Metatalktail Hour: MeFi Made Me Do It October 7, 2017 3:43 PM Subscribe
Good Saturday evening, MetaFilter! After reading 8 billion AskMe recs over several years I finally gave in and bought a Tom Bihn bag that arrived this morning, so this week what I want to know is: What has MetaFilter convinced you to do? Dared you to try? Forced you to attempt? SHARE.
I got therapy.
posted by marimeko at 4:05 PM on October 7, 2017 [43 favorites]
posted by marimeko at 4:05 PM on October 7, 2017 [43 favorites]
Also Tom Bihn (Synapse 4 lyfe!)
posted by Mavri at 4:06 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Mavri at 4:06 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
I went ahead and ate it.
posted by 4ster at 4:14 PM on October 7, 2017 [16 favorites]
posted by 4ster at 4:14 PM on October 7, 2017 [16 favorites]
I don't use AskMe too much (I average 2 questions a year) but I did buy a bike and a shop vac based on recommendations. Mostly I havn't found AskMe to be all that helpful.
posted by octothorpe at 4:25 PM on October 7, 2017
posted by octothorpe at 4:25 PM on October 7, 2017
I went to a meet up where I met tizzie, who gave me my first writing job and served as a recommendation for other jobs which led me to my current job which I really love. Serendipitous!
posted by cooker girl at 4:25 PM on October 7, 2017 [13 favorites]
posted by cooker girl at 4:25 PM on October 7, 2017 [13 favorites]
I got a Sidekick, in purple
I envisioned something else entirely, sorry.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 4:32 PM on October 7, 2017 [6 favorites]
I envisioned something else entirely, sorry.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 4:32 PM on October 7, 2017 [6 favorites]
Thanks to phunniemee, I started to peel my bananas from the bottom and separate them into their innate three handy strips, perfect for my PB & banana sandwiches.
I worked with an EMDR therapist and it improved my life 127%
posted by Jesse the K at 4:49 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]
I worked with an EMDR therapist and it improved my life 127%
posted by Jesse the K at 4:49 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]
Oh I totally just ordered Girl Scout goodies from phunniemee, so that's another thing MeFi made me do!
(And I would ROCK that purple suzuki sidekick!)
posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 4:52 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
(And I would ROCK that purple suzuki sidekick!)
posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 4:52 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
I got a steam mop because someone here recommended it, and it has definitely helped me not hate mopping the kitchen floor quite so much. I also discovered Japanese sunscreen because someone here talked about it. My Japanese sister-in-law is totally amused about my devotion to totally boring Japanese drugstore sunscreen, but it is the best sunscreen in the world, and I am slightly evangelical about it.
I feel like Metafilter has influenced me in more significant ways, but honestly, the sunscreen is pretty significant.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 4:54 PM on October 7, 2017 [6 favorites]
I feel like Metafilter has influenced me in more significant ways, but honestly, the sunscreen is pretty significant.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 4:54 PM on October 7, 2017 [6 favorites]
Thirding Tom Bihn. I have The Maker and that's where I put the Penzey's Kind pin for the Women's March that wenestvedt awesomely got me.
GISHWHES. I had wanted to do it the year before, but I was so intimidated by the thought of being grouped with total strangers. But signing up with other MeFites? Easy peasy.
I bought The Gift of Fear but I haven't finished reading it.
Most recently, I'm in the middle of writing 100 postcards to GOTV in Virginia.
posted by Ruki at 5:02 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
GISHWHES. I had wanted to do it the year before, but I was so intimidated by the thought of being grouped with total strangers. But signing up with other MeFites? Easy peasy.
I bought The Gift of Fear but I haven't finished reading it.
Most recently, I'm in the middle of writing 100 postcards to GOTV in Virginia.
posted by Ruki at 5:02 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
I bought a Sleeptracker watch. And then, because it sucked, I sent it back.
posted by jacquilynne at 5:05 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by jacquilynne at 5:05 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
Due to significantly substantial answers to other peoples' questions, I have been motivated to become a "minutes-a-day" housekeeper instead of procrastinating until it becomes dangerous; I've let go of a couple of deep hurts that should have been life lessons, not life sentences; and I've realized some new things that help me out a lot when I used to get bogged down in stupid unworthy quagmires. So, thank you! Most appreciated!
posted by halfbuckaroo at 5:26 PM on October 7, 2017 [15 favorites]
posted by halfbuckaroo at 5:26 PM on October 7, 2017 [15 favorites]
I DTMFA and got therapy.
posted by Grandysaur at 5:28 PM on October 7, 2017 [12 favorites]
posted by Grandysaur at 5:28 PM on October 7, 2017 [12 favorites]
I joined MetaFilter.
I've never been a joiner. Hardly ever talked to strangers. But after 10 years of quietly lurking in the Metafilters, I was moved to join.
I loved the conversations I read here and wanted to a part of it even though I have been in awe of how learned, humorous, articulate, and intelligent many members are. I've also be touched by the kindness and compassion.
After joining in 2010, my comments and answers were short and often very silly. After all, the silliness around here is often the thing that helps keep me going.
Just lately though, I have been writing longer comments, which are more revealing of my inner life, going so far as to tell you, my Mefite friends and spouses, things I have never told a living soul. Not because MetaFilter is safe, but because by your voices and experiences you have shown me that I too have insights that I can share if I just put my fingers to the keys.
Now I talk to strangers all the time and am much happier for it.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 5:42 PM on October 7, 2017 [55 favorites]
I've never been a joiner. Hardly ever talked to strangers. But after 10 years of quietly lurking in the Metafilters, I was moved to join.
I loved the conversations I read here and wanted to a part of it even though I have been in awe of how learned, humorous, articulate, and intelligent many members are. I've also be touched by the kindness and compassion.
After joining in 2010, my comments and answers were short and often very silly. After all, the silliness around here is often the thing that helps keep me going.
Just lately though, I have been writing longer comments, which are more revealing of my inner life, going so far as to tell you, my Mefite friends and spouses, things I have never told a living soul. Not because MetaFilter is safe, but because by your voices and experiences you have shown me that I too have insights that I can share if I just put my fingers to the keys.
Now I talk to strangers all the time and am much happier for it.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 5:42 PM on October 7, 2017 [55 favorites]
I learned about Minecraft and the card game Dominion from mefi soemthing like 6 years ago, and both took over the house. My 2 sons and 4 nephews have (mostly) outgrown minecraft but the adults still play Dominion all the time.
posted by selfmedicating at 5:46 PM on October 7, 2017
posted by selfmedicating at 5:46 PM on October 7, 2017
I was not remotely interested in trying budgeting software but I finally checked out YNAB after hearing about it on Ask so many times. I love it! It has a learning curve, but now that I have the hang of it, it's made my financial stuff so much easier.
posted by erloteiel at 5:55 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by erloteiel at 5:55 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
I used to stand up to wipe.
posted by Plutor at 5:55 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Plutor at 5:55 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]
Too many things to name. Seagull guitars, Lodge pans, bands, dinners at restaurants, movies, pepper grinders, ways of smiting my enemies. streaming music, so many other things.
The thing I’m most thankful for though is that MeFi has opened my mind to so many different points of view and made me a better person as a result.
Also, I sit when I wipe now, thanks to Metafilter.
posted by bondcliff at 5:59 PM on October 7, 2017 [7 favorites]
The thing I’m most thankful for though is that MeFi has opened my mind to so many different points of view and made me a better person as a result.
Also, I sit when I wipe now, thanks to Metafilter.
posted by bondcliff at 5:59 PM on October 7, 2017 [7 favorites]
God dammit, Plutor. I WAS SHAMED INTO IT BY THE GUY WHO OWNS THE PLACE, OK!?
posted by bondcliff at 6:01 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by bondcliff at 6:01 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
... I've let go of a couple of deep hurts that should have been life lessons, not life sentences;
posted by halfbuckaroo at 7:26 PM on October 7
I've just a couple of minutes ago learned from halfbuckaroo a shorthand to describe a real truth: "let go of deep hurts that should have been life lessons, not life sentences." One of the reasons I'm writing it here is to help burn it into my mind, so I'll have it at hand, and not just for myself but for friends also caught in "life sentences" of their own devising.
From AskMe: Bananas kept in the fridge last a long, long time. They turn brown on the outside and look a bit gungy but the meat inside, while it is a bit brown looking, is still very firm and really sweet, and not at all gooshy and/or squishy. I can buy a big honkin' bunch of bananas for smoothies knowing that they'll hold.
