spinning_disk_engineer

I store playlists as m3u files, but sometimes I want to play it on an external device or send it over the network. The playlist references files using absolute paths, and they have various formats (wav, flac, mp3, ogg).

I would like to convert it into a single cue/flac, as if it were an album that I just ripped from CD (though it may be longer than 80min.) It would be acceptable to create a directory full of uniform flacs with appropriately adjusted metadata, again as if ripped from CD.

I would like to avoid writing intermediates to disk unnecessarily, and I would like to avoid GUI if possible, but the only hard requirement is that it run quickly (that is to say, faster than realtime.)

Since laser printers all encode metadata into the printed image, and handwriting is unique to the writer, I was wondering if a typewriter would provide a more anonymous form of paper communication.

I expect it would be possible to determine the model of typewriter, but would it be possible to tell if two samples were made on the very same machine? Are electric typewriters better or worse than manual? (assuming the same operator) What about Selectric or Wheelwriter – would frequently swapping out the typing element help?

I would like recommendations for a set of wireless headphones. I already have a set of headphones which are of the overhead style, but those cannot be used in all situations, so I would like to get a backup set of in ear headphones. I have a budget around $150-$200, though that isn't hard and fast.

My criteria are as follows:

• Comfortable, inconspicuous
• Good passive noise isolation. Active noise cancellation is a potential asset, especially if it can distinguish speech from other sounds, but passive properties must hold up.
• Wireless, preferably with an open standard (e.g. Bluetooth)

Audio quality is not the highest concern, as I already have a set of wired headphones. I'm just looking for something to play music when I am working.

I already have a transmitter for bluetooth, if the wireless protocol is anything different I would have to buy that. Additionally, I might in the future buy an MP3 player, and some of those come with bluetooth support. If you have any specific suggestions for small MP3 players, put them also in the comments. That's definitely a more long term idea though.

Recommendations?