mrjackson's advice is correct. The wikipedia article you cited says: "Deep discharge may short-circuit the cell, in which case recharging would be unsafe." Phones and laptops shut off before the cells get that low. If you drain it fully (e.g. by connecting a resistive load) then you run a risk when you charge it.

It can be done for laptop batteries (just run the device until shots off, then recharge) but after a point, it no longer helps. They all age, unfortunately.

For those not into DIY, this device will do it for you (and tests cells and charges them at whatever current you like). It's the ultimate batter charger!

Darn, why couldn't this have appeared yesterday, when I needed it?

Blue painters tape and a Sharpie. The blue tape sticks at freezer temperatures and can be applied even once the container is cold and damp! It is easy to peel off the container when you're done. It's great.

I've posted a couple of good tips on my food blog that will double the storage life of some produce.

I took his method a step further by omitting the spread out on a sheet pan part and using their container as a strainer:

+1 on "The first fast lens I purchased for low light was the Canon 50mm f/1.8. Highly recommended." See the five reasons in my post above.

Take a class. I can see you going for compositions that are different and creative but falling a tad short. More practice and some coaching will help a lot.

I wouldn't get into an explanation. Anyone who asks you to work for free will not get it.

The difference between these particular cameras is less important than the choice of brand, because you will soon buy lenses and at that point, you're committed. Look at a few models above the ones you are looking and at available lenses.

The "nifty fifty" is an absolute must-have. Reasons:

Not automatically, since the graphics program can't know what was in the focal range. What you can do is blur the background using a mask and gaussian blur, or using a blur brush.

Good point! Rather odd to see this in June!

No, to make the best popcorn, do it the way I do: [feedme.typepad.com]

Good one.

One of the things I like about Costco is that they really take advantage of whatever is in season. Giant box of fruit probably means it's fresh and at its peak.

I think it's a kind of "elpee."

While I don't agree that the best presenters don't use slides, you make a good point — slides should not be the focus. Use slides to help the audience focus and remember by providing memory triggers. Simple is better. The bulk of the content should cone from the presenter. You can show passion, emphasis, human…

Try Moom, featured on LH today, as it turns out: