Not in a happy place. Can already feel my mind about to launch into a worse place. Please give mental health advice suggestions for books to read, your tips for surviving (or, dare I ask, thriving) in 21st century right wing regime, pointers towards activities I can incorporate into my daily practice that bend the long arc of history toward justice.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by otherchaz at 1:22 AM on November 6, 2024 (38 comments)

I can be fun, enthusiastic, etc. in novel situations, but day to day I am a wet blanket. I want to be a warm blanket. How do I learn to be warmer in the mundane everyday moments when I am around others?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by hotcoroner at 3:38 AM on November 5, 2024 (26 comments)

The end of The Road.
posted to FanFare by 1970s Antihero at 7:06 PM on October 30, 2024 (10 comments)

I've had an ongoing problem of feeling mentally and physically tired on most days for several years. This has reached a point where it's significantly affecting my work performance and my ability to be mentally present for my family. It's a given that a long-term solution will require gradual changes over time, but what can I do first to get some relief as soon as possible?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Chuck Barris at 1:33 PM on October 9, 2024 (65 comments)

I'm living near my grandchildren now, and I want to be an awesome grandparent. If you had awesome grandparents, please share what made them awesome. How did they make you feel safe, loved, and happy in their home? What did they do that made you really want to visit them?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by FencingGal at 9:04 AM on July 21, 2024 (39 comments)

Are you helping the United States avoid sliding into fascism? Let's cheer each other on. Solidarity!
posted to MetaTalk by NotLost at 9:01 AM on July 19, 2024 (91 comments)

"Wherever I goddamn like." (slyt, 1:11) Shohreh Aghdashloo as Chrisjen Avasarala in a key diplomatic scene from the series The Expanse. Aghdashloo in a interview: "Well, my major is political science and international relations. I studied political science in the UK, forty-two years ago I started, and got my BA in 1984. As of then, like any other political student, I used to call myself a student, the fact that I was coming from a revolution in Iran, made me believe that leaving Iran, there was no place for a young outspoken actress like myself". 'The Ethics of Avasarala'
posted to MetaFilter by clavdivs at 6:36 PM on July 18, 2024 (20 comments)

How did you get your energy back after returning to work in the office?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Pademelon at 5:37 PM on July 16, 2024 (7 comments)

I'd like to find a relaxing place to bring my dog July 3-6 to avoid firework sounds as much as is reasonable. Northern California please. (We'll drive from SF).
posted to Ask MetaFilter by bookworm4125 at 4:18 PM on May 27, 2024 (8 comments)

So far, I haven't bothered trying ChatGPT or its equivalents at all. I assume that in the time it takes for me to figure out how to tell it what to do (compose an email, write snippets of code etc), I could've done the task at hand myself. Am I wrong? Am I missing out? Do I need to get on board and catch up, or risk being left behind?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wutangclan at 9:20 AM on May 24, 2024 (31 comments)

The Google Podcast app will no longer work after April 2nd. I could merge all my podcasts onto Google Music (which I pay for), but the interface is crowded and clunky and I would like to keep my music separate from podcasts. What free Android podcast apps do you recommend?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Xurando at 10:17 AM on March 30, 2024 (16 comments)

I have recently separated from my husband. My therapist (I'm in therapy weekly) said "Now is a great time to work on yourself, and figure out who you are." Sounds great in theory! In practice, I have a completely blank canvas in front of me for how my life is going to proceed, and it freaks me out. Do you have any good worksheets, books, websites, etc to help me figure out who I am, and what I want? NB: I am 100% happy in my career, and do not want to change that. Most of what I'm finding revolves around the assumption that your job is making you miserable. That is not the case here.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Fig at 3:15 PM on November 27, 2018 (18 comments)

I've realized that deep dives and critical analysis of TV, music, movies, and books really light my fire--looking for the latest and/or greatest podcasts, blogs, discussion forums etc. to give me lots to chew on through the new year. Examples below the fold.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by lovableiago at 9:39 PM on January 1, 2024 (24 comments)

