From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Miscellaneous desk
< February 11	<< Jan | February | Mar >>	February 13 >

Welcome to the Wikipedia Miscellaneous Reference Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is a transcluded archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current reference desk pages.

Contents 1 February 12 1.1 What is overnuking? 1.2 Strange things with no apperant function in train stations in Sydney? 1.3 Stomach swelling 1.4 evidence 1.5 Chicago airport 1.6 Cricket bail diameter 1.7 List of Vehicles required 1.8 Addresses for European Volunteer Fire Departments 1.9 O'Hara airport history. 1.10 implications of globalisation for tourism development in tanzani 1.11 Football results 1.12 History February 12 1.13 Self-serve checkout registers...?

[edit] February 12

[edit] What is overnuking?

What does overnuking mean? NeonMerlin 04:55, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Context? -- mattb @ 2007-02-12T05:09Z

Just a couple guesses here... Either over heating something in a microwave oven since cooking in a microwave is often referred to as "nuking your food". Or using a nuclear weapon which is far stronger than is necessary to wipe out a given population or area. Similar to overkill. Dismas|^(talk) 05:27, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

I think it may be an MMORPG term. NeonMerlin 05:55, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

It means the same as overkill otherwise, but used for magic users (nukes are offensive spells). --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 07:29, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

"In MMORPGs, a 'nuke' is a ranged magic attack, usually dealing a good deal of damage.", from Urban Dictionary. − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 07:32, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

As a former level 61 black mage, I can tell you. Don't cast your spells so fast, you're getting too much enmity (hate), which is causing the mob to attack you, which is causing the white mage to have to waste their MP curing you. -- feb^talk 08:16, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Get a better paladin =D --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 09:34, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Strange things with no apperant function in train stations in Sydney?

WikiProject Reference Desk Article Collaboration This question inspired an article to be created or enhanced: Guard tour patrol system Please consider contributing

I've came across these things in some suburban stations in Sydney just a few days ago when I was there but there seems to be no function to it. Does anyone know what they are and/or what they do? --antilived^{T | C | G} 05:03, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Where in the train station are they found? Can you be more specific? − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 05:13, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Guerilla marketing, headbuttguard, some sort of thing to hook up to machines for cleaning or such, those would be my first ideas -- feb^talk 05:15, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Could you provide a picture with a wider view? Or at least give us a better description of where they can be found? It appears to be at the top of a post but how high is this post? Is it near anything else? Is that green thing in the back a handrail of somesort? Are the yellow things all near the handrail? Dismas|^(talk) 05:23, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Ohh....I thought that gray strip at the top was a continuation of the pole. Very nice optical illusion! Since it's the top of a pole, and it doesn't seem to be too high, i'd guess it's just something to keep people from bumping into the pole?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and speculate that the three metal studs are in fact electrical contacts and that some kind of shield-shaped device is placed onto the inset region in the yellow plastic to make contact with the three pins. Where I work, we have nighttime security guards who are supposed to patrol the building at night checking that all is well. Since it's rather easy for those guys to simply fall asleep in their little security booth and not bother to walk around, we have little gadgets built into the corridor walls at intervals that the guy has to touch his special security badge against. Electronics in the gizmo then measure when he passes each point on his patrol which ensures that (a) nobody clonked him on the head and is now stealing the twinkies out of my desk drawer and (b) that he actually is doing his rounds and not sleeping somewhere cosy (with my twikies - in all likelyhood). Anyway - if I had to guess, I'd say that this was something similar. Three metal contacts would make sense (power, ground and one data wire) - the shape evidently ensures that you can't put the badge thingy in upside-down or anything and it's recessed to ensure that the badge locates accurately into the recess with all three metal contacts lined up. But this is all a guess - albeit an educated one. SteveBaker 05:42, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Or maybe it's some sort of landmark to help blind people find a particular part of the platform. NeonMerlin 07:07, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

I think SteveBaker's answer is probably the right one. Another possibility is that it's the first part of some kind of new automatic ticket reader, with the remaining parts to be added later. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 07:58, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

