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Have you ever taken a survey or poll that was fun / easy / rewarding / delightful? I'm trying to figure out the most engaging way to survey a large group of friends (N=30 to 1000) on an ongoing basis. [more inside]
posted by shrimpetouffee at 10:04 PM PST - 7 comments

I’m struggling with a tendency I’ve had for at least the last 15 years, which is to basically use the full capacity of the compendious internet to “self-harm” by looking for information and opinions I not only disagree with, but which are heavily cynical or critical toward myself. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 7:56 PM PST - 16 comments

My parents are taking a houseboat up (down?) the Erie Canal. This is a perfect nerdy, cosy, quirky vacation for them. Please help me make it more perfect by suggesting things I can get them to read, watch, or listen to that will enhance the experience. May be related to Erie, canals, houseboats, or any combinations thereof!
posted by Ausamor at 6:41 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm looking for advice on what kind of earbuds to buy so that music will sound good. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 6:12 PM PST - 17 comments

I got into a rambling discussion the other day with a friend. He is all set to get a fully electric car soon, probably a Tesla. He was excited about the prospect of not buying gasoline and paying the taxes. [more inside]
posted by jtexman1 at 6:08 PM PST - 17 comments

Cost of daycare for a toddler in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by huskerdont at 5:57 PM PST - 5 comments

Last week, I asked about putting my work iMac on a closet shelf. Things has changed since then—I was able to locate a very nice pine table at a thrift shop for very cheap; about $20. It feels very solid for the most part—a teeny bit wobbly if I exert mild force on it intentionally (before and after the iMac was put on it), but overall feels pretty solid. Would this configuration be safe? I don't want to get a rude awakening later on and find my iMac shattered all over the place. [more inside]
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 5:33 PM PST - 12 comments

My adult son and I are headed to TN (from VA) in a couple of weeks to spend a week exploring civil war battlefields (he is a historian and civil war nerd). We'll be camping in Chattanooga for 2 nights, Shiloh for 2 nights, and Murfreesboro for 1 night. What shouldn't we miss in those areas, outside the obvious battlefields? [more inside]
posted by COD at 5:04 PM PST - 9 comments

Several weeks ago, in anticipation of the expiration of my passport, I went to the local post office to make an appointment for passport photos. While there, I saw a family of five; two parents and three kids, getting passport photos. I asked, "Are you going on a trip?" The wife said, "We're thinking about New Zealand." I said, "Oh, when are you leaving?" And she said, "Depending on what happens, probably, around November 3rd." [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 3:36 PM PST - 43 comments

I am taking a class (online) for the first time in 30 years. I have no idea how to take notes. Like, I literally do not know what to write down. Help? [more inside]
posted by dogmom at 3:20 PM PST - 16 comments

Why did authoritarianism win in 1848? Looking for book recommendations that get into the why, not just the who and when.
posted by clawsoon at 3:09 PM PST - 5 comments

My 15-year-old sewing machine, a Kenmore 19606 (made by Janome), has automatic tension. I had it serviced because the top tension was off — but I brought it home and now the bottom tension is off. Repair person told me to manually adjust — but why should I need to, if auto tension always worked before? Can I fix it at home? [more inside]
posted by liet at 3:08 PM PST - 6 comments

What can you tell me about this poster for a 1962 exhibition at London's Tate Museum? Bonus points if you can explain why someone told me it's not really from the Ecole de Paris.
posted by rouleur at 2:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Uniqlo discontinued the Supima version that I really liked, so what's the current best choice? [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 1:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Much was made of the people's revolt against Romanian leader Nicholae Ceausescu in 1989. But what happened to the politicians and bureaucrats and advisors who helped get him there and supported his policies against the Romanian people? Were any of them every indicted or arrested or were they able to melt back into the population because the people were focused on the head of the snake?
posted by CollectiveMind at 12:55 PM PST - 3 comments

I received a speeding ticket that claimed that I was doing 42mph in 30mph zone. But I am pretty sure I wasn't going that fast since when I saw the speed camera flash I glanced at my speedometer and it was 35 or 36. But of course I have no proof of that. I am being fined $170. Is it worth contesting this ticket? [more inside]
posted by Pantalaimon at 12:44 PM PST - 18 comments

My main email address is from a personally owned domain (e.g. bove@lastnamefamily.com) hosted by Google, and I use Gmail to run that email address. I use that same account for my work email (using IMAP). I am running out of space on this account. However, in the last year or so my employer started offering Gmail accounts with unlimited Drive space. I am trying to decide if I should make that account my main account. Can I use Gmail to check another Gmail account? I can't tell if it would be better to pay for extra storage space with my personal account, or to switch over to my work hosted Gmail account. I am not even sure how to make the decision.
posted by bove at 12:14 PM PST - 10 comments

A friend of mine has been hosting virtual movie nights every day since the stay at home order. In June we had a week of “half Christmas” films, and now I want to help program a “Midwinter Summer” in December. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by itesser at 11:20 AM PST - 19 comments

Attn. fellow Canadians: A close family member of mine is in need of a liver transplant. I would like to donate part of my own. However... [more inside]
posted by elected_potato at 10:37 AM PST - 5 comments

You all helped me get back into college. Now help me get a decent laptop for said school! Details, as ever, abound. [more inside]
posted by corb at 9:43 AM PST - 22 comments

Due to life circumstances and general loneliness, I'm somewhat considering going to stay with my parents, who I haven't seen in a year, for an extended period around the holidays. (Please assume I'll take all reasonable COVID precautions and quarantine as part of this process.) This would require an international flight. It occurred to me recently that even though the flight I need is available for sale, it may end up getting canceled, making this trip impossible. How can I best investigate my options? [more inside]
posted by mekily at 8:28 AM PST - 14 comments

I set up a spreadsheet that I'm going to use to decide which law schools to apply to, and then use it to track applications to make sure everything is complete, and then use it to decide which school to go to (if I'm accepted). Is there anything I'm missing? [more inside]
posted by davidstandaford at 7:40 AM PST - 7 comments

I have heard rumors of a magical laundry soap that will rejuvenate my laundry, removing years of built-up dryer sheet residue and leave my towels fluffy and like new. It will also brighten my dingy white shirts. I can't recall the name, but it is concentrated, all natural, and difficult to use. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 7:27 AM PST - 24 comments

How can I find an independent, online therapist with some expertise working with QTPOC (queer, trans people of color), or who has some of those lived experiences, and who is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:57 AM PST - 5 comments

I have found myself, at work, advising a small bunch of creative writing students about how to write genre literature. They are at MA level. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:57 AM PST - 20 comments

The images of frequency modulation are clear enough for a single signal. But in the real world if you increase or decrease the frequency of your signal, won't you end up interfering with other frequencies? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 3:53 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm giving a series of important professional talks online and I need to up my video-conferencing set up accordingly. I'm overwhelmed by listicles and need links to what works, available in the UK: lights, free-standing cameras, whatever else makes you look like a video-conferencing pro. [more inside]
posted by thetarium at 2:09 AM PST - 6 comments

A very familiar trumpet piece plays in the background of the credits / outro of a (great) podcast episode about Beethoven - at around 21:33 . episode link. It's so familiar, I feel like I should be able to recognize it but I am coming up blank. Do you know it? Thanks!
posted by mmc at 12:31 AM PST - 2 comments

Why does the media never bring up the positives about absentee ballots or say that they're actually really common? There are numerous situations where they're required and have never been called into question. Am I missing a media tactic or... something? Inside are the facts as I know them. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 12:21 AM PST - 9 comments

I was recently in the hospital for a few days for gallstones. I have very little experience with opiates so I was really surprised/disappointed that I got no pain relief from them except for the really strong ones. But I also felt scared to actually express this since I thought it would sound like drug seeking. Surely there is some variation in how well people respond to opiates, but is there anyway to talk about that? [more inside]
posted by Gravel at 10:24 PM PST - 15 comments

Can I buy Crofton cookware without going inside an Aldi or getting price-gouged on eBay? [more inside]
posted by sesquipedalia at 10:01 PM PST - 5 comments

Pretty sure I read an article about this. I mean literal large wooden wheels, in I think medieval churches? Maybe later. Maybe not called wheels of fortune. Definitely don't mean wheel-like rose windows or drawings of wheels, which are the main things that come up when I search for this.
posted by lgyre at 8:22 PM PST - 11 comments

I've fallen down a rabbit hole of rewatching the film "Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles" (such a quarantine movie!). And I'm wondering, has there been any discussion on where Jeanne and Sylvain go at night? [more inside]
posted by theatro at 5:40 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm sick of my personal information showing up on protection racket sites like MyLife and Spokeo. What's the simplest way to get off of them and stay off them? I will throw money at this annoyance if there's a reputable company that will take care of all of them for me, so I don't have to check it myself every few months as new ones pop up. Basically, an update to this AskMe.
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:17 PM PST - 5 comments

I wish to superpower my prescription glasses. [more inside]
posted by Evilspork at 4:07 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm being laid off and one option with the laptop is to buy it from the company. The policy around this isn't very well documented. Yanml or accountant but I've worn the IT person down to where they are asking me what I want to pay for my laptop and the question I'd like to get help on is how much is fair. [more inside]
posted by toomanycurls at 4:06 PM PST - 23 comments

White flag, two black circles arrayed horizontally across the flag. Each circle with a red slash horizontally through it, just slightly wider then the circle. Photo link inside. [more inside]
posted by tiamat at 2:48 PM PST - 3 comments

I am in Canada. My car is in the US. I want to rent a car in Canada, return that car in the US, then drive my car back to Canada. My concern is crossing the land border. Is this allowed/essential travel? Is there an official contact to ask? I am a US Citizen and Canadian PR. [more inside]
posted by triscuit at 1:43 PM PST - 10 comments

In elementary school, I was shown an educational series teaching library skills. It is set in a post apocalyptic world and the protagonists of the series are trapped in a library, and use the card catalog to look up information about defeating a robot centaur monster who has laid waste to the earth. [more inside]
posted by chrchr at 1:31 PM PST - 3 comments

I want to make a graph that looks like a textbook example of a spirograph. I want to be able to set some key values randomly, but keep the shape similar. Is this possible? [more inside]
posted by Acari at 1:24 PM PST - 5 comments

A while ago, I used to go to GEMM to look for rare and hard-to-find vinyl, but it appears to now be defunct. Is there a go-to, reputable place online for vinyl that is like what GEMM used to be? [more inside]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 1:15 PM PST - 1 comment

For health and career reasons, I may need to get off weed. I've used it to self medicate at night for years. Details inside [more inside]
posted by Alvin80 at 12:22 PM PST - 8 comments

I need help determining the least-bad option for dealing with the furnace filter in my home. [more inside]
posted by Sibrax at 10:55 AM PST - 13 comments

I like to drink sparkling water. I usually have three or four cases of Trader Joe's sparkling water on deck. But I recently read the news coverage about how plastics recycling is a sham, and I want to change my habits to recognize this fact and reduce the amount of garbage I'm producing. What is the greenest way to purchase sparkling water? [more inside]
posted by miltthetank at 10:37 AM PST - 32 comments

In the US, in various coastal towns, it's possible to rent a small sailboat for a day -- think a dinghy for 1 or 2 people like a Sunfish or Daysailer. Where are some places around the world where one can rent similar boats? Particularly interested in non-Anglophone and non-European locations. [more inside]
posted by vogon_poet at 10:33 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking to buy an 'experience gift' or some other present for a trivia player and her daughter. Any suggestions? Details inside... [more inside]
posted by evadery at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I trap a salamander? [more inside]
posted by SLC Mom at 10:13 AM PST - 10 comments

One sad attempt at a Narnia reference later... More questions about apartment decisions below the fold. [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 9:57 AM PST - 16 comments

Does anyone here know about the Schroth Method of physical therapy for scoliosis patients? I've seen the website. I'm wondering if anyone has tried it or knows someone who has.
posted by ydaltak at 9:56 AM PST - 1 comment

Does anyone have a dependable recipe to process a lot of apples into pie filling, which we then freeze? The spices and sugars might vary from our preference, but the big question is: Do you cook it or not? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 9:33 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm trying to purchase an apple tree for a friend as a housewarming gift. She grew up near Turin, and her favorite apple growing up was the renetta, which is a mottled golden color. [more inside]
posted by katecholamine at 9:06 AM PST - 8 comments

While job searching, my priority is to network and to apply to advertised positions. But inevitably a part of it will be sending out resumes to employers that I have no particular connection to and that aren't advertising any openings - a cold contact. In this case I could try to talk to a person in charge of hiring before sending them a resume. Or, just go straight to sending the resume. Which approach is best? [more inside]
posted by Mechitar at 7:38 AM PST - 22 comments

I have tight muscles and fascia. Should I get a Theragun - and which model? [more inside]
posted by t0astie at 7:33 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm looking for an alternative to Twitter plug-in for a website? [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 6:22 AM PST - 6 comments

We have a propane-fueled gas range that can't go low enough to hold a simmer. I've tried troubleshooting (details inside). I know how to adjust the little screw behind the knob to make the low setting even lower, but if I do, blowing hard on the flame blows it out. That's an unacceptable safety hazard, not a common condition, right? If you turn your gas range to the lowest setting, can you blow it out? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 5:44 AM PST - 20 comments

Does anyone know what this logo or design is from?
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 7:09 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm trying to find a book I read some 45 years ago when I was a kid. [more inside]
posted by MarioM at 7:00 PM PST - 0 comments

I am trying to construct a treasure hunt for my wife and son to take the place of Hallowe'en and I'm wondering if there is an app that will allow me to mark several gps locations, send them to my wife and then the app will show the distance and direction towards the nearest one? [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 6:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Ok nerds, help me out! In the past I've played a very large flashcard game with my classes (in person) regarding rhetorical strategies and definitions and examples. The game plays in that I randomly distribute the 70+ cards to my students, we start with one student reading a definition from a card, and the students have to figure out the word that matches the definition. That card is then read "I have [], who has []?" [more inside]
posted by Snowishberlin at 6:19 PM PST - 6 comments

My 17 year old son needs to get his blood drawn. He has a major needle phobia. The doctor prescribed Xanax, with the directions for him to take one pill 15 minutes before the draw. Can you help me know what to expect and how I can help all this go better? I'm feeling stressed myself now (ugh) and want to work through that so I can be chill for both of us. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:08 PM PST - 33 comments

Quote along lines of: "I couldn't have known. No one could have known. It was impossible to know. It was unknowable" [more inside]
posted by Faintdreams at 3:50 PM PST - 3 comments

My property manager has become a little too friendly. I am working from home now and want to dial this back. How can I this with the least repercussions? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:04 PM PST - 26 comments

Does this exist? Before, I used to go to a heated therapy pool and do gentle resistance exercises. That’s gone now. I would like to replicate this experience at home with a hot-tub like thing where the water is shoulder high when I, a 5’ tall person, am standing, and where there’s enough room to stretch my arms out. Doesn’t have to have jets, doesn’t have to have seats, doesn’t need to fit a crowd, just needs to be deep and warm and sanitary. Surely this must exist. What is it called?
posted by HotToddy at 2:19 PM PST - 12 comments

Should I get a below-the-knee amputation and a prosthetic limb? [more inside]
posted by Leontine at 2:12 PM PST - 13 comments

Nursing a long-simmering crush on a friend during quarantine—how to get over it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:02 PM PST - 15 comments

The times that I have been the most successful with weight loss were when I was working with a nutritional coach or personal trainer. How can I replicate that support over a long period of time? [more inside]
posted by WaspEnterprises at 1:54 PM PST - 5 comments

Can someone tell me what kind of light bulb I need for a fixture labelled "MAX 100W Type "Q" 120V A3 60 Hz" ? [more inside]
posted by randomnity at 1:18 PM PST - 11 comments

I've been asked by my mother to purchase new sheets for her guest bedroom (where we'll be staying when we visit). She cannot be relied upon to wash whites separately or do any kind of special laundry routine. Is it a terrible idea to buy white sheets in this case? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 12:36 PM PST - 13 comments

I am curious to know what exactly are the differences between a Data Scientist and a Statistican? Is it possible for someone with a solid statistics background to embark Data Science? [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 12:01 PM PST - 12 comments

By in earnest I don't mean swallowing the worm from a tequila bottle, or nibbling the end off a chocolate-covered ant. I mean eating whole insects as an hors d'oeuvre (chili-lime crickets anyone?), or as a garnish or main protein for a dish. I mean using insect flour to make bread and pancakes. I mean, most of all, managing to get over the gag factor... [more inside]
posted by BadgerDoctor at 11:43 AM PST - 27 comments

The one unambiguous no-exceptions success I have had with my virtual middle school students is an ongoing Rock Paper Scissors tournament bracket. They cheer each other on in the chat, they have made signs for each other, it is hysterical and a great team-builder. Tragically, we are nearing the end of the bracket and I need more ideas for something like that that's...not that, since we have done that. [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 11:03 AM PST - 9 comments

After a few months of writing for a friend’s blog, I landed a paid writing opportunity. The publication wants me to fill out tax forms, but my government name doesn’t match my byline. [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 10:53 AM PST - 8 comments

Pretty much what it says on the tin. I have some job prospects for work as a therapist. As I see it, this will require 1) a computer whose internet connection does not constantly conk out as my Dell laptop's does and 2) some space on the machine itself to keep notes, which I think it might be unethical to keep in the cloud. (I'm still feeling out all these issues.) I would love to spend under $500 on this. I am average Gen X non tech person levels of tech savvy, which is to say I am on the internet all the time but I read specs on a laptop description and don't know what a lot of them mean. Suggestions? Thanks in advance. People who do similar work, feel more than free to chime in with stuff I'm not thinking of.
posted by less of course at 9:47 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm considering buying an elliptical machine. Do you have recommendations? [more inside]
posted by medusa at 9:30 AM PST - 8 comments

How can we get ancient odors out of a quilt? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 9:18 AM PST - 19 comments

On my work computer, how can I access one Word file that lives on my home computer? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 8:30 AM PST - 7 comments

I have an American iPhone (11?) and I will be travelling in the next few weeks to Ontario Canada and then to France (and Amsterdam, briefly). I would like to buy a prepaid SIM card that will allow me to have data and a few minutes of talk time for emergencies, GPS, and the occasional important youtube video. (I am happy to buy more than one SIM card if that makes sense.) I called PC mobile in Canada and they tell me my phone won't work with any of their SIM cards because the networks are totally different. Is this true? Please help! [more inside]
posted by andreapandrea at 8:15 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm new to an offline recreational activity (disc golf). All the local clubs and group activities seem to be coordinated through Facebook, but I don't (and won't) have a Facebook account. Do you have any advice for staying connected?
posted by GPF at 8:00 AM PST - 5 comments

Anyone figured out how to use the new Census website to make maps showing percentage of folks in each racial category? (link to data inside) [more inside]
posted by qldaddy at 6:19 AM PST - 5 comments

Within the past couple years, I've read and really liked the first few Cormoran Strike books by JK Rowling (aka Robert Galbraith). With JKR's recent transphobic comments, I'm naturally unwilling to keep buying them. What else would you recommend in the same line? [more inside]
posted by littlegreen at 6:17 AM PST - 25 comments

I had a baby 3 months ago and we're staring down the barrel of a long covid winter. Help me come up with some ideas of things to do so that doesn't seem like a nightmare. [more inside]
posted by quaking fajita at 5:36 AM PST - 16 comments

My Windows computers hate Anaconda. They gripe and freeze and crash with it. I've tried re-installing, but the problem persists. I want a package manager like Anaconda that installs things in the correct places and that makes it so I don't have to think too hard. I use it for Python and R. I like coding in Spyder because it color-codes my syntax. Are there alternatives to Anaconda? I've browsed the Internet, and it's frankly overwhelming.
posted by Alex Haist at 4:55 AM PST - 10 comments

When trying to treat a fungal skin infection, how important is it actually how one does laundry? [more inside]
posted by kinddieserzeit at 11:32 PM PST - 4 comments

... particularly those that belong to my octogenarian mom, because they don't appear to make a difference, despite the large price tag, much to the frustration of everyone around her. (It's unclear how much she is aware of the issue.) [more inside]
posted by fingers_of_fire at 7:42 PM PST - 13 comments

Are you someone who is descended from people who left Lithuania prior to 1941 who has obtained Lithuanian dual citizenship? If so, tell me more! Did you do the paperwork (in Lithuanian) yourself or did you use a service? How long did it take?
posted by rednikki at 4:14 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for recommendations of philosophers/thinkers whose work could help me ask better questions about the nature and history of specific roads. For example, thinkers whose work would shed light on the contrast between "the history of US 41" as a designation vs. as a physical stretch of road. Or whose work might shed light on the use of roads and road construction in asserting and resisting various forms of hierarchy. Et cetera. [more inside]
posted by Not A Thing at 3:37 PM PST - 18 comments

My kid had my old iPhone for a while and their own login. Now things are messed up and the reminders app thinks I am my kid. As far as I can tell I’m signed in as myself everywhere. Has anyone run into this lately? [more inside]
posted by tilde at 2:45 PM PST - 4 comments

I replaced a bunch of old hardwired "dumb" smoke detectors (like, 6 of them) with a gaggle of battery-powered Nest alarms. When I unclipped the dumb ones from the power supply, I just nudged the plastic connector/wires into the wall hole and screwed back on the now-unpowered detector. So the detector is still on the wall but the plug is disconnected behind it. Is it a terrible idea to have the powered clip in the wall behind the unplugged detector, or is it okay if it's not connected to anything? If I need to properly decommission them, do I just pay an electrician to cap them off?
posted by AgentRocket at 2:41 PM PST - 7 comments

Recommendations for nice (color value, design, lack of buzzing sound) grow lights for general living space? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 2:04 PM PST - 6 comments

I have a 2nd Gen Apple TV. I have the Apple TV remote app on my iPhone. It replaces the Apple TV remote if the Apple TV is on the same WiFi as the Apple TV. However, without the remote, I have no way to connect the Apple TV to the WiFi in the first place. If I connect the Apple TV directly to the modem, I can see its menu on the TV. But I have no way to control it. I gather that if I reset the Apple TV it will try to connect via Bluetooth. But resetting the Apple TV, again, requires the remote. Catch-22. Is there no way to configure an Apple TV directly from a laptop over Ethernet?
posted by musofire at 1:57 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for an ottoman that has an upholstered top that moves out of the way to reveal a flat tray that comes up out of it - exactly like this one (out of stock) BUT less wide. I've tried emailing the company that manufactures the one I linked and they don't make anything smaller. If no one already makes this, is there somewhere I could get one custom made? I don't know where to look! [more inside]
posted by hansbrough at 12:55 PM PST - 3 comments

I want to impress my daughter with the perfect pizza sauce. She's had pizza all over Europe and the US, and she says good pizza is all about the sauce. I need recipes and tips for amazing pizza sauce for when she's home over the holidays. [more inside]
posted by SamanthaK at 12:50 PM PST - 30 comments

If all goes well with checking our references, this sweet boy will be coming to live with us soon! We are experienced dog owners so we're set on all things except neither of us have had a dog with a coat like this. How do we care for it? It's quite long! The rescue didn't have much of an idea. [more inside]
posted by ancient star at 12:33 PM PST - 7 comments

My partner has a very old (decades-old) pair of Revlon tweezers. They allow me to tweeze hairs without looking in a mirror, because they have a blunt tip that does not grab or poke my skin. I've tried for years to find these or comparable tweezers, and have had no luck. Searching for "blunt tip" gives me pointy, poky tweezers. eBay might be my best bet if I knew what to look for. I need this magical combination of a great grip but also a relatively wide, blunt tip and am tired of buying substandard tweezers. Help? Images of the tweezers in question.
posted by Threeve at 12:23 PM PST - 10 comments

The most flattering style top for me has a collar and preferably is button-down as well. But I want the softness, ease, and comfort of a jersey or knitted fabric, not woven. The collar is a must-have, especially during zoom meeting times. But I'm having a hard time searching for my criteria. It's the knit part that's hardest. All my searches bring up woven shirts or, if they're knit, they're more t-shirt, collarless styles which are too casual and less flattering on me. I wear a 16W or 18 in straight sizes.
posted by primate moon at 11:52 AM PST - 10 comments

About a week ago, our distant cousin called my brother and me to tell us that my father and aunt are in the hospital, and my grandmother has died. We are the next of kin but can't get there for at least another week. On top of everyone's health, I'm worried about caregiver fraud, since the person who was helping my father seems to be sharing false information and posing as family. [more inside]
posted by luckyveronica at 10:22 AM PST - 9 comments

I was recently put on probation at work with no prior warnings. During the probation meeting, my new boss said "I'm giving you some clear steps for improvement, but I don't think you're going to be able to do it." Am I being set up to fail? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:06 AM PST - 29 comments

I need some MeFi experts to help me calculate the odds of something happening. [more inside]
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 9:54 AM PST - 21 comments

We've been saving to buy a new house in DC. But if the "new normal" means working from anywhere, should we even bother? [more inside]
posted by lecorbeau at 8:12 AM PST - 22 comments

Does anyone have any experience with veneers? I am not sure what kind of follow up questions I would need to determine if I ultimately need to also have veneers in addition to the alignment treatment. Is it merely achieving a perfectly cosmetically pleasing result? Is it actually ultimately to help my bite and alignment? [more inside]
posted by proficiency101 at 7:54 AM PST - 7 comments

