2451 Ask MetaFilter answers by cortex (displaying 1 through 50)
What musicians are synonymous with their instrument? That is, when you think of that instrument, most people will automatically think of that ONE musician - for example: Cello - Yoyo Ma, Sax - Kenny G, Banjo - Bela Fleck, etc. This is very subjective of course, but I'm interested in other examples.
comment posted at 9:35 PM on Oct-12-23
I bought a dremel a couple days ago after years of thinking about it; got here today, tested it out, and I'm already very satisfied with it being a good solution for the soft carving I was primarily getting it for (soapstone, anthracite coal, wood). But now I've got this good tool and no experience with it, so: what else might I want to get for it for carving/shaping art and craft purposes, and, hell, what else in particular have folks found themselves surprised/pleased to be able to accomplish in general with a rotary tool?
comment posted at 3:00 PM on Jul-23-23
I am contemplating a multi-session viewing of every Muppet cinematic release with friends. I would like to (primarily) match one period appropriate contemporaneous film and (secondarily) match some snack or meal with each film. Please give me your recommendations for some or all of these!
comment posted at 2:47 PM on May-15-23
I've got a small stained glass piece my late Dad made many years ago. The lead channel around the perimeter has pulled up and away (It appears to have stretched as well) and the adhesive backed copper foil wrapped around the edges of the glass has also pulled away. What's the best way to fix this? I'm a skilled solderer (electronics and plumbing) but don't have much stained glass experience.
comment posted at 9:59 AM on Jan-8-23
comment posted at 10:13 AM on Jan-8-23
I'm blown away by this recent Miley Cyrus performance of "Wrecking Ball" in which Dolly Parton is accompanying her. I'm specifically interested in the musical interval or harmony that Dolly's voice creates/adds during the chorus (around 0:40 and 1:30), because it causes me to cry, in spite of my having no real emotional attachment to the lyrics or anything else related to the song. Does this interval/harmony have a name? Are there other songs that employ it?
comment posted at 3:01 PM on Jan-4-23
I'm cutting costs, cutting ties, and getting rid of my car. And I'm getting on in years. What interesting activity do you think should I take up next?
comment posted at 3:11 PM on Jan-4-23
I was just out with for lunch with a friend at a busy place and did my usual eye-contact-hand-signal request to clear out to the passing server, and that turned into a conversation about what, exactly, that hand signal actually means in like semantic terms.
comment posted at 3:34 PM on Dec-3-22
My wife has a copy of Oranges by John McPhee next to "oranges are not the only fruit" by Jannette Winterson. What cheap paperback fiction books could I buy her that could add to this conversation?
comment posted at 1:56 PM on Dec-2-22
I've been thinking about hard-driving pop songs I love and one of the things I've recognized is how much I love emotive but club-ready tunes that have a driving but expertly musically well-rounded vibe like e.g. Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" and Carly Rae Jepsen's "Run Away With Me". That's a fuzzy definition but the key is: absolutely unstoppable pop production married to a lyrical vibe that has a stark emotional/narrative appeal.
comment posted at 5:09 PM on Oct-28-22
comment posted at 5:52 PM on Oct-28-22
I'm a mathematically-minded person, but informally; I was great with math in high school and so-so in college, didn't deal well with calculus, love recreational mathematics on my own terms, and do best when I have a good conceptual basis for any bit of mathematical theory. (I do great with planar geometry. I do okaaay with symbolic algebra.) But I never learned linear algebra and matrices, despite them applying to a *lot* of things I'm otherwise interested in. Where's a good, accessible, concept-driven way to get familiar with lin alg territory?
comment posted at 5:05 PM on May-27-22
comment posted at 6:08 PM on May-27-22
comment posted at 7:11 PM on May-27-22
Before I reinvent this triangular wheel I thought I'd see if there's already some code that does this. The figure will be an outline although there could be loops (an 8 for example). Failing an existing algorithm, if you have a clever idea feel free to share. The more the merrier!
comment posted at 10:25 AM on May-27-22
comment posted at 10:36 AM on May-27-22
Who created the cover art for Miracle Legion's 1987 album "Surprise Surprise Surprise"?
comment posted at 12:50 PM on Apr-27-22
comment posted at 12:55 PM on Apr-27-22
comment posted at 1:06 PM on Apr-27-22
I am interviewing candidates for a role that will be collaborating with me significantly. One candidate speaks very slowly. I have ADHD which my manager knows. I want some way to convey that I doubt I can work well with someone who has a very slow pace of communication. It is not their fault that I can't work well with slow talkers, but I absolutely need this to be part of the calculus and I'm not sure how to say it.
