is there any kind of unlimited ride pass for transit, or will we be stuck reloading cards the whole time?
Defluff my life
I have a dog. He is shedding. A lot. I use lint rollers to get most of the hairs off my clothes but the blankets I use to protect the furniture are really covered in hair. What's the most effortless way to get it off them? Surely there is something more straightforward than lint rollers or try to hoover them.
(I am brushing the dog and the floors frequently.)
posted by roolya_boolya at 11:15 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by roolya_boolya at 11:15 AM PST - 24 comments
Beef jerky
Please recommend your favorite beef jerky, either widely available in stores or more specialty ones available online. I'd also be interested to hear if anyone has enjoyed a "jerky of the month club" sort of subscription.
suburban movie recommendations
I've had a longstanding quasi-intellectual interest in suburbia. What's new is that I have a sudden interest in watching some movies, and I'm looking for some movies about suburbia. More specific criteria inside. [more inside]
Simple & Frugal
I'm looking for blogs and resources on simplicity and frugality. But wait - there's more! [more inside]
Social security...consultant? Lawyer? What am I looking for?
I have a very detailed and confusing situation regarding my (now departed) mother and her social security benefits, and how they may or may not carry over to her husband - - who is not American. Before she died, she tried to research it herself, both online and in person when she would visit. She'd get conflicting information each time, but unfortunately, none of it in writing. I would like to hire an expert to settle the situation for once and for all...but what am I looking for? [more inside]
Going to Boston in June - Need Travel Advice!
Granddad and grandson (age 25) going to Boston in June, and want to show grandson the sights. Probable itinerary includes Fenway for a game and tour, Freedom Trail, cruise to Constitution, and Sam Adams Brewery tour. Flying into and out of Logan. Need a place to stay in the $100± per night range. No car so near the T needed for lodging. [more inside]
Partner hit by a car, help with insurance questions
My partner was hit by a car while biking a little over a month ago (we're in CA). It's looking like the ambulance + er visit is going to be already 1.3x the state minimum. We're already speaking a bit with a lawyer, but I have a number of questions about recovery, responsibility and how to make sure we don't end up ok. [more inside]
This really is a lot of filo dough ...
I've been given a large roll of good, organic filo dough - hit me with your best, simple, vegetarian filo-based recipes, hivemind. [more inside]
Seeking non-clunky backpack for clunky laptop
I need a basic backpack for my work laptop. I'd like one that's as unobtrusive and non-dorky as possible. [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:34 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:34 AM PST - 12 comments
Should I stay and help or should I go?
animal crackers in my soup
I am helping to host a baby shower with an "animals" theme. As party favors, we want to give out some little bags of animal cookies--a step up from basic grocery store animal crackers like these, but the same idea. Is this a thing? (Or should we just get the regular kind and fancy them up with nice packaging?) No, baking them ourselves is absolutely NOT an option. [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 8:48 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 8:48 AM PST - 9 comments
Chicago, Chicago, I'll Show You Around...
My wife, our 15-year-old daughter and I are going to Chicago the last week of June (June 26 - July 1). We're looking for some ideas of things to do that AREN'T the usual highlights. [more inside]
posted by briank at 8:24 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by briank at 8:24 AM PST - 22 comments
help me be funny
I want to be funnier, as in, making people actually laugh, ideally having ‘funny’ be one of the descriptors friends and acquaintances use for me. I don’t really mean for stand-up, scripted, or professional purposes, just in general everyday scenarios and conversation. How do I go about this? Is there anything I can do to flex and tone those muscles? Details on dealbreakers etc. under the cut. [more inside]
How to lose 3 lbs
How do you lose fat when you only have a tiny amount to lose? [more inside]
posted by yawper at 7:48 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by yawper at 7:48 AM PST - 23 comments
Android phone, take dictation! No, not a vacation!
I write best while I'm walking, and for an upcoming project I'd like to streamline this using some sort of speech-to-text word-processing setup on my Google Nexus phone. Google's native voice recognition in Docs hates my voice and produces only large paragraphs of semipunctuated gibberish. What app(s) + accessories setup will give me accurate, extended voice-to-text transcription with minimal oversight, ideally also with good punctuation functionality? [more inside]
NYC Happenings Memorial Day Weekend
Anything unusual and rare happening Memorial Day weekend in NYC that I wouldn't want to miss? [more inside]
posted by dis_integration at 7:20 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by dis_integration at 7:20 AM PST - 4 comments
Anticipating Exact Day of Mail Arrival
I need to mail (via USPS) a manila envelope to someone important in lower Manhattan. And I need to know for sure when it will arrive, so I can email him same-day notice of its imminent arrival, so he watches for it and it doesn't sink into a pile of other mailings. If I drop it at a post office in his zip code (10007) the previous afternoon, am I assured he'll get it the next day? Is there any other way (without making it look like I'm trying too hard) to be sure of delivery date? I'm not in a rush....I just need to know for sure.
posted by Quisp Lover at 6:59 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 6:59 AM PST - 11 comments
How to be a good (murder mystery) host
We're having a murder mystery party this weekend, and I'm acting as the "host". I need some advice. [more inside]
Comedy for kids
I am looking for jokes that will crack up a 5 year old. [more inside]
Novels about small, quiet lives
Can you recommend some exceptionally well written novels about quiet folks just living their lives? [more inside]
posted by Chrischris at 5:51 AM PST - 66 comments
posted by Chrischris at 5:51 AM PST - 66 comments
Trying out computer mice in London or Washington, DC
I'm in the market for a new computer mouse, and I want to be able to actually try it out for a few minutes before I buy it, just to make sure it feels comfortable in my hand. I'm currently in London, and I'll be in the Washington, DC area in a few weeks. Is there any store in either city that has a wide variety of mice out of their packages and available for customer use?
posted by yankeefog at 3:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by yankeefog at 3:16 AM PST - 5 comments
May 17
Apply for deam job at dream company - but pregnant?
The job I've been waiting for at the company I've been waiting for just posted, should I apply while 5 months pregnant? [more inside]
Asbestos abatement
We're considering buying an old house with asbestos and having a hard time figuring out who to trust and what is reasonable. [more inside]
Help me end my long term relationship … or help me fix it?
My LTR has a lot going for it but I don't think the good outweighs the bad and I am trying to end it as painlessly as possible. Not sure how to proceed. (It is a blizzard in there, sorry.) [more inside]
Looking for Seattle optometrist good at complicated prescriptions
I need bifocals, and have a complicated prescription. What's the best place to go in Seattle to get them? [more inside]
Need advice on kitchen and bath remodel
I'm totally gutting kitchen and 2 baths and want to do it as cheaply as possible to stay within budget (30-35k) and am overwhelmed with the number of contractors and kitchen cabinet showrooms out there and don't know where to start. Should I hire general contractor to take care of everything or should I start with going to kitchen cabinet showroom and then act as my own contractor and hire out plumber, electrician etc. Which is the most cost effective? I want to remove 2 walls for the remodel, does this mean I have to hire a contractor anyways? Help! For those who've done this, where did you start? Also how much did you spend, is my budget realistic?
posted by CheeseAndRice at 9:11 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by CheeseAndRice at 9:11 PM PST - 15 comments
Hotel is for Helicopter
Does the 'H' commonly seen on helipads indicate to the pilot on what angle he should land? [more inside]
posted by quinndexter at 8:21 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by quinndexter at 8:21 PM PST - 9 comments
Microsoft Office 2016 compatible with Windows Tablet?
Is the desktop / laptop version of Microsoft Office 2016 compatible with Windows Tablet? [more inside]
posted by chmmr at 8:16 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by chmmr at 8:16 PM PST - 3 comments
Unlocked Android for use with French prepaid SIM
How functional are android phones, using wifi for data, and purchasing prepaid cell service for calls in France?
Previouly I had the iPod Touch, which worked very well, all the apps were available and worked as expected. A used unlocked Blackberry Bold 9900 I purchased as a replacement turned out to be useless. [more inside]
How to set up a home entertainment system for n00bs
I'd like to set up a home entertainment system where I can watch stuff and listen to stuff, and I'd like to upgrade from watching everything on my 13 inch laptop screen with crappy computer speakers. I haven't had a TV since, oh, sometime around 2001. I have no idea what I need or what all the new doodads and gadgets and various streaming options are. Please explain this to me like I'm your mom, but internet savvy. [more inside]
posted by Dilemma at 7:42 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Dilemma at 7:42 PM PST - 14 comments
Is a hanging dining table a terrible idea?
I am thinking of hanging my dining table from the ceiling with a winch and lowering it down when needed. Is this a great idea or a terrible one? [more inside]
What kind of doctor do I need in Charlotte, NC?
What kind of doctor should I seek as a new patient for a knee injury? Any recommendations for good ones. [more inside]
posted by raccoon409 at 6:23 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by raccoon409 at 6:23 PM PST - 3 comments
Should I stop paying taxes? Canadian edition.
Should I ask my HR department to stop auto-deducting federal & provincial tax from my paycheque, given the following conditions?
Alternatively, can you recommend a good personal tax advisor in Vancouver, Canada? [more inside]
posted by monkeymonkey at 5:51 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by monkeymonkey at 5:51 PM PST - 9 comments
Where Can I Pitch My Tent AND Ride My Bike? SoCal edition
Next month I'm strapping my big 'ol mountain bike to my car and driving up from Los Angeles to Marin County to visit friends. Where should I stop along the way to camp and ride? [more inside]
Tips for a 2-hour outdoor scavenger hunt in Philadelphia
A scavenger hunt newbie finds herself captain of a team in an office scavenger hunt. I'm looking for tips and strategy. [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 5:02 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by kimberussell at 5:02 PM PST - 7 comments
Just the nutritious facts, ma'am.
I'm looking for the best book (or other source) on nutrition. Not a diet book. Not anything with an opinion (to the extent that's possible). I just would like to read a book that describes what's going on with our bodies and the foods and nutrients we put into them. How exactly are the major nutrients metabolized? In what order over what time period? What are the functions of the various amino acids? What do the various vitamins and minerals do? And so forth. I just want to know what's going on, because I can't read a thousand diet and exercise books all pushing some points over others. I have a technical background, so I can handle and appreciate decently-complex explanations of biochemistry and the like. In fact, I like that stuff. Just as long as it starts at the beginning and builds up to that. So just, the cold, hard, comprehensive facts on nutrition, please. [more inside]
posted by KinoAndHermes at 4:42 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by KinoAndHermes at 4:42 PM PST - 14 comments
Apparently I don't understand percent concentrations... a little help?
In my workplace there is a reference to a "12% NH4OH" reagent that is prepared by diluting 20 mL of NH4OH to 50mL with H2O. It's obvious to me that this isn't a v/v concentration but I cant see how the formula makes it either a 12% w/w or a 12% w/v concentration. Assuming that we're starting with reagent grade (29% assay) NH4OH, which is it... and how does it work out to 12%? [more inside]
posted by whatisish at 4:13 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by whatisish at 4:13 PM PST - 9 comments
Pen of Pens
So, my remarkably wonderful employee has a birthday coming up and I want to get her a really beautiful pen. Can the hive mind help? [more inside]
posted by bearwife at 4:07 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by bearwife at 4:07 PM PST - 34 comments
a very important question about instagram
Hello. Is there an app for android that will allow me to make layouts with multiple photos (like Layout), but split diagonally rather than vertically/horizontally? This is proving strangely difficult to find. Thanks!
posted by sea change at 3:55 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by sea change at 3:55 PM PST - 3 comments
How do I be Buddhist?
Where to start with Buddhism? [more inside]
Commercials About Bugs?
Psychological approaches to addressing compulsive behaviours
Hi, can anyone point me to those? Not interested in pharmacological approaches. Bit more detail inside [more inside]
Did my refrigerator repairman botch my ice-maker installation?
The ice-maker in my KitchenAid KBFS22ECMS, french-door style refrigerator died, and I made an appointment for a repair person to come out and replace it (under warranty). Now all I have is a very inconvenient "water maker", but no ice! [more inside]
posted by melorama at 1:47 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by melorama at 1:47 PM PST - 13 comments
Junior Time Lord Needs Reading List
Our kid is seven. He's asking for books and graphic novels he can read that are about time travel and/or parallel dimensions. [more inside]
Fruit and veg batteries
Potato batteries and various forms of citrus batteries are, as best as I can tell, most accurately described as chemical batteries. But that sounds so boring! Do they not have a more sciency name? Like electroconvalent batteries or something? [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 1:15 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Iteki at 1:15 PM PST - 6 comments
Pretty soon, you'll be able to buy anything from a vending machine
Has anyone used Carvana to buy a car? If so, how was your experience? [more inside]
posted by joycehealy at 1:03 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by joycehealy at 1:03 PM PST - 3 comments
Things to include in a parenting plan for a toddler?
I'm looking for ideas of things to include in a parenting plan for a 2-year-old beyond the basics of custody, how to share holidays, etc. [more inside]
posted by bighappyhairydog at 12:22 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by bighappyhairydog at 12:22 PM PST - 29 comments
Engagement ring alternatives?
I'm thinking of popping the question to my girlfriend. The trouble is, for a variety of reasons, I hate the idea of buying a diamond ring for my proposal. She's kind of traditional, though, and will probably expect one. What are some good alternatives that I can consider? What are some good diamond ring substitutes that you've experienced or heard of being used? I'd like to come across as thoughtful and not cheap. [more inside]
posted by Fister Roboto at 12:12 PM PST - 61 comments
posted by Fister Roboto at 12:12 PM PST - 61 comments
Sick of missing appointments due to quite Android Calendar
I missed an appointment today as I didn't hear any of the FIVE alarms I had set in my phone, despite it being on the desk right beside me at the time. It seems Android's version of Google' Calendar's reminder sound is a meek little beep. My version is a klaxon. Is there a way to fix this? [more inside]
posted by Canageek at 11:53 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Canageek at 11:53 AM PST - 5 comments
Poisonous silk flowers
I've got a 4" tall blue poison bottle not unlike this one that I think would look quite nice as a bud vase. I'd quite like the flower to be poisonous but - because I have 3 cats and a black thumb - I want it in silk. So, I'm looking for recommendations for a poisonous flower that's small enough to go in a bud vase, and which I can get as a fake flower. Easy, huh? :)
What should two picky parents name our baby girl?
Another baby naming question (girl edition). Parental disagreement and other special criteria inside. [more inside]
Cheap Organic Groceries in Vancouver, BC?
I want to make the switch over to eating mostly organic meat, vegetables, and dairy without breaking the bank. Whole Foods is obviously not the best option here...are there any lesser known, small markets that offer good prices on organic food in Vancouver, BC?
posted by figaro at 10:53 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by figaro at 10:53 AM PST - 3 comments
Is this a good lens for this camera?
My partner is a novice photographer, and I'd like to buy her a new lens for her camera (Olympus PEN E-PL6 micro four thirds). Can you help me pick the right lens? [more inside]
posted by no regrets, coyote at 10:53 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by no regrets, coyote at 10:53 AM PST - 11 comments
Legal name unrelated to a nickname?
My son has a (rather elegant, if I say so myself) legal name, and a less elegant nickname that we use every day. Is this going to be a problem? [more inside]
Ex-Husband and Taxes
You are not my lawyer. But I want to know if this is possible, and should I find a lawyer? It involves a divorce and taxes in New Jersey. [more inside]
My wife is not my granddaughter, I swear!
How to change Facebook settings so Facebook doesn't show my wife as my granddaughter?! [more inside]
posted by terrapin at 9:54 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by terrapin at 9:54 AM PST - 25 comments
Finding work in New Zealand before having a visa approved?
Having filled out an Expression of Interest to work in New Zealand I am 10 points shy of automatic acceptance. However, on receipt of a job offer I qualify easily. What I don't understand is the Chicken/Egg situation of looking for a job without a visa but needing a visa to find a job. Has anyone been through this? I can't help but feel it will be off putting to employers, although as far as I understand they need only to assist with the application for a temporary work visa; however I may be being naive here. [more inside]
Excel VBA filter: Copy/paste using offset
Based on the active cell's position, I need to copy cells in the next column over and paste them a few columns to the left. Help? [more inside]
posted by bologna on wry at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by bologna on wry at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments
Three Days in Lyon, 12 Hours in Paris
A friend and I are taking a trip tomorrow to Lyon (from Berlin). We found this thread but want more information specific to Lyon. [more inside]
posted by serenity_now at 9:09 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by serenity_now at 9:09 AM PST - 13 comments
Why are single-occupancy bathrooms segregated by gender?
My workplace is in the process of converting all of the single-occupancy restrooms into gender neutral bathrooms. My questions is, why were they segregated by gender in the first place? [more inside]
posted by Betelgeuse at 8:06 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by Betelgeuse at 8:06 AM PST - 44 comments
How best to make this internet thing?
I have an abiding interest in obscure and small-press feminist and queer science fiction. I also have a collection of such material and some knowledge about it. How best to share this with the world? [more inside]
Help me find the perfect Timey Wimey Ticky Tocky Timer!
I need a mechanical (not digital or on my phone) timer that makes a ticking sound. I'd rather it not be a hugely loud harsh ticking sound but if it meets the other needs, I'll take it. I also need it to be pretty sturdy. And I need the damn thing to go off when it gets to zero. I've tried a bunch from kitchen stores lately and they only go off about 20% of the time. Bonus points if the dial is easy to see from across the room. [more inside]
posted by dawkins_7 at 7:30 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dawkins_7 at 7:30 AM PST - 7 comments
Best place to buy a used Mac Laptop online
Currently, my brother is using my old MacBook pro from 2006. It has started to become unreliable - I'm looking for a replacement for him. [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 7:23 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by hilaryjade at 7:23 AM PST - 8 comments
Resources on Black Lives Matter movement?
Can you make some recommendations to me of some good resources on the Black Lives Matter movement? [more inside]
Sticky Wicket
You are close friends with a couple (Tom and Tina). Tina shares the news with you that she and Tom broke up two weeks ago, they are both devastated and not ready to tell the larger friend group, and they have gone no-contact. Do you reach out to Tom, and if so, how and when? [more inside]
How do I actually enjoy talking to people?
When I have to talk with other people I feel exhausted. I need to improve my social skills one step at the time. [more inside]
Help me find this children's book about sharks
Help me find this book! Gory children's book about shark attacks read in the mid 1990s. [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 6:28 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by amicamentis at 6:28 AM PST - 8 comments
Fantasy(??) illustrator
I'm looking for a new of an illustrator who is reminiscent of landscape shots on this page (under "Want a quick...", particularly shots 3 and 5). I do strongly remember the artist producing a landscape that involved heavy silhouetting, rolling hills (or a bridge?), and bright, purple-blue-green colours. Who might this classic (pre-Internet) illustrator be? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 6:08 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 6:08 AM PST - 6 comments
I don't want to be a hairy princess!
I've been recently diagnosed with PCOS, and the difficult part at the moment is the chin acne/facial hair - because I'm a fidget and tend to pick at things. And it makes me feel pretty rubbish about my appearance. PCOS people, what have you used that's helped? Were there any miracle products, or did dietary changes help too? [more inside]
May 16
pen & PAPER
Recommend me a board/tabletop game involving paper to give to my spouse for our first wedding anniversary. [more inside]
Being my...self? Or, hanging a wet blanket out to dry.
After years of isolation and with no clear sense of self, how do I start and maintain real, substantive relationships, both romantic and platonic? I've tried Meetups, wine and art nights, etc. Help me avoid becoming a hermit. [more inside]
posted by marsbar77 at 8:02 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by marsbar77 at 8:02 PM PST - 23 comments
Summer blues
I hate being home from school so much that I have spiraled back into depression and panic attacks. Help! [more inside]
posted by myitkyina at 7:47 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by myitkyina at 7:47 PM PST - 11 comments
How to fill time during depression
My question is depression-related, but I am *NOT* looking for advice about getting out of it (like meds/therapy/exercise). I simply do not know what to do with my time aside from lie in bed and occasionally attempt my usual favorite activities (art and writing). Again, I am not looking for health tips as I have those angles covered. More inside. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:32 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:32 PM PST - 30 comments
Easy prep-ahead recipes for camping
Please suggest recipes for car-camping meals that I can prepare before leaving home. I don't want to chop or grate at the campsite, but I don't mind assembling. I am happy to cook over a fire and/or on a camp stove, but no charcoal grill. [more inside]
Name that South Korean Crime Film
I'm trying to identify a South Korean film made around late 90's/early aughts that centered on a police officer in the near future. The beginning of the film sees him arrive at a crime scene and stop to make a phone call. As soon as he activates his phone, an advertisement plays. He complains out loud to another cop about this and the other cop tells him if he's willing to pay for service for the entire police department, they can probably get rid of the ads. Any ideas?
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 6:32 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 6:32 PM PST - 5 comments
Spot That Woman's Shoe
I spotted the boot of my dreams, but didn't ask the wearer where she got them. Can you help me on my footwear quest? [more inside]
How to hire ethnically diverse employees?
Small firm looking for salespeople-- how can I get a more diverse group of candidates? [more inside]
Trouble talking about myself
I'm a shy person and it seems like I will always be this way. As I've grown older (I'm in my late 20s) I've learned to cope with my personality quirks and to modify certain negative aspects of my social self, but overall I think that socializing and entering new situations will always be a little bit tough for me. But I still would like to challenge my character and learn to open up more. [more inside]
Blood pressure monitor won't inflate
I'm confined to the house for a week because of an illness (not bp-related) so can't go to the friendly local bp machine at the pharmacy. I have a home blood pressure monitor, and suddenly it won't work. It starts to inflate and then just goes off. It's pretty new. Any clue on why this machine just stopped working? [more inside]
Best stories / essays / movies about (social or physical) invisibility?
Please help me find writing and art about feeling or being invisible to the world. [more inside]
Ex's grandma just passed away. Should I text him?
I was dating this 23-yo guy for about 5 months but we were never official. We broke up in March because I wanted the relationship to progress and he didn't. Since then, we still continue to talk and we hang out as friends about once a month. He knows that I want us to get back together since I've initiated us hanging out the past few times. He's told me he enjoys my company and he's considering giving us another chance. The last time we met, he told me he'd text me when he's done with his final exams so we can meet up. I just found out through FB that his grandmother just passed away. I never got to meet any of his family but he has talked about them before. Would it be okay if I send a text sharing my condolence? I really do feel bad for him. Or should I just wait and see if he texts me to meet up and then tell him in person?
posted by missybitsy at 3:26 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by missybitsy at 3:26 PM PST - 31 comments
70-foot Seasonal Bridge
I'm looking for ideas on how to construct a seasonal bridge across a 70-foot wide river using man power only. The bridge would be built at the beginning of summer and dismantled at the end of summer to be used again the next year. [more inside]
posted by huckit at 2:26 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by huckit at 2:26 PM PST - 17 comments
Book ID. Fantasy Book where Women Use Gem Pieces For Magic
This is Children's/YA book I read in the early to mid 1980s in the UK. Invaders from across the sea are occupying the young heroes homeland and are looking for something. The protagonist goes in search of a magic jewel/gem/stone to defeat the invaders. One of the few details I remember is that another magic gem had been used to solve a previous crises and the shattered pieces of it could be used to do some kind of magic by the female characters. [more inside]
posted by antiwiggle at 2:25 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by antiwiggle at 2:25 PM PST - 5 comments
Winter tires in the summer?
Is there any strong reason not to leave my winter tires on this summer? [more inside]
Where to park a moving van overnight in Cambridge or Somerville, MA
My wife and I are currently driving a moving truck to the Boston area. We were supposed to arrive at a storage facility to unload some things by 6pm and return the truck to Uhaul this evening, but we won't make it to the storage facility in time. So now we need a place to park the 15' truck overnight. Does anyone know who can take our money and let us do this in the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville area tonight? [more inside]
posted by dyslexictraveler at 2:03 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by dyslexictraveler at 2:03 PM PST - 22 comments
Looking for the best and safest bubble solution for kids/Is J Lube safe?
Would a bubble solution made with J Lube be safe for children? And/or, do you have a tried and true homemade bubble solution for making giant bubbles, etc? I also welcome any recommendations for tools. We have many (both commercial and homemade), but I am sure there are more out there. [more inside]
posted by Original 1928 Flavor at 1:52 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Original 1928 Flavor at 1:52 PM PST - 6 comments
Are Aortic Valve Re-replacements covered by Medicare?
My father (60 years old) was recently diagnosed with aortic stenosis due to a bicuspid valve. He will meet with a cardiologist to determine whether to get a biological replacement or mechanical - there are pros and cons to both. I have a question about Medicare coverage for the re-operation possiblity that may occur with the biological valve. [more inside]
I want to make cooking, and the kitchen, more pleasant, less stressful
Am moving into a household w/ a Mom and 2 kids (18-22 yrs). The kitchen was a mess; I have scrubbed the walls, painted, added new lighting, rearranged drawers, added a radio and some color. After 20 years of scrambling to get food on the table, Mom is reluctant to spend much time in the room; cooking or socializing. [more inside]
posted by ebesan at 1:35 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by ebesan at 1:35 PM PST - 37 comments
What to do on a really long sabbatical
For the next several years, I’ll be financially supported. This is a great opportunity to develop something … a business, a creative venture, a new career, whatever. What is your advice on how to productively use my time so that, at the end, I’ve really accomplished something, and particularly have a replacement stream of income? [more inside]
posted by Capri at 1:31 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Capri at 1:31 PM PST - 19 comments
Seeking pro for mold issue in garage. What do I need to know?
There is a recurring mold issue in my parents' garage. Mold keeps growing back in one corner of the garage. I don't know where to begin with hiring someone to deal with this, so I'm hoping someone can help me figure out what I need to know to make sure this gets done right.
What kind of professional should I hire? Is there anything I should keep in mind as I try to find the right person for the job? [more inside]
dress me!
