If an alien located on a planet 100 light years from here was to switch on a big, multi-frequency radio receiver, and record all the noises coming from outer space for the next hundred years, on all frequencies, how many soap operas, advertisements and new broadcasts would they pick up from Earth? Would a mass-market radio, similar to our Earthly equivalents, pick up anything? Over time, as the number of Earth transmissions increases exponentially, would the alien pick up a cacophony or a damp fizzle? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on Feb 23, 2012 - 10 answers

We all hear about too little communication during dating and a relationship. How about the reverse? Help me assert my need for less communication in a new friendship/potential relationship. [more inside]
posted by patronuscharms on Dec 5, 2010 - 34 answers

What do you do when one partner likes to make advance plans and the other likes to be spontaneous, in a relationship? [more inside]
posted by CatherineK on Aug 25, 2009 - 26 answers

What do you know about the Japanese word/concept of 'Ma'? I know it denotes the negative space between objects and it relates closely to the similarly used Japanese word 'Mu'. [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on Dec 27, 2007 - 15 answers

Give me some ideas to help me avoid calling someone. I am grieving the break-up of a long-term relationship. I dont know if the relationship can be salvaged at any point in the future but if it can be it will only be after we have some space and time apart. What can I do to dampen down the overwhelming desire to call her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 25, 2006 - 33 answers