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A few years ago, I got mildly interested in modern LED torches (flashlights, to those of you west of the Atlantic).  I settled on a Fenix L1D, a model I think they no longer make, and was very impressed with the light output from a small torch with a single high-quality LED and a single AA battery.  Indeed, sometimes it's too bright.

There are still plenty of premium models around from the likes of Fenix themselves, LED Lenser, Maglite, Ansmann and others, but lately I see every outlet rife with dirt-cheap multi-LED torches that may not be of such quality, but still deliver a lot of light at low cost.

If you aren't an emergency services professional, or the like, and just want a torch for around the house and garden, or for carrying in your car, is there really any point now in buying an expensive top-brand model?

FWIW  I have one of these little guys and it's bright enough to see where you are stepping in total darkness.  I like it because it uses only 1 AAA.  You can twist it to keep it on or hold the button on the end.

It has similar looks and feel of a Maglite.  I've dropped it a few times but I haven't run over it with a vehicle.

Mine was a premium (free) but they're only 4 bucks USD + shipping (which may be more than 4 bucks; you know ... across the pond and all).   

This little otter gets some swimming lessons from mom.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4ELyQQp_yU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4ELyQQp_yU</a>

Sure glad humans don't *learn* this way. 

[J-Mac]

crabby,

I know that but you hadn't mentioned what OS you are running up till now. Actually you haven't really described the problem very well so far. I understand that you say you are not very well-versed technologically, but you need to at least give us the basics that you can. OS and edition (Windows 7, Vista, XP, etc.), Firefox version, what Comcast/Xfinity software have you installed? Or did Comcast install software on your computer when they set up your service? E.g., was the Comcast software that they try to get you to install when starting their service installed by you or a Comcast tech? Is the Comcast/Xfinity "Constant Guard" so-called security software installed by you or Comcast? The Comcast toolbar?

What AntiVirus and/or AntiMalware software is installed? Firewall? If you can try to gather up as much as that information as possible it would help a lot!

Thanks!

Jim

So many questions ... so little time ...  

I guess nobody reads other peoples DC signatures?  Mine has been at the bottom of ALL of my posts ever since DC let me put it there.  You know ... yours is J-Mac in bold blue letters.  Mine is my current OS and browser in tiny little black letters.  If you've chosen to block signatures in your Look and Layout Preferences ... oh well.  

As far as not describing the problem very well?  I did the best I could in the very beginning when I started this New Topic.  Sorry but you'll have to scroll up to the top or down to the bottom to read it.  (Also in Look and Layout.)

This first post also includes what I did, before I came to DC, to look for a possible cause of the problem.  BTW the problem is gone ... in case you didn't know.  

The only thing Comcast *did for me* was hook me up outdoors, supply me with 100' of indoor cable w/ F-connectors (ran it myself), phone in my/their modem's MAC Address and assign me a password.

Nobody installed any software, them or me, and I've never had their Constant Guard pos.  I started using Comcast about 6 years ago, before they tacked on Xfinity, and never had this issue until a few days ago.  I didn't include this info the first sentence originally because it didn't seem important.

The only Comcast toolbar I have is the one at the top of Comcast Xfinity's home page.  I didn't physically install a Comcast toolbar.

The AntiVirus and AntiMalware I have is also listed in the first post.  (Sorry ... more scrolling)  

The Firewall is what came with my version of Windows.

Guess that's all of it?

You're welcome!

c3

[J-Mac]

Sounds like you installed the Comcast/Xfinity Self-Install Kit. Bad mojo! Try this link and see if anything there helps: http://blog.ryanparman.com/2011/07/07/remove-comcastxfinity-start-page-from-firefox-mac/

Jim

Thanks for your advice J-Mac but I think I'll leave well-enough-alone.  As of today the problem that started this Topic is gone. (Xfinity Search Engine is back the way it was).

I use Windows BTW (please see my DC signature) so maybe you could provide a walkthrough link for a Windows OS?   

FWIW:  This was a relatively recent issue, less than a week, and I started using Comcast long before Xfinity was tacked on.  It's been about 6 years since I installed but I can't recall how or what I used.   

I did something right yesterday ... but I don't know what.   

I tried using the Comcast Xfinity search box this morning and the results page came up looking like it used to (my normal).   

Maybe installing the Google search engine changed something?  Or maybe I was visited by the IT Guardians?   

