Ask MetaFilter

Hospital discharged a woman with schizophrenia that seemed to be experiencing psychosis (positive and negative symptoms), was expressing suicidal thoughts, and was acting in a way that was a danger to herself and others (through erratic, not violent, behavior), and when returning with her to the ER, they more or less said "we're going to leave her in the waiting room until she's leaves, and that's not our problem." The reason they gave was that she was a regular, and she already saw the psychiatrist and he discharged her. They screwed up, right? [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 11:43 PM PST - 16 comments

I'd like an Android app that doesn't just block or limit distracting apps - but instead pops up a custom list of alternative activities to pick from. Like "Would you like to A) Keep scrolling, B) Listen to music, C) Go for a walk D) Do the dishes". Does something like this exist?
posted by pablocake at 6:54 PM PST - 3 comments

If you had $20,000 to invest, what are some self-employment ideas for a major metropolitan city that don't have a particularly high barrier to entry via skill, experience, and training? [more inside]
posted by Jack Karaoke at 6:34 PM PST - 10 comments

I know, I know, but...TL;DR my groceries rode around town for five and a half hours. Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by Calzephyr at 4:50 PM PST - 19 comments

Can anyone identify this image? I have what I think is the original artwork, which I'm guessing was made into a print or a magazine image. Appears to involve the history of printing. I tried Google image search with no luck. Thanks!
posted by Joan Rivers of Babylon at 3:43 PM PST - 11 comments

After a long overdue replacement of our boat's batteries, we have concerns that our charging system might be overcharging the new ones. We have questions about what the appropriate behavior should be. Lots of details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by 0xABADBABE at 2:59 PM PST - 5 comments

Everything Everywhere All At Once already has a lovely soundtrack. I'm looking for songs related to the themes of the movie so I can make my own playlist. [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 2:47 PM PST - 7 comments

I was given this stone shard years ago by a friend who said he picked it up on the ground in Tibet. Can you tell me anything about what the the writing is about? Not a full translation. Just some sense of what the subject matter is would be great. Photo
posted by Jackson at 1:57 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm in the reference check stage for a new job. I am worried that they will reach out to a previous manager who I had a bad relationship with. Is there any way to mitigate this or is it an it-is-what-it-is type of situation? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 1:53 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm a Canadian citizen who's been living in the US for decades, as a resident alien. I'm increasingly feeling that I don't want to stay in the US much longer. My wife and I are in our late 50's. If we wanted to try to move to Canada and semi or full retire there in another decade, can it be done? What would be the process? [more inside]
posted by Another Sock Puppet at 1:42 PM PST - 9 comments

Mr. Flew and I have 10 days to spend and a rental car to spend it in in Sweden in June. What shouldn't we miss? [more inside]
posted by LeeLanded at 1:14 PM PST - 8 comments

While assisting a friend in putting together an event, he said some offensive things. [more inside]
posted by Rumi'sLeftSock at 1:10 PM PST - 29 comments

My son spilled half a glass of water across his MacBook Air (M1) keyboard last night. We have AppleCare Plus on it and as far as I can see water damage is included in the “accidental damage” scenarios it covers. Laptop was still working when we shut it down, but I know the risk of rust or corrosion is still there after the machine dries out. What are our next steps? [more inside]
posted by sesquipedalia at 12:49 PM PST - 4 comments

It’s generally accepted that when you’re the parent of a child misbehaving, you’re expected to take responsibility for the misbehavior. Does the same apply to eldercare? [more inside]
posted by eirias at 12:35 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm unable to attend, but my partner is going. Is it possible to easily and safely sell the ticket at the race? Are there legit websites to sell it on? I've only found one (viagogo). Neither of us have social media accounts, nor have we been to a race before. I have one ticket for all three days. Thanks!
posted by racersix6 at 12:16 PM PST - 3 comments

I know -- in a layperson sense -- that crewed missions in orbit, such as the International Space Station, aren't actually in zero-gravity, they're in constant free-fall around the Earth that gives the illusion of zero gravity. And I know that LaGrange points are places where the pull between the Sun and the Earth "cancels out", allowing things to remain stable. So my question is, how far would one need to get from the Earth, the Sun, the entire solar system, before the effect of gravity is negligible enough that it could be honestly rounded down to zero? Assuming some kind of magic spacecraft that could get you wherever you want and stop on a dime.
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 10:58 AM PST - 26 comments

Is there any solid data on what electoral strategy can most likely work best for Democrats in national general elections in terms of policies and tone? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 10:28 AM PST - 6 comments

32 year old cis woman and my bloody hair is falling out; likely causes are stress, crash dieting or medication change. Looking for tips on both styling and advocating for myself at the doctor. [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 9:44 AM PST - 27 comments

I just got back the result of "Reactive" on a test for mono. It's through a hospital system patient portal (rather than LabCorp) and the only information I have about the specific test done is that it says "Heterophile Ab" (presumably that's antibodies) and "Infectious Mono Reflex." [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 9:39 AM PST - 2 comments

The tread's completely gone on my classic crocs and they always fit a bit too loose and slid around more than I preferred, so I am looking to replace them with another durable, easy-on, water friendly, outdoor shoe for chorin' and gardening and noodling around the farm and the occasional trip to the store or the dog park. [more inside]
posted by drlith at 9:20 AM PST - 21 comments

Twice now in the past month I’ve had a dream where I’m 1) a famous person 2) at an awards show 3) futzing with my makeup last minute before I have to be “on” 4) the makeup is going terrible 5) I just kind of roll with it. I can get the generic idea but was hoping for some deep reads. [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 9:17 AM PST - 5 comments

I haven't looked for a rental in thirty years - back when you looked at newspaper ads. How do people do that these days? Anything specific to the Salt Lake City area? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 9:07 AM PST - 5 comments

My husband and I are moving from Portland, OR to New England to be closer to my mom. We're looking at Providence, RI. What are some things we might love there? [more inside]
posted by actionpact at 8:09 AM PST - 20 comments

We're planning out a year ahead, to Summer 2023 - ideally, we're looking for a beautiful location in a town or small city (or a nice, safe neighborhood in a larger city) where the food is good and people are friendly. We want to be charmed and want to create memories that make us want to come back some day. [more inside]
posted by steve.wdc at 7:46 AM PST - 9 comments

After years of getting my hair all twisted around them, having them just plain snap (even the ones for "thick" hair), feeling like they pull my hair painfully, and of course losing them, I've decided that I'm done with hair ties. Any alternatives? I've seen banana clips around the Internet, but is there anything else? And if so, do you have recommendations about specific ones to buy so I don't end up with a bunch of flimsy Amazon junk? [more inside]
posted by elzpwetd at 7:41 AM PST - 37 comments

1995, my elementary school's computer lab: One of the computers has software on it that can access and search articles from hundreds of newspapers in real time via the internet (not the WWW, which barely exists at this point). What could this software have been? Why did my school have it? [more inside]
posted by aws17576 at 7:39 AM PST - 17 comments

I have created a couple of scientific posters using Adobe Illustrator in the CMYK color space. The designs use a lot of transparency effects, such as drop shadows and gradients. In the past, I've had some issues at the printers (say, Kinkos), where the gradients have hard edges or the transparencies are not transparent. I managed to solve those problems, but I can't remember what I did or whether it was necessary to go to those lengths. Help me send the printer the best file for the job. [more inside]
posted by Don_K at 7:31 AM PST - 4 comments

What are your favorite low-end cars? [more inside]
posted by pepper bird at 7:29 AM PST - 30 comments

I stayed with my partner at an Airbnb last week on vacation. On the day we left the host messaged me claiming someone on their property had seen an "unauthorised third person" leaving on the day we checked out, and is now attempting to charge us an extra fee for this person via Airbnb's dispute service. There was no third person, but I can't prove that. Looking for advice on how to proceed. [more inside]
posted by terretu at 7:25 AM PST - 13 comments

My 8 year old daughter is doing a week of sleep-away camp for the first time this summer with two cousins. We’ve got everything on the camp provided list and multiple books. I’d like to get her some neat little gadget, game, clothes or wearable that will make her first camp experience just a little bit more enjoyable. Could be practical or not!
posted by bitdamaged at 6:59 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm looking for a particular documentary about a competition between two groups of students who were tasked with determining what was the mechanism behind an apparently perpetually spinning wheel. It has completely evaded my Google-Fu, which makes me think that some of my memories must be faulty. Here are the faulty memories: [more inside]
posted by Didymium at 4:51 AM PST - 5 comments

My cuddle-buddy cat smelled Benadryl gel on my fingers and more than a week later, we're both still Very Unhappy about it. This despite showers (for me, not the cat), laundry, treats (for the cat, not me), feliway, etc. [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:23 AM PST - 10 comments

A couple years ago I read an article about when we have an imperfection, and we look in the mirror our brain takes a snapshot of the imperfection. The next time we look in the mirror we see the imperfection plus the snapshot that our brain took before, and it takes ANOTHER snapshot and over time (in the case of dysmorphias particularly) the imperfection is magnified so massively that what we are seeing is hardly even connected to reality anymore… [more inside]
posted by pairofshades at 1:27 AM PST - 2 comments

I am in the throes of an almighty crush on a creative collaborator and it’s making me insane. I’m looking for examples of similar relationships that faded to something productively manageable, so I have some hope about where this is headed. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:42 PM PST - 20 comments

I volunteer for an organization, and we need to be able to stream some cameras 24 hours a day, so that a large group of people can look at the feed. Basically, a security camera, except it needs to be online 24 hours a day, and needs to be accessed by many different people. What do I get (cameras) to do this, and how should I set it up. [more inside]
posted by markblasco at 7:59 PM PST - 16 comments

A few weeks ago I saw the live-action rendition of The Haunting of Nightvale, by Nightvale Presents. It was a wonderful experience for both me and my young offspring. I am trying to find a transcript, or recording, or ... something that will help me find the content of Cecil's final (or near-final) monologue. The usual sources are not bearing fruit. [more inside]
posted by armoir from antproof case at 6:59 PM PST - 6 comments

At the beginning of May, I moved into a studio unit in Contra Costa County in the East Bay Area, California. My landlord suddenly made a sexual pass at me over one week later, and I have been dealing with retaliatory behavior. I have written him an E-mail that I will send to him tomorrow regarding being forced to vacate. I have signed a new lease for a different place beginning on 6/15. Would anyone be able to proofread the letter, please? [more inside]
posted by Jangatroo at 6:23 PM PST - 38 comments

On Saturday night in Toronto, I lost a piece of my portable keyboard, which is essentially irreplaceable. I did so on a walk on Dundas West between Grace and Sorauren with a cut through Trinity-Bellwoods. I'm desperate to get it back and it'd be useless to anyone who finds it. I don't have social media of any kind. How should I do it? [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 5:47 PM PST - 21 comments

Last summer, my kids, then 11 and 13, and I had a book club. We picked one book that we all read over a two month period, meeting weekly to discuss a few chapters at a time. I’d like to do the same this summer and could use recommendations for books that will appeal to people with a variety of tastes. [more inside]
posted by scantee at 5:30 PM PST - 24 comments

Close family members (cousins) are leaving me out of their “cool girls club”; I don’t understand why and and it’s making me very upset. [more inside]
posted by Riverside at 3:19 PM PST - 25 comments

I logged into my work email today from home (for the first time in a long time) and got a popup window that I (foolishly, yes!) did not pay much attention to, but apparently Google created a new profile (?) using that work email. When I log back into my regular email, I am still apparently in that profile and without any of my bookmarks. And logged out of all my regular sites (like this one), and no saved passwords either. [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 1:26 PM PST - 2 comments

This is a bit of a Hail Mary: I'm enrolled in a Japanese language course in Kyoto starting in July, I was intending to hand in my notice at work and for my apartment tomorrow, and last night I learned that the apartment agencies affiliated with the broker I'm using (Go Go Nihon) are all fully booked, at least until September. Staying in an airbnb for a few months seems the obvious answer, and I asked the Go Go Nihon agent about this last night but they did not reply. Could there be any issue with doing this?
posted by my log does not judge at 11:10 AM PST - 5 comments

My father took a fall this weekend and it seems this is ushering in a new phase: he's not safe returning to his apartment where he lives alone, and will probably need a quality skilled nursing facility. We kids can't really afford an indefinite health care bill of that size, and we're trying to figure it out. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 11:03 AM PST - 16 comments

I have become increasingly in need of OUTSIDE TIME. Especially as the window in my apt suck. I do not have a balcony so I'm limited to outdoor public spaces. I have tried working on either computer tasks and/or paper tasks and they've been troublesome. Looking for ideas. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 10:43 AM PST - 19 comments

What it says on the tin. I got my first two shots in one state and my booster in another. Both states use SMART health cards (the QR code ones), which I have accessed and downloaded. Is there any way to get all three shots to show up on the same vaccine record? Will organizations (airlines etc.) accept two different QR codes as proof of vaccination + booster?
posted by goodbyewaffles at 10:16 AM PST - 2 comments

Ballpark estimate, what kind of fees can I expect to pay as the recipient of an ACH transfer? I know what my bank will charge me to receive one, but I'm wondering what the sender's bank will charge, and whether any intermediary bank will also charge me. [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 9:48 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm trying to find a web-based graphic novel/webcomic, and google is not working. [more inside]
posted by Balthamos at 9:00 AM PST - 3 comments

Is there supposed to be gravel in my sump pit? [more inside]
posted by Mid at 8:02 AM PST - 1 comment

If you have used rapid tests to guage your infectiousness at the end of a bout of covid, did you get fainter positives before testing negative? [more inside]
posted by the primroses were over at 8:01 AM PST - 10 comments

Recently I heard a parent scold a misbehaving child: "Behave or you'll get a TooToo". What does that mean? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:02 AM PST - 4 comments

I have sleep issues and sleep much much better when it's about 55 degrees in my room. To help with mental and physical health I really want to prioritize creating the right conditions for good sleep, but 55 degrees or even 60 is not practical or even always doable in the summer. My last thread was asking about cooling blankets, but this one is a more open-ended request for experiences with options beyond fans or cranking the A/C, like Chilipad, BedJet, water-cooled systems from random brands on Amazon, etc.
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:32 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm in my mid-fifties and have had the same job for the last 15 years, but now I need to find a new one. The problem is I have no idea about even the most basic elements of job hunting anymore given all the changes that have happened during the last decade and a half. I could, I think, find a job doing what I'm doing now, night shift hotel work, or other hotel gigs, but I really need a change. My question is how does one find jobs nowadays and what are the basic expectations in applying and interviewing and so on? I mean what is the norm for clothing for interviews now, what are the best methods for finding something in a new field and what is the process like? Are smartphones expected as a given or are zoom meetings largely standard now? [more inside]
posted by gusottertrout at 4:03 AM PST - 11 comments

I am looking to translate the word "sound" (as in "logically sound") into the same version of Greek that the word "democracy" is derived from. I tried several ancient Greek dictionaries however none of them seem to be the one I am looking for based on trying to search for the word "people" and seeing if the result is "δεμοσ" (the search results keep coming up with "αγησίλαος" or "ἀγορή" however nothing at all resembling "δεμοσ").
posted by defmute at 1:49 AM PST - 4 comments

I am looking for advice, numbers to call and general information. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:55 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm not in the market, but just curious: A long time ago I had a friend who had her large intestine removed due to ulcerative colitis. She was quite thin and could eat anything and as much as she wanted and remain very thin. The large intestine absorbs lots of calories. Without that, it went right through her. Seems like instead of limiting stomach volume and all the problems that causes, removing a large intestine would also work. But I've never heard of that. How come? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 10:41 PM PST - 9 comments

I am a US citizen considering a temporary move to Italy next fall. Help me figure out if the Digital Nomad visa is an option! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:17 PM PST - 3 comments

I have my 6 and 4-year-old nephews for the weekend and it's become apparent to me that Pokemon will be a big part of their lives going forward. I have no desire to become an expert but I'd like to at least be able to understand what they are talking about. [more inside]
posted by Constance Mirabella at 10:11 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm not going to be able to avoid humanity forever, so if I have to leave the house and put on real clothes, what should I wear in order to look like I know which year it is in North America? Are there any key pieces I can buy to update my wardrobe? [more inside]
posted by rpfields at 9:32 PM PST - 10 comments

Please give me your recipes for favorite veggie sides -- difficulty: Has to be low carb AND low acid. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 8:57 PM PST - 12 comments

The book had a male author and male protagonist, set approximately in the present day. It involved physics, string theory, and some mystery that the male protagonist has to unravel. [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 8:17 PM PST - 4 comments

My son is bringing his new girlfriend home from college. She has celiac disease and type I diabetes, is mostly vegetarian besides, and follows my insta, where I post a lot of pictures of cake. [more inside]
posted by shadygrove at 8:03 PM PST - 13 comments

I’ve always had a sensitive stomach but recently it’s gotten a lot worse. Basically looking for some feedback and / or inspirational tales of gastritis that went away :’( [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 7:52 PM PST - 6 comments

I spent a lot of my 20s chronically ill. While my health issues haven’t quite gone away, I am so much better now and almost feel like my 21 year old self (I’m in my early thirties FWIW). My issue is that I mourn those lost years every single day. I couldn’t work, couldn’t start a PhD programme, was stuck at home for years. How do I get over that period (and myself!) and move on? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:09 PM PST - 10 comments

I need to move some things across the US, and I don't know the best way to do it. [more inside]
posted by moonbeam at 3:27 PM PST - 16 comments

Looking for beginner-level weightlifting videos of whole routines that include lots of cues for good form. I’d like to follow along with a workout that includes cues like “tuck your shoulder blades down and in, keep your palms facing forward” for every move, for the duration of the workout. Not a video about how to do a good squat, but rather someone doing the workout and giving lots of repetitive cues throughout. [more inside]
posted by abecedarium radiolarium at 1:45 PM PST - 8 comments

I’ve dislocated three ribs. Usually I see someone who does body work who puts them back into place for me, but he has covid. You are not my doctor or my PT but maybe you have some relevant experience? I absolutely will not do anything that seems like it will further injure me, and I’ve got a pretty good sense of that. So please! If you have gotten your ribs or someone else’s ribs back in place please share how?
posted by Bottlecap at 11:53 AM PST - 7 comments

I’m looking for freeware video editing software (Windows) that will let me highlight and export sections of the audio. Bonus points if I could add notes or bookmark those sections as well although this is not a requirement. I have zero experience with video editing so forgive me if this is a silly question. Thanks!
posted by Diskeater at 10:58 AM PST - 6 comments

I saw some people doing what I think was this: eating fruit with a fork, out of a Cheetos bag slit open along the long edge and held sideways (like a bowl) [more inside]
posted by Gorgik at 9:01 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm a 45-year-old single guy in the US. I have, like, eight friends – and none of them ever want to *do* anything. I'm bored and, frankly, lonely. Help? [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 7:39 AM PST - 60 comments

How do we stop cats from squishing our heating ducts? [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 5:29 AM PST - 8 comments

As a multi-cat multi-litterbox owner for decades, I've noticed that our cats tend to organize litterbox use in specific patterns, and those patterns change as cats come into and leave our lives. Is this common among cat owners? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 5:02 AM PST - 17 comments

Several distinguished gentleman have a rip-roaring argument about whether horses stand up front legs, or rear legs, first. One of them eventually loses patience and leads them to the stable where he raps a post causing the horses to arise, and settles the matter. I suppose you could describe it as 'LMGTFY in olden tymes'. I so want to quote this anecdote with source, but my patchy recollection of it hasn't proved good enough for Google to help me.
posted by BCMagee at 4:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Asking for a friend, unrelated to this week's tragedy in Texas. More info inside. [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 4:22 AM PST - 3 comments

I am a new(ish) office manager for a very small company (~20 people). A department manager is having a hard time learning their own job, managing their own people, and their communication style is rubbing people the wrong way. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:40 AM PST - 7 comments

My friend has bought a couple of these oil cartridge vape pens but they don't last more than a few months. [more inside]
posted by a humble nudibranch at 12:27 AM PST - 9 comments

Please tell me about your favorite soft, cozy throw blanket - that doesn't shed excessively, isn't made of a knit that snags easily, doesn't look gross and matted after washing, doesn't hold so much static charge that you turn into a human Tesla coil, and looks good too.
posted by keep it under cover at 8:21 PM PST - 9 comments

My good friend (he/they) has recently found themselves blocked from their “women with Lymes” fb group for calling out ableism and transphobia in the community and from participants and admins. They are trans, disabled, and have lymes. Can you recommend queer friendly, woke etc lymes communities online?
posted by Grandysaur at 8:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Several years ago I was a state university employee who contributed to the classified pension plan (OPERS), and also a vested amount in a Individual Account Plan (IAP) I guess. I have like, too damn many of these accounts, what are my options to consolidate? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin at 7:36 PM PST - 1 comment

My 13 year old daughter belongs to a running club. Her coach in encouraging her to join the Gold Group which is made up of mostly high school kids. Supposedly certain 13 and 14 year old girls can complete with high schoolers. Every Monday there is a informal run where the Gold Group crosses a 60mph road here in Austin to head down towards the lake. I really want to support my daughter here but I am having a really hard time supporting this. [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized at 7:09 PM PST - 26 comments

A year or so ago I remember reading a story, maybe on Metafilter, that was on a blog of some kind. In the story, we moved from fast food style places running things with headsets telling workers what to do to that happening in offices to AI taking over almost all jobs and humans living in depressing public housing. Also there was something about everything being licensed and noone owning anything. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? My Google-fu is failing me.
posted by eleanna at 6:56 PM PST - 2 comments

What it says on the tin. I applied for renewal in The Global Entry program, and now they want court disposition docs from an arrest (with deferred prosecution) 50 years ago! [more inside]
posted by dbmcd at 6:52 PM PST - 5 comments

Do the newish (generally synthetic) "cooling blankets" work? How does the experience compare to using a typical woven cotton blanket? I sleep very hot but a top sheet alone is not enough weight for me to feel comfortable sleeping. In case it's relevant, I no longer use top sheets (for better air flow and also because top sheets end up wrinkling and the sensory aspects of that annoy me) with blankets or comforters and would probably not be using them with cooling blankets either.
posted by needs more cowbell at 4:54 PM PST - 2 comments

I've just replaced a water pump on my boat because the old one wasn't working. The new one is being finicky and I suspect I've installed it wrong. Who here knows how water pumps work? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 3:29 PM PST - 7 comments

My scalp muscles have felt tight and sore for years. I've tried the obvious (posture, tension headache meds, massages, anxiety meds and therapy, yoga/stretches). What else should I try? [more inside]
posted by rollcredits at 2:05 PM PST - 10 comments

I’ve written here before about my parents inability to accept my weight gain, and in good faith I would like to take the emotional burden to explain what fat phobia is and how it really sucks to have it directed at you from your loved ones off of myself by giving them some articles or essays to read. [more inside]
posted by nancynickerson at 1:36 PM PST - 9 comments

For some years now, I (cis-het M, 42) have stuck with a particular model of New Balance sneakers, buying an equivalent pair each time the old ones wear out. However, my wife is not a huge fan of the style of these (they look like "old man shoes" to her). I don't entirely disagree with her, but I like how these shoes fit my feet. Are there other brands or models out there, New Balance or otherwise, that have the same comfort & fit aspects as these but are more stylish? [more inside]
posted by Johnny Assay at 1:16 PM PST - 21 comments

Where can I watch, stream, or buy BBC Two's 1982 miniseries The Bell? [more inside]
posted by hayvac at 1:07 PM PST - 2 comments

I am a member of a volunteer task force. I am concerned about our time running out. Can you suggest any phrasing to the co-chairs or the group, to help us be more productive and efficient, or should I just try to just accept the situation? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 1:02 PM PST - 5 comments

This is my question: Have you, or anyone you know, been able to lose weight while taking psychiatric meds? I’m not looking for weight loss advice from people who aren’t taking these meds. I want to hear from people who have experienced this particular side effect, from a drug that they require to live a healthy life. [more inside]
posted by furtheryet at 12:40 PM PST - 17 comments

Trying to find an anecdote about a (possibly well-known) man who is sent upstairs by his wife to change his clothes before a dinner party. When he doesn't come back down, she goes searching for him and finds him asleep in bed. The joke being that he took off his clothes like he usually does before going to bed and just... kept going. [more inside]
posted by logicpunk at 12:34 PM PST - 3 comments

What tense is this sentence: "He could not make himself join Dr. Walsh at the illuminator, would not look at the cross-section of his skull." Also: can you recommend a general introduction to US English grammar? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 11:40 AM PST - 13 comments

I have a really specific language need but I also realize people teach how they teach and at like $8/half hour it's maybe not reasonable to ask for tailoring. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 10:26 AM PST - 6 comments

I just broke my ankle real bad (details inside) and would love to hear general advice about what to expect (I've never broken a bone before) and specific advice about things I can have or do that might be helpful [more inside]
posted by velebita at 10:26 AM PST - 17 comments

What I remember of it: There's a woman singing "Hallelujah", along with other words; in the video, they're on bleachers, outside, I think. (The lead vocalist and the woman singer.) [more inside]
posted by nonethefewer at 10:11 AM PST - 4 comments

An ophthalmologist prescribed me a daily dose of 100mg of doxycycline to keep my blepharitis under control. I've been taking it for 10 years. My new doctor is advising that I wean myself off it. But it's the only thing that has worked! [more inside]
posted by majorsteel at 9:36 AM PST - 10 comments

Our 12 year old son had a fall from a wall last night and broke his nose badly. ER doc said scans show multiple breaks though septum isn’t broken. It was really, disturbingly askew to one side when it happened. So, sent home with out anything on it and a referral to an ENT. What next? [more inside]
posted by purenitrous at 9:17 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for examples where an irritant is turned into a good thing [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 8:47 AM PST - 19 comments

Where do I drop off this old piece of junk? [more inside]
posted by fishhouses at 6:29 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm not American, but I have the idea that there are famous sets of engraved illustrations from the 19th century, showing the "opening up" of the American West, with images of indigenous peoples, as well as natural features like waterfalls and mountains, animals and so on. What am I partially remembering? [more inside]
posted by zadcat at 6:18 AM PST - 9 comments

