Is there a better Windows Calculator?

Problem:
The prepackaged calculator on Windows (at least up to XP) is not very user-friendly

Answer:
This guy seems to have covered the issue pretty thoroughly, leaving you 3 options depending on your preference:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-calculator.htm

Also, although it would be ideal to find an OEM Windows app, their PowerCalc as part of their Powertoys pack seems too glitchy.

Is it legal to carry a pocket knife in NYS?

Dilemma:
      -You are unsure whether it is legal to carry a pocket/ utility knife


Short Answer:
       -Yes

Rationale:

Recently in a police traffic stop (always enjoyable) they confiscated my little folding utility knife (Gerber EAB).  It is a small, standard-utility-blade tool which I expressed I carry for my job although to no regard from the ignoramus policeman.  


Upon examining NYS law, it IS legal to carry a knife, so long as it is not spring-assisted or gravity assisted (one-hand open by design) or deemed dangerous by any of the following:

•  its own characteristics which show that it is primarily intended for use as a weapon
• a modification, which converts what would otherwise be a utensil into a weapon
• the circumstances of the possession which may reveal that the possessor considers it a weapon and not a utilitarian tool.

 So my knife was unlawfully confiscated from me and never returned.  I plan on taking it up with the station and getting it back.  The only reason it could be perceived as modified might be the addition of grip paper to the exterior, but this does not change its obvious civilian function.  My recommendation would be to know and cite this law if you are hassled about carrying a pocket knife in New York State and make it clear that it is not a weapon but a civilian right.

Source(s): http://www.donath.org/Rants/NYKnifeLaw/

Why did my Buy it Now button disappear from eBay?

Dilemma: Buy it Now feature disappears or is removed from your eBay auction.

Rationale: eBay's silly team of experts decided it was best to automatically remove the button from a listing once any bid has been placed, the exception* only being in the following categories

1. Parts & Accessories (eBay Motors)
2. Tickets
3. Clothing, Shoes & Accessories

*Even in these categories, the BIN option will be available on an item until the bidding reaches 50% of the BIN price.

Summary: First, don't rely on your BIN and if your item is expensive, set a reserve or used fixed price.  However, if your item fits into one of the above categories and is of low profile, you can get the most of your BIN button by setting it at least $0.01 more than double your starting price.  That way, for instance with a shirt that only 2 people might look at, the one person may be a cheapskate and only place the starting bid of $5 rather than BIN for $10.01. After he has placed his bid though, someone else may come along and opt to BIN rather than placing a "one-higher" bid.

Stay tuned for more valuable eBay tips and tricks!

How to send an email to a cell phone number

If you need to send an email to for someone to receive it instantly as a text, address it in the the following formats in respect to the recipient's service provider:

Provider	Address Format
Verizon	10digitphonenumber@vtext.com
AT&T	10digitphonenumber@txt.att.net
Sprint	10digitphonenumber@messaging.sprintpcs.com
T-Mobile	10digitphonenumber@tmomail.net
Nextel	10digitphonenumber@messaging.nextel.com
Cingular	10digitphonenumber@cingularme.com
Virgin Mobile	10digitphonenumber@vmobl.com
Alltel	10digitphonenumber@message.alltel.com
CellularOne	10digitphonenumber@mobile.celloneusa.com
Omnipoint	10digitphonenumber@omnipointpcs.com
Qwest	10digitphonenumber@qwestmp.com