Also about a billion million zillion other things but I'm headed out the door; the bananas are the first thing that came to mind cuz as I sat down here to read this thread I had just eaten one....
On preview: Saw YNAB reference, searched it up on duckduckgo, it's open for me to check out when I get back home. So thanx yet again, metafilter gang.
posted by dancestoblue at 6:02 PM on October 7, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by halfbuckaroo at 7:26 PM on October 7
I've just a couple of minutes ago learned from halfbuckaroo a shorthand to describe a real truth: "let go of deep hurts that should have been life lessons, not life sentences." One of the reasons I'm writing it here is to help burn it into my mind, so I'll have it at hand, and not just for myself but for friends also caught in "life sentences" of their own devising.
From AskMe: Bananas kept in the fridge last a long, long time. They turn brown on the outside and look a bit gungy but the meat inside, while it is a bit brown looking, is still very firm and really sweet, and not at all gooshy and/or squishy. I can buy a big honkin' bunch of bananas for smoothies knowing that they'll hold.
Also about a billion million zillion other things but I'm headed out the door; the bananas are the first thing that came to mind cuz as I sat down here to read this thread I had just eaten one....
On preview: Saw YNAB reference, searched it up on duckduckgo, it's open for me to check out when I get back home. So thanx yet again, metafilter gang.
posted by dancestoblue at 6:02 PM on October 7, 2017 [5 favorites]
Jeez, what is it with you people? Signing up wasn't good enough? It's got to be something more? My mom warned me about this kind of peer pressure. It always leads to drugs.
Or jumping off bridges. I can't remember which, it was one of those things if my friends did I would obviously follow...
posted by gusottertrout at 6:15 PM on October 7, 2017
Or jumping off bridges. I can't remember which, it was one of those things if my friends did I would obviously follow...
posted by gusottertrout at 6:15 PM on October 7, 2017
Academic: Thanks to directions, I found bookstores in Cambridge, MA.
Amusement: I started playing Fallen London.
posted by thomas j wise at 6:24 PM on October 7, 2017
Amusement: I started playing Fallen London.
posted by thomas j wise at 6:24 PM on October 7, 2017
Listening better.
Lots of feelings and self-worth and depression-handling stuff.
NaNoWriMo.
Listening to podcasts.
Learning how to internet better.
Abandoning Facebook.
Uncounted other nudges and adjustments and improvements I have lost count of.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:44 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
Lots of feelings and self-worth and depression-handling stuff.
NaNoWriMo.
Listening to podcasts.
Learning how to internet better.
Abandoning Facebook.
Uncounted other nudges and adjustments and improvements I have lost count of.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:44 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
When I was reading a recent (but not the most recent) emotional labour thread, I saw that a lot of people grouped up cooking, grocery shopping, food planning, and managing the pantry/fridge as one job and the other one was dishes. I already knew that I hate cooking, so I talked with my spouse and he now does all the meal/food things and I do the dishes. It hasn't occurred to me that those could balance reasonably enough to ask for a trade before.
posted by Margalo Epps at 6:44 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Margalo Epps at 6:44 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]
Ask Me made me go to London! Or at least gave me the courage to go for it. And it was a great decision.
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:48 PM on October 7, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:48 PM on October 7, 2017 [5 favorites]
And now thanks to askmefi/this MeTa, I'm probably going to buy a Tom Binh bag. (I got my current OGIO backpack several years ago thanks to askmefi too).
That Synapse backpack looks very promising, although it's rather expensive. Also it's hard to tell if the Synapse 19 is too small or if the Synapse 25 will be too big. But I suspect one of these bags will be my birthday/Christmas present to myself.
I love that there is an interior pocket for the water bottle, because mine is constantly falling out of the side pocket of my current backpack, and I really don't want to mess up (or lose) my nice new water bottle.
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:52 PM on October 7, 2017
That Synapse backpack looks very promising, although it's rather expensive. Also it's hard to tell if the Synapse 19 is too small or if the Synapse 25 will be too big. But I suspect one of these bags will be my birthday/Christmas present to myself.
I love that there is an interior pocket for the water bottle, because mine is constantly falling out of the side pocket of my current backpack, and I really don't want to mess up (or lose) my nice new water bottle.
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:52 PM on October 7, 2017
I enrolled in a MLIS and now have a job I love in a university library. Reading metafilter have me a better appreciation of what librarians actually do and what kinds of they are responsible for. My friends and family think I stamp and shelve books. I don't do either of those things.
I'm also a Girl Guide leader. I had this unexamined idea that single women without kids didn't do that kind of thing, but hearing from some Girl Scout leaders on here started testing that assumption. I was looking for volunteering opportunities generally and didn't immediately rule it out because of that. I thought going along would score me some easy lols from friends (and it did) but I found the organisation to be full of excellent women. I can tolerate the kids well enough to be a part of that network.
I'm also forced to think now and then about the fact that some people stand up to wipe their arse, so there's that too.
posted by Trivia Newton John at 7:21 PM on October 7, 2017 [9 favorites]
I'm also a Girl Guide leader. I had this unexamined idea that single women without kids didn't do that kind of thing, but hearing from some Girl Scout leaders on here started testing that assumption. I was looking for volunteering opportunities generally and didn't immediately rule it out because of that. I thought going along would score me some easy lols from friends (and it did) but I found the organisation to be full of excellent women. I can tolerate the kids well enough to be a part of that network.
I'm also forced to think now and then about the fact that some people stand up to wipe their arse, so there's that too.
posted by Trivia Newton John at 7:21 PM on October 7, 2017 [9 favorites]
Skycrashesdown's music question and Wobbuffet's answer led me to first borrow from the library and then but Betty Who's album and I could not love it more.
posted by Margalo Epps at 7:42 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Margalo Epps at 7:42 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
I decided that being politically active was more important than my fear of talking to strangers on the phone.
posted by xyzzy at 7:46 PM on October 7, 2017 [10 favorites]
posted by xyzzy at 7:46 PM on October 7, 2017 [10 favorites]
I went to grad school! And then I left academia! (both good decisions at the time)
Also, I didn't eat it. Managed to gross out a fair number of mefites with that one.
posted by btfreek at 7:50 PM on October 7, 2017
Also, I didn't eat it. Managed to gross out a fair number of mefites with that one.
posted by btfreek at 7:50 PM on October 7, 2017
I got the monoprice headphones. They're working out.
posted by jeffamaphone at 7:55 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by jeffamaphone at 7:55 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
I have a Tom Bihn bag and it's the best too-much-money I ever spent on luggage (also they gave me a discount because apparently MeFi sent them a lot of traffic way back when). I was having a hard time conjuring up stuff until I looked at my questions and realized that, duh, basically everything.
- paid for a book indexer
- got good reading glasses
- did a statewide library project, now finishing up its third year
- started meditating seriously
- bought this calendar for the last four years
- helped me make this adorable mathowie t-shirt
Still disappointed in AskMe for not helping me find a llama x-ray but I guess you can't have everything. That said, my sister has moved on to wanting a blimp ride.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 8:00 PM on October 7, 2017 [8 favorites]
- paid for a book indexer
- got good reading glasses
- did a statewide library project, now finishing up its third year
- started meditating seriously
- bought this calendar for the last four years
- helped me make this adorable mathowie t-shirt
Still disappointed in AskMe for not helping me find a llama x-ray but I guess you can't have everything. That said, my sister has moved on to wanting a blimp ride.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 8:00 PM on October 7, 2017 [8 favorites]
I bought my wallet based on an Ask Mefi recommendation. It wasn't my question.
When on vacation in Puerto Rico 2 years ago we ate at several restaurants recommended in somebody else's Puerto Rico thread, and even met zyxwvut and his wife for dinner at the restaurant he recommended.
posted by COD at 8:05 PM on October 7, 2017
When on vacation in Puerto Rico 2 years ago we ate at several restaurants recommended in somebody else's Puerto Rico thread, and even met zyxwvut and his wife for dinner at the restaurant he recommended.
posted by COD at 8:05 PM on October 7, 2017
It amuses me to no end that my most viewed photo is a picture of Jessamyn wearing a mathowie shirt.
posted by bondcliff at 8:06 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by bondcliff at 8:06 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
How about the fact that my most recent MeFi-inspired purchase was a wallet just like yours?
