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Dog companions: what's your monthly budget and cost breakdown for taking care of your furry friend? [more inside]
posted by rabia.elizabeth to Pets & Animals at 5:11 AM - 12 answers

A story about a NASA engineer discovering a new force of nature which enables reactionless propulsion popped up some days ago. I was intrigued at first but this all sounds very scammy. One commenter had to say this about the math in the underlying patent: "Lol the math is so bad. He "derives" the formula mv=t*dU/dx, but U switches from the total potential energy in the first equation to something like the potential energy density in that equation. The total potential energy U is not a function of x so dU/dx is zero and his whole argument falls apart." The equations can be found in the patent on page 20. And also at the end of the article I linked to in the beginning. But I have no knowledge of physics, is this piece of math indeed obviously false?
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon to Science & Nature at 3:24 AM - 16 answers

About a year ago I switched from vaping flower to single-use electric vaporiser pre-loaded with THC (but is it?). The commercial names of these products are "PackMan" and "The 10/10 Boys" and they are made in California. There is no list of ingredients on the packaging but it appears to contain "D9 liquid" and something called "diamond" and contains less than 0.3% Delta9. Where I live these items cannot be bought, so I cannot walk into a shop and ask about it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness at 2:51 AM - 5 answers

Kay Redfield Jamison, my go-to for info on manic depression, says "Eat like a grizzly. Salmon and blueberries." I'd like to go to Alaska, hop into a river and catch the fish in the air, and roar, but my life -- thus far -- has me settling for Trader Joe's. I spend the bucks for sock-eye, worth every extra nickel. There are so many fish-oil supplements, I don't mind spending extra for high quality but not just for a product with a fancy label. [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue to Food & Drink at 7:57 PM - 15 answers

CW: fatness, neurodivergence, disability, parenting [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup to Health & Fitness at 6:35 PM - 36 answers

I know that the numbers on a nutrition label are estimates, usually rounded up to nearest whole number, but this seems weird. Can of skipjack tuna says it has 31 grams of protein but the calorie count is 113. If protein has 4 calories per gram...what gives? Should I assume the calorie count is wrong or the protein count?
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee to Grab Bag at 5:47 PM - 2 answers

it is an internal facing course for our teams. I’m writing the content. Text, images, possibly an embedded video or two, and quizzes would be essential, and generating a certificate at the end (or at least some sort of proof) would be nice. Free is nice, ok to pay a bit.
posted by The Last Sockpuppet to Computers & Internet at 5:18 PM - 5 answers

A car side-swiped me in an attempt to cut me off in traffic. I have the license plate number and details etc. But the damage appears to be just to the paint. I have not yet reported the collision or called my insurance company. This was on Friday. Facebook is advertising magic rub-it-on-and-fix-the-scratches car paint. Should I just buy some stuff and rub it on my car and move on and avoid involving my insurance company. This is in Ontario. My deductible is $1000. If you think I should just buy something, is there any specific product you recommend?
posted by If only I had a penguin... to Grab Bag at 4:33 PM - 6 answers

Torn between re-signing my apartment lease despite a dramatic rent increase (over 20%) and moving. It should be an easy decision, but finding a new apartment would mean a significantly longer commute and/or losing some amenities I kind of depend on. Plus... I'm hopefully buying a place next year, and I hate the thought of moving twice in such a short time span. [more inside]
posted by Jeanne to Home & Garden at 4:20 PM - 19 answers

Our mother passed away and we are putting together a casual memorial in a local arboretum. We want it to be as successful (people sharing memories) as possible, but we children are all introverts and feel like we don't know how best to do/encourage that. Help. [more inside]
posted by blueberry to Human Relations at 3:48 PM - 12 answers

I tend to go out quite often, and bring necessities such as 1-2 water bottles, small snacks, meds, and eyeglasses cleaning cloths with me. I also want room for my iPad (9th gen, 10.2 inches, thicker with a protective case). What's a good messenger bag for me that's reasonably priced ($20-40) and good-sized while not being awkward or too large to comfortably carry around? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude to Shopping at 1:36 PM - 6 answers

Looking for suggestions on how to keep my cat from eating the neighbor cats' food. [more inside]
posted by The Ardship of Cambry to Pets & Animals at 11:50 AM - 4 answers

I have 3/4ths of a cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice, a few more to juice and realized I don’t have a real plan. What is your favorite lemon based recipe? [more inside]
posted by larthegreat to Food & Drink at 11:44 AM - 10 answers

Kid Blah, age 21, is doing a semester abroad & requires a doctor appt. when he returns home. I have just been told by the doc's office that I can't schedule the appointment because of HIPAA. Is this for real?? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa to Health & Fitness at 11:16 AM - 19 answers

