Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 March 13

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[edit] March 13

[edit] Methods of execution

Although lethal injection is touted as being more humane than cyanide (due to pain associated with oxygen deprivation at the cellular level, correct me if I am wrong) I have heard several suggestions as to alternative methods. One was the use of carbon dioxide but I'm not sure if this causes pain prior to rendering it's victim unconsciousness. My question is, what about sodium methoxide since it is purported to kill nerve cells before the pain of the burn it inflicts can even be transmitted? 71.100.173.119 (talk) 00:04, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

This is ugly. Topseyturvey (talk) 07:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Sodium methoxide is conveted practically instantly to sodium hydroxide and methanol in the presence of water. Believe me that it does cause painful burning sensations. I would imagine that a painless method would involve an overdose of painkillers first.87.102.94.198 (talk) 12:46, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Your answer is even uglier. Do you have any moral sense at all? Topseyturvey (talk) 06:44, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
What exactly is ugly about my answer. And since when have you had the right or the ability to morally judge me? 87.102.83.204 (talk) 09:52, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
It is the lives of human beings that you are talking about ending, not dealing with a plague of fire ants or cockroaches. If you do not understand this you suffer from the most profound form of moral turpitude. If the question was would it be quicker to kill Jews using zyklon B or carbon monoxide gas, would you have answered? Yes, I think you probably would. Topseyturvey (talk) 06:24, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
Moral sense or turpitude? Give me a break. There is no lack of morality in upholding real deterrents to murder, rape and other capital crimes such as the death penalty by certain and rightful execution. Making that execution faster or by any other means a bit more humane is not lacking in morality either. What is ugly is that capital punishment is in many cases not deterrent enough. But to suggest a connection between lawful execution by the State and the victims of the Holocaust is as ugly and immoral as anyone can be. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.100.174.10 (talk) 06:03, 16 March 2008 (UTC)
Even if you consider capital punishment a bad policy (as I do), why is it especially evil to seek to make it as painless as possible? —Tamfang (talk) 04:42, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

ha, there is nothing ugly about this at all, i actually think it is quiet intresting...Vagery (talk) 18:19, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Re. :Public Access to the Paranormal News

WHY IS THE FOLLOWING REMOVED: FIRST THE WEEKLY WORLD NEWS DISAPPEARS, THEN THE SUN (SUPERMARKET TABLOID) IS ALSO GONE, NOW THE EXAMINER IS NOW ALSO GONE ? WIKIPEDIA IS NOT (SUPPOSED TO BE) CENSORED. IS THE CIA BEHIND THIS, AS INDICATED BY OPERATION MOCKINGBIRD AND ROBERTSON PANEL ? MAYBE SOMEONE CAN SEE THIS QUESTION WITHOUT HAVING TO USE A MICROSCOPE. A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO BUY THESE PAPERS DO NOT CARE ABOUT WHY BRITNEY SPEARS WILL NOT KEEP HER CLOTHING ON. SOME OF THE HEADLINES ARE REALLY FUNNY SUCH AS "JIMBO WALES KICKED OUT BY A GHOST!!!!" 65.173.105.241 (talk) 00:07, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I CANNOT FIND THESE IN ANY STORE AT ALL. 65.173.105.241 (talk) 00:11, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

First, please try to refrain from using all caps, I do not appreciate being yelled at. Second, what is your question asking? I do not understand.--Omnipotence407 (talk) 00:31, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Why are the tabloid papers disappearing ? 65.173.105.241 (talk) 00:32, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
The publishers have the answer to your questions. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.100.173.119 (talk) 00:35, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Why would the CIA be behind getting rid of tabloid papers? The CIA would only care if people believed the tabloids were real. If most people believe they are a joke, mere entertainment, as most do with publications like WWN, then there is no reason to try and get rid of them. Yes, the CIA had efforts to influence the media but they didn't involve shutting down silly publications that nobody sane took seriously anyway. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 02:12, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
I'd love to hear an explanation of the relevance of a 1952 UFO hearing to a 2007 tabloid closing shop. 55 years' worth of prescience is fascinating, I'm sure. — Lomn 03:38, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
I wouldn't. I really wouldn't. FiggyBee (talk) 04:39, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I blame Tim Cahill hotclaws 16:05, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Scariest of all, someone stole their capslock key. How comes we have no Capslock Key Conspiracy article? Wikipedia is being censored! IT'S A SCANDAL! Sorry, it's infectious --Dweller (talk) 12:44, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Compilation

