Whoever put them up for you can have them taken down and as Drezdn says, it's probably one of the aggregators like CDBaby. Does your drummer not get any statements from anyone? Since you believe it might be CDBaby, I would start by contacting them first and see if they are looking after the titles. If so, just tell them you want those tracks removed.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 1:15 PM on July 9, 2008

Thanks for the suggestions. MC, I like the wireless speaker system you linked to and will definitely look into something like that.

Ryaske, I already have a modded Xbox in my living room but am missing how that would allow me to play music in my kitchen.

Squeezebox looks great but that plus amplified speakers is a bit more than I was looking to spend on this.

Thanks again and if anyone has any more suggestions I'm all ears!
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:01 PM on July 1, 2008

Thanks again. Will look into all of the above.

Zeoslap, just reading about the Netgear on Amazon and it says it doesn't do internet radio. Unfortunately won't work for me.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 2:01 PM on July 1, 2008

On my computer I have two Mozy processes running all the time (Mozy backup and Mozy Stat) that take up about 50mg of memory. I don't really know what that jumps to when it starts the actual back up because I do that in the night but I suspect it shoots up. I don't notice any performance problems with that constant 50mg usage but it does seem like kind of a lot considering it's not doing much most of the time. You might want to check to see how much memory your Mom and brother have just to be... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 11:43 AM on June 30, 2008

If you called him I wouldn't worry about it. They're probably just verifying your contact details for their records. I think the worst that can happen is you might end up getting a few unwanted sales calls in the future.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 5:58 AM on June 24, 2008

I agree that you won't get the time of day from major labels so don't bother with that. And until you're a well established retailer you also won't be able to speak to the aggregators like The Orchard or IODA. However, there is nothing stopping you from setting up the shop and approaching local bands and small labels to see if they'd like to make their stuff available through your site. As long as you can show those artists or labels that the site works and that they are getting paid properly... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 3:04 AM on June 21, 2008

If a song is on a compilation album on iTunes released on Label A and also available on the artist's album, Label B, and someone buys the compilation, the royalties are paid to Label A. Label A typically will have licensed the track from Label B (or the artist directly) so they'll have to pay a percentage of that fee back.

As for iTunes international, if a label supplies an album to iTunes they have to specify the international rights they hold for that release. If... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:51 AM on June 20, 2008

I think you're right and I think I just found out where it goes. It looks like it sits in the grill above the thing where the flame comes out.

My last grill had a bottom rack that the rocks would sit on but this one doesn't seem to have that. Are there some gas grills that don't use rocks at all?
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 9:54 AM on June 16, 2008

I don't know where you could find an instruction manual, but you could post photos of all the parts you don't understand on Metafilter and we could help you work it out...

Thanks for that. Going to take a crack at putting it all together tomorrow and will post photos if I hit more snags. In the meantime, if anyone knows the model and can lead to instructions I'm still looking!
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:18 PM on June 16, 2008

Twist and Shout.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 6:59 AM on June 12, 2008 marked best answer

I make this Kung Pao chicken recipe quite a lot and it's pretty great. I double up on the pepper to make it a bit spicier and also throw in lots of vegetable (celery, pea pods, etc.).
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 1:14 AM on May 28, 2008

Thanks all. This was more of a curiosity question for me and wasn't based on a specific need at moment.

Lots of great answers here. I had assumed that usability tests would take place but I guess my biggest question was how companies were able to estimate how a better customer experience would necessarily equate to additional revenue in their pockets. So, for example, I guess it was a few years ago that Amazon enabled customers to search through books and read certain... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 9:19 AM on May 26, 2008

I swear I remember watching an episode of You Bet Your Life with Groucho Marx where he asks a woman why she has so many kids and she says "well, I love my husband" and he replies "I love my cigar too but I take it out once in a while". Apparently he never said it and the scene doesn't exist at all. I was pretty shocked when I learned that because I have a very clear picture in my head of him saying it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 5:00 AM on May 23, 2008

I had a red, itchy scalp which my dermatologist diagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis. He told me to use Nizoral shampoo and the problem was gone in a few weeks. I now use it every few weeks just to make sure it doesn't return and it's been fine.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 2:33 PM on May 18, 2008

