Wondering how you can help? Portland COVID-19 Mutual Aid is a great resource. You can fill out this form to offer support. If you are in need of food or other supplies, please fill out this form to request support. They are prioritizing assistance to folks who are sick, unhoused, disabled, quarantined without pay, elderly, undocumented, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, trans, and/or queer, including those displaced from Portland to the nearby areas. Follow @pdxcovid19mutualaid on Instagram for updates and reach out to pdxcovid19mutualaid@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Description is a copy-paste from Alberta Cooperative Grocery newsletter, the actual mutual aid is being organized by a neighbor of mine. As of yesterday, it had been up for 2 days and had 2000 offers and 100 requests. Good thing she is good at coordinating volunteer coordinators! Here is the more direct short link to both forms.

Thu April 30 at 8:00 PM, Everywhere

Ripped from the headlines, and inspired by this FPP, let's watch Contagion together on our own. It's widely available from US streaming services for under 5 US bucks. Youtube, Amazon (*not* on Prime Video), Google Play, Apple itunes, possibly available if you have Cinemax. We do not have the ability to share a stream.

. Fanfare
. IMDB
. Rotten Tomatoes
. Fact-Checking 'Contagion', npr

Thursday, March 19

Make popcorn, grab a beverage. Launch MeFi Chat, choose the LiveWatch tab (upper right), say hello. Please be ready to launch the film at 9.15 EDT; too early for the West Coast, too late for the East Coast, but whatevs. It will not be synchronized; we are resourceful. If you can't afford the movie, maybe I can screen share with 1 person? I'll watch my MeFi Mail, I have a gmail account in this name, also this page in case of issues. This is not a thing we've done before, but I've never had to avoid Covid-19 before, either. The unexpected is the new norm. This is only nominally hosted by MeFi, so if you want to complain, memail me, not the mods.

Thu March 19 at 6:00 PM,

Hey, guys. Struck me this morning that it's a good idea for MeFites in town to know where everyone is, what potential needs folks have, and how to help if things get much worse. I'm setting this one as a proposed meetup in Austin in the hopes of getting emails out to folks in town, but right now I have no intention of meeting in-person--just organizing folks in town so that we can set up a network we can use to help one another and familiarize ourselves with anyone who's local on the site. Anyway, here's a space. Thoughts?

Hi everyone, Who wants to get ironic and have an online Calgary IRL meetup sometime? Location: the internet! Might be good for sanity, who knows. Hope everyone is staying both safe and sane!

Sat March 28 at 7:30 PM,

Using the mighty combination of Discord and Steam, I will host a trial session where mefites can join my discord server, view my screen, and play Drawful 2.

Time: 8pm EST this Sunday, March 29. What: Drawful 2 -- https://store.steampowered.com/app/442070/Drawful_2/ How: Discord -- https://discordapp.com/ Where: The voice channel on my discord server -- https://discord.gg/MEcVs5S What you'll need: at the very least, a computer with a microphone, speakers, and connection to the Internet. Though if you wanted to connect without using audio, I think that should be fine too. A Discord account. Your very best drawing on a phone screen chops. A note on Drawful 2 -- it's designed for 3-8 players at a go, so depending on how many mefites show up, we may have to do some sharing. I'll be available on Mefi chat and on Discord from 7:30pm EST until the start time to assist with any technical or user set up issues. Discord can be confusing sometimes.

Sun March 29 at 8:00 PM,

Missing contact with fellow humans? How about a virtual happy hour? Now with date and time! Tuesday, April 7, at 7 PM. We can't really go to the 4th Avenue Pub, but let's pretend.

COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in my plan to have monthly NYC meetups. But perhaps we could get together virtually over drinks or dinner sometime? If you think this might be a good idea, please share your comments or suggestions! If it sounds like a terrible idea, feel free to let me know that too! (Non-NYC Mefites welcome too, of course!) I think we will use Zoom? Does that seem good? Or LiliaNic's WebEx account if we become a really large number of people? Looking forward to seeing y'all!

