How can I easily and reliably play Blu-Ray discs now and in the future? I have a HTPC, but the software bundled with the blu-ray drive is old, and a new version is around the sales price ofr a decent-looking stand-alone blu-ray player.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Nov 16, 2012 -
8 answers
I'm looking for computer mouse suggestions: at least 4 button (right, left, forward and backward for internet browsing) plus a scroll wheel, for Windows 7, your best buys for the money. More details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Aug 20, 2012 -
10 answers
Upgrading smart phones with Verizon, January 2012 edition: moving from an original Motorola Droid and a Droid Eris, and unsure how critical 4G LTE and Super AMOLED are for phones we'll have for another 2+ years. More thoughts inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jan 13, 2012 -
12 answers
I'm a first-time parent, and I worry that I'm getting into some bad habits, or at least a lack of good habits. Specifically, I snack at the late night feedings, and I don't exercise, usually because I'm worn out. Suggestions? More thoughts inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Sep 28, 2011 -
18 answers
I'm looking for a music playing device for the baby's room. I'd like a small (semi) portable unit with built-in speakers that can play radio and a CD, and sounds decent. Bonus criteria: remote control; a noise making feature (sounds of the ocean or whatnot); iPod or auxiliary line in playback; SD card playback.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Aug 9, 2011 -
8 answers
I'm looking for a kids joke that some how involves Wonder Woman's body, possibly as the punch line. All that is remembered is the following: "Knock Knock? Who's there? Wonder Woman's Body!" and laughter ensues. It was told by my sister-in-law in the 1980s when she was a wee one, so it might just be little kid humor, but I'm hoping there might be more to this joke.
posted by filthy light thief
on Jul 13, 2011 -
9 answers
I'm looking to make or buy a traveling case for my iPod (classic v6) and two sets of headphones (
image, including new headphone case). Thoughts inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jul 6, 2011 -
3 answers
I make mailing labels by pulling information about specific real-world locations into small database files. I used to get MS Access-ready DBase files, but now I have to work with CSV files, which don't seem to play well with Access. Please help me get more use out of Access, find out how to convert CSV to DBase or similar file types, or figure out better ways to use Excel. Long version inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on May 16, 2011 -
7 answers
I need to monitor the bandwidth use at home, in terms of GB per month. The trick: I have a TV that has built-in wireless Netflix capabilities, and I think streaming HD shows are eating GB/month more than I realize.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jan 21, 2011 -
10 answers
I'm thinking of going to Las Vegas for New Years Eve with Mrs. filthy light thief, to visit a friend of hers who lives out there and ring in the new year. EXCEPT: we're looking to avoid crowds. And traffic. Is this actually possible?
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posted by filthy light thief
on Dec 21, 2010 -
5 answers
DSLR vs Pro-Sumer camera quandary, live performance variation. I'm looking at upgrading to a better camera (specifically because my Point-n-Shoot does poorly capturing live shows in dark venues), but I'm not sure if I am ready for a DSLR. Details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Dec 8, 2010 -
24 answers
I'm looking to have some paper with custom letterhead printed up. I have design ideas, and I'd like to submit the designs for a bulk printing of 50-200 sheets. Should I just use a local copy shop, or are there decently priced online options? Details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Dec 1, 2010 -
2 answers
What's the best way to save money on tickets to Las Vegas shows? Discount ticket websites, physical shops that sell tickets to many venues, going early to the venue in question, or something else? Details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jul 27, 2010 -
12 answers
I'm looking for iPad app suggestions for and older lady who is new to computers in general and has never used an iPad. What kind of apps are key for everyday iPad use, and what would make someone hesitant to use an iPad pick it up and say "Wow, this is fun (and easy)"? More thoughts inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jul 16, 2010 -
14 answers
I have an ongoing opportunity to interview musicians, but I've been fearful of being the most boring interviewer ever, or at least failing to pull the musician out of Dull Interview Mode and into Chatting Naturally About Interesting Things Mode. With that, I'm looking for tips and ideas for interviewing people, and/or examples of really good interviews.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jul 8, 2010 -
23 answers
My mom wants a simple computer for internet use, email and word processing, and she's interested in an iPad. The question: would this work? The problem: she's computer illiterate. (Related question: any good systems for teaching an older newbie about computers?) More details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jun 21, 2010 -
33 answers
I'm looking to pick up a TV series on DVD. I'm fine with buying used DVDs, but some eBay sellers worry me. I see folks who offer the same collected sets, using the same pictures, and the whole set is selling for significantly less if I bought the seasons individually. Are they trustworthy? Or am I unaware of large discount sales where these people might get their stock? More queries inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Apr 27, 2010 -
8 answers
Does anyone have experience repairing the power jack on a laptop? My wife's old (circa 2006) Dell laptop won't charge, due to what seems like a loose power jack connection. I've repair found tutorials, and it doesn't seem that bad, does it? (More details inside)
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posted by filthy light thief
on Feb 12, 2010 -
11 answers
College Inspiration Filter: what's the best way to guide students to get college/university paraphernalia (posters, pennants, pins, shirts, brochures, etc) to decorate a classroom? Details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jan 14, 2010 -
10 answers
Recipefilter - It's winter(ish) time in my town, and I love seasonal flavored drinks, but I want to make my own (from scratch would be fun). Please recommend hot cocoa / chocolate recipes, coffee flavorings and the like.