Is a compilation Illegal?--76.28.67.224 (talk) 01:54, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Short answer: No. But it is copyrightable. That's all the page is indicating. Caveat: If you mean, "Would it be copyright infringement for me to produce a compilation of copyrighted works for which I had not secured permission or a license to do so?" then the answer is probably "yes, it would be infringement."
Longer example: the titles of all the songs released last week is not copyrightable (it is just unordered information). However if I pick out my own "Special Super Hot Top Clever TEN of the Week" songs, that I, some sort of well-known music expert, have put together using my massive brain and impeccable taste, that final list IS copyrightable. If I make a list of the top ten selling songs, based on simple route collections of data, that's not copyrightable. However, if my collection/assessment method is sufficiently creative, then yes, it can be copyrightable. Make sense? Making selections of things can itself be a form of art, is basically what the law is saying. If I put together a book of "The Very Best of Socrates" I could still copyright the particular arrangement of works, even if the individual pieces of the collection were out of copyright. Obviously this, like most copyright law, has a lot of fundamental tensions in it between what counts as "sufficiently creative" to warrant a copyright. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 02:18, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Is making a compilation out of copyrighted sources Illegal?--76.28.67.224 (talk) 02:30, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

As 98 said, if you mean, "Would it be copyright infringement for me to produce a compilation of copyrighted works for which I had not secured permission or a license to do so?" then the answer is probably "yes, it would be infringement." FiggyBee (talk) 03:29, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
And by "probably" I don't mean "I don't know" but rather "copyright infringement depends on a lot of legal factors, but assuming we are not talking about really unusual circumstances, a judge would probably rule against you." --98.217.18.109 (talk) 04:42, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Making the compilation is not a problem. Selling it or otherwise making it available to others is where the various laws would come into play. That said, making the 21st century equivalent of a mix tape for your sweetie is probably not going to be an issue. --LarryMac | Talk 13:52, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
That's true. If it is for your own personal use and viewing then it's not a problem at all, it's definitely fair use. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 03:33, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] “Did you drop the set out of your ring?”

Does anyone have any information regarding the question “Did you drop the set out of your ring?”

I grew up in the midwest hearing my mother ask this when anyone dropped something.

I only have memories of the question being asked. I do not recall specifics about what had been dropped

I cannot locate anything about this question. Specifically, I am wondering if the question may have been posed only when certain things were dropped. Also, I am curious as to the origin of the question.

Anthing light you can shed on this would be helpful.

I have search Google to no avail.

Thanks. Curtisguy (talk) 03:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I've not heard that before. The context tells me that the question is literally asking if you lost the stone (i.e. diamond, sapphire, etc.) out of the setting in your ring. Could it be more a response to someone bending/crouching to pick something up? Steewi (talk) 04:33, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Could it be a response to someone spending too much time looking for something (as in it's not important unless it's a precious stone)? Julia Rossi (talk) 08:36, 13 March 2008 (UTC)


yea i think is a question as to how long you have been looking for something.....another question with para phrasing would be....you must of lost something really special cuz youve been looking forever. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 124.186.174.24 (talk) 09:59, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

In the U.S. it was a bit of trite humor expressed when someone dropped something like a shovel on a concrete floor. The "set" in a ring would have been a jewel, thus the "humor." Edison (talk) 18:29, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Cheat code for nokia 5300 & 1100 games!

I wanna know the cheat code for "Snake" game in nokia 1100 & "Tom&Jerry" game of nokia 5300. Try to avoid the links & directly give the codes. If not possible then atleast find it for "Super Mario"(P.C). I want to utilize this opportunity to ask another question. How can we enter a cheat code on a traditional t.v. video game console which will only have the turbo,play,select & four navigation keys. There will be no alphabets or numbers. Plz try to answer all the questions. May be majority will try to answer the last question but won't give the codes. Plz...I desperately need the codes for those ones! Temuzion (talk) 05:23, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

What makes you think that these codes exist? FiggyBee (talk) 06:21, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
I am disinclined to do any research for somebody who makes such rigid demands of a bunch of volunteers. --LarryMac | Talk 13:13, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
There are not always cheat codes. To my knowledge none of the Mario Bros. series ever had cheat codes—at best there were little tricks you could pull off to skip levels or gain unlimited lives and things like that but those aren't "codes" in the sense you mean. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 13:13, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
That's true, not every game has cheat codes, especially not cell phone games which are simple and really don't require them. I don't quite understand your question on console cheats, but most of those are entered via a button sequence as opposed to typing a phrase. Others have a code entry screen for cheats (or a save password that you can manipulate to cheat). 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:35, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
No! There are cheat codes! If u don't believe in cheating the cell phone games try this one! The only code I know. "787898" It's code for the "Bounce" game of any nokia model. The ball won't be killed or stopped by any obstacle. That made me belive that there are codes. Still if u don't believe in codes checkout [[1]] Temuzion (talk) 03:31, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

For the Mario brothers games on the regular NES system. There is a product called a "Game Genie" that I used to have. You plug the game into the genie and then plug the genie into the box where the game goes. It has a lot of codes for the first mario bros. game including super jump, level skips, and I think it also had infinite lives or at least additional lives. Good luck finding a game genie though!! Maybe you could check at Vintage Stock or somithing. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.142.56.205 (talk) 14:21, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

[2] -mattbuck (Talk) 22:39, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Potatoe

Do they contain Vitamin C and if so how much compared to say an orange? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 13:32, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Have you checked the articles on potato and orange? A potato contains 20 mg of vitamin C compared to 45 mg for an orange. That's 33% and 75% daily value, respectively. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:37, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
(ec) and there's no e unless you're Dan Quayle. FiggyBee (talk) 13:39, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
There uſed to be an "E"! Mayhaps that is when olde spellings started becomeing archaic. I see it starting to accelerate towards every word having only 1 or 2 letters. Let us cheriſh the Engliſh language of yore. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:51, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Potato is a Taino word. Instead of cheriſhing the Engliſh language one should cherish the Maipurean languages. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 19:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Well, you learn something new every day, but did they spell it with an "E"? I doubt they used Roman letters when they made the word. Either way, we should cherish all languages, actually. English happens to be my favourite because of its incredible strangeness. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 12:45, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
The OED's oldest citation for "potato" (in the singular) spells it without an e at the end anyway so I'm not quite sure what you're getting at here. -Elmer Clark (talk) 21:22, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Human Organ Smuggling.

If someone were running a human organ smuggling ring, would there be anyway they could implant a third a kidney into someone's body so that the kidney will 'stay alive' for 24 hours. It's research for a novel, I'm not running a human organ smuggling ring in real life. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 125.238.176.135 (talk) 14:57, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Damb, I was really hoping for a second liver, ill give you a tenner for yours —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:50, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
I strongly doubt it. The human body wasn't designed isn't equipped to support a third kidney, so there'd be no place to "hook" it up to. Clarityfiend (talk) 16:54, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
You could go "sci-fi" and make up a way to install it. · AndonicO Hail! 16:57, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
I suggest you read Kidney transplantation, if you have not already. Transplanting kidneys is not a simple business for your smuggler to do it temporarily. However, if you want that plot point without straining credulity too much (ie. still a lot, but not as ridiculously as with three kidneys), give your "host" only one one kidney himself (perhaps he sold one to get his business going?) Then he keeps slotting smuggled ones into the empty space. You'll have to think of some way to keep all the blood vessels etc all patent while the space is empty. And some hefty drugs to stop him rejecting them (especially as he's likely to carry several types). And some way to help him recover quickly (because presumably you want him to travel)...hmm, looks like Adonico's "sci-fi" technology might be required. Anyway, all the best with your writing. Gwinva (talk) 18:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Random related link: Girl with four working kidneys donates her extra two. —Keenan Pepper 06:07, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Pass the chianti and fava beans. Clarityfiend (talk) 20:54, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] man made

If one looks at this map http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:KaliningradOB.png

I recently met a Polish dude who said he came from near here, what I want to know is, This strip of land, is it man made or natural, and how was it made whether by man or nature, was it tides? or bulldozers? apparently one can get a train along here and see the ocean on both sides at the same time, is this true? what is this place called? is it in Poland? Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:49, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't know for sure, but it looks quite a bit like it was formed by glacial action, like the moraines that compose Long Island, NY. – ClockworkSoul 15:53, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Also, the map you show is of Kaliningrad, in Russia, about 50 miles from the Polish border. – ClockworkSoul 15:55, 13 March 2008 (UTC)


Okay, i did some reading, and its in lithuanian and russia. So scrap all the previous. HOW WAS IT FORMED. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:08, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
They are Longshore bars. Cheers Geologyguy (talk) 16:10, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Google Maps has pretty good satellite images of these things, which make it obvious that they are not man-made. They're a lot bigger than they look on that map. --Sean 17:11, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
I can't open the map, but from the description I think you are referring to the Vistula Spit in the Vistula Lagoon. BrainyBabe (talk) 07:25, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The two natural landforms on your map are the Curonian Spit (Lithuanian-Russian border) and the Vistula Spit (Polish-Russian border). See Spit (landform), to learn how they form. — Kpalion(talk) 14:44, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Decs

Please excuse my ignorance, but Im a Metalhead When people use decs or two vinyl records to make sounds, do they damage the vinyls as my dad said I would when I wanted to wigywigywigy them at age 12. Furthermore, if they wanted a specific sound, would it be possible to record your own vinyl, like a cassette tape, or cd? What machine would one use to do this. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:29, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

These aren't stupid questions at all, so don't worry about asking them. On your first question, see Scratching. The article says that the action of scratching shouldn't damage the vinyl, since the stylus stays within the groove, but I certainly wouldn't let some hip-hop kid loose on my cherished vinyl collection. Of course, there are other ways of "playing" vinyl records to make sounds, some of which might involve moving the stylus across the grooves, and that would certainly damage the record. Also, people who use records in this way tend to handle them carelessly, e.g. by putting their fingers on the surface, and this is another no-no if you want to keep your records in good condition. But most such artists don't care about keeping the records pristine, since they just want to use them as a sound source. On your second question, no idea. --Richardrj talk email 16:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

{edit conflict - some more answers}

You mean mixing desks - yes the records can be damaged, there are special needles for mixing that don't cause damage (I think). Mixing with a standard record player might cause damage..
Second question - I don't think you mean record onto CD - there are CD decks that mimic the effect of vinyl mixing see scratching
Did you mean a machine to cut (make) your own records? see Gramophone_record#Production also http://eil.com/explore/guide/vinyl_making.asp the machine is called a lathe because it's a type of electrically actuated lathe.
It is possible to get a one off record made, or used to be. I think it's done with acetate records - maybe search for acetate cutting, or acetate lathe.
Hope that helps - ask for more83.100.138.116 (talk) 16:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
To clarify, i can record almost anything onto a cassette tape at home, same with a cd. but people are still using vinyls, can they put whatever they want onto them? and how is this done. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 17:11, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
No you can't really record onto vinyl, not at home anyway. As I mentioned above 'acetate cutters' (so called because the blank disk is made of acetate I'd imagine) do exist - they're like CD-R's - write once only . In general such things are very uncommon - and would mostly exist as owned by a company, or recording studio. They won't be cheap - in times when vinyl was king if you wanted a recording you'd use a reel to reel tape machine most likely.
The links above should get you started if you want to know how to record to vinyl also try searching for "vinyl lathe" eg http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue12/jsmanley.htm has a picture of such a thing near the bottom of the page.83.100.138.116 (talk) 18:55, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
The article Gramophone record has a section on home recording. It mentions two companies offering equipment "in the high four figures". Maybe they talk about ¥en. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 19:16, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] crossbow act 1989

what caused this act to be passed, or mor presisly, what was the catalist for making crossbows illegal in the UK thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:35, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

We've had this one before. It was a murder by crossbow in London, the details of which I cannot bring to mind. --Tagishsimon (talk) 18:24, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Automobile Lines

I've noticed this a few years ago (surprised that I didn't before) and I've finally remembered to ask about it here. Every single (passenger) car that I have ever seen has a line on the side. It could be an indented line, a raised line, a plastic insert, aerodynamics, or even just painted on, but there is always a line. It is almost always either one third of the way up the car, or about 3 inches from the bottom. It doesn't matter what kind of car it is - large or small, SUV or compact, economy or luxury - they all have it. My question is "Why?". Is this some kind of universal design priciple that is taboo to break? Have all cars without lines sold poorly because people didn't think they "looked right"? I used to think they were used to hide the bolts or what have you that hold the doors together, but that isn't the case. I don't know why this drives me crazy, I just want to know! Who started this, for what reason, and why is it so universally adhered to despite its extreme level of cliche? 206.252.74.48 (talk) 16:44, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I've noticed that these lines tend to correspond with the widest part of the car's body (sans side-view mirrors) so I suspect that, in addition to styling, they serve as a sort of bumper. — Lomn 17:05, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Having a look at Swage suggests that it is also to do with joining multiple pieces of metal together and in the modern day it has just become the 'normal' look and those that don't include a swage-line would perhaps not look right. To be honest I thought they would add strength to the panel. As I understand it a flat panel is not as strong as a panel that has bends/grooves in - at least that was always my understanding for the moulded-shape use for things like plastic milk-containers. ny156uk (talk) 18:20, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
A raised plastic molding down the side reduces the frequency of getting door dings from morons who swing their car doors open wide in parking lots. It also adds a bit of style. Edison (talk) 18:27, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Part of the reason for that crease is to increase the stiffness of a very thin sheet of metal, You can see the effect on a sheet of paper. First observe that it is very floppy when it is just a sheet of paper. Now make a crease in it and then open it out. The sheet is now a lot stiffer. Another reason is that the crease locally hard works the steel, raising its yield stress in that area, and making it a bit more resistant to denting. A third reason is that the presence of a restriction can control the deep drawing of the sheet in other areas. I think that's enough though! SaundersW (talk) 19:38, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Yet another part of the reason is that without some sort of "interest" added, all that flat metal would be just too boring (as if modern aero car shapes aren't boring-enough already). The fold also tends to create a skirt that stops splashed-up road dirt from getting any higher on the body.
Atlant (talk) 12:36, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] 0.50 calibre's power

I'm not quite sure where i heard this, but is it true that a 0.50 calibre bullet has enough force to tear your arm off and/or cause a brain haemorrhage even if it just passes by the intended target. Is this true and why? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.4.182.208 (talk) 20:07, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

The .50 BMG is a very powerful round; despite this, it is unable to do what you have described. However, should the bullet hit either your arm or head, it will generally be able to tear if off, depending on the range that it was fired from. Acceptable (talk) 20:57, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Also note the distinction between caliber and cartridge (firearms). A .50 caliber bullet is just a bullet. Bullets of that diameter are used with relatively non-powerful catridges as well as the monstrous .50 BMG. The cartridge is what gives it whatever power it has. Friday (talk) 21:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Is there any truth at all to the idea that a round from a high-powered rifle can hurt you with just the air-pressure as it passes? My uncles were soldiers in a civil war and said that they had heard of it happening, but I take things they say with a grain of salt. --Sean 22:18, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
The .50 BMG remains supersonic for a very long distance from the gun, and you can hear the sonic boom as it goes by. Despite this, it's not generating a very large shockwave -- nothing like the window-breaking shockwaves that airplanes can produce. If the bullet is passing close enough for the shockwave to hurt you, the injuries from the resulting collision of bullet and skin will mask them.
On the other hand, if you're standing close to the business end of a high-powered rifle, the muzzle blast of the propelling charge will certainly injure you. --Carnildo (talk) 22:55, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
I have some Popular Science magazines from the 1950s and they described the testing of large rounds on deer in which they shot the bullet so it passed one inch above the animal's back and the animal died anyway. Since the rest of the magazine had pretty damn good predictions of future technology, I tend to trust it, I'll have to dig it up and see that I read it correctly. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 12:40, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Carnildo, what makes you believe that? You can feel the blast, sure, but injury? Unless you're talking powder burns or something? Friday (talk) 21:02, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] sick of masturbation..........

I am 22.I wanna give up the habit of masturbation.......but whenever I try,after sometime again I end up doing that........what should I do?????? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.99.4.69 (talk) 21:01, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Well giving up something you enjoy is generally pretty difficult (this is assuming you enjoy it). Whilst i don't quite see why you'd wish to give it up entirely certainly try approaching it from a similar vein to giving up other things: Look for your 'trigger' points - is it a 'before bed' thing, maybe you could alter your routine? Look for anything that has a 'relationship' with it - sounds daft in this circumstance but stress & smoking are often 'linked' in the smoker's eyes so putting yourself in situations whereby temptation would be greatest will test your limits more. Other than this maybe consider alternatives (though beyond the obvious, i'm fresh out of ideas). Good luck - i guess. ny156uk (talk) 21:39, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
If the reason you want to give it up is that you think somehow you "shouldn't" be doing it, than maybe a rethink is in order. It's perfectly healthy, natural and normal. Happily married and partnered people do it all the time (not to be interpreted as "all night long"), and if you don't have a partner, it's the next best thing. -- JackofOz (talk) 21:49, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
If your concern is primarily religious you might consider that there are many interpretations of sexuality within every religion. For example some liberal Christians conclude that sexual pleasure and masturbation are a gift of God.[3] --S.dedalus (talk) 22:01, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