I am the sole bridesmaid/maid of honor for my sister's wedding, and she's told me I can wear whatever I want. Yay! But I have no idea where to go from there. Boo! Help me figure out a look? [more inside]
how do I find a special, lovely leather belt for a man?
I'd like to get my husband a nice belt for our 3rd ("leather") anniversary. [more inside]
posted by bluedeans at 12:55 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by bluedeans at 12:55 PM PST - 13 comments
Brief Raptures
I enjoy spending time in temporarily deserted places that usually bustle during daylight hours. Examples include San Francisco during Burning Man weekend, Penn Station at 2pm on Christmas day, almost everywhere in the US on Easter Sunday, the Financial District in Boston on Saturdays and Sundays, many major European cities during August.
Where should I go, and when?
Help me plan a chess roadmap
I'm looking to step up my chess game, but right now I can't commit to traditional chess clubs or similars because of reasons. So, I'm looking to plan ahead using every other available resource. Special considerations inside. [more inside]
posted by andycyca at 11:58 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by andycyca at 11:58 AM PST - 11 comments
Which U.S. cities are considered to have the most radical governments?
I'm looking for examples of small-to-medium sized U.S. cities and towns that are known for having exceedingly radical city governments (whether left- or right-wing). What have these governments done that makes them considered radical? What obstacles have they faced in attempting to implement their policies?
posted by matkline at 11:35 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by matkline at 11:35 AM PST - 19 comments
Beanie Boo Birthday
Crowd-sourcing a Beanie Boo Birthday party for a 2nd grader. What should we do/make/eat? [more inside]
Getting the most out of the Magic Castle
Hola Mefi,
Growing up, my Dad was a party clown and stage magician. He wasn't half-bad, either! I have a lot of fond memories of learning little sleights of hand and spoiling the trick at other kid's birthday parties (Sorry.). And while Pops doesn't really do magic anymore, he still loves the theater of it and binges on YouTube shows etc.
So, I snagged us an invite to the Magic Castle next time he's in town. Since I've never been: What's it like? Best/worst things to do? Stuff to avoid? [more inside]
shake it off
Worked at one company for 10+ years, now starting at a new company. How to adjust to a new corporate culture when I'm sure some calcification (entitlement?) has set in? [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 10:24 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by St. Peepsburg at 10:24 AM PST - 9 comments
Going to live and work in India - first time living out of U.S.
I'm so excited to have the opportunity to live a personal dream - living and working in another part of the world. I'm going to Bangalore, India on business for several weeks and possibly months. I've never lived outside the U.S. before and I've never been to India. So I have a lot of questions. [more inside]
help me learn to love green juice!
I am a longtime vegan who hates raw vegetables. Can you give me some blended juice and/or smoothie recipes that minimize the vegetal taste as much as possible without forgoing fresh veg altogether? Difficulty level: No celery, please, I cannot bear the idea of eating or drinking celery in this lifetime. [more inside]
What tech stack for building a little Python game?
I'm going to build a simple RPG in Python with my 14yo nephew. Most of the point is for him to learn Python. He's had programming concepts but is very new to Python. What game engine / technology stack should we use that helps us build a fun game but also keeps his head mostly in Python and not in the game engine? [more inside]
posted by gurple at 9:16 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by gurple at 9:16 AM PST - 6 comments
(Eastern) European Vacation
I'm headed for Riga, Latvia for work for the second time. On the first go-round, I had very little time off, so this time I wised up and tacked a couple vacation days onto the end of my trip so I can do some traveling.
But where should I go, and how?! I'm overwhelmed with the possibilities. [more inside]
posted by leeloo minai at 8:55 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by leeloo minai at 8:55 AM PST - 7 comments
How to protect a desk
We just bought an antique wooden desk for our living room -- mostly for our young son to do arts & crafts, etc., and eventually homework. The desk surface isn't in pristine condition, but we want to protect it from my son and from our cats. We could get a piece of glass cut to fit, but the desk was $275 and glass would probably be $100+, so we don't want to spend that much. Someone suggested Plexiglas, but I'm not sure if that would stay flat and/or look nice. Suggestions?
posted by trillian at 8:46 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by trillian at 8:46 AM PST - 16 comments
Suddenly long distance, suddenly panicked
Our relationship is really great by any measure and makes me very happy... but now we're apart for the summer, and I'm stuck in obsessive anxiety about my feelings. Help! [more inside]
Bipolar Triggers - Person to Person
I've been diagnosed bipolar for around 15 years now. I've been relatively stable on medication for the last 5 or so years, I deal with some depressive episodes but I haven't gone into a hypo-manic or mixed state in quite a while, but upon visiting a college friend dealing with Bipolar/Schizoaffective recently I found myself losing my mind in a mix of hypomanic glory and mixed state despair. Do you trigger off of other people? More details past the break. [more inside]
I love my husband…but I don’t want to sleep with him. Does it matter?
Until I slept with someone else, I didn't realise what I was missing. But I can't break up our lives on a whim. I don't know what to do. [more inside]
Looking for books to help Prepare for the Praxis II Business Education
Currently, I am a math teacher who is looking to expand his licensure to include teaching business education classes. I will be taking the Praxis II exam to get my teaching certification in Business Education. The contents of the exam include economics, entrepreneurship, marketing and management, along with accounting and finance, international business, and information technology (page 5 in the PDF). There are some ad-hoc books that I’ve seen on Amazon marketplace that I will be checking out as well. [more inside]
Cute Foreign Romantic film--lost to the ravages of my failed memory
I have been bugged for the last several months with trying to find a foreign romantic film which I watched on Netflix, possibly before the time of streaming. I only remember the vaguest of plot-lines. [more inside]
posted by eglenner at 6:18 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by eglenner at 6:18 AM PST - 3 comments
May 15
Can I use a US (110V) lighting fixture with a 240V mains supply?
I recently bought this pendant light from the CB2 store here, which is having a closing down sale. Despite it being sold locally (Singapore), upon some inspection I've found that the light is likely to be the exact same model as the one sold in the US (i.e. only rated for US 110V, and not UK/Singapore 240V). The guy at the store said that I could connect it directly to the mains here, but I'm not too certain. Should I try to get it rewired? [more inside]
posted by destrius at 10:34 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by destrius at 10:34 PM PST - 6 comments
How did you overcome a low gpa and/or no work experience?
I am one class away from graduating with a 2.6 GPA in a Business degree. I do not have any internships and very little work experience. I have mental health issues and I'm very socially awkward. Am I doomed from ever finding a job? How did you overcome this?
posted by sheepishchiffon at 10:06 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by sheepishchiffon at 10:06 PM PST - 16 comments
Should I go to Nantucket? Or to Acadia National Park? No car!
I'll be in New England in October and would like to get out in the natural world. Help me decide where to go and how to get there! [more inside]
posted by Sarah Lund's Jumper at 9:21 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by Sarah Lund's Jumper at 9:21 PM PST - 31 comments
What should I include in a journal of letters to my baby?
I am hoping to document my pregnancy through a journal of letters to my future child. I am struggling a little with how to balance my current reality (wanting a document/record of my pregnancy) with the future of this child someday being a grown person who might read it. [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 7:59 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by JoannaC at 7:59 PM PST - 25 comments
I think he's been hanging out on Reddit again.
My brother in law, whom I used to like, posted something fairly racist on Facebook today, on the topic of white privilege. I'm looking for suggestions on how to respond to him that would be educational while not making him completely tune me out. [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 7:50 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by anastasiav at 7:50 PM PST - 12 comments
Tips for British Columbian Hot Springs Tour? Naksup, Halcyon, Ainesworth
So to escape the U.S. post-presidential election madness a buddy and I are planning a hot springs tour of Canada for four days (Novemeber 9-13). We are thinking about visiting Naksup, Halcyon and Ainesworth hot springs and staying at two of them. I would appreciate any tips on each hot springs, lodging, good places to eat or drink along the route, etc. [more inside]
I messed up the accordion pleats on my wool skirt
Is there anyone in New York who can restore them (without breaking the bank)? [more inside]
posted by coastisclear at 7:06 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by coastisclear at 7:06 PM PST - 7 comments
One Thousand Scriptoria
Where could I find a list of significant cathedrals and monasteries in Europe at or around 1000 AD / CE? [more inside]
What TV movie was this?
Years and years ago I saw a (what was probably) a tv-movie on a network like WGN or KTLA. It must have been filmed in the mid-90s. It was about two women who met while being treated for breast cancer (I think). [more inside]
posted by modesty.blaise at 6:27 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by modesty.blaise at 6:27 PM PST - 2 comments
Another Round of Name Those Cats
My new cats need names! After mourning the loss of my best friend Minnie (who was with me for 21 years), I've taken munchingzombie's advice to heart and adopted two new buddies from the shelter. [more inside]
posted by soonertbone at 6:08 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by soonertbone at 6:08 PM PST - 26 comments
Hamilton: pro/cons of knowing the story/music ahead of time?
Should I read Alexander Hamilton (the book) or listen to Hamilton (the music) before actually seeing it live? [more inside]
posted by inevitability at 5:54 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by inevitability at 5:54 PM PST - 26 comments
Benefits to formal diagnosis of dyslexia as an adult?
I think my boyfriend might be dyslexic and I'm debating how much to bug him about getting it checked out. But how would you even treat dyslexia in a 30-year old, and is there any benefit to getting a formal evaluation and/or diagnosis as an adult? [more inside]
Ok we can try again but don't break me this time lalala
What's a good song or songs that have a message along the lines of "yes things got really messed up between us due to your actions but I have thought about it and am willing to forgive your with the hope that things will be good again" or the closest approximation?
Eggs Benedict-related FOMO
I've been a lifelong fan of eggs prepared basically any way so long as there's no runny yolk to contend with. I'd like to expand my culinary horizons a bit and break out of my brunch rut, though. How can I gain an appreciation for runny eggs? [more inside]
posted by blerghamot at 5:21 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by blerghamot at 5:21 PM PST - 28 comments
Indie music for metal head?
I'm more indie rock and my friend is a metal head. I'm trying to make her a mix of indie or pop music that still appeals to a metal vibe. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Plant ID? It's not marijuana.
This plant has been showing up every year for 12 years now. I don't know what it is. Can you help me? [more inside]
posted by yesster at 3:35 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by yesster at 3:35 PM PST - 11 comments
Baking 911: Keto Edition
To extend the 911 metaphor, imagine you're arriving at a scene where someone jumped off a three-story building because they thought they might fly. I am on a ketogenic (low-carb, high-fat) diet and was craving sweets, so despite being not much of a baker, I tried to adapt a cookie recipe by substituting ingredients. Now I've got a huge mixing bowl full of crumbly flour stuff, made from nice ingredients like cacao butter and coconut flour and many, many wrong turns. [more inside]
posted by dee lee at 2:22 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by dee lee at 2:22 PM PST - 26 comments
College Advising for Adults on the 12-Year Plan
How do I choose a degree and a school as an adult? I'm comparing a BA with a BBA at two regional schools. [more inside]
Road trip stop along I-84, I-81, Scranton - ish area, en route to DC
Part of an upcoming weekend trip will involve us leaving the Poconos area in PA off 84 (around Lake Wallenpaupack, PA) in the evening, stopping overnight somewhere nearby-ish. The direction we eventually want to head generally speaking is making our way west, then south on 81, towards MD/DC. Suggestions where to stop and stay along, perhaps in the Scranton + Wilkes barre area? [more inside]
I wish to remain vanishing
Novel suggestions, please, for a potential project.
Im looking for novels on the theme of people who choose to disappear and start a new life. They could be the protagonist, or someone else in the book whose disappearance drives the story. Lilia in Emily St John Mandel's 'Last Night In Montreal' and Kathryn Carlyle in Rupert Thomson's ah, 'Kathryn Carlyle' are perfect examples.
posted by reynir at 1:08 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by reynir at 1:08 PM PST - 41 comments
Simple sample project for PM Certificate study?
Looking for ideas for a relatively simple case project to use as a base for my PM Certificate course. My actual experience is with projects that are far too complex to use to work through the course. [more inside]
posted by mireille at 12:56 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by mireille at 12:56 PM PST - 6 comments
Please advise me on how to fill out an application for work.
I need help knowing how to fill out a job application with my imperfect work history. [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 12:44 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by glonous keming at 12:44 PM PST - 4 comments
Documentary-making for dreamers with only pocket change to spare
This is a two-pronged question about making documentaries with limited resources. 1) What methods should I use for finding, choosing, and honing in on documentary subject matter? and 2) How can I maximize the limited benefits of using an iPhone 6S Plus to make a low budget doc? (Note: I've read and own Shut Up and Shoot, but I'm seeking additional opinions and advice.) [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 11:33 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by nightrecordings at 11:33 AM PST - 6 comments
Anniversary ring advice
My spouse and I will soon be celebrating a milestone in our marriage. I would like to get her an anniversary ring. But I’m uncertain about the options. If you know anything about jewelry I would appreciate your advice. [more inside]
How do I go barefoot at work without detection?
It doesn't break the rules in my office. I'm male. Sneakers without bottoms would be ideal if they existed. Or socks that look like real shoes, maybe? [more inside]
posted by derbyshire at 10:41 AM PST - 86 comments
posted by derbyshire at 10:41 AM PST - 86 comments
The history of brown sugar -- in Russia?
I've been trying to do some research on whether or not a poorer community in Russia around the turn of the 20th century would have had any access to or knowledge of brown sugar. [more inside]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 9:32 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 9:32 AM PST - 7 comments
More like a pocket, less like a fanny pack?
The world is frustrating my efforts to only own dresses/skirts with pockets. I am wondering if you can help me find some kind of bag that would work like an external pocket for me. Like a fanny pack. Except I'm not really confident I can or want to pull off the fanny pack look. [more inside]
posted by Salamandrous at 9:05 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Salamandrous at 9:05 AM PST - 33 comments
Help Me Asheville Beer Week
I will be visiting Asheville during beer week! Looking for suggestions for your favorite breweries, your favorite bars, your favorite gay/queer bars, your favorite Asheville snacks (biscuits please!)... [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 6:14 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by forkisbetter at 6:14 AM PST - 10 comments
Woo-free, jargon-free, steak-knife-free leadership training?
I want to improve my leadership skills. It seems like a lot of the resources out there are kind of...heavy on the vacuous woo and cut-throat corporate bullshit, and light on evidence, kindness and authenticity. Can you recommend better alternatives? [more inside]
Looking for truly one-of-a-kind films and TV shows
And I mean one-of-a-kind—and good!—films and TV shows. (I've included film and TV examples in the 'Extended Explanation' portion of my thread.) [more inside]
posted by GlassHeart at 12:33 AM PST - 92 comments
posted by GlassHeart at 12:33 AM PST - 92 comments
May 14
Good beginner ukulele
It's been a while since the last ukulele recommendation question; what are some decent choices today in the $100–200 range? Advice on good vendors also appreciated.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 11:59 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 11:59 PM PST - 8 comments
Paypal advice for setting up account w/country complications
Is there any problem setting up a Paypal account when you live in one country, but the credit card you want to link is from another country? In my case, I live in [European Country] and my credit card is from my bank in the US, my native country. If you've done this in the last couple of years*, can you help advise me? [more inside]
When Judas repents: Forgive or tell her to f*** off?
Is forgiving someone who has hurt you before and believing them when they say they won't again just naive wishful thinking? Or is it a virtue of the brave and the only path to maturity? The rest of the drama inside. [more inside]
How do people overlook physical unattractiveness with romance and sex?
I do not understand how physical unattractiveness can be overlooked by people when they meet a stranger and consider them for a romantic or sexual partner. I apply this more to myself than to others. I know this is not a good viewpoint. I need help from people who see this right, as adults do. [more inside]
Looking for poems, quotes relevant to the death of a heroic dissident
I'm doing PR for a heroic dissident who is on hunger strike to protest the actions of a dictator. He's in grave danger and I have little hope. I think he will be gone soon.
Can anyone suggest poems or quotes relevant to this situation? I want them for my own comfort, but it would be especially useful if there was something that wasn't too long that I could use for PR. [more inside]
Bakers of Mefi, please help me save this cake.
It's a three layer gluten-free and dairy-free cake. I just had a nibble and it's... not awful, but not tasty either. It has a lovely texture, but I need to add flavour and sweetness to counteract the overwhelming heavy dark cocoa taste. [more inside]
posted by malibustacey9999 at 10:30 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by malibustacey9999 at 10:30 PM PST - 11 comments
Arcadia plot confusion
I'm a bit confused by the ending/overall plot of Iain Pears' Arcadia. (Major spoilers abound after the "more inside" so click at your peril!) [more inside]
Can you identify this movie from the sixties or early seventies?
It may have been around 1969 when I saw this movie. I remember it as a realistic, set-in-the-present, "new hollywood" style of movie (easy rider, two-lane blacktop) and for some reason it's stayed in my head. Anyway the few specifics I remember are... [more inside]
posted by Rich Smorgasbord at 8:58 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Rich Smorgasbord at 8:58 PM PST - 7 comments
I'm in Polanco (Mexico City) and I hate it. Where to go?
I came in early for a work thing (my colleagues arrive late Monday). I'm broke, and (other than the anthro museum which I'll see Monday), Polanco seems like a maze of Gucci grossness. [more inside]
What can replace my beloved white bark birch trees?
We have a line of 5 birch trees along our driveway. They are beautiful all year long, screening the neighbor's house from our living room view in the summer, dropping leaves and letting in more light in the winter, but still a lattice of branches to screen a bit.
They are all dead or dying. Bronze boring beetles. Nothing can be done. According to more than one expert, "Birches are no longer a sustainable species in our part of the world."
What can we plant instead? [more inside]
I need a new crossbody phone & wallet carrier
Please help me find a practical, durable, dirt-resistant (so not fabric) crossbody handbag that has a magnetic cell phone pocket, and a second larger front zip pocket for my wallet and/or Canon s120 point & shoot. [more inside]
What to do with old sweaters NYC
I'm moving soon, and I have a large collection of sweaters that I procrastinated on donating all winter. They're in good condition, I just dont want them anymore. I obviously don't want to move with them, and I would rather not throw them out. Are there any charities that accept warm clothing during the summer? Or any other ways of disposing of them that I haven't thought of?
posted by MFZ at 7:37 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by MFZ at 7:37 PM PST - 4 comments
Asphalt Driveway Do Over - Is a Second Life Possible?
My home driveway is old bulging, cracking asphalt. I want to remove at least part of it and replace it with packed stone and pavers. The asphalt companies I've called won't take the old asphalt - they say there's not enough for them to bother with. Are there any options for recycling this so it doesn't end up at the dump? [more inside]
When did Google's reverse image search change, if it has?
I use Google's reverse image search via right-click in Chrome. Previously it would return some decent results, with useful suggestions. Lately it's been crap. [more inside]
Move files to folders with same number in name
I have several hundred files and folders who don't share names, but do share numbers. I'm looking for an automated solution to put the files in the folders that share the same numbers. Windows 7. [more inside]
Is getting your own apartment worth the money?
I'm really on the fence about this. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 2:59 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by winterportage at 2:59 PM PST - 33 comments
Disabled friend was just assaulted in a store - what do we do?
Exactly like it says on the tin - I'm just as shocked as they are, and they're not quite sure what to do. I've never been in this situation before, and I really want to help them out, so I'm turning to the Green to figure out what to do next... [more inside]
What bird is this?
Long flight with a baby and toddler alone -- guaranteed disaster?
Is this crazy? If not, how do I do it? [more inside]
Whole lemon in a can?
My wife is hooked on the Norwegian cooking show New Scandinavian Cooking. In this episode the host casually opens a tin can and pulls out a whole fresh lemon. [more inside]
posted by Eddie Mars at 1:42 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Eddie Mars at 1:42 PM PST - 21 comments
How do people do simple network attached storage these days?
I'm in the market for a NAS (I think) and I'm completely overwhelmed by what's on the market these days. I have a bunch of frankly quixotic requirements. Does anyone here have advice? [more inside]
First they were writers, then they were writer/directors.
There are plenty of successful writer-directors out there, but I'm curious about successful directors who started out as writers only (screenplays, novels, plays etc) before they transitioned to directing. I'm especially interested in minority or female directors.
posted by egeanin at 1:13 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by egeanin at 1:13 PM PST - 18 comments
ISO recommendations for NYC massage therapy schools
My college-age daughter, who lives in New York City, is interested in studying to be a massage therapist. I offered to post here to see if any MeFites have recommendations for massage therapy schools in NYC. [more inside]
Guitarfilter: Salvage the irreplacable?
Tragedy struck while restringing my beloved circa 1989 Takamine EN-30C when the 3rd string tuning peg snapped off. My first consultation for repair did not result in anything resembling the solution I am hoping for. [more inside]
posted by raider at 11:43 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by raider at 11:43 AM PST - 10 comments
Botulism: not even once, banana edition.
Is this banana jam sufficiently acidified by two tablespoons of lemon juice to make it safe to preserve in a hot water bath per the recipe? Or am I flirting with death? [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk at 11:24 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by blnkfrnk at 11:24 AM PST - 6 comments
Can you recommend a great espresso machine that does it all?
Looking for recommendations for an espresso / cappuccino maker that does all the things, including also making regular coffee. [more inside]
posted by the webmistress at 11:02 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by the webmistress at 11:02 AM PST - 7 comments
Crack House
I've got a couple of tricky paint repair jobs to do at my house, and would like some advice on how to proceed. [more inside]
[Jazz Filter] I like these, and I want more of these.
I am building a Sunday jazz playlist that involves some old standards during the 1930s and 1940s. So, big band and swing. But I am leaning more towards something, er, softer. [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 10:13 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by pleasebekind at 10:13 AM PST - 11 comments
Picking my thesis project
Will anyone (besides me) care what I did my master's thesis on, if I'm planning on going into industry right after? [more inside]
AirBnB holding reservation on funds after host rejected the request
My friends and I are planning a holiday in Paris this summer. We've been looking for places on AirBnB, and found one that looked like it might suit. My friend created an AirBnB account, and submitted a booking request. Unfortunately the host refused; fair enough. But a day later, the money's still showing up as 'reserved' on my friend's bank account. Is this normal? [more inside]
Can you go to prison just to 'keep your meat alive' to save the galaxy?
I'm wondering, for a story idea--what does the average American Joe need to do, to be kept alive at the effort and expense of someone else, ie "THE MAN", while he battles the Reptiloids in the Dream Realms? [more inside]
How to hit the reset button on our sex life and libidos?
Our sex life has been lackluster for a long time and I want to change that, but there's a long and complicated history.. Wall of text inside. [more inside]
Can I skip getting my period for a month?
My husband and I are going on a week-long milestone anniversary trip, and wouldn't you know it, I'm going to get my period that week. For obvious reasons, I'd prefer that not to happen. Can I game my birth control pills so that it doesn't? [more inside]
What do we do with this poor turtle?
Found a turtle in a parking lot yesterday afternoon. Can't figure out what to do with the poor thing. Please read the entire post if you want to offer advice. [more inside]
posted by mysterious_stranger at 6:49 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by mysterious_stranger at 6:49 AM PST - 13 comments
In search of confidential dictation
I am looking for options for confidential dictation (beyond what Google can find for me). Please give me your personal recommendations for solutions. [more inside]
Realistic books about toddlers for toddlers?
Our 21 month old is fascinated by the photos of parents and babies in The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. It got me thinking that although he's got over 50 story and picture books, they nearly all feature animals as protagonists. Can you recommend some books featuring realistic everyday life with toddlers as the main characters? [more inside]
posted by prune at 4:00 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by prune at 4:00 AM PST - 20 comments
Hard lumps under the skin
Hi!
So first of all let me preface this by saying I do NOT think I have cancer. [more inside]
Canvas on a picture rail?
How do I create an ever-evolving wall space to stick art & postcards on if I'm not allowed to use Blu-Tack but do have a picture rail with hooks? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 12:32 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by divabat at 12:32 AM PST - 20 comments
May 13
Toronto For First Timers!?
We're NYCers going on a 2 week trip to Toronto on the 26th. We've never been! What are the new exciting sites? The old established stuff? (Again, we've never been!) We like history, werid engineering dork stuff, movie stuff, dive bars, gayness, unusual stores and secondhand vintage menswear. We don't drive, but we'd like a nice trip out of town by train or even bus. Exciting cuisine a must overall. [more inside]
posted by The Whelk at 10:57 PM PST - 52 comments
posted by The Whelk at 10:57 PM PST - 52 comments
Piercing in Los Angeles
I'm looking for a recommendation for a skilled piercing artist in a clean studio. I want to add a septum piercing to my growing collection of holes in my nose and I'm missing my hometown studio that had super knowledgable, skilled, and clean piercing artists. Could you help a person out and give me your favorite places to get pierced in LA?
It's not you, it's them.
My Ex has just dropped a bit of a bombshell and I need advice on how to minimise any impact on my 12yo daughter. [more inside]
Coping strategies to reduce/eliminate negative thoughts about my boss
I need help to stop hating my boss. I don't think that my boss is a bad person. I do think they are a terrible leader and that their actions are directly impeding both my ability to be effective in my role and to advance my career along the path I have been (wildly successfully) on. I also think that they, consciously or subconsciously, are working to sabotage me, or at the least smother me with power-plays and microaggressions to "keep me in my place" and under their control. [more inside]
Cookies, cakes, desserts for 100
I stupidly agreed to bake desserts for a party of 100 this Friday. I'm a decent baker, a little rusty, but never for so many people. I also need to transport the desserts using NJ Transit and MTA. I need some help getting this organized. [more inside]
Two Tax Questions!
It's weird to ask tax questions in May, but I'm trying to be nicer to myself next April. If I have a full time job that involves attending events, can I write off expenses regarding those events? And, if I'm anticipating having to file freelancer taxes next year, how much of that untaxed income should I be setting aside to pay taxes? [more inside]
Who will do the boring stuff so he can do the fun stuff?
