I'm currently working through the back catalog of This American Life, myself. Some of them are period-oriented (e.g. some from around the time of the health-care debate, etc.), but the 'themed' ones are generally time-independent.

As far as the oil change goes, AFAIK it depends a lot on the age of your car. Mine's 14 years old, so I do mine every 3000 to 4000 miles, but on newer cars you should be good with closer to 7500.

I've been using Gas Cubby as well, and have been very happy with it. When I switched from my iPod Touch to my iPhone, I paid for the full version to transfer the history, but that's the only benefit that I've used. But it's a great piece of software, and makes keeping track of your gas and service a breeze!

Ooh, I like this - I've already been doing two buttons, but I like that system - simple, and easy to see. I have been able to replace 90% of my ironing with a garment steamer, but I figure it would still apply.

I don't know if this would work in your situation, but maybe shoveling them up? If you're getting a lot of dirt coming up with them, shovel them onto a (large hole) mesh screen on top of a bucket or wheelbarrow? The dirt will fall through, leaving the rocks on top. Just an idea.

Pssh, Serious Sam was just copying the Escape Velocity series - great shareware series for the Mac (and PC too, for EV Nova). They were distributed freely, but once you started to progress, an indestructable AI Ship called Captain Hector would come hunt you down, making the game unplayable past a point. Very effective.

I really like the "Power Support HD Anti-Glare Film Set for iPhone 4" that's sold in the Apple stores (wow, I sound like a shill). I actually prefer the feel with the screen protector to the bare screen (I feel like my finger is sticking without it). Plus, the lack of glare is pretty nice.

For a computer like that, I'd actually keep an eye on the HP refurbs that pop up on woot - they're decently priced, and would work quite nicely for your (or your friends) needs.

For a first cookbook I like "Dad's Own Cookbook" - very simple stuff, and explains a lot of things that don't get explained elsewhere.

I bought this:

I've never had problems with the dark (I was born and raised in the frozen north, so I'm totally fine with it), but I do know that these sorts of things have helped a whole lot of folks up in Alaska get through the winters.

Westminster, CO - $35 for 7Mb down, something like 378 kbps up - I'm locked into Qwest (now Century Link) DSL at my apartment (nothing else is allowed), otherwise I'd be paying less for more with Comcast (I know, their customer service sucks, but my internet sucks more). Also, that's what I pay for, I get that most…

I put in a wired FM modulator (inline with the antenna cable) about a year ago, and it's worked out great for me. If you don't mind pulling apart your dash, it's pretty easy to do, and I got mine on amazon for about $50. Or you could pay someone else to do it (most any audio shop would be happy to, for a price). You…

Excellent, I was just considering oiling my roommates' shredder. I was considering using gun oil until I saw this, but as it's a Fellowes shredder, I'll just do this. Thanks!

I'm actually quite happy with it, especially with how it's working for my parents - they share calenders, email, etc. with each other, so it's great for them.

The blu-ray player that I'm getting tomorrow does skype, but you need to spend an extra 150 or so for their special camera. Other players, can take cheaper Microsoft webcams, so that's worth looking into.

Sadly, I'm already graduated and into my big kid job, and started on repayment a couple months back. Really, it's not that bad, the interest rate is just a couple points higher than the student loans, so I figure'd I'd knock them out first.

If you're looking for home (or small) office furniture you might consider doing what I did - find a place that resells furniture from large offices, and get a huge discount that way. I got a Steelcase chair for $45, and considering the cheapest chair on their website is $180, I figure I got a pretty good deal.

Thanks!

Also, I would expect this to be covered in the commenting faq linked above, here: