Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2007 April 5

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[edit] April 5

[edit] Copyright in Public Libraries

how are public libraries dealing with copyright in specificity to digitization efforts?

Every library finds a different solution, but all are addressing the issue in some way. For example: I'm a school information specialist, but I've researched several digital versions of things-that-were-books with our local public library, and can point you towards several solutions which allow digital files to be lent out without physical media...everything from download-and-listen solutions like Overdrive to loaner audiobook players much like an iPod, but with no way to get the file "out". Each manages to protect its copyright inherently via the limitations of the media -- for example, Overdrive files are software-proprietary (though the software is free), and once the book is downloaded from their website, it's checked out and unavailable until I return it; the software requires that I delete the file to "return" it, and I get charged just like a book was overdue if it's late. But I've yet to see a solution that leaves it easy and open for patrons to copy, or to keep media after it has been "returned". On the other hand, as a serious user of four town libraries, I can tell you that there is still nothing in place to keep patrons from copying CDs before returning them...and no mandate to start buying only CDs with DRM, either. Jfarber 02:48, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Sole traders and minimum wage

Where would I find up to date info on Sole traders and whether thay are obliged to pay themselves the minimum wage in the UK?--SlipperyHippo 02:33, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

According to this document from the UK government, "you are not entitled to receive the minimum wage if you're... genuinely self-employed". This document defines self employed to an extent that would appear to include sole proprietorship. Rockpocket 07:36, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

The minimum wage for soul traders is typically the wages of sin. :-) StuRat 14:05, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

How the heck can a sole trader be forced to pay himself a wage, if he has a bad period he has no income, therefore no personal earnings. Silly question.90.4.126.146 14:21, 5 April 2007 (UTC)petitmichel

With respect, if I thought the answer was obvious or the question was silly, I would not have asked it here. I ask because on the first web site to come up on Google, when entering minimum wage uk it said that even the directors of the smallest startup company must pay themselves the minuimum wage. Ok this may be incorrect-- Im asking where I should find the correct info --SlipperyHippo 16:26, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
It's worth noting Slipperhippo that much of business-regulatory law doesn't apply to very small businesses, and certain regulations/requirements only come into force at set business-sizes. So (without knowing the details) say someone employing less than 10 people does not need to complete the same health & safety/pay-scheme/etc. etc. as a firm employing 100 or 1,000 staff. I don't know where to point you regarding small-business law other than to say if you were more interested try request details from a local government agency, they should be able to help point you in the right direction. ny156uk 16:05, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
You are right to suspect that the Google result may be wrong; company directors do not have to pay themselves anything, any more than a sole practitioner would - though bear in mind that the way in which each earns their money is different. Many directors do not pay themselves for the first few months while things are tight. (Note: from a UK perspective) Adrian M. H. 22:13, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
OK thanks for the sensible answers! I'd still like a refernce though.--SlipperyHippo 19:05, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] How to read faster

I have read several books and tried several methods for reading books faster, including Photoreading techniques such as mind-mapping, dipping, and super-reading. One problem I cannot get over that I think is really slowing me down is that whenever I do start reading word-for-word (in the sections that are most relevant) I must say the words "out loud" in my head in order to comprehend. If I just pass my eyes over, I don't retain it. Is there any way to train myself to comprehend without "saying" every word?