A few weeks ago I bought a jar of homemade pickles from a stand on the side of the road. It's been sitting in a dark cupboard since. On opening today, it made a distinct popping sound and bubbles evolved from the pickling liquid for a couple of minutes, similar to CO2 outgassing when opening a bottle of soda. It is clear that some kind of fermentation has been going on since the lid was closed. Is there any kind of pickling process where this is a normal result or is this a clear indication of bad things happening? [more inside]
posted by each day we work at 7:05 AM PST - 16 comments

Why is the Kindle app on my new iPad Pro rendering fonts badly on one side of the screen, and can I expect the problem to resolve itself? [more inside]
posted by dfan at 6:13 AM PST - 11 comments

I am having a hard time processing something about my parents and their shared attitude about reverse racism. This view comes from their lived experiences, but it is harmful, and racist, and I'm perseverating over it. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 1:00 AM PST - 9 comments

About a month ago, I went to the ER for appendicitis. When they took it out, they said it was necrotic and had ruptured at some unknown point earlier. I was in the hospital for 4 days and then they sent me home with ten days of antibiotics. While I'm basically healed now, I still have weird, migrating stomach and abdominal pains, and bloating (2 or 3 on pain scale.) How was it for you? [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 11:10 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for songs about the experience of being an adult / adult life [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 11:06 PM PST - 24 comments

One of the hardest things for me since Covid is not being able to go to coffee shops since I used to write there all the time. I am trying to figure out the safest way to make a brief visit to one. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 9:10 PM PST - 9 comments

I've got an Asus laptop running Windows 10 that has suddenly stopped recognizing my CTRL keys this week. How can I restore them? [more inside]
posted by DingoMutt at 7:56 PM PST - 12 comments

I’m preparing for a recovery period when I won’t be able to lift my arms above my shoulders for a while. I’m looking for front closure tops that meet the criteria below. You would think this would be an easy thing to find but weirdly it is very much not. Can you lend me your google skills? [more inside]
posted by embrangled at 7:38 PM PST - 20 comments

Hi! I'm looking for songs that mention Juliet. Any genre, though it probably should be in English, unless it's super famous. Thank you!
posted by Jacen at 4:58 PM PST - 37 comments

I'm a writer for an organization whose editor is a real stickler for detail - his comments on my writing are always "Need to beef up here", "This is a little weak", and "Add some things here to make it a bit longer." I know that means adding more detail, but I don't know how to do that. I think I write too fast. What writing exercises can I do to strengthen this lack of detail? ADHD diagnosed, too.
posted by adverb at 4:56 PM PST - 9 comments

By 'default' lock screen, I mean, the screen you immediately see first when you unlock/wake up your phone, without swiping, where you might see your wallpaper or ultra recent notifications. I see you can put widgets in the "Today" view to the side of the default lock screen, and now the "Home" screens. But not where I want 'em. True? If not, how do ya do it?
posted by bitterkitten at 4:06 PM PST - 2 comments

I have been constantly, repetitively, making dumb mistakes at work, ranging from merely silly to potentially serious. Quite often, I am able to catch those mistakes afterwards, but that's useless. I am definitely burned out, but for various reasons exiting current team is not possible right now. These mistakes cannot keep happening. What do I do?! More below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 1:15 PM PST - 19 comments

I went for a free flu shot yesterday. I usually get them through work but, you know. The experience left me with a ton of questions. Unfortunately, there was a line behind me so I couldn't satisfy my curiosity, but I hope you guys can help! [more inside]
posted by Roy Batty at 12:46 PM PST - 22 comments

I'm looking to find sites that feature actual humans evaluating disposable Nespresso capsules. The only ones I can find are SEO content-farm garbage. [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 10:49 AM PST - 8 comments

I am having an argument with a friend. And I claimed that I think elite runners are very capable of going well over 200, or even 210 BPM. I can't find any reliable article to back this up. I found a reddit thread where plenty of people claimed over 210 or even 220. But can someone help me find an article with reliable data? Thanks!!
posted by maxexam at 7:43 AM PST - 15 comments

During a team meeting of about 10 people where everyone is working remotely, I have 30 minutes to get everyone to play a video game co-operatively. Could be everyone together, or in smaller breakout rooms. Most important: nothing to install, as little setup time as possible. And it has to be fun! [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 5:16 AM PST - 15 comments

My new pure wool blanket is itchy and prickly. Is it possible to soften it? [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 1:43 AM PST - 15 comments

I went "straight through" from college to med school to residency and the training highway is ending. Phew! I can choose to do whatever I want with my time! What? How? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:08 AM PST - 13 comments

Picked up an X-56 in anticipation of Squadrons coming out. It arrived well in advance of the game. Recommend me some games to use it with to fill the gap!
posted by isauteikisa at 8:51 PM PST - 6 comments

In a quite short amount of time I'm going to be expected to hire and manage humans in an office context. This is not a thing I've ever done, expected to do, or wanted to do. What are some resources I could use to get very quickly up to speed on How To Hire and Manage? [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 7:03 PM PST - 11 comments

Help, I bought a 2x4 Kallax from IKEA thinking that it could be mounted 4' up the wall horizontally, and that's exactly what the adorable pictographs on the instructions say not to do! Is there a way for me to mount this safely to my plaster wall? [more inside]
posted by oxisos at 6:04 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm thinking of an illustrated book from my childhood that taught me about the human body's organ systems. I was especially drawn to a spread that depicted the cardiovascular system that as a factory with red blood cell workers transporting oxygen in little buckets. [more inside]
posted by charcoals at 5:41 PM PST - 12 comments

I just went to register for the November LSAT and it seems the deadline was September 23rd (screenshot). I was under the weather with covid for two weeks and missed this. Any ideas about anything I can do to register for the November test date?
posted by davidstandaford at 1:03 PM PST - 4 comments

It’s a semi spoken word song from within the last few years about seeing an indie icon - I think Father John Misty - on the subway in Brooklyn and then getting pushed onto the tracks by him. Does this ring any bells?
posted by chappell, ambrose at 11:56 AM PST - 2 comments

I have to move to a state that has medical reciprocity with New York State. I cannot find the list and my doctor hasn't been responsive, but. he says there are 30+ states. My doctor needs to be able to see what medications I am getting in his office in New York State, while I move somewhere more affordable. I'm currently in Oregon, but they don't have reciprocity with NYS, but Washington State does. How can I find the list of all the states that share medical information, including prescriptions, with New York State? The doctor says over 30 states are on that list. I need this so I can figure out where I can move.
posted by Kombucha3452 at 11:16 AM PST - 7 comments

Please recommend some instrumental, groovy, non-intrusive music so I can focus on grading all these damn papers. [more inside]
posted by Dr. Wu at 10:31 AM PST - 50 comments

I spilled an entire glass of water with a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar in it (because team #stomachproblems) onto my relatively new laptop. Is it toast? [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 10:03 AM PST - 13 comments

Hi, AskMe. I'm just writing in hopes of getting some ideas about where I can go from here. I've been working a part-time job for the past year and change, and am feeling a little restless. More details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 9:46 AM PST - 1 comment

Are there any stores in Canada other than Petsmart or Amazon who will ship me dry dog food? Ideally free or reasonably priced shipping, but any options are helpful. [more inside]
posted by randomnity at 9:28 AM PST - 7 comments

I am looking for recommendations on a smart plug with some fairly specific parameters, mostly importantly that can be controlled both by remote control and via iPhone and Android app. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by pineapplerunner at 9:21 AM PST - 9 comments

Seeing a Revenant gif has reminded me: I've been trying to identify a film I saw for ages. I believe it was set on the West Coast, sometime from the mid-1700s to the late 1800s. The main character is... ill? injured in some way? and spends most of the film trying to get to the coast, or some other body of water. [more inside]
posted by sagc at 8:52 AM PST - 4 comments

Is the "meeting house" in Crucible (Arthur Miller) a civic hall or a church? [more inside]
posted by plant or animal at 8:42 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to treat myself to a really comfy full zipped hoodie. Give me your best recommends! [more inside]
posted by selfnoise at 8:00 AM PST - 25 comments

About two decades ago, a wedding invite was made using Macromedia Flash creator something. It contains shapes, tweens, and sprites. And a soundtrack. Now, I cannot play or convert it. None of the obvious solutions work - the best I get is an audio file with the soundtrack. [more inside]
posted by weft at 7:57 AM PST - 4 comments

I would like to hear from people who have received compensation payouts following traumatic events. What did you feel before, during and after the settlement, and how did you make decisions about how to manage whatever money you received? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:35 AM PST - 10 comments

My car seems to have lost 30,000 from the odometer reading. Just how? [more inside]
posted by shaarog at 6:25 AM PST - 6 comments

I'd like to be a poll worker this November, but I'd also like to understand how much of a risk it might be. Articles? Data? Decision-making models? Anything? [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:57 AM PST - 10 comments

https://imgur.com/gallery/c5ijsnO I can't seem to use Zoom nor OBX for screensharing. DO I really need a more powerful computer? Tuple runs fine but my clients don't all have Macs. Is screensharing normally this demanding? I remember I could do it better than this 15 years ago with VNC....
posted by jago25_98 at 11:24 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for recommendations for fiction that includes well-written descriptions about learning new skills. [more inside]
posted by creepygirl at 9:38 PM PST - 22 comments

In full-screen, on OS X in Chrome I have this vertical bar. It is not in the DOM, as I have selected hide element on the entire HTML tag. Extensions are not impacting it and shows up in Incognito mode. Sometimes it is on the top as in the screenshot, sometimes it is 3/4 of the way down. What is this?! [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 8:59 PM PST - 6 comments

I can find plenty of places with cute plus-sized women's underwear. I can find several places with cute women's underwear designed to accommodate a penis. I am having a hard time finding the intersection of the two. Any suggestions for stores or brands? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:06 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for social media schedulers that will allow me to schedule tweets and Instagram posts WITH TAGGING. Free is great but would pay for the right app. Bonus points for something where authentication for Instagram actually works. Buffer, TweetDeck , and Hootsuite don’t seem to have tagging available in the free versions, and I cannot get Hootsuite to authenticate Instagram and actually post. What say you?
posted by Violet Hour at 7:05 PM PST - 6 comments

OK, I like reading political books, but I'm trying to feel better in life and my diet of books about apocalypse and plagues and despair are not helping. I want escapist, page-turner fiction, that is a) well written and b) political. Some examples of what I mean inside [yup, another question about page-turners - that's the age we're living through!] [more inside]
posted by latkes at 6:34 PM PST - 20 comments

I have a covered wood deck that's 14' x 14' and I'm trying to figure out the best way to add a way to warm it up when we go outside. There's a 3 foot knee-wall coming up from the floor and screens around the rest of it but is otherwise open to the elements. From what I've read, propane heaters are not a good idea in this situation both for fumes and for potentially setting the wood on fire. The last thread here recommended infrared. I'm looking for specific product or brand recommendations, please and thank you!
posted by softlord at 6:13 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm trying to finish an application for a job posting, it's basically a writing sample, but I have no idea a) what to say, b) how to format it, and c) it's TANKING my self-esteem (and I feel like shit, now). I'm hoping to get some advice on how I should go about doing this! (or Should I actually even bother applying for this position?) [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 6:01 PM PST - 17 comments

Is there anyone here who lives in the Salt Lake City area that is experienced with Affinity Designer 1.8? I'm hitting the wall and the help files aren't helpful. I'm not trying to do anything fancy, just import and delete brushes, templates and assets.
posted by ydaltak at 3:19 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm moving to Canada from the US. My phone plan (Red Pocket) doesn't work in Canada. I'll get a Canadian plan and phone number, but I also want to keep my US number for receiving calls and texts in Canada. How to do this? I seem to have already packed most of my working brain cells, so I don't understand what the internet is telling me and need MeFi to walk me through the process. [more inside]
posted by hoist with his own pet aardvark at 12:16 PM PST - 10 comments

I have an iMac G4, a Mac Mini, and 2 Windows laptops in Oakland that I want to dispose of responsibly. I have no car. [more inside]
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 12:10 PM PST - 10 comments

My mom is a public school teacher who works with young adults (18-21) that are intellectually disabled in different ways. She does a section of instruction that involves movement and dance, and she's looking for videos that have music and dancing in them. She asked one of her students what they would like to listen to, and they said they liked Post Malone, but my mom figured that wouldn't fly in a public school setting (see "Ayy, I've been fuckin' hoes and poppin' pillies / Man, I feel just like a rockstar"). Is there something that would work for this kind of context? Something that's not childish but also not raunchy? [more inside]
posted by vocativecase at 11:43 AM PST - 31 comments

What are all of the national level groups focused on coronavirus? This is what I know of: Marked by Covid, Survivor Corps, FacesOfCOVID, While at Home. What other groups are focused on COVID-19?
posted by andoatnp at 11:09 AM PST - 3 comments

I’ve lost my home broadband temporarily and have to use only what I can get on my cell phone, which can be variable depending on conditions. Need some help figuring out how to make best use of what data capacity that I have. [more inside]
posted by mccxxiii at 10:48 AM PST - 8 comments

YANMD. I think both my daughter and I experience simple partial seizures. If not, what do you think they may be? In any case, what steps might you take to reduce our "episodes"? More below the fold. [more inside]
posted by turtlefu at 10:41 AM PST - 16 comments

I use Zotero to organize academic references and the material I use for my research into.... lets say.... beans. I also teach a class on beans. I'm trying to organize and/or tag these references in a way that makes it easy to find what I'm looking for and also to quickly generate citations that I can past into a syllabus that is divided by weekly readings... [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 10:32 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm trying to find a two-player co-op browser-based platform game I enjoyed a few years ago. It is not this one, although they have many elements in common. [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 9:36 AM PST - 2 comments

I've begun doing online trivia with friends, and it has revealed that apparently I know nothing about where most things in the world are located. I tend to learn by reading and am good at retaining facts pretty casually, but when things get Atlas-y I am out of my depths. Wondering if anyone has suggestions around this? Are there...narrative geographies? Are there youtube channels that work like almanacs? Has anyone successfully righted this in adulthood. Thank you in advance!
posted by lieberschnitzel at 9:35 AM PST - 24 comments

What is the best way to handle cold sales emails and LinkedIn requests? [more inside]
posted by amycup at 9:05 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm a man who participates in maybe what I'll call "extracurricular activities": going to museums, concerts(when they did them), picnicking in parks, doing zoom classes, book readings, volunteering with organizations, even online political activism. When I do these, nearly always are majority or nearly all women who are participating. Is this confirmation bias, something because I live in NYC, or actually a thing? If it is a thing, what are men doing? Are there any studies or articles that discuss this or talk about this?
posted by sandmanwv at 8:04 AM PST - 40 comments

My son is struggling with school and I need some help figuring out what his options are going forward. Would really value input from people who have gone through something similar, or their parents, as well as educators and career counsellors. [more inside]
posted by widdershins at 7:21 AM PST - 8 comments

My sternocleidomastoid muscles are very prominent (the one that shows up in red in this illustration) and I don't like how it looks. Are there any stretches I could be doing? Exercises to strengthen some other muscles? How do I get them to relax?
posted by anonymous at 12:47 AM PST - 4 comments

I miss travelling and it seems unlikely I'll get to go anywhere soon. Interested in ways to scratch my travel itch while not leaving home. What can you recommend in the way of armchair travel experiences, or recreating the feel of travel in a time of lockdown? [more inside]
posted by AnnaRat at 12:38 AM PST - 24 comments

I had a tumultuous relationship for several years with someone who was emotionally and verbally abusive, and in which I was dishonest and cheated. It’s over and I’m glad, but I still can’t stop thinking about it. [more inside]
posted by switcheroo at 11:50 PM PST - 18 comments

From the 40's to the 60's. Need to be able to view offline. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 10:35 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm turning toward (alpine) skiing as a viable option for my son and me, as an outdoor recreation option this winter. I'm looking to maximize bang-for-buck—we don't own equipment; and I've never bought a season lift/rental package before. Putting aside my searching website-by-website, can you recommend a good place(s) within three-ish hours of Boston, (i.e. Berkshires, White or Green Mts, and maybe into Maine) in terms of good skiing and great season-ticket price? [more inside]
posted by not_on_display at 10:16 PM PST - 9 comments

What side jobs do cops most commonly have? [more inside]
posted by michaelh at 10:12 PM PST - 9 comments

I wrote a letter with the intent to send it to NPR - how can I get it in front of the right people? [more inside]
posted by honeybee413 at 8:14 PM PST - 6 comments

Serious question: which hand soap is best? [more inside]
posted by Champagne Supernova at 7:26 PM PST - 14 comments

I need some sturdy walking sandals for my size 10 feet. I tried on some Teva Tirra's this morning and they were comfy like a dream. Except I can't do up the ankle strap. I need something like an extra inch and a half in the ankle strap in order for the velcro to work. Everything else fit perfectly. I looked at some men's Teva's and my soul left my body at their hideousness. Two part question as follows... [more inside]
posted by ninazer0 at 6:26 PM PST - 10 comments

I may be transitioning to working at home. Don't have a desk, they're expensive and hard to find; however, a currently spare room in my residence has a nice closet with an adjustable shelf. Thinking about putting the work iMac on the pictured shelf (moving it down to body level, of course). Would it be safe or too heavy? [more inside]
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 6:24 PM PST - 11 comments

A friend and I will be driving from NYC to DC tomorrow (Thursday, September 24) to pay our respects to RBG at the Supreme Court building. I'm looking for suggestions specific to DC driving/parking/public transportation for how best to navigate once we arrive. [more inside]
posted by Majorita at 5:56 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm in the final round for a state government job (holy shit!! insert excitement/panic attack here!). They asked for extensive references from the bulk of my job history. Problem is I've mostly worked for ultra small companies, companies that have been bought out, or for managers that I have just no way of contacting at all (up to and including, dead, deported and heavily into drugs). [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 5:19 PM PST - 5 comments

I accidentally opened a package mailed to my address but in the name of somebody who's never lived here. It's actually the second package to arrive addressed to this person - the first, I left out and it disappeared after a few days. The package contained this inscrutable Japanese "earspeaker system," which I still don't quite understand but which seems to go for $500+ across various online platforms. The weirdness of the product makes this feel like a scam - is this just a (second) misdelivered package or is something else going on here?
posted by exutima at 3:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Hi All, I have looked at previous questions, but I still need help with my frizzy hair. [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 2:33 PM PST - 21 comments

Job interview question-- Do I need to correct this possible misunderstanding re: my current employer? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 2:21 PM PST - 8 comments

Calling all mixologists and cocktail creators: I have a few jars of rosehip jelly that just...didn't set. So it is equal parts rosehips (simmered in water and strained), and sugar. I have plans to fix some of it, pour some of it on top of a pound cake, etc etc, but I was also imagining some killer cocktails using rosehip syrup. What, dear friends, would YOU make?
posted by Grandysaur at 1:46 PM PST - 16 comments

I am looking to replace a certain metal hook, that is part of our windows. Where can I find a similar piece? [more inside]
posted by tinymegalo at 1:46 PM PST - 7 comments

I would like to have some recommendations for a laptop between $400 and $700. The main thing I am struggling with is choosing between Ryzen 5 based Idealabs and i5 based laptops. Some details inside. [more inside]
posted by justlooking at 1:12 PM PST - 10 comments

I have Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It really is annoying and I would love to know if there is anything I can do short of surgery to help the discomfort? [more inside]
posted by silsurf at 11:49 AM PST - 8 comments

My Chromebook has gotten really slow over the last few weeks. In particular, Gmail and Google Docs are slow (unbearably slow), but just about everything else works fine. Can you help me figure out how to speed it up? [more inside]
posted by meese at 11:14 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm trying to help my fifth-grader through online learning. Life right now is just filled with too many bloody applications to manage. How can I stay on top of things in Google Classroom? I'm losing my mind. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 10:18 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm experiencing burnout. What are some strategies which worked for you to combat it? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 10:18 AM PST - 18 comments

I need to buy an external monitor, as well as a keyboard and mouse for my 2017 MacBook Air. I'd like to spend under $300 for all three. The keyboard is probably the most important to me in terms of quality - I type a lot for work so would like something that feels solid. What should I buy and what cords do I need? [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 10:02 AM PST - 9 comments

I heard a speaker say that when Ted Bundy was asked how he could kill another human, he replied "there are so many people . . . what does it matter?" Can you help me find this quote, or find who actually said it? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 9:27 AM PST - 3 comments

There is a regional Korean-American chain, H-Mart, with beautiful pre-cut meat which looks just like the meat they bring out at Korean BBQ. What should I do with it? I do have access to a gas grill. What marinade should I make? Can I do it on the stove-top? What should I serve with it? They have a bunch of the salads/sides I can get. I look at the meat all the time and really want to make something fun for a party.
posted by shothotbot at 8:46 AM PST - 15 comments

Asking for an artist friend who uses Procreate for her work. She says she just updated Procreate on her iPad and it’s really impacting her ability to continue working on a year-long project with an upcoming deadline. Is there a way of reverting this update somehow? Thank you!!!
posted by vocativecase at 7:43 AM PST - 5 comments

I’m looking for books or other resources to help me develop through the experience of being forced back to work in conditions I don’t consider safe (I work frontline in a university library in the uk and now realise my role is mostly being part of an advertising scheme to get money from students and rent for landlords rather than education). I’m interested in books that explore broadly similar topics for instance could be about workers rights, disability studies, or even harm mitigation in domestic violence. [more inside]
posted by mosswinter at 5:27 AM PST - 7 comments

I have increasingly problematic PTSD symptoms and would like to "get away" for a week once it's safe to do so, to a retreat that is a mix of intensive PTSD treatment and also relaxation away from the chaos of my normal life. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:58 AM PST - 8 comments

I live in the US, having moved here from Canada 6 years ago. I recently became a naturalized US citizen, and my passport is currently in process. My Canadian passport is still valid for several more years. What would be some benefits of maintaining the Canadian passport? Assume I don't have any plans of moving back anytime soon, but just curious.
posted by cozenedindigo at 4:30 AM PST - 23 comments

Have you actually let you toddler stay up all night? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 10:44 PM PST - 17 comments

What's a good vegetarian recipe using up to a quart of fresh golden currants and is NOT a jam, jelly, or compote? Ideally something that shows them off and doesn't overwhelm the flavor with sugar.
posted by blnkfrnk at 10:30 PM PST - 13 comments

Extended heat and smoke conditions have caused an eczema flare-up. How do I get my skin to calm down? [more inside]
posted by Wavelet at 10:10 PM PST - 9 comments

I've got a couple of favorites in Santa Rosa - would like to branch out and find a few more really good ones - please tell me which are, in your opinion, the absolute best in the three North Bay counties named above and why. Bodacious level of detail greatly appreciated. I am interested in clothing primarily.
posted by flowergrrrl at 9:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Lately I've been having more frequent thoughts about luck, particularly of the bad sort, and feeling like it's been following me around. I know this is not a productive way of thinking. I would like to figure out why it's taken root so deeply in my psyche, and how I can stop seeing everything negative that happens to me through this lens of poor fortune. [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 9:28 PM PST - 12 comments

We like the process of puzzling through a mystery and getting to a solution through brainwork and teamwork. Problem is most TV shows of this format focus exclusively on murder, which we don’t find good fodder for entertainment. Also the cops tend to be lionized, which we also don’t much care for. [more inside]
posted by rikschell at 8:59 PM PST - 46 comments

My time at my current job is winding down and I've been having an extremely difficult time forcing myself to apply for jobs. I am just... exhausted. Will I "ruin" my career/life if I just... take a break? Ugh, what should I do? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:09 PM PST - 22 comments

As an antidote to the Rolling Stone list currently featuring on the blue, I propose to ask mefites: what are your picks for the Greatest Albums of All Time? [more inside]
posted by bertran at 8:05 PM PST - 89 comments

Of course I didn't d/l it and soon after McAfee deleted it. [more inside]
posted by Rumi'sLeftSock at 7:42 PM PST - 16 comments

So, what's this album?? Probably between 1998 and 2004?? I think it was either a computer fed blueprints or maybe it had sensors all over a building that fed data from light and from air moments - a relatively new building? - something kind of iconic? A train station or airport terminal or something? I swear I've googled this. [more inside]
posted by J0 at 6:43 PM PST - 7 comments

Roughly how safe is a 15 min journey for one person in a UK black cab, assuming driver screen, that they sanitise between customers, masks worn and contactless payment? [more inside]
posted by Flitcraft at 6:23 PM PST - 7 comments

I read this book some years ago about what might have been the first "lost colony" established in the North American region by English explorers, somewhere in the Arctic or Northern Canada. For years, I've been searching for it, but I cannot find it. [more inside]
posted by kitten kaboodle at 4:34 PM PST - 4 comments

Last night I had a situation where my clients' PC was too basic (way, way out of date) to run even screenleap which is my fallback where I think zoom won't work. What we were doing was discussing the exact position of a proposed 3km long farm fence and using an aerial as a reference underneath with me drawing and dragging sections of line. [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 3:48 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for some great two-player games for PS4. Criteria inside. [more inside]
posted by freshwater at 2:58 PM PST - 14 comments

My 9-year-old is currently obsessed with making board games and card games. Can you recommend a book that would talk about game design principles in an accessible way? [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 2:58 PM PST - 5 comments

Hi everyone; I used to receive email notifications when a video was released on youtube,the ones I subscribe to. All of a sudden,I don't get those emails any more. Does anybody know why? Is this a new youtube policy? Thanks :-)
posted by LOOKING at 2:12 PM PST - 6 comments

