January 10
How to Stop Calls from United Lending, 1-877-200-2515
I get 5-15 phone calls and voice messages a day from "Morgan" at "United Lending" asking me to call 1-877-200-2515 about my loan application. I don't have a loan application. I've done the obvious/usual (see more inside) to no avail. I need these calls to stop. Is there an app I can use that is better enough than Google/Android's built-in screening to be worth paying for? I am willing to pay. [more inside]
Exercise headphones for earbud-haters?
I'm trying to find a decent pair of headphones to use while taking walks or doing exercises. I don't like earbuds, but over-ear headphones tend to leave me too sweaty to be comfortable. Any recommendations? [more inside]
Can you give me tips on how to play this arpeggio?
You Tube video of Chopin Waltz #14 in e minor, Op. Posth. I'm learning this piece. Having a lot of trouble with the final arpeggio, at 2:56. I've watched all tutorials I can find.
Any tips about fingering, hand position, etc.?
BONUS question: I'd also like tips on how to play the first 7-8 measures of the piece.
Thanks!
2025: How to print an entire blog?
I blogged, approximately one million years ago, via Blogspot. There are about 500 total posts and most of it still seems to be there. Is there an easy or automatic way to print it all out? Or to compile it into a digital doc? Basically, I'd love to save it in some fashion but not so much that I want to spend a ton of time or energy on it. I am, however, willing to pay money.
Orwellian apps
Does using the Google PhotoScan app supply your photos to facial recognition surveillance companies and databases? [more inside]
Wanted: magazine or website for fans of treasure hunts.
I'm thinking here of hunts which require an element of both puzzle solving and expeditions to go out searching in the real world. Where can I go to read about hunts like these, plus news and discussions relevant to the hobby?
Jewish Glassblowers
Do you know of any independent Jewish glassblowers? [more inside]
Becoming a better shredder
I've been playing guitar for 40 years. I'm decent but not great. I've listening to a lot of contemporary prog, metalcore, etc., and would like to become faster, cleaner, and especially develop a better sense of rhythm. I don't want to take in-person classes. What online class/videos/app has worked for you?
What are some good Youtube channels on current events for a 13-year-old?
A 13-year-old of my acquaintance is very interested in current events and Youtube, and I don't want to see the algorithm steer him into a cesspit of hatred. What channels should I recommend to help encourage a non-hateful, reality-based view of the world?
Just Passing Through Trauma and Chaos
I am flying through LAX tomorrow with a 10 hour layover. I had planned to go out get a meal and get some things for the rest of the trip. Now that seems improper and perhaps unsafe. What could/should I do while there that appropriately reflects the gravity of this situation in this location? [more inside]
January 9
Ben Folds, Pete Rose and Britney Spears walk into a bar
Does anyone know the term describing people's names that are also grammatical two-word sentences? I've forgotten what the term is, and Google search is no help. [more inside]
Ideas for a wine bottle as a place-holder?
I've owned this wine rack for ages. It holds way more wine than I could possibly need, so bottles tend to be there a long time. These days, I use an empty bottle as a placeholder (choose a bottle above the placeholder and put a new bottle at the bottom of the rack. Eventually, this cycles through them all). MY QUESTION! Instead of using an empty bottle as a placeholder, what could I use instead? [more inside]
Where to stay for near the port of Los Angeles? Things to do?
This summer I will be flying to Los Angeles and joining extended family to go on a cruise. My immediate family and I will fly in a day earlier, so I wonder about a) accommodation and b) things to do in L.A. around the Port of Los Angeles. [more inside]
Can I approximate a hex colour using red, blue and yellow?
I have a small set of speedball inks for linocut printing. It includes red, blue, yellow, white and black. If I want to get close to a known colour by mixing those colours, is there a way to approximate how much of each ink to use? [more inside]
What are favorite short(ish) non-cheesy poems about love?
I am looking for poems about all kinds of love -- romantic, sexual, platonic, familiar, friendly, whatever -- that aren't too long. Some sentiment is OK but nothing obvious. I like conflict or poetry that understands that love isn't always perfect. [more inside]
Vegan fats for baking?
