September 2024 Archives

September 30

Nursery rhyme or poem where oddly adjusted vowel sounds are the point?

I saw a road sign today for something called Lyttle Dowdle, and it triggered some memory in my brain of a song or rhyme with similar sounds. Can you think of any children's chant that might sound like those words? [more inside]
posted by luzdeluna at 8:27 PM PST - 10 comments

What did it mean when the phone company sent you stamps?

Occasionally I find references in old works of fiction to the telephone company sending people stamps instead of money. One example is in the Nichols & May “Telephone Operator” sketch. What were these stamps? It’s surprisingly hard to get good information about them. Were they postal stamps? (If so, why?) Could you pay your phone bill with them? All I want is a good reference link. Thanks!
posted by goingonit at 8:22 PM PST - 8 comments

Quick easy free transcript?

I want to generate quick transcripts of a few videos on YouTube and Vimeo. Is there a thing I can just dump the URL into and immediately get a transcript? (Like Video-to-MP3, but for transcripts). Thanks!<
posted by nouvelle-personne at 7:01 PM PST - 5 comments

Bought a house wtf are gutters

After 3.5 years of saving my $$$$$$ and living in studio apartments with my young son, I bought a house for us (!!!!) and I close on Friday. It's 900 sq feet, on <0.25 acres, and in great shape. BUT I don't know what I don't know. Can you tell me what I don't know? [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 4:03 PM PST - 39 comments

Medical guardianship for mentally ill young adult?

If you have sought medical guardianship for a mentally ill young adult offspring, I'd love to hear your experience with it. Or, if you know of any research or writing by experts about its effectiveness, I'd like to be pointed to it. [more inside]
posted by Well I never at 3:20 PM PST - 9 comments

Can upstairs neighbor's heat treatment for bugs warp my vinyl, etc.?

My upstairs neighbor will be having a pest control company come in and set up 150-degree heat lamps for bug-eradication purposes. I'm probably overreacting, but I'm wondering if that much heat upstairs will warm up my place enough to cause issues (such as warping vinyl records) and/or if I need to take some precautions to prevent said issues? [more inside]
posted by gtrwolf at 2:23 PM PST - 4 comments

Fill 'er up

I've acquired this pressure washer. If I do not want to use soap, do I fill that tank with water or leave it empty? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 12:21 PM PST - 6 comments

Getting Work Ducks In Their Different Rows

I have been asked to assist with an overhaul of the org chart at work. What's a good FREE online org chart maker that is a) easy to use and b) doesn't look like a smacked ass? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:49 AM PST - 16 comments

Does it click?

Does the bicycle in this photograph have a clicky freewheel? [more inside]
posted by run"monty at 11:29 AM PST - 12 comments

Best cheap tablet for document review?

I need a cheap tablet (so I won't miss it too much if it gets stolen) that I can bring to work so I can quickly search within, annotate, and highlight PDFs and EPUBS of textbooks. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by miltthetank at 8:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Teach me all about hanging stuff - hooks, shelves, pictures

Ever since hanging a hook that came off immediately after I hung something on it, I've had an unreasonable fear of installing anything on my walls -- hanging hooks, pictures, let alone shelves I'm finally ready to face my fear (and tired of hiring people to help me with something I should be able to handle) -- what are your best resources or tips on hanging things, finding studs, drywall screws, etc?
posted by buddha9090 at 8:24 AM PST - 11 comments

How Is My Income Calculated for ACA Plans?

I won't have a job come 2025 so I'm going to need an ACA plan. I have personal investment, rollover IRA, Roth IRA and 401k accounts, and a personal savings account. On the ACA site you have to enter your expected income - which affects your tax credit - and this page says, for Investment Income: "Include expected interest and dividends earned on investments, including tax-exempt interest". Like, all of it? Including interest on my 401k which I've been growing most of my life but can't realistically use yet because I'm not old enough? [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge at 7:46 AM PST - 13 comments

new iphone 16, 2020 MacBook air, non-imessage texts won't sync

I text with friends quite a lot and prefer to do it on a keyboard so I won't have huge muscular thumbs. On my iphone 11, photos would often send to fail to non-iphone-users and texts were slow. This pissed me off. Now it won't sync at all for non imessage texts, which is potentially a real problem. Is there a fix for this? I initiated a sync with the cloud in messages. Didn't do anything. I have googled, to no avail.
posted by less-of-course at 7:42 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me return to work in the healthiest way possible

A year ago, I was working a high-powered, corporate senior leadership job that took over my entire life. It pushed me beyond my limits, and I ended up suffering a terrifying mental health crisis. I left work, and I've spent the last year recuperating and figuring out what to do next. I am now better and feel ready to work again. I am starting a new full-time job soon. I'm optimistic it will be different this time around, but also worried that I will fall back into bad habits. What can i do to increase my chances of having a healthy relationship with work when I return? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:14 AM PST - 20 comments

September 29

How accessible are your elected officials?

Do you feel heard by your elected officials? At what levels? Why or why not? Does it make a difference whether you are the same party? How can you or do you contact them? Where do you live? Anything else relevant to add?
posted by NotLost at 8:35 PM PST - 13 comments

Fence post footings: Remove or move on?

I recently took down a chainlink fence about 75' long. The fence posts, which are steel and set into concrete footings (of unknown diameter and depth) remain standing. Based on previous footing-removal experience, taking these out and filling the holes would be a daunting amount of work. I don't know why I'd do that. What am I missing? [more inside]
posted by Caxton1476 at 6:45 PM PST - 23 comments

Seeking suggestions for last minute fun in Montreal!

On a whim I bought a concert ticket for next week! [more inside]
posted by antiquated at 4:29 PM PST - 9 comments

Should I buy a car that hasn't been driven for 3 years?

I've got a friend who has a 2017 honda that hasn't been driven in 3 years. I have thought about getting a car (I have been car-free for 10 years) and I have a feeling my friend might give me a good deal on this car (potentially very good). Should I buy this car? [more inside]
posted by whoopcannon at 3:43 PM PST - 19 comments

Do you feel represented in your government? What's that like?

Generally speaking, I don't feel represented by my local, state, or national governments. The various levels of government I live under feel unchanging and almost unchangeable. I truly believe that no one who matters cares what I, or people like me, think. I'd like to explore how universal (or limited) this experience is. Does anyone feel truly represented by their government at any level? If so, or not, please tell me about it. [more inside]
posted by Chuck Barris at 3:35 PM PST - 16 comments

Alternatives to Wordpress

Given the shitty behavior of Matt, I want to move my blog off of wordpress.com. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 10:45 AM PST - 7 comments

Tightwad Gazette but make it millennial

Back when I was younger and poorer, I greatly enjoyed the Tightwad Gazette books for ideas and information on thrift/frugality. Are there any similar resources out there that are more aimed at poor Millennials? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:25 AM PST - 11 comments

Should I leave my comfortable dead-end job?

I've worked as a graphic designer for a very small puzzle company for nearly five years. It's very low stress, and I have a decent amount of creative freedom. I have one boss and three coworkers and I get along well with all of them, and I live right next to the office so I have no commute. I'm autistic, and pretty much every other job I've had has been a nightmare, so I'm very reluctant to give up something so comfortable. [more inside]
posted by Chenko at 8:52 AM PST - 11 comments

Where'd my Wix CMS go?

Wix is inviting me to add CMS to my website. I know I have this already. [more inside]
posted by feistycakes at 8:16 AM PST - 1 comment

Cat-ethical dilemma

I feed stray cats in my neighbourhood. It’s a hobby that I do with my mother. Recently, we found this nice cat that’s like a few months old, he is energetic and lively. We met a mother and her teenage daughter two weeks ago. They want to catch this cat and bring it home. My mum was really into this idea because its hard to find a home for stray cats. And we have spent quite a lot of time together trying to catch this cat. Now comes the problem. I think I’m a bit of a people pleaser and I did not find out about this person’s plans for cat ownership until tonight. Snowflake inside. [more inside]
posted by Didnt_do_enough at 7:24 AM PST - 17 comments

to flirt or just to shoot my shot?

I’m a mid-twenties woman, I like a mid-twenties guy who is an acquaintance/friendly but not close friends and I’ve been overthinking what to do! [more inside]
posted by cruel summer at 7:16 AM PST - 9 comments

What's the best way to sell collectible English lang books from the EU?

Specifically, Germany. I have a few autographed books to sell, but I imagine listing on German sites is not the best tactic for a good profit. The only book-specific site I'm familiar with is AbeBooks, but I don't love their ties to Amazon. Are there avenues better than listing on US-based eBay, AbeBooks, etc? NB I am a US citizen and have residency there and in Germany, in case of any seller location rules I should be covered!
posted by PaulaSchultz at 2:52 AM PST - 2 comments

September 28

not so much grief as a moral injury

How do you hold the moral injury/grief of a sibling not acknowledging what you went through was abuse? Dead father, big blowup, I-also-made-mistakes edition. [more inside]
posted by Sock Meets Body at 10:08 PM PST - 16 comments

Should I move in with my dad and break up with my boyfriend, or no?

I am 31F and at a cross roads. I am living alone check to check and dating a man for 2.5 years. I am 20k in debt and he is 54k in debt. We were going to move in together in November when my lease is up, but I’ve woken up a bit and think I maybe should move in with my dad instead. I’m not sure if our financial situations will work together or lifestyle. [more inside]
posted by anon1129 at 4:03 PM PST - 74 comments

I had covid, but the test still comes up positive. Can I go out?

I had covid and was only mildly sick for a few days. Now I feel completely back to normal, but the rapid antigen tests are still showing as positive. Can I leave my apartment and see others? One of my close friends is immunocompromised. Should I avoid hanging out with her? Would simply wearing a mask everywhere be the solution?
posted by figaro at 3:30 PM PST - 17 comments

Restaurants in Istanbul

Looking for good restos in Istanbul! I'll be there for a couple of weeks, so lots of opportunity to try things. [more inside]
posted by vasi at 3:19 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me find a film

I saw a film at a cinema in the Late 70s / early 80s in the UK that I'd like to find. It was post apocalyptic and followed the working day of 2 men. Their job was to build an engine. The next day they stripped it down. Rinse and repeat, including the tiniest of detail, like dropping a nut into the engine. In place of the girlie calendars on the walls of the garage, it was a woman's, or women's, job to stand motionless assuming the same poses. It may have been black and white.
posted by hmca at 2:54 PM PST - 5 comments

Where to stay in Northern Italy and Southern France?

We have 10 days to get from Rome to Barcelona this November. We're travelling by Eurail pass. We would like to stay in some nice, offbeat towns in Northern Italy and Southern France, not the more well-known, over-touristed spots. [more inside]
posted by signal at 2:03 PM PST - 10 comments

Quiet hair dryer?

Recommend a QUIET hair dryer? That's it, that's the whole question.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 12:10 PM PST - 5 comments

Exciting sci-fi novels

I used to have a friend who read all the current sci-fi and then excitedly recommended the ones I might like. I miss that! Can you recommend new sci fi novels (published in the last two years or so) you are excited about? Books I have enjoyed below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 7:14 AM PST - 32 comments

Understanding why psychologists say "Don't Share you own Story"

Stories have an amazing power to connect and empathise with people. However, psychologists often recommend NOT to sharing your own story when empathising with people. [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 5:23 AM PST - 42 comments

Calphalon vs All-Clad vs Cuisinart

Cooks: Is there a significant difference in quality between Calphalon, All-Clad, and Cuisinart for a stock pot and a large saute pan? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 4:14 AM PST - 21 comments

September 27

Adopting out a cat in Seattle

So, a friend of a friend died and I've ended up in charge of fostering out a primo cat. Trouble is, while I've fostered cats before, I've never had to be in charge of finding and evaluating new homes. Advice on this for the Seattle area? [more inside]
posted by foxfirefey at 7:23 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I become better at noticing what's going on around me?

I often miss things around me that I would otherwise have reacted to or let someone else know. This causes a great deal of frustration to my partner, who feels I should be more aware, and that that would make me more dependable, and life less stressful. This can be leaving an illuminated iPad in the front seat of a parked car, not considering if the area was safe or risky, more trivial things like not noticing a door isn't locked, or just asking them about things I would have known if had I noticed. Does anybody have good ideas or experiences of improving their ongoing awareness of their surroundings, and how to achieve that?
posted by LngGrnd at 7:12 PM PST - 24 comments

Spectrum internet back after the hurricane except for ONE device

I have an apartment on the Gulf Coast of Florida with Spectrum internet service. (My neighbors and I are thankfully okay.) The power to the building is back now, and so is the Spectrum internet..except for ONE device, a MacBook Pro. More details inside, including why "reset your router/modem" isn't an option. [more inside]
posted by Seeking Direction at 6:12 PM PST - 9 comments

Put 'em on, put 'em on, put 'em on me

My makeout playlist needs a refresh. [more inside]
posted by Sauce Trough at 4:14 PM PST - 29 comments

Medicare Medigap question on pricing

There are a 10 different Medigap plans for traditional Medicare. Once a plan is selected, you are given a choice of carriers. The premiums are different for each carrier. I thought the benefits were exactly the same. Why are they different? What am I missing? [more inside]
posted by AMyNameIs at 4:06 PM PST - 8 comments

Name this attitude / worldview

“I suffered, so you should suffer too.” Does this attitude or sentiment have a name? [more inside]
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 3:47 PM PST - 16 comments

Undersink water filter: separate tap or no?

I'm in the final stages of a kitchen remodel and it's time to make some sink-based decisions. Previously, I used an undersink water filter from 3M (Filtrete) that hooked up to the cold water coming out of my main faucet. Unfortunately, Filtrete seems not to be made anymore so I'm looking at other options. But some of them require a separate smaller faucet. I think there are pros and cons to the separate small tap so am looking for personal experiences/opinions to help me decide! My known pros/cons within. [more inside]
posted by pupstocks at 2:37 PM PST - 6 comments

Two bad carpet stains

I need help. My beige, lowish-quality carpet is badly stained in two places. [more inside]
posted by ubiquity at 10:16 AM PST - 17 comments

Stories about happy, chaotic families

In need of comfort. I enjoy reading about chaotic families who love each other really. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 9:52 AM PST - 45 comments

My hotspot data link on my laptop keeps migrating to my home router.

I have a wireless data plan from AIS [Thailand] with abundant and fast 5G data. I prefer to hotspot my laptop to this data link. But when I am in my apartment with another wireless link, the hotspot AIS data link without my bidding migrates to this apartment link which is much slower. How can I stop this?
posted by lometogo at 9:21 AM PST - 5 comments

What would you do in Edinburgh and Glasgow?

My partner and I will be in Edinburgh and Glasgow in late October and I'm looking for recommendations for things to do, see, eat, drink. [more inside]
posted by misskaz at 8:26 AM PST - 21 comments

Tips for cleaning the oven

These days, I often cook big batches of skin-on chicken legs for soup stock. But this coats the oven with grease meaning that I have to clean it more often than I want. Tips? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 8:00 AM PST - 15 comments

Window sized Programmable led sign

I want to place a large (window-sized) led sign near a high traffic area. I want it to be programmable with large amounts of text or cycling specific short messages and images. How? [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon at 7:31 AM PST - 7 comments

September 26

Os Trigonum? I hardly know him.

Have you been diagnosed with an ‘os trigonom’ (an accessory bone that sits in the back of the ankle near the heel bone)? If yes, I’d love to hear more, especially if it’s been identified as the cause of other problems in the foot or ankle. Bonus points if you’re _not_ a ballet dancer or athlete, but I will take whatever I can get. [more inside]
posted by jerome powell buys his sweatbands in bulk only at 10:21 PM PST - 3 comments

Help for an OS updating ignoramus

I really need to update the OS for my iMac. I’ve been putting it off for a long time and it’s still on Big Sur. Unfortunately, I have a weird setup that’s made me too afraid to do it for a long time. [more inside]
posted by kitten kaboodle at 10:07 PM PST - 4 comments

Cooking shortcuts

What are good cooking shortcuts? On the other hand, when is good to do things the long way, or hard way? Are some shortcuts best reserved for certain circumstances? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 9:26 PM PST - 42 comments

Fill my ears with business stories!!

Any recommendations for podcasts like Acquired or BBC's Good Bad Billionaire?
posted by LazyKween22 at 7:13 PM PST - 1 comment

Reunion-ize Me: Simple Event Ticket System for USA High School Reunion

I've been tasked with handling event ticketing for a milestone, in-person High School Reunion in the USA. What's the best solution that's not super expensive? [more inside]
posted by WedgedPiano at 6:34 PM PST - 5 comments

I want to help register new voters in Pittsburgh; who can I contact?

I am from out-of-state, but I am free to go there to help register new voters.
posted by ebesan at 3:06 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for covers of 80s synth-pop done in totally different genres!

I do a weekly radio show that is pretty specific in genre, i.e. “stuff with synths and/or drum machines from the 60s to today”. (This would include Tangerine Dream, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, The Orb, Daft Punk, Boards of Canada, Hot Chip, Cat Temper… but not necessarily all 70s/80s new wave due to my personal rule of “must have synths”.) [more inside]
posted by chr1sb0y at 2:16 PM PST - 49 comments

Fictional Country Map Creator?

Is there an online map creation tool that can create a new country based on the real world? I am looking for at least a political map if not other aspects (climate, geography, etc.) [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 1:59 PM PST - 2 comments

Which states allow duplicate license plates?

I recently learned that in at least two states -- Rhode Island and Kansas -- the string of numbers & letters printed on the license plates are not unique. It's actually the combination of plate number and specialty plate type (e.g.: the ones with logos from local colleges or sports teams or firefighters or whatever) that is the unique identifier. In other words, two people with different specialty plate types could share the same license plate numbers. What other states also do (or did) this? And for bonus points: Why did any state think this was a good idea? [more inside]
posted by mhum at 1:28 PM PST - 4 comments

Calling 911 on landline with no service

I think it used to be that you could call 911 on a landline phone with no phone service, is this still the case? Or other safety measures for aging parents if they lose cell service/power, for example, in a hurricane? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 12:29 PM PST - 22 comments

how to have your phone stolen: the aftermath

My Iphone was stolen. 700 euros later I have a new one- same number, same apple ID, everything. But I can't get into Gmail and other accounts requiring two factor authentication on my new phone- the old phone is still getting the notifications. Surely people lose their phones/they are stolen all the time, is there an easier way to navigate this? [more inside]
posted by genmonster at 12:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Building a monster

Someone is offering me a number of Nvidia Quadro k420 graphic cards (ten year old tech). I also have a couple of older desktop towers. Can I stack them somehow into a monster CAD machine or something? If so, how so? Would there be any point throwing it in a somewhat newer, but minimum 5 years old computer that doesn't otherwise have a dedicated graphic card?
posted by J.R. Hartley at 10:47 AM PST - 5 comments

Tour Aotearoa for Non-Planners

A friend and I are planning to bikepack the Tour Aotearoa in January-February 2025. We are in general non-planners and find we are in need of help resolving a few Logistical challenges that we see coming up be fore and during the Tour. Hope some MeFis in NZ can help us. [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 8:26 AM PST - 7 comments

Why would a doctor not treat Candida parapsilosis in a M91?

