Ask MetaFilter questions in the grab bag category

"Brain Training" via videogames: breakthrough or big lie?

phylum sinter — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:29:25 -0800

Brain Training Games like Brain Age are a big hit lately -- Do you think they actually improve cognition? [Note: already aware of this thread about sharpening the mind in general. Good advice over there.]

Being both a gamer and a fan of brains puts me right at the intersection of this demographic.

Brain Age 1 & 2 (for Nintendo DS), Brain Challenge (for PC, and Lumosity (browser/online) all have similar claims - improve memory, focus, cognition and reaction time through simple puzzles.

Certainly sounds great, and i'd like to believe that this type of training actually increases my mental capacity outside the game. That said, i am not alone in my skepticism of a game's ability to do this on its' own. There are lots of studies that seem to show both positive and null effects of these games. The biggest problem seems to be that the bulk of the positive results seem focused on showing how well peoples scores within the framework of the game after practice, and not much else.

Does anyone have any evidence, anecdotal or academic in nature that shows more concretely how much these games can actually improve cognitive function?

Will you go home?

ilikecookies — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:13:29 -0800

[Novel Filter] If you are a soldier in active combat and a family member back home dies, what is the military's policy for supporting you while you come to terms with this personal loss? Specifically, if it were 1968 and you were in Vietnam with quite a bit more time to go, is it likely that you would be granted leave and flown home for your veteran father's funeral?

If yes, what would be a legitimate reason for not sending you home (assuming they were NOT concerned about you going AWOL)?

How to remove wax from plant material?

captain cosine — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:25:32 -0800

Many questions have been asked about removing wax from carpet, but what about from...plant material. I accidentally dropped some...oregano...into the wax puddle of a burning candle. surprisinly valuable, expensive oregano. After removing the chunk of herb from the puddle, the wax hardened around it. Is there any way to dissolve/dissipate/remove the wax without harming my plant material?

What Colorado ski town should I live in?

SampleSize — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:30:29 -0800

I'm moving to Colorado near Breckenridge for the winter (Nov - Mar/Apr). What towns should I check out and where should I search? I have a season pass for Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin and Keystone and think I will be doing most of my skiing/snowboarding at Breckenridge. I'd like to live somewhere that makes it super easy to get there.

My plan is to find a room in a house with other people (for both financial and social reasons). So, can you suggest specific towns and neighborhoods I should be checking out? Any hidden gems that are less expensive and yet still close to Breckenridge? Also, where (besides Craigslist) should I do my searching. I plan on going out for a week in October to look in person for something starting in November.

Any other suggestions, tips, tricks are quite welcome.

I see you.

gursky — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:32:09 -0800

Searching for something Bill Clinton once said, when he was on Oprah. Help me find this quote! I remember Bill Clinton being on Oprah about 5 or 6 years ago. They were discussing African traditions, I think. Bill Clinton mentioned a tribe that acknowledges one another by using a phrase that translates to "I see you" rather than "hello" or something similar.

I can't find anything about the interview or this quote online. I'd love to know what Clinton said (as it had to do with acknowledging each other, and how important that is) and what the actual phrase is, too.

Am I crazy? Did I imagine this?

Thanks in advance for any help or insight!

I'm late! I'm late! For a very important--

Anonymous — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:41:30 -0800

How can I get to class on time? It is the third week of the college semester, and I have already missed three classes because I've been so late that I couldn't bear to walk in the classroom door. I've walked in 3-15 minutes late already to a number of classes. Not good... So. I care about school, or I think I do. I respect that other people need to learn. I loathe being a disruption. I appreciate and enjoy all of my professors, and I want to make a good impression. I want to learn! So why am I getting in the way of that by being late all the time? What's are some solutions?

This has been a problem, well, pretty much since I've started college. It has gotten a bit worse, though. I can't decide if that's because I'm so appalled with my tardiness that I won't walk in the door anymore, or if I'm really just running later than I used to.

A lot of times, I just can't get out of bed. Even when I have slept well. Even when I have a lot to do in the morning, or when I don't have much to do at all. It's even worse when I don't get enough sleep, which is often. But it's like I just don't have that extra oomph to get myself up. I just hit the snooze button repeatedly, or I turn it off and then fall back asleep.

Then, when I do get out of bed, I have a lot to do to get out of the door. A lot of times I'm rushing around. Sometimes I'm just moving slowly about. I can get so engrossed in certain tasks (checking e-mail, showering, fixing my bike helmet, etc.) that I just ignore the time.