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 8:08 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 8:08 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
It's not earth shattering, but I asked for a Ficcare hair clip for Christmas. BEST HAIR CLIP EVER.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:09 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:09 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
I totally would have just given you my wallet on the spot but Amy was there and she gave it to me so...
posted by bondcliff at 8:12 PM on October 7, 2017
posted by bondcliff at 8:12 PM on October 7, 2017
"I asked for a Ficcare hair clip for Christmas. BEST HAIR CLIP EVER."
RIGHT?????
AskMe always manages to solve my specific problems, but it's reading other people's questions that I didn't know were also my questions where I always end up shopping! Like for Tom Bihn. Or Ficcare. Or French Luxe.
Oh well, in my family we're required to submit Christmas lists by Halloween and my mother returns them for corrections if she feels they're inadequate, so at least AskMe's expensive tastes put some good stuff on my Christmas list!
posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 8:20 PM on October 7, 2017 [6 favorites]
RIGHT?????
AskMe always manages to solve my specific problems, but it's reading other people's questions that I didn't know were also my questions where I always end up shopping! Like for Tom Bihn. Or Ficcare. Or French Luxe.
Oh well, in my family we're required to submit Christmas lists by Halloween and my mother returns them for corrections if she feels they're inadequate, so at least AskMe's expensive tastes put some good stuff on my Christmas list!
posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 8:20 PM on October 7, 2017 [6 favorites]
I hired a MeFite...and Reader, he was awesome.
I bought a Taxi Wallet, which I *think* I saw recommended here.
And last summer, things I read here -- mostly AskMes -- convinced me to stop being so damn angry all the time. (This has been hard to maintain since America committed slo-mo suicide on Election Day, but I am still trying.)
posted by wenestvedt at 8:38 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
I bought a Taxi Wallet, which I *think* I saw recommended here.
And last summer, things I read here -- mostly AskMes -- convinced me to stop being so damn angry all the time. (This has been hard to maintain since America committed slo-mo suicide on Election Day, but I am still trying.)
posted by wenestvedt at 8:38 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
(I have a SaddleBack wallet, and it snapped all my cards along the magstripes! I got a full refund, but I'm never buying from them again until I can see proof that they actually test their products and either I get rich or they cut their price by two-thirds.)
posted by wenestvedt at 8:41 PM on October 7, 2017
posted by wenestvedt at 8:41 PM on October 7, 2017
I used to stand up to wipe.
I literally did wear a ball cap all the time until THAT thread. I wasn't too attached to the look, it was just a thing I did out of habit from when I was kid, plus then being in the Navy where we always wore a hat of some sort when not indoors.
When it turned out half of the smart people in the world think it looks stupid (especially indoors), I just stopped. I mean, it's not like the other half thinks NOT wearing a hat looks stupid. I don't know/don't care who's RIGHT; it's just as easy for me either way.
I don't miss it.
(I will also never wear a tie without a jacket because of AskMe, but I don't wear a tie like, hardly ever anyway so it wasn't really a change. I see it all the time though. With short sleeves, even.)
posted by ctmf at 8:41 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
I literally did wear a ball cap all the time until THAT thread. I wasn't too attached to the look, it was just a thing I did out of habit from when I was kid, plus then being in the Navy where we always wore a hat of some sort when not indoors.
When it turned out half of the smart people in the world think it looks stupid (especially indoors), I just stopped. I mean, it's not like the other half thinks NOT wearing a hat looks stupid. I don't know/don't care who's RIGHT; it's just as easy for me either way.
I don't miss it.
(I will also never wear a tie without a jacket because of AskMe, but I don't wear a tie like, hardly ever anyway so it wasn't really a change. I see it all the time though. With short sleeves, even.)
posted by ctmf at 8:41 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also, not AskMe, but MeFi-style in general, I learned it's totally ok and actually works pretty well to have guidelines, not rigid rules in a lot of cases. That people are mostly ok with every case having nuance and room for differences in outcome IF you are willing to talk about why.
In practice, if you are not willing or able to talk about that, for privacy reasons or something, it may not go as well. Usually it does though, if people trust you.
Also, that's the hard way as far as effort goes, but it's totally worth it.
posted by ctmf at 8:49 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
In practice, if you are not willing or able to talk about that, for privacy reasons or something, it may not go as well. Usually it does though, if people trust you.
Also, that's the hard way as far as effort goes, but it's totally worth it.
posted by ctmf at 8:49 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
How about the fact that my most recent MeFi-inspired purchase was a wallet just like yours?
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 8:08 PM on October 7 [1 favorite +] [!]
I bought a totally different wallet, based on a suggestion from Jessamyn, and it has turned out to be a great wallet.
In short, Metafilter is a wallet of contrasts.
posted by Dip Flash at 9:04 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 8:08 PM on October 7 [1 favorite +] [!]
I bought a totally different wallet, based on a suggestion from Jessamyn, and it has turned out to be a great wallet.
In short, Metafilter is a wallet of contrasts.
posted by Dip Flash at 9:04 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
i bought lots of smartwool socks which unfortunately turned out to be utterly worthless garbage after a year so thanks foR NOTHING MEFI
but also someone else recommended darn tough socks and they are perfect so i guess it all worked out in the end
posted by poffin boffin at 9:33 PM on October 7, 2017 [5 favorites]
but also someone else recommended darn tough socks and they are perfect so i guess it all worked out in the end
posted by poffin boffin at 9:33 PM on October 7, 2017 [5 favorites]
Sorry this is poo-related, especially after several posts on the blue in September meant that was the MetaFilter Month of Poo. But, as a now-ancient person with a now-ancient colon, and after doing some research around this, my life is seriously fundamentally better (and no purchase or meds was needed):
Squatting instead of straining.
posted by Wordshore at 10:07 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
Squatting instead of straining.
posted by Wordshore at 10:07 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
This place has "helped" my bag obsession so thanks for nothing.
However! I have eaten and drunk many things recommended by mefites, and I am slowly building an all-Darn Tough sock collection, and my hip-hop/rap knowledge is much greater and my collection much larger.
on preview jinx poffin boffin
posted by rtha at 10:10 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
However! I have eaten and drunk many things recommended by mefites, and I am slowly building an all-Darn Tough sock collection, and my hip-hop/rap knowledge is much greater and my collection much larger.
on preview jinx poffin boffin
posted by rtha at 10:10 PM on October 7, 2017 [1 favorite]
I got an Emjoi micro-pedi for my poor feet based off the answers in this question. My heels cracked so bad I was usually in agony by mid-summer and all the lotions, creams, and pumice like tools hadn't worked a darn bit until I got one of those babies. So much pain and socks saved and was even able to get back to wearing sandals and running around barefoot for the first time in years, yay!
Tried one of those drink and paint places because of a post and while everyone else painted a moonlit marsh or something I had a lot of fun painting a not very terrible looking dinosaur in the fiery cataclysm of the meteor and it now hangs in our bathroom.
posted by barchan at 10:14 PM on October 7, 2017 [8 favorites]
Tried one of those drink and paint places because of a post and while everyone else painted a moonlit marsh or something I had a lot of fun painting a not very terrible looking dinosaur in the fiery cataclysm of the meteor and it now hangs in our bathroom.
posted by barchan at 10:14 PM on October 7, 2017 [8 favorites]
excuse me how dare you not post a photo of this masterpiece
posted by poffin boffin at 10:25 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 10:25 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]
i bought lots of smartwool socks which unfortunately turned out to be utterly worthless garbage after a year so thanks foR NOTHING MEFI
posted by poffin boffin at 11:33 PM on October 7
YES! Exactly! Me too! I bought three pair of smartwool socks and they pilled starting IMMEDIATELY, big honkin' pills, too. I don't think I threw them away, maybe goodwill (?) I ought to have given them to someone I don't much like. I'd not seen any references to Darn Tough but I'd be hesitant anyways after the smartwool thing. Plus I just went and bought some other socks at REI or somewhere, not sure where, but I'm sock flush now.
Hey, question here -- has there been a change from one AskMe a week to two? I remember reading that it'd been considered or was under consideration. Like others, I have often not wanted to "burn" my one weekly Ask but then end up not using them at all. Has there been any change on that?
posted by dancestoblue at 10:36 PM on October 7, 2017
posted by poffin boffin at 11:33 PM on October 7
YES! Exactly! Me too! I bought three pair of smartwool socks and they pilled starting IMMEDIATELY, big honkin' pills, too. I don't think I threw them away, maybe goodwill (?) I ought to have given them to someone I don't much like. I'd not seen any references to Darn Tough but I'd be hesitant anyways after the smartwool thing. Plus I just went and bought some other socks at REI or somewhere, not sure where, but I'm sock flush now.