In the wonderful world of COVID we find ourselves in a lot of virtual meetings. Zoom, Webex, Teams, and their ilk. I have meetings in all - and a desktop app installed for all. Every time I click a link to open a meeting, a web browser launches to in turn open the app. It seems like a totally unnecessary step. From a programming standpoint, why is it necessary to do it this way? Why is it better (or necessary) for the web browser to tell the app what to do - shouldn't the calendar invite link be able to send the same info to the app? [more inside]
posted by caution live frogs at 1:54 PM PST - 8 comments

I have some unexpected free time on my hands (thanks Covid!) and thought I might use it to actually clean up my disaster of recipe storage. I'm looking for a service that can convert photos to legible text; save information from a website; display that info as a recipe- simple white background black text at a legible size. I'd like to be able to add notes easily, and I'd like to be able to organize with tags. In a perfect world it would be able to batch import, and copy tags/organization. What have you tried? [more inside]
posted by aint broke at 12:48 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm considering buying a home while interest rates are low. I have snowflake questions. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 11:15 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for a tool that will let me send my own personal email to guests, then collect RSVPS. I have a few criteria I want to meet, and somehow I can't seem to find a tool that meets all of them: [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 11:12 AM PST - 4 comments

My wife and I have an adorable 4 month old and want to dress our little family up in a group costume but we’re coming up blank. I’m chubby and femme, my wife is pretty androgynous and would definitely dye her short hair any rainbow colour for the right costume; our baby is a generic cute baby. [more inside]
posted by Sweetchrysanthemum at 9:47 AM PST - 30 comments

Sadly I live in an area without Thai restaurants nearby, so I've been trying to make my favorite dish at home. It hasn't worked yet. [more inside]
posted by Dashy at 8:29 AM PST - 8 comments

In the mood for some short spec fic collections by women. I’d love to hear your recommendations. [more inside]
posted by xenization at 8:23 AM PST - 18 comments

I ordered a box of ten individually wrapped items. Amazon sent the correct item but only one of them. Would you return/exchange it as "wrong item was sent" or "missing or broken parts"? Neither fits exactly. [more inside]
posted by bluecore at 8:16 AM PST - 13 comments

I wear slippers basically all the time now, and my slippers, while very comfy, are lined with synthetic fabric, so they make my feet sweat, and then my feet are colder than if I wasn't wearing slippers and also gross and smelly. What would be better slippers for me to buy? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 8:15 AM PST - 25 comments

Another "can I eat this": I just put these chickpeas out to soak but there are weird brown spots on 90% of them. Are these edible? (No bugs or weird smells. The bag does say it expires in October 2020. The bag sat in my car for a few weeks.)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 7:56 AM PST - 5 comments

I am looking for books, videos, illustrations, etc. Lots of pictures are a plus and it does not need to be in English.
posted by heart's ease at 7:47 AM PST - 1 comment

My fancy new Cuckoo rice cooker has a prop 65 warning on the box for DEHP. My other buying option was a Zojirushi cooker, so my question is if anyone has bought a Zojirushi lately and noticed a prop 65 warning. If all current rice cookers carry the warning (and since the operating temps aren’t that high) I'll likely keep it. I'm not asking about the warning itself because I think it would just generate chatter. [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat at 7:22 AM PST - 11 comments

Feeling isolated, alone, and lost in life; what can I change to move forward? [more inside]
posted by NatalieWood at 11:46 PM PST - 13 comments

I really like escape/puzzle games like The Room series for iOS and Android. I'd like to play some more, but I'd prefer to go with titles that aren't as creepy as The Room (which I enjoy but can only play during the day because I get spooked easily.) The games don't need to be nearly as elaborate as TR -- just fun and challenging. What would you recommend? I am on Android.
posted by Kitchen Witch at 9:31 PM PST - 17 comments

Is there a relatively simple but also detailed breakdown of how data is transferred over the internet? It's not just a series of tubes, right? [more inside]
posted by lewedswiver at 5:19 PM PST - 28 comments

I made a curry today using two large sweet potatoes that both had little bits of whitish/greyish mold growing at the very tips. I cut off an inch or more of potato past the mold zone and proceeded to cook, because I really wanted those damn sweet potatoes and the grocery store is scary these days. Now I'm googling and seeing all sorts of things about hepatoxicity from the kind of mold that grows on sweet potatoes. [more inside]
posted by cabbage raccoon at 3:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Over Thanksgiving, my wife and I plan to rent a vacation house. Her 90-year-old mother will join us. Her mother is cognitively sharp but incontinent. She has accidents at least three times a day and does not find that adult diapers always work for her. (We don’t know whether they don’t do the job, or whether she doesn’t wear them.) [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 3:46 PM PST - 20 comments

Painters, help! I want to paint a large (koi fish) over a background (stars, galaxies). I know how to paint each thing separately, but I am just getting back into painting after a long hiatus and need some tips on executing it properly. [more inside]
posted by chatelaine at 3:34 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for some insights on how to interpret a recent situation with my boyfriend whereby he's moving in with an ex... [more inside]
posted by thiosux at 3:31 PM PST - 22 comments

The CDC has announced that recently released draft guidance of covid-19 mistakenly says the virus is airborne. The president told Bob Woodward that it was. And there have been numerous news stories that six feet may not be a wide enough distance between virus spreaders and potential infectees because particles may stay suspended in the air. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 3:05 PM PST - 16 comments

My partner and I just finished paying off a mortgage in six years, and we are soooooooo excited about hitting this milestone! Originally we said we'd take a trip to Aus and NZ to celebrate and visit some friends, but due to COVID, that is off the table for now. Looking for suggestions on how to make it feel like a big deal celebration - because it is a big deal! - even with COVID restrictions. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:49 PM PST - 13 comments

I had a very good and relatively uncomplicated relationship with a parent who I loved very much and died not long ago. I recently discovered something very unpleasant on their computer and I’m really struggling with reconciling this with the parent I loved so dearly and was so close to. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:57 PM PST - 16 comments

We are considering have a child at age 39 or 40. What are the risks to the mother and child of having a baby at at this age? I'm looking for stats on complexity of the pregnancy and birth defects, or the increased risk of things like autism and down's syndrome. We've had two healthy children, if that matters.
posted by david1230 at 1:49 PM PST - 12 comments

Ok, long shot here but the specs are: [more inside]
posted by Twinge at 1:37 PM PST - 4 comments

What is says on the tin, cousin edition. [more inside]
posted by Crystal Fox at 1:16 PM PST - 14 comments

My brother has austism and OCD. The OCD has gotten a lot worse since the beginning of the pandemic. We're not sure if he's still taking his meds. Can you tell us about how you support family that's disabled and lives semi-independently? [more inside]
posted by marfa, texas at 11:11 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for meals/dishes/recipes, especially vegetable-centric ones, that can be made entirely from shelf-stable or long-lasting ingredients rather than fresh. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:55 AM PST - 25 comments

I have pretty sensitive skin that doesn't handle scented soaps well, but apparently can handle scents applied in the dryer, or maybe some other way I'm not aware of. I was using essential oils on wool dryer balls, but read that's a fire hazard. What can I do instead to make my laundry smell nice? [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 10:54 AM PST - 15 comments

Another edition of What Was This Book I Read: a story of early European settlement of the midwestern United States, possibly/probably in Indiana. The few details that I remember include: [more inside]
posted by spamloaf at 10:12 AM PST - 6 comments

Recently (~ within the last month or two) I saw a recipe I wanted to try that involved marinating halved(? I think?) cherry tomatoes with olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and probably garlic, before serving over vermicelli. It seems like the instructions were to marinate for 2-4 hours, because I remember thinking I'd need to do that early enough to have it ready for supper. Somehow I managed not to save the recipe, and my browser history isn't showing me what I'm looking for. [more inside]
posted by taz at 10:10 AM PST - 2 comments

Because of my ADHD tendencies I find it easier to focus in video meetings if I have a very simple online puzzle game to occupy my mind at the same time. The NYTimes Vertex puzzle works perfectly for this -- but they only release one per day and it takes about 5-10 minutes to complete, so I burn through that pretty fast. Can you recommend other similar puzzles? [more inside]
posted by mekily at 8:25 AM PST - 29 comments

I've had a green card since 2013. In 2015 I left the US for 6 months, returning Dec 1st - so I'll have been in the US continually for 5 years this Dec. I'd like apply for citizenship, and file early, because the application cost is almost doubling on Oct 2nd, but I can't find a field in the N400 form which allows me to specify my file date as Dec 1st 2020. How do I say, "I'm filing now, but I'm not eligible until Dec 1st" - or am I missing something?
posted by my log does not judge at 8:08 AM PST - 7 comments

I am looking for digital literacy tools, programs & resources that can be easily accessed and utilized by adults with very limited digital literacy skills [more inside]
posted by chara at 8:03 AM PST - 6 comments

Where should I go for practical, reliable, low-woo information about how to use essential oils for scenting homemade hair products? I have specific scents in mind and want to create my own recipe using them. Google is turning up mostly SEO-bait-looking sites with wildly contradictory information on basic questions like "How much EO do I use?" I know I should plan on doing some trial and error. But I'd like a starting point, maybe some 101-level instructions and principles. Is there a book or site aimed at practical crafters that I can read?
posted by nebulawindphone at 7:44 AM PST - 3 comments

Recent household disruptions have revealed that our kitty Mayhem dislikes sharing a litter box and was/is taking out her feelings on any available bedding, clean clothes and the now-removed forty-year old carpet. Please help us resolve this. The complicating factor is that we spent 10 years with a different cat who had litter box issues which we were never able to successfully resolve. As much as we love Mayhem, we just cannot do another 10-20 years of ruined carpet, floors and bedding. [more inside]
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:15 AM PST - 10 comments

I, a man, am mostly friends with women, and they've pretty much to a one told me that they use solo sex toys. Even my partner has shown me her sex toys. But is it odd that I'd like one? None of my male friends do (or they keep it to themselves). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:11 AM PST - 36 comments

I've been using this wooden spoon to stir coffee in my french press. After years of service, it split and broke. While I have glued it back together I would like to find a replacement. [more inside]
posted by jazon at 4:29 AM PST - 8 comments

I've tried Goodreads for this with no luck, so I thought I'd ask here. I am trying to find a book my wife described, that was used/mentioned in one of her high school classes, so that means the book was published pre-1968. She does not remember the title, or author, just a description. The book presented the early Christians/apostles as great advertising guys, or PR people, or people like that, and Christianity as this great marketing campaign. If anyone has encountered this book and knows what it is, I'd really appreciate hearing from you!
posted by TimHare at 8:54 PM PST - 8 comments

After COVID shut everything down, my husband bought a set of Wahl clippers and I started cutting his hair at home. How do I efficiently improve my clipper skills? [more inside]
posted by dede at 7:20 PM PST - 7 comments

A friend was supposed to get married this spring, and they had to postpone due to COVID-19. They initially rescheduled for this fall and have since canceled their wedding. I'd still like to send them a gift, but I'm not sure what is the best approach. I know this is an "any option will be appreciated" situation, but how are others approaching this? Buying something off their registry? Sending something else around the date (e.g., gift certificate to a restaurant that does take-out/hobby that they both enjoy, flowers or a plant, etc.)? [more inside]
posted by verity kindle at 7:08 PM PST - 7 comments

There is a dearth of canning jars in Seattle and I need help finding them! [more inside]
posted by mollywas at 5:01 PM PST - 16 comments

My 15-year-old is learning to drive (in the US). He's having a lot of trouble making sure the car isn't too close to cars or the curb on the right (passenger) side. Every few minutes I have to remind him that he's too close on the right side. Does anyone have a suggestions on what he could do to prevent this? [more inside]
posted by Sock, Sock, Sock, Sock, Sock, Goose! at 4:50 PM PST - 29 comments

Difficulty rating: pregnant and grieving mom's suicide and other mom's slow death from cancer. [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 4:20 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm scanning a batch of 116 format negatives from the 1920s (still in the envelope from the lab!) that appear to be sepia toned. I was under the impression toning with silver sulfide would have only been done in printing, whereas negatives would have been only B&W metallic silver. So is the warm tone of these negatives likely a result of aging, or is it possible they were sepia toned in processing somehow?
posted by theory at 2:20 PM PST - 2 comments

Imagine, for this question, that all vegetables have ceased to exist. What would be the best way for a human to receive the nutrients, etc we typically need from vegetables? Would it be possible to be a reasonably healthy person without them? [more inside]
posted by nakedmolerats at 2:00 PM PST - 22 comments

I’m sure I’m not the first person to go through this... I’m to the point where I need to ask my ex wife to unfriend me so she doesn’t have to be subject to seeing me be happy about a new relationship. Blocking seems shitty. Is there a script for this? Apologies if I worded anything wrong here. I’m trying to be kind.
posted by ftm at 1:34 PM PST - 34 comments

Looking for resources to help prepare my tween daughter for the eventuality of getting catcalled. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:18 PM PST - 4 comments

If you were an American seeking to emigrate to another country, which one would be a good combo of quality of life and ease of entry/becoming a citizen? No suggestion or pipedream is too off the wall! [more inside]
posted by Foam Pants at 12:07 PM PST - 28 comments

I have a few friends who have recently lost family members (e.g., parents) with whom they were not close and, in fact, sometimes had acrimonious relationships with (estrangement, abuse, etc.) How do you respond when someone experiences a death such as this? [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 12:00 PM PST - 13 comments

I have a small amount of money that I'd like to donate to help Democratic candidates running for the US Senate. What's the most effective way to do this? [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 11:24 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm looking for a good quality online cooking course. My preference is something that covers the basics and builds on that foundation. Bonus if the course is free, but that's not a deal-breaker.
posted by jmmpangaea at 10:17 AM PST - 2 comments

A question asked a thousand times before, but, of course, we're snowflakes. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:44 AM PST - 7 comments

So covid sucks, my parent is dying and I don't have the bandwidth to feed myself. I'm looking for a list of foods to eat over the course of one day that will be pretty healthy. I'm ok with eating the same thing every day for now and with paying for the list. I'll figure out how to get them into my body on my own, because honestly I'm not up to cooking anything more complicated than eggs or roasted veggies. I'm not interested in a meal delivery service. Thanks
posted by ChodenKal at 7:21 AM PST - 24 comments

Looking for tried-and-true ideas on how to fasten multiple blankets together on a bed so they don't slip apart. [more inside]
posted by aquamvidam at 3:00 AM PST - 21 comments

How does someone start a three or four day a week workout program who has never been regular in the fitness department? I'm 49 yrs old and I weigh 175. I carry most of the weight in my hips. My workout of choice is roller skating which [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 2:29 AM PST - 12 comments

Could someone provide me with links from NPR interview or Slate Gabfest where someone associated with NASA or ISS talks about how mismanagement there has led them to believe that crewed missions are not a great allocation of resources? [more inside]
posted by ABlanca at 11:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Asking for recommendations. By nature of this question, there will be spoilers. [more inside]
posted by lesser weasel at 10:14 PM PST - 35 comments

I'm recording some educational videos for a local university level math class and I'm looking for help setting up a 5 - 10 second intro clip for my videos. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 8:39 PM PST - 5 comments

My wife was updating her Mac, not sure what, and it was stuck saying 'a few minutes' for over an hour, so she shut it down. Now it won't turn on at all. [more inside]
posted by signal at 8:26 PM PST - 4 comments

My pocket watch is wound up tight and [more inside]
posted by notned at 7:44 PM PST - 2 comments

Has anyone crossed from Seattle to Vancouver and then on to Vancouver Island lately? Can we travel by ferry or do they make you quarantine in Vancouver? [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 7:05 PM PST - 3 comments

HTML email is increasingly loathsome due to phishing, spam, tracking, and bandwidth usage. Wouldn’t it be nice to run my own email server and flatly reject all that? Is that feasible? Can you still get (for example) usage alerts from the utility company, flight updates, grocery coupons, and receipts? Can you keep the good parts of email but get rid of the bad?
posted by Monochrome at 5:08 PM PST - 12 comments

At the expense of doing my civic duty, I am considering not registering to vote this fall after a recent move. My voter record information keeps being published online, and I don’t feel safe having my name and full address available on the internet. Do I have any options here? [more inside]
posted by sunrise kingdom at 4:39 PM PST - 8 comments

The world is falling apart and I am making preserved lemons because, well, making something makes me feel slightly better. I ran into a problem. [more inside]
posted by less of course at 2:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Well, its not as simple as that. Its kind of connected to his personal qualities and also my own relationship goals I guess. I'm finding myself not as attracted to the guy I'm seeing because of a reasonably superficial fact of his life (not having a job) even though he's solid, caring and has lots of potential. Would be interested to hear how others would feel about this. [more inside]
posted by starstarstar at 2:40 PM PST - 32 comments

My 11 year old would like to have more avenues for social contact, ideally via a video game. I am not video game fluent so am seeking suggestions for games that meet the following criteria: [more inside]
posted by lizifer at 2:31 PM PST - 6 comments

I think I read somewhere (probably on metafilter and probably in the last year or so) a comment about a book which describes various inventions that could have happened much earlier in history, but didn't for whatever reason. I think the example it mentioned, though I might be wrong about this, was that the Romans would have had the materials/expertise to come up with something like the printing press. I've searched but can't find a reference to this anywhere. Is this a real thing?
posted by AllShoesNoSocks at 2:18 PM PST - 10 comments

Thanks to this Metatalk post I learned that I have access to Kanopy through my library. What should I watch that is not upsetting/disturbing? [more inside]
posted by medusa at 1:22 PM PST - 13 comments

Since work from home started, I have been living in loose cropped linen pants like these or these. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I'd like something similar in a warmer fabric (like sweatpant fabric). [more inside]
posted by matildaben at 1:11 PM PST - 13 comments

My spouse needs a new sobriety support group that has been holding live online meetings but doesn't know how to get connected to one or to one where he'll fit. If you have ideas, pointers to the magic directory to search, or specific recs on a potential fit, we'd be so grateful. Snowflake details inside. And please feel free to memail me if you have suggestions you don't want to share in the thread. [more inside]
posted by shelbaroo at 11:39 AM PST - 9 comments

New cat owner question. She's the kind of beautiful lithe cat who flies through the air with the greatest of ease. And then lands on things such as my food. [more inside]
posted by ojocaliente at 9:43 AM PST - 16 comments

My Google-fu is failing me, I have a Sears chair that I'm guessing is from the late 60s to early 70s, it even has a tag with the original model number "726" and then an additional handwritten model number ( I guess?) of 16977. You can see a number of images of the chair and the tags at this photo gallery. Despite the labels, nothing similar seems to appear in my searches, any help?
posted by jeremias at 9:04 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a picture of RBG that I want to frame. I'd like it to be personalized with my name and her name in something that looks like her handwriting, possibly with her "Fight for the things you care about" quote on it. I don't want to sell it, it is fine if the actual artist "signs" it as well to show that it is not authentically RBG's writing. But I can't find anyone who copies handwriting. Who could I pay to do this service and make it look at least 80% like RBG's handwriting? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 8:34 AM PST - 2 comments

What it says on the tin. I am in the US. Looking for a diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD from someone who takes Harvard Pilgrim insurance. [more inside]
posted by A Brief Smattering Of Socks at 8:01 AM PST - 5 comments

I have a near relative who is a single working age adult who is functionally disabled but does not qualify for disability and who has several expensive lifelong medical conditions. What is likely to happen to the medicaid expansion when the ACA is shut down?
posted by Frowner at 7:41 AM PST - 2 comments

The last salon I went to for a haircut, which I was happy with early in the pandemic, was not inspiring my confidence in their COVID compliance procedures on my last cut. Can you recommend a well-compliant place to get a haircut in the Boston area? Complication: short hair / male style cut on a female-identifying person. [more inside]
posted by chiefthe at 7:17 AM PST - 5 comments

I think someone tried to change my Hotmail account password last night. Hotmail keeps sending me in circles when I look for activity. One thing they do say is to run a scan for malware. I have no idea how to do that, and searching is bringing up lots of advertising. I have a 2017 Macbook pro. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 6:52 AM PST - 7 comments

I am looking for wildlife documentaries that would delight a 6 year old and a 9 year old. We have netflix and prime. No US- or UK-TV.
posted by Omnomnom at 5:17 AM PST - 4 comments

Asking for a friend who lives alone in a small one-room flat and plans to get a cat. How would you go about settling a new cat in, given that s/he can't give it a room of its own to get acclimatised, as is advised by most rescue shelters? We're in the UK. [more inside]
posted by sockandawe at 5:02 AM PST - 9 comments

My husband and I are relatively newly married, and are struggling in our dynamic. From the beginning of our acquaintance, I knew that he was an intense perfectionist with discriminating taste and with an Eeyore-like glum/negative streak.  This didn't bother me because he was never negative about me, and he seemed in general to be increasingly more cheerful and happy when we were together (when we were dating/engaged).  He had had a rough time of it before we got together, and so I assumed that the longer we were together, the more he would mellow out as he became more content. Unfortunately, the reverse has happened: since we've been married, his criticism is more often directed at me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:02 AM PST - 87 comments

I'm a freelancer, and I appear to have lost a longtime client. Is there a non-nutty way to ask my client why? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:01 AM PST - 6 comments

I read an abstract / short news article about ten years ago on the concept of successive shocks to any social system (marriage, village, church/group, town, the nation-state) leading to collapse of that system. The main context was societal instability arising from several shocks. I've 'searched high and low for and come up with nothing useful. TW: This uncovers some nasty stuff so unless your area is war / conflict proceed with caution as my question goes down the conflict wormhole. I have three links below to military, terrorism and crisis events studies. [more inside]
posted by unearthed at 1:15 AM PST - 0 comments

I'm looking for books (especially memoirs or personal, intimate histories) about the experience of living through a democratic or republican country becoming an authoritarian or autocratic state. Totally fine if this is very old, I'm just as interested as someone in the Roman Republic as Czeslaw Milosz. Thanks!
posted by peppercorn at 9:48 PM PST - 14 comments

I saw in the news a couple of days ago variations of this picture, picture (first in the gallery) of riders hanging under the cable cars on their bikes. Why? What is going on here? They don't even seem strapped in. I can't seem to find anything about it, only that they are competing in the race.
posted by Lesium at 8:56 PM PST - 5 comments

I just had a really awful breakup and I need help understanding it. I was happy and then we were broken up within an hour. I want to know how I could have done better so that I don’t make the same mistakes again. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:01 PM PST - 22 comments

Partner had expressed interest in taking up a martial arts practice before COVID hit. Can you recommend any streaming English language (or subtitled) classes or teachers for a mostly sedentary beginner so that I can make this wish come true? I *think* they mentioned Aikido, but any school of practice, live vs. recorded sessions, etc., all suggestions are welcome. Thank you!
posted by PaulaSchultz at 6:01 PM PST - 8 comments

I have an iPhone XS. The same issue has persisted for years, including now with iOS 14. The issue is: once a week (maybe - sometimes it will take several weeks to happen, once three times in a day) the following things will happen all at once on my iPhone:

• WhatsApp will crash within seconds of opening, possibly related to scrolling
• Twitter will not show videos or animated gifs - instead they’ll be greyed out (the videos often will play, but audio only)
• GPS stops working (eg Google Maps and Waze will not know where I am)

[more inside]
posted by Hartster at 3:58 PM PST - 6 comments

I found Maciej Cegłowski's guide to effective political giving to be persuasive, helpful, and inspiring. I'm planning on following the basic recommendation to donate to state level candidates in swing states as the best way to help GOTV to defeat Trump. The states that make sense to me to donate to are Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Michigan (because the first two seem most likely to be crucial to the election and the last is where I grew up). [more inside]
posted by overglow at 2:43 PM PST - 4 comments

I am looking for USA tax information re: Covid Pay and also payroll tax stuff. [more inside]
posted by aetg at 2:38 PM PST - 1 comment

When I was a kid, I knew a Norwegian girl who shared a song her mother sang to her. The only bit I remember is a part about a heart being like a waffle iron. She explained that the Norwegian words for "heart" and "waffle iron" sound similar. Any ideas what this is?
posted by easy, lucky, free at 2:01 PM PST - 6 comments

We are flying to NM and staying in Santa Fe in early October and I’d like us to get tested for COVID on our third day there so that we can stay with my mother in law with at least a little confidence that we won’t get her sick. I’ve tried googling this, but it doesn’t seem like rapid tests are available to asymptomatic people at this time. Is this true? [more inside]
posted by cakelite at 1:56 PM PST - 1 comment

I just cleared out the kitchen and discovered multiple multiples of things. We have enough tumeric in this house to start a small cult. See also tissues, zip ties, etc. We don't need to buy any more for a long time. But we obviously have some sort of worry that we might be without so I would like a shopping app into which I can enter what we already have plenty of. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 12:54 PM PST - 12 comments

This video uses animated lines and arrows that extend, bend, arc and rotate, etc. It also includes a sighting target that follows the road, and some color masks (not sure if that's the right term). Are the effects in this video achievable with just Final Cut Pro, or do I need a special effects program like Motion or After Effects?
posted by tzikeh at 12:39 PM PST - 5 comments

A US close friend has recently been widowed. Her spouse took care of all financial matters, and she is looking for a paid financial advisor who doesn't have a financial stake to discuss her overall finances. Looking for someone similar to provide advice on what she should fix if she plans to stay in/sell her house. [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 12:23 PM PST - 6 comments

