Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with hacks

How to make life on crutches easier?

nevers — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:26:48 -0800

Tips or hacks for getting by on crutches for a few weeks (non-weight bearing, post-knee surgery)? It's been three weeks and I only have a couple weeks left, but it's getting really old and surely there are some ideas out there that I haven't thought of.

Mostly I hate not being able to carry things around home or the office. Shorts with cargo pockets help, but not for plates of food. Wearing a backpack backwards is too uncomfortable to be helpful (also no good for plates of food). I have a rolling office chair, but there are raised thresholds in my apartment's doorways so it's not a great way to go from room to room. I am told that hopping is VERY VERY BAD because of the chance I'll injure my good leg.

In addition to carrying things, I'd love to be able to do dishes, clean the bathtub, mop the floor, and the like. I am resigned to asking for help and/or waiting till I'm more mobile, but if there's a way to be more independent NOW that would be great.

I don't suppose there are any magical speedy ways to go up and down subway stairs or to open a heavy door?

I'm looking for tips from people who've been there, like these duct-tape crutch saddle bags.

Also, tell me if there are crutch tricks I don't already know. I know about sitting on a chair with the crutch's armpit end under my butt, so I can prop my leg on the horizontal crutch in front of me, and I know about making an X with the crutches in front of my chair and propping my foot up on the handles at the center of the X.

I don't need crutch-comfort tips, like adusting the padding or whatever. They feel fine.

Side question, how can I keep my eyeglasses from sliding down my nose when I'm looking down all the time? (Can't walk to the optician to get the glasses adjusted, or to the optomestrist to get contacts, or to the sporting goods store to get some kind of eyewear retainer/strap.)

How can improve my sinister lifestyle?

suki — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:25:06 -0800

Any tricks for enhancing a left-handed life? I am very left-handed, and have developed a few tweaks to make my life easier, e.g.: I have a left-handed mouse; I use a wire bound notebook from back to front and write mainly on the left page; I always sit on the left side of a crowded table to avoid knocking elbows.

I would love to know other ways (lefthacks?) to improve my ability to interact with the world as a left-hander.

Any recommendations?

Bodyhacks

bobobox — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:39:32 -0800

I am looking for experiments, useful tricks, and fun things to try out, using my biological cycles, chemistry and anatomy. I recently reset my day/night cycle to combat jet lag after a long flight using information from this thread and knowledge of my circadian rhythm and the experience was SUPER satisfying to me. Whenever I need to sneeze and don't want to at that moment, I can get rid of it by pressing my tongue into my soft pallet, interfering with some facial nerve, I suppose. I am eager to try out other bodyhacks but I can't think of any more.

I found this article on Men'sHealth.com which has some good stuff in it but not quite what I am looking for.

I am most interested in: the useful, complex, or grand, along the lines of clock reseting
I am less interested in, but am open to: gimmicky tricks of the anatomy, along the lines of the sneeze example.

I am willing to use: supplements (used melatonin to help reset my clock), diet, my environs, and of course, my senses, anatomy and anything in it.
I am not willing to use: illegal drugs, anything I have to spend a lot of money on, ideally I should already possess everything I need to do it

I am female so if you know of any that are gender specific I will only be able to do things that require two X chromosomes. But feel free to contribute XY suggestions for the sake of completeness.

If you have suggestions, please also give the scientific explanation of how it works.

Has my gmail been hacked?

whoaali — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:29:59 -0800

Has my gmail been hacked? Twice I have had the same person attempt to add me on gchat. I do not believe that I know this person, but immediately after they try to add me, a window pops up saying that I have been logged out of this account and once I click ok it returns to the gmail login screen. Each time I have been able to immediately log back in and each time I have immediately changed my password just because it seemed so odd and I did it as a precaution. Is this something I need to worry about?

Pass Quiz In Order To Use the Fora

theichibun — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:50:36 -0800

Can anyone point me to a vbulletin script that forces you to pass a quiz in order to use the forum? A forum that I'm a member of is really starting to have problems with people not reading the rules. The other moderators and myself are getting annoyed by this, and we know that this is just something that fora generally have to deal with. So the idea right now is to have a thread that everyone has to read and a quiz that has to be passed in order to continue.

The read the thread part isn't being too much of an issue. But all I've been able to find so far for the quiz is this one. It seems to work, but if there is something that is a single hack install that would be even better.