Hey, question here -- has there been a change from one AskMe a week to two? I remember reading that it'd been considered or was under consideration. Like others, I have often not wanted to "burn" my one weekly Ask but then end up not using them at all. Has there been any change on that?
posted by dancestoblue at 10:36 PM on October 7, 2017
Also, because of food bank mentions some years ago, finding local food banks and then because of the cheese thing, soup kitchens to donate quantities of food to. One of them does not mind out of date but okay foods and they specialise in referrals of asylum seekers and refugees, so they now get regular shopping bags of chocolate because of my "dealer".
posted by Wordshore at 10:39 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Wordshore at 10:39 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
I stopped anonymously giving people banjos. It was easier than I thought, actually. First, I gave them pictures of banjos, and then drawings. And then I just left messages that said, "A Banjo is coming!!", and then I stopped. I'm saving a lot more money these days, too. Banjos are expensive.
posted by smoke at 10:48 PM on October 7, 2017 [36 favorites]
posted by smoke at 10:48 PM on October 7, 2017 [36 favorites]
I literally did wear a ball cap all the time until THAT thread. I wasn't too attached to the look, it was just a thing I did out of habit from when I was kid, plus then being in the Navy where we always wore a hat of some sort when not indoors.
I used to wear a cap all the time when I was a teenager. Gave it up because reasons.
My new doctor, some youngish kid, says to me at my last checkup "Your hair is really thinning on top. You should wear a hat outdoors all the time, or just resign yourself to cancer treatments." I'm paraphrasing, but you get the drift. I live at high altitude, so it's double bad, but still. I sunburnt the top of my head once after that, and it hurt like hell. So, she was right. Point taken.
Anyway, my wife hates the hats. Don't care.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:49 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
I used to wear a cap all the time when I was a teenager. Gave it up because reasons.
My new doctor, some youngish kid, says to me at my last checkup "Your hair is really thinning on top. You should wear a hat outdoors all the time, or just resign yourself to cancer treatments." I'm paraphrasing, but you get the drift. I live at high altitude, so it's double bad, but still. I sunburnt the top of my head once after that, and it hurt like hell. So, she was right. Point taken.
Anyway, my wife hates the hats. Don't care.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:49 PM on October 7, 2017 [3 favorites]
I got two cats instead of one and it's all love.
posted by soakimbo at 11:03 PM on October 7, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by soakimbo at 11:03 PM on October 7, 2017 [6 favorites]
I started using Dr. Elsey's Ultra cat litter after someone recommended it here and it's literally the best cat litter I've ever used. And I've tried them all. I tell everyone I know with a cat about it now.
posted by Weeping_angel at 11:39 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Weeping_angel at 11:39 PM on October 7, 2017 [2 favorites]
Metafilter made me a little less of an asshole.
posted by Justinian at 11:56 PM on October 7, 2017 [13 favorites]
posted by Justinian at 11:56 PM on October 7, 2017 [13 favorites]
I did say "little" you inevitable snarkers.
posted by Justinian at 11:57 PM on October 7, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by Justinian at 11:57 PM on October 7, 2017 [7 favorites]
jessamyn should be paid as a Darn Tough socks ambassador. I've bought those socks because of her recommendation, too. I've also gotten so many books from the community recs here: children's books, reference books, MeFite-authored books... I would need to make a separate list for those.
> has there been a change from one AskMe a week to two?
dancestoblue: Yes! As of June.
MeFi has dared/prompted/convinced me to do a *lot* of things. A few major ones off the top of my head:
- A while back (already over 10 years, wow) when I was in a career slump, I read an AskMe that basically helped me find a part-time job with a steady income; it eventually led to a better career.
- Called complete strangers and asked them to vote.
- Ended a long hiatus (twice) and started writing/recording music again, thanks to the support of MeFi Music. Somehow found myself asking cortex if I could borrow his lyrics for a challenge, and also got to work directly with other amazingly talented folks: Karlos the Jackal, billiebee, and not_on_display (thanks especially to n_o_d for his time/encouragement).
- Participating in MeFi Music gave me the confidence to play guitar and sing in front of a few people earlier this year -- the first time in at least a decade (I was so nervous that I blanked when singing one of the choruses in a song, but I'm still glad I did it).
- And I can't pinpoint a single thread for this one, but around Nov-Dec last year there were a few reminders from folks here, basically saying it was okay to ask for help if you needed it: to ask your friends, ask MeFites who were offering... I realized there weren't many people IRL I could talk to honestly and in-depth about serious stuff post-election (at least, in a way that wouldn't be fighty or otherwise stressful), or if I could, they were understandably busy with their own lives, without a lot of free time. It felt like intruding to ask for their time.
Because of MeFi, I took a chance and asked a few friends. I wasn't sure how to ask, and I'm sure some of my attempts were not effective. But I asked.
One of the people I asked was a longtime friend, also a MeFite. We've mostly kept in touch over IM/chat. And I said something like, "The friendship thing is pretty tough, and I've been pretty bad at it. I'd like to do better if I can, because I think friendship is important. This next part might sound OT but bear with me for a sec: I think it's pretty cool that cortex and jessamyn have the built-in opportunity to talk regularly because of the podcast; I'm not suggesting we create a podcast, but what do think about checking in over voice periodically, maybe every few weeks? I know you're really busy and family comes first of course."
He didn't say no. He reacted positively, and he even suggested a regular time we could talk! And now it's been almost a year, where we joke about our imaginary podcast, and we catch up on what's going on with our lives and families and MeFi and try to make sense of the world. It's been a bright spot during these really challenging times. And now that I've told this story, I have to thank CancerMan. Thank you, dear friend.
And as always, thanks to MeFi for everything.
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 2:10 AM on October 8, 2017 [16 favorites]
> has there been a change from one AskMe a week to two?
dancestoblue: Yes! As of June.
MeFi has dared/prompted/convinced me to do a *lot* of things. A few major ones off the top of my head:
- A while back (already over 10 years, wow) when I was in a career slump, I read an AskMe that basically helped me find a part-time job with a steady income; it eventually led to a better career.
- Called complete strangers and asked them to vote.
- Ended a long hiatus (twice) and started writing/recording music again, thanks to the support of MeFi Music. Somehow found myself asking cortex if I could borrow his lyrics for a challenge, and also got to work directly with other amazingly talented folks: Karlos the Jackal, billiebee, and not_on_display (thanks especially to n_o_d for his time/encouragement).
- Participating in MeFi Music gave me the confidence to play guitar and sing in front of a few people earlier this year -- the first time in at least a decade (I was so nervous that I blanked when singing one of the choruses in a song, but I'm still glad I did it).
- And I can't pinpoint a single thread for this one, but around Nov-Dec last year there were a few reminders from folks here, basically saying it was okay to ask for help if you needed it: to ask your friends, ask MeFites who were offering... I realized there weren't many people IRL I could talk to honestly and in-depth about serious stuff post-election (at least, in a way that wouldn't be fighty or otherwise stressful), or if I could, they were understandably busy with their own lives, without a lot of free time. It felt like intruding to ask for their time.
Because of MeFi, I took a chance and asked a few friends. I wasn't sure how to ask, and I'm sure some of my attempts were not effective. But I asked.
One of the people I asked was a longtime friend, also a MeFite. We've mostly kept in touch over IM/chat. And I said something like, "The friendship thing is pretty tough, and I've been pretty bad at it. I'd like to do better if I can, because I think friendship is important. This next part might sound OT but bear with me for a sec: I think it's pretty cool that cortex and jessamyn have the built-in opportunity to talk regularly because of the podcast; I'm not suggesting we create a podcast, but what do think about checking in over voice periodically, maybe every few weeks? I know you're really busy and family comes first of course."
He didn't say no. He reacted positively, and he even suggested a regular time we could talk! And now it's been almost a year, where we joke about our imaginary podcast, and we catch up on what's going on with our lives and families and MeFi and try to make sense of the world. It's been a bright spot during these really challenging times. And now that I've told this story, I have to thank CancerMan. Thank you, dear friend.
And as always, thanks to MeFi for everything.