You haven't said if you are male or female, though most folks will assume male. It might help if you have a serious concern, to explain more why its a concern, what issues there are, and what your vi3ews are on things, rather than just "wanna give it up" which for a deep-seated psychological and physiological drive like sexuality, will be not enough information for anyone to find helpful sources of advice. FT2 (Talk | email) 22:10, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Alternatives to masturbation have been known (and practised) for some time. If this option can not be realised, then you are either stuck with masturbation or abstinence (and nocturnal emissions).
Masturbating at your age is totally normal, indeed, I assume it to be normal at any age.
If, on the other hand (if you pardon this ambiguous ambidextrosity) you are a student of R.C. theology I suggest you reconsider your career and calling. Indeed, as FT2 says above, it would help if you were to explain the reasons for your concern. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 22:33, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Why has no one said "get a girlfriend". Otherwise I am afraid to report it's practically impossible to stop, it's a bodily function - just like sweating or pissing... Plus it's actually healthy to do so - if I really need to pick my nose I'll do it. Politely.87.102.83.204 (talk) 13:25, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

It's generally a good idea to mature socially / emotionally / spiritually before 'getting a girlfriend'. And how many 22-year-olds are fully mature?
As to the original question, I can tell you with confidence that you will not give it up, so you'll have to change your masturbatory habits to be more agreeable. Vranak (talk) 00:32, 16 March 2008 (UTC)
The concept of polite masturbation makes me giggle. HYENASTE 19:03, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
He he.
  • "What are you thinking of doing today?"
  • "Well, I thought I'd re-read chapters 19 through 53 of War and Peace, go to a movie marathon with all 7 episodes of Rocky, reinvent the wheel, discover the secret of happiness, and then to finish off with an hour or two of polite masturbation, before spilling my guts to Dear Diary".  :)  :) -- JackofOz (talk) 23:17, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
Castration (if you are male), a very big cork if your are not, a daily dose of bromide or listen to the song 'i'm giving up wanking next tuesday' by Oz comic singer Kevin 'Bloody' Wilson.


When a man is tired of masturbation, he is tired of life; for there is in masturbation all that life can afford... samuel johnson (sorry Dr C)Perry-mankster (talk) 08:20, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Rocks in a cage

What is this thing? And what is the point of it? [4] I saw it while I was in the U.S. state of Arizona last week. There were many of them and all of them seemed to be at the corner of a barbed wire fence. I'm guessing it's just a way of holding the corner of the fence but I don't understand why someone would go through all the effort to cage these rocks for the purpose. Thanks, Dismas|(talk) 23:04, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

The ballast of the rocks resists the lateral load of the wire. Looks like a good solution to the problem of avoiding drilling post-holes and transporting fence posts. Ingenious. --Tagishsimon (talk) 23:10, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
It's an interesting use of a gabion.--ShelfSkewed Talk 23:36, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
This is, indeed, an ingenious solution to anchoring the corner posts of a fence.
If you assume that:
  • the soil is rock hard or
  • the soil is loose gravelly stuff and
  • there are lots of rocks handy
What more efficient / economic / ecological / and yes, highly aesthetic method can you think of ? --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 23:49, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
Look like a lazy ranch hand trick. :) --S.dedalus (talk) 00:27, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Nope, a lazy guy would build a rock jack. It has a greater moment to oppose the tension in the wire, and so requires fewer rocks.—eric 01:34, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Average call center wages.

What is the average hourly wage for a person working in an inbound tech oriented call center?12.25.104.8 (talk) 23:23, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't know about average, but I get a little over $10/hour as a network technician in a call center. Useight (talk) 23:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
What country? BrainyBabe (talk) 07:27, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

This would be in the USA, specifically in the South, (e.g Texas).12.25.104.8 (talk) 15:04, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm in Utah, which uses the US minimum wage as its minimum wage. Useight (talk) 15:24, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Laws...