Hack My Baby

jasondigitized — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:16:19 -0800

Give me your baby hacks! My wife and I are expecting our first child in November. What tips and tricks can you offer us to make our lives a lot easier? For example, a friend of mine swears that putting a crying baby in front of a mirror will cause it to stop. Another uses noise cancelling headphones to temper the noise from his shrieking child. I am looking for hacks on everything from diaper changing to stroller modifications. Make our lives easier as we enter into parenthood.

Is brainfog from age or something else?

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 05:47:31 -0800

Is it the fog from getting older, or is it something else? As I've gone through the years (late 30s), I can clearly feel myself getting less brainy... by that, I mean that I'm not putting together things as quickly as I once did. I'm also less creative, and overall, I feel less verbose and articulate. I've had some really stressful years, both workwise and otherwise. I don't *think* I'm depressed or overly anxious (in our 30s, we all have a bit of the anxiety, right?). So, is this normal? Do others have the same "brain fog?" If you do, shout it out. If you did, and you fixed it, I'd love to hear your secrets.

What are the world's most useful dead-tree catalogs?

cadastral — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:23:14 -0800

What is the iconic (or just "your favorite") dead-tree product catalog (listing of merchandise for mail-order sale) for your hobby, industry, or trade? I get a lot of inspiration and project ideas from those huge, cinder-block-sized industry-specific catalogs that most every industrial supply company puts out. I really like the feeling of having these things on the shelf for when I need... something to fix a particular problem, but am not sure at all what that something is or what form it might take.

I want more of these catalogs. Hard copies. On my bookshelf. I want to know the inside scoop on all of the thousands of vocations and hobbies about which I know nothing. I want to know what the go-to catalog is for model railroaders, scrapbookers, field geologists, rock-climbers, steamfitters, tailors, hydroponic gardeners, blacksmiths, glaziers, restauranteurs, casino-operators, robotic-arm builders... just, everything.

By way of example, I love love love the Grainger catalog (catalog order form). It's filled with amazing things. I'm not shilling for them whatsoever and I couldn't endorse their product or their service anyway, having never ordered from them (I usually use it to get my ideas, and then I try to buy local from a similar, smaller supplier close by). The B&H photo and video catalog (catalog order) is another favorite (same deal, never spent a cent with them... I'm real big on keeping my money local).

So eager to see what y'all got. I've always been so awed by the disparate fields of knowledge and expertise that are brought together by MeFi. I am very interested in your little corner of experience and interest... and I thank you so much for sharing it with me, if you'd be kind enough to do so.

How can I turn my Sony Clie into a simple word processor/ebook reader?

sallyann — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:48:51 -0800

How can I turn my Sony Clie into a simple word processor/ebook reader? I have an old Sony Clie PEG-NX60 (with swivel-out keyboard, no wifi) and I want to turn it into something useful if possible. Specifically, I would like to be able to read and edit text files on the device and use it as an ebook reader, and sync or at least transfer those files to my desktop (I run Ubuntu linux), but how? I haven't been able to get the desktop to recognize the PDA, even with jpilot sw installed. (Note that I'm willing to hack it to death if necessary as I paid nothing for it and have no interest in using the PIM utilities.)

Move quicksilver's bezel interface

ehamilt0n — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:05:35 -0800

Does anyone know how to change the screen position of the Bezel interface in Quicksilver. I have a dual-monitor setup and I'd rather move it to one screen or the other (which is available with Cube or Primer.) If its in the center of the screen and there are three panes displayed, the center one is difficult to see.

Fax machine hack to test your line quality

bumper314 — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:17:01 -0800

I heard that there is a way to call a fax machine with a normal telephone, press some keys and the fax machine will speak back your line quality as a number. I can't find any information about this online, does anyone know how to do this? Is this manufacturer dependent?

DIY for the Non-Hardware-Elite

middleclasstool — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:42:43 -0800

DIY blogs that don't require you to be a goddamn logic board-soldering wizard? I could have sworn I saw a question about this a long time ago, but I searched the archives and even asked one of the mods, who had no memory of it. So I'll ask it:

I'm looking for DIY-project blogs and websites that don't require the electrical engineering proficiency of a site/publication like MAKE: and its related blog. I'm a programmer, so code projects are cool, but I'm crap at soldering and know squat about electronics and hardware hacks.

Particularly I'm looking for sites that have fun small-to-medium-sized projects (meaning cool bookcases are great, but not backyard sheds). Again, programming project ideas would be great, but I'm really looking for stuff I can build with my hands and my now not-unrespectable collection of power tools.