I like to make cookies, but my partner doesn’t eat butter. Can you recommend a vegan substitute that yields chewy cookies? [more inside]
What to do with a month off work?
Looking for ideas for things that I can only do with this much time off. General advice is also welcome. I've seen the Sabbatical Project website for longer sabbaticals. [more inside]
What should I do with a whole pineapple?
Nothing alcoholic (a hint of booze is fine, but not interested in brewing tepache or anything.) I would ideally want something that makes the effort of butchering the pineapple worth it vs opening a can, and something that would use up the whole thing. All I can think of is pineapple upside down cake. Any other fun suggestions? I have an adventurous palate, a well-stocked pantry, and love pineapple on pizza, but I think I’d be hard pressed to use up a whole pineapple that way.
Does Emergency SOS on Android/iOS work in practice?
Android and iOS have seemingly near-identical "Emergency SOS" features that call emergency services, record a video, and/or share your current location with emergency contacts you've set up. I don't trust that these features are effective and safe. Should I trust the Android version? The iOS version? Both? Neither? Which configuration options should I use/avoid and why? [more inside]
Tangible intangibles on the Unesco heritage list
The UNESCO lists of world heritage intangibles include all manner of things including dance, glassblowing, and even seasons. I would like help identifying ones that specifically relate to ritualised "do it together" or similar collective creativity, where a group of people create a tangible object together, or create their own "one" of something together. [more inside]
Shortish, quirky crafts for a family evening
I have a weekly meal with family and we would like suggestions of crafts to do together after the meal. We really enjoyed making lemon pigs, recommended on a New Year's Eve activities Ask. Looking for similar ideas. [more inside]
How to keep stuff from sliding around in my car trunk
I keep some crates and a few other things in the trunk of my 2022 Avalon sedan permanently. Of course they always slide around when I accelerate and especially make turns. Is there some kind of a special mat or other device you put in the trunk of your car to prevent this from happening? I’d sure like to know what it is. Thank you!
What's-it-called-filter: extension cord accessory question
Sometimes at construction sites you'll see extension cords laid across a sidewalk, perpendicular to the sidewalk, with a little cover-type thing over them that's meant to prevent a tripping hazard. Do these have an actual name, or are they just called "extension cord cover thingies"?
Toronto store for CBD oil for cats?
We have inherited from our son a cat with arthritis/pain issues. We also inherited a little bottle of CBD oil he was using.
It works really well, but we can't find anywhere to buy it again. [more inside]
New territory: partner with child
I'm a child-free person dating a person with a 6 year old. Looking for resources (books, websites, podcasts, etc) for this new chapter, not focused on integrating lives or households, just more navigating hard conversations or issues that might come up. [more inside]
Basic "arpeggio" use on Yamaha keyboard
On my Yamaha MOXF8, I can select one of their 7000+ patterns ("arpeggios"), then specify a chord, then the keyboard plays a pattern in that chord/key automatically. I do not have the kind of encyclopedic pop music knowledge that all existing help seems to assume.
To succeed, I need: 1) exact button press sequences an expert would use to have fun this way (I can do it in a basic way), and 2) how to choose awesome arpeggios from the 7000+ provided by Yamaha. I seek examples: video, articles, whatever. (I don't need chord progressions or cadences) [more inside]
Trying to find my way out of the Amazon
Due to recent events, my wife and I have decided to stop using Amazon. For many years I have been in the habit of buying things for the house, etc. from Amazon on a regular basis. We live in a small community where local shopping options are quite limited. Major shopping meccas are an hour away. What do you recommend to replace Amazon, especially for home goods and such?
Best file way for 10 people to share thousands of photos?
I need to collect and share 10 people's photos from a trip. It's about 3000 shots, taken on iPhones, Google phones, and DSLR cameras. We want each person to create a folder, upload all their photos, and then everyone can look through all the folders and download the images they want to keep. [more inside]
Frozen gas cap door
My son and I both have Subaru Imprezas. His is a 2019 sedan, currently in an airport parking lot in Cedar Rapids, IA. Mine is a 2024 hatchback, currently in Baltimore in my building garage, which is covered but open to the outside air. Both of these have gas cap doors that will not open. He is almost out of gas. I have half a tank, but I need to drive 120 miles tomorrow. Any advice? I am willing to buy special tools if I can get them locally.
