Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with preparation

Help me get into Rockstar ;)

prufrock — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:05:17 -0800

I have a phone interview with Rockstar New England. What should I expect? And is there anything obvious I need to prepare. I'm applying for a Game Programmer position. I applied there a couple of years ago when it was MadDoc Software. At that time, they handed me a 10 part test upon applying. It seems to me that their interview process has changed. And if I recall there were people on MeFi who work there. Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated, of course.

So, what is the process like these days. And is there something specific you recommend I brush upon.

Thanks!

Advice before I fly the coop for a year?

adamk — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:02:37 -0800

I (26/male) am leaving Los Angeles in January for at least one year of backpacking solo around Australia, NZ, SE Asia, and possibly some other places! Other than enjoying my remaining time before I leave (going to favorite restaurants, hanging with friends, etc.), what pre-trip activities should I be thinking about, and what preparations should I be making (especially while I have good insurance)? What do you wish someone had told you before you left for a trip of this length and scope? This is me! I have a few months left before I take off and start my working holiday visa in Australia. Obviously I'm heading to a first-world country to begin, and should be able to buy plenty of things that I may want while I'm over there.

I did my research and bought a great backpack, and plan on packing lighter than I ever have before. I've been trading in some of my must-have things (camera, laptop, etc.) for smaller and lighter versions. I'm planning on keeping my website updated with my past/future/current whereabouts, and posting blog entries, pics and video as the opportunity presents itself. I'm considering printing up some Moo MiniCards to pass out to people I meet, to make it easier for them to track me down. And I may get one of those recently announced Amazon Kindles with international downloads, instead of my usual approach of lugging around a small library.

In addition, I have about 10 more weeks of good medical/dental insurance from my current job, which I'll be leaving just before Christmas. I'm planning on getting a physical, and asking about immunizations for some of the less developed countries I may end up visiting. Beyond that, I'm not sure if there's anything I should be taking advantage of while I have the chance. Once my coverage runs out I'll have travel insurance with emergency health coverage, but nothing as nice or comprehensive as I have now.

For the past two months I've been aiming to get rid of 3-5 pieces of personal property each week, either by selling, giving or throwing things away. I'll be selling my car before I leave, and anything remaining will go into a small storage unit. Then I'll be living out of my backpack. Crazy.

I'll probably do occasional freelance programming work (old clients and new) to keep some money rolling in while I'm away, so I'm looking into gadgets/software that'd make my computing life easier... I've seen some external USB WiFi antennas that have received excellent reviews.

Any advice relevant to my specific situation would be appreciated, or any tips that are applicable in general. Thanks so much!

Help us hack the ACT test!

chara — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:28:33 -0800

I'm interested in starting an after-school ACT test prep program for the high school students that I work with. I'm not an educator, so I don't have a clue where to start. What are the best techniques, from start to finish to organizing and operating a successful group test preparation workshop? How can I help my students acquire the techniques they need to do well on the test? More info:

I will be meeting with the students two times a week (probably Wednesday & Thursday)

Most of the students are scoring within the 15-18 range, well below the national average.

Hiring a tutor is probably not possible, due to our limited budget. I pitched my idea to the school's teachers, but many of them have their own separate after-school programs.

My plan right now is:
1) Have them take a practice test the first day to find their strengths and weaknesses
2) Next day, we'll troubleshoot the most commonly missed questions as a group and discuss why they got the question wrong, what techniques they can use to get it right next time, etc.

Is this an effective plan? What else should I add? What things are important for them to know? I'm really clueless about these kinds of things. I'm comfortable with the test myself (I got a 30 when I was in high school), but I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with the teaching part; I sometimes find that things make perfect sense in my head, but I have difficulty explaining them to others.

Comparing methods of preparation by gymnasts and musicians

Busoni — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:48:59 -0800

How do Olympic gymnasts (and other gymnasts at the elite level) train for their routines? Do they break their choreography into segments? Is there a set, systematic schedule or program used across the sport? A way to measure their progress? How might this compare (or apply) to the way a musician might prepare for an audition or a competition? (Incidentally, to give an idea of the sort of answers that are being sought, this question arose after noting points of comparison between programming in weight training and practice in musical performance.)

