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How do I get through a photoshoot when I don’t like having my photo taken? [more inside]
posted by Champagne Supernova at 6:54 PM - 11 answers

I'm trying to choose between a Nintendo Switch, modest gaming PC, or to focus on other hobbies and would appreciate someone else's perspective. [more inside]
posted by roue at 8:06 PM - 21 answers

My friend has recently moved to Vienna, VA with his family. Family consists of my friend, their spouse and two kids aged three and six. I'd like to send a gift voucher as a housewarming gift. Difficulty: must be available online (maybe GiftRocket?) They are all set for household goods etc, so looking for fun local activities or restaurants they might enjoy as a family. I don't know the area at all so have no good ideas - can you help?
posted by Tapioca at 2:56 AM - 5 answers

I'd been sick and cooped up in my urban house for a couple of weeks, and need a change of scenery now that I feel better. I desperately want to go overnight camping and day hiking somewhere within 4-5 hours of the SF area. Where can I go that isn't heavily smoke impacted right now? [more inside]
posted by twoplussix at 4:38 PM - 9 answers

I'd like to play an RPG next week with my 12-year-old kid and their cousin of similar age, that I would GM for them. The ideal game is simple to set up, yet with enough choices to get them a bit invested in their characters, and something where we can complete a satisfying arc in around 3-4 hours but if it turns out we all love it we can keep a campaign going afterward. Milieu is less important than a fun, easy-ish mechanic; we're none of us hardcore RPG-ers. What games can you recommend?
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 12:19 AM - 10 answers

DOT, Jr. came to swimming a little older than his peers. But with some attentive lessons from a local swimming school, he's now solidly average and fully capable in the water. Now he wants to learn to run faster. He wants to know: are there lessons for that? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 5:22 PM - 22 answers

I'm staying in Mayfair, a tube ride of 30 minutes or so is fine. Would enjoy a wide variety of items to peruse, and some interesting food stalls. So far Spitalfields market is looking good, does it have one day better than others? I have 2 weeks in September, one Saturday is already taken. Thanks!!
posted by antiquated at 1:35 PM - 5 answers

In Tim Powers' "The Stress of Her Regard", there's a mention of a drug that gives everyone the same hallucination. Is there really such a drug? [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 6:42 PM - 13 answers

I'm mostly a shower singer, but get great pleasure from singing, and have experienced a problem with my singing voice my whole life. In the middle-high range, my voice cuts out, and I can't produce any of the notes in that range. [more inside]
posted by Holidayalltheway at 3:24 PM - 5 answers

How do I know if a glass jar is safe for a candle? I am thinking specifically of a glass jar from Dannon's Oui yogurt. [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 4:58 PM - 6 answers

Fantasy football sounds like a lot of fun- except I have no interest in football. Are there other ‘fantasy _____’ leagues a person with other interests can join?
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 9:17 AM - 13 answers

I'm thinking of setting up a science-fiction/fantasy group that'll meet up in real life. I'm thinking once a month we'll meet in a local pub and just talk about various sci-fi/fantasy things. And of course I want a cool name, something that'll attract attention on a flyer, but also be inclusive and not so sff that it'll put people off. I was thinking just Mullingar Science Fiction & Fantasy group, but that doesn't really roll off the tongue. [more inside]
posted by Fence at 11:04 AM - 16 answers

Where can one easily go for peace and quietude near Astoria, Queens without spending a lot of time or money? [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 10:38 AM - 9 answers

Looking for a book about an overweight, stressed out woman who loses weight by walking the city. [more inside]
posted by maxg94 at 8:06 AM - 7 answers

I've been re-visiting The Street's first two albums, and he mentions drinking Marlon. I have done some googling, and have found a Marlon cocktail (that sounds disgusting), but I doubt this is what Mike Skinner is referring to. What is it? A brandy (he likes brandy)?
posted by not_that_epiphanius at 2:10 PM - 4 answers

I have flat feet, so I need to wear hard orthotic inserts in my shoes. I make this work well enough with most shoes by removing the liner that comes with them, and replacing them with thin shoe liners (e.g. by Dr. Scholl's) with the orthotics on top. With boots (work/winter/hiking boots), it's a whole different story. I haven't been able to make this work yet, and I hope the hive can help me out here by giving their own experiences (and hopefully success stories) or good ideas and advice. [more inside]
posted by Mechitar at 11:46 AM - 11 answers

We (2 adults, 1 kid) are going to spend 3 nights in a barebones beds only cabin in a week. There is a grill/fire pit. I'm borrowing a camp stove. What do we need to bring to eat and prepare food? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 8:19 PM - 13 answers

Howdy everybody. I just finished an open water swim and can't shake the feeling that I didn't swim the whole distance. Is this a thing? Help me believe. [more inside]
posted by sacchan at 6:47 PM - 12 answers

My 5-yo niece is learning how to ride a bike and I want to buy some fun and cool biking stuff for her (max 50 USD). Suggestions?
posted by Foci for Analysis at 3:56 PM - 15 answers

I need to outfit a still-growing teen with goalie gear. They have played other positions in the past when they were a bit younger, with hand-me-down gear. Now, they have signed up for a house league, playing goalie, and we need to get shopping. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 10:46 AM - 7 answers