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What's it like having health insurance through Cigna? Are they better, worse, or the same as other insurers? What has your experience been with getting things covered? Is their customer service accessible and well-trained? Are they friendly? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust to Health & Fitness at 9:13 PM - 3 answers

I have always made my holiday dinner rolls in the format of 12 rolls at 60grams in a 10", tall cake pan and over the years have gradually figured out the placement to make them all fairly close to the same circumference. This year I need to adjust that to 16 rolls at 45 grams in the same 10" cake ban and my brain has broken when it comes to proper spacing. I'm guessing there's a formula or algorithm that would illustrate placement but that's not how my brain works. Any ideas or illustrations would be very welcome.
posted by nenequesadilla to Food & Drink at 8:55 PM - 3 answers

What is it about young children’s physiology that makes them get overexcited and irritable when tired? I ask because I’m much more likely to get that sort of tired than the sleepy, sluggish typical adult tired.
posted by wheatlets to Health & Fitness at 6:11 PM - 8 answers

I read exclusively on screen. I've had a bunch of kindles but now I read on Samsung tablet and phone. I usually buy the books on Amazon and read on the kindle app. I'd like to buy a dedicated e-reader, but want to stop using Amazon because [waves at the world]. What device and/or service would be the best/easiest/most cost effective to switch to? [more inside]
posted by signal to Technology at 5:00 PM - 8 answers

Please identify the tune being played 24 seconds into this video. It's the 3-second clip just before an upside-down Charles Berthoud. [more inside]
posted by mpark to Media & Arts at 4:24 PM - 2 answers

I'm looking for a boombox (portable stereo / speaker) that has a CD player, great bass sound, and is not huge. Do you have an old one? Tell me the model and I'll see if I can buy it used. New pointers appreciated too. More below the fold. [more inside]
posted by intermod to Technology at 3:38 PM - 2 answers

Can anyone offer more background or context on this incident in trans research? Where does it leave the evidence for blockers improving mental health? (In case this looks like shit-stirring: I'm trans, and I'm trying to help a parent who found that article extremely frightening to read, since she has a trans kid on blockers.) [more inside]
posted by Birds, snakes, and aeroplanes to Science & Nature at 3:15 PM - 12 answers

Someone I know, in their late 50s, lives a very rough life due to lifelong mental illness. They're in an okay place now and will be visiting me shortly, though decades of experience mean I know it's inevitable that they'll take a downturn at some point. While they're here & in a good frame of mind, I was thinking of encouraging/assisting them in filling out some basic legal documents like a living will. What other docs should I encourage? Where can I access them? This person lives in Massachusetts. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa to Grab Bag at 1:25 PM - 6 answers

Windows 11 dropped the People app, except for accessing through Windows Mail or Calendar, but then decided we all had to have 'New Outlook'. What application can replace the contact management function, import those contacts already existing, and NOT be dependent upon the Microsoft cloud or Edge browser? Preferable free, but not an absolute requirement. Please don't suggest "use Outlook" because the person who will be using this has repeatedly refused to use Outlook because of a bad experience with it at one job, years ago.
posted by TimHare to Technology at 1:02 PM - 2 answers

Is this item listed in US dollars or another currency? Does it look like they would ship to the US? [more inside]
posted by hapticactionnetwork to Shopping at 11:16 AM - 5 answers

My 2 year old dog is suddenly terrified of walking on the wood floors of my apartment. Up to this week, she has been 100% fine – playing, running, chasing her toys. Not clear on what happened, but now she stands in the [tiled] kitchen and whimpers and refuses to come out. Sat with her... Tried to coax her out with treats. walked with her slowly... Nothing seems to work. I will trim her nails this weekend (they're due). Any other Suggestions?
posted by pmaxwell to Pets & Animals at 10:18 AM - 10 answers

My dad is not doing so hot; my grandmother, on the other hand, is celebrating her 103rd birthday in a couple weeks. My mom and sister want to visit grandma, but someone needs to be at home with my dad. Who to call? [more inside]
posted by restless_nomad to Health & Fitness at 9:54 AM - 1 answer

I have what I believe is a two gallon jar of mixed loose change. At my bank I can pay a flat fee of $6 for them to count it, vs using their CoinStar style machine for a 2.5% fee. (I don't want to cash out for gift cards at the grocery store). What is the likely best deal?
posted by latkes to Work & Money at 9:32 AM - 17 answers

My smart, capable, newly minted middle schooler, used to getting top grades, is suddenly barely passing her exams and extremely frustrated by it. As far as I can see, her main problem is reading the questions precisely. She knows her stuff, she just answers half the question, or a tangential question, or completely overlooks questions! Can you suggest studying strategies for the next time I help her prepare for a test? [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom to Education at 9:27 AM - 15 answers