comment posted at 3:38 PM on Mar-23-22
Are there any examples of art shows in which the art itself doesn't exist, and the gallery just has written descriptions imagining the different pieces of art? Basically empty picture frames, projectors that aren't running, stands for sculptures, and a detailed description of each piece of "art".
comment posted at 10:22 AM on Mar-20-22
comment posted at 10:35 AM on Mar-20-22
A coworker has become openly hostile to me, and I have no idea why. Nor do I have any idea how to handle it. Apologies in advance for the length.
comment posted at 9:36 AM on Mar-20-22
What the hell are the things in this tweet thread?
comment posted at 3:27 PM on Mar-18-22
comment posted at 5:15 PM on Mar-18-22
My partner's kids are completely rejecting me and my family. My partner doesn't agree it is a problem. It is a problem for me.
comment posted at 12:27 PM on Mar-19-22
I knew Elden Ring was reputed to be relatively difficult, but after banging my head against the first boss for a while I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.
comment posted at 2:29 PM on Mar-9-22
Two middle-aged orchestra nerds in the Portland metro area need help finding weird/unconventional location for their late Summer wedding. Halp?
comment posted at 3:12 PM on Feb-4-22
I'll start by explaining the situation. First, I joined this student union because I thought it could help me professionally and because I thought I could bring in some of my expertise into it. However, I am growing disaffected with its leadership.
comment posted at 5:11 PM on Jan-11-22
How is everyone, um, ""coping""? In an adult emotionally mature healthy way? (Do people even cope healthily anymore?)
comment posted at 3:34 PM on Dec-23-21
I am 29F and just got engaged a couple of weeks ago. Everything was fine and now I am having major questions about our compatibility.
comment posted at 11:13 AM on Dec-18-21
I've only been doing therapy for a month, but meeting mostly every week for an hour. My therapist has just suggested EMDR therapy. I've done a little reading and it seems too good to be true. Is this actually a thing, or is it pseudo-scientific woo?
comment posted at 8:03 PM on Dec-11-21
I recently learned that a neighbor of mine (older lady, smoker) has been unable to get any COVID vaccine because she has an allergy to surgical steel. Does she have any options?
comment posted at 10:22 PM on Dec-8-21
Hi. I'm seeking information or documentation regarding image and likeness in terms of contracts similar to modeling releases or booking agencies. I'm fairly familiar with relative terms, I'm seeking experiences from others. An example would be limiting a service to use/share only images provided to the service, without permissions to use other images. I am not seeking legal advice, just documentation.
comment posted at 5:23 PM on Nov-2-21
A good friend of mine runs a service business. A few years ago, one of his customers became upset with the services provided. My friend did all he could to address the issue but couldn't satisfy the customer. My friend terminated the business relationship and thought that was that, but now the customer is threatening legal action.
comment posted at 5:25 PM on Aug-25-21
It's estimated that 10% of the population are getting a third shot. Should I go and get it now (regardless if it's a higher dose than the booster might be?) I'm a 54M and a parent of three younger kids. I've shed 80lbs in the last 3 years (currently 185) - BP is normal, resting HR is 50. I'm in good health, but not an athlete.
comment posted at 3:02 PM on Aug-23-21
I'm wanting to get a legal consultation for a somewhat specialized situation, but they want $400 for one hour. This is a roadblock, and my situation is as such that it might not even require that specific legal firm's representation. I cannot afford $400, but this firm specializes in the area I need help/advice with.
comment posted at 12:11 PM on Aug-21-21
I (double vaxxed) will shortly be flying cross-country to visit family, some of whom aren't vaxxed. Because Reasons, I believe my 13yo nephew is planning to ask me to help him get vaxxed because his parents won't. Help?
comment posted at 3:21 PM on Jul-22-21
My partner (41M) and I (38F) have a really good thing, but we have both been through the wringer with past relationships. He gets very angry very quickly when we are talking about anything difficult or emotional, and loses the ability to communicate rationally, often saying things that are cruel and hurtful. I need practical advice (other than therapy, that is booked) about ways to deescalate these tantrums before they get out of hand, and for healing through them when they do. More snowflakes inside...
comment posted at 6:38 PM on Jul-20-21
My current sunscreen now only comes in 4 oz tubes which works out to a LOT of plastic waste since I'm on my bike for a ton of hours every week. Can you recommend a sunscreen that meets my needs and comes in a big container?
