Ask MetaFilter

My father in law has injured his leg and is in a brace that does not let him bend his leg. Where can we find explainers on modified sitting methods for a variety of chairs and couches? [more inside]
posted by nat to Health & Fitness at 4:16 PM - 0 answers

I'm taking some time off for the holidays and I discovered in myself, what feels like pre-burnout. I don't really want to do anything; just sit on the couch and maybe go for a walk. This is an unfortunate pattern (work, family, hobbies, obligations, etc). I want to identify this state before it happens again and address it. How? [more inside]
posted by aeighty to Health & Fitness at 3:30 PM - 1 answer

I love scenes in movies where musicians put a song together on the spot. What are some good examples? [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky to Media & Arts at 1:09 PM - 19 answers

There are lots of daily affirmation podcasts that exist, but they are a little too woo for my tastes. I'm looking for shows that focus less on building confidence/self-love and more on mindfulness, building habits, practical guidance etc. Some examples inside: [more inside]
posted by chara to Health & Fitness at 12:59 PM - 2 answers

TP-Link has been in the news recently over security concerns with their wifi routers. Should I replace the TP-Link router I'm using for home wifi? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust to Computers & Internet at 11:36 AM - 4 answers

One of my 2025 goals is to learn how to make an amazing cappuccino. [more inside]
posted by pando11 to Food & Drink at 10:19 AM - 10 answers

It was set in Norway, Sweden, and possibly Denmark. It wasn't a series with seasons (like S01E01, etc.), but rather a new movie released every few years. As far as I remember, it was based on books by a specific author and is similar to "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." I just can't find it anymore. The release of new movies should still be ongoing, as I recall being excited about future installments. Each movie featured separate stories. Do you have any suggestions?
posted by maloqueiro to Media & Arts at 10:07 AM - 7 answers

I'd like to be a kinder, gentler, softer person to those around me and would like to volunteer in some capacity. However, I'm very much an introvert, have terrible social anxiety, and struggle with feeling trapped when I have a commitment with a set time. Can you help me figure out how I can both be of help to others, while also taking care of myself (but maybe also stretching myself a little bit)? [more inside]
posted by Sassyfras to Human Relations at 9:48 AM - 6 answers

I heard a song and can't get it out of my head but am not sure what song it is. It was a solo female singer, kind of country sounding, with a wistful tone. The line said something like "never gonna know the love of another man", "never gonna.... something something.... man". Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
posted by Malleable to Media & Arts at 9:17 AM - 5 answers

I have some old nintendo consoles (NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube) in original boxes that I would like to sell. How and where should I sell them? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer to Technology at 8:53 AM - 7 answers

I'm looking for STEM toy ideas for my seven-year-old nephew. My sister prefers not to give him screens, so I've researched and found that STEM toys seem like a great option. However, I'm having trouble deciding which one would be the best for his age. Can you provide some suggestions? Thanks in advance!
posted by caro1989 to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation at 7:55 AM - 10 answers

I have two minor but annoying issues with my current Smart TV. I have been generally coping with them, but I'm curious if anyone has any advice for an easy fix I hadn't considered. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos to Grab Bag at 5:26 AM - 6 answers

Around October 2019 I searched "lofi chillhop" on spotify, and picked a random playlist, and played it. I loved it, but can't find it now. One song had the word "garden" in the title. Thanks!
posted by maxexam to Media & Arts at 7:46 PM - 4 answers

snowflake details within but a phone call is not ideal [more inside]
posted by wooh to Technology at 6:58 PM - 12 answers

I'm looking for personal successful experiences of removing burnt fruit on a saucepan. [more inside]
posted by Scout405 to Food & Drink at 6:16 PM - 13 answers

I see and hear these words all the time, and I'm never sure where (or if) journalists and bloggers and anchorman draw a line between one and other. I consider these words more or less interchangeable, but i dont have a sophisticated political vocabulary nor any historical perspective on how the meaning of these words may have changed over time. How do you guys define these words, and what distinctions, if any, do see between them?
posted by BadgerDoctor to Writing & Language at 4:53 PM - 22 answers

I got a miserable case of covid for Christmas. I would like to spend my time in bed watching disaster movies along the lines of 2015's The Wave. More specifics and examples are below. [more inside]
posted by minervous to Media & Arts at 4:06 PM - 17 answers

Help setting up wifi router with CenturyLink modem [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight to Computers & Internet at 3:16 PM - 1 answer

I'm the caretaker for a chronically ill parent. During past emergencies, I discovered that my support network was sparser than I wanted. My friend network was great for sharing fun times but less reliable when my mom was in the hospital. What are your tips for building a stronger support network for future medical tough times? [more inside]
posted by roastbeef to Human Relations at 1:19 PM - 13 answers

