Wikipedia:Reference desk archive/Miscellaneous/2006 September 22

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[edit] Juggling

How do you juggle 5 balls? I can do three balls, and can do four (two per hand). --216.164.199.33 00:23, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I haven't been able to do it myself, but I do recommend this book for that and a whole lot more. Dismas|(talk) 01:51, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

As I understand it, the usual way is to form a parabolic arc in the air with as many balls as you can handle. As each comes down, one hand catches it, passes it to the other hand, and that hand launches it. It's possible to juggle far more balls this way than by using each hand to independently juggle. StuRat 04:32, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I once saw a circus artist juggle some 20-30 balls. Joneleth 05:42, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Doubtful, since the official world record seems to be 9. Clarityfiend 07:10, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Check this Java applet. Good stuff. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 11:07, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Slaves

This is completely unrelated to my micronation question; I do not endorse slavery. Question: Where can I buy slaves, and how much do they cost? --216.164.199.33 00:35, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

In the 1400s, the Africans paid one pound sterling for a young male, then sold it to the Europeans for 3 1/2 pounds sterling, or the equivalent of 11 muskets, 31 gallons of whiskey, or 93 pounds of wrought iron. bibliomaniac15 00:40, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
As there was no transatlantic slave trade in the 1400s, almost no european ships had even ventured as far as Senegal, and the overwhelming majority of the African slave trade was conducted by the Arabs as they had for centuries before and after, where did you get this information and why should we believe it? alteripse 00:46, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Sorry, it's late 1700s. Also, right before the American Civil War, prime young males were about $600-$800, while women were usually 2/3 of the price. Skilled workers, and pretty, young girls could fetch more, because they could make more things, or they could be sold into brothels, respectively. To convert this to a current price, young males costed about 50 ounces of gold, or $21,400. So to answer your question, if you were going to buy a slave at that price, I would suggest that you buy a new car with that money, or something worth it instead of something unethical.

It is still popular in parts of the world try Trafficking in human beings, Anti-Slavery International and the external links. I doubt they have a web based price list. MeltBanana 01:29, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
No recent listings on EBay.Edison 03:36, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Do slaves count as real estate]? --frothT C 05:39, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
"Although for some purposes slaves are declared by statute to be real estate, they are nevertheless intrinsically personal, and therefore are to be considered as included in every statute or contract in relation to chattels which does not, in terms, exclude them. They are liable, as chattels, to the payment of debts. They may be attached as chattels, and they have invariably been treated as chattels, in both Virginia and Kentucky, so far as the rights and duties of administrators are concerned.” (Wheeler’s Law of Slavery, pp. 37-8.) And yet Kentucky is one of the only two States in which the statutes have declared slaves to be real estate, a tenure which, if adhered to, would attach the slave to the soil, and prevent the separation of families. The practice, as sanctioned by custom and the courts, is in this case found to be less favorable to the slaves than the words of the statute, in their plain import. The people have been worse than their statutes, and the judges have conformed to the people." from Author: Goodell, William, "The American Slave Code in Theory and Practice: Its Distinctive Features Shown by Its Statutes, Judicial Decisions, and Illustrative Facts." New York: American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, 1853. viewed at http://www.dinsdoc.com/goodell-1-1-4.htm The same book says " “From the generality of this remark, the State of Louisiana must be excepted.” “The slaves are declared to be real estate, to be ranked among immovable property. When, therefore, the owner of slaves is, as I presume is most commonly the case, possessed of land, the slave cannot be separated from it by process of law." If slaves were real estate, they would be part of the farm, and families could not be separated and sold. In this they would be like medieval peasants, so it might be a better deal than being personal property. Edison 13:00, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Perhaps today in developing nations you can find them for cheap or hire someone to steal one for you, not that I am suggesting this, I am just pointing it out. --Proficient 06:25, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
There are always "wage slaves" like the countless zombies who trudge off every day to an office or factory to attempt to do the impossible for the undeserving under the direction of the incompetent, unable to quit because they have a mortgage, college loans, and a family to feed. Edison 21:28, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Edison uses the metaphor "wage slaves" as if it were in any way comparable to the real thing. Pro-slavery advocates before the US Civil War used to do the same thing. Oddly, though, although thousands of real slaves risked their lives to escape and become "wage slaves," there appears to be no instance of a "wage slave" running off to become a real slave. B00P 03:01, 24 September 2006 (UTC)
Some BDSM fanatics supposedly do, at least recreationally. And very few slaves had becoming a "wage slave" as their ultimate goal when the absconded from the plantation, although if one must be a slave it is probably good to get some wages. And real slaves were sometimes paid wages as a motivator. Many people enter the U.S> and pay thousands of dollars for the priviledge of being enslaved, as in the case of Chinese who are smuggled here in cargo containers and forced to work in sweatshops, restaurants, or the sex trade in conditions not much different from slavery. Edison 23:21, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Micronation