I'm a Cigar Virgin! Help

goalyeehah — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:33:14 -0800

How do I prepare good cigars for maximum delight? I purchased some cigars in New Orleans last week and have never smoked one before. I know that you do some preparation with them before smoking (poking hole in the tip?) What do I need to know to prep and smoke these for maximum delight?

Smells like...

hal_c_on — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:31:57 -0800

How do I make the tuna sandwich from sandwich places? I hate eating sandwiches at restaurants because I can make 99% of their menu at home. Eating a dip dish pizza, sushi, all sorts of rich thick complex dishes, or even really good french fries are fine because I can't make this kind of stuff at home without specialized equipment. I also don't want to spend two to three hours to prepare something that I will eat in about fifteen minutes.

I am totally prepared to pay whatever restaurants want so they can take the burden of buying the specialized equipment and spending the time making it. No problem.

But when I eat a tuna sandwich, I am totally disgusted with myself. I'm watching them make my sandwich which really doesn't save me time. I'm basically consenting to a 250% markup so I can get the convenience of not making a sandwich.

I hate that.

But I continue to go back to Subway, Jersey Mikes, and other specialty sub places because I LOVE the taste of their tuna sandwiches.

How the hell do they make it?

I use the same breads, condiments, toppings, salads, cheeses, everything....but I still can't recreate their tuna sandwiches at home. I can easily recreate a turkey sandwich, roast beef sandwich, or any other classic subs.

I have used cheaper tuna, I have used albacore tuna, I have used wierd ass Italian tuna that comes in jars. Its all tasty...but it doesn't have the taste that I get from sandwich shops.

When I see them peel that cellophane top off that that plastic bucket at subway with an ice cream scooper, and stick their half-protected arms into that slop my stomach goes "oh no. you ain't gonna eat that ish". But I do. I eat that ish like its the ambrosia of the gods.

What the hell are those secret ingredients in the sandwich slop that makes me keep coming back? Its not just at Subway, its pretty much at any specialty submarine/hoagy/sandwich shop.

I've used all sorts of mayo, chopped celery, spices, dressing...but I have still not gotten it correct.

What is the trade secret?

Thanks guys.

Hiking 9-5!

ginagina — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:44:21 -0800

How should we prepare for a 10 mile/8 hour guided hike through the NJ Pine Barrens? My boyfriend and I are signed up to go on a hike that is scheduled from 8:30AM to 5:30PM with a one hour lunch break that takes us through the NJ Pine Barrens. We're both in good shape and are experienced hikers. The distance doesn't concern us but we've never hiked for that amount of time before and want to ensure that we are prepared for a full day of exertion.

We'll have a guide and will also bring our digital compass/gps in case we get separated from the group.

What do you recommend in terms of food and supplies? Is there anything else we should know about hiking for that long? Anyone else hike through the Pine Barrens (Franklin Parker Reserve) in March?

We're staying at a bed and breakfast the night before the hike and won't have access to a refrigerator so all food we bring will have to be non-perishable.

Thanks in advance!

How can I best prepare for CFA exam?

icollectpurses — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:34:09 -0800

CFA Filter: Ok, I just registered and signed up for June 09 CFA test. I am looking for information on supplemental study guides and hints for better preparation. I found several sites but can't tell which one is best. Some people I know have used Schweser by Kaplan, but not sure which package is the best for me. It also seems the 12 week classes is too late for me to start.

I am thinking of spending 20-25 hours a week to study as suggested. If you have suggestions on what study plan worked for you, I'd appreciate any kind of info. i.e. difficult areas to emphasize during studies, how much time to spend on each sections, etc.

I read that level I is more of a regurgitating exam that I need to memorize as much information as possible to be able to apply to the questions. Is this true? I can't tell just by looking at the sample questions.

