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For an art project, I need a lot of (around 50) Hitachi Magic Wands. I have never bought anything like this in bulk before. I would prefer not to pay retail for each and every wand. I know there are bulk purchase minimums though. If necessary I could go up to 100 wands. To people who regularly buy items in bulk, what would you suggest I do in terms of acquiring these wands?
posted by Sully at 1:01 PM - 10 answers

When you're decluttering, organizing, or prioritizing, what questions do you use? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 7:38 AM - 30 answers

This question is not seeking medical advice, but information about the medical system. YANMD, etc. A relative of mine was recently diagnosed with a kind of uterine cancer that has a poor prognosis. She is having surgery soon with a doctor she feels good about, who has a lot of experience with hysterectomies if not with the cancer in question, but would like a second opinion from an academic medical center that has more experience with her specific cancer. However, she is unwilling to travel to get it (I’m not sure why - perhaps just logistics due to her imminent surgery). She asked me to call my local academic center on her behalf and ask whether they do telemedicine for this, and I was not too surprised to hear a no. Does any cancer center do telemedicine for second opinions? Assume insurance is not a major issue (Medicare + broad supplemental is available and the patient is likely able to pay some out of pocket also).
posted by anonymous at 6:02 AM - 11 answers

There are cranes on barges working alongside the Bay Bridge; the cranes each have some kind of metal symbol on the top of them, behind the gantry. Here is my very crude illustration of what I'm talking about. What is that symbol/sign thing? NB: It's a little smaller than is represented in my drawing, but definitely circle-diamond-circle, and flat black in coloring.
posted by salt grass at 10:27 AM - 2 answers

I painted a camel painting and named it Camelflage. It is the best of names. I painted a second camel painting. It needs a good name too, even if nothing can quite compare to the majesty of the first name. [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla at 8:04 AM - 40 answers

How would you handle these traffic lanes on my commute? It’s a bridge with three lanes. Starting, it’s one left and two rights. The one left then becomes two lefts. I need to turn left. It’s a very short light. When I start out on the far left, I’m stuck on the bridge for 30-40 minutes, at a crawl. [more inside]
posted by inevitability at 7:45 AM - 12 answers

I am terrified about what will happen to me (and my family and friends, but I'm going to keep this question on the selfish side) after Brexit. The big fear is medicines - I rely on four different ones to keep me well. Lack of food and other essentials are obviously there as other worries, as well as longer-term issues about the economy, employment and so on. This is not irrational fear. Is there anything practical I can do, as much to deal with my fear as anything else? [more inside]
posted by Vortisaur at 3:13 PM - 5 answers

I agreed to write an article for an academic journal's special issue. The article was due four months ago. I was told that all the other articles were in already. I am (and have been) about half way done. There's been no communications from the editor or special issue convenor. I am not sure what's going on and am drowning in guilt. Anyone advice or perspectives would be helpful! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:01 PM - 8 answers

My commute is 3-4 hrs a day. Of this, about one hour is walking/in short spells where nothing can be done. AM commute is crowded, standing room only, for about 45 mins. PM commute is sitting, same duration. How can I use this time/entertain myself/prep for the day ahead/wind down? I'd like options which can work with spotty internet and less dependence on staring at a screen, if at all possible. I like reading, music, the occasional podcast. Every single audiobook I've tried has found me dozing off. Hope me.
posted by Nieshka at 12:41 PM - 16 answers

Is there a reputable piercing studio in Edinburgh where you'd feel comfortable getting a VCH or triangle piercing? Elayne Angel's list of recommended piercers is US-centric (the only one in the UK is in Camden), and I'm having trouble finding solid information or reviews online that recommend a skilled, experienced piercer in Edinburgh, much less one I'd let near my tender bits with a sharp thing. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:07 PM - 2 answers

Looking for strategies to fall in love with / or just be okay with living in a city when . . . you miss and want to live in another place. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:06 PM - 8 answers

One of my closer friends is having her first child in a few months. I want to get her something special, in the sense of custom order artistic-ness. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by monologish at 9:50 AM - 10 answers

My mom wants to move to Vermont. Any suggestions of where to look? [more inside]
posted by veggieboy at 9:39 AM - 15 answers

Is it normal or accepted practice for a vet to put snarky quotes the client says into the records of the animal? I had some trouble with the receptionist at my local vet and said some things that, while warranted, were snarkier than usual. At no time did I threaten or swear or anything like that. When I got the records all these comments were recorded in them. Is this accepted practice?
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 4:39 PM - 27 answers

In search of theming ideas for two groups coming together as one. Think: Brady Bunch...ish. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 2:26 PM - 11 answers

Someone close to me has COPD, and it’s making her miserable. I’d like to give her presents, take her places or do stuff for her that will make her life better. (Shaker Heights, OH, if it’s important.) Details and constraints inside. [more inside]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:15 AM - 7 answers

What brands of tea have completely "green" packaging? [more inside]
posted by lucy.jakobs at 7:34 AM - 11 answers

We may be moving to Cambridge, MA (yay!) But we would have missed the kindergarten lottery, so I'm a bit worried. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:23 AM - 4 answers

My family is fighting over a future inheritance issue. I don't know how to react. Help, please? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 6:12 AM - 10 answers

I quit smoking, yay! I'm not going to drink for a few months so that I won't slip back into smoking, another yay! Buuutttt, the weather has finally turned nice in Florida and my favorite thing to do is sit on the deck of my front porch and drink beer and smoke cigarettes. What can I do on the porch to enjoy the weather instead of my formerly favorite things? [more inside]
posted by onebyone at 10:01 AM - 47 answers