Frequently Zephyred Questions...

This document is a collection of questions which appear frequently on zephyr. The questions are organized by category, and most have answers.

Send better answers and/or more questions to sprite@cs.cmu.edu.

...concerning non-technical topics other than zephyr.

This page contains questions that concern non-technical non-zephyr topics.

Library

How do I change my Unicorn library catalog PIN? 
- telnet hathorne.library.cmu.edu
- user: Remote
- pass: Catalog
- pin:  Access
- choose vt100 (or whatever)
- enter to start
- begin to continue initialization
- choose user self-service information (4)
- choose user pin change
- enter your ssn (or cmu id #) and its last 4 digits as the original pin.
- enter new pin.
(See also the official instructions.)
- 2 Dec 1996
Why should I change my Unicorn PIN?
If your PIN is numeric, the Hunt Library automatic checkout device will let you check out books with it (this is arguably a feature.) The default value for the PINs is numeric and, shall we say, easy to guess.
- 2 Dec 1996
What is the Pitt library borrowing policy for CMU students? How can I get a Pitt library card?
See http://www.library.pitt.edu/policies/circ/. (Make sure your ID has a validation sticker! If it doesn't, go get one from the Hub.)
- 15 Mar 1997

Mail, FedEx, UPS, ZIP+4

When does the little post office in the old navy building close? What is the latest/earliest snail mail pickup on campus?
The office is open to 4:30 with last pickup theoretically at 4:15. There is 5 pm pickup at the mailbox in front of National City. The mailbox at Scaife has 5 pm (and 2:45 pm) but no morning pickup, and Hunt Library and Warner both have 9 am and 5 pm.
- 3 Feb 1997
Summer hours: The post office is open 8:00-4:00. (If you just missed it, you can buy a stamp from the CS main office instead.)
- 7 Jul 1998
How about FedEx? UPS?
Last pickups are believed to be
Location of Hamerschlag fedex box: "it's on the "ground" level.... i.e. if you were driving on frew street and headed into the parking lot, passing scaife on your left...if you head directly straight you will crash your car into the side of the building; jump out of your car just before it explodes and enter the door straight in front of you. you will see both a fedex box and a ups box"
- 1 Jun 1999
(New UPS box) UPS has placed an evening drop-off box on the fourth floor of NSH, next to the central fire stair entrance. Pickups will be done there at 6 p.m. weekdays.
- 24 Sep 2001
Online ZIP+4 (zip code) lookup?
The online USPS ZIP+4 code finder is at http://www.usps.gov/ncsc/lookups/lookup_zip%2b4.html.
- 3 Mar 1997
what is the magical address to have things sent directly to the main office via UPS?
DON'T use 5000 Forbes Ave 
Name
CMU, School of Computer Science
Wean Hall 4212
Pittsburgh, PA  15213