What children’s books have progressive morals, without being too heavy-handed? I’m thinking of books like Ferdinand (just say no to toxic masculinity!), and not so much of “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” which is great but not especially subtle. What other books might be suitable? I’m looking for pre-/early reader level (toddler up to 4 or 5, I guess?) Thanks!
posted by stillmoving at 11:42 AM PST - 30 comments

I'm looking for reports from the Sunshine State on how your area is handling COVID and the general 2020 vibe. [more inside]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 11:13 AM PST - 8 comments

A friend of mine has a Chinese-speaking relative who doesn't know about lentils. My friend would like to point her to a reputable Chinese language article on the health benefit of lentils. Help!
posted by storybored at 10:28 AM PST - 3 comments

Thinking about taking a sublet in Burlington, Vermont for October. The best options seem to be on Craigslist, which of course sets off alarm bells. I'm currently in California and will have to secure the sublet before I arrive. Any ideas on how I can make sure these places aren't scams? [more inside]
posted by roger ackroyd at 9:47 AM PST - 7 comments

In a few weeks (knock on many substances) I will finish a full-length musical theatre piece. I want to "get it out there" somehow. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:12 AM PST - 9 comments

What's the language that my son should be learning now that is robust, can be learned by an 11 year old, will grow with him, can be picked up relatively easily and, importantly, that he can make games with, specifically 3D ones? [more inside]
posted by MythMaker at 8:25 AM PST - 23 comments

Someone in Scandinavia told me in their childhood, they search for "glass apples" in orchards. These were very occasionally underripe apples, translucent in such a way that if you held one up to the sun, you could still see (most of) the sun through it. Hence the name or phrase "glass apple". I can't find any online reference, but that's possibly as no matter how I search I get a million results consisting of glassware shaped like apples. Does such a thing, or concept, exist - and even better are there any online references to more information? Thanks.
posted by Wordshore at 8:07 AM PST - 9 comments

Besides sunscreen, is there anything to protect, repair or care for a bald pate?
posted by ebesan at 8:03 AM PST - 4 comments

I've been wanting to be an illustrator for most of my life. I'm at the point where I'd like to try to make that a reality. But I don't know if my art is good enough or I'm talented enough. How do I find out? Can I cold contact artists to get their feedback? Would that be creepy? [more inside]
posted by ThreeSocksToTheWind at 7:50 AM PST - 14 comments

YANMCPA of course, but how would you handle errors on forms you prepared for someone who is no longer a client? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:20 AM PST - 8 comments

I believe I qualify for Italian citizenship through ancestry. Several relatives and I would like to pool our money to hire an agent to get the required documents, translate them, and deliver them to our respective consulates in the US. Does anyone have any recommendations for where to start? [more inside]
posted by ldjflut at 11:27 PM PST - 3 comments

I just saw a Kahl Drogo/ Daenerys Meme and immediately had to think of that insane megalomaniac speech Khal Drogo gave where he promised Daenerys to take over the world for her. What are some of the greatest and grandest (fictional) rants/ speeches/ monologues in history? One I also love, although from the opposite end of the spectrum, would be th No Cape! monologue from the Incredibles.
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 11:25 PM PST - 44 comments

During the summer my husband received a package of underwear from Hollister, which he did not order and which we cannot work out where it came from, and more so, why. [more inside]
posted by bwonder2 at 11:17 PM PST - 10 comments

What are your home office and general working-from-home essentials? Looking for recommendations to help me be as comfortable and productive as possible! [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 10:40 PM PST - 29 comments

Are there special discounts or offers that I should know about as a prof? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 9:00 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm looking for videos and tutorials on graphic design, excluding the use of computer programs. Just the principles and concepts. Something very current, last five years would be great. [more inside]
posted by Dynex at 8:56 PM PST - 3 comments

Please help me find more examples of famous nonets, groupings of nine people, things, or concepts. [more inside]
posted by mhum at 7:52 PM PST - 39 comments

Please tell me about kids picture books where a character goes on some kind of trip and takes multiple forms of transportation as part of that trip (e.g. bus, train, boat, plane, etc.). Whacky transportation forms (rockets, blimps, jetpacks etc. ) also acceptable. They key is that the trip involve switching between transportation methods. Tell me the book and if you know/remember, the premise, the reason for the switching etc. (I can't just get books from the library because pandemic, so the more you can tell me the better).
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:04 PM PST - 13 comments

I recently(ish) moved into a new apartment. It's kind of bare bones right now, and I have no eye for decor. Really, zero. And no idea where to start. Halp. [more inside]
posted by holborne at 6:32 PM PST - 13 comments

The padded headband on my trusty over-ear headphones has (well, had) some sort of leatherette coating that has peeled away, leaving just the interior foam behind, which seems to be quite delicate. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can protect the foam and keep using these otherwise completely functional headphones? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 6:01 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm confused about my most recent dental insurance claim, did my dentist's office mess up? Or does it actually make sense? (Canada, if it makes a difference) [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 5:35 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for the current options for fairly affordable IP cameras for a retail business that offer network access and cloud storage options as well as open source DVR or controller options. I'm also interested in use friendly subscription based cloud DVR and dynamic DNS services. I'm also definitely interested in open source, free or cheap DVR controllers that have decent motion detection and alert options to email or SMS.
posted by loquacious at 4:42 PM PST - 3 comments

I have been estranged from my father for 18 years. I learned today that he has died. I also learned that he owned a home (not paid for), a vehicle, and has money in the bank. He was not married (my mother divorced him 25 years ago), and had no significant other. I am in NC, if that matters. I’ve been executor of an estate before, but there was a will. What do I do in this case? [more inside]
posted by little mouth at 3:29 PM PST - 11 comments

I am a middle school librarian. I’m starting a digital literary magazine and need a name! We are named after a deceased female educator from the town, and we informally use her three initials followed by MS to identify the school. We are the LastName Eagles and our mascot is an eagle. Any cute, clever, or informative ideas?
posted by firei at 3:25 PM PST - 12 comments

Last week, I turned down a job offer, and 2 of the 3 references I used (both were former colleagues) do not know this. One followed up with me; what should I say? [more inside]
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 2:56 PM PST - 10 comments

I want to buy something, cost ~US$300 including shipping, from an artisan in Peru who has only a Facebook page online. The Facebook page makes the artisan seem very legit to me, but he only accepts payment by Western Union. Is there anything I should do to, well, reduce the risk of being ripped off or give myself some recourse if I am?
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 2:43 PM PST - 4 comments

My expectant friend would like a pair of AirPod Pros. I’m getting a set for her, and would like to build a care package around those, preferably things she can also use once the baby arrives. So far, I’ve thought of a soft blanket, compression socks, perhaps something scented? This is a group gift, so the budget is pretty high on it. What things could we add to this gift? The general idea here is comfort and calm.
posted by Everydayville at 2:42 PM PST - 21 comments

Now that it’s dark again while I’m getting ready for work, I need to light my bedroom enough to get dressed. My husband sleeps later than I do, and I try not to wake him by turning on the bedside lamp. Help me figure out some infrastructure that works better than the flashlight on my phone. [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 2:30 PM PST - 28 comments

Apartment complex shutting down communication for asking too many questions? [more inside]
posted by BeatriceB at 12:41 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm planning to move to a new city in the next few years which, for all its other virtues, is 3 hours away from a decent Asian grocery store. Are there any online distributors that will ship frozen Asian convenience food like dumplings and dim sum via overnight courier? Or other creative solutions for getting my fix? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 12:12 PM PST - 8 comments

We live in a split level home, with a yard that slopes up to a front door between the levels. The sidewalk from the driveway to the door is L-shaped and in steps. We had plants in a kind of slope around the edge of that... until my partner got restless and dug it all out into terraced levels... without actually having a plan for how to support the new dirt walls this leaves us with. Please help. [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:54 AM PST - 6 comments

What platform do I want to be using that combines the aspects of both a blog and a website? [more inside]
posted by QuakerMel at 10:09 AM PST - 6 comments

My shoulder has failed conservative therapy and it's time to see a surgeon. Looking for recommendations in the PNW--Spokane, Seattle, Portland are all fair game. If it matters, I've got a SLAP tear, torn rotator cuff, and something going on with my bicep tendon.
posted by HotToddy at 8:43 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for an android weather app for my phone -- willing to pay -- that will allow me to pick and choose among NWS severe weather notifications. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:27 AM PST - 7 comments

The problem is I know almost nothing, not even what I don't know. [more inside]
posted by SmockTheSock at 8:08 AM PST - 10 comments

I'd like to purchase an oven that has racks that glide in and out like so. Do you have such an oven? If so, do you recommend it (and what's the make/model)? Also, how best can I search for ovens with this feature? It appears that different manufacturers describe it differently. Thank you!
posted by DavidNYC at 7:54 AM PST - 9 comments

I have a kid (middle-school age) desperate for in-person time with their peers. During the summer we were able to have safe meet-ups with other kids outdoors. But I live in the Northeast and winter means potentially endless months of harsh weather. The kids are all on-line and using screens during school hours, so I’m hoping to come up with non-virtual meet-ups. Any thoughts?
posted by Phyllis keeps a tight rein at 5:59 AM PST - 15 comments

How do I cope with sadness without trying to avoid it or push it away? [more inside]
posted by Jinxes at 3:44 AM PST - 26 comments

I love a specific kind of kitsch: fake versions of other stuff. Think Vegas casinos made to look like Roman ruins under a false sky, or themed hotel rooms where you sleep in a UFO. Help me fantasy-travel by telling me about the faux real in your neck of the woods. [more inside]
posted by babelfish at 10:23 PM PST - 50 comments

I have been lucky so far throughout the pandemic - I have lived in a house with several people who are all careful, so I have had lots of social interaction even when our city was very locked down in the spring. However, I will have to do a full quarantine for 14 days soon, in a very small studio apartment in another city where I will be staying for a few months. I have read other threads about quarantine tips, but in my situation, I have to completely quarantine (as in not leave the apartment at all, have groceries delivered, etc.), as the local authorities in the country I will be in are very strict. I will certainly have work to do, but I also want to try and incorporate things to help maintain my sanity, since I will be going from a situation where I eat most meals with other people, interact during work breaks, and also workout outside every day, to being alone in a very small space. [more inside]
posted by unid41 at 10:04 PM PST - 18 comments

Queer white AFAB person with brown hair seeks Halloween costume inspiration for COVID-style Zoom party. [more inside]
posted by too bad you're not me at 9:24 PM PST - 6 comments

Early video games would sometimes say they were set in "199X" or "20XX" to indicate a general setting without tying it to a specific year. Every now and then I run across other uses of this construction in very non-videogame contexts, and I swear I've seen this in 18th century lit but can't think of any examples off the top of my head. What's the likely earliest example of this variable/unknown date style?
posted by curious nu at 8:33 PM PST - 5 comments

I want to buy some music (especially the cast recording to Mean Girls) to play on my phone. I also expect to move countries soon. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 7:31 PM PST - 4 comments

At work, I have this continuous feeling that after I do something that isn't super great, or average or whatever, my 'higher ups' are talking crap about my performance. I visualize this in my mind. It makes me nervous, impairs my work and makes me hesitate and slower at work. What's a good way to reduce these thoughts or let it less impact me? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 6:57 PM PST - 6 comments

For the 2018 U.S. midterm elections I used (I think) fivethirtyeight.com as a starting point for research on House/Senate elections to target donations. The site that I used had certain characteristics: it covered House/Senate/Governorships, it was easy to find close races and how close they were / how they leaned, and it was based on a broad bi-partisan aggregation of polling and statistical information rather than coming from a single organization. I thought that it was fivethirtyeight, but I don't see it there this time. Does anyone have a good site that fits these criteria?
posted by madmethods at 6:52 PM PST - 12 comments

I bought some fermented bean curd today, brought it home, was excited to try it, had a small piece (half a cube), and then noticed that the expiration date is in 2017 -- three years ago. [more inside]
posted by mr_bovis at 6:09 PM PST - 7 comments

anyone know what movie this clip of a chorus line of blondes wearing silver outfits is from? https://youtu.be/BV1eKphHFjY?t=120
posted by ydaltak at 5:43 PM PST - 2 comments

I remember in the late 1980s to early 1990s being in my local, small-ish public library and seeing a series of police procedural novels that fascinated me as a teenager. Seems like they were much longer than Ed McBain's 87th Precinct. [more inside]
posted by Meldanthral at 5:21 PM PST - 3 comments

I would love some advice about beginning a career in technical writing, copy writing, editing, or some combination thereof. I am a complete novice and am looking to enter the field. My background is in education and libraries. [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 4:11 PM PST - 11 comments

It was a complicated journey but we’re finally together. I’m looking for sweet or poignant or inspirational media about people who took a complicated road but ended up happy and permanent. Thanks in advance!
posted by ftm at 3:00 PM PST - 11 comments

Help us name our new puppy!! [more inside]
posted by JuliaIglesias at 2:04 PM PST - 45 comments

After not buying a new game console for years (*cough*PS2*cough*), yesterday my husband and I both spontaneously thought "maybe we should get a new game console". But, which one? Snowflake preferences inside.... [more inside]
posted by LadyOscar at 1:11 PM PST - 19 comments

I've been reading about mortgage brokers and I was under the impression that the broker, an independent firm, would get quotes from multiple banks to help me find the best options. However, as I actually look for brokers on the internet, they all seem to be associated with a particular lender (not necessarily the large banks, for example I see Guaranteed Rate frequently). Do independent brokers as I have been imagining them exist? How do I find them? [more inside]
posted by findabair at 12:39 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to get a text or email delivery notification for a shipping company that only lets me check a tracking number on a website. Is there some way I can automate this? [more inside]
posted by carolr at 12:07 PM PST - 9 comments

There's nothing quite like having your appendix rupture in the midst of a pandemic! Mine ruptured mid-June, and the docs decided to put me on copious amounts of antibiotics, keep me in the hospital for 3 days to get the infection down, and then remove it at the very end of July. And here I am, mid September, still having various side effects. You're not my doctor, but have any of you had an interval appendectomy? If so, what was your recovery like? More under the fold.... [more inside]
posted by csox at 10:23 AM PST - 11 comments

My 4th grader, who is trans/non-binary, has expressed a desire to read more books featuring LGBTQIA characters. They are a precocious and voracious reader, so all reading levels are on the table, but I think they would get the most out of books geared to YA audiences. I’d appreciate specific recommendations of titles to look for. Thanks in advance! [more inside]
posted by fancyoats at 10:22 AM PST - 27 comments

I'm looking for video games that require math skills, especially ones where a player could conceivably need to learn a bit of math in order to be more successful at the game, but that are not blatantly "educational" - one litmus test I'm thinking of is whether a kid would just start playing the game if you gave it to them, and they wouldn't roll their eyes and complain that it looks like something their teacher would give them. A few examples inside. [more inside]
posted by rjacobs at 10:15 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm curious to know about the body of work (literature and science) concerning those people who try to leave society to live their lives alone but society won't let them. I remember a book from college about a colony of women who migrate to another planet but know eventually, men will come. Also, movies where people go into space to get away from humanity but it either follows them or destroys them because they try. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 9:26 AM PST - 11 comments

I got this idea for a puzzle genre: Given the table of contents of a Wikipedia page, identify the subject. What are some Wikipedia pages for which this is an interesting challenge, neither too easy nor too hard? [more inside]
posted by aws17576 at 9:17 AM PST - 22 comments

What are your favorite magazines that have an interesting, well-designed, or "artsy" layout? [more inside]
posted by Bunglegirl at 7:30 AM PST - 4 comments

It's an authoritarian country engaging in cultural genocide. But on the other hand...I'm an American, so...heh. Trying to parse how much responsibility I have to take these things into account when figuring out what country to live in, because on the small-scale, my wife and I are quite happy here. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 7:08 AM PST - 19 comments

I need a durable, rigid badge holder for an ID that is 3 7/8" x 2 5/8" and which can withstand getting pulled on a bit. Can you recommend one? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer at 7:04 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for new games that I can play for short amounts of time, but almost all my recent games have been games that require a lot of time or focused attention. Recommend new games for me! [more inside]
posted by benbenson at 6:59 AM PST - 16 comments

Any tips for learning to speak and understand German when half deaf? [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:43 AM PST - 3 comments

My partner got COVID. I was definitely exposed. My antibody test is negative. Please help me understand why. [more inside]
posted by crunchy potato at 6:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Looking for guidance on how to shop for an office chair. Ideal budget is 500USD, can go higher if necessary. Hard mode: I live in a small city in China (well, by Chinese standards). [more inside]
posted by wooh at 6:30 AM PST - 3 comments

Hi there. I have a relative with no immediate family who is in dire financial straits, and has some cognitive disability/delays. She got an offer from low-income subsidized housing through the LA government after being on he waitlist for several months and needs some help moving through the extensive vetting process. I'm burned out and far away. She has a complicated past and doesn't doesn't understand her rights on several issues. Who can I pay to help her with this? A lawyer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:47 AM PST - 4 comments

We're planning on getting married in the near future and think we'd like to set up a prenuptial agreement. How much prenup and lawyer do we actually need? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:47 AM PST - 16 comments

Several years ago, I discovered my husband’s infidelity for the first time and received some excellent advice here, which I unfortunately completely disregarded. Many affairs later, I finally came to my senses and left. Now what? [more inside]
posted by sockaroniandcheese at 5:32 AM PST - 16 comments

Hello! A friend of mine is looking for memoirs about people who endure some tragic incident -- i.e., terrible car accident, spinal cord injury, etc. (does not have to be physical, but life-changing), then thrives and/or finds a way to make peace with what happened/channel their life in a new way. Probably best if one-off tragedy, rather than years of abuse, for example. Any suggestions?
posted by caoimhe at 3:51 AM PST - 21 comments

Please be gentle as this is for my daughter who has a deadline on getting her drivers license. She is in her late 20s and we are in Australia. She is using an instructor some of the time, and spending time with her older brother and feels somewhat anxious. What's your best tips (I.e., line up middle of car with outside white line - I don't know, I don't drive, or for non-biological vision, use the placement of electricity poles to turn your indicator on). Thanks xo
posted by b33j at 1:13 AM PST - 26 comments

13yo boy wants to take K-pop dance lessons, but there aren't any nearby. Is it worth it for him to take hip hop in the meantime? [more inside]
posted by alicat at 10:19 PM PST - 10 comments

How long would it take my language-skilled 5.5 year old to learn French in a fully French environment? Is 2 months "enough" in terms of language acquisition? [more inside]
posted by andreapandrea at 8:40 PM PST - 19 comments

What's the best way to play Ocarina of Time in 2020? I seem to gather that at least a couple versions exist (N64/3DS ?), and that it may be possible to play either using some PC emulation software or by buying some old hardware. What are the options/considerations?
posted by Perplexity at 8:27 PM PST - 9 comments

I heard a song fragment on the radio today ... lyrics were something about going deep and drowning... [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 6:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Looking for durable placements (possible vinyl?) that we can wash like dishes. [more inside]
posted by Xalf at 6:39 PM PST - 11 comments

I was waiting for a signal to turn on what was technically the parking lot of private property. Is there any technical case for this to be called trespass? [more inside]
posted by diode at 6:37 PM PST - 9 comments

I recently posted an ask mefi question about moving to Washington State. After reading through all the responses, and breaking out in a nervous sweat, I'm back with a second question: Any recommendations for locations that are not Washington? [more inside]
posted by quiet_musings at 6:19 PM PST - 17 comments

My Dad died unexpectedly leaving quite a bit of unfinished business. How do I find out if or where his trust or will is so I can pick up and care of his property for the family etc? [more inside]
posted by snsranch at 4:38 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for a plug-and-play USB webcam that does NOT have a mic built-in that I can buy online and ship to Anchorage. My mic setup is great, I don't want to mess with it with yet another competing audio source, I just need video. Under $50 would be ideal.
posted by blnkfrnk at 4:11 PM PST - 8 comments

Can you help name a black cat who loves to warble like a bird, head-butt, and burrow? [more inside]
posted by tasseomance at 3:48 PM PST - 29 comments

Asking on a friend's behalf: "I'm leasing a <100sq office as an individual, not a business. I need to obtain property insurance for it but have no idea where to start, I've only ever used residential insurance. The office is furnished; total value of my property in it is around $2k (most of that's a laptop)." [more inside]
posted by brainwane at 3:36 PM PST - 6 comments

I received a verbal offer from a firm, and was told the contracts would be emailed. Cue the crickets. Now what do I do? [more inside]
posted by TauLepton at 3:35 PM PST - 3 comments

I really love Pure Leaf Sweet Tea but I would like to find a caffeine-free substitute to drink sometimes. I know they make an herbal hibiscus tea that is caffeine free but I've never tried it and am assuming it has quite a different flavor. Is there a good caffeine-free drink that is close to the flavor of sweet tea?
posted by thelasttango at 3:29 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm moving to Vancouver, BC, at the end of this month. I'll be moving most of my stuff in a UPack ReloCube, which will be placed in storage until I find long-term housing and get it delivered, which I'm guessing might take something like three months give or take. It turns out the cubes are stored outdoors, not in an indoor climate-controlled facility as I'd assumed. Vancouver is rainy. The cubes are supposedly weatherproof, but what with humidity and temperature changes, I'm worried about my stuff, especially my books. How best to pack to prevent damage? Or is this just a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by hoist with his own pet aardvark at 3:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I (F, 40s) have been married to my husband for five years. We have a young child and a joint mortgage, but even now I still can’t get him to be open with me about his personal finances; in particular he has a lot of feelings of shame about having credit card debt. I see this as a problem that we need to work through together, but he won’t even tell me how much credit card debt he has, which is worrying me a lot. I need advice on how to have this conversation with him. [more inside]
posted by damsel with a dulcimer at 2:40 PM PST - 32 comments

Should I turn down a wedding invitation to my brother in laws wedding across the country because of Covid? [more inside]
posted by ljs30 at 1:47 PM PST - 31 comments

I’ve been messing around with a small piano key accordion- it has about an octave and a half of keys and 8 chords that kind of work. So far I’ve learned the first bit of ‘le vie en rose’ but what other songs are fun and recognizable for this instrument? I can read music as I played violin as a kid but chords are kind of mysterious to me. Any genre of music is fine, although I’m not a huge fan of Celtic/Irish traditional stuff.
posted by genmonster at 1:47 PM PST - 3 comments

Buying a house across the country during a global pandemic while job hunting - what's the order of operations here? I have a solid job history and nearly perfect credit and would like to do this right. [more inside]
posted by getawaysticks at 1:42 PM PST - 7 comments

Lots of details below, it's long. I'll sum it up here. Been married 3 years to a woman who has struggled with depression her whole life. The depression has gotten about as bad is it can get and she refuses to get help. I've given her the ultimatum: Therapy or Divorce. So far she is opting for divorce. So my question is, what else can I try to save the marriage? And if there is nothing, how do I leave her without abandoning her outright or letting her manipulate my concern into a protracted event? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:19 PM PST - 40 comments

After watching too much sports talk on cable television, I became convinced the national media is obsessed with only a few storylines. I work in computer vision and AI, so I'm familiar with extracting information out of photos. Is there a similar way of extracting context with natural language processing or something similar the way broadly I would with labeling an image and feeding it into a model? No sports knowledge required, but I'll explain what I mean inside. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 12:49 PM PST - 8 comments

In the hopes of getting my hands on stuff before it disappears - what is scarce right now where you are? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 12:32 PM PST - 52 comments

I want to digitize an old, rare book (into a text file/epub) without destroying it. I have an iPhone, an ipad, a computer with Windows 10 & Ubuntu, and a lot of time on my hands (so I don't mind physically taking a picture of the text on each page.) I do not want to spend money on this. What's the best combination of programs to use to do OCR on each page and then combine all the OCR'd text into one document that I can then proofread/correct?
posted by needs more cowbell at 12:04 PM PST - 16 comments

I would like to start lightly scenting my living spaces, but I'm fussy as heck and don't want to purchase a candle for $60 only to find out I hate it. Where can I buy small sets of sample candles? I bought one from LOHN and even though I wasn't nuts about any of the scents, the sample package was really convenient and nicely done. I saw Sephora has some Voluspa sets, but I am not a fan of that brand. I live in Canada and would prefer not to pay duty fees. [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 11:49 AM PST - 2 comments

I've seen quite a few over the years, but are there any A-class documentaries on Ytb as there are movies? Like, you have to pay for a movie these days on YouTube, and I would gladly also pay for a good documentary film. But I can't say I see many available there. Another site would be fine, I just don't know where to go. I see lotsa less professional fare there, and have viewed many. I think I'm caught up on Netflix, Hulu, etc., too. Most PBS doesn't interest me. Maybe a specialty channel somewhere? But YouTube is convenient...
posted by noelpratt2nd at 10:53 AM PST - 22 comments

Is it possible to purchase Word for use on a Mac without any kind of subscription? I can't believe I'm wasting a question on this but there you have it. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:24 AM PST - 9 comments

We are finally cutting down the overly large, light-blocking, diseased evergreen tree in our front yard! We'd like to replace it with a flowering tree, but aren't sure which one makes the most sense. More inside... [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:22 AM PST - 13 comments

I finally got an e-reader and I'd like to keep some nerdy publications on there that I can drop in and out of for a few minutes at a time without having to follow a plot or characters. I'm looking for free pdf/ epub format files that scratch the same itch as The Dune Encyclopedia, old issues of White Dwarf Magazine, that kind of thing.
posted by Think_Long at 9:15 AM PST - 4 comments