One of my almost daily pastimes is listening to audiobooks, and, since I can no longer crochet due to aging hands, I like to play casual games to keep my hands occupied. I'm frustrated by the in-app purchases model, and wonder if either a GameBoy or a Steam account would give me access to casual games where I pay up front and then am done paying. [more inside]
posted by Well I never to Computers & Internet at 8:42 AM - 14 answers

The frontman from 90's alt rockers Eve 6 (the "tender heart in a blender " band) has a pretty funny Xitter account where he says witty, self-deprecating, and generally progressive things. But for some reason, I feel like he milkshake ducked (i.e. said something ick that made him instantly less enjoyable). Did I imagine that? I can't find evidence of that anywhere.
posted by DirtyOldTown to Media & Arts at 7:55 AM - 5 answers

Please help me find a fantasy holiday-ish getaway that would be fun for a kid and his grown-ups. I'd like to take my 8 YO and my husband to Vermont for a 3-4 nights between Christmas and New Year's. Hoping to find a magical lodging place with at least some of the following qualities: charming; woodsy; grounds where my kid can play in the snow; on-site or nearby snowshoeing and/or sledding; some on-site dining options and/or cabins/cottages with a kitchen. [more inside]
posted by CiaoMela to Travel & Transportation at 7:20 AM - 8 answers

I have been treating cptsd with various therapies for a couple of years and feel like I'm slowly coming out of a freeze response. I've always repressed a lot of emotions and now that I'm dissociating less the feelings that are coming up are terrifying. My question is how to deal with the part of me that's convinced things couldn't possibly feel this bad and is either disassociating again or preventing me from taking things slow when I need to? [more inside]
posted by pandabanter to Human Relations at 2:00 AM - 14 answers

I need your help figuring out what the hell my (female, Desi, LA native) geek's apartment looks like. [more inside]
posted by Tamanna to Home & Garden at 1:52 AM - 26 answers

I have a 10K and a 3K maxed-out credit cards, never missed a payment, and I know that I am going to miss my payments next month. With my own situation and family needed to help, I am out of idea. What should I do? Would credit card company (banks) help me out if I call them to discuss options? I receive credit card offers because my credit is still rather high, would taking the offer help? I also see ads on debt relief programs, is it better to get in touch with them now? [more inside]
posted by lanhan to Work & Money at 10:31 PM - 7 answers

Last year my sibling and I inherited our parents' estate: a house, car + financial assets. We are both executors, the estate should be split 50:50, my sibling already lives in the house/ has the car, and has been dodging my questions about reaching a deal. The lawyers say they can't advise us as individuals because we're both their client, so where do I go from here? If my sibling won't come to the table, do I need my own lawyer, and if so, what kind? This is all in Scotland, but I'm in the US. [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge to Law & Government at 10:05 PM - 3 answers

Does anybody have any suggestions on how to find ethical, consensual, (presumably paid), sources for kinky porn, especially around specific kinks? (I'm avoiding identifying specific kinks as my MeFi account is not completely anonymous.) [more inside]
posted by unus sum to Computers & Internet at 7:19 PM - 9 answers

How do I put parental controls on Meta Quest 3 Horizon Worlds? I'd like to set some sort of content-filters on worlds my son can go into or have to pre-approve worlds or something like that. It seems like a no-brainer that that this should exist, but since there's no login or anything like that it's just put it on and wander to your hearts content, that doesn't seem to be a thing. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... to Computers & Internet at 6:26 PM - 2 answers

This Thanksgiving I'm planning on setting up a video interview booth. We'll have a couple dozen extended family hanging around for a few days. Kids ages 4 through 12. Adults ages 22 to 79. What should we ask them? [more inside]
posted by hovey to Human Relations at 5:16 PM - 9 answers

Nor am I asking anyone on the net for medical advice -- but would take ideas and opinions. Today at 11ish I began to get a pang about once a minute just about where I figure my appendix is [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton to Health & Fitness at 4:35 PM - 17 answers

Is there a free website that shows a list of all movies that will be showing on basic cable in the next couple of weeks? List format vs schedule format (ie, each movie is listed only once) would be preferred. Thanks!
posted by atm to Computers & Internet at 3:58 PM - 1 answer

I'm seeing endless posts on Threads and BlueSky about people making financial preparations for Trump's second term, including buying appliances / electronics before the tariffs hit, learning how to cook extremely cheaply, and otherwise economize. How much is actually known about Trump's eventual impact on our wallets, and are you making similar preparations in your own life?
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack to Work & Money at 3:47 PM - 21 answers