Likely it’s to do with recent catheterization (earlier this year) and/or frequent antibiotics for UTIs. This turned up in a urine culture and they said it’s not worth treating. But I see papers saying it could be fatal, cause sepsis and cardiological complications etc? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:08 AM PST - 6 comments

Small vertical garden flagpole?

Is there such a thing as a small vertical flagpole for a garden flag? Here's the situation: I was thinking I'd like to buy a mini flag for my hometown. I don't see any mini flags on poles for sale with that design. But a number of garden flags are available. So then I thought...is it possible to get a pole for a garden flag? But all I'm finding are horizontal garden flag stands. Does a vertical garden flag–size flagpole exist? [more inside]
posted by limeonaire at 5:58 AM PST - 6 comments

tell me what you find when you read my mind

I feel a bit ridiculous but here goes. When I ask my romantic partners to do something that would make me feel cared for, the act of me asking for it negates any special feelings from them doing it. It then doesn't feel like they're doing it because they care, they're doing it because I asked them to. But they're obviously doing it because they care and want me to be happy. How do I solve this in my brain? (examples inside) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:09 AM PST - 32 comments

Help Me Manage My Brother Who May Be Trying To Keep My Inheritance

Our father passed away last summer and left his estate to be divided 50:50 between my brother and myself (we are both executors), which comprises: a ~$500K house (which my brother lives in), ~$200K of investments, and a ~$12K car (which my brother has ownership of). Since it's been over a year, I started to gently nudge my brother about what will happen with the house, and after a somewhat positive initial response, he's - rather predictably - gone dark: please help me handle this in the best way, for both of us. I've included a list of details and complexities below. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:09 AM PST - 21 comments

How do I get doctors to stop accusing me of lying?

On the few occasions I manage to force myself to see them, doctors accuse me of lying about my sexual history. Why does this happen, and how do I stop it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:09 AM PST - 27 comments

Ethical hacking course for 13 year old

I'd like to gift a young person an ethical hacking or cybersecurity course (not cyber safety). Must be online. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by reader at 5:05 AM PST - 3 comments

Spooky short stories

Help me find the best spooky autumn-themed short stories that are short enough to be read aloud in one sitting. [more inside]
posted by luminary at 12:30 AM PST - 9 comments

September 25

Help me remember my friend

Is there any way to search my old messages for photos between me and another person? Mostly RCS (android to android for the past few years). Probably SMS too if you go back enough. [more inside]
posted by downtohisturtles at 11:51 PM PST - 1 comment

The "Best" Coursera Certificate Program?

What certificate program (non-coding) did you take through Coursera that blew you away? Bonus points for one with a connection to online pedagogy, online learning tools, virtual facilitation techniques, or social health. [more inside]
posted by hworth at 11:04 PM PST - 4 comments

Canadian individual invoicing for a sale to an EU museum…VAT questions.

I'm a (Ontario) Canadian who took on a freelance assignment (outside my day job) to build and deliver a display for a German state museum. I have to provide an invoice. The online Google hits say I must charge VAT but those hits are just selling consultation services. Can you broadly explain my responsibilities? Who do I remit the collected tax to? Do I need to register somewhere? [more inside]
posted by brachiopod at 8:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Wine tours from Rome or Florence

I'm going on a trip to Italy (Rome and Florence) with my father to celebrate his 80th birthday this fall. I'd love to book a tour that takes us to some of the wineries that are easily accessible in either Lazio or Tuscany. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 5:46 PM PST - 2 comments

shape me up for the big time baby!

I am fronting an eighties cover band in a couple of weekends and have the basics of an outfit down but I think it could be blinged more with jewelry and accessories. Alas I know nothing of accessorization so I am turning to you green folks. What do you suggest? [more inside]
posted by Sauce Trough at 4:37 PM PST - 19 comments

Any states that require licensing of non-therapist social workers?

Are there any states in which all social workers are required to be licensed, not just therapist social workers? In California, most social workers do not have to be licensed because they are not trained as therapists, and they have no master's degrees. This creates tremendous potential for abuse of power by unlicensed social workers, with no oversight, unlike doctors, lawyers, nurses, and other persons who have power over poor, disabled and elderly persons. If something goes wrong in those and other licensed professions, the family has recourse to discipline by the state authority. I'm looking for a state that has full licensing for social workers so that I can get help to advocate for such a system in California, where I have been shocked by the abuses of unlicensed social workers for the last 15 years. [more inside]
posted by KayQuestions at 3:56 PM PST - 8 comments

Does anyone recognize this children's book?

A teacher described it to me, but neither of us have been able to identify it -- a child explores a spooky house, room by room, and on every page, there is a cat somewhere. As the child goes into the final room, it turns out the spooky thing was a mouse! Appreciate your help as we prepare our classrooms for Halloween.
posted by vacuumsealed at 12:21 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I replicate Apple’s Time Capsule?

I miss having a way to update my Time Machine backup wirelessly and automatically when my Mac laptop is on my home network. Apple no longer makes the Time Capsule, but that’s essentially the functionality I want. How do I do that with current tech while keeping cost low and prioritizing reliability and stability over speed? [more inside]
posted by hapticactionnetwork at 12:07 PM PST - 13 comments

Best pants for someone with short legs and wide hips

I've been trying to buy pants - especially slacks/suit pants - and I've found that even in petite sizes, everything is way too tight in the waist and hips and way too loose everywhere else. Anyone else have this issue and found pants that work for you, or do I just need to go to a tailor? [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 11:03 AM PST - 9 comments

Help finding a specific type of bed frame

I'm looking for a budget- friendly platform bed without slats (just a solid board for the mattress), if this exists? [more inside]
posted by bearette at 9:54 AM PST - 10 comments

all about the dollars

I have been perusing a few deferred income annuity sites recently. I am looking at various annuitization payouts. But I seem to find sites that only work one way. [more inside]
posted by jtexman1 at 9:32 AM PST - 6 comments

How to Get a Crosswalk in Front of My School

Crossing the road in front of my kid’s school is a nightmare. I think there should be a crosswalk and crossing guard. What do I need to know to make my pitch? [more inside]
posted by Prunesquallor at 9:29 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me figure out bloating and beer

I never used to drink beer because I found it so filling and bloating, but I’ve recently discovered that I can enjoy a couple Coronas without any issues. I’d like to figure out some other options, but this would require understanding why I get bloated in the first place… [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 AM PST - 13 comments

So many ways to gussy up a block of cream cheese

Can you help me find the 100 ways to top a block of cream cheese? [more inside]
posted by donut_princess at 6:06 AM PST - 23 comments

A "USA" thank you gift for a kick ass French Admin?

A colleague's administrative assistant really went above and beyond to organize a global meeting schedule for me for an upcoming many days working in France. I'd like to bring her a gift. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 4:38 AM PST - 26 comments

September 24

Best-selling novels by year for the past century: but for the UK

I want a list of the best selling novel(s) by year since the beginning of the 20th century or from the last 100 year. BUT I want data from the UK, not from the US. This is turning out to be hard to find. [more inside]
posted by EllaEm at 9:02 PM PST - 5 comments

How to determine if a book ordered from Amazon is print on demand?

Every once in a while I'll order an "older" book from Amazon.ca thinking it's a legit book and it turns out to be a low-quality "print on demand" book with a horrible quality cover, sketchy looking interior pages (photocopied?), printed on a type of cover paper I can't stand touching vs how nice an actual book cover can feel). On the back it will say "Manufactured by Amazon.ca" My problem is, I can never TELL from the description of the books which ones they'll be!! [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 6:03 PM PST - 17 comments

Best way to learn Python online (free or cheap)?

I am looking to learn Python! What are the best (ideally free or cheap) online resources for this? My schedule is not very flexible but I do best with structure and hands-on learning so self-paced but easy to access courses with lots of exercises and chances to try things would be much appreciated. [more inside]
posted by an octopus IRL at 4:54 PM PST - 16 comments

Power Outage 5 1/2 hours - Can I eat it question 1,000,000

I did check other asks on this topic, but I could swear that it used to be longer than 4 hours. Is this AI garbage or is this the new recommendation? [more inside]
posted by Gyre,Gimble,Wabe, Esq. at 3:24 PM PST - 18 comments

Internet 4 dummies

Hello I am signing up for internet for the first time in a long time. Do I buy a wifi router or use the rental version from my carrier? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 1:50 PM PST - 10 comments

Speak to me of your fave dry facial scrubby scrubs.

Looking for alternatives to my Olay 2 in 1 Daily Facial cloths for cleaning and exfoliating my face. These are dry and get soapy and scrubby with water. My supply lasted for years and served me well. Now that I'm out, what other dry scrubby soapy wipes should I consider? [more inside]
posted by zippy at 12:37 PM PST - 0 comments

Sister Caribbean/Central American beach all-inclusive

Looking for recommendations for affordable all-inclusive, adults only beach resort for a sister trip. [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 10:45 AM PST - 3 comments

Give me your best no-pain face wax strips

I have been a brand loyalist for 20 years and my preferred company (Veet) has apparently just discontinued their face strip line. What do you use and why? [more inside]
posted by corb at 10:34 AM PST - 7 comments

Gift for eight years- bronze or pottery?

Where online can I buy a great piece of pottery or garden statue/sculpture from an artist? For an anniversary gift! [more inside]
posted by inevitability at 7:49 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me find this book!

I read this book several years ago and it was an e-book. Nonfiction. It was an account of a man and his wife traveling by freighter. Vaguely recalled details inside! [more inside]
posted by Kangaroo at 6:39 AM PST - 3 comments

Where in Stockholm should I eat Kalix löjrom?

While in Stockholm I'd like to try Kalix löjrom (vendace roe from Bothnian Bay), since it seems like the ideal time of year for it. I'd prefer this to be at a restaurant. I could buy a small jar or tin, but wouldn't have the means to prepare it properly at a hotel and it sounds like it needs to be kept frozen if I want to bring it back home (not going to be possible). So far all I've heard is that it's served at 'nicer restaurants'. Does anyone have specific recommendations?
posted by theory at 1:11 AM PST - 3 comments

September 23

Pit Trap Hunting Debunked?

I vaguely recall reading recently that the idea of early humans hunting mammoths by driving them into pits might be outdated or inaccurate. Something about more efficient hunting strategies maybe? If this rings a bell, please share any articles or information you have! My Google-fu is failing me.
posted by korej at 11:30 PM PST - 3 comments

Phonetic Cantonese classics?

I'm looking to brush up on my Cantonese and am looking for books that have Chinese characters (classical or traditional) along with some kind of phonetic romanization system, like Yale or Jyutping. I feel like there should be some kind of children's version of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms with a pronunciation guide but I haven't been able to find it. [more inside]
posted by crossswords at 8:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Does this car-buying strategy make sense?

Mr. Blah and I are both in the market for new cars. We tend to drive ours for a long time—our current cars each are over 13yo & have 160k+ miles. So, I think it makes sense for us to look for 2024 models that are going at a discount as the 2025 models arrive. We won't care that they'll immediately lose a bit more value than the usual drive-off-the-lot loss. Am I correct, or should I be thinking about this differently? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:40 PM PST - 14 comments

Vinyl Press and Stick Tiles? Yea or Nay?

After replacing our stove, we have a backsplash issue. I can figure out something using paint and wood to match our existing situation, but I'm wondering about press and stick vinyl "tiles". [more inside]
posted by mollweide at 6:26 PM PST - 6 comments

How are online stores shipping for so cheap?

How do online stores ship things so cheaply? I was going to send a kitchen aide mixer to my sister, but it looks like it will be well over $100 dollars to ship it. I bought it online for like $250 and free shipping. It's even more extreme for things like furniture, which are more expensive to ship than they cost. Even small boxes can cost as much to ship as I paid for the product + free shipping. [more inside]
posted by hermanubis at 5:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Hard Drive failing

My WD Black portable HDD is making some beeping noises, which I understand is a sign that it is about to fail. (It's not actually beeping, but making a noise that sounds like beeping.) It is still working fine. It is still in the 3 yr warranty period, but it has not actually failed yet, so I don't think I can send it in. What should I do?
posted by roaring beast at 5:03 PM PST - 10 comments

ISO Books/Podcasts About Bad Leadership in Companies

Can you point me towards books or podcast episodes about bad leadership or problematic corporate culture? Preferably things that are compelling stories/easily digestible, but really I just want to learn about businesses or companies that had bad culture or leadership and what happened to them. Thanks in advance! [more inside]
posted by carlypennylane at 4:11 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me choose a colour scheme for a chess set.

I want to make a glass chess set. If these are the colour choices for the pawns, what black and white ones would you pair together? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 3:30 PM PST - 17 comments

Selling Art Prints - mounts and barrier boards?

I've got some prints of my original art work that I'm selling at markets etc. Looking for advice on presentation. [more inside]
posted by an opinicus at 2:42 PM PST - 2 comments

Undeveloped land value: what can you tell me about it?

I am listed as the recipient, on a relative’s will, of two undeveloped plots of land in LA County. I’m not sure whether accepting this inheritance will be more trouble than it’s worth—both in terms of admin and because I’d have to deal with an unpleasant family member to get everything sorted. Do you know anything about this? [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 1:24 PM PST - 17 comments

e-trike me!

I'm thinking about getting an e-trike. This was last explored quite a few years ago so seems worth an update. Local places are rather limited in what they carry so I may end up buying something I haven't test-ridden. I'm looking for a trike with some cargo capability but not a full on cargo box. Thus far lead contenders are the Lectric eBikes Electric XP Trike or the IZIP Tristar Plus Electric Trike. The latter is about $1000 more than the former and maybe there's a better option still? [more inside]
posted by leslies at 1:15 PM PST - 7 comments

Charged for medical visit at yearly physical?

I went for my insurance-covered yearly physical, and was charged for a medical visit as well. I am familiar with the stipulations that you can't talk about any health issues at your physical, but I answered only questions asked by the doctor and there were no changes to existing medications or treatments. Is being charged for providing 'no change' status on existing conditions expected and I mis-understood the current rules? Or should the doctor have documented things differently? [more inside]
posted by lemonade at 12:09 PM PST - 13 comments

Salt substitute that tastes like salt when seasoning

The title says it all, what do you suggest? I've gotten various suggestions ranging from lower sodium salts to salt substitutes, but am looking for recommendations from the internet too before I start buying things. To be clear, I'm just looking for something to replace salt when sprinkling on food I'm about to eat, that's it.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:06 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I ask a store to pay for the serious injury I got there?

This weekend while entering a grocery store I walked past a mangled, low-lying piece of metal embedded in the parking lot where someone had hit a stop sign. The stop sign had been removed but 2 inches of the stump was still there. I cut my foot on it very badly and had to go to the emergency room to get a LOT of stitches. Since then, several people have told me that I should get the grocery store (a major national chain) to cover the emergency costs but no one can tell me how to do that. [more inside]
posted by a hat out of hell at 10:59 AM PST - 17 comments

Goblin cats verses kitchen counters

I recently adopted a second adult cat. After several years of fostering many cats this one is the most goblin-y I've ever seen when it comes to kitchen counters. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 10:52 AM PST - 9 comments

What is hypnotic suggestive power called?

I have a character I'm developing who has a lot of dark power psychically. But in what must at least partially be a supernatural way, she can invite you to read a book she gives you and you'll see your own life-story written on the pages. What term, occultic or otherwise, might this "power" be called?
posted by noelpratt2nd at 10:50 AM PST - 7 comments

The Three Hares - A Curiosity Worth Regarding

I have been trying to find a copy of this beautiful book ( https://www.chrischapmanphotography.co.uk/hares/page8.htm ) for years, on and off, and I'm at my wits end. [more inside]
posted by dragondollar at 8:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Skincare in glass

I love using hydrating mists and nice smelling creams on my face, but would prefer them to be packaged in glass and a somewhat lower price point than Osea. Whether packaging is in plastic or glass is often hard to find out ... if anyone has any favorites in glass, let me know!
posted by cindywho at 8:18 AM PST - 15 comments

Micro-gigs

Increasingly I’m seeing options to perform small tasks for small amounts of money, well under a dollar, such as answering survey questions or even just what you’d call icebreakers. I would like a money, but I’m sure this is for training AI in some way, and I won’t if I can avoid it. Can you explain what it does?
posted by Countess Elena at 7:21 AM PST - 7 comments

Tips and gifts for partner who is working overnight shifts?

My boyfriend (who lives with me) recently changed careers to respiratory therapy and will be working three 12-hour overnight shifts a week. I'd like to gift him a few things to help with this transition but neither of us really know what to expect. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 7:09 AM PST - 7 comments

How to be better at remembering birthdays

I have friends' and family's birthdays in my Google Calendar, but I ALWAYS forget to wish people happy birthday! How can I become better at remembering people's birthdays? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 6:27 AM PST - 18 comments

September 22

YouTube videos about cutting down refined sugars

Looking for some good YouTube videos to send to my husband about why we need to cut down consumption of refined sugars for our health and why he needs to always read labels for nutrition and ingredients info because added sugar is hidden in almost everything. [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 10:15 PM PST - 55 comments

La Tour Brewery Taipei szechuan beer sauce?

This is very much a ridiculous long shot, but when I was last in Taipei I went to La Tour and they had an excellent "szechuan beer sauce" for their fried chicken. The waiter did not know the recipe, but I want to recreate it. [more inside]
posted by aramaic at 10:03 PM PST - 8 comments

Why did my windshield wiper fly off on the highway?

I'm driving down the highway through heavy rain. I pull off the highway to get gas, and as I pull into the gas station I realize that my (passenger-side) windshield wiper is screeching at me. The wiper blade has detached itself from the wiper and the J-hook is digging into the windshield. The wiper blade is still on the car, at the place where the windshield meets the hood. I reattach and go on with my journey. But this is merely where my troubles began. [more inside]
posted by Jeanne at 7:05 PM PST - 6 comments

What’s nice in Colonia Santa Fe, CDMX?

I’m going to Mexico City for work. Because it’s for work, I’m staying in Santa Fe, which I understand is pretty far from places in CDMX that people like to visit and maybe not that interesting in itself. [more inside]
posted by vunder at 6:21 PM PST - 3 comments

Custom dress shirts online

What is your experience buying custom dress shirts online from sites such as Indochino, Proper Cloth and Hockerty? Is it worth the price? Do they fit well?
posted by roaring beast at 5:40 PM PST - 11 comments

Easiest way to convert a wireless Internet signal into a wired one

I need a device (wireless bridge? Ethernet bridge? I dunno) that converts a WiFi signal into a wired one. I would like it to be easy to set up. [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 3:36 PM PST - 6 comments

Please give me the gift of how to gift a car.

I want to gift a car to my adult daughter. Too much information has me confused. [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 2:57 PM PST - 5 comments

Books like "An Immense World" by Ed Yong?

