Better, Faster

A new study says that regular video game players learn to process information faster and more accurately, not just in video games, but in unrelated real-world tasks.

"Playing video games enhances performance on mental rotation skills, visual and spatial memory, and tasks requiring divided attention, say the researchers."

Normally, when people speed up tasks they make more mistakes. But this research hints that our video-gaming children will be able to crank up the speed AND improve accuracy, which is pretty amazing. The benefits also extend to older people, by the way. And just to sweeten the deal, the study also says that video games can close the visual and spatial processing gap between the sexes.

So grab that controller and bring on Mario!

Honing In

I made another iteration of "House"* curry this week, and I'd like to propose a new version of this recipe. It's very similar, so the changes are in bold.

1 large yellow onion, chopped
1/4 cup peanut oil
6 cloves garlic, peeled
2" ginger, peeled
1 29-oz can tomato puree
1 Tbl cumin
1 Tbl coriander
1 Tbl fenugreek
2 tsp turmeric
3 green finger hot chilis
4 cups water
2 tsp salt

(meat, veggies, lentils, chick peas, paneer, etc)

2 cups basmati rice
3 cups water
1/2 tsp salt

Fry the onion in the oil until golden brown. Transfer to food processor along with garlic, ginger, spices, chilies and tomato sauce. Process until smooth. Add tomato mixture and water and stir. Bring to a boil, add meat, veggies, lentils, etc, as desired. Simmer and cover. Cook rice. Simmer curry for 30-40 minutes, stirring. Serve!

* House of India