comment posted at 7:11 PM on Jul-14-21
Content Warning: This post contains sexual abuse issues including incest. All the details will be below the fold.
comment posted at 5:05 PM on Jul-9-21
Are you a person who could only orgasm in one specific way? Did that change for you? What helped?
comment posted at 5:23 PM on Jul-2-21
I saw a new doctor this week, and googled them afterwards. They have no social media, but their husband does, and he uses it to post truly vile missives against trans and queer people. I have no way of knowing if his wife agrees with him; is there anything for me to do here?
comment posted at 8:36 PM on Jun-7-21
comment posted at 4:17 PM on Jun-8-21
I want to get better photos of my artwork when I'm documenting it. Doesn't need to be stunning, just better and more consistent, and I think that's probably mostly a lighting question. What's my best bang for buck on this, for both literal bucks and simplicity of solution?
comment posted at 7:08 PM on May-17-21
I used to know SQL fairly well but that was a few years ago and I have forgotten basically all of it. What's the best way to relearn SQL fast? I'm looking for specific (ideally free) websites, tutorials, whatever.
comment posted at 8:00 PM on May-4-21
On the kinky social site Fetlife, I stumbled upon a man in my city who attends events and meets partners here. He's also a Nazi. What should I do next, ethically and practically?
comment posted at 2:38 PM on Apr-21-21
My doctor told me I'd better figure out a yoga practice, or I'll be sorry in just a few years. I think she means I need something for flexibility and balance, and I agree, 100%. But skinny ladies telling me to hold uncomfortable poses, and think calm thoughts and visualize or whatever, drive me into a hulk-smash rage. What else can I try?
comment posted at 7:13 PM on Apr-7-21
This 2015 Twitter thread is being made into a movie. I thought The Blue was where I first saw it, but I can’t find that thread. Did MeFi cover that years ago, or is my memory wrong?
comment posted at 3:18 PM on Apr-6-21
I'm brand new to the guitar and my first try at restringing didn't go well. I misjudged the thickness of the B and G, and D and A, strings and ended up stringing the guitar E G B A D E. Two questions: 1) Even though the strings are out of order, am I right to assume the guitar can still be tuned properly? In that's the case the strings can just stay where they are, right? 2) If not, can I re-string the guitar with those same 4 strings, or should I buy new ones?
comment posted at 1:51 PM on Apr-4-21
comment posted at 9:35 PM on Oct-12-23
I bought a dremel a couple days ago after years of thinking about it; got here today, tested it out, and I'm already very satisfied with it being a good solution for the soft carving I was primarily getting it for (soapstone, anthracite coal, wood). But now I've got this good tool and no experience with it, so: what else might I want to get for it for carving/shaping art and craft purposes, and, hell, what else in particular have folks found themselves surprised/pleased to be able to accomplish in general with a rotary tool?
comment posted at 3:00 PM on Jul-23-23
I am contemplating a multi-session viewing of every Muppet cinematic release with friends. I would like to (primarily) match one period appropriate contemporaneous film and (secondarily) match some snack or meal with each film. Please give me your recommendations for some or all of these!
comment posted at 2:47 PM on May-15-23
I've got a small stained glass piece my late Dad made many years ago. The lead channel around the perimeter has pulled up and away (It appears to have stretched as well) and the adhesive backed copper foil wrapped around the edges of the glass has also pulled away. What's the best way to fix this? I'm a skilled solderer (electronics and plumbing) but don't have much stained glass experience.
comment posted at 9:59 AM on Jan-8-23
comment posted at 10:13 AM on Jan-8-23
I'm blown away by this recent Miley Cyrus performance of "Wrecking Ball" in which Dolly Parton is accompanying her. I'm specifically interested in the musical interval or harmony that Dolly's voice creates/adds during the chorus (around 0:40 and 1:30), because it causes me to cry, in spite of my having no real emotional attachment to the lyrics or anything else related to the song. Does this interval/harmony have a name? Are there other songs that employ it?
comment posted at 3:01 PM on Jan-4-23
I'm cutting costs, cutting ties, and getting rid of my car. And I'm getting on in years. What interesting activity do you think should I take up next?
comment posted at 3:11 PM on Jan-4-23
I was just out with for lunch with a friend at a busy place and did my usual eye-contact-hand-signal request to clear out to the passing server, and that turned into a conversation about what, exactly, that hand signal actually means in like semantic terms.