You bake sandwich bread regularly and are happy with the results. In particular, you bake either a whole wheat or 50/50 white/whole wheat loaf. Tell me about your process and recipe. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 9:03 AM PST - 12 comments

I think I understand the process for approving vaccines for adults - the 3 phases and the purpose of each, and the fact that adults can consent to being in a trial. But it seems testing vaccines to be given to children has both substantial ethical issues (how do we ethically pick someone to go first?) and recruitment issues (can you really find parents willing to have their kids participate?). So how do vaccine researchers navigate this? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 8:46 AM PST - 6 comments

I will use my AirPad mostly for drawing with Procreate, but I am at a loss with so many options. Help! [more inside]
posted by plant or animal at 8:32 AM PST - 12 comments

A friend has completed a video that they sell in physical format. They want to add a digital online option. They know zero about this. How can I guide them to the best information, service, help? They have no knowledge as a starting point. [more inside]
posted by MountainDaisy at 7:58 AM PST - 12 comments

This may be impossible, but I live in hope. I like to use Instagram to look at neat places around the world. Unfortunately many/most of these photos are cluttered up with people (usually a woman with freshly blown-out hair artfully posed and facing away from the camera). Is there a way to frame a search or edit results so that I can only see photos without people in them?
posted by orrnyereg at 7:45 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm going to be in Lille, northern France, and totally free of commitments from Friday lunchtime until Sunday lunchtime. How can I amuse myself while social distancing? Also, I'm quite anxious about going to restaurants or hanging out in a bar solo, can anyone set my mind at rest? [more inside]
posted by doornoise at 7:05 AM PST - 7 comments

My area had record-breaking rain last week, with the result that water pooled in various spots around our yard - notably the garage, which ended up with 4 inches or so of water in it. Can we do anything with plantings such as trees or shrubs to reduce this impact in the future? [more inside]
posted by sizeable beetle at 6:51 AM PST - 13 comments

I would like to go somewhere for a long weekend that fits these criteria: 1) No more than a 4 hour drive from Philadelphia 2) Cabin or house in the woods where I can't see another house 3) Allows a dog 4) Has a fireplace or wood stove 5) No TV/internet/cell service desirable, but not required 6) $150 per night or less Having trouble! Thanks in advance.
posted by Automocar at 6:38 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm writing a story featuring a character who is the boyfriend of the mother of my protagonist and am looking for as many terms for this role as I can find. [more inside]
posted by mani at 11:23 PM PST - 32 comments

Are there any location tracking apps (similar to Life360, etc.) that are available on both iOS and Android, and explicitly inform the person being tracked whenever their location info is accessed (by a popup, or text message, or something similar)? This would mean that as long as the tracked person doesn't receive a notification that they are being tracked, they can be sure that no-one has accessed their phone's location data.
posted by bakerybob at 9:15 PM PST - 2 comments

Does the California bar require that an attorney either reside in California or have an office in-state when providing legal advice to California residents? [more inside]
posted by kinoeye at 8:51 PM PST - 2 comments

I can’t write with my boyfriend around. We live in a small condo. We’re around each other most of the time. How can I make space for my own music? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:31 PM PST - 10 comments

What is an efficient, mostly clean way to dispose of quite a few pounds of used cat litter? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 7:16 PM PST - 14 comments

I desperately need a vacation, and I want to get out of town for a few days. Where can I go within ~3-4 hours distance of San Francisco for some smoke-; fire-; and covid- free R&R? [more inside]
posted by wym at 6:11 PM PST - 17 comments

Is there an endnote and bibliographic citation generator online that you've found reliable? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 5:20 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I calculate PayPal fees? I got a ding for a recipient fee and a currency conversion fee. The client would cover the fees but I need to reliably show what they are for a given sum. Thank you!
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 4:58 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm trying to find an English (or French) translation of The Story of Zohreh and Manouchehr by Iraj Mirza. Does one exist? [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 3:51 PM PST - 1 comment

My best friend has requested "something with pork" for an upcoming dinner. Normally I'd make Momofuku's bo ssam, but already have a fully cooked Tender Belly pit ham in the freezer that wants using. I can make the usual sides and sauces, but suggestions for bo ssaming up a ham OR any other killer meal with pit ham are much appreciated, thanks!!!
posted by cyndigo at 3:27 PM PST - 2 comments

I need some advice on buying a computer. I am historically a Mac user, but for a variety or reasons I think I would like to get a Desktop PC. I am totally overwhelmed by the options. [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 2:05 PM PST - 12 comments

Yes, I love pumpkin spice. And working from home, I'm not going to Starbucks once a week for my pumpkin spice latte or chai. I'm not looking to recreate the Starbucks PSL specifically, but curious about various flavored coffees, teas, creamers, etc. that might be tasty. Difficulty level: no caffeine. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 2:02 PM PST - 15 comments

I want to be a therapist/counsellor, and I've started reading, and planning. If you are a therapist/counsellor can you give me any advice or tips on starting out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:02 PM PST - 13 comments

My dogs like to roll in stinky, terrible, horrifying things ranging from elk poop to long dead sea lion. The shampoo we are using is completely inadequate against this kind of stink. Have you found something that works? Must be tea tree oil free as I am allergic. [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:44 PM PST - 9 comments

The boy from this question turns 11 on Friday and our plan is to rent a small local theater for him and his two best friends to watch a movie of their choice (it’s a thing in our town right now). We need to decide ASAP what that movie will be and are having a hard time thinking outside of the old standards. He loves medieval movies, sword fighting, some martial arts. He enjoyed A Knight’s Tale and Kung Fu Hustle recently-the LOTR trilogy is his all-time favorite. Doesn’t love Princess Bride which is eternally disappointing for me. We are ok with profanity and some violence (obv) but need to avoid any child death themes. Help!
posted by purenitrous at 12:34 PM PST - 32 comments

I switched to laundry detergent strips from Tru Earth (no plastic packaging yay!) but my white laundry is looking very dingy. I can live with it, but just wondered if there's a environmentally safe way to whiten things in the wash.
posted by Gusaroo at 11:55 AM PST - 12 comments

Here's something that's happened to me a couple of times. I'm selling an item for £60 and I receive a £45 offer. That's too low, but it's been up for a while with no interest, so I counter-offer £55 instead. I refuse their subsequent offers of £50 and £52. Then I get a message saying they'd like to pay the earlier £55 offer. This irritates me. What's a good way to politely but firmly say that that offer is no longer available? And am I a Scrooge for doing so? [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 11:01 AM PST - 29 comments

With autumn having arrived, my thoughts have turned towards beefing up my wardrobe, which hasn't been touched in a few years. More below the fold, but in essence, I am looking for performance clothing that doesn't look like it - I want performance clothing that looks like streetwear. [more inside]
posted by ClaireBear at 9:50 AM PST - 12 comments

I take a weekly exercise class on Zoom. I would like to be able to see the instructor and myself and no one else at the largest size possible. I'd also like to record just me so I can look at myself afterwards. How can I do this? [more inside]
posted by AMyNameIs at 8:39 AM PST - 10 comments

What it says on the tin. Open to any and all ideas as my circumstances are sort of fluid. One thing: I'm in NYC, which is close to Philly, and Philly actually matters.
posted by schadenfrau at 8:26 AM PST - 20 comments

Since the pandemic, I've taken up a habit of doom scrolling, and it's currently focused on the climate crisis. I'm constantly searching for new media and information about this, but I find it hard to get a good grasp of what is actually going to happen, likely to happen, and what are worst case predictions that may not happen. An example is David Attenborough's recent warning, which comes with a dash of optimism at the end: "Sir Attenborough claims that all of the solutions are “within our grasp” and there are a number of “steps we can take and goals we must achieve to avert the coming catastrophe.” [more inside]
posted by EarnestDeer at 8:22 AM PST - 17 comments

Can I "refuse" to take a paycut? Help me think through the implications. [more inside]
posted by Anonymouse1618 at 7:58 AM PST - 15 comments

Worrying about my career development [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 6:55 AM PST - 10 comments

Hi Mefites! I am seeking your recommendations for TV/movies to watch while the pandemic rages on. I am open to anything, really, but my taste is pretty idiosyncratic and since I don't watch a lot of stuff I'm not good at defining it. See more details of what I've liked and disliked inside. [more inside]
posted by ferret branca at 6:46 AM PST - 24 comments

This women's boot is perfection, outside of being (presumably) not built to last. Can you help me find a good quality similar boot? [more inside]
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 5:05 AM PST - 20 comments

I tether my spare phone's cellular 5G via 5ghz Wifi. I need 5ghz speed. 2.4ghz is too slow. Android can't run both 2.4ghz and 5ghz WiFi at the same time but my printer only supports 2.4ghz. How can I connect my printer to the network? [more inside]
posted by jago25_98 at 4:20 AM PST - 4 comments

What GPS software and/or hardware can I use to map hiking trails? [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 4:12 AM PST - 11 comments

I am looking for book recommendations for adolescent readers, fiction or non-fiction, about people who overcome criminal records or drug/alcohol issues and achieve happiness/peace/success. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:11 AM PST - 8 comments

I am trying to look for t shirts that have patterns all over, front and back- if I search for "front and back pattern shirt" I get sewing patterns, and if I search "print" instead of pattern it shows me custom t shirt printing places! what word am I looking for? [more inside]
posted by emirenic at 3:54 AM PST - 11 comments

I always thought I was allergic to cats, which is why I've never adopted one, even though I love cats. Recently I spent the weekend with a cat and experienced no allergy symptoms whatsoever. Does this mean I'm not allergic anymore?? How can I be sure? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 3:52 AM PST - 20 comments

I'm planning to record some math tutorial videos for university level math. Whenever I try to record a video, I come across as awkward and unnatural and I don't sound as good as when I'm talking to someone face to face. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can sound more natural when speaking to a camera? [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 10:48 PM PST - 7 comments

Anywhere up to 85,000 voters have just been re-disenfranchised by a court-decision in state of Florida. What can be done to help unfuck this? [more inside]
posted by lalochezia at 7:53 PM PST - 20 comments

I’ve been a teacher for 13 years, but this will be my first September in the school system where I am also a parent of a student. I find I have very mixed feelings about how to navigate this and would love some tips from the been there and done that teacher parents. [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 7:37 PM PST - 2 comments

I’m looking for a conversational podcast which isn’t a new interview each time. I’d like to get to know the hosts and their backstories. This is largely because work from home has left me without any social interaction throughout the day and this helps fill the void. [more inside]
posted by raccoon409 at 7:20 PM PST - 32 comments

Our venerable inflatable kayak has developed more holes than I care to patch, and I'm tired of inflating it anyway. What kind of hard shell kayaks should I be looking at for casual day paddling on flat water? Needs to fit both 1 *and* 2 people since sometimes I'll be solo and sometimes my kid will be with me, but he's young enough that I'm typically doing all the work anyway so either way it's basically a solo for now. [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 5:36 PM PST - 7 comments

She wears a light grey sweater in the Fair Isle style that has a yellow and red zig zag design across the chest wrapping around towards the back. Link to article in this question has her picture in it right at the top. Anyone know this EXACT sweater or brand...? I know it's a long shot...
posted by leafmealone at 5:02 PM PST - 2 comments

Spending two nights in Calgary, Alberta. Looking for unique or special places to go for dinner. Very sad to see ANJU has closed its doors. In the past I have enjoyed Calcutta Cricket Club, Deane House, and Hayden Block Barbecue, but we are looking to try a couple of new places on a Friday and Saturday night. I'm pregnant, so bars are mostly out. Fine dining is fine but not necessary; looking for a date-type ambience or cool immersive experiences. My travel companion and I are both adventurous eaters and like all types of cuisines, but pregnancy seems to have turned me off red meat.
posted by unstrungharp at 3:41 PM PST - 4 comments

What song is playing in this lil fan video?
posted by fleacircus at 2:24 PM PST - 7 comments

Yet another mask question. What are the the best face masks for people with glasses? Looking for effective and comfortable face masks that can be worn on walks and hikes, etc. (If it matters I am a guy who sweats easily). Looking for specific links or names of products. I just noticed that adhesive nose bridges are a thing from this previous question.
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 2:17 PM PST - 19 comments

I’d like more/better sex in my life. But I’m happy to handle it on my own or at a distance right now. Give me ideas for how to move beyond my standard pattern of solo sex. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:22 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking at Covid infection rate projections for New York City, such as this one. As you can see, the line is quite flat until November 1st, which is as far as they are projecting into the future. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 1:02 PM PST - 8 comments

I had to leave the Bay Area unexpectedly. I was already planning to move in the future, and now that I've been forced to travel, I want to stay in place rather than risk more COVID exposure. I have a tiny apartment in Oakland with minimal belongings, but need to figure out how to deal with them from a distance. Unfortunately, my closest friends in the area have also recently moved. I have family in the area that can't help for health reasons. I don't have a big budget, although as moving jobs go, this is very small. [more inside]
posted by pinochiette at 11:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Norwegian speakers, can you help me? I most definitely know my child was being a sjarmtroll in the playground today- but I can’t actually explain what a sjarmtroll is. Can you? [more inside]
posted by pairofshades at 11:48 AM PST - 6 comments

Bought a thingy for testing my car. [more inside]
posted by shaarog at 11:03 AM PST - 6 comments

Earthquakes and volcanoes and tsunamis, oh my! Also wildfires. My husband and I have absolutely fallen in love with the state of Washington. We are seriously considering moving to the greater Seattle region. However, the more research I do, the more I keep reading about the potential for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and wildfires. I'm having difficulty finding resources regarding how serious a threat these things actually are. Please help me understand if these things are serious risks that should legitimately dissuade us from moving to the region! [more inside]
posted by quiet_musings at 10:56 AM PST - 23 comments

I'm having a hard time finding interesting online events for my kids (8 and 4). Are there any sites with a list of possibilities? Bonus points for factory tours! And things like rocket launches, etc... We can always watch them after the fact on YouTube but it's so much more interesting when we can talk about how they're doing whatever in space RIGHT NOW! [more inside]
posted by WowLookStars at 10:37 AM PST - 1 comment

Dating(?)-filter: Been seeing a dude for a month (I'm a woman), I'm the one always initiating (PG-rated) physical contact, but he never pulls away. I ask him if this is a just-friends type situation, he says no, he's thinking of these as dates. He's never given any indication that he's super religious or ace/demi or not a fan of physical contact in any way. What gives? (Or, for the non-mind readers: how do I talk to him about this? Should I talk to him about it, or just give him some more space, both figuratively and literally?) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:13 AM PST - 22 comments

Friday, I decided to buy three big bunches of herbs: cilantro, mint and parsley. My idea was to make a tabouleh salad. Now I've washed them and I'm sitting here listening to The Splendid Table and picking off the leaves and it is a really huge mountain of herbs. So fragrant! So I'm thinking that maybe I should make more dishes from them. [more inside]
posted by mumimor at 9:59 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm struggling to remember the title of an English-language mystery/thriller novel I read as a kid. The plot centered on paranormal events; I think it was closer to alternative-realities, astral projection, prophesy, or dream-stuff rather than aliens or ghosts. There was a teenage or college age protagonist and a notable second character who was a peer and perhaps a love interest. An amusement park or carnival played a crucial role in the plot. I'm pretty sure one particular ride - not unlike a Ferris wheel or a carousel - was singled out. Any clues? [more inside]
posted by eotvos at 9:47 AM PST - 9 comments

One thing that distinguishes (many) illustrations from (most) photographs is that illustrations have a consistent/limited colour palette. So if an illustrated book has green in, it will be a particular green (with some minor variations in shade for shadows/highlights etc.). If you look at the illustrations within the same book, they kind of "match" not just in the illustration style, but in the palette. Is there a way I can achieve this in photoshop from a photo or illustration? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:43 AM PST - 8 comments

What's your best recommendation for a patio/deck heater? [more inside]
posted by Mid at 9:38 AM PST - 3 comments

Inspired by this recent FPP and because we are all stuck at home this year, I'm looking for recommendations of websites/blogs/instagram accounts/etc. that highlight weird, interesting, or just really neat properties anywhere in the world. Ideally, these would be houses/apartments/buildings that are for sale or rent, but that's not necessary. [more inside]
posted by Dip Flash at 8:55 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm trying to find a 'daily idea' community I used to subscribe to 10 plus years ago. Members would post diverse 'blue sky/out of the box' type ideas for discussion on a daily basis. I don't remember it as being part of a larger community, but rather, an independently run website or forum or list. I might be wrong about this. [more inside]
posted by BrStekker at 7:59 AM PST - 2 comments

Can you recommend a software (or system) for sorting out my small private club? [more inside]
posted by Tchad at 6:20 AM PST - 2 comments

My farmer's market was a little over-generous with its tomato "canners' special" this year. What's something I can make for canning to take care of the last couple pounds? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:01 AM PST - 11 comments

I asked my doctor for Concerta because it's helped my ADHD in the past. I've run into some issues with it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:04 AM PST - 9 comments

I think that having Aspergers is making me feel like I correct perceived injustices I see in the world and I'm finding it mentally taking a toll on me. Can anyone suggest resources to help coping with this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:02 AM PST - 7 comments

Anonymous for detail. What is our risk of getting COVID on our roof deck in Boston? Details within... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:02 AM PST - 9 comments

I am in love with this glass (image from this cocktail recipe, if you're curious) and I want to buy one or more. Reverse image search only brings up the same website I saw it on. Anyone happen to know where I can buy it, or something very, very similar? Most of what I find searching shopping sites is too colorful, and the bold, stark design is what I love.
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:29 AM PST - 3 comments

My mom just got out of her third alcohol-related hospitalization in the last five years and is currently in respite care while we figure out the best path forward, but we don't know what that looks like yet. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:57 PM PST - 6 comments

Help a US citizen with a Canadian/USA dual citizen spouse navigate the permanent residency process. We live and work in Oregon and are trying to determine whether the spousal PR path or a skilled worker program like Express Entry BC is our best bet. Details below: [more inside]
posted by a halcyon day at 5:44 PM PST - 7 comments

I want to make instant pot egg bites, and I have a couple questions. Recipe recommendations/suggestions also welcome! [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 4:19 PM PST - 5 comments

So I have a college friend and we have been writing email to each other for almost 30 years. Just to mix things up, I recently combined two emails he had sent me into a single document, and responded by inserting comments. He then replied to those comments. It was pretty cool, and we were left with an interesting record of our communication. Some problems arose, however: those side conversations taking place in the comments grew increasingly unwieldy. Is there a better technology for this kind of extended, collaborative conversation/shared writing? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 3:36 PM PST - 7 comments

I live with one person (not a partner). They have declared they have GERD and vertigo with bad migraines, and they take prescribed medication for these issues. OTOH they also consume heavy quantities of alcohol (at least 2 beers every day at home, spends 5+ a night at a bar) "socially/to relax/for fun" and smoke weed (100% THC) every night "for their vertigo". IANAD, I know y'all ANDs either: I just need some help to form my own opinion about the situation: How likely it is that this is completely non-problematic behaviour? (behaviour details below) [more inside]
posted by ipsative at 3:22 PM PST - 16 comments

So I've seen this question solutions for music storage and management in a post-Google Play Music world, but the answers don't solve my situation, so here we go again ... [more inside]
posted by chbrooks at 3:13 PM PST - 6 comments

I am looking for short video clips (10-15 seconds is enough) that show the difference between public activity during coronavirus in the US and the rest of the world. The focus is on areas in the US that are quiet/empty/closed, and other parts of the world that are open/bustling/crowded/open. [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 2:24 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for an *age-appropriate* book for my Indian-American 4-year-old child on the topic of Gandhi or the Indian independence movement. By age-appropriate, I mean it should have only 1-2 sentences on each page, that he can read himself. [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 1:59 PM PST - 5 comments

I am planning to drive from Seattle to Tucson for Christmas, to see my family. Please help me plan a route optimized for natural beauty, safer winter driving, and good stopping points to camp each night. [more inside]
posted by cnidaria at 12:23 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm discovering that thrash metal is scratching my Trump Anxiety itch quite well and would like recommendations for bands similar to Power Trip and Fury. Meaning vocals that are understandable, extremely pissed off, and don't sound like a whiny suburban kid gargling with nails and ten bottles of Robitussin. [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 11:50 AM PST - 18 comments

I am looking for documentary recommendations with the lowest of stakes. I basically want the documentaries that Christopher Guest parodies, but in real life. Not a requirement but the streaming services I have available are Kanopy and Hulu. [more inside]
posted by muddgirl at 11:38 AM PST - 29 comments

I'm trying to figure out how to best meet my data storage needs in a cost-effective way. I was previously using a desktop external HDD plugged into my router, and it's time for an upgrade. I'm trying to balance my perpetual lean toward frugality with practicality, and am looking for advice from more seasoned folks. A couple of snowflake-y details within. [more inside]
posted by taltalim at 11:26 AM PST - 10 comments

The toilets in our new apartment have this water shut off valve. I don't recognize it, and can't identify it online. (I'm installing a bidet.)
posted by shrimpetouffee at 10:35 AM PST - 13 comments

I just installed a bidet for the first time. Without wanting to get crass...how does a person know they're "finished" when using a bidet? As in, how do you know when you're entirely clean?
posted by Ipsifendus at 10:18 AM PST - 12 comments

My elderly dog and I are going stir crazy. We live in Albuquerque N.M. USA. We'd like to take a drive this week, and do something outdoors and socially distant. Special needs after the jump. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:31 AM PST - 4 comments

My family lives in Vancouver. The air quality here is poor at the moment, because of nearby fires. The standard advice appears to be "Stay indoors, to avoid the smoke." This puzzle me: surely the air indoors comes in from the outside through the windows, so if the air outside is hazardous, the air indoors will be hazardous too, right? So we're thinking of buying air filters. But how many do we need? [more inside]
posted by HoraceH at 8:24 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm 5'1" 150-something pounds, I have a tummy. I need black leggings or yoga pants. I want them to be durable, decent to wear outside the house and in public, and not to feel like a sausage casing. You are shaped like me and have a pair you bought online that you love. Hope me?
posted by shadygrove at 8:06 AM PST - 11 comments

What is a low stress but high-motivation thing I can do to get me out of the house on weekends this winter? [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 7:38 AM PST - 12 comments

Having just watched The Need To Grow on an "uplifting" recommendation via my next door neighbour's Instagram feed, and finding my own uplift factor somewhat soured by the infomercial vibe infusing that experience, she's asked me if I know of any genuinely uplifting and inspiring tree-hugger documentaries. [more inside]
posted by flabdablet at 7:36 AM PST - 4 comments

Just moved in to a new apartment with an old heating system. I'm curious! I want to learn all about it. I'm also a little anxious, and I'm worried that it's unsafe for my cat. Link to pic (of both heater and cat) below. [more inside]
posted by Guess What at 5:50 AM PST - 12 comments

Just before Covid "started" I relocated to a new city for work. I was hoping to take an art class or two to meet people and, obviously, I never took those art classes. However, the Arts Center is offering them again and I really want to take one? Should I do this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:07 PM PST - 9 comments

Within the last year, I heard a story about a future world in which everyone is a nomad. Because of climate change, people cannot stay in the same place longer than three days, nor can they hang out with the same people more than three days; robots grow the crops, and all this is to prevent nationalism, and to help resources from becoming used up. This scenario keeps popping up in my head, but now I cannot find the original source. Anybody remember this? It might have been a podcast. [more inside]
posted by olopua at 10:08 PM PST - 3 comments

I am very quick to lunge for a sandwich or bagel at lunch but it's seeming like wheat doesn't agree with me these days. I'm going to go off it for a while and see if it's the culprit, but I need some suggestions. [more inside]
posted by less of course at 7:22 PM PST - 32 comments

Should I stay in my current role or pursue management role after 5 months with the same company? [more inside]
posted by missybitsy at 4:47 PM PST - 4 comments

Distanced learning is failing our kid who has ADHD; to stem the dent to his education, we are considering disenrolling him, and homeschooling him until this shit ends. Is this a bad idea or a terrible idea (we're well aware neither option is good). [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 3:19 PM PST - 36 comments

My standard shoe for a long time was the Dankso Professional Clog. I switched over mostly to the Sanita version, which actually fit a bit better (I switched after folks were saying that Dansko's quality changed when no longer made by Sanita). I've also had open back and Mary Jane styles. It's time for a new pair, and I'm wondering what's the latest on quality and various clog brands. [more inside]
posted by bluedaisy at 1:56 PM PST - 9 comments

Jews of Metafilter, what home traditions of the High Holy Days do you remember most fondly from your childhood? What traditions did you create for yourself and your family as an adult? [more inside]
posted by carrioncomfort at 1:02 PM PST - 13 comments

I have been using AIDungeon to experiment with writing short fiction, and I love how it works-- when it works. It seems like the developer of the program is more interested in forcing it to work like a game, where you are more limited in actions and have to be in conflict with the AI instead of collaboration. Is there another site or way to use GPT-3 for fiction? ,
posted by The otter lady at 1:00 PM PST - 6 comments

Okay, so there’s a lot going on. This morning I found out that the charger that came with my 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf was stolen. Trying to figure out how to replace while navigating not having Internet at home or at the friend’s house I’m staying at right now to get a break from the terrible smoke. (I’m in PDX.) Lots [more inside]
posted by overglow at 1:00 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I retrieve pictures from my old myspace account or are they lost forever? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 12:39 PM PST - 5 comments