What is the book equivalent to "An Immense World" but for plants? Space? Mushrooms? Deserts? Microbes? Anything else? [more inside]
posted by dede at 2:52 PM PST - 18 comments

How are bifocals/progressive lenses for desktop computer use?

I have strong myopia (near-sightedness), but now that I'm close to 50 it's also harder to read or see close-up, hence considering glasses with bifocal or progressive lenses. But I spend 8+ hours a day at a desktop computer. Are either bifocals or progressives good for me? [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 1:19 PM PST - 37 comments

First-Time Chicago Trip in December?

I'm thinking of taking my two young-adult sons to Chicago the first week of December. Am I a fool? [more inside]
posted by Cloudberry Sky at 12:37 PM PST - 18 comments

Montreal - Places to Stay?

My SO and I are planning to take a short trip to montreal around October 31 (Halloween). Well be seeing a concert at the Bell Centre. Any recommendations for places to stay, and other things to do? <
posted by Miko at 11:48 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me solve my digital piano mystery

Digital piano folks and electricians - I'm hoping there's someone here who can help me diagnose an intermittent issue with my Roland FP-30x keyboard. [more inside]
posted by snowymorninblues at 11:12 AM PST - 2 comments

Rollerskating lessons start tomorrow, any advice?

I'm 35 and excited and terrified to start beginner weekly roller skating lessons from tomorrow for 6 weeks. I've got my skates, kneepads, elbow pads, wrist guards and helmet. [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 11:04 AM PST - 9 comments

Teenage Automobile

My daughter is turning sixteen. We will be getting her a vehicle. What advice do you have on the type of vehicle we get and how we should finance it?. Safety is our number one priority. Her commute to high school and cross country practice is on high speed roads with plenty of accidents. Prices are through the roof on both new and used cars. Is buying or leasing better? Any negotiation tips? Curious how others have navigated this part of their teenagers lives and any pro tips for keeping parental worry under control. This whole thing is nerve racking.
posted by jasondigitized at 9:29 AM PST - 21 comments

Coping with high humidity weather

I’m really done with the 80% humidity we’ve had locally and will continue to have for at least a week. Indoors I have a dehumidifier that I have to empty every 2-3 hours, fine fine. Outdoors it’s just awful. [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:58 AM PST - 16 comments

Can I mass-unfollow people on Insta and Twitter?

I need to drastically cut my social media use, so I'd like to unfollow everyone who doesn't follow me back on Instagram and Twitter. Is there a fast way to do this? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:46 AM PST - 5 comments

September 21

Identifying a song whose lyrics may not be on the internet

I've got a song I can't identify despite knowing a full verse of the lyrics and the chorus. I could sing it to you but I can't google down the performer or find a recording. The singer is a woman playing a ukulele, otherwise unaccompanied. Dates to ~2000, indie vibe. Lyrics inside. [more inside]
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 10:05 PM PST - 8 comments

No person is an island

Kind of vague question requesting reading about the experience and meaning of being trans through history and in different cultures. [more inside]
posted by congen at 9:53 PM PST - 8 comments

90s TV, audience dipping their fingers into a jar of peanut butter

Forgot which show this was, but back in the 90s, there was a show (maybe America's Funniest Home Videos?) with a segment and a song about peanut butter, then the camera pans to the audience and they are passing around a jar of peanut butter, each person digs their finger into the jar and then passes the jar to the next person. It was kind of gross and unhygienic. How can I find a clip of this?
posted by querty at 7:17 PM PST - 1 comment

Work in wildlife conservation (the office kind) -- what is it like?

I'm considering taking a job at a wildlife/nature conservation nonprofit, but I have not worked in this sector/industry before. The job is a management role in the office, so not fieldwork/research/fieldwork. Does anyone have any experience working in this sector (in any role) and could share their experiences? [more inside]
posted by dede at 6:26 PM PST - 3 comments

Calling all macOS genii: I need rid of Sequoia's window tiling

macOS Sequoia has implemented native window tiling. It's broken a fundamental muscle memory for me and I need to remove it completely. But it doesn't want to go. [more inside]
posted by meirspiral at 3:19 PM PST - 4 comments

Mouse side buttons not working in Chrome

My mouse's side buttons no longer work in Chrome. (But will work everywhere else) [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 3:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for psychological Horror films featuring a monster

I'm looking for smart, emotional horror film recommendations that have the following two elements: 1. A supernatural non-human-bodied monster that isn't an alien or a ghost, and doesn't which possess/inhabit people -- and 2. is a metaphor for something, the way Babadook was a metaphor for grief. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 3:05 PM PST - 21 comments

UX/UI Boot Camp for a 40-something?

Are boot camps still a viable option for adults seeking to change careers, and how welcoming is the field of UX for someone in that situation? [more inside]
posted by ducky l'orange at 2:42 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I deal with partner's expectations of me noticing things I miss?

It's mostly things that is initiated by her, like she'll do something that requires followup, and then when I don't notice, she blames me for not noticing that she created something that required action. Seems both unavoidable to happen, and unreasonable to let someone else be responsible for consequences of her actions?
posted by LngGrnd at 12:54 PM PST - 30 comments

Dealing with doomers

In the past few years, several people in my community have taken a pretty hard turn into leftist doomerism. Looking for advice on dealing with them (and with doomerism in general) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:39 PM PST - 16 comments

Recent-ish song with a predominant woodblock sound

What is this song? Probably within the last 5-10 years. Predominant woodblock sound, so sort of on an offbeat? It is being used as bumper music on a radio station, And I can't remember what it is. Here comes the cringe. Bum-bum bum, bum-bum blum (woodblock), bum bum bum bum( woodblock) de blum de blum (woodblock)
posted by Windopaene at 11:25 AM PST - 14 comments

boat, landing

wondering about responsibilities of owning property ❄️- [more inside]
posted by HearHere at 8:25 AM PST - 21 comments

🗣️🎙️Got a question for MetaFilter's AMA podcast?🗣️🎙️am

As part of the events for this year's fundraising we'll have an Ask the Mods Anything Podcast. Come check out the post with the deets on how to submit your questions!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:14 AM PST - 0 comments

Vegetarian brunch dishes

Need ideas for simple vegetarian sides-- salads, canapés, something store-bought that you love? for tomorrow's brunch. [more inside]
posted by shocks connery at 7:29 AM PST - 13 comments

Film reccs please ? Primarily 'Delightfully Odd'.

I'm looking for "Delightfully Odd" vibes. Please no: - Horror - Gore - Dystopian - 'Cringe' Comedy (The Office or Parks & Rec where characters being laughed AT / Pathetic is the main joke) - Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli (I've seen most of them) - Any Matt Groening or Dan Harmon or Zack Synder productions - Any Wes Anderson or Taika Waititi (I've seen most of their work) - Centaurworld / Tucca a& Berti / Bojack Horseman or similar [more inside]
posted by Faintdreams at 5:05 AM PST - 96 comments

Sleep come free me!

I'll be arriving at JFK at about 8AM after an absolutely HEINOUS 48 hours of air travel, but my hotel in Manhattan (W. 42nd St) doesn't allow check in until 1PM. Anybody have suggestions for someplace I can go lay down and sleep for a few hours?
posted by richmondparker at 2:41 AM PST - 16 comments

Halp me buy a new laptop that doesn't stink

I want this laptop primarily for word processing and hopefully for video editing (which would be new to me). I need to spend under $1000, diamond hard limit, and would prefer to spend less. [more inside]
posted by Flock of Cynthiabirds at 1:20 AM PST - 14 comments

September 20

Buying iris bulbs?

A friend asked for Iris bulbs in lieu of gifts. Where do I go to order good quality bulbs? Any other tips on how to get something that will be special for this gardener?
posted by metahawk at 11:23 PM PST - 8 comments

Some historical context on the reception of The Village?

I recently watched Shyamalan's Trap and had some big thoughts about how weird it was, and the interesting way it was garbage and showcased his worst traits as a creator. To make sure I wasn't crazy, I re-watched The Village, which had a mixed critical reception but in my mind was a well crafted and very interesting, engaging story told well. The rewatch did not change my mind. [more inside]
posted by Number Used Once at 10:24 PM PST - 11 comments

Why doesn't marijuana work for me?

Now that my state has legalized marijuana, I've tried it a few times some months apart. I occasionally experience lower back pain in the evenings (probably related to stress from my job), and I thought the marijuana might help me relax and ease my back pain. Unfortunately, marijuana doesn't seem to work for me, and it actually makes me feel worse. Am I some kind of non-responder, or am I doing something wrong? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:12 PM PST - 17 comments

Good spots to eat in Vancouver BC?

What are your recommended places to eat in Vancouver BC? Spots for breakfast to lunch to dinner. Asian and Pacific Northwest cuisines are enjoyed, especially seafood, but I am not picky. Relatively fancy for dinner options would be great. Thanks for your recommendations.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 8:33 PM PST - 11 comments

Healing a leg ulcer / venous ulcer

My mother is struggling with an ulcer on her ankle which seems to be getting worse. Is there any other treatment she could request, or anything she can do herself to help it heal? [more inside]
posted by paduasoy at 7:32 PM PST - 11 comments

This product does not meet California air cleaner regulations

I want an air cleaner. Amazon won't let me buy it. California Air Resources Board (CARB) says it's OK. [more inside]
posted by soylent00FF00 at 5:09 PM PST - 6 comments

What's up with all the unlicensed queer sex therapists?

I've been looking on Psychologytoday for a new therapist to help with trans/sex issues and I see that a lot of the listed practicioners are unlicensed. [more inside]
posted by Summers at 2:50 PM PST - 11 comments

Are there better 3-ring binders out there?

Most 3-ring binders are made roughly the same way, and they all therefore share the same problems. Are there better ones out there, particularly for thinner ones? See below for more details. [more inside]
posted by Mechitar at 2:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Phone Cords for the snowflake

Why are all the charging cords 3 feet long? [more inside]
posted by soelo at 12:51 PM PST - 14 comments

Self-worth starting to get tied to job..

How do I untie it? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 12:38 PM PST - 10 comments

File naming conventions for various video cameras?

I am starting a project which involves searching for videos on the net titled only with the default name of the video file. For examples, a video on YT or wherever titled, "DSC_0013"; or "IMG2417"; or "DJI_8034". I haven't found a comprehensive source—only piecemeal lists like what's in this Reddit thread—which is helpful, but seems like it could be beefed up. So, how does your brand of video camera/phone/etc name the files that land in its main storage directory? Thanks_0001!
posted by not_on_display at 12:36 PM PST - 5 comments

Take [me] by the hand and lead [me] through the land

I love early Pink Floyd (pre Dark Side) especially long instrumentals like Echoes and Careful with That Axe, Eugene. Based on that, what else might I enjoy? [more inside]
posted by wanderlost at 12:08 PM PST - 18 comments

Tell me your experience with a pyrethrin fogger

The Blah household has just been stood up repeatedly by an exterminator who was coming to do a fogger in our attic to get rid of mites (from rats, likely) that are coming into our house and biting us. We've dealt with this before; we know this is mites; we know this treatment works (along with getting rid of the rats). I looked through the paperwork from our last treatment a few years ago and see the company used a pyrethrin fogger to do the job. Is there a reason I can't purchase one and do this myself? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:30 AM PST - 5 comments

On vacation, got a letter from Medicare headquarters. Should I worry?

I have USPS Informed Delivery. The envelope says "Medicare Headquarters" under HHS, and "Official Medicare Business". I called Medicare, and they said they don't see anything in their records, and suggested it was from MedicAid instead. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 10:43 AM PST - 16 comments

Blow away now

I want to connect a K bottle with (probably) CGA 540 valve to an air blow gun. What kind of gauge/ regulator/ adaptors will I need? [more inside]
posted by porpoise at 9:42 AM PST - 1 comment

Messages of support for a woman going through menopause

What sort of positive or at least not overly perky messages would a woman going through perimenopause and/or menopause appreciate hearing? [more inside]
posted by clocksock at 9:02 AM PST - 24 comments

Do you love your wheelbarrow?

I want to buy a wheelbarrow, to give as a gift. Do you work with a really great wheelbarrow? Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:46 AM PST - 17 comments

Recommend me a fee-only financial planner for a not-wealthy Seattle mom?

I would love personal recommendations from folks who love their CPA, which may or may not be based in Seattle (or maybe they all work online these days)? Looking to get my shit together, my debt assessed, my savings moving, etc. (Last Q on this topic was from 2019). Thanks in advance!
posted by tristeza at 7:26 AM PST - 6 comments

It's November in Albania, and I'm burnt out

Please give me your Albania (and Albania-adjacent) recomendations to incorporate into my trip in mid November. Have car, will travel. [more inside]
posted by citands at 5:33 AM PST - 5 comments

Making Discord (relatively) safe for a younger teen

Our eldest is a keen player of Minecraft (and some other online games). They are 13 and lately have been asking permission to sign up for Discord. It seems to be where most Minecraft chat happens. They also want to use it for voice chat with their friends. Is this a good idea? How can we keep them safe? Is it even possible? [more inside]
posted by JohnnyForeign at 4:58 AM PST - 7 comments

What’s the most basic, average DnD character?

I’m joining a DnD campaign with a bit of a meta setup - we play characters in one real-ish world scenario that then enter a fantasy scenario and can choose a class, race, etc to be in that world within a world. A key trait of my meta character is that they’re super average. What are the most average, basic choices they could make creating a character? Most advice is geared to optimising a character, but this is almost the opposite. If someone’s done a statistical analysis of the most commonly chosen traits that’d be a perfect solution to my problem.
posted by threecheesetrees at 12:39 AM PST - 12 comments

Meal delivery service in the Paris suburbs? Or other gift ideas?

A few years ago I had cause to ask a similar question for the UK. Now, sadly, I am looking into options for just outside Paris (93022 to be precise): someplace that delivers yummy, relatively healthy, meals for which I can purchase a gift voucher. [more inside]
posted by rubbish bin night at 12:12 AM PST - 1 comment

September 19

I need answers about collection agencies

Due to some crappy insurance and other misunderstandings, I owe two hospitals a chunk of change. They would try to do "monthly payments" of $297 for example. I don't have that. The other hospital and I are having a significant miscommunication about the financial aid I was supposed to receive (longer story yet, but I have the award letter right here). [more inside]
posted by Rumi'sLeftSock at 7:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Media Player Not Playing

My Media Player refuses to play any CD or DVD whatsoever. As I remember it, it worked fine until one night several years ago... and then it just stopped working, and has never worked since. It keeps claiming there's no disc in the drive, though of course there is one. It's not the disc because it refuses to play ANY of my discs. What could be wrong, and how can I fix it?
posted by orange swan at 6:52 PM PST - 11 comments

What’s the status of home Ethernet over Power?

I guess it’s called Powerline Ethernet these days, but in any case is it any good for simple use on the same circuit? How about cross circuit in the same fuse box?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 3:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Photo to video... the lazy way...

I have a number of photos that I'd like to make into a collage, showing a few at a time. The order really isn't important - just a background type video. Looking at iMovie I can do a few at at time, but no luck otherwise. I figure this is a perfect AI solution - but google keeps way to make an animation from a video, not video of photos. Anyone has any suggestions?
posted by aggienfo at 3:22 PM PST - 1 comment

In search of lost time

Give me books, stories, media, anecdotes, anything, about people who went through a long and protracted period (5 years to decades at least, the longer the better) of severe mental health that caused them to withdraw and isolate from life and society. Topics like dealing with the aftermath, coping with feelings, rebuilding, etc. [more inside]
posted by wanderlost at 11:13 AM PST - 12 comments

Why are all cats rolling onto their backs these days?

I'm 63 and all of my life I had never seen a cat roll onto its back - until about 5 years ago when we got a shelter cat - she was 6 years old - and she rolls onto her back constantly - so we would pet her. Now I look on Instagram and I see so many videos of cats rolling onto their backs. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by memoryindustries at 10:42 AM PST - 38 comments

Fell for air duct cleaning scam. How can I protect myself?

I gave my name, email and address. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 10:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Contract ended with real estate agent, can we buy the house without them

We were under contract to buy a house. The deal fell through in July. Things have changed; house is still available. Do I still have to use the same buyers agent? Oregon, USA. [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 9:51 AM PST - 11 comments

Microsoft Word (on Mac) page numbering problem

I'm having a super frustrating situation with Microsoft Word (on a Macbook).My professor distributes his notes in Microsoft Word. The notes for each section are cumulative re. page number: i.e., his week 1 notes are numbered 1-20, his week 2 notes are numbered 21-35, etc. I add to the notes electronically before I print them, which throws his page numbers out of whack. (Say I add five pages of notes to the first week, so that the first week of notes is 1-25; his second week of notes still starts with page 20). Help! [more inside]
posted by ClaireBear at 9:32 AM PST - 6 comments

Simple network/mind mapping tool with color indication for dense hubs?

I'm trying to map a network of users and groups, with the goal of visually differentiating the users who are a part of 1, 2, 3+ groups, such that I can toggle display settings to explore weak/strong ties. It might also be useful to arrange the map such that denser ties are centered, with weak ties placed on the edges. [more inside]
posted by Jack Karaoke at 9:23 AM PST - 3 comments

Debt collector or scammer?

Got a call from someone claiming he works for TSI and is collecting a debt my husband owes to the local hospital. Suppose that it’s not the scam I think it is, but actually a real debt, that inadvertently went unpaid—what would be the best thing to do? [more inside]
posted by metonym at 9:09 AM PST - 14 comments

One of these with one of those...but how?

I need help understanding how to optimize the matching of items for column A with items from column B based on two characteristics. [more inside]
posted by AbelMelveny at 8:07 AM PST - 24 comments

Give me your late life job change ideas

I’m an urban dwelling freelance writer in my late 50s. Work is not as steady as I would like and I’m considering, just considering, what I could train to become. [more inside]
posted by gigondas at 7:42 AM PST - 12 comments

How do I turn down a potential job offer gracefully?

I'm in the hiring process for a job I realized I don't want after three rounds of interviews; there's a practical assessment they've asked me to complete by tomorrow which I could do (it's not hard) but I don't want the job and my anxiety is skyrocketing thinking about how to say no. I would really really appreciate any advice anyone has. [more inside]
posted by an octopus IRL at 7:01 AM PST - 23 comments

Can I Eat This? Avocado Edition

Y'know how sometimes the inside of an avocado is that icky gray-green color? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 5:59 AM PST - 9 comments

Facebook notifications ?

Hi folks; Im using a Acer Chromebook 514. For some reason,my FB log in page doesn't show my notifications any more. I have to log into FB,and then i see the number of notifications I have received. Just to be sure,I have done a hard reset and a power wash on the laptop. I have also checked my FB settings,and looked into the push notifications . Still having same problem. Any advice? Thanks :-)
posted by LOOKING at 1:10 AM PST - 4 comments

September 18

Iron supplements - skip day?

