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How can we prepare for and mitigate the effects of economic depression as residents of a major US city (NYC)? [more inside]
posted by lalochezia at 11:47 AM - 9 answers

Hypothetically, let's say you are frustrated with the United States for political and cultural reasons and wanted to leave - but for real. Where would you actually go? Bonus points for: -A federal government that actually seems interested in governing -A strong sense of community, including a strong social safety net -English spoken (or tolerated while we muddle through learning the native tongue) -Good for kids -A culture that would welcome newcomers Obviously economic opportunity is crucial, but let's leave out that whole can of worms for now.
posted by Anonymousness at 8:48 AM - 35 answers

ISO online criticism of the final three Star Wars movies that will provide a counterpoint to the typical misogynistic stuff my 13 year old is reading online. [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 6:39 AM - 13 answers

I'd like to learn about the politics around disease outbreaks in the U.S. and other industrialized places and the process by which societies and economies address the pandemic and then transition back to normal functioning. [more inside]
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 5:37 AM - 6 answers

Hi all, I have recently, over lockdown, finally watched all 9 of the Star Wars movies (and will be watching the spin-offs in coming weeks). I was wondering if there are any really good critical commentary (books, podcasts, videos) that would add to my enjoyment of the franchise? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 2:44 AM - 10 answers

For years, I've lived under the belief and assumption that most of the problems in my life I caused either through actions or attitude. When I look back with the maturity of early old age, I see that's true. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 10:45 AM - 10 answers

I got rid of all my grad school papers after graduation but I still can't get over my failed academic dream. [more inside]
posted by whitelotus at 5:02 AM - 29 answers

It's snowflake details all the way down. Only very brief coronavirus mention. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 10:24 AM - 28 answers

Can you suggest some songs about self-acceptance or authenticity that aren't too on the nose? [more inside]
posted by biscuits at 2:04 PM - 39 answers

Help me settle a debate with a friend: in the way that Russian culture is known for its dark humor and to the degree to which dark humor is acceptable there, are there any places that are the opposite and have a culturally low tolerance for dark humor? Anecdotes and academic studies welcome! [more inside]
posted by blerghamot at 4:14 PM - 20 answers

This has been bothering me for a year. [more inside]
posted by ihaveyourfoot at 2:51 PM - 4 answers

What are your recommendations for songs by women, for women, celebrating girlhood? Country music is my favorite, but all things sisterhood will work. Old standards, coming-of-age, DTMF ballads, looking back on a life well-lived. Girls are doing it for themselves.
posted by TrishaU at 12:44 PM - 27 answers

I've heard celebrities, municipal, state and county politicians, doctors, nurses and essential workers say it. How many federal politicians have said it? Are there tweets, FB posts or newspaper articles, radio interviews or TV news soundbytes where a US Senator, or House of Representatives member, cabinet level official or President has said it? Not counting the President's response team or members of the CDC.
posted by CollectiveMind at 9:42 PM - 5 answers

I'm looking for amazing livestreams/zooms that you have taken or plan on taking, or good places to look for them. Plays, concerts, comedy shows, lectures, classes etc. Ideally are unique, actually cost money, and (not necessarily for some performance art) are pretty interactive.
posted by sandmanwv at 7:45 AM - 3 answers

I'm an American citizen married to a Chinese citizen, we live in China, and are trying to figure out where we should move to. We are currently working on the (long!) process to move to America, but I'm having cold feet. Lots of snowflake details inside. There is brief mention of the coronavirus, but the conversation absolutely does not center on it at all. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 10:06 PM - 28 answers

I want to understand how the American economy got the way it is. What are the best intro-level explainers of capitalism that use code, simulation, or visualization as a primary means of explanation? [more inside]
posted by Rich Text at 1:40 PM - 9 answers

I'm looking for demographics as well as societal feelings on interfaith marriage in the US in the late 1800s. I'm specifically interested in marriage between Jewish and Protestant people. [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 8:19 AM - 9 answers

I'm looking for ideas for ways I and my kids (ages 7 & 11) can help support local health care workers, aside from putting signs in our windows and banging pots and pans at 7 pm (and staying healthy). We don't know any personally. Is there anything else we can do during these long days at home? We're in Portland, OR.
posted by gottabefunky at 11:56 AM - 11 answers

I’m looking for some quotes about the art we missed out on because women (and enbies/genderqueer people) were harassed out of the scene. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 10:18 AM - 2 answers

I'm not looking for the well-known things we should all do that every media outlet has already covered every day. I'm looking for ideas that haven't been much promoted, but would be helpful. There is not one correct answer to my question. The right answer is for us to put together a lot of ideas among which different people can pick and choose or combine in accordance with their circumstances. To help get things started, the "more inside" section includes one way to fight the rolling toilet paper shortages--a way that I've already experimented with. [more inside]
posted by cattypist at 1:11 AM - 37 answers