- 18 Apr 1997
Note: If you're having things sent via FedEx, you can have them sent directly to your office (change 4212 to appropriate number, presumably.)
- 4 Nov 1997
When you receive a COD [Cash On Delivery shipment], do they want cash, or "cash"? can you inspect the goods? do you know when they will arrive? when is COD a good idea?
There is "cash" and then there is "cash" - normally you can just give a check, but the sender can specify that only a cashiers check or money order or real cash be accepted. If you are selling something, this is the right thing to do. It's called a "Cash COD"
UPS: won't allow inspection of goods delivered COD. That is, they said over the phone "the driver is supposed to receive the money before he hands you the package". UPS has tracking (more on that below.)
FedEx: WILL allow the receiver of the package to inspect it. [This means you can look at the item, but you have no way to tell whether it works.] The receiver cannot use cash; check, certified check, or money order only. Sender has option to limit to certified check or money order. FedEx only ships COD from somebody that has an "account number". FedEx has tracking (more on that below.)
USPS: will deliver COD, less expensive, but you can't track from the web. USPS does not allow inspection of a package sent COD, and allows you to pay for it in cash or with a personal check. No credit cards.
Random advice: "Never ever prepay for anything you order from an individual unless maybe if you know them... With COD, although the driver is usually not willing to wait for you to inspect, the sender is required to write on the ticket what the contents are, and the shippers frown on lying for obvious reasons. This gives you some extra leverage should something go wrong." Beware of buying defective goods "where the problem can not be observed externally. For example NEVER EVER buy a VCR COD. If you are lucky the delivery person will let you make sure that it is a VCR. No one will let you check if it works." "don't count on being able to inspect." Rumors of cases where "the sender claimed that 'it was working before' and 'it broke while shipping'."
- 6 Jun 1997
Anyone have any knowledge regarding the accuracy of the (UPS) tracking info made available via http://www.ups.com/?
"generally very accurate. i've tracked 2 packages from the west coast to the east, and they always show up when the page says they will. one was from Canada even"
- 6 Jun 1997
Why does UPS tracking say my package is in New Stanton? Why drive past PGH?
New Stanton is UPS's main depot for this area.
- 6 Jun 1997
(more UPS vs. FedEx...)
"problem with ups tracking is they make you pay extra to get that useful info" [even though they have the info for every package anyway.]
"its worth it. UPS is also faster than USMAIL"
"fedex gives you tracking info for the cost of shipping the package"
"UPS tends to be cheaper than fedex."
- 6 Jun 1997
What's the difference between registered and certified mail? Can I get a receipt for mail? Can I trace mail?
certification provides proof you sent it, and it's not your fault if the recipient never gets it. registered mail has to be signed for, by every postal employee that handles it. more 'spensive. You can insure registered mail, and (i think) you can also insure certified mail but the limit is lower.
fair warning: if you ever actually have to do a certified mail trace (yellow trace card), i hope you aren't under a time constraint. traces take months.
You can always get a receipt on any mail (remind the postal clerk about the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) passage about mailing receipts). You can trace non-certified mail too. If you go to the post office, and tell them a piece of mail was not delivered and you want to trace it, they'll give you a form. But their success rate is not very high.
- 10 Jun 1997
Hi, I want to mail-order some stuff from (insert vendor here) and I wondered if anyone else wants to amortize shipping costs.
See /afs/cs/user/dpelleg/public/morpp/bin/morpp
morpp is a tool to help people find other people who want to buy things from the same vendor. (it is up to yinz to actually arrange/organize the purchase.)
- 5 Nov 1999

Phone

International telephone code for the USA is 1?
Yes.
- 20 Aug 1997
Where can I reverse-lookup a phone number? Which web site(s) will map phone number to user/business?

- 2 May 1997
URL for a good online phone directory?