I have an iron deficiency due to excessive periods (working on the problem with my OBGYN). In the meantime, my GP has prescribed some rather potent iron tablets. My friend says that she knows a medical university professor who says his research suggests it's better to take them every two days instead of every day, as it allows the body to absorb it better, and that GPs are usually unaware of this. Is this bogus or is this supported by research?
posted by Omnomnom at 11:03 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me lead a harvest sing along!

I have the privilege of putting together a sing-along with some scout kiddos and the residents of a local nursing home. I need help compiling a song list! [more inside]
posted by I_love_the_rain at 10:40 PM PST - 14 comments

Putting on one's own oxygen mask first

A friend in East New York (Brooklyn) needs some affordable options for euthanasia for her late husband's cat. Please help us locate some. [more inside]
posted by rabia.elizabeth at 10:35 PM PST - 6 comments

What's the most fun way to travel from Seattle to Vancouver?

In early October, me and my partner are spending a week's vacation split between Seattle and Vancouver, flying into one city and flying out of the next. We're trying to figure out what the best, most fun way to get from Seattle to Vancouver might be. Plan A is to rent a car, but we're not familiar with the route, and don't know what the best attractions might be to see along the way. Any recommendations? Also open to other transportation options, as long as we can get it done in one travel day.
posted by flod at 7:55 PM PST - 26 comments

Tools for building datasets as I wander through the internet

I often find myself grabbing text off a website and pasting it in a spreadsheet to do quick-and-dirty analysis - for example, making my own table of grants made by a foundation, using pdf annual reports or webpage graphics. I imagine that this need is relevant for tons of professionals - people who do actual research for a living, for sure, but also novelists and lawyers and entrepreneurs. Are there any non-shady*, privacy-oriented, and no-code-necessary tools that folks find useful for this kind of work? [more inside]
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 3:38 PM PST - 12 comments

Finding senior Ruby on Rails development work: holistic advice?

I have 10 years of experience, mostly in Rails. Willing and able to switch tech stacks. Still employed, have been here 5 years. Out of touch with the market, but it sounds pretty bleak. What apps/sites/channels should I look on? What companies should I look at? How do I avoid wasting time? [more inside]
posted by commander_fancypants at 3:00 PM PST - 3 comments

Comcast woes - storm damage

A big storm knocked our internet cable loose. We have scheduled two tech visits that were no-shows. Internet is still working, worried about big storms this weekend and worried about cable coming all the way loose. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 2:15 PM PST - 6 comments

Trivia team name: Florida edition

Help me come up with a trivia team name for four Floridians [more inside]
posted by saladin at 1:52 PM PST - 27 comments

Mailchimp, but not for marketing

I'm rebuilding an organization's PR material about an ongoing academic project. There are Mailchimp "lessons" out there, but all the ones I've found are tightly focused on marketing. I need something more fundamental. [more inside]
posted by zadcat at 1:18 PM PST - 2 comments

Yes I'm making a pride flag in the community garden

I want 2 each of gladiolus bulbs in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, fuschia, and purple. [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk at 11:19 AM PST - 7 comments

How to prevent my Pixel phone from turning on screen display?

I have a Pixel 8 phone. It defaults to my screen saver (black, with big digital clock, but this is irrelevant), BUT whenever the phone moves, like, even getting jostled in my purse when I walk, the home screen appears. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 10:58 AM PST - 6 comments

Things a 16yo American gamer would enjoy doing in Japan?

Our family has a practice of doing a parent-child international trip with our kids when they turn 16. Next year is my son's turn, and he's chosen to go to Japan. I've never been there and could use some advice. [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 9:48 AM PST - 21 comments

Hypermobility: How to protect your shoulders while sleeping?

I could really use some help to figure out how to position my arms while sleeping. It seems that no matter what I do, I'm causing myself pain and damage. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 8:33 AM PST - 10 comments

External storage for family videos

Hi there, for Christmas I would like to give my parents something (external hard drive??) to which they can add videos of their grandkids. [more inside]
posted by Emmy Rae at 7:15 AM PST - 10 comments

Use for peach caramel pie goo?

Do you know how to make this thick liquid into a pudding, mousse, or something else good? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 6:57 AM PST - 7 comments

Meeting a long lost relative

In the coming days we'll meet a relative we previously didn't know existed. I want to help them feel welcome without overwhelming them. Have you navigated this process? What worked and what do you wish you had done differently? Looking for anecdata from both sides of the equation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:39 AM PST - 6 comments

What did I see from the train in Japan?

On the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka on the mountain side of the train I saw a really unusual structure/building sitting in a field seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The structure itself looked like a skyscraper sized slice of a melon, crescent shaped and completely black in color, and sitting on a large base. What is that? [more inside]
posted by Stanczyk at 6:31 AM PST - 7 comments

A career change? In *this* economy??

Hello hivemind, I'm trying to navigate a multi-part career change (journalism --> ??? --> tech), but I'm facing strong headwinds and need to make a lot of tacks to get there. I could really use some advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:55 AM PST - 24 comments

I need a good and regular NFL weekend recap column to follow

I'm not interested in following the endless churnalism of sports news because ain't nobody got time for that but I'd like to follow a regular weekend in NFL football column by a decent writer. All the ones I used to follow have either been laid off or retired. Any recommendations? Preferably not behind a paywall.
posted by srboisvert at 4:30 AM PST - 7 comments

What's this old space game?

My husband is trying to find an old space game he used to play on PC in the early 2000s. [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 3:56 AM PST - 12 comments

How to scrape audio from a course platform/LMS to a personal podcast?

I'm currently doing some extended online training which uses an unwieldy browser-based LMS to deliver all the course material. I'd like to somehow scrape the audio from all the material here and create my own personal private podcast that I can access from my own mobile podcast player. What would be the most efficient way to do this? [more inside]
posted by LongDrive at 1:48 AM PST - 7 comments

September 17

Where to buy a small piece of space?

The birthday of someone near and dear to me fast approaches. This person is totally fascinated by the moon and outer space in general but not in a science nerd sort of way. More of a dreamy “if-I-could-only-get-there-wow-how-beautiful” kind of way. I’ve already gotten him a copy of Cosmicomics, but I would also like to get some authentic meteorite dust/a small piece of meteorite if it is at all possible to acquire something like this legally and for under $200 ish. [more inside]
posted by leafmealone at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments

Gift to grease the wheels at property management company?

I just moved into a new house (as a renter) where many of the appliances ideally should be replaced. Some of them are in dire condition (dishwasher racks rusted through) and some of them (oven, washer, dryer) are just quite old and dirty. [more inside]
posted by danceswithlight at 6:21 PM PST - 21 comments

Rent in Sarajevo to go to Montenegro

We're planning on renting a car in Sarajevo and driving into Montenegro, maybe Albania and Macedonia. a) What rental company is more trustworthy and b) will we have any trouble or need anything special to cross the borders c) anything else we should know? [more inside]
posted by signal at 4:04 PM PST - 3 comments

Political ads and Attack ads - Best ones in recent memory?

What are the most memorable political commercials and attack ads? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 3:44 PM PST - 18 comments

School Library Very Detailed Scope and Sequence?

Does anyone know about a very complete webpage from a public school library in America? [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 3:26 PM PST - 0 comments

2015 Outback won't "remember" last audio source on start-up

Over the weekend, I went to start my 2015 Outback (2.5i Limited if it matters) and got the error message that the steering wheel was locked. Gave it a jiggle back and forth and was able to get it to release and working as normal. But, since then every time I start my vehicle, it prompts me to select my audio source (rather than defaulting to what was used the last time the car was running). [more inside]
posted by Twicketface at 3:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Seek Perspective on DSHS Hospital Bill

My sibling has been disabled for decades. She receives disability social security. A couple of years ago, her doctor made a medical error that injured her, and she had to be hospitalized for months. DSHS is now sending a bill. Should the bill be paid, or should it be ignored? [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 2:48 PM PST - 15 comments

Fitness questions

Please can you help me understand several issues related to my body and fitness. Or: what even is this body?? [more inside]
posted by any_name_in_a_storm at 1:34 PM PST - 10 comments

Making a Raspberry Pi based computer for my elderly parents. Advice?

My folks are lovely, fairly tech-naive and their laptop is past end of life. I'm thinking about setting them up on a Pi-driven Ubuntu install with just a couple of icons for web browsing, email and Skype. Any suggestions or advice? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 1:27 PM PST - 17 comments

Relationship-filter: New Partner and their Ex

How to be in a relationship with a partner who has a complicated co-parenting situation with their ex? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:16 AM PST - 17 comments

What is the best way to learn some tourist Czech?

All I want is some very basic, as-a-courtesy phrases: hello, yes, no, excuse me, sorry, do you speak English?, two beers please, etc. I have no existing Czech, and I am not interested in becoming fluent. [more inside]
posted by alby at 10:06 AM PST - 10 comments

I screwed up my postcards to voters. Can I fix them?

So I have AuDHD and I posted here a while ago about what I could do to get out the vote and the general consensus was that writing postcards would be the best fit. But my ADHD screwed up even that simple task. I didn't read the instructions carefully enough and I wrote them in cursive. Today I learned that young people can't read cursive because it's no longer being taught. [more inside]
posted by Beethoven's Sith at 8:52 AM PST - 41 comments

Please help me understand this New York State traffic ticket

Oy vey, I got a ticket for speeding in a small town in Western New York. My options are to plead guilty, plead not guilty (can't do that; I'm a tourist who lives across the country so I can't appear in court), or "seek a reduction." I am confused about what the reduction is and how it differs from pleading guilty. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:45 AM PST - 10 comments

Identifying samples from cacophony

Can you identify any of the samples used toward the end of this tune? I've only got a few so far... [more inside]
posted by klausman at 8:36 AM PST - 0 comments

What's new in the work from home arena?

Essentially, I need to figure out a work from home job that is super flexible. I'm already signed up for Data Annotation. What else should I look into? [more inside]
posted by banjonaut at 7:41 AM PST - 2 comments

pre-teen daughter accessing porn through Libby app -- help!

Our 10-year-old has Libby on her devices to read library books (and no other Internet access outside school). A look at her recent history indicated that , in addition to some relatively good books about sex, she's been looking at a wide range of Mature content. Is it true that I can't block this? How do I talk to her about it? [more inside]
posted by quiet wanderer at 7:18 AM PST - 27 comments

Wine Club membership as wedding present for couple in USA?

A dear cousin is getting married in Cape Cod soon - yay! Unfortunately I can't make it and want to get her a nice gift that will keep on giving. [more inside]
posted by melisande at 6:23 AM PST - 6 comments

Norse Mythology for tween ears

I'm looking for a podcast about Norse mythology (or any mythology) suitable for tweens. They have already listened to all of Greeking Out. We need more mythology podcasts. Help? Bonus: Animal or Adventure podcasts for tweens, the more oddball the better. We listened to Tooth and Claw, about animal attacks, and it was great, but not really tween suitable. Thank you...
posted by papergirl at 6:05 AM PST - 4 comments

Cancelling a party

We moved house and got one of those outdoor pizza ovens and had the idea to combine the two and throw a housewarming party with pizza bar. Around 35 people have accepted our invitation and it's this weekend. However, now rain is forecast for the entire time.... [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 2:39 AM PST - 13 comments

Author recommendations

I’m looking for writing in the style of Ruth Rendell, Patricia Highsmith, Anthony Horowitz. I’ve looked at a lot of past questions and gotten some good leads, but I’m having trouble finding stuff that’s as well-written and gripping. [more inside]
posted by dianeF at 2:09 AM PST - 11 comments

September 16

where in America can I find these things?

1. A room in a hotel or inn with a large red or pink heart-shaped bathtub that works 2. A carnival or amusement park (seasonal or permanent) with a "Tunnel of Love" ride 3. Anywhere that currently has "live mermaid" entertainment (women dressed as mermaids swimming underwater that can be viewed from indoors) Any city! [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 8:58 PM PST - 27 comments

Does this unicorn dental professional exist and how do I find them?

I've got two problem teeth in the same quadrant that need surgical work. Have previously had work by and endodontist and and oral surgeon but problems persist. I'm hoping to find someone more skilled/confident that can maybe knock both of these issues out in one go. [more inside]
posted by Teadog at 7:03 PM PST - 2 comments

Should I give this a chance?

I'm trying to not repeat my mistakes from past relationships, mainly continuing to stay with shitty people who aren't meeting my needs. It's easy to say but in practice it's really hard. [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 5:24 PM PST - 23 comments

Are there any replacements for Google Maps Timeline?

I've used the Google Maps Timeline feature, mostly for work, for 6 years now and it's been invaluable. Now it is inscrutable. Are there any reasonably trustworthy apps that do the same thing: track one's times, travels, and locations? I have both ecosystems. [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 5:07 PM PST - 0 comments

Can I eat this: chorizo edition

I bought this several months ago from a local store. It has remained in the refrigerator since then. I thought I’d finally use it tonight and saw the “sell by May 1.” I am very aware that selling is not the same thing as eating, but still. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 5:03 PM PST - 10 comments

Pub quiz team name for 83yo birthday girl!

There is going to be a pub quiz tonight. One of the attendees is going to be the 83 year old guest of honor as it’s her birthday. Help me choose a really good team name. [more inside]
posted by hal_cy_on at 3:16 PM PST - 12 comments

Jaw Surgery Tips, Tricks, and Recipes

I am getting double jaw surgery and looking for any additional tips and tricks regarding experiences and foods. What to expect and look out for as well as recovery tips? What to eat? Yes, I have read all my doctor's instructions and some advice online. But I'd like to poll the hivemind and hear from you wonderful people. [more inside]
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 2:17 PM PST - 8 comments

Sharing a property with a camper

An an acquaintance is offering up half of his place near the river. He says it's getting too expensive for him and he wants to split it. [more inside]
posted by Rumi'sLeftSock at 1:34 PM PST - 15 comments

Way to turn off some google voice notifications?

I'm getting frequent notifications on my Android phone to sign in to google voice, on an account that doesn't have google voice. Is there a way to make it stop? [more inside]
posted by medusa at 12:45 PM PST - 2 comments

What's a good portable phone charger?

My partner is using my old Google Pixel 2XL. When he goes out in to the world and listens to an audio book for an hour, it totally loses its charge. He's not going to get a new phone now. Is there a portable phone charger that he can take with it to extend the charge?
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:30 PM PST - 13 comments

Recommendations on resources for learning to speak, read & write English

My mum is from Bangladesh, she works in a nursery here in the U.K. For most of her life she was a housewife, and as a community (and family) that doesn't tend to integrate she never really learnt English beyond the basics. She has been working there for a number of years and constantly experiencing a lot of difficulty and pressure from her workplace and she is worried about being fired. [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 12:02 PM PST - 15 comments

Yarn color pickers, unite!

I've been sent this photo as an inspiration for a crochet baby blanket re colors. Can you help me find high quality acrylic/acrylic blends that fit these colors? I'll basically be color blocking the pattern. Thanks!
posted by atomicstone at 9:34 AM PST - 6 comments

Good Samaritans in other cultures and traditions?

Please tell me about non-Christian stories, legacies, traditions, and philosophies for helping the poor, hungry, and homeless? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 9:20 AM PST - 12 comments

Android phones with Apple-level longevity?

Are there any Android smartphones with the longevity build quality (specs can be mediocre as long as it lasts a long time) equivalent of an Apple iPhone? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 9:00 AM PST - 19 comments

The energy, where does it come from?

I would like to be someone with a lot of energy to do a lot of things. When I was younger I think maybe I actually had a lot of energy or at least average (ran half marathons, completed a challenging post-grad degree, traveled). I can't figure out where other people are finding the wherewithal to do some pretty standard stuff. Maybe you can explain. [more inside]
posted by Sophiaverde at 7:51 AM PST - 38 comments

Veterinary Professional Associate

What is your opinion of Veterinary Professional Associate? Do other states in the country have this? Other countries? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 6:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Why do UK butchers use cleavers instead of bandsaws?

Whenever I buy chops, whether from a butcher, or prepackaged from a supermarket, there are usually some small bone shards that I need to be careful of when eating. I think this is because meat is chopped with cleavers (because I've observed this in butcher shops), instead of being cut with a bandsaw. Am I correct in my assumption, and is there a reason for this? [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 6:19 AM PST - 15 comments

Best Of Etsy Digital Downloads & Printables

I've discovered etsy digital downloads which cover everything from posters to escape rooms, journals, and calendars. I'm trying to push through the dross though, do you have any shops, types of things you can find, or unique printables to suggest?
posted by Braeburn at 3:45 AM PST - 2 comments

September 15

Proper Payment for a Petsitter?

Going on a trip for 10 days. We have found some people in the neighborhood willing to visit our rats to feed them, change water daily. No need to take them out of the cage. What would be the going rate for this? What if we also need them to put a dose of medicine in a spoon of baby food and hand feed one?
posted by Sophont at 10:58 PM PST - 7 comments

Please help me find one matching drawer pull!

My house came with these drawer pulls on all of the kitchen drawers…except one. I like them and want to keep them even as I strip and repaint the cabinets. Can anyone help me find one more? [more inside]
posted by centrifugal at 10:06 PM PST - 4 comments

rolling the dice

Chemo versus different adjuvant therapy? See below. [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 9:36 PM PST - 14 comments

MetaFashionistas, I need your help.

I have to go to a wedding whose invite calls for "formal attire" (for people I've never met; one is a friend of Mr. Blah's). I do not want to spend money on this, but can I possibly combine items I already own? See inside for some details. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 6:42 PM PST - 42 comments

Is this broken stud on my engine a problem?

My wife was tightening a stud holding down the valve cover on our 2005 Camry, and it snapped off. There are seven other bolts holding it together; is this a serious problem? Is there a way to extract the stump without removing the entire valve cover? What should I expect to pay to have it removed? Picture of the broken item (on the left, circled in red), with a corresponding undamaged item (on the right , green) is at https://imgur.com/a/HaDnis2 [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 5:47 PM PST - 12 comments

Name the Book: picture book about hiding from bandits in donkey basket

Probably published in the 1950s or 60s, this book was about a central or South American father and son who were transporting their goods (we think coffee) when they were set upon by bandits. The boy hides from them in the donkey basket.
posted by CMcG at 4:32 PM PST - 2 comments

A recent podcast about water related fraud in the USA

In the past two weeks I've had a podcast episode promoted to me, possibly from within Spotify, but maybe elsewhere. In broad terms the story covered in the episode was about a small group of people who were falsifying results from water treatment/processing devices to their financial gain, this was happening in the USA. I'd like to find this podcast. There's more of what I remember inside. [more inside]
posted by southof40 at 4:03 PM PST - 2 comments

Music Video Posted on MetaFilter

Some time ago (but within the year, I think), someone posted a music video to MetaFilter. It featured a female vocalist and had an alt country sound. The video featured her running with a line of young men in what seemed like a small town track and field event, maybe hinting at repressed desire between the men (that might be me, though). Anyone have any idea what it was?
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:59 PM PST - 4 comments

late diagnosed autistics: (when) do you disclose?

