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A friend who passed some time ago, spent his last year building an elaborate scale-model “town” on top of a very large, dedicated table in his office. He sometimes worked on it with his grandson, but it was mostly for his own amusement. It definitely wasn’t legos. And it didn’t have a historical theme, but was modern. Also, it may have been more a collection of things rather than a coherent town. Not sure. [more inside]
posted by Gusaroo at 9:25 AM - 5 answers

Can you recommend a remote control car that can handle rocky hiking trails and not break the bank? [more inside]
posted by lab.beetle at 5:36 PM - 4 answers

My wife has recently taken up a hobby of quilting, and has told me she needs some high quality scissors, rotary cutter and a (self-healing???) cutting mat. A few more details inside, but I'm generally just looking for recommendations of some high quality equipment to buy for her. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean at 12:59 PM - 32 answers

I would like to handmake a cute winter hat for an infant, out of maximally soft, stretchy, warm materials. Sewing, knitting, crochet, or [other?] are all options. What should I make? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 12:12 PM - 11 answers

I just finished story mode of The Long Dark (on my Switch) and I'm looking forward to the episode 4 release whenever it drops. I loved it and just started one of the challenges. One of my issues with the game is how dark it is, visually. I didn't love having to kill wolves and bears but survival I guess. I played Firewatch several years ago and really enjoyed it. [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws at 11:19 AM - 6 answers

Can anyone recommend a book containing a collection of cryptic crossword puzzles geared to someone who is new to cryptic crossword puzzles? [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 7:41 PM - 7 answers

I love knitting and I'm considering picking up a new crafty hobby. I think I might like to try cross-stitch but I have a couple small questions/concerns. [more inside]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 7:20 PM - 13 answers

Let's go beyond Heart and Soul or the Real Book. Please recommend piano duet books / pieces where *both parts* are moderate (2nd year piano skills). In "teacher / student" books, the "teacher" part is sometimes too hard.
posted by gregglind at 6:00 PM - 4 answers

Is a recorder like a Zoom H1 or H2 or Tascam DR05 an improvement over a smartphone using the Smart Recorder app? The app records in wav and you can set gain. Will a dedicated recorder in the 100 to 200 dollar range offer a significant improvement? Or are they obsolete for amateur musicians? This would be for recording instrumental and voice tracks for mixing on a computer. Thanks for your experience, Metafilter musicians!
posted by starfishprime at 11:54 AM - 8 answers

My dad and I loved doing Eric Berlin's Social Distancing Puzzles. Where can we find more collaborative word games to play together? [more inside]
posted by juliapangolin at 6:59 AM - 4 answers

My mom has a pretty decent sized collection of elephant figures and assorted objects from the 50s-00s. In preparation for when she passes, I need to start thinking of how to donate/sell this thing... [more inside]
posted by symbioid at 2:11 PM - 16 answers

I am a huge fan of the Buff neckwear products. I have maybe 4-5 of various Buff neckwear items and use them daily (for walks, activities). I love them and find them so versatile. [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 4:38 AM - 4 answers

I've been watching The Queen's Gambit and it made me want to try chess again. I know how all the pieces move, castling/en passant, etc, but I lack any strategic understanding, openings/closings, etc. Where do I go from here? Online/digital sources preferred, but books are cool too.
posted by miltthetank at 9:04 AM - 13 answers

I want to enjoy watching sports, because it seems like a fun and social way to escape from the world for an hour or two at a time. But I can't seem to enjoy it. What's a good way into sports fandom? [more inside]
posted by rue72 at 1:40 PM - 34 answers

None of my real-life friends play Animal Crossing: New Horizons. My spouse and I have tricked out our islands (her more than me) and we're looking to expand our, er, horizons. [more inside]
posted by a complicated history at 8:56 AM - 6 answers

Just purchased a 2020 keep grand cherokee, and added on their extended 7 yr bumper to bumper plus gap insurance ($4000 total for 7 yr loan warranty, and 800 for gap). Was this a good idea? Know there's more information probably needed, but it's through Fidelity Warranty services. Purchased vehicle on Monday, so I think I have through tomorrow to try to cancel, and I'm reading reviews of it not being with it? Anyone with experience?
posted by MamaBee223 at 8:30 AM - 6 answers

This is a very similar question as this previous question, just 15 years more recent. I'm looking to cut the interior pages in a book. [more inside]
posted by wile e at 3:00 AM - 13 answers

I just found out that my son is leaving in one week for a vacation on Oahu. He would very much like to learn how to (board) surf while he's in Hawaii. [more inside]
posted by Transl3y at 1:14 PM - 9 answers

I need a new super simple, uncomplicated iPhone game that I can basically just play with my brain on idle. Just something to keep my hands busy while watching tv or listening to a podcast. Some progression like progressively more difficult challenges is a plus. Previous faves in this vein: Solitaire, Dots (not Two Dots), Sling Drift, Alto’s Adventure/Odyssey, Doodle Jump, Desert Golf, Temple Runner. Paid or paying to remove ads is fine.
posted by supercres at 7:55 PM - 32 answers

I just bought an AEE Sparrow 2 QC. I also have a small Syma X20W. And I have two phones, a OnePlusOne and an ATT Calypso I. The OPO is out of the box and hosted by Consumer Cellular. The Calypso is just connected to the Internet through home wifi. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 11:00 AM - 1 answers