It doesn't look new. Zoom into the image and there is dirt and scratches and what looks like a paint chip. SteveBaker 13:22, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

These three "contacts" look more like screws to me. It's more likely there's a RFID transceiver behind the plastic. --cesarb 13:30, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

It's just something that shaped, a bit larger than palm sized that I found in Beecroft and Pennant Hills (only been into those two suburban stations, can't find it in city ones). This was mounted on a pole on the platform but others are mounted on walls etc. --antilived^{T | C | G} 09:34, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

And I also remember seeing some square rectangular ones... The rims are rubber-ish with acrylic in the middle. They are mounted approximately waist-chest height and no, this one is just in the middle of the platform near some seats. --antilived^{T | C | G} 09:39, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

If you see something new and weird in public transit, it's bound to have something to do with security! --Zeizmic 12:59, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Yeah - could be. They are 'star head' screws which are tamper-resistant. What made me think that they might be doing double-duty as electrical contacts is that I would have used flat-head screws to improve tamper-resistance still more. It's really not going to be possible to guess this from just a photograph. But a close look at the photo makes it look like the top-left screw has been over-tightened and has chipped off some yellow paint. That suggests that the entire center flat part of the yellow 'thing' is a metal plate. That would preclude any of those screws from being an electrical contact. RFID could certainly work too. SteveBaker 16:40, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Actually the middle is a sheet of clear acrylic glass in front of the yellow rubber-like substance. --antilived^{T | C | G} 18:54, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

I go with Steve that they could be part of a Guard tour patrol system (AKA Guard tour system, neither of which likely have articles; I will stub something for now). There are plenty of different RFID-based systems on the market but the RFID seem to usually be small buttons. --Justanother 16:49, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

The system we have at work has things that look like a watch battery glued to the wall with the flat side against the wall. These are actually 'one-wire' devices made by Texas Instruments. So you have to physically touch the guard's security device to the thing on the wall for a second or so in order to register that he passed that point - but an RFID scanner could be completely innocuous. The problem with that in this situation is that you wouldn't need to stick them up on special poles or anything. Active RFID tags have a range of over 300 feet so they could be bolted to the wall much more cheaply/easily than messing around with special posts to attach them to. But if they were using (much cheaper) passive RFID - then the range would only be a couple of feet - so the guard would have to pass right next to one of these gadgets to register. But the fact that the yellow surround is shaped like a shield strongly suggest that something has to be pressed against it. SteveBaker 18:19, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Depending on the size of the item it could be a place for a 'notice' to be put but which currently does not have a notice on it. Like others say though it could have some patrol/electrical purpose. You could always email the transit-authority that look after the station and ask - presuming that the answers above don't give a definitive enough answer. ny156uk 17:43, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Could it sense something else, like when the train is in the station or even how roughly many people are on the platform? I assume from the pic that it is on a 2" dia or so pipe and stands a bit above waist height?

By the way, those "watch battery" things are iButtons Mdwyer 23:22, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Yep - you're right! Thanks for the correction. SteveBaker 05:31, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Stomach swelling

Is it normal to have a stomach that on some days almost concaves in but on other days mushrooms into early pregnancy like gravidness? And why does this happen? Is there way to reduce the flucuation?

132.239.90.232 05:12, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

We cannot give you medical advice, but I advise that you seek the aid of your MD, if it's causing any pain you might want to go to the ER right away -- feb^talk 05:23, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

No, it's not normal. As for reducing the fluctuation, please see a doctor if you can. − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 07:32, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

It may be normal, if you are a woman. Such fluctuations may be linked to your menstrual cycle (bloating just before and during your period). Otherwise, it may be due to certain types of foods - take note of what you've eaten before it occurs, and see your doctor if you are concerned. Natgoo 10:15, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] evidence

how long can police hold evidence75.15.195.81 05:48, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

You'll have to be more specific as to what type of evidence it is, what the case that involves this evidence is, and what jurisdiction you're thinking of. Then we may be able to provide at least a link or two to your answer. Dismas|^(talk) 08:45, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

In the case of unsolved crimes, at least in the UK, evidence can be held indefinitely. Several decades-old murders have been solved recently because advances in genetic fingerprinting have allowed it to be applied to original evidence from the crime scene.--Shantavira 09:06, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Chicago airport

I am landing in Chicago Ohara terminal 5 and have to go to terminal 3 gate K3 for catch a flight to Dallas. How do I reach terminal 3 gate K3? I am visiting America for the first time. Please help. Thank you.