We are consolidating households with my mother in her home, and I'm trying to think through all the issues we need to make sure we handle. [more inside]
posted by Lyn Never to Law & Government at 9:59 AM - 6 answers

I am searching for an N95 mask (no KN95s) that will fit my fat, long face. I don't have a great big head; it's just my face is fat, and the distance from the bridge of my nose to below my chin seems to be a problem for many masks (I have a big nose for a small woman). I am hoping that someone out there has the answer for me. No earloops, please - just the double-headband ones. [more inside]
posted by tzikeh to Grab Bag at 9:28 AM - 7 answers

Favourite backpack broke. Sad. Need new one. Must be 18-25L, laptop compartment, blue or green, external water bottle side pocket, good internal organisation e.g. pen holders, smaller pockets, not too outdoorsy, not too formal, water resistant and handsome looking. Not much to ask for? Any price is a good price.
posted by MT to Grab Bag at 6:49 AM - 14 answers

My experience is that when I drop a (yet-unopened) can of carbonated beverage on a hard concrete or cement floor, the impact has a later result: namely, when I open the can, the beverage explodes out as if it has been shaken. Can time cure this? Is there going to be difference if I open the can 30 seconds later or 30 days later?
posted by PaulVario to Science & Nature at 6:41 AM - 12 answers

I am in the mood for a movie or series with an ultra-competent, good-at-their-job protagonist. Difficulty level: no violence, gore, or grave injustice (not even injustice that's overcome in the end). I have seen this question but I'm looking for more and slightly different examples. [more inside]
posted by M. to Media & Arts at 5:40 AM - 46 answers

Y'all did so well for me on my last ask that I'm turning once again to the hive mind. What foods, including spices and seasonings, cleaning supplies for the whole place, and other household essentials am I missing? [more inside]
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess to Home & Garden at 4:27 AM - 14 answers

I’m a man who is interested in cross dressing and would like to learn more about it, and possibly visit public spaces focused on it. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 2:21 AM - 1 answer

What science fiction stories, short form or novels, have been set in university humanities departments, excluding satires? I’ll settle for stories where some of the principal characters are scholars of the humanities.
posted by Kattullus to Media & Arts at 1:23 AM - 25 answers

Sourcing the hive mind for a way out of this mess that I've made for myself. In summary - I've been in a situationship for 6 years now. Meaning sex (though rarely these days due to antidepressants and general lack of attraction on my end), cuddles, picking each other up from the airport, hanging out almost every day, and saying I love you. At times I've deluded myself into thinking this is a partnership despite the lack of labels, but last week I identified myself as his partner when speaking with him and he said "no, not really". This is not what I envisioned for my life - it's humiliating to not be chosen as his girlfriend. It’s humiliating to not have met his parents. And I’ve hidden it from my family this entire time - if anything, they think we were good friends that dated briefly. I very much want to get married or at least have a long term committed relationship. I also feel uncomfortable and unhappy around him a lot of the time. [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Human Relations at 10:44 PM - 19 answers

I dig the frame on this picture. More specifically, I like its octagonal shape and how it kinda resembles an early CRT tube. I would like to shop online for a similar thing and am wondering if this style has a name that will help me search?
posted by Sauce Trough to Media & Arts at 7:45 PM - 4 answers

I've been cooking with frozen peas for the last twenty years. Lately I find that instead of the sweet, tender peas I'm used to, they're inevitably starchy and tough. This seems to happen whether I just defrost and warm them, or cook them for the ~5 minutes the package suggest, so I don't think it's a matter of over or undercooking. Different brands, too. Has anyone else noticed this? Does anyone know the cause?
posted by umwelt to Food & Drink at 4:41 PM - 12 answers

Our washing machine, purchased after extensive online research, was a complete and utter disappointment. After years of erratic and diabolical performance it has (thankfully), run its last load after a long and painful demise. This time, I am turning to the hive mind. Please suggest a washer (hopefully still being sold) that you don't hate. (Currently we have an HE front-loader, but can be persuaded to change. This is in the US).
posted by nanook to Home & Garden at 4:16 PM - 27 answers

Hi MeFites! YANMD. I've spoken w my PCP and neuro and will be seeing my eye dr. I have fibromyalgia and Raynaud's, and I've been having a weird and awful pattern of low-grade fever, cold Raynaud's feet, horrible nerve pain all over, and tension headache. Trying to learn more about this constellation of symptoms and wondering if anyone here experiences similar. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe to Health & Fitness at 4:11 PM - 7 answers

