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I'd like to compile a list of significant* fictional places with specific "gateways" or portals to access them, like the wardrobe for Narnia, the rabbit hole and looking glass for Alice, Platform 9 3/4 for Hogwarts, etc. I'm thinking more books or stories than TV, films, or games, but all are fine if it's something especially memorable / interesting. Can you help me find the way there? [more inside]
posted by taz at 10:01 AM - 28 answers

About 10 or 20 years ago, I saw a trailer for an intriguing movie. Here's what I remember: A troupe of Shakespearean actors is stranded in a remote location when their train breaks down. I think they were somewhere in Australia. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 6:40 AM - 6 answers

It's easy to observe that different news outlets have different political biases, but I'd love to have a clear, simple explanation of WHY those biases exist, and HOW they develop and intensify. Can you explain it? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 2:54 PM - 18 answers

I was watching the Decemberists play Oh No last night and was thinking about songs with (usually) a repetitive brass line and downbeat vocals that make us think of hell or the devil - the only other two examples I can find right now are Hell by the Squirrel Nut Zippers and the robot devil song from Futurama, but it’s instantly recognizable. Where did this theme originate, or is there anything I can search on to learn more about it? Thanks!
posted by ftm at 2:55 PM - 11 answers

Some time ago I saw a contemporary dance video of three women, probably as an Instagram reel, and I'd like to watch it again. It was professionally shot and choreographed in a dance studio with a static wide angle, set to a sixties folk-rock tune, but I can't remember any more details. Help! [more inside]
posted by spielzebub at 8:28 AM - 3 answers

I have a 10.9 inch iPad (10th generation). I would like to mount it on my photography tripod to film some timelapse footage. I would also like the iPad to be in a very protective case. What case and tripod mount should I get? [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 9:33 PM - 4 answers

I've just discovered audio described TV. Can anyone recommend sitcoms or comedy-drama TV shows you've watched that are dialogue-heavy, don't rely too much on visuals, and might translate well into this format? No need to have seen an actual audio described version of the show to answer! I'm just looking for suggestions to try. [more inside]
posted by fire, water, earth, air at 4:16 PM - 36 answers

A previous ask on this was focused on ethical questions, mine are more basic. What are the options, and how do they stack up for my needs? [more inside]
posted by wellifyouinsist at 11:23 AM - 1 answers

I would love some help finding new tracks for my playlist. [more inside]
posted by Hermione Dies at 11:06 AM - 20 answers

I am looking to have family photos taken when traveling to the city this summer. Surprisingly, my children who won’t let me take a posed picture of them are willing to go for this! Please share either a referral for a local photographer, or places to find recommendations. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by gryphonlover at 7:01 AM - 1 answers

I love Oli Julian's theme music for the Darren Boyd sitcom "Spy." It's got a great zingy, swingy sound. Please recommend me anything that's like that. Thanks!
posted by kristi at 10:06 AM - 7 answers

I want this: Pyle Universal Keyboard Heavy-Duty Electronic Organ Holder Rack Portable Piano Stand w/ 2nd Tier, Adjustable Height and Width, Rubber Discs PKST64 but in black. Doesn't seem to be an option. I play seated so this geometry is nice because there is nothing in the ways of human legs. What can you suggest?
posted by falsedmitri at 9:43 AM - 7 answers

I'm trying to track down an essay or blog post from the past couple of years that analyzed Apple marketing collateral through the lens of the people and their lives depicted in the texts, emails, messages to each other, photos, etc. shown in Apple ads, demos, promo videos, etc. It used screenshots to make its point. It noted a few recurring names of characters in the product shots. I recall that it suggested most of the messages you see are about parties and social events.
posted by Pudding Yeti at 7:45 PM - 4 answers

Several years ago, I saw (and heard) a video essay on YouTube, and now I'd like to see it again. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find it on my own, so I'm writing this question in the hope of getting some help. [more inside]
posted by WalkingAround at 11:30 AM - 4 answers

A cartoon in the 1980s or 90s depicted a brick and was captioned something like "thousands of works of art, music, etc. compressed into a 3x4x5 inch brick". It might be by Mick Stevens. (I was reminded of it by the new ad for the iPad showing works of art and musical instruments in a hydraulic press.)
posted by neuron at 10:07 AM - 3 answers

So the Dead haven't been the Dead for a while now, but I assume that obsessive fans have been reprocessing old tapes. What are the best live shows -- soundboard or bootlegs -- in terms of audio quality and musicality and fun? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:16 AM - 21 answers

I'm an oil painter and intend to paint the illustrations from the Rider-Waite tarot deck to sell directly to potential clients. I'm uncertain if there are copyright or trademark limitations to redistributing portrayals of these images. Please inform me (if any) appropriate channels and formalities to venture to avoid any legal repercussions in the future.
posted by dea at 5:47 AM - 5 answers

I’m trying to unpack the bits of my upbringing that occured in a convent school. You know, morning prayers, Sunday mass, and a whole lot of guilt. [more inside]
posted by antihistameme at 7:08 AM - 14 answers

I'm pretty sure nothing else like it exists, but if it does I feel like MetaFilter people are my best bet to find it! [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 6:24 PM - 29 answers

What were the live shows called that used to play between movies in the silent/early sound era?
posted by pxe2000 at 3:12 PM - 8 answers