So I'm having all the usual signs of aging eyes, including difficulty switching focus, fatigue, etc, which I assume are compounded by having too much damn screen time. I got progressive lenses but haven't really figured out how to use them so I usually just take off my glasses to read a menu or ingredients labels. What things are worth trying? Eyedrops? Heated eye pad? Eye exercises? Vitamin A? No more phone or video games?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by spamandkimchi at 9:59 AM on December 18, 2023 (19 comments)

You're preparing a special meal or snack board to celebrate the Winter Solstice. What are you serving? Drinks, dishes, nibbles, dessert ideas all appreciated.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by brookeb at 8:41 AM on December 19, 2023 (27 comments)

Is there a good resource or 'system' for reviewing older media for plot elements or characterization that may have been acceptable at the time, but which no longer is? Things like "hey, this older movie has depictions of race relations that are not considered appropriate today" or "Hey, there's some gay panic jokes in this 2000s sitcom you might not remember clearly." Basically, content warnings for cultural sensitivity and respect for minority groups.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Tomorrowful at 11:38 AM on November 7, 2023 (5 comments)

Hi (US only) friends! It's health insurance decision season for most of us and we live in a grim dystopia where everything is expensive and nothing makes sense. Employer-sponsored benefits are something I know enough to be helpful about (I hope!) and I'm here volunteering my ability to speak the language, if you need it.
posted to MetaTalk by phunniemee at 11:21 AM on November 1, 2023 (52 comments)

I'm a couple years shy of 40, and I want to get serious about physical health. I have a connective tissue disorder (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) which gives me over-flexible joints, leading to flat feet, poor posture, and surprising pain when I over-exercise. But I want to exercise. I think I want to pay someone to help me set and accomplish some long-term goals, but who is also knowledgeable about posture and joint issues. What kind of professional am I looking for? A trainer at Planet Fitness? A moonlighting physical therapist? A Lifestyle Coach? A body mentor?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by rebent at 11:10 AM on October 10, 2023 (10 comments)

I'm obsessed with the smell of jasmine...please give me your TESTED favorite jasmine-scented products. Only if you personally love the thing!
posted to Ask MetaFilter by tiny frying pan at 8:41 AM on October 6, 2023 (17 comments)

My car insurance seems so very high. I have a 2021 Mercedes GLA and I live in San Francisco. My insurance is about $300 a month! I think I have a lot of coverage--maybe too much. What is reasonable coverage to have in every area of coverage? I am a relatively comfortable working person who would definitely be financially devastated if I caused someone grievous bodily harm and my insurance didn't cover it. I have State Farm but am very willing to switch.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by bookworm4125 at 9:54 AM on October 3, 2023 (17 comments)

Help! Went in for a root canal and dentist didn't put the crown back on bc the appointment went over time and the next patient was waiting. Had to reschedule. This was the final straw in years of bad bedside manner etc. Need to find someone great in Alameda, Oakland or Berkeley ASAP. Thanks!!
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Text TK at 10:39 AM on September 20, 2023 (8 comments)

A search index for the very-NSFW web comic Oglaf. On Mastodon, Esther talks about how she built it. [previousliest]
posted to MetaFilter by jessamyn at 6:27 PM on September 18, 2023 (55 comments)

Rice is one of the world's most important crops. Chicken is one of the world's most consumed meats. (In the US to the tune of 100 pounds per person per year). Naturally, there's an large variety of combinations of the two across the world, so let's try a few! Again, as with all things culinary, this is woefully incomplete, short sighted and missing a bunch of other combinations (plus some of these combinations are seen with different meats!
posted to MetaFilter by drewbage1847 at 10:39 PM on September 18, 2023 (35 comments)

I've had plantar fasciitis for four months. Physical therapy didn't help at all. The only things that have helped have been a cortisone shot in my heel and wearing my running shoes pretty much all day every day. But it's summer here, my feet are burning up, and I long to wear sandals.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by DrGail at 1:24 PM on August 5, 2023 (42 comments)