What do we need before the little guy arrives?

zardoz — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:59:15 -0800

Me and the Mrs. will be having our first child in late March. We've already bought a few clothes and miscellaneous items, but I'd like to know what should we get now? Parents, what are some things (like bottles, strollers, bouncy seats, etc.) that you wish you had had on Day One but didn't? The baby is a boy. Here's what we have so far:

-About 15 or so linen diapers. We'll use them as much as possible, while the kid is still more or less homebound, before moving onto disposables. Do we need a lot more of these?
-A baby carrier/shoulder carrier. We live in a large city, and this will be handy when walking around crowded city streets.
-A crib. We just bought this online, hasn't arrived yet.
-A few shirt/bodysuit(?) things.

We are thinking about buying but don't know much about:

1) Baby bottles and hot water warmers. What else is crucial with baby bottles?
2) A sort of ring pillow for my wife's sore back after the delivery, one that can also help when breastfeeding (actually I dunno what the wife is talking about here; maybe someone else does)
3) A baby bathtub...is this even necessary? When I was a baby my mom would wash me in the kitchen sink.
4) Clothing...how much should we get?
5) A bouncy seat. I hear the ones that vibrate are a lifesaver...are they worth it?

I should point out there will be no Western-style shower, so we don't expect to receive much in terms of gifts.

Thanks!

Reasonably priced tax preparation software that doesn't require me to put my info online?

elfgirl — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:08:23 -0800

I need recommendations for consumer tax preparation software, other than TurboTax. We've used TurboTax for at least a decade. This year, presumably in order to encourage people to use their online versions, they've hiked up the price to almost double the previous cost. We don't have any interest in using the online version, so I'm looking for another program to use.

I found a recommendation for TaxACT, which is appealing price-wise, but I've never heard of it before now. Has anyone used this program, or do you have any other recommendations?

A few requirements: we'll need something that can handle itemized deductions and sales of stock.

Looking for a good tax preparer in the Boston area

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:12:44 -0800

Looking for a good tax preparer in the Boston area. I like to think that I know tax code but my taxes are kinda complicated and I think I need a tax preparer anyway. My last two preparers I got on the basis of recommendations but they weren't that great (missed deductions; forgot deductions so that I had to remind them; argued with me over whether I was eligible for deductions I was definitely eligible for) and they were expensive. I figure if I wanted to miss deductions I could do it myself, for much less money. I live in Somerville, so, the closer the better.

Particular topics of interest: self-employment combined with regular employment, oil and gas lease income, inherited IRAs, trust income, foreign income.

Network+ cert prep training

wabashbdw — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:30:02 -0800

Need help finding resources for Network+ certification prep. I would like to earn a Network+ certification from CompTIA. I currently have the A+ cert and know I'm completely capable of understanding the concepts required for Network+.

BUT, I'm not an IT professional, which means I'm not interested in cramming for a test just to get the certification. I really need to learn the material. Learning on my own is OK and I'll certainly consider any books/websites that you've found helpful, but since my company is willing to pay for some classes I don't want to rule out that path as well. Any reputable online courses that might help?

Finally, I've looked at local community colleges but I haven't got the time/energy to attend classes. I've had successful results with online learning before so I don't really need the structure that B&M classes provide.

This coffee tastes positively Parman!

parmanparman — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:36:48 -0800

I need to be famous for other things. So I would like to make my own blend of coffee. At home and cheaply how can I get started? In terms of style, I would like to do something like a French Roast with the aroma of tilled farmland after a rainstorm.

I have heard you can use a popcorn popper to roast beans, but what else should I consider getting or trying in terms of tech and beans/spices/additives?

Medical school interview questions?

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:38:34 -0800

Right now, the 2008-2009 US medical school application cycle is substantially underway. I've submitted applications to a number of allopathic programs, and in the hopes of receiving interview invitations and then making a positive impression, I'd like some recommendations on books to brush up on commonly asked topics. From what I understand, topics like universal healthcare and medical ethics are particularly frequent. As a non-traditional applicant, I am interested in reading up on these and other common medical school interview topics, so please recommend books and other resources in these areas. I am not particularly interested in books on general interview technique.