Someone I know is an amazingly talented photographer; he does portraits with an old camera, it is awesome. His whole image is really "marketable". he has lots of totally great ideas. however, he needs help getting and organizing gigs. he wants to hire someone to be a sort of agent, do bookings and endorsements and other business-stuff so he can focus on the creative stuff, which he is good at, instead of the business stuff, which, um, he's not. what kind of person (or, who specifically) does he need to hire? [more inside]
Does this vine need to go?
I have an older house in Seattle with an old tree in the back yard. It has vines growing 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the way up it. (Here are some pictures.) Should I try to remove the vines or leave them alone? I do have vines growing along a nearby fence and perpetually trying to climb anything they can get on, as well as the tree. [more inside]
posted by fireoyster at 6:03 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by fireoyster at 6:03 PM PST - 14 comments
Looking for an inexpensive dual-channel amp for busking
I am about to get my busking license from the MBTA. I would like to get a small dual-channel amp for public performance. I'm working with a budget of $150 or less. The Roland Cube Micro looked appealing, but I couldn't tell if it would let me plug in a mic and the pickup for my ukulele. Help?
posted by pxe2000 at 5:19 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by pxe2000 at 5:19 PM PST - 3 comments
I would like to sleep well after surgery!
I'm having brain-adjacent surgery next month, and I'm trying to figure out the sleeping situation for when I return home from the hospital.
My top contender at the moment is buying an adjustable base for my memory foam mattress. Also considering buying/renting a recliner or renting a hospital bed. Of course I'll discuss it with my surgeon, but I'd also like your opinions in the meantime. [more inside]
Should I eat this: Yogurt edition
Asking for a friend: My friend is currently standing next to me eating Siggi's Icelandic Style Strawberry Yogurt, which might have expired two months ago. Or a month ago, if we optimistically assume the European date format (03/04/2016).
Will he die or will he be okay? How long does yogurt last past expiry date? Does it matter that it supposedly have no preservatives? Does anyone know if the dates printed on the Siggi's yogurt cups are American or European format?
posted by Ender's Friend at 4:13 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Ender's Friend at 4:13 PM PST - 20 comments
Examples of Controversial Art?
I am looking for some examples of controversial artworks created in, say, the last 50 years or so. Ideally I would like to avoid simplistic one-liners like Andres Serrano's 'Piss Christ' and focus on art that is provocative in more complex ways. And I would like to completely avoid anything controversial for religious reasons.
When did the US begin referring to 'Victorian' things?
When did people in the US begin referring to things in their own country as 'Victorian'? And why? Is there any history or controversy behind such a usage?
Understanding FOIA responses from the Governmetn
I am working on a book about the public radio pledge drive, and I FOIAed federal agencies I thought might have given money to individual public radio stations or to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. CPB redistributes federal money to stations via a Congressionally mandated 75/25 split. [more inside]
Strategy for dealing with a historical preservation committee?
I'd like to replace the windows in my 1950's home. The neighborhood falls into a sort of an intermediate category where it is not designated as a historical district, but is eligible to become one due to the age of the homes being >50 years. For this reason, I have to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness from the local historical preservation committee in order to replace the street-facing windows. What's my best strategy for handling this? Details below the fold. [more inside]
Great Pediatrician near Bellevue, WA
Our pediatrician is retiring, so we're looking for a new one for our 2-year-old (also my wife is due with twins in a few weeks). Can you recommend a great pediatrician in the Bellevue, WA area?
Tiny little transglutaminase packets?
I want to use transglutaminase, but only for like one meal at a time, and possibly with large gaps in between. TGM inactivates very quick upon exposure to air. Is there any way to buy extremely tiny packets, like sugar-packet-sized packets, of TGM so I could just use individual ones for one-off things? Smallest size I found online is 2 ounces, which is still far too much.
posted by hleehowon at 2:16 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by hleehowon at 2:16 PM PST - 5 comments
starting a concession stand?
Concession stands in grocery stores. How do you go about finding these types of opportunities, who as in department or title would you speak to about starting one?
Copyright on 1942 Documents
In the course of archival research, I've come across transcriptions and author's notes of some remarks that were given during a private conference in 1942. I'm having trouble sorting out the 1909 and 1976 Copyright Acts and how they impact these documents. Are they in the public domain, or are they still under copyright?
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 2:01 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 2:01 PM PST - 13 comments
Thin, small-footed women's socks
Where do you find everyday, lightweight women's (or kids') socks that will fit a women's size 5 foot? [more inside]
Domingo? no. Rodrigo? no.
Help me remember the name of a children's book about a dog. [more inside]
posted by komara at 1:11 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by komara at 1:11 PM PST - 5 comments
La vie en rose
How can I become fluent in french as quickly as possible? I have studied French on and off for several years but still feel that I am no closer to fluency, and I hope to visit France and possibly even work there for an extended period within the next few years. [more inside]
Why would you wear a respirator in a flooded urban environment?
I'm going off of photos of folks in New Orleans after Katrina--not everybody is wearing a full respirator, but folks seem to be often protecting their airways. What specifically are people in such a situation worried about exposing themselves to? [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 12:27 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by angrycat at 12:27 PM PST - 15 comments
Help me unf*ck this reading list
So...my 10th-grader's school has released the list of possible summer reading books, from which he has to pick one to read and review. As you might imagine, there is A Problem. [more inside]
posted by SinAesthetic at 12:13 PM PST - 72 comments
posted by SinAesthetic at 12:13 PM PST - 72 comments
Why are animals, small children, and musicians drawn to me?
My kids and I were watching Evan Almighty and when the animals started following him, they all burst out, Mom, that's you! It's weird. Dogs that never jump on people jump on me. I've had horses and elephants (at the zoo) start rushing towards me to try and get closer. Children will follow me. I've never been to a small venue concert where the musician didn't make eye contact and try and talk to me after. [more inside]
posted by myselfasme at 11:58 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by myselfasme at 11:58 AM PST - 17 comments
Why are drivers appearing to stop short more regularly now?
Is this an insurance claim scam (i.e. purposefully intending to set up a rear-ending)? Is this because of the proliferation of hybrids that "drive differently"? I'm noticing it at least once a day now--maybe more-- mostly on city streets, and I've been driving for three decades. I think I'm noticing it in newer cars, hence the hybrid hypothesis. [more inside]
posted by RaRa-SpaceRobot at 11:57 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by RaRa-SpaceRobot at 11:57 AM PST - 31 comments
Please help me find my Childhood?
A long, long time ago, probably (maybe?) at a Scholastic Book sale, I bought a book. This would have been in the mid-to-late-80s? See inside for clues. [more inside]
posted by Dressed to Kill at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Dressed to Kill at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments
What Is the Retailer % of Book Sales
I am producing a TEDx event and am asking some of the speakers to bring along their books to sign and sell. What is the average retailers % of list price?
posted by goalyeehah at 11:17 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by goalyeehah at 11:17 AM PST - 5 comments
Does Downton Abbey get better or worse?
I am currently finishing Season 2 of Downton Abbey with the war just ending. How would you grade Seasons 3 through 6? Is it worth the time commitment given my concerns? [more inside]
New suggestions for conference-goers in Brisbane?
A friend is heading to Brisbane for a conference next week. Does anyone have any suggestions for good local restaurants or experiences that she shouldn't miss? [more inside]
Copy of newspaper with Gatsby review
I'm searching for a copy of the New York World from April 1925 that includes the review of The Great Gatsby entitled "F. SCOTT FITZGERALD’S LATEST A DUD". [more inside]
My Bengal kitten is a special kind of crazy and I need answers
Our 10 month old bengal kitten plays *hard*. When we're playing, or when she wants to play more than we do, she puffs up her tail and arches her back and does that weird crab-shuffle and then laps around the house. I'm concerned because in my head arched back and puffed tail equals stressed out cat, but with her it seems to be associated with intense play. This behavior is also never associated with attacking us or being aggressive. I'm aware that bengals are, uh, crazy, but is this within the bounds of how bengals are? This is daily behavior. [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 10:07 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 10:07 AM PST - 27 comments
Why are C-sections common for surrogacy?
Recently I read a story about surrogacy on Cup of Jo and it was mentioned the C-sections are common for surrogates. I've googled and haven't come up with any reasons why (but have confirmed that they are common) and thinking too hard about C-sections makes me queasy, so I turn to AskMetafilter yet again! [more inside]
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 10:02 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 10:02 AM PST - 4 comments
What car accessories do I need if I work out of my car?
Just got a new-to-me Lexus ES 350 sedan. It does not have much room in the cockpit for storing all of the doo-dads that I use every day as I work out of my car. What accessories have you found helpful? [more inside]
Exterior carpentry and painting - Vancouver BC
We’re home-owners in Vancouver, BC. We love our house, but it’s needs some minor work on the exterior. Some of the wood trim needs repair, and the trim, fencing, and deck need painting. The majority of the work is the painting, and we are unsure of the best way to get this done. We are not handy, and so need to hire someone. [more inside]
posted by V'Ger at 9:13 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by V'Ger at 9:13 AM PST - 3 comments
having trouble parsing new HHS rules for insurance companies
Today the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule prohibiting denial of coverage based on gender identity. I am trying to figure out exactly what this means in my situation. [more inside]
Key fob battery error as symptom of....what?
YANMM (You are not my mechanic), but my volvo has had key fob errors on and off for the last 3 weeks or so and I am wondering if it is something serious. [more inside]
Outlook for a Mac
I've moved to an office which uses Macbooks and Gmail/Google calendar. I can't believe I'm saying this but I miss Outlook!
My company won't pay for a licence, but I'd be willing to pay for it myself to bring some order back to my life.
Is this possible? Can I buy something like this and sych it with my company Gmail?
The reviews are pretty poor, would it be more hassle than it's worth?
Anything else I should consider? [more inside]
posted by Dwardles at 7:50 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Dwardles at 7:50 AM PST - 14 comments
YANM Employment Lawyer, 3 parter
So, I got royally screwed over. State: California.
After a tenuous start with a new employer, it was clear my boss wasn't going to work with me to ensure my success on the team, so I started looking around. Found a new job, great fit, great company. Applied, interviewed, and was given an offer. Signed the offer, resigned (verbally) from the current job. [more inside]
What do you wish you had known when you started your own business?
I am starting a business, a hybrid retail/studio/community space. I have a lot of experience in running and developing all three of those concepts but I've never owned a business of my own before. If you started a business, what do you wish you had known? What would your advice be now?
Looking for video games that include physical activity
The spouse and I are looking for ways to get more exercise, and we would like to find some video games that will serve this purpose. [more inside]
Caring for a relative with traumatic brain injury.
My father in law recently suffered a traumatic brain injury, and is hospitalized. We are trying to learn everything we can to help with care and recovery. [more inside]
posted by molla at 3:18 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by molla at 3:18 AM PST - 3 comments
Local Multiplayer
Can you recommend me games like "Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes" or "Artemis Bridge Simulator" i.e. Computer based games which require multiple people (in the same place) to do different things to co-operatively reach a goal. [more inside]
I'm gregarious and my boss is an introvert. Help me not piss him off.
The title says it all. I am the "fuck it, let's go, get it done and be awesome" type at work and my new boss is shy, quiet and exactly the type I usually piss off. I want to make this work. Give me some pointers?
I've seen all the "how to care for an introvert" memes. I don't want to care for him. I want him to pull his weight. In a right way, not in a everyone is on pins and needles or reading the oracle way.
(waaay more details inside) [more inside]
posted by krautland at 2:44 AM PST - 61 comments
posted by krautland at 2:44 AM PST - 61 comments
May 12
Health Trackers for Android
Please recommend some health tracker apps for Android that are not focused on dieting and weight loss! [more inside]
ISO NYC seamstress for simpler project
I picked up some nice Liberty cotton lawn in London over Christmas. Now that summer's coming, I'd like to have it made up. I know that making a length of fabric into a basic rectangular scarf is a relatively simple project, but I knit rather than sew for VERY GOOD REASONS. Where to find someone who will do it for me? [more inside]
Will a certificate in health care compliance make me marketable?
I have a law license but have never practiced. I work in public health but want to go back to the private sector. It occurs to me that health care compliance would make some sense based on my background, and there is a program at one of the law schools in town where I could get a certificate in it. This would take a year and cost $10k. Is this a smart move or would I be getting suckered into paying for a gimmick credential?
What are some ways to get inspired to write music again?
From the 90s to the early 00s (roughly my teens and twenties), I was a prolific composer and producer of music of all sorts of genres. Eventually I started doing it for my day job and all my creativity went away. Now it's 10 years later, and I haven't really done anything in about 10 years, and I'm getting desperate. [more inside]
posted by basehead at 8:13 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by basehead at 8:13 PM PST - 21 comments
Does anyone have any Wizard World tips?
Any tips or advice on what to expect from wizard world Raleigh? [more inside]
Screen printing on dark fabric?
I work with a small nonprofit that wants to screen print at least 50 (and up to 150) tote bags by Sunday (next Saturday in a pinch). Ideally we'd like to do (a) bright turquoise on black and (b) off-white on royal blue, but we're not sure if this is feasible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
How to tell my supervisor that we need more supervisors?
I love my supervisor: She's attentive, smart, a great advocate, and does not micromanage. She "gets" our work and values us. Butttt....... There's not enough of her to go around. Can I tell her this? [more inside]
Why don't magnets stick to hard drive platters?
Conventional hard drives are magnetic media, so why is it if you disassemble one and stick a magnet to a platter, you don't feel any magnetic attraction at all? I can understand feeling a very weak level of attraction, but it feels like sticking a magnet to a piece of plastic or wood.
posted by Bugbread at 4:02 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Bugbread at 4:02 PM PST - 7 comments
Cat had a muscle contraction attack
Can anyone help figure out what happened to my cat? [more inside]
Quality looking summer clothing for stay at home mom in HOT weather
Hi everyone,
I am trying to figure out where to shop. I am an average sized woman, 5, 4" and I work part time in a school and have three young kids. I need things that coordinate and can more or less go between work and home...although I am in the stage where things get stained often!!
I just tried stitch fix. I was so disappointed! The quality didn't seem to be great, the items looked like not great quality, one dress was way too long, three shirts looked like maternity on me, and one was polyester, which is awful in HOT, HOT weather where I live.
I have no time to shop, but I don't want to go buy boxy looking clothing. I would like clothing that fits, and I can't figure out where to get this. I am spending way too much money shopping online and guessing just to have to pay all of the shipping fees to order and return!
I have seen people recommend Boden, but others say sizes are inconsistent. I'm not a huge fan of JCrew.
Thanks so much!!
Modular stories?
Which authors (or directors) have experimented with modular storylines - that is to say, brief stories, whose parts could be re-ordered, yielding new storylines? I'm looking for examples that actually work - either in poetry, in short stories, or in (short) films. [more inside]
posted by progosk at 3:15 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by progosk at 3:15 PM PST - 21 comments
girls chase boys chase girls
I see on AskMe all the time, whenever someone refers to an adult of the female gender as a "girl," several people will immediately pop up to sternly correct them. I've come to accept this as part of the site culture here, and keep it in mind for my own questions and comments, but it quite honestly seems bizarre based on my own life experience. I'm curious how common this view actually is, and whether people actually stick to it in real life. [more inside]
posted by celtalitha at 2:48 PM PST - 114 comments
posted by celtalitha at 2:48 PM PST - 114 comments
Please don't dial 911...
Would like to give my USA-bought Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to my niece in Sweden...I have concerns about her being able to dial 911 (or Sweden's equivalent). [more inside]
posted by kuanes at 2:16 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by kuanes at 2:16 PM PST - 3 comments
Square peg meet square(ish) hole - ADD/ADHD edition
My family has ADD (primarily inattentive), we are pretty successful/functional considering, but it feels like a pretty constant struggle. We function by trying to force ourselves into a mold that doesn't fit. [more inside]
posted by The Shoodoonoof at 2:07 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by The Shoodoonoof at 2:07 PM PST - 20 comments
Know how to do one big cake, need to do two small cakes
Pretty simple: If I take standard out-of-the-box cake mix, make the batter, and put it in two small cake pans instead of one standard size one, what (if anything) do I need to change about how I bake it? [more inside]
posted by lovableiago at 12:28 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by lovableiago at 12:28 PM PST - 13 comments
WordPress, or roll-my-own cms?
I have a bunch of friends and acquaintances in a particular career for whom operating WordPress as a user is just too overwhelming and complicated. Also, none of the themes or plugins I'm finding are actually geared to meet their industry's information presentation requirements. So do I learn WordPress theme and plugin development so I can wrestle it around to be what they need, or do I create my own lightweight CMS that does what they need while minimizing and simplifying the user backend? [more inside]
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 12:09 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 12:09 PM PST - 16 comments
Is the PSAT valuable in middle school?
My son will be in 8th grade this fall and is in advanced classes. Aside from the Duke TIP program are there any reasons he should take the PSAT now rather than wait until high school? [more inside]
posted by hollygoheavy at 12:03 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by hollygoheavy at 12:03 PM PST - 28 comments
Discussing minstrel songs with kid's school
I'd like some educational resources that I can share with my kid's daycare to help them understand why I don't want my toddler to learn blackface minstrel songs in music class. [more inside]
posted by medusa at 11:17 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by medusa at 11:17 AM PST - 20 comments
Moving cross country
Where should I live in Vancouver? And how do I find an apartment? [more inside]
How do I keep a strong coconut scent in cold process DIY soaps?
Coconut scent is especially susceptible to "scent fade" in cold process soaps.
Has anyone found a good coconut fragrance oil that stays strong after the proofing period?
Or does anyone have any hints or tips on keeping the scent strong for a long time?
I'll be in Arnold, CA this weekend: activity suggestions?
We are planning to check out Murphys and also maybe go hiking in Stanislaus National Forest or Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Can anyone suggest a specific trail/area/place that would be good for novice/intermediate hikers? Or other activities/attractions in the area? Good picnic spots? Also, any ideas on where we might find vegan food (restaurant or grocery store)? Thanks!
Is this thing named Audrey?
Some otherwise-unplanted space at the side of my patio has, this spring, been taken over by this plant. [more inside]
posted by jammer at 10:53 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by jammer at 10:53 AM PST - 12 comments
Which GPS tracker to buy for my 55lb dog
I am interested in feedback from people who have purchased GPS tracking devices for their cat or dogs. Did it work? What is the best feature of your product? What is the worst feature? What other trackers have you tried? I am looking for the best tracker for finding my dog if he disappears on a walk or hike.
What kind of computer and lighting do I need to record and edit video?
What kind of computer and lighting (and recording devices) do I need to record and edit video? [more inside]
Wedding Pictures of Awesome and Win
We're getting hitched, and would like our wedding pictures to be silly and delightful and fun to be in, not just fun to look at. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by okayokayigive at 10:24 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by okayokayigive at 10:24 AM PST - 11 comments
Getting the runaround...
Can anyone identify these running shoes? [more inside]
posted by ATX Peanut at 10:05 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ATX Peanut at 10:05 AM PST - 5 comments
How do urban dog owners handle transportation?
I don't have a car, and I want to adopt a dog. How can that work? Can I handle having a medium-size dog? [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 9:54 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by R a c h e l at 9:54 AM PST - 22 comments
Need a divorce lawyer in Toronto and have no idea where to start
I'm separating from my common-in-law partner and need to find a divorce/separation lawyer who can help me get a separation agreement crafted and signed. I have only ever used a lawyer twice - when I bought & sold my house, and when I wrote my will. I have no idea where to look or what I should be looking for. Help! [more inside]
Flickr, Dropbox or $OTHER for a family?
What is the current best way to have a cloud backup of family pictures & videos, shared among a family? Bonus points for files besides pictures. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 9:21 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 9:21 AM PST - 14 comments
Odd/Interesting/Unique events and attractions?
I'm trying to find some interesting vacation destinations. Recommend me some cities/towns that have unusual annual/semi-annual events or attractions. The more obscure and odd, the better. [more inside]
posted by anthy at 9:18 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by anthy at 9:18 AM PST - 25 comments
I need to replace my mouth
So a combination of subpar dentistry, un-fluoridated water, and previous neglect have left most of my teeth in A State. A state that really needs to be fixed. At this point, I need a full reconstruction and I'm rather overwhelmed by choice and, I guess, fear. Help? [more inside]
Is Wordpress secure now?
I've read anecdotally that Wordpress is pretty flawed from a security standpoint, and I'm wondering if any of the issues in this article have been patched in the four years since it was published (there have been a lot of updates since then). And if so, what are the current concerns about WP security? Anything a site owner like me should be concerned about, or watching for?
Rat trap of unusual size.
I need to select a kid-safe, dog-safe rat trap for a large rat who gives no fucks. [more inside]
Stop My Flyaway Cardigans
I wear cardigans every day, and I want to leave them open in front (whether they have buttons or not). But when I walk, my cardigans blow open, slide off my shoulders and then down my arms. I am constantly pulling them up or even holding them as I walk. What could I do to solve this problem and keep my cardigans in place? [more inside]
Does doing a PhD have to be hellish?
I recently accepted a paid position as a MS/PhD student (I collect the MS along the way to the PhD) at a well-ranked research institution in the US in engineering.
Having read some of the threads here about people's PhD experiences, I can feel some inner panic growing! Maybe it's an impossible request since I know there's an enormous amount of luck involved, but I'd be grateful to hear about the other side - PhD students who tolerated or even enjoyed their experience. [more inside]
posted by Pieprz at 7:33 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by Pieprz at 7:33 AM PST - 25 comments
Best place to buy fabric in Ontario, Canda?
Looking for best place to buy fabric somewhat cheaply in person or online that will ship to Canada at a reasonable price! [more inside]
Maybe we can just have an annual lobster bake
We closed on a house! Yay! It's a tiny house in a gorgeous town. I have a question about my husband storing his lobster traps in our yard. [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 6:47 AM PST - 58 comments
posted by pintapicasso at 6:47 AM PST - 58 comments
Alternatives After Sunrise Sunsets
So apparently my Android phone calendar of choice, Sunrise, is totally shutting down this summer. As in, going non-functional. Ugh.
I need an alternative calendar app, but I would like it to have a specific view type and can't seem to find it elsewhere. Help? [more inside]
Help me get my food budget under control
My food budget has always been higher than I'd like due to the fact that I eat a lot, and generally eat very healthy. Lately, though, it's been spiraling out of control. I'm looking for suggestions on how to stop blowing money on expensive things I can't afford, as well as how to generally get things under control given my very specific dietary needs (would-be ethical vegan who doesn't process starches well). [more inside]
Running in flowers
Where can I find floral athletic leggings online? I've seen plenty of floral fashion leggings, but they seem completely unsuitable for working out in. I'd rather not spend over $/€30. Thanks!
How do I choose a microwave?
Please help me buy my first microwave. What do I need to know? How much is reasonable to spend? Australian edition. [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 6:32 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by freethefeet at 6:32 AM PST - 13 comments
Famous tribute collaborations where musicians are visibly having fun...
I recently spent an evening in a 'related video' YouTube rabbit hole, starting out with this amazing rendition of While My Guitar Gently Weeps featuring Prince from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I'm looking for similar performances where you can see the musicians involved truly enjoying themselves, maybe showing off a little bit, and obviously having a really good time while they're doing it. Other examples inside: [more inside]
Voice to text, app or software recommendation required.
My colleague is based in Kenya and has badly torn up his shoulder. We are looking for solution for him to work on the computer. He has an iPhone and uses a PC. The Dragon app is only for US and Canada. Can you recommend a solution he can try before he buys that will be available to him in his location? This is rather urgent. Thank you.
posted by infini at 6:03 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by infini at 6:03 AM PST - 7 comments
Local plant identification guide?
I am on the hunt to learn more about nature! I live in southwest michigan. I'm hoping to find a book (supplemented by an app maybe) that will help me identify plants. My criteria are: (a) pocket/bag sized (b) more information than just what the plant is named (c) good form factor/durability, (d) good for a beginner - I don't even know the difference between a beach and a birch, I probably don't need a book that has 107 different types of maple tree listed out - but maybe I do! Please help a beginner
[Vienna filter] How long to get from airport into town on a Friday?
How possible is it to get from Vienna airport to Dialog im Dunkeln next to the Schottenkirche in Vienna in less than 2 hours on a Friday evening? [more inside]
posted by neilb449 at 5:09 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by neilb449 at 5:09 AM PST - 5 comments
Trying to understand why no one likes me
It feels like in pretty much every sphere of my life everyone around me makes friends with each other as though by magic but no one ever makes friends with me. I really can't see what the difference is between me and these other people and how we interact but this is such a consistent pattern it can't all be in my head. I want to learn how to become a likeable person which mostly seems to be something about someone's energy or manner rather than anything tangible or concrete. [more inside]
Help us manage kitty's end-of-life.
How can we manage our kitty's end-of-life well, and help our 10-year-old daughter cope? (Recs for age-appropriate, non-religious books on separation, loss, sickness, or death welcome.) [more inside]
posted by moira at 1:18 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by moira at 1:18 AM PST - 24 comments
May 11
Best way to get to/park/be at CenturyLink Field in Seattle?
My friends bought me a ticket to see Beyonce for my birthday. I'm so freaking excited! But I'm driving to Seattle form Portland, and after my last stadium show experience, I'm nervous about getting to the venue, parking, and getting to my seat in time. Would love some CenturyLink Field hacks and/or advice from savvy Seattlites. [more inside]
Marking Station Wagons?
Amy Vanderbilt says you can do it...but what exactly is this? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 10:21 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Toddles at 10:21 PM PST - 14 comments
Too quiet!