I think my problem-solving ability is weakening, and I think this is due at least partly to diminishing curiosity and more giving up too easily. In case it matters, I am 60 years old and a lifetime learner.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by NotLost at 7:10 PM on August 1, 2023 (9 comments)

One of my family health risks appears to be chronic self-absorption. What are some of the practices you use to work against this and keep yourself in community with others?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by sockrilegious at 6:22 AM on July 22, 2023 (11 comments)

I recently went off anti-anxiety medication after nearly a decade. Benzos are notoriously difficult to taper, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life — but I'm so proud of myself for doing it. Here's the problem: I now experience persistent, agonizing anxiety from morning to night. If you overcame severe anxiety, what practical steps did you take that worked for you? [more details under the fold]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by nightrecordings at 7:41 AM on July 12, 2023 (43 comments)

Hi, for various difficult reasons, I need to stay off my phone for 3-4 days. I tend to check my phone often, almost compulsively to fill up time, and during work breaks. I also text a lot of people. I can't switch phone off as I can't miss work calls. Tips and tricks? I really need this. Thank you.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Nieshka at 12:36 PM on July 4, 2023 (23 comments)

I'm almost 40. I have no college degree. I've been out of work for almost a year. My patchy resume does not make me an oustanding candidate for anything I'm applying for, locally (small town) or remotely. What bootcamp/training program should I look at to maximize my chances of having a sustainable career within a year?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by itesser at 1:13 PM on June 15, 2023 (7 comments)

Solo female traveller wants to fulfill lifelong goal of a Japan trip. I’ve accepted that all of the things I want to do will likely require multiple trips. For my first trip I’d be willing to go as part of a group. I’m an introvert and would appreciate a good balance of organized tours and activities and free time.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Juniper Toast at 10:22 PM on June 8, 2023 (17 comments)

Michael continues working out the kinks in his plan and Eleanor discovers a secret.
posted to FanFare by everybody had matching towels at 5:52 PM on September 28, 2017 (116 comments)

Thomas Flight on metamodernism in current media

In this video I dive into what Metamodernism is and what it looks like in film, and chart how the movies have evolved since their modernist origins.

posted to MetaFilter by Pachylad at 8:32 AM on June 2, 2023 (26 comments)

The closest and brightest supernova in a decade is ON. In the outer reaches of the Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101), 21-million light-years from here (practically next door), a type II supernova has been spotted within the past week. It's viewable here on Earth via backyard-strength telescopes; but, tomorrow (Thursday, May 25, 2023) at 6PM EST (22:00 UTC), virtualtelescope.eu will be zooming in on the classic galaxy via their youtube livestream channel, inviting you to peek into the distant past at this growing dot that's unimaginably large, bright, and far away.
posted to MetaFilter by not_on_display at 4:15 PM on May 24, 2023 (34 comments)

I recently started using L’Oreal’s lamellar water (Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water) on my hair and it works wonders. The bottle says to use on “lengths only,” which I just now noticed (d’oh). What happens if you use it on your roots / near your scalp?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by stoneandstar at 10:21 AM on May 22, 2023 (4 comments)

At the last Druidic ritual one person said "Actually, I'm not that keen on mead" and some other people agreed with him. So we are looking at alternatives to woozy-honey. Googling shows that people have made some kind of mead-like substance from maple syrup but: is it good stuff, tastewise? Ideally (a) not too sweet and (b) not too alcoholic (booze and unclothed pagan rituals aren't always the best combination, especially in wintry weather). If it is, are there any recommended recipes and approaches for making quality maple mead?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Wordshore at 2:54 PM on March 6, 2023 (15 comments)

Youtuber Beryl Shereshewsky regularly posts cheerful videos about the different ways people around the world eat various foods, showcasing submissions from viewers as she makes and tries the dishes, finding common ground through food. Check out her eight-part series on the many ways people around the world eat toast and get more new and delicious toast ideas than you know what to do with.
posted to MetaFilter by yasaman at 10:38 AM on February 15, 2023 (32 comments)

The Moon doesn’t currently have an independent time. It's time for another look at humanity's exploration of space, from 2022's end to the start of 2023. There's a lot going on, especially between the Earth's surface and orbit.
posted to MetaFilter by doctornemo at 12:18 PM on January 30, 2023 (10 comments)