Jay

It's O'Hare Airport. Our article doesn't have a terminal map and even the official airport site seems to have only a series of partial maps.[1]. Rmhermen 16:13, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Your best bet is to consult an agent at the gate when you land at Terminal 5 (or even ask a flight attendant before you land) and get directions from there. There should also be maps throughout the airport. As you can see from this site, Terminals 3 and 5 are not contiguous, so there is probably a highly-visible shuttle service from Terminal 5 to the others. — Lomn 16:16, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Looks like you have to take the people mover between them: the Airport Transit System (ATS): [2]. Rmhermen 16:18, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Ah, you beat me to it. Anyway here is a quote from the above pdf.

The International Terminal is separate from Domestic Terminals 1, 2 & 3 and the Airport Transit System (ATS) is the only means of transport between them.

--Justanother 16:27, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

There will be signs and help but you are looking for this train (from here). --Justanother 16:31, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Found the FAQ here.

How do I get from the International terminal to the domestic terminals to make a connection?

After exiting the Federal Inspection and luggage re-check areas, proceed up one level to the Airport Transit System where passengers can easily connect to terminals 1, 2 and 3 for domestic flights. The Airport Transit System is a free train which runs between terminals every few minutes.

--Justanother 16:35, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Thanks a lot. You have been very kind. --Jay

Speaking for all of us, you are very welcome. Enjoy your trip! --Justanother 16:51, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Cricket bail diameter

Hi, recently I had occassion to seek the measurement details of cricket bails. Only the overall length, barrel length and respective lengths of the short and long spigots are cited anywhere in the relevant sites.

Are there specific measurements for the diameter of cricket bails known?

Ecna 10:49, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

The Laws of Cricket don't sepcify an official diameter of the bails. However, they do state that the bails, when in position on top of the stumps, shall not project more than half an inch (1.27cm) above them →Ollie (talk • contribs) 11:25, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

See http://www.lords.org/laws-and-spirit/laws-of-cricket/laws/law-8-the-wickets,34,AR.html. Stephen Turner (Talk) 13:18, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] List of Vehicles required

Hi,

I'm new to Wikipedia but have already found it useful for what I'm researching; although not entirely. I trying to find a list of passenger vehicles sold in Australia (or the World) over the last 25 years. I want the list in a simple text format of vehicle make and model e.g. Holden, Commodore Mitsubishi, Magna Nissan, Navara Does anyone now where I might find such a list?

Thanks in advance,

Eightytwenty 12:10, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

List of cars might be a suitable starting point. It has a section on Australia (but that's cars made in Australia]]. Just save the page in text format.--Shantavira 13:52, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

I write a lot of car articles here. Finding cars that are/were on sale in Australia is a tricky thing - most cars are likely to be sold in dozens and dozens of countries - and finding out every place where the car was sold would be tough for most people writing articles about cars. Wikipedia doesn't even have a special Category for cars made in Australia - let alone sold in Australia. Even cars like the Mini and Mini Moke that I happen to know were built in Australia at some point of their production history aren't listed as Australian brands as such because they were of British design and assembled in Australia. The List of cars article is woefully inadeqate in this regard. This is a tough question to answer. SteveBaker 16:31, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

A good place to start would be www.autotrader.com.au they will list cars by make and model (in their drop-down lists) and will pretty much only include cars that were on sale in Australia at some point in history (they will include some import-only models/brands but it is probably better than nothing). It would require copying/typing out the details unfortunately, but if you are reasonably proficient on computers you should be able to do that quickly enough. ny156uk 17:47, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Addresses for European Volunteer Fire Departments

Does anyone know where I can get contact details i.e. address, telephone, fax, etc. for European Volunteer Fire Departments?

