Category Archive

advice

What’s the etiquette on taking a baby to an all ages show?

The types of show I’m used to attending are generally held in much smaller indoor venues, like bars and church basements. So far as the kid is concerned, as long as he’s riding in the baby carrier with ear muffs on, I think he’ll do just fine. I’m more worried that we’d be crossing some social line with the other concert goers…

Gender and sexuality: Is there an “Inappropriate Question Hour” anywhere?

When I was in college, there was an amazing “Inappropriate Question Hour” where people agreed to leave their privilege and prejudices at the door in order to educate one another. I haven’t found anything like it since. Does anyone know of any resources or communities where people can participate in the gender and sexuality conversation without fear?

What do we need know about dealing with a dust allergy?

My partner is seriously allergic to dust (yes, he takes allergy medicine, as well as daily medication for asthma control). What can the Homies tell us about their experiences with mattresses and allergies or about air purifiers and allergies? Are there any good products we should know about that can help us deal with dust and allergens in the home?

Coffee nerds: What ratio of coffee to water do you use?

Coffee nerds: What ratio of coffee to water do you use? I’m hearing anywhere from 1 (gram) of coffee per 16 (grams) of water, up to 1 to 12, all the way down to 1 to 24.

How do you quit retail and move on to other careers?

I have worked in retail off and on for 10 of the past 15 years, and it’s time to quit. Standing/bending/folding all day is aggravating a pre-existing back problem. How do I break out of service jobs and go on to other fulfilling careers?

Help!? My friend got sucked into multi-level marketing: How do I support them without purchasing things I don’t want?

A friend of mine recently became an independent consultant selling through a multi-level marketing company. I want to support her, but I don’t want to buy any expensive products that I don’t need. I can tell she needs encouragement, but how can I help her without compromising my own values?

How can I have a great big long-distance holiday?

We’re a young military family that anticipates a move soon, so we won’t be going home to visit family this Christmas. This isn’t the first time (nor will it be the last), but this year is different… It’s going to be our daughter’s first Christmas, and we very much want to include our parents. I need some advice about how to have a great big long-distance holiday! Any suggestions would be much appreciated, especially from anyone who’s done this before.

How do you meet career demands while still staying true to yourself?

I am a young (woman) musician embarking on a career in music performance. So much of the job, particularly for women, involves looking sexy. I am also an introverted person who is dealing with quite a bit of social and career anxiety (making me even less inclined to “put on a show”). Those of you in similar positions, how do you conform to the industry expectations of how you should look and act without making yourself uncomfortable?