Not long ago, I downloaded a Hubble image of a galactic cluster as a new wallpaper for my browser. The problem is, every time I see the image—which is now multiple times a day—my desire to be IN the picture intensifies. By that I mean, I want the experience of being in deep space, surrounded by galaxies.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Transl3y at 9:14 PM on July 8, 2019 (29 comments)

I am interested in learning to sing. I have no experience singing and have never been to a singing teacher, except many, many years ago in elementary school. I'm doing this for fun. And because I have social anxiety and very little funds for this, I'd like to do it as cheaply as possible. I searched on Youtube for relevant videos and was a bit overwhelmed with the number of results. Are there any specific Youtubers who I should follow to try to learn to sing?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by NoneOfTheAbove at 5:54 AM on December 27, 2022 (4 comments)

I'm working from home most of the time, and don't want to heat up the whole house just for myself. What are some ways to keep just one body, mostly sitting at a desk, warm, while still being able to use a computer?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by gakiko at 2:41 AM on November 17, 2022 (40 comments)

For people who want cute emu content without the racism or the cavalier approach to disease, I recommend this twitter account. More links to specific emu posts inside.
posted to MetaFilter by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 6:07 PM on October 19, 2022 (13 comments)

Why is a cassowary the "least birb-like bird on the planet" but the Shoebill stork qualifies as a muppet-like birb? According to the extremely important birb guide, muppet-like birds qualify as birbs under rule #3. Seems to me like they should both be birbs or neither. Please help clarify this difficult taxonomical question for me.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by aniola at 1:05 PM on October 10, 2022 (20 comments)

recently graduated from college, moved to a new city, and in a generally lonely and friend-lacking period of my life. while I do have some friends from college, and I am making new friends, I don’t have a best friend, or even close friends, and that feels very painful for me. how do I cope with this feeling and fulfill the need?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by cruel summer at 10:19 AM on August 11, 2022 (25 comments)

The Opening Credits to The Prisoner. To say more - that would be telling.
posted to MetaFilter by wittgenstein at 2:38 PM on May 2, 2022 (25 comments)

In The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, singer-songwriter, actor, fashion icon, activist, and worldwide superstar Janelle Monáe brings to the written page the Afrofuturistic world of one of her critically acclaimed albums, exploring how different threads of liberation—queerness, race, gender plurality, and love—become tangled with future possibilities of memory and time in such a totalitarian landscape…and what the costs might be when trying to unravel and weave them into freedoms.
posted to FanFare by johnofjack at 4:06 PM on April 26, 2022 (5 comments)

"It started with wondering through hallways in confusion before finding myself in this large room, expecting to find an exit on the other end. Instead, I found a bench and a locked door. At this point I texted my group chat. After laughing at me they recommended looking around." - William Yearout's Twitter thread about visiting a banal liminal space with 100% bad vibes.
posted to MetaFilter by fight or flight at 8:08 AM on February 13, 2022 (97 comments)

Complete History Of The Soviet Union, Arranged To The Melody Of Tetris. SLYT, re-upping these three posts for Doubles Jubilee.
posted to MetaFilter by one for the books at 11:01 AM on February 13, 2022 (5 comments)

Four year old girl snowboarding while wearing a dinosaur costume and narrating her journey (single-link tiktok video).
posted to MetaFilter by Kattullus at 4:47 AM on February 11, 2022 (38 comments)

The past fortnight in space. Updates from humanity's exploration of the solar system.
On Earth's surface: using data from three satellites, scientists published a visualization of an unusually violent star. A "hard start" delayed an ABL Space Systems rocket test launch. An uncrewed SpaceX Dragon module safely splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico.
posted to MetaFilter by doctornemo at 1:27 PM on January 30, 2022 (9 comments)

Mr. Dork and I are just about to finish the series finale of The Expanse (which we loved) and are in need of something new to watch.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Serene Empress Dork at 1:45 PM on January 22, 2022 (31 comments)