How can I start a micronation? --216.164.199.33 01:10, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Our article shoild give you enough clues. Find patch of land, assert your wish to be recognised as a nation, optionally issue stamps, passports, whistle a national anthem, design a flag, &c. --Tagishsimon (talk)
You may get some ideas if you read about Sealand. --hydnjo talk 01:42, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Or, just start micronating and others will hopefully join in.  :--) JackofOz 01:48, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
You could start with a minination and chip away at it. Clarityfiend 07:46, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Or take a jackhammer to a very large nation --frothT C 16:34, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
The BBC had a series called something like "how do I start my own country". I didn't watch it, though, so can't help there. DirkvdM 08:50, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
And of course wikipedia has an article about it How to Start Your Own Country MeltBanana 12:54, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Of course we do! Silly me. DirkvdM 18:02, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] anime A-Z

I had the old version of the anime A-Z and my husband had to reformat the hard drive, and I can't seem to find the web site that had ALL the anime shows and movies (Japanese and Adult Swim, American versions). It gave how many episodes, movies, etc.Is it on another website? Because I think It was your site. If you have changed it, then I can't find what I want, because you new site is very incomplete to the old on that I used. Thank you for any help you can give, Cindy Hudson P.S. I had a very hard time just trying to find even this contact page.

Some of the links, such as the Online encyclopedias, from Anime#See_also might help you. And I think you may be confusing us with some other site, since our site grows everyday and never gets smaller; and we have not got a new site, we are still much as we were when we set out a few years ago. Good luck --Tagishsimon (talk)
You definately are confusing us with some other site. Wikipedia has never hosted anime (which is illegal) and I'll personally vouch that this is the very same site as ever --frothT C 06:20, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Not sure about the "illegal" comment, since it would appear that this user is not looking for copies of every single anime in existance (which would take a pretty big hard drive, I'd imagine...) but rather a simple index of them (judging by the "it had number of episodes..." comment). To answer the user, our Anime article has a section on online encylopedias, one of which might contain the information that you're looking for. --Maelwys 17:39, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Indeed. You are delusional and it's quite comical. --Proficient 06:27, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Read WP:BITE proficient --frothT C 16:35, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "local" on the market pit?

a friend of mine told me there were two types of people on the floor, "locals" who buy and sell for their own accounts, and "brokers" who buy and sell for other people's accounts. He also told me that anyone can become a "local" as long as they lease out a space and have a $50,000 account. Haven't been able to find any google info on this. Please help? Jasbutal 05:12, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

It's more like millions of dollars.... to get one, find one that's on sale (there are several thousand seats) and buy it. See New York Stock Exchange --frothT C 05:37, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
forget the NYSE, do I look like a rich Long Islander? I'll just go to a shitty market like CME. Check it out http://www.cme.com/trading/mem/leaseprices.html Jasbutal 08:09, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
It seems you found your answer on your own... --frothT C 17:18, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Manga

I remember i once saw an epizode of an manga but I forgot the name off it, I hope someone can recognise it.