I'm not saying what's something that #27 on a world pizza list. Or really good coffee. I mean what's a food in a specific niche, that's generally, if not universally acknowledged to be the best there is on the planet AND it's in the borough of Brooklyn? Restaurant OR grocery OR food manufacturer.
posted by rileyray3000 to Food & Drink at 3:36 PM - 6 answers

What should I do with my days? [more inside]
posted by figaro to Health & Fitness at 1:25 PM - 29 answers

I scribbled some lyrics down the other day and now can't ID the song online. It might have been featured in a TV show, but I don't recall that or the tune/genre. (It's not Green Day). The lyrics: "Have you received your invitation to the time of your life?"
posted by Text TK to Media & Arts at 1:08 PM - 4 answers

Really, the title tells it all. Share some good mocktail recipes for Thanksgiving. I'm willing to do a fair amount of prep and some specialty shopping in a major city. I usually like old fashioned and other whiskey drinks, but overall, the family tastes vary.
posted by advicepig to Food & Drink at 11:17 AM - 15 answers

When playing the flute and harmonising in thirds we hear the last note of the chord filled in - please explain the science behind this or direct me to explanations! I assume it has to do with the vibration in the inner ear, the bone conduction piece of hearing, and the frequencies of the notes, but would love an actual explanation. [more inside]
posted by narcissus_and_ambrosia to Grab Bag at 9:13 AM - 11 answers

I currently have a Pixel 4a which is on its last legs. I enjoy it because of its small size (5.7" x 2.73" x 0.32"). I like small phones but it looks like the market keeps moving towards large phones. I was hoping the Pixel 9a would be small, but leaked specs make it look like it's going to be quite a bit larger. I also feel like I should make a move before tariffs come along to hike prices (ugh). [more inside]
posted by jasper411 to Technology at 7:23 AM - 14 answers

I am looking for recommendations for a tablet note taking device which I can use with a stylus or associated pen. Difficulty Level: I'd really like some level of Todoist integration [more inside]
posted by frumiousb to Computers & Internet at 3:54 AM - 14 answers

I live in Chicago. My next door neighbor hired people today to nail two squirrel nest boxes to the tree in front of my apartment building, not their property and really not mine (and I rent) as it's the city curb portion. This infuriates me, it's ugly, and contributing to a squirrel problem. I'm not sure how to ask the city to address this at all. I am afraid of this neighbor and direct convo/action with them is not possible. Is there anything I can do/any advice for me?
posted by anonymous to Home & Garden at 10:18 PM - 26 answers

My elderly relative is a hoarder with an absolutely stuffed house. I'll be the one who cleans it and manages all the contents. What should I be planning? [more inside]
posted by anonymous to Home & Garden at 10:18 PM - 26 answers

My grandson in Quebec is having some reading issues. I would like to provide some fun, easy-read books. Possibly a series, with pictures but not a picture book. [more inside]
posted by Enid Lareg to Education at 10:10 PM - 8 answers

I am having a hard time finding what I want in a certain piece of furniture for my home office. Can you help? I am looking for something like the cherry version of this or the brown version of this. But neither one is available. And the latter is a little smaller and less sturdy than I prefer. [more inside]
posted by NotLost to Shopping at 7:39 PM - 6 answers

I got a new iMac running Ventura 13.7.1 and; after clicking the Get Mail icon after getting my Apple Mail account set up, it seems to be downloading every message I've ever sent. My email is through Centurylink, the account server is IMAP not POP and I set up the same account on a MacBook running Monterey and it synced flawlessy. I go to my Centurylink webmail site and it doesn't have all the emails that are downloading. How do I fix this or find a good resource for solving Apple Mail problems. Google and Apple have been useless.
posted by jabo to Computers & Internet at 7:08 PM - 2 answers

Recently, y'all hooked me up with some sweet lighting for the bathroom, thank you! Now do you have any shelving suggestions for that same bathroom that the lights can be placed on that do not require drilling holes? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher to Home & Garden at 4:04 PM - 10 answers

My father is in his early 70s, acting erratically, living in unsafe conditions and getting scammed. What should our next steps be? [more inside]
posted by allthethings to Human Relations at 4:01 PM - 9 answers

Is this doable? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude to Travel & Transportation at 3:18 PM - 12 answers

Trying to cut down on saturated fat. I haven’t been super successful with ground turkey, unless I mixed it with a bit of pork (otherwise find it dry, gamey, and tasteless). I now know going for 93% fat is the way to go (vs extra extra lean or what have you). Please share recipes you have used before and enjoyed!
posted by cotton dress sock to Food & Drink at 12:27 PM - 29 answers

I love the idea of programming a peace sign or other fun stuff on light strings on a holiday tree or light display. Anybody know the sweet spot for price/ decent quality? Programmable to music is a nice feature if it doesn't drive too much expense.
posted by theora55 to Shopping at 12:22 PM - 5 answers

