Gina Trapani's Invisibility Cloak is a GreaseMonkey script for Firefox that blocks time-wasting websites while you're working. Conveniently, MetaFilter is included by default. Previously: Temptation Blocker.
posted on May 16, 2007 - View this thread

Scientists claim that cosmic rays from outer space play a far greater role in changing the Earth's climate than global warming experts previously thought. For a demonstration of how cosmic rays affect cloud formation, you can build a Cloud Chamber.
posted on Feb 22, 2007 - View this thread

The New Yorker suggests that Bush is being pushed by his advisors to fight against gay marriage when he really has no strong feelings either way. According to Bush's close unnamed friend, "I don't think he gives a shit about it." An inspired take on strategic political distraction.
posted on Jun 14, 2006 - View this thread

Driving down the street in my Panzer tank,
sittin’ drinkin’ Cris’ with my bitch Anne Frank.
And when I step into the club’s you know I’m steppin with style!
Raise my left hand, party people say “Heil!”
posted on Jul 3, 2005 - View this thread

Truly mind blowing! First, you must follow the rules. Watch this short video. You are only allowed to watch it once. Seriously, do not cheat! In the video you will see a group of basketball players, some in white and some in black passing two balls around. Your goal is to count how many times the ball is passed by those wearing white shirts. It’s that simple. Remember, count just the passes of the ball by those wearing white. Once the movie is over, write down the number of passes you have counted, Do not watch the video again-- proceed to step two. (via)
posted on Nov 14, 2004 - View this thread

doodlebug ... create and playback doodles, online. The doodle linked here is of Clint Eastwood (kinda). [note: flash] via j-walk
posted on Sep 10, 2004 - View this thread

happy pencil [note: flash, safe for work, portfolio]
posted on Jul 7, 2004 - View this thread

2 Fast + 2 Curious [note : flash]
posted on Jul 3, 2004 - View this thread

pencilmation [note: flash]
posted on Jun 30, 2004 - View this thread

sink ya drink [note: flash]
posted on Jun 26, 2004 - View this thread

cool flame - the game "Join the cool reporter and the amazing singer as they embark on the game of their lives." [note: flash, subtle advertisement]
posted on Jun 25, 2004 - View this thread

moccu [note: flash]
posted on Jun 21, 2004 - View this thread

nyctalopia --- an interactive portfolio. Part puzzle, part artwork. I can't tell you what the payoff is because I got stuck on, like, the 5th page. [note: flash]
posted on Jun 18, 2004 - View this thread

splinter -- despite an 11pm curfew imposed by your girlfriend, you have returned home very late from a drink fest with your mates. You've forgotten your keys and you must now gain entrance to your flat and get into bed without upsetting your light sleeping girlfriend. [note: shockwave, alt link <--- nsfw banner ads]
posted on Jun 17, 2004 - View this thread

outbreak [note: flash, advertisement] play this sim and struggle to protect your network from a hacker onslaught.
posted on Apr 30, 2004 - View this thread

How much of the Earth's resources do you use?
posted on Apr 19, 2004 - View this thread

kill bill [note: flash, foreign, violent]
posted on Apr 14, 2004 - View this thread

Web of Distraction. Does the web cause you to lose time, having a hard time stopping browsing, and starting working? I know for me, the sheer inertia of browsing, it's hard to start working.
posted on May 9, 2002 - View this thread

The emotional toll of last week's tragedy may be greater than the physical losses. This certainly raises a case for distraction.
posted on Sep 20, 2001 - View this thread

The best offense is a good defense? With all the halting of sporting events and the outspokenness of some athletes, Tuesday's tragedy certainly puts our pasttimes in perspective. But this column's perspective sort of irked me, just from statements like this: "When Monday morning comes, let our enemies know that we are coming after them the way the Baltimore Ravens go after a ball carrier." Come on. Should sports have continued this weekend?
posted on Sep 15, 2001 - View this thread

Conclusive evidence that cell phones distract drivers What did this say? I was busy chatting on my cell and missed some of this. Could it be? What should we do? Ah, I am aa good driver; it is the other person who can't drive and talk.
posted on Jul 27, 2001 - View this thread