April 20
Meet this deadline. No, not that one...
I'm meeting a weekly deadline to submit a report, but my co-workers are dropping increasingly heavy hints that I should submit this report earlier in the week without giving me a firmer deadline to meet. I can rearrange my workflow to meet an earlier deadline, so how do I press them to actually give me the deadline they want? [more inside]
Online, asynchronous Hearts game?
Can anyone recommend a website or app where a group of people in different time zones can play Hearts asynchronously? From searching past questions, it sounds like what I'm looking for is turn-based. I've searched online but can't find anything where everyone doesn't have to be present at the same time.
Thanks in advance for any help!
What movie is this from?
All I can remember is a break-up scene between a young man and woman, in a restaurant booth, I think. She is a native Spanish speaker, and says something like "I just need some more space" -- she pronounces "space" with an e in front of it, like "eh-space". He replies "I can give you more space; I'll give you all the eh-space you need", reflexively (or maybe jokingly?) imitating her pronunciation of the word space. Any ideas?
Admin professionals day - work from home edition
What would put a pep in your kitchen table to bathroom step if your boss got you something on admin professionals day? All my staff now work from home at the moment, and I'd like to recognize the hard working, deeply knowledgable admin staff I supervise. I mostly want to connect their sometimes tedious work to achieving our mission, which I will write in the card for sure. Any ideas on the gift? [more inside]
AirTag vs Tile iPhone battery life
I tried using Tile last year but returned it pretty quickly because I found it resulted in poor battery life with my iPhone. Based on the technologies it uses (e.g. UWB) will AirTags be any better?
Quote from Larry Flynt about trusting people
Trying to find a quote from Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt -- from about 20 years ago I think. [more inside]
How to have pdfs made quickly to send off etc
I have to scan about 100 pages of documents to attach to an online application to a very very important professional exam application (as per format, think the Common Application for Colleges except MUCH WORSE). [more inside]
How do I share a video between android and iphone . . .
Is there a way to take a video on my android phone and DIRECTLY share it with the phone number of an iphone user without both phones having the same program/app installed? [more inside]
Looking for the origin of this: a god who came to Earth and became a pig
I think this may be part of Indian mythology, but I am not sure. It is story of a god who came down to earth, turned himself into a pig and forgot he was a god [more inside]
Vasectomy cost & experience?
It's time for Ms. Nandaro to get off the pill, and since we've successfully procreated 2x, it's time for me to do my part and get snipped. I'm interested in experiences, costs and recommendations. Bonus if you are in the NYC/NJ area.
Doesn't seem like something to bargain shop for... but since I'll need to pay the full cost (we have a $2,800 unmet deductible) it would be great to hear if/how anyone managed to save some cash.
Recommend a continuous blood pressure monitor?
I am taking care of a TBI/ dementia patient. He is sometimes belligerent or combative and does not want to cooperate. I have found it so valuable to have a DexcomG6 continuous blood glucose monitor that transmits readings to my Iphone through the wall so I can be in the next room when he is agitated. Is there a similar device for monitoring blood pressure continuously? [more inside]
Can you recommend simple but fun wooden toy kits?
My 5-year-old niece loves building wooden things, but it turns out there's a million toy kits out there and I'm having trouble separating the wheat from the chaff. Can you recommend any specific old-school wooden toy kits that are suitable for a 5-year-old with assistance? [more inside]
Finding energy to change specializations in spare time
I work full-time as a software engineer. My work-life balance is okay, but I have burned out on my specialization within software engineering and would like to pivot into an entirely different specialization. Due to the aforementioned burnout, I'm usually in a terrible mood after work and it usually takes me most of a weekday evening or a weekend before I'm ready to sit down in front of the computer again (if at all), which means that progress has been very slow. What are some things that helped you make progress in a situation like this?