My Mom is 80 and a few years ago started singing professionally. She currently sings in wine bars, etc. and loves it. She's in great health and although she has a few financial concerns and dearly misses her husband (my stepfather) who passed away 5 years ago, she's pretty happy.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 5:45 AM on May 15, 2008

The only rule I would disagree with is the two song minimum. If the idea is to get people up and playing, some musicians who perhaps haven't performed solo before may be put off by that. I know I'd be more inclined to bring my guitar and try to knock out a Nick Lowe song but I wouldn't necessarily want to do two.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 11:48 AM on May 12, 2008

Norton does stink. Use AVG Free instead.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 5:12 AM on April 28, 2008 marked best answer

Vodka tonics are good and if you don't like the tonic, you can also order vodka and club soda. Or if you like it sweet, order a vodka and seven (7 Up). Or a vodka and pineapple.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 9:51 AM on April 25, 2008

I would say see a dermatologist if you've got sores. I had that along with some scaling and it turned out to be seborrheic dermatitis. To clear it up I used something call Nizoral shampoo and it was soon gone but I was glad I saw a doc to have it diagnosed.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:45 PM on April 23, 2008

Thanks but as I mentioned, I can't sign in with the Apps domain email address (john@hisdomain.com) as Page Creator doesn't seem to accept a non-gmail address. So I guess I would need to sign up for a separate gmail account.

I think I found out part of my answer. Although I read in many places that Google Page Creator was part of the Apps suite, this no longer seems to be the case as Page Creator was recently replaced by Sites in Apps. I'll definitely explore that but... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 1:36 PM on March 31, 2008

Damn, feeling foolish now. Just created a google account and a page creator site, went into 1&1 control panel, hit one button to forward the domain to the URL and that worked fine. So please disregard all of my above questions!
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 1:56 PM on March 31, 2008

Thanks for reply. As for timing, we're buying a place so, in effect, have chosen to invest in UK property rather than leave it in US dollars. Not sure if this is the wisest move at the moment but the way I see it the dollar could be even worse in a few years anyway.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 9:45 AM on March 17, 2008

Thanks for that Tosteka. So when you say "make your agent write up the transfer in foreign currency", is the agent a US currency broker?

As for nationality, I wasn't English when I moved here but am now a dual citizen. And my wife is British so I guess this could be tricky. Will talk to a tax adviser.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 10:23 AM on March 17, 2008

I'm an American who married a Brit and after a few years of living in the UK, I got my UK passport (and have kept my US one). My kids also hold both UK and US passports. It's not a problem and you don't need an immigration lawyer or anything like that. Just fill out the forms and after you receive your UK passport make sure you carry both passports when you travel back and forth to the US.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 6:47 AM on March 15, 2008

Anything from Elvis Presley's "The Sun Sessions". "Baby Let's Play House" in particular has a great opening.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 9:33 AM on March 13, 2008

Just one opinion, and I'm not a doctor, but has any consideration been given to the possibility that the hair loss and depression might have a common cause, like a mineral deficiency?

It's possible but I've had the depression a lot longer than I've had the hair loss. However, like I said, I am having blood work done now to check for any deficiencies, etc.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 5:05 AM on March 8, 2008

Thanks for the replies. The blood work I'm having done this week includes a thyroid check. As for the Citolapram, I'm on 10mg for a week and if that's OK they will up me to 20mg. I'm not too worried about the less serious side effects. I think what freaked me out was seeing "attempted suicide" listed as a "common" side effect. I assume that's for people who are suffering from severe depression, which I'm not.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 10:20 AM on March 8, 2008

Just gave it a quick listen and the first thing that comes to mind is Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn".
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 4:16 AM on March 2, 2008

The brake warning light came on intermittently in my Honda CRV and I ended up needing new brake pads. Best to get them checked when you can. Otherwise it could be low brake fluid (maybe a leak), a faulty light switch or something wrong with the handbrake.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 8:23 AM on February 26, 2008

My kid loves Hilary Duff and Hannah Montana. And of course High School Musical. All kid friendly.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 6:54 AM on February 26, 2008

Noticed this on Lifehacker recently...
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:56 PM on February 25, 2008