- 5 Jun 1997
What is the cmu equivalent of *69?
"I don't see a *69 feature mentioned on http://www.telecom.cc.cmu.edu/help/dialing_help.html."
- 5 May 1997
How do I transfer a phone call here? How do I <random funky verb> a phone call?
'man phones' or http://www.cs.cmu.edu/People/clamen/Phones.html or http://www.telecom.cc.cmu.edu/help/dialing_help.html
- 4 Aug 1997
I'm thinking of getting a cell-phone, just so that I can call out in (car, bike) emergencies. Any recommendations for good deals on low usage?
Of the two providers, Bell Atlantic (BANM) had a cheaper deal than AT&T. $12/month if you tell them you're with CMU. And if you give them someone's name, they get a $10 credit.
Sprint has a good deal (no service contract, first 6 months free) also, BUT it is for PCS phones, which are different technology, and their area of coverage is VERY limited. Last time someone checked, Sprint don't reach well into WeH36xx land. They have a brochure of the exchanges you can reach.
If you get BANM, they have either the flat rate plan or the peak/off-peak plans. Choose the one that gives you the cheapest rates based on your calling patterns.
AT&T has some deal with 600 off-peak minutes free. Note that 1 minute 1 second = 2 minutes.
- 21 May 1997
is there a qualitative difference between the phones? does each just have one brand, or are the choices about the same?
The company only deals with the calling plan. You pick whatever phone you want, to an extent:
SPRINT: Sony (Qualcom)
AT&T: Motorola / Nokia / Ericson
BANM: Motorola / Nokoa / Audiovox / Sony (Qualcom)
- 21 May 1997
What's the phone number for the "alternate" 28.8 dialup (the non-683-0111 one)
"man dialup" (may be out of date) or 621-3528
- 22 Jul 1997
Someone just tried to send a fax to my officemate via my ear. How can I forward the call if it happens again?
Read 'phone forward' and 'phone transfer' for almost-help, (flash the phone hook and dial the number of a fax machine), 'phone fax' to get the fax number at CS main office.
- 6 Apr 1998
My phone has been forwarded to some random off-campus location. How did this happen and how do I fix it?
This is due to the "new" 724 area code and people forgetting to dial "9" before off-campus calls... on the CMU centrex phone system, you dial "172" and then a phone number to forward your line to that number. So if you forget the 9 in 9-1-724-555-2368, you have just dialed "forward my line to 455-5236". You can un-forward your line by dialing "173". (If this does not work, email skees@cs.)
- 4 May 1999
in the old days you used to type 
119 -- center number --  alalalala
to get a call automatically charged to a center. has this "changed"? as soon as I type 119 I get an "ERROR"
yes, this has changed completely. They implemented this change because of the center number changes. [The university accounting system recently changed. There were many spamful announcements regarding this.] For our convenience, the oracle system will use 30 digit account numbers. The centrex system won't take 30 digit account numbers, so they introduced a new system where you are assigned a 8 digit code for any center number you request phone system access for. You have to find out that number/ask skees to get one for your account. Then you dial 122 + code + phone number
- 3 Nov 1999
When does 10-digit dialing become mandatory, and why?
"In August, 2001 a new area code --- 878 --- will be activated in the Pittsburgh area. This will be an overlay onto the existing 412 and 724 area codes. An overlay means that no telephone numbers will change and the geographical boundaries of the new area code are the same as those area codes it overlays.
But an overlay means that 10-digit dialing will become mandatory. Any call made within or between area codes 412 or 724 will require all ten digits to be dialed. The current schedule calls for mandatory 10-digit dialing to begin July 12, 2001. On July 12, 2000 permissive 7- or 10- digit dialing within and between area codes 412 and 724 will begin (you will not have to dial the "1" when dialing between area codes as you do now). This should give you time to get used to the new dialing plan as well as to reprogram and telephone equipment, such as speed dialers, that stores telephone [numbers]."
- 19 Jun 2000

Life at CMU / in CSD

When is the TG? Where is the TG? (Is there a TG this week?)
Try asking on instance "tg" or "graffiti.tg". (If you have not gotten mail indicating that there will be a TG this week, it is generally safe to assume there won't be. If you you are not on the mailing list and want to be, send mail to decfive.)
How can I check my LQ status? What is the lq?
Finger lq@cs for answers.
How can I check the coke machine status without exerting myself?
Finger coke@cs.
Where is the Departmental Cameras web page? How do I see the lounge coffeepots from my office?
You can now see the coffee in the lounge, and images from various other departmental cameras, at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~pdinda/cam.html.
- 24 Jan 1997
new! ConstructionCam
- 30 Oct 1998
Is there a designated fish microwave? (Why is nuking fish Considered Harmful?)
It has been said that nuking fish creates a wide-area-effect smell that even fish lovers find objectionable. It may be ok to use one of the two 2nd floor microwaves (by the vending machines), in the absence of complaints to the contrary.
- 31 Jan 1997
What's the phone number/hours for the athletic center equipment desk?
Hours: M-F 6am-midnight, S-S 10am-10pm
Phone: 268-1236
- 10 Oct 1996
Hey it's winter/spring/summer break - what are the funky UC hours?
try kosak's page
- 9 Dec 1998
also, spring break (2000) shuttle/escort hours
- 21 Mar 2000
How late is the pool in the UC open normally?
Pool hours for the fall '99 semester are:
Mon-Fri: 7am - 8am, 11:30am - 1:15pm, 6:45pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 1pm - 5pm
- 19 Aug 1999
what is the phone number for the hub? 'phone hub' doesn't work.
try 'phone registrar' : x8-8186
- 22 May 1997
How do I transfer a phone call here? How do I <random funky verb> a phone call?
'man phones' or http://www.cs.cmu.edu/People/clamen/Phones.html or http://www.telecom.cc.cmu.edu/help/dialing_help.html
- 4 Aug 1997
I seem to recall mention on zephyr years ago about a secret CMU crack squad that would examine your work space, and offer advice towards reducing chances of RSI... ?
"I believe Environmental Health and Safety will do this for you. (x8-8182)"
- 27 May 1997
How the hell are we supposed to register online? where at https://esprit.as.cmu.edu/ am I supposed to be?
You want https://esprit.as.cmu.edu/olr/
Or click on "Online registration" from the hub page.
- 24 Nov 1998
Help - I have to find a room in cryptic-abbreviation-building (HbH, HH, SH, SC, EDSH, UCC, UC, ...) What building is it?
Here is a list of all the cryptic consonants and the buildings they refer to http://www.cmu.edu/ba/hr/camp_directory/bldg.html (you can also try the quotebot/definebot on zephyr.)
- 25 Aug 1999
Tell me about late night and weekend entry now that there are these gnarly card readers!
The system should open with any valid CMU ID card that has a magnetic strip. Locking will start 12/21/00.
You will be able to go out any external door but there are a limited number of doors that you will be able to get back in! (Internally you can get from NSH to Wean, Doherty to Wean, and vice versa, this will not change.)
NSH will still be SCS-secured internally. If you are not SCS, the only University-secured external entrance is the main third-floor entrance (i.e. the one facing Smith). NSH internal security reader foo is administered by Jim Skees and Paul Stockhausen; for problems with University security system, see the campus police.
Wean will have only 3 exterior doors that you can go in: the main entrances on 1 and 5, and one of the many doors on 4. The accessible door on 4 is the one with the ramp (not the three doors that have stairs), which is next to Wean 4604.
While the rest of Wean becomes more restricted, 1300 corridor is made less restricted: previously there was a key lock for occupants only, but now it will have its own card reader and any University weirdo can wander in and out. You too.
Doherty will have 4 accessible exterior doors: the first floor entrance on the main cut, the first floor handicapped entrance on the Hamerschlag mall, the loading dock in the rear of the building, and the B-level entrance to the Art Department area.
- 14 Dec 2000
Will this make me feel more secure? What about tail-gating? Also, what if I use the wrong card, and wind up filling WeH with unleaded?
Beats me.
- 14 Dec 2000
What are the locking hours.
"The new security measure will cause members of the university community to swipe their Carnegie Mellon ID card through the entry device to gain access to Doherty, Newell-Simon and Wean from 10 p.m. ­ 6 a.m., Monday through Thursday and from 10 p.m., Friday, to 6 a.m., Monday."
- 23 Feb 2001
When is the next bus leaving CMU for Squill?
mihaib wrote a small script which will display the next 10 buses leaving from CMU towards uptown.
Give it a try; it is either in /afs/cs/usr/mihaib/scripts/nextbus.pl or in www.cs.cmu.edu/~mihaib/ftp/nextbus.pl
Right now the data is not updated automatically from PAT, but this is scheduled for the next release.
- 1 Feb 2001