I know about instructables and finkbuilt and that's pretty much it. Ideas?

How to copy mp3s to an iPod without a computer?

pants — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 07:41:28 -0800

iPod dreams and hacks. I'm in a band and we'd love to give out "demos" via an iPod at shows. We're envisioning a Device that may exist, may need to be hacked together, or may be fundamentally impossible to create. The concept... the Device should be a simple, handheld storage device that transfers the contents of its memory to the iPod through the standard 30-pin iPod dock connector. Thus, we could put our mp3s on people's iPods without having a traditional computer/iTunes interface. We would bring this Device to shows and hand out 21st century demos.

Haven't found anything on Google. The resources I've come across so far indicate that "With the dock connector the iPod can be...connected to a serial device and controlled via the Apple Accessory Protocol". I don't know how to interpret much of that info, but would be curious to learn how, if it would help us build this mythical Device.

Does this Device exist? Is its existence possible? Any advice on building one? Thanks and let me know if I can provide clarification.

Can I email an item to Google Notebook?

zooropa — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:59:33 -0800

Is there a way to "email an item" to Google Notebook? I am evaluating several options for a personal/public Web notebook/journal. I have used Backpack in the past, but the lack of any kind of search utility is a deal-killer for me.

I've been playing around with Google Notebook and am starting to like it a lot. One thing that Backpack does well, though, is allow you to email an item to a specific page? Is there a way to do this with Google Notebook? If not, is there a way to hack it, either through Google Gears or Greasemonkey (or some other scheme)?

Thanks!

What cool stuff can I do with a satellite TV dish?

kdar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:32:10 -0800

I have a Dish Network satellite dish + satellite receiver that I never returned after I cancelled my contract with them. What cool things can I do with it? I'm moving in a few months, up to NYC, where I certainly won't have the space for it to sit in storage (or the desire for Dish network). So what can I do with this bulky, awkward, as-far-as-I-can-tell-useless hunk of hardware? Does anyone actually buy these things?

(Yes, I paid the fee. It was a snafu and a waste of money and all that. Please refrain from pointing this out to me; I'm well aware already.)

I think my Wi-fi is being leeched, Please help!

spinko — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:09:51 -0800

I think my Wi-fi is being leeched, Please help! I have had no problems with my old wired router for broadband for my 2 laptops. No problems with speed or Ping.

I upgraded to wi-fi at home for my 2 laptops. I got recommended The Netgear DG834G, both connect to the internet fine.

Im using WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) for protection. Got a choice of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA-802.1x

When playing online games it Good and bad at times. Im getting 300-500ms ping on World Of Warcraft. Sometimes its so bad I turn off the router and restart it. For 2-3 mins its 150ms then jumps back to 300-500ms.

Incase you asked, none of the computers connected are downloading anything.

I was so pissed the other night I disconnected the router for 16 hours. The next day I played the game, perfect pings. Day later back to being bad.

Security is turned on, I check the attached devices when ping is bad and it says UNKNOWN as an Computer Name.

Whats weird is that when sometimes I get a popup from Windows saying that my IP is conflicting.

Both Laptops are 192.168.0.2 and the other 192.168.0.3

Upgraded to latest Firmware on the router.

Could someone be hacking into my router for free access?
If so How can I stop it as its annoying.

Six-pack abs

objdoc — Sun, 27 May 2007 06:45:56 -0800

If you have kept yourself lean, with a flat stomach and possibly visible abs, for some time - what is it that you eat every day? Especially if you are over thirty.

I'm hoping for some example practices of those who actually manage to do this, not so much what someone thinks might work.

I'm someone who exercises, lifting at least three days a week, eats reasonably well, but can't seem to go from average to looking like someone who, well, works out.

Help me make use of my old PDA

zacharyseibert — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 09:14:48 -0800

Help me make use of my old PDA. I have a Sony TJ37 Personal Entertainment Organizer that is pretty much just lying around. It has a camera, built in WIFI and IR and a nice big screen. Can anybody give me a good reason to keep it around. Anything that lets me make use of this is fair game, hacks included. Thanks!!