It was about a dark master wizard that was locked away in a boys body but then unlocked in order to save a city that was under attack, (atleast thats what the epizode i saw was about). Joneleth 06:06, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Is this it? --frothT C 06:17, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Is 'epizode' overamericanised English? Or is it a Bulgarian rock band? DirkvdM 08:51, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Epizode sounds cool, I for one am glad she used it >:p --frothT C 16:37, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Im deeply sorry I dont spell my 3rd language perfectly Dirk, I meant episode. And yes thats it, thanks froth. Joneleth 03:37, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

Just imagine how cool your English would be if it were your fourth language. :) DirkvdM 04:51, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The cargo on the "Mary Celeste"

Dear Wiki

I note in the article on the "Mary Celeste" that the cargo is specified as having been methanol. Most accounts, however, claim it to have been ethanol, or imply it to have been ethanol. The difference is a crucial one in terms of reconstructing what happened to that vessel and her company. Can you possibly enlighten me as to the source of the information about the cargo? The methanol claim is not referenced (perhaps it ought to be, given the ambiguity).

Thank you and best wishes

Barend Vlaardingerbroek, Ph.D.

According to the edit history, that comment was based on a Channel 5 documentary the editor had seen. You have already asked this question on the article talk page, but if you wish to ask the editor directly you can do so at User talk:Jmcc150. --Shantavira 08:40, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I have now forgotten whether the Channel 5 documentary specified methanol or ethanol. I paraphrased the information while it was fresh in my mind. For me it has to be methanol for the explanation to work. My university chemistry is rusty but I think it would be much harder to build up a high vapour pressure of ethanol. I also wonder why ethanol would be transported to Italy all the way from the USA. JMcC 07:53, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Is it possible to own a gull as a pet?

Anyone know? Does anyone breed gulls in captivity? --81.79.107.62 11:10, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

In the UK, it is illegal to keep a wild bird as a pet, although there are licences that allow rescue centres and zoos to keep wild animals under certain conditions. However, gulls need lots of space and they would not be suitable for confinement.--Shantavira 11:22, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Mentioning banned word: minus 20 points! 8-)--Light current 21:58, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Geez light current your rules are strict! What word was it? --frothTC 03:47, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
Ah no you dont get me to fall for that one! 8-)THe naughty word is the winged (seabird) subject of this thread--Light current 12:48, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
How should I get around the ban? It was the "ullgay"... I have no idea why the word got banned, though... =S 惑乱 分からん 12:09, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
It was banned because there were a lot of silly posts about it and bagels not long ago (Dont ask!) 8-(--Light current 12:48, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
That's why I asked about captive bred gulls. As far as I know, it's legal to own native UK birds if they're aviary bred. How much space would a gull need, as a matter of interest (it's not like I'd keep it caged in my bedroom)? --84.67.79.146 18:51, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Gerald Durrell's My family and other animals features a pet seaggull called Alecko in chapter 17. At least I think it's a seagull, but I don't have the English original of the novel handy, so you'd better check. I don't know if they can breed in captivity. – b_jonas 20:07, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
Of course, this doesn't mean you should try having a seagull at home. Add the usual disclaimer here. Oh, and just because he tried to keep it as a pet doesn't mean he didn't have problems with it, so read the novel too for the outcome ;). – b_jonas 20:15, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
As I understand it, if you 'aquire' a gull chick and bond with it, then continue to feed it past the time that its mother would generally leave it to fend for itself, then you'll have a pet birdie that'll follow you around like a (very bad-tempered) puppy. Of course, this is illegal (at least in the UK) and should not be attempted. The orphaned baby gulls I raised became *incredibly* demanding (e.g. trying to steal food from my mouth when I was eating, or biting my ankles *hard* when they were hungry, which was nearly all the time) once they'd reached the fledgeling stage and TBH, I couldn't handle it for much longer and was happy to see them return to the wild. I suppose they'd get even more annoying when they got to about four years old and the breeding hormones kicked in (I've heard about the problems people have with macaws, which have a much gentler nature). Ever considered getting a jackdaw? They're supposed to be very good with humans, if you fancy a pet that's a bit different. --Kurt Shaped Box 01:23, 24 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Are There Degrees In Interior Design And Are There Degrees In Landscape Architecture?

