Would spraying a stick-on (paper) CD label with artists' fixative make the disc unsafe to play? [more inside]
posted by katje on Dec 8, 2009 - 7 answers

Greetings, Hive Mind. I need to know if I'm going to start a house fire. [more inside]
posted by optimuscrime on Aug 23, 2008 - 26 answers

Why are all but the basement doors locked in the stairwell where I work? [more inside]
posted by boeing82 on Nov 1, 2007 - 9 answers

What causes false Alarms in hardwired smoke detectors? [more inside]
posted by morallybass on Aug 24, 2007 - 14 answers

I live in a hundred-year old house (in Los Angeles, no less!) that has limited electrical outlets. I have unlimited (it seems) electronics - three computers, monitors, two laser printers, two air conditioners, electric heater (in the winter), etc. The house was upgraded from old-style fuses to circuit breakers a few years ago. It is a rental so I am not able to do any upgrades. None of the wall outlets are three prong, so I am using adapters. In the summer, my office is just overdone with things drawing power - all three computers, the printers, AC, and probably 20 (or more) smaller items - cell phone, postage scale, radio, etc.... [more inside]
posted by soulbarn on Sep 16, 2006 - 12 answers

Is it really so bad to leave a toaster plugged in? [more inside]
posted by TochterAusElysium on Sep 1, 2006 - 52 answers

Can anyone give me advice on the best way to ignite a brushpile before the drying days of summer? (MI) [more inside]
posted by docpops on Dec 24, 2004 - 9 answers

An empty gasoline container stored on the carpeted floor of a vehicle: good idea or forthcoming explosive disaster?
posted by keli on Mar 4, 2004 - 15 answers