Readers show us how to grab high-resolution album artwork from Apple, use Xbox controllers with our PCs, and make healthier movie-theater-style popcorn at home.
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Reuse An Old Xbox Controller on Your Computer
Photo by whalesalad
Tom sent in a tip he found that enables you to use an old Xbox controller on your computer:
Just a little trick I learned from some youtube videos. Basically, your old xbox controller can be used on your computer with a little bit of software and maybe some diy. Here is the link to the complete instructions along with a video explanation. I also found out that if you have a wired xbox 360 controller, you can use the usb adaptor on it instead of soldering a usb connection on.
Things you may need:
Xbox controller
USB cable of any sort (preferably a useless one)
Soldering iron and wire
XBCD software
PatienceI got my old xbox controller to work and it adds a bit more spice to pc gaming
Grab iTunes Artwork for Music, Movies, and TV Shows
Photo by Photo Mojo
Matthew wrote in with a roundabout way to retrieve blocked high-res iTunes artwork:
It's been a real drag not being able to get at the high-resolution artwork since Apple blocked our attempts (Ex: The Josher Method). But there is a newfound way that is available to anyone that owns an Apple TV or possibly a regular Mac! While browsing my Apple TV, I noticed that when a movie, TV show, or song is selected, there is a high-res image of the album/cover art displayed to the left. This got me thinking, it has to be stored somewhere for it to show it. I did some digging and found a folder in the file system for just that purpose. Full-sized art in unencrypted jpg format is "cached" in separate folders on the hard drive.
With a SSH or FTP-enabled Apple TV, navigate to /mnt/Scratch/private/tmp/Front Row/Images
There, folders contain the cover art of all music/TV shows/movies that was selected in the last browsing session!
There will also be the low-res images there, but ignore them. The high-res images will be named original.jpg.
Keep Your K7 Account Alive
Photo by Leonid Mamchenkov
Ben, like others, needs a fax number maybe once a year. Web-based fax service K7 will delete your account after 30 days of non-use. To help others get around this, he sent in a tip that has been working for him:
Some people just remember to call the number to keep it going, but I found a few free weekly fax newsletters (who would have thought they still exist). The best one that requires no effort to sign up for and comes every week is Bus Weekly. Just go to this site and fill in the required info, with your K7 number, and make sure you put on there to receive newsletter by fax. Didn't want to share until I was sure it is consistent, but it is. Every single week.
Remove Lily Seeds to Protect Your Cat
Photo by *Micky
Matthias sent in a tip that removes the anthers (seeds) from lilies to protect your cat from some plant poisoning:
I made this video as it occurred to me that a regular trick I perform with my vacuum cleaner may help many people save time and protect their cats from a painful, unnecessary death.
Healthier Movie Theater Style Popcorn at Home
Photo by superiphi
TobiasToad read Get Movie Theater Popcorn at Home for Pennies on the Dollar and suggested a healthier way to make popcorn at home, while losing the Whirley-Pop:
I'd recommend against a WhirleyPop. They cost $25, they break easily (plastic moving parts on a pot that you put on the stove?), and they use up a lot of space. Not to mention they just plain don't do a very good job, since they stir instead of shake, letting popcorn sit on the bottom and burn.
Instead, grab a stove-proof container (whether it's a light-bottomed metal pot, or a metal bowl), drop in some popcorn and a dollop of your oil of choice (I use olive). Cover with a piece of aluminum foil, punch a couple holes with a knife, and shake it over med-high heat. You might need oven mitts. Voila, better popcorn than a WhirlyPop in 3 minutes flat, and you didn't have to buy a $25 clunky device.
And if you want to get all epicurean, there's a lot of variation you can do with popcorn. I've tried:
-Pop and top with duck fat instead of oil/butter, sprinkle a little sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
-Top with truffle oil, butter, salt, pepper
-Pop in bacon fat, then top with crumbled crispy bacon pieces and bacon salt
-Mix a little soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and cayenne pepper, and spritz on with a spray bottle
-Top with garlic + butterDon't use that "movie theater style" butter crap. It's pure palm oil, which they use because it's got great texture, doesn't spoil at room temperature, and is liquid-ish at room temperature. It's also pretty much the most unhealthy thing you can eat, next to crude oil. Seriously, topping your popcorn with pure lard is healthier.