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 2:10 AM on October 8, 2017 [16 favorites]
We got the Friheten just like everyone told us to and it's an excellent sofa/bed. And we make a variant on the Smitten Kitchen spring vegetable potstickers pretty much every week now thanks to the recommendations when I asked about veggie dumplings. We're going to make them tonight, in fact, but with a mock duck/hoi sin twist rather than tofu.
posted by terretu at 2:39 AM on October 8, 2017
posted by terretu at 2:39 AM on October 8, 2017
My anons have helped me survive some hideous shit. And your anons have helped me have empathy for other people experiencing their hideous shit. Thank you.
posted by taff at 3:13 AM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by taff at 3:13 AM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
Also, now I want that damn handbag. But I want the red cafe one. And I think I need two hundred american dollars worth of those hair clips. My kids have stupidly long and thick hair. Is that what they'd be good for?
posted by taff at 3:14 AM on October 8, 2017
posted by taff at 3:14 AM on October 8, 2017
I once got a single blade Merkur razor. Because of all the recommendations on metafilter.
Turned out that for me using it was more cumbersome and led to a lot more bleeding.
I've been reading relationship ask for years and years. But when I had relationship problems that didn't help. But I guess the foundations of that relationship were unsound anyway.
I have a lovely daughter through meeting a mefite.
I made a friend through mefi. Well, through metachat when that still was a thing.
I have a copy of Infinite Jest because of mefi. David Foster Wallace is virtually unknown here in the NL among well read people so I would probably not be aware of him otherwise. So far I've not been able to get over my finding his tone of voice annoying. But maybe that will change.
Because of a brief interaction with music.metafilter I once got a proper microphone and contraption to connect it to a laptop. To record my singing. Unfortunately my house is much too gehorig: no matter the isolation measures I took I would still record my neighbour walking around. So that's gathering dust somewhere. Also my tastes in music are much too mainstream for mefi.
Through fanfare I've found some tv series I really enjoyed. Like The Americans.
posted by jouke at 4:57 AM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
Turned out that for me using it was more cumbersome and led to a lot more bleeding.
I've been reading relationship ask for years and years. But when I had relationship problems that didn't help. But I guess the foundations of that relationship were unsound anyway.
I have a lovely daughter through meeting a mefite.
I made a friend through mefi. Well, through metachat when that still was a thing.
I have a copy of Infinite Jest because of mefi. David Foster Wallace is virtually unknown here in the NL among well read people so I would probably not be aware of him otherwise. So far I've not been able to get over my finding his tone of voice annoying. But maybe that will change.
Because of a brief interaction with music.metafilter I once got a proper microphone and contraption to connect it to a laptop. To record my singing. Unfortunately my house is much too gehorig: no matter the isolation measures I took I would still record my neighbour walking around. So that's gathering dust somewhere. Also my tastes in music are much too mainstream for mefi.
Through fanfare I've found some tv series I really enjoyed. Like The Americans.
posted by jouke at 4:57 AM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
I can’t remember what question it was but AskMefi got me shaving my legs/armpit with conditioner. Works perfectly for me and saves on buying cans of shaving foam that rusts in the shower.
posted by like_neon at 5:03 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by like_neon at 5:03 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
I think Metafilter has absolutely made me more empathetic. For better or worse (mostly worse), I live deep in red America, and I'm more likely to see a Confederate flag than a person of color when out. Most of what I know about the challenges of POC, immigrants, the LBGT community, and really all marginalized communities comes from their experiences shared here on Metafilter, or things I've read because they were shared here.
So thanks to everybody. You've made me become a better person.
posted by COD at 5:40 AM on October 8, 2017 [12 favorites]
So thanks to everybody. You've made me become a better person.
posted by COD at 5:40 AM on October 8, 2017 [12 favorites]
This thread right here right now is starting to win me over to Tom Binh bags.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:20 AM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:20 AM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
Made words come out of my face.
posted by matildaben at 7:22 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by matildaben at 7:22 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
excuse me how dare you not post a photo of this masterpiece
Well I aim to please but I know it's probably disappointing so I included my Jurassic Park live-laugh-love thing I ripped off from the Skeletor one to make up for it, here 'tis.
posted by barchan at 7:39 AM on October 8, 2017 [14 favorites]
Well I aim to please but I know it's probably disappointing so I included my Jurassic Park live-laugh-love thing I ripped off from the Skeletor one to make up for it, here 'tis.
posted by barchan at 7:39 AM on October 8, 2017 [14 favorites]
I have also started writing Postcards to Voters and Postcards for VA!
posted by chainsofreedom at 7:49 AM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by chainsofreedom at 7:49 AM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
I got therapy.
I apologize if this gets a bit serious but I've been thinking about whether or not I should share this here since last night. I ultimately decided that yes, I should. Here goes.
About 2 years ago I was in a really dark place. The kind of dark place where I was starting to have some very serious thoughts about suicide. Here's the part that makes me kind of laugh. I could sense that I was in a bad place and I was shutting people out and avoiding humans and I wanted to talk to someone but I didn't know who or where to start. So like many people, I googled. Maybe my brain wasn't right and I was just not googling correctly but I was struggling to actually find a resource that would just let me call in and talk.
I found all kinds of things for children, teenagers, but I was having trouble finding a resource for a grown adult. And maybe I was overthinking it but I was also finding lots of U.S. based numbers and I'm in Canada and I didn't know if that would make a difference or not. I was struggling to just find a place that I could call anonymously. I was upset and emotional.
Something clicked in my brain and I said, maybe search MetaFilter. There's a lot of information on there. So I did. And I stumbled upon the ThereIsHelp - Mefi Wiki. And like that I had a couple of places to call. It was organized and easy to access. I bookmarked it immediately. And I ended up finding a number that gave me another number that ultimately helped me.
I still struggle with a lot of mental health stuff. MeFi made me get help. It let me get the help that I needed in a time when my brain was in a very weird and scary place. Maybe it's insane to say that MetaFilter saved my life, but it often feels that way. So I don't know if this is really part of the MeFi Made Me Do It discussion. But there you have it.
Thanks MetaFilter.
posted by Fizz at 7:55 AM on October 8, 2017 [72 favorites]
I apologize if this gets a bit serious but I've been thinking about whether or not I should share this here since last night. I ultimately decided that yes, I should. Here goes.
About 2 years ago I was in a really dark place. The kind of dark place where I was starting to have some very serious thoughts about suicide. Here's the part that makes me kind of laugh. I could sense that I was in a bad place and I was shutting people out and avoiding humans and I wanted to talk to someone but I didn't know who or where to start. So like many people, I googled. Maybe my brain wasn't right and I was just not googling correctly but I was struggling to actually find a resource that would just let me call in and talk.
I found all kinds of things for children, teenagers, but I was having trouble finding a resource for a grown adult. And maybe I was overthinking it but I was also finding lots of U.S. based numbers and I'm in Canada and I didn't know if that would make a difference or not. I was struggling to just find a place that I could call anonymously. I was upset and emotional.
Something clicked in my brain and I said, maybe search MetaFilter. There's a lot of information on there. So I did. And I stumbled upon the ThereIsHelp - Mefi Wiki. And like that I had a couple of places to call. It was organized and easy to access. I bookmarked it immediately. And I ended up finding a number that gave me another number that ultimately helped me.
I still struggle with a lot of mental health stuff. MeFi made me get help. It let me get the help that I needed in a time when my brain was in a very weird and scary place. Maybe it's insane to say that MetaFilter saved my life, but it often feels that way. So I don't know if this is really part of the MeFi Made Me Do It discussion. But there you have it.
Thanks MetaFilter.
posted by Fizz at 7:55 AM on October 8, 2017 [72 favorites]
Darn Tough socks are pretty fantastic. They also make great gifts for that hard to buy for person in your life. I also really appreciate all of the great cookie recipes, especially the pistachio-apricot cookies mentioned here, and of course the chocolate chip cookies with Heath Bar pieces mentioned here.
posted by jazzbaby at 8:21 AM on October 8, 2017
posted by jazzbaby at 8:21 AM on October 8, 2017
This site gives me every day a perspective on real shit (or fun stuff. Also: kittens) that's happening to other real people. That's what I'm learning here.
I also learn to Filter out what doesn't edify me. Sort of a metafilter-filter exercise.