I live off campus, so some days I drive or some days I walk or bike. Regardless, I'm a mess, and I'm always scrambling about.

What are you tricks for getting yourself out of bed and out the door in the morning?

How can I get paid for recycling white office paper? (in Los Angeles)

gigimakka — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:48:23 -0800

An acquaintance mentioned there are paper recyclers who would actually pay by the pound for while printed office paper. An initial google search yielded info on something called Recycle Bank on the East coast, as well as companies that will pick up and shred my documents for a fee (rather than pay *me* for the paper). If anybody knows specifically where to look in Los Angeles, that would be awesome. Otherwise, any suggestions about what key words to use to narrow down my search to appropriate organizations would also be helpful. Why I'm asking: I'm a graduate student on a tight budget, preparing to move overseas. I have over a dozen boxes of journal article and book chapter copies that I've collected from my classes and various research projects over a few years. It hurts to let them go, but I absolutely won't be able to have them shipped. They won't even fit in the one puny blue bin my apartment building provides.

I'd like to recycle them responsibly, and if I can make some money in the process it would really help with the move.

Thanks in advance!

Help me tar and feather someone on stage!

minervous — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:39:19 -0800

I'm directing a play that calls for an actor to be tarred and feathered on stage. It's a powerful moment, and I'd love to do it. But ... how? Complicating factors:
- the theater we're working in has no on-premesis shower (there is a large mess sink, but no floor drain) and no possibility of altering the building to have one

Things in our favor:
- the actor is game, and largely bald, and willing to be stripped to skivvies
- we have a large metal tub (several, actually) in which to contain the tarring and/or clean-up
- we have a fair budget, so costly-ish solutions need not be ruled out
- this is the climax of the play, and we can make a feathery mess without worrying about later scenes

Any and all ideas welcomed with open arms. Thanks!

Cool things to hang in my cubicle?

shotgunbooty — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:31:08 -0800

What is the most awesome, smile inducing, envy inspiring thing I can hang on my cubicle wall? Looking for anything from awesome calendars to favorite comic strips to specific pictures I can rasterbate .

I don't want to limit any suggestions except they have to be safe for work.

I'm emotionally starved for the lols.

misanthropicsarah — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:39:17 -0800

Looking for a comic I saw a few months ago. It involved a cat and its owner... I'm probably misremembering some of the details but it was basically: owner comes home and cat complains that it's been 1,000 years since he (the cat) has been fed. Owner says he fed the cat this morning. Cat says it's been 1,000 years emotionally.

I'm pretty sure it wasn't xkcd, but it was similar to that style. Yes, I've googled, but I couldn't find it.

____ is a privilege, not a right!

sixcolors — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:13:59 -0800

What are some LESS obvious things that can disqualify someone from obtaning a job, car, or an apartment? I think it's well known that if someone has a criminal record, they'll have a lot of trouble finding employment. Or, if you get a DUI, your driver's license may be suspended or even revoked. But, I'm sure there's less obvious things that can cut off your access to housing, transportation, and employment.

It almost happened to me a few years ago. My father is one of those people who do not like to put his vehicle documents in his glove department or anywhere else in his car. He fears that if someone steals his car, they may steal his identity also, or the thieves may locate his address and stalk him. When I was younger, I let him talk me into doing same thing. Well, I got into a little fender-bender, and the cop asked me for my vehicle documents. I didn't have them, and the cop told me that was a somewhat serious offense. I asked what could happen. He said, depending on my record, I could lose my driving privileges for a year and have to pay a $1000 fine. We did NOT learn about this in drivers ed!

Fortunately, nothing happened, but it was a wake up call that the possiblity of me losing my driving privileges was a lot easier than I previously thought. As I am transitioning into "adult" life, the fear of me not being able access (or losing access to) transportation, housing, and employment is increasing.

So, what are some less obvious things:

1. That could prevent me from getting a job...or get me fired?
2. That could prevent me from buying a new car, having my license revoked/suspended, or having my car repossesed?
3. That could prevent me from renting out a house or apartment?

Radio on while getting gas safe?

alitorbati — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:47:15 -0800

Is it safe to keep my radio on while I refill my car's gas?

What are these weird posts on the sidewalk in Manhattan?

dcjd — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:25:12 -0800

What are these weird posts on the sidewalk in Manhattan? I recently have seen rectangular posts installed on the sidewalk in lower Manhattan. (south of 14th street) They are painted gray, have two circular yellow barriers on the street side to prevent cars from hitting them, and have a scary sticker on the top warning of electrocution. Another hint: the wet paint sign on one says Department of Transportation on it.

