MetaFilter posts tagged with distraction

In Defense of Distraction

jcruelty — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:19:17 -0800

Thought-provoking NY Mag essay on the consequences of living in an age of perpetual distraction. Been thinking about this one a lot, in the context of MeFi and other addictions.

Block time-wasting websites using the Invisibility Cloak

russilwvong — Wed, 16 May 2007 22:34:55 -0800

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.

Climate Change

augustweed — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:19:23 -0800

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.

Strategic Political Distraction

JPowers — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 18:42:59 -0800

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.

Hitler's back... back again...

jcterminal — Sun, 03 Jul 2005 18:05:31 -0800

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!”

This explains so much.

limitedpie — Sun, 14 Nov 2004 11:02:15 -0800

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)

doodlebug

crunchland — Fri, 10 Sep 2004 08:15:22 -0800

doodlebug ... create and playback doodles, online. The doodle linked here is of Clint Eastwood (kinda). [note: flash] via j-walk

happy pencil

crunchland — Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:25:49 -0800

happy pencil [note: flash, safe for work, portfolio]

2 fast + 2 curious

crunchland — Sat, 03 Jul 2004 22:40:05 -0800

2 Fast + 2 Curious [note : flash]

pencilmation

crunchland — Wed, 30 Jun 2004 04:44:52 -0800

pencilmation [note: flash]

sink ya drink

crunchland — Sat, 26 Jun 2004 18:13:58 -0800

sink ya drink [note: flash]

cool flame

crunchland — Fri, 25 Jun 2004 08:59:27 -0800

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]

moccu

crunchland — Mon, 21 Jun 2004 09:46:47 -0800

moccu [note: flash]

nyctalopia

crunchland — Fri, 18 Jun 2004 09:03:14 -0800

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]

covert ops

crunchland — Thu, 17 Jun 2004 08:53:29 -0800

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]

outbreak

crunchland — Fri, 30 Apr 2004 17:48:45 -0800

outbreak [note: flash, advertisement] play this sim and struggle to protect your network from a hacker onslaught.

how much of the earth's resources do you use?

crunchland — Mon, 19 Apr 2004 12:05:52 -0800

How much of the Earth's resources do you use?

kill bill

crunchland — Wed, 14 Apr 2004 21:59:38 -0800

kill bill [note: flash, foreign, violent]

patrickje — Thu, 09 May 2002 12:41:11 -0800

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.

ttrendel — Thu, 20 Sep 2001 11:44:18 -0800

The emotional toll of last week's tragedy may be greater than the physical losses. This certainly raises a case for distraction.

crunchybird — Sat, 15 Sep 2001 15:57:14 -0800

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?

Postroad — Fri, 27 Jul 2001 10:24:42 -0800

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.