I learned nothing from the Potus megathreads, nothing whatsoever, which is, I fear, due to the nature of the beast, combined with my tendency of being able to see bad stuff clearly early on, while having no clue what to do about it.
posted by Namlit at 9:41 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
I also learn to Filter out what doesn't edify me. Sort of a metafilter-filter exercise.
I learned nothing from the Potus megathreads, nothing whatsoever, which is, I fear, due to the nature of the beast, combined with my tendency of being able to see bad stuff clearly early on, while having no clue what to do about it.
posted by Namlit at 9:41 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
D at least a couple MFs A
posted by deus ex machina at 9:53 AM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by deus ex machina at 9:53 AM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
I know it's probably disappointing
it is GLORIOUS
posted by poffin boffin at 10:28 AM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
it is GLORIOUS
posted by poffin boffin at 10:28 AM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
The Japanese sunscreen recommendation (not my Ask) is my only "purchase influence" from Mefi, but lord let me count all the intangibles and come back next month with a list. Thanks team. Although, I did go to Iceland and hike the Laugavegur trail because I was inspired by a photo link on the Blue.
posted by perrouno at 10:57 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by perrouno at 10:57 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
I faced away from the shower nozzle. Turns out I had done so often before but in my head it had never registered. I had an image of myself facing the nozzle which I took for reality.
posted by Obscure Reference at 11:06 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Obscure Reference at 11:06 AM on October 8, 2017 [1 favorite]
Seven years and counting of my crippling Minecraft addiction, so, uh, thanks Metafilter!
No I jest actually I am thankful. While I pretend I might have gotten things accomplished besides building yet another strange house in a video game, let’s be honest: I would not have spent that time in wholesome enriching pursuits and actually I still just love Minecraft. It takes my brain away when I need it to be gone.
Also, many many many books and recipes and useful advice for getting a bird out of the house which comes in handy more than one might think.
posted by mygothlaundry at 12:20 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
No I jest actually I am thankful. While I pretend I might have gotten things accomplished besides building yet another strange house in a video game, let’s be honest: I would not have spent that time in wholesome enriching pursuits and actually I still just love Minecraft. It takes my brain away when I need it to be gone.
Also, many many many books and recipes and useful advice for getting a bird out of the house which comes in handy more than one might think.
posted by mygothlaundry at 12:20 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
I learned to stop worrying and love singular they.
posted by Too-Ticky at 12:25 PM on October 8, 2017 [12 favorites]
posted by Too-Ticky at 12:25 PM on October 8, 2017 [12 favorites]
I think for me it's more about what Metafilter's enabled that I already wanted, but there's definitely a few things I would not have even thought about without this site. I would not have watched Hannibal if it weren't for Metafilter, because why in God's name would I think a show about serial killers would be my kind of thing. I would not have watched Yuri on Ice if it weren't for Metafilter, because I'm not the sort of person who watches anime, right? (Well, I am now.) And apparently now I am going to be buying some socks.
posted by Sequence at 12:48 PM on October 8, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Sequence at 12:48 PM on October 8, 2017 [3 favorites]
One of you wonderful people suggested looking into small presses, along with a list of options - and now I'm a published author, so yay you! (I'd thank you by name and via cookies but I still can't find the damn thread)!
Also thank you to MrBobinsky for suggesting a Concorde Cake and kitchencrush for this lentil soup recipe which are both now in regular delicious rotation at home.
posted by Mchelly at 1:10 PM on October 8, 2017
Also thank you to MrBobinsky for suggesting a Concorde Cake and kitchencrush for this lentil soup recipe which are both now in regular delicious rotation at home.
posted by Mchelly at 1:10 PM on October 8, 2017
I dropped out of a grad school program that was making me lose my mind and self-esteem, and got a job doing a thing I never thought I'd like doing, but actually really like doing. So, you know, there's that.
posted by Alterscape at 2:22 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Alterscape at 2:22 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
Okay this isn't a story about how I caved as much as obediently followed instructions.
You, Eyebrows McGee, and theBigRedKittyPurrs (and a bunch of others!) helped me to stop stupid burning my stupid hand.
I have not burned my hand in this manner since the spring of 2011, when I learned the existence of, and purchased, little pothandleholders that slide onto pan handles.
What other wonders does the world hold?!
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:16 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
You, Eyebrows McGee, and theBigRedKittyPurrs (and a bunch of others!) helped me to stop stupid burning my stupid hand.
I have not burned my hand in this manner since the spring of 2011, when I learned the existence of, and purchased, little pothandleholders that slide onto pan handles.
What other wonders does the world hold?!
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:16 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
I am certain I am a way better partner to my wife, kinder, more respectful of our differences and her boundaries, with much better self talk about not taking everything personally, due to reading thousands of relationship AskMes while single. Thanks MeFi, I love my married life.
posted by donnagirl at 3:34 PM on October 8, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by donnagirl at 3:34 PM on October 8, 2017 [4 favorites]
Askme convinced me to try Allen Edmonds shoes three times. And, I can now say with absolute certainty that the company makes terrible products and ought to have gone out of business year ago. The widths range from "crunched toes" to "incredibly cruched toes;" they offer an astonishingly wide range of lasts to fit anybody, provided they like toes held so close together they generate sores and soles that bear no relationship to the human foot.
Among the three pairs I bought, for around $1000, one became a squeaky embarrassment after 3 minutes in a rain storm. The other two literally fell to pieces as my toes broke holes in the leather. As far as I can tell, the difference between a $70 shoe and a $400 shoe is that you feel like an much bigger idiot when you toss the $400 shoe into a bin three months after buying it. The leather sole advocates here can go walk into a lake. Except, of course, those assholes never actually walk anywhere or else they wouldn't waste their time shucking for terrible shoes that can't be walked in.
To be fair, mefi also convinced me to try a safety razor, which has been fantastic. Spending a penny a day to use a brand new blade is pretty great. So, I'll call it even. But, I've learned that people who recommend shoes on metafilter are not trustworthy. And, despite their creepy misogynist tone, the shaver folk are worth listening to.
posted by eotvos at 4:05 PM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
Among the three pairs I bought, for around $1000, one became a squeaky embarrassment after 3 minutes in a rain storm. The other two literally fell to pieces as my toes broke holes in the leather. As far as I can tell, the difference between a $70 shoe and a $400 shoe is that you feel like an much bigger idiot when you toss the $400 shoe into a bin three months after buying it. The leather sole advocates here can go walk into a lake. Except, of course, those assholes never actually walk anywhere or else they wouldn't waste their time shucking for terrible shoes that can't be walked in.
To be fair, mefi also convinced me to try a safety razor, which has been fantastic. Spending a penny a day to use a brand new blade is pretty great. So, I'll call it even. But, I've learned that people who recommend shoes on metafilter are not trustworthy. And, despite their creepy misogynist tone, the shaver folk are worth listening to.
posted by eotvos at 4:05 PM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
A MeFi thread in 2019 inspired me to time travel. Not far enough to make the "I ate it" joke, sadly.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 4:06 PM on October 8, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 4:06 PM on October 8, 2017 [7 favorites]
Hmmm..mefi has influenced me in a lot of purchases though not as expensive as Reddit’s famous Best vacuum thread (I am not impressed by the Miele so mefi wins on reliability ). Mefi has been reliable about music and hardware as in SOLID. Recipes as well including the family favorite, shrapnel salad. But the best part are members who have guided me in cities I have visited including Omnomnom taking me around Vienna, Andrew in Santiago and the Sydney crew, especially Taff. Seriously, the best and most tolerant of people.
posted by jadepearl at 4:42 PM on October 8, 2017
posted by jadepearl at 4:42 PM on October 8, 2017
Today, because of some Ask about tv a month or two ago that had enthusiastic recommendations for The Good Place, and the Ask, Tweets, and the resultant MeTa this week, I stopped on the way home from grocery shopping and bought a small vat of frozen yogurt to have for dinner. Big Dairy wins again.
Even though I've never asked a question, like others I've found a lot of answers to questions I didn't know I had or didn't need to ask because someone else had asked it before.
In general, I look at everything and interact with others more carefully and thoughtfully than I otherwise would. And without question I am far better informed, and can keep other people who can't deal with following news for various reasons informed, because of the quick and perceptive and seemingly tireless Mefites of the political threads.
posted by monopas at 5:11 PM on October 8, 2017 [4 favorites]
Even though I've never asked a question, like others I've found a lot of answers to questions I didn't know I had or didn't need to ask because someone else had asked it before.