This is probably the first in what may be a long series of questions. My mother (bipolar, narcissist) has been diagnosed with dementia. This is, of course, rather complicated. The simple question, this time, is: What respite care is available for my sister and my mother's husband, and how do we access it? [more inside]
posted by MuChao to Health & Fitness at 3:50 PM - 12 answers

I will be laid off from my job in 90 days. This job has been utterly exhausting and demoralizing and I am thrilled that the end is near. I would like to use the next 90 days to start the burnout healing process and maximize getting all my affairs in order before hitting the job market again. What tips do y'all have? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter to Work & Money at 11:44 AM - 11 answers

I’m looking for information about one-day access to methadone in NYC today. I’m helping someone whose usual methadone clinic closes at 2 pm. He’s looking for somewhere in Manhattan or the Bronx that can take a walk-in today after 2 pm for methadone. Anyone have any ideas?
posted by davidstandaford to Health & Fitness at 10:48 AM - 4 answers

This is a tough one! I heard this song at a party in France. The French and other European people seemed to know it well; I’d never heard of it. [more inside]
posted by Balthamos to Media & Arts at 9:36 AM - 10 answers

My local supermarket carries this - frozen puff pastry that has been pre-cut into modest squares. I tried something with them last night and I'm a big fan now. What else can I do with them? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos to Food & Drink at 9:09 AM - 18 answers

I have literally never worn white clothes before. I’m starting to. The reason I’ve never worn whites is because I’m a messy puppy. I want and need to keep my whites nice, bright, unstained, and crisp. Please share your LIFESTYLE and LAUNDRY tips for maintaining pristine whites. [more inside]
posted by Balthamos to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 8:50 AM - 15 answers

I'm helping an older family member move and would like to get a gift for their neighbor. The family member has some health problems and over the past few years has had trouble maintaining their current house. The neighbor has done a lot of maintenance and yard work for my family member, and has always refused to accept any payment for this. [more inside]
posted by scorpion proof to Human Relations at 8:02 AM - 5 answers

Back in February, I used PayPal to buy an item through eBay. The item seemed to be shipped but never arrived, and the seller issued a refund. I thought that was the end of it. But yesterday, I got a notification that the item was delivered to me – except that it actually wasn't. Is this a scam of some sort or an unusual glitch? More details below. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 to Society & Culture at 7:39 AM - 4 answers

I'm helping to organize an event for families at a park where pizza will be served. It'll be during Passover, so it'd be nice to have an alternative for Jewish families. I'm struggling to think of an equivalent we can offer since we won't have access to a stove or even a kitchen. Suggestions?
posted by Toddles to Food & Drink at 7:25 AM - 12 answers

What does “implantation work” mean in the tech world, maybe business or finance? I googled the term but got dental / medical definitions.
posted by mmiddle to Technology at 4:35 AM - 8 answers

I'm attending an exhibition opening in a major European Antiquities museum as an outside creative who worked on a display - does this require me to wear anything more than pressed slacks and a blazer? a tie? Talk to me like I'm an older guy who generally avoids formal-ish gatherings, has zero fashion sense, who's current wardrobe is strictly work-from-home and doesn't know anyone else attending well enough to ask advice.
posted by brachiopod to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 1:55 AM - 18 answers

I'm trying to find a Korean cooking show I saw about 10 years ago and not having any luck finding anything via Google. I saw it on an Australian TV channel (don't remember which one - possibly it was SBS) but it was definitely filmed in Korea and the English title was something like "Cooking With Mrs Choi". [more inside]
posted by ninazer0 to Food & Drink at 1:31 AM - 0 answers

I occasionally have the need to make an instant cup of coffee. My favourite instant coffee is the "Via" packets that Starbucks sells. However, I find them to be a) expensive b) wasteful as it's individual foil sachets. But all the other instant coffee I've ever tried doesn't taste quite the same. So is it possible to get something very close in taste, in a larger container? [more inside]
posted by cpatterson to Food & Drink at 11:36 PM - 13 answers

We currently have a pull-out portable dishwasher and we'd like to get and hook up a permanent dishwasher. Is this doable for somebody that doesn't know any plumbing beyond righty-tighty/lefty-loosey? Anything I'm not thinking of? [more inside]
posted by ropeladder to Home & Garden at 6:46 PM - 9 answers

Tonight, our daughter's closeted girlfriend was supposed to come over to hang out, but her mom apparently said no and said that she has to study. It's a Friday night. This isn't the first time she hasn't been allowed to come over. Our daughter is welcome at their house. I'm wondering if the parents suspect that something is going on? What do you all think? This is our first experience supporting our daughter through a more serious relationship. [more inside]
posted by percor to Human Relations at 5:51 PM - 11 answers