My friend remembers a young adult, pretty sure Canadian book, probably from the 90s about a kid who was a hockey goalie. He had a propensity to be hit by things, so he would stop goals by putting his face in the way. There was maybe a rubber duck or kid with glasses on the cover. Please help. [more inside]
posted by lookoutbelow at 1:42 AM PST - 8 comments

This is mostly a question not about correct answers, but rather I was wondering about common practice. It is that, when you're peeling veggies etc, do you hold the blade towards you and pull it inwards, so to speak, or do you push the knife away from you? [more inside]
posted by Pyrogenesis at 12:40 AM PST - 22 comments

Lately I've been terribly absent-minded. Scanned my driver's license to check out a book at the library instead of my library card; picked up my mail but couldn't find the mailbox key afterward (I'd left it in the keyhole of the mailbox); I work at a sports center and a kid handed me money to swim, I rang it up and then handed his money back to him instead of putting it in the til. The list goes on and on. This started occurring pretty suddenly about two weeks ago. What is going on?
posted by SageTrail at 7:59 PM PST - 18 comments

We're doing our show tomorrow night after it became a super spreader event 2 weeks ago. Supposedly after 10 days you are not supposed to be infectious. One person told me that on day 10 they are still testing positive. How worried should I be? [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon at 7:44 PM PST - 11 comments

After working at multiple tiny companies, I’ve been working at BigCo for nearly 6 months. When I interviewed, several people mentioned that it can take a LONG time to get small things done. They were right! I’m getting increasingly stressed and exhausted trying to get simple things over the line. I’m looking for survival skills and ways to not totally burn out, since I love the benefits and [relative] stability of BigCo. [more inside]
posted by rogerroger at 4:51 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm a mathematically-minded person, but informally; I was great with math in high school and so-so in college, didn't deal well with calculus, love recreational mathematics on my own terms, and do best when I have a good conceptual basis for any bit of mathematical theory. (I do great with planar geometry. I do okaaay with symbolic algebra.) But I never learned linear algebra and matrices, despite them applying to a *lot* of things I'm otherwise interested in. Where's a good, accessible, concept-driven way to get familiar with lin alg territory?
posted by cortex at 4:46 PM PST - 25 comments

I am curious about how people take care of each other in romantic partnerships when one of them has a contagious virus, flu, bad cold, strep throat etc. This is not about Covid which has its own rules. Assume negative Covid tests and fully vaxxed partners. I'm thinking about normally healthy adult people with regular healthy immune systems, and no other conditions such as asthma or diabetes that might make it riskier to take care of a sick partner. [more inside]
posted by lesser whistling duck at 4:18 PM PST - 30 comments

Like ten years ago, there was a long essay about Mexican politics, the war on drugs, and the CIA. It was written by a veteran U.S. journalist, but as I recall, it was published posthumously (maybe even some of their colleagues helped put the final touches together). It had a title like "blood on the leaves," but my google fu is just completely failing. Does anyone know what I am thinking of? [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon at 4:00 PM PST - 2 comments

I am the most senior person on a small team that is currently without a direct manager. My junior teammate puts their hand up for every task, but does not seek peer review unless he is forced to (which is standard practice in our work). This sometimes leads to more time on corrections or lower quality than if he just ran more of his decisions by me. How do I get this person to want more peer feedback, or should I let it go? [more inside]
posted by slow graffiti at 3:50 PM PST - 11 comments

I really hate that medically-certified HEPA filters are my only choice for cleaning the air. [more inside]
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 2:22 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm brainstorming ideas for a staff-appreciation kind of thing in a southeastern Ontario town and one of the wilder thoughts was "hire _____ to come in and drop in on everyone in the building to give them a high-five through the day." Ideally somebody who is recognizable enough that most people would go "hey, it's ____!" and be agreeably confused. Who? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 1:52 PM PST - 23 comments

If you are or have been a Credo Mobile customer, do you give your experience with them thumbs up or thumbs down? [more inside]
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 1:47 PM PST - 7 comments

I have tried to interloan the e-book edition of The Phytochemical Landscape: Linking Trophic Interactions and Nutrient Dynamics (no hardcopy in NZ). The publisher will only release one chapter, won't loan whole book or the index (I have been able to get Chapter 6). Does anyone here have a copy and would you be willing to look for ~6 words in the index? [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 12:13 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm mulling over renting a Turo (which is a peer-to-peer car "rental" program, which apparently makes a difference for some auto insurance policies). As I'd most likely be going cross-country and back, and as I don't have a car, so no auto insurance, I'd like to make sure I'm insured to the teeth (especially as it'd be a super expensive Tesla). [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 12:08 PM PST - 8 comments

So we've all seen the covid oximeter advice. I'm just curious as it has happened many times during the pandemic that I or someone else has checked oxygen and found it low. But take a few deep breaths and it's normal. If you can easily get yourself into the normal range, does that mean your good, or does the fact that you were low mean you need to be looked at? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 11:49 AM PST - 7 comments

I want to pay a cleaning service or person to restore an empty 1250-sq-ft apartment to "shiny and clean." I've never used a cleaning service before, and this would be a one-time job. Given my location and square footage (see inside), how much should I expect to be paying for a service like this? [more inside]
posted by not_on_display at 11:41 AM PST - 5 comments

Before I reinvent this triangular wheel I thought I'd see if there's already some code that does this. The figure will be an outline although there could be loops (an 8 for example). Failing an existing algorithm, if you have a clever idea feel free to share. The more the merrier!
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 10:19 AM PST - 14 comments

I have started getting form 'thank you for your sign-up/inquiry' emails from organizations and businesses. I have never contacted any of these places. What's going on here? [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 10:17 AM PST - 10 comments

Where can I find a dataset containing the population or pop density of LGBTQ+ individuals *by US city and/or metropolitan area* (not just counties or states)? I can only find data on the largest 50 cities and I need coverage of as many cities as possible. [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 10:13 AM PST - 8 comments

Based on what I thought the answers were in this Ask MeFi post, I enrolled in my former employer's COBRA plan on April 29th. [more inside]
posted by ZenMasterThis at 9:40 AM PST - 6 comments

When I cook bacon I run the grease through a paper coffee filter into a Mason jar. The grease cools into distinct layers in the jar. Should I do something about that? [more inside]
posted by fedward at 9:02 AM PST - 7 comments

If I can't see my clothes, I forget they exist. Help me find the most minimal dresser possible. [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 8:17 AM PST - 19 comments

Is buying a duplex in Portland, Oregon with in-laws a brilliant idea, or a big mistake? Seeking information about co-ownership finances, methods, best practices, and also maybe some real stories. [more inside]
posted by rebent at 8:02 AM PST - 22 comments

Mr. DrGail and I (and our dog) would like to go someplace within about a day's drive of Chicago at the end of August through Labor Day weekend. I would love some help figuring out where that ought to be. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by DrGail at 7:10 AM PST - 8 comments

I moved to Boston 8 months ago and all weather reporting seems absolutely pointless. In Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, etc, they could regularly make accurate predictions about weather. In Boston, it's always way, way off. [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 7:02 AM PST - 25 comments

Looking for refrigerator recommendations. [more inside]
posted by saladin at 7:00 AM PST - 9 comments

My friend is having a mental health crisis, and is unable, right now, to do his job. He's considering taking an emergency leave from work, pretty much immediately, for which his GP will provide a letter. Is this a good idea, and how should he present it to his boss, who does not like him? [more inside]
posted by Susan PG at 6:38 AM PST - 13 comments

Am in day 3 of a Covid infection. Feeling pretty awful but not dangerously sick. Second time I've had Covid. Fully vaccinated and boosted this time. No co morbidities. My brother has long Covid and is encouraging me to take vitamins. I guess it can't do much harm, but can it actually help? Helping me recover faster, lower risk of long Covid? [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 11:32 PM PST - 20 comments

My eleven-year-old likes to write fantasy stories. They're excited about the idea of finding an online community to read other kids' work, find readers for their own work, share feedback. [more inside]
posted by sy at 11:12 PM PST - 5 comments

My insurance company is trying to force my hand into using SaveOnSP for a specialty drug and I'm fighting it. Is this me stupidly banging my head against the wall? [more inside]
posted by dancinglamb at 10:47 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm an amateur costume performer who does an event or two every year dressed as a realistic anthropomorphic wolf. I love it, and I'm not terrible at it! At least, the kids seem to like me and the adults who run the event keep asking me back. I'd like to put together a better act to entertain the kids for a longer period, but I have no training as either a performer or caretaker, don't have kids myself, and I'm a little lost trying to figure out how to do this... [more inside]
posted by hackwolf at 5:56 PM PST - 16 comments

A martial arts movie from a more modern Era with a fight scene in a green bamboo forest where the fighters run up and down bamboo trees, more below.... [more inside]
posted by chasles at 5:55 PM PST - 9 comments

I am trying to recall a young adult fiction book I read in the late 1970s or early 1980s. It was probably written in the 1970s or 1960s. It was about a family who could experience and maybe absorb the pain and sickness of other people making them get better again. I have a vague memory of the setting maybe having been seaside or an island or near some kind of water. The only other thing I remember was reference to the youngest child experiencing intense suffering when another child in town suffered an injury.
posted by cmp4Meta at 5:50 PM PST - 7 comments

When will Everything Everywhere All At Once be available to stream? I will not go to a theater bc of Covid but I really want to watch this movie. I feel silly asking, but cannot find an answer to this after much searching. Thank you so much.
posted by fleecy socks at 5:36 PM PST - 16 comments

Does anyone know a secret way to contact JAL? I've been trying to get in touch with them for two weeks to change a reservation. [more inside]
posted by aramaic at 5:17 PM PST - 4 comments

I experience and observe many unfair situations in life. Often I feel like other people either don’t notice or pretend not to notice. Something about that really bothers me and it makes me ITCH to SHOW EVERYONE the dysfunction. Can you help me understand / control this impulse? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 4:31 PM PST - 16 comments

My (rich but cheap) retired parents are driving occasionally an old minivan with non working Anti Lock Brakes on highways and in cities. How can I convince them to get rid of it? Links, Youtubes, to send them would be great. [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 12:54 PM PST - 24 comments

I am about to start updating a website at work and I'm looking for some inspiration for sites that have nice filtering and searchability for bodies of stuff - catalogues, repositories, databases. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 12:38 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm taking a song writing class and it's a blast. I have made myself laugh so much. How can I easily make simple demos with piano and other instrumental tracks? I'm not doing a&r recordings, just songs for a musical. I am happy to hear about Android, iOS apps and desktop-based software that you use(d).
posted by parmanparman at 12:20 PM PST - 7 comments

I’m teaching myself web development for a second career. Conferences help a lot with advancement and professional ties, as I found with my previous profession. Mentors have also suggested I volunteer at conferences as low-commitment way of experiencing them. What would be a good conference, not too high-level, fun, for me to try out? [more inside]
posted by Roy Batty at 11:59 AM PST - 5 comments

feeling deeply affected and demoralized by the news lately and a country that doesn't care about protecting its people - my own problems and day to day stuff feels really meaningless. all these concerns about jobs and achievements that i was so invested in days ago now seems unfathomable to care about. genuinely can't imagine a better future for the US. [more inside]
posted by lightgray at 11:50 AM PST - 19 comments

My 82 yr old mother tested positive for Covid last week, had very mild symptoms that disappeared, then had mild symptoms again the last couple of days. We contacted her infectious disease doc, who suggested Bebtelovimab. (Paxlovid is not recommended.) I'm now trying to research Bebtelovimab, a drug I haven't heard of before, but one that does seem like it's FDA approved since February. Do any of you have experience or information to relate?
posted by StrawberryPie at 10:59 AM PST - 4 comments

So. I just got Botox for the first time and it was surprisingly awesome. I'm curious about other procedures or products that bridge that gap of highly effective, not-quite-cosmetic surgery. (If you think this kinds of procedures and products are a bad ideas, I get it. But it's not what I'm looking for in this question.) [more inside]
posted by jeszac at 10:43 AM PST - 11 comments

Going on a 2 day camping trip with a large group this weekend. I have a food safety question [more inside]
posted by wowenthusiast at 10:14 AM PST - 16 comments

My parent is in no condition to work but no economic shape to retire. Our other parent died long before retirement age so we have not ever dealt with anything like this -- looking for resources, solutions, strategies, really anything. A rich tapestry of dysfunction is below the cut. [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 10:06 AM PST - 24 comments

A few years ago I met some people while travelling and quite liked them. When I was in a pinch, they helped me out with something (not financial). During lockdown, I got quite sick with Covid (they don't know this) and my father died of Covid before there was a vaccine (they do know this). I stopped talking to all anti-vaxxers in my life, including this couple. Now, these people have come out of the woodwork and have asked for a job reference. Not sure what to do. [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 9:58 AM PST - 38 comments

I have a 20 year old refrigerator that doesn't get very cold anymore. Is it worth trying to fix or is it time for a new one? [more inside]
posted by smurfzambo at 9:56 AM PST - 12 comments

The applications I've used so far assume a modern, Western, nuclear family. I need something that can handle Pre-Columbian political dynasties. [more inside]
posted by Panjandrum at 9:03 AM PST - 4 comments

I am trying to remain empathetic and rational while dealing with increasingly drastic wifi requests from our neighbor. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:50 AM PST - 81 comments

I was put up for adoption right after being born more than thirty five years ago. I've been in contact with my birth mom for a few years, and recently she confirmed who my birth father was (it matched with DNA testing that I've done). She offered to reach out to him to let him know about me, should I take her up on the offer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:50 AM PST - 15 comments

It is common for pedestrians and drivers to catch each others' eyes to communicate intent and proceed safely. How is this expected to work with self-driving cars? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 6:40 AM PST - 28 comments

All my life when I overexert myself, I end up sick. I can't really pin this down. It's starting to be a bit more bothersome. Would love any tips/tricks/anecdotes of what you feel/do when you over exert yourself. [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 5:05 AM PST - 17 comments

Is it unreasonable and unfair to expect my coparent to help withchildrearing duties when he comes over to see our kids? [more inside]
posted by CosmicSeeker42 at 4:18 AM PST - 52 comments

I volunteer at a community organic farm, and I'm often doing things like peeling dirty veggies. Wearing gloves for these tasks does NOT work for me. How do I get my nails even remotely clean afterwards? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 12:02 AM PST - 16 comments

It was about a woman with a gem on her palm who was raised by a ruling family, and sent to a colonized country to rule over/subdue it [more inside]
posted by MFZ at 10:35 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for books that discuss feminism from a explicitly non cis/het perspective. [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 8:49 PM PST - 4 comments

From what I've read about melatonin, it's safe to use in the short term, but no studies have been done on long-term use. Have you used it long-term without any ill effects? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 6:40 PM PST - 9 comments

We are about to have our house reroofed. It is currently asphalt shingles and will be redone in shingles, but I'm thinking about having the small piece of roof over the front porch done in metal as an accent. I realize it will probably add cost to the project, but are there other things I'm not thinking of? Like it's a fad and I'll be sorry I did it? Or maintenance is a pain? Or something else?
posted by DrGail at 5:41 PM PST - 11 comments

Is there a good video caption app/service similar to what TikTok can do? TikTok can take a video and do automated captions which can then be corrected and user edited. What is the best way to do that for a video that would be uploaded to Twitter?
posted by andoatnp at 5:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Grammar nerds: as transitive verbs meaning to put something into a position or place, do both position and place require a prepositional complement indicating the position or place, or can either or both stand alone with only their direct object in the predicate? [more inside]
posted by drlith at 1:21 PM PST - 17 comments

So, this list fell out of one of my old notebooks today. I definitely wrote it, but I have zero recollection of doing so and no clue as to what it could mean. Was it just some random word association game? Am I an unwitting sleeper spy who found my activation code? WHY IS WORDS? (mods, feel free to delete if this is too chatfiltery...) [more inside]
posted by a.steele at 1:05 PM PST - 40 comments

COVID started and the U.S.-Canada border closed the exact same month I was slated to return to the U.S. and 1) renew my car registration, 2) get the car inspected. Because reasons, I can't yet register my car in Canada. My question: If I drive the car over the border and return to Virginia (where I still maintain a residence), to renew the tags and have the car inspected, what problems should I expect? [YANML] [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 12:41 PM PST - 10 comments

I own some DVDs that I would like to watch on my iPad. How can I do so, as safely and legally as possible? [more inside]
posted by cheapskatebay at 12:15 PM PST - 16 comments

I weightlifted for years and it was one of very few things that helped with my mental health and stress relief. I injured my bicep and never went back. Now I am ready. Details inside [more inside]
posted by IWantAnswers at 12:07 PM PST - 2 comments

Preliminary to reading Agency I'm re-reading The Peripheral and I have questions about that first scene in the future. [more inside]
posted by Rash at 11:54 AM PST - 10 comments

A household member tested positive for COVID over the weekend. Yesterday, just to keep things interesting, I got a text message about scheduling a delivery date for a supply chain-delayed couch. I'm trying to figure out how many weeks I need to leave between now and the delivery in order to make sure that we don't get anyone sick. Overthinking inside. [more inside]
posted by evidenceofabsence at 11:49 AM PST - 12 comments

We have Sonos speakers throughout our house and use Apple Music to play tunes from them (via the Sonos app). My kid is 5 and loves music. He is able to navigate the Sonos app very well from a parent's iPhone. I would like to let him have a way to access the Sonos app via some device of his own. [more inside]
posted by Bebo at 10:41 AM PST - 6 comments

As a result of a French class discussion, I am interested in how the phrase 'your friendly neighbourhood Spiderman' is typically translated into French. [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 10:36 AM PST - 3 comments

Any TV shows or movies that incorporate land or water consumption crime in California? Obviously "Chinatown" but also looking for any TV series or documentary that may even just touch on it - true or otherwise (e.g. Season 3 of Goliath, Season 2 of True Detective, "Water & Power: A California Heist"). Thanks!
posted by matt755811 at 10:19 AM PST - 9 comments

I bought a smart clock because I thought it could solve a specific problem, and I can't get it to solve that problem. Can you help me solve it? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 9:25 AM PST - 9 comments

Have you ever had to take (or administer) a mandatory personality test at work? (Not during the hiring process—the person already has the job.) I am looking for personal experiences or written articles about mandatory personality testing on current employees. [more inside]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:24 AM PST - 34 comments

I have always been low energy and high sleep needs but have previously managed to work around it, like taking quick cat naps in my car during lunch breaks or take a nap after work before getting dinner started etc. Now I am a SAHM dealing with excessive drowsiness during the day, and I can't nap whenever I need to. [more inside]
posted by massofintuition at 9:08 AM PST - 16 comments

I just had an experience with someone who works at a generic local nail salon and stuff she told me seemed…at least human trafficking adjacent. I get pedicures a few times a year at a similar place and was kind of in denial about how sketchy they are, but I can’t do that any more. How do I find a nail place that I can feel ok about? (I don’t need help with human trafficking resources or anything, this took place in a professional context and we are dealing with it appropriately)
posted by genmonster at 8:56 AM PST - 5 comments

In the vein of Desert Island Disks, if you had to select only 8 vinyl LP's to listen to for eternity -- what would they be? [more inside]
posted by nandaro at 8:37 AM PST - 19 comments

Best examples of stoner movies for community viewing? Deets inside! [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 8:29 AM PST - 27 comments

I am looking for resources to help me put together a self-study plan to teach myself guitar. I'll be using online videos and websites to explain the concepts and techniques. [more inside]
posted by GernBlandston at 8:18 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm considering a job without benefits. Help me be realistic about what that would mean/cost me. [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 7:57 AM PST - 13 comments

I have boxes of books---political science, history, etc.---that I'm looking to donate. In bulk, not one by one. They're in varying condition. How do I get rid of them? I already picked out the ones I can sell on Amazon, and I don't want to go through each and everyone one and deal with shipping. [more inside]
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 7:43 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm find it hard to focus nowadays, so I would like some good book recommendations that are easy reads. By good I mean: with some thematic/emotional/intellectual heft, something that stays with you after you have finished it. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 6:00 AM PST - 57 comments

My partner and I are flying back to the US from Manchester in mid-July and want assistance with the most convenient way to get COVID testing prior to flight. [more inside]
posted by Hey, Zeus! at 5:01 AM PST - 7 comments

Inevitably, we feel a troubled family member is going to lose his battle with addiction. As distanced family members, how can we prepare for that day? [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 3:50 AM PST - 8 comments

My father died on Friday night from the effects of alcoholism. I am struggling with the loss, grief and conflicting emotions and could use some words of advice. Lots more inside. [more inside]
posted by showeringsuns at 12:56 AM PST - 15 comments

I inadvertently clicked on a website that was disguised as something it was not. I am concerned that I exposed my personal computer to a phishing site. About five minutes after the exposure, I took the computer off internet. Then I scanned the computer with antivirus and malware programs which came up negative. Then in the evening I tried to reset the login information of my financial institutions. I had already frozen my credit with all 3 major agencies before this. Is there anything I need to do? [more inside]
posted by Pantalaimon at 11:00 PM PST - 13 comments

I graduated from grad school during the pandemic near the top of my class. For a long time I scraped by by the skin of my teeth. Now I am working a job I should love, in the field I spent so long trying to get into.... and I am totally and utterly burned out. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:25 PM PST - 9 comments

I've written a few questions about it before, but I'm still haunted by the job I quit early this year. Curiosity got the best of me and I found out something even more disturbing about that place... as if the situation couldn't become more nightmare-ish... I'm just left thinking WTF? How can I get over such a shitty, toxic environment? Also, what I found out makes me want to wash my hands of the entire field. [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 9:57 PM PST - 23 comments

From a seed swap I picked up some tomato seeds that I labeled as "Rani Roxi, Croatian, ~Brandywine". Do you know this tomato variety, or anything about the name? I'm curious and can't find anything; also, the plants I started are remarkably sad. [more inside]
posted by away for regrooving at 7:58 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm trying to find new ways of coping with a particularly stressful week or two besides eating good food. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by knownfossils at 7:42 PM PST - 10 comments

The apartment unit next door to mine was repainted today. Had a very strong, chemical odor, similar to bathtub glazing. Had to open my living room's sliding door and bedroom windows, and run my floor fan at full blast. Smell has subsided for the most part in the bedroom, but is it safe to sleep there tonight? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 6:08 PM PST - 5 comments

I have this vague dream of living on a beautiful children's book farm in harmony with nature and supporting animals/wildlife in a big way, BUT I don't know the next step to get me to that final vision. I think I need a concrete plan. What are my next steps? (Much more inside!) [more inside]
posted by koolaidnovel at 5:08 PM PST - 9 comments

AirPods are excruciating. What nice, soft wireless earbuds would you recommend? My wired earbuds are these which are not fancy but they are also not painful, which is the most important thing. I don't want to drop $150 on bluetooth headphones and then find out that they give me migraines! My dream is that someone else who likes those cheapo Sony earbuds has a pair of wireless ones that they like.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 4:53 PM PST - 8 comments

I was just angrily honked at twice during the 1.5-mile round trip to my kids’ daycare. Something similar happens several times a week. It happens so much, to me and to others, that it’s probably got a name. I’d like to know more about the situation, including how to handle it. [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 3:10 PM PST - 29 comments

I have a legacy .NET web application on a Windows container with a Windows 11 host. To make updates I will need to build and move a few artifacts to a non-empty container folder from the base image (wwwroot/inetpub). The build process does not contain all the items in the directory so if I mount the bin folder of the container '-v msbuild-output/bin:wwwroot/inetpub/bin' the build output will overwrite what's in the bin folder, e.g., deleting the 400 or so assemblies in the container and replacing it with the dozen from the build. I need to ideally add/overwrite as if I was building on a local file system without doing a git clean. This is for development only, so I can be sloppy but I'm looking for any solution to get this going, bonus points if it doesn't involve anything extra on the Windows host (so anyone can pull down the container and start developing). I've looked into Windows Filesystem Proxy, I'm not quite understanding if it can help. There has to be an elegant solution. Help? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 2:52 PM PST - 2 comments

My family used to listen to bluegrass when I was a kid and I loved it, but I haven't actively sought out anything new to listen to in a while (like, 10-15 years). Please recommend some songs/artists/groups I should check out. I would prefer music with vocals to purely instrumental music. Thanks!
posted by darchildre at 2:02 PM PST - 25 comments

I would like to take a trip from Cairo to Tblisi and am trying to do most of it by ground transportation wherever possible - any tips for this? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 1:49 PM PST - 10 comments

I live in a zone 8 region. I'm interested mainly in planting ornamental grasses, fragrant plants and herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and sage. I also adore succulents, and have researched some that seem hardy in zone 8, but not sure if they can grow in the same conditions as grass and herbs. I would prefer low-maintenance. Cats keep using the garden as a litter box. I have no idea what to buy or how to begin, help! [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 1:40 PM PST - 9 comments

A U.S.-based friend who loves Call the Midwife is fretting because she can't find season 11 on DVD (this Amazon listing says most U.S. DVD players won't be able to play this version). What's the deal? Can anyone find a firm release date? Thanks!
posted by MonkeyToes at 1:34 PM PST - 4 comments

Like many people with uteruses, I get short-fused during my premenstrual phase. I have a long history of invalidation from others close to me that has resulted in self-invalidation. And this is one of the most invalidating topics around. I need help finding quality info about it. I do not believe that I am turning into a person with random, baseless issues just to stir the pot. But I want to sink my teeth into some science or sociological research on this. [more inside]
posted by What a Joke at 1:21 PM PST - 21 comments

I have an Access plant database (Office 365, with local database file) with Genus and plant family for each plant). I also have a plantsListJobName.txt list of five hundred plants (from an historic garden). This .txt is to Genus level (with other fields - all comma separated), and many of these 500 plants occur in the DB. I want to add plant family name to my text file where there is a match. [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 12:17 PM PST - 2 comments

My new Windows 10 Home installation freezes semi-randomly* from time to time for a few seconds, then resumes and keeps working fine. [more inside]
posted by hat_eater at 11:53 AM PST - 5 comments

