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Hi there! I'm revising my latest novel and I have a problem. I changed my killer from a fisherman to a teacher with aquariums (long story...) and now the murder weapon I have no longer makes sense. Are there any pieces of aquarium equipment that would be heavy enough (and sturdy enough) to use as a blunt force object? The only thing I can think of are the decorative castles and things like that, but I don't know how heavy they actually are. I'm hoping there's something unusual and specific I can use-- if there's not, could you please let me know? I'm already missing that gaff hook...
posted by headspace at 1:54 PM - 20 answers

My children learnt a humorous short poem in primary school (UK) about the chaos that ensues when a bee enters the classroom. I'm unable to find it on the internet. [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 3:52 AM - 5 answers

Four books have really opened my eyes to the details of exactly how capitalism and imperialism transformed parts of the world for the worse: Sweetness and Power, Coffeeland, Late Victorian Holocausts, and The Making of the English Working Class. What I appreciated about them was that they told a historical story about a specific place with lots of detail, but also tied it to larger actions being taken to transform the world economy. What should I add to that part of my bookshelf? [more inside]
posted by clawsoon at 8:11 AM - 19 answers

In 'Seize the Day' by Saul Bellow, Dr.Tamkin says to Wilhelm, " If you was humble enough, you could go back." Why does he say ' was', not 'were'? What's the difference between these two if I could say 'was' ? Anyway his sentence doesn't look grammatically correct to me. Please help me.
posted by mizukko at 5:31 AM - 13 answers

What is it called, when you have a process/method of doing something, that gets passed down, where it turns out that part of that process/method was due to limitations/situations at the time, and is not important to actual process of doing the thing at all? [more inside]
posted by lizjohn at 8:37 AM - 29 answers

Did a Hofstadter write an essay satirizing "Ms." versus "Mrs."? [more inside]
posted by It is regrettable that at 8:10 AM - 6 answers

An old book I’m reading mentions essence of mereby. I’ve never heard of this and I am looking for more information. [more inside]
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 2:09 PM - 19 answers

I saw it in a book, presented without explanation. The context is a British mom making lower-sugar breakfasts, and the example of a good one is "Findlay toast and porridge." I know what porridge is but can't imagine what a Findlay toast is, nor can I find a recipe.
posted by blnkfrnk at 5:34 PM - 4 answers

Hi! I have this protest sign but I cannot read Palestinian Arabic. I can get a rough translation from Google Translate, but I was hoping a fluent speaker could give me an accurate translation, as well as confirming whether what’s written is grammatically correct or not. Thanks so much!
posted by churl at 1:07 PM - 3 answers

Is it just me or are more and more people using the word "absolutely" as a standard affirmative response (in the place of "sure" or "no problem")? This feels especially noticeable in podcasts, but I also hear the word frequently in bricks and mortar retail and coffee shops etc. Is this a podcast thing? A 2020s thing? [more inside]
posted by spamandkimchi at 2:45 PM - 20 answers

We're taking a family trip to Quebec Province, what novels should I read? [more inside]
posted by vunder at 12:34 PM - 17 answers

I love books that might be described as "mystery plus." That is, they work as clever, well-constructed, and fair mysteries... but they have a distinctive additional attraction on top of the mystery. For example, The Tuesday Murder Club is a mystery + unusually charming characters and humor. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is mystery + {SPOILER REDACTED}. Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone and West Heart Kill are mystery + narrative self awareness. Can you recommend other examples? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 5:48 AM - 38 answers

Please help identify the subject of this portrait. I’m reasonably sure they’re an Irish literary figure (because it was hanging amongst portraits of several other Irish writers). Here’s the painting.
posted by nfg at 2:39 AM - 5 answers

You may be aware of the Hilux, a Toyota small truck line dating back to the '60s. Perhaps you also know of the hyrax, a small furry animal native to Africa. Is the first named after the second? Apparently not! But help me change history. [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 4:16 PM - 9 answers

This is mainly for creative, non-professional, non-deadline writers, maybe? You decide! 1) What external triggers do you use, when you sit down to write, that help to signal to your brain 'you are in writer mode now.' 2) How do you balance/schedule/manage projects in different genres & tone? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 7:03 AM - 13 answers

I see SO MANY biographies out there about this dude and can't decide! Looking for the most well-written and comprehensive biography of Frederick Law Olmsted (basically in the style of The Power Broker). [more inside]
posted by knownassociate at 2:07 PM - 6 answers

What European (and maybe Middle-Eastern) fairy tales / folk stories are there about someone who feels an obsessive love. particularly if it drives them to a bad end. The Little Mermaid is already on the list. [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 5:59 AM - 6 answers

I’m looking for an online Japanese tutor for weekly sessions improving my comprehension and speaking. I’ve done a couple of units of Pimsleur Japanese and can hold a simple conversation. Which online tutoring service (or other online options) should I choose?
posted by Atrahasis at 4:09 PM - 5 answers

Many years ago I came across a small verse in an English translation of Beowulf. For whatever reason it has stuck with me, but despite searching a lot of translations since then I have been unable to locate it again. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 7:30 AM - 5 answers

You are woman, you get on your motorcycle and ride. Tell me everything .. How do you feel? Where are you going (physically and emotionally)?
posted by falsedmitri at 6:51 AM - 4 answers