Thanks! Questions? mefimsapp@gmail.com

hurricane food

jschu — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:25:17 -0800

What food should I buy in preparation for Hurricane Ike, and how should I eat it? Hurricane Ike is on its way, and I'm going to the grocery store tomorrow to stock up on non-perishables. What specific foods should I get? Last time we were without power for days at a time (Hurricane Rita, 2005), the granola bar diet got pretty old. Any suggestions/recipes on how to prepare meals with no refrigeration or electricity? We do have a propane barbeque, but all of our kitchen appliances are electric. Keep in mind that if the power's out, that means no air conditioning, so please no recipes for hot soups. etc.

We're far enough inland not to have to have any serious worries about evacuation or flooding, but we are on the "dirty side" of Ike, so power outages are somewhat likely.

Help me find an old cooking book.

mumstheword — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:35:28 -0800

Help me find a 35+ year-old text about the science and myriad other whys/wherefores/and hows behind all kinds of cooking endeavors. Sometime in the late seventies/early eighties I came across a book at a friend's home that was a very readable text on cooking. This was sort of a simple science of cooking, i.e. what happens to various ingredients when they combine, when they are heated, when liquid is added, etc...as well as (I think??) some recipes, or at least information about what herbs/spices /various ingredients went with what sorts of foods or food combinations. It seemed like perhaps it was some sort of all-inclusive text on food preparation/understanding. I realize this is a pretty nebulous description, but if anyone knows of such a book, I'd love to find it...The salient feature was that the text was simple to understand and digest (pun??...surely you 'gest!) and was a wonderful underpinning for understanding what is happening to and with ingredients when preparing/cooking.

How do I prepare for graduate technical interviews in software?

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:50:38 -0800

In about six weeks I expect to have a technical interview for a graduate position with MS. What can I do between now and then to be as well prepared as possible? This is my first 'real' interview - I'm just finishing my degree. I have interviewed for jobs like McDonalds and waiting tables, but that seems qualitatively different. The only other application I have made so far was to Google, and I didn't get past their technical phone screen (I did ask for feedback on how I went, but haven't heard anything from them yet). I do have some pretty good work experience, but the interview process for that was all over the phone and seemed ridiculously easy, I don't think there was much competition.

My biggest issue is that I don't really know if I'm good enough - what are they looking for? What do they expect from me? I have honours grades and a bunch of scholarships, but no open-source involvement and I feel like the really impressive guys at uni just know and understand way more than me, at a completely different level. How do I know what kind of position I should be applying for, or if Microsoft/Google/etc are just out of my league? (This is anon because in real life I never admit to that I might be less than capable of anything. I don't mind if I'm recognizable, I just don't want the angst easily linked to my name.)

Current plans:
-I'm going to do some coding (in C++) to make sure I have all the syntax at my fingertips - it's been a while since I've worked in it.
-I just reread my Data Structures and Algorithms textbook, and I'm taking another course in them now
-I'm working on the Google CodeJam problems
-I've been googling 'Microsoft interview' and variations to find all the available info on the type of questions they'll ask, logic puzzles etc.
-I'm also starting my final semester, and have a lot of work to do, so I don't have unlimited time to work with.

I'm looking for MS-specific tips, but also advice for software interviews in general, as I'm sure I'll be interviewing at other places as well.

Anal on Saturday night, how to prepare Friday or Saturday?

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:09:05 -0800

I'm going to have anal sex, for the first time, on Saturday night! What do I do on Friday night or Saturday morning? I'm a girl and my partner's a guy. I've never had anal before, but he has a lot of experience, and we've been doing a lot of play together. I've also read a lot of guides. So I'm not asking any questions that can be answered with "more lube, more patience." There's the long-term prep you do over the course of months -- fingering, gradually working your way up -- and the short-term prep over the course of an hour -- massages, rimming, relaxing more. What I'm asking about is the medium-term prep -- a day or two.

Basically, this time, cleanliness is a priority for me. On my own, I have no trouble handling my waste. But I really, really want to prevent any appearance of feces (or even of santorum) when my partner's present. I know total prevention may be impossible, so let's say I'd like to minimize it. My partner is knows what he's getting into, and he definitely will be cool with it, so it's really for my sake -- it's my first time having anal sex and I'd really like it not to end with shit everywhere.