In general, I look at everything and interact with others more carefully and thoughtfully than I otherwise would. And without question I am far better informed, and can keep other people who can't deal with following news for various reasons informed, because of the quick and perceptive and seemingly tireless Mefites of the political threads.
posted by monopas at 5:11 PM on October 8, 2017 [4 favorites]
John Crowley. Now I think I have every book of his.
posted by dhruva at 6:00 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by dhruva at 6:00 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
I tried surfing out because of that recent post (by not_the_ocean, I think?) as part of my general quest to try more new stuff and embrace sucking at it. I was pretty middle of the road at it, and I don't know that I'll go out of my way to try it again, but it was a nice morning at the beach and I had fun.
MeFi makes me more aware of the allies in deep red country, which reminds me that there's more variety everywhere in the human condition than stereotypes would lead us to believe. Also more willing to carp at my husband to do the dishes for once every time there's an EL thread, which he takes with good grace.
posted by tautological at 6:00 PM on October 8, 2017 [3 favorites]
MeFi makes me more aware of the allies in deep red country, which reminds me that there's more variety everywhere in the human condition than stereotypes would lead us to believe. Also more willing to carp at my husband to do the dishes for once every time there's an EL thread, which he takes with good grace.
posted by tautological at 6:00 PM on October 8, 2017 [3 favorites]
Lots of great game recommendations (mostly from other people's questions) and the knowledge that they are linked to my Google Play account. Binder clips/bulldog clips to keep my bottom sheet from being dragged off the edge of the bed. Many insights into Buffy and Fringe from discussions on FanFare. Some fantastic new music thanks to the late, lamented MeFi Music Swap. An awesome pepper grinder and a lovely scarf. Wonderful conversations and connections, which is, after all, what it's all about. (And I don't mean connections in the professional sense, I mean in the E M Forster sense.)
Definitely more awareness of experiences other than my own, particularly around gender (cis/trans rather than male/female) and race. More consideration of others.
A sort of internal check when I am faced with a dilemma or question of what to do: I contemplate writing it up as an AskMe, whereupon I can imagine the likely responses, whereupon I realise I either know what to do or it is one of those insoluble problems.
The realisation that one of the feelings that has haunted me for most of my life may just be part of the human condition, based on the large number of you who have commented on it and favourited it.
And, by extension, my wonderful partner, whom I met on Crone Island after the landmark Emotional Labour thread.
posted by Athanassiel at 6:29 PM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
Definitely more awareness of experiences other than my own, particularly around gender (cis/trans rather than male/female) and race. More consideration of others.
A sort of internal check when I am faced with a dilemma or question of what to do: I contemplate writing it up as an AskMe, whereupon I can imagine the likely responses, whereupon I realise I either know what to do or it is one of those insoluble problems.
The realisation that one of the feelings that has haunted me for most of my life may just be part of the human condition, based on the large number of you who have commented on it and favourited it.
And, by extension, my wonderful partner, whom I met on Crone Island after the landmark Emotional Labour thread.
posted by Athanassiel at 6:29 PM on October 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
I bought the game Alto's Adventure on Jessamyn's suggestion and I love it. Its "Zen Mode" with infinite lives and no enemies, and the gorgeous music, is very calming. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
posted by wenestvedt at 7:47 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:47 PM on October 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
I asked this question just over a month ago, and was overwhelmed by the number of answers. I legitimately thought the response would be "murdersville clown shackstown" or "nowhere, you jerk, your life and dreams are illegitimate." I cried in the bathroom at work looking at all the possibilities.
In fact, I'm writing this in an AirBnB in Cincinnati, a place I could confidently say existed, but nothing more until I read cooker girl's enthusiastic answer. After more research, I hauled out my credit card and squeezed a long weekend here. I have discovered Cincinnati is utterly charming, and now I'm seriously considering moving here.
I've kept my potential move pretty secret, but when those who know me best learn the idea came from Metafilter they understand.
posted by missmary6 at 10:07 PM on October 8, 2017 [12 favorites]
In fact, I'm writing this in an AirBnB in Cincinnati, a place I could confidently say existed, but nothing more until I read cooker girl's enthusiastic answer. After more research, I hauled out my credit card and squeezed a long weekend here. I have discovered Cincinnati is utterly charming, and now I'm seriously considering moving here.
I've kept my potential move pretty secret, but when those who know me best learn the idea came from Metafilter they understand.
posted by missmary6 at 10:07 PM on October 8, 2017 [12 favorites]
Leave the ex and evict my son.
posted by b33j at 2:35 AM on October 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by b33j at 2:35 AM on October 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
So, so many things. I went to grad school in part because of MetaFilter discussions. I switched to Brooks Brothers undershirts because of Ask. Some of my kids' favorite jokes came from joke threads here. MetaFilter is basically my front door to the internet; any rabbit hole I fall into is more than likely to be one I found on the Blue. So much of both my mental shorthand and verbal expression comes from here (beanplating, make words come out of your face, you're the product). I've bought books, music, food that's been recommended here, and checked out lots of TV shows and movies. My wife now accepts that if I say "a bunch of folks on MetaFilter think it's pretty good" that's adequate justification for thinking we might like a given show on Netflix or whatever.
posted by nickmark at 8:41 AM on October 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by nickmark at 8:41 AM on October 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited by missmary6's comment, mostly because I feel SO GUILTY that I went and got walking pneumonia this very weekend and couldn't meet up with her and show her around this city I adore! I hope Cincy gets another MeFite!!
posted by cooker girl at 8:47 AM on October 9, 2017 [6 favorites]
I'm so excited by missmary6's comment, mostly because I feel SO GUILTY that I went and got walking pneumonia this very weekend and couldn't meet up with her and show her around this city I adore! I hope Cincy gets another MeFite!!
posted by cooker girl at 8:47 AM on October 9, 2017 [6 favorites]
There has been a few things in terms of attitudes that can overall be taken as positives but overall I tend to remember those occasions that I picked up on recommendations for things that turned out to be piss poor. The worst ones tend to be those where it was multiple people and the general noise for me to give something a go. There are some I will resent for ever.
Most notably is Ready Player One, which is a stink-ingly badly written book for which there will be no forgiveness.
Behind that is Castle, which some people seemed to rave about for ages and which turned out to be little more than Matlock - The Next Generation. And not in a good 'oh Star Trek' way, but in a much less good, 'oh Matlock, is this all that's on?' way.
Master of None was disappointing after a single episode and is on probation and likely to get a second chance since someone here convinced me it gets better.
There is some stuff I am sure I would not have discovered but I never remember what and who gets the credit for those.
On an entirely separate note, I am typing this on the train and I just saw some llamas! Cool or what?
posted by biffa at 9:26 AM on October 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
Most notably is Ready Player One, which is a stink-ingly badly written book for which there will be no forgiveness.
Behind that is Castle, which some people seemed to rave about for ages and which turned out to be little more than Matlock - The Next Generation. And not in a good 'oh Star Trek' way, but in a much less good, 'oh Matlock, is this all that's on?' way.
Master of None was disappointing after a single episode and is on probation and likely to get a second chance since someone here convinced me it gets better.
There is some stuff I am sure I would not have discovered but I never remember what and who gets the credit for those.
On an entirely separate note, I am typing this on the train and I just saw some llamas! Cool or what?
posted by biffa at 9:26 AM on October 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
Castle is Murder, She Wrote for the next generation, not Matlock.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:55 AM on October 9, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 9:55 AM on October 9, 2017 [7 favorites]
Knitting, believe it or not.
I don't know why I dropped knitting for so long when it was something I'd enjoyed as a kid, but I did, and all the enthusiastic MeFi knitters inspired me to get on Ravelry, which has been the direct cause of a big pile of handknit shawls, two kilos of raw wool still waiting to be spun, and three sweater WIPs.
posted by fraula at 11:22 AM on October 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
I don't know why I dropped knitting for so long when it was something I'd enjoyed as a kid, but I did, and all the enthusiastic MeFi knitters inspired me to get on Ravelry, which has been the direct cause of a big pile of handknit shawls, two kilos of raw wool still waiting to be spun, and three sweater WIPs.
posted by fraula at 11:22 AM on October 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
+ Have difficult conversations
+ Read Patricia McKillip, Ursula Vernon, Dorothy L Sayers, Kij Johnson, Joanna Russ, lots of others
+ Change my mind about all sorts of things
- Assorted ill-advised spending, culminating in a £20 jar of oil (castor? evening primrose? not even sure now) that's lurking in the back of my wardrobe like the ghost of bad decisions past. Skin cleansing with oil is not for everyone, it turns out.