Tue April 7 at 7:00 PM, home

Hey all. So, is anyone else hungering enough for social interaction that a Brady Bunch-esque layout of little video windows of friends seems like a really good idea? Any MIJ (Mefites in Japan)* up for a meetup over Zoom?**

I've only recently started using Zoom, trying to get ready for if I'll need it for the upcoming (in theory) school year, and Gotanda and I were talking about maybe doing a zoom-based nomikai/meetup. Update: Tonight (April 12th), 8:00 pm Tokyo time, over zoom. I'll memail links to people, so if you didn't get a link, send me a memail and I'll send you an invite. *Though, since this would be online, we could open this up to just about anyone, right? **I just went with zoom because it's literally all I know at this point, though I have heard about all the fun security worries and invasiveness it brings along to the party. If anyone has any other ideas, I'm totally open.

Sun April 12 at 7:00 PM,

Hey y'all - let's have a virtual meetup! The theme is "Quarantine Hobbies" - let's share our tales of dead sourdough starter, failed crops, ugly sweaters, bad television!

My preference is to do this on a weekend closer to the evening. I don't have one of those fancy upgraded Zoom accounts that lets you go more than 40 minutes, so please share if you do. How does April 18th at 4:00 PM (Eastern) sound?

Sat April 18 at 4:00 PM,

MeFites in Japan, unite! (While, of course, maintaining appropriate distance) This upcoming Sunday (April 19) at 19:00 we'll be meeting on Zoom to chat and conviviate (that's probably not a real word). You're probably at home, you're probably going stir crazy, you probably want to meet new people or see familiar faces again, so you should join us! If you want to attend, say the word and we'll send you the Zoom meeting invite link via MeMail.

Sun April 19 at 8:00 PM,

I'd like to use this thread to figure out if we should, can, or will play a game inside animal crossing. I've heard it's been done but I don't know any details. Would it be funny to play a version of d&d or a similar role playing game? I think maybe? Or keep it simple? Should we try it?

Sun April 19 at 8:00 PM,

I'd like to hang out with other MeFites online next weekend (April 24 or 25), from ca. 7pm PST. Not sure how (platform), so this and precise details would be yet TBD. 19+, your choice of food/drink (surprise us), your best hangout/bar attire, some warm (flattering) lights and funky decor, and some tunes (streamed with e.g. Watch2Gether or better).

I've never ever been to a meetup yet. I fact, I don't believe I've met a single MeFite in person yet. I haven't even managed to convince a real life person to join so please let's do this! Any interest? MeMail me or post here :)

Fri April 24 at 7:00 PM,

Hey all. I don't know if you noticed this, but we're in uncharted territory here. If you look at the sidebar, it has a list of "most active cities" for meetups, and we're essentially in second place (a couple cities have had four, sure), and if we have another meetup this Sunday, boom, we'll be one of the most active cities/amorphous regional groupings in all of Metafilterland! Can't you just feel those competitive juices flowing, urging you on to meet once again on Sunday night at 8 for some light chat, witty observations, and hilarious jokes? Edit: changed time to 8, longer explanation in the comments

I can set up the zoom thing again, and will mail invites out to anyone in the going or maybe fields. We managed about seven people last week, which was nice. I figure if we're going to do these things regularly, it might be nice to have a theme of some sort, something to get things going, and honestly, all I've got is jokes. Like, terrible jokes. Not offensive, just really, painfully unfunny jokes, the best kind! Please think up a terrible joke to share when we meet on Sunday, and from there, we can just sort of go wherever it takes us. I'd like to extend the invitation to Mefites around the world, as well, just on the off chance they're awake and up for meeting at 8pm Japan time on Sunday, but I'm not really sure how. I imagine posting in MeTa would get us more people than we could probably handle, and there's also a part of me that thinks 6-8 people is just about the upper limit for Zoom anyway. What do you folks think?