posted by filthy light thief
on Nov 17, 2009 -
25 answers
I'd like to get some slippers for my wife (and possibly some new ones for myself), and am debating between sheepskin and synthetic. I'm debating about real wooly sheepskin versus synthetic alternatives, but I don't know how to go about being a conscientious shopper in terms of environmental impacts. Please help! More thoughts inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Nov 6, 2009 -
8 answers
I'm looking to move out of California with my wife, with the goal of buying a home for the future filthy light thief family. Mrs. flt's parents have been looking at Albuquerque, New Mexico based on statistics (housing prices, employment, etc) and their brief visit to the city. How is Albuquerque for young families and adults in search of a lively city? More details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Oct 22, 2009 -
16 answers
I like cooking, and I have a variety of spices, but I have never learned how to really use them. How should I learn to use them? What are some tips for trying things out? Do you have any any good recipes that highlight particular spice blends in traditional or unusual ways?
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posted by filthy light thief
on Sep 29, 2009 -
16 answers
My wife and I are interested in writing and illustrating kids books and getting them published. I realize there are plenty of neat books great illustrations, so what's the best way to find out what we'd be getting into if we were to pursue this as a hobby, or even as a main source of income?
posted by filthy light thief
on Sep 15, 2009 -
17 answers
I'm turning 30 this year, and my birthday is between Christmas and New Years. I live in central California, and may not have a lot of time for vacation. I want to do something interesting. What would you recommend to do in (central-ish) California, or possibly the greater West Coast, in the end of December? Sights to see, food to eat, events to attend? Lots of thoughts inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Aug 30, 2009 -
10 answers
Are there any viable alternatives to the Lotus Notes client for Windows XP? It's the work-provided client for email, calendars and schedules, and whatever else it does. Version 8 is crawling, where the previous version (6?) was at least responsive. More details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jul 21, 2009 -
4 answers
I'm looking for significant, interesting, or unusual churches (for architectural, cultural and/or religious reasons) from around the world. More thoughts inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jul 6, 2009 -
48 answers
I host a gothic/industrial radio show, but I've taken a break as I ran out of ideas. Please suggest any suitable bands, labels, blogs, or other sources of inspiration. More details inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jun 24, 2009 -
35 answers
How should I keep up-to-date on hardware for graphic design? I'm not a graphic designer by trade, but I would like my personal (WinXP) computer to be suitable for hobby-work graphics. More details and criteria inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on May 5, 2009 -
10 answers
How should I go about forming a group / coalition / movement for venues to lower the volume to levels that won't leave your ears ringing? More thoughts, ideas, and concepts inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Apr 20, 2009 -
26 answers
What is the history behind pinching those who don't wear green on St. Patrick's Day?
This WikiAnswer page says it was thought that "if you wore green, it made you invisible to the Leprechauns, which was good because they would pinch anyone they could see."
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posted by filthy light thief
on Mar 17, 2009 -
17 answers
My feet often get cold at work, and I like the idea of under-the-desk pedals, but I think my desk is too low most of them. Any other ideas?
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posted by filthy light thief
on Jan 28, 2009 -
12 answers
I'm looking for a digital audio recorder with good line-in recording capabilities and easy file transfer options - do you know any?
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posted by filthy light thief
on Dec 22, 2008 -
20 answers
I am thinking about buying a new hard drive, but all the "amazing deals" I see have a sizable number of reviewers stating that the drive was DOA, or died within weeks / months. How much failure is acceptable?
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posted by filthy light thief
on Dec 12, 2008 -
17 answers
My wife was "let go" from her position as a high school math teacher in California, due to budget cutbacks. What should she do?
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posted by filthy light thief
on Dec 2, 2008 -
17 answers
Travel with Electronics to Washington DC filter: are there any reliable, inexpensive electronics shops in D.C. to find an AC-to-USB converter?
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posted by filthy light thief
on Nov 20, 2008 -
8 answers