Thanks very much,

Jron5 02:53, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Try paraphrasing it in your mind, especially with difficult material. For example, "Hark, what light through yon window breaks ?" can become "What's that light shining through the window ?". StuRat 05:34, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
Yes, try experimenting with general reading where you cut off your inner voice and try reading by letting your brain do all the work - just start looking over the words and letting your brain interperate them for you instead of using your inner voice to "recite" the words. Of course this might be your very stumbling block and you might not be able to do it - but that's why you might start with something simple, perhaps something in the 1st person, then try reading something written in the 3rd person, and so on. I'm not an actual "Speed-reader" per se, but I read quite fast, and find I can read things much faster if I turn off my inner voice and/or stop 'reciting' what I'm reading, and much like StuRat said, it helps if I paraphrase by letting my brain do the interpreting for me. we're just so used to analysing what we read as we're reading it, or pronouncing things as we read it - we're taught to do this in school and especially when we read 1st-person writing. Rfwoolf 07:16, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
We have an interesting article on speed reading. You might get more specific help if you explain why you want to read more quickly. Speed reading methods usually involve a drop in the level of comprehension of what is being read. There are situations where a lower rate of comprehension is acceptable - for example, you may be skimming a long technical or legal document to find the 2-3 paragraphs that you really need to read carefully. But if you are revising for an exam then speed reading may be inappropriate. Gandalf61 10:58, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
The problem you describe is called subvocalizing. Besides what that page discusses and the comments noted above, you might consult with resource advisers at your local public library or community college to help you evaluate options for the most effective training suiting your personal requirements. -- Deborahjay 21:57, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Thank you all very much for your responses. To explain my problem more specifically: I am able to read very quickly and find relevant information when I am doing my own research. For classes, however, we are often given readings where it is necessary to pick out and remember the important points. When I don't know exactly what I am looking for at the beginning and must read at least certain sections in depth, I am very slow. I will try the paraphrasing and keep working at not vocalizing. I would welcome any other suggestions as well.

Thanks very much once again, 68.73.206.95 23:00, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

If the reading material comes accompanied with questions to be answered, read these first. Otherwise, try asking your teacher or teaching assistant in advance to help you identify the relevant issues. (Don't worry about showing ignorance - you're there to learn, and the teaching staff will probably welcome your demonstrating interest!) Another suggestion: learn to highlight or mark significant material as you go. This improves with practice, but at the outset (and with particularly densely written texts) it can be daunting: how to know what to mark? and of course not to clutter up the page with what might after all be irrelevant. So instead of a yellow highlighter, try working with a light touch, i.e. using a 0.5 mechanical pencil to make check marks/asterisks/arrows in the margin, bracket significant passages, circle or box key phrases, etc. Even if you don't go back and review the text, the act of marking will help fix some points in your memory. Discover what works for you. Let your system evolve. You need reading comprehension as well as speed, so give yourself some time. This is a skill worth developing, that's useful also after graduation. -- Deborahjay 07:46, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] any legal drug to obtain instant energy

I am totally unfit and do not like exercise nor dieting. Is there a safe supplement to instant burst of energy for say a couple of hours ?

I don't think so, most I've heard of are illegal drugs such as speed, and all that.--$UIT 05:20, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Well, there's caffeine, nicotine, and plain old sugar (not a drug, but it does give you quick energy). Of course, all of these can be harmful to your health. StuRat 05:30, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Well you might find that if you commence exercising - you will gain a lot more energy - exercising can be anything from swimming (even lightly), walking, pilates, yoga, running, etc. - and this would be far superior to any ideas of taking drugs (legal or otherwise). Diet can play a role too - I would be more conscious about what you consume, for example drink more water (buy bottled water if you can't handle the taste) try to get at least 1.5 litres a day (other sources aim for 3 litres a day as an ideal goal) and lay off things like soft drinks (diet or otherwise). Stay away from things with harsh preservatives - and actually if you can cut down on salt that might help you with water retention. Finally, your sleeping patterns can affect your energy levels - you might look up circadian rhythms and see how your body releases certain hormones throughout the day that assist you with things like energy, allergies, digestion, etc.
To strictly answer your question, caffeine might be your best bet for a legal drug. Things like sugar would work too, but you might react badly to sugar, and, things like fructose might be a better form of surgar for you.
Note: We cannot give medical advice, please consult your doctor before following any medical advice. Rfwoolf 07:09, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
Our article on energy drinks compares the active ingredients of some of the more popular drinks. Rockpocket 07:12, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
I highly recommend getting off your ass. It is worth it! − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 10:42, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
Milk chocolate works for me: sugar + caffeine + milk solids (protein etc.) Vranak
Take Twas Now's recommendation, definatly. · AO Talk 12:33, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
You say you don't like exercise, but how do you feel about life? Exercise does not have to be something you hate. It doesn't even have to feel like exercise. If you're totally opposed to any deliberate form of "exercise" right now, you could start by just walking more, or taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. (If even those feel like ordeals, you're really out of shape, and it's even more important that you do something to get out of this trap!) —Steve Summit (talk) 02:47, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I doubt this is a drug, but there are Energy Gels that can quickly (15-20 minutes digestion time) give you energy. Jamesino 21:59, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Pretty much anything that affects your body is a drug. Quick bursts of energy from drugs are unhealthy at best; the best way to find energy is to use your body the way it naturally works - put food into it and breathe well while exercising. V-Man - T/C 03:20, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] 1st/3rd