Thank you!100110100 11:14, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Certainly. These are mentioned in the interior design and landscape architecture articles under "Profession". See also list of schools of landscape architecture.--Shantavira 11:25, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Thanks for the pointers. But in the article it doesn't mention excatly if they need degrees. Also, are there bachelor degrees in landscape architecture? Thanks.100110100 23:18, 24 September 2006 (UTC)
You can get degrees in practically anything these days. According to (the surprisingly detailed) list of schools of landscape architecture there are at least 24 that offer bachelor degree in landscape architecture.--Shantavira 07:10, 25 September 2006 (UTC)
Of course! There are 78 degrees in this interior and there are about 100 degrees in this landscape! --frothT C 16:40, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Haha, unfortunatly, I'm imperial/customary system illiterate.100110100 22:09, 24 September 2006 (UTC)
You're welcome. To a degree. DirkvdM 18:05, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Vandalism

Does anyone know of any reasons why people vandalise articles? Particularly paying attention to adding material pertaining to penises? My preferred explanation is that they are somewhat under endowed and have no friends. What do other people think?OEYoung 17:16, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
P.S. How do you report the ip addresses of vandals to wikipedia?

If you wan't to protect pages from sociaopathic GNAA/Myg0t nubs, use WP:Requests for protection. The velociraptor 04:12, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
I don't think they're necessarily lonely ogres. A lot of the vandalism sources from IP addresses belonging to schools. I can easily picture a group of high school boys huddled around their computers, enjoying this pastime together. Often the vandal acts involve adding names of (presumably) real people. E.g.: "The octopus's intelligence is comparable to Darren's" "Matt Siracusa is by far much more smarter than Rousseau." I believe it's basically infantile male behavior, nothing more and nothing less.---Sluzzelin 13:32, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
WP:VAND gives you information on how to handle vandalism. WP:MOV is an essay on possible motivations of vandals.---Sluzzelin 13:59, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I suspect these are misguided attempts to attract attention by people who are sexually frustrated. Durova 14:52, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
meta:Friends of gays should not be allowed to edit articles is also an interesting piece of writing.--Shantavira 15:38, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I suspect it's because it's funny to see obviously incorrect content in an encyclopedia, and know you put it there and hundreds of people will read it. I confess that I once changed the picture at Ken Blackwell to a photo of some arab lawyer and nobody noticed it for a while. Sorry! --frothT C 16:45, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Yeah, right, it went unnoticed for all of three minutes![1]  --LambiamTalk 19:57, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Yes, right. I said a while. --frothT C 20:40, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I also once dabbled in vandalism and got instantly slapped on the wrist. You have to admit that the article title was just asking for it. Basically, I just wanted to see what would happen (I marked my edit rather clearly) and I suppose that will be the reason for a lot of vandals. Yes, we're a sorry bunch. DirkvdM 18:13, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Uberlandia? Sounds like an amusement park. And a pretty fricking awesome place to live --frothT C 20:44, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I vow to defend Jacques Tits(I actually met him once :) ) from THIS : [2]Evilbu 22:15, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Jaques Tits? Seems to be an obvious target for THIS. 惑乱 分からん 12:12, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

I suppose frustration or hate may be a reason. If someone, perhaps, does not like the policy of a certain politician, they may vandalise the page on that person in a misguided and usually futile effort to get ather people to see things their way. Russian F 03:25, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

They do it for fun. --Proficient 05:43, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Odd aircraft

I live in the approach path for the Winnipeg International Airport. A couple of months back, I was in my back yard I and saw a plane pass over-head. The plane looked like a typical medium sized prop-driven dealy. The odd thing was that it had a cable going from the nose, to the wing tips, and back to the tail. This cable had some circular objects going along it, if I recall correctly. Does anyone know what this was? -- Consumed Crustacean (talk) 16:05, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