I have a friend in VA who I think had a pretty bad experience at school, and he wants to know if they have any statutes or laws saying that a student has the right to not give any information to a teacher. I know it sounds like it's for me, but it's really not. I just wanted to help him out, so any §'s you know of? Like I think he doesn't want to talk to his math teacher, or answer any questions, if that's more specificYamakiri TC § 03-13-2008 • 23:28:53

Sounds like the 5th amendment. Useight (talk) 23:38, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
True, but can a school kid plead that in class (sorry just had to) ? I'll look into it still, thanks! Yamakiri TC § 03-14-2008 • 00:42:34
I am not a lawyer, and you should ask a lawyer for legal advice. However, it's doubtful that the 5th Amendment applies to something as informal as a discussion with a teacher. However, if the teacher sends you to the principal's office, and the principal suspends you, you're then entitled to a hearing with some legal norms and the right to due process. You can then challenge the suspension in court. However, the burden of proof would be on you that the suspension is unreasonable. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 03:00, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
No, the 5th Amendment doesn't apply. It only applies in specific legal circumstances involving self-incrimination. For real crimes. Not "I didn't do my homework," or "I don't want to display my utter inability to do long-division on the chalkboard." (Note: I am lousy at math, personally, and do not judge the inability to do long-division on command to be a real failing.) --98.217.18.109 (talk) 03:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Assuming you are talking about normal types of information, there isn't anything your sad little friend can do, except maybe try and put it in perspective and push on through (only a few months till summer!). If you are talking about information of a very sensitive nature, such as in relation to his sexuality or religious preferences, these are sometimes regulated, though you'd have to check to see if that applied in this particular situation. In general though, no, there's no magic law you can cite to say, "Sorry teach, but I ain't answering that one" and not get in trouble for insubordination. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 03:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Sad little friend is a bit harsh. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 12:42, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes ... exactly what kind of "information" are you referring to? That's the crux of the question. (Joseph A. Spadaro (talk) 22:51, 19 March 2008 (UTC))

[edit] Dad's Will

Dad died last year. Mom 20 years ago. His will states that his 3 children split everything equally except that one of his children died 10 years ago. The will does not state his children and their heirs Just his children. He also made it clear that he wanted the oldest child and the 2nd oldest child to take care of everything. The oldest is the one that is living and has been made the executor of the will. The son who has died has 3 children, are they entitled to 1/3 of the estate or is it up to the executor to decide who gets what? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.247.22.9 (talk) 23:48, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Speak to a lawyer is about the only legal advice that we can give here. Dismas|(talk) 00:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
The answer to your question is likely to vary depending upon the laws that apply where you live. Only a local lawyer would know which laws apply. Marco polo (talk) 01:50, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Yeah, speaking with a lawyer would be the best thing to do. Useight (talk) 02:05, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Hope this doesn't count as legal advice but it seems odd that the will wasn't re-written considering the nine years after the death of the son. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 20:51, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Making a will at all is quite a challenge for many people. It forces them to accept they're going to die some day, which ain't easy in our hearts even though we all know it in our heads. Having done it once, it might seem a relatively simple task to then amend it down the track as family circumstances change. But there have been many cases where a revised will was drafted and the person never quite got around to signing it - e.g. Peter Brock. His article doesn't give the details, but apparently his most recent will named his 3rd partner Bev Brock (not his wife, despite the name) his principal beneficiary. After splitting from Bev and moving onto his 4th partner Julie Bamford, he had a new will drawn up to make Julie the beneficiary, but put it in a drawer and never quite signed it before his untimely death. The matter had to go to court for a resolution as to his intentions. -- JackofOz (talk) 23:45, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
It will depend upon your local intestacy laws, and as the others have said, you should consult a lawyer. I don't know where you are, but here in England & Wales the share of the dead son would be split equally between his three children; the job of the executor is to administer the estate, to pay the dead persons' debts from the estate, collect any money owing to the dead person, arrange for the selling off of property, etc. - the executor doesn't have the power to vary the distribution of the estate, which is governed by well understood rules. When someone dies without any descendants or a will, things can sometimes get complicated with family trees being traced for several generations in an attempt to find beneficiaries as the estate is split up - a couple of years ago I inherited something ridiculous like 1/2 of 1/9th of 1/3rd of the estate of a cousin of my father's who I'd never heard of; still, it was about £1250/$2500 which was a nice windfall just before Christmas! -- Arwel (talk) 21:34, 16 March 2008 (UTC)