I’m curious how you approach disclosure and in what arenas (work, social, other). Do you do so case by case, by a hard and fast algorithm, other? I’m open to a bunch of perspectives including early diagnosed, other invisible neurotypes/disabilities and even second hand (ex. you have an autistic partner or close friend and want to share what works for them, etc). Open to both autism as a neurotype, and as a disability, schools of thought. [more inside]
posted by seemoorglass at 2:49 PM PST - 11 comments

Steps for recovering data from a failing SSD

I have an SSD in my computer that has stopped working and I have realized my backups were silently failing. The data isn't critical but I want to take a stab at getting it back. I have Windows, Linux, and Mac computers available to me so I can attach it to anything and give it a shot. [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 2:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Haunted Hotels in or near NJ

My husband and I recently realized that our 13th wedding anniversary next year will be on a Friday the 13th (of June). Obviously, we need to go stay at a haunted hotel. [more inside]
posted by amro at 1:35 PM PST - 3 comments

How to pay workers who don't want direct deposit

What's a good paycheck solution for a restaurant business whose employees are skeptical of bank accounts but paying significant check cashing fees (on the order of 9%) and have remittance needs? [more inside]
posted by anotherpanacea at 1:24 PM PST - 21 comments

How To Use All The Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce?

Each of my family members bought, and opened, a giant sweet chili garlic sauce container. We have a small fridge and I only have one solid recipe. My partner is a foodie. What else can I make that uses this up? [more inside]
posted by corb at 12:14 PM PST - 22 comments

Belize in January on a budget

I would like to bug out to Belize in January. My vision is cooking for myself in an airbnb, close to ruins and with very easy access to snorkeling and grocery. I assume this is San Ignacio? Any hot tips appreciated. How hard is it is do this on a budget?
posted by bright and shiny at 12:01 PM PST - 6 comments

Lift Up the Masses

Asking for a Boob-Owner: Are you interested and qualified to update this aging but useful bra-fitting post? How can I find a great fitting place near me? [more inside]
posted by j_curiouser at 11:45 AM PST - 5 comments

Ninja Creami recipes pleasy

I was given this year's trendy kitchen appliance: a Ninja Creami! Now what? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:36 AM PST - 12 comments

Making RTO less obnoxious

My employer is insisting people come to the office three days a week starting October 1. To bribe us, they've offered $250 towards "hybrid work equipment". Do I actually want/need anything? If so, what? [more inside]
posted by hoyland at 8:56 AM PST - 18 comments

Upgrading the OS on an older MacBook Air - Help

Older MacBook Air running Catalina 10.15.7 and trying to update to BigSur to update Chrome with no success... [more inside]
posted by konaStFr at 6:32 AM PST - 7 comments

Name Games

Part of my lesson plan recently has been singing Willoughby Walliby Woo. I'm trying to brain storm other letters. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 6:26 AM PST - 13 comments

Can I eat it, Hamburger Helper edition

I made this artisanal Hamburger Helper recipe (yes), ate some of it with my kids and then left it on the stove overnight. All told, out about 12 hours. Kitchen is not overly hot but not cool either (September in NYC). Recipe has ground beef, cream, and cheese. Eat or toss?
posted by Ollie at 5:55 AM PST - 11 comments

What's the name of this firm foam exercise mat product?

It's been years since I went to the gym. But when I was last there, they had these very firm foam exercise mats. You couldn't roll them up (not a yoga mag), they didn't really give much, but they were light weight. I think they might have been 4' x 6' x .25". Does anyone know I'm talking about? My web searches have totally failed me.
posted by Mushroom12345 at 12:05 AM PST - 5 comments

September 14

New/used stuff

I'm moving and need to buy some stuff. I like getting most stuff used but I do not enjoy shopping. Looking for advice on how to get kinda nice, used stuff with the least amount of scrolling or tooling around hipster secondhand stores ...or...not sure this is the appropriate use of ask.me but.. if you like shopping, can you help me find these specific items? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 8:59 PM PST - 12 comments

How to warm up a cool-tinted overhead light fixture?

If I buy full-color smart bulbs and play with settings on the very-warm-amber spectrum, is that likely to be enough to counteract the very cool blue-gray tint of the ceiling light cover in my apartment? More so than a "warm white" setting on a white-spectrum smart bulb? [more inside]
posted by lapis at 8:52 PM PST - 10 comments

vocab/age query

Do you say amaze-balls? If you don't mind my asking, how old are you?
posted by Rash at 8:23 PM PST - 49 comments

Rental agreement--what am I missing?

After a little over a year living alone, I'm planning to rent the second bedroom in my house to an old acquaintance. I've lived with plenty of people before, but always with larger groups in rented houses--this will be my first time creating an agreement with just one other person, in my house that I own. The things I plan to include are below the fold--what else am I not thinking of? [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 7:33 PM PST - 10 comments

Give me pause

I am interested in more songs that feature pauses within the music, like [more inside]
posted by jolenex4 at 6:11 PM PST - 21 comments

Auto connect between Sony bluetooth headphones, Mac, and iPhone?

I have a Macbook Air and and an iPhone. Both are several generations old but in decent shape. I recently bought new Sony bluetooth headphones. I can connect them with the Mac OR with the iPhone, but if I want to switch between them, I need to go through the pairing process each time (including going to Bluetooth Preferences and clicking "Forget" for the headphones, etc.) Shouldn't it be smart enough to "remember" the headphones on both devices (this is how I'm told Air Pods work)?
posted by O Time, Thy Pyramids at 5:54 PM PST - 5 comments

My zipper is hard to work.

Can you help me lubricate a difficult zipper? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 5:18 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me find this short story about a painter and a missing plane

I am looking for a short story I read in the late nineties. The main (only?) character is a young man. He is a painter, but has been drafted into the army. While he is supposed to be guarding a shipment of planes, one goes missing. I think it was a purportedly true story, by a painter whose name I recognized at the time. In my memory it was Paul Cézanne, but he died in 1906, too early to be the subject of this story. Do you recognize this? More story details inside. [more inside]
posted by Adridne at 5:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Providence Car Service Recommendations?

My 82 year old mother has fled her wretched husband and moved into assisted living in Providence. She has announced she needs a car service. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 1:57 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me buy a second charger for my laptop

I'd like to get a second charger for my laptop, a Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X. What should I buy? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments

How to plant "annuals" inside during the winter months

I have some annuals, particularly begonias, growing outside (Zone 7b). I would like to take them inside when it gets colder and put them in containers I have with plant lights ("gro-lights"). [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Do eyeglasses/sunglasses with an overhang/visor exist?

Imagine that each lens of a pair of glasses has a little visor, like a small version of the bill of a baseball cap. Either clear lenses or tinted lenses. Does this exist? Or has this existed historically? [more inside]
posted by hapticactionnetwork at 10:51 AM PST - 12 comments

Are planes landing differently nowadays?

I've noticed that in the last 10+ flights I've taken, all of the landings have seemed very fast, with heavy braking. Is this just a coincidence or has something changed in aviation? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:49 AM PST - 8 comments

Advice for a road trip

I'm heading down the east coast today. I rented a car which has a great sound system but it's going to be lost on me since I don't have a good playlist. Can you suggest some great songs that I can listen to on the drive? [more inside]
posted by matt755811 at 6:34 AM PST - 25 comments

Help this middle-aged man shed my dad bod.

I'm 50, and just joined a gym for the first time. I need some pointers on a good workout. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 6:12 AM PST - 14 comments

September 13

Looking for an old webcomic

My wife and I are trying to remember an old webcomic that utilized stick figures. It is not XKCD or OoTS. [more inside]
posted by ericales at 11:26 PM PST - 3 comments

Help my elderly parents organize their digital lives

My parents are in their late 80s and I'm noticing that more and more of our time together is spent helping them stay on top of basic daily online tasks: keeping track of accounts, logins, passwords, emails and notifications for banks and utilities and memberships. We need help. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 10:47 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me daydream a Christmas getaway

I want to go on vacation during Christmas. Leaving from the US East Coast. Some place warm in temperature and chill in vibe, maybe? Willing to fly, but would prefer a direct flight. I don't mind flying on Christmas day itself (especially to save money) but would prefer not to land in a total ghost town with everything closed for the holidays. Where would you go if you had, say, 4-8 days? More details under the cut. [more inside]
posted by TwoStride at 9:25 PM PST - 14 comments

Global Poverty Line in U.S. Dollars?

The World Bank places the Global Poverty Line at $2.15 per day, in Purchasing Power Parity. How much is that in U.S. dollars? If someone were to receive an annual amount of $2.15 per day in PPP, how much would that cost in USD?
posted by NotLost at 7:54 PM PST - 7 comments

How to tack down a large canvas photo print?

Some years ago we had family photos taken. Recently, the top edge of one of the large canvas-style prints has started peeling up, where it's folded over in order to wrap around the frame. Does anyone have specific advice about how to do this, or what adhesive to use? It's mostly out of sight, but we would like to glue it down. (I'm not sure which photo printing house did it.) Thanks!
posted by wenestvedt at 6:43 PM PST - 3 comments

Cannes in late October

What's fun in Cannes (or reasonably close to Cannes), for a few days in late October? Open to all suggestions and advice! [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:47 PM PST - 4 comments

Puff Pastry. I'm obsessed with it.

I've become a recent fan of puff pastry and the "season" for the all-butter French-made puff pastry at Trader Joe's has just started. Besides using it for slab apple pie and spinach pie, what else can I make with it? I saw this question and printed a few recipes, but I'm really interested in main dishes (with protein) and maybe some desserts. We're adventurous eaters and have access to ethnic grocery stores. What can you recommend?
posted by DrGail at 3:33 PM PST - 23 comments

solar panel fix near Houston

Hello Hive! Does anyone have a good recommendation for an electrician near/south of Houston to take a look at why our solar panels are not generating? [more inside]
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 3:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Essay collections for an 8th grader

I know an 8th grader who would benefit from reading more non-fiction. She loves fiction (mostly fantasy) but has decided she doesn't like non-fiction so she's not going to read it. But she actually does love learning new things. Are there collections of short non-fiction essays for the young teen set? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 3:07 PM PST - 13 comments

Not-quite-alarm to get me out of my chair at regular intervals

I'm seeking a certain type of alarm with just-picky-enough specifications that I'm having no luck with google, so I wanted to see if metafilter could help! [more inside]
posted by space snail at 11:30 AM PST - 12 comments

Is there a person out there who will make me a meal plan?

I would love help putting together a meal plan that is tailored to my preferences and restrictions (notably, being a vegetarian) that ALSO meets basic nutritional goals that I know most Americans/myself do not regularly meet (fiber and protein in particular, but also like food pyramid stuff). Who does that? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 11:20 AM PST - 10 comments

How can I save Reddit posts to Instapaper?

I use Instapaper as my "read later" app. It used to be that Reddit articles saved just fine. Looking through my Instapaper articles, there are plenty of old Reddit articles that still display correctly. But lately (the past few weeks? few months?), Reddit articles either don't save at all (failing with an error) or they save as gibberish. Does anyone know why this is and/or have a workaround? [more inside]
posted by jdroth at 9:55 AM PST - 6 comments

How do I install Minecraft on my son's android tablet

I want to install Minecraft on my son's android tablet which I have restricted with famikylink. When I go into thebplaybstire on his tablet I don't see Minecraft. I don't know why. How do I basically say "OK here I am I'm the parent. I want to do this. Please let me make this exception and install this."
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:39 AM PST - 1 comment

Help me DJ a GOTV party

Help! I need to pump up the jams this weekend but I'm feeling kinda lost. Please shower me with song suggestions for a postcards-to-voters get-together! I need help putting together a playlist that can keep the good vibes going for several hours, setting will be a mellow gathering in a home. [more inside]
posted by vortex genie 2 at 9:19 AM PST - 7 comments

hemorrhoid pain during bowel movement

I have been strugging with h for a bit. (dont feel like typing out the word each time). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:52 AM PST - 14 comments

Is this too much information?

I'm a freelance writer and I've become friendly/friends with the editor at one of the places I write for. Is it appropriate to let her know that I need (rather than simply want) more work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:08 AM PST - 7 comments

Problem with US Debt Collection Agency

How to proceed and settle with a credit collection agency that does not want my money? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:35 AM PST - 6 comments

Apple iPhone 13 Mini is slow to take pictures

I bought an iPhone 13 mini from verizon a year and a half ago. It takes forever to take pictures. What's my recourse? [more inside]
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 6:17 AM PST - 7 comments

Sun lamp, full spectrum, what?

I want to make a little cosy-corner in my office where we can take meetings and get some light therapy. What sort of ceiling bulb or tube should I use? [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 1:51 AM PST - 7 comments

Camping in Los Angeles County area this Sept/Oct

I'm planning to go camping for several 1-2 night trips in the LA County area this fall - what are your suggestions, given the criteria inside? [more inside]
posted by Red Desk at 12:04 AM PST - 7 comments

September 12

Being intentional about where to set down roots

Nearing the finish line after 10 years of medical training and this feels like a good opportunity to relocate and set down roots for our family — the perfect place doesn’t exist, but any recommendations given our criteria? [more inside]
posted by masters2010 at 9:49 PM PST - 35 comments

Mexican restaurant in SoCal with stuffed animals as table markers

Trying to find a restaurant from a couple of decades ago which used stuffed animals as table markers for servers. [more inside]
posted by JustMeToo at 9:37 PM PST - 0 comments

What's everything for a music classroom?

I've been put in charge of developing a wishlist for my new K-4 music classroom! We're also going to do some other things tangential to music. What are all the things (with a few exceptions) I need to set up the space? [more inside]
posted by transient at 8:26 PM PST - 11 comments

How to keep cat safe if mouse poison is being used?

I live in Brooklyn with a cat and there is some mouse and rat poison being placed outside our apartment. Is there anything I can do to keep my cat safe if a mouse eats poison and then comes into our apartment? There are the black boxes with poison on the block. Is a mouse eating poison and coming into our apartment and being eaten by our cat a danger? Is there something we should do about it?
posted by andoatnp at 1:58 PM PST - 12 comments

Canon MP210 printer driver

Canon no longer supports its PIXMA MP 210 printer and I need a driver asap. Web search links to manuals but so far no driver (even though some 'driver' links actually point to manual). Any ideas?
posted by LonnieK at 1:33 PM PST - 6 comments

Please help me find an innovative pain specialist, MSP

I'm writing on behalf of a family member, who a few years ago had an injury from a fall resulting in severe chronic pain that's so far resisted treatment (and going on SSDI). Person is miserable and it seems there's nothing anyone can do about it. The problem is complicated by the fact that person has idiosyncratic responses to many medicines. [more inside]
posted by Chlorine at 1:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Is this safe? UK household fuse box/RCCB reset edition

I just put my electric oven on for the first time in a long time (air fryer FTW!). Shortly after switching it on, a fuse switch (an RCCB) flipped on the main fuse board in the hall, and I need to know if what I’ve done was a safe reset. [more inside]
posted by penguin pie at 1:02 PM PST - 9 comments

What could be making my penis feel like it's not even attached to me?

Fistly, I KNOW you're not my doctor, but I am visiting my actual doctor tomorrow. I'm in the UK so it will be my GP. For months I've noticed my erections are weaker than they once were and quickly subside whereas I used to be able to effortlessly (I think?) maintain an erection. I experimented with generic viagra and saw great results, like night and day. Then I tried cialis and similar. But recently neither cialis nor viagra have made much difference, and it's not from over use. I've taken in total probably about 12 tablets (total) in the last two years. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:55 PM PST - 8 comments

Upper-midwest US vender to terminate a personal fiber optic line?

Mice chewed near the LC connectors of 50/125 line that runs between my house and outbuilding. I've called every Google-able telecom and splice/termination service provider here in this Minneapolis / St. Paul / western Wisconsin. Most won't return or refuse to work on personal lines; only one would even quote it ($4000 USD -- which, to me, is ridiculous figure to repair what was a $600 terminated line I trenched myself). [more inside]
posted by glibhamdreck at 12:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Best non-cotton pants material that look like blue denmin?

I am sensitive and allergic to cotton material, and cannot wear cotton made jeans for long. I am wondering what would be the best non-cotton material that minimcs and looks like blue denim in jeans? I am have been told Lyocell works and looks somewhat similar? [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 10:54 AM PST - 11 comments

How to support the Haitian immigrant community in Ohio, from afar?

What are organizations on the ground in and around Springfield, Ohio that do good work supporting the Haitian immigrant community? I'd like to make a donation or take other action in solidarity with them, and encourage my network to do the same. While many of us enjoyed some of the gonzo humor generated by the false Trump/Vance claim about Haitians eating family pets, it has predictably made life more difficult for actual Haitian immigrants in Ohio. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 10:53 AM PST - 2 comments

What are the iPhone discounts like?

I have never bought a new flagship iPhone, how do the discounts work? Do they go on sale quickly after release? [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 8:54 AM PST - 12 comments

Best brush for shorthaired cats?

What's a good brush for our short-haired cat? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 7:37 AM PST - 16 comments

Genetic testing; limited knowledge sought

As a family we are interested in genetic testing to the degree that it can convey information about ethnicity but no one wants to know health problems that may or may not occur in the future. We're also concerned about using our data to triangulate a distant relative who may be implicated in some crime. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:12 AM PST - 14 comments

September 11

How do I dispose of 3 unwanted horses?

We have 3 horses in livery in England. We are in Australia. It is no longer possible to keep paying for the livery. All the horses are healthy although one is old and has a surgically repaired leg that makes it impossible for him to be worked too hard. Only one of the 3 is said to be saleable. I want to avoid having them put down if possible. What other options are there?
posted by Logophiliac at 9:53 PM PST - 14 comments

Where do I find adjustable rings?

I don't wear rings because over the course of the day my fingers tend to swell and shrink enough that rings will either fall off or become too tight. In the past I would have searched on Etsy for jewelry, but these days it's pretty garbage. I'm not sure what to search for or where to search for a selection of simple, elegant rings that can be size-adjusted. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 3:57 PM PST - 9 comments

What's the deal with all these free blood glucose metres. I want one.

I am in Toronto. I would like one of these free blood glucose metres that supposedly everyone is always giving out. How do I get one? Which one do I get? I am not diabetic. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 2:23 PM PST - 16 comments

Trip to the ER: Just a THC Reaction?

I took a THC gummy on Sunday, and went to the ER due to the severe and intense reaction. Does this sounds like a THC overdose, or is it possible there was something else in the gummy aside from what's listed on the package? [more inside]
posted by Jangatroo at 2:02 PM PST - 33 comments

Fork Soft Diet - Challenge: Lazy

After some major dental work, I find myself on an extended period of fork-soft diet. I've also lost a concerning amount of weight and am struggling to regain it. I'm a month into this and I'm bored of the textures and the few foods I can find that fit my restrictions. Recipes? Restaurant suggestions? Protein shake recommendations? I'll take any advice and suggestions I can get. [more inside]
posted by MuChao at 1:35 PM PST - 22 comments

How can I work offline more?