It was most likely a standard geophysics plane. These are used to map mineral deposits, by either passively recording fields (electric - magnetic), or sending out pulses. --Zeizmic 16:17, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Neat. The closest image I could find through Google Image was [3], which is pretty close to what I recall, though I remember the loop things on the cable being largish circles, parallel with the ground. Still, seems to fit. Thanks :) -- Consumed Crustacean (talk) 20:09, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] dvorak keyboard

Where can I buy a good dvorak usb keyboard for less than $40? Thanks! 130.207.180.30 16:40, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Google is your friend! A Clown in the Dark 16:46, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Try froogle too --frothT C 16:47, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Now was that so hard? Anyway, don't bother to buy one, just switch around the keys on your old keyboard. That's what a lot of the sellers I see on ebay and froogle seem to be doing. --frothT C 16:47, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Sounds good. How do you program a new keyboard layout? 惑乱 分からん 17:39, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I'd imagine it's under start>control panel>keyboard. I have a laptop so many of the options are unavailable (since obviously the keyboard isn't intended to change in any way) --frothT C 19:40, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
You can certainly change the software end of the keyboard layout on a laptop. There are many reasons that one might need to do so (i.e. you cannot type in Cyrillic without it). I can't remember how it is on Windows but I think it is under the "Keyboard" or "International Settings" Control Panel. DVORAK is an option on every computer I've seen. --Fastfission 22:50, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
On the other hand, laptop keys are often the easiest to pull out and rearrange in DVORAK format.  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  18:23, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
Really? *pops off control key* Wow I had no idea it was that easy. I had assumed that these low-profile keys weren't removable --frothT C 04:48, 25 September 2006 (UTC)
Indeed. Just use a simple freeware program from google that will allow you to alter keystrokes, then switch them on your board. --Proficient 05:44, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Free DVD Player without UOP

Is there a good, free DVD player that uses de-CSS and doesn't implement User operation prohibition and isn't mplayer? --frothT C 17:16, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

VLC media player -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 17:44, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
VLC is reputed for playing just about everything (out-of-the-box, no codecs need downloading), including DVDs, as well as Windows Media, Quicktime, and other files that are normally somewhat fickle. It also supports various different OSs. Excellent software. -- Consumed Crustacean (talk) 17:54, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
VLC is fantastic. I bet that if you could hook it up to a computer, it could play magnetic tape. Oskar 21:55, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
All right thanks! --frothT C 19:40, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Export of cryptography

How do western governments possibly hope to regulate it... --frothT C 17:42, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

It's impossible to do today, but back in the day, there was an american legal theory that stated that lecturing or otherwise exporting cryptographic algorithms were punishble as exporting arms design illegally (or something). Anyway, it was ridiculous and they failed, now AES and RSA are available all over the world. Those two algorithms will cover pretty much any cryptographic situation you're gonna find (along with a few decent hashing algorithms). Oskar 22:01, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
There are still restrictions in force, and if you plan to export cryptographic software (or offer cryptographic consulting) to Iran or North Korea, consult a legal expert first. --LambiamTalk 23:45, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I remember trying to download a version of Netscape with 128 bit encryption, and having to click "Yes" on the button that said I was a US citizen and that I would not export this technology. I then filled in my name and address ("Saddam Hussein", "Bagdhad") and it let me download the software. DJ Clayworth 19:00, 28 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] hay or straw

I was wondering what is better in the winter hay or straw?I have a husky(dog)that lives out side in a 100 sq.ft kennel and has a house he sleeps in,my question is my pet better off in the 0 to -40 weather to have hay or straw?