I'm hoping to do a New Year's fast on Dec 31 and Jan 1st, with electrolyte drinks permitted. I'll return to eating normally Jan 2nd. I have a blood donation appointment on Jan 3rd. Is this a bad idea? I also have a couple other questions about blood donation below. [more inside]
posted by wheatlets to Health & Fitness at 1:01 PM - 4 answers

What are your favorite uses for black tahini? that's the whole question
posted by ojocaliente to Food & Drink at 12:33 PM - 11 answers

Most of my New Year’s resolutions are in the form of “Do [thing] [X] number of times during 2025”. I want an app to track that over the course of the year that also allows me to make a note each time I check off [thing]. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown to Technology at 11:19 AM - 6 answers

After taking my pants out of the dryer, I found that they had a big stain on them. I know my odds of getting this stain out aren't great after laundering, but I hope I can improve my odds through you all. [more inside]
posted by Mechitar to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 9:49 AM - 20 answers

Are there any descriptions of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake specifically? Not the tsunami but the earthquake itself. Was it felt on land and did it do any damage prior to the tsunami?
posted by sefsl to Science & Nature at 9:16 AM - 4 answers

(GSM & CDMA, with a MEID number
posted by mojohand to Technology at 8:58 AM - 4 answers

My go-to chocolate tempering technique requires precision to about ~1° F, but my three digital thermometers give readings that differ from one another by anywhere from .7°-2.5° in the critical 85-100° F range. How can I decide which is correct? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph to Food & Drink at 5:26 AM - 8 answers

Cold person seeking wool turtlenecks for mutually fulfilling relationship. UK-based. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 3:49 AM - 9 answers

I need to give my thoughts a little room. What can I do to make this happen ? [more inside]
posted by nicolin to Human Relations at 1:50 AM - 26 answers

Other than frosting, devilled eggs, and mashed potatoes, what are the best foods to pipe in a shape? [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk to Food & Drink at 8:51 PM - 16 answers

I'm starting to notice that my body (mostly back, neck, shoulders) feels more soreness, tension, and stiffness than it used to, as I near 40 years old. I'm a healthy and active person and yet I can no longer sit through a 2 hour movie, flight, or dinner without feeling uncomfortable! [more inside]
posted by cboggs to Health & Fitness at 7:41 PM - 28 answers

What value should my daughter use when knitting a temperature blanket -- the day's high or the day's average temperature? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt to Grab Bag at 6:53 PM - 9 answers

Best duvet cover under $100? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo to Home & Garden at 6:04 PM - 6 answers

How should I, or how should I have reacted when my Mother in Law made a comment about my wife making all the money? [more inside]
posted by ljs30 to Human Relations at 1:20 PM - 24 answers

Trying to clean cat-misfire odor out of another chair (cat does this every 6-12 months) and the Bissell "Little Green Machine" isn't doing the trick. Do I need to just keep renting the industrial ones from Home Depot or are any of the home models as good? [more inside]
posted by less-of-course to Home & Garden at 10:22 AM - 4 answers

I’m down with OPP. Like Tom Cruise explaining race driving to Nicole Kidman in Days of Thunder using Sweet’N Low packets. More examples?
posted by Lemkin to Media & Arts at 9:29 AM - 49 answers

Inspired by this comment. I often find myself needing to say some version of “look me in the eyes” but I want to mix it up for laughs. [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg to Writing & Language at 9:17 AM - 9 answers

I’m starting to get tired of civ5. Six never grabbed me and early demos of seven don’t look much better. I’d like to find something with the simplicity of civ5 but with a new tech tree and logistical dynamics. Probably something from the early 2010s but I’m fléxible. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies to Media & Arts at 5:34 AM - 12 answers

I love having a long soak in the tub. What can I add to the experience to make it even more delicious? [more inside]
posted by luminary to Home & Garden at 4:39 AM - 23 answers

I made a dessert to bring to tomorrow's holiday meal Chocolate Magic Custard Cake and it's seriously lacking oomph. Any ideas on how to wow it up? [more inside]
posted by Ink-stained wretch to Food & Drink at 6:12 PM - 12 answers

There are two German films and a pop song which rattle around my brain a long time, and I now finally broke down and decided to find them. I think the films I saw before the internet on TV: [more inside]
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon to Media & Arts at 4:10 PM - 1 answer

Heading to Puerto Rico in a week and looking for adventures with the kids (8 and 10), especially horseback riding and zip lines. We’re hitting a roadblock with 250 lb. weight limits that exclude my wife. We’ve ridden horses elsewhere, and surely there’s something in PR for Clydesdales like her, no? We’ll be west of Luquillo on the north shore, but will gladly drive elsewhere.
posted by ahthefrench to Travel & Transportation at 3:30 PM - 6 answers

Looking to find a new "Drive Time' style radio show. For too many years Ive listened to Rovers Morning Glory (WMMS) and while it has been entertaining, its kinda lost its mojo. The format is though, is ideal. [more inside]
posted by pmaxwell to Media & Arts at 1:33 PM - 0 answers