I know there are many librarians on metafilter; they have kindly helped me before. What would be the dewey number for mid-century modern interior design? Thank!
posted by longhaultrucker at 12:18 PM PST - 4 comments

My partner and I are considering a move to another country in 1 - 1.5 years. I have several questions about the concrete logistical details of the "get rid of everything" step. [more inside]
posted by yukonho at 11:56 AM PST - 20 comments

In my 130-year-old house, there's a small bathroom under the stairs in the main entranceway. It's the only downstairs basement, so it gets a fair bit of use. I suspect that someone doing work on the house last year urinated around the toilet. Not sure if it was intentional, but over the past few months, that room has become unbearable. It smells like an outhouse. [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 11:51 AM PST - 13 comments

I've been interested in taking COVID precautions since March, very seldom leaving my house for necessities like Rx and working from home since about April. My S.O. has been working outside of the house in a public facing position with only recently mandated masking, and has recently left for a road trip with 6 other people that I could not talk him out of. What can I do to protect myself without irreparably hurting his feelings? I feel like I should isolate from him for at least 14 days upon his return. [more inside]
posted by Selena777 at 11:33 AM PST - 15 comments

Is there a way to remove an oil stain from a cotton T shirt if I've already tried spraying it with stain remover and washing? Is there some kind of next-level stain remover or other trick?
posted by medusa at 10:00 AM PST - 26 comments

Two days ago, I got a job offer, which I had to mull over. I asked about it yesterday. Today, I ran into new information relating to the job position, and I'm feeling somewhat uncomfortable. I'm not sure if I'm reading the vibe wrong. [more inside]
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 9:58 AM PST - 27 comments

If I was going to go on a walk in the next couple of weeks, in or around Seattle, where should I go to take photos? [more inside]
posted by baptismal at 9:39 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm pregnant and craving soda bread. The internet has many, many recipes for soda bread, as you can surely imagine. I am looking for one that someone can vouch for being reliable and very good, or one that is a famous soda bread recipe used by many. If you are some kind of expert on soda bread and can tell me what to look for in a soda bread recipe, that would be particularly fantastic. I'm going to be eating it with butter, if that matters. Definitely not as an accompaniment to any kind of stew.
posted by unstrungharp at 9:36 AM PST - 14 comments

I've been asked to make a mock-up of a new internal work website in PowerPoint, and one of the needed elements is a table that is too long to fit on one slide. Is there a way that I can add a slider to this element so that the reviewer can get a better idea of how this particular page will look? [more inside]
posted by The Librarian at 9:31 AM PST - 5 comments

Like the title says, this question is a two-parter. I'm hosting a dinner that is a bit challenging to pair with wine, so I could use some wine ideas. And then, for future situations like this, I'd love to know of good online (preferably free) resources for figuring out how to pair wines with specific meals or foods. [more inside]
posted by Mechitar at 8:58 AM PST - 7 comments

If we can go to the US next year, I'd like to check out Gary, Indiana. But the reputation of the city precedes it. Is it as bad as people say? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 8:36 AM PST - 28 comments

Before the current unpleasantness, I was all set for a visit to the American Museum of Visionary Art. Well, that didn't work out. But I would still like to see more visionary art, and to learn about its makers. Please share your favorite pieces, exhibitions, etc. and a little bit about the artists. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:37 AM PST - 11 comments

My mother fell and injured herself for the second time this year because her home is too cluttered/messy to safely navigate. Her and my stepfather refuse offers to help them clean. How can I help? [more inside]
posted by allthethings at 6:54 AM PST - 10 comments

For the past few months, I've been getting text alerts from services that I didn't sign up for. I think someone has repeatedly been using my phone number when they make online accounts. [more inside]
posted by zeptoweasel at 5:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Hi folks. I have two plant ID requests. The first one grows all over the edges of my driveway and the rest of the yard here and there. It looks a lot like chives and has white flowers. When I hit them with the lawnmower they smell a bit like onions/chives as well. The second one is very tall and I thought it might be some sort of aster, but I don't think so. Flowers must have been really tiny, because I never really saw them, but now it's gone to seed. [more inside]
posted by Slinga at 5:43 AM PST - 7 comments

There is a pretty good chance that I'm going to be offered a job soon that would require relocation. Are there decision-making frameworks or processes that can help me think this through? [more inside]
posted by griseus at 5:42 AM PST - 4 comments

In a pique of orneriness I've decided to try to use an e-ink tablet with Android (Onyx boox Nova 2) for as much reading and work-related stuff as possible. [more inside]
posted by St. Oops at 11:45 PM PST - 10 comments

We're in the market for a new TV, and I need help knowing what to think about. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 8:16 PM PST - 12 comments

I currently use microsoft edge to annotate pdfs and I'm planning for the day the amazing pen tool goes away when it updates to chromium-based edge. The current pen smooths writing to be more legible. Where do I run to now? [more inside]
posted by Acari at 6:38 PM PST - 3 comments

My partner wildly adores New Scandinavian Cooking with Andreas Viestad. We can find an odd season or two on various services, but nowhere that's reliable and saveable and available on demand. I'd love to buy him a DVD set of all the seasons for his birthday (fine if we need a multi-region DVD player), but all we can find is this extremely odd Amazon listing. Please help?
posted by you're a kitty! at 6:13 PM PST - 5 comments

I purchased a lego set on eBay in April. It did not arrive 30 days later and the seller was being super sketchy about the tracking number. I asked for and received a full refund. A month later a mysterious package from Singapore arrives and lo and behold, there is my item. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 5:47 PM PST - 8 comments

Looking for movies that double as a teaching tool. [more inside]
posted by Champagne Supernova at 4:54 PM PST - 22 comments

I've been extremely careful with the pandemic and have not interacted in person with any human or been in any building outside my own home since March. My doctor recommends I get a flu shot, though. Is anyone in San Diego doing an outdoor/drive-through flu shot clinic with masks, etc.? If not, where is a good place to get the vaccine that is following excellent safety and distancing procedures? [more inside]
posted by pupstocks at 4:18 PM PST - 13 comments

When a professional athlete arrives at their stadium, arena, or other game location, they are sometimes pulling luggage or carrying a backpack. All of their game equipment is provided by the team, so what are they bringing with them? Why are they carrying it in themselves instead of having it be handled by an equipment manager? Is this something generally done by just the away team, or is it common for the home team as well?
posted by zebra at 4:13 PM PST - 10 comments

If I want to deactivate Twitter for more than 30 days, would it work to (1) deactivate my account, (2) reactivate at day 20-something, and (3) immediately deactivate for another 30 days? And just keep doing this over and over again? [more inside]
posted by 10ch at 4:10 PM PST - 4 comments

What are some good classes to take that can improve my basic skills/technique in everyday things? What do I not know I'm doing wrong? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 2:03 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm a male that is getting married and am looking for options for attire. Details inside.... [more inside]
posted by Alvin80 at 12:26 PM PST - 21 comments

My dentist just recommended I should get them. For those who've had them, what's been your experience? Would you say they were effective? How long did the grafts last for? Would you do it again if given the opportunity? Thanks for any information. I've had problems finding random controlled trials on this procedure!
posted by storybored at 12:13 PM PST - 17 comments

I need a tool where a designer builds a branded HTML email and then a regular, non-tech-savvy person sends that email from an individual Outlook accounts, that does not require an ESP like Mailchimp / Constant Contact / etc. [more inside]
posted by fifthpocket at 10:49 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm going to be using a MacBook for work, and I'm new to the Mac world. I need to find a way to use my regular keyboard, mouse, and monitor with my new MacBook, as well as with my older generic desktop PC. [more inside]
posted by umber vowel at 10:45 AM PST - 4 comments

Most of my IFTTT applets are sending RSS feeds to Pinboard - making a private bookmark for each rss entry. How would you do this without using IFTTT? [more inside]
posted by soelo at 10:35 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for ideas and online shops for boy(13) and Girl (16) more specifics inside [more inside]
posted by ljesse at 9:55 AM PST - 5 comments

I want to read Ancient Greek. Not sure exactly which - I don’t need to read Homer, but Plato would be nice. I’m using Rosetta Stone modern Greek to get started. I realize this isn’t necessarily considered a good idea, but I learn SO MUCH more easily from this kind of resource than from a book and I gather that there’s enough similarity that I’m pretty sure it’s a good idea for me. [more inside]
posted by lgyre at 9:10 AM PST - 5 comments

It's easy enough to follow overall infection rates in countries e.g. here. But where are these coming from? At one point a big chunk of Quebec's cases were from nursing homes. Is it mostly superspreader events now (e.g. Sturgis)? Are people catching it from trips on airplanes or not? Is it safe to join the people on outdoor restaurant terrasses? Are public bathrooms still lethal? We're no longer washing our vegetables. It would be good to know what we can more or less safely do now, and what remains dangerous.
posted by musofire at 8:48 AM PST - 12 comments

I am trying to find a...place where people discuss LM Montgomery's works - obviously the Anne Shirley books, but The Blue Castle/Pat of Silver Bush are also welcome. Surely there exists a virtual book clubby place where I can chat with folks about raspberry cordial, or wonder whatever happened to Roy Gardner, or speculate about Priscilla's life in Japan. No? A place to chat with people would be the best (especially now with real life interactions being at a sad, sad minimum), but failing that I would settle for good fanfiction to immerse myself into. Please help! Thank you.
posted by Nieshka at 7:56 AM PST - 11 comments

I got a job offer in a new industry, highly specialized. I'm trying to figure out how to negotiate for a better pay rate. Any thoughts would be appreciated. [more inside]
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 7:34 AM PST - 6 comments

My sisters and I are putting together a family cookbook and are looking for a website print service where we can upload the recipes and photos to a template. There are a few options, and I'm interested in feedback from anyone who has used the different sites. General family cookbook creation advice welcome too. Also, we are in Canada, should I be taking into consideration potential postal service shipping delays from the US?
posted by haunted_pomegranate at 6:58 AM PST - 4 comments

I need a script to tell my boss I cannot work on certain days. Please help. [more inside]
posted by Crystal Fox at 6:48 AM PST - 16 comments

An acquaintance is interested in increasing her productivity, but she is feeling overwhelmed, because on the Autism/Asperger’s spectrum. Are there any community resources online where she can find camaraderie, self-care tips, and guidance? [more inside]
posted by hot_tea at 6:43 AM PST - 3 comments

Giving a gift for a wedding that is currently out of stock. It will be shipped about a month after the wedding. How can I explain this in a cute way? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:37 AM PST - 7 comments

Back in the earlier days of the internet I was close to someone who later committed suicide. I have hundreds of photos of this person their family have never seen, as well as memories. Should I get in touch with them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:36 AM PST - 33 comments

I am in the process of applying for non-academic jobs (don't tell my supervisor) because lol the academic job market doesn't really exist anymore. My boyfriend is helping me with applications. Every time he critiques or even gently edits my cover letter or resume, it makes me cry. This is enormously frustrating for me. How do I make it stop?? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:36 AM PST - 12 comments

Years ago as a Fine Arts student I read Victor Papanek's Design for the Real World. I believe I read an idea which made a lifelong impression on me. Could anyone confirm if the following is from that book or perhaps from another of his? I'm sitting here with my copy sans index and not finding it. The idea: The height of a shelf can't be designed for a standard such as a average male. If you consider women, those with disability, children, aged people with shortening spines, the temporarily injured, and shorter males, they are in the clear majority.
posted by BrStekker at 1:56 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm trying to install Windows 10 on an old Gateway SX2800 I forgot I had, in an effort to get a basic secondary PC up and running. I can get Ubuntu installed, but every attempt to get Windows 10 to install fails to start the installation process. Details after the fold, if you think you can help. [more inside]
posted by Pacrand at 11:16 PM PST - 12 comments

Looking for organic lube recs for PIV sex. We don't use condoms so oils are fine but partner has a history of yeast infections and is a bit skittish. [more inside]
posted by StockingMarionette at 9:19 PM PST - 11 comments

Is there a food ingredient (not a processed food) that looks like rabbit poop? Or is there any context in which humans might eat rabbit poop? Or is there a reason why a person might cook rabbit poop on the stove? Particularly interested in answers where the eaters/cooks in question are Portuguese and possibly from the Azores specifically. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:06 PM PST - 24 comments

Dating casually after being dumped - ex is not happy. [more inside]
posted by antihistameme at 7:35 PM PST - 70 comments

My family owns 50% of a property. We are buying out the other owner. Should we get a mortgage or a home equity loan to get the money? And what happens afterwards when we form a trust? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 6:33 PM PST - 9 comments

I know someone who gets chronic nosebleeds. She usually just stuffs tissue up her nose to stop them. But today I discovered a number of products that are supposed to be more effective. They are listed on Page 6 of this PDF. Do you have experience with these, or anything else more effective than tissues, to stop nosebleeds as they are happening? What do you recommend? This is for an adult in the USA, in case that matters.
posted by NotLost at 6:10 PM PST - 17 comments

I stayed in an AirBnB long ago and sat in an amazing chair. Luckily, I took pictures of this chair because it was so amazing (you do that, don't you?) But I didn't actually find out what its name was or where to buy it. Can you help me ID it? [more inside]
posted by lalunamel at 5:53 PM PST - 8 comments

I was reading an academic article on the pros and cons of universal basic income, and the term tax-back rate came up, but I cannot seem to find a literal definition of the term. [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 5:06 PM PST - 4 comments

I’ve been an entry level dev for a couple years, finally recently promoted (but still junior). What “should” my day look like? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 4:34 PM PST - 10 comments

We don't eat a lot of packaged/prepared foods but I'm about to have to juggle ALL the things and it's time for my 9 year old to start making her own meals sometimes. We have a few things she can make and she's used the microwave a bit and the toaster oven but I'd love to know what you keep on hand to get the kids to "help themselves." We are going to have a small pod of kids here somewhat regularly and I want to be able to let them do it themselves as much as possible. [more inside]
posted by amanda at 4:26 PM PST - 24 comments

I've done some successful print books / ebooks about technical topics, and I'd like to try expanding them into online courses. What's the right platform? [more inside]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 3:19 PM PST - 1 comment

Will painting the exterior of our house with a darker color have a huge affect on the temperature inside the house? [more inside]
posted by ljs30 at 2:44 PM PST - 8 comments

If you like Lazy Monster, you might also like ______ . [more inside]
posted by aniola at 2:09 PM PST - 3 comments

I love the way oatmeal turns out when I cook it overnight in my slow cooker, but I want to eat oatmeal for lunch. How can I make this work? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for an iOS app that will allow me to track/record use of medications, as opposed to an app to remind me to take medications on a schedule. [more inside]
posted by tiamat at 1:26 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to learn more about what it's like to be in an apocalyptic cult, either through narrative accounts (autobiographies, memoirs, etc), or academic texts (psychological research, case studies, etc). What can you recommend?
posted by meese at 12:42 PM PST - 9 comments

Can you suggest any artworks (painting or sculpture), created by a Black artist, and celebrating the love between family or community members? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments

Partner and I reside in Pennsylvania and want a divorce. That's it. Nothing weird. This should be easy, right? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:52 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm a new Canadian permanent resident, so I'm still figuring things out. I have persistent knee and leg pain, and last month I went to a walk-in clinic and was referred to a rheumatologist. I know that even in the best of times, specialist referrals can take months, but is there anything else I can do to see one sooner? [more inside]
posted by facehugger at 11:44 AM PST - 5 comments

A package just arrived from my parents containing a vintage men's robe. I can't find any info about the manufacturer and I'm curious about it now. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 11:01 AM PST - 3 comments

The sky here looks orange because of the wildfires, but my iPhone camera somehow is having trouble capturing the full feeling of the color. The orange in the pictures looks subtle and doesn’t pop the way it does IRL. Are there different settings I should be using to capture the look?
posted by johngoren at 8:56 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm not normally all that cold except at work/now home and only in my hands really. They get bone cold when I'm typing. Any products/tips welcome. [more inside]
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 8:48 AM PST - 37 comments

At my job, people will often say "can you text me that info". We would like to find a way to send requested, one time only texts to people without sending them from our personal phones. [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 8:31 AM PST - 11 comments

I've noticed that I tend to see men more often wearing gaiters or bandanas instead of masks while out and about. These men are overwhelmingly white and usually middle+ aged. Has anybody else noticed this? Why do they prefer other accessories over actual masks? [more inside]
posted by snerson at 8:00 AM PST - 38 comments

Insane speed to price ratio for rural broadband. Details below. [more inside]
posted by nothing.especially.clever at 7:32 AM PST - 10 comments

This morning, CBS Moneywatch said 9-million people have not gotten the government assistance money set aside for them as a result of covid-19. They weren't talking about business help. CBS Moneywatch said potential recipients have an October 15th 2020 deadline but it also said those people had not filed a 2019 tax return. I have been unemployed and not filed a return for two years but did this year Am I eligible to receive that assistance, and if so, how?
posted by CollectiveMind at 6:35 AM PST - 7 comments

Without consciously meaning to, I’ve spent the past ten-plus years in academia. I’m eager to get out, but to what? Help me brainstorm some job options. [more inside]
posted by Definitely Not A Robot at 6:19 AM PST - 9 comments

I don't like reading ebooks, but I'd like to. [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 6:07 AM PST - 33 comments

I need to translate a German idiomatic expression into English. [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 6:00 AM PST - 12 comments

I bought a heart rate monitor chest strap to monitor my heart rate during the day in general as well as during exercise. I can find iOS apps that are useful for measuring it during exercise, but not constant monitoring (or at least when I'm not working out). I want to keep a track of heart palpitations. Can you help?
posted by nagoya at 5:43 AM PST - 4 comments

Heartbroken over professional failure/railroading. Need sad and angry survivor music. [more inside]
posted by J.R. Hartley at 12:23 AM PST - 31 comments

Help, I’m in charge of a procurement contract and I don’t know what to procure. My agency uses two legacy Flash-based online courses. The end of Flash is nigh. Can and should the courses be salvaged? Searching for some insight from folks with Flash conversion or LMS experience before I start drafting a request for proposals. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:46 PM PST - 4 comments

This is kind of long, but essentially I would like advice about my career path (from teaching to library stuff) and life habits in general. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:46 PM PST - 9 comments

I know you are not my (or my mom's) mental health professionals but there is zero chance of my mother ever visiting a mental health professional and I'm just hoping someone with similar experiences might be able to give some insight into the decades long mystery of why my mom is so different from everyone else I've ever met. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:45 PM PST - 13 comments

Which form should I train myself to use when writing kāf in final position in Farsi? [more inside]
posted by bertran at 9:37 PM PST - 5 comments

Which of these cars should I actually consider getting? [more inside]
posted by tacodave at 8:49 PM PST - 23 comments

I'm teaching a college class on classical antiquity in film. I've never taught a film class before, or even taken one. It's going okay so far, but I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing and could use some advice on how to make the most effective use of class time. [more inside]
posted by hoist with his own pet aardvark at 7:01 PM PST - 6 comments

This one is specifically about a lease, and googling hasn't pulled up this specific situation. Any insight is appreciated! [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 6:26 PM PST - 59 comments

I'm looking for clips of animated mechanical processes (think factories or inner workings of a machine or whatnot) which are created using either stop-motion or modeling or 3D-animation. Preferably from indie or student projects - the kinds you see at film or animation festivals. [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 5:09 PM PST - 2 comments

Other than "the chicken dance song", what songs have bucks, mucks, and cockadoos? Best when on spotify. [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 5:06 PM PST - 41 comments

I have a 2017 Macbook Pro running High Sierra (10.13.6) with 2 Thunderbolt (USB C 3.0) ports. Can anyone suggest a decent monitor (4K, UHD, 27"+) that will actually connect this to model/OS? I test drove a used one today (HP Z27) and could not get it to work. Research seems to indicate a potential issue with High Sierra. My budget is $400-$600. Thank you!
posted by avrobie at 4:50 PM PST - 11 comments

My partner and I are working from home for the foreseeable future. We currently live in an apartment we’ve never loved, but it is serviceable and the rent is low for our area. Now that we’re home almost all the time, should we move to an apartment that is larger and nicer, but with higher (yet still in our budget) rent? [more inside]
posted by oiseau at 4:28 PM PST - 31 comments

Gyms near me have finally reopened and I'm looking for a mask to wear that offers both protection and comfort while working up a sweat. [more inside]
posted by fox problems at 2:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Please recommend me some stories in the Weird West genre. Mild specifications below the cut [more inside]
posted by darchildre at 2:49 PM PST - 30 comments

Thanks to my friend's very enthusiastic mom, I have come into the possession of many frozen packages of mock duck (soy based, fwiw) and also several frozen packages of mock char siu. Help! [more inside]
posted by sparkling at 2:38 PM PST - 9 comments

My daughter’s laptop runs Windows 10. She was accidentally triggering the contextual menu via the touchpad so I turned it off, and now I can’t turn it back on. Google is flooding me with dumb unhelpful answers. Search in settings is not helping. How do I turn right-click on again on the Thinkpad T440S?
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 2:23 PM PST - 4 comments

I have this set of dumbbells. Where can I go in NYC to buy one of the spiral collar locks that it uses?
posted by andoatnp at 1:49 PM PST - 3 comments

I enjoy listening to music in a variety of languages. I'm trying to discover more recent pop music and end up hitting a wall when it comes to stuff from outside of the US or not in English. I'd like some recommendations. What recent pop songs from countries outside of the US, that is not in English, have you liked recently? [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:44 PM PST - 22 comments

We normally do a short car trip to have Thanksgiving with our family but because of various COVID reasons, it might not make sense in 2020. What else could Thanksgiving look like? What are you planning to do? [more inside]
posted by neematoad at 12:30 PM PST - 19 comments

For my quarantine project I built a new PC for the first time in 10 years. My new machine is more than capable of playing some recent stuff, but where do I start? Difficulty Setting - Linux Only - I'm not planning to install Windows on this machine, so please only games that will run on Linux, either natively or via emulation. [more inside]
posted by Eddie Mars at 12:28 PM PST - 11 comments

I work for the private office of the CEO of my company. I'm a mid-level employee dealing with very high level employees and it seems like a lot of times when things go wrong I end up being the scapegoat. However I'm not sure whether these things are my fault or not. [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 12:06 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm having a dormer put in and it's a good opportunity to put in floors upstairs. But I need to keep the budget reasonable. What's a good alternative to carpet that isn't going to kill my wallet? [more inside]
posted by selfnoise at 11:56 AM PST - 12 comments

I am trying to find statistics on poverty levels in Canada, but having difficulty finding the right statistics. [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 11:40 AM PST - 4 comments

I just watched and loved Self Made: Inspired by the life of Madam C.J. Walker and want to watch more dramatizations of successful women's lives. I liked that it was an uplifting and inspiring story, despite the fact that Madam Walker suffered a lot of hardships, and because it was a dramatization, the filmmakers could take liberties with costumes, scenery and dialogue to make it seem larger than life. Do folks have recommendations on more movies/TV shows like this?
posted by rogerroger at 11:40 AM PST - 6 comments

After spending this morning researching how to bake my first ever ham, I was disappointed that my grocery store did not have a bone-in option for me to choose from. How do I cook the one I bought for split pea soup? [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 10:56 AM PST - 12 comments

Like so many people, I put a lot of pressure on myself and beat myself up for mistakes. I'm trying to remember things like: failure is human, no flower blooms in all seasons, nobody's perfect, etc. Also, I'm a very visual thinker. At the suggestion of my coach, I would love a piece of art to hang by my mirror to remind me to be kind to myself. It can have words or not. (I have a reminder on my fridge to breathe, it is this print and it's great.) Looking forward to any suggestions!
posted by Threeve at 10:39 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm going to be deleting some older fanfic from AO3*** and I'd like to make an archive of not only the fic itself, but also all of the comments. What are the easiest/cleanest ways to do this? [more inside]
posted by Sometimes you need a little space at 9:53 AM PST - 6 comments

Is there a way to watch online movies at accelerated speeds? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 9:30 AM PST - 4 comments

My kid, turning 6 in a few months, enjoys having books read to him. Recently he's been really into the Berenstain Bears (First Time Books). I'm... okay with them, but some, especially the newer ones (late 90s and onwards) are not that great. The main reason he likes them is that they revolve around the same characters and every page is illustrated. Are there any other series of good picture books that we could introduce him to? [more inside]
posted by destrius at 8:50 AM PST - 27 comments

I am probably going to be okay and may be overthinking this. I recently bought something from a web site that was doing a pretty good job of looking like the Official Web Site for a thing, but a day later I've taken a closer look and it looks like it's a knockoff. Fortunately it wasn't for much - but should I be doing other things to protect myself after the fact? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:46 AM PST - 10 comments

A rock launched by a lawnmower just shattered the glass on our Andersen brand sliding patio door. I think we have the details for the contractor that installed the doors (15+ years ago), and will give them a call to discuss repairs. If you've been through this rite of passage, what happens next? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 8:45 AM PST - 6 comments

I just met someone and it seems to be going well! But! I am wondering if their recent actions are normal and if my discomfort is telling me something about them, or if I need to work on myself. [more inside]
posted by treetop89 at 6:40 AM PST - 28 comments

Looking for gift ideas for someone who was really into digital animation (competed in FIRST, was offered but could not accept a Disney animation internship) but is now stuck in a job they hate. [more inside]
posted by jessica fletcher did it at 6:12 AM PST - 9 comments