Definately hay. Straw is very sharp and unless you want to make him a big mattress or something, it definately would not be comfortable for him to sleep in it. Also are you sure he'll be OK in -40 degree weather (I assume you mean fahrenheit, though now that I think about it, coincidentally 40 degrees F is the same as 40 degrees C) even with bedding? That's pretty darn cold. --frothT C 19:38, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I'm not sure that there is a big difference between the insulating capacities of hay and straw. (I assume that you are looking for insulation and that you don't plan to feed your dog hay or straw.) Straw is basically the stalks of hay, or hay without the seeds. I agree that your best option would be hay. I am thinking that the weight of your dog would be more likely to crush or compact the straw, whereas the seed content of hay would help to preserve the little pockets of air that help to insulate. It would probably help to caulk the doghouse to eliminate drafts. If it snows where you live, by all means do not shovel snow away from the doghouse, except to clear a path to the entrance, because the snow will also help to insulate the doghouse. I agree that you should make sure that huskies can survive sleeping at -40 degrees. I have no doubt that they can work at that temperature, but can they generate enough internal heat while resting at that temperature to avoid hypothermia? Marco polo 19:47, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I was so worried about your dog that I looked into this some more. Huskies just might be able to survive outdoors in those temperatures, but I suggest that you ask a vet. Here are some more suggestions. If possible, make sure that the opening to the doghouse faces away from the prevailing wind where you are. If the wind generally blows out of the east or northeast, face the doghouse opening southwest. If the wind generally blows from the west or northwest, face the doghouse opening southeast. (I am thinking that in a place with cold winters, a southerly wind would bring warmer air and would be less of a problem for your dog.) You should situate the doghouse if possible in a place sheltered from the wind but exposed to the sun, such as it may be. Finally, and I think this is important: If you use straw and/or hay, be sure to change it regularly. The straw or hay will lose its insulating capacity and even make your dog colder by evaporation if it gets wet. Your dog will get it wet every time he or she brings in snow on his or her paws. The water may freeze back into ice when the dog leaves the doghouse, and melt back into water when the dog reenters, but it won't evaporate easily in below-freezing weather. Marco polo 20:06, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I'm going to come out and say it: If it gets to 40 below, please don't leave your dog outside. It's dangerous.. and will certainly cause great distress to your dog --frothT C 20:37, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I happen to have a husky and though she loves to play outside in those temperatures, I wouldn't leave her out in it overnight. Unless that is, if I were a dog sledder or something and knew exactly what I was doing. Though considering that you're asking strangers on the 'net who are unlikely to be experts themselves, I'm guessing you're not prepared to say that you know exactly what you're doing either, no offense. Dismas|(talk) 21:36, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Apparently huskies need low temperatures (esp when working) otherwise they overheat!--Light current 22:01, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I have some suggestions:

  • Use something better for insulation, like Styrofoam, built into the walls, floor, and ceiling.
  • Hang a heavy blanket over the door, so the dog can get in but heat can't get out.
  • Rig a waterproof electrical line to the doghouse and mount an incandescent light bulb at the top. These generate a considerable amount of heat in such a small space. And, most places and times of the year with such low temps also have only a few hours of sunlight each day, so your dog will appreciate the extra light.
  • You might consider rigging the doghouse with a digital video camera so you can check on him when it gets cold out.
  • If possible, put the doghouse someplace protected from the wind, like a garage.

StuRat 04:36, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

  • A well designed doghouse for a cold area will have 2 compartments: the outer one, with the door, will have the doorway offset to , say, the left side. Frome that compartment, the door to the other compartment would be offset the other way, in this case to the right side, so there is no direct path for drafts. Add a flap of canvas over the outer door opening. Put some old carpet on the floor for insulation. Double thickness walls and floor with insulation would be a good idea. The dog still need unfrozen water, and I.m not sure how you achieve that. Perhaps a heat strip like for the bottom of reptile habitats. How about letting him inside when it is below zero Fahrenheit?Edison 15:29, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
  • Can't they get their water by eating snow ? StuRat 04:01, 24 September 2006 (UTC)
I wouldn't count on the dog just figuring that out --frothT C 22:31, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Are you legally allowed to purchase this book? Or is it only given to doctors/psychiatrists etc.? Thanks, Iolakana•T 18:17, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