Sun April 26 at 8:00 PM,

It's easy to lose track, but Golden Week is upon us! Let's celebrate Golden Week's Greenery Day (Monday, May 4) together!. We can all reminisce about Greenery Day events through the ages, exchange Greenery Day trivia (surprisingly, Greenery Day has nothing to do with the American rock band called Green Day), and discuss how Greenery Day has affected our lives. Do you remember where you were the year that "GD" was moved from April 29 to May 4?

As usual we will be on Zoom, so download the Zoom client in advance for an optimal experience, and sign up here to receive an invitation to the event. We're scheduled for 8-10pm (roughly), Monday May 4. The following day is also a government holiday. Suggestions for non Greenery Day-related topics of discussion are also welcome. And does anyone want to play Trivial Pursuit?

Mon May 4 at 8:00 PM, Zoom Zoom Zoom

People are getting out and biking more these days. Are you one of them, or do you want to be? I've been biking the streets of Portland for 7 years. I can look at Portland's bike maps with you and help you figure out the BEST route that will get you where you want to go.

time/date flexible

Mon May 11 at 8:00 PM,

Pollinators are in decline, but the right selection of plants can draw bees, butterflies, and humming birds to your yard in search of food and shelter

From upright and airy to short and mounding, these grasses form the backbone of a prairie garden

These tough, fuss-free perennials and grasses have adapted to North American climates and lend to the rustic prairie charm

A 1902 house's long-neglected porch regains its turn-of-the-century charm

A reworked entry porch adds curb appeal and character to a no-frills facade

Dog-friendly flooring needs to be durable, easy to clean, and attractive too. Here's what you need to know if you have four on the floor

Balaam's name appears over 60 times in the Bible. He is an interesting character with a somewhat tragic story but there are good and positive things we can learn about God and the choices we make.

There are many differences in Christian church doctrines. Some are more important than others. If there is anything that is most essential to understand, it would be what God's Ten Commandments say. The Sabbath is one of the Commandments.

Do you know how to engage in spiritual warfare? What weapons do you use on an enemy that you can't see?

There is a very real war going on around us at all times. A war that cannot be fought with guns and knives. A war where concerning us, we determine the outcome ...

There will be many people in Heaven with different views on how to live but what we cannot get wrong is what is required to get saved. What does God want from us?

Angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Bible. They are God's 'ministering spirits' to guard, protect, and help us.

God became a man to save humanity. There are some things we cannot understand, like the mystery of the incarnation, but here are some points we can learn about this marvelous subject.

We are told to keep promises and vows, but what if you've made a big mistake when making that vow? God forgives sins!

We all have a name but the Bible tells us there is a name above every name. When you become a Christian you take on the name of Christ.

As Christians we need to have both a practical and a biblical perspective on what is going on in the world. Most importantly, God does not want us to live in fear. We have an unprecedented opportunity to show people where to find peace and the Prince of Peace.

God is our safe shelter in the last days. We don't have to be afraid. God loves us and He will welcome us and protect us.

This sermon deals with the topic of when it would be wise for Christians to leave the cities. Country living is the ideal place to live. Yet God calls us to reach the cities as well. The Lord does not want us to be hermits away from people. Neither do we need to live in the inner city environments. But there will come a time at the end in which we should flee the cities.

Wir zeigen euch anhand von Opta-Daten die bisherige Top-Elf der Bundesliga. Neben den üblichen Verdächtigen gibt es auch die eine oder andere Überraschung in der Aufstellung.

In unschöner Regelmäßigkeit beklagt Werder Bremen Wettbewerbsnachteile. Auch beim Re-Start der Bundesliga melden sich Bedenkenträger wie Baumann und Bode zu Wort. Dabei könnte der Klub durchaus stolz auf das Erreichte sein.

Die Bundesligen können wieder spielen. Doch die Dritte Liga sowie der gesamte Amateurfußball kämpfen mit einer Vielzahl von Problemen. Die unterschiedlichen Bestimmungen in den Bundesländern machen das Chaos perfekt.