On behalf of Mr. Never, who wants to know: have you ever heard of a chat room software that has separate rooms, and you can enter a room, but it doesn't show you previous chat messages in that room. Also if you leave the room and come back, any messages that happened in your absence would be invisible? [more inside]
posted by Lyn Never at 11:51 AM PST - 9 comments

Maybe I'm becoming a smoothie guy. My only hang-up is I hate cleaning blenders. Just the whole process of dismantling and sponging off a blade and dealing with a rubber ring and all, doing this daily has got me down. What is the easiest to clean smoothie-making apparatus you can recommend to me? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 11:20 AM PST - 24 comments

I built an office work desk with a furniture-grade hardwood plywood top. I want to finish it with a clear coat of something. What should I use? [more inside]
posted by mr_bovis at 10:43 AM PST - 9 comments

I want to spend time with my toddler without browsing social media or checking work email. I also want to have a phone on me so I can take good pictures and videos, stream music, video chat with family as needed, or call home in case of emergencies. Should I get a second phone and uninstall the browser? Or just get more disciplined about goofing off online? [more inside]
posted by redlines at 7:55 AM PST - 21 comments

My 10-year old son is interested in the experiences of kids in the 1800s (particularly 1800 - 1850s) in the Oregon Territory, along the Oregon Trail, and in the American West in general, and I'd love to find some books or videos that he'd enjoy. I'm interested in both Native American and settler perspectives (so not just the Little House books and Caddie Woodlawn), and am particularly interested in what education would have looked like for kids and what skills they would have learned. Both fiction and non-fiction are fine, with a preference for non-fiction.
posted by shirobara at 7:15 AM PST - 12 comments

My mom is thinking about getting a hybrid or plug-in electric vehicle. After almost 3 days with no power caused by a 7 minute storm, we're thinking about the possible draw-backs of a plug-in electric in a power outage or an emergency, given that these things are going to keep happening (thanks climate crisis). One advantage of a plug-in electric is that it doesn't require a lot of the maintenance (e.g. oil changes etc.). Is a plug-in hybrid the worst of all worlds, maintenance-wise? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:06 AM PST - 23 comments

My spouse and I recently exercising with dumbbells. The program calls for increasing the volume every week. At what point do we switch from adding repetitions to adding another set? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 6:42 AM PST - 8 comments

My close friend of 20 years has disappointed me throughout my parent's illness and passing. I feel unsupported during an incredibly difficult time, despite having "shown up" for this friend often over the years during their hard times. I'd welcome hearing from those who have faced a similar situation- if you were able to move beyond the disappointment and recover the relationship or if you let it go. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:58 AM PST - 37 comments

Flying from Italy to the US tomorrow. Is a rapid test ok or do we need a pcr test? Getting conflicting answers. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 12:40 AM PST - 11 comments

Recently, I bought a new laptop with Windows 11 Pro. Everything was working well until a few days ago, when it has started rebooting itself, several times per day, for no apparent reason. This is annoying, since I need to find and open all my documents and programs again. The auto reboots also happen during the night, when the laptop is in power saving mode with the screen closed. I'm grateful for any advice on how to solve this.
posted by Termite at 10:35 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm an artist who does a lot of digital painting. I've got more than 10K followers on Instagram, which almost certainly means that AT LEAST half a dozen real people regularly look at my art. I'd like to take a stab at selling prints. If anybody has had any particularly good or particularly bad experiences doing this through an online service that they'd like to either recommend or warn me away from, I'd love to hear about it. [more inside]
posted by Sing Or Swim at 9:16 PM PST - 2 comments

I just had Covid -- roughly April 11th - 21st. Happened to get a generic "Hey, get your booster!" message and signed up for one this weekend. Should I? Should I wait? I'm already double vaxxed + 1st booster. I'm over age 50, no specific immune system issues.
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Grinding beans in my burr grinder causes a lot of static so that the grounds fly everywhere - but only if I buy cheap beans. Why? [more inside]
posted by Prunesquallor at 6:10 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm looking for a Thai-English Bible, but the cheapest one I can find on Amazon is $40. Is there really no better option? I suppose a Thai (single language) Bible could work too.
posted by matkline at 5:22 PM PST - 4 comments

I am giving a presentation to a colleague's high school US History class tomorrow. The class has been learning about LGBTQ+ history in the US; the talk is a personal perspective of what sorts of changes I have witnessed in the US over the last 40 years as a queer person, with a focus (requested by my colleague) on how activism has helped make these changes possible. I need a good title, however! [more inside]
posted by lysimache at 3:44 PM PST - 23 comments

Vocaroo link to my partner playing the melody through a keyboard with a synth strings patch. He says: "It was an orchestral song, this is the lead part which was played by one or two violins. No vocals. Sounded like either a modern classical piece from the early 1900s or maybe something by some weird niche industrial artist." (ed. note: this is a guy whose recollection of an "obscure shoegaze song" ended up being Enya's biggest hit)
posted by btfreek at 2:57 PM PST - 9 comments

I feel I am increasingly seeing writers build a specific kind of dramatic tone into the grammar of relaying a future event, using what I think is the conditional future tense (?) for events that definitely happened. If you write this way, or if you enjoy reading it, I would love to hear your thoughts on it. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 2:12 PM PST - 18 comments

When I try to type and edit comments in the Facebook app on Android, they get very messed up. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 1:48 PM PST - 14 comments

When a candidate contacts you about a job opportunity, and you are already aware of their work outside of a formal recruitment process, how honest should you be? [more inside]
posted by Weng at 1:39 PM PST - 11 comments

Val Kilmer as Iceman and Tom Cruise as Maverick in Top Gun. Henry Czerny as Eugene Kittridge in Mission Impossible. Are there other examples of actors who have gone 25+ years between playing the same character?
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 12:28 PM PST - 48 comments

People have apologized to me for the way they treated me in junior high/high school. I reject the entire idea that anyone ever bullied me. I don't harbour any ill will towards these people so I would like them to get what they want/need out of their apology. [more inside]
posted by euphoria066 at 12:22 PM PST - 27 comments

I would like to hear more music of a certain style/vibe, but I don't know what to call it. [more inside]
posted by supermedusa at 11:39 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm going to keep this short, is there anything you've done in life (apart from therapy and meds) that has significant helped to improve a previously rock bottom self esteem? It could be anything- mastering a skill, making a lot of money, getting a good job, an experience, a book or film that gave you huge insight, a person or group of people, a random event. [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 11:38 AM PST - 42 comments

Hey, MeFis - Because of a complicated and largely unwanted life situation, I will be moving soon to the Columbus, OH area soon. For the health of my soul, I want to start volunteering somewhere, and I am looking for suggestions / recommendation on either side -- either "look them up" or "avoid like the pits of hell." The things I've worked for in the past include food sovereignty / supporting local agriculture; teaching or supporting meditation/mindfulness with marginalized communities; anything art, film, again with underrepresented / underground communities; abortion access; needle exchange. Any and all suggestions are appreciated, but do let me know if I should expect "this is an older, larger org and your help might just be in licking envelopes" versus "young, small, energized group doing interesting things albeit sometimes with a lot of hiccups".
posted by Silvery Fish at 10:46 AM PST - 7 comments

I just joined a university position where there's some public programs involved and I wanted to get some advice on some affordable AV equipment to document live events. Can people recommend specific models for (1) a video camera that can take HD video that we can upload to Youtube or Vimeo; (2) a still camera; and (3) an audio recorder. I see a few past questions asked about this, but given that about five years or more has passed, I figured I would ask again.
posted by johnasdf at 10:34 AM PST - 10 comments

My kids watch this video adaptation of a children's book on Prime Video, and recently I've become kind of obsessed with the song that plays over the end credits. I've done some research, but I need more help. [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 9:46 AM PST - 5 comments

I want the little turtle in my Google search bar (bottom left corner of my Windows 10 screen) to stay forever. Is this possible? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 9:43 AM PST - 1 comment

Is there an actual count of how many movie scenes about the Vietnam War use the song Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 9:14 AM PST - 11 comments

I never use iOS Voice Control. How can I stop it from accidentally activating when I press play/pause on my wired EarPods? [more inside]
posted by logopetria at 9:07 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm invited to a wedding in Istanbul in August, and want to get in the mood by reading books about/set in Istanbul. [more inside]
posted by sohalt at 8:57 AM PST - 16 comments

Do high-speed train engineering designs account for earthquakes in seismic event-prone regions? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 8:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Due to a [stupid, complicated, annoying] problem, I am not at all sure when my phone plan will get me a new phone to replace my now-broken one and I cannot (see within) just buy a phone to use with my plan. Not having a phone at all is bad! How can I get a temporary phone? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 8:46 AM PST - 9 comments

I just turned 65. I've enrolled in Medicare. I don't know when to apply for Social Security benefits. [more inside]
posted by holdenjordahl at 7:41 AM PST - 22 comments

I've accepted a transfer from Toronto to San Diego but the logistics are becoming a headache, I'm looking for suggestions on how best to do this. [more inside]
posted by asharchist at 7:35 AM PST - 11 comments

Question for those who have sold a property then moved into another. How have you managed it? Is there any way to close on the sale and purchase simultaneously, and is this a common thing? Is the best option to rent for the period in between selling one place and buying another (I believe this is called 'breaking the chain')? How do other people manage this process? How can I make this process as simple as possible? (UK-filter) [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 7:31 AM PST - 14 comments

My husband and two kiddos live in Brooklyn right now and love it, but would really love to own a townhouse someday. That seems much more possible in Philly -- but what are we missing? [more inside]
posted by knownassociate at 7:23 AM PST - 9 comments

My port is acting up. I have questions. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 7:15 AM PST - 3 comments

I live close to an area (in the U.K.) where some friends will be staying this summer. I’d like to walk around the area now and document some great little walking routes for my friends so that they can have the best experience when they’re here. This would include photos of landmarks along the routes and some kind of map so that they don’t take a wrong-turn. Any ideas how to do this? [more inside]
posted by d288478 at 4:55 AM PST - 12 comments

I need to drive from the I-81 part of Virginia to Concord NH a week from now, in a 2014 Forester without Sirius, and I'm kind of dreading the trip. I can only spend one night on the road, and I want to avoid NY (or any city) traffic jams. Hoping to do 8 hours the first day, and 4 the next. What are your tips for making this as easy and pleasant as possible?
posted by mmiddle at 3:27 AM PST - 10 comments

I am wrestling with myself over whether I should go for my colonoscopy. TMI to follow. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:37 AM PST - 25 comments

Are there friendly, welcoming, supportive, useful online resources/groups for parents of young adults who have mental health challenges? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:37 AM PST - 38 comments

I live on the top storey of a four-floor walkup. I'm thinking about buying an electronic drum kit, but I'm wondering about the thumping of the pedals on the floor. Yes, even on an electronic kit. I know that if I think I'm bombarding my neighbours with thumping on their ceiling every time I sit down, I won't practice. Have you done this? Did you use anything to reduce vibration from the pedals? Or have you lived under someone who played an electronic kit? Could you hear it? [more inside]
posted by happyfrog at 1:06 AM PST - 3 comments

Can anyone remember a website that explains the pitfalls that an Unsolicited Manuscript has to overcome? [more inside]
posted by HiroProtagonist at 9:39 PM PST - 2 comments

From at least the 90s to mid-2000s (but I think going back significantly earlier as well), there was a scene in the US of squatters/anarchists/punks in most major cities. Freighthopping and hitchhiking was popular, people made zines, that sort of thing. This scene doesn't seem to exist anymore — what happened to it?
posted by wesleyac at 8:39 PM PST - 21 comments

My spouse and I returned a cat to the shelter today. I am in the mood for a sad movie. I am open to other sad media (as long as it doesn't take more than about two hours). Do you have any suggestions?
posted by NotLost at 7:04 PM PST - 21 comments

Seeking recommendations for boarding-and-training for a rescue dog that needs some help. [more inside]
posted by morninj at 7:01 PM PST - 2 comments

I have a video which I didn't know was taken as a time-lapse. Other than adding "Yakkety Sax" and embracing the lunacy, what video-editing tricks will make this more enjoyable to watch? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:24 PM PST - 7 comments

Is it possible that the eczema flare I am recovering from was caused by unfiltered honey? Because honey is touted as a treatment for eczema I am finding this impossible to search for. Help me narrow down possible triggers for the future. [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 4:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Let's say my friend has a reusable ice coffee tumbler with straw (similar to, but not exactly this one) she keeps misplacing around the house. Wondering what the best tracker option is and how to attach it. [more inside]
posted by beyond_pink at 4:25 PM PST - 12 comments

I need some general guidance as to how to handle the situation and which direction to seek professional advice. [more inside]
posted by monologish at 3:01 PM PST - 24 comments

I like a certain relative of mine but she can be wildly tone-deaf as far as what she says and when and how she phrases things. It’s cringy and I sometimes get personally offended. Given that she doesn’t grasp what seems like standard etiquette, is there hope she can improve? How would someone learn this stuff, assuming they were even willing? (Don’t know that she would be; just genuinely curious if this stuff is teachable. )
posted by mermaidcafe at 2:40 PM PST - 13 comments

Last month a friend was likely hit by a car while biking in DC. However, all she remembers is waking up in the hospital a few hours later. She's struggling to put the pieces together in terms of police reports, medical bills, and more. Please help me help her! [more inside]
posted by smorgasbord at 1:59 PM PST - 16 comments

I would like to replace a 6 year old custom built Velocity Micro gaming tower desktop with a laptop for two reasons: 1. To pare down on the amount of visual clutter on surfaces in my studio. 2. To be able to continue to game and create art while on slightly extended supportive visits to the homes of my elderly parents in NY/FL. [more inside]
posted by MagnificentVacuum at 12:51 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for quotes about how scars, nicks, dents, scratches are a good thing, sign of experience... [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 11:48 AM PST - 26 comments

Lunchables inflated package ok to give kids? [more inside]
posted by klugarsh at 11:39 AM PST - 11 comments

There's some running bamboo planted near me (I didn't do it!) that I harvest sometimes for garden stakes, trellises, et cetera. I trim off all the small twigs/branches, and I hate to just waste those, but I'm not sure what to do with them. I've read that it's a bad idea to use them for kindling due to the trapped air. What are some interesting craft-y projects I could try to use them with? Pictures/video of finished projects highly appreciated! They're pretty thin (less than a pencil) and generally between 1-3 feet long.
posted by curious nu at 10:18 AM PST - 6 comments

My cat developed probable pneumonia this week and is current receiving intensive treatment at a vet hospital (including antibiotics, nebulizer treatments, residing in an oxygen cage). How can I think about whether this is an end-of-life situation vs a temporary bump in the road? [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 10:05 AM PST - 23 comments

I was dating someone for a little over a year. We broke up in February of this year because he didn’t want to keep dating after graduation. While I don’t want him back, I’m struggling with blaming myself for the break-up. [more inside]
posted by cruel summer at 8:24 AM PST - 20 comments

Out of all places in Canada, Quebec is really the only place in which I don't really understand. It's also the only place in which I would ever feel like me being Latino (probably one of the smallest minorities in Canada) would matter. I'm white though, and my accent is mostly non-existent so I don't know that they'd find out. Yet there's just something about Quebec. Something that makes it alluring. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 4:35 AM PST - 18 comments

A year ago I bought my 5 year old one of those $30 cameras on Amazon that's full of typos and the picture quality is straight from 2006. It managed to survive a year and a half. Does anyone have suggestions for a camera that's under $100, has somewhat decent picture quality, and is somewhat durable? Ideally that you can attach a neck or wrist strap to? I thought about buying one of those action cameras on Amazon that's ~$70 that's slightly less full of typos, but none of them seem to support neck or wrist straps (what's up with that?)
posted by Mushroom12345 at 11:31 PM PST - 12 comments

I was listening to an audiobook of Stephen Mitchell's Can Love Last (sounds like a silly self help book, is a well regarded book by a psychoanalyst) and he quoted Jacques Lacan as saying (I thought) "Love is giving something you don't have to someone you don't know." [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 11:30 PM PST - 1 comment

Suggestions for helping my partner feel more comfortable in the summer heat? To me, their clothing choices are definitely contributing, but they have kind of a uniform that they feel comfortable in (except temperature-wise), so me simply suggesting that they replace one form of discomfort with another isn’t helpful. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:57 PM PST - 30 comments

My partner recently shared that he’s scared of general AI arriving in 15-20 years and the consequences killing literally every last human on the face of the planet. He has been a reader of rationalist blogs for ages - while that makes this thought not-improbable, I didn’t know that he took this particular concern of the community so seriously as to feel an internal anxiety over it. My heart hurts - he said he was afraid to tell me because he worried I might think it was weird. He is an incredible partner and I am distressed as to how best to support him, not least because I do not think highly of the rationalist community (which he knows, and which has been a source of confusion and tension for our relationship). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:57 PM PST - 26 comments

I'm visiting New York City from Australia for the first time since late 2018 and am looking for new things to do. I've spent plenty of time there in the past (7+ months), so I'm specifically looking for stuff that has opened in the last few years (I realise covid will have impacted this) and am not too interested in the standard tourist things that have been around forever.
posted by jedro at 9:23 PM PST - 9 comments

I have an art installation I have to build on Thursday, and we have been trying to write some Arduino code to get strips of addressable LEDs to chase, ideally at random intervals. We’ve run into lots of trouble, and are considering other options, such as strings of chasing christmas lights that are either USB or battery powered, but those seem impossible to find. I’m running out of creative ideas. Anyone know of helpful products? Anyone happen to have an Arduino sketch that would fit the bill?
posted by Fenriss at 8:59 PM PST - 1 comment

I have two kittens, almost one year old. They are brother and sister. I am officially their servant, hence this question. We have gone through so many cat foods and types over the past 12 months (kitten friendly)--raw, kibble, fancy, crappy, organic, subscription-based, etc etc. They will like something for 3 or so weeks, and then suddenly it's the grossest thing they've ever seen in their tiny kitten lives and they will flounce out of the kitchen when served, tossing a dirty look my way. They have also gone on food strikes (and they win!). [more inside]
posted by namemeansgazelle at 7:18 PM PST - 20 comments

I went grocery shopping this morning. Then our power went out for about 10 hours. Are my groceries still okay? [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 7:12 PM PST - 3 comments

I've been in my house for three years, and it just occurred to me that I don't know where the filter is on our newly-installed central air conditioning system. And so I looked in the air handler and the air return vent just leads straight to a (now very dusty and gross) V-shaped heat exchanger made of thin metal fins. I brushed the heat exchanger clean but...something is missing here, right? [more inside]
posted by goingonit at 6:59 PM PST - 6 comments

I opened up a google doc today and someone was anonymously already on it. For context, this google doc is my planning document for a project I'm working on and I've never shared it with anyone before. Without sounding dramatic I'm almost wondering if it's because of something I'm working on and whoever was reading my document didn't want me to work on it.
posted by defmute at 6:40 PM PST - 7 comments

I need the results of a COVID test so I can fly back home to the US in eight hours. I took one yesterday, and they sent me the results, but they sent them in a "secure" email and I need my US phone number to receive a text to open it. I do not get texts on my phone while overseas! What are my options - both on the phone side and the Covid test side? Am I just out the money and need to get a new test and reschedule my flight????
posted by LSK at 5:59 PM PST - 8 comments

As many of you know, ketamine infusions are very very expensive and not covered by insurance. I'd be getting them for pain, which is like $2K a session. Are there any options in place now to get a break in price? I can prove my financial status. Not interested in the nasal spray treatment. I live in Virginia but am open to travel.
posted by mermaidcafe at 4:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Dear upstairs neighbor, Thank you so kindly for turning down your music recently. I'm so sorry we don't live in soundproof units! I have been trying to write this note for a while now. [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 3:57 PM PST - 26 comments

The soundtrack album for the 1999 movie "Better than Chocolate" contains a song titled "My Place" by a band identified as "Edgar". I'm trying to find more by them, and cannot find anything at all. Does anyone know if they have more songs, or what happened to them? [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 2:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Trying to find tile ideas for a bathroom. But I’m limited in my search ability by what I think is a lack of terminology. I hope that if I describe the bathroom, someone can tell me what I need to be looking for. (Just searching for “small bathrooms” isn’t doing it, I think because much of the US has a different idea of “small” than I do.) [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 1:53 PM PST - 18 comments

Starting around October 2021 my 75-year-old dad has suddenly started having unexplainable seizures for the first time ever in his life. He has seen many primary care and ER doctors, but will see his first neurologist in two weeks. I'd love advice from people who have gone through this experience before. [more inside]
posted by JPowers at 1:40 PM PST - 5 comments

I am deeply ashamed to admit that I've become addicted to Border Security: Canada's Front Line. It would be nice to watch something that scratches the same itch but is less morally dubious. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by robot inside a grid at 1:27 PM PST - 9 comments

So I'm a single woman in her 50s and I am just now becoming interested in boats. I have no experience with boats, to the point where I don't even know if I like boats, having rarely even been on one. How should I go about seeing if boats are for me? [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 12:53 PM PST - 21 comments

I’m looking for streamable/rentable movies in which Elvis is a character, or credible/well-made documentaries about Elvis. See below for the titles already on my list. [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 12:52 PM PST - 14 comments

I take flute lessons over the internet. We've been using Facetime. On my end, I've been using an older iPad with IOS 12.55. My teacher uses either a fairly new iPhone or some other computer, presumably an Apple, of pedigree unknown to me. It's been working pretty well, I thought that perhaps a better microphone on my end would be an improvement. [more inside]
posted by SemiSalt at 12:12 PM PST - 5 comments

I can’t find information on which types of credentials and/or degrees a mental health professional needs to write an ADA accommodations letter. I’ve looked on the relevant government sites. Can anyone point me to where I can find a reliable source for his information?
posted by Four-Eyed Girl at 11:46 AM PST - 3 comments

In the Moon and six pence, Maugham writes." I expect that Shakespeare devised Iago with a gusto which he never new when, weaving moonbeams with his fancy, he imagined Desdemona." Why did he write so? Do you know that she was imagined weaving moonbeams by Shakespeare ? In Othello, if I checked it correctly, there are only two points?.. that are related to the moon. " Dians visage "and "this heavenly right" Please don't say that it was only with his fancy. Thank you for helping my reading English.
posted by mizukko at 11:42 AM PST - 9 comments

My 11yo son asked me this at bedtime. Are there more true statements, or false statements? At first I assumed that there were more false statements, because while there's only one correct answer for, say, 1+1=?, there are infinite wrong answers. But then we realized that if you change = to ≠ then it evens out. Is this answerable?
posted by rouftop at 11:01 AM PST - 52 comments

My wife and I only ate half of the pizza we ordered for lunch, which means the other half has become tonight's dinner. The oven works fine when reheating pizza to crispy goodness, but it's slow. Is there a way to reheat pizza, and/or other items like french fries, in a microwave while retaining crispiness?
posted by BadgerDoctor at 9:48 AM PST - 20 comments

I just initiated a breakup that I know was the right thing to do, but it was also very hard to do and I am very sad to end the relationship. It’s also going to be a messy process ahead because we live together and have a dog. I just want to time travel to when he finds a new place and this is all over. How do I get through the next few weeks? [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 8:55 AM PST - 17 comments

Hi friends, I'm looking for gift ideas for my guy. He's an obsessive cyclist (think exploring, not racing) who loves nature & astro photography and light painting. What one gadget or tool (<$100) would surprise and delight him? [more inside]
posted by ClarissaWAM at 8:31 AM PST - 10 comments

During the summer, I spend a lot of time in the woods by a river. We have a campsite there and it is a private, very peaceful spot. I am seeking folk/indie/jazz/acoustic/singer-songwriter/soft rock/old country full album recommendations to add to a long playlist to accompany our lazy days sitting by the river. [more inside]
posted by fourpotatoes at 7:37 AM PST - 22 comments

Looking for a dress similar to one I own but can't find replica: decent quality, soft comfortable fabric (nothing flimsy or itchy), stretchy and slightly clingy at top with flowing lower portion; v-neck or scoop neck. Pretty casual. open to different colors/patterns and lengths. Prefer under $100 but may be willing to pay more.
posted by bearette at 6:59 AM PST - 11 comments

Mubi.com is having a sale ($4 for four months worth of streaming). I aim to take advantage. What are you current recommendations for things to watch there? [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 6:00 AM PST - 8 comments

I recently treated myself to this CBD erotic oil which turned out to be a total bust. It made me relaxed, but not in a sexy way, and then once all the ingredients took effect, relaxation stopped because the cinnamon, menthol, etc in it irritated my sensitive parts. I'd like to find a replacement (preferably a lube) that does what it promises, minus the warming and cooling ingredients. What would you recommend?
posted by The Adventure Begins at 2:51 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm a former academic. I'm unhappy in my current academic-adjacent job. The nature of my unhappiness is making it clear to me that my ideal job is basically being Reviewer #2. I would like to do a mix of editing and commenting/critique on various research products (grant proposals, methodological plans and instruments, articles, presentations, anything) for the purpose of making this research better. Can I be paid to do that? How do I find that job? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:26 PM PST - 20 comments

About ten years ago I heard a rumour of a Chinese government proposal for a moratorium on coastal development below (I think) eight (8) metres above mean high-water spring tide. Have any mefites heard about this? I've searched widely on this, but found nothing remotely meaningful, I suspect it's in a Chinese language only publication. [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 11:13 PM PST - 0 comments

My band is playing a festival in downtown Montreal Canada on Saturday 5/21. Some band members need to fly home to Florida on Sunday or Monday. We need help finding the correct kind of (rapid / supervised) covid test in order to get on an international flight. All the options we have found are > $150!!! Is there any way to get this done for cheaper in downtown Montreal?PLEASE HALP (also this is apparently a holiday weekend aaah)
posted by capnsue at 9:27 PM PST - 4 comments