Here are two pictures of what I am talking about:

Picture 1

Picture 2

Will they fix it?

Venadium — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:52:33 -0800

Has anyone had Nikon gear that you bought used serviced under warranty? Is this possible, or is Nikon's extended warranty non-transferable? I've got a lens (28-70 2.8 AF-S) that I want to send in to Nikon to have checked out. The person I bought the lens from filled out and mailed in the extended warranty card when he first bought the lens, so it's still under warranty until September of next year. They were also kind enough to include a copy of the original receipt from B&H that clearly shows the lens and serial number, along with all the other things he bought that day.

I've searched around a bit but I haven't found any clear answer as to whether or not I'll be able to get the lens serviced under warranty or not. Some are saying no, that the warranty is not transferable and if I want it serviced I'd have to have the original owner send it in for me (which probably wouldn't be a problem, but he isn't exactly local and it would just end up taking longer), and then some are saying it should be no problem as long as I include that B&H receipt and maybe also a note stating that the item was a gift (the original sales receipt is usually required anyway when getting warranty service).

Does anyone have any experience with getting used equipment repaired under warranty? I'd call Nikon myself right now if they were open, and I was hoping to get an answer or two before I go to the UPS store to send the lens out in the morning.

Bachelorette Party Fun in Paw Paw

eggerspretty — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:19:09 -0800

How do I do an inexpensive and not lame bachelorette party in a tiny town in West Michigan? I'm helping to host a bachelorette party in a very small town in West Michigan. The nearest city of any real size is 25 minutes away and the city with any real activity is 1 hour away. The bride has asked that all of the girls come in two days early, and this is the only thing they will have as an activity for the two days before the wedding so I want to make it fun.

Unfortunately, the maid of honor has given up planning or paying for the party so I am left trying to figure out what to do with ten late-20-something women who have all flown in to Michigan and driven three hours to the hotel that morning.

I am planning on having us trek to the city 25 minutes away for a nicer dinner and some bar hopping later in the evening, but I need something for us all to do from about 3pm-6pm that will not be hokey or expensive. It also will have to be in a Holiday Inn conference room. (woohoo!) I am also driving 13 hours the day before with two dogs so I can't bring a lot as far as supplies.

I have called yoga teachers, spas, cooking teachers, and caterers. They are all either too expensive or won't travel that far for a class. The bride has made it clear that we have to be "active" - she originally asked for the party to be from 11am-11pm, but I nixed the idea when it turned into me planning and paying for most/all of it. (Plus, I pity the fact that everyone would have to fly into MI an extra day earlier than they would expect just for a weekend wedding with little notice at this point.)

Thanks for the ideas. The wedding is in Paw Paw if that helps, and I have called the wineries in the area but am weary of adding daytime drinking/tasting onto nighttime events.

I Have A Dirty Sack

turgid dahlia — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:44:53 -0800

So I went and bought myself a Sierra Messenger bag from Fossil the other day because I dig its funky style – yes, I know it has leather in it and yes, I know this makes me a hideous person – but I’ve got a real problem with it: it’s getting dirty. Specifically, the rear side of the bag, which rubs against my butt while I’m cruising around town picking up ladies – a Maserati would work better, I’m sure, but it just isn’t economical in these difficult times – is scuffing up with the dye from my new jeans, so now there’s this blue mark on the back which I predict is only going to get worse. So, my question to you, hivemind, is this: how do I remove this unsightly discolouration, and what can I do to prevent the canvas from picking up the shade and hue of every item of material that comes within five feet of it?

Obama assassination : 1 in 55?

zaebiz — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:00:32 -0800

Does the fact that the betting markets still give Hillary Clinton a 1 in 55 chance of being President in 2008, mean that that is a reasonable estimate of the chance that Obama is assassinated before the election? What else could justify those odds now?