How do I downgrade PSP firmware 2.71?

milovoo — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:58:58 -0800

Does anyone have clear instructions on how to downgrade PSP firmware from 2.71? I have always been irritated with my PSPs inability to run any homebrew, but it seemed fairly risky to downgrade the firmware. Now it looks like there are some safer options, but all the instructions I have found are a bit convoluted or translated from some other language making them a bit off. Do I still need a copy of GTA to downgrade (no one mentions it, but maybe it's just assumed at this point, I don't have one)? The PSP I have is not a TA-082, if that still matters. There must be someone out there skilled as both a hacker and a decent writer who can set this down to help others who are confused.

pimp my Razr!

lonefrontranger — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 11:28:10 -0800

RazrFilter: My Verizon service just provided me with a free upgrade to a Razr V3. Now what? naturally there's lots I really, really need to retire my poor beatup, falling apart, battery-barely-holding-charge-anymore Motorola V65. Fortunately I have Verizon's upgrade service and the Razr V3 recently hit my 'upgrade options' page.

I opted for this model not necessarily because it's 'hip' and popular but more because I like the Motorola interface, it reminds me a lot of my late, lamented StarTAC, it's a fully metal assembly and I'd prefer something that at least looks like it might survive an unplanned 20+ mph ejection off a moving bike. I'm an unrepentant cell phone abuser, so it didn't take much more than a couple weeks for my V65 to look like it'd been run thru a shredder.

So, I did a search for stuff to do with my new V3. Unfortunately it looks like the sites referenced in the last 2 AskMes related to this topic are Windows based, so if you can tell me some amazing stuff I can do with / to this phone as a Mac user, that's a big bonus.

I do have bootcamp installed on my macbook, so if I (deep sigh) HAVE TO, I'll mod it thru the XP partition, but I'd really love to find good modding sites / toys available to OSX users.

I'm also curious about what headsets people like to use with this model - I'm not entirely sold on a bluetooth headset (zomg! expensive! battery suckage!), and I know the V3 doesn't come with a 2.5mm jack, so what are my options?

oh and before you even start? I've had Motorolas forever and the highly common "address book grouping" complaint is so not understandable to me! do people NOT get how to use the 'MORE' option when entering contacts in the address book?

TomTom 300 Hacks?

honorguy7 — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:50:14 -0800

I just picked up a TomTom Go 300. Are there any hacks or ways to manipulate the device to enhance its capabilities? Can I update the map SD card with updates from non-TomTom websites?

Can I Safely Exceed the Speed Limit?

NYCinephile — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 02:36:04 -0800

Should I install Google Web Accelerator? What are its benefits and risks? I'm using a Dell Inspiron 5000 w/a 448 MHz Celeron processor and am looking to speed things up in any safe way that I can. I noticed yesterday that Google is discreetly promoting the Accelerator at the bottom of its search results.

AirTunes, anyone?

dance — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 07:36:13 -0800

Suggestions for AirTunes Fun / Hacks, please! I've just ordered an Apple Airport Express w/ AirTunes from an eBay seller. I'm very much looking forward to receiving it and playing with it. I'm looking for some tips, fun tricks/hacks and advice from owners. Ideally I'd like to use it to:

1. Extend the range of an existing unencrypted WLAN
2. Stream audio to my hi-fi.
3. Share a HP1200 with a Mac and a PC

Possible complications:
1. The WLAN AP is a WRT54G (so supposedly compatible) but it isn't mine. My neighbour very kindly shares his internet with all in range, but I very much doubt he'd be willing to allow me access to its settings to configure it if that's necessary?
2. I had wanted to use this setup for DVDs too, in conjunction with AirFoil, but I've read that delays are prohibitive.
3. The printer should ideally stay in the office, not move to the living room to be next to the AirPort Express and Hi-Fi - I guess for this I'd need two AirPorts!

So - it's up to you if you'd like to comment on the above, but what I'd also really appreciate are thoughts, experiences, hacks anecdotes from existing owners.

Thanks!

cheap one off homemade bbq.

thegeezer3 — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 15:11:12 -0800

any ideas on how to make a simple one off bbq out of things fond in the house england are playing tomorow and me and my mate fancy a bit of tuck while watching the game. Problem is both of us dont have a bbq or the money to buy a real one of disposable one (yeah we are broke). Have thought of a few hacks but im sure there are more elegant ones out there...

any ideas..anyone????

Improved Playback of Youtube Videos?

sswiller — Wed, 24 May 2006 21:00:18 -0800

How can I configure my PC to play Youtube Videos better? I want to tweak my laptop to play Youtube Videos better. The main problem is that if I try to watch a video while its still downloading, the sound clips, and sometimes the system freezes. I am using an HP Laptop running WinXP with a 1.3GHZ AMD Athlon and 240 MB RAM