A few weeks ago, I posted a question (see link in extended explanation) regarding my landlord making sexual advances, and I rejected him and clearly stated a boundary. He has gradually been acting out and seemingly trying to disturb me with various tactics. I just signed a lease today for another place. How do I deal with my landlord's petty behavior in the meantime? [more inside]
posted by Jangatroo at 8:50 PM PST - 35 comments

I've been charged with picking apps for iPads that are being set up for the use of the general resident population at the LTC facility where I work. So, I'm looking for the most bare-bones, no bells and whistles, no daily achievements, no user accounts, play-as-much-as-you want versions of, like, sudoku, solitaire, jigsaw puzzles, 3-in-a-row games, that kind of thing. This has been remarkably hard to search for and I don't really want to download 20 versions of each app trying to find one that's not shitty.
posted by DebetEsse at 8:04 PM PST - 7 comments

I have two very large containers of cabbage kimchi in my fridge. This normally wouldn't be a problem except for the large amount of refrigerator space I'm losing out on. So, I need some ideas on how to use it. Difficulty: two of the three people in my household don't do spicy food or particularly like kimchi. [more inside]
posted by daikaisho at 7:01 PM PST - 16 comments

We need help locating physical stores in San Francisco for shopping for wedding guest clothes. [more inside]
posted by reren at 6:23 PM PST - 7 comments

My father recently passed away, leaving my mother with several fine art objects (bronzes, prints, etc.) she doesn't want, so I'm trying to get them appraised and, hopefully, sold on her behalf. Any mefites knowledgeable about the fine art world: help! [more inside]
posted by Saxon Kane at 5:48 PM PST - 4 comments

My hand feels funny after acupuncture. Does this sound like nerve damage? [more inside]
posted by sucre at 3:46 PM PST - 7 comments

Why is the standard to say she/her, they/them, he/him, etc. and not just she or they or he?
posted by Sock Ray Blue at 3:38 PM PST - 18 comments

My 19 month old isn't walking yet. Otherwise she's been pretty normal developmentally. Should I be worried? Have any of you dealt with this and had it turn out okay? [more inside]
posted by J. Wilson at 3:05 PM PST - 11 comments

I've had this sweet cat for just a month, but right now I'm on antibiotics for an infected arm from where he scratched and bit me on a few occasions. I have an appointment to return him to the shelter on Sunday, but my heart is breaking about letting him go. [more inside]
posted by furtheryet at 2:53 PM PST - 18 comments

So, I set up a Zoom Meeting (ZM), and sent out the ZM (room) ID at that time. This went out to thousands of people. It now occurs to me that I need a Webinar to handle the likely number of attendees (my ZM license only allows 300, we may have over 500).... [more inside]
posted by tristeza at 2:52 PM PST - 9 comments

My ~4 year old golden retriever is pretty good on walks but can be very obstinate if I choose a different route. We'll sometimes get to the end of the sidewalk and she'll refuse to move because I want to take a left and she wants to take the route she's used to. More worrisome this decision doesn't happen until she gets in the street and sits down refusing to move in the direction we're going. I've tried a number of methods to no avail. This is actually a safety problem when it involves stopping in the street. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 2:38 PM PST - 13 comments

Years ago we used to play a dice game. We had a long, rectangular, felt-lined box that would sit on a tabletop, kind of like a home version of a craps table. It was just a piece of plywood with like 2x4s for rails with some green felt tacked on to fancy it up. I’d like to buy a similar box for some nostalgic birthday fun, but can’t seem to find anything online. Does what I am describing make sense, and, if so, isn’t there someone out there that will sell me one?
posted by lumpy at 2:13 PM PST - 2 comments

I was given a foil shaver for my 16th birthday and it didn't work worth a damn. Ten years later I tried a more expensive model and it didn't work a lot better. I've spent the 25 years since trying to come to terms with needing a razor and the best solution I've found is shaving only twice a week. But now I have to shave every day. It looks like electric razors has advanced a bit maybe? [more inside]
posted by Ookseer at 2:09 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm a mid-30s guy who wants to feel more stylish (not necessarily fashionable) but without breaking the bank or radically changing my overall style. [more inside]
posted by derrinyet at 2:05 PM PST - 10 comments

We are an adventurous eating and cooking lacto-ovo family of four. We shop frequently at a Korean international market in the DC area (Lotte). We are not obsessed with "authenticity" but want to know more about flavors history/courses, meals. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 1:46 PM PST - 5 comments

Can you give me examples of songs where the lyrics reference what is happening in the music? [more inside]
posted by being_quiet at 1:35 PM PST - 77 comments

The prompt answers to someone else's recent "weird thing my mother used to say" question has given me hope that Mefites might be able to answer a question that has gnawed at me for decades. Tired or nonplussed or just lost in thought, my mother would often say, "oy, oy Misheldye !" usually following it by, "the way he walked, you'd think he was a gawk." She was never able to explain where the phrase originated. [more inside]
posted by wjm at 1:04 PM PST - 8 comments

I am female, in a relationship (unmarried), who recently turned 39 years old, and I am not sure if I should have children or not. Suddenly, being almost 40 years old I feel this pressure of not having any children - and torn whether I’m physically too old to handle a child in terms of energy; and also torn feeling like I’m still not mentally/emotionally ready for a child. Overall, there is a sense of not feeling strongly either way, but wondering in the end —whether might regret not having children. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:31 PM PST - 10 comments

My spouse and I (we are both queer) haven’t had sex for a couple years. We talk about it occasionally, we both say that we want to want to have sex - but neither of us is particularly interested in making it happen right now. I guess my question is, are we doomed or can that be ok? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:19 PM PST - 18 comments

For the life of me, I have never heard this phrase anywhere else. Just going phonetical here, but "Has your sufficiency been suphonsiphied? (Just guessing on the ph instead of f thing) I guess that meant kind of meant "have you had enough to eat?" or, "Have you had enough?" She was from Winnipeg. late of a farm from Lundar, with people in Gimli. Anyone else heard this?
posted by timsteil at 11:44 AM PST - 11 comments

Is there an inexpensive music player device (think: $35 iPod) that will let me create a playlist (maybe 24 hours' worth of MP3 files), connect it to a power source and an amp, and play that playlist forever? I know I could do it with a phone; I'm looking for something else (maybe that uses less power and isn't WiFi or cellular enabled). [more inside]
posted by amtho at 11:22 AM PST - 12 comments

What is it like to be a teenager right now? [more inside]
posted by gold bridges at 11:07 AM PST - 14 comments

Suggestions for microphone suitable for a deep voice that may end up in zoom interviews, podcasts, or audiobooks. With thanks to all.
posted by BWA at 10:58 AM PST - 6 comments

I cannot even begin how to work this conundrum, please help me with a testing plan for sample distribution with a minimum of participants. [more inside]
posted by Fuego at 10:15 AM PST - 2 comments

The plot/ a plot involves a small-town/rural wife running off and having an affair and being forced to return to her husband for reasons I cannot recall. The scene in particular is her arriving home to what is maybe a farmhouse setting, devastated, while the husband quietly, and without seeming judgment, unpacks her suitcase. Is this something really obvious? I want to say this is 1930s/1940s time-wise, but I'm not sure the film/movie whatever was actually made in the 1930s/1940s. Ringing any bells for you?
posted by thivaia at 10:05 AM PST - 6 comments

Which cotton percale pillowcases do you recommend? Ideally they would be crisp, soft, and cooling for the summer. [more inside]
posted by bluecore at 9:41 AM PST - 8 comments

The key detail I remember: when the planet banishment is being explained, one character says something like, "well that's not so bad, at least they get to live in peace where they can't bother anyone" and the other character explaining the punishment says something along the lines of, "no, you don't understand, they don't get to take their star with them" and then it's clear that it's a super bleak fate. [more inside]
posted by Hadroed at 6:58 AM PST - 4 comments

Aging father (80s) gets no fewer than 25 pieces of mail daily. He is overwhelmed by this as he feels the need to seriously read everything. And donate money he does not have. More inside. [more inside]
posted by maxg94 at 6:46 AM PST - 16 comments

Last night, when we let Darling Dog (tax) out for his last pee before bed, he took off like a rocket to a back corner of our yard. Before it registered with my husband, he let the dog back into the house, unleashing the worst odor I've ever encountered. It had to be a skunk, right - but was it? [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 6:09 AM PST - 11 comments

I have two kids, 7 and 9. They fight ALL THE TIME. Help??? Anecdotes, wisdom, advice, suggestions, all welcome. [more inside]
posted by heavenknows at 3:29 AM PST - 37 comments

I need to share a list of passwords with members of my family. I want to set it up so that they can access the passwords if I'm out of contact for some reason. These passwords are for my father's accounts, his computer literacy is limited. I tried putting the passwords in a Keepass database and putting that on a shared GDriver folder that they have access to, but I'm worried that the fact that they'll have to install the Keepass software will be a stumbling block. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 2:29 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a Dell and a Lenovo laptop. The OEM power supply for the Dell is big and cumbersome. The OEM power supply for the Lenovo is small and easily manageable. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 1:35 AM PST - 10 comments

Depression, yes, I know, getting treatment but also I am confused by my experience. I have always had the capacity for excitement and optimism in most things. Not that I didn't have bad spells, or get upset, or cry, but they were usually tempered with an unrelentingly happy disposition. Even when I would be upset/angry about the state of the world or go full "there is something wrong on the internet!" mode, I reset to baseline level of excitement. Then I had the worst year of my life, and now I feel that is just gone, or at best, as shadow of me. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 12:22 AM PST - 11 comments

A friend kindly pointed out that our child (~4yo) is often W-sitting, and why we should address it. We're lucky she told us because we were completely unaware. Now I'm curious if there's anything else we should know! (One more example: Don't kiss a baby's or child's ear.)
posted by shrimpetouffee at 9:04 PM PST - 24 comments

Does a walk-up business (i.e., no indoor seating) selling ice cream have to post its prices? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 8:02 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm moving, which means that 1. I no longer can WFH on a beat up old couch all day 2. I don't HAVE to WFH on a beat up old couch all day. Recommend a standing desk! [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 6:22 PM PST - 20 comments

I have an old Toyota. Do I take it to the dealership to fix a stereo problem? Or is there another kind of professional? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:59 PM PST - 5 comments

I dreamed I had some cool shoes. What's the closest I can get to them IRL? [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 3:33 PM PST - 6 comments

A friend has asked for help! I’m aware of the ethical slut, but this has been around for a while! What are the best (practical) books on polyamory for a friend and her husband? They’re full of love and compassion. Feminist, trauma informed are good.
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 3:14 PM PST - 5 comments

I have some kind of pest infestation in my apartment. Does anyone know what this is likely to be? They seem to be after wool items. [more inside]
posted by vibratory manner of working at 2:56 PM PST - 6 comments

Years ago (05-08 I think?)when I lived in New Haven the local Popeyes had a weird thing where after you said what you were ordering a screen would show a spinning roulette wheel and offer a item you could get for rounding up to the next dollar. I've never seen something like this before or since. Has anyone else ever encountered this weird marketing gimmick again? [more inside]
posted by Ferreous at 2:39 PM PST - 1 comment

I just bought a brand new car a few weeks ago. Yesterday, after 3 separate (!) incidents where I wasn’t at fault, I now have a slightly dented door and a series of deep scrapes on the front bumper. I made online police reports but I’m trying to figure out whether I should involve insurance. [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 1:59 PM PST - 15 comments

I want to love Stellaris! I bought it on Steam ages ago, and have tried a few games, but it's just got a level of complexity that I find a bit confounding, and the various tiers of management / currency / politics a touch exhausting. Can Stellaris be for me? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 1:25 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for examples of environmental remediation projects that could be (or are being) executed by communities without access to sophisticated tools, materials, or training. Bonus points if they are ocean, river, or lake related. Bonus-bonus points they use natural, renewable materials. [more inside]
posted by signal at 12:23 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking for games to play on my phone at work during slow times. Any suggestions? In the past I've enjoyed Reigns: Her Majesty, Stack the States, I Love Hue, and Duolingo (not technically a game, I know, but it feels like one). [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:19 PM PST - 17 comments

I remember watching this movie on British television in the late 1960s/early1970s, but the film itself was already quite old by then. It was a feature which would have had a cinema release in its day. A light romantic comedy with mild satire on people's growing appetite for fame. A woman wants her face on a particular billboard because she wants everyone to see it there - no other reason. She enlists a male character (The billboard's owner? An advertising exec?) to make this happen. [more inside]
posted by Paul Slade at 12:00 PM PST - 5 comments

The plumbing under this sink, which is in the basement apartment of my house, has recently started dripping slightly. The water seems to be coming from the gray ring at the top. What should I do to fix this?
posted by orange swan at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments

I love the paperback gothics that were published in the 60s and 70s. Like governesses, women running from houses, all that. A cute mystery and romance. I would love to read some in which the main affair or romance is between two women. Not too very period-piece. Any help? How would a Dorothy Eden or Phyllis Whitney novel come out with this as a focus, I have no idea, but that might just be paradise. With some more sex than the usual would also be good.
posted by noelpratt2nd at 11:39 AM PST - 7 comments

British novel, the protagonist goes by the nickname 'C'. His actual name was something very English, like Cyril, although that might not be it. [more inside]
posted by bardophile at 11:33 AM PST - 4 comments

Have you been recently, post-lockdown? What has been your experience? We've read about Boris and David weeks. We're looking for how non-hipster and non-Boris people would be treated and what would be appropriate wear.
posted by jojo and the benjamins at 11:24 AM PST - 1 comment

I went through a lot of personal upheaval immediately before the pandemic started...which then made everything worse. I'm struggling to re-enter the world now and find a purposeful daily life. Help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:11 AM PST - 10 comments

I (m38) have been with B (ftm34) for 16 years. We met in college, got married, grew up together. I've always wanted more sex than him. What does the future hold? Somehow increasing his interest in sex? Opening up the relationship? Divorce? Please advise me on (a) what i might be misunderstanding, (b) what might be a wise direction for the future, and (c) how you have responded when in a similar place. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:10 AM PST - 17 comments

What would you expect to happen in your organisation if a senior manager (just below director level) made the comment "women don't make good engineers." What do you think should happen? This is in an engineering organisation where around 10% of the engineers are women but that has been trying to increase this percentage in recent years. [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 10:08 AM PST - 18 comments

Last year we bought a house, and we'd like to put solar panels on soon in order to take advantage of various state and federal incentives, but we've also been told our roof is old and will need replacing soonish. What is the order of operations here? [more inside]
posted by firechicago at 10:05 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm visiting New York City in early June and am looking for things to do. I am currently experiencing a medical condition that makes it painful to walk or stand for more than half an hour or so. Sitting is OK. See under the fold for more. [more inside]
posted by matildaben at 10:04 AM PST - 6 comments

I use a medication that is prescription in the US but OTC in Sweden and at much lower cost. A lovely friend is willing to send it to me. FDA guidance makes clear that importation for personal use is not an enforcement priority. What is the best way to declare this on the customs form? [more inside]
posted by HotToddy at 9:59 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm releasing a single in a few weeks and I would like to get it on some streaming playlists. I understand there are PR agencies who can help new/less established artists get on playlists. How can I find these agencies, and how do I know which ones are legit?
posted by pxe2000 at 9:23 AM PST - 1 comment

My 81-year-old father is locked out of his google account. It looks like he may have either accidentally changed the password (and does not remember the old one) or the account was compromised. We’re trying to get back in, and while I *think* we finally have all the info we need, google is sending lots of “too many failures” messages and not letting us in. I’m worried we’re going to dig ourselves deeper into a hole. Is there some professional we can/should get to help? Things we should be doing / not doing from here? [more inside]
posted by PersonPerson at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Asking on behalf of a friend: I need two relatively well-known novels to fit the following criteria. One of them should address the value of human life over and above technological fixation (so maybe something humanistic in science fiction?). The other should convey that friendships will take you farther than talent alone. Searching for books by theme is, as you might imagine, rather difficult. Any ideas?
posted by xenization at 8:10 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm interested in a little house in the Cooper neighborhood in Minneapolis, but currently live out of state and don't know that part of the city. If you live there or are familiar with it, is it a place that's safe to walk around alone as a woman? Is the nearby park along the river also safe to walk around? Anything else you particularly like or dislike?
posted by pinochiette at 6:56 AM PST - 4 comments

We're going to spend several weeks in Europe in August, though we're still figuring out the exact locations. We're wondering how Covid and the war in Ukraine might affect our travel plans. [more inside]
posted by johnasdf at 6:31 AM PST - 16 comments

My family currently has our cell phones through T-Mobile (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) and we all occasionally (multiple times per month) have missed texts or texts that have not gotten sent. Do you have missed or unsent texts with your US carrier? Are any of them any better than others? [more inside]
posted by dforemsky at 5:45 AM PST - 9 comments

It's getting warm here, and my jeans are getting too hot for work. What sort of trousers should I buy? Pickiness below: [more inside]
posted by stillnocturnal at 4:37 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm not looking for just any science fiction (or 'science fiction') free to read online. I'm looking for stuff that is scientifically literate and 'sciencey,' where real science, plausible speculative science, or a scientific viewpoint (or all of these) is important to the story. Short stories that are not trite even to people who have already read a lot of sf (and even read some non-sf) would be especially nice. I'd also like to avoid piracy and theft. [more inside]
posted by cattypist at 2:03 AM PST - 8 comments

Hi! I am looking for some recommendations for short short stories that are great for getting students talking. I have had great success with The Lottery. [more inside]
posted by maca at 11:51 PM PST - 38 comments

I'm selling a house in Texas. One offer didn't have an agent and suggested to our agent that she do dual agency. I told my agent I don't want dual agency but my agent insisted on dual agency. We got 5 offers on the house and the offer with dual agency is cash, and the highest offer. I don't want dual agency so much that I'm willing to accept a lower offer from someone else to avoid dual agency. Do I have the legal right to decline dual agency? What are my options here?
posted by maxexam at 7:14 PM PST - 11 comments

I'll be facilitating a 12-week writing workshop, and I want to have a private place for participants to discuss work between classes. Ideally they would be able to upload documents and comment on them. The level of technical literacy is not terribly high; last time, some people had trouble uploading documents to Google docs and I had to do it for them. So whatever forum we use must be easy to use--the basic functionality at least. [more inside]
posted by Flock of Cynthiabirds at 6:58 PM PST - 9 comments

I'll be going to Japan in August and all the main points have already been nailed down, what else can I fit in around them? For example I'll be going to the Ghibli museum, maybe there's a great restaurant or shop nearby I should check out? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 6:56 PM PST - 9 comments

At first, one colleague took forever to reply to me. Then another, and another. At this point, it's beginning to seem like a weird new normal. What is going on here? Did everyone get the "slow your emails" memo but me? [more inside]
posted by marlys at 6:25 PM PST - 20 comments

but,.......a more desirable role opened that I think I meet the requirements for. It's me again! Many of you know of my job search difficulties w/ unrealistic expectations and bulls**tting companies on my experience or skills. I'm trying to keep on the self-aware train and realistic expectations. I interviewed for an entry-level role with a dream company but since then a more sr. role similar to my previous jobs opened up. I want to approach them on the mid-level role but am scared it might cost me both opportunities. [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 5:59 PM PST - 4 comments

My single-handled kitchen sink faucet handle was wiggly, so I had Moen send me free replacement innards. I had a friend's husband install the parts. Now there is a weird leak occurring under the sink. [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 5:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for communities (virtual or otherwise) that focus on lefty/radical/anti-authoritarian uses and development of science and technology. Like open-source organizing software, post-capitalist robots, DIY biology - that kind of thing, where the focus is on empowering people rather than making profit. [more inside]
posted by woofo at 5:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Hey Mefites! What films could I show to 14-15 year olds to tell stories of marginalized communities? [more inside]
posted by dfm500 at 4:47 PM PST - 32 comments

I've using and enjoying these cheap headphones that have a little "wing" that helps lock them into your ear. I can't find any more of them, I need a replacement. [more inside]
posted by Jack Karaoke at 3:39 PM PST - 13 comments

Our gas hot water heater is reaching the end of its life and we're looking at replacing it with a heat pump water heater (likely either a Bradford White or Rheem/Ruud). One of the hardest parts of the decision-making process for us has been determining if the additional noise produced by the heat pump is going to be bothersome to us. If you have one of these what has your experience been with noise? [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 1:26 PM PST - 7 comments

I will be reading a poem at an upcoming gathering. The poem includes a number of words which are deliberately mis-spelled by the poet as a reflection of the writing of a character in the poem. The mis-spellings are part of the point. How can I read the poem aloud in a way that will appropriately convey the mis-spellings? [more inside]
posted by gauche at 12:49 PM PST - 9 comments

I got a big jar of sun-dried tomatoes from Costco. The oil in the jar has congealed in the fridge, which is bad for two reasons: (1) it's totally gross, and (2) a lot of that oil will stick to the tomatoes and get into my meal. The jar says "If oil congeals, return to room temperature," but I don't want to deal with that every time I need sun-dried tomatoes. Is there something else I can do to keep the oil from solidifying?
posted by Gerald Bostock at 12:28 PM PST - 16 comments

Hello, my husband ran across this "thinking about reasoning" question that has me puzzled? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 12:03 PM PST - 12 comments

So I screwed up. I'm an amateur photographer and have thousands of photos in my iPhoto cloud account. I was in the process of transferring my old iPad to my brother and hit the wrong button when changing accounts, and now I accidentally merged the thousands of photos that were saved from my iCloud account into my brother's iCloud account and now he's being prompted constantly to upgrade his account. Are there any tools to help filter and delete photos and videos from iCloud/iPhoto by any useful means like which camera/phone they were taken with or location? Nothing is too hacky of a solution!
posted by gzimmer at 11:16 AM PST - 7 comments

We're going to redo our small city yard this year. We are thinking about no grass, low maintenance, and eco friendy. Some things we might want is raised beds for veggies, an outdoor kitchen, and some sort of shaded seating area. What other things might we want to think about? We're in Minneapolis, so the winters are cold and the summers are hot.
posted by advicepig at 11:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Recently, I have found that I have a lot (more than usual) of relatively short (3-4 inches long) hairs around my face and even shorter (1-2 inches long) hairs around my nape. How can I tell if these hairs are new growth or breakage [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 11:07 AM PST - 6 comments

I've been listening to a lot of New Order recently. Or rather, I've been streaming a lot of New Order videos on Youtube, which is to say that I've been listening to AND looking at New Order recently. They're a band with a strong visual identity, which I appreciate. I'm looking for other bands with strong visual identities like that. [more inside]
posted by kevinbelt at 10:45 AM PST - 26 comments

Educators of Metafilter (and other who have chunks of time off): How do you balance summer relaxing with getting things done? I am at the start of summer break and trying to come up with a plan that will help me accomplish some things this summer. If you have a job that gives you chunks of time off, too, what strategies have helped you use your time well? [more inside]
posted by TrarNoir at 10:04 AM PST - 9 comments

I believe a basic necessity for an organization is to understand how they are performing, and seek to improve their performance to counteract the basic attrition of the world. I've sold many bosses on this, but have had very low success in implementing it. How can I help organizations be more effective? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 8:52 AM PST - 35 comments

Asking for a friend: how does one transport a large amount of precious metals in the form of bars and coins across state lines? There may not be enough documentation to pass through TSA inspection, is driving it the only option? [more inside]
posted by Fuego at 8:07 AM PST - 14 comments

I recently learned about the short-lived 1920s Mexican art movement called stridentism / estridentismo. I really like the linocut/woodcut/"zine-ish" style of this artwork and it would be nice to buy a print or two for my walls, but online resources and information are hard to find. Can you give me tips for finding prints by stridentist artists, OR can you recommend other art in this style? (Examples inside...) [more inside]
posted by cubeb at 6:41 AM PST - 7 comments

Just graduated college and transitioning to using my personal email again. I basically used my edu email for EVERYTHING for the past four years, so now I need to transition everything to the personal email, maybe cancel some subscriptions, etc. Personal email is very cluttered. tips would be very appreciated! [more inside]
posted by cruel summer at 6:27 AM PST - 13 comments

I (woman in mid-thirties) have a really, really hard time with all three components of remembering people I meet - I have a significant amount of face blindness (I will literally see and forget a face in minutes), I will either forget to get the name/forget it after some time, and sometimes, the faces and names are islands with no bridge connecting the same. This is especially bad when it comes to introductions at work. This, when I work in an industry where this is practically an essential skill. Why is this and how do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 4:05 AM PST - 35 comments

I am going to be in Portugal with no real plans in mid-June. I'm thinking about going on a longish (~1 month?) backpacking trip. What's a good place in Europe to do that? [more inside]
posted by wesleyac at 3:22 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm dealing with pretty severe anxiety, managed these days by Lexapro. Mornings are still a bit tough. I have what I'm pretty sure are big rushes of cortisol, (my doctor agrees). One thing that helps is eating a small amount of dark chocolate. It lifts my mood and smooths out my morning anxiety. But all the anxiety has done a number on my stomach lining and I have gastritis. Dark chocolate and gastritis are not a great combination. Is there any way I can minimise the gastritis-triggering effects of dark chocolate? [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 9:50 PM PST - 13 comments

My partner and I are going through a challenging season and we’re getting into conversations that leave our nervous systems “jangly”. [more inside]
posted by vividvoltage at 8:35 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm creating a presentation to use in classrooms at high schools for a leftist climate organization (Sunrise Movement) and am looking for a better way to phrase my current answer, "injustices in our system", as the answer to "why do we have the climate crisis, actually". Without just blatantly saying that the answer is "white male patriarchy/capitalism/etc." how can I phrase this better to answer the question while also minding the context in which I will be presenting (high school classrooms as a guest speaker)?
posted by defmute at 6:56 PM PST - 34 comments

I have an old olive oil label printed entirely in French and would like to determine its age. It reads "Importation directe d'huile d'olive Paris Brussels N. Lotte" I would like to know when this company was in business. The other information on the label is not particularly helpful, i.e., that the oil is extra virgin and chemically guaranteed to be pure. The label is "varnished" and looks like it was printed with lithography. My Internet searches for "N. Lotte" came up empty. Thanks for your help.
posted by kirsti at 5:34 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for an anecdote that I've come across a few times on Twitter and/or Tumblr. It involves a doctor getting someone to agree to a vaccine by countering the patient's conspiracy theory with an even wilder one. Can you help me find it? [more inside]
posted by meese at 3:28 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm launching a Kickstarter fo a book project that already has fan support. Have any of you done this successfully? Appreciate any advice / answers to questions within. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 3:24 PM PST - 2 comments