I have a boot-camped Mac that suffers from a known issue which disables the onboard audio-out in the Win 7 config. I have a Scarlett 2i2 USB breakout box that I have been using instead as my audio source, mostly to a) listen to YT playlists while I b) play a flightsim. The flightsim audio can get as loud as a real plane in headphones, while YT audio is simply too quiet. The net result is that I damp the sim audio waaay down and crank YT, and it's mostly satisfactory. [more inside]
Looking for a Korean online encyclopaedia
Can you link me any searchable online encyclopaedias with original articles written in Korean? As many as possible, preferably! [more inside]
Looking for a Burma Shave homage to beach season rules
I'm a resident of a small beach community. Help me publicize the beach rules with amusing (or at least cringe-worthy witty) prose. This will be vigilante signage to reinforce the municipal small-print ordinance signs and hyper-local informational a.m. radio cast. Humor, irony, and mild to medium innuendo is suitable. Assume unobtrusive roadside signage along the causeway approaching the island is tolerated. [more inside]
posted by ElGuapo at 8:36 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by ElGuapo at 8:36 PM PST - 9 comments
Michel Thomas-like French course taught by native French speaker
Is there a good French language cd / audio course similar to the Michel Thomas one, but taught by a native French speaker (a male one preferably)? [more inside]
Challenges For Two Or More People
I'm looking for a casual challenge of some sort that my wife and I can engage in to compete with each other over the course of a year. [more inside]
Now I just need a comic-book artist...
I wrote a film script. I think it would be a fantastic graphic novel. How do I find an artist to collaborate with? [more inside]
Looking for Muzaky instrumentals
Hi all -- I'm looking for instrumental music that has a kind of Muzaky, stimulus progression work vibe to it -- bureaucratic is good. Retro, too. Something along the lines of The Dust Brothers' "Corporate World" from the Fight Club soundtrack.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Online, specific school supply bargain shopping
I am looking for a relatively cheap, reliable bulk online source for three items for the next school year: sturdy, reusable luggage tags (or ideas for a better solution), plastic sheet protectors and 1" 3-ring binders. [more inside]
Is there legislation brewing to ban smoking in U.S. National Parks?
Both times I've visited Yosemite, my experience has been clouded by smokers parked at prime viewing spots and discarding cigarette butts on public trails. Can you find proposed legislation, legislators and/or lobbying groups who are actively working on banning cigarette smoking in national parks and/or restricting it to enclosed areas? [more inside]
What the font is this?
I need help identifying the font in this set of posters. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Tamanna at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Tamanna at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments
Need real estate / family law attorney in Seattle, short timeframe
We (spouse and I) are buying a house with the help of a family member "A". The three of us will be on the title/deed. Except that family member is married (to "B") and Washington is a community property state. Does B *have* to be part of the transaction? Do we need a real estate or family law attorney? Recommendations for same in Seattle? [more inside]
When your VC funded startup goes bust ?
I'm curious to hear stories of startup founders who, having received significant chunks of VC money, then find their startup has gone bust . How do they fare financially ? [more inside]
What do I feed my first-grader?
Short version: I have a 7 year old picky eater. I just found out that he is allergic to the bulk of his diet-peanuts, almonds, dairy, and wheat. Difficulty is that he is a vegetarian by choice and he gags when he has meat. Good news is that he does eat an acceptable amount of fruit and veggies.
I don't know how to get enough protein in the boy. Plus, snacks are challenging. [more inside]
posted by banjonaut at 2:49 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by banjonaut at 2:49 PM PST - 37 comments
When did men in the Western world stop walking arm in arm?
Men linking arms is still a common sight in many parts of the world, but it is not in the Western world. It was, though, up until relatively recently. When, how and why did this custom fall out of fashion? [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 2:19 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by DarlingBri at 2:19 PM PST - 9 comments
Relocation from Ohio to Florida
My husband and i found a company to relocate to Florida. We make together 100k here and we would make roughly 80k there if we are not adding bonuses, overtime.
We like the Florida lifestyle and that is the reason for relocation
We will be in fort Myers and we were in Columbus
Do you think is worth it?
There is chance for salary growth after the first year
We do not have kids
Just us and 2 cats
We would get an apartment and we have two car payments and student loans
What do you think?
How to ask women out without seeming creepy or desperate
I am single after an 8 year relationship. I was engaged. I have no idea how to navigate today's dating landscape. Most of my past relationships have developed out of having regular contact with someone for a long time and getting to know them and become friends. Details inside.... [more inside]
Is it me, is it him, and is this worth it?
I know YANMT, but please lend me your thoughts on the situation in the fold. Am I dealing with plain old conflict or emotional abuse here? At this point thinking and rethinking about it is making me believe I’m an unreliable narrator in it all. Help! Sorry in advance for the rant-y word dump. [more inside]
posted by ThatSox at 1:36 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by ThatSox at 1:36 PM PST - 37 comments
How do you wear sunglasses?
If you normally wear prescription glasses, when do you wear sunglasses instead? Do you wear them when you go outside and switch when you go indoors? Do you wear them only when driving? Do you carry both pairs around with you? Please explain the nuts and bolts of wearing sunglasses (and glasses) to me. [more inside]
Why can't I get messages from iPhones when cell data on mine is off?
I have an iPhone 6. I turned off my cellular data because I got an alert that I was approaching my cap. However, I now do not receive text messages sent from iPhone users who use iMessages. Is there any way I can fix this? [more inside]
How does anyone start a business? (UK edition)
I'm interested in starting my own business. I have a simple digital product I'd like to try selling online, with the expectation that it will sell very little but will give me a low cost, low risk way to learn a bit more about running a business. Looking in to it though, it seems almost impossible to figure out how to go about this without falling foul of any laws or regulations. How does anyone start a business in the UK? [more inside]
My therapist just mentioned God. Should I dump her?
At our last session my therapist alluded to God in an entirely benign way but it still leaves me wondering whether I -- as an irreligious gay man -- should start shopping elsewhere. [more inside]
SOUP!
I love soup, but only SOME soups. I am very much a fan of a chunky soup in a broth where I can see each individual ingredient rather than blended soups (Except for butternut squash/ pumpkin or tomato soup which I do enjoy on occasion).
Now I'm getting bored of the soups I have on rotation so I'm looking for more ideas of healthy soups that are chunky rather than blended. [more inside]
posted by JenThePro at 11:24 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by JenThePro at 11:24 AM PST - 37 comments
Digital Camera with a Low ISO
I am trying to find a digital camera with an available ISO below 80. All the rage is high ISO ratings for low light photography. I want a low ISO so I can use slower shutter settings in brighter light.
Any ideas?
Are "pretty" and "beautiful" too gendered?
If you're a woman who does not present in a traditionally/stereotypically feminine way, are you uncomfortable being described as "pretty" or "beautiful"? [more inside]
How to navigate dating thoughtfully when it's not one person at a time?
I’m starting to navigate the on-line dating world, and from what I understand, it’s normal (and maybe even preferable) to interact with several people at once, meet them and then narrow it down, so to speak. But I seem to have a problem with this. [more inside]
ISO cheap backpacks
I would like to purchase some backpacks (approx 10 of them) at a price point of under a dollar each. [more inside]
Where to go for a lunchtime curry in London
I will be in London this Friday and am looking for a good place to go for a good, inexpensive curry for lunch, probably in the Brick Lane area, but could be anywhere central. [more inside]
posted by jontyjago at 9:47 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by jontyjago at 9:47 AM PST - 17 comments
Game me to the White House
Inspired by this offhand comment, I was wondering whether anyone can recommend a good presidential election simulation game (board or video), especially if bright tweens and/or teens can play it. I checked BGG, but didn't find it as helpful as you nerds are capable of being.
SHOULD one lose lbs beyond what the body sees as it's 'normal' weight?
I know that everyone is different, but I think everyone has that wieght where if you were to eat a cupcake you suddenly gain 5 lbs. That weight where your body just says- nope.. I don't like being this skinny- and then it does everything it can to go back to what it considers 'normal'. For me- at only 5'2 I have large 40" hips- (trim and flat stomach) and that's my body's normal... [more inside]
Best way to share baby pictures with grandparents, et al.?
What's the simplest way to share baby pictures, taken on an Android phone, with a defined group of family and friends, many of whom have iPhones? [more inside]
Breaking down systems of oppression, high school edition
I often have the opportunity to talk about sexism, gender issues, racism and other forms of oppression with groups of high school students while working as an outdoor educator. So cool! I've got a diversity handbook with activities, but they're starting to feel a bit dated. What are the best resources for activities, conversation starters and engaging ways to illustrate big, complicated ideas? [more inside]
What is it like being a tourist in Chile during their winter?
I'm thinking of visiting Chile in June and July, which are winter months there. There seems to be a lot of focus on outdoors activities in Chile, which might be more enjoyable during their summer. If I don't plan on skiing in Chile, what other activities should I consider? What is Santiago like in June and July? What other destinations would you recommend? Coming from Oregon, I'm used to cold, wet winters.
posted by A. Davey at 8:31 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by A. Davey at 8:31 AM PST - 8 comments
How can I nuke bad OCR text in a log of PDFs and replace with good?
I've inherited a ton of PDFs of scanned documents that are somewhat readable. The source were actual documents scanned into a scanner. Now I'm trying to make the OCR'd text readable by screen readers in one way or another. Looking for advice or even keywords to Google. Situational specs ahoy! [more inside]
Echoes from the other side
Is there a Hillary Clinton focused version of Slate's Trumpcast? [more inside]
Updates re adblocking
What's the good adblocker for Firefox now? [more inside]
posted by Logophiliac at 8:09 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Logophiliac at 8:09 AM PST - 10 comments
Buying pants without losing my pants!
Does buying stuff on-sale or at a discounted price hurt the manufacturer? [more inside]
Bah-bahda-bah-baaaaah.... Two Bits!
Curly haired men of Portland, Maine: where do you get your hair cut? [more inside]
posted by .kobayashi. at 6:59 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by .kobayashi. at 6:59 AM PST - 2 comments
Send back restaurant meals with ingredients you're mildly allergic to?
I'm a sensitive flower and never sure how to handle getting served food that's going to mildly disagree with me (slightly disturbed sleep, digestion will feel "off" for next 48 hrs, voice becomes hoarse) when restaurant makes an honest mistake. [more inside]
How to deal with professional and private jealousy?
I'm struggling with recurring jealousy. I wake up anxious, dwelling in it for a while before I leave the bed. Saps me of my energy.
I see acquaintances and friends around me climbing great heights, winning awards, traveling the world, and I feel I am trapped and have lost and havent accomplished anything and I won't amount to much and I'm already 33.
This has been happening for quite a few years now, this intense burning in the pit of my stomach, and subsequent depression.
Is there a way without medicating myself that I can deal with this?
How to deal with professional jealousy? Private jealousy?
Questions about Medicaid in Illinois
I'd love to hear what it's like to be moved from private health insurance to medicaid in Illinois. [more inside]
posted by InsertNiftyNameHere at 12:44 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by InsertNiftyNameHere at 12:44 AM PST - 3 comments
May 10
Does making melancholy art make you sadder?
I put away my pencils, paints, and Wacom tablet a couple years ago due to intense depression. The work wasn't going well and I had nothing to say. I'm still intensely depressed and I still have nothing to say, but I decided to waste a few hours with some portrait sketches yesterday. But everything I make wants to be sad, and I'm not sure that sadness art is good for me. [more inside]
How do I find a good group home/sober house in the Phoenix area?
I'm trying to find a group home/sober house for my 31 year old brother. See inside for more details. [more inside]
He didn't forget my birthday, but it feels like it
My boyfriend didn't say happy birthday to me, which I'm convincing myself is not that big of a deal, but I don't know why it's annoying me so much. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 9:04 PM PST - 120 comments
posted by socky bottoms at 9:04 PM PST - 120 comments
What's the status of the Ryungyong Hotel?
Just like it says in the title: I'm wondering what the status is of the Ryungyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea. [more inside]
posted by easily confused at 8:17 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by easily confused at 8:17 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me negotiate for more pay/days off
I was laid off at the end of January. I have had a few interviews and just got an offer. It's less than I was making, and with a little less vacation time. But, it's a position that sounds like it's good experience. And the company seems stable.
How can I tactfully negotiate for more money? I'd like about 20% more to be where I was when laid off. I'd also be interested in a little less than 20% more if it meant that I got more vacation days.
What's the best way to do this without sounding greedy or lazy? Or just take it and keep looking because it's a job.
posted by bodgy at 7:38 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by bodgy at 7:38 PM PST - 10 comments
ISO Dark Green Macbook slipcase
So, I have a lovely new 12" Macbook. Slim, light, adequate for my needs and very sexy. I need a case for it. [more inside]
How to ask out my TA? … when we’ve already made out?
How to ask out my TA? … when we’ve already made out? My judgment may be slightly clouded by, um, hormones. [more inside]
Easy app to record a phonecall?
I need to record a phone conversation. What's the easiest free (or very cheap) way to do so? [more inside]
Do I have POTS or something else?
Is this as likely to be POTS as I think it is? It seems straightforward that I have the symptoms, except I have other symptoms too. I am desperately hopeful that I have finally found what can be treated. [more inside]
I'd like to buy swirl skirts from India
Where can I buy these comfortable, stylish skirts made in India? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 7:06 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by ragtimepiano at 7:06 PM PST - 4 comments
Say Yes to the Dress
I LOVE this dress, but I'm not going to buy anything through Rosegal. Can you help me find something similar? [more inside]
One week in Alaska - what to do?
My Better Half and I are going to Alaska for a week during the 4th of July. Please give us your suggestions on where to go and what to do, see, and eat in this big state with limited time. Flying in and out of Anchorage. [more inside]
Tell me about your iron infusions, please!
I have low ferritin. I just saw a hemotologist and he wants to try IV iron infusions. Yay! But also, eek? Reassure me with your anecdata! [more inside]
Get me to San Jose
Which is the most advisable method? [more inside]
What to do to make an IUI stick?
I just did our first attempt at intrauterine insemination (IUI), and I'd like to give it the best possible chance of working. But the internet and the fertility clinic are giving me very mixed messages about what level of exercise is okay during the post-IUI phase. [more inside]
Strummm-ba-dumm-ba dum-ba (diiink-dink-dink-dink-diiiink)
Where and when did the trend of ukulele-and-xylophone music for commercials come from? [more inside]
posted by oflinkey at 3:34 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by oflinkey at 3:34 PM PST - 16 comments
Self-publishing an ebook for fun
I have written a book which I would like to self-pub as an ebook. But I don't necessarily want to sell it. [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 3:19 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by not that girl at 3:19 PM PST - 3 comments
Short relationship and he asked for space to think about things
I feel pretty upset that this guy I've been dating for 1.5 months (and known for longer) has suddenly decided he needs space while I was away. He has every right to choose to stop seeing me but we see each other frequently in our social circle and where he works/works out at and will continue to for another 3 months, so I told him I would like to talk to him about it in person. [more inside]
Tiny black sand falling from old wooden ceiling - what is it?
I've worked in a couple of old wooden buildings in downtown Toronto. The interiors look like this, more or less. Little hard black bits occasionally fall from the ceiling, about the size of sand grains. They are hard. Sometimes they land in my lunch. Any idea what they might be? I'm guessing some kind of preservative, maybe creosote?
posted by clawsoon at 3:08 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by clawsoon at 3:08 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me pamper myself
In theory, I like to indulge myself with a massage when I get the chance. In reality, I wind up never quite enjoying it. Please help me figure out what type of massage I really want! [more inside]
posted by kalimac at 2:44 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by kalimac at 2:44 PM PST - 17 comments
Bar/Restaurant Alternatives for Changing Lifestyles?
We're segueing out of our hard-livin' days, and are finding it difficult to think of ways to be out and about, around other people, that don't involve drinking or eating. Where do you go to get your socializing fix? [more inside]
posted by stellaluna at 2:21 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by stellaluna at 2:21 PM PST - 20 comments
Viva Cuba!
So, we want to get to Cuba before its frozen-in-time vibe is gone. We are thinking about going with Intrepid, which gave us a great look at China. Have you been? Any tips about traveling to and in Cuba?
posted by bearwife at 1:20 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by bearwife at 1:20 PM PST - 6 comments
Is shaving your legs difficult?
Is shaving your legs as difficult and time-consuming for everyone else as it is for me? I'm asking because I'm curious to understand other peoples' experiences relative to mine. [more inside]
Title of a Canadian comedy TV series?
I watched a quirky ~10-episode Canadian comedy TV series 2-5 years ago. I recall it involved an auto body shop, alcohol, and a bank heist. [more inside]
posted by kiblinger at 12:45 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by kiblinger at 12:45 PM PST - 7 comments
Any experts on property law in Victorian England lurking around here?
Dear Victorianists of MeFi: I'm looking for an answer to a specific question about property law in Victorian England. [more inside]
posted by Miss T.Horn at 12:13 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Miss T.Horn at 12:13 PM PST - 7 comments
What is a good trumpet to get for an adult beginner?
Someone has asked for a trumpet as a gift. I searched on the basics and see that the most common type for beginners is the Bb trumpet, but was not able to easily find out objective information on what brands to seek out (and avoid) for beginners. [more inside]
Opaque fees bad, transparent fees good
Looking for recommendations for a personal financial advisor / planner in West LA area. Some details inside. [more inside]
Age progression software?
I have many photos and would like to do a morphing over time video by combining them. Is there software for the Mac or a website that can do this?
Looks like everyone is going to Italy this year
Sorry to add to the list of Italy travel questions. I've bookmarked and read all the recent ones so all the bigger places are covered. There's just one place that the previous posts hadn't mentioned... [more inside]
Looking for books that deal with masculinity in unique ways
This question is spurred by the recent NYT article on male book clubs. I'm interested in starting one of my own, but without the idiotic grenade manliness rankings and all male authors. What I'm really interested in is creating a safe space for a group of people to talk about the emotional sides of masculinity, and largely the difficulty many men have in expressing emotions and vulnerability. I'm looking for potential books(both fiction and non-fiction) that would help foster these discussions.
advice for starting over on the best possible foot
I'm moving to a new city in a few months. It's a place I have a few weak social connections already that I hope to revive, but for the most part everything will be brand new. It's the first time I'm moved a place without a built-in social cohort and I'm 32 now. [more inside]
Not gaming the system, systematically gaming
I'm looking for online games I can play when bored at work at appropriate times. Nethack, played on https://alt.org/nethack/, once met this need but has grown tedious (for the time being, at least). Help me acquire some new online time-killers activities. [more inside]
posted by ubiquity at 10:46 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by ubiquity at 10:46 AM PST - 13 comments
Should I do something about my rat's dead toe?
We have an elderly (3+ year old) rat. A few days ago, he got a toe caught in a baby blanket in his cage, and the frayed end wrapped so tightly around one of his toes that I had to cut it off. There was a little bit of the string left there afterwards, and when I went to check on him last night, I realized that the entire toe now looks dead and skeletal. Should I do anything?
I [more inside]
posted by missrachael at 10:37 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by missrachael at 10:37 AM PST - 7 comments
complete, systematic Windows 7 network & security settings
I want a complete understanding of the subsystems, registry settings, and other components of Windows 7's networking and security settings. O'Reilly's "Windows 7 / The Definitive Guide" didn't deliver this. Where can I find it? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 10:19 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by amtho at 10:19 AM PST - 5 comments
I must hear him again, unless I imagined him
There's a voice stuck in my head. It's a male singer, blues and folk, about the same timbre as Leonard Cohen but smoother, with a mournful sound and very slight rasp on the higher notes. Who is he? [more inside]
Rented an apartment, but the natural gas smell is too much
My newly rented apartment has a distinct odor of natural gas in the living room/kitchen adjacent to the gas fireplace, furnace, and water heater. The rental company (on site) has been notified and is getting a work order together for it, but I'd like some proof other than "Smells like it to me...". Is there a measurement I can take to show that it needs to be fixed?
Safety Data Sheet or paper for C. elegans
I'm looking for a manufacturer-published SDS or a peer-reviewed paper that explicitly states the hazard information and precautionary statements associated with wild-type C. elegans. [more inside]
Asking for references from coworkers at your current job
Pretty much everyone I've worked with closely I still work with at my current employer. How I do I navigate the process of asking for references when looking for a new job? [more inside]
What Dansko alternative would Joseph Gordon Levitt wear?
I'm getting the old familiar twinge of plantar fasciitis, which means I need to get more supportive shoes. In the past, Danskos have really helped, but I'm trying to be more stylish/professional and dapper, so I'm wondering--is there anything with comparable support that's a little more chic? Please note: I'm a dapper female person (so nothing very femme, please). [more inside]
How long will homemade ranch keep?
I have recently begun making homemade ranch (and I will NEVER go back to that store bought crap! My eyes have been opened!). I was wondering how long it will stay good in the fridge? [more inside]
posted by LizBoBiz at 8:02 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by LizBoBiz at 8:02 AM PST - 16 comments
I go to Paris in week - help me not look like an idiot!
Every time I'm about to visit a new country I get fairly anxious about being a jerk. Aside from your usual "don't-be-inconsiderate-in-a-large-city" advice (I live in NY and am aware of typical "don't just stand in the middle of a busy sidewalk" rules, etc ), are there certain French-specific customs I should be aware of so I can at least pretend I'm a cool and wordly tourist instead of a bumbling jackass tourist? [more inside]
posted by windbox at 7:51 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by windbox at 7:51 AM PST - 42 comments
Can I eat it? Maybe-okay-egg edition
I made a batch of turkey meatballs yesterday. They included one egg, beaten. I used an egg that, upon further reflection, may have been past its use-by date. Keep the meatballs, or toss 'em? [more inside]
Code Newbie: help me figure out my next step
I'm a grownup with no particular aspirations for a tech career. Because I wanted a challenge and some intellectual stimulation, I took an introductory computer science class for non-majors, and I really enjoyed it. Now I want to take another CS-related class. Help me figure out which one to take! [more inside]
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 6:40 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 6:40 AM PST - 14 comments
Yet another "Do I want this job?" question
I've been at my current employer for about three years. I'm thinking of making a career move, so that I focus more on, let's say, tennis policy analysis. I've found a job that looks promising, but I'm having a hard time telling if it's the right next step for me. [more inside]
I want to make my wife feel better somehow
My wife's fairly down right now. How can I perk her up? [more inside]
Neighbor wants to replace wall separating our gardens, what do I do?
My NYC townhouse has a garden in the back. The garden has a wall around it, which has been there for decades. Two nearby trees has caused it to bow out of alignment toward my neighbor's garden, though not dramatically so. My neighbor claims in a letter to me that the wall will one day collapse into her garden, and wants us to share the cost of replacing the wall, before that happens, with a fence. She also said that if I don't agree to do this, I better make sure that my insurance covers the possible damage to her property that a collapse could cause. I think my neighbor (who is wealthy) just wants a new fence for aesthetic reasons so it matches other fencing on her property, and that the wall is fine -- and I have some questions for the hive-mind... [more inside]
Chickenfilter: What bedding for run?
Everyone on the internet seems to have Very Strong Opinions about the best material for the floor of a chicken coop and run. (In the coop I use pine shavings, so I've got that covered.)
My priority is ease of keeping it clean. I don't want to be that lady on the block with the smelly chickens. And obviously something that is healthy for my girls. [more inside]
Replace exterior wood trim: more wood or PVC?
The wood in contact with my front steps has rotten away. Fixing it will be a DIY job. Should I replace the wood with more wood, or change to PVC? I'll be adding flashing behind the new trim, but otherwise the same wet conditions would remain. [more inside]
Help me colour in my body: woodcut edition
I've really wanted a tattoo tribute to my favourite artist for several years now, but I am stuggling to find someone who can do it for me, in her style, ideally in London. [more inside]
posted by ozgirlabroad at 1:45 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by ozgirlabroad at 1:45 AM PST - 3 comments
Help me find another car
I'd like to get a car with backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, brake assist, and HD radio for under $30k USD. It could be new or used. I have a Mazda3 right now and like it quite a bit. But I'd prefer something with better safety technology and a quieter ride if possible. I've been looking at other Mazdas and Volvos, but I'm not set on either. I'd like to avoid VW and (perhaps) Toyota for sketchy business practices. I'm in SoCal, if that matters.
Thanks!
posted by persona au gratin at 1:03 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by persona au gratin at 1:03 AM PST - 15 comments
May 9
Voice analyzing software that can differentiate people?
I am looking for voice analyzing software that can perform a rather particular function: one that can differentiate different people's voices as they have a conversation. Is there any commercial software that can do this? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 10:57 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by zardoz at 10:57 PM PST - 8 comments
Please make the spinning stop!
I've been having debilitating vertigo and nausea. I can't function or deal. Hope me? [more inside]
social signalling consequences of shoes? and how to avoid them.
I do a thing for which there exist specialized shoes, and I was talking to someone about how when unfamiliar people show up I look at their shoes. Then it occurred to me, can't you do this outside my thing too? Like, if you see someone on the subway with leather soles, you can guess he isn't off to a construction site. I'm thinking about this now because I need to buy more shoes soon and I want to avoid accidentally signalling anything negative. [more inside]
PDX Ped Plz!
Recently moved to Portland (not me, asking for a friend) and seeking a good pediatrician for an infant, preferably NE Portland, and "crunchy" friendly, as in, supportive of extended breastfeeding, flexible vaccination schedules, intact boys, etc. Any suggestions? Please give detail, if so!
Gimme your favorite weird sci-fi/horror/etc samples for my radio show!
I've been using snippets and samples of sci-fi/horror/weird movies for station IDs on the weird late night radio show I do. I'm bored with the current crop... help me find some new stuff to sample! [more inside]
posted by 40 Watt at 8:34 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by 40 Watt at 8:34 PM PST - 18 comments
ADHD despite great working memory and processing speed?
What could cause lifelong symptoms of inattentive ADHD in someone whose working memory and processing speed appear to be functioning spectacularly well? My cognitive assessment results have me baffled. [more inside]
New rescue dog lunged at vet; how concerned should I be?
I adopted a 4-year-old Shar Pei a week ago who has been nothing but friendly to everyone so far. Today we went to the vet for the first time and he lunged at her (no contact made and I'm not sure if he was really trying to make contact) with fairly ferocious growling. [more inside]
I need to replace Diet Coke... but with what?