Leslie Nielsen in Airplane and Naked Gun. Don't think he was exactly a superstar at any time before those but I would still call it a career resurrection. Also, Rob Reiner who went from 70's meathead to respected director (and actor) with Spinal Tap.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 2:29 AM on February 25, 2008

High school kids are a fickle lot but I think you can never go wrong with a classic. How about "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by the Beatles? It's easy to sing and play on guitar and your son can play it in his own style.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 2:55 AM on February 23, 2008

Aside from the under the arm fart, you can try this. Take the tip of your index finger on your right hand and place it in the webbing between the index and middle finger on your left hand. Now hold those three fingers flat up against your cheek (palms facing outwards) and snap the right finger down and out. If takes a bit of practice but if you do it right, it makes this really loud popping noise, almost like the sound of a the world's largest knuckle cracking.

And... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 7:34 AM on February 22, 2008

You could try a Zoom PS-04. It's got bass and drums sounds/patterns built in so you could program a rhythm on it and then sing the melody over the top. And it has a built in mic and multi-tracking so you could also just sing all of the various instrumental parts if that's easier.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 5:39 AM on February 22, 2008

Kraft Mac and Cheese, real sour dill pickles (most in UK are sweet), a box of real sourdough pretzels and fresh NY style bagels (maybe you could buy a dozen and freeze them for shipment).
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:21 AM on February 18, 2008

I have a modded Xbox with Xbox Media Center (XBMC) and am able to stream wirelessly from my PC in one room to my TV in the other. You can find lots of info about XBMC here on this board or just google it. It's pretty fantastic.

Original Xbox's are really cheap nowadays (Game shops here in the UK are now selling used ones with guarantees for £20. Or try eBay). Doing a "soft mod" (no soldering or chips necessary) is not too hard and XBMC will also play... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 9:14 AM on February 13, 2008

I wouldn't come clean if no one asks. However, I also wouldn't continue to lie if it comes up.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 9:06 AM on February 13, 2008

Buy Lincoln. Haven't listened to it in years but still find myself singing Purple Toupee all the time. And concerts are usually more enjoyable when you know more of the songs.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 7:43 AM on February 13, 2008

Thanks all. I guess my theory doesn't hold water and I just need to seek out funnier material to laugh at.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:55 AM on February 11, 2008

Another vote for Good Night from the White Album. The lyrics are perfect for a child.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 3:31 AM on January 30, 2008

I have a Logitech wireless controller for the original Xbox and it works perfectly. It's a bit smaller than the wired one but you get used to that. I haven't tested it from any long distances but it works fine from my TV to sofa (about 10 feet).
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 11:02 AM on January 27, 2008

There are obviously lots of bands heavily influenced by the sixties but The Red Button is one that captures the sound particularly well. I'd put it in the homage category.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:45 AM on January 27, 2008

Edison Lighthouse "Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes"
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 6:29 AM on January 24, 2008

For me, the two artists that sit at the top end in terms of difficulty are Paul Simon and Tommy Emmanuel. Two very different styles but both really difficult to play.

Paul Simon tabs are available on his website. Under stuff, click on chords and lyrics. "Something So Right" is one that I've heard other artists play solo note for note and it just sounds fantastic if you can get it down.

Tommy Emmanuel plays a Travis flatpicking... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 4:16 AM on January 24, 2008

I pronounce the R. On a side note, as another American expat in the UK I notice a lot of Brits pronounce January as "Jan you ree" rather than "Jan-you-airy".
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 12:19 PM on January 8, 2008

I used this once to do an online chat with a live person at eBay.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 6:16 AM on January 2, 2008

Happiness is just a yard away.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 3:45 AM on January 2, 2008

If you're using Power Point make sure that you don't much info on the slides. If you do, students will spend way too much time trying to write down every last word from the slide rather than listening to you speak. If you absolutely must put a lot of info on slides, find a place on the university website where the students can download your Power Point presentation either before or after class.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 4:05 AM on December 13, 2007

It sounds like he doesn't creep you out about anything other than your sister which leads me to think that maybe he's just lonely and, as you say, doesn't have much opportunity to meet girls. I would mention to your sister what you've said here and let her decide whether she wants to get to know him. If she'd rather not, you can simply tell your roommate that your sister has a boyfriend and is usually busy.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gfrobe at 5:47 AM on December 11, 2007