It's listed on Amazon so I guess anyone can order it. You should be able to order any book that has an ISBN. (Books published privately need not have an ISBN.) --Shantavira 18:34, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
No particular reason for it not to be legal. However, as the article says, it warns that lay people should not use it for diagnosing disorders. That's definately a fear, especially considering the number of television shows and whatnot that have created mistrust in some towards medical professionals. -- Consumed Crustacean (talk) 20:13, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
In the United States at least, the first amendment guarantees its legality. That doesn't mean it's necessarily easy to understand or that there isn't a danger of misuse. 72.199.25.92 00:16, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

If you are in the US, try your local hospital library. Many community hospitals, especially the larger ones, have medical libraries in which anyone can consult a wide variety of expensive medical books. Don't be embarrassed to ask for the DSMIV book, all kinds of people ask for things like that all the time. If she isnt real busy, the librarian may even help you look up what you want to check. alteripse 03:46, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

Indeed. Ask a hospital. --Proficient 05:48, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Tennis balls

Okay - this is an odd one, but bear with me. My boss is an avid tennis player, and one of the things we want to get him are personalized tennis balls. I know not so much about the sport, so what are the various high-end tennis balls on the market in the US? Many thanks! – ClockworkSoul 19:43, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I just googled "customized tennis balls" and got more hits than Anna Kournikova got tournament wins. Way, way more. I'm not a big tennis fan, but I've never heard of high-end balls. Clarityfiend 20:53, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Sorry - I should have been more clear... I can customize them easily, but I want to first purchase some very nice tennis balls to have customized. – ClockworkSoul 21:06, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
How about this: [4]? Clarityfiend 21:17, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
I think those really big tennis balls the size of basketballs are hilarious. Get him one of those, or see if there are some autographed ones on eBay. You always see the professionals signing them after the matches. --Maxamegalon2000 21:11, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I'd imagine Wilson ones are pretty good. If you want professional level balls, you can always search for tennis photos on the internet and zoom in on the balls and see which brand they are using. In addition, I'm sure if you walk into a professional tennis shop the sales staff can help you choose a high-quality ball. Jamesino 23:43, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I've never seen the purpose to those customised tennis balls. They are expensive, difficult to see, and just as easy to lose. Russian F 03:18, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] satellite

While on holiday in Ibiza I saw what I think was a satellite but appeared to flash alternately red and green.Can anyone confirm if there are satellites that flash in this way. Regards Mick

Satellites don't have lights on them. Aircraft, however, have navigation light - red and green ones, infact. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 20:24, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
The red and green lights are supposed to be steady instead of flashing. Could it have been a UFO? --LambiamTalk 23:50, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
No. Alien spacecraft do not exist. Unidentified flying objects are flying objects that cannot be identified.--Light current 00:03, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
I would hazard to guess that he saw the green position light on the starboard wingtip, and he saw the rotating red beacon; when the red beacon was facing in his direction it overpowered the green position light, hence, he saw alternating red-green-red lights. Someone asked a similar question months ago, and Wikipedia does not have very thorough coverage of aircraft navigation and position lights, else I'd refer to the relevant section. --192.168.1.1 7:56 22 September 2006 (PST)
You wouldn't be able to see a satellite from the ground. Especially not flashing lights on one. BenC7 06:08, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
That's not correct. There *are* satellites that are readily observed from the ground, notably the International Space Station, which is amongst the brightest objects in the night sky when it passes over. There are dozens of others which are easily visible, however see this guide for some details on how to spot them. --Robert Merkel
Many people have seen satelites. They are most visible when it has gotten dark but the satellite is still in sunlight. The ISS is now bigger with the new solar panels, so it might be even easier to see. The Echo mylar balloon satellite was very wasy to see: 300 feet across and reflective silver colored. Edison 15:32, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
Here's an interesting link: Satellite flare --frothT C 17:09, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
I stand corrected. BenC7 01:26, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] realtime tracking of trains in US?