Nach dem neuen Starttermin der Bundesliga beantwortet DFL-Boss Christian Seifert weitere Fragen. Der DFB-Pokal soll ausgespielt werden und Relegationsspiele soll es ebenfalls geben.

Die Bundesliga startet am 16. Mai in die verbleibende Spielzeit. TSG-Geschäftsführer Dr. Peter Görlich ist sich bewusst, dass man das Vertrauen der Politik zurückzahlen muss.

Nach fast zwei Monaten Pause bekam die DFL nun das Go von der Bundesregierung, die Saison wieder zu starten. TSG-Geschäftsführer Dr. Peter Görlich bedankt sich für das Vertrauen.

Die Bundesliga startet nach fast zweimonatiger Pause am 16. Mai mit dem 26. Spieltag. Wir blicken auf die verbleibenden Spiele und schauen, welche Partien besonders brisant werden.

DFL-Geschäftsführer Christian Seifert bedankt sich bei allen Beteiligten, dass die Bundesliga am 16. Mai starten kann. Zudem zeigen andere Ligen Interesse am erstellten Konzept.

Jeder, der einen anstrengenden Tag hatte, kennt sie: Verspannungen. Yoga-Lehrerin Sarah Stork zeigt einfache Übungen, mit denen man die Wirbelsäule stärkt und damit die Verspannungen lösen kann. (Video, 33:52 Min.)

Brasilien leidet schwer unter der Corona-Pandemie. Die Zahl der Infizierten steigt nach wie vor stark. Beim Topklub Flamengo, Meister und Copa-Libertadores-Sieger, gib es nun besorgniserregend viele Fälle.

Welchen Einfluss haben Fans auf das Ergebnis? Der Neustart der Bundesliga bedeutet einen Wettlauf zwischen Buchmachern und Profitippern. Bis die Quoten angepasst werden, profitiert der ganz normale „Bauch-Tipper“.

Die Bundesliga nimmt in der Corona-Krise ihre Saison wieder auf. Kevin Kuranyi ist skeptisch, dass wirklich alle Spieler mitziehen. In seiner zweiten Heimat Brasilien organisiert er derzeit eine große Spendenaktion.

Die Bundesliga läuft wieder an, zur Freude der Vereine und zum Unmut vieler Deutscher. Laut einer neuen Umfrage spricht sich mehr als die Hälfte der Deutschen gegen den Neustart aus.

Heung-min Son nutzte die Corona-Zwangspause der Premier League, um sich in Südkorea militärisch ausbilden zu lassen. Tottenham Hotspurs Stürmer tat sich in den Gefechtsübungen hervor. Das machte Eindruck bei seinen Vorgesetzten.

Farid El Melali onanierte vor dem Fenster einer Nachbarin. Kurz zuvor hatte er seinen Vertrag beim französischen Erstligisten SCO Angers unterschrieben. Seine Entschuldigung ist wenig überzeugend. Es war nicht seine erste Tat.

Binnen einer Halbzeit zerlegt Bremen vor 16 Jahren den Rekordmeister und krönt eine großartige Saison. „Wir haben gefeiert, bis es nicht mehr ging“, erinnert sich Ivan Klasnic an den Coup. Nationalkeeper Kahn mag davon nichts mehr wissen.

Verband, Spieler und Fans sorgen sich um die Austragung der Darts-WM 2021. Für Dimitri Van den Bergh wären Geisterspiele keine Alternative. Zudem kündigte der seit sieben Wochen bei Peter Wright lebende Belgier an, beim Weltmeister wohnen zu bleiben.

Im Kalten Krieg kämpften die USA und die Sowjetunion um die Vorherrschaft im Schach. Heute tun dies mehrere Machtblöcke. Der Mannschafts-Weltcup zeigt, dass auch im Schach alles auf ein neues Duell der Supermächte zusteuert.