I've been experimenting with using notebooks for to-dos and meeting minutes and I have noticed definite improvements to my productivity. What are other ways I can move more of my work processes offline? Please suggest some tools or workflows that could work just as well or better on paper, with the understanding that I will not be able to change the way my organization operates. [more inside]
posted by epanalepsis at 1:11 PM PST - 8 comments

Inspiring and moving historic photos?

Today I learned about Jim Rice, a baseball player who scooped up a kid in 1982 who had been hit by a foul ball. He rushed the kid over to a team doctor so the injury could be treated immediately, likely saving the kids life. There are at least two photographs of this that are very similar to each other, and both are moving to me (image search). [more inside]
posted by Number Used Once at 12:13 PM PST - 18 comments

Twin brother got a diagnosis, some slight sc

You are not my doctor. I'm wondering if you could give me some advice on my next steps. My identical twin brother just got diagnosed with something called avascular necrosis in his left hip and he thinks he will get diagnosed in his right hip after an MRI and xray. My right hip just started slightly bothering me. Should I immediately book an appointment with a Ortho? Looking for some anecdotal advice some add'l details inside: [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 11:57 AM PST - 5 comments

Explaining diet with heart failure to people

The only help I get with my dad as a primary caregiver is from his friends. They’re well intentioned and love him, and they make it possible for me not to have regular meltdowns from caregiver stress. However, he just came out of the hospital for a heart failure exacerbation and they apparently gave him fucking OLIVES because olives are “not that salty”. [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 11:48 AM PST - 15 comments

Navigating religious bias in charity donors

I'm trying to raise money for a secular program that exists under a religious umbrella organization. I'm trying to find a way to approach this so that won't put people off, and I'm stuck on a particular decision. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 10:01 AM PST - 15 comments

Project management - multiple requestors, multiple fulfillers?

I'm looking for structured, ideally automated or semi-automated ways to take requests from a number of different requestors, and feed them at least somewhat efficiently to a number of different fulfilling teams, when the requests will need varying amount of time and effort from one or more of the fulfilling teams. [more inside]
posted by buxtonbluecat at 9:35 AM PST - 1 comment

WhatsApp investing groups

Someone I know has joined a WhatsApp group chat which gives investing advice. Is this type of group usually a scam, and if so, how does it work? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 7:44 AM PST - 19 comments

Should I buy a fixer upper condo as a first time homeowner?

Condo unit and roof deck needs some work. Please advise this first time home buyer? [more inside]
posted by nicodine at 7:02 AM PST - 20 comments

Amuse my dad! Remote joint activities

My dad is retired and kind of bored and lonely. What can we do jointly but remotely? We do read books together. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 6:27 AM PST - 28 comments

Infomercial products that are actually good?

Sleepless in suburban Virginia, I find myself channel surfing through infomercial after infomercial. I've never bought anything from an infomercial, but I'd have to say I'm tempted right now bc many of the products look/sound very inventive and useful. I'm keeping my credit card in my wallet for now, but my curiosity is still piqued: fellow mefites, have you ever ended up very happy with an infomercial purchase? How about, on the contrary, very unhappy?
posted by BadgerDoctor at 1:27 AM PST - 22 comments

September 10

What to do with a so-so ikea work bench bench

I have this IKEA workbench I'm using in my kitchen in my new rental apartment. The top is, currently, a rather rough plywood. What the heck should I do with it to make it a little nicer? [more inside]
posted by oxford blue at 8:27 PM PST - 18 comments

How do you cope after accidentally hurting/killing an animal?

I think I stepped on a toad, which has activated a spiral of self-hatred. I really like amphibians. I've been active with local toad rescue organizations this last year, so I've held a lot of these little guys, and I've fallen in love with them a little bit. I feel terrible now. [more inside]
posted by toucan at 5:35 PM PST - 30 comments

Books that feel like movies?

Looking for fiction that feels like a movie in terms of pacing, intrigue, and plot. Can be action/crime or thriller (but not horror). I like political conspiracies though not too woo-woo - just your usual trope of uncovering something. [more inside]
posted by benimaru at 5:15 PM PST - 33 comments

Cotton Business Casual Clothing? Fashion advice needed!

I recently discovered that I am MUCH more comfortable wearing cotton clothing. Looking for cotton business casual style recommendations to keep an eye out for. [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 4:58 PM PST - 10 comments

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)

I am having surgery soon under Monitored Anesthesia Care. When I was in the emergency room for the initial injury, they had to do a nerve block multiple times because it wasn't taking in the first place and then I was metabolizing it so fast and it was excruciatingly painful. My questions: Will I be aware if this is happening, but just won't remember it afterward? And if I'm not aware, then how will they know if the nerve block is not effective or is losing effectiveness? I did have shoulder surgery a few years ago and I remember my dead hand slowly coming to life many hours later so I assume a nerve block can be effective for me. Is the nerve block in the ER different?
posted by HotToddy at 2:48 PM PST - 3 comments

Does mosquito spraying kill monarch butterflies?

My area of the city has posters up everywhere warning about mosquito spraying tonight. This is a huge section of coastal NYC. Ive seen hundreds of monarch butterflies on my walk home today. I assume they’re migrating because Ive never seen them before. Is the spraying going to kill them? This seems like a nightmare scenario.
posted by octaviabutlerfan at 1:19 PM PST - 9 comments

Could not getting spring allergies have caused my fall allergies?

I usually get allergies bad for about two weeks in the spring. I know it's tree pollen by looking at the weather reports when my sniffling and sneezing are at their highest. I didn't get allergies this year because I was out of the country those two weeks. I usually don't get allergies in the fall, but this year I have them bad. Are the phenomena related?
posted by Roy Batty at 12:09 PM PST - 2 comments

What is this 80s movie I'm thinking of?

Is this memory in my brain an actual 1980s movie or is it just a construction from the flotsam and jetsam of my childhood? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 12:00 PM PST - 23 comments

Hemorrhoidectomy help

My husband is having a hemorrhoidectomy next week. I've read the materials, but I was wondering if you have any personal experience or suggestions that may make recovery easier? [more inside]
posted by socky_puppy at 11:43 AM PST - 6 comments

Chicken-free renal diet (wet) for cat with chronic kidney disease?

Vet suggested we put our cat with chronic kidney disease on a renal diet. I told him she has a chicken allergy, and he said he would research and find some chicken free options. The list he gave me are renal wet foods labeled tuna, vegetable, etc. but when you go to the ingredients list for these foods they all include chicken. What can I feed my cat? [more inside]
posted by brook horse at 11:38 AM PST - 4 comments

promoting an anonymous website for free?

A colleague has built a website that could attract doxxing or harassers, so wants to stay anonymous. Are there any free, effective ways to promote it that maintain anonymity? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 11:32 AM PST - 5 comments

Need to figure out how to put my phone at a certain angle for recording

I am recording myself singing and playing the guitar with my phone (a google phone). I want to put the phone at a certain angle, which I cannot do with my phone tripod or any other way I can figure out. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 10:08 AM PST - 12 comments

Lake Garda Trout

Where can I find Lake Garda trout in Riva? [more inside]
posted by Don_K at 9:11 AM PST - 0 comments

Putting music on Yoto player cards

I'm maybe interested in getting a Yoto player for my young child. I'm not enthused with the selection of cards they sell and I can't get a clear picture of what it's like to make cards with my own audio. Can you explain what it's like / how easy it is to just put mp3s (or whatever) on a blank card? Can I do it without a smartphone?
posted by Wolfdog at 9:07 AM PST - 7 comments

Airstream - the good and the bad?

We are considering the purchase of an Airstream camper/trailer and vehicle. We would eventually like to cross the country for a bit when my wife and I retire in a few years. Never owned a camper before. Thought we might try to get used to a camper and get it partially paid for it before retiring. [more inside]
posted by GernBlandston at 8:00 AM PST - 8 comments

Good, recent (last 20 years?) memoirs by ordinary people

Looking for memoirs of non-famous people partly because I like writing memoir-ish stuff and want inspiration (and am resoundingly un-famous.) [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 7:32 AM PST - 36 comments

Can anyone offer some financial advice regarding a second loan?

Hi all, I'm in a kind of a tough spot... I took out a $50k home equity loan against my primary (H1) residence 3 years ago at 3.99% (balance on it is now $35k). I now have a different primary (H2) and currently rent H1. Due to cc debt I am looking at options for a 2nd loan. Ideally I'd like to pay off first loan and all cc debt and have one new monthly loan payment. I have listed H1 for sale to try to convert to cash equity to pay off cc debt but H1 is not selling. I know most banks won't allow for loan in 2nd lien position. And I know any loan I take out I'll lose the 3.99 rate and have a higher rate (which I'm OK with - I just don't want to continue to carry the cc debt). Are there any banks that will offer an option for me? I am gainfully employed and credit is in good standing. Any suggestions here are much appreciated :)
posted by matt755811 at 5:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Finding a short story about cats

I came across this story on Metafilter circa 2019. The only detail I remember is that one of the cats chased a skipper (type of butterfly). Searching my Favorites didn't turn it up. Also open to other short stories about cats!
posted by gray17 at 5:27 AM PST - 2 comments

Skilled trade options to study/work for before/while pursuing a degree?

Are there any trades you can learn weekends and nights while still studying for a traditional degree? (UK but open to any ideas!) [more inside]
posted by caoimhe at 3:50 AM PST - 7 comments

September 9

Recommend me a great glass for my nightly drink!

I'm a long time red wine drinker, but last year I switched to herbal tea, brewed cold & lightly carbonated, with a splash of fruit juice and a little apple cider vinegar (less than a teaspoon). I've been drinking it in white wine glasses, partly to make it still feel like an adult beverage. It's time to find a better glass! [more inside]
posted by 2oh1 at 11:45 PM PST - 20 comments

Dynamics of old friends visiting

I have an old college friend X who is visiting from another country to my city, to take a sick family member to hospital. She does this at least twice or thrice a year. In the last five-seven years, she has been interested in getting together, but somehow the circumstances were such that I just wasn't able to. I'm not good at relationships, but I have good memories of my friendship with X and I'd like to keep those without becoming burdened by old expectations. How do I rekindle this friendship without being out of balance? [more inside]
posted by summerfey at 10:54 PM PST - 7 comments

Seventeen Days in Context

A mass has been found on my wife's pancreas. I am here to ask about how her cadre of physicians is responding to it. It was discovered during an ER visit on 8/30. After two CT scans, one X-ray and one ultrasound in the ER, they decided to schedule another endoscopy/biopsy seventeen days later; now, next week. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:19 PM PST - 11 comments

Woo/non-woo marriage

My partner and I have been together for several years and have a child together. Partner has always leaned more new agey/woo with curiosity about past lives, parapsychology, near death experiences, psychics, etc. I am agnostic on these and most metaphysical questions. Partner and I agree on ethics, how to treat people, social justice. I didn't give the difference on spirituality much thought until recently. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:18 PM PST - 23 comments

Car Paint Repair Options

I have an 18 year old car in good condition except the paint is worn and starting to look really bad. I don't really want a quick paint job that will peel off in a few years, but I don't want something very expensive either. Are there any other options that don't look terrible, but also are not overly expensive for an old car? I'd like to get another 5 years or so out of the car without it looking like a total beater if possible. [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 7:06 PM PST - 9 comments

iphone holder/tripod question

My iPhone Xr has an otterbox type of bulky case, which I would like to leave on it while on a stand. It also has slightly more bulk with this teeny spectacles pocket. [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 6:29 PM PST - 1 comment

Mystery White Bugs Appeared Overnight

I had a garment drying outside overnight and this morning it was covered with little white bugs. They were also on the straps of a bag that we left out on the porch, but nowhere else. Both things are black. Photo [more inside]
posted by amandabee at 4:37 PM PST - 3 comments

Best way to change a family's cell phones and provider at the same time?

We currently have 3 Android phones on Google Fi and want to have 3 iPhones on Xfinity wireless. What's the best way to go about this while limiting any interruptions? Also, one of us lives in a different state. [more inside]
posted by drgonzo2k2 at 4:14 PM PST - 7 comments

Crawling through a dungeon, page by page

A friend of mine is looking for books that provide a pure dungeon crawl a la D&D campaign or Diablo, with a focus on the protagonist or party actually navigating the dungeon, monsters, traps, etc. It's surprisingly hard to find such a thing! Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 3:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Smart lock for small office

Which smart lock should we get for a small office? Ideally, one that doesn't need an app to create codes. [more inside]
posted by ssg at 3:34 PM PST - 2 comments

Being poor in Minnesota vs Wisconsin

Homeless couple in Superior WI, trying to decide between staying in Superior or moving to Duluth. Wondering about pros/cons. [more inside]
posted by sock puppy at 3:29 PM PST - 4 comments

Sudden wrist pain - why?

I'll need to see a doctor if this doesn't go away in the next couple of days. Meanwhile, I'm wondering if I can do anything about the pain. Can you help me figure out what this is and what might help? [more inside]
posted by toucan at 3:21 PM PST - 5 comments

New Backpack

I did read some previous questions about this but...I would love help finding a new backpack. [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 2:18 PM PST - 3 comments

Cranky old man seeks move to Europe

US American with reactive senior dog considering move to a European (most likely Nordic) city. What do I need to know about dog culture to prepare? [more inside]
posted by mosst at 1:38 PM PST - 6 comments

How do hearing test results translate to a graphic equalizer?

How can I translate my hearing test results to a music player's graphic equalizer so that I can boost certain frequencies to match how a recorded music track is meant to sound? [more inside]
posted by umbú at 1:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Over ear vs buds on a plane

For some years I’ve been traveling with large, heavy Sennheiser over ears headphones with good active noise cancellation during long plane flights. But the size is, well, not terrific for an upcoming multi-city itinerary. I also own Beats Fit Pro buds that have ANC, which will work much better as long as the ANC works well. From your experience, will they?
posted by billsaysthis at 1:08 PM PST - 4 comments

What is your favorite online fitness class?

Looking for some online exercising. Can you share your favorite, what the class does, and why you like it? I need to get active to compensate for the hours hunched over the keyboard. (Can be on-demand or video)
posted by storybored at 1:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Zipper left a stain, how to remove it with science?

I got cream coloured jeans at a steep discount due to a brown stain from the metal zipper. How can I remove the stain? There are many competing remedies online (Baking soda! Vinegar! Salt! Wishes and dreams!) so I’d like to hear from people who have personally succeeded, or chemistry types who can explain with science. Thanks!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 12:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Our Subaru seems worse after some major repairs?

What specifically could be causing new heavy "clunk" in transmission, trouble with dashboard notifiers, and other problems after we paid for major repairs? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 11:32 AM PST - 7 comments

Landlord Q: Rental needs repairs - how to accommodate tenant

Please help me be a nice person but not bankrupt myself.... [more inside]
posted by tristeza at 11:22 AM PST - 18 comments

How to stop Pi-hole from blocking links in email messages

I'm using Pi-hole to do ad filtering on my home network. It generally works well, but it's had the unfortunate side-effect of disabling a lot of links I get via email messages. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 10:00 AM PST - 14 comments

Unresolved Lyrics

I'm currently starting on lyrics for a song about unresolved matters and how annoying they can be. What can you tell me about your experience with this? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 9:05 AM PST - 8 comments

Movies about "going up river"

I recently rewatched Fitzcarraldo (and the related doc Burden of Dreams) and it got me wondering-- what other films (fiction and documentary) are about "going up river"? [more inside]
posted by gwint at 8:37 AM PST - 30 comments

Boundaries and elder support, parentification-recovery edition

I'm getting ready to take a long career break to recover from burnout, improve my physical and mental health, and work toward a career shift. At the same time, my mother's health and financial situation are declining; whether or not she can continue to live on her own is seriously in question. This isn't a question about all the ways I could help her. She's a bottomless pit. This is a question about how to decide what my obligations are (ethically and perhaps legally) so that I can protect my own resources and not be derailed from my own goals. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:59 AM PST - 10 comments

Who is Kathleen Casey Theisen?

I bumped into a quote this morning: Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgment of the facts of a situation. Then deciding what you're going to do about it. --- Kathleen Casey Theisen The quote says what I believe, but better, so I was curious about the author but all I can find is that quote and one other and that she's listed as "American author" in some places and "American sociologist" in others. I also found what may be her wedding announcement in a 1960 Minneapolis newspaper. [more inside]
posted by Awfki at 6:00 AM PST - 7 comments

How to motivate a temporary flatmate find her own place?

I helped a girl I met online with accommodation and saved her a lot of money and trouble, but I don't think she is making a lot of effort to find a place of her own as agreed. Am I being too harsh? [more inside]
posted by Salicornia at 5:45 AM PST - 21 comments

What is going on with my knee?

YANMD and I don't think a doctor is needed, but perhaps some of you who are experienced in Dealing With Knees can tell me what is probably going on in there and what is a good way to help it heal fast (rest vs gentle movement, elevation, cold vs hot, ace bandage or no, etc etc). Details under cut. [more inside]
posted by Rhedyn at 5:19 AM PST - 5 comments

How to do an online memorial

My dad died toward the beginning of 2020. He did not die of Covid but because of it, there was no memorial service. I am headed to California soon and want to do some kind of online celebration of his life. How? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 2:50 AM PST - 4 comments

September 8

Company I'm interviewing with doesn't offer healthcare.

Yep I'm in the US. I'm going to have an interview at a company that doesn't offer healthcare. I can get good insurance through my partner, so this doesn't affect me, but it seems like a giant red flag. All other similar companies I've worked for offer healthcare. I'm uneasy about this - what questions do I ask about this in the interview? [more inside]
posted by Vatnesine at 9:12 PM PST - 19 comments

Is this mold?

So far, I'm loving my new place. However, I noticed some faint weird marks on my bedroom wall, and upon further inspection, the marks are darker than the rest of the wall. When I touch them, it still feels hard/not soft or fuzzy. However, it's a bit weird-looking, so would you say it's mold or just paint discoloration? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 7:58 PM PST - 9 comments

"Any change is stressful for animals - even positive change".

"Any change is stressful for animals - even positive change". I read a quote like this somewhere, but now I can't find it. Maybe in a book by Gerald Durrell, or maybe from Life of Pi? Anyone familiar with it? Thanks!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:53 PM PST - 3 comments

Low-budget 1930s/40s musicals

I'm looking for musicals from the 1930s and 40s that are influenced by Busby Berkeley but don't have a Busby Berkeley budget. I've liked both King of Jazz (which might not be super low budget?) and Club Havana; what other films might I enjoy?
posted by pxe2000 at 5:09 PM PST - 3 comments

When does protection from covid kick in if I get vaccinated tomorrow?

If I get the new covid vaccine tomorrow, will it be active in time to protect me for my plane trip on Wednesday or Thursday (I haven’t bought the plane tickets yet)? [more inside]
posted by SomethinsWrong at 4:10 PM PST - 18 comments

How's the neighborhood around the Wilson Ave station in Bushwick?

We're two mid-30s transplants from the Bay Area and we saw a great apartment today a few blocks from the Wilson Ave station. We liked the neighborhood and the commute makes sense, but a lot of the info online is outdated or shitpost-y so I'm hoping MeFites might have tips. [more inside]
posted by c'mon sea legs at 2:16 PM PST - 8 comments

Should I stay or should I go?