So my GERD has gotten to the point where I absolutely have to ditch the Diet Coke, but what do I replace it with? [more inside]
posted by patheral at 7:45 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by patheral at 7:45 PM PST - 35 comments
Children's books with bears as the protagonist! Difficulty: GIRL BEARS.
I'm looking for a children's book where a girl bear is the point-of-view or main character. I know about the Berenstain Bears (Sister Bear) and the Care Bears, but I am hoping that there's an option that reads a bit more "classic literature," ideally in a nice hardback edition, as this is a present for a friend's young daughter whose preferences are in that realm. [more inside]
posted by Pandora Kouti at 7:32 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Pandora Kouti at 7:32 PM PST - 23 comments
excel 2016 training help
When I got Excel 2010, I got a workbook that came with a disk of practice worksheets. It was dummy data, as it were.
Now that I have updated to Excel 2016 I can't find anything similar. Every search brings me back to some kind of online video training. All of that is good as far as it goes but I won't retain much unless I can actually implement the lesson, not just watch it.
Where can I find either a disk or downloadable dummy worksheets with which to practice?
Thanks.
Another book, less silly, but still funny?
I need book gift suggestions again - this time for a young man... [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 6:13 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by hilaryjade at 6:13 PM PST - 7 comments
Practice programming problems?
I've been doing a couple phone screens for technical software positions here and there. Most of these sessions involve working on a programming problem on a shared "coding pad" like Codility. I'd like to do a few practice problems like this. Help? [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 5:29 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by deathpanels at 5:29 PM PST - 7 comments
No piece of clothing should ever be nude colored.
I'm in a wedding next month and all the bridesmaids must wear pumps or sandals or something... as long as they're nude colored. Nude colored shoes look awful to me. Help me find a pair that aren't too bad? And I can't wear heels.... but they must have heels. Sigh. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 5:17 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by silverstatue at 5:17 PM PST - 38 comments
can I make a living writing grants?
I offered to write a grant application for my friend, who runs a small foundation. This is my first exposure to nonprofits, and I know there's a lot I don't know, but so far I'm finding that the grant application writing work is a great match for me, and I'm wondering if there's a way to parlay this into steady, paid freelance work. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:48 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:48 PM PST - 8 comments
Are these fertilizer recommendations off by an order of magnitude or...?
I got my soil tested for my new vegetable garden and am following my state extension service's recommendations for applying organic fertilizers. However, when comparing the amount they recommend versus the instructions on the packages, I'm beginning to wonder if there's a typo on the extension service's webpage... [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 4:46 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Jacqueline at 4:46 PM PST - 19 comments
MS: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant vs. Lemtrada; support/info group
Friend has multiple sclerosis (MS), recently a lot worse. She's deciding between treatments: Lemtrada, or a hematopoietic stem cell transplant at the Clinica Ruiz in Mexico (since it's incredibly expensive and doing it abroad is 1/3 the cost of getting it done in the US). Anybody have research, info, or personal experience with these treatments or this clinic? Do you know any really good MS support/info groups?
Who signed this hockey puck?
Large, casual group friendly bar/restaurant in Palm Springs
I'm looking for a bar that serves food (or a very casual restaurant that serves booze and splits checks) suitable for around 30 people to meet in Palm Springs on a weeknight in October. Any ideas? [more inside]
Slam. Ouch. OUCH. Faint.
I had a small but very painful accident involving a car door and a finger and need some advice - like do I need to see a doctor and what might happen if I do / don't. Warning - possibly wince-inducing details inside. [more inside]
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 3:35 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 3:35 PM PST - 21 comments
Does anyone know what these clips are called?
I am trying to DIY a larger version of this grid wall and I'm wondering where to buy the clips separately. [more inside]
Trying to figure out new Mass prescrip drug law. Urine test?
While out with a friend today she told me about an experience at her regular doctor's office. While picking up her monthly adderall prescription he said there was a new law and she needed to have a urine test. Am I going to have to take a urine test for mine? [more inside]
Doctor, Doctor, my knee feels weird
For the last month or so, I've had this weird sensation of pressure under my left knee cap. There's no pain really (after some workouts there's a smidge of a twinge when going up stairs but that could be unrelated). When it first started, I felt like I had less push on that side when skating but I haven't noticed that lately. [more inside]
What is this bragging music called and where can I find more?
Is there a name for the type of song, often found in hip-hop, where the singer brags about how great they are as the main theme of the song? Example: "I'm the Best" by Nicki Minaj. Do you all have song recommendations for this type of song? Any genre of music is fine. Songs by women or gender nonconforming people preferred; no misogyny please. Thank you!
Recommendations for literature on behavioral change
I'd like to get your recommendations for literature, research, etc.- academic and otherwise- on behavioral change. [more inside]
Fat man would like to start lifting weights
I'm fat. I'm about to make my umpteenth attempt to get into shape. This time around, I'd like to lift weights. How should I start? [more inside]
South Korean perspective on Che Guevara?
I'm looking for any insight into how Che Guevara is perceived in South Korea. Clearly there's not one single "South Korean perspective" on anything, but any kind of bird's-eye views, anecdotal reports, or online things to read would be helpful here.
posted by kalapierson at 12:21 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by kalapierson at 12:21 PM PST - 1 comment
Unique Victorian Bat Wedding Dress - where to start?
I am getting married on Halloween this year and after a few months of trying to find a unique dress for the occasion and kept coming back to one that I love, both for the personal touch (I have always loved bats since my childhood), appropriate for the elaborate-ness I was wanting to go for, and perfect for the vintage Halloween theme I had in mind.
Where do I start? Many questions from someone with very little experience in the seamstress / costume industry.
The original image that inspires the look is here.
More below the fold of what I've found online. [more inside]
You are not my doctor: My doctor says not to worry, but should I?
I've had a few incidents of strange occurrences that all deal with my head and maybe my brain: vertigo, headaches, etc. My primary doctor says the fact that the symptoms are so far apart and aren't getting worse suggests they are isolated benign things. But I'm concerned. I asked for a referral for a neurologist and he said he would give me one if it happened again/got worse. I'm wondering if I should just tell tell him it happened again so I can get that referral? Or should I not worry? [more inside]
MCU movies rewatch: what snacks?
My husband and I are going to rewatch the MCU movies in chronological order. To make this more fun, I'd like to have some sort of themed snack or dessert or drink to go with each of the movies. What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by SeedStitch at 11:40 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by SeedStitch at 11:40 AM PST - 13 comments
How to fight health insurance claim denial? (US edition)
I had a tubal ligation/IUD removal earlier this year (salpingectomy, to be precise), and was told by multiple insurance company reps that it was covered at 100% because it's considered preventative birth control. Months later, United has denied the claim saying that it was a diagnostic procedure. I've already appealed once and only have one more chance and have no idea what to do differently this time. Meanwhile, the doctor's offices want their money, and rightly so. What is the best strategy to get United to cover this? [more inside]
Looking to switch home/auto insurance carriers.
Looking to switch home & auto insurance carriers. Where to start? [more inside]
Identify This Car
This car has been sitting in my neighbor's driveway, untouched, since 1983. [more inside]
posted by TinWhistle at 10:01 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by TinWhistle at 10:01 AM PST - 8 comments
Rock my crock pot
I want to make some mini hot ham and cheese sandwiches for Teacher Appreciation Week at my kids' school. Will this recipe translate to a crock pot? Please advise me! [more inside]
Who to follow on Diaspora*
I'm finally checking out of Facebook, today's various new items (especially that they're sponsoring the Republican convention) put the nail in the coffin. This means I'm looking at Diaspora* again. I know there's a large German network on the site, but I don't speak the language. Any Mefites on diaspora? Anyone else you would recommend following? I read English and Dutch. :)
How do you teach boundaries and respect?
Is it possible to teach an adult how to be considerate and respect boundaries? If a child grows up without boundaries, is it impossible to learn? [more inside]
posted by serenity_now at 7:54 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by serenity_now at 7:54 AM PST - 30 comments
Travel versions of medical equipment
We are taking a long-deferred trip to visit family on the other side of the globe for 10 days. Yay! However, we have a little one who gets very ill from garden-variety colds (the kind that live on airplanes). At home we have accumulated several pieces of medical equipment that help us keep her out of the hospital. I'm working on the contingency planning for our trip, and wondering about things like travel nebulizers, use of nebulizers on airplanes, and small portable suction that can do better than a Nosefrida. Lung-impaired travelers (or the family thereof), please share your insight. [more inside]
Societal return of investment on higher eduation
I'm trying to look up stats on the return of investment for higher education on a social/societal level, vs an individual level. [more inside]
How to handle insane financial/school situation
I go to a good school on a merit scholarship, but I'm massively in debt because of past mistakes and everything depends on my doing well now. I'm fighting mental health problems, and if my GPA gets below 3.5, I stand to lose everything. [more inside]
How do I even fit?
I've decided to work towards a UK Mountain Leader qualification, but first I need to get in shape. How... do I do that? [more inside]
posted by Happy Dave at 6:25 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Happy Dave at 6:25 AM PST - 12 comments
Selling the family plot...
My in-laws have asked me to dispense with three burial plots in a local cemetery. How do I do this with the best outcome? [more inside]
posted by RedEmma at 5:35 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by RedEmma at 5:35 AM PST - 7 comments
Rebuilding trust in my relationship
How can I stop beating myself up for experiencing insecurity? [more inside]
How to find out where an Excel macro is triggered from
How can I find out if 2 macros in an inherited Excel spreadsheet are actually needed, or if they are 'orphan'? [more inside]
May 8
Can I learn to play the guitar?
Can I learn to play the guitar? Hope me! [more inside]
How do I get better at group conversations?
So, after years of practice and trying different things, I've gotten pretty decent at conversations with a single other person. That said, I spent a few days in a group setting recently and realized that I'm awful at conversations in mid-sized groups. How do I get better at group socializing and banter? [more inside]
Can I See Half Dome From The House?....
I waited too long to try to book my trip to the Yosemite area, and now the only accommodations I can find are in places that are 90 minutes' drive from Yosemite Valley. Is that going to suck? Should I give up and go somewhere else instead? [more inside]
Can I still use these? Tampon edition.
I have about 100 tampons that got wet under the sink sometime in the past five hours. They're not exactly soaked, but they're all decidedly damp (wrapped in paper), and the cardboard applicators kind of collapse if pushed on. Is it safe to use them if they can be dried out? If so, how best to quickly & thoroughly dry them out? [more inside]
posted by cogitron at 7:31 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by cogitron at 7:31 PM PST - 28 comments
Help me help my mother
My father died about 6 months ago. Mom's been trying to carry on as best she can, but she's having a hard time and isn't really open to some of the traditional responses. [more inside]
posted by jackbishop at 7:29 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by jackbishop at 7:29 PM PST - 17 comments
Should I go back to ordering takeout?
I have a new cast iron pan. Long story short, I tried deglazing with white wine vinegar because I don't really know what I'm doing in the kitchen. Now there's a stain on the pan where the vinegar was. Is this fixable? I've tried scrubbing with my cleaner brush but I don't think it's helping. [more inside]
Vacation for Two in Santa Fe, NM Area
My wife and I are headed to Santa Fe for vacation the last week of August and are looking for lodging, outdoor activity, art, and food recomendations! [more inside]
posted by sgo at 5:43 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by sgo at 5:43 PM PST - 24 comments
Red Solo cups and proper southern(?) manners
It's a boat and a house!!!
My husband and I will be in the Netherlands for vacation the second week of September. We want to spend at least part of that time in Amsterdam and are intrigued by the idea of staying in a houseboat while in Amsterdam. Please advise us on a few points and would also love to hear your experience if you have vacationed in an Amsterdam houseboat. [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 4:32 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Tandem Affinity at 4:32 PM PST - 8 comments
How to tell a 6yr old child that Mom and Dad are splitting up?
I'm looking for recommendations about what and how to explain to our 6-year old daughter that Dad (me) has moved out and won't be living at home for an extended period (very likely a few months, at least). It's entirely unclear whether I'll be moving back home ever. I'll be with my daughter tomorrow and her mom and I have both agreed that we need to start explaining this to her, and Mom has asked that the conversation happen tomorrow. So I'm trying to get prepared for that - both trying to figure out what to say (or what not to say), and to anticipate what questions my daughter might have. [more inside]
Signs that questions here or on advice-giving subreddits are fake?
I know that sometimes people send fake questions to advice columnists or post fake questions here or on relevant subreddits, but I've never suspected that any given question is fake. I think some of you are good are spotting potential fakes. What things tip you off that a given question is fake?
If and when to fertilize pre-fertilized potting soil
I've planted a few vegetables in containers outside (I'm in NY if that matters). I used sta-green potting soil, which claims to have up to 9 months of slow release fertilizer. I bought some miracle-gro liquid fertilizer, but I'm not sure if that would be too much in addition to what's in the potting mix? If not, when would you suggest to start adding the miracle gro? [more inside]
posted by theshire at 2:48 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by theshire at 2:48 PM PST - 5 comments
How do Photoshops go viral?
I had a taste of Internet-famous (if only to people who knew me) when both Snoop Dogg and Cheech and Chong reposted a Photoshop I did of a friend. I find I want more! What do you suggest I do with the Photoshops I make every once in a while to try to get them a broader audience?
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 2:00 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 2:00 PM PST - 11 comments
Need to plant some ground cover in a wet soggy area in the yard.
We live in East Tennessee, zone 6 in planting. The area is a creek that is low sometimes but most always very wet, can not get a lawn mower in that area or it gets stuck, weed eating is being done but I really don't like disturbing the wildlife (frogs, crawdads, etc). [more inside]
Why are my printers printing blank pages?
I have two printers that are producing blank pages, both when I try to print from the computer and when I try to copy. Gears are turning, but the pages are blank. The ink is low but not nonexistent. In the past, if the printers had run out of ink, they would just stop completely. The printers are a Canon MX 439 and a Brother MFC-J430W. [more inside]
Should you disown a narcissistic parent?
What if your abusive parent is not classically abusive (hitting, molestation, explosive anger) but is relentlessly narcissistic, negligent, exploitative and manipulative? Father's Day is coming up in a couple of months; should I just not send that card and silently pull away? I've already not given him my new number so this would be the last nail in the coffin. [more inside]
Statutes regarding restroom use
As a matter of curiosity, I reviewed the statutes in my state and learned that there is none that require that only men use men's restrooms and that only women use those marked for women. As far as I can tell, this is strictly a matter of custom. Did any of the states - before the current brouhaha began - impose this requirement as a matter of enacted law? [more inside]
Is he not asking me out more because he is laid back or not into me?
I am still seeing the guy I posted about previously. But am I a convenience girl or does he genuinely like me? [more inside]
Identify a poem?
Can you name a poem for me? I read it in 1993 or '94, I think in the Atlantic. It told a very disturbing story from the Balkan wars. (cw: violence against children) [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 11:52 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Countess Elena at 11:52 AM PST - 3 comments
Good Mexican food in the Twin Cities?
So just recently one of my favorite authentic Mexican food places in the greater Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area closed up shop. I left me with a yearning void in my heart I've yet to fill since then. [more inside]
How can I deal with worsening panic issues?
Extremely rare (once every 2 year) panic episodes are now happening every few days. I know that YANMD and that I need to see someone but I am looking for advice on how to discuss this with a GP and tips for management. [more inside]
posted by ftm at 11:36 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by ftm at 11:36 AM PST - 17 comments
Seattle and Chicago - travel advice for interracial vegetarians
Myself and my girlfriend will be in Seattle in September, hopefully stopping in Chicago for a day on the way back. As we're a little different, an interracial couple on the lookout for vegetarian or vegetarian friendly restaurants, I'm looking for information on travel and food to make the most of the trip. [more inside]
What should I put under my MIDI drumset?
In my old apartment, there was nobody below me, so I didn't worry about he noise that my electronic drumset made. Now I have downstairs neighbors, so I want to find something to put underneath to deaden the sound and keep it from slipping on the hardwood. [more inside]
Canada's really big
I got some great suggestions about visiting British Columbia last year, but we didn't make it that far because we already had so many stops. This year we want to visit Crater Lake, Portland, B. C., and Seattle (in that order, due to the timing of an event in Seattle and having to rush back home for the fall semester). And I have some more specific questions about the whole Canada thing. [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 10:43 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by wintersweet at 10:43 AM PST - 24 comments
Software for documenting family tree?
My mom has gotten interested in documenting family history, and I'm looking for some software that she can use to capture the information she's collected. My priorities are:
PC application or website where her data can be private/by login only
Excellent user interface
Nice output/view options
[more inside]
Advice regarding Marnay-sur-Seine, France and the surrounding region?
I will be attending an artist residency in Marnay-sur-Seine, France from late May through the end of June. I'd love any advice on the town, nearby places I should visit, things I should be aware of, etc. Some of my high priority travel interests include botanic gardens, zoos, aquariums, other plant and animal-related destinations, art, thrift shops, and vegetarian restaurants. [more inside]
Playing it by ear in Queensland
We're going to Australia this summer (late July-early August) and would prefer not to book rooms in advance, but will that be a disaster? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 9:21 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by goodbyewaffles at 9:21 AM PST - 7 comments
Artisits Of MeFi What Is Your Deviant Art Experience?
You are an artist, you have or have had a profile/galleries on Deviant Art. Was/is it a good thing? [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 7:53 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by WalkerWestridge at 7:53 AM PST - 2 comments
News aggregation website that's actually useful?
Is there a news website that focuses on news most people can use right now? No Kardashians, but also no lost girls, pets, or polar bears? Focusing on the top ten things that statistically kill people, and no mentions of Ebola or Zika? Focusing on best practices for managing your checkbook, and no mentions of Brexit or Grexit or deficit reform? Focusing on ways to deal with depression and substance abuse, while ignoring Sasquatch and the latest crazy dashcam footage from Russia? [more inside]
Oslo: running in summertime
We're visiting Oslo for a week next month and I would love some good running routes. Any suggestions or resources? [more inside]
does being put on probation at work mean you're going to get fired?
HR people of Metafilter: my brother has been having trouble at work and had a meeting with HR yesterday where he was put on probation. I’m trying to understand the situation better. Is probation usually just the final formal step a company has to go through before firing someone? Is it possible to be put on probation and still keep your job? [more inside]
posted by colfax at 6:50 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by colfax at 6:50 AM PST - 25 comments
Best Cargo Space in a Car in a Non-Huge Car
I am curious if anyone knows which car (i.e., non-SUV) has the most interior cabin space, while at the same time not being very large in and of itself. In other words, which car gives you the most storage space bang for your buck (I realize this varies with seats folded down, etc.). Currently own a 2009 Subaru Outback, and favor that brand, but curious to hear of others' experiences.
Marital Counselors In or Within Driving Distance of Steuben County, IN?
I am looking for recommendations for marital counseling therapists in the Steuben County, Indiana area, or in towns within a reasonable drive from there (Elkhart, Coldwater, etc.). Experience with senior citizen couples a plus. Sliding scale also a plus. [more inside]
How can i download guitar tutorials from youtube?
Howdy Hive, i have been attempting to learn several songs for guitar via streaming which is a pain. It would be great if i can just download them. Is there an app or method you can recommend that downloads youtube videos? [more inside]
Looking for a video relating to St Francis' Canticle of the Sun
What I remember: It was entirely instrumental with the words to the Canticle of the Sun on the video. There were some incredible portraits of St Francis done in ... I think oils? But there were various ones. It was a really powerfully moving piece of music, drums and flutes, I think.
I've been through like 5 pages of YouTube search results and they all give me various orchestral or choral versions of the Canticle, which is not what I'm looking for. Thanks, Hive Mind!
Internet marketing profile spoofer?
Given the extent to which targeted ads have penetrated, I am curious if anything like a profile spoofer has been developed, doing things like (I imagine) opening/lingering on websites correlated with certain demographics, blocking or randomizing what usage is not anonymous, so on. [more inside]
May 7
Good PC games to relax with
I'm looking for a PC game I can relax while playing, with low level investment in terms of attention/focus. [more inside]
A mother's love = a worrywart lacking perspective?
I get it, mothers worry, but I feel like my overprotective mother never stopped being overprotective. Are her reactions simply motherly love or is she verging on being manipulative? [more inside]
posted by blerghamot at 10:36 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by blerghamot at 10:36 PM PST - 36 comments
I had a root canal Tuesday and am now traveling and in pain. Any advice?
I have a high pain tolerance and have had multiple root canals in the past with no problems. Tuesday I had a root canal with a temporary filling and on Thursday my jaw around that tooth started to hurt. I don't think it's infected (no swelling, no smell or visible problems, plus my endodontist said he packed the tooth with antibiotics). But it hurts, a lot. Help! [more inside]
posted by Susan PG at 9:21 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Susan PG at 9:21 PM PST - 11 comments
Just started a new job, and want to quit already
I quit my last job and moved cross-country 6 months ago, in search of better opportunities in my field. It's taken me 5 months to get a job offer. I accepted the only one I received out of desperation, because I'm almost out of my savings, even though it was a $30k/year pay cut from my last job, and it's not what I want to be doing at all. I started 2 weeks ago and hate it, already fantasizing about quitting. What do I do? [more inside]
How does a philosophy major make himself attractive to employers?
I am liberal arts (philosophy) major preparing to graduate in one year (spring of 2017). Originally I had planned on going to graduate school, but I have now decided against it in favor of entering the workforce. Help me understand what I should be doing from now until graduation to make sure I am as attractive of an employee prospect as possible, considering my circumstances. More details inside. [more inside]
Advice for first out of country business trip
I am going to Ontario for a week long business trip in one week. I have never traveled for work, I have never traveled out of the country, and I am terrified. Can you help me understand what I should expect? [more inside]
posted by motioncityshakespeare at 4:16 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by motioncityshakespeare at 4:16 PM PST - 16 comments
Help me respond to self-described "fangirls" freaking out about me!
I'm at the stage where I've achieved some level of professional renown in my field, and I'm starting to encounter lots of younger people who are "fangirling" (their words) on me. I have no clue how to respond without seeming like a jerk. Help? [more inside]
posted by amoeba at 3:24 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by amoeba at 3:24 PM PST - 23 comments
rear-ended: go through insurance or not?
Today my husband and I were rear-ended. The only visible damage is a bit of paint from her license plate on our bumper. (Though my husband thinks there could be other damage behind the bumper that we cannot see). [more inside]
How to listen without offering solutions?
I'm in a relationship for the first time in a few years. When my girlfriend comes to me with problems or things that are bothering her, I'm intellectually aware that she's not looking for solutions or fixes unless she asks, she's looking for understanding and empathy. However, I'm just not practiced providing that kind of emotional support and often find myself at a loss for words. How do I do it? [more inside]
Car key stolen
We have 2 cars in our carport. Car A was accidentally left unlocked last night, and this morning it was evident that someone had gone through it. There was nothing taken (apparently) except that Car A had a spare key to Car B, and that is now missing. (Car B was also ransacked but contained nothing of value). What should we do about the missing key? How likely is Car B to get stolen now?
posted by Maximian at 12:21 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Maximian at 12:21 PM PST - 12 comments
Make my home feel like a forest feels
Forests relax and soothe me. I'd like to make my apartment feel like a forest with sounds, scents, textures, and pictures. [more inside]
Where should I propose in Rome?
Next week I will be in Rome with my girlfriend and I plan to propose, but I've never been so I have no idea where to try and make this happen. Looking for ideas! Some criteria inside. [more inside]
Nursing home spend-down in the state of New York
What can a woman living in a nursing home in the state of New York do with her pension income so that she is not in a constant state of qualifying for financial aid / not qualifying for financial aid? [more inside]
Ant swarm on my roof - help!
Just walked out of my front door and, boom, ants all over the door sill outside. What is my most effective way to get them exterminated? [more inside]
Help me understand the end of my relationship with a trauma survivor
I'm still trying to make sense of how a man with PTSD/trauma survivor I dated broke things off with me. Looking for insights and resources about the psychology of someone who has gone through hell and come out the other side and how that affects their ability to have a relationship. [more inside]
Help for U.S. Moto G smartphone in Europe
My parents are in France right now, with this cell phone, Motorola Moto G 2nd Generation Cell Phone Unlocked US Version Black. I bought them a Vodafone Ireland microSIM off eBay and had the seller add 20 euros credit… but they're not getting any service. [more inside]
posted by Borborygmus at 9:24 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Borborygmus at 9:24 AM PST - 9 comments
Is.lowering my dad's new truck a terrible idea?
My father is 80 and has a form of Muscular Dystrophy that is making it increasingly difficult for him to get in and out of his truck. He recently traded his Ford F-150 for a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, hoping he would have an easier time, but he hasn't had the results he was hoping for. He is now thinking of having it lowered. I have some questions. [more inside]
Is this old 2nd hand Harmonica hygienic to use?
Harmonica hygiene filter: A few years ago I was given a beautiful Hohner Chromonica 280C. Stories of fungus buildup in reeds (and later becoming aware of certain facts about previous owners) led to doubts which always prevented me from using it. So, how hygienic is it actually? [more inside]
posted by yoHighness at 9:12 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by yoHighness at 9:12 AM PST - 6 comments
Help make our trip to Europe amazing, Rome edition
Our family will be spending a few days in Rome in July. We're traveling with kids, so our plan is for a mostly low-key trip filled with lazily exploring the city, relaxing in parks, and eating gelato. But we're also looking for other unique or special experiences we could do as a family that would really make our trip special. [more inside]
Cake Pop Cake
A friend of mine requested a cake pop cake for her birthday. How can I make such a thing? [more inside]
Major Relationship Issue- How to Control My Resentment?