I've left dealing with returning my old, replaced computer to my employer to the last minute and now I'm running into an issue I hadn't considered: they've put a firmware password on so that I can't just do a factory reset and wipe it before I give it back. What should I do to ensure I get the most I can deleted with this critical path blocked? [more inside]
posted by Ten Cold Hot Dogs at 2:37 PM PST - 10 comments

A good buddy has an XBox 360 and it sometimes has trouble reading the game discs. It labors and struggles and eventually gets it right after several minutes. Any way to fix this?
posted by storybored at 2:23 PM PST - 2 comments

We are unavoidably having contractors in our home next week for three days. I am *severely* immunocompromised and the “new normal” does not apply. So please leave aside any and all “it’ll be fine” knee jerk you have because I still need to be treating this like it will kill me. So, step inside and let me tell you our plan. Is it good enough? What haven’t we thought of? [more inside]
posted by Bottlecap at 1:57 PM PST - 35 comments

I'm having a hard time finding a USB-C hub with the following features:

• Supports two external monitors (1080p is fine) for a 2021 MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip, with extended desktop (not mirrored)
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 80w+ power delivery (the 2021 MBP comes with a 140w charger!)
• Four USB-A ports (mouse, keyboard, external microphone, external webcam)
• < $200 US

Can you help me figure out the right search terms for this? [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 1:53 PM PST - 3 comments

You put a card on a cup and a coin on the card. You flick or pull the card away and the coin drops into the cup, demonstrating the first and second laws of motion. Is there a way to demonstrate the third law of motion using these materials?
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 1:11 PM PST - 7 comments

My 6 month old Tivo Edge died. Tivo will replace it but isn't offering to transfer my recordings. Mostly I just want my unwatched NBA playoff games. (I'm about 10 days behind on watching the playoffs). [more inside]
posted by neuron at 11:50 AM PST - 2 comments

I accidentally wound up with too much money in my Transit Check account. I'm hoping to load up some Metrocards with the excess money and sell them online — on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or somewhere like that. Is this legal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:16 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm a young adult with chronic conditions but am not CDC approved for a 4th shot. How can I get one? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:25 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm posting this anonymously because I'm scared of it coming back to me. I have a bad temper. A short fuse. I have a wife and two college-aged children. One just graduated this last week. My wife has told me that my behavior borders on emotional abuse and has pointed out times in a previous relationship where I have engaged in violent behavior. I'm looking for help and have caveats galore. Potential Trigger Warnings. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:25 AM PST - 17 comments

I want to write a formula in excel. THere is a sheet with rows that contain the text "a" "b" "c" "d". I want the formula to use column 2 from one of those rows. Which row? The row that matches the text in this other cell I'm going to point it to. I know this is a two step thing where I first make excel figure out which row and then write that formula into the larger formula. But I can't figure out the function to look up the right cell. The functions i find will tell me the the text is "third in the list" or whatever, not "Cell C2", (or better yet, Row 2) which is what I want.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 10:04 AM PST - 11 comments

How can I get news headlines without details, that allow me to find more information only when I want it? [more inside]
posted by Gorgik at 8:39 AM PST - 13 comments

I have plenty of t-shirts and work tops. I'm looking for tops to wear when meeting friends, going out to eat, a casual party, etc. when I want something a little more interesting. "Fancier" t-shirts or other tops, not too girly, sleeveless, short sleeve, or 3/4 are all OK. Size 6/8, small/medium, under $75, US-based. Would love some color, prints are fine too. Please presume I've looked at the usual suspects (Loft, Old Navy, Target, Lands End, etc.). Specific brands/websites/style recommendations appreciated.
posted by XtineHutch at 8:12 AM PST - 10 comments

Last week I got a basal cell carcinoma taken off my face (for the second time). This one was between my nose and one eye and contemplating my scar-to-be is not fun. Am getting the stitches out later this week, and I have questions. [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 7:29 AM PST - 17 comments

I am really busy these days with work, grad school, and ongoing volunteer projects, plus a child and a spouse. I am getting through it all by constantly multitasking and by being super efficient. The problem is that I cannot relax during the downtime minutes. [more inside]
posted by xo at 6:58 AM PST - 8 comments

I never liked the beach before last summer. Now that I’ve come to love the beach, I’d like to make the absolute best beach experience. I’ve got a couple of things in my beach toolkit, but wondered whether those who have a lifetime of beach going can recommend other things and practices to make my visits great. [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 5:24 AM PST - 35 comments

I understand I need — or it is a good idea to have — a ferry reservation to go from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands via car. My question is about what my options are once I am on one or another island: Can I drive off at one island, hop back on, and go to another island, without needing an additional reservation? [more inside]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 12:57 AM PST - 6 comments

Recently I've been really vibing with trance(or edm) music that has a specific type of sound. The best way I'd describe it is the arcade game Initial D soundtrack, a bit softer, and with no or very minimal singing or lyrics. I'd love to find more things like that to scratch that itch right now. [more inside]
posted by Carillon at 12:32 AM PST - 7 comments

I’m looking for recommendations for good brands of fishtail weeders (or alternative tools for the same purpose). [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 11:35 PM PST - 2 comments

I got a new work laptop that has only one USB A port and one USB C port. My recently purchased, extra-wide external monitor has HDMI and DisplayPort uh... ports(?), and came with an HDMI to HDMI cable. That was great for my old work laptop, but evidently won't work with the new. How do I connect my laptop to my monitor but also have room to plug in my charger and other USB devices? [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 9:22 PM PST - 9 comments

anyone got zoo keeper stories of what it was like working behind the glass/fence/cage/tank? weird logistics people don't think about? the strangest tasks someones gotta do but work no one sees? the more mundane the better! [more inside]
posted by beanman at 8:04 PM PST - 12 comments

How Can I Cope with Old Age? [more inside]
posted by SPrintF at 7:03 PM PST - 14 comments

The heating element on my partner's beloved vintage electric teakettle died recently. The old element is a flexible sheet about .75" x 3" that fits inside a cylindrical housing in the bottom of the kettle. It looks like there's nichrome(?) wire wound around the flexible sheet, and it is broken in several places. Do I just get new nichrome wire and re-wind it, or is there something better these days? [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 6:45 PM PST - 4 comments

I got a Steam Deck a couple of weeks ago and am really loving it for a variety of use cases. One that I didn't consider was playing games while waiting for children to fall asleep while they listen to a podcast. I can't have sound on though to distract them, so are there good games out there that are designed to be completely silent (or at least don't lose a significant amount of the experience being quiet)? [more inside]
posted by RyanAdams at 6:04 PM PST - 13 comments

THIS is BBQ legend Rodney Scott's recipe for Southern potato salad, and it's pretty much everything I want a potato salad to be. I'll sub part of the sweet pickle relish for dill pickle, add finely diced mini bell peppers, and a wee bit of celery seed. Besides bacon (because a lot of people don't eat pork), how would you make this salad even more delicious? Thanks!
posted by cyndigo at 4:35 PM PST - 33 comments

My web host (Opalstack) just set up one-click installs of Nextcloud, which is pretty cool... at a glance it seems to be a replacement for the Google set of apps, including a Dropbox-style file sharing system. We're a two-person household that I'd describe as tech-friendly but not sophisticated. Have you found any great uses in this context? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 4:16 PM PST - 4 comments

There is a woman who begs for money in my neighbourhood in Scarborough Ontario. What social services are available to someone who is pregnant, single, unvaccinated, and out of status? [more inside]
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 3:38 PM PST - 6 comments

What are some fancy, carbonated, non-alcoholic beverages that I can get at stores in the Berkeley CA area? [more inside]
posted by expialidocious at 3:26 PM PST - 24 comments

Hey all. I possibly had baby COVID back in April, but now I feel sick again. So, I tested, again. This time, I got a solid positive for COVID on my home test. I'm supposed to go to Vancouver, BC, Canada for 5 days, starting June 1st, for a minicavation and to see an outdoor concert. My question - should I go? How many days should I be isolating? How many days does Canada require me to be testing negative before I travel? Is this trip even possible? Thank you. [more inside]
posted by spinifex23 at 3:08 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me find this choker (at 1/20 of the price...) [more inside]
posted by suviko at 3:06 PM PST - 13 comments

I am facing issues with my financial aid in school due to two semesters that had covid related problems and left me behind in SAP. One I took the credit/no credit option, the other I withdrew from due to two direct covid impacts (getting covid, and having housing issues, PUA issues, just a cluster fuck of a bad semester and I've been blaming my self for not managing all of that, but I digress.) Having to file a SAP appeal for aid due to an incomplete i couldn't "absorb" because I fell behind on SAP. Then I found this: which seems to suggest the university has the option to not count those withdrawals [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 3:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Can any knitters help me interpret a confusing section of a knitting pattern? I've read it over several times, asked other knitters, and even written to the knitting company, but I'm STILL not getting the answer I need. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:51 PM PST - 9 comments

I have purchased different products to prevent birds from hitting picture windows (lots of resources on this FWS post). It looks like a more permanent solution (the films I’ve used in the past last 3-6 years) would be etching the glass. I’d like to etch my windows. I was thinking about using these instructions and a circular dot stencil. Have you done anything like this? Did it work? Do you have other (permanent) suggestions which don’t include replacing the entire window?
posted by arnicae at 1:46 PM PST - 4 comments

How long is it safe to leave cooked rice in a rice cooker before eating it? If there's rice left over from dinner, can I leave it in the cooker overnight and eat it for breakfast without risking food poisoning? [more inside]
posted by Lexica at 1:34 PM PST - 20 comments

Is it fair to say that a resolution of 1280 x 1024 has twice as many pixels as a resolution 640 x 512?
posted by matkline at 1:32 PM PST - 10 comments

My partner and I are having a discussion about whether it's important to eradicate the plentiful and active carpenter bees using our eaves for their nests. My preference is to live with them; my partner has reached a point of action. [more inside]
posted by Lawn Beaver at 1:26 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm trying my hand at writing romance for fun and looking for examples of fantastic romance novels to show me the way! Within the bounds of the genre is ideal, but if there are books that have a strong romantic themes but don't quite fit, I'm interested in those too. [more inside]
posted by switcheroo at 11:50 AM PST - 28 comments

I am learning a language and am struggling with one piece: how to get new words into my brain. I use Anki and also Memrise to re-enforce words/ "break the forgetting curve" (which totally work); I just haven't mastered how to best take a list of new vocabulary and get it into my head (flashcards don't seem to work for me for new words). What's your technique - write them out/ flashcards only/ read and re-read/ something else?
posted by my log does not judge at 11:41 AM PST - 11 comments

Hello, I'm trying to find out where I can watch video of the original production of Greg Kotis' "Pig Farm", which ran Off Broadway in 2006 with Katie Finneran and Denis O'Hare in lead roles. [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 10:53 AM PST - 4 comments

Work has sent me two separate 16T drives and neither of them with mount in my dock bay. I've even tried them in a different drive enclosure, different ports. different cables, different computers. Nothing. But the weird thing is other 16T drives will mount. What gives? The ones that won't mount, won't show up in disk utility either. Am I doing something wrong? It just seems really odd that two drives in a row would fail like that. [more inside]
posted by captainscared at 10:45 AM PST - 8 comments

Several years ago my dad gave me this old gardening tool, that I've always referred to as a lawn water aerator. This particular tool that I owned was very cheaply made and could use some design improvements, but the concept is great and works very well in my dry climate. I need to buy a new one now, but my word searches aren't turning up what I need. [more inside]
posted by shornco at 10:15 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I generate a URL of a search result from a website which always shows its home URL? I would like to share a link with someone who could just click and see the result page.
posted by lanhan at 10:09 AM PST - 10 comments

I work in a real estate office that evicted a tenant late last week. There is a cat with newborn kittens still inside, as well as three other cats who were let outside during the eviction. The locks have not been changed yet and I found out when I went to feed the outside cats a couple days later that the tenant snuck back in to stay with the cats. [more inside]
posted by serena15221 at 9:43 AM PST - 18 comments

I have a roof deck that is covered by wood decking on palettes. I discovered that the exterior siding right below the deck had moss growing on it, and noticed drips of water from the deck, which I presume keep the siding wet enough for the moss to grow. I lifted some palettes above the mossy siding and saw a puddle, about 1/4" deep accumulating on the deck, with the puddle slowing draining (see photos with the puddle during rain, and about 24 hours later with a much smaller puddle). How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 9:39 AM PST - 2 comments

Jamaica seems to me the one country in the Caribbean with a widely recognized cuisine, just like how Peru is a standout among those in South America. Why? [more inside]
posted by Roy Batty at 8:43 AM PST - 15 comments

I bought a Nest 3rd Generation thermostat that didn't work (especially in heat mode) that well with my older Rheem Heat Pump (8 years old). Is there another thermostat that has ability to have a second sensor out there that seems to be more compatible with more heat pumps? We have a C wire. THis seems to say that an Ecobee is a better choice, but has anything changed in the last year?
posted by sandmanwv at 8:33 AM PST - 1 comment

I have an Amazon Fire Stick, and when I'm looking for a news feed, it keeps showing me Fox News along with other feeds. I do not want to see Fox or any of the other right-wing channels, but I can't find a way to block them. [more inside]
posted by Kirth Gerson at 8:09 AM PST - 5 comments

One of my friends texted me last night wanting to chat on the phone. I agreed, had to finish something for about 10 mins, and then texted him back saying I was good to go for the call. He hasn’t responded since then (it’s been a full night and half a day), and I'm starting to worry, but I can't tell if that’s an overreaction. What would non-anxious people do next? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:08 AM PST - 14 comments

I'll be entering the Philippines from Europe, on a US passport, and the posted entry requirements are confusing. Has anyone made a similar trip recently? [more inside]
posted by Mngo at 2:32 AM PST - 2 comments

The cost of shipping a bike to and from the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa has doubled. The event's formal shipper charged $225 round trip in 2018 and is charging $450 today, which strikes me as (1) insane, (2) the cost of my round trip flight, and (3) not simply explained away by inflation. I'm looking for a reliable alternative. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 11:24 PM PST - 6 comments

How do you show someone you're interested in them romantically with physical touching? The more remedial the tips, the better. [more inside]
posted by Argyle Road at 8:40 PM PST - 13 comments

I didn't realize my taste in French hip-hop was picky until I tried to find some new stuff today and I disliked most of what I found. Then I found IAM. Please share more artists like this one. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 7:41 PM PST - 11 comments

We are millennials who assumed we would never be able to afford to buy a house, so have no idea how to do these things. This weekend, a townhouse that is surprisingly reasonably priced has appeared on Zillow. I want it. The problem is, I have no idea how to make this happen. Help? [more inside]
posted by EllaEm at 7:00 PM PST - 39 comments

After some musing and self-reflection, I'm a control freak. It comes from abandonment/not ever really feeling in control as a kid, being bullied and mistreated in middle school, and a family history of people needing to be in control. How do I let go of this? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 6:26 PM PST - 17 comments

What is a google maps-like website for city biking that isn't horrible? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 6:11 PM PST - 9 comments

I need new grooves for a 16-hour road trip, but most new rap and dance music doesn't float my boat -- maybe you can help me find something I'll love? I'm looking for individual tracks only, not podcasts or soundtracks or DJ sets or whatever. And it has to be new, like within the last 3 years. Some recent stuff I love, and would love more of, inside. [more inside]
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 5:52 PM PST - 6 comments

Up until last week, I used a Mac app to browse YouTube on my Macbook. But suddenly it's stopped working. Any idea why? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 5:41 PM PST - 2 comments

I bought some Home made Szechuan chili oil sauce at the local Chinese market and I'm not sure how to use it. [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten at 5:36 PM PST - 9 comments

So, after the debacle of my previous job (see prior questions), I've been unable to bring myself to apply for a job. I applied for one job that I kind of obviously wouldn't get, in February... just to say I applied for something. I've been in therapy, which has been helping, but I am still struggling at getting over some sort of job-search barrier and I don't know what to do. [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 5:29 PM PST - 9 comments

Bought this cool decorative plate at an antique mall on the weekend. Can anybody tell me what it says? Picture of the plate. I'm not sure it's oriented correctly, but there's a hook on the back of the plate that would hang it like this. Markings on the back seem to indicate that it's from Turkey. Thanks in advance!
posted by mccxxiii at 4:52 PM PST - 5 comments

So with Kindle and other modern tech, it seems like you could have a fiction story that you could download and then set sliders like "less description, more action" and "no graphic sex or violence please" or "yes please all the hardcore sex scenes". Has this been done, or how would you do it? [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 4:12 PM PST - 10 comments

My creative writing mojo has left me. How do I get it back? I just don't feel like writing anymore, but it has always made me feel better. I want to write again. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 3:39 PM PST - 10 comments

Part of a story I’m writing takes place in a workplace in the U.S. east coast where the employees are a diverse group of 25-40 year olds (Millennials). Are there good examples of casual, witty dialog for this demographic and setting? Are you a Millennial at work? [more inside]
posted by KneeHiSocks at 1:57 PM PST - 15 comments

I work on a lot of web-scale technologies and nearly every industry has or is in the process of moving to the cloud. So I'll use Kubernetes, straight VMs, severless services (e.g., Lambda), message busses, managed SQL and the like. Is there something that Azure excels at that AWS does not? Using both I'm not really aware of prices but assume they're in overall parity. When talking to clients, aka companies, who seem to exclusively one or the other they're very loyal to either and I can't tell if this is a Coke vs Pepsi thing or if one is better? I use both so much I can't tell the difference. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 1:42 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking for voter endorsements, guides, and other resources to help me vote for the California June 2022 primaries (and future elections)? As a busy individual how do you figure out who to vote for? What things can I reasonably read to learn about the candidates or issues? [more inside]
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 1:31 PM PST - 9 comments

My wife became a Swedish citizen back in 2016 and it turns out that her passport and national ID card have recently expired without her noticing. We are planning on going to see our families in the US and Canada soon (flights are booked), and we are wondering what we can do about this. [more inside]
posted by vernondalhart at 1:10 PM PST - 12 comments

I want to learn to do (non-digital) letterpress printing of posters. How much might this cost, and what press should I buy? [more inside]
posted by rollcredits at 12:55 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for good online sources of support (Facebook groups, message boards, subreddits, etc.) for partners of people who have moderate to severe ADHD. Have you found any such spaces that are useful to you? Secondarily interested in books or articles on the same topic.
posted by southern_sky at 12:53 PM PST - 4 comments

How the heck do people afford window coverings? I need some advice on roller shades, specifically. [more inside]
posted by tiny frying pan at 12:05 PM PST - 11 comments

Looking for personal recommendations for a dog ramp. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 11:38 AM PST - 6 comments

I am fortunate to live in an apartment that has a balcony. I've gotten a set of two wooden folding chairs and a folding table to sit out on the balcony, but haven't really done much else with it. I know I want to get an umbrella so I can sit out there more, but am also looking for other ideas. How can I improve my balcony experience? [more inside]
posted by wiskunde at 11:22 AM PST - 16 comments

Hi all, my wife has a very strong prescription (around +10 SPH in both eyes) and it's been a struggle to find online sites that cater to that level of correction. The big vendors we've tried (Zenni, EyeBuyDirect) only have a couple of frames they say are suitable for lenses of that strength - and most of those are for kids - and many sites simply don't cater to her (Goggles4U, Clearly.ca). [more inside]
posted by clicking the 'Post Comment' button at 10:12 AM PST - 6 comments

I may have accidentally changed my gmail password Thurs night while fiddling around with a password in Doordash. Help me sign in? [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 10:05 AM PST - 1 comment

My cat had surgery this past Thursday to remove multiple teeth, and each day since she's refused more and more food. Is this an emergency, or can it wait until Monday morning? [more inside]
posted by Maarika at 10:05 AM PST - 22 comments

Tomorrow, I start a new remote job with a startup as a data analyst. I was hoping some of you kind folks could pass along your best tips and tricks for succeeding in a new remote role, or in a successful startup environment? I've been remote for the past two years, but I had three years under my belt at my job before the switchover happened. I'm mainly concerned about making a good first impression, making connections with my coworkers (although many, including my boss, will be remote as well), and learning the material and the culture. Thank you!
posted by oxfordcomma at 10:00 AM PST - 4 comments

What documentaries or other form of nonfiction visual media have you enjoyed which inspired a sense of adventure and/or boldness? [more inside]
posted by unid41 at 9:41 AM PST - 15 comments

A Ukranian friend is currently in Tenerife, and left her car behind in Lviv. The cost of transporting the vehicle here and re-registering it is prohibitive, and as such the best option seems to be selling the vehicle in Lviv, then purchasing a new vehicle in Tenerife so that she has transportation support in her new business. The logistics of this remote sale are ... not entirely clear to us. [more inside]
posted by jpziller at 9:40 AM PST - 2 comments

I am receiving email, including private information about a student at a school part of a major charter-school network in the U.S. Besides containing private info the emails allow me to (without entering any password or anything) set up meetings, consent to medical procedures for this student. It makes me very angry that this school is so careless with its students privacy, not to mention my ability to set things up for this student. Obviously a FERPA violation. How/to whom do I report this? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:52 AM PST - 6 comments

I am a married late 30s mom of 2 young boys, age 2 and 5. I have a successful career and I am the primary earner. I am the type of individual contributor/middle manager who keeps her head down, does an immense amount of work, accomplishes things, hits goals, but rarely gets recognized. I do get told how talented I am, yet the reward for that is I am given more and more work. I am burnt out - how can I take the plunge and leave the working world for a while? [more inside]
posted by curtains at 7:30 AM PST - 25 comments

My partner made a comment last night that I think is extremely unacceptable. I need input on how to address. [more inside]
posted by glaucon at 6:31 AM PST - 33 comments

Asking for a friend, though I'll be wanting this sooner than later. We have a solid understanding of basic HTML/css, but have no real idea how to make a nice looking website using them. Looking for resources to help bridge the gap. For example, it'd be really cool to have an explainer where someone builds a nice website from scratch and explains all of the steps/decisions involved...or even just takes an existing website and explains the specifics of what goes into it. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 3:41 AM PST - 7 comments

My grandmother (Polish, lots of Russian and German cultural influences in childhood) used to play this solitaire variant when I was a kid, but she stopped at some point and now neither of us can remember the exact rules. I've spent far too long in lists of solitaire / patience variants and nothing's ringing a bell. The one thing I do remember is that you laid out cards in 8 columns, of which 4 were face-up, and the first few (how many? possibly 4?) rows of the other 4 were face-down. [more inside]
posted by I claim sanctuary at 12:09 AM PST - 3 comments

We're camping in NE Florida and our brand new, completely closed up tent is FULL of gnats. What the hell is going on? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 9:10 PM PST - 13 comments

I am searching for Windows software that will display a slideshow in a fullscreen, with a random order of images, but can also randomize the orientation of each image. In other words, the images could be upright, rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, or upside down.
posted by panhopticon at 7:03 PM PST - 2 comments

My parents aren’t bad but they aren’t great either. Other people have amazing, real relationships with their parents - how do I stop being envious of them? [more inside]
posted by cruel summer at 5:26 PM PST - 25 comments

Looking for an outdoor dining restaurant for my unboosted mom, dad, and grandmother in the Philadelphia area for dinner tomorrow. It’s to celebrate my mom’s birthday, so a touch of festive would be nice. [more inside]
posted by danceswithlight at 3:35 PM PST - 3 comments

I've had my sweet standard poodle for a month and a half. She's just a year old. Went to the Vet Mon(9th) for vaccines - Lyme, Distemper (already did rabies when I got an initial health check). She tested positive for Lyme; the vet said she was likely exposed before I got her and prescribed Doxycycline. She's usually delighted to gobble up hot dog pieces with the doxy pills inside, but this morning she was lethargic and had no interest. [more inside]
posted by theora55 at 2:57 PM PST - 13 comments

I’m not talking about the grapefruit or pomegranate mixes! I mean the wheat beer that is everywhere in Berlin. It reminds my best friend of when we lived there together and I want to surprise her with a bottle (or more).
posted by vocativecase at 2:47 PM PST - 5 comments

In bright sun, how long until vinegar sprayed on plants is no longer vinegar? [more inside]
posted by Lesser Shrew at 2:41 PM PST - 8 comments

We have a slab of eucalyptus currently being engraved with text, to be used as a marker outside tilted with the lettering upward, and fully exposed to the weather: rain, sun, whatever. (This is in California, so frost is rare and it has never snowed here yet). What is the best protective clear coating to use, if any? Suggestions have been to leave it as plain wood, covering with clear epoxy, and painting with marine spar varnish, but I've seen instances of each of the latter peeling, so I'm hoping someone can recommend what will last longest.
posted by anadem at 1:06 PM PST - 7 comments

When I take pictures on my phone I will usually end up with an ultra-short video instead of still image. I guess maybe I'm holding my finger on the screen longer than the requisite millisecond? But sometimes I get lucky. Can I force it to always take stills when I'm not in video mode? I can't find anything for it in the settings. [more inside]
posted by paper chromatographologist at 12:41 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for books or resources that describe how Americans who are truly broke function from a financial perspective. This question stems from reading that, in my city, there are lots of people whose income (including sources like social security disability) is not sufficient to cover basic necessities like housing and food. [more inside]
posted by philosophygeek at 12:35 PM PST - 16 comments

After 30+ years of home ownership, I am re-entering the rental market with my 14yo. The houses that are the best fit for us often lack outdoor storage, such as a garage or shed. Have you had this experience? How did you handle it? [more inside]
posted by Well I never at 11:29 AM PST - 10 comments