I'm confident I can get the bottom 3-4" of my digestive tract -- as far as our fingers reach -- to be squeaky clean. We've tested that more than enough, and never come up with a trace. But I'm concerned about the next 4-5" inches, because that's how deep his penis is going to go (yes really, we've measured him). I'm not at all sure that when I clean myself out in the shower, I'm cleaning out the feces stored 7-8" inside me.

To clean myself, I just wait until I'm in the shower and use my hands. It works better than an enema in the shallow range. I don't think an enema could work any deeper, either, because of all the twists and turns. So for what I can reach, I'm happy sticking with what's worked so far. It's the rest of my digestive tract I'm concerned about.

Basically, I think this is what I want to do:
- eat a lot of fiber (and drink a lot of water?)
- shit my heart out Saturday morning
- not eat afterwards
- wash up Saturday afternoon
- have anal Saturday late afternoon/evening/night
- have a late dinner Saturday night
- go on with normal routine Sunday morning and onwards.

So assuming this plan sounds good to you, when do I eat all this fiber? I want my digestive tract empty as of Saturday afternoon, so do I eat this fiber Friday night? Saturday morning? How fast does it work? I really don't want to take it Saturday morning and have it kick in Saturday night, you know?

And what form should the fiber be in? Soluble? Insoluble? I'd rather eat real food, but if pills will work better, that's okay too. I feel like fiber is probably a better plan than laxatives, though.

After my first time, I plan to get a lot more casual about this, probably just cleaning the way I do for anal play now. I want to assure you that I'm not totally hung up on the first time must be perfect -- Saturday isn't a meaningful date (anniversary, etc.), we've already put it off once or twice, we completely expect me to queef and him to trip and us both to misunderstand each other and bonk heads and have to stop while we laugh. We've done all of that before, and there aren't any rose-petal illusions about this. If we run into some feces, he's not going to do more than shrug.

But I'd really prefer not to, this one time. So just once, I do want to take extraordinary effort to clean out the bottom 8" or so of my digestive tract.

How do I clean turbot?

romakimmy — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:18:01 -0800

How do I clean turbot? Thanks to the Christmas rush, the fish counter at the supermarket wasn't cleaning purchases. Despite years of fishing with my dad, and generally being pretty handy in the kitchen, I am totally clueless when it come to actually cleaning the fish.

A quick Googling gives me helpful results like "clean the turbot " (Great. How?), "have your fishmonger clean the turbot" (Argh), or "Clean and Unclean foods listed in the bible" (not clean). Help?

Bonus Points: A quicker method for cleaning mussles apart from getting OCD with a wire sponge?

Maximising my chances of success getting to top consulting company?

gttommy — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:44:17 -0800

I have a year before I am eligible to work for a big consulting company. What should I do during this year to maximise my chances of success, or bump up starting salary? I have only one subject (capstone thesis, no classes) to do next year, however big companies don't accept applicants who have not graduated. And graduate positions start only at the beginning of each year. With only one subject to do in 2008, I have a lot time.

Details:
Over a year of object-oriented coding
Over a year of mobile phones sales
Degree: BE Software, BA Int'l Studies in Chinese (6yr course)
Avg grades: ~73/100
Activities: Some involvement with clubs and volunteer programs, nothing outstanding or demonstrating leadership, debating skills or care for the greater community
Country: Australia
Willing to relocate to: UK, US, NZ, Asia
Companies of interest:
Particularly Bain and BCG for their reputation in culture and work/life balance

I've considered getting a full-time job geared towards it, like IT sales or business analyst. Also maybe being more active with uni activities. Just not sure what directions would maximise return. Any advice in any area is welcome.

Pre-marathon advice?

I_Love_Bananas — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:36:56 -0800

RunningFilter: Half Marathon on Sunday. How should I spend Saturday?