You're asking about the wrong level, I'm afraid - I sincerely doubt there's a centralised list anywhere about all the fire departments in the EU, much less likely in Europe. Can you narrow it down, at least by country, preferably to the local area in question? --Mnemeson 22:43, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] O'Hara airport history.

Who was the pilot of the first commercial flight into O'Hare airport? Thanks in advance. Don Schweikarth70.183.233.8 16:55, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Don't you mean O'Hare Airport in Chicago?

[edit] implications of globalisation for tourism development in tanzani

Hello

Dear Sir/madam

i am looking for the implications of globalisations for tourism department in tanzania. I would like to ahave some iformation on the related topic as this is my topic research for my assignments however i did try to find things but I am afraid i couldnt acess the database properly!! or might have overlooked it. I am specifically looking for... outlines tourism flows to, from and within the country, noting patterns and trends where these are discernable. and furthure i would like to discuss a critical issue from the theories of globalisation that will be of most significant in relation to the country's tourism.

I would be glad to recieve your reply

awaiting ur reply

yours sincerly,

Chaitanya Jani.

pls mail me on email removed —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 143.52.5.11 (talk • contribs) 19:05, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Email removed to prevent spam. --cesarb 19:40, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Unfortunately that sort of research is probably beyond the scope of the wikipedia research desk. You might start by reviewing the National Website of Tanzania. Otherwise, a simple google search of "Tanzania and tourism" might yield some results after some digging. Also, note that we discourage the placement of email addresses on the site, since this often makes them vulnerable to spam. Good luck! --Cody.Pope 05:54, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Football results

Hello, Does anybody know a good website about British football results? not only for the highest leagues, but also for some others, e.g. Southern Division One Midlands, Conference North or Southern League Premier. Thanks for your help, --89.27.194.60 19:47, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Us British would appreciate capitalisation of our country name. ! Good luck in your search.--88.111.98.126 19:52, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

BBC Sport is your friend. They do the results down to conference level. Lower league football beyond that level is probably a more specialist site - best bet is to find the sponsor of the league and try their website. ny156uk 23:35, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

If you want results from below the Conference in the league pyramid, try http://www.nonleaguedaily.com Rockpocket 02:15, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] History February 12

Today is Lincoln's birthday - seems note worthy for your main page.

Thanks! Marrell Livesay

From WP:SA, the criteria for listing anniversaries on the main page: "births and deaths can only be used on centennials, etc.". Since we try to keep things down to 5 events maximum, plus observed holidays, there's no room to include the birthday of every notable person born or died that day. So in a couple more years it'll be Lincoln's 200th birthday, and then it'll get noted there, but not yet. To find the expanded list of what happened today in history, you can just click on the date at the top of the "On this day" box, and get the complete list (which does include Lincoln's birthday, of course). --Maelwys 20:55, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Self-serve checkout registers...?

Isn't it possible to replace the voice of “Miss Annoy”

[Miss Annoy: The name of the voice of self-serve checkout registers that get out of sync or fail in other ways such as requesting removal of the second piece of a two piece item ("...please remove unknown item from bagging area...").

Example: I have to leave this half of the item in the cart or Miss Annoy will have a tizzy and shut the whole line down.]

with a SILIENT message on the screen or at least to reprogram the screen with a mute button at the top to overcome the annoyance of these registers always being behind the actual point of processing as well as to help eliminate the confussion caused by multiple piece items as well as to accomodate the fact that most people can learn the checkout routine in under five or six purchases? 71.100.10.48 23:14, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

I've not heard of a button specifically made for the purpose of silencing a self checkout, but I have a couple of ideas whereby one could jury-rig what you describe. The first method would include a large sledgehammer, a strong arm, and a bit of anger for motivation. The second method involves finding a mute cashier at the store of your choice. *sigh* V-Man737 05:54, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

The voice is necessary so that the assistants can hear what is going on. If you get them to say "Please wait for the assistant" enough times, one eventually arrives.--Shantavira 09:32, 13 February 2007 (UTC)