How does one do those or what is the process called? A quick example is in the first paragraph on Kottke's last post. When you click the + a little hover-above pops up with more info. How does this work?
posted by dobbs at 9:57 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to install a window air conditioner in a horizontal sliding window with a twist ... [more inside]
posted by allelopath at 9:48 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm arriving in Chennai in 2 days as an American tourist. I will be there for 23 days and arriving at the airport at 4am. I am an American tourist on e-visa. I want a prepaid sim card. Voice/text isn't mandatory, but at least 1gb /day or 15 gb for the trip would be nice. I have an unlocked Galaxy s10 Where can I get this? Which company/plan should I go with? I googled around but got lots of contradictory information
posted by maxexam at 9:43 AM PST - 3 comments

Are there funds accessible to the retail investor that can effectively short tether - or other crypto scamcoins? [more inside]
posted by lalochezia at 7:40 AM PST - 8 comments

What is a good source (or the best source) for updates on solutions and mitigation on climate change? Examples: X government instituted a new law that brought carbon emissions down Y percent. B company is planting C new trees. D technology accomplishes E. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 6:11 AM PST - 11 comments

I’ve recently been to a variety of different health care providers for a specific physical complaint. As part of the intake at each visit, each of them has asked a version of the question “In the past two weeks have you felt depression/hopelessness/despair?” Why is this asked, and how is this information used? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:25 AM PST - 15 comments

Have you used an adjustable bed frame with an innerspring mattress? The mattress I have is listed on the manufacturer’s site as adjustable compatible. But I can’t seem to find any reviews for how people like an adjustable frame with an innerspring of any type. I can’t do any sort of foam mattress (my joints fall out overnight and paramedics have to come remove me from bed, it’s truly nonnegotiable). How is using an adjustable frame with a firm-ish innerspring mattress? Have you or a relative tried it? [more inside]
posted by Bottlecap at 2:05 AM PST - 5 comments

I’m based in Chandler, AZ, but will head to Tucson tomorrow just for the day for an event at U of A. What should I tack on to the trip? [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 9:26 PM PST - 5 comments

I've been ordered by the Toronto fire services department to replace the interior doors to my part of the house and to the basement apartment of my house with doors that have minimum fire protection of 20 minutes and self-closing devices by June 30th, 2022. (I'm told given the supply chain issues I can get time extensions if I can prove that the two doors are ordered and will take time to come.) I have a below the poverty line income and some basic handyperson level skills. How can I do this as cost-efficiently as possible? [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 7:29 PM PST - 4 comments

What are some helpful tips, inspirational stories that I could read to deal with a break-up? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 7:12 PM PST - 8 comments

I have 30-40 dream journals I would like to put in chronological order for an art project. Looking for recommendations. Also, is there software that goes above and beyond basic tools like "word-count", etc., I would also like to track such things as how many times a certain letter and word was used, cross-reference dreams with specific characters or dreams had on a certain day over 35 years.
posted by goalyeehah at 6:48 PM PST - 4 comments

My dog, who came to us five years ago as an 8-year-old retired show dog (dog tax), is incredibly food driven and loves treat dispensers way above all other toys. But we need some new challenges to keep her stimulated. Can you recommend some? Please keep in mind that she's a smallish dog (about 16 pounds) so can't handle huge toys, although she's a terrier so punching way about her weight seems like a fair fight to her.
posted by DrGail at 6:25 PM PST - 8 comments

I need a fast and easy healthy dish for a brunch potluck tomorrow, with some unusual caveats. Any brilliant ideas? [more inside]
posted by Missense Mutation at 6:12 PM PST - 20 comments

I am a UK-trained teacher who is considering leaving the profession within the next two years. Help me figure out my next steps. [more inside]
posted by mkdirusername at 5:47 PM PST - 6 comments

I recently took a little part-time job that includes registering people over the phone for classes. I need advice about headphones for cellphones. [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 4:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Let's say, hypothetically, that some time ago I complained to [government agency] about [private business]. [Government agency] used my complaint as a piece of evidence in a case they have filed against [private business]. I just received a message from [expensive lawyers] representing [private business] asking to have an "informal chat" and also suggesting that they intend to subpoena me to testify in the case. I would like to talk to a lawyer about my options here. However, I do not know what kind of lawyer I should be looking to speak with. [more inside]
posted by sparkling at 4:05 PM PST - 14 comments

My long-term partnership is ending, and I need to find a new place to live. I'm in a financial position, I think, where I could buy a nice condo, but the current state of interest rates hikes / housing market / impending recession talk has me feeling nervous. I'm an anxious, over-analyzer and potentially making this big purchase by myself is scary. [more inside]
posted by Robocat at 3:45 PM PST - 14 comments

This afternoon I tried to make this recipe for toum, a simple emulsion of garlic, lemon juice, salt, and vegetable oil. The recipe is very simple - not much more complex than combining the ingredients in a food processor and processing until the ingredients emulsify. Except that today, for some reason, my ingredients did not emulsify. I would like to understand why. [more inside]
posted by Nerd of the North at 3:20 PM PST - 15 comments

I know by asking this I should have answered my own question. But I can't afford to replace and I haven't been able to afford red meat much at all and I really enjoy it. I got them frozen from my university's food pantry. Not knowing they had frozen food, and having a couple of on-campus meetings, I hoped they'd stay frozen enough for the 3 hours I was there. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 2:59 PM PST - 13 comments

We have recently become perma-fosters for two lovely senior cats (14 and 20). They seem bored when we WFH during the day. Any ideas for what we can implement for them that will entertain them while we work? Especially on a budget? Cat-level snowflake details inside! [more inside]
posted by rednikki at 1:44 PM PST - 12 comments

I will be in Simsbury, CT in late July for a wedding. My boyfriend and I want to add on a few extra days but we both have zero familiarity with the area and no constraints other than the wedding itself. We're open to staying in CT or going somewhere else via train or rental car. All this is making it hard hard to even start planning when I don't know what I'm looking for. Any suggestions or recommendations? Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by anderjen at 1:31 PM PST - 11 comments

We're planning a trip to Nice in June and I'm trying to decide whether to rent a car or not. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by widdershins at 12:38 PM PST - 14 comments

I feel like it’s a zany comedy/horror from the 80’s and I also feel like the character is a woman. They’re already having a series of bad events and at some point they don’t have glasses on and they pick up or pet something that they think is a cat? This is really eating me up, thanks in advance for any help!
posted by ftm at 12:37 PM PST - 6 comments

My pull-up bar's foam grips are falling apart. But when I try and look for replacements, I'm failing. I've considered: Bicycle handlebar tape (but this isn't that soft) Moldable foam that my kids use at school (not even sure what this is called) Pipe insulation (this doesn't seem that grippy) What should I be searching for?
posted by thewumpusisdead at 12:09 PM PST - 8 comments

I see that Putin is not happy that his war is driving Finland and Sweden closer to NATO membership, and strengthening NATO's resolve in general. This seems to me like a completely logical outcome of his invasion, so what am I missing here? Can you give me a simple explanation of why Putin thought that wouldn't happen? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:26 AM PST - 12 comments

I run a small business and I have a client, a VC darling in fact, that is showing signs of turning into a deadbeat on payment. Have you used a B2B collections agency you would recommend? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 10:47 AM PST - 1 comment

If you were a teen girl in the UK, London specifically, in the early 90s, what was the pop culture around you like? [more inside]
posted by Tamanna at 10:38 AM PST - 21 comments

I own two littermate cats. They are great, but they have completely destroyed the room in my house where their litterboxes are. I'm trying to figure out 1) what sort of flooring I should have installed, 2) how to find a contractor who won't shame me for the horribleness of the situation, and 3) advice for how to avoid the mess in the future. More inside. [more inside]
posted by schrodinger's cod at 10:34 AM PST - 16 comments

After much Googling, I am turning to AskMF. Can you help me find an entryway rug that's thin enough to fit under a closet door? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 10:19 AM PST - 8 comments

I just finished my patch testing and I have a lot of questions. Under the fold. I don't expect you to know everything - but if you have any help I'd greatly appreciate it! [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 9:18 AM PST - 14 comments

I want to be more likable at work, and seen as more of a team player. I want to improve my "bond" with my teammates. But, I want to do this while also having good boundaries, and I suck at boundaries so I need help. I am remote, and confirmed ADHD with probable autism so there's that factor as well. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 8:39 AM PST - 8 comments

TL;DR: I desperately need to take FMLA leave with my job sooner rather than later because I'm in a very, very bad emotional state. Kaiser is...unhelpful. What do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:12 AM PST - 12 comments

My mom asked me to help her buy a new 2021 Chevy in Toronto or GTA, possibly electric. My attempts to locate such a car on the web have failed. How do I find a dealer with a 2021 new car in stock and get it cheap? She would definitely need to test drive the model, to make sure she can steer it (this is the problem with her current car...the steering is so heavy that it aggravates her RA).
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:25 AM PST - 9 comments

In the upcoming 2022 US midterms, who is doing work to get dems AND repubs+ticket splitters+other voters to vote for non-kleptocratic state-level secretaries of state? This question derives from the terrifying conclusions of this article: The Most Pivotal Elections in 2022 Are Not the Ones You Think [more inside]
posted by lalochezia at 6:37 AM PST - 2 comments

Though print keeps getting left for dead, I still get a lot of joy and utility out of the physical magazines and newspapers I read - prompted by the recent move to digital-only by one of them, what are your favorites? [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 5:09 AM PST - 16 comments

There's no pain, only sudden jerking movements. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 3:40 AM PST - 7 comments

I have a sofa that a family member urinated on. I've treated it 3 times with enzyme cleaner but it still smells. Is there a particularly good enzyme cleaner that might work better? Or another next step?
posted by medusa at 8:05 PM PST - 8 comments

I live in a state that, in its infinite wisdom, just outlawed the use of plastic and paper bags, including for grocery delivery. I am disabled and have to get my groceries delivered. What can I do with all of these waxed bags that I am now forced to receive and pay extra for every week along with my groceries? [more inside]
posted by twelve cent archie at 7:48 PM PST - 10 comments

My friend is struggling with mental health but she lives far from services. I suggested paying for one of these for her and she said they can't prescribe medication in Chile if she needs it. So just setting it up in the US for her won't work. She needs some local equivalent. IS there one? I'm happy to pay for it but I don't speak enough Spanish to figure it out.
posted by rileyray3000 at 7:44 PM PST - 6 comments

A thread on Twitter by Brynn Tannehill (unrolled here) paints a convincing (to me) picture of what is happening in the US with respect to reproductive rights, the rights of LGBTQ people, and democratic norms in general. Is the evidence and logic flawed, or are things this bad? [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 6:02 PM PST - 30 comments

I am playing a game on Windows (10) which has no save mechanism... [more inside]
posted by ubiquity at 5:09 PM PST - 3 comments

I feel like everyone’s judging me and like everyone has a better social life than me, and I want to stop torturing myself this way. [more inside]
posted by cruel summer at 5:07 PM PST - 12 comments

I want to scope my sewer line (to check its condition), but it has no cleanout. I do have exposed sewer line in my first floor laundry room, with the thicker line on the right coming down from the second floor bathroom, with a smaller horizontal drain coming from the washing machine and laundry sink. What's the best way to install a cleanout? [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 3:40 PM PST - 4 comments

QuickBooks Desktop is insisting I have to pay for a QuickBooks Online subscription, but I want to keep using the desktop version if I can. Can I? Even if I can, what is the best way to backup, so that I'm ready to switch to an alternative software if needed? [more inside]
posted by Former Congressional Representative Lenny Lemming at 3:32 PM PST - 2 comments

Will chopped potatoes turn brown faster in air, or submerged in cool water? And why? [more inside]
posted by SaltySalticid at 3:25 PM PST - 11 comments

I have a transgender friend who is now male but I originally met and knew as female. I keep calling him, her and I am embarrassed and feel ignorant every time. Sometimes I remember but sometimes, I don't. How can I remember and not disrespect him? Is it just a matter of repeating to myself the correct gender whenever I think of them?
posted by CollectiveMind at 1:56 PM PST - 34 comments

Next time I visit China, how can I participate in economic activity while at the same time maintaining some degree of privacy? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 1:43 PM PST - 4 comments

Summer break has arrived (I'm on an academic schedule) and despite my best intentions, the past two months were, for a variety of reasons, not conducive to planning a trip. But I'd really like to go somewhere this summer. What trips could still be planned for June-August? [more inside]
posted by coffeecat at 1:37 PM PST - 4 comments

I just encountered this animal this afternoon in update New York. Sickly fox? Coyote pup?
posted by gwint at 1:28 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I build up the very tip of the front end of one earpiece/temple of my beloved Wayfarers? They open too wide, because the very tip of one arm/earpiece chipped away where the hinge mates into it. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 12:54 PM PST - 7 comments

Does Georges Perec's novel "Life: A User's Manual" exist as an audiobook? I would prefer listening to the French original, but any language would do.
posted by WalkingAround at 11:58 AM PST - 2 comments

Will the newer Roku remotes that can control a TV control my new HDMI monitor, specifically the sound level and turning it on/off? [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 11:51 AM PST - 2 comments

I spent almost all my twenties on anti depressants which destroyed my libido; that combined with growing up in a controlling conservative Muslim household which bodyshamed women and made sex taboo, I spent most of my time thinking I was asexual and repressing my sexual desires. I also dressed in super baggy clothes and didn't look after myself. This makes me extremely sad now as I now know that I am most definitely not asexual, and it took me to 30 to realise I am someone who loves sex and am a very sexual person. I now love dressing in tighter clothing and showing off my body. [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 11:31 AM PST - 24 comments

My (female) partner asked me yesterday whether women or men have more difficult lives. I am not great at answering these questions because I think the answers are very complicated and any simple answer is insufficient. I also don't want to answer the question because of how complicated it is (in some ways women have it harder, in other ways men do), do you think I have to answer the question? Is this something a couple can disagree on? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:26 AM PST - 61 comments

These little dudes like hanging around in the early spring, hoping to sneak in for some heat. Below the cut is one who made it in. What kind of bug is it? [more inside]
posted by homodachi at 11:17 AM PST - 4 comments

I remember reading a Reddit thread or blog where a man described, I think with pictures, how he was doing his own workout- in his bedroom- that he designed himself using basic items made to be like an axe… for example… that was based on manual labor. Things like chopping wood. I don’t think it was just chopping wood though. It wasn’t a body building website or formal article, it was a regular guy. It was so funny and I would love to read it again. Any chance anyone remembers it? I might have even come across it on here!
posted by pairofshades at 10:46 AM PST - 7 comments

I have committed to bringing two loaves of fresh-baked bread to a baby shower early Sunday afternoon. I am also taking my daughter camping with the Girl Scouts from Friday evening until Sunday morning. Please help me figure out the best way to not make everyone mad at me. [more inside]
posted by saladin at 9:52 AM PST - 14 comments

I asked a question about careers for disaffected librarians several months back. I am still a disaffected librarian and have no plans to leave, but I do need help creating a professional development plan for a skillset I'd like to develop. [more inside]
posted by toastedcheese at 9:14 AM PST - 3 comments

Hi, this was me. After some delays, I'm all set to move to the new place. I'm looking to build some positive habits concurrently, and also not do certain things, as much as possible. And an additional thing that shouldn't have been a surprise...but is. Help me sort this out? [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 8:58 AM PST - 4 comments

I've always thought Bette Midler sang slightly off key, and I've noticed it in other artists as well. Do I hear things differently than others? This is not an anti-Midler post. [more inside]
posted by archimago at 8:54 AM PST - 19 comments

CN child loss. I'm looking for a specific poem about grief post the death of a child. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Tamanna at 8:36 AM PST - 2 comments

Our cat has a vet visit requiring anesthetic in three weeks. She can't eat anything after 10pm the night before...but she is accustomed to having food available and getting late night treats. What is the best way to adjust her diet now? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 7:13 AM PST - 5 comments

I always feel weird saying “I’m so proud of you” to anyone who is not a child. [more inside]
posted by Dressed to Kill at 4:44 AM PST - 64 comments

Wandavision is apparently about the processing of grief. Would you recommend someone who is recently bereaved to watch it now or put it off until things are less raw? [more inside]
posted by knapah at 2:39 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for ideas for a small breakfast/snack to feed my kids in the 3 minutes before heading out in the morning or on the walk to daycare/school. They eat a proper, leisurely breakfast less than 30 minutes later at daycare/school, so it's not about hunger, it's just that I accidentally taught them to eat breakfast every day and now they are outraged at the idea of not eating anything before leaving home. I usually resort to giving each kid one cookie (keeps well, no prep, easy to consume), but would like to expand our options, ideally with something with less sugar. We don't have a microwave, but do have a panini press. [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 12:56 AM PST - 23 comments

Two days in Belfast this July. Where should we stay? What should we see? [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 7:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Mr. Tuesday has a new job--Yay! But how do we work the health insurance end/beginning between old job and new job? [more inside]
posted by tuesdayschild at 6:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Is my well dead? Living in the country with a 1,200 gallon concrete well built in 1994 (along with the house and connections). For the past 10 years it never seemed to fill up as much as it should, so we made due with two or three water deliveries a year. However (more inside) the well is currently draining at an alarming rate, and needs to be filled about once a month. Help! [more inside]
posted by cidrab at 5:32 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm doing a lot of extensive reading this year, and asking my students (near-native English speaking Japanese 7-10th graders with overseas or international school experience) to read several books this year. I would like to have some way to a) track books students are reading, and b) have a community page of some sort where students can share the books they've read, and their responses to them. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 4:22 PM PST - 6 comments

Long-time ACLU donator, concenred about a report I read, which suggests the ACLU solicited a donation from a celebrity and then ghostwrote an op-ed. The report makes everyone involved look bad, and makes me wonder if my money is better directed elsewhere? [more inside]
posted by soylent00FF00 at 3:46 PM PST - 21 comments

You have already completed Robert's Rules training and now you take easy, beautiful minutes with no stress. You learned how to do this. . . where? Please share your links to pertinent and helpful Roberts Rules / Parliamentary Procedure training. The college where I work will pay money for this, but not a lot. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 3:38 PM PST - 3 comments

Inspired by this question, I've decided I need cut-resistant gloves for cutting my hair. I've been cutting my hair myself since the pandemic started, and I love it, except I am constantly snipping at and micro-cutting my non-scissor-holding hand. (I cut like this.) Can you help me find cut-resistant gloves that wouldn't mess with my dexterity too much, and also that are slippery rather than grippy? Grippy=bad, for haircutting. [more inside]
posted by Susan PG at 3:31 PM PST - 3 comments

You have a Wordpress site with a contact form plugin that has CAPTCHA functionality. You're happy with it. It's free. What is it called?
posted by goatdog at 3:19 PM PST - 2 comments

I am trying to use dishwashing gloves to be better on my hands, which get dry and cracked. It's not fun. However, I keep poking holes in them with the knives and sharp edges of things I wash. I don't like having to replace my gloves every few months. Is there such a thing as cut-resistant dishwashing gloves? Or do I need to just give up on that idea?
posted by toastyk at 1:33 PM PST - 6 comments

So I got the biggest and best hiking boots you can get. Great. Amazing. But they're huge and heavy. And I'm a nomad. So what I need is something that does like 60-80% of that BUT which I can also go for a run in. Does such a shoe exist?
posted by rileyray3000 at 1:13 PM PST - 17 comments

I live in NYC and a man came to my door today claiming to be from M-Power or Empower and saying they are working for Con-Ed (the electric company) and that he needed to audit my electric bill. He wanted to see it as our building has apparently been using too much energy. [more inside]
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 12:42 PM PST - 35 comments

I'm not sure what kind of tile we have on our kitchen floors, but at some point after moving in, we realized the tile must not be sealed because it would absorb every little stain and be a huge pain to scrub off. We always wanted to seal the tile but never got around to it and had just been taking care to not drop sauces, water, etc. on the floor. [more inside]
posted by Forty-eight at 12:24 PM PST - 6 comments

My 21 year old college student was hit by a car while on a Lyme scooter 6 months ago. The driver 's insurance company now is suing her for over $4,000 and our insurance company is not covering it because she was on a scooter which they say means she is considered a pedestrian not a driver. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:27 AM PST - 18 comments

I work as an employed physician in a large institution. I work half-time in a center doing unusually complicated, interesting, and difficult work, and half time as a generalist in my specialty. I think I'm burning out on the complicated work but I can't decide if going back to my bread and butter job full time is worth it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:23 AM PST - 16 comments

Our new condo does not appear to have filters for the HVAC. Should it? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 9:56 AM PST - 1 comment

I've been restless af for a few days, probably owing to a med change (akathisia). It will settle but is obnoxious-- I put on a movie and don't want it, try other projects and don't want them, can't seem to quite get comfortable. I'm taking lots of walks. Is there anything this level of restlessness is good for? Bonus for any art / writing projects that don't take much attention.
posted by mermaidcafe at 9:25 AM PST - 12 comments

Can you recommend an online resume builder or app? I’m updating my resume, and the layout of it, in Word, is taking forever. I can’t be eternally fussing around with fonts, kerning, and spacing. There has to be an easier solution—can you recommend one? Ideally I would just paste the text in and it would spit out something beautiful…
posted by Ollie at 8:11 AM PST - 10 comments

I recently separated from my partner of 5+ years, and have moved into a studio unit. My new landlord lives in the main house that is attached to the unit. He is friendly, but last night texted me asking if I wanted to come over for a drink. I am currently in therapy for several concerns, but asserting my boundaries around men is one of them. Please help me navigate the situation. [more inside]
posted by Jangatroo at 7:53 AM PST - 51 comments

We're going to Mexico! My family of 5 (two adults, three kids 7, 5 and 1) are FINALLY taking a vacation. First stop is XCaret for 5 days and later to Oaxaca for 8. We have a few things lined up for Oaxaca like a two day hike to Santiago Apoala, but what else should we not miss? A bit about us: we love hiking, kids don't complain and love the outdoors; we like great food and art and are very relaxed. I don't like to plan a lot, but my husband does. Thanks!
posted by octomato at 7:32 AM PST - 2 comments

It looks like I'll need to rent a car for an uncertain period of time, aroound 1-3 weeks. Is it better to book for a shorter period of time, like a week, and extend the rental if needed, or better to book the full three weeks and return the car early if I don't need it for the full period? "Better" in this case means more cost-effective, along with the risk that they won't let me extend if I need to.
posted by penguinicity at 7:13 AM PST - 8 comments

I have an impending move coming up sooner than I feel comfortable with, and I need help figuring out how to make it work. [more inside]
posted by Definitely Not A Robot at 6:51 AM PST - 4 comments

When I get into my car on a warm day it smells like weed. Nobody that uses my car uses weed. What could be causing this? How do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 6:48 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking for materials that I can use to make my own high-quality window/door screens. So far I'm not having much luck. [more inside]
posted by pullayup at 6:36 AM PST - 1 comment

Pre-everything internet™, there were these layered card stock things where you'd have different information and windows on the top layer and you'd slide another piece of paper on text through it (sometimes a circle, sometimes up and down), line up something in one window (e.g., symptoms) and get the results in a second window (e.g., you have poison ivy). What were these called? Is there a simple (like html5 really simple, I am a moron simple) way to remake them online?
posted by history is a weapon at 4:53 AM PST - 14 comments

I am interested in thinking about the conundrum of how to understand great artists who were bad people. Who do you think should fit in this category, and has the art world resolved mixed feelings about them?
posted by mortaddams at 4:22 AM PST - 42 comments

We have a 2 month old who is pretty good at sleeping at night (thank God) but more or less refuses to nap during the day when not being moved or held. Would love any tips from parents who have successfully dealt with this issue! [more inside]
posted by goingonit at 3:21 AM PST - 20 comments

A family member just posted this in a private Facebook group. "B we t stop Q3" Can any of you decipher this?
posted by Raybun at 2:14 AM PST - 20 comments

I'm heading to Iceland for a week in late September. What's the best way to price compare and advance book a car for pick up from the airport at Reykjavik? [more inside]
posted by freya_lamb at 2:13 AM PST - 7 comments

What are the democratic races to watch and put some money towards in the US this year for the midterms? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 8:56 PM PST - 10 comments

How did toothpaste get so complicated? Oof. Prices at my local grocery store are through the roof, so I'm shopping online, but searches keep turning up the opposite of what I want. I want toothpaste WITH fluoride but without SLS. What should I be looking for?
posted by 2oh1 at 8:47 PM PST - 19 comments

I am a middle aged woman. I have an 80s party to go to. Where can I buy appropriate stuff that isn't horrible? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:26 PM PST - 14 comments

I've googled and gotten a bunch of ads and confusing information. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 8:14 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm looking for some resources which discuss the effectiveness of instructor-led training. [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 4:49 PM PST - 2 comments

I have a valid, full, Canadian drivers license. I've booked a rental car in Spain. Do I need to also get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)? [more inside]
posted by MiG at 3:30 PM PST - 10 comments

Who is "the man" who said "all forms tend toward blur" in this poem by Diane Suess? [more inside]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 3:09 PM PST - 2 comments

I've got a trip coming up where I'll meet my friend's kids for the first time. How do I talk to them? [more inside]
posted by hydra77 at 2:11 PM PST - 34 comments

I've been locked out of my AT&T email account because of too many unsuccessful sign in attempts. I have questions. [more inside]
posted by La Gata at 1:39 PM PST - 1 comment

For the last six weeks, anything I've ordered to be delivered to my house via USPS has been receiving a "delivery exception" with the message "Addressee unknown." But my address is as correct as it can be. [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:42 AM PST - 19 comments

How much detail do we know about the books burned at the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft? We know there were many thousands of books, including ones about [what we'd now call] gay and trans issues, but I've never heard specifics about a single title. Can we ever say "we know he had a book by this specific description"? Or even "we think several dozen were autobiographies" or whatever? Are there cases where a book from his collection survived in another copy elsewhere? What research has been done on this?
posted by nebulawindphone at 11:29 AM PST - 3 comments

My mom and a friend are going to road trip across the country -- most likely staying in Canada, but possibly dipping into the Northern US -- and would like to have offline maps available on her phone to them for the segments where cell service is sketchy at best. Is there an ideal app for that? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 11:11 AM PST - 19 comments