How do I get over my terror of public speaking?

osloheart — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:14:12 -0800

How can I get over my fear and anxiety of making class presentations? I have a global communication class this semester which I am very excited about. I am interested in the course content, my classmates seem friendly, and my professor seems relatively easygoing. Yet I am absolutely terrified of doing a solo presentation to the class. I have a 5 minute presentation to do in a couple of weeks, and Im first up. When I found out, I immediately felt that surge of adrenaline and anxiety which I am sure will arise again about ten minutes before I need to stand up and begin speaking. I know this is a common problem, and I cringe when I see it happening to other students, because I know how horrible it is to feel that paranoid light-headed fear. Even if I know the subject well, it still happens. Even just answering or posing a question in class does it to me.
Im a pretty laid-back socially comfortable person, and it is so embarrassing when I feel like everyone in the room can suddenly see my deepest darkest awkward fears. Im a grown woman for christs sake, I should be over this already!
Is there anything I can do to be more comfortable up there? Are there exercises that help with this? What does one do besides being sure that you have mapped out every word and are extremely confident with your knowledge on the presentation topic? Any tricks that help you guys get over that anxiety? A friend of mine jokingly advised smoking a joint before class, but Im pretty sure the mountain of paranoia in that case would make me freak out, or black out. Apart from that and picturing everyone in their underwear :), what might help?

Thanks!

Uke got mail

cazoo — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:28:37 -0800

I need a clever name for my ukulele cover band Help me find a funny, silly, (dare I say it) ironic, name for my ukulele cover band. We're going to do cover versions of metal and hip hop and punk songs. To get an idea of what we're about, imagine a bunch of guys/gals on stage doing Motorhead, Ramones, Public Enemy and Joy Division songs on the ukulele.

If you could somehow work in the ukulele or hawaiian aspect into the name, that would be mucho awesome.

Espresso and turning pages

Happy Dave — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:18:56 -0800

Books, sofas, coffee and the Sunday papers - good independent bookshops in London that are made for relaxing of a Sunday morning? Me and the dear wife recently visited some friends of mine in Aberdeen, where I went to university, and we had a lovely morning in Books and Beans, an independent second hand bookshop/cafe hybrid. Now we're back in London, and looking for similar things in London. So far, we seem to be stuck in between the extremes of corporate bookshops with built-in Starbucks and musty Charing Cross Road places that smell faintly of mildew.

South London would be awesome, but we're willing to travel a bit for that perfect books, newspapers and coffee feeling.

One thing - we know about both the Waterstone's Picaddilly bar (not comfy enough) and the Foyle's Jazz Bar (also not comfy enough). Sofas and such are a definite plus.

How can you get your EMT back?

stewiethegreat — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:23:13 -0800

Is it possible to be re-certified as an EMT after letting it lapse? My friend's EMT license expired a couple of years ago (because he was living somewhere where he couldn't do his continuing education credits). He was licensed in California/USA (had both state and federal license).

Is there any way for him to get recertified (classes, test, whatever) or would he have to take the whole class again?

Small batch lathe/mill services?

null terminated — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:09:14 -0800

I'm looking for a cnc lathe/mill service that would let me submit designs and have a small number of copies created. Like Ponoko, but for metal. (I'm trying to make a steel/brass chess set as a gift--I want to design it myself, but don't have the time to lathe it on my own)

Your mother wants to know how exactly you know the answer.

liketitanic — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 07:55:52 -0800

Will an earlobe keloid gauge up? Or am I doomed to fishhook earrings forever? I have keloid scars behind each earlobe from piercing. (It's very odd--I had had surgical steel hoops in them for TEN MONTHS after piercing, then I switched to some heavier dangly earrings and developed keloids right away. They've been there ever since--four years--and now I only wear lightweight fishhooks. Have not gotten them from other piercings or from tattoos.) I'd like to gauge up to, say, a 14g earring. What would happen to the keloid? One opinion is that the keloid would gauge up, too--that it would "disappear" around the stretched hole. Is that true? Or would it just get worse?

Slumber Party Suggestions

B(oYo)BIES — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:17:17 -0800

So our daughters are throwing a slumber party tomorrow night and I am looking for ideas for food and activities for the girls. We are looking at 10-15 girls, ages 5-10. Feel free to include any other advice that you feel is pertinent.

Looking for examples of marketing or blurb lies or bait-and-switch on book jackets.

dobbs — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:37:26 -0800

Do you know any books that have blurbs on the back which incorrectly describe the plot of the book? So, I picked up this book called Samedi The Deafness which says on the back:

One morning in the park James Sim discovers a man, crumpled on the ground, stabbed in the chest. With his last breath, the man whispers one word: Samedi. What follows is a spellbinding game of cat and mouse..."

I picked up the book, but that's not what happens in it. Yeah, the guy is stabbed and dying, but he doesn't whisper one word. Their conversation goes on for like two pages.

This is not the first time I've bought a book with a summary on the back that has been false. I'm wondering if anyone else has some examples of the same.

Thanks!