Unique shops for a design nerd?

One of my close friends in design school in the US will be visiting Tokyo soon, and she wants to know places to shop for fun art prints, stickers, souvenirs, etc.

She likes finding fun and unique things, and I don’t really know where to take her. Can someone help?

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u/doofus50O0 — 1 day ago

Remove sent iMessage sound and screenshot sound?

Is there seriously no way to silence the sent text message tone or the screenshot tone? I’m a law student, and people are giving me death eyes in the library.

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u/doofus50O0 — 1 day ago

Tired of Ikea - are there ANY alternatives?

I love modern furniture, but I’m tired of Ikea. Are there any retailers in the US that offer similar modern furniture but don’t cost a fortune?

Is Ikea the only budget furniture brand that gives any consideration to contemporary design? I search for used pieces when I can, but it would be nice to have a few competitor options that cater to the mere mortals without fancy jobs or trust funds. Can anyone relate to this, or offer some hidden gems?

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u/doofus50O0 — 1 day ago

My SE3’s about to go - what model (still directly available from Apple) best approximates it?

I’m currently using an SE3 on iOS 18, and I really hate that I’m going to have to upgrade.

The two main reasons I love my SE3: 1) small size for small hands, 2)light weight. Also the home button, but nothing I can do about that.

Other people who had to leave behind their small phones: what should I go with?

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u/doofus50O0 — 3 days ago

Upbeat, colorful films for an Almodovar fan?

I’m trying to find exciting and upbeat films from contemporary cinema (1970s-onward) that won’t leave me bummed out at the end. I don’t mind a more serious film, but right now I really need a more positive escape.

Some Criterion (or Criterion-esque) films I’ve loved: All About My Mother by Almodovar, The Great Beauty by Paolo Sorrentino, Wild Tales, Carlos, and Broadcast News.

Any suggestions (even if not in the Criterion collection) appreciated!

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u/doofus50O0 — 3 days ago
▲ 3 r/pens

0.7mm pencils meant for hours of writing that aren’t hideous

I’m looking for a medium-bodied 0.7mm pencil with a good eraser that isn’t just for show - I usually write, edit, and erase for 5 hours every day.

What are the best non-hideous options out there? Also, I tend to press hard when I write, so I’d really like to find something without a super pointy lead sleeve (pressing hard with those makes my lead snap constantly).

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u/doofus50O0 — 5 days ago

MacOS apps or extensions: open tabs slowing my MacBook

Are there any MacOS apps or Firefox extensions that would help to minimize the activity in my many open, inactive tabs?

I usually have a bunch of open tabs on Firefox, and they eat up my MacBook's activity and speed like crazy. What basic sorts of apps/extensions can I download to help minimize the problem? Help, please!

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u/doofus50O0 — 5 days ago

Lab testing results for premium US Sunscreens?

I need to start wearing facial and neck sunscreen more often, but I’ve heard quite a few stories about major brands falling short in independent testing.

Are there any recent publications, scientific reviews, etc. of premium US sunscreens, chemical or mineral?

I’m asking about premium brands because I want something: a) light on my face, and (b) a non-chalky mineral for my neck, so it doesn’t ruin my clothes. But if I’m going to pay a pretty penny for Supergoop, SkinCeuticals, or ColoreScience, I don’t want to be scammed.

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u/doofus50O0 — 6 days ago

Best places for modern art and decor?

I’m looking to add some fun decor and art to my new apartment, and support unique retailers and museums at the same time.

What museum gift shops (or other shops you’re passionate about) have a great selection of original, modern-leaning decor and art? I especially like bright pieces with a sense of humor or goofiness to them (hope that makes sense!). I’d love any suggestions beyond the well-known options, e.g. MoMA Design Store, etc.

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u/doofus50O0 — 6 days ago

Casual on Hulu

It was so smart, so relatable, and had actual adult problems. Reminds me a little of what HBO was back in the late 90s/early 2000s before the teen and superhero-oriented crap. I miss it so much!

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u/doofus50O0 — 6 days ago

Fiction about foreign policy that’s believable

I’m looking for engaging, current-day works of fiction about the struggles of diplomacy amid regions of global conflict.