I have been a poker pro for 2 decades, but last year switched from internet poker to playing live (in-person) poker. After a long internet poker session, I could sleep like a baby. But after any poker session that ends after 10 pm, I can't sleep. Is it adrenaline? Socializing? driving home at night? How can I sleep better? (I already have excellent sleep hygiene otherwise)
posted by maxexam to Health & Fitness at 4:49 PM - 5 answers

How to rethread this strap? It is not a ratchet strap
posted by falsedmitri to Home & Garden at 4:04 PM - 7 answers

What are some good android exercise-tracking apps that track and reward all forms of exercise and not just steps? [more inside]
posted by eraserbones to Health & Fitness at 3:58 PM - 3 answers

I'm looking for anecdotes or advice about handling the side effects Acamprosate. Specifically the mood/mental health related side effects. I'm finding it hard to differentiate between what I am really feeling, what are metal health symptoms I was self medicating, and what are possibly products of 3 months of Acamprosate for managing alcohol cravings. [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight to Health & Fitness at 1:02 PM - 1 answer

What machine do you use for crafting? [more inside]
posted by feistycakes to Media & Arts at 12:55 PM - 6 answers

What should I make with these chicken thighs given the following parameters: [more inside]
posted by saladin to Food & Drink at 12:41 PM - 18 answers

Currently having trouble making sense of this paper I was sent by someone I respect. But I'm not so sure I trust the TLDR version source they heard before reading it. It's about the COVID vaccines (which I've supported) and has been retracted, but the authors are standing by what they said. Got some major ADHD/stress brain fog going on and I'm needing some guidance: [more inside]
posted by Saucy Possum to Science & Nature at 12:37 PM - 12 answers

A coworker has accidentally revealed a disruptive company secret to other staff; I was aware of the secret and am now being asked if I knew of it, how to respond? Multiple timezones & work cultures involved. [more inside]
posted by aramaic to Human Relations at 12:15 PM - 25 answers

I love to start the day by reading in bed and end it by watching something in bed. My neck and back don't enjoy it. Right now, I sit propped up with a husband pillow, but this seems to round my neck and spine and cause pain. I don't know how to read ergonomically at all, because looking down is apparently bad and I'd be exhausted if I tried to hold a book or tablet at eye level! [more inside]
posted by wheatlets to Health & Fitness at 8:25 AM - 11 answers

Mom (80 y.o., white, US citizen) flew to Amsterdam earlier this week to embark on a river cruise with her 75 y.o. bestie. At customs, she was questioned by the agent more than others in line ahead of her. This isn't the first time it's happened with recent international travel and she's mystified as to why. [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling to Travel & Transportation at 8:16 AM - 22 answers

I am not a techy person. Puzzling through buttons and menus does not come naturally to me. I don’t hunger for new devices and when forced to use new devices I often get anxious and irritated. But if something is genuinely useful and labor saving and not too hard to learn, I will get the hang of it and then wonder how I ever lived without it. [more inside]
posted by Jenny'sCricket to Technology at 7:09 AM - 50 answers

What power supply should I use to revive one of these? The manual is very vague, and it’s an antique…
posted by pompomtom to Computers & Internet at 4:35 AM - 6 answers

You or a loved one have experienced mysterious gut issues in the last few years. You found good information somewhere, acted on it, and now said gut issues are largely a thing of the past. What did you learn and how did you act on it? [more inside]
posted by rabia.elizabeth to Health & Fitness at 12:27 AM - 22 answers

I'll be in Tokyo this summer (in Shinjuku) with my partner, elementary school kid and older parents. I'm feeling stuck on lunch and dinner spots to go to. [more inside]
posted by inevitability to Travel & Transportation at 7:37 PM - 10 answers

Has there ever been a convention for a Cartesian-style plane read right-to-left? [more inside]
posted by Fiasco da Gama to Science & Nature at 5:37 PM - 6 answers

I'm looking for recommendations about the most sensory friendly sweaters and sweatshirts that will be oh so soft and gentle on my very sensitive skin. Example of at least one I like is within. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by fairlynearlyready to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 4:04 PM - 9 answers

Do you know of any contract IT providers in Chicago that are great? [more inside]
posted by wowenthusiast to Computers & Internet at 3:38 PM - 5 answers

As I understand it in a criminal trial there are some alternate jurors who hear the case but are not involved in rendering the final verdict. What happens if the defendant, just before deliberations begin, threatens to beat up all the jurors who vote to convict? If there are not 12 alternate jurors to replace the ones now fearing for their lives what is the outcome? And anyway, the alternate jurors will also be intimidated by the threat. Would you have to start the trial over? Will there be a default ruling of guilty by the judge?
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon to Law & Government at 2:48 PM - 7 answers