Four Hours in St. Louis
Mrs. Elf27 and I are flying into St. Louis tomorrow for an appointment at Washington University Medical Center. Flight gets in 10:30AM, meeting with physician is at 3PM. How to fill the time? [more inside]
Implementing linear programming on the web
Some years ago, we developed an Excel tool that uses the Solver add-in. Now we have to redesign the tool and port it to the web. What are the options in terms of linear programming routines/libraries/modules etc.? [more inside]
Is there a use for my overcooked soup?
I make a good chicken soup recipe about every six weeks for my daughter and freeze it in half pint jars. This time the noodles lost all structural integrity. It is not attractive. [more inside]
I need a good accessory charging solution for MacBook Pro
I have two MacBooks in the house: a 2015 MacBook Pro that actually has a couple of USB ports, and now my new work laptop, a 2019 with four lightning ports and nothing else. Every ding dang thing charges by regular USB and not lightning. WTF do you do with all this stuff? [more inside]
Vancouver high school for 6 months: progressive, co-ed, sports
Looking for high school recommendations in or near Vancouver for my 16 yr old daughter for 6-12 months, starting Sept 2021.
We are particularly interested in schools that: [more inside]
Who makes the best quality t-shirts available in the UK?
I wear a lot of t-shirts and I would like to get a few that put the rest of my t-shirts to shame. Who makes t-shirts and really pays attention to the quality of their fabric, cut and construction? Are there any companies that really specialise in this? I'd prefer plain tees over snazzy designs, but whatever you have, lay it on me.
Tea mug with historical motif
I need a new tea mug for the office, and was thinking "how about a historical tea trade related motif" and was halfway to ordering one with the flag of the British East India Company before I recalled that the EIC was a terrible organization that caused untold suffering that has lasted into the present day. So that's a no-go. So, any suggestions to something along the lines of a flag, logo, stamp or similar that has historical significance with regards to the tea trade but isn't, you know, horrible?
Sick landlord dilemma
My landlord has been been staying with me for the past week in order to redecorate the house. Yesterday he was coughing a lot so I asked him if he's taken a covid test. He said that he's had a head cold for the past 10 days, and it's a wet cough so he doesn't covid symptoms. He also said if I'm concerned I should get tested myself. [more inside]
April 19
rivers and gorge paths and trees
I feel a strong spiritual connection to running water and trees and places where they live. I would like to explore and deepen that connection. Any suggestions? [more inside]
What was the woman in the sample Photoshop image in the early 90s named?
It was a rolls-off-the-tongue two word phrase. The photo was of a Latina woman with a basket of fruit on her head. I believe her last name was Moire. [more inside]
How to Become a Tax Policy Consultant or Lobbyist?
I am an accountant with a strong interest in tax policy, and am involved in local politics and civics. I am launching a (small) accounting and tax firm this summer, and would like to include tax policy consulting and/or lobbying as a service that I offer. But how do I do that? How do I land clients and what specific services should I offer them as a tax policy consultant and/or lobbyist?
A new home that answers 'the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor."
What specific practical examples can you help me find to help a remarkable group of elderly nuns to build a new home? These sweet, bad-ass ladies are really really into 'Integral Ecology.' They want to build sustainable, holistic place for their community to live their later years that will 'combat poverty, restore dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protect nature.' Think convent, community center, city park, wildlife preserve, and spiritual respite for the poor" rolled into one. Can you help with a bunch of cool ideas? (see snowflake details inside) [more inside]
Flat walking paths/walk options in Atlanta / North Fulton area?
My SO had surgery last fall and has just finished a long-term course of physical therapy, but to keep up his recovery he needs to take regular walks. However, he can only handle short walks on flat terrain. [more inside]
Crepuscular Hallucinations
Going on 20 years or so I've experienced occasional, for want of a better word, visual hallucinations. I know they're not real (except perhaps in one case) and I'm not worried about them in the least. I just want to know if they're common and if there's a name for them. [more inside]
How Do You/Can You Stay Friends With A Pathological Liar?