Transportation + housing

(To be Bovik at travel sites that require a password, see below.)
What websites have people found to be "good" for getting cheap fares?
people suggested:
expedia
www.orbitz.com (uses itasoftware)
hotwire.com
"site59.com can be cool for last minute trips" (i.e. "this weekend or next")
"Have you tried statravel? They've given me a consolidator-low fare recently."
some people still use ye olde travelocity or other sites below:
- 13 Aug 2001
What airlines have bargain tickets available on the web?
Probably all of them. The USAir program is the most useful for travel to/from Pgh.
- 15 Jan 1997
What services do people use to book airline tickets on the web?
Three major sites that sell regular airline tickets are:
http://www.expedia.com/
http://www.itn.net/
http://www.travelocity.com/
There are also consolidators that might or might not have a cheaper fare for the flight you want:
http://www.travelsecrets.com/
http://www.tiss.com/
- 8 May 1997
"I want to recommend www.easysabre.com to everyone doing travelling. User interface is primitive, but it lets you monitor what the travel agencies actually see. Amazingly effective."
- 16 Apr 1998
[easysabre has been phased out by travelocity; so much for that]
anyone have an 28X airport flyer schedule?
at PAT web site: now http://www.ridegold.com; they have obviously been sacrificing at the altar of Form Over Content, and things keep moving around so you will have to hunt for it yourself. (Or, you can pick up a paper copy in the UC.)
- 31 Mar 2000
The 28X schedule at /afs/cs/user/marius/www/28X has been updated to save you from the pain of ridegold.com.
- 25 Jul 2000
Other random airline related stuff:
"Here is some travel news from Forbes Travel: All US airports have instituted a new - and very time consuming - procedure for all passengers checking bags. Airlines must match every bag to each individual passenger before all departures. Please advise all travelers to allow for long, long lines at check-in. If you have one bag not matching a passenger on board a particular aircraft the flight cannot depart."
"Actually it is just an experiment for a month and only in 16 airports, but they will not tell you the "chosen" ones"
"Is this particularly different from how things work at most airports abroad?"
"no, but matching bags is currently done for international flights only. This (matching bags) is why you get advised to be at the airport 2 hours before international flights while 35 min are enough for local flights"
- 15 May 1997
I got a ticket at a broken parking meter. What can I do?
"If you get a ticket while parked at a meter you know (or believe) to be broken call 255-2585 and report the meter (make sure the meter number is on the ticket and that it agrees with the meter you parked at). These folks will check the meter out and then send you mail indicating whether you need to go to traffic court - or (as in my recent case) you can just send in the ticket & their letter, and not worry about it at all."
- 10 Oct 1996 (actually older, sender unknown)
Where and what is the Parking Ticket Page?
"Got a parking ticket? Share it with the rest of us on http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~pdinda/ticket.html!
I'm hoping that a small database of parking ticket information will provide useful statistics on how, where, and when parking tickets are written, so that we'll be able to avoid them. Another possible use is to form a parking ticket risk pool (insurance model, or possibly put option model) so that parking can be purchased in a very fine granularity at market-determined prices."
(Or, if nothing else, this is your chance to rant.)
- 18 Feb 1997
more information about CMU parking violations?
here
- 9 Dec 1998
What to do with an old car: can I donate it to charity?
Goodwill will take your car, whether or not it runs. They will pick it up with a tow truck, no expense. You get a receipt for between the tradein and retail value of the car.
- 10 Mar 1997
I want to become a PA resident.. taxes, driver's license, voting, all that. How annoying will it be to change my unexpired out-of-state license to a PA license? Do I get to keep the old one?
It is entirely painless now. Bring your current license, social security card, and a check or money order (not cash), and you will only have to take a vision exam... no need to learn anything. I took a 61 bus downtown to the State Office Building (300 Liberty), which closes at 4:15 (see helpful official page for more locations, hours, and other details.) They will also register you to vote if you like. And no, you do not get to keep your old license - they do not give it back.
I believe you can also get a state id card there, if you don't drive and just want an official photo id (I overheard a teenager there getting one to replace a suspended license..)
- 17 Aug 1998
How do I get a US Passport?
"This is the information you want. I used it two months ago; it is still current.
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mwm/passport.html (Obtaining a US Passport in Pittsburgh)
and the fees were:
45$ to "Passport Services"
15$ to "Allegheny County Treasurer"
- 28 May 1999
What is a Bike Friday and why does psu keep ++ing it?
"a bike friday is a 20inch wheeled touring/racing/mountain bike that has a foldable frame. it folds relatively easily into a normal sized suitcase, so you don't have to pay to fly your bike around. it rides, as far as i can tell, just like my road bike. it is the best bike i ever owned."
- 2 Apr 1997
I heard something about bike lockers on campus?
"Parking Services is offering bicycle lockers for those who have a bicycle on campus or would like to commute to campus by bicycle. Anyone who holds a current FY97 registration (sticker on the bike) can lease one of the lockers on a first-come, first-served basis. The lockers are made of steel and totally enclose the bicycle. They also have room for a helmet, riding shoes, etc. Lockers are available in the following areas: Hamburg/Smith Courtyard; Hamburg Motorcycle Lot; Gesling Stadium Concourse; and Physical Plant/Robotics Plaza."
"--If your bike is not registered, you may register it free at the Campus Police Department in the Student Center. Lockers may be leased for $15 per month at the Parking Office in the East Campus Garage. There is a $5 key deposit."
- 22 May 1997
Is there a cmu web site (or other handy info source) listing local apartments for rent?
"there's the obvious choice of the housing office. they have nifty handouts every week with listings of various sized abodes"
"Newsgroups are best - pgh.apartments and cmu.misc.market.apartments also, you could go to the housing office in morewood, for a list of landlords"
- 2 Apr 1997
Is the list annotated with reviews, e.g. "flaky psychopathic bastard"?
They do (or did) keep student feedback and pass it on to you, about each landlord.
- 2 Apr 1997