I'm nearly 60, mostly retired and fairly idle. I'm contemplating entering a fulltime academic program that will take five years to complete. Have you, a fellow Old, done anything similar? How did it go? [more inside]
posted by rabia.elizabeth to Education at 12:50 PM - 15 answers

My mother-in-law misses being able to watch old tv shows. She’s suffering from dementia and is living in a group home (which is wonderful) but there’s a single shared tv, and she misses watching old westerns. [more inside]
posted by Eddie Mars to Technology at 12:10 PM - 5 answers

26th year of marriage. 26th Christmas fight. Can the cycle be broken? [more inside]
posted by Lemkin to Human Relations at 11:42 AM - 90 answers

Our kids are 9 (F), 11 (F), and 12 (M). They're pretty cool. Like many kids their age, they're really into YouTube. They're also pretty politically/socially aware as their mom has been a progressive elected official and activist in a red island over the last 5 years. That said, they mostly like YouTube for funny shorts, Fortnite videos, music, skibidi, and some science content. We're aiming help them channel some of this in a different direction and could use your insight! [more inside]
posted by Roach to Technology at 10:33 AM - 6 answers

I just ended things with someone and I need some feedback and processing. [more inside]
posted by pando11 to Human Relations at 10:20 AM - 14 answers

I bought some sew-on reflective tape (ribbon) to attach to my winter coats. What is the best way to actually attach it? [more inside]
posted by leahwrenn to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion at 9:54 AM - 15 answers

I am debating whether to file for benefits next year. I understand the income penalty as it relates to benefits, as I would potentially be filing before my full age of 67. But I can't seem to find the answer to this question. [more inside]
posted by jtexman1 to Work & Money at 7:31 AM - 7 answers

I need a lot of small bricks/blocks for an art/craft project, but I'm having trouble finding exactly what I need in a reasonable price range. I can find cheap or the right size or bulk, but haven't been able to find a decent combination of the three. Imagine I want to build a castle for G.I. Joe action figures, and don't care about the material or looks. That'd be about the ballpark. [more inside]
posted by JustAnotherPerson to Grab Bag at 7:30 AM - 12 answers

I have a condo. This sound happens only periodically. It seems to happen around the microwave, then up to the light and elsewhere. Video inside [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock to Home & Garden at 6:37 AM - 6 answers

Mr. eirias, Little eirias, and I will be in Helsinki 12/26-12/30! What’s good this time of year? [more inside]
posted by eirias to Travel & Transportation at 6:26 AM - 3 answers

There are some experiences that are described in a rosy light by the media, movies, and insiders. Parenthood is one example. Wealth and fame are another. Outsiders go into them with an over-optimistic expectation and only discover the extent of the challenges when it's too late to back out. Which life experiences proved harder than you anticipated, because there's a tendency to downplay the challenges? I'd like to reduce the blind spots that I have. [more inside]
posted by vienna to Society & Culture at 5:18 AM - 44 answers

13 yo got an internet radio and would like to listen to French radio stations because she loves the language and would like to hear it more. But, like, not old people music please. There are way too many choices, can you recommend one? [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom to Media & Arts at 3:14 AM - 7 answers

I recently bought a spare battery for our Tefal X Force vacuum cleaner from eBay. (https://shop.tefal.co.uk/x-force-flex-12-60-car-cordless-stick-vacuum-cleaner-ty98a1go-black-red) However, although it works, it provides limited power and won’t display any information on the battery indicator. I have tried power cycling the battery but with no effect [more inside]
posted by Kiwi to Technology at 2:56 AM - 2 answers

I find myself in a friend's holiday party + cookie contest tomorrow. What is a cookie recipe that you believe will win me the gold, if properly executed? (Assume no dietary restrictions.) Thank you.
posted by kensington314 to Food & Drink at 9:37 PM - 11 answers

Years ago I took Ambien (one time) and as I began to get sleepy from the drug I felt like my throat was closing up / swelling. [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness at 9:08 PM - 6 answers

Two people like to walk together, but their natural pace differs. The faster person would like to go at the pace of the slower person. But the slower person feels pressured to go faster. Is there an app or some other trick that we could use to clearly set the pace?
posted by NotLost to Health & Fitness at 7:25 PM - 15 answers

My ~15 year old Frigidaire washer conked out, but the dryer is still good. Can I just replace the washer? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock to Home & Garden at 6:06 PM - 9 answers

The plot is a lady English language professor meets a guy on a dating app and they start dating. Said date sends her text poetry but he is not the author - he asks his friend to write to poetry on his behalf. The actual poet is a co-worker of hers. Anyone know the name of this movie? It is reasonably recent.
posted by Saucywench to Writing & Language at 3:55 PM - 5 answers