Is it possible to track rail transport in realtime? I see it's possible to track flights in the air, but I need information on train locations in realtime. Reason: I'm designing a bicycle that will ride on train tracks in the US. I hope to make a cross-country trip using the rail system, but that will be impossible unless I can find a way to track trains--otherwise I'll get run over in a hurry. thanks, --Tim

Is that even legal? --Charlesknight 23:52, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

I too suspect the owners of the tracks may consider that tresspassing. I recommend watching The General instead. --LambiamTalk 23:54, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Trains can be tracked in near real time, but such information is very proprietary and not easily accessed by the general public. However, if you can read the block signals, you can at least know what is ahead of you. A yellow indication means there's a train approaching, and it is two blocks ahead of you. A red indication means there is a train in the block immediately ahead of yours. Unfortunately, there are no indicators for what is behind you, and so you risk being overtaken by a train coming up from behind. 192.168.1.1 8:01 22 September 2006 (PST)
I think such a bike would be impossible to ride, as it would not be steerable. In order to balance (I'm assuming you're riding along on just one rail), you need to make constant subtle adjustments to the steering. Try riding a regular bike in a tram track on a street and you'll see what I mean. --Shantavira 12:08, 23

September 2006 (UTC)

People have certainly ridden bikes on tracks, with a device which swings over to ride on the other rail. But you are likely to get run over by a train. If a train comes up behind or facing you, it may be while you are on a trailroad bridge over a canyon or river, or in a tunnel, with no place to get out of the way. You are also certainly tresspassing and likely to get arrested by railroad cops, local cops, or even Department of Homeland Security. Stick to bicycle paths. Edison 15:36, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

1. Send the bike down the railway sleepers. 2. Hang on to the back of another one. 3. Use disused tracks 4. if you could ride a very flat bike lying down, the train could go straight over you without damaging you. 82.153.195.149 19:09, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

I have my doubts about advice #4... @_@ It's theoretically possible, but I wouldn't guarantee its safety... 惑乱 分からん 00:47, 24 September 2006 (UTC)

There probably is a system that tracks rail traffic. Every major railroad has GPS equipment on all of its trains. However, I'm not certain this would include work cars and other small vehicles on the tracks that are still big enough to de-rail you. Also, be aware that unlike roads for cars, all railroad tracks are privately owned by the railroads. And the railroads have their own security officers who have the power to arrest people — and they are very diligent about doing so. — Michael J 17:26, 24 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Proper term of Photoshopper

What is the proper term that you can put on a job resume for one who photoshops? Jamesino 23:33, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Camera purchaser?--Light current 23:46, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Photoshopper= slang for one who uses Adobe Photoshop. "Photoshop" does not refer to the buying, shopping and purchasing of photographical equipments. Jamesino 23:50, 22 September 2006 (UTC)

Amateur photo manipulator/retoucher? Image post-processor? Near-professional skills in graphic manipulation? Hyenaste (tell) 23:53, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
OK then : Graphics manipulator?--Light current 23:55, 22 September 2006 (UTC)
Proffessional forger? Counterfeiter? (even though that is impossible in photoshop) Oskar 00:55, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
Not impossible.. there's a banknote patch of course --frothT C 02:38, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
You really think so? I'm fairly certain that Adobe doesn't allow anyone to edit bills, I really don't think they would allow such a patch. No, for all your counterfeiting needs, you'll have to use the GIMP. (if anyone doesn't know what I'm talking about, photoshop refuses to process any sort of images of paper currency. They analyze a pattern of dots (it has a name, but I can't remember what) that's present in one form or another on virtually all currency and shuts the program down if you try to open it). Oskar 03:18, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
(ahh, yes, it's called the EURion constellation) Oskar 03:20, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
Yes I really think so, and it's not released by adobe it was made by the Tiger cracking group --frothT C 03:43, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
Ohh, so it's a third party thing. That figures. I can see that happening. Oskar 04:12, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
Um.. in any case, I would not put it as a profession-title since it is not really one. I usually list such things under a subheading of software that I am proficient with. --Fastfission 22:48, 23 September 2006 (UTC)
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