comment posted at 3:34 PM on Dec-3-22
My wife has a copy of Oranges by John McPhee next to "oranges are not the only fruit" by Jannette Winterson. What cheap paperback fiction books could I buy her that could add to this conversation?
comment posted at 1:56 PM on Dec-2-22
I've been thinking about hard-driving pop songs I love and one of the things I've recognized is how much I love emotive but club-ready tunes that have a driving but expertly musically well-rounded vibe like e.g. Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" and Carly Rae Jepsen's "Run Away With Me". That's a fuzzy definition but the key is: absolutely unstoppable pop production married to a lyrical vibe that has a stark emotional/narrative appeal.
comment posted at 5:09 PM on Oct-28-22
comment posted at 5:52 PM on Oct-28-22
I'm a mathematically-minded person, but informally; I was great with math in high school and so-so in college, didn't deal well with calculus, love recreational mathematics on my own terms, and do best when I have a good conceptual basis for any bit of mathematical theory. (I do great with planar geometry. I do okaaay with symbolic algebra.) But I never learned linear algebra and matrices, despite them applying to a *lot* of things I'm otherwise interested in. Where's a good, accessible, concept-driven way to get familiar with lin alg territory?
comment posted at 5:05 PM on May-27-22
comment posted at 6:08 PM on May-27-22
comment posted at 7:11 PM on May-27-22
Before I reinvent this triangular wheel I thought I'd see if there's already some code that does this. The figure will be an outline although there could be loops (an 8 for example). Failing an existing algorithm, if you have a clever idea feel free to share. The more the merrier!
comment posted at 10:25 AM on May-27-22
comment posted at 10:36 AM on May-27-22
Who created the cover art for Miracle Legion's 1987 album "Surprise Surprise Surprise"?
comment posted at 12:50 PM on Apr-27-22
comment posted at 12:55 PM on Apr-27-22
comment posted at 1:06 PM on Apr-27-22
I am interviewing candidates for a role that will be collaborating with me significantly. One candidate speaks very slowly. I have ADHD which my manager knows. I want some way to convey that I doubt I can work well with someone who has a very slow pace of communication. It is not their fault that I can't work well with slow talkers, but I absolutely need this to be part of the calculus and I'm not sure how to say it.
comment posted at 3:38 PM on Mar-23-22
Are there any examples of art shows in which the art itself doesn't exist, and the gallery just has written descriptions imagining the different pieces of art? Basically empty picture frames, projectors that aren't running, stands for sculptures, and a detailed description of each piece of "art".
comment posted at 10:22 AM on Mar-20-22
comment posted at 10:35 AM on Mar-20-22
A coworker has become openly hostile to me, and I have no idea why. Nor do I have any idea how to handle it. Apologies in advance for the length.
comment posted at 9:36 AM on Mar-20-22
What the hell are the things in this tweet thread?
comment posted at 3:27 PM on Mar-18-22
comment posted at 5:15 PM on Mar-18-22
My partner's kids are completely rejecting me and my family. My partner doesn't agree it is a problem. It is a problem for me.
comment posted at 12:27 PM on Mar-19-22
I knew Elden Ring was reputed to be relatively difficult, but after banging my head against the first boss for a while I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.
comment posted at 2:29 PM on Mar-9-22
Two middle-aged orchestra nerds in the Portland metro area need help finding weird/unconventional location for their late Summer wedding. Halp?
comment posted at 3:12 PM on Feb-4-22
I'll start by explaining the situation. First, I joined this student union because I thought it could help me professionally and because I thought I could bring in some of my expertise into it. However, I am growing disaffected with its leadership.
comment posted at 5:11 PM on Jan-11-22
How is everyone, um, ""coping""? In an adult emotionally mature healthy way? (Do people even cope healthily anymore?)
comment posted at 3:34 PM on Dec-23-21
I am 29F and just got engaged a couple of weeks ago. Everything was fine and now I am having major questions about our compatibility.
comment posted at 11:13 AM on Dec-18-21
I've only been doing therapy for a month, but meeting mostly every week for an hour. My therapist has just suggested EMDR therapy. I've done a little reading and it seems too good to be true. Is this actually a thing, or is it pseudo-scientific woo?
comment posted at 8:03 PM on Dec-11-21
I recently learned that a neighbor of mine (older lady, smoker) has been unable to get any COVID vaccine because she has an allergy to surgical steel. Does she have any options?
