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YANMD/YANAD, but I likely won't be able to see a doctor about this for at least a month or two, so I'd like to hear if anyone has had similar experiences. In essence, the only upper body strength building I've done for 8 weeks is push ups (paying attention to keep good form), but when I try and do pull-ups now, I have very severe pain in both elbows. [more inside]
posted by unid41 at 9:15 AM - 6 answers

Discovered in an antique store in Montana, its use is eluding us. [more inside]
posted by ikahime at 2:29 PM - 14 answers

I want to knit! I'm a low-skill knitter, and I want to just do really simple projects to get better at the simple stitches. But it feels really wasteful, because the end result isn't anything useful. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by meese at 8:30 AM - 31 answers

I have some discretionary funds to buy some games, puzzles, or craft kits for people who are struggling with self-isolating during the pandemic. Please give me some recommendations! [more inside]
posted by gemutlichkeit at 6:51 AM - 9 answers

I should be able to route input from a MIDI keyboard through a DAW right to my computer's sound card. Right? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 1:20 PM - 13 answers

I'd like to put together a simplified D&D/RPG style adventure game for a group of about 10-15 people over Zoom. Instead of a dungeon crawl/fantasy theme, I'd like to use a space/sci-fi theme. It would be simplified in not using character sheets, maps, or the like, but mostly just story driven with maybe a little dice rolling. Can you recommend any ideas or resources, especially for someone go has never DM'd before? In particular, how do I develop a story with many different paths and options that would be fun?
posted by roaring beast at 2:53 PM - 16 answers

I'm looking for Sunday-size (20x20 grid at minimum) medium-easy printed book of crossword puzzles. The LA Times Sunday puzzle is pretty much my ideal, but I think I've already gone through all of their books. My skill is at about a New York Times Wednesday level, so their Sunday puzzles are a little harder than I enjoy. [more inside]
posted by metasarah at 7:52 AM - 4 answers

I have recently gotten VERY into the craft of "diamond painting." It's basically paint by numbers but you stick rhinestones on an adhesive canvas instead. I am hoping there is a way to take this to the next level! [more inside]
posted by Neely O'Hara at 5:08 PM - 6 answers

When practicing a piece you've mostly mastered - especially an older piece - how do you note where you've made mistakes so you can practice those sections? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 8:25 AM - 12 answers

I am seeking recommendations for a podcast to listen to while I'm falling asleep. Something quiet. To me, that means soothing, consistent voices, with no excitement, hilarity, or arguments. If there are ads, they have to be the same voices/tone as the rest of the podcast. These are my two biggest problems finding appropriate 'casts, and rules out anything from iHeartRadio, Wondery, MaxFun or other networks. Additional snowflakes within. [more inside]
posted by dazedandconfused at 3:08 PM - 39 answers

still adjusting to working from home [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 1:18 PM - 40 answers

My son recently turned 4 and I've realized that he's now at an age where he might be able to start playing video games with me. We tried out Kirby Epic Yarn and it went great! On the other hand, he had a hard time with the steering in Mario Kart and Yoshi's Woolly World was a bit hard. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for games for the Wii U that might go over well with someone in kindergarten. Thanks!
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 8:33 AM - 10 answers

Hi, I know next to nothing about tennis rackets but looking to get a couple of rackets. What is a good (couple of) starter racket(s) that hopefully comes with a bag to keep the rackets in. Amazon links work best. Thank you!
posted by cashman at 6:37 AM - 4 answers

Help me find online meetups, live classes, or other live activities that are fun, that involve interacting or doing something as opposed to just watching, and that are free (or very cheap). [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 7:50 AM - 17 answers

I don't have any particularly creative hobbies. With my free time while I'm completely alone in quarantine, I would like to explore and hopefully pick up a new hobby. I'm especially interested in a hobby which lends itself well to nice sentimental gifts. [more inside]
posted by unid41 at 3:35 PM - 37 answers

I really would like to make growth mindset theory work for me in the realm of music practice. Problem: over 50, breathed fixed mindset like air for decades, and highly allergic to the tiniest failures. [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 5:41 AM - 30 answers

Daughter loves to play Minecraft but has no friends who will reliably play with her on consistent basis. Being in 100% virtual school this year means she can’t meet new people. I know there are a million other kids playing MC -how can she hook up with some? She is 14 but various ages ok. She has her own realm Looking for kind, playing for fun, gamers only. Help!?!
posted by ChristineSings at 6:23 PM - 5 answers

So I had some success since my previous ask and I was invited to join an online D&D group. Our first game is Sunday. I've never played with strangers before, my previous group were people I knew outside of the game. The only thing I know about this new group is that several of them are women! What are some not-so-obvious things I can do to get off on the right foot? [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 6:06 AM - 7 answers

Is there anything you've purchased, any classes or hobbies you've started, or practices you've adopted that have seriously upgraded your life during this pandemic? [more inside]
posted by everydayanewday at 6:02 PM - 56 answers

Should I repair or replace my 17-year-old Yamaha CLP-170 Clavinova? I LOVE it, but it's really showing its age. I'd be happy to buy a replacement but I'm worried about the quality of a new one. [more inside]
posted by zibra at 6:26 AM - 3 answers