(Seriously though, I am grateful for all the good things mostly-lurking here has brought me, thanks folks.)
posted by Otto the Magnificent at 1:41 PM on October 9, 2017
+ Read Patricia McKillip, Ursula Vernon, Dorothy L Sayers, Kij Johnson, Joanna Russ, lots of others
+ Change my mind about all sorts of things
- Assorted ill-advised spending, culminating in a £20 jar of oil (castor? evening primrose? not even sure now) that's lurking in the back of my wardrobe like the ghost of bad decisions past. Skin cleansing with oil is not for everyone, it turns out.
(Seriously though, I am grateful for all the good things mostly-lurking here has brought me, thanks folks.)
posted by Otto the Magnificent at 1:41 PM on October 9, 2017
I bought the good chocolate sprinkles and the stroopwafels.
posted by PearlRose at 1:54 PM on October 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by PearlRose at 1:54 PM on October 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
Universal agreement at this restaurant table that this is the most disgusting thing posted on the Internet this year. Why would someone do such a thing? What is WRONG with people?! A reasonable reaction. (caution for cultural obscenity)
posted by Wordshore at 2:01 PM on October 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Wordshore at 2:01 PM on October 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
I can’t remember the context, but people recommended finishing showers with cold water in like 2009 or 2010 and I’ve done it ever since. I have super short hair so I don’t really get the benefit of smoother hair, but it still feels like the right thing to do.
posted by outfielder at 2:37 PM on October 9, 2017
posted by outfielder at 2:37 PM on October 9, 2017
I found my totally wonderful therapist recommended in an old AskMe (not mine). She was the first one I tried and we clicked instantly. I feel so fortunate to have found such a good match right off the bat and that I didn't have to slog through tons of profiles/calls/appointments to find someone who has been so helpful to me.
Probably at least 50% of my reading comes from AskMe book threads. I often go trawling through old threads when I need something new to read.
Pretty sure I discovered Paula's Choice skincare products on here.
And I had two (well, had one and just about to have another) fall babies and now I flippin' love fall.
posted by anderjen at 3:53 PM on October 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
Probably at least 50% of my reading comes from AskMe book threads. I often go trawling through old threads when I need something new to read.
Pretty sure I discovered Paula's Choice skincare products on here.
And I had two (well, had one and just about to have another) fall babies and now I flippin' love fall.
posted by anderjen at 3:53 PM on October 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
Update: Bihn bag works good, after one day of field testing. :)
posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 9:15 PM on October 9, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 9:15 PM on October 9, 2017 [4 favorites]
I had a bunch of Mefi's over to my house, and they ate my olives.
posted by kjs4 at 5:20 AM on October 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by kjs4 at 5:20 AM on October 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
A lot of recommendations from AskMe worked out well, and some didn't.
The winners:
YNAB (love it, completely changed my life)
Picardie Duralex drinking glasses (grownup glasses, at last! love 'em)
peshtemal towels (it's been years since I used a terry towel now, never going back)
The losers:
Red Wing boots (they were disappointingly short-lived)
music recommendations (you guys just ... don't have good taste sometimes. sorry.)
Aerie boybrief panties (they don't fit my curves well AND they're falling apart after less than a year)
posted by rabbitrabbit at 10:00 AM on October 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
The winners:
YNAB (love it, completely changed my life)
Picardie Duralex drinking glasses (grownup glasses, at last! love 'em)
peshtemal towels (it's been years since I used a terry towel now, never going back)
The losers:
Red Wing boots (they were disappointingly short-lived)
music recommendations (you guys just ... don't have good taste sometimes. sorry.)
Aerie boybrief panties (they don't fit my curves well AND they're falling apart after less than a year)
posted by rabbitrabbit at 10:00 AM on October 10, 2017 [1 favorite]
Master of None was disappointing after a single episode and is on probation and likely to get a second chance since someone here convinced me it gets better.
I mean, I exited the series still largely annoyed by Dev, and I still do not care at all about his romantic mishaps or feelings or wtfever, and I also fucking hate hate H A T E Arnie with this blinding fucking passion borne out of having to deal with incompetent manbabies in real life.
On the other hand, I really, really, really, really loved all of the episodes that weren't about Dev's romantic misadventures and Arnie. The episode about Dev's dad and Brian's dad! The episode about Thanksgiving with Denise through the years, which totally deserved the Emmy that it won for Dev Ansari and Lena Waithe! The episode about Dev and his cousin who is always held up as the ideal! And especially and above all, the episode called "New York, I Love You," which might be one of my favorite things I've seen on TV in the past 10 years.
posted by joyceanmachine at 5:10 PM on October 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
I mean, I exited the series still largely annoyed by Dev, and I still do not care at all about his romantic mishaps or feelings or wtfever, and I also fucking hate hate H A T E Arnie with this blinding fucking passion borne out of having to deal with incompetent manbabies in real life.
On the other hand, I really, really, really, really loved all of the episodes that weren't about Dev's romantic misadventures and Arnie. The episode about Dev's dad and Brian's dad! The episode about Thanksgiving with Denise through the years, which totally deserved the Emmy that it won for Dev Ansari and Lena Waithe! The episode about Dev and his cousin who is always held up as the ideal! And especially and above all, the episode called "New York, I Love You," which might be one of my favorite things I've seen on TV in the past 10 years.
posted by joyceanmachine at 5:10 PM on October 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
After spending many hours perusing the Tom Binh website and forums, I just ordered a Synapse backpack! Along with several other "essential" accessories to go along with it, of course.
I was planning on being restrained and waiting until closer to Christmas, but then the Synapse 19 suddenly appeared in Mars Red, and they only had a few left, so I bought it.
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:24 AM on October 12, 2017 [1 favorite]
I was planning on being restrained and waiting until closer to Christmas, but then the Synapse 19 suddenly appeared in Mars Red, and they only had a few left, so I bought it.
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:24 AM on October 12, 2017 [1 favorite]
y'all taught me what emotional labor is, why it's important, and the function it plays in a sexist society
also, y'all taught me about feminism which coincided at a time when I was just starting to think about politics critically. listening, in every thread, to cathartic, painful, traumatizing memories of being femme-passing in a patriarchal world was my first deep dive into lived experience narrations and it's catapulted me into a world of recognizing, all the time, inherent, stereotypical, and sometimes patently absurd shittiness that people inflict onto others because of their own prejudices
five years on from that and I'm now organizing anti-racist efforts in my city and trying to live an intersectional praxis in my own day-to-day. and those politics have found me a group of friends that really feel like family, who stop making me wrong and bad because I take a more cynical, critical view
it's been pretty nice :3
posted by runt at 10:01 AM on October 12, 2017 [5 favorites]
also, y'all taught me about feminism which coincided at a time when I was just starting to think about politics critically. listening, in every thread, to cathartic, painful, traumatizing memories of being femme-passing in a patriarchal world was my first deep dive into lived experience narrations and it's catapulted me into a world of recognizing, all the time, inherent, stereotypical, and sometimes patently absurd shittiness that people inflict onto others because of their own prejudices
five years on from that and I'm now organizing anti-racist efforts in my city and trying to live an intersectional praxis in my own day-to-day. and those politics have found me a group of friends that really feel like family, who stop making me wrong and bad because I take a more cynical, critical view
it's been pretty nice :3
posted by runt at 10:01 AM on October 12, 2017 [5 favorites]
I confess up front this is not even tangental, but, I just saw a two year old in a waiting room, wearing her "On Fleek" tshirt.
posted by Oyéah at 3:43 PM on October 12, 2017
posted by Oyéah at 3:43 PM on October 12, 2017
Just started using Sensodyne Repair and Protect due to the toothpaste thread.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 11:33 AM on October 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 11:33 AM on October 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure. Possibly the introduction to emotional labor.
Am sure that I've had my Synapse from Tom Bihn for over 10 years now, and it's working out fairly well.
(also, TomBihn tag for the thread pls?)
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:20 AM on October 18, 2017
Am sure that I've had my Synapse from Tom Bihn for over 10 years now, and it's working out fairly well.
(also, TomBihn tag for the thread pls?)
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:20 AM on October 18, 2017
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posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 3:47 PM on October 7, 2017 [4 favorites]