comment posted at 10:22 PM on Dec-8-21
Hi. I'm seeking information or documentation regarding image and likeness in terms of contracts similar to modeling releases or booking agencies. I'm fairly familiar with relative terms, I'm seeking experiences from others. An example would be limiting a service to use/share only images provided to the service, without permissions to use other images. I am not seeking legal advice, just documentation.
comment posted at 5:23 PM on Nov-2-21
A good friend of mine runs a service business. A few years ago, one of his customers became upset with the services provided. My friend did all he could to address the issue but couldn't satisfy the customer. My friend terminated the business relationship and thought that was that, but now the customer is threatening legal action.
comment posted at 5:25 PM on Aug-25-21
It's estimated that 10% of the population are getting a third shot. Should I go and get it now (regardless if it's a higher dose than the booster might be?) I'm a 54M and a parent of three younger kids. I've shed 80lbs in the last 3 years (currently 185) - BP is normal, resting HR is 50. I'm in good health, but not an athlete.
comment posted at 3:02 PM on Aug-23-21
I'm wanting to get a legal consultation for a somewhat specialized situation, but they want $400 for one hour. This is a roadblock, and my situation is as such that it might not even require that specific legal firm's representation. I cannot afford $400, but this firm specializes in the area I need help/advice with.
comment posted at 12:11 PM on Aug-21-21
I (double vaxxed) will shortly be flying cross-country to visit family, some of whom aren't vaxxed. Because Reasons, I believe my 13yo nephew is planning to ask me to help him get vaxxed because his parents won't. Help?
comment posted at 3:21 PM on Jul-22-21
My partner (41M) and I (38F) have a really good thing, but we have both been through the wringer with past relationships. He gets very angry very quickly when we are talking about anything difficult or emotional, and loses the ability to communicate rationally, often saying things that are cruel and hurtful. I need practical advice (other than therapy, that is booked) about ways to deescalate these tantrums before they get out of hand, and for healing through them when they do. More snowflakes inside...
comment posted at 6:38 PM on Jul-20-21
My current sunscreen now only comes in 4 oz tubes which works out to a LOT of plastic waste since I'm on my bike for a ton of hours every week. Can you recommend a sunscreen that meets my needs and comes in a big container?
comment posted at 7:11 PM on Jul-14-21
Content Warning: This post contains sexual abuse issues including incest. All the details will be below the fold.
comment posted at 5:05 PM on Jul-9-21
Are you a person who could only orgasm in one specific way? Did that change for you? What helped?
comment posted at 5:23 PM on Jul-2-21
I saw a new doctor this week, and googled them afterwards. They have no social media, but their husband does, and he uses it to post truly vile missives against trans and queer people. I have no way of knowing if his wife agrees with him; is there anything for me to do here?
comment posted at 8:36 PM on Jun-7-21
comment posted at 4:17 PM on Jun-8-21
I want to get better photos of my artwork when I'm documenting it. Doesn't need to be stunning, just better and more consistent, and I think that's probably mostly a lighting question. What's my best bang for buck on this, for both literal bucks and simplicity of solution?
comment posted at 7:08 PM on May-17-21
I used to know SQL fairly well but that was a few years ago and I have forgotten basically all of it. What's the best way to relearn SQL fast? I'm looking for specific (ideally free) websites, tutorials, whatever.
comment posted at 8:00 PM on May-4-21
On the kinky social site Fetlife, I stumbled upon a man in my city who attends events and meets partners here. He's also a Nazi. What should I do next, ethically and practically?
comment posted at 2:38 PM on Apr-21-21
My doctor told me I'd better figure out a yoga practice, or I'll be sorry in just a few years. I think she means I need something for flexibility and balance, and I agree, 100%. But skinny ladies telling me to hold uncomfortable poses, and think calm thoughts and visualize or whatever, drive me into a hulk-smash rage. What else can I try?
comment posted at 7:13 PM on Apr-7-21
This 2015 Twitter thread is being made into a movie. I thought The Blue was where I first saw it, but I can’t find that thread. Did MeFi cover that years ago, or is my memory wrong?
comment posted at 3:18 PM on Apr-6-21
I'm brand new to the guitar and my first try at restringing didn't go well. I misjudged the thickness of the B and G, and D and A, strings and ended up stringing the guitar E G B A D E. Two questions: 1) Even though the strings are out of order, am I right to assume the guitar can still be tuned properly? In that's the case the strings can just stay where they are, right? 2) If not, can I re-string the guitar with those same 4 strings, or should I buy new ones?
comment posted at 1:51 PM on Apr-4-21