I used to run for exercise, but I had to stop after developing plantar fasciitis (still suffering from it, going on eight months now). I switched to riding a stationary bike, but now I have to stop because I developed hip pain. What do I do now? [more inside]
posted by akk2014 to Health & Fitness at 10:18 AM - 32 answers

I'd like to donate to a legal aid charity for immigrants that works specifically in California. A group like RAICES, but in California instead of Texas. [more inside]
posted by Nelson to Law & Government at 9:50 AM - 6 answers

Hello, I find light bulbs confusing so I am maybe just being dense about this. Looking for something quite specific though. [more inside]
posted by justsomebody to Home & Garden at 8:28 AM - 9 answers

Seeking gift ideas for two siblings, age 3 and 5, who LOVE interactive educational toys that talk or play music. (And, perhaps most importantly, the parents approve of noisy electronic gifts, lol). [more inside]
posted by nouvelle-personne to Technology at 8:11 AM - 11 answers

Party planning in 2024 seems a bit more complicated, or maybe I'm just rusty. Do people still check Facebook events? How do I make sure everyone's food intolerances and preferences are accounted for? What if some of my friends don't celebrate Christmas? Also what about masks/covid? Should I tell my friends who are parents that their kids are also invited (mostly toddlers at this point)? [more inside]
posted by winterportage to Home & Garden at 7:19 AM - 25 answers

I used to rely heavily on Matthew Baldwin's (aka The Defective Yeti) yearly Good Gift Game Guide, but it ended its run in 2017. My kids like Catan (but not the expansions.) They like Tiny Towns, Isle Of Cats, Boss Monster, Scrabble, and Canasta. They even like Parcheesi & Life. I would love specific game recommendations, and also tips to other game guides or reviewers. Thanks in advance!
posted by chr1sb0y to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation at 5:44 AM - 25 answers

I have some asbestos tile in the kitchen underneath the carpet. Everyone says that if asbestos isn't friable, it's ok to encapsulate it so stray fibers don't get into the air. Don't disturb it, it's fine! However, it will eventually become friable, and then you must remediate. Why is the typical advice to put off asbestos remediation until it is even more hazardous to remediate?
posted by Mirth to Home & Garden at 12:00 AM - 11 answers

What it says on the tin. They aren't available where I am, and iffa I donta getta muffaletta, Imma gonna die. Thank you!
posted by cyndigo to Food & Drink at 9:12 PM - 5 answers

A director of a charity I’m involved with wants to hire a work van for a few months to see if driving a van - needed for the charity work - is feasible for their disabilities. What reputable companies do this, and what’s the cost? Thank you!
posted by The Last Sockpuppet to Travel & Transportation at 5:55 PM - 2 answers

I would like to buy two consumer electronics and I would like them to be compatible with each other. I prefer used. What I want is a projector, and some kind of speaker, and I'd like your advice on what to buy. [more inside]
posted by latkes to Shopping at 4:56 PM - 4 answers

Batch FILE renamers for Windows (10) are easy to find - e.g. PowerRename, which is part of PowerToys. And I do want that type of utility. But what about a batch FOLDER renamer? I also need that functionality. Does PowerRename do that? Or any other reliable utilities out there? I'd ideally have a single utility that does both.
posted by Mechitar to Computers & Internet at 4:33 PM - 5 answers

My husband impulsively purchased two years of NordVPN. (Some election anxiety behind that, probably.) It seems like it won’t work on our Roku but it’s currently installed on our phones so I suppose we could case to the tv. What can I do with this tech?
posted by PussKillian to Technology at 2:58 PM - 12 answers

I think the least bad option may be to come out as autistic to a parent. I'm not looking forward to it - I wondered if anyone had any tips, advice or strategies for this? [more inside]
posted by Flitcraft to Human Relations at 1:55 PM - 36 answers

I am looking for books, films, or essays to enjoy which wrestle with the problem of making meaning in post-industrial life. Most days, I feel like I work to pay rent and I pay rent so I can go to work. Life contains little else. I need some inspiration to find meaning in life and develop some goals/ambitions. [more inside]
posted by gunwalefunnel to Writing & Language at 1:42 PM - 11 answers

Seeking a replacement for an ollllld version of lightroom for a specific, file management task. [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart to Technology at 1:40 PM - 4 answers

A few times per year I'll notice a localized spot on my skin that for a day or two is mysteriously very achy in an odd feverish way, typically worsening when pressed or touched. The spot moves around (mostly somewhere on an arm, leg or hand) and there's never any visible lesion or injury associated with it. Sometimes this precedes the onset of a cold or flu, but not always. Do other people get this? Does anybody know a name or a potential explanation? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph to Health & Fitness at 12:53 PM - 11 answers