I'm currently harboring a lot of resentment towards my girlfriend. Her brother is a molester and she's unsure of what to do about it, and she has cancelled our wedding due to being unsure and afraid of losing the rest of her family. I have no idea what to do or where to turn, how can I stop feeling resentful? [more inside]
Camera conundrum
I need a new camera, and I don't think there is any one that fits all my wants. I have a few options, and I'm wondering which is best in the long run or if there's another option I haven't considered. More inside. [more inside]
How to tactfully become less social and not feel guilty about it?
Former social butterfly turned homebody. How do I not go to birthday parties now (which always seem to be in bars, which I can't stand) and not hurt people's feelings? [more inside]
Knit fabric, button-up shirt, that will last (difficulty: plus size)
I've been living in these jersey button-up shirts. However, the fabric is thin and starts pilling after just a few washes. Where can I buy a higher-quality version of these? [more inside]
Name some Christian politicians in majority Muslim countries!
Following the election of a Muslim mayor in London, I've seen lots of bigotry on-line along the lines of 'no Muslim country would elect a Christian mayor'. I know this isn't true, so I'm looking for the names of successful Christian politicians in Muslim countries. I know Lebanon has had a Christian president, and Pakistan has a Christian minister of shipping, but I need more please! THANKS MEFIS!
posted by matthew.alexander at 4:05 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by matthew.alexander at 4:05 AM PST - 11 comments
"Wanna meet up?" "Not free tonight, sorry!" "Screw you, B****!"
Husband's new friend recently met my best friend at a birthday party a few weeks ago, and tonight he messaged her to meet up. When she said she wasn't free that night, he said "ok. sorry for asking. F***. You." She blocked and deleted him, but sent me a pic of the conversation. How should we be dealing with this kind of assholery? [more inside]
posted by lizbunny at 1:57 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by lizbunny at 1:57 AM PST - 42 comments
Relatively comparable blogs with right-wing or left-wing comments?
For a linguistic/discourse/stylistics project, I would like to collect a large corpus of comments to blogs or online news that can be easily classified as left wing or right wing. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the possibilities, so can anyone who has been following American political sites more than I have suggest pairs of right-wing-ish / left-wing-ish sites I might want to look at? [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 1:09 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by lollusc at 1:09 AM PST - 8 comments
Any suggestion on finding cheap landscaping providers for a backyard?
My parents just moved into a new construction house in Irvine, Ca, and the front and backyard came totally barren. The house itself isn't that large (2100 sq feet) and the backyard is a normal size for a typical planned new construction neighborhood community. I'm trying to find them an affordable landscaping company or service provider that won't break the bank. [more inside]
May 6
What should I consider before co-signing on a house for a dear friend?
I have a good friend who's asked me to co-sign on a loan for a house he wants to buy. YANM(RE)L. Help me think thru all the questions I should be asking a real estate lawyer...and myself! First - can you confirm that it's best to have 2 real estate lawyers, one to represent each person's interests? Or would one for both people be sufficient? Since it's spendy to get two lawyers we were considering just going with one who would create a simple agreement that keeps both people protected. [more inside]
The Wright Stuff
Was "a little girl in France" the first child to fly in an airplane? [more inside]
posted by Mike Mongo at 7:48 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Mike Mongo at 7:48 PM PST - 6 comments
$300K - $500K machine that can be put to productive use immediately?
Say one wanted to invest money in a capital intensive small business. What is one that requires at a minimum $300-500K of fixed cost machinery to start, but that is in high demand so that machinery will be used right away to make money?
Copying from mac via bootcamp partition to seagate drive
I have about 500GB of files (mostly photos and music) on my iMac that I want to move to a Windows laptop. I need to use an external drive to copy them. Can I copy the Mac files onto my external drive via my iMac's bootcamp Windows partition to avoid file-type compatibility problems? [more inside]
posted by nikodym at 6:44 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by nikodym at 6:44 PM PST - 4 comments
What should I add to my Scientology-inspired reading list?
Looking for good books about cults, new religious movements, charismatic leaders and the groups they lead, "brainwashing" / "mind control" (I realize that these are controversial terms and concepts), pathological personalities in positions of power, belief systems (successfully) promulgated by the mentally ill, and the social and psychological dynamics of the aforementioned. [more inside]
My Old House's gas boiler was capped by a utility contractor. Options?
A contractor for a local utility shut off gas in the neighborhood to work on pipes, then offered to relight my boiler. He ran a test and the gas boiler (water, not steam) was emitting carbon monoxide (3000 ppm) so he capped the pipe and told us the gas couldn’t be turned on until it was repaired or replaced. [more inside]
posted by mulcahy at 6:29 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by mulcahy at 6:29 PM PST - 17 comments
Ran out of visa pages for passport
I ran out of visa pages for my US passport. Visa center has my passport. Do I need to get the passport back before I apply for a new one? Is there any way I can quickly get extra visa pages added rather than getting a brand new one?
posted by pravit at 5:06 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by pravit at 5:06 PM PST - 7 comments
Healthily approaching close friendships with a bit of attraction in them
I'm a guy and have this lovely female friend of mine who I get along with fantastically. The two of us have a supportive, companionable friendship, and are seeing each other frequently; we're both really enjoying the dynamic we've been having. For special snowflake reasons, though, it's better that I don't endeavor towards dating her for the meanwhile. Please give me your perspective: help me to manage my expectations to better maintain this friendship. [more inside]
posted by a good beginning at 4:56 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by a good beginning at 4:56 PM PST - 19 comments
Milwaukee's finest
Planning an impromptu get-away to Milwaukee next week. Any tips on family activities? Restaurant, shopping or local event advice? [more inside]
posted by areaperson at 4:49 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by areaperson at 4:49 PM PST - 6 comments
Car was stolen, I think I found it for sale on Craigslist. What do I do?
My car was stolen about 3 weeks ago. Now I just found a listing on craigslist that looks exactly like my car. There are some identifying features in the paint job and interior details that make me think this is, in fact, my car that someone is trying to resell. What do I do now? [more inside]
posted by Questolicious at 3:42 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Questolicious at 3:42 PM PST - 20 comments
Looking for music that resembles one, Bojack Horseman
I'm looking recommendations of albums or failing that, musicians that are very similar to the Bojack Horseman theme song by Patrick Carney.
That is all.
Attraction pattern I don't want to have
I am already in therapy but could use some more help untangling this. I am less attracted to my partner for things that most people would agree make them a good person. [more inside]
What's the fairest way to divvy up multiple options amongst a group?
My wife is starting a year of medical school rotations. There are 6 possible schedules for the year, and her group of 6 students must decide amongst themselves who gets which schedule. What's the fairest way to decide? It's completely up to the students, and everyone is friendly and open to discussion. [more inside]
posted by mshrike at 2:51 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by mshrike at 2:51 PM PST - 15 comments
Our next great vacation is going to be in ...........
I want to take my husband and 8 year old kid to some place interesting, historic, beautiful, and safe in either April 2017 or end of June 2017. Where should we go ?? details inside [more inside]
Subway System Videos, Collected
I'm looking for videos that are a) about subway/commuter train/trolley systems or b) show rides on these systems (ideally from the driver's POV) for my four year old (whom I made the mistake of showing a San Francisco trolley video). IDEALLY there is a YouTube channel or playlist out there that already collects all these videos into a curated list so I don't have to make a playlist myself. [more inside]
What's the most effective way to do pushups?
Sets of 10 or "feel the burn" marathons? [more inside]
90s indie college rock fuzzed out tune ID filter
Ok, so this was a college indie rock tune from the early to mid nineties (could be as early at late 80s?), something that would have come through the radio station. Sung by a guy, the band sounded kind of like the Archers of Loaf. Could be them from their back catalog? Cannot get this tune out of my mind, here are the lyrics: "And I don't..really think...about it anymore, no not much anymore, and I don't...even think...I'll ever be rid of youuuu" (fuzzed out guitars take over). Internet lyric searches yield nothing! Can you help me find my old earworm?
Gym podcasts for the easily bored
I like listening to podcasts while exercising, but I am easily bored by both exercise and podcasts. [more inside]
Blogs for gardening/landscaping with an "Apartment Therapy"-like vibe
I'm a new homeowner (1 year now!) and am interested in learning more about gardening after decades of apartment dwelling. There are a lot of garden blogs out there, and I'd like to start by reading some that have a similar vibe to a home design blog I'm very familiar with, Apartment Therapy. [more inside]
christian themed healthcare in England?
A friend of mine is a former Methodist preacher who wants to become a carer support worker in England. He sees caring as an extension of ministry. He really wants to work, but getting him to put aside his faith to get the job is a suggestion he won't take. Are there Christian-centred care homes in England? How do I find them?
posted by parmanparman at 12:48 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by parmanparman at 12:48 PM PST - 4 comments
C25K for everything
I'm super in to programs like Couch to 5k and FlyLady right now. What are more (free or low cost, relatively self-contained) things like that? [more inside]
posted by Baethan at 12:46 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Baethan at 12:46 PM PST - 20 comments
Do any places like this exist?
What, if any, Canadian (or easily moveable-to, for a Canadian citizen) cities/towns/communities meet the following criteria? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 12:19 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 12:19 PM PST - 31 comments
app to alert on non-arrival of email / sms
This is proving difficult to Google. I'm looking for a service that generates an alert when an expected email does *not* arrive at the expected time (with some leeway). Double plus good if it can do the same for an expected SMS. [more inside]
What breed of sheep is this?
What breed of UK sheep is this? Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Quillcards at 11:05 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Quillcards at 11:05 AM PST - 7 comments
Give me your English podcasts from non-native English speaking hosts.
I'm trying to improve my ability to write convincing dialog for non-native English speakers. One of the best ways I've found is to listen to a few hours of an ESL speaker to get a feel for their slight differences in usage and grammar. Podcasts are perfect for this, but I've been having problems finding shows. [more inside]
How to Create a Training Video
I need to learn how to create a training video. It needs to be able to capture what I am doing on my computer screen, while recording my accompanying dialog. I see these all the time on youtube, but I am unsure how to get started. Where can I find some free training, and/or what kind of software/equipment do I need? Thanks!
posted by LilithSilver at 10:23 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by LilithSilver at 10:23 AM PST - 13 comments
An earworm old enough to drink
So there's a song that's been stuck in my head since about 1991, when I heard Alison Krauss (And Union Station) perform it. I heard her sing it a couple of times in that period, and never again. I'd love to know who wrote it, and if it's ever been recorded anywhere. I've tried googling the lyrics, to no avail. I'm not sure it matters, but I think they stopped playing this song around the time that Alison Brown left the band. [more inside]
posted by SobaFett at 9:55 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by SobaFett at 9:55 AM PST - 3 comments
Should I get tested for strep throat?
My boyfriend just got diagnosed with Strep throat. His symptoms showed up Tuesday-Wednesday and I last saw him on Sunday. Now my throat hurts, but I'm also hungover. Should I get tested for strep? I'm paranoid because my tonsils are extremely reactive so when I get a throat infection it can get really really bad.
Tears are Words that Need to be Written
There are things that make me sad, and things that make me sad about being sad.
For example, some things don't really merit a lot of sadness (especially when it is ill-informed or useless), but consistently and sincerely break my heart all the same... [more inside]
posted by Dressed to Kill at 9:26 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Dressed to Kill at 9:26 AM PST - 19 comments
Ethical Question -- Baby Name Edition.
Is it okay to change my child's name in these circumstances? [more inside]
Glammer.
I remember encountering this alternate spelling version of the word 'glamour' in a story, to mean a sort of gift or charm of charisma. Stephen King uses it in The Gunslinger, but I recall a passage in another work where a character defines it in a bit more detail. [more inside]
Is it time for an iPhone? Help a somewhat Luddite decide
Finally, after a number of years of lugging around books, cameras, dumb phones, an iPod and an iPad, I'm thinking it might be time to streamline my daily life a little and cross over to the smartphone side. Because I use the iPod and iPad heavily already, I'm not really considering anything other than an iPhone, but I have questions, mostly about what it will do to my iTunes library. [more inside]
Where do LoTR dwarves get food?
Where do the dwarves in LoTR get their food? Do they buy 100% of their food? [more inside]
The most important thing to know about teaching asynchronously online?
You guys helped me a lot when I went to teach my in-person undergrad class at a local college. Now I am teaching a graduate level class which is online and asynchronous (a six week "intensive" three credit class about tools for library advocacy). If you had one piece of advice for someone who was new to teaching grad school online to make the most out of it, what would it be? [more inside]
Help us find a place to live in Evanston, Illinois.
My husband and I are moving to Evanston, Illinois in September. Can you help us figure out where to live? [more inside]
posted by pinetree at 7:35 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by pinetree at 7:35 AM PST - 13 comments
And you thought this SAT vocab section would never come up again...
I'm trying to pay my girlfriend a compliment, and need to know a word, so I'm crowdsourcing my vocabulary to you good people of Metafilter, in the form of an SAT vocab analogy question. [more inside]
posted by Captain l'escalier at 7:08 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Captain l'escalier at 7:08 AM PST - 14 comments
Did Johnny Utah really say this?
IMDB, and 2,000 Google hits, claim that there's a scene from "Point Break" in which Keanu Reeves's character says, "Wars of religion always make me laugh because basically you're fighting over who has the best imaginary friend." I don't remember this but maybe it's in some director's cut??
Is it cheerfully apocalyptic or apocalyptically cheerful? However. More?
So Long and Thanks for All the Fish is so cheerful yet apocalyptic and dark. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life is another good example of a song that seems cheerful but is dark at it's core (as are many other Monty Python songs). I'm looking for many more examples. [more inside]
Where should I clear security at ATL today?
Can I use the international checkpoint at ATL for a domestic flight? [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor at 6:09 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by madcaptenor at 6:09 AM PST - 2 comments
Infliximab (Remicade) or Adalimumab (Humira)?
I was diagnosed with Crohn's colitis about five years ago. I've been on Asacol and Mercaptopurine for most of that time, with a few courses of prednisone for flares. There's now a prospect of my moving on to either Infliximab (Remicade) or Adalimumab (Humira); has anyone got experiences which shed light on the question of which I should choose? I understand that the former requires hospital visits for infusion, while the latter can be done by subcutaneous injection at home. I'm not needle phobic. This is the UK NHS so cost is not a factor.
Seventh Generation + old washing machine = stinky laundry?
My laundry stinks. I can't tell if it's the powder Seventh Generation detergent, our old washing machine, or just my own personal stench. Is there another (eco-friendly) detergent I should be using, or is there something else I can be doing to get my clothes cleaner and less putrid?
Alcohol intolerance: seriously? Has anyone experienced this?
I have been on a journey since October to figure out what the hell is wrong with my body. [more inside]
posted by uncannyslacks at 3:56 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by uncannyslacks at 3:56 AM PST - 23 comments
Should I DTMFA? Laptop edition
The screen on my HP Pavilion dv4 goes completely white when I turn it on. Is repairing it worth it? [more inside]
It's not an augmented diminutive seventh...
Piano noob. I enjoy putting my fingers where they're not supposed to go, getting a strangled walrus sound, moving one finger and suddenly getting something wonderful. I look up what I've played to identify the chord and look for songs that use it. But what's E B D♭ E? It sounds sad and sweet but appears to be nameless.
posted by obiwanwasabi at 2:29 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by obiwanwasabi at 2:29 AM PST - 11 comments
May 5
Presents for an engineering type?
I have a family member with Alzheimer's and I would like some help with gadget or engineery birthday presents for him. I always bought him books before as he was a reader and a novelist, but he says he can't concentrate enough to read now and I'm stuck! [more inside]
Should I donate my eggs to my cousin?
My cousin has been trying to conceive for three years. Recently she and her husband underwent IVF treatment, which didn't pan out. They then ran a panel of genetic tests to see what could be causing the issue. It turns out that she is a Fragile X carrier. [more inside]
Looking for a countdown leader
Does anyone remember seeing a countdown from WKRC-TV, Channel 12 in Cincinnati (circa 1991) which was video of their satellite truck on fire? [more inside]
Reassess value of house?
I have a house that I bought it in 2000.
Do I need to reassess the value? [more inside]
The mysterious case of the non-allergic allergies
I have had "allergies" my entire life that seemed to culminate in a gasping cough last year, which sent me to an allergist (among other doctors), which found that I don't have allergies. All of the testing was negative. Except I frequently get bouts of what seems like severe allergies--nonstop sneezing, nonstop headaches, exhaustion, bad post-nasal drop--and nothing helps. Now it's worse than ever and I don't know what to do. [more inside]
Do you have a favorite can opener?
I would like to find an excellent, reliable and easy-to-use electric can opener. Easy enough that my 9 year old could use. Thanks!
posted by gryphonlover at 5:31 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by gryphonlover at 5:31 PM PST - 7 comments
Food Safe Filter: Home canned pickles
Home canned pickles from 2008 - yay or nay? [more inside]
How do I get beer out of a car's carpet?
A growler exploded in my girlfriend's passenger seat, spilling beer all over. What's the best way to clean it up so that we don't smell it every time it gets warm or humid? Thanks!
Should I go back to school?
My job hunt has proved to be totally fruitless and I find my lack of success concerning. I have a career path picked out and think going back to school could help, but given that it's nothing that's currently trendy, am I wasting my time? [more inside]
My dog injured a friend's dog - what are my ethical responsibilities?
As the title says, my dog- an 100 lb Alaskan Malamute - injured my acquaintance/ friends' dog - a 22 lb corgi. Snowflakes of the situation inside. I want to do the right thing, of course, and would like your help in figuring out where my responsibilities start and end. (Corgi will recover fully in a couple of weeks and is already back to her stupid and cheerful self, for which I'm VERY glad, given the size differential of the dogs in this fight.) [more inside]
posted by Jaclyn at 1:59 PM PST - 69 comments
posted by Jaclyn at 1:59 PM PST - 69 comments
Alarm Software that Will Make A Sound at the Scheduled Times
I'm looking for either a Chrome App or Mac OSX software that will:
1) make a chime or some other noise at an appointed time
2) enter about 20 different "appointments" each day in an easy way [more inside]
Easy shallow container plants?
I have a lot of containers for my garden, but a whole lot of them are maybe gallon size or smaller. What vegetables or herbs don't need a ton of root room? [more inside]
Help me choose a replacement for my lost phone
I lost my LG G3. What smaller sized Android phone do I replace it with? Before I entrust my phone self to the kids at the Verizon Store, please give me some advice. . [more inside]
Responding to persistent personal informaion requests.
To the law people out there: I work for a small company that recently signed up with a new health insurance company. For various reasons I declined the coverage, but I am getting bombarded by requests for personal information. Here's the actual latest message that I received after I informed them that I do not wish to participate:
Hi C13,
For any employees at Small Company to get health insurance, you need to complete your application. All employees must complete an application, regardless of whether accepting or waiving coverage. [more inside]
Historically, what's the difference between Aux and Phono?
I've got a 1970s Nikko STA-5050 receiver/amp with tape, aux and phono inputs. Nowadays aux and phono seem to be used interchangeably but I know they used to be different specs. [more inside]
Unsettled issues for a software development team
How much back and forth about the nitty-gritty of software development is healthy on a team? Are teams more productive if they spend less time on these issues—or more? Do we know? [more inside]
posted by brett at 12:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by brett at 12:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Tune in, turn on, read a book.
Who are the modern Robert Anton Wilsons? [more inside]
There must be a (lead capture) app for that
Sharing a booth at a conference next week with two other companies. We'd like a simple app available on both Android and iOS that simply captures business cards and reads QR codes, saving the data locally as a csv file that we can import into a spreadsheet later. [more inside]
Give your best large batch Mac and Cheese recipe!
Trying to find a recipe for Mac and Cheese that will serve 15-20 and ideally be able to made completely the day before, and heated in the oven prior to serving. [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 11:04 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by andruwjones26 at 11:04 AM PST - 20 comments
Should I provide a compensation expectations before a phone interview?
I am trying to move from Seattle to Ohio and received a request for a phone interview tomorrow. In the follow up email HR asked me to provide my compensation expectations. Should I? [more inside]
posted by Tevin at 10:55 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Tevin at 10:55 AM PST - 18 comments
Tips on creating a sub tenant contract
Hello,
I will be renting one of the bedrooms in my apartment to a sub tenant. The owner has approved me to rent out the second bedroom. Does anyone have a good template that I can use? I basically want it to state the rental period and rent amount. This is my question. I understand what a sub tenant agreement is, so please, no snarky remarks.
Thanks [more inside]
Solar Power for an Apartment Dweller?
Could anyone suggest a resource (a person or a website) or give me a clue about where to get advice about installing a solar cell or two? This is in Nashville, TN; local resources would be awesome! But 'net based stuff works, too. Google searches and YouTube videos have me confuddled about what might work/how to install something for my apartment - most of the information is for homeowners; the 'portable' solar power systems are aimed at preppers/folks who are concerned about power outages. [more inside]
posted by LOLAttorney2009 at 10:29 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by LOLAttorney2009 at 10:29 AM PST - 16 comments
UK national minimum wage
A family member of mine, "Anne" works as a carer for the disabled. She works a 24 hour shift 9-9 the next day, sleeping on site with a monitor to hear when she is needed. Anne previously received a wage per shift. Anne has now been informed that there will be one wage for day and another for night-the night wage is below nmw and her entire shift wages would not quite meet nmw. [more inside]
posted by threetwentytwo at 10:05 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by threetwentytwo at 10:05 AM PST - 5 comments
Am I eligible for food stamps? I'm in California
I'm trying to figure out if I'm eligible for food stamps. I live in California. [more inside]
Strabismus? Doctor's visit required?
My 5-year-old sometimes makes a face with her eyes crossed, just to look silly. Last night I noticed one eye moves more to the corner/center than the other when she does it. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 9:01 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by kitcat at 9:01 AM PST - 9 comments
Tales on a Plane
It's been awhile since we had a "long flight book recommendations' question. Please give me your recent favorites for making the time fly by! [more inside]
Need advice on helping my wife cope with her best friend moving away
My wife just learned her best friend is moving to a different city and is now very sad. How can I help? [more inside]
How to be supportive, when I can't be there in person
My partner is going to visit his parent, who has cancer and is in palliative care in another city (and might die quite soon.) Due to my own health, I genuinely can't travel there with him. What are some ways to be supportive of my partner, when I can't be there in person?
Australian Start-up Innovation Community
I would like to find/reach the Australian (specifically Brisbane/Queensland) Start-up and Innovation community. That is all. Who are they, where are they, how do I contact them? [more inside]
Is my OKCupid okay, cupids?
I'm hoping for some feedback on my OKCupid profile, general and specific. [more inside]
posted by sleevener at 8:21 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by sleevener at 8:21 AM PST - 23 comments
Where to sit/stand at the Globe Theatre?
I'm planning to see "Macbeth" at the Globe Theatre this summer, where I've never been, and I want the best seats in the house. What are those? [more inside]
Recharging the Battery
What activities or pursuits do you find more rejuvenating and relaxing than sitting idly in front of the computer or watching TV? I'm looking for things that I can do on a regular basis that will leave my mental and physical batteries feeling recharged rather than drained.
posted by sleepy psychonaut at 8:16 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by sleepy psychonaut at 8:16 AM PST - 24 comments
Should I apply for this part time course in web development?
It costs $2,495 for two nights a week for 10 weeks. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 7:57 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by winterportage at 7:57 AM PST - 11 comments
Rothko's Harvard Murals
I'm having trouble finding color photos of the Rothko Harvard murals in their original settings (shot to show placement/context within the rooms and amid their furnishings, rather than showing details in the paintings themselves). If not on the web, is there a book containing such photos?
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:56 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:56 AM PST - 4 comments
What is this mental condition called -- and what might I do to help it?
I constantly think about the past and what I "should have done" -- for big decisions (what I should have named my child, why I should have joined the Peace Corps) -- to little decisions (what I should have ordered at the restaurant; what lipstick I should have worn this morning.) It is seriously affecting my life. Help? [more inside]
Job Advice, Performing Arts edition
By some turn of fortune's wheel I find myself with not one but two job offers in my highly competitive performing arts field. I can't do both - the timing perfectly overlaps. Both have a number of things going for them. I have to decide on May 6. I feel paralyzed by the choice and on the verge of despair. Hope me? [more inside]
How can I stop worrying and learn to love Slack?
I just friggin' hate Slack, or at least what it is doing to my workday. I feel like I am losing an hour a day to watching ping-pong matches that I can't ignore because it will be hard to capture what's being discussed later (and/or people drop references to things they're asking me to do in the threads, sometimes without @mentions). [more inside]
Help me make the most of Vancouver this August
My SO is teaching a summer course at UBC this August. I'm tagging along with our two kids, 7 and 10. Help me make this an amazing month for all of us. [more inside]
posted by motdiem2 at 7:43 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by motdiem2 at 7:43 AM PST - 12 comments
What are some mathematical or scientific principles of poker?
I'm trying to get a list of things (equations, theories, etc) we know about poker or gambling in general in terms of scientific or mathematic principles. It can't just be game theory. it's got to be specific aspects of it. And I mean ANY aspects of it. Hot hands. Beginner's luck. Inside straights.
Is there any way to fix this laptop screen problem?
Last night, while watching a tv episode, my laptop screen did this. This morning, after installing the most recent video driver and copious shut-downs and restarts, the problem is still here. Sometimes the bottom 3/4 is flickering like it is continuously refreshing at a stuttering rate, sometimes it is still. [more inside]
posted by zyxwvut at 7:03 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by zyxwvut at 7:03 AM PST - 5 comments
perpetual sore throat
I've had this sore throat for the past month. [more inside]
Podcasts with the topic "all the things this person is interested in"
Can you recommend podcasts you like, where there’s an eclectic set of topics, and those topics are pretty much just all the particular things the host of the show is interested in? [more inside]
New Roof with Aesthetic (?) Issues
I had a new roof installed last August and am not happy with the way the drip edge was installed. The company came out and "fixed" this issue which made it look worse. Is this something I need to worry about? [more inside]
Baking mystery: how to get my cakes to rise?
