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 (18 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 (44 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 (14 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 (6 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)

My mouth is in a helluva state. I need implants and god knows what else. Though I have dental insurance (Aetna PPO), my out-of-pocket cost for even a part of the work needed is several grand. I live within driving distance of Tijuana, Mexico though (I have an American passport) so I was wondering about getting the work done there - or somewhere else? Have you done this? Is Tijuana safe at the moment for me? How does it work? Other threads on this are pretty old. Thanks for any insight!
posted to Ask MetaFilter by pH Indicating Socks at 4:21 PM on January 20, 2022 (11 comments)

Paths converge on Ceres when Drummer and her fleet arrive to aid the relief effort. Holden tries to convince Avasarala to release crucial information that might avert catastrophe, but she has her own request of him. As Amos and Bobbie get a little R&R at the station, Naomi has a difficult and long-awaited reunion.
posted to FanFare by ShooBoo at 6:01 PM on January 6, 2022 (45 comments)

A couple short videos on movie special effects: The Death of Green Screen, by Mr. Sunday Movies, covers the history of special effects from King Kong to The Mandalorian. Thomas Flight explains Why Dune's Visual Effects Feel So Different.
posted to MetaFilter by russilwvong at 1:30 PM on December 30, 2021 (11 comments)

Oliver employs his theater director skills to analyze the case. Charles and Mabel question an obsessive cat lover.
posted to FanFare by everybody had matching towels at 12:03 PM on September 1, 2021 (27 comments)

In addition to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list/data visualization (previously), there's the "world heritage post" Tumblr account which reblogs "the most iconic tumblr posts, new and old." Not yet (as far as I know) affiliated with UNESCO.
posted to MetaFilter by brainwane at 1:14 PM on July 11, 2021 (22 comments)

I'm looking for stylishly directed scenes of extreme competence.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Just this guy, y'know at 3:09 AM on June 22, 2021 (54 comments)

Another US military UFO video clip surfaces. In 2019 sailors recorded an unidentified object flying around the littoral combat ship USS Omaha before vanishing into the sea.
posted to MetaFilter by doctornemo at 1:25 PM on May 16, 2021 (94 comments)

Billboard record breaking hip hop artist and queer pioneer Lil Nas X has just dropped the video to his seventh single, MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name). The release was accompanied by an emotional note to his 14 year old self.
posted to MetaFilter by fight or flight at 7:52 AM on March 26, 2021 (56 comments)

@SortaBad: no matter what you think is gonna happen in this video, you’re wrong
posted to MetaFilter by Going To Maine at 9:15 PM on March 20, 2021 (29 comments)

Our cat litter needs an upgrade! Can you recommend a good product for a senior, long haired cat?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Space Kitty at 8:42 AM on January 21, 2021 (15 comments)