We found carpet beetles in my closet shortly before we moved, about 1.5 years ago. I discarded the most heavily damaged sweaters, but there were others that I hoped to save. To avoid unleashing destruction in our new place, I examined those others closely, then put them in a sealed plastic container. Now, I just unsealed the container outside, re-inspected everything, and found one dead bug. Am I home free, or is it time to choose between treating these sweaters or discarding them? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 5:46 AM PST - 6 comments

My relative, Jim (who is in his 70s), has asked me to help get him out of two timeshares. Looking for advice on how to do this at minimal cost. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 5:35 AM PST - 9 comments

The other day I had a severe allergic reaction that required an Epinephrine shot. I have never had such a reaction and still dont have the foggiest idea what could have caused it. Are there any among you with an allergy so rare but symptoms that are common enough to need to carry an Epi-Pen? So far my [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 4:48 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm going through a bit of a rough road mental-health-wise, and would like to read biographies about real people that I can admire. [more inside]
posted by forza at 1:03 AM PST - 14 comments

I have limited experience with thunderstorms. I am now living in a place with regular thunderstorms. This is also a place with very strict parking rules, and I will get a ticket unless I move my car tonight. I really want to not get a ticket, and I want to go to bed as it is now past 2 AM. However, it is thundering outside and there is sheet lightning. Can I go get my car? [more inside]
posted by desert outpost at 12:20 AM PST - 28 comments

My sister’s home has gone from regular untidy to health hazard hoarding and filthy. My parents are desperately anxious about it, I think it’s a mental health issue, please help me intervene in the most positive way possible. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:09 PM PST - 22 comments

What kind of at-home exercise are you doing? Please help me find something I will stick with. [more inside]
posted by latkes at 9:02 PM PST - 27 comments

I'm considering taking Amtrak on an unavoidable trip. I'd be on the California Zephyr leaving from Emeryville, and I'm worried about the smoke from all of the wildfires, both in California and in Colorado. It's been really bothering me in my apartment. How well do the trains filter outside air? I wanted to avoid flying for a variety of reasons, but will fly if I have to. I was planning to get an individual bedroom on the train. If you haven't been on Amtrak near a fire, can you recommend a train forum where I could post this question?
posted by pinochiette at 8:58 PM PST - 4 comments

Suppose a large portal opens up in our solar system tomorrow morning. Astronomical observations are consistent with the other end being 1000 light years away and at today's date. Physical objects can pass through the portal and return with no time elapsed in transit, and there seem to be no other effects caused by the portal's presence or travel through it. [more inside]
posted by Joe in Australia at 7:14 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm not sure that this is even possible, but I'd like to take a fillable PDF form and embed it in a web page such that a user can go online, fill out the form – and then have the form be submitted electronically to a cloud location (preferrably Google Drive). [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 7:09 PM PST - 6 comments

I have a Mac running High Sierra (10.13) and an iPhone X running the latest iOS. I want the pictures on the iPhone to automatically sync to the Mac's Photos library. The problem is, turning on iCloud Photos will lead to the entire Photos library (which is many, many GB and dates back to 2006) trying to upload itself to iCloud. I don't want that! Is there any way to have the iPhone's photo library sync to iCloud and thus to the Mac automatically without forcing me to upload all of the old pictures on my Mac to iCloud?
posted by Seeking Direction at 6:42 PM PST - 3 comments

It seems like we need ERP software, but everything out there seems like serious overkill (and expensive!) for a small business. [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 5:36 PM PST - 3 comments

I am pretty sure it is a German film. It is about WWII, and the central character is a woman who marries a man whose best friend is a nazi official and late in the film she develops a facial paralysis [more inside]
posted by Quillcards at 3:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Whenever I set out to get my walls sparkling clean they never end up that way. I need advice. [more inside]
posted by BadgerDoctor at 3:01 PM PST - 14 comments

Why is my ex's name showing up on a people search site with my cell phone number, email address, and current home address, when are names aren't associated literally anywhere else on the internet or on any public records, and we only dated very briefly after I moved to this address? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:51 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I reconnect with my neurodivergent mother? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:59 PM PST - 3 comments

In the past few months, my primary care doctor, psychiatrist, gynecologist, and cat's vet have left, and now my therapist is heading out as well. I have abandonment issues that come up from time to time, but right now they're very present, especially with physicians. Are there resources that might work well with this particular kind of abandonment? [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 1:52 PM PST - 4 comments

We live in the mountains at 8500 feet. We have a major change in the weather coming tonight, from a high of 75 today to a high of 25 tomorrow and a low tomorrow night of 18. Oh yeah, and a foot of snow! Obviously, we are worried about some of our newer trees, and the aspens all still have leaves. I will need to go out and knock snow off of the branches and bring all of our potted plants in. However, what can I do for our neighborbood birds? [more inside]
posted by Don_K at 1:06 PM PST - 6 comments

In one location of the London housing estate I live in, someone is regularly dumping 1-liter water bottles, filled with a yellowish liquid. Is there some likely health- or drug-related explanation? [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 12:50 PM PST - 23 comments

Growing up, my school had a coffee table book that was just pictures of capital letters in all kinds of fonts. I found this fascinating then and would love to have a copy of it now. [more inside]
posted by Fuego at 12:32 PM PST - 12 comments

Anyone have any reliable resources they would look to or a good place to find them? I passed a kidney stone. I have other nuclei up in their and would prefer to not enlarge them any further. Following doctors orders I'm getting rid of as much oxalate content in my diet as I can. Basic things like avoid soy, nuts, seeds, beets, spinach, chocolate, etc are obvious. The challenge: Finding a solid resource that's a good guide to a wider variety of foods. [more inside]
posted by cult_url_bias at 12:23 PM PST - 6 comments

I recently attended a Zoom-based cheesemaking class that came with an over-nighted box of refrigerated cheese curds. It was super fun, and I wanted to do more classes of that type (active participation, ideally ingredients supplied in advance)...but it appears that all the other cheese classes are just “here, eat this and we’ll talk about it.” Any recommendations on other places to get something similar? Doesn’t need to be cheese; all cooking is okay as long as it’s kind of neat stuff to eat at the end.
posted by sirion at 11:51 AM PST - 9 comments

I'd like to give my wife a really awesome soft/fluffy bathrobe/house coat. Recommendations appreciated! [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 10:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Singer was male, a slow drawn-out kind of pace and main chorus was a long drawn-out lyric "No I........*something something* fall in love, No I..........*something something* fall in love" Sorry I can't do better than that. It might have been form the very late 80s or very early 90s.
posted by BeatriceB at 10:01 AM PST - 7 comments

Yard signs and bumper stickers are of marginal use in persuading voters. But I and my friends want them. I do not want to order from Rightwingers, and it's a minefield. Please recommend Lefty or at least Dem vendors. Aware of JoeBiden.com signs, they're spendy. Happy to support lefty MeFites who print, but do not have enough interest to custom order.
posted by theora55 at 9:55 AM PST - 9 comments

I’m visiting Washington state from California and need to have my doctor send over a prescription for Vyvanse, which is a controlled substance. Is this possible? [more inside]
posted by baptismal at 9:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Someone I know is out of work, their short term disability payments expired, and they have no income. Their job is being held for the next four months. Can/should they file for unemployment?
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 8:07 AM PST - 9 comments

How do I repair or restore pans/pots that have been damaged by boiling away water for hours? [more inside]
posted by bquarters at 7:45 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to be able to read in a more ergonomic way without bending my head down, or having to hold the book up with my hands. But all the stands I've found (or tried) are a pain in the ass to flip pages, which seems super strange to me! Looking for...an alternative! [more inside]
posted by wooh at 4:29 AM PST - 9 comments

My late MIL made a thing that was likely sold as part of a random lot in her husband’s estate auction. What can I do to try to track it down? [more inside]
posted by St. Hubbins at 12:23 AM PST - 2 comments

I need some soft rubber or silicone tubing -- think like a bicycle inner tube, but maybe half the diameter. I need to be able to fill it with some kind of gel and then permanently seal it into a torus. It's going to function as a sort of adaptable gasket that conforms to a variety of surface shapes within a set of tolerances. Where can I get tubing like this, what kind of gel should I fill it with, and how do I seal it? Bonus points if it's skin/body-safe. [more inside]
posted by cnidaria at 10:56 PM PST - 8 comments

I have just been compelled to ask, why are there people who not only do not believe the tragedies that befall people are real, such as shootings at Sandy Hook, 9-11, etc., but also attack those people who advocate or defend their deceased loved ones? Is there research that explains this? I'm looking for some thread that ties this behavior together. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 8:00 PM PST - 13 comments

Hi, AskMe. I ran into a particularly frustrating argument today in the context of my game accessibility work and would love to know how folks respond to it. Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 7:15 PM PST - 23 comments

Hi there, this is my problem. Since a recent biopsy I've taken to documenting the moles on my body with a phone app, the problem is when it comes to attempting to catalogue moles on my back and ass. I'm shy to have other people take it and this is a quarantine situation anyway. How do you do it? I thought up one way of somehow having my phone control the camera of another phone where it is needed. Is there an application for that or can you recommend another way? Help!
posted by CyborgHag at 6:26 PM PST - 12 comments

We bought 4 baby chicks a few weeks ago: two ameraucana, two Rhode island reds. They were all born the same day. After 4 weeks the ameraucana are twice as big as the reds. Is this normal for these breeds, or do we likely have two roosters?
posted by rouftop at 5:54 PM PST - 8 comments

I am helping to administer a grant program at my company for families impacted by a recent fire. One family has asked for a replacement fridge - they stated after removing the rotted meat, etc., which had been in their fridge for multiple weeks it was impossible to clean it and make it usable again. I sympathize, and would like to support this request. Any suggestions on what I can point to in my rationale for approving it? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 5:38 PM PST - 14 comments

Both my google-fu and my mefi-search-fu are failing me. I've seen other Mefites do a thing in comments that hides text (eg. part of a comment that contains spoilers) until the reader clicks the little triangle arrow. And I'm sure someone has asked about how to do it here before, or someone has provided a how-to that I've read somewhere on the site, and there was just a simple html tag to use? But I can't seem to find it now. [more inside]
posted by eviemath at 5:10 PM PST - 2 comments

Can I re-mortgage my house to buy another house? Details below. [more inside]
posted by Joan Rivers of Babylon at 5:06 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm doing product/market research interviews for an app. Interviews are mostly paid ($40/50) and with strangers from craigslist; some are free and with friends. I realized after two interviews that I don't have paperwork to protect myself from any of the interviewees potentially saying that I illegally took their ideas or IP. [more inside]
posted by Jack Karaoke at 2:43 PM PST - 8 comments

I volunteered for my church's card-writing ministry, which seemed like something I can do as an immunocompromised person during COVID. The recipients provided their names, so I'm going to assume they want to hear from strangers, but what in the world do I say? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 1:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Let's see if the 'filter can do that thing we do and identify a story I read a long, long time ago. I have next to no details for you. I think it was a part of an anthology, possibly sci-fi by women, or quite likely, womyn, it had that kinda vibe. I think it was a large format green paperback, but I realise that's neither here nor there. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 1:16 PM PST - 3 comments

I have been using Kiehl's Sunflower shampoo for color treated hair (paraben free, blah blah) for years. It comes with a really annoying amount of plastic and there are no options for refills. I'd like to switch to another shampoo brand that would allow me to buy low- or zero-waste refills but avoid the "one generic shampoo which works for everyone" that most of my local zero waste places sell (which doesn't usually work for me). [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 12:57 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm feeling down about my somewhat tame romantic and sexual history, compared to all the super impressive and intimidating people I hang out with, and trying to convince myself that maybe I'm not just a loser. I'd love to hear from others in the same boat! [more inside]
posted by myitkyina at 12:08 PM PST - 23 comments

I know there are some therapists on here and have asked a question or two before. This one is just a practical nuts and bolts question about going from "I work a typical social work job without a huge amount of clinical content" to doing some private practice. More details below. Sorry to post anonymously; this is the content area where I most want to be 100% not googlable. If you indicate you'd like to discuss this more one on one, I'll memail you. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:12 AM PST - 6 comments

I have noticed that some people don't seem to change the batteries in their smoke detector when it starts beeping intermittently to indicate a low battery. My neighbors have had their detector beeping for years since I moved in (I always know when their front door is open, because I can hear the beeping in my house). The people I lived next door to at my last apartment had the same proclivity. I notice it on lots of live streams and of videos that people take in their houses. What gives? [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 8:47 AM PST - 26 comments

I'd like to hire an artist to create a little cartoon version of me that I can use for stuff, mostly for my website. A great example of what I'm looking for can be found on this colleague's website - the little dude to the right of Ben Franklin. [more inside]
posted by lazaruslong at 8:00 AM PST - 15 comments

Where can I find/buy/steal a couple of pawpaws in the greater Chicago area this season? Within 20 miles of the loop preferred, but I'm open to traveling farther if need be. [more inside]
posted by eotvos at 7:47 AM PST - 8 comments

Months ago, I listened to a left-leaning British podcast on Spotify but it's no longer showing up on my listening history and I can't remember the name. Can you help me find this podcast? [more inside]
posted by quadrant seasons at 7:34 AM PST - 13 comments

I need clarification of this translation of geographical ridge into German, please. [more inside]
posted by Tchad at 4:31 AM PST - 8 comments

We want a car primarily for city driving, but that can also get us and our two kids from Edinburgh to Mid Wales a couple of times a year. Snowflakes inside, looking for sensible advice and encouragement. (my husband wrote this question, we'll both be reading the answers!) [more inside]
posted by cpatterson at 2:35 AM PST - 5 comments

There are quite a few three percenter items on Etsy, I thought they were considered a militia group. Do you think they would be considered against their terms of service? I can't ask someone directly there I don't think. SPLC calls them part of the anti-government militia movement. Thanks.
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 11:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Sexually vanilla person, considering 24/7-ish dom-ing for partner. Is this feasible? Suggestions for resources or other fora? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:39 PM PST - 23 comments

Please give me your suggestions for queer nerdy kid turning 18 in quarantine. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:39 PM PST - 9 comments

I want to replace the battery on my Panasonic shaver. But it hasn't been easy. [more inside]
posted by ivanthenotsoterrible at 8:33 PM PST - 5 comments

My life seems to have fallen apart over the last 4 years siNCE Trump was elected. Historically, I’m successful at what I do and in the last 2 years of the Obama admin I was doing great and my business made more into 6 figures than I’d ever gone. And then Trump is elected and the wheels fall off. And then 2 years ago I’m diagnosed with Leukemia. AML which the odds are it’s maybe not curable and the treatment is worse than the disease. I’m not suicidal or anything but depression and anxiety are common daily occurrences. The existential dread and despair just become too much. And Trump does something and the Republicans say no big deal. [more inside]
posted by photoslob at 8:12 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for a NYT article from the past ten years about companies partnering with health insurance and technology companies to track their employees health data and fitness data. A big component of the article was how the data was not truly anonymous. [more inside]
posted by CMcG at 4:30 PM PST - 3 comments

My dad inherited some books recently from a friend who was a heavy smoker. Some of them my dad intends to keep and others he'd like to add to local Little Free Libraries, but they all need to be de-odorized first. None of the books are valuable or vintage. They're mostly paperbacks and several are big, Robert Caro-style 1200-page volumes. I've seen a few deodorizing techniques online but people report varying levels of success. What's worked for you?
posted by theory at 4:22 PM PST - 9 comments

Before cleaning my shower, the drain was working just fine, no problems at all, and I didn't see any hair in the shower. I used 3 products to clean my shower: Kaboom mold and mildew, comet limescale remover, and scrubbing bubbles mega shower foamer. The cleaning was uneventful, now 4 hours later I took a shower and the shower drain is almost not draining at all. What did I do? How can I fix this??? Thanks!
posted by maxexam at 4:02 PM PST - 15 comments

Looking for costume advice on how to make someone obviously, iconically "Jean Grey." [more inside]
posted by Navelgazer at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments

I would like to give my hairdresser my basically unused Nintendo Switch as a gift. I bought it earlier this year in a fit of terrible FOMO and I know I am not going to use it because I already have a Switch Lite. Is this a terrible idea? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 3:46 PM PST - 11 comments

A friend just called and said the company she is working for needs a very part-time job. Well I've got three other part-time jobs in the hopper, so yeah... The job would consist of once every month or so driving my car to courthouses in tiny towns that aren't online and picking up or copying deeds. Most are about 2 hours away; but she can add more, further, places if I work out and want them. [more inside]
posted by Rumi'sLeftSock at 2:45 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm looking for election protection nonprofits that are tax deductible 501(c)(3)s, work in swing states (especially Pennsylvania and Florida), and still need additional funds during this election cycle to increase voter turnout and prevent voter suppression. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by john hadron collider at 1:31 PM PST - 5 comments

Can I move All of my 2500+ friends on Facebook to restricted without doing it one at a time? - alternatively is there a reputable company I can hire to do this? Triggers make doing it by hand painful. Treatment of triggers is underway but resolving this quickly will be a big quality of life boost
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 1:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Friend has a herniated disk (maybe?) in his back (and an early childhood back injury), and no one will help him get care. He's been shuffled around many times, and is at a breaking point. What can we do? [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 1:18 PM PST - 7 comments

Where can I find resources about/by neurodivergent parents, parenting? [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 12:28 PM PST - 6 comments

I prefer to air dry washed clothes on both an indoor and an outdoor clothes line. Not much wind here to flap the outdoor clothes that are drying. [more inside]
posted by luvmywife at 12:18 PM PST - 13 comments

Hi! I'm staying at 92nd and Lexington and would like to grab a beer and possibly a burger tonight. What's a relaxed place nearby, possibly within walking distance? My favorites on the West Side are Malachy's on 72nd and the sadly defunct Abbey Pub on 105th. Thank you!
posted by 8603 at 11:09 AM PST - 6 comments

My partner and I are trying to figure out how to respond to an estranged family member. This family member is making persistent attempts to re-establish contact and has ramped things up after a recent death in the family. What can we do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:00 AM PST - 30 comments

BAT and BAG are the same except the last letter. How can I find words that are the same except for the last letter? I know about suffixes but I'm looking for simpler words too. What are they called? Where can I find them?
posted by jago25_98 at 7:56 AM PST - 7 comments

So there's this technique for playing the kick drums really fast. And I wanted to know more about it, but I have absolutely no idea how to google it. It basically involves shifting your legs more left-right rather than up and down. You can see what I mean rather clearly for example in this video at around one minute in. There are several other times when they show how he plays the kick drums in the same manner in the video. I tried it, kinda trying to imitate the video, and it somehow does seem to work? But can any of you direct me to better sources, or explain a bit better what's going on? Like, does this technique have a name? Are there tutorials about it? And so on.
posted by Pyrogenesis at 4:56 AM PST - 6 comments

What is the best [set of] frameworks to learn to make beautiful but relatively simple single serving visualisations on the web? I want to be able to build good looking data visualisations on that tie back into simulation / database logic on the server. All of these are basically toy single page applications that represent a particular idea. For context: I am a data scientist / strategist working in energy and utilities and I want to present some of my ideas / case studies dynamically. I also think it would be fun. [more inside]
posted by atrazine at 3:01 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a weakness for paper life planners, schemes such as "Level 10 Life" which encourage you to set goals in various life areas, and habit tracker apps. Is there an attractive app which will allow me to monitor how my daily habits and activities aggregate and contribute to my goals? [more inside]
posted by limoncello at 2:51 AM PST - 8 comments

In the early-mid '90s my local college radio station's late-night punk/alternative/etc. show played a song that has stuck in my head but I've never been able to find. It might have been called "Broadcast Day," and it ended with an old-fashioned "This concludes our broadcast day" sample. A few more details inside. I would love to be able to confirm I am not remembering a song I made up out of whole cloth, and ideally be able to find it and hear it again. [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 1:37 AM PST - 9 comments

As someone who often uses Windows on my iMac, I am a little confused about Apple's impending switch to ARM. I was planning to buy a new iMac next spring, and by then I'm guessing those new machines will have ARM architecture. But will I be able to run Windows on it? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 12:50 AM PST - 9 comments

I had a bunch longer question drawn out, and I believe this is a bit subjective, but as an older millennial I graduated college right in the midst of the 2008-9 financial crisis / recession that seemed to last awhile. We are now supposedly in another worst financial crisis ever. How did this compare to other generations? The 70s were pretty bad when looking at the annualized GDP, but that's perhaps just one metric. More details within. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 12:10 AM PST - 11 comments

So the family group chat recently turned to nostalgia over the chocolate bars we used to eat. We are searching for a photo of the 'Todomundo' sold in Aldi in the UK circa 2010-2013. Help indulge our nostalgia-fest. [more inside]
posted by iplaytheviol at 11:00 PM PST - 4 comments

I am looking for technically challenging Indian recipes. I'm open to any sort - vegetarian, non-vegetarian, spicy, non-spicy, regional Indian dishes, Indian inspired dishes (ex - British style curries), healthy, non-healthy. I am a fairly competent cook, and I have access to multiple Indian grocery stores. [more inside]
posted by saeculorum at 10:48 PM PST - 11 comments

It's supposed to be hot outside this weekend, and I would like to have an iced beverage in the park with a friend. I have two insulated bottles (1 small, 1 large). Does it make a difference whether I pack the ice and liquid separately (ice in the small bottle, liquid in the large), or mix them together before filling both bottles?
posted by btfreek at 9:03 PM PST - 10 comments

There are sound effects shared between the intro of the 1980s Mr. Wizard Intro and the Danger Mouse Episode /The Dream Machine/. Which sound effects library are they a part of, and where can I find samples of them? [more inside]
posted by oonh at 7:29 PM PST - 1 comment

I am looking for job suggestions. I have a MA in Communication (rhetorical theory, graduated 2001) and I have done uni teaching, non profit work, and retail management in the past. Been a SAHM for quite some time. Now looking for job change. Can you help me? [more inside]
posted by ChristineSings at 6:47 PM PST - 6 comments

I would like to paint a dragon as a gift for a friend’s upcoming book release. I’m not a bad watercolor painter, but I am a very literal one. I almost always paint from life or from a photo (that I took myself). I obviously can’t do this with a dragon. I certainly don’t want to copy anyone else’s work. Any suggestions for what I can paint from?
posted by rebeccabeagle at 3:18 PM PST - 15 comments

Can anyone recommend longer videos that show off a place with a minimum of jump-cuts, voice-overs, and motion? I want to explore a place with my eyes, not my ears. Helicopter/drone tours, walking tours, mellow views of the pretty things in a given destination. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 2:22 PM PST - 24 comments

I am looking for recommendations for beautiful piano/violin/viola/cello music. I like really "gentle" sounding music. More "tinkling" sounds and not abrupt. I know nothing about classical music at all. I am also looking for singer/songwriter and/or acoustic songs with really really beautiful singing.
posted by bookworm4125 at 2:17 PM PST - 21 comments

What would you recommend to do in upstate NY, anywhere within a three hour drive of Hunter, NY. Open to anything available during coronavirus, but specific interests include modern/contemporary art, socialism/anarchism/antifascism/leftism, government/civics, (vegetarian) food, animals, factory/food tours (learning about how anything is made), architecture, nature, urban/abandoned exploring.
posted by andoatnp at 1:36 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm needling in a haystack for my new position which requires VOIP. There is so much of everything. [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 1:16 PM PST - 13 comments

I feel so desperate and I don’t know what to do. I was wondering if anyone here could give me some advice. I am a woman in my mid thirties and I have a boyfriend who I love but I am not in love with… [more inside]
posted by Fromthesouth at 1:10 PM PST - 22 comments

What objects are used to show scale in photos (like putting a hailstone next to a coin)? I'm interested in examples that are standard for a given field of study -- e.g. in geology, a rock hammer -- and in unusual, extreme, clever or interesting examples.
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:24 PM PST - 23 comments

Have you experienced brain fog while taking statins? [more inside]
posted by aunt_winnifred at 12:14 PM PST - 9 comments

My family happens to be staying for a few weeks right near the quarry where Tuckahoe marble came from. I've got a 11- and a 9-year old and would like to take advantage of the surroundings. What should I try to teach/show them? [more inside]
posted by cgs06 at 12:03 PM PST - 7 comments

I just had a laparoscopic appendectomy after a ruptured appendix. Spend 4 nights in the hospital with a serious antibiotic/IV drip. Have just been sent home with Flagyl and Cipro (since I'm allergic to Penicillin) which I have to take orally three times a day for 11 days. So when should I be eating probiotics, and which ones should I buy? [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 11:59 AM PST - 9 comments

This is driving me crazy, but I remember reading a book as a kid, with a character that was some kind of intelligent (orange, I think) slime, who maybe would turn into human form. [more inside]
posted by allen8219 at 11:20 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm in the middle of some weird confluence of shipping mysteries and dumbly clicked on a texted, maybe fake FedEx link. What's probably going on here, and do I need to worry about any of it? [more inside]
posted by jameaterblues at 9:50 AM PST - 6 comments

My 2012 Mac Mini is showing its age, but if I replace it with a new Mini, how old an OS can a new machine support [more inside]
posted by zadcat at 9:32 AM PST - 7 comments

Any insight would be appreciated. I am adult who felt that my bottom teeth were becoming crowded and have been thinking of getting braces (i.e. invisalign) for some time. I got two orthodontic consults. Both orthodontists are highly rated or highly reviewed by two different online sources. They had completely different assessments; how do I discern to make sure I am getting good oral health and a cost effective treatment? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:06 AM PST - 4 comments