How to transfer 1 Chromebook bookmark to USB stick?
Hi;
I am trying to move just 1 bookmark(with many folders in it) to a USB stick.
I know how to export ALL my bookmarks to USB,but I just want to export 1 folder.
I am using a Chromebook(Acer514).
Is this possible? Is so,please tell me how,lol.
Thanks everyone :)
How do you take notes while you read?
Specifically interested in printed books and handwriting notes on paper, but open to other ideas, with a focus on comfortable reading environments. [more inside]
Would papers burried underground survive a wildfire?
Seeing the coverage of the LA fires and reading about people who are away from their homes (like were away before, not evacuated), I was thinking about their pictures (because I'm old and still think of pictures as physical things) and how they will just be done. And I was thinking "maybe people who live in wildfire areas should have some kind of underground storage for irreplaceable papers." Would that work? [more inside]
Leaving my job, boss is playing games.
Question about work and ethics. [more inside]
If extraterrestrial life is discovered, who gets to name it?
And how could the name distinguish its extraterrestrial origin?
Help with energy, eating and acceptance
A long question ahead, so thanks in advance for reading. In short, I’m looking for advice on patterns of behaviour, and either accepting them, or (maybe?) changing them. I struggle a lot with swinging between high and low energy days, and find myself often cancelling plans and retreating to bed. I’m trying to get to a place where I can get better at either accepting these patterns, or figuring out what’s problematic and what’s not. Have you been in this situation? Can you accept yourself and your body – and how? CW: discussion of body weight and image. [more inside]
Sourdough starter cold kitchen question
My starter only doubles when I feed it with rye flour, but does not double with wheat flour. I plan to bake with 75% KA bread flour, 25% whole wheat. Do I need to get the starter to be just as active with wheat flour before I use it becauae it doesn't seem to be fully active with wheat at this point? Feeding details inside. [more inside]
emotional writing that isn't cliched
I'm writing a novel. It centres love and found family, so is about emotional and sentimental subject matter, but I need tips on how to avoid cheap sentiment and cliche, and actually make a reader feel things without feeling manipulated. For the writers among you, what are some tips you would share? For readers, who are the writers you know who are doing this kind of thing well? [more inside]
Best way to transfer 1TB of files?
I have a 1TB external hard drive and I would like to transfer its entire contents to my NAS. What’s the best way to do this? I realize I could just drag the contents over through Windows Explorer but wanted to check if there was a better way.
Small group homes / alternatives to LTC in Ontario, esp west GTA?
Looking for recommendations for my dad. [more inside]
January 8
Boots for Winterin'
What is the stylish man wearing on their feet outdoors this winter? [more inside]
Adopting an outdoor cat
We've finally bowed to the reality of the situation and are adopting the outdoor cat that adopted us these last few years. Help us make the transition for both parties as smooth as possible. I'd love to hear advice, tips, and best practices around how to both move them indoors. [more inside]
What’s the longest someone has tested positive on home antigen test?
How long can you test positive on a home antigen covid test (aka rapid test)? A nurse told me that people can still test positive on home antigen tests for three months (and it not be a new infection, and not be contagious) - that’s certainly true of PCR tests, but I had not heard that about home antigen tests before. Could you direct me to factual medical citations or tell me your relevant direct personal experience if you continued testing positive on home antigen tests for two weeks or more (with it clearly being the same covid infection, not testing positive again a few weeks later after symptoms had gone away and while not testing in the mean time, where that is more likely to have been a new infection)? [more inside]
AI in architecture
How is AI being (or might eventually be) used in architecture?
What did I do to my keyboard and or laptop to make it think I`m French
I have done something. My laptop, a basic Dell, now thinks I`m French. How do I fix this is my question. I cannot write a question mark.... just whatever this is É [more inside]
Advice About Ear Clicking
My partner has a clicking or squeeking sound in his ears. Have you experienced this too? Details below. [more inside]
What music would these kids listen to?