Food/drugs

How do I get to Fajita Grill? Are they open now?
Fajita Grill closed their restaurant in the South Hills and are now open in Shadyside on Ellsworth. (They also have a booth in the University Center.)
"nice place (two floor converted house), food still good, but as feared, higher prices. Flauta/chimichanga $6.50, burrito $8.50, fajitas $9.50 (veg) & $12.50-14.50 (meat), most dinners $14.50."
- 27 Aug 1997
Fish microwave?
See above
Is the coffeehouse in the UC open?
The "Skibo Coffeehouse" hours are 11:30 am to 2 am during the week, and 5 pm to 2 am on weekends.
- 23 oct 1997
(see "life at cmu" section above for seasonal hours of on-campus food and other UC offerings.)
24 hour drugstore?
"Thrift Drug, Miracle Mile Shopping Center, Monroeville, 372-5288"
- 17 Apr 1997
"for the zarchive ..."
"vending-machine tampons a quarter in Wean; a dime in the Old Student Center and the UC" (bet 85% of you didn't want to know that :)
- 6 May 1997
Vendor hours in Perlis Atrium, NSH?
starting 10 Apr 2000
  La Prima Espresso -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays

  AVI Main Street -- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays

  Yum Wok/Lu Lu's Noodles -- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday
  and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays

- 5 Apr 2000
What is this about a department espresso machine? Where do I donate money and what are the benefits?
See the Espresso Machine for Wean page.
- 28 Jun 2000
Does aspirin ever really expire? I have a bottle in my desk with claims "expires 6/98". Should I care?
Yes. Acetylsalicylic acid can break down into acetic acid (vinegar smell in very-expired aspirin bottle) and salicylic acid (could cause irritation to your stomach lining and maybe mucous membranes along the way). Basically you will be back to willow bark derivatives - better to chuck it out unless you are desparate.
- 27 Sep 2000

Money, Banks, Taxes

What's the best bank?
All banks suck in varying ways, so it depends on which way you would like the bank to suck least. Some suck less than others in an absolute sense; there don't seem to be significant complaints about Dollar. Some kinds of suckage are reserved for non-customers: fee or thumbprint for cashing checks drawn on NatCity or PNC; charges for ATM use. There are several useful discussions in the logs, usually on an instance containing "bank".
Dollar has free online banking now. PNC has non-free online banking.
The National City ATM in Porter/Baker doesn't charge a fee.
- 29 Aug 1997
"As of 2am this morning, the only ATM I could find at Pittsburgh airport that didn't charge a fee was the employees credit union one (on your right as you walk in on the top level)."
- 6 Aug 1997
What is that online-only bank that people were recommending on zephyr a while ago?
SFNB. Among other things, some number of "free" ATM transactions (they don't charge you, but as noted above the "foreign" ATM can), and some number of free electronic bill payments, per month. Online enticement includes rates and fees and six month free trial.
- 4 Aug 1997
Online tax forms?
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/People/dkindred/irs/
scads of stuff from the IRS site cached at CMU for your convenience and last-minute downloading joy.
- "tax year 1998"
Does someone have a local stash of IRS tax forms? I need Schedule Foo.
dkindred++ has various tax forms in http://www.cs.cmu.edu/People/dkindred/irs/pdf/.
- 14 Apr 1998
Do you have to include a copy of your federal tax forms in your state and local tax returns?
"no. in fact, the fed irs is not allowed to share their data with state or city irs." But there was some disagreement with this since the IRS can share with foreign parts, and some people remember including a copy for arbitrary non-PA states or getting a letter from the city of Pittsburgh.
"I remember seeing someone ask if the IRS and state tax departments can exchange info. For the record, the PA EZ instructions form says that they do. (page 2, middle column)"
(So, if they ask for a copy, include a copy, I guess.)
- 31 Mar 1997
Where do I get the magic "no tax on stipend" letter?
"For filing state and local taxes, Karen Olack has already printed out the letters for everyone, saying that the stipend is not taxable. Just drop by her office to pick them up."
- 31 Mar 1997
Is it better to (file, not file) a pgh tax form even if I have no tax liability and expect no refund? That is, do I send the magic letter alone or should I file a return with the letter?
"according to Karen, if you do not file, 3 years from now Pgh will learn from the IRS that you had income and an address in Pgh and will come after you." (So file a return with the letter.)
- 1 Apr 1997 (no kidding)
Can you write off moving expenses? (on federal income tax)
Maybe, if they were not reimbursed by your employer - for a great many details, which form it is, and a summary of the "rules", see the zephyr logs 1-Jul-1997 on "help.taxes".
speaking of credit history: can I request my credit report somewhere?
Generally speaking you can't get it free anymore.. cost about $7-8/report. You can order one online for $8 at equifax
"I got a free credit report by signing up for the "get a credit report every 3 months for only $$$ per year" offer than one card sent me, and then cancelling as soon as I got the first report"
"The queries you see on a credit report from companies matching your record for promotional offers aren't given to companies asking queries, only to you. A query for a new loan will show up differently, and will be given to other companies asking for your report."
- 13 Nov 1997
what's the best credit-card deal these days if you pay off every month? There's some web site with a bunch of credit-card info, right?
http://www.ece.gatech.edu/~flur/cards.html
- 10 Dec 1997