My friend lies about literally everything. How do I, or should I even, deal? [more inside]
Legally changing my first name
I started the process at an admittedly hectic time in my life. Now what? [more inside]
California dreamin' (or specifically, San Diego)
Seeking tips and advice about relocating to the greater San Diego area. [more inside]
Smoky Mountain Recommendations (NC side)
Taking a trip to North Carolina near Smoky Mountain National Park + Nantahala National Forest in late May. Those going include a range of physical abilities, so I'm looking for recommendations for all skill-levels, and not necessarily only hiking. [more inside]
therapy for autistic adults
I am looking for therapy practices/therapists/organizations (psychotherapy and/or occupational therapy for sensory issues) anywhere in the US that take (any kind of) insurance and are very skilled at or specialize in working with autistic adults who are fine at living independently and have been able to cope with the world enough to make it through high school and college without particular help (although perhaps are very worn down from it and are not at all thriving.) This is for myself. [more inside]
Love vs geography
A little while ago I moved to the US, as an unattached young adult, for work and a bit of adventure, fully expecting to move back home in a few years' time. I very unexpectedly met someone I now call my sweetheart, who I am starting to think I would like to be with for a long long time. This is bringing up lots of anxiety and uncertainty around the idea of settling down here for good. Folks who've emigrated to another country (or made a similarly big life decision) for their SO, how did you decide to do it, how did you talk about it with your partner, and how do you feel about it now?
Friend tried to hire our nanny without consulting me. What next?
Our wonderful nanny (N) was in the park with my son (S) when our friend F)ran into her. Out of the blue, F asked N—apparently, nearly begged—to hire her. N said she didn’t have time, but F seemed intent on getting N for whatever time she had. More details and questions below. [more inside]
Making the Dream (Move) Work : Shared Equity Loans - Good, Bad, Ugly?
HomeTap! It's all over NPR!
We want to buy in our dream location and need options for our down payment.
Tell me about your experiences or knowledge with 'shared equity loans'. They seem like a new loan product and we're considering applying to some of the various companies that offer them instead of going with a traditional home equity loan because of the lack of payments needed to service the debt, among other things. What's the deal with this style of financing? [more inside]
Good Cat Vet in Broomfield/Lafayette/Louisville, CO?
Bit of a long shot here, but we are in Broomfield and need a cat vet. We have two 17-year-old females. One is asthmatic, one is terrified of ever leaving the house, and both have kidney issues. We are looking for a gentle doctor with a non-chaotic office. [more inside]
Why does the water at work make my bladder hurt?
For some reason, whenever I drink out of the water coolers at work, my bladder feels irritated. I don’t have an infection. I was away from work for a couple of months and this went away, but came back within a couple days of being at work. What is in the water that’s irritating my bladder? [more inside]
Songs that are about a song of the same name
I'm looking for songs that are about songs of the same name (which may or may not be the same song.) For example, Monster Mash is about a band playing the Monster Mash, which from context is probably not the same song you're listening to. I'm positive I've heard other songs that do something similar, but I can't remember any of them. Help!
Name this book-making contest
My local public library plans to start a write and illustrate your own book contest geared toward students from elementary school through high school. But surely there's a better name than "Write and Illustrate Your Own Book Contest"? Suggestions, please?
Really more of a social anxiety issue
I think I might have psoriatic arthritis, but if not, I have three separate symptoms I’d like to get medical attention for. How do I approach this? [more inside]
Empire Tops, Blouses not Shirts, Low-Rise Pants are a Must!
I want to leave home, feel comfy — and look pretty. Can you help me (too) find a few tops and things that will last. [more inside]
Taking two university spring courses in one month as a slow reader?
Hi. I am wanting to take two university spring courses online at my university, but I am not sure if it is manageable or doable with the reading course load -- especially since I am aiming for a high mark. [more inside]
Any Watchouts / Concerns for buying a Condo in Jamaica Plain, Boston?