It is Spring, the farmers' market is heating up, and so is my CSA and the new garden plot I scored. And thus my thoughts are turning to how to use the produce. Eating I got covered...can you help with ways to drink things? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:52 AM PST - 13 comments

The clear acrylic ball that is the finial of a table lamp needs to be glued back on. I have several adhesives at my disposal, but need to choose wisely, since my handiwork will be both 1) 100% visible through the clear plastic, and 2) illuminated by the lamp itself. What should I choose? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 8:03 AM PST - 16 comments

I have a small little book a friend wrote who, after he died, came to me and ask that I get it published. (he came to me in a dream). It's a funny little book. It is as if it was poetry written by Yoda. Ventilated prose. Wisdom verse. It's not just to be read and enjoyed. More of a taoist vibe. [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 7:33 AM PST - 6 comments

I have an iPhone, an iPad, and a Windows laptop. I'm happy with the iPad and the laptop, but I need a new phone and I'm considering switching from an iPhone to an Android because they're cheaper and lately I'm blowing through money like a lottery winner, without actually having won the lottery. (I have researched refurbished iPhones, and Androids are still cheaper.) Will I regret this? Will it be troublesome to have one Apple mobile device and one not? Honestly, this feels like a silly question, but I need input from people who are not trying to sell me something before I pull the trigger.
posted by scratch at 7:26 AM PST - 15 comments

I took my nine year old to the orthodontist today for a first checkup. The orthodontist suggested an appliance called the myobrace to help align her teeth before braces. I really can't tell if this is legit or not. [more inside]
posted by heavenknows at 7:16 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm getting ready to move, and I have some large things I want to stay flat, specifically posters, but also some other things. Where can I find a box for these? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 6:17 AM PST - 10 comments

I am looking for the above, hopefully online with short shipping times. I want sleeveless or short sleeves tunics, I wear them over black leggings so the more colourful the better (not just one colour, think watercolour/tie-dye/multiple layers etc. effects). A V-neckline is a must. [more inside]
posted by Lesium at 4:47 AM PST - 5 comments

I haven't been in an airplane since before the pandemic began, but now I might have to fly somewhere. I've gained weight. Will the airplane seat fit me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:04 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me understand the current runaway inflation and its causes. I have two reasons: 1) I have swing voter friends who plan to vote R next US election because they feel Biden has mishandled the economy, and 2) I legit don't understand whether inflation is impacted much, or at all, by which administration or Congress is in power. [more inside]
posted by freecellwizard at 6:27 PM PST - 40 comments

I saw a movie I am trying to recall. It was European, probably Scandinavian. I am 100% dead certain it was not in English. It concerned a fantastically lunkheaded group of burnout male friends. They were underachievers with mullets and drank/smoke/did drugs constantly. They were terrible people. It was possibly based on a TV show and it may have even been the second time they made it to the cinema. It would have been sometime between maybe 2005-2012. [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 5:47 PM PST - 21 comments

I've been listening to "Another Day of Sun" from La La Land and "30/90" from Tick, Tick... Boom on repeat, and looking for more songs to add to my playlist. Musical theater nerdery below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Threeve at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments

I got a cheap tablet to read pdfs on! Yay! I know nothing about Android and thought that I would be able to just load them and read them. Uh, well, now I know I need a PDF reader. I would also like an epub reader. I am fine paying for them but I don’t want ads and I want them to work when I’m offline. Help? All my files are large, if that makes any difference.
posted by Bottlecap at 3:46 PM PST - 10 comments

I suddenly have acid reflux after never, as far as I know, having it before. I’m trying to understand what to eat and not eat. [more inside]
posted by gigondas at 3:05 PM PST - 27 comments

I'm in a bit of a time crunch. I'm trying to figure out my C2C hourly or W2 hourly rates. Neither include benefits or paid vacation. The rate difference is 11% less W2. Second I currently do not have an LLC, but I was told I could bill in my own name until that is setup (sole proprietorship). I realize my liability is less with an LLC but I cannot imagine that being an issue. You are not my accountant, etc.
posted by geoff. at 2:55 PM PST - 9 comments

I have a 2 pronged question about helping my Autistic son not be so stinky. [more inside]
posted by Biblio at 2:15 PM PST - 17 comments

I’m considering buying a 2020 Hyundai Kona through Vroom. I was wondering what other folks’ experience has been with Vroom. It seems like you have to agree to purchase first before you get a look at it, and then have a few days to back out. Also, I assume they handle financing, do they allow buyers to pay it off early (like in a few months) without a penalty? Also, is a Kona a decent car, or are they problematic? I haven’t owned a Hyundai before. Thanks in advance.
posted by coldhotel at 1:31 PM PST - 5 comments

Are there any medical research studies when one person in a household has Covid and the other doesn’t? This is in NYC. [more inside]
posted by davidstandaford at 1:23 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm in the mood to make some risotto, but I'm in a rut. I always make mushroom risotto, and of course that's a super great and delicious combo, but I want to do something different, and am asking for risotto recipes you absolutely adore. [more inside]
posted by taz at 1:07 PM PST - 29 comments

As you may know Ireland allows people who were born in the US to Irish citizens to become Irish citizens themselves. I was wondering if anyone could share their personal experiences with this process. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 12:52 PM PST - 11 comments

What do you do if you have repeatedly (willingly) compromised life decisions for a wonderful, loving but very different from you partner... but now kinda hate your life? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:42 PM PST - 42 comments

I have a LOT of anxiety around public speaking. And zoom makes it so much worse. I feel so vulnerable and - I don’t know how else to describe it - but l feel exposed (if this makes any sense). My issue is that I take a lot of random language and other evening classes for fun (ha!) but it just become a torturous process: I never speak unless I absolutely have to/I’m asked to speak. And if I do speak, I feel sick the rest of the day. I want to change. How do I learn to enjoy myself? [more inside]
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 12:22 PM PST - 8 comments

I am in a period of spiritual questioning, and I am thinking about converting to Judaism. But I believe that Israel often acts unjustly toward Palestinians. Is this a deal-breaker? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:32 AM PST - 24 comments

I was offered a job (yay!) but my background verification being done through HireRight (initiated April 28th) is taking longer than I expected. I called HireRight to ask... [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 10:41 AM PST - 7 comments

I made a raised planter box from reclaimed pressure-treated wood and didn't consider its possible issues - e.g. toxicity - until it was finished. Can I make it safe to use for growing vegetables and herbs? [more inside]
posted by Caxton1476 at 10:41 AM PST - 9 comments

What can I do with more than 30 cubic meters of dirty river rock? Retaining walls? Sound barrier for the road beyond it? Sell it? Nextdoor donation? Modern art? Ammo for the trebuchet? [more inside]
posted by SunSnork at 10:12 AM PST - 10 comments

What software or other tool are people using to get short (<5 minute, most <1 minute) movie or TV show clips to incorporate into their teaching? Back in the day we used consolidation DVDs but my current computer doesn't have an optical drive and it seems like everything is streaming these days. [more inside]
posted by eleanna at 8:59 AM PST - 7 comments

My husband and I are looking forward soon to 10 days in the UK, 7 of which will be in Scotland. Is there anything roughly equivalent to London's travelcard in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or the greater area? How can I get the most out of our transport budget? [more inside]
posted by droomoord at 8:45 AM PST - 7 comments

I am trying to book a multi-city trip from the US where my destination city is Paris and I will be flying back from Barcelona. I live in New Orleans but would consider almost any US city as my departure/return city, given I can get there via Southwest (I have oodles of vouchers and points) and the flights to/from Europe are direct. I cannot seem to find a site that will allow me to search flight prices based on a date and arrival city only. Help? [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 8:16 AM PST - 11 comments

I’m getting ready to put my parents’ house on the market. What can I expect from my realtor? [more inside]
posted by bookmammal at 7:56 AM PST - 7 comments

My wife and I are looking to buy our first home, after putting it off for a decade so that we could have adventures. Of course, we've picked a lousy time to do it, but circumstances are against us. I'd appreciate help with understanding how to navigate this process without being completely financially and emotionally crushed by it. [more inside]
posted by gmb at 6:48 AM PST - 25 comments

How can I develop a more secure style of attachment to my romantic partners and stop freaking out, self-sabotaging, and self-undermining? Also, how do I approach this specific relationship I am in? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:50 AM PST - 21 comments

After 2 years, my family is finally getting a chance to travel, and we'll be in Perth and the surrounding area for 10 days in early June. We have 2 youngish kids (4 and 7), and currently don't have anything specific we want to do besides wander around and just enjoy travelling again. Any suggestions for things we should do and places we should go to? COVID-regulations-specific advice would be great too! [more inside]
posted by destrius at 12:48 AM PST - 9 comments

In the last few months, with the help of my therapist, I've realised how much of my behaviour is about avoiding conflict, tamping down anger, and trying to please /control people. Now that I'm trying to change this behaviour, I'm having a difficult time trusting myself. Knowing when I'm being honest and open, and when I'm being hypersensitive, dishonest and manipulative. I don't have a therapist at the moment so I'm hoping to get some perspective here. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 10:37 PM PST - 16 comments

I've lost a lot of weight after working very hard for years to do so. However, this is an opportunity to make some changes to my diet and to stick to them for good. I'm not really aware of which foods are best for staying lean or generally just staying healthy. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 10:18 PM PST - 22 comments

I am trying to find a copy of the elusive Black Peppercorns album First Spicy Hits. [more inside]
posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 8:00 PM PST - 3 comments

ok.. google is failing me. all i'm getting are 2021 options.. no surprise, but.. this has to be happening somewhere , right? i'm hoping to find a group or cohort based, ideally, intensive, or couple-times-a-week-ish, virtual summer music camp for a rising sixth grader who recently got into piano (and some other instruments as well) and has been taking private lessons. Unfortunately for health reasons an in person experience is probably not going to work.. any metafilter folk have any leads for virtual experiences? I know of outschool, and that's an option.. but truthfully i was hoping for a summer program at a university or.. a private studio.. that has a group angle! thanks in advance!
posted by elgee at 7:41 PM PST - 2 comments

Semantic HTML appears to have been all the rage a decade to five years ago, with glowing articles and sneering take-downs of naysayers. It still shows up in a lot of tutorials, but a survey of site source HTML shows... not so much semantic HTML, just a whole lotta div's. What's the current industry range of opinion on semantic HTML? [more inside]
posted by SunSnork at 7:15 PM PST - 16 comments

I am expecting power outages in the next summer or two. Lanterns are taken care of. But I am thinking of getting a couple of battery-operated fans. Have you used any?
posted by NotLost at 6:44 PM PST - 7 comments

I'd like to get a hitch-mounted bike rack, but I have a strange combination of constraints. [more inside]
posted by medusa at 5:00 PM PST - 10 comments

We are (hopefully) moving into a townhouse with more than two total rooms. Yay! We have pretty obvious uses for all of them except one, a smallish room that goes out onto a patio. What would you do with a mystery space? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 3:02 PM PST - 11 comments

We are investigating new washer / dryer sets. I'm extremely interested in moving from a vented dryer to a heat pump (specifically a Miele). Have you made that change? Were you happy? [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 3:01 PM PST - 12 comments

I recently assisted at an event on a contract basis for a former employer. The CEO is new and was hired after I left my job with the former employer. The event was plus-one, so I brought a "date" who is really just long-time friend I've know since I was ten years old. The next day, the CEO had me meet with her for what I assumed would be a quick debriefing of the event. Instead, basically all she said to me was, "Was your guest last night your brother? He seemed really nice." [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 2:23 PM PST - 24 comments

The Cue Health COVID tests claim to detect the presence of COVID-19 RNA and be "PCR quality." They are also sort of ridiculously expensive. I'm fortunate enough to be able to cover the expense and am seriously wondering if the extra peace of mind when there's a real exposure risk might be worth it--especially after having my 3rd BinaxNow test card fall apart on me, and considering what a pain it can be to get a PCR test appointment. Are they actually worth it? What am I not considering? [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:23 PM PST - 14 comments

Along the lines of "Daddy". I would really love today to read some poetic articulations of the particular rage and betrayal suffered by some children at the hands of their mothers. Looking for a little artistic catharsis. Thanks.
posted by Jandoe at 9:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Create a shape on a map of the Southeast USA by connecting the dots between Nashville, Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Knoxville, and back to Nashville. What are the absolute best places to visit in October? Some preferences and guidelines in the extended explanation. [more inside]
posted by cilantro at 8:57 AM PST - 16 comments

The Apple calendar on my macbook air has suddenly gone blank. There are only standardized entries (ie Mothers Day) and, oddly, a few random things remaining on a few months from 2021. This is a disaster for me. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 8:41 AM PST - 13 comments

I have come upon a troubling realization which is that I have been having mild panic attacks and hallucinations over the past few months. The panic attacks occur in public and the hallucinations happen when I am home alone. As I wait for my doctors to weigh in, could you tell me what your experience has been like with such things? [more inside]
posted by The Adventure Begins at 6:50 AM PST - 15 comments

I have an android phone. Every once in a while I find that text messages I send or receive just don't arrive. It's a weird and frustrating problem. It happens, I dunno, just a few times a year that I know of, but it'd sure be nice to be able to rely on SMS. Is iMessage any better on this front? I'm thinking of moving to iPhone and working on a Pros/Cons list...
posted by ManInSuit at 6:01 AM PST - 19 comments

I'm looking for a special kind of lamp timer. My 12 year old kid has always struggled with sleeping and needs to have a small lamp on next to him to fall asleep. We turn it off with a remote after he falls asleep, but he usually wakes up and turns it back on. I would like a lamp timer that always turns off after an hour, and if it is turned back on, turns off again in an hour. Does that exist? Thanks!
posted by wurly at 5:20 AM PST - 9 comments

Is there a way to keep cats from scratching up upholstered furniture? What do people do? Banish the cats from the living room, resign themselves to destroyed sofas, or? [more inside]
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 10:29 PM PST - 35 comments

This will be controversial but I'll be blunt in that I'm incredibly unhappy since I stopped drinking. I enjoy getting a full night's sleep, not getting hangovers and saving money. I'm lonely, bored and miss the camaraderie of drinking at a bar. I really got a sense of community from being a regular at a bar that I've not gotten elsewhere. I hate spending the weekends inside and not making smalltalk, it was really the only social outlet I had. Some details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:12 PM PST - 50 comments

So basically the decision is about taking a French test and obtaining a particular score. However, doing this involves spending up to $2000+. I have $40000 in savings in my bank account, so spending that won't leave me out on the street. Nonetheless this is an expensive gamble and it is one that I'm not completely sure of. [more inside]
posted by Tarsonis10 at 9:41 PM PST - 16 comments

I bought a jar of mango pickle without having a plan. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:06 PM PST - 18 comments

I miss the analogue experience of flipping through a magazine and getting excited when a new issue was delivered in the mail. Are there any high quality magazines still left out there, and if so, could you recommend me some? Details of what I'm looking for inside. [more inside]
posted by carlypennylane at 7:46 PM PST - 30 comments

I really want a cat, but my lizard brain is giving me a million and one things to worry about [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 6:20 PM PST - 30 comments

In Dispatch’s As Old As I, they sing “as old as I, as old as I, as old as I” starting for the first time around 0:23 in the link. This reminds me of another song, probably from the early 2000s and in my head the lyrics are just sound, like “da da dai, da da dai, da da dai” but with the same or similar melody. It’s on the top of my tongue but I can’t place the song! Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by sillysally at 3:48 PM PST - 6 comments

A piece of wood decking warped and popped up at an end. My intent was to replace the screws at the popped-up end with longer screws to unwarp the wood, but I discovered that the the screws had corroded and broke off in the pressure-treated joists. And then I removed the piece of decking, I discovered half of the screws holding it down had corroded and were broken (they just spun when I tried to unscrew them). How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 2:44 PM PST - 7 comments

I am on adderall for adhd, and in February was put on bupropion for depression. I started seeing a psychiatric nurse practitioner at my university when I was floundering in jan and feb and sunk into said depression. She took over my adderall prescription from my gp who was handling it just as a maintenance dose. I think she's doing the wrong things and its causing some problems with insurance and me feeling like i'm on the wrong medications and she's not addressing in a way I'm satisfied with or a timely manner. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 1:57 PM PST - 8 comments

I transferred units last month (same building, just one floor down), with an increase in the new rent unit price. Paid everything I needed to, but after paying my rent in full on May 2, a new charge popped up shortly thereafter. Despite the leasing office saying it's an error, I'm still worried. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 1:42 PM PST - 7 comments

Hi. I’m flying from Indy to New Orleans, with one layover. If I pack disposable contacts in my checked bag, how likely are they to burst open because of lack of pressure? Anyone have any experience with this? I’m trying to minimize liquids in my carry on because I think I’ll run out of room there. Thank you!
posted by bluespark25 at 1:24 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm not an Apple user, but have been asked to help an relative with this - is it possible? If so, what's the simplest way to do it?
posted by ryanshepard at 1:17 PM PST - 3 comments

I gained some weight during lockdown which I haven't yet been able to shake and I also just took up road cycling for the first time. My usual bike was a Brompton, and now that I'm leaning much further over the bars, the combination of my gut and the angle of lean means my nice gym shorts keep getting pulled down, necessitating a lot of hitching up of said shorts at traffic stops to keep my vertical smile from blinding fellow Londoners. Surely there is a piece of clothing I can buy to save me from this embarassment? [more inside]
posted by Ten Cold Hot Dogs at 11:06 AM PST - 16 comments

I am running Windows 10 on an older desktop. About once a month, when I boot my computer, I get the "We can't sign into your account" error message, which essentially says that my user profile can't be accessed and the files in that account aren't available. Rebooting reliably fixes the problem. Please assume that all my files are backed up elsewhere. Is this just a minor unreliability or is it a sign of impending doom?
posted by nuclear bessel at 10:28 AM PST - 5 comments

My spouse and I are travelling from the US to Europe for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We're 46/47, US citizens, fully vaccinated and boosted by the US definition with Pfizer (no 2nd boosters though). I have questions about COVID restrictions/regulations. [more inside]
posted by the antecedent of that pronoun at 10:27 AM PST - 17 comments

how do I stop feeling excluded when I see my ex friends hanging out together? [more inside]
posted by cruel summer at 10:23 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm 90% confident COVID is what's causing my cat to suddenly be very tired and weak. (Timing of onset fits when I would expected him to get it after got it.) Online sources say feline cases are usually mild, but it's always painful seeing him so lacking in strength. Just curious if any helpful action has been found (other than clean water, variety of favorite foods available, warmth)?
posted by Jon44 at 9:58 AM PST - 3 comments

YANMD, actually right now, no-one is. What do you suggest I ask my doctor to look at when I do get one? Breathing and muscle issues, what more needs to be checked? [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 9:37 AM PST - 5 comments

Details inside [more inside]
posted by Champagne Supernova at 9:03 AM PST - 5 comments

Yesterday at work I received an email from a company that I do lots of work with. It appeared that they were sending me a secure document that normally asks for your email address and your name. However, in the rush of the moment, when it asked for my email address and password, that is what I typed in. [more inside]
posted by furtheryet at 9:00 AM PST - 10 comments

Donating money? To who? Writing a letter to who? Demanding action? From who? This is US focused. [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 8:28 AM PST - 11 comments

Hi folks. A friend of mine is having some issues with her mother, and asked me to post this for her. Her mother is diagnosed bipolar, does not take anything for it, and has been acting stranger and more manic lately, and the family is unsure what to do and what resources are available. [more inside]
posted by Slinga at 8:12 AM PST - 5 comments

Bit of a silly question really but for some reason I can't quite figure it out and my brain needs the itch scratched. Hoping somebody with better ears than mine can help. In this piece, from one of the Harry Potter movie soundtracks, before the energy ramps up and the brass comes in, there's a sort of quivering string line. On top of that is a sort of tentative, "squeaky" melody. Anybody know what instrument is playing it? [more inside]
posted by Mister_Sleight_of_Hand at 6:19 AM PST - 13 comments

So my mum and I love watching tv shows together, we recently watched S01E03 of Supernatural and liked it but 15 seasons is a lot. Can people recommend the best episodes, stand alone episodes or must watch episodes... especially from season 1-5. [more inside]
posted by Lesium at 4:19 AM PST - 14 comments

A friend in Seattle has just had devastating news: he has weeks, at the most months, to live. He and his wife are completely overwhelmed, and I am stepping in to assist them in getting his estate in order. That's not the hard part: we are in contact with a very capable estate lawyer. [more inside]
posted by tumbling at 3:55 AM PST - 11 comments

how is trauma therapy supposed to work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:34 PM PST - 14 comments

I'd like to start talk therapy. I don't want to meet in person. I'm having trouble diving in. What credentials and background are important for them to have? Where can I start? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:33 PM PST - 8 comments

Can you grind tapioca pearls to make starch/flour if you only need a little to thicken a pie? The Bob's red mill site says no but thought I'd ask you all instead...thanks!
posted by bookworm4125 at 7:40 PM PST - 10 comments

I added this book to my Amazon wishlist on February 26, 2019. I figured my then 1.75 year old was too young for it, but I thought he might like it when he was older and I didn't want to lose track of it. I believe it's publication was imminent. It is now 3 years later, my son writes maybe 10 books a week and would love this, and the publication date is given as August 23, 2023. Why? I can look inside the book. It exists. Why won't they sell it? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:04 PM PST - 6 comments

We're self-renovating the kitchen and looking at luxury vinyl plank (LVP) as flooring. It seems to come from 4mm - 7mm thicknesses. Household is a couple (with three cats), but we spend a lot of time in the kitchen. How important is getting the thicker planking? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 5:36 PM PST - 4 comments

We're all familiar with phone calls where scammers try to get you to respond to an urgent message by clicking or speaking with them. But there's a new one that doesn't make any sense to me: You get a call with a recorded message saying " This is the health department, we have a message for you". Then repeated in Chinese. But that's it! No request to click. It just repeats once, then hangs up. This is in Canada. Can any infosec mavens make sense of this? Are they just trying to see who answers the phone?
posted by Bigbootay. Tay! Tay! Blam! Aargh... at 5:20 PM PST - 10 comments

Maybe a silly question but I’m not sure my doctor is getting what I’m saying and it’s pretty miserable. Help me understand my weird stomach. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 5:12 PM PST - 7 comments

Has your cat had a colonoscopy? What was it like for them? Was a bowel cleanse needed beforehand and how was that managed?
posted by neuron at 4:31 PM PST - 0 comments

I’m trying to remember the title of a book I read years ago. It was a science fiction book, with several scenes set on Europa, and a controversy about the discovery of life there. In the end, it turned out that the alleged life was a hoax, but a much weirder form of (I think) silicon-based life was actually discovered in the process of investigating the hoax. That’s all I got; is this ringing bells for anyone?
posted by sixswitch at 3:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Are agency buyout clauses enforceable in California? [more inside]
posted by rhizome at 3:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Not sure which book this is from, and I have no hard copies. Any idea where it is from? [more inside]
posted by rhonzo at 3:30 PM PST - 1 comment

What are the magazines or other periodicals that middle school and high school band directors read?
posted by John Borrowman at 3:07 PM PST - 3 comments

I am clueless to fashion and I need some help. I am a 44-year-old American male who next month is going to be leaving the U.S. to work as a remote nomad for at least a year, in Africa, Europe, and Asia. I have worn baseball caps as my primary head gear since I was a teenager. But I would like to level up, make a lifestyle change, ditch the baseball cap, and choose another type of hat as my sole head protection for my time abroad. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by fenwaydirtdog at 2:51 PM PST - 35 comments

My relative has an inflamed and dry eye, with slightly blurry vision. It started last month and has been going down with some prescription eye drops but we don’t know what it is. Have you experienced anything similar? [more inside]
posted by redlines at 2:39 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm confused about this upcoming change with Google Workspace--the discontinuation of the free G Suite legacy version on June 1--and what it means in terms of my website and email. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 1:58 PM PST - 6 comments

I am curious about this cutlery from my childhood. I would like to buy more of it but I don't know how to search for it. Spoon; Zoom in on spoon handle. Does anyone have any ideas about what it might be, or even how to look for it? Thank you!
posted by Salamandrous at 1:40 PM PST - 6 comments

​My friend had a reaction to weed that seemed very unusual. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by That darn sock! at 1:39 PM PST - 26 comments

My husband is very sad about a recent celiac diagnosis and is especially mourning how much more difficult it is to eat while traveling. We've got a trip to New Orleans coming up and I'm hoping to go armed with recommendations for places he can enjoy. [more inside]
posted by merriment at 1:00 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for songs to fill out a roller-skating playlist. Right now the foundations are: Lizzo's "Juice," Dua Lipa's "Levitating," Megan Thee Stallion's "Sweetest Pie," and Doja Cat's "Kiss Me More." What other self-assured ladies' pop/hip-hop/R&B songs can I skate to? [more inside]
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:21 PM PST - 19 comments

I've fallen in love with a specific kind of Tactical Role Playing mechanic, but it's either rather rare or I need the right search terms to find more. Players take turns moving around a colored grid, moving to any adjacent squares of the same color. The main tactics are to chain moves/attack along a color as well as picking paths and locations to optimize an attack. There are other things like selecting colors based on powers, manipulating the colors, spoiling color runs for the enemy, etc. The two examples I've found below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Ookseer at 11:57 AM PST - 9 comments

MeFite IT people: My IT department sends out email phishing tests. My instinct forever has been to just ignore anything that looks scammy. On the scale of “clicking the link” to “dutifully sending a screenshot to the Helpdesk”, where does “ignore” fall on the scoring matrix?
posted by hwyengr at 11:53 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm going on a trip soon, and I'd rather not bring a bulky DSLR or rely on just my iPhone camera – are there any compact point and shoot cameras worth buying these days? [more inside]
posted by guttmann at 11:52 AM PST - 18 comments

a little uncomfortable, but very refreshing. [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 10:40 AM PST - 22 comments