Multiple times in the past few years I’ve baked cakes from scratch that haven’t risen, and two dutch babies that probably reached a cumulative total height of 6 millimeters. Baking powder doesn't seem to be the issue. Box mixes do fine. I’m at sea level. Controls and variables within… [more inside]
New Multiple sclerosis diagnosis what is next?
Asking for my friend. My 42 year old friend was just diagnosed with very early stage MS. She wants a second opinion. How do you go about finding somebody? Original diagnosis at Cleveland MS Clinic. Willing to travel to MD, DC, PA, or about 6 hours from Cleveland. Ignore insurance issues. TIA!
posted by Coffee Bean at 6:25 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Coffee Bean at 6:25 AM PST - 4 comments
Could the Rolling Stones bar Donald Trump from using Don't Start Me Up?
What is the legal position here? Can a band actually deny someone the right to use a song of theirs in public? Or - providing the appropriate royalties are paid - does the band relinquish all control of the song's usage as soon as it's out in the market? Similarly, could a band bar someone from covering one of their songs? In this case I'm thinking of a case like Noel Gallagher objecting to The Smurfs' plans to cover an Oasis song. [more inside]
What to do about Bob the cat (lung cancer diagnosis)
My 11-year-old cat most likely has lung cancer with a poor prognosis. Aside from the heartbreak, I don’t know how to proceed in terms of surgery versus no surgery. [more inside]
The kid logistics seem overwhelming
My wife and I are expecting our first child in early fall, and she has the chance to travel for work 3 months after the kid is due. But since we have never traveled with a child we are completely overwhelmed by the logistics of getting to the airport, transporting the kid on the plane, getting the kid to the hotel, and back. Can you help us figure out everything we need to consider, and how we'll accomplish this so she feels comfortable with this trip? [more inside]
Should I have chased the shoplifter?
Two days ago, I walked past a shop and its anti-theft system started beeping loudly. I looked into the shop, and a guy was walking out. A shop assistant turned to look, and the guy ran. She immediately chased him. Hoping that I could help, I joined the chase. [more inside]
May 4
What is the best way to help support pro-choice causes?
What is the best way to help support women who are having to terminate a pregnancy or organizations that help these women? [more inside]
What is that major event in Europe at the end of July?
The French embassy in my neck of the woods issued a statement basically saying that, due to an upcoming major event in one of the Schengen countries at the end of July, processing visas would take 10 days instead of the usual 2 days because said country had asked to vet the applicants first.
This piqued my curiosity: what major event could that possibly be? I think it's not the Euro 2016 because that starts in June.
posted by Kwadeng at 10:05 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Kwadeng at 10:05 PM PST - 6 comments
The Financial Burden of Friends' Friends
Three months ago, I stupidly put down my credit card to pay for my best friend's bachelorette weekend away in late May. The bride, four other bridesmaids, and me are staying at an expensive AirBnB, and the other women--none of whom I know well--promised they'd pay me back ASAP if I booked the place. Surprise! Everyone's ignored my very polite emails requesting repayment. Do I involve the bride as an enforcer or accept the money's gone because I'm stupid? [more inside]
How to address ongoing stomach issues with doctor
I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I'd like to go in with some way to talk intelligently about my symptoms and perhaps an idea of what I should be tested for. Symptoms within... [more inside]
OSX - SOCKS proxy for bluetooth tethering?
How do I use a SOCKS proxy in OS X when tethering via Bluetooth? [more inside]
posted by pompomtom at 8:36 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by pompomtom at 8:36 PM PST - 2 comments
Culinary classes and experiences in Boston and Cambridge.
Please give me recommendations for cooking classes, wine tasting and bartending classes in the Boston metro area. [more inside]
Best foosball table ?
My lovely husband has a dream of owning a foosball table and covering it with stickers. He's amassed the sticker collection. Help me find the foosball table ? [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 6:35 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by pintapicasso at 6:35 PM PST - 8 comments
Is there an Italo Calvino museum or historic site?
I really love Italo Calvino's novels, stories and nonfiction. I'm planning a trip to Europe and was wondering if there is any kind of museum or historic site devoted to him (I was imagining something like the Hemingway Museum). Is there a place that would be especially good to visit for a Calvino fan? I've googled a bit but all I can find is his grave in Castiglione della Pescaia.
posted by oulipian at 5:53 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by oulipian at 5:53 PM PST - 2 comments
How much does a Caribbean cruise realistically cost?
I am interested in taking a Caribbean cruise but not spending every penny that I have. As such, I am wondering how much it realistically costs to do a cruise, on a line like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, if I do it "middle of the road" in terms of extras. In other words, I would do a lot of the free stuff, but pay for some extras--occasional non-included meals, drinks, and fun. Do you have any thoughts about what it realistically would cost to do, for example a 5-day cruise? How to maximize fun on a budget? Other tips?
posted by mortaddams at 4:54 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by mortaddams at 4:54 PM PST - 13 comments
how do i emotionally disconnect while remaining supportive?
My spouse has got it rough, and I'm arguably the strongest pillar in his support network. Lately, though, I'm finding myself completely emotionally destroyed after offering him the support I've promised him. I need coping mechanisms to maintain my own emotional stability while still remaining supportive to my sweetheart. [more inside]
posted by blue t-shirt at 4:31 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by blue t-shirt at 4:31 PM PST - 6 comments
How to find a concert as a gift for my parents as a 50th anniversary?
My parents live in San Diego. This year is their 50th wedding anniversary. My idea, since they love music, is to find a concert or show that they could enjoy together. [more inside]
posted by abirdinthehand at 4:10 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by abirdinthehand at 4:10 PM PST - 6 comments
Way Back Machine to Early 90's Techno Songs - Skinny Bumblebee
Desperately trying to find a techno / EDM song from the early 90's - all I can remember is a lyric that sounds something like: "skinny bumblebee", but kind of drawn out, like "ski-i-i-innnny bumblebee". High BPM dance song. Had it on a mix tape which is now lost to the sands of time.
posted by mysprocketisborked at 4:05 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by mysprocketisborked at 4:05 PM PST - 6 comments
Looking for "low woo" couples counselor in Honolulu
I'm looking for a couples counselor in the Honolulu area who isn't a big proponent of anything religious/"Eastern"/mystical/etc. Degrees from accredited universities are preferred. I've already checked the Psychology Today website without much luck. [more inside]
Why are spiritual mediators characterized by self-denial?
Brahmins, shamans, priests, ascetics, monks, holy kings - all of them have some kind of taboo or another that prohibits sex or the tastiest food items. Jesus, Buddha, and Moses all had intense experiences of deprivation and self-denial before spiritual zeniths. My question is - why is that those individuals considered the most spiritually powerful are also taxed with the most prohibitions or expected to have undergone difficult and costly experiences? [more inside]
Should I get a Solidox torch?
There's one for sale on Craigslist for $20. Anyone used one? Know where I can get the Potassium chlorate "solid oxygen" pellets? [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 2:39 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by sibilatorix at 2:39 PM PST - 4 comments
You climb girl...um, I think
Are there any concerns I should have about my daughter doing a lot of rock climbing in terms of possible impacts on her physical development and growth? [more inside]
I will survive
He broke up with me. I'm not bitter, but I am in pain. I'm looking for fiction or non-fiction books about starting again from nothing. I have When Things Fall Apart and I've ordered a used copy of Eat, Pray, Love. What else can I read that will help me get to the other side of this?
Cross-Cross Country Move
I need advice to prep for a cross-cross-country move! I moved to Palo Alto, CA this year to live with my boyfriend, but I left most of my things (no furniture, just books, clothes, personal stuff) in storage in Philadelphia. My boyfriend is a student so I knew this was short term and didn't want to deal with bringing all my things to CA.
Then I got a job! In Wisconsin! I start in September so I have time to plan this. Basically, the problem is I have my things in two different coasts and need to have them end up in the middle of the country with me. And I don't own a car.
I will be buying a car but I need to figure out if it is more cost effective to rent a car (don't put mileage on a new car/don't register it wherever I buy and then in WI) or get a car in Philadelphia and do the move.
I need to get to WI in mid-August, so I have to bring together all the stuff from CA (not too much stuff, but a bit more than two suitcases), then Philly to pick up all my winter stuff, and land in WI. Since I don't have an address in WI yet I can't send stuff ahead, which adds to the problem. Suggestions on how this can be streamlined are welcome!
How to promote a Kickstarter for a book about video games?
This is a question for Metafilter users who have run Kickstarter campaigns (successful or unsuccessful) in the past. What worked for you? What didn't? I'm looking to learn as much as I can. [more inside]
posted by smashthegamestate at 1:36 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by smashthegamestate at 1:36 PM PST - 20 comments
Where to buy a smart ring in the San Francisco Bay Area?
I'd like to buy a smart (bluetooth, Android) ring for my BF for his birthday, which is only a couple of days away. Google shows a few websites selling these but no actual shops. Anyone know of a physical location where I could buy one of these? Thanks!
Podcasting on WP?
Is there a good podcasting plugin for WP? Or do I need to roll my own? [more inside]
Dealing w/ a gifted 11 year old's Sensory Processing Disorder meltdowns
My 11-year old daughter is an incredibly smart, straight-A student. She's in the gifted program, she scores in the 99th percentile on pretty much every standardized test, she reads at a 12th grade level. She has a gift for coding and she makes her own apps. She also has sensory processing disorder, which results in hide-in-a-corner-and-cry meltdowns. [more inside]
posted by Ostara at 12:52 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by Ostara at 12:52 PM PST - 36 comments
What do I do with this room?
We just bought a new house. Yay! It's a 140-year-old building with a formal entryway (!), which is a room unlike anything I have ever lived in. What should I do with it? [more inside]
What do I do about this ingrown toenail?
What job can I train for in six months?
What job can I train for in about six to nine months with a reasonable chance of getting hired withing a year? [more inside]
Clarifying a breakup over email- good or bad idea?
I broke up with my boyfriend of two years two days ago (on Skype, since it was a long distance relationship). I'm horrible at expressing my thoughts and emotions in person/by voice, especially when I'm upset, so the Skype breakup involved a lot of crying and me not being able to answer his questions properly. It was really horrible and I feel terrible. My question is, now that I've had a couple days to calm down and think more clearly--would it be okay to send him a single email that more coherently says everything that I want to say, but didn't get to say? [more inside]
What's the legal situation with "tiny" houses in Los Angeles?
I'm researching building a tiny house in Los Angeles and I'm looking for building code information. Short of going through the building codes (last I checked the codes are upwards of 6,000 pages) with a finished design, I can't seem to locate any sort of basic summary or "must have" list of features a tiny house has to have in order to be considered up to code. I also can find zero information about the status of trailers or if you could skirt the building code by simply building it on a trailer.
posted by Socinus at 12:20 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Socinus at 12:20 PM PST - 7 comments
up in the ear
How do I know when it's safe to fly after having an ear infection? [more inside]
iPad Pro or iPad Air 2?
My 2nd gen iPad has finally given up the ghost after half a decade. With tax rebate in hand, I am considering a purchase of a new one. But which? [more inside]
Can a cologne possibly smell different when applied in another state?
Just before a trip to Seattle, my girlfriend went online and bought me a new bottle of the cologne I use. When I sprayed it on in Seattle, it smelled really different than it normally does and didn't seem to last long at all. But now that we're back in Denver, it smells fine, just like it always has. It it possible the elevation or some other factor made that much of a difference in how the stuff smells? [more inside]
posted by Clustercuss at 11:44 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Clustercuss at 11:44 AM PST - 8 comments
Where are the cheese crackers of yesteryear?
CVS Gold Emblem Cheese Crackers used to be awesome. They changed. I'd like to find out if anyone still makes them the old way? [more inside]
How did you become a morning person?
Night person here...Hello! Wanting to hear from people who actually successfully switched from being night people to being morning people. [more inside]
Travelfilter India: what to do with one week in India
If you had only a week, what's a great destination for a dad and 2 kids? [more inside]
posted by OHenryPacey at 9:55 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by OHenryPacey at 9:55 AM PST - 13 comments
Why does my computer think it's in India?
I am in the US and have never traveled to India. Today, websites started acting as though I am in India (e.g., the Google website had a popup asking if I want to change my default search to google.in, and another shopping website showed prices in rupees). Why is this happening? Is my ISP (comcast) giving me an IP address that is being interpreted by websites as being in India? Or should I be worried about a virus or malware that is making my computer act as though it is in India?
posted by Mallenroh at 9:30 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Mallenroh at 9:30 AM PST - 6 comments
Best new books on obesity research (that are not weight-loss guides)?
I really enjoyed Gina Kolata's Rethinking Thin and Ellen Ruppel Shell's The Hungry Gene, but they were published in 2008 and 2003, respectively. Presumably quite a bit of research has been done on obesity in the last decade+, and I'm wondering what the best books are that cover it broadly. I'm definitely not looking for how-to diet guides, but also not necessarily interested in authors with a pointed agenda (HAES, anti-sugar, etc).
Married but interested in younger/beautiful girls
I have been married with an older woman for about 4 years and now I have developed interests towards younger girls. [more inside]
posted by wondering_man at 8:19 AM PST - 57 comments
posted by wondering_man at 8:19 AM PST - 57 comments
Summer sublet in Somerville stalling?
I have to leave my three-person Davis Square apartment at the end of May, and need someone to take over the lease for June- August. I've been looking for a subletter with the blessing of my two roommates and landlord. I wrote a brief, nice description for Craigslist, posted tons of pictures of a tidy and sunny apartment, and was happy to see that my monthly rent was a little bit cheaper than many other rooms on Craigslist in the area. I prepared myself for a deluge of responses and then... got a single response over the course of the next two weeks, from someone who did not end up pursuing it. [more inside]
Architect not providing his work, but he's a friend. What do I do?
I'm trying to do some medium-sized renovations, but my family friend architect is letting us down and stalling the work before it starts. How should we deal with him in order to get the work done in a decent amount of time, without the budget going crazy? [more inside]
Short and sweet
Is there a benefit to disclosing a disability to your employer that does not require accommodation on their part?
Easiest Way to Create an Interactive, "Multi-Factor" Game/Exercise?
Programming-challenged foodie here, trying to create a cooking activity for a staff event: From a list, you choose ingredient A as a starting point. Then you choose other ingredients to add to A (D and W, say), and see the result: A+D+W—a dish you can make at home. How can I create something (digital, paper, or otherwise) that allows people to choose any ingredient, add any others, and see a possible resulting dish? [more inside]
Files on my phone that my PC can't see
I have a 3rd generation Moto G with Android 6.0. When I connect it to my PC with a USB cable, there are files that exist on the phone - mp3's and photos - that are invisible to my PC. There are other mp3's and photos on the phone that are not invisible.
Why can't my PC see these files? Is there a way to make them visible? Is there a faster way to move these invisible songs and photos from my phone to my PC than copying them to Google Drive and then downloading them? [more inside]
Bamboo Plant Labels: how to make them last
We have been labeling plants in a public garden with 1 inch bamboo and black text printed on clear all weather label tape. These labels don't last as long as we'd like them to and we're looking for ideas on how to fix this so we don't have to replace 40% of them each year. [more inside]
Where is my Mac (and maybe my iphone?) hiding stuff I may need?
Tomorrow is my last day at a job I’ve been at for years. For all that time, the company has owned my only computer and my only phone. Much of what’s on both is the company’s, and of course I’ll leave that behind. There are some personal documents that I know are mine, and I know how to keep them. Is there other stuff tucked away on the Mac or the iPhone that I may want to keep? What, and how? [more inside]
I happen to know the day is Wednesday.
Aftermarket HID or LED headlights on new cars?
I'm looking at a new car purchase and have noticed that the "better" headlights (HID or LED) are typically only available on the highest trim level or with an options package that includes a bunch of other features that I'm a lot less interested in. What should I know about doing an aftermarket install of HID or LED headlights on a new car purchase in the US? [more inside]
May 3
Do I mention a nasty personal rumor to a colleague at work?
Over the weekend a very nasty rumor regarding one of my colleagues at the office reached me, and I'm troubled about what to do. It would damage him if it reaches the wrong ears. Should I tell him that this rumor is making the rounds? Would you want to know? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:43 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by anonymous at 11:43 PM PST - 35 comments
When can I get my license back
I lost my license to a medical suspense when I lived in Virginia. I currently live in Colorado. Which state laws do I have to follow? [more inside]
How to stop getting frequent colds
I get colds a lot. How can I stop getting them so frequently? Also, how can I make the duration of them shorter? [more inside]
Three Men in a Longship (To Say Nothing of the Dog)
Looking for information for an upcoming summer trip to Scandinavia. [more inside]
Should I knock this paper wasp nest down?
A paper wasp has started building her nest on the air conditioning unit in front of my window. Should I knock it down at night or leave it up? [more inside]
Keeping my dog's ears after she dies
I want to save my dog's ears after she dies, but I'm not sure what I need to know & do. [more inside]
How to deal with bumping into a stalker-y former friend in public?
Soon, I'll be face-to-face with a former friend who's been harassing me. What are some things I can say/ do to get out of there, while also keeping the public 'scene' to a minimum? [more inside]
posted by (F)utility at 6:17 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by (F)utility at 6:17 PM PST - 22 comments
car restraint for grade school-aged child
My 7 year old goes to a special-ed school that some in the district refer to as "the school for violent children." In the car, he thinks it's funny to undo his little brother's seatbelt and/or beat his brother up.
I need some way to safely restrain him in the car.
living in Islip, Long Island
One of my favorite brothers has a job opportunity that would bring him to the East Coast from a small town in the Midwest (Yay!). Specifically, he would probably move his family to Islip, Long Island. He called to ask me what the area was like and I had no idea how to answer him. I live in North Brooklyn and have only been to Long Island a couple of times for brief visits. So I'm asking here for any insight into what life is like in Islip. I can find some facts online, of course, but nothing that gives and inside view of day to day living. Is it really expensive to live there? What is the culture like? Anything unique and wonderful about the place? Does it totally suck? [more inside]
posted by catrae at 5:25 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by catrae at 5:25 PM PST - 3 comments
Funky Trash/Recycling Center in Greater Seattle Area. Dream or reality?
I have vague childhood memories spent stopping by a waste drop-off / recycling center in the the Greater Seattle Area. My family would drive through deposit different items in large receptacles. Was it for donations? Getting rid of trash? Who knows. All I remember was that each receptacle was maybe the size of a two-person tent and had a different color. They also had faces on them! They looked like DOTS Gum Drops with cartoon faces, kind of like Pacman Ghosts. There were maybe 8 of them? Stumped. [more inside]
Help me make my trip to Sweden awesome.
I decided it's time to visit the Motherland, and I have no idea where to start. (It won't be this summer, but probably next.) [more inside]
Advice on a new blog I want to construct
I have run an ad-free blog for over 12 years. My site gets good traffic, is free, and I have enjoyed putting it together each day. Since I am retired and have lots of time available I thought of initiating another blog that would aim at boomers, those feeling the need to think of the future, retirement, health, and yes, even death and the inevitable pains of aging. What topics, issues, areas should I consider, and would you, as a reader of my question here, think such a free site might be of interest? [more inside]
Easy-clean leakproof 20 oz. coffee mug with loop or strap?
I'm looking to upgrade my carry-everywhere coffee mug. [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist at 2:31 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by ottereroticist at 2:31 PM PST - 14 comments
Vegan traveling to New Orleans with non-vegan parents
So, have been vegan for just a little while now, and living in San Francisco, it's been great. However, I have a trip to New Orleans planned in a couple weeks which wouldn't worry me that much except I'm meeting my folks there and they're definitely not vegan. [more inside]
posted by garethspor at 2:29 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by garethspor at 2:29 PM PST - 21 comments
Google's Chrome browser is refusing to forget my passwords with LastPass
I've used the Chrome browser with the LastPass extension for years, and for years it's been set to refuse automatic access to accounts such as Facebook, metafiilter, GMAIL, etc, unless I type in the master LastPass password.
Suddenly, this has changed, and Chrome refuses to forget my passwords....it's driving me nuts! [more inside]
Ceiling light bulb hole?
What do I do with this ceiling light bulb hole? [more inside]
posted by drthom at 1:59 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by drthom at 1:59 PM PST - 8 comments
Work Username Etiquette
Is it ever okay to ask someone what their LDAP work username stands for? [more inside]
posted by Annika Cicada at 1:42 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by Annika Cicada at 1:42 PM PST - 32 comments
How should I create an awesome customizable searchable database in 2016?
Technology keeps changing and I know you guys are on top of it more than I am... so helllllpppp!
We want to create a database of detailed text information, photos, videos, links, etc. (whatever I can find) that can be tagged and accessed easily when we're looking to provide a client answers on a topic. Before we compile and input it all, I want to make sure we're using the best possible resource to build it instead of just throwing it all into evernote or Excel without looking into other (possibly better, easier and more flexible) solutions. [more inside]
Godbaby's christening gift
What should we get our godbaby for his christening present? [more inside]
All art must be easy?
I remember reading a philosopher say something to the effect of "all art should appear easy" or "all art should be easy to make." Anyone have any ideas who this might have been? I think maybe it's somewhere in Nietzsche or Schlegel.
Mechanism design
A simple mechanism made of two identical gears can be used to reverse the direction of rotation without changing the speed of rotation. Is there a simple planar linkage (e.g. 5-bar or 6-bar) with only rotary joints and rigid links that can do the same thing? [more inside]
posted by Behemoth at 12:48 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Behemoth at 12:48 PM PST - 23 comments
Is there a time limit for Medicaid to recover funds?
When a person who is on Medicaid dies, how long does Medicaid have to recover funds from the estate? [more inside]
Minecraft minefields
Please help me understand minecraft pocket edition. My son is 7 1/2 years and initially I was fine with him playing minecraft. He was building stuff, planted carrots and had dogs, and was flying around. But suddenly he is using weapons. I put an immediate stop to it by banning minecraft. But I would like to find out if there is a way to get rid of the weapons and return to the childfriendly version as he really enjoyed it. [more inside]
posted by 15L06 at 11:55 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by 15L06 at 11:55 AM PST - 22 comments
Please help the world's pickiest drinker drink.
What are your favorite drinks or cocktails that are both low carb and don't involve anything sugar-free? Even more caveats inside! [more inside]
posted by moons in june at 11:21 AM PST - 46 comments
posted by moons in june at 11:21 AM PST - 46 comments
Must-Sees and Manners in Montréal
My girlfriend and I will be visiting Montréal in a couple of weeks, and I have a few questions on both suggested sights to see, and local etiquette. [more inside]
Moving to Ann Arbor, need help finding a school and summer child care!
What are good summer and fall school/child care options for a kindergarten-bound child in Ann Arbor, MI? [more inside]
Dog Friendly Day(s) Out In Seattle
We are having some major renovations done in our house that require myself, my husband and our small dog to be out of the house during the days that they are working, including some weekend days. Rather than stashing the pup in doggy daycare, what should we do with ourselves in the Seattle area? [more inside]
Living with ex. It's going well. How do I keep it going?
How do I keep this going?---We're best friends living together--2 gay men---after 7 year relationship . My mental health nosedived, I got angry 24/7,my lover became a caretaker who kept me from worst impulses--he quit his job for years just to deal with my harmful ways. But now we have a house, lots of dogs, a fledgling business. Finally getting the right help, I've stopped playing destructive head games. I miss partner but best friends thing is actually working better than much of the relationship did. We actually talk more, get along better. what gives? [more inside]
posted by caveatz at 10:27 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by caveatz at 10:27 AM PST - 15 comments
How to Try to Get Value at Work
For a number of reasons, I don't feel valued at my current workplace. I know what I ultimately need to do, but what do I do about my feeling useless and lack of hopelessness in the meantime? [more inside]
Money Management when I'm not there to manage it
What should I do with a not insignificant amount of money that is sitting in an account in a different country? [more inside]
Is getting work done on a house always an challenging experience?
Can you share any best practices for working with vendors?
We bought a older house that needed some work about five months ago and it's been a frustrating process. Countless contractors and other home repair folks have come through the house. I'd say about 3/4 never follow-up with an estimate (unless prompted repeatedly). [more inside]
Dental implants failed - keep trying?
My mom, who's pushing 80, had several dental implants procedure done (for a full upper denture support). Each time after the procedure, everything looked ok and at the follow up check up, the bone seemed to be healing properly and implant was a success. However after a year or two, some would start to become loose and when another x-ray was done, there was bone loss around them. She's thinking of doing another round of implants with another doctor - should she do it? [more inside]
posted by 7life at 8:40 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by 7life at 8:40 AM PST - 4 comments
Cranberry Juice and Seltzer vs. Soda
Is mixing this cranberry juice with equal parts seltzer genuinely healthier than drinking something like ginger ale (Canada Dry, nothing fancy) or just healthier on paper? Assume that at the most I am drinking no more than 16-24 oz per day of either the cranberry/seltzer mix or straight ginger ale.
60s music for a visitation.
My friend's mother passed away. She loved 60s music, particularly Peter Paul and Mary. In her home, I found CDs of Peter Paul Mary, John Denver, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens. I know she loved the song Turn Turn Turn and Signs [more inside]
How to make the best of a ten pound bag of kasha...
I recently discovered buckwheat. Great! I ordered a giant bag of it from Amazon, and instead of raw buckwheat I ended up with ten pounds of kasha. Oops. What can I do with it now other than eat it for breakfast? Difficulty: no eggs or dairy.
What's a good present for a young teenager who likes drawing anime?
I want to spend $50 US / $70 Australian on a birthday present for a young teenager who likes drawing anime-ish figures and hasn't got arty friends or other external resources. They have an Ipad Air, but I was thinking of books, plus maybe some nicer paper and/or pens? The stuff they like drawing is mostly Gothic-like figures in formal poses, it might be good to help them branch out a bit too.