We are moving to Boston and need proximity to the Children's Hospital. I'm full of questions, but have some specific ones about Boston, Jamaica Plain, and buying a condo in general / HOAs. [more inside]
Grad School PhD Success Celebration, COVID-style
My husband is finally about to finish his CS PhD after seven-ish long, long years. I want this to be feted appropriately, but it's been a terrible year for celebrations, and I have no idea what to do! [more inside]
Sign theft deterent
We have metal signs approximately 1 x 1.5 ft that are attached to chain link or barbed-wire fences with tie wire. These get stolen every so often. How to prevent this? [more inside]
50th birthdayfilter:
What to buy for the person who really is impossible to buy for. [more inside]
Tight v-neck + flares + wedges = much fashion
My body has changed and settled and I need new clothes. I’m 34 and I want to look contemporary. Not TRENDY but updated. I like very basic non floral things. Can you help me find a few pieces - tops and jeans and maybe a dress - that are not very girly but are CASUAL but I can wear for awhile? [more inside]
Exposed to infections TB AFTER treatment for latent TB
My mom got a letter from public health saying she's been exposed to infectious TB. She was treated for latent TB in the 1970s when she immigrated to Canada. She has a mark on her lungs still visible now that is somehow the result of that. What happens now? Oh, and she has an auto-immune disease but is not on biologics. [more inside]
April 18
What can I do to not think too much about the fear of uncertainty?
So, I guess things are getting real for me and I'm really going to be moving to Canada soon after 3 years of planning.
A series of realizations have recently come upon me and I'm getting scared of what is coming. [more inside]
Fair pay for lyric video
What would fair pay for a four-minute lyric video be? Details under the fold [more inside]
north by northwest train romance scene
I sat down to watch this movie with an older person and we had very different reactions to the train seduction scene. I thought it was unbearable / gross / too long, older person thought it was romantic but also being played with a wink for romantic tropes of the time and maybe a little intentional corniness. MeFites of varying ages and experiences and film tastes, what do you think? [more inside]
Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce, open, best by Nov. 2020—can I eat it?
I have like a third to half of an open, refrigerated bottle left of Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce. It has a "best by" on it that's specifically "buy by" November 4, 2020. I think I've had it open in the fridge since sometime in mid-2019, after I moved in here. The scent is fine, but I don't know if it's safe to eat the rest. Can I eat it? I have a pulled pork sandwich that it would be great on.
Colorado family summer hike vacation - best homebase?
We are planning a (vaccinated) hiking trip to Colorado this summer but don't know where to look for a homebase. Too many choices! (Details inside.) [more inside]
No Itch Boxer Briefs?
I'm looking for boxer briefs, ideally gender neutral, that won't bother somebody with very sensitive skin. They would need to be tagless, have a soft (covered?) waistband, and not dig in at the legs. Do you know where to find these?
Is stability and consistency relevant in determining visitation?
I’ve posted here a few times regarding a co parent relationship (if you can even call it go parenting) between myself and the father of my five year old daughter, and am looking for advice on updating or upholding a current custody/visitation agreement. Should I modify an existing order in which I have full physical custody and father has no overnights but visitation rights? [more inside]
Anxious about making choices post-vaccine and managing relationships
I have been very isolated and am struggling with making decisions about how I will handle things when I am fully vaccinated in a couple weeks. Also trying to plan how I will navigate whatever boundaries I decide on with others in my life, who are reasonable but not as cautious as me. [more inside]
How much to realistically budget for a "good" used car in Canada?
I'm about to start seriously researching and looking into purchasing a new used car for myself, but after looking at listings to get ideas, I'm really not sure how much should I budget for a "good" used car? Am I better off just purchasing a new low-end car? [more inside]
Left garage door open overnight. Do I need to re-key today (Sunday)?
I'm a new homeowner in a pretty safe town (Louisville, CO). Last night one of us left the garage door open (i think...) and things were messy in the morning.
Should I rekey asap? Or can I wait till tomorrow (Monday).
Details below [more inside]
YouTube: Maximizing engagement on a single video
A popular YouTube channel has agreed to let me create a video for them. How can I maximize engagement for this one particular video? [more inside]
Internet interview audio recording
What's the go-to free software for this ? [more inside]