If it doesn't kill me, will it make me stronger or weaker

amtho — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:23:57 -0800

Best way, other than walking a lot (too time-consuming), to prepare for walking a lot, in a city, carrying a substantial bag? A recent walking-intensive two-week trip nearly killed my poor feet. I don't have a walking-intensive life most of the time. Should I try specific conditioning? Or would that make it worse, "using up" the mileage I have left on my feet? Should I just resign myself to babying my feet when traveling? I'm not even sure how to search for this; searches for "walk exercise" would yield information about walking as exercise; I'm wondering if there are exercises that will make walking for long periods, carrying a heavy bag (suitcase / backpack) less of a problem.

I have flat feet, small feet, in short -- not the best feet. It's possible that a podiatrist might help, but I'm wondering if this is a known common problem that people conquer by... jumping rope (please no)? Walking on the toes for 15 minutes a day? Walking for 5 minutes carrying something really, really heavy? Something simple?

Jogging/running isn't my best activity; I've got problem knees, too. I have a bike.

I'm height/weight proportional, but I think my recent travel woes were exacerbated by carrying a heavy bag... which I'd like to do again. The back is mostly OK, it's just the feet.

I do know enough to get cushy insoles, wear comfortable shoes, etc., although specific recommendations are welcome. I usually avoid cushy insoles in everyday life on the theory that they'd weaken my feet. I normally wear Birkenstock-type sandals, and occasionally loafers.

How do I head competative behavior off at the pass?

The_Partridge_Family — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:11:34 -0800

I'm starting a new job on Monday - it's in the same company but at a different location. I've been with the company quite a while and I know my new boss is a bit of an ass, so I want to get off on the firmest best foot - if it's possible I want to position myself as someone he doesn't need to be an ass to/ competative with. What suggestions do you have for good pre-emptive or early actions/ behaviors? I need to send him an email asking when he wants to meet on Monday (I need to get a pass and all that stuff sorted out) - so perhaps this'd be a good place to start?

Are the SAT prep courses worth the money?

Flakypastry — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 09:02:23 -0800

Personal experiences with SAT course preparation? My daughter is gearing up to take the SAT next year. I have read threads in collegeconfidential.com, and an AskMe thread on PSAT prep. What I'm looking for is recent, honest apparaisal as to whether these prep courses are useful. Some background: my daughter is an honors student who is hoping to go to a top school and study mathematics. I have bought all the usual books for her: the College Board "blue book", Grubers guide, the Princeton Review book, etc. She's not all that enthusiastic about taking a course, and wants to study on her own. I am largely supportive of this, but it seems as though all of her peers' parents are in a frenzy about optimizing their kids' scores, and are convinced that prep courses are the way to go. So, have you or your child taken/not taken the prep courses? Would you do it differently if you could?

Will grad school indecision leave a poor first impression?

fermion — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:13:53 -0800

Should I introduce myself to potential graduate school advisors at the earliest opportunity, or wait until I'm better prepared and less indecisive? I'm going to be visiting some schools in New York with an eye to possibly doing graduate study there. However, I'm pretty early in the grad school process. I have yet to take the all-important step of Deciding What I Want To Study. Oceanography or some type of climate physics is the current frontrunner, but computer science and civil engineering are competing for my attention, and all the cool kids are into molecular biology these days...

I've been too busy the last few months (GREs, major work projects, travel) to give these subjects the attention they deserve, and I am woefully ill-prepared to discuss any of them at length. My undergrad degree is in physics, from a reasonably well-regarded but rather obscure liberal arts college. I'm currently two years into a job outside my field; I anticipate needing to do a bit of catch-up undergrad work before I enter any science grad program, and I feel this is also apt to be a count against me.

I want to know whether I should actually talk to the faculty at the departments I'm interested in. Will they be impressed at my initiative, or will my indecisiveness and paucity of prior research leave a poor first impression? Since a good advisor can make or break a graduate education, I like the idea of getting to meet professors and learn more about their areas of interest. However, I don't want to hurt my chances of admission by doing so.

So: do I try to get in touch with professors, or just check out the campuses now and make my personal contacts after I've done my research and gathered my thoughts?