Mattifying & Sheer Foundation Suggestions
Makeup wearers of Metafilter- what can you recommend for a foundation that is both sheer AND mattifying for a person with naturally "dewy" skin? [more inside]
Hiring a personal trainer/nutritionist while sick?
I've suffered from a chronic illness for many years. I've come to the conclusion that I need to jump off the endless doctor visit merry-go-round and focus on pain management and quality of life instead. I think a personal trainer would help with that, but I don't know anything about them. [more inside]
posted by backwards compatible at 4:20 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by backwards compatible at 4:20 AM PST - 12 comments
May 2
How can I get free PR for my small business doing the right thing?
I'm a small business owner who's recently decided to raise the company's minimum wage to $15 across the board. Sue me, but I'd like to find out if I can translate this into some free press coverage. [more inside]
How/where do I sell a motorcycle?
I do not know how to drive a motorcycle yet I am the owner of a super cool 1976 BMW R75/6. What is the best venue for selling it and how do I make that happen as a non-driver? [more inside]
Is My Computer Infected?
Today, I was on my Windows laptop and a command prompt window opened, which changed from red text to green text really quickly, almost too quickly to catch. I wiped and re-installed Windows, and now, the same command prompt popped up again! Screenshot: here. Is my computer infected? How can this be with a full wipe and re-install?
posted by xingcat at 9:03 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by xingcat at 9:03 PM PST - 7 comments
Later in life to lose my virginity; afraid to sleep with someone new.
I lost my virginity at age 29 to my long-term boyfriend (a little over three years) and we recently broke up. Now that I'm starting to date again, I'm having a hard time imagining being with someone else. And I'm not sure how to sleep with someone who I'm not in a relationship with. Can you give some advice on how to ease into new sexual relationships?
Magical Unicorn Carrot
So, last year I applied for an internal position for a different department... [more inside]
posted by museum of fire ants at 7:53 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by museum of fire ants at 7:53 PM PST - 13 comments
Surviving territorial pissings
I have been put in charge of beautifying a tiny patch of land in nyc, what should I plant in it? [more inside]
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 7:20 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 7:20 PM PST - 7 comments
Help me buy a spin bike!
We're in the market for a spin bike for our home for high-intensity interval training. I've started doing research and have come across various reviews and buying guides—brands, flywheel weight, resistance type, belt or chain, etc. I'm looking for help on a few items. [more inside]
The war on daydreaming
I have been working on meditating. It's definitely helped me in several ways. But now this app is telling me to stop daydreaming. I love daydreaming. I'm conflicted! Can I ignore this? [more inside]
posted by Kalmya at 7:03 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Kalmya at 7:03 PM PST - 18 comments
Help connecting Airport to Internet
Weird situation. I have two Mac computers right next to each other. One recognized the wifi on the Airport and logs in no problem.
The other sees the network but can’t log in.
I’m usually pretty say with these things but no luck resetting airport, running diagnostic tool or rebooting.
I’m stumped. only thing I can think of was I used the utility privacy scan and it might have tossed some Finder cache files.
Any help would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks
I got an IRS refund check today, even though I already paid my tax bill
In my mail today was a check from the IRS, made out to myself and my wife, for exactly $4000. The check and additional literature in the envelope said it was our tax refund. The thing is, we owed money this year, and I paid it via electronic check when I filed; the exact amount due came out of my checking account the next day. So what should I do with this thing?
How To Know if Heating/AC ducts should be replaced?
My place has forced heat. I'm getting quotes to cut in AC. Most reviews I read say the person who quoted the job said they should replace their ducts, and this seems like a typical upsell. Sure enough, at the first quote, the guy suggested replacing my ducts. How do I know if I need to do that or not? [more inside]
Not another narcissist? (covert)
I recently started dating a guy who seems great in a lot of ways, but a friend recently suggested he might be a "covert narcissist". Both of my previous relationships have been with overt narcissists and ended pretty badly, so naturally I'm not happy to hear this but am willing to consider it a possibility. [more inside]
Flying with kids, how paranoid do I need to be about safety?
We're flying with two small kids in a month. The younger is barely under two, and we planned on taking her as a lap child because the tickets are $$$, and it'd be nice if the four of us could sit together in a three seat row. And we're driving on the other end, so we had planned to check both kids car seats.
The internet is making me feel like this plan is tantamount to letting them play with bottlerockets, matches and switchblades in a highway medium, and that I am an unfit mother who doesn't love her children for even considering it. [more inside]
posted by pennypiper at 4:07 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by pennypiper at 4:07 PM PST - 27 comments
How do I deal with my in-laws' rejection of my veganism?
I've been vegetarian for 25 years; mostly vegan for 4-5. I don't claim to be vegan but I don't eat or cook meat (I am our family's homemaker). Almost all of my friends/relatives are not vegetarian or vegan. Most are fairly considerate when sharing a meal. Whenever I share a meal with my in-laws however, there is little consideration of my veganism, and most of the food includes meat. How can I deal with the perceived hostility, and how can I get enough to eat? [more inside]
posted by mrgrimm at 3:59 PM PST - 88 comments
posted by mrgrimm at 3:59 PM PST - 88 comments
Snapchat for olds
I'm getting ready to start busking, and I got a Snapchat account at the advice of a few other buskers. I'm not sure how to use it. [more inside]
Holocaust museum and water bottles
I'm visiting DC, and visited the Holocaust Museum today. I had an unsealed bottle of water, which I was allowed to bring in. However, the security officer asked me to take a sip of it first. Why is that? A Google search wasn't very insightful. Thanks!
posted by cozenedindigo at 3:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by cozenedindigo at 3:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Staying in Lahaina in June - what are your recommendations?
We'll be there in early June, with access to a car, for about a week. Accommodations are sorted, but we'll be free for most of the days. This thread had lots of great recommendations, but I don't want to miss anything. Two adults in average shape, neither of us are SCUBA certified, but we might like snorkeling. Looking online has my head spinning.
posted by korej at 2:58 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by korej at 2:58 PM PST - 9 comments
Please help me find my favorite Inc. trousers (Ladie's edition)
My favorite pants, the ones I'd wear to work every day if I had more than one pair, have seemingly been discontinued. Please help me replace them. [more inside]
posted by nubianinthedesert at 2:53 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by nubianinthedesert at 2:53 PM PST - 7 comments
Mindfulness that doesn't make me want to crawl out of my skin?
I want to be more mindful, in the sense of the general "Mindfulness" ethos. But meditation drives me out of my gourd. What can I do? [more inside]
Forgot to return the car I am leasing!
I am leasing a car. I just noticed the "maturity date" was yesterday, meaning I forgot to return it on time. Doh!
I feel like a total idiot, but then I was under the impression that there would be tons of notice about how to schedule an inspection, etc., so I wasn't expecting to need to pay close attention to when it needed to be returned. I haven't heard anything--no mail, calls, nothing. [more inside]
Does everything have to be so creepy all the time?
A few weeks ago I bought some stuff at an Ann Taylor Factory outlet for the first time in my life. I did not give them my email address. I started receiving marketing emails from them nonetheless later that week, to my main gmail account. [more inside]
Sporadic or unpredictable payroll?
I've got a web development firm classified as a single-member LLC filing as S-Corp, and as such I pay myself a regular salary. It's just that for the past year I've been on sabbatical, and my salary has dropped to near zero. [more inside]
posted by jacob at 12:30 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by jacob at 12:30 PM PST - 4 comments
So It's Come to This: Selfie Stick Recommendations
I'm going to be doing some solo traveling and I've decided to swallow my pride and buy a selfie stick. I've consulted The Wirecutter, but their recommendation is averaging really low reviews on Amazon, so I'm hesitant. I have an iPhone 6 and I will be using it for photos and videos. Can anyone share their recommendations?
I want an ebook app (for mac) that does these things.
I've read a lot of reviews of ebook readers, but short of downloading all of them, it's hard to tell if they do what I want them to do. I also have a question about ebook devices. [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:12 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:12 PM PST - 16 comments
The Koln Concert by Keith Jarrett (1975)
I am seeking suggestions for music similar to (or would be enjoyed by someone who likes) "The Koln Concert" by Keith Jarrett. [more inside]
iPad Air 2 Accessories & Advice for a Tech Un-Savvy Senior
I'm seeking advice for the right accessory solutions and ways to remotely help my 80-year-old mom with her new iPad Air 2. [more inside]
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 12:10 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 12:10 PM PST - 1 comment
Kid introduced to holocaust history too soon. How do I fix this?
My 7-year-old came home from religious school with a lot of questions about the holocaust, a subject we hadn't talked to him about yet. Now he's freaking out and I don't know how to frame the conversation. Help! [more inside]
Tattoo inspiration needed please!
I'd like to get a tattoo which expresses the following concepts or mantras; just do it/don't overthink things/say yes to all opportunities and if live gives you lemons - make lemonade/be grateful for what you have. However, I'm having trouble coming up with ideas for how to represent these things graphically. [more inside]
posted by neilb449 at 11:48 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by neilb449 at 11:48 AM PST - 17 comments
Required Facebook Malware Scanner?
I have encountered a Facebook "malware scanning checkpoint" that is trying to force me to download something it claims is Kaspersky Malware Scanner. That's got to be a hack, right? How do I get rid of it? [more inside]
In with the new
In June, I'll be moving out-of-state to take a management/director position. The person who holds the job now is retiring; he has asked me if there's anything he can do to help prepare for my arrival - he wants to make the transition as smooth as possible for me and his staff. If you've experienced something similar, what was helpful for you (or would have been helpful)? [more inside]
posted by infodiva at 11:03 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by infodiva at 11:03 AM PST - 4 comments
Ikea Warranty
Any experiences with Ikea warranties? We are girding our loins for a return and want to be best armed. [more inside]
Looking for "horror stories" of computer virus infections
I need to put the fear of God into some foolish, negligent users. I'm looking for examples of organizations that were hit with some kind of horrible malware (like CryptoLocker) or had sensitive data stolen -- all because of a really stupid action by an employee. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 10:19 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by alex1965 at 10:19 AM PST - 21 comments
"It certainly does suck."
What is the best cordless vacuum money can buy? I hate vacuuming so much and am totally overwhelmed by the market for cleaning machines. Which one will help me tolerate the most loathsome household chore since mopping? [more inside]
Keeping airtight containers of clothes fresh
So I've purchased some good airtight storage containers to keep my winter clothes in during the warm months. I'm confident they will keep the moths/mold/mildew/dust out. But what's the best way to keep the clothes smelling fresh when I open it next year? [more inside]
How to grow tender squash
Why are my yellow squash growing tough, leathery skins like a gourd? [more inside]
Any good non-dairy alternatives to butter for your toast?
My wife has to go non-dairy for health reasons (severe heartburn). She's OK with the non-dairy stuff in baking. But when she spreads it on toast, she said it is awful. So far she has only tried the Country Crock stuff and Smart Balance.
Obviously she is not expecting a real butter experience on toast/bagels but she would like something better than awful.
Any recommendations?
posted by luvmywife at 8:30 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by luvmywife at 8:30 AM PST - 44 comments
New relationship - how can I learn to chill the *&#! out?
So, I'm in a new relationship, we've been together about 2 months. Although I liked him from the beginning, he was slightly keener and always the one arranging dates, etc. I told him I was a slow burner, he was ok with that and happy to go my pace. [more inside]
How would you update, but keep, kitchen cabinets?
Good recent biographies or autobiographies (books preferred)?
For a friend's birthday, we are looking for good recent (last 5 - 10 years) biographies or autobiographies. Books are best (and available as paper rather than ebooks), though if there is an excellent movie available as a dvd that would work also. [more inside]
posted by gudrun at 5:59 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by gudrun at 5:59 AM PST - 21 comments
How to support my grieving mother when I'm grieving too?
My mother is not coping well with my grandmother's impending death. My mother and I have a complicated and not particularly close relationship, and her coping style is hitting a lot of nerves about the crappier aspects of my childhood and I'm finding it really difficult to support her while keeping my own head above water. Any advice or stories from people who can relate would be appreciated. Wall of snowflakes below the cut. [more inside]
posted by hotcoroner at 5:56 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by hotcoroner at 5:56 AM PST - 9 comments
How to age and not become mentally/socially rigid and cranky?
My husband points out that as people age (40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond), they become cranky and rigid, and previously benign idiosyncrasies become more pronounced. Everyone in my family has died young, so I have little experience with this. What's the science behind this, and how can we avoid this happening?
posted by metarkest at 5:13 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by metarkest at 5:13 AM PST - 32 comments
Why did you pick a small SUV/CUV or a compact hatchback?
We are looking to buy a new car, and are deciding between a small SUV/CUV (like a Ford Escape) and a small hatchback (like a Ford Focus.) For those who have had to make the same choice, what made you choose one or the other?
Invasive boundary tree--pruning to death?
There are several established invasive trees on my neighbor's side of our property line. By right, I can have overhanging limbs removed. At least one of the trees has all of its limbs on my side of the line, and I presume removing them all would kill the tree. Am I in my rights to do so? [more inside]
Done with the rat race?
I've been working in a social work profession with the public for ten years. I'm burned out and ready for a change. My spouse is supportive, we have the $$ to go to one income, but I'm hesitating. [more inside]
What made your teaching demonstration successful?
What can I do in 30 minutes to demonstrate my teaching skills in an unfamiliar context? [more inside]
How do I do this next bit? Moving on to a PhD.
I'm near the end of my Master's degree. I have one semester left which will be a research project with a 10k-word paper at the end. I know I want to go on to a PhD next but I dont know how this stuff works. [more inside]
posted by stellathon at 1:10 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by stellathon at 1:10 AM PST - 8 comments
How do you find a really good professional organizer?
I am a messy, clutter-loving packrat and my partner is a minimalist. And we live in a one-bedroom apartment. Can a professional organizer help me/us? If so, how can I find a good one? (Does anyone have Seattle-area recommendations?) If you've done something like this, how has it worked out for you? [more inside]
posted by fermion at 12:16 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by fermion at 12:16 AM PST - 6 comments
May 1
Free online transcription software?
I have some interviews to transcribe- some audio only, and some video, each about 45 minutes long.
Is there any free or cheap app or software that can take the whole file at once and spit out a reasonably accurate transcription?
posted by pseudostrabismus at 9:36 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by pseudostrabismus at 9:36 PM PST - 5 comments
Footage of people with bipolar, schizophrenia, & other disorders?
I'm looking for video documentation of bipolar, schizophrenia, and other similar disorders. I don't want interviews but real footage of someone having a manic or delusional episode.
Nothing with kids, please.
posted by atinna at 9:02 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by atinna at 9:02 PM PST - 22 comments
What is the deal with that jaw pain I get when eating something sweet?
Every so often when I'm eating something very sweet I'll get a pain at one or both of my jaw joints for ten seconds or so (once in a great while it lasts several minutes). From a recent conversation I discovered that it's pretty common for other people to get this too - or at least the ten-second version of it. But what is this? What is this phenomenon called (surely it has a name), and what causes it?
Should I bring up an issue of listening skills after one date?
I value listening skills in a partner. I was surprised to find that a man who was responsive, curious and affirming via online message didn't bring the conversational energy I expected when we met in person. Can I communicate this to him after our first date? [more inside]
posted by ramenopres at 8:40 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by ramenopres at 8:40 PM PST - 21 comments
Availibility / Reliability of Uber Family in NYC
My wife and I are taking our 17 month old to NYC for Memorial Day weekend. We are flying into and out of LGA, and our plan is to take public transit as much as possible, but to use Uber Family (which provides a car seat) to make a couple of key connections. We are especially concerned about the end of our trip, when must get from Midwood in Brooklyn to LGA. We'd like to use Uber Family, but we don't know how reliable it is in that area. [more inside]
posted by Maastrictian at 8:05 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Maastrictian at 8:05 PM PST - 9 comments
Am I acting like a child or do I have a legitimate complaint?
I just lost out on the chance to pick up some responsibilities at work that I really wanted and thought I was promised. Now, instead of enjoying my job like I used to, I am mostly am just upset. Are my feelings justified? Should I cut my losses and leave? [more inside]
posted by Krop Tor at 8:04 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Krop Tor at 8:04 PM PST - 13 comments
Receiving Over the Air Channels in Haiti
How can I watch over the air broadcasts on a projector in Haiti? [more inside]
posted by sicem07 at 7:59 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by sicem07 at 7:59 PM PST - 1 comment
unhive me
After 20 something years of never getting hives, I've now had three temporary attacks of hives in the past three or four months. Could you help me work out what is going on?
Many details inside. [more inside]
posted by kinddieserzeit at 7:39 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by kinddieserzeit at 7:39 PM PST - 9 comments
Adult braces and bad breath
Did you experience a worsened case of bad breath when you got braces (as an adult)? [more inside]
Validate my itinerary! Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland
My partner and I are flying from the US into Melbourne on the first of July and leaving two weeks later. The arrival and departure flights are booked, and now we're looking to lock down our travel schedule within Australia and between Australia and New Zealand. How ambitious is this itinerary? [more inside]
posted by treefort at 7:02 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by treefort at 7:02 PM PST - 15 comments
Recommended exercises in preparation for Bach Partita in d minor
Violinists of mefi, can you suggest any etudes, scale studies, or other exercises that you have found helpful in preparation for playing the d minor partita? Thanks [more inside]
posted by vaguelyweird at 7:01 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by vaguelyweird at 7:01 PM PST - 6 comments
more like wordpre$$ amiright
I would like to convert a custom-built paid membership website to Wordpress. What is the best paid membership plugin? [more inside]
How is choreography/dance preserved?
Not too long ago I saw a production of West Side Story and as you might expect, the choreography was similar to what was in the film, what the other revivals have done, etc. I presume that it was being true to the original choreography as well, but now I'm very curious about how dance/choreography is preserved and passed on. How is it generally done? I assume that film/video recordings preserves a lot of choreography/dance, but what what was done before film and video recordings? [more inside]
Are radar detectors still useful?
I'm heading out on a US west road trip soon (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah) and was digging out my old radar detector when it occurred to me that perhaps there isn't any point to them anymore. I haven't used it in about 5 years. My detector is an old BEL 980 (X, K, KA, and laser). I'm not interested in buying a new one. I typically disabled the X and K bands, too many false alarms. The laser warning never went off, not sure it even works. But 5-10 years ago the KA band warnings were very effective. Still worth hooking up for the trip?
posted by cosmac at 5:14 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by cosmac at 5:14 PM PST - 4 comments
Which LA Beach vacation?
I want to take my family to the beach in LA for a vacation in July. Which beach will be less crowded and best for my daughter to dig giant sandcastles? [more inside]
posted by Margalo Epps at 3:22 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Margalo Epps at 3:22 PM PST - 11 comments
Help me develop a taste for coffee
I want develop a taste for coffee. I taste it and I'm like, ugh, how do people even drink this? But my wife drinks a pot of coffee every morning, there's a goddamn Starbucks on every corner, and in the office, there's a line at the coffee machine. Clearly, I'm missing something. Assume I'm a total newbie. Assume I could buy every gadget or type of coffee on the planet. Where do I start?
London! Wine us, dine us... er, we'll take care of the rest.
Romantic evening in London in mid-May. I'd like some recommendations on classy restaurants. [more inside]
posted by SquidLips at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by SquidLips at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments
Vyvanse & Sertraline in Germany?
I moved to Germany last week after an extremely busy and stressful few final months in the US, and I am now realizing that I never worked out how to deal with my medication situation. I've been taking Vyvanse and Sertraline (generic Zoloft) for ADHD and anxiety, and I'm wondering what to do in a few weeks when I have gone through the supply I had when I left. [more inside]
posted by dondiego87 at 1:44 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by dondiego87 at 1:44 PM PST - 16 comments
Travel suggestions in Italy
we are driving around in Italy this month and would love suggestions for the must-see, the off-beaten-track, the delicious [more inside]
posted by supermedusa at 1:04 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by supermedusa at 1:04 PM PST - 10 comments
Other world street fashion and culture postcard sets like Fruits?
Back when I worked at a college bookstore, I was lucky enough to pick up the first collection of Fruits postcards, depicting amazingly eclectic and inspiring street fashion in Japan. Shoichi Aoki's photos have been above my living-room couch for the past 10 years. The question: Are there any other street-fashion or similar world-culture postcard sets like this you'd recommend? [more inside]
Where can I find a knitting pattern for this half-sweater?
I am trying to find a knitting pattern for the sweater in this set of pictures. Does anyone have any pointers? [more inside]
posted by tel3path at 12:34 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by tel3path at 12:34 PM PST - 13 comments
Skateboarding in Montreal, Cool?
My wife and I are going to Montreal for our anniversary, and are trying to figure out whether or not we should bring our skateboards. [more inside]
iPhone weirdness: please explain
Mr. BlahLaLa and I each have an iPhone 4s -- same phones we've had for years. Just in the last few days we're experiencing a weird phenomenon when both phones ring at once. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:06 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:06 PM PST - 6 comments
European-Themed Prizes for Eurovision Party
In a couple weeks, we are hosting our annual Eurovision Song Contest viewing party. There will be a realtime contest among party guests to predict the winning countries, and we plan on giving the winners European-themed prizes. In years past, we've given European-themed candies, drinks, card games and foods. (Yes, I know a couple of those are a stretch.) We'd love more suggestions, whether you have specific ideas about the former, or an alternative we haven't thought of at all. Looking for items in the $1-10 range.
Adult / Toddler friendly TV shows?
Our Friday night ritual is to watch a TV show with our two year old. So far we've been working through old Muppet Show episodes, and Wallace and Gromit, both of which she loves. However, us adults are getting a little tired of these and looking for something else to add into the mix. Do you have recommendations for other shows which are likely to be similarly appealing to both the two year old and the parents?
Things to do in Brussels?
Have a long weekend in Brussels, any suggestions of things to do? [more inside]
posted by photo guy at 11:12 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by photo guy at 11:12 AM PST - 9 comments
Is Quicken for Mac any good?
After years of neglect Intuit is finally supporting Mac users with a full version of Quicken again. But is it any good? [more inside]
How do we get rid of mold mites?
We live in a dry climate but have an unventilated bathroom, and have developed a stubborn case of mold mites in the room. Despite cleaning on a regular basis, they keep coming back. I scrubbed the floors, ceiling, walls, and all surfaces with Lysol for three hours on Thursday and somehow this did not completely eradicate them; I saw them appear again today. I'm at my wits end. [more inside]
Books about technological change and society
I'm looking for great books about the history of how innovation and/or technological change affected society. I want to know about both the direct effects a new technology had and the indirect effects on employment, regulation etc...
Interested in books that look at how a single technology changed society and more sweeping overviews. Interested in any time period.
posted by roolya_boolya at 10:19 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by roolya_boolya at 10:19 AM PST - 16 comments
How to include personal busy/free in work google calendar?
How can I make my personal and work google calendars play nice together? I'd like to avoid having work meetings scheduled when I have personal commitments with a minimum of effort. [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 8:11 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Cogito at 8:11 AM PST - 7 comments
Vacation locations with no cars, anywhere in the world?
I took my family to Venice (Italy) recently, and one of the wonderfullest things about the trip was that there were no cars, which meant my kids could run around freely without having to worry about and stop for auto traffic. It made a world of difference to the experience. They were so happy and I was so relaxed. Where else in the world can we go where there are no cars? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 7:53 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 7:53 AM PST - 38 comments
Vegan/Vegetarian Options on the Grand Circle Route?
In late spring, I will be taking a road trip with some friends through the southwest. We'll stop at grocery stores to get a cooler and provisions, and we'd prefer not to eat entirely in restaurants, but that will have to happen sometimes. One of my friends is mostly vegan, definitely vegetarian, and I am somewhat skeptical of dining options in small rural towns. Where can we find decent food on our route? [more inside]
Cornwall calling...
My 15 year old anglophile and I will be visiting England this summer. After a couple of days in London we would like to go to Cornwall/Devon for 4 days. This is about all the time we have. Difficulty: I don't want to drive. [more inside]
posted by flourpot at 6:17 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by flourpot at 6:17 AM PST - 30 comments
did you happen to read a recent article about a trend spotter?
I can't find this again so I can read the whole thing... a recent article about a man with an unusual job. He visits people in their homes and spots trends. He does this up to 300 nights per year.
Did you happen to read this too or know of this person? I just wanted to read about it.
How long should I stay with an ailing parent, if I'm deeply depressed?
...Jeez, even typing that sounds bad. My mother has been given 2-3 weeks to live, based on a diagnosis of Acute Leukemia. She's also got a compromised immune system, due to a liver transplant over 20 years ago. I flew out immediately when she was given the diagnosis, and it is now going in to our 3rd week. She's a fighter, and I knew that. But I'm a continent and several time zones away from my life and my job and so very depressed. She's still going strong - - tired, but strong. And I don't know what to do. [more inside]
A sense of humor is a terrible thing to lose.
One of the consequences of getting older and doing daily battle with the 21st century is that a person's sense of humor takes a beating sometimes.
I'm beginning to wonder if there is some positive action I can take to keep from losing my sense of humor. All my life it has been my primary coping mechanism and main tool of social interaction. And now more and more I feel it weakening and slipping away. Can you exercise it and make it stronger? [more inside]
How do I start a conversation with my brother's widow?
How do I start a conversation with my brother's widow? After twenty years of silence, I decided it was time to talk to my brother again. I looked him up and just found his obituary. He died in 2013. It says he'll be missed by his two beloved brothers. He has three brothers. I have his wife's phone number here and I have no idea what to say, or if I should say anything at all. I can't find contact details for my other two brothers.
Options for torrenting, while sharing zero bits?
Hello, all.
Anybody who knows me will tell you, I am all about privacy. I'm an American, I want my privacy, and I want to come and go as I please, without feeling I'm being tracked by anyone. So, as a general technology inquiry, I would like to ask you, what would a persons options be if they wished to download a torrent file without sharing a single bit? [more inside]
posted by tellUwut at 1:34 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by tellUwut at 1:34 AM PST - 10 comments