It would be nice to find something by an author with real-world experience that also has literary merit (no cheap thrillers, please).

Can anyone send some recommendations my way?

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u/doofus50O0 — 6 days ago

Conflict Zone Fiction that is Modern-Day and Literary

I really loved Phil Klay’s “Missionaries,” and I want to find another work of fiction that revolves around modern-day conflict zones and global political conflict.

I’d really like to find a work that has literary merit (no cheap thrillers, please) and is written by someone with some level of expertise or experience (journalist, foreign policy veteran, etc.)

Is there anything out there that fits this bill?

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u/doofus50O0 — 6 days ago

Novels similar to “Missionaries” by Phil Klay

I’m looking for novels similar to “Missionaries” by Phil Klay - a high-quality, well-informed work of modern political and warfare fiction.

It’s really difficult to find current-day novels about political violence and conflict zones that is written by experienced journalists or reporters. Most of the stuff I see is at the level of Tom Clancy or James Patterson, and I want something a few steps above that.

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u/doofus50O0 — 6 days ago

Did you have to get used to “audiobook voice?”

I really want to get into audiobooks (especially for longer nonfiction), but I’m having the hardest time getting used to what I’d call “audiobook voice.”

Maybe it’s because I don’t listen to them very often or spend more time listening to podcasts, but a lot of them sound like they’re over-pronouncing or speaking in a monotone. I think I notice it more because there’s no background sound, either.

Has anyone else experienced this? There are a lot of great books I’ll only get through if I listen to them, but they’re putting me to sleep!

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u/doofus50O0 — 7 days ago

DS Durga visit: so disappointed

I’ve been browsing DS & Durga’s selection for quite a while, but never got around to purchasing or sampling. Last week, I finally visited one of their retail locations and..wow, I was disappointed.

I really liked the idea of their quirky and slightly unusual offerings, but frankly none of them seemed to have much depth at all, or smell complex/distinct enough to justify the high price tag. Honestly a big let down for me, but I think I was over-charmed by their fun designs and marketing. Did any one else feel this way? Are there other niche perfume houses that *do* seem worth exploring?

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u/doofus50O0 — 7 days ago

Niche/overlooked room sprays?

I’m looking to purchase a room spray, and I’d like to discover some luxury options that are overlooked, unexpected, or even a little out there.

I tend to like fresh citrus, non-cloying fruity, or clean yet spa-like scents. I *don’t* like anything flowery or super woody/smoky.

What have people enjoyed from under-the-radar brands or from expensive brands that were worth the price?

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u/doofus50O0 — 7 days ago

Criterion on a budget: discs you can’t find anywhere else?

I love Criterion, but unfortunately my budget’s pretty tight at the moment, so I can’t afford to get too wild.

That being said, for a relatively new collector and cinephile: what discs from the Criterion sale are difficult to find (or unavailable anywhere else)? I’m trying to prioritize my collection, and hopefully I can get copies of my longtime favorites later on.

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u/doofus50O0 — 7 days ago

TV vs. monitor for primary display in clamshell mode?

Are there any major pros or drawbacks to using a TV vs. a monitor for my primary display when my MacBook is in clamshell mode?

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u/doofus50O0 — 7 days ago

Best longreads about Germany’s Cold War history?

I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask this question (I hope I do not offend), but I’m trying to learn more about daily life, political events, and notable scandals related to Germany during the Cold War or its aftereffects.

I’d really like to find some long-form investigative journalism or first-person narrative reporting from reputable news magazines such as Harper’s, Der Spiegel, The Economist, Der Stern, etc.

Can anyone recommend articles you have informative or interesting? (Hopefully in English?)

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u/doofus50O0 — 7 days ago

Frontline: Similar Programs?

I’m going through Frontline withdrawal, as it seems like the current public television fiasco has led to an abbreviated season this year.

What other longform, investigative broadcast programs are similar to Frontline? Frankly I’m not sure anything can top their incredible work, but I’d like to find some decent substitutes.

Also, if there are any standout one-off news specials (or news miniseries) by PBS, BBC, etc. I’d love to hear ‘em.

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u/doofus50O0 — 8 days ago