Any way to speed up mp3 loading to audio player? My computer says it will take 13 hours. Is there any way to speed this up?
I'm running Windows 7 with 2.0 USB connection.
Thanks so much, hive mind peeps.
posted by ragtimepiano
on Feb 4, 2013 -
12 answers
For a household that includes an autistic person, we are looking for an automatic deadbolt lock that will lock the front door both inside and outside, and with a manual button release on the inside of the door that will release the lock?
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posted by ragtimepiano
on Apr 28, 2012 -
7 answers
I've used the Toshiba RD-XS32SU recorder for years; it's an excellent device for recording tv programs and making dvds. It has a wide variety of extremely useful editing features. Although it's no longer being made since Toshiba decided to focus on blu-ray, it's been long regarded as the premiere video recorder. Alas, my recorder is now refusing to recognize any brand of disc when I try to load. The only way it will accept a disc is after it's been unplugged for several hours. Then it will load one disc, but after that, no more.
Since college football season is here and I record many games and burn them to dvds, I'm in the market for a reliable recorder.
What models do you recommend, techie members of the hive mind? Are there any reasonably priced ones that include the editing features of the
Toshiba RD-XS32SU?
Thanks in advance!
posted by ragtimepiano
on Sep 12, 2011 -
3 answers
Someone apparently opened a package in my mailbox and stole the mp4 player I had ordered from e-bay. There was no indication on the mailing envelope what the contents were: The person must have felt the package and guessed what it contained. They left the ripped open package on our porch, along with some other mail, and two Netflix envelopes, ripped open also, for a person further up the street. What do we do about this?
posted by ragtimepiano
on Jun 30, 2011 -
12 answers
I recently Rit-dyed a silk outfit for a special reception. The dye "ran" a bit at the underarms, staining my undergarment. Is this a health hazard?
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posted by ragtimepiano
on Apr 25, 2011 -
1 answer
Someone smashed into our van, which was parked outside our house, and did not leave a note with insurance info. What recourse do we have?
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posted by ragtimepiano
on Jan 3, 2011 -
11 answers
My husband bought a new Tempur-pedic mattress/box springs set hoping to ease some back pain he's been experiencing. After only two nights, he concluded that the mattress is too soft for him to sleep comfortably, and that it only worsened his back pain. I put the set on Craigslist for about 1/5 less than we paid, but we---predictably, maybe---had no takers. It is, of course, too big for selling/shipping on e-bay. I think most people hesitate about buying used mattresses, however light the use. We could just donate the set to a thrift store, but I'd rather try to recoup some of the nearly $700 that he paid.
Has anyone had a successful experience selling a mattress? If so, how did you do it?
Many thanks in advance.
posted by ragtimepiano
on Nov 12, 2010 -
33 answers
Several years ago we bought a small HD tv manufactured in China, from e-bay. The power adapter plug, the end that inserts into the tv, is now physically broken, beyond repair. How can I find a Dajing DJ-U485-12? Google search turns it up, from various Chinese companies, and translates the pages for me, but when I email I am directed to "Globalsources.com," apparently a brokerage firm. I registered with them but haven't heard from any Chinese companies regarding the adapter. I have tried to buy it in the US but can't find any sources here. Any ideas would be much appreciated! Thanks, metafilter contributors.
posted by ragtimepiano
on May 25, 2010 -
19 answers
We have a satellite provider rather than cable tv. I recently bought from e-bay a Toshiba RD-XS235 which comes with a "TV Guide" feature built in, unlike my previous Toshiba recorder, an RD-XS32SU (the drive of which is giving out after extensive use). The reviews say that there is a "manual recording" feature, and I looked up the owners' manual online and found the relevant page, but the directions do not seem to work. Is that because I need to allow a few hours for the TV Guide feature to attempt to "kick in"? The manual says to "turn it off overnight for the TV Guide programming to take effect." It WON'T take effect because we no longer use a cable provider. I prefer the manual programming anyhow. Does anyone in the hive mind know how to manually program the RD-XS235? My frustration is running high right now! Any and all advice is welcome! Thanks, techies.
posted by ragtimepiano
on May 13, 2010 -
2 answers
How is mystery writer Ralph McInerny able to use real people's names and make reference to real events in his novels?
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posted by ragtimepiano
on Sep 28, 2009 -
9 answers
Four western ladies are gathering in NYC in October. We're from Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada; the "other coast" is foreign territory for us! We'd like current wisdom on finding a reasonably priced hotel, with rooms that sleep four, in Manhattan, or Times Square, or the Upper East/West Side.
We'll be happy with only the basic amenities.
Also, what places/activities should take top priority in a brief visit? Our group is comprised of three 30-somethings...and their mother :-).
Thanks in advance!
posted by ragtimepiano
on Sep 21, 2009 -
16 answers
Given that the airlines are reducing the numbers of flights due to the economic downturn, what is the optimal time to book cheap flights? In the past, I've had great success booking domestic flights 2-3 days before. This time, we will be booking 2 round trip tickets. I just booked a flight from the western US to Montreal for my husband, three weeks ahead, as we found the planes were filling up rapidly. We didn't get much of a deal.
Standby is not on option as I'll be flying with an autistic person.
Any and all hive-mind thoughts are welcome. Thanks!
posted by ragtimepiano
on Jun 28, 2009 -
3 answers
Multi-part query: Which foodstuff has the strongest flavor, in your experience? Garlic, onions, peppers, spices? Which spices? Cheeses? Which category---meat, grains, dairy, fruit, veggies, spices?
Which category has the least flavor?
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posted by ragtimepiano
on Apr 26, 2009 -
18 answers
I have a recipe for beer bread that I found in an old Junior League cookbook that has become a staple at our house, but I'd like to try other recipes and variations on the theme. Does anyone have a fairly simple, delicious beer bread recipe? Either quick bread or yeast bread? Many thanks!
posted by ragtimepiano
on Apr 5, 2009 -
15 answers
My friend's two daughters are in a school musical, and she is naturally extremely pleased. She's been telling everyone that they have the "leads", but neither is cast in the leading female role. I think "lead role" refers to the leading female and the leading male roles, as in this case there are both? (In single gender plays, I would think the "lead roles" would be the two characters with the most lines? )
Of course I won't point this out to her....and I'm wondering if I am wrong? The musical is "Thoroughly Modern Millie".
posted by ragtimepiano
on Mar 27, 2009 -
15 answers
In one of the early Nancy Drew books, circa 1931-2 or thereabouts, Nancy takes care of an elderly guy ( I think that's the scenario) and actually cooks and cleans for a couple of days at his house. Which book would it be?
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posted by ragtimepiano
on Mar 15, 2009 -
9 answers
Where is the best site to buy Vicky Tiel perfumes online?
posted by ragtimepiano
on Mar 3, 2009 -
2 answers