Both the Comcast and Search Results pages are in compatibility mode now ... but I tried this yesterday, before the Google install, and it didn't help.

Not knowing the cure is almost as bad as the problem itself.

Not really sure where to put this, but...

It's pretty funky:

http://bitsyn.com/

Just some drawing on the screen, but very trippy. And that's all the site does. Worth a few seconds to check it out.

Would this be easy or hard to create?   

This is a quote from my DC bio:

I'm not a computer geek. (no disrespect intended) I barely know the difference between software and hardware. (just kidding but close) I just don't have the interest.

I've tried to become more computer-savvy but the interest or brain cells just aren't there.   

Sorry for the confusion. 

Just installed Google and it works fine.    So... I'll just use it instead and keep Comcast as my *Bad-News Provider*.

Perhaps I missed something, but I'm not sure what you mean by "just installed Google and it works fine."  What do you mean by "Google"?  The search engine?  Gmail?  Google Reader (which is about to disappear)?  How is "Google" a substitute for Comcast?  I'm not trying to be snide, I simply don't understand.

The search engine; yes.  Renegade suggested to switch browsers (reply #2 above) so I picked Google.  I planned to use it instead of the search box at the top of the Comcast Xfinity home page; which is what I have been using.   

Google isn't a substitute for Comcast.  It's an add-on substitute for Comcast Xfinity's search box.   

Just installed Google and it works fine.    So... I'll just use it instead and keep Comcast as my *Bad-News Provider*.

Thanks all!   

I've run into that with some sites if I'm blocking javascript on them.

If you have a script blocker installed (and you should) try whitelisting the site you're having problems with and see if that fixes it.

Luck!

Don't know how to tell if I have a script blocker.  I did uninstall Java about a month ago.

Lately when I use the search box at the top of Comcast Xfinity's homepage a white page comes up and ALL of the text is flush left.  And the Search Results are about half way down ... also flush left.

Is this a computer virus issue?

Compatibility view does nothing.
Switching search engines does nothing.
Avast boot-time scan ... nothing found
MBAM scan ... nothing
SuperAntiSpyware ... nothing
Deleting everything you can delete in Browsing History ... nothing

If I launch IE9 without add-ons the browser works fine.

Anyone seen this before?   

[Primary Reason:]

Primary Reason:  I've been saving this option for when I make a really, really bad decision, dollar amount wise, because I don't want to be put on their s**t-list.

Most larger companies have 'em.  It's somewhat similar to what (US) auto insurance companies do, when you're involved in a accident; that wasn't your fault, they jack your rates. 

Now there's a good reason to have multiple credit cards, if I ever saw one. 

Actually I have 1 bank debit card... not a real credit card.    Never believed in spending money I don't have yet. 

Who's the sexiest scientist of all time?


What?!?! Seriously? Pfft...  

I'd have to say Amy Mainzer is at the top of my list.  

And this is more about her.  http://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Mainzer/   

[NOTE:]

Getting the run-around and no promised refund? Go straight to your credit card company or Paypal, whichever one you used to pay for it. Tell them the problem and let them handle it.

It was a loooong time ago, but I once had a similar circumstance and the company actually did respond and told me they wouldn't give me a refund because they felt the issue was my computer and not their software (blame bugs on the user?)

Well, I called the credit card company and told them, and described the behavior of my computer when the bug was activated...in graphic detail...described it as acting like it had malware. (it did act that way!)

I got a prompt refund, direct from the credit card company. Paypal will also issue similar refunds if you can not get the other party to deliver one himself.

NOTE: Never do this to acquire free software. Reserve this for the companies that won't play fair. Only use this to go over their heads and force them to do what they should have done.

I did get my money back.  

I knew I could complain to my credit card company but I wouldn't have.  I would've just added it to my bad-decisions list.  Why not report it?

Primary Reason:  I've been saving this option for when I make a really, really bad decision, dollar amount wise, because I don't want to be put on their s**t-list.

Most larger companies have 'em.  It's somewhat similar to what (US) auto insurance companies do, when you're involved in a accident; that wasn't your fault, they jack your rates.  

Second:  It was only 29.97 USD.  For someone, like myself, this isn't too much to pay for a bad decision.

And Third:  I was actually wondering how many, non-abusive, refund-requests they would reply to.  

Their sixth response contained the Magic Formula.  