It's been a long time since I was teenager and I don't have kids. But the story I'm writing has in it two teenagers on a long car ride. Brother and sister. He's 16, she's 15. They're white, middle class, from the Bay Area. I don't know them well enough to know their musical tastes. Maybe their musical tastes will help me get to know them better. I'm out of touch with what kids listen to. Can you suggest possible his and hers play lists?
Help me learn more about the artist Amos Gentry
Framed in her living room, my mother-in-law has a ... racially problematic print signed by Amos Gentry. Here's the exact image from an eBay listing (CW: racially stereotypical imagery). I'd like to know more about the artist. [more inside]
Best cities to visit without a car?
My eight-year-old and I want to travel more, but I don’t drive. What are some fun cities for a car-free family to enjoy? [more inside]
Please help my stupid sliding door stay on track!
My entryway has stupid sliding doors that get off track all the time. Maintenance shrugs and says it's fine. (It is not fine.) I think the problem has something to do with this, but I a: have no idea what it is called and b: no idea of how to fix it. Help, please? Thank you!
I am looking for a indoor video camera for recording sports
I do HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) and want to record some of my longsword matches both for personal critique and (maybe) putting on social media. I just wanted to see if anyone had anything other than GoPro to recommend?
Recording will mostly just be on a tripod and indoors so wanted it see if I could get something a bit cheaper that doesn't have all the bells and whistles that a GoPro does but also isn't just using my phone. Thanks!
Can I permanently download the ancient PopCap game Tip Top?
I love the game Tip Top. But it is obsolete. [more inside]
Seatac to First Hill
What is the cheapest, least confusing, and quickest way (in that order of priority I guess) to get from SeaTac to First Hill? I will arrive at 7 am and need to be at a doctor appointment in First Hill at 10. Thank you!
Story ID: Science Fiction on Forced Birth & Reproductive Strategies
A human, out in space, encounters an alien engineer. These aliens have no means of birth control and don’t menstruate, so they regularly pump out litters comprising four archetypes: scientists, scholars, engineers, and soldiers. They must reproduce/give birth in order to continue living. They may reproduce asexually. The aliens must live within tight resource constraints (limited food, space, fuel). Since their frequent (monthly?) reproduction reliably generates possible successors, they feel no compunction pushing unneeded offspring out the airlock. They are surprised at the possibility of birth control and how that affects human choices.
Can you plow for ice, or is putting down salt the only thing?
I'm in the DC suburbs 48 hours after getting 8 inches of snow. My house is on a cul-de-sac about midway up a steep, 1 mile hill. Said hill is a sheet of ice for all practical purposes, and unascendable without a very powerful 4WD. I want to call to bitch at my county department of public works about my hill, but I'm curious if there 's anything I can request/demand/expect other than the putting down of salt. Thanks!
Email hosting for .ca domain
I own a .ca domain that I is registered with Netfirms.ca. They offer mail through Google Workspace, but it's pretty expensive at +$100 per year and has many features I do not want or use. My .com domains emails are hosted by Pair for $20 a year. Are there other alternatives for hosting email for a .ca domain? Also, I'm not sure my phrasing is correct... [more inside]
Can you help me make this dragon cake look cooler?
I found a recipe for a dragon cake but would like suggestions on how to improve the look. [more inside]
Appealing journaling apps for desktop
For the past year or so, I've been trying to keep a journal for capturing memories and working through feelings and thoughts for mental health. I'm expecting to be journaling a lot more intensely soon while trying a new therapy, and my journal is... clonky. It's just a LibreOffice file where I copy and write over my prompts every time I want to do a new entry. I'd like to improve on this! [more inside]
Notify Anyway
When Iphone tells you "Person has notifications silenced" but gives you the option to "Notify anyway," what happens for the textee? Do they get a normal text alert? Or does the text message do a visual effect as it does on the texter's end?
January 7
Musicians and their big feelings
What’s your favorite book/movie/tv show about musicians falling in love? [more inside]
How can I protect my apartment before an evacuation?
I may have to evacuate due to the fires in Los Angeles. I have already packed what I can pack. What can I do for the things I must leave behind? I'm on the second/third story of an apartment building. Thank you.