I was wondering if there are any books in which the narrator was killed well before the end (and does not narrate from beyond the grave), meaning that the first person narrative would have to be changed into third person.Cuban Cigar 12:04, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Thats interesting. I haven't seen a book where the narrator was killed but its a cool idea. There probably is one, and if I find any I post them. Think outside the box 12:16, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

If I remember correctly DOUBLE INDEMNITY continues....??90.4.126.146 14:19, 5 April 2007 (UTC)bookwarm

I believe I've read a few like that, although I can't currently place which ones. I seem to recall the device of a found diary or letter being common in certain sorts of stories, which would then finish with the equivalent of "No more entries written. However, 5 years later a body was found walled into the old church." or whatever. Skittle 16:37, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Not a book, but a movie. Sunset Blvd. is narrated by the corpse we see floating in the pool in the first scene. Corvus cornix 18:40, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Isn't at least part of the TV series Desperate Housewives narrated by a woman character who committed suicide ? StuRat 20:37, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
Both of those are 'beyond the grave' narration, which the querent specifically excluded. Oo, one that I remember in the 'found diary' category would be Witch child. Skittle 21:45, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

I might have not phrased my original as accuratley as i'd like. I wouldn't consider letters journals etc as narration, rather they are just ... well, not part of the narrative, they are an addition.Cuban Cigar 07:26, 6 April 2007 (UTC)


In the Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Agatha Christie) the story is written by a person who turns out to be the murderer. The book finishes as he puts down his pen immediately prior to committing suicide. In a sense, then, he communicates from beyond the grave.86.219.161.217 15:01, 6 April 2007 (UTC)petitmichel


hey up cuban, if i remember correctly 'song of stone' by iain banks is 1st person (present tense as well i think) and the narrator is killed at the end - something i'm sure my english teacher told us was a no-no, but hey banksy is an award winning writer he can do as he pleases - abe.195.188.254.82 12:10, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Not to sound anal, but my original question said the narrator is 'killed well before the end'. That said, I'm very thankful for the input.Cuban Cigar 13:19, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Iain Banks book Consider Phelbas has the narrator killed quite close to the end. Polypipe Wrangler 10:17, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] The Office

When does "the office" (us version) come back on air? they stopped so they could make more episodes, i just dont know when they'll be airing them.

The NBC website says that a new episode will be on tonight, i.e. 5 April 2007. As they say, "check your local listings." --LarryMac 13:48, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT DETERIORATES HUMAN ABILITY

upto what extent do you support the above subject? - 61.2.76.79 14:33, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

I find it interferes with my ability to do my own homework. --Tagishsimon (talk)
  1. Questions about what WE support are not reference questions. If you're looking for a bunch of opinions, I recommend asking your question on an Internet Forum.
  2. On the other hand, if you're looking for the set of arguments which would let you make your own informed opinion on this topic, or you'd just like to see to what extent experts in the field support or deny the validity of the above statement, the article Technology contains several strong sections with overviews of(and links to discussions of) the various ways in which people see the relationship between technology and ability evolving over time. Jfarber 15:43, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

I don't really understand what you mean. By technical development, do you mean technological improvements or technical abilities acquired by people? And what do you mean by "human ability": is it creativity and imagination or is it technical knowledge? A.Z. 19:03, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

This article descibes a report demonstrating that "human small toes became weaker during the stage of prehistory known as the Upper Palaeolithic, and that this can probably be attributed to the adoption of sturdy shoes. The invention of rugged shoes reduced humans' reliance on strong, flexile toes to grip and balance." So in terms of little toe ability, technical development appears to have played a role. Rockpocket 20:33, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
The question can mean basically anything if the querent doesn't make it clearer. A.Z. 20:41, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Marketing

How can you find out names and addresses of new people movoing into a neighborhood? Does the Power Co. , US Post office, Phone Co. or any other source sell that info to marketers?

I doubt any federal services would sell personal information of that sort to private companies, especially with the foreknowledge that it would be used by scum marketers. − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 16:15, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
(However, my comment is based more on hope than certainty.) − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 16:16, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
I don't know where you live, but (at least In the U.S.) your hope is an absolute uncertainty. Every time I've moved (with the exception of the time I took care not to fill out any change-of-address cards or otherwise let anyone except my immediate family know my new address), I've been deluged with junk mail targeted at new move-ins ("Call us for a quote on drapes for your new home", etc.). —Steve Summit (talk) 02:40, 6 April 2007 (UTC)
If you read the fine print on the change-of-address forms, it actually says that they are funded by the Direct Marketing Association (USA), and that in return you permit them to spam you. I once heard a hilarious quote from a member of that body on the topic of the mail being unwanted by most recipients: "There is no junk mail, only junk people."  :) --TotoBaggins 10:48, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

If the newcomers are buying property, then in the US, that property transaction is a matter of public record and is often reported in the local newspaper. Marketers definitely pick up and utilize this data.

Atlant 17:27, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Domania lists dates of recent home sales around a particular address. You could probably use the address you find on a site like this to get the name. (I'm less sure about the last link, in my test in gave me the name I was looking for, but use at your own peril.) I don't know how often either site updates, so you may miss a move-in by a month or two, or the name you lookup may be the old resident. It's better than nothing. (It's morality as an invasion of privacy however, is up to you.) --YbborTalkSurvey! 23:03, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Exercise...

I am working on a blog post for an exercise blog but before I posted it I had a question. Other than the usuall sports, running, bike riding, etc. what other forms of exercise are there? Or rather, other ways to burn calories... One that I came across was carrying the grocery bags makes you stronger. Any websites come to mind? --Zach 18:03, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Carrying groceries isn't a sport, or did I read that wrong? If you're looking for everyday things that you can do to burn extra calories, you could take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Dismas|(talk) 18:12, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
Yeah, I'm not saying carrying the groceries is a sport, its just a simple way to become a bit stronger (or so I've read)... If you know of any sites that give you examples of every day activities that are calorie burners is what I'm saying. Thanks!! --Zach 18:20, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
Google search everyday activities burn calories returns a bunch of links that look pretty relevant. --LarryMac 18:27, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Perfect!! Thanks! Wish I thought of that search :) --Zach 18:36, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

If there are small children you associate with, you can toss them up into the air repeatedly. They love it - and your arms will tire of it long before they do. V-Man - T/C 03:26, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Are there gaming websites where you can win money without having to pay?

There are gaming sites I could visit, but in winning money, I'd have to pay for it. Are there any game sites where I can win money and NOT have to pay for it?

Bear in mind, any site doing this would have to be making money somewhere. Since it seems unlikely that they would be making enough money from advertising alone (or we'd probably have heard of them!), I would imagine any site claiming it was offering this would have a horrible, horrible catch somewhere. Just something to remember in your search... Skittle 21:35, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
Poker websites have free tournaments (freerolls). The prizes aren't huge and the number of players tends to be large (which means it takes a while to get in the money), but it is ==> FREE <==. Clarityfiend 00:16, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Pogo.com gives away money on many of their games, up to around $10,000, I believe: [1]. The catch is that only a very few people ever get any money, and they get the money from advertising and premium memberships (which doubles award amounts, as well as providing other member benefits). StuRat 02:42, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Ronin Warriors OVA question

I noticed something weird in the Ronin Warrior OVAs.Everytime the warriors armor up,they say "2 ARMS!!". But when I watched the Japanese version this was never said. How come this phrase was added?

I would expect that the English version is actually using the phrase "to arms", which would sound entirely different in Japanese than "two arms". It may also be the case that "to arms" simply isn't a direct translation; it seems exclamatory rather than expository to me. — Lomn 21:29, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

But in the Japanese version "To arms!!" was replaced with a yell or battlecry or sometimes nothing at all.