Twice now in the past two years of living in this house, we've had a sudden overnight influx of mosquitoes in one area of the house, like a swarm just hatched somewhere. I feel like something weird is happening and don't know where to look. [more inside]
posted by monologish at 9:05 AM PST - 14 comments

Or at least not David Peace novels, no matter how regional they are. So I was recently reading a novel set in Rochester, lots about the cathedral, former roman wall, etc and it was very helpful. I am looking for more regional UK novels, details inside. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 8:06 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm looking for the name of a fantasy book, probably written in the past decade, that starts out with a female protagonist searching a prison for someone to help her, led by the quirk that things important to her destiny are often marked by the strong smell of eucalyptus. [more inside]
posted by rollcredits at 7:41 AM PST - 5 comments

I’ve been unemployed for 12 months, which reminds me a lot of when I was fresh out of college in 2009. I've decided to get out of the Business Psych industry and try to find a career. Can you please tell me (A) what are some specific jobs or careers that you think I could look into? (B) What is a smart way for someone 35 years old with a masters degree in psychology to enter a career track? (C) Is it worth trying to work with a professional to guide my next move? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 7:15 AM PST - 4 comments

I dropped some toothpaste on my suede boots and I can't get it out. I tried cleaning it with vinegar and with Saphir Omni-Daim Suede Cleaner but there's still a light patch. The suede seems to have absorbed the toothpaste. [more inside]
posted by Chenko at 6:38 AM PST - 2 comments

How do people disguise or misrepresent themselves as another race or identity and get away with it for so long? NOT looking for racial and identity conversations or discussions on cultural misappropriations or psychological reasons. Rather, I'm curious to know how people can get away with obvious lying, without anyone ratting them out. Is it really that easy to change your identity? [more inside]
posted by moiraine at 2:38 AM PST - 37 comments

Last time I dealt with serious injury and new health conditions, forums were still a thing and there were always a few trusted ones that most people used for whatever thing they were dealing with. Now that I'm recovering from Achilles tendon repair surgery a decade and a half later, I have no idea where to go to read recovery stories, ask questions, and find resources. I'm a skilled search user but can still only find the same official medical center websites, paywalled journal articles, or the occasional blog post that's half-bitrotted. Where do all the cool recently-injured kids hang out these days? Bonus: If you've got post-Achilles surgery stories to share, I want to hear them!
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:22 AM PST - 7 comments

As we rearrange the kids' rooms for distance learning, one will have a desk with an open shelving unit a little way behind the chair (i.e., in zoom view). I'd like to back the open shelves on one side (the side near the desk) so they can have messy shelves without it being on zoom, and then we'll hang posters etc on the backing. What are my cheap, lightweight, easy to attach options for a backing? [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 11:59 PM PST - 14 comments

A few years ago I read an article by a woman, who is also a therapist, about how she dislikes being told she's "so lucky" to have found her "person" and have a very happy relationship, because luck had nothing to do with it [more inside]
posted by Zaire at 11:20 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm on a kick with podcasts about modern-day spiritual frauds like James Arthur Ray, Teal Swan, and a fake priest who calls himself Father Ryan. I'd love to listen to more or watch similar. I don't want Christian televangelists, any Scientology, or any multilevel marketing figures. Finally, I prefer contemporary ones, so please leave Madame Blavatsky et al in the past.
posted by mermaidcafe at 8:44 PM PST - 10 comments

I don't eat many processed foods. Crumbling saltines on soup has long been a guilty pleasure of mine. During this quarantine I'm making more (healthy!) soups than I used to, but I'm consuming way too many saltine crackers, too. Do you know a good alternative? I'm open to even the most unorthodox, non-cracker suggestions!
posted by Junker George at 7:46 PM PST - 34 comments

My Windows 10 backup software is showing an error and the company that makes it would like to remote in to my computer in order to figure out what is going wrong. Is there any way I can let them do so without them also seeing my desktop/startup items/etc? There's nothing super controversial on there but I would like to keep it private if possible. I thought about creating a new user but am not sure that that would be equivalent in terms of what the backup software is doing which may make it a moot point. I'm not sure what software they will want to use in order to connect.
posted by softlord at 5:57 PM PST - 11 comments

Posting on behalf of a friend who is taking an adept15 skills assessment and motion challenge test, and asked me to help him "study". It's being given by his employer, who encouraged him to familiarize himself with the principles, to be prepared. But they provide no further information. I tried researching in order to help out, but it's too much for my exhausted brain. If you've administered one of these tests, can you offer some insight about how to prepare? If you've taken one, did you get any feedback that could be helpful? Thanks everyone!
posted by anonymous at 5:10 PM PST - 2 comments

We just had a concrete pad poured out in my garden. All my lovely produce growing out there was pretty thickly covered in concrete dust. Its things like tomatos and eggplants and peppers with smooth, firm skins. If I rinse it really well, is it safe to eat? I'm scared concrete dust contains harmful chemicals of some mysterious (to me) nature.
posted by WalkerWestridge at 4:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Over the years, I've gathered information (to-dos, notes, links to articles to read, reference material, ideas, lists of movies to see...) in many places, including Trello, Evernote, Google Keep, Todoist, Pinboard, Twitter bookmarks, Facebook saved posts, emails, Google Drive, phone screenshots, and papers/binders (eek). How on earth can I consolidate this (manually)? (And what tool might feel the most like an actual website, with pages, menus, submenus, etc.?)
posted by trillian at 4:12 PM PST - 5 comments

Have you had a Benefits Accuracy Measurement (BAM) audit for unemployment? Or maybe any kind of audit for unemployment? If so, I have a question. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:06 PM PST - 3 comments

I'd like to turn my wifi off (in Linux) except at specific times of day, and make it at least moderately difficult to turn back on. This is proving surprisingly difficult. [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 3:27 PM PST - 7 comments

Our 4-year old cat has pawed at his mouth periodically since earlier this year. We rushed him to the vet (post-COVID, so only he could go in), they checked him out, and said they couldn't find anything wrong. Last night he did it again, but for the first time his tongue stayed peeking out of his mouth and he was a little lethargic. Same today. We got the first vet appointment we could - Saturday at 11:30 a.m. - but I'm wondering if we should take him to an emergency vet. His breathing isn't labored and he used the litter pan. He hasn't had much to eat or drink, though, because he's been sleeping. He's drooling because his tongue is out.
posted by Wet Hen at 2:28 PM PST - 8 comments

My genderqueer love has recently started taking testosterone as part of a gender affirming therapy plan, and as predicted is starting to experience acne as part of this mid life return to adolescence. [more inside]
posted by spindrifter at 1:36 PM PST - 10 comments

Actually its slightly more complicated than that. I may have MySQL in a Boldgrid backup I've been running but my knowledge of this stuff doesn't go that deep. [more inside]
posted by Senor Cardgage at 1:13 PM PST - 5 comments

What are some very polite responses to avoid discussing politics at work? [more inside]
posted by loveandhappiness at 12:39 PM PST - 24 comments

In the book "Children of Noisy Village" by Astrid Lingren (translated from Swedish), a song is described by the lyrics "Christmas stands before the door, gives a knock and smiles." I've come up short in all of my searches to try to find this song. It must have been common enough when it was written that readers could bring it to mind. I must hear this song.
posted by Brent Parker at 12:16 PM PST - 2 comments

I have what I believe is a lemon-lime dracaena. I've had variations before but this one sent out little flower stalks that then grew mini-plants on the end. For the life of me I can't find the right search term to figure out what they're actually called, and searching for propagation instructions just returns results on how to propagate from stem cuttings. What are they called, how do they work in the wild, and how do I plant them? [more inside]
posted by reader at 12:02 PM PST - 5 comments

If I find higher math fun but I'm not gonna do a degree in it, how else could I indulge in it as a hobby? [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 11:55 AM PST - 25 comments

I've been reading today about how underrepresented different groups are in the executive arena in general. So which industry is doing it the least wrong? As in which specific sector has the most non-caucasian individuals in leadership roles (C-suite, executive directors, etc)? Cosmetics? Mining? Medicine? Who's doing representation the least wrong?
posted by rileyray3000 at 11:50 AM PST - 9 comments

For Rosh Hashana we have the tradition of eating a new fruit. Technically that just means something we haven't had all year, but we like to go farther afield. What are the most unusual fresh fruits that will be available within the next few weeks? [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 11:34 AM PST - 29 comments

I just finished the Room series of iPhone games, and I loved them, the gorgeous steampunk design, the eerie backstory, and the nature of the puzzles. Previous favorites have included Gorogoa and Monument Valley. What other elegant, beautiful, contemplative, intricate puzzle games for iOS are out there? (Escape-room style or otherwise.)
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 11:18 AM PST - 13 comments

The devastatingly short Korean grape season is upon us. These grapes are also known as Kyoho grapes (if you've never had them, please do try them!!). These ridiculous delights are a gift in a bleak world. My parents don't have access to a grocer who will sell these locally, and I am frantically trying to find an online supplier who will ship these grapes nationally within the continental US. My searching and asking around has failed me and I turn to the Hive Mind for help. Hope me win the best daughter award!
posted by sums at 11:14 AM PST - 8 comments

I have been offered the opportunity to be a live-in houseman/caretaker. The position includes room and board. After the honeymoon period to see how well we we get along, we will talk about salary. [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 9:39 AM PST - 15 comments

I remember but cannot find a link to an old and entertaining weblog -- and I'm just interested in his yearly holiday photo albums. [more inside]
posted by theredpen at 9:34 AM PST - 7 comments

A group I used to volunteer for has a Google Sites website that will be forcibly converted to the new (awful) sites format in November. As the former web guy, they are asking me how to transition from Sites to another CMS. My CMS is a text editor. That's not going to work for them. Suggestions? tl;dr inside. [more inside]
posted by caution live frogs at 8:24 AM PST - 7 comments

The cat in this post has been neutered and is now residing in a spare room in our house. He is unhappy and I don't blame him. But we need some plan for integrating him with our other two (male, neutered) cats. Help? [more inside]
posted by cat friend at 7:55 AM PST - 8 comments

My workplace is developing a tool which we would like to put online for the public to use. This tool would be like a survey (a series of questions) that leads to a report of the results and links to information which has been personalized based on those results. But we don't know what sort of options exist to implement the tool. [more inside]
posted by jb at 7:49 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for some perspective on what seem to be regular communication difficulties between my therapist and me. [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 7:22 AM PST - 27 comments

My partner's sister (and husband) are difficult to shop for. I don't know them well, and neither does my partner. They have mostly given us things like their old, unused coffee pods (they were getting a new drop coffee maker) as holiday gifts, so I don't want to spend a ton of money. [more inside]
posted by marfa, texas at 6:39 AM PST - 50 comments

I'm looking for a movie or episode. The one plot point I remember was that a girl/ woman had to perform one song and a fair deal was made about which song exactly. As this took place in West Virginia, thoughts wandered to Country Roads immediately but it was made clear implicitly, that this would be too obvious/ clicheed. [more inside]
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 1:42 AM PST - 4 comments

Although I have been doing some running outdoors, dance aerobics is a beloved form of exercise for me and I've found out about an outdoor Zumba class in my city that is capped at 10 people and takes place in a park. People stand 6 feet apart, although with different folks' bodily awareness, I can imagine that wouldn't always be guaranteed. I *believe* everyone wears masks but I am doublechecking this before I go. Is this safe? [more inside]
posted by rogerroger at 7:57 PM PST - 15 comments

A family member is driving from LA to DC. Any advice on the itinerary? Are these cities safe to stop in for a person of color? Any fun sights to see or eat at without adding time? [more inside]
posted by inevitability at 7:07 PM PST - 22 comments

Every few months I have to schedule a set of weekly meetings with a lot of different people. Is there software or an online polling system that will take multiple people’s schedules and schedule multiple meetings with different subsets of people? [more inside]
posted by alligatorpear at 6:59 PM PST - 8 comments

Short woman asks: Please help me define my style, give it a conceptual name, and find visual inspiration and specific pieces to consider. Everything's terrible, trying things on in stores is a no-go...so please give me your suggestions on clothing and styling so I can collect images and have a mental framework before I turn my closet over for the fall/winter. [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:18 PM PST - 10 comments

I found a couple of growths on one of my eye hoods - the part that doesn't move when you blink, and suspected warts. My dermatologist verified that they are warts yesterday and identified two more on my other eye hood. She used liquid nitrogen/cryotherapy on them. Today, I found a wart on my mobile lid - the part that moves when I blink. [more inside]
posted by terrierhead at 5:54 PM PST - 6 comments

I bought a pint of locally made Earl Grey tea ice cream a week ago, from a deli (not the maker, just the seller). It was a little melty on arrival and leaking, because NYC delivery in the heat. It was also leaking because there's a hole along one edge of the lid, where the cardboard folds over. It doesn't have a plastic seal under the lid. It's been in my freezer a week, but I don't know how long it might've been like this before that. It looks OK inside. Can I eat it?
posted by limeonaire at 5:37 PM PST - 10 comments

Is there an easy way to determine if a given sample of hand sanitizer contains methanol in substantial amounts? For example burning and observing the color of the flame perhaps? [more inside]
posted by nzero at 5:32 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for a simple contact manager that has fewer bells and whistles than CRM software. [more inside]
posted by sonofsnark at 4:54 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm looking for media (of any form, but primarily written or podcasts) that cover accidents in the backcountry. I'm primarily interested in less-technical backcountry travel -- particularly backpacking -- vs things like rock or ice climbing, but the more technical sports are interesting too. I'm looking for non-fiction that leans more towards the analytical incident post-mortem style (what happened, contributing causes, lessons learned, etc) rather than fiction or literary non-fiction. [more inside]
posted by jacobian at 4:29 PM PST - 14 comments

Is it OK to do so? If somebody makes a post on Facebook does that automatically give “friends” an implied right to respond in with civil discussion? My cousin for example, has been posting some rather divisive, often racist and certifiable as propaganda political posts. Often she posts an article or video and poses a questions. Sometimes it’s just, "Look at this video from the Epoch Times or RT! SHENANIGANS! What they (often the MSM) don't want you to know." More inside..... [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 4:17 PM PST - 13 comments

My SO is trying to remember a thriller released sometime between the mid-90s 2010. Involved a house in a forest, a kidnapping. A few more details inside. [more inside]
posted by aquamvidam at 3:36 PM PST - 19 comments

Is this termites? We've had them (in CA) in the past, but before it looked like frass and this is a very fine powder like flour. [more inside]
posted by lemonade at 3:26 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for books about the US mid-century Civil Rights movement that focus on strategy, decision making process and organization building. I'm looking to learn about the arguments, debates, and ultimate decisions made on how to carry out campaigns. Please take me to the rooms where SNCC members decided to refuse bail and where CORE chose to ride interstate buses.
posted by latkes at 3:24 PM PST - 5 comments

Tiny crawling / itching sensations while in bed AND sometimes with the lights on have been plaguing me the last two or three nights. No welts (although I don't always react to insect bites). Help needed ASAP. [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 2:51 PM PST - 8 comments

My much loved gynecologist has unexpectedly shut shop during Covid-19 and can't really be reached for referrals. Is there a gynecologist you love and would recommend in NYC - Brooklyn or Manhattan? I'd prefer someone easy to talk to, (I often have a lot of questions) who is gentle and is good with questions around fertility.
posted by whatdoyouthink? at 1:15 PM PST - 1 comment

My partner and I are re-doing our home office and we'd like to get one long desk (max of 10 feet in length) we can both sit at. Interested in all your recommendations. Thanks!
posted by DavidNYC at 12:26 PM PST - 14 comments

I would like to create a "What kind of _____ are you?" quiz for a work training. [more inside]
posted by wg at 12:10 PM PST - 4 comments

I've just accepted a job with an earlier start time than I'd like, so it's time to make my dream of having a coffee making device on my nightstand become reality. What should I buy that is the best compromise between simplicity and not-entirely-awful coffee? [more inside]
posted by soleiluna at 11:46 AM PST - 25 comments

In English we have terms like "pencil case", "shoe box", "tool box", "cocktail bar", where we use the singular even though the contents are assumed to be plural, i.e. more than one pencil, shoe, tool or cocktail is intended to be inside. Is there a name for this rule and is it ungrammatical to break it, e.g. "bookmarks bar".
posted by w0mbat at 11:18 AM PST - 18 comments

I would like to put my phone over my car's navigation screen. What is the best phone holder for this given that (1) suction cups degrade quickly in the heat; (2) it needs to be secure; (3) the number of options is daunting. [more inside]
posted by *s at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments

I am a freelancer with a capricious work ethic and about 6 jobs on the go, and I find it really hard to manage them all. Advice? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 10:32 AM PST - 8 comments

I’m proposing a research study that would involve getting people’s permission to share passive data from their cell phones (in particular, number of texts, but not the content of texts). In the past I believe you could have people install an app that made this possible, but my collaborator who does this kind of work is saying that iOS has totally pulled this functionality, and Androids might be going the same direction. Is this true? Is there any way that I’m not considering to gather text data from iPhones, other than asking people to self-report?
posted by quiet coyote at 9:55 AM PST - 2 comments

What is flattering for me now [more inside]
posted by Tim Bucktooth at 9:39 AM PST - 17 comments

As a woman in my late 30's, this is the feedback I most often receive after first dates. I approach the dates with openness, curiosity, and playfulness. I ask questions and am working on sharing more about myself, too. I know that chemistry is important. For me, chemistry is something that builds. I rarely feel a spark on the first date. And there is rarely a second date. How can I do better? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:37 AM PST - 20 comments

I idly answered an ad on Facebook looking for product testers for a webcam from an established company. I got a response purporting to be from the company, and although it seems too good to be true, and I'm sure it's a scam, I can't see how the scam works. Help me out. [more inside]
posted by spielzebub at 8:24 AM PST - 15 comments

Beverly and Jane are splitting a pot of £11,210. Used to be on YouTube but... I won't give spoilers, but if you know where I can find it.... Also, more generally, is there an archive of Golden Ball episodes anywhere?
posted by maddalo at 8:23 AM PST - 0 comments

This is not even like a question. So I was watching this video. It's the legendary Classical Gas. But, starting already from around 1 minute in, and up until the end, she's switching something up on the top of the harp. She's changing the tuning, right? Or what? It's just I've never seen stuff like this and I just want to ask what is she doing? I mean usually instruments don't work like that...
posted by Pyrogenesis at 8:18 AM PST - 7 comments

We are in negotiations to buy a house in southeast Pennsylvania. The house is about 15 years old and during the inspection, the stucco was found to be damaged with wood rot/water damage behind the stucco. The seller is going to pay to have the stucco remediated. The stucco installation has a 2 year warranty. Is 2 years enough to know whether it’s been done correctly? Would an inspection 18-23 months after installation show deficiencies? Or would the effects of poor installation not become apparent until later? [more inside]
posted by jschu at 8:10 AM PST - 4 comments

I have a 12 year old, and am separated from the other parent (OP). 50/50 custody. OP has started talking to me about moving out of state, with the child. I disagree, but in the end I'm interested in what is best for the child. I think from comments from the child, that OP has started to discuss this with the child as well. So how should I step into these murky waters - if I should at all? Thank you! [more inside]
posted by life moves pretty fast at 7:59 AM PST - 19 comments

I have a customer who uses Adobe Acrobat to create online fillable PDF's. Her forms, though, don't have expandable text fields, and they need to. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 7:54 AM PST - 4 comments

How to best negotiate "We are in survival mode. Starting now, we will all have a reduced salary of X% across the board." Recently started a job and this is not what I signed up for (salary reduction plus COVID-related stuff that is beyond their control). This is making me reconsider the job. I would like suggestions/ideas for how to negotiate effectively and not sound like an inconsiderate jerk. [more inside]
posted by wonder twin powers activate form of a sock puppet at 7:22 AM PST - 9 comments

Ordered a thing on the internet, paid with PayPal. Never got it, filed a dispute, dispute closed because it was later delivered (but to an address in a different state). What next? [more inside]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:59 AM PST - 10 comments

My sweet but stupid cat ate two raisins when I wasn't looking, and they're poisonous to cats like they are to dogs apparently. I rang the vet and they said to keep an eye on her for now and hopefully she'll just throw up. I'm sort of freaking out though - how likely is 2 raisins to be serious in a 10 pound cat? How do I know if a cat that normally sleeps all day is lethargic? What should I be looking out for? When should I rush her to the hospital?
posted by stillnocturnal at 4:31 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a practical career with a day job that pays the bills and one that is more fulfilling and artistic / creative - common setup, I think, for artistic types. I’m about 7 years into each of them, so in the thick of things and working on challenging, engaging stuff on both sides (with the inevitable annoyances), but I'm finding I’m often at my limit for how much mental bandwidth to work on challenging projects. If you are in the same boat, I'd love to hear your approach to accomplishing your stuff while staying sane! [more inside]
posted by internet of pillows at 9:00 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm not actually considering traveling any time soon. I've been on the cautious end of the spectrum since March. But I'm wondering if people are edging back into long-distance train travel (or perhaps if people have been doing it more than I imagine) and how safe or unsafe it seems to the hive mind. [more inside]
posted by less of course at 6:55 PM PST - 12 comments

Accidentally insulted my boss today and I don’t know how to stop anxiously thinking about it. [more inside]
posted by mekily at 6:28 PM PST - 19 comments

Stylish womxn of mefi: what are you wearing at home during this pandemic? [more inside]
posted by yawper at 6:26 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm pretty sure the answer is no, but I want to put this fantasy to rest. [more inside]
posted by swheatie at 5:54 PM PST - 24 comments

I want to buy this rug. It would be the only rug I have, and some internet research leads me to believe a stick vacuum isn't good for this type of rug. [more inside]
posted by Mavri at 5:06 PM PST - 9 comments

What movies are especially visually appealing when seen on a really large screen with decent sound in near-total darkness? [more inside]
posted by true at 2:02 PM PST - 75 comments

We've been trying to grow our social media presence. Lately (I'd say it's been the past three or four months, but the last six weeks especially), Facebook is actively working against us. How do we get Facebook to allow our content? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:00 PM PST - 8 comments

I lived in Rochester, NY for a while. I always meant to visit Betty Meyer's Bullwinkle Cafe and didn't ever get there before they closed. What songs would have regularly been in rotation there? (I'm generally familiar with the concept of the Great American Songbook and that "standards" exist. I'm looking for specifics where possible.) Are there other establishments like this, a cross between a piano bar, a participatory experience, and a time machine?
posted by knile at 1:05 PM PST - 1 comment

Going to be making some fermented giardiniera. I don't have weights to keep the veggies submerged. I'd heard somewhere that putting grape leaves on top can work to keep things in the brine, and may even help keep things crisp (due to tannins in the leaves). But now I'm wondering if I bought the wrong kind? (see inside) [more inside]
posted by dnash at 12:35 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I make this old grease-stained kitchen floor look better? [more inside]
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 12:22 PM PST - 20 comments

I'm working on a podcast that is dramatic readings (some plays, longform poetry, short stories, etc.) and we are using things that are in the public domain so that we don't have to worry about copyright or licensing, and can adapt them if needed. For December, we want to do episodes around Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year. Looking for suggestions of stories, poems, plays, or other narratives that are in the public domain, or otherwise available for free or relatively low-price production? [more inside]
posted by firei at 11:51 AM PST - 10 comments

Please recommend texts (books or websites) that explain the physics and chemistry of cooking. [more inside]
posted by signal at 11:31 AM PST - 23 comments

I'm looking for some things to read about running regularly but briefly. I know, intellectually, it's good for my brain (also, I'm guessing, my heart?) to actually get out and do the 20 or 30 minutes of running, and definitely better than not doing it, but it feels small and sad to me sometimes. Help me find some motivational things to read. [more inside]
posted by purpleclover at 11:23 AM PST - 21 comments

I have an old wide-plank wooden floor which I love. However, there's too much space between the boards. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:56 AM PST - 30 comments

I've lost a debate, and my kid will be attending his high school in person two days a week. How can we monitor his health or otherwise keep ourselves safe? [more inside]
posted by troywestfield at 9:34 AM PST - 17 comments

I am not sure if I need to re-register to vote (my current status is inactive) in California in order to vote absentee, or if I can just go ahead and request an absentee ballot. (I have been overseas for 10+ years).
posted by melamakarona at 9:23 AM PST - 12 comments

I am obsessed with the tiny amphitheater and curved benches of Seward Park in Manhattan's Lower East Side. What other parks have features like this that are good for small meetings. Think: poetry reading, storytime, etc. Also interested in knowing about: Any park with covered pavilion space Any NYC public space with good outdoor wifi, perhaps where one could host a computer lab of sorts.
posted by wowenthusiast at 9:23 AM PST - 6 comments

I know there's a bajillion mattresses you can buy online now. Can you get any that are magically all spring, no foam? [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 8:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Moving down to Denver and would appreciate any advice about apartment searching from those who know the area, as well as "is this normal?" for some apartments questions [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 7:57 AM PST - 11 comments

My new next-door neighbors are planning to cut down a few mature plants that we'd like to try to rescue. Realizing it's probably a terrible time of year to transplant anything, how can we make the best of this? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 6:53 AM PST - 12 comments

Does it make sense for me to buy a hybrid if 95 percent of my driving is freeway driving? [more inside]
posted by gt2 at 6:10 AM PST - 26 comments