Use Thunderbird Extension "Send Later" (or "at") to email requests to time-shifted programs

OK, here's a tip you're unlikely to use. See if you fit these criteria...

• You time-shift internet radio programs.
• You sometimes want to communicate with the host/dj. For example, to make a music request
• The program has a non-show-specific email address. For example, dj *at* kexp.org (for making requests to the current DJ).
• You use Mozilla Thunderbird as your e-mail client.
• You leave your computer on all the time, with your e-mail client open.

...still with me? I've got a solution for you! There's a great extension for Thunderbird called "Send Later".

Basically, it allows you to schedule emails to send at precise date/time. Here's what you do:

1. Right-click this link and "Save link as" and save it to your desktop.
2. In Tunderbird, go Tools -> Add-ons and click the "Install..." button. Choose the .xpi file you saved to your desktop. You will need to re-start Thunderbird.
3. Once installed, compose your e-mail message as you would any e-mail. Instead of sending, choose File -> Send Later. That will bring up this dialog:
4. Schedule your send using the date/time menus at the top. Then click "Send Later at specified time". I'd disregard all other options.

Then, listen to your time-shifted program for your request! If you need to edit the e-mail before the schedule send time, look for it in your "Drafts" folder. Just remember to choose File -> Send Later again instead of clicking "send". WARNING as of Send Later version 1.2.0.0 there is a strange, annoying bug that affects replying to or forwarding messages that have large attachments. Took me ages to figure out that the Send Later extension was causing it. Not a deal-breaker, but the following option may be better...

OR, be an ultra-nerd and use the "at" command...

For those nerdily inured to Mac OS X's UNIX features, you can accomplish the same feat as outlined above using "at".

First, you need to enable the

atrun

utility. It runs commands scheduled with

at

, but is disabled by default.

su

to root and run this command:

launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.atrun.plist

And if you haven't configured postfix to send outgoing mails, you'll need to do that. Check out this great tip on how to set up postfix to relay through GMail.

Alright, so to schedule an email to be sent, open up a terminal and first type the date/time (in POSIX format) you want it to be sent like this:

$ at -t 200910112232

You will then enter input mode. Enter your commands here like this:

mail -s "Music Request" [ENTER TO EMAIL HERE]
Dear DJ,
Last night you saved my life.  Can you
please play, "Crazy Horses" by The
Osmonds?  Thanks so much!
Love,
Me

Then hit enter once (blank line), then CTRL-d to exit input mode. Your mail is now scheduled! To see scheduled jobs, enter the 'atq' command.