A lot of things change due to translation. In general, dubbed anime gain a significant amount of material aimed at Westerners. For example, there are dialogue in English missing from a few scenes in an anime DVD that I have (Key the Metal Idol). Other examples include putting in Western jokes in place of the original (Full Metal Alchemist). Some add in dialogue explaining something that most Japanese would know, thus cutting out the original dialogue (happened in Cowboy Bebop). Japanese voice actors are also a lot more highly respected than the Western counterparts, who I (and others) believe they're better at it overall. Thus, in the case of Ronin Warriors, the actors probably thought it sounded better for them to say something instead of making a convincing battlecry. Even the name Ronin Warriors wasn't the Japanese name directly translated either, but Ronin is a good selling point, just like Wanderer Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin) became Samurai X in the U.S.). Of course, the examples I gave were the first ones that popped to mind, and there are countless more changes between the original and redubbed. There is one good thing about the dubbed tracks though. Original Japanese dubs usually only have 2.1 stereo, while the English re-dubs often have 5.1 surround. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 02:41, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Resistance training vs. Free weights

What are the pros and cons of resistance training (using 'rubber bands' and exercise bands) when compared to free weights/barbels? For example, is it more effective for muscle mass/tone, is it better on the bones, etc... Thank you. 74.14.72.116 22:03, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Resistance training has both a section on Benefits and drawbacks. More specific information on Barbells and dumbbells is more difficult to come by, but a look at Strength training should be a good place to start (particularly Strength_training#Benefits, Strength_training#Safety, and Strength_training#Free_weights_versus_exercise_machines). --YbborTalkSurvey! 22:48, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Make-up of poop

So yeah...What's in boop? It smells so bad...kinda like fart

and what about poopstains?

Typically it is from colon bacteria which release gases either as they grow or if they die and their cells breakdown. An example of these bacteria is Escherichia coli. 121.45.238.81 22:59, 5 April 2007 (UTC)
Try Human feces#Composition − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 01:51, 6 April 2007 (UTC)
Also it comprises large amounts of cellulose, dead blood cells etc —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.109.246.75 (talk) 01:53, 6 April 2007 (UTC).
And I believe that at least part of the smell comes from bile. StuRat 02:38, 6 April 2007 (UTC)
The gases in it also allow it to maintain a limited amount of buoyancy. bibliomaniac15 04:33, 6 April 2007 (UTC)
There are many resources available on the Web with advice on "stain removal" + feces (particular for source and surface). The key factor seems to be enzyme action in the laundry detergent or a pre-wash treatment, to break down the stain before it sets and become impervious to subsequent removal. -- Deborahjay 07:31, 6 April 2007 (UTC)-

[edit] Senses

The sense of sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch are senses. But, are "sense of humor" or "common sense" senses too?Coffsneeze 22:58, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Hello, Coffsneeze. As the article on sense explains, living beings are equipped with many faculties for perceiving stimuli that go beyond the "classical" five senses you listed. (nociception for a human example, electroception for a non-human example) Common sense and sense of humor, however, use sense in a non-physiological meaning. See wiktionary's entry on sense to make sense of the possible senses of sense. ---Sluzzelin talk 00:34, 6 April 2007 (UTC)
But aren't there people who reduce psychology to physiology and therefore give sense of humor a physiological meaning? A.Z. 02:22, 6 April 2007 (UTC)
Of course, the sense of humor, just like the sense of justice or other similar qualities, can be explored neuro-scientifically. This involves studying cognitive processes of information though, a huge field in neurosciences, but not quite the same thing as "a system that consists of a sensory cell type (or group of cell types) that respond to a specific kind of physical energy, and that correspond to a defined region (or group of regions) within the brain where the signals are received and interpreted.". We may receive the humorous information through our perceptory senses (watching a funny situation, hearing a joke, etc), but the trigger to our brain's humor-centres (wherever they may lie) happens through cognition, which isn't part of the sensory system. ---Sluzzelin talk 02:34, 6 April 2007 (UTC)
The nerve centres for humour are located in the funny bone, which is of course located in the humerus. That's why observing the chicken dance evokes so much mirth; watching the subject exercising her/his funny bones through repetitive motion stimulates a sympathetic nervous response which activates the giggolipids, which carry the nerve signals to the hippocampus, so named in a regrettable transliteration of 'Harpo Campus', the institution where the hippocampus was discovered. The existence of giggolipids explains why people find fat people funny. Don't bother saying any of this is wrong unless you can provide evidence that proves it. ;-))) Happy Friday! Anchoress 19:23, 6 April 2007 (UTC)