I need help thinking through a job offer that I need to respond to by tomorrow. [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 1:23 PM PST - 17 comments

Paxlovid, metformin, etc.

What's the latest thinking on what to do if you get COVID to reduce the risk of long COVID? Everyone around me is getting covid in this latest surge and I want to have info to give them. In particular, is paxlovid or metformin better for preventing long COVID? And are there other supplements etc. that I should recommend that they take?
posted by slidell at 12:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Disco tracks from non-disco bands

I love it when a rock (or indie) band suddenly goes disco. Heart of Glass, Miss You, The Magnificent Seven, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy, or far later, Belle and Sebastian's The Party Line. Let's throw Danger! High Voltage in there. What are the best disco-inflected tracks by non-disco bands over the decades?
posted by eschatfische at 11:11 AM PST - 33 comments

Conditional formatting for deadline management in Excel

I would like to use conditional formatting in Excel to help me manage a large matrix of deadlines. I want to use colors to indicate which deadlines are approaching and which deadlines have passed. Difficulty level: how to handle tasks that have been completed. [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 9:30 AM PST - 9 comments

Given the electrician's description, can I use this thermostat?

Previously I asked for advice here on getting new thermostats for our baseboard heat. Eventually had to hire a electrician, who gave us a report but flaked when it came time for an actual quote. I think I could just install thermostats myself but I want to make sure I'm buying the right one. [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 7:51 AM PST - 8 comments

Comics Layout Books/Blogs/Advice

As part of my job, I'm writing a script for an online comic. I've read some books on comics writing (e.g. Scott McCloud) that talk about how the comics medium works in general. Are there books or blog posts or websites that talk about what effect this or that specific layout has? Why an artist puts five tall panels on the same tier, or floats small panels in a bigger panel? The sort of thing that a great teacher in an arts class might tell me if I were learning composition?
posted by musofire at 7:47 AM PST - 7 comments

Online stylist (not for hair)

I am looking for an online stylist who is willing to work with my personal style (I'm female-bodied). I'm not looking for a personal shopper, more someone who can give me a principles on how to improve and refine the style I already have so it looks good on my body. Im incapable of determining this for myself due to laziness and mild body dysphoria. I hope someone has a recommendation! [more inside]
posted by sockofdreams at 7:22 AM PST - 5 comments

Interdisciplinary panel podcasts

I’m fascinated by events in which people from different domains of professional or academic specialization have a (facilitated) conversation about how their work may intersect or may approach a common problem. For time and money reasons, I’m not able to attend a lot of such events, but I am able to listen to podcasts on my bike ride to work. What are your favorites?
posted by gauche at 4:40 AM PST - 4 comments

September 7

YANMD but what are the next, cheapest steps for treating sleep apnea?

A nurse anesthetist told my I had sleep apnea. How do I go about getting a CPAP machine or other treatment without having to pay for additional appointments and tests? [more inside]
posted by simplethings at 8:53 PM PST - 20 comments

Colorado Trespass Law

I'm looking for some details of trespass law in Colorado, USA. In particular I'm interested in what the owner of real property needs to do in order to warn potential trespassers. [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 8:36 PM PST - 1 comment

Woodworking 101

What tools should every beginning woodworker’s workshop have? [more inside]
posted by cjorgensen at 6:48 PM PST - 15 comments

Presidential Debate Prep Process

Are there any good deep-dive articles (or book passages) about the behind-the-scenes details of Hillary Clinton's debate prep in 2016? I'm specifically interested in the choices Phillippe Reines made as the Trump stand-in. Did he try to replicate the stream-of-nonsense; how did they prep for specific wildly-unprofessional personal attacks?
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 12:46 PM PST - 8 comments

Two Year Old Bedtime Tips

We are having a hard time keeping up with our strong and aggressive two year old at naptime and bedtime. If you had a toddler like this, do you have any strategies or tips? [more inside]
posted by Kwine at 12:16 PM PST - 15 comments

Eyeglass lenses in Boston. Difficulty: computer distance.

I need someone in Greater Boston who will make lenses for a midrange focal distance (ideally 28 inches, although I can be a little flexible), and who works to make sure the prescription is right. So far, I've just gotten reading-distance glasses, a huge bill and the bum rush out the door. Can you recommend someone awesome to me?
posted by rednikki at 12:15 PM PST - 15 comments

to call up a demon you must learn its name

Help me resume-write this IT project activity: multi-site, critical, timely, coordinated service migration stuff. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by glonous keming at 11:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Alternate music video for Piano Man

I remember seeing an alternate music video for ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel many years ago that I’ve never been able to find since (possibly decades ago). It was probably black and white. It is not the original 1973 video that’s easily findable on YouTube. The one clear moment I remember is during the line ‘I’m sure that I could be a movie star/If I could get out of this place’ the bartender turns around and looks at himself in the mirror and it was an older man who looked like Ernest Borgnine. Did this exist?
posted by bq at 10:30 AM PST - 2 comments

Tipping piano mover - mistake

I recently had a piano moved and there's an issue with the tip I gave [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 9:28 AM PST - 11 comments

How do I help my mom without pushing her towards her abuser

And while also maintaining my own boundaries. CW verbal abuse and eating disorders. [more inside]
posted by puppet of sock at 9:28 AM PST - 15 comments

Cat and mouse

How do you set mouse traps when you have a pet who might stick a paw or nose in one? [more inside]
posted by ojocaliente at 8:35 AM PST - 10 comments

what is is that the birds and the bees like (besides that)

A neighbor puts out huge quantities of birdseed on their fire escape, mostly feeding pigeons and occasional doves. Today I’m watching a steady stream of bees visiting the fire escape and zooming off in the same direction. I don’t think bees are interested in millet or sunflower seeds, so I’m curious what might be in a birdseed mix that they think worth collecting. [more inside]
posted by moonmilk at 8:20 AM PST - 8 comments

Avoiding member of friend group

I'm uncomfortable around a guy in a relatively new group of friends, but am not sure how to minimize my discomfort AND any drama. Do I suck it up and hang out with him in the group? Tell the other friends so they understand why I duck out of meet-ups? Keep making plausible excuses whenever it turns out he's going to be in the group? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:14 AM PST - 16 comments

How do I work out if this is just a mid-life crisis?

It’s been a year of various upheavals for me: family health, injury issues, marital strife, and now a bunch of changes in my life which have me questioning my identity in a way that I didn’t expect. On top of all of that — and far more importantly — I’m feeling like I’ve fallen out of love with my wife and, crucially, like falling back in love would take energy that I just don’t have anymore. Am I just having a mid-life crisis, which I can dismiss by ploughing on as I always have, or is this something I need to pay more attention to? And how do I tell the difference? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:11 AM PST - 15 comments

Seeking a good photo-printing service (UK)

I’ve used PhotoBox in the past to collect digital photos into printed books, but the last one I got was poorer quality (pages came loose and fell out after minimal use), and I’ve just discovered that they’ve updated (read: ruined) their website and all my old curated photo albums and books have vanished. (The FAQ promises they’ll be restored at some point in the future, but it looks like the website change happened two months ago, so I’m not feeling optimistic about that). So: what’s a good UK-based service for printing digital photos/making photo books etc? I’m looking for quality and reliability rather than cheapest.
posted by damsel with a dulcimer at 4:22 AM PST - 3 comments

September 6

Sore feet and hands?

Every morning after I get out of bed, I hobble around for a while because my feet are sore and tender. It's still present throughout the day, to a lesser degree. I also feel this in my hands, particularly when subjected to a firm handshake or pick up something heavy. Looking for some possibilities to run by my doctor. [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 11:02 PM PST - 24 comments

Help me set up a survey

I have a question about the order of the response choices, and a question about which online platform to use. The survey is not expected to be scientific. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 9:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Resistance Band Workouts

What are your favorite resistance band workouts, on YouTube or otherwise? [more inside]
posted by thecaddy at 7:43 PM PST - 5 comments

Home carpet protection from chair casters

I'd love some recommendations on how to protect carpet from my computer chair casters. I would love some recommendations. [more inside]
posted by Carillon at 6:43 PM PST - 9 comments

Does anyone have experience with dog CT scans in Manhattan?

What it says on the tin. I'm considering having some imaging done and would be interested in any stories of personal experience at any (still operating) facility. I understand it's going to require some form of anesthesia and thus is going to be $$$. For that reason in particular, I'd welcome any recommendations/warnings! Thanks.
posted by praemunire at 6:35 PM PST - 1 comment

ISO tales of (cover?) letters (or similar!) that worked against all odds

Basically what it says in the title .. can you, could you spare a moment to, share stories of inquiries, cover letters, requests for interviews, application essays, etc and their circumstances that somehow worked even though you , or one, might have thought there were only slightly better chances for the applicant, or inquirer, than a snowball would have in hell ? [more inside]
posted by elgee at 6:21 PM PST - 8 comments

Urgent question for Western New Yorkers!

I'm doing a road trip in Western New York and I realized that I'll encounter some toll roads in the next few days, in the area between Ithaca and Niagara Falls. Will I be able to pay cash at those toll stops? Hertz wants me to pay freaking $28 per day (plus tolls) to use their toll transponder. Help! [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:07 PM PST - 24 comments

Looking for a particular Suzette Haden Elgin Livejournal post

I recall reading a post on Suzette Haden Elgin’s Livejournal (ozarque) about different ways to ask a neighbour to come get their cows and the hidden meanings behind them, and cultural differences around how one might ask and how one might respond. I can’t seem to find it via any search, though. Does anyone remember it?
posted by wheatlets at 3:42 PM PST - 1 comment

Using up an unexpected jalapeno harvest with green chile crisp

I unexpectedly was given about 15 fresh jalapenos. I don't usually eat jalapenos except for once in a while I'll add some pickled slices to nachos or tacos. Aside from pickling some of the harvest, what are some other ways to use them up? One idea that is very intriguing to me is using fresh jalapenos to make a green chile crisp. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 2:59 PM PST - 8 comments

Painful, sensitive teeth after abdominal surgery -- why?

I had emergency abdominal surgery a week ago, and my teeth have been painfully sensitive to things like drinking liquids at any temperature below room temp, chewing, or sucking on hard candies. I'm baffled. The explanations I can think might be causing are are below... [more inside]
posted by maryellenreads at 2:42 PM PST - 12 comments

Where to find online (garment) sewing communities?

I'm trying to get into sewing, and would love to find a place where I can see photos of what other people have made for inspiration and ideally interact with other sewists. [more inside]
posted by Metasyntactic at 1:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Clean up young adult credit from parent use

How can a young adult clean up a credit record that was damaged by their parent, but without incriminating the parent? A young adult I know has old internet/cable and electricity bills on their credit report that were opened by their parent. Not sure how old, but assume more than five years old. Obvs this is impacting their ability to build and use credit. How can the young adult fix their credit without incriminating their parent? [more inside]
posted by toodleydoodley at 12:51 PM PST - 20 comments

Comedy sketch of Gen Z making Millennials feel old

I’ve been trying to find for a while now a video comedy sketch that I first saw online a few years ago, in which Millennials talking about Seinfeld are made to feel ancient by their new GenZ colleague. In fact, the Millennials’ hair turns gray, they start wearing shawls, and crying out with a punchline, “My hip!” This continues around the office until the Millennials ask a GenXer in the office to intervene, so he starts talking to the GenZer about mortgages and 401(k)s, returning the Millennials to their true age and turning the GenZer into a little kid. Does anyone know where I can find this sketch online? Thanks!
posted by Misciel at 11:47 AM PST - 9 comments

Formal terms for describing different ways to ask questions??

Are there formal grammatical or rhetorical terms for talking about different ways to ask a question? In my mind, "Why is there a sock on the floor?", "Did you leave a sock on the floor?", and "Hey - there was a sock on the floor when I got home - any idea why it's there?" all ask the same question, but with vastly different degrees of accusation (I already assume YOU did it and I want to convey my irritation more than get an actual answer) down to curious inquiry (I saw the sock, I think maybe you left it there, but am open to being proven wrong or hearing extenuating reasons). Do these different questioning formats have formal names?
posted by Silvery Fish at 11:32 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me find a font

Designers of MeFi! I am getting a custom thing made and hoping to find a font that evokes the same feel as the WWE "W" on their belts. (That letter isn't technically a font, but rather a drawing, so the designer can't just download it.) Do you know a thick, pointy kinda font we could use instead? Doesn't have to be free download but that would, natch, help. Thanks!
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:08 AM PST - 2 comments

Not so tuff shed?

Costco has an 8x12.5 resin shed for $1200. A similarly sized tuff shed is $4115, more than 3 times the price. What does one get for that price? I mean I could buy resin shed and replace it twice for that. [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 8:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Mini pc or all-in-one for CAD$500 budget

Searching for a computer to replace a decade-old desktop. All tasks are web based (banking, clicking sketchy links from Facebook), but Windows is familiar for this person. Monitor should be at least 24". What's a good enough solution? [more inside]
posted by Acari at 8:21 AM PST - 4 comments

Antecedents of the 'worldbeat' guitar sound

(nothing but) flowers by the talking heads has a particular electric guitar style that shows up in other albums (Paul Simon's Graceland, for example) whose music gets described as "world beat" or 'world music' by wikipedia. (Vampire Weekend's debut album has this too, I guess? I realize these are not always identical, but I don't have a better aesthetic vocabulary for this). Who are the artists that were influencing these bands and developed that sound earlier? What e.g., Afro-pop artists from the 1980s should I listen to if I really like that sound?
posted by dismas at 7:42 AM PST - 15 comments

Austin, TX - beautiful nature places for an afternoon

We have several hours to spend between the AUS airport and Lakeway areas and would love to find the most beautiful nature/state park/bird viewing/preserve to visit this afternoon. Short hikes or swimming welcome but not necessary. Recommendations? We prefer not to go *into* Austin city itself - that's for another day.
posted by dabadoo at 4:55 AM PST - 2 comments

September 5

Kitten(s?) outside my house!

It’s the middle of the night and the cat distribution system has finally come to our house in the country. Is there anything I can do tonight that will improve my odds of catching / caring for them tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 9:56 PM PST - 19 comments

your whooping cough, tell me about it

Have you had whooping cough as an adult? How did that go for you? Did anything help the symptoms? [more inside]
posted by virve at 9:36 PM PST - 16 comments

Lyft won’t do anything. I had a terrible experience. Suggestions?

I tried doing heavy lifting (pun intended) with their app/email based customer service but got nowhere. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 8:16 PM PST - 21 comments

What to expect during cat introduction?

Back in June I posted a question wherein I was debating on adopting a second cat. I decided then not to, but the cat distribution system has delivered me one anyway. Although I have been reading a lot how to introduce cats properly, I don't know what to realistically expect. Please see inside. [more inside]
posted by Saucywench at 6:25 PM PST - 9 comments

Covid birthday ideas

Our friend is turning 40 this weekend but had to cancel his big party because he has Covid. Looking for ideas of things we can get delivered to him that we can do last minute bc the birthday is Saturday. Located in NYC. [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 4:55 PM PST - 7 comments

"Oh Dark Angel riding high, I can see through you"

"You learned your tricks by the River Styx, where the Devil gets his due." Thus runs the chorus of a bluegrass song I have been unable to find online, which was taped from a public radio folk music program (not sure which one, although Sing Out Songbag or Mountain Stage or the Folk Sampler would all be good guesses) in the 1980s or early 1990s. Does anybody recall this song, who wrote it, and what the title was? Is it perhaps a parody of some better-known song? [more inside]
posted by Not A Thing at 4:23 PM PST - 0 comments

What's Going On With This Harmony, From A Music Theory Perspective?

Can any of you music theory boffins tell me what's going on with the music in the video in this FPP post? I know some theory but I can't figure out what's going on there. Whatever it is, it's cool...
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:56 PM PST - 7 comments

Can I make uttapam with besan chickpea flour and rice flour?

I would like to make uttapam, but I do not have the traditional ingredients for it at the moment, since I would need to order them online. I do have besan chickpea flour, rice flour, all purpose flour, as well as instant yeast and baking soda. I’m not sure if I can mimic a similarity to the traditional ingredients?
posted by RearWindow at 3:29 PM PST - 2 comments

Parrot dancing without human music

Parrots make up excellent choreography to human music, but do they dance on their own? Do they have mating rituals that include dancing?
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 3:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Issue with unwanted male attention.

I have a part-time retirement job working at a pool. Part of my job is to be welcoming to clients, which often includes some friendly chit-chat. [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 2:51 PM PST - 24 comments

How many solar panels can you make from one ton of sand?

Assuming high grade sand. I came across an article that said sand was now $55 per ton. That compares to roughly $140 per ton of thermal coal. Then I was wondering how one ton of sand compares to one ton of coal when they are used to generate energy. How much better is solar energy on this per ton basis?
posted by storybored at 2:48 PM PST - 4 comments

New primary care physician - would I regret signing up with a DO?

I'm considering switching to a new primary care physician who is a DO, rather than an MD, but is highly recommended as being responsive, attentive, knowledgeable, etc. Should I skip her? Help me understand "DO" enough to know if I would find it incompatible. [more inside]
posted by bluesky78987 at 2:42 PM PST - 23 comments

Suggestions for migraine tracking?

Do you do journaling or similar to track your headaches? How? My doctor wants me to start tracking possible triggers and treatments for my migraines. She recommended the app Migraine Buddy, but when I have a headache the last thing I should do is dink around on a complicated app. Advice? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:54 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me think about how to deal with this difficult situation, please.

I need help with a touchy situation that brings up alllll sorts of tough issues for me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:39 PM PST - 30 comments

Do you have experience with CO2-based mosquito traps?

I am considering buying an expensive mosquito trap. If you have any experience with these products, I'd love to hear it! [more inside]
posted by SaltySalticid at 12:23 PM PST - 7 comments

Cat prednisolone medication problem - weird issue!

Our cat is on prednisolone for either small cell lymphoma or severe IBD - unsure without biopsy. Normally we administer a small dose twice a day by syringe without incident. Our most recent bottle of prednisolone raised a problem.... [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 11:14 AM PST - 11 comments

Who sells this rainbow jacket?

Who sells this rainbow jacket? First photo. Second photo.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 6:29 AM PST - 9 comments

Protect this house

My father in law is recently widowed after my mother law fought a 9 month battle with stroke complications. During the battle, an old family "friend" named Meg entered the picture to help out. Meg had ulterior motives and now has my father in law, and his considerable assets in her sights. What can we do to protect the family estate? [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized at 6:17 AM PST - 24 comments

What is the fastest way to register my car in NY state?

We are buying a used car from a dealer in New York state. I'm having trouble working out if it is any faster, in terms of getting permanent plates, registration, insurance, if we transfer the registration and plates from our trade in to the new(er) car, or if we should just get new registration and plates. We are doing the trade-in either way. [more inside]
posted by lockedroomguy at 5:34 AM PST - 3 comments

September 4

I'm unemployed and career change attempts are floundering.