I have a large column of customer ID numbers (list A) to compare with another column of customer ID numbers (list B) in another worksheet of the same file. I can't seem to Google Fu an answer or find the right formula - please help. [more inside]
posted by glaucon at 8:51 AM PST - 11 comments

About to step into house maintenance responsibilities for the first time. It seems like there's a lot of maintenance to keep on top of. What are good books, workbooks, calendars, software that will help us keep track of all of this? [more inside]
posted by ellerhodes at 7:34 AM PST - 10 comments

I have applied for a part-time job at a very small non-profit and I have no experience with an organization this small. If I get an interview, I'd like to have questions prepared. What are some things to ask about working for a very small org that might not be obvious? [more inside]
posted by bijou243 at 7:29 AM PST - 16 comments

The day or two before I get a cold, I get an unquenchable thirst. I can go through liters of water and still feel completely dehydrated. It is met with a dry mouth, mild sore throat and swollen glands, but no other symptoms. It feels like if I drink enough water, the cold will pass without me getting sick... [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 9:14 PM PST - 12 comments

I've got an upcoming trip. I want insurance for exactly one thing: The cost of accommodation in case I get COVID and have to quarantine before returning. Is it possible to get this? What is my cheapest option (that will actually pay out)?
posted by LSK at 8:50 PM PST - 4 comments

A family member (90s) is struggling in her assisted living facility, primary caretaker is in her 70s and is overwhelmed, everyone is upset. I can't tell what's going on, who do we hire? (We're in NJ) [more inside]
posted by heyforfour at 6:09 PM PST - 5 comments

I took pictures of all of my clothes. What do I do with them to get the optimal browsing experience? [more inside]
posted by August Fury at 5:49 PM PST - 16 comments

We have a roommate in a finished basement with a separate entrance. My wife wants him to leave and I'm stressing out about it. [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:17 PM PST - 39 comments

I'm starting to hear people in various forums talk about how insurance companies may stop paying for telehealth psychotherapy. This would do away with most of my budding practice, but also, on a non-me-related scale, it would immediately destroy what, I gather, would be a pretty large number of therapeutic relationships. Does anyone with any insider-y knowledge of health insurance know how likely this is?
posted by less-of-course at 2:57 PM PST - 5 comments

Hi there! It's me, the person who says propylene glycol more than anyone you know, because I have to avoid it! This week's project: finding safe, conductive, adhesive paste for attaching medical sensors to skin. Ancillary learning: are there different conductive pastes for different devices? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 2:37 PM PST - 5 comments

I am trying to use Capcut to put an "overlay" video on top of my video and then remove the background of the overlay (to have a "green screen" effect without a green screen). [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 1:59 PM PST - 3 comments

Just had COVID, feeling better but having periodic panic attacks about post-COVID health effects. I’m triple vaccinated but I know that doesn’t mitigate all the risks and I’m having trouble functioning day to day. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:39 PM PST - 7 comments

Please recommend your favorite very funny but gentle comedy - observational humor, silliness, absurdity, with a minimum of meanness or contemptuous mockery. I'm especially looking for stand-up, but other forms (like sitcoms or radio shows) are also welcome. [more inside]
posted by kristi at 11:30 AM PST - 75 comments

Three times in the last few months, people have told me "I didn't get your email!" All three times have been the same Gmail scenario -- details inside. Help? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:29 AM PST - 18 comments

I am coordinating a move from the US (CA) to Canada (BC). Over the years here I've occasionally noticed that some consumer goods are available here but not in Canada, or are prohibitively expensive. Is there anything I should consider bringing over, for my own personal use? I am looking for things that could make my life better/easier/more convenient, not anything to resell. I'll be bringing a PODS-style container over and am already aware of the regulations for bringing goods in.
posted by sock here, sock there at 11:28 AM PST - 15 comments

Music festival's entry fee includes 2 options: print your own wristband (+$10) or shipped (+$20). Our local Staples has never had such a request. Paper would be highly impractical, and apparently laminating would have its own problems. A box of Tyvek's JetBands costs almost $20. Festival's "contact us" email (only) does not respond. What the heck??
posted by mmiddle at 11:18 AM PST - 6 comments

I'd like to read about what makes some people "cool" -- that is, resilient to stress. You couldn't pay me enough to be a politician due to the associated stresses but some people obviously excel at it. What makes them different? [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 10:33 AM PST - 17 comments

I'm looking for the anti-slick-silicon-valley-uber-of-the-future. Looking for a company that provides a nationwide (US) high quality customer service or product that has a terrible website from 2000 or little to no social media presence
posted by sandmanwv at 10:32 AM PST - 12 comments

My unhappy Latina mother is in her late 60s and open to the idea of talking with a therapist. [more inside]
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 9:20 AM PST - 2 comments

Should I get an iMac(M1)? I'm looking at buying the cheapest iMac, with eight CPUs, seven GPUs, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD. I will use it mainly for web dev, some music-making, and writing. Will it make me happy? [more inside]
posted by signal at 8:56 AM PST - 17 comments

We have been with Republic Wireless for many years. We chose them because, back then, it was the only provider to offer seamless integration of WIFI calling, which we need because we live where there is no cellular signal. However, they recently rolled out an ill-planned update that removed this capability from many phone models, including our Moto g7 phones. They have been unresponsive about what they might do to solve it, so we are not confident that we will get any satisfaction. It's time to find another provider! [more inside]
posted by Don_K at 8:36 AM PST - 22 comments

I have inherited a hot pink sapphire ring, currently mounted in yellow gold. It was my great grandmother’s engagement ring and it means a lot to my mother, who gave it to me. I want to honor her gift by wearing it sometimes, but I am not wanting to wear it as is. What sort of gender-neutral ways are there to wear a hot pink gem stone? [more inside]
posted by 10ch at 8:21 AM PST - 12 comments

Maybe like 10-15 years ago I found a black, fitted, women's scoop neck t-shirt made of a really flattering stretchy spandex fabric at a thrift store (U.S.). I could swear the brand was something like "Active" and they used to make sort of stretchy vaguely athletic basics in neutral colors. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 8:01 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm embarrassed that I can't figure this out, but I am stumped. Hopefully helpful picture and description of the situation inside. [more inside]
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 7:28 AM PST - 13 comments

My job involves presenting consistent messaging to users, with those messages often appearing in a variety of channels. What app/solution should I use to keep track of those different chunks of copy/messaging? [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 6:51 AM PST - 9 comments

I need to use an external microphone with an iPad. I have no idea how this works, what microphone I should consider or anything. [more inside]
posted by Aranquis at 4:48 AM PST - 9 comments

A Dutch friend who's writing a thesis asked for help translating this word that came up in a number of related interviews. It indicates a lack of obligation, and can be used in business contexts, e.g. to describe a price quote or proposal, but is also used to indicate the absence of a sense of responsibility. In this case it's the latter, more emotional, less legalistic, usage that's relevant. [more inside]
posted by jon1270 at 4:37 AM PST - 35 comments

What can I get my niece for her 18th birthday? She is always difficult to buy for and I feel the pressure is higher for an 18th. [more inside]
posted by paduasoy at 11:39 PM PST - 20 comments

I'm kind of in the middle of nowhere till Friday, and there's something just out of reach on my back that's been a little itchy. I'm concerned that it might be a tick, but it also might not be. It's late and I'm tired and getting a little overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do, so I thought I'd ask here. [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 8:21 PM PST - 23 comments

Looking for dishes (probably from a cuisine different from what you grew up with) that blew your mind when you first tried them. Foods with flavor combos/serving formats/cooking methods/etc that made you realize the world of food is bigger than you ever imagined. [more inside]
posted by dede at 6:52 PM PST - 142 comments

Cargo bag for a car without a roof rack or rails? [more inside]
posted by Arthur Vandelay at 4:27 PM PST - 4 comments

Have you seen the dress that Blair Imani wears in this video anywhere? [more inside]
posted by 41swans at 4:17 PM PST - 3 comments

I am Canadian, about to receive a microscopic employer's pension from a US company (i.e pension is tiny, employer doesn't make magnifying instruments). Form W8-BEN asks whether to withhold, at what rate, per the Canada-USA tax treaty. (Also the exact article and paragraph - Grr!). IANATA. I'm unclear if USA should withhold. I will declare this in my Canadian return, plus there seems no need for an USian return for less than USD $6,000/year (just enough for retirement cat food). Any advice from Mefites subject to a tax-treaty?
posted by Bigbootay. Tay! Tay! Blam! Aargh... at 4:13 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm a school administrator and a few weeks ago, all my administrative duties were taken over by my supervisor and my work was shifted to direct student service. Problem is, word throughout the district is I was demoted, and I'm now dealing with anxiety and panic all day because I'm so completely humiliated. What to do? Lawyer up? Take a medical leave? [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:50 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm sorting out my recently widowed Mom's taxes. She just received an unexpected refund check for tax year 2020 due to my late Dad making a miscalculation on the taxable portion of their SS income. The check is made out to both of them, so we need to fill out Form 1310 to get the check reissued in just her name. Simple enough, but you're supposed to send the form "to the address where you sent your return." [more inside]
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 2:24 PM PST - 5 comments

It was announced that Biden will be pumping about $3bn into US electric vehicle battery and component manufacturing. How do I figure out which companies exactly will be receiving this money? You can also just tell me which ones if you like.
posted by cmoj at 1:54 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking to get a couple of novels for someone who enjoys a good mystery/suspense read, without violence. They favor likeable characters, clear plots and resolutions, and a quaint backdrop to the story. [more inside]
posted by fies at 1:48 PM PST - 30 comments

Looking for a wearable oxygen concentrator for my uncle. Less than 5lbs, settings 1 to 5, continous flow. Good warranty as they are very expensive. Any suggestions and price ranges?
posted by Georgia Is All Out Of Smokes at 1:14 PM PST - 3 comments

In recent years, when I think of the Supreme Court, I think about rights it deliberates on; the right for gay people to marry, the right of interracial people to marry, the right of women to have an abortion, the right of racial minorities to have access to housing, education, medical care, etc. But it seems that rights are closely tied to privacy and the right to make a private and personal choices to better ones own life. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 12:23 PM PST - 7 comments

When I kneel, with my knees touching the ground, my left knee and the front of my leg below the knee feel like there's a scab on it that's being stretched. Any idea what this is? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:22 PM PST - 2 comments

Dupont Circle in DC was famously a gayborhood by the 1970s. I'm curious when it started trending that way. Was there a major influx of non-straight people in the late 60s and early 70s? Or would a bachelor living there in the 1950s (or before) have received a certain level of wink wink, nudge nudge compared to other neighborhoods in DC? [more inside]
posted by Candleman at 12:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Just now discovered the Flaming Lips’ Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. Last month I saw a local production of Fight Girl Battle World. I am loving the intersection of pulp sci-fi, kung fu, romance, and anime tropes and style. What else will scratch this itch? [more inside]
posted by rikschell at 11:21 AM PST - 17 comments

If I place an Instacart order today that’s scheduled for Sunday and I use their new “send as gift” function, will the recipient get a text now, spoiling that there’s a scheduled gift in a few days? [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 11:11 AM PST - 4 comments

I've always loved the name of the character Lazar Wolf from Fiddler on the Roof. However, my wife, who is Jewish, just pointed out to me that "Lazar" as a Jewish name is pronounced "luh-ZAR". Whereas every production of Fiddler I've seen pronounces Lazar's name "LAY-zer", i.e., like "laser" (which is in fact what makes it so awesome). Does that mean that it's always mispronounced in Fiddler? Or are both pronunciations valid?
posted by Mechitar at 10:34 AM PST - 11 comments

Is it ethical for a manager to obtain salary information of an employee that they don't manage? [more inside]
posted by disconnect at 10:21 AM PST - 16 comments

I have bipolar disorder, which has been well managed for 6+ years. But I am recently pregnant and the hormones are throwing my emotions for a loop! It feels like PMS x100, and isn't directly related to bipolar, but I want to be proactive about managing my mental health. If you were or are a mentally ill pregnant person, did you manage your health differently in pregnancy (and/or after)? How so? [more inside]
posted by nowadays at 9:41 AM PST - 8 comments

Our cooperative needs a non-analog way of scheduling shifts for the teachers and parents working at our preschool. The biggest problem is finding coverage and swapping shifts because of sickness. There has to be an app that will allow folks to offer shifts to others via email or text who’ve marked themselves as potentially available and update the schedule accordingly. Cheap or free is best because we’re nonprofit. Any recommendations?
posted by amber_dale at 9:21 AM PST - 1 comment

I bought an item that didn't match the seller's description, gave the seller a 3 star review, move on with my life. The seller did give me a refund of half the price of the book, but they keep contacting me to change my review! What is the etiquette? Am I SUPPOSED to change it? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:58 AM PST - 24 comments

What is this light called? (Different view.)
posted by pxe2000 at 7:44 AM PST - 4 comments

I am looking for a new bicycle and I'd love some advice! [more inside]
posted by Biblio at 7:39 AM PST - 16 comments

How do I go to bed on time in a relaxed mode? [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 7:32 AM PST - 17 comments

My 8yo son prefers long sleeves in the summer because he hates sunscreen. But long-sleeve tee-shirts, or button-down Oxford shirts, are too heavy a fabric for a really hot day. Can you recommend kids’ long-sleeve shirts that are very breathable/lightweight?
posted by Ollie at 7:26 AM PST - 9 comments

I've just moved in to a house in Ireland about two weeks ago, having previously been in a rented flat. I am considering opening up the house to host refugees via the Red Cross pledge program here - https://www.redcross.ie/ - have read the FAQ there etc. What ground rules / restrictions are reasonable / suggested on my part here? Any other suggestions? [more inside]
posted by BigCalm at 4:49 AM PST - 6 comments

What are some small, easy-to-grow outdoor plants, suitable for window boxes? [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 4:21 AM PST - 16 comments

I keep a password-protected journal in Pages. I'm careful to close it when I'm done writing, but I worry a lot about dropping dead with this thing open on my laptop and hurting the people I love when they read the venting about them therein. Ideally the journal would exist online so that there would be nothing to lead anyone to it--but it also wouldn't be vulnerable to strangers gaining access to it. What is the most secure but also easy way to do this?
posted by HotToddy at 10:30 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for outdoor "house museums" in the US, similar to Heritage Square in Los Angeles. Heritage Square is a place where several old houses, including Victorians, were moved to instead of demolishing them due to new developments, freeways, etc. Orange County has a similar outdoor museum, also called Heritage Square. Whether its other US museum/parks where an old neighborhood has been maintained, or houses/homes/structures rebuilt or moved, please help me find more places like those! Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 10:06 PM PST - 30 comments

I'm having to do podcasts and video presentations pretty regularly. Like many other people I do not like the sound of my voice, it makes me cringe when editing it. I believe I have a nasally, nerdy voice. I noticed that early Howard Stern had this to an extent and he now has a nice, deep radio voice. I'm also guessing that people who are on television or the radio get some kind of coaching. I'm sure gravitas comes naturally to some people, but what kind of things do professionals do to come across as professional? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 6:51 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm in Chicago. I have a UTI. I know what it is; I'm prone to them (2-3 times a year). My doctor's office is closed, all of the urgent care facilities are closed, and I'm not going to an ER and risk COVID to get antibiotics. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 6:47 PM PST - 13 comments

So I just clicked on an ad that came up on one of my social media timelines and I love the shirts on it. But I'm pretty sure the site is a scam. The images don't look right and the site has only been around for 66 days. I might end up using a one-time credit card number to order something but I thought I would ask for recommendations of legit shops that have clothes similar to these. Examples inside . . . [more inside]
posted by dawkins_7 at 5:59 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm planning a local move within Northern California, from Oakland to Berkeley, in about a month and need a trusted moving company. [more inside]
posted by Space Kitty at 5:57 PM PST - 12 comments

I bought my son some little seedling packet at the supermarket. We planted basil, tomatoes, pumpkin and lentils a few weeks ago. It's been chilly here so they're still inside. The thing is, the pumpkins are about to bloom. They need to be pollinated to go from flower to pumpkin right? Do I need to get them outside before the flowers open? Can I pollinate them with a q-tip? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 5:42 PM PST - 6 comments

is there anything like when2meet/doodle for longer-term scales? some friends and i are trying to plan a trip over the summer and want to make a comparison of the dates when most of us are free, but it seems like when2meet and doodle are mostly geared toward times or shorter periods of like under a month. is there anything that would allow us to each block off availability in a period of several months?
posted by maighdeann mhara at 5:14 PM PST - 4 comments

I've been having a rough time recently on multiple personal levels, and one of my problems is that a recent injury is leaving me too much time to sit and ruminate on how awful everything is right now. What are some engrossing hobbies/activities I can do while sitting in a high-backed chair, that don't involve reading or screens? [more inside]
posted by sock here, sock there at 4:11 PM PST - 30 comments

We are looking to rent a place in a picturesque coastal town where there are no cruise ships or high rises or big-name resorts. What are your hidden-gems recommendations? [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 3:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Due to some staff members unable to control their urge to crank it and get their boogie on, I need to buy a stereo system that at it's loudest setting plays about conversational level. I get confused by all the terms; amplifiers, receivers, watts per channels, db ratings, ohms, etc. My ideal system would have four or six small speakers, and an amplifier (or receiver?) that can accept an auxiliary input from an iphone and that at it's loudest would still be considered background in an approximately 800sf room sometimes filled with people. What do I need to buy?
posted by newpotato at 11:22 AM PST - 19 comments

I am not very tech-savvy and I am having a hard time figuring out what kind of adapters I need to get my HDMI monitor to connect to a Humanscale M/Connect 2 dock. [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 11:04 AM PST - 2 comments

Title says it all. There's a scene in the movie where Chris gifts Chloe a set of two or more CDs, presumably Opera ones. They speak about them, saying it is a tragic one or something similar. Is this the same music from the original sound track or something different?
posted by Matrod at 11:00 AM PST - 5 comments

[CW: gross] Someone I do not know just spat all over my face. Since we were outside on the street, I was not masked. I (vaccinated and boosted) have a flight to the US in 4 days and need a negative PCR taken within a day of takeoff in order to board the plane. Should I just give up on this now? [more inside]
posted by blessmycottonsocks at 10:55 AM PST - 26 comments

A friend of mine in her late 50s is still having hot flashes a year after having both ovaries removed due to a cyst on one and family history of ovarian cancer. Should she push her doctor for a solution to the hot flashes? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:53 AM PST - 11 comments

I think I want to get an alarm clock that isn't my phone. I have a possibly irrational worry that I'll go on vacation, forget to disable it, and come home to it having blared for days on end and my upstairs neighbors annoyed at me. I think that something "smart" that I can disable remotely would solve this worry, and would have other benefits for me too. Can anyone suggest something? [more inside]
posted by rivenwanderer at 9:48 AM PST - 13 comments

Hello; I have several DVD movies I have bought and I would like to put them on a USB stick so I can watch them later on a TV. When I searched for a answer,I read that it can't be done ,if the movies are store bought because they are protected. Do u know of a program that would do this? Using Win.11. Planning on staying in a RV,and don't want to carry a bunch of DVD"s with me. Suggestions? Thank you :-)
posted by LOOKING at 5:13 AM PST - 15 comments

I had a tooth extracted yesterday and it has big enough fragments I'd like to do something with it. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 5:02 AM PST - 5 comments

A friend has confided in me that she is experiencing domestic abuse -- how can I help her? UK/London-specific practical advice would be particularly helpful. [more inside]
posted by heavenknows at 3:56 AM PST - 8 comments

Increasingly, people sending documents to my university work email use a google doc link instead of an attachment. I am always denied access and have to wait for a permission from the sender, which half the time never arrives or arrives too late to be useful. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 3:08 AM PST - 14 comments

For the past year, I have been working remotely from the US. I've been working for a company based in another country, for clients in that country, being paid into my bank account in that country, and paying tax in that country. I am a citizen of that country and domiciled there for tax purposes. So... the problem is that I am in the US on a non-work (spousal) visa. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:03 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I keep my cool with a principal who is bringing me in with my supervisor for a meeting after almost a whole school year with no support or acknowledgement. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:18 PM PST - 15 comments

Have you used a shade sail for your patio? Will you tell me about it? Or other patio shade? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:04 PM PST - 13 comments

For my photography needs, everyone says I should just get the iPhone 13, and that does make perfect sense, but the price and fragility of the iPhone terrify me so I'm thinking of getting a digital camera instead. What do you think I should do? [more inside]
posted by miaow at 7:17 PM PST - 15 comments

I am autistic (diagnosed), and I think I might have PTSD. I started a new job a few months ago, but I am struggling to adjust. [more inside]
posted by 8LeggedFriend at 5:49 PM PST - 6 comments

I used to blog back in the early 2000s. Still have tumblr accounts for various things but - where do people actually blog these days? I really only want to post little weird things, occasional photos, and a link or two. Nothing fancy needed at all. Easy to use and simple would be my preference (no script knowledge or domain-name-buying needed). Suggestions?
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:40 PM PST - 8 comments

What’s a girl need to do to get a post office opened around here? [more inside]
posted by Champagne Supernova at 4:47 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm moving to Portland, OR this month and am super-excited! From past visits I know that homelessness seems to be an even worse problem than it is where I live now. I want to be part of the solution in my new city. Who should get my money? (If a Christian org helps the most, so be it, but non-religious orgs are preferred.) Thanks!
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 4:32 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm miserably sick. We're going on six months of no answers, and although the details are very non-graphic I'll put them under the fold. [more inside]
posted by Bottlecap at 3:59 PM PST - 22 comments

My online gaming group played through the beta version of Baldur's Gate 3 last year, and we're getting close to finishing Divinity 2, both of which we liked for basically being GM-less D&D that's easy to find time for once a week or so. O wise video gamers of MeFi, what would you recommend for four people in a similar vein on PC? [more inside]
posted by tautological at 3:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Why are polyester and rayon/bamboo described as moisture-wicking and good to wear in hot weather? Please help me understand this terminology that is the opposite of my experience, so I can buy undershirts I love. [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 2:16 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I navigate a delicate situation involving sexual intercourse and polyamory? [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 1:57 PM PST - 18 comments

My small bank moved my Roth IRA account to a large banking company. I find their interface non-intuitive and generally aggravating. Do you have a Roth IRA provider with a pleasant user interface and that you enjoy? What is it?!
posted by aaanastasia at 1:47 PM PST - 9 comments

My husband almost rear-ended a car early this morning on his way to work. I would love your tips for preventing this in future. [more inside]
posted by cartoonella at 12:20 PM PST - 37 comments

I'm looking for a power strip with a 2-wire plug to 3-wire outlet... but the plug has to be flat. Is that a thing? Can I buy it? I will pay anything that is less than buying a new bed frame or hiring an electrician, because that's our other option.
posted by blnkfrnk at 12:17 PM PST - 22 comments

My neighborhood association wants to move our member list from an excel spreadsheet to an online database. Looking for recommendations for something that is reliable, low cost (or worth the price), and not bloated with features. [more inside]
posted by rebent at 12:10 PM PST - 10 comments

I have too much stuff. It's weighing me down and feeling a bit hoarder-esque. I have hobbies and get obsessed. Do all the research, buy the stuff. Do the thing or don't do the thing. Then I move on to the next. Some stuff if brand new, never used. Some of it is very lightly used. Is there some kind of service that can sell it for me? [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws at 11:28 AM PST - 21 comments

I underwent laparoscopic surgery last month and got diagnosed with endo. I can't take hormones (nor do I want to) and it seems like there is a ton of contradictory information about how to manage this moving forward. What worked for you? [more inside]
posted by amycup at 9:33 AM PST - 14 comments

I usually take a brisk walk with a friend on Saturday but I'm wondering if I should have one day of rest. On Thursday, I will run for 3k, on Friday I have my usual not too easy all inclusive (legs, abs etc) exercise class. Would one day rest before the race be optimal? (I'm in my 60's, female).
posted by Tziv at 9:30 AM PST - 8 comments

My (43, F) (now ex) boyfriend (43, m) of 8 months has gone no contact with me and without warning. I'm in therapy (originally for abandonment issues), things are slowly getting better, but I feel like I'm still waiting for him to reach out to me. From my perspective, we had a really great relationship. Communication seemed to be open, we had a lot of fun, had a deep connection, and were making plans for the summer. In mid-March, he encountered multiple stressors within a few days of each other and from what I could tell, spiraled into a depressive episode. I only know this from the VERY minimal contact I've had with him from that time. [more inside]
posted by retrofitted at 8:43 AM PST - 23 comments

Google result counts seem to be completely random - first page shows millions of results, but as I page through, many of these dwindle down to a few hundreds or less. This behaviour seems to have gone truly of the rails recently, with even popular words returning in the low hundreds. What is going on? Is Google truly completely compromised as a valid search engine? [more inside]
posted by doggod at 8:19 AM PST - 6 comments

I'd like to give someone a gift certificate for a cool garden store in the Bay Area, preferably not San Francisco itself because it seems to be a pain to drive there. Something closer to Oakland would be better. Person bought a house with a decent yard, is planting trees, and wants to garden. Bonus points if you can tell me why the store is cool.
posted by FencingGal at 8:10 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm going on a baseball-themed road trip with my 14 year old nephew. What baseball-related things can we listen to on our drive? [more inside]
posted by evadery at 7:42 AM PST - 17 comments

I need some help troubleshooting occasional audio issues on the YouTube app for Roku. [more inside]
posted by Diskeater at 6:25 AM PST - 2 comments

I would really appreciate some help figuring out how to get the right type of LED light strips installed to provide nice ambient lighting in my living room. [more inside]
posted by syzygy at 5:35 AM PST - 10 comments

I've got several windows at my house where the screens need replacement. I don't know what brand or model line these windows are, there are no markings or stickers I can find, so I'm outside my depth of knowledge on how to find replacements. If it was just the mesh material, I could probably patch them, but on a couple, the whole frame is gone. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by deezil at 5:23 AM PST - 11 comments

I have seen her 3-4 times and I'm not really feeling it. [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 5:07 AM PST - 7 comments

We have a new dog with a bottomless bladder. How do we control the tide? [more inside]
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 2:31 AM PST - 10 comments