  I guess if they can make at least 22 days of interest on peoples money, it's well worth the effort.....  But like I've said for years and years, "There's no truth in advertising in the U.S.A."

I agree, most advertising can't be taken at face value, especially in the US.  And as far as being worth the effort?  I don't think I received any reply emails from a live person.  The wording in all 5 responses seemed to be pre-scripted.  And they didn't appear to pertain to the email it was answering or just contained blanket-statements.  Like Horoscopes.   

Programmed replys would be a pretty easy one-time setup... wouldn't it?  With a trigger, after x-amount of emails from the sucker, to give a refund?   

  I have gone round and round with companies using robo-scripts to answer emails.  Normally the script answers with something that totally has NOTHING to do with the problems or questions asked in the email to them.  FedEx is one of them.  I tested one such internet software company with an email full of profanity and sexual innuendos, and got a reply with all kinds of suggestions on how to fix the problem.   

You referred to my pre-scripted emails as robo-scripts.  What's the 1-800 number version called ... robo-switchboards?     They're even more annoying and less helpful.

What a disaster. All for a simple joke? Sheesh. People need to stop being so bloody thin skinned and overly sensitive. I'd almost say that she got what she had coming, but it's the same kind of idiocy - more PC overly sensitive nonsense. Poetic justice? The irony is only overshadowed by the silliness of the whole thing.

I think you're right.  IMHO it's just another case of someone spilling out their guts on a social network and maybe too much caffeine ... or Vodka. 

  I guess if they can make at least 22 days of interest on peoples money, it's well worth the effort.....  But like I've said for years and years, "There's no truth in advertising in the U.S.A."

I agree, most advertising can't be taken at face value, especially in the US.  And as far as being worth the effort?  I don't think I received any reply emails from a live person.  The wording in all 5 responses seemed to be pre-scripted.  And they didn't appear to pertain to the email it was answering or just contained blanket-statements.  Like Horoscopes.   

Programmed replys would be a pretty easy one-time setup... wouldn't it?  With a trigger, after x-amount of emails from the sucker, to give a refund? 

   What a concept! 

Create a product and sell it as a quick-fix to unsuspecting folks.  Then sit back and maybe collect compounded daily interest on the money that shouldn't be yours.

This is a follow-up to my SpeedMaxPc Refund Quest.  I did get my money back ... after 12 days of emails, back and forth, and an additional 10 days for my bank balance to show it.  That's 22 days SpeedMaxPc was probably earning interest on my money.   

I had to be persistent though because their 30-day money back guarantee gets chewed up fast when it takes them 24 hours to answer your emails.  And, of course, they don't want to refund your money ... so they waste a few trying to *figure out your problem*.

So I guess this was a Quasi-Scam?   

Scottish Terrier Puppy Pinwheel   http://latinrapper.com/blogs/?p=5997

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDa0z0gEvI4" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDa0z0gEvI4</a>

I remember that dog+dolphin story -- amazing.

Here's another dolphin-related one:
 
Sperm whales adopt deformed dolphin
http://www.thestar.com/ne...es-adopt-deformed-dolphin

([url=http://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=31124.msg316052#msg316052]see attachment in previous post)[/i][/url]

Here's the video    

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iFzIMZRsoI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iFzIMZRsoI</a>

My computer is still a little slow but at least I have Internet Access again and can search for a free PC tune-up.   

Anyone have any freebies ?  Not just the scan... the whole thing ? 

I emphasize FREE because sometimes the paid-for versions don't always help or may screw things up more.  Like this one from Windows Help & Support.

I think I've found out why this SpeedMaxPc is still out there.  Because it's nearly impossible to report it to Microsoft.   

Is there a way to combine my PMs so the Inbox and Outbox are in chronological order... on the same page?     And then a way to undo it?

[Renegade]

I saw some article about Juidge Dredd being gay.

Seriously, who f*****g cares? Is it important to an action comic? I wish they'd just get the sex out. If I want to watch sex, there's porn, and no shortage of it. Pfft.

I'm with you, Renegade, this is basically a non-topic these days.      But I guess... others feel the need to.. .. . .  ?

Haven't visited a news-stand in a long while... they still sell comics books?      Still sell Mad Magazine?  One of my favorites was Spy vs Spy.

Amazons got 'em... so I guess they're still out there...

Haven't visited a news-stand in a long while... they still sell comics books?      Still sell Mad Magazine?  One of my favorites was Spy vs Spy.