I'm a lawyer and I've been out of work for nearly a year, and trying to find a job in a new field has yielded, well, nothing - even with career counselling and workshopping and all the other things we're advised to do when trying to find new work. So here I am. [more inside]
posted by mightygodking at 11:17 PM PST - 15 comments

coping mechanisms for work related exhaustion/fatigue

Looking to hear from people who may be introverts, chronically ill, and/or neurodivergent, but have demanding jobs that involve interacting with the public for several hours a day. At this time, quitting is not an option. [more inside]
posted by cboggs at 11:17 PM PST - 13 comments

How to go about getting a German work contract reviewed?

I’m a Canadian who did some work on a display for a German museum. I delivered it, invoiced and was sent a contract to sign. It's in german and the institution isn’t allowed to provide an english version. [more inside]
posted by brachiopod at 5:34 PM PST - 10 comments

Will iron-on patches work on my luggage?

I have a carry-on roller with an embroidered logo of my previous workplace. I'd like to cover up this logo with iron-on patches. Difficulty level: no sewing skills, and the patches won't stay stuck. Details inside... [more inside]
posted by curagea at 4:27 PM PST - 21 comments

How do I snowblow my driveway?

I've never snowblown a driveway before, only shoveled. I just was given an old but fine snowblower, pictured here. What is the best pathing given the layout and challenges detailed inside? Any other snowblower tips? [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla at 4:24 PM PST - 8 comments

How to Plan a Trip: Extended Family Edition

My stepfather has a vision, he wants our 13-14 person extended family to go on a grand adventure together. He’s also picked a location for this which exactly two people in the group is interested in, 3 have flat out refused, and the rest are reluctant. I’m going to see him on Friday and want to propose a location that more people will be enthusiastic about. Please help me come up with suggestions. [more inside]
posted by lepus at 4:07 PM PST - 26 comments

How to be a good houseguest

I'm traveling to another city next week, and staying with two different friends who have graciously offered to host me. It's been a long time since I've been anyone's houseguest — partly because I'm so afraid imposing on people that I rarely take them up on offers to host. So my "good-houseguest" instincts are a little rusty. If you're someone who opens your home to guests, what can guests do to make their stay with you as painless as possible? [more inside]
posted by mekily at 2:40 PM PST - 16 comments

Google Voice for a volunteer gig

I am being asked to set up a Google Voice account so that we have a phone number to give out to prospective volunteers. GV is free for personal use and has a cost for business usage, right? Well, this is a non-profit organization and I have not been given a budget. [more inside]
posted by soelo at 2:27 PM PST - 5 comments

Can my Dr test me for pregnancy without my consent?

My new psych provider's office does yearly drug tests. Today when I looked at the lab's website I saw that they had tested me for pregnancy as well. Can they do this? [more inside]
posted by Biblio at 1:59 PM PST - 18 comments

What does an Xennial mom wear at home in 2024?

Like a lot of moms of young kids, I put on nice outfits for work and then change into essentially pajamas when I come home. Leggings, old stretched-out tank tops, hoodies, etc. I want to look nicer at home without looking like I've put on an "outfit." I need my home clothes to be comfortable and easy to wash, and work for walks outside, snuggling dogs, and sitting on the floor. A "uniform" would be ideal for this: a few pieces I could buy in multiple colors and just throw on without thinking. [more inside]
posted by TrixieRamble at 1:09 PM PST - 19 comments

Words for adjusting the angle of the back of an office chair?

I cannot figure out what descriptor or search terms will help me find (online) a suitable office chair. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 1:08 PM PST - 3 comments

What useful thing can I do or learn while walking an hour every day?

My health has improved, and I am now walking up to an hour every day. This is great news, but I'd like to be doing something else useful at the same time, as I'm getting tired of podcasts and audiobooks, which are difficult for me to pay attention to sometimes. [more inside]
posted by seasparrow at 1:05 PM PST - 17 comments

Practical questions about a relative’s unexpected death

A relative died unexpectedly in the US, in California, which is a different state from where his driver’s license lists as his address (Massachusetts). The executor (my partner) lives in neither of those states. We are currently staying in California trying to figure out logistics and have a couple questions. [more inside]
posted by crime online at 12:15 PM PST - 2 comments

Seeking the finest punditry on Pennsylvania politics

I have spent very little time in Pennsylvania and I struggle to understand the state's razor-thin swingy-ness. What can you tell me or point me to that would help me better understand, in the context of the 2024 election? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 12:12 PM PST - 11 comments

Can you recommend your financial advisor?

I've posted about this before, but have so much inertia around this that I haven't done anything about it. I have a financial advisor who is charging me more than 1% AUM. He's now moving to a new company, so this would be an obvious time to make a change. I am specifically looking for firsthand recommendations for financial advisors. [more inside]
posted by swheatie at 10:43 AM PST - 5 comments

Where do I go for web hosting?

HostGator, which I have loved for years, has gone sour. I need a new hosting company, one not owned by Newfold Digital, which owns HostGator. [more inside]
posted by bryon at 9:01 AM PST - 14 comments

Help me gift the best neck pillow for sleeping on a flight

Could you please help me gift the best neck pillow for sleeping on a flight? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:55 AM PST - 7 comments

No, really, it's spelled correctly

I need some guidance on how to make a request of my corporate IT department. [more inside]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 8:24 AM PST - 14 comments

Handling Spouse Who Handles Death Much Differently

My wife doesn't react much when her friends pass away, and I'm not sure how to navigate it. How do you do it? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 7:21 AM PST - 21 comments

Do you recognise this rabbit?

I came across these teaspoons in a vintage shop in Central Asia. It took me a moment to realise that the interesting pattern is actually a cartoon rabbit. Do you recognise this rabbit? [more inside]
posted by tavegyl at 6:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Does anyone have a cookie cookbook they really love?

I am part of a group and for events have become "the cookie guy" and am looking for new/different recipes to try and make. The internet is too full of possibilities so I am looking for a little curation in the form of favorite cookie cookbooks (or websites if it is really their focus not just SEO lists of the to 50 cookie recipes). Thanks!
posted by Captain_Science at 5:18 AM PST - 26 comments

Ideas for a milestone birthday gift

A sibling's milestone birthday approaches and I have no idea what to get them. [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 5:17 AM PST - 7 comments

How to store bicycle wheels and spares?

Any ideas for DIY bicycle spares storage system? Especially complete wheels, rims and tyres. I've been asked to help a bicycle empowerment organisation manage storage of their parts donations. [more inside]
posted by BrStekker at 1:42 AM PST - 5 comments

September 3

How to re-grade concrete on a budget?

One side of our concrete driveway has sunk and it now slopes toward the house. This is causing water to run off toward the house and into the crawlspace, and it's causing water damage to the sub-floor framing. Are there any inexpensive ways to fix the grading of the concrete, even just for one winter? [more inside]
posted by Mirth at 10:17 PM PST - 9 comments

Dressy but not too dressy (mens fashion question)

For a certain occasion, I'm trying to find a middle ground between wearing a dress shirt, tie and dress pants, which feels too dressed up and uncomfortable and just wearing a dress shirt open collar, no tie, and dress pants which feels too casual. I know that wearing a sport coat with no tie seems the obvious answer, but wearing an outer coat feels too heavy to me and uncomfortable. I don't know if such a middle ground exists or makes any sense. Any suggestions?
posted by roaring beast at 7:27 PM PST - 11 comments

need a $200K marketing/writing/communications job that I don't take home

I'm currently a marketing leader at a startup. I dig my salary but I don't love that the job bleeds into my non-work life. What can I put my skills towards instead? [more inside]
posted by knownassociate at 6:49 PM PST - 16 comments

coach wanted for dementia caregiver

I'm looking for a dementia caregiving virtual coach for my mom. Currently she is the primary caregiver for my dad who has Alzheimer's. complications below [more inside]
posted by Sophont at 4:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Weird to request second opinion from surgeon in same clinic?

I have surgery scheduled in a few weeks. I have become aware that it might be better to have this done by someone with specific expertise in my condition, and they have a guy with this expertise in the same clinic. Is it weird to ask him to give a second opinion? It would be a lot faster since they already have my records and this surgery needs to happen soon. I guess I'm worried that he'll say nah, you're fine with the first guy, and then the first guy will be offended. I may be overthinking but I am also super stressed and don't want the stress of feeling unsure of my relationship with my surgeon. Please talk me through this.
posted by HotToddy at 2:36 PM PST - 8 comments

How do you promote a novel you wrote and self-published?

At the beginning of last month, I published my first novel through Kindle Direct Publishing (amongst others). And while I have gotten some sales, I don't know how to grow any following. I've been using a Facebook page, but no one's joined it; the same with an Instagram account, a YouTube account, and a TikTok account. I also post about it on my Bluesky and Twitter accounts. I don't have a huge social media following, so I'm not sure what I can do with my budget, which is effectively zero. [more inside]
posted by mephron at 12:57 PM PST - 25 comments

Tell me about your US zoning variance

Have you ever applied for a zoning variance with your local zoning authority in the United States? Can you tell me about it? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 10:30 AM PST - 11 comments

Autobiography of engineering or manufacturing leader or founder?

When I was a kid, probably in the mid-1980s, I read a biography or autobiography of a male leader or founder of a manufacturing or engineering company. I thought it was Tyco, but I cannot find such a book about any of the key people from that company prior to 1990. The book describes his childhood and his engineering growth. It mentions that he had (or wanted to have?) a lathe as a kid and it got him started really understanding tooling. I think it was published well before the 1980s. It's more of a straight up narrative and not business advice. It's not going to be a famous figure like Ford or Edison. Can you help me find this book?
posted by Mo Nickels at 8:34 AM PST - 9 comments

September 2

What's a good online depression screening test?

I know they can't replace professionals. Just trying to maybe spark some ideas in someone.
posted by toucan at 10:24 PM PST - 4 comments

How to have gravitas?

How did you develop gravitas? I want to be more collected, mature, cool. I'm getting older and have a good job. Just wondering how to act like it more. Any general advice? Tips?
posted by anonymous at 10:08 PM PST - 20 comments

Which AI to use for professional writing?

I know, I know. Here is the deal--I was brought in as an additional author on a textbook. The previous edition has many virtues, but the writing style is not among them. It is turgid, clumsy, and difficult to read. Even Grammarly would choke on it. Can AI fix it, or at least get me started? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:08 PM PST - 13 comments

So depressed I can barely function. What are my options?

In therapy and medicated but it's not working. I feel like I'm running out of road. Give me some hope that there are still options for me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:07 PM PST - 15 comments

Recall: Stubborn dog, Novice owner

How on earth do I get my dog to come when called? [more inside]
posted by missmary6 at 7:08 PM PST - 15 comments

Moving, need advice on how to handle a friend's reaction.

I'm moving out of the city and to a nice, quiet area about an hour outside the city (give and take, depending on traffic/train conditions). I've shared the news with all my close friends, and they've all expressed excitement/support except for one friend. I'm stumped on how to handle it. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 5:57 PM PST - 22 comments

Train from Dublin to Galway options

We're planning on traveling from Dublin to Galway mid-week, closest station looks like Pearse but it also seems that Heuston is the major station we're doing the bulk of the ride from. https://www.irishrail.ie isn't letting me book Pearse -> Ceannt, and some bus/local rail connections look a little tight. What's the best way to do this? [more inside]
posted by curious nu at 5:46 PM PST - 8 comments

Softest and yet smallest yoga mat for travel

I need a yoga mat that can fit in my luggage. What's a nice cushioned mat that also folds up really small? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 5:26 PM PST - 15 comments

Don’t know how to feel about partner’s small lies and where to go next

My partner and I have been dating for 5 years, but I recently found out he told a lie about the content of a racy social media channel he follows and donates to, and also about his porn usage. I emphasized that honesty was very important in the beginning of our relationship, and now I don’t know where to go next, and how big of a deal this is in relationships. [more inside]
posted by bellalia at 4:34 PM PST - 28 comments

Help us make our Hobbit Day even more Hobbity!

My family celebrates Hobbit Day every September, and to celebrate the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo, we give our children a present. We need some help figuring out what to gift this year! [more inside]
posted by I_love_the_rain at 4:20 PM PST - 18 comments

Just want to order bike tubes online, just....

Okay, so I am not the sharpest marble here. I want to order a couple of tubes for rapid delivery. I have copied the information from the existing tube and...I am having trouble matching it to the available tubes. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 3:10 PM PST - 9 comments

Do friends have each other's backs?

I have someone in my past who makes up very nasty lies about me and tells them to at least one person I've known for 30+ years. It bothers me that the friend of decades hangs out with this person and I've told them so. (My friend met the liar through me.) Friend thinks it's none of my business and I'm overreacting. After about 10 years of this, with the lies still coming, I recently decided to break off the 30+ year friendship. Am I being unreasonable? [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 2:57 PM PST - 16 comments

Respond to friend request from jail?

I recently received an email with subject line "Inmate message from ${name}". I do not know this person and am struggling with whether or not to respond, as I think it may be a case of mistaken identity. [more inside]
posted by number9dream at 1:50 PM PST - 20 comments

Is this a sign of a stroke?

My grandma had a stroke last year. She recovered well, otherwise healthy, pretty active, lives alone. I visited her today, and she says she sees "twigs" in one eye. They're like bunches of reeds, one on each side of her eye. She sees them only with her eyes open and when she has her gaze fixed on something. Her other eye is fine. It's 10pm. Eye doctor tomorrow, or ER today? She won't go to the ER unless she's at immediate risk of another stroke.
posted by toucan at 1:00 PM PST - 3 comments

Iwant to buy a shirt but really want something else

Hi, I am enamored of an REI long sleeved shirt that is on sale for $55, today only. Please help me defuse my delusional thinking, which is as follows (continued below) [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 12:29 PM PST - 24 comments

Is there a way to point out that friend is grossly self centered?

Below is a long ass thing about another married couple friend of ours, but it boils down to this: if your friend never/rarely asks about you, what can be done? [more inside]
posted by 58 at 9:55 AM PST - 43 comments

Need gothic images site

I'd like a website source for mostly traditionally flavored gothic art that I can use. Not AI art.
posted by noelpratt2nd at 9:55 AM PST - 3 comments

Please help me pick a replacement for my terrible toilet!

The dumb toilet that came with my house has crossed me for the last time and I just want to replace it at this point. Help me choose a new one? [more inside]
posted by centrifugal at 7:45 AM PST - 15 comments

Did my Spanish teacher make up this song?

(And if she did, can we remake it?) My Spanish teacher in middle school, when teaching us the subjunctive, had a song, sung to the tune of "Campton Races" that explained, in Spanish, when to use the subjunctive. Did she invent this? If not, can anyone help me find a copy? If she did, can people help me reconstruct it? [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 6:53 AM PST - 1 comment

Area Rugs: Can I clean these?

I have several area rugs I've purchased from Wayfair several years ago. These are inexpensive, but they are great rugs, they have held up beautifully. But, they are getting dirty. [more inside]
posted by james33 at 5:58 AM PST - 10 comments

Take Me Home, Country Roads

I’m on the hunt for some hive-mind wisdom: How do you stick to 2-lane roads with navigation apps? Since picking up a convertible last year, I’ve been chasing the charm of smaller roads around NJ and NY with Mrs. Nandaro and our two kiddos. But more often than not, Google Maps takes me onto multi-lane roads, even with the “Avoid highways” option on. Sure, it’s fast, but where’s the fun in that? [more inside]
posted by nandaro at 5:49 AM PST - 13 comments

What settings to use to print this zine?

How to print this zine? Is there something I'm missing so that it can fold and make sense?
posted by andoatnp at 1:26 AM PST - 8 comments

September 1

End of Support? End of Life? Synchronicity?

Why are so many Teenage Engineering OP-1 synthesizers showing up on the secondary market all of a sudden?
posted by infinitewindow at 11:22 PM PST - 3 comments

Can we talk about ADHD medications?

I have an ADHD diagnosis. I don't love Vyvanse. What other medications might be a good fit for me? I need to consider risk factors for glaucoma, schizophrenia, and mania. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:00 PM PST - 17 comments

Set the Wayback Machine, Sherman, to 'Blog Names'

There once was a blog, back in the early blog years, that I think was called "Photo Junkie". It was one of the first blogs I found that primarily posted images. Does that name sound right? And does anyone know what happened to it?
posted by TimHare at 7:55 PM PST - 1 comment

Interview panel members- confidential?

When you convene an interview panel for a position, is membership of the panel confidential? [more inside]
posted by freethefeet at 5:23 PM PST - 17 comments

Private medical care for spinal disc degeneration

I have been in need of medical care for years for life-altering hip and back pain due to sciatica and disc degeneration. There is socialized medicine where I live but it's broken now due to politicians gutting it deliberately, to "show" it "doesn't work". It used to before this. What are my options for private care, globally? [more inside]
posted by reader at 4:07 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me dress as an old going to a concert

Mrs Abehammerb bought Glass Beams tickets up in SF. I’m a 50 year old white dude. A very large and tall 50+ year old white dude with short hair. I already look like a narc. (I smell like a dispensary). I don’t want to look like a “try hard” too. Any hints from more junior people? [more inside]
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 2:00 PM PST - 16 comments

Possibly Arabic word

Here's a word I can't read. I think it may be in Arabic. Can you read it? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 1:07 PM PST - 9 comments

Where to find original sale prices for Singer sewing machines?

E.g. what would a brand new model 99 with kneebar attachment have cost in 1927 in the U.S.?
posted by gray17 at 9:05 AM PST - 8 comments

How to reset Mac ID

My partner forgot/lost his Mac ID and now cannot access his mac. Touchscreen is enabled but requires the ID. Apple support is not helpful; we've tried everything short of reinstalling OS which seems very drastic for such a simple thing. Is there a simple way that Apple Support doesn't provide? Note this is for the Mac ID not the Apple ID, which I can figure out (and he has that written down so no need to change anyway). Aside: I am so shocked that there isn't a simple "forgot password" functionality.
posted by j810c at 9:05 AM PST - 15 comments

How to date better online

I (F, late-twenties) recently started online dating, with the goal of finding a long-term partner with whom to (hopefully, eventually) start a family. I have dated through an app in the past and, both then and now, my experience follows a pattern that I worry is preventing me from moving forward with any of the men I’m meeting. [more inside]
posted by Clyde Sparrow at 8:45 AM PST - 15 comments

Louvred Pergola

I am thinking about a louvred pergola for the back patio, something like this. Please share with me your experience with these. [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 7:52 AM PST - 11 comments

Do people in R-to-L text cultures read pictures that way too?

I noticed recently how much I'm in the habit of "reading" photos & other images from left to right - presumably because I grew up in an English-speaking country where text is always presented that way. But what happens for people whose first language is one of those (like Arabic or Urdu) which is written from right to left? If that's the direction you've always been taught to read and write in, does that affect the direction you apply when reading images too?
posted by Paul Slade at 12:41 AM PST - 14 comments