Other other

I hear Wean windows can be opened?
"Hint: If you go to a hardware store and get one of those 'special garbage disposal unclogging wrenches,' that is the right size for the WeH windows."
- 6 May 1997
What time is it in [random city]?
Try http://www.west.net/~lindley/zone/ or http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/tzones.html (also has time zone map) or search for time zone in yahoo for other time-zone-query pages.
- 21 Aug 1997
What is the longitude/latitude of Wean? I'm using M-x sunrise-sunset.
Wean Hall: 40:26:46.302N 79:56:55.903W.
(-79.977 40.439) to (-79.978 40.440) is an accuracy of 0.07 miles.
- 26 Mar 1998
I'm presenting a paper at a conference in a couple weeks. Should I have business cards, for anyone that asks, or are they not real useful?
"Yes, they are handy to have. It's bad etiquette to not give a business card in return when offered one. Also, some of us do actually keep and use the things. They are also very useful for dealing with non-CS type people.
You can probably get your advisor to pay for printing up 500 or so, and that's enough for the rest of your graduate career, I think. Printing Services takes about a week to complete them, so start now. Don't put anything in for "title" - no one is impressed by "graduate student." Also, put your url on it, since if you don't have one people will think you come from some strange backwater."
- 8 May 1997
What's the Dec/5 Amazon gateway (http://gs213.sp.cs.cmu.edu:8303/) supposed to do? I saw it mentioned in the zarchive, without much followup.
The idea is to transfer some of the book profits to DEC/5. Where you would normally see "add to shopping basket" you'll see "add to bovik's picks", which will lead you to a page with a link to follow to amazon to order the book "via" dec/5.
- 4 Nov 1997
Also at http://decfive.sp.cs.cmu.edu/ apparently.
- 23 Jun 1998
Speaking of bovik... I want to use the www.<foo>.com web site, but they require tedious user registration. Is there already a username/password I can use to gain access to "foo"?
Harry Bovik has made his web site registration usernames and passwords available to us, so that you can find this out.
- 21 Apr 1998
Is there a website somewhere that documents these kinds of neverending email viruses? [insert spam forwarded by well-meaning but clueless relative]
Refer the sender to one of these sites:
http://www.urbanlegends.com/
http://www.snopes.com
http://www.hoaxkill.com
- 23 Jun 1999
Anyone know a good city of pittsburgh web site that might tell me the bulk trash day for my neighborhood?
try this (areas around here are believed to be central/eastern)
- 14 Jul 1999
I hate removing the sticky tape strip along the top of a new music CD.
"i have a way to defeat this..."
You pry open the case so that the strip acts as the hinge. That is, slightly bend the case's bottom hinge so it pops out of the joint. then you can lift the door right up.
It makes it really easy to remove the tape because it's no longer tightly connected to the case. Try it, you'll never go back.
- 4 Dec 2000

Above section was last updated 8 Oct 1996 unless otherwise noted.

Last modified: Mon Dec 10 14:55:10 EST 2001 Thanks to all those who have submitted questions and answers.
sprite@cs.cmu.edu