Wikipedia:Reference desk archive/Miscellaneous/2006 August 4

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[edit] Are any Ghost 'n Goblins games on Capcom Remixed for PSP?

I really want to know because I want the game mostly for Ghost 'n Goblins. I don't want to waste $30 on a game I won't play often. I want the two other games too, Ghouls 'n Ghosts, and Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, or I won't buy this.

Surely using Google (or the search engine of your choice) would be quicker than posting a question here and waiting for a response. I can't access any "game" sites from this PC, but here is the link directly to Capcom. Looking at the reviews on Amazon, I see that it has Bionic Commando. I'd almost be willing to buy a PSP and this game pack just to swing that grappling hook around once again. --LarryMac 13:00, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Vomit

If my Vomit is teal colored, what does that mean?

Vomit is usually or generally the color of the food that is vomitted, I believe. I may be wrong. --Proficient 03:08, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
I have found that vomit is usually the color and consistancy of what I've eaten or drank. Unless, of course, there is blood in it. Then it would be a dark reddish color. I am a translator, though, not a doctor. --69.138.61.168 07:09, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
If you are asking about the literal meaning, see teal (color).--Shantavira 07:16, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Maybe it means you've just eaten a teal? Notinasnaid 09:11, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Sigh. :-)
Also, if your vomit is teal it means you are a woman. Men know black, white, red, blue, green, brown, orange. Peach and lime are fruit, eggshell is what omelettes come in, teal is a bird, maroon is what happens to the captain after a mutiny. Weregerbil 18:07, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
There's no need for broad stereotypes like this; for all we know, the questioner might just be gay. --ByeByeBaby 06:03, 5 August 2006 (UTC)
That's another stereotype. JackofOz 01:25, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Another good question is, "If I'm getting my medical advice from Wikipedia, what does that mean?". It means you are an idiot. DJ Clayworth 13:57, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] American TV shows in Australia

Why do American TV shows in Australia often premiere much later than they do in the States? For example, Lost premiered in September 2004 in the USA, but only began in February 2005 in Australia. Likewise, the season finale of 24 wrapped up just last night here in Australia, whereas it finished in May in the USA. (The gap started out much larger, but channel 7 insisted on showing FOUR episodes a week, so we came close to catching up. Probably so they could make way for a new season of tripe like Dancing With The Stars).

Why does this happen? Why don't networks just show us new series simultaneously with the US? The reason it bugs me so much is because I can never stop myself from using Wikipedia to find out what happens in an upcoming season. Battle Ape 04:18, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Perhaps our stations are waiting to see how positive the response from American audiences is. We have five standard channels, but the USA has far more. Our stations will likely only pick the cream of the crop (ratings-wise, that is).
The US networks make agreements with producers, giving them exclusive first runs. They will then make secondary agreements to sell the overseas rights. Most overseas broadcasters (since they do not have the creative control the primary US networks have) will wait to see the product before buying it (though this isn't always the case, talent with a track record can sell based on reputation and a pitch alone).
Historically the same thing would happens with movies, but you may have noticed that big budget films are now often released globally near simultaneously. This is because DVD/internet technology has forced their hand. Its likely, as TV shows can now easily be downloaded soon after their US airing, that we will begin to see a reduction in the time US shows are aired abroad, especially in english speaking (a lot of countries dub US series into local languages, so that takes time), internet savvy countries like the UK and Australia. Rockpocket 06:51, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
In the U.S, shows usually run their new episodes from fall to spring and take summer off (when less people watch TV?) Are you sure they aren't just delaying them so they don't run during the local summer? Rmhermen 16:42, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Most countries do not run "seasons" like the US networks do (hence they use the terms series instead of season). In the UK, Channel 4 is running season 2 of Lost throughout the summer as is Australia (though it is their winter, of course). So that theory doesn't hold up, i'm afraid! Rockpocket 19:15, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Some shows may also have to go through editing, subtitling, checking and possible conversion in formats before it airs. Also, the US tend to take breaks during seasons (like Lost, which will break for 13 weeks!) while foreign markets don't tend to. --Bearbear 19:39, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Rmhermen has a good point about the seasons. Australia does has a ratings break during summer (when expensive shows like Lost are typically not shown). So it seems the Australian TV executives decided to start Lost in February - straight after the summer ratings break. Another advantage of running the shows way behind the US is more flexibility. Since the show will never be allowed to "World Premiere" in Australia, it has to run behind anyway. If it only ran one day behind, the Australian schedule would be controlled by when the American network decided to air the show (eg by American breaks, big events etc). This might not be that important though.--Commander Keane 01:41, 5 August 2006 (UTC)
I can't speak for Australia, so that may well be a consideration there, but not in the UK. Note however Lost season 2 may not be the best example as there was some global co-ordination to tie in with The Lost Experience. I don't know if that was a serious consideration in the scheduling of the show, but it may have been. Rockpocket
Lost is undoubtedly a special case because of the internet 'extra content' that supports it. The internet extras coincide with the US timetable, so other countries probably want to keep as close to that timetable as they can. DJ Clayworth 13:55, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Scope of failure analysis

Does failure analysis apply only to physical systems, as the article suggests, or also to other things such as business ventures and military campaigns? NeonMerlin 06:26, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Failure analysis can be applied to most fields. Agreed, the article comes at it from a narrow perspective and could do with much improvement. --Tagishsimon (talk)

[edit] Clippy thingies

I know this sounds a little vague, but, does anyone know what the little plastic E-shaped connectors are called that are commonly used to hold a baby in the 'seat' of a shopping cart?

To clarify what they look like, one side is (I guess) a male side shaped like a curved 'E' and the other side is a female 'side' into which it slips into, then it 'clicks' and is locked in place when the outside parts of the 'E' go into two holes on the female side. To release it, you have to press on the outside edges of the female side, which puts pressure on the 'E' shape, allowing you to remove the male side of it.

I know that sounds slightly convoluted but that is as best as I can describe it. --69.138.61.168 07:06, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

A form of buckle? or just a clip? don't know if they even have a specific name. AllanHainey 09:02, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
I know what you are talking about, but I can't seem to find it in Category:Fasteners. Jon513 09:29, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Look on the body of the clip - there will (hopefully) be a patent number. Look up the patent number in the US patent database and you'll see who the "assignee" (the company) for the patent is. That will, I guess, be a large manufacturer of fasteners. Then go to their website and browse their online catalog. I'm sure there will be a technical name specifically for such fasteners. Middenface 10:44, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
I think it's called a "snap buckle". Google for images. One of the branded versions is called an airloc buckle.--Shantavira 12:23, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Fastex buckle is the predominant name for them, there's more information here.
Hmm, the above seem to call them "side-release buckles". Whatever they are, it looks as though we need an article. One reason I was interested is they they always seem to slip after I've used them for a while (they secure my rucksack, and my trousers). I found that slightly "re-sharpening" the teeth with a small file helps to prevent this.--Shantavira 15:01, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
You have these things on your trousers? Picture, please! HenryFlower 15:16, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Strange as it may seem, I have a pair of nylon hiking pants which use a small Fastex buckle to secure the waist. The buckle halves are connected to an integral elastic web strap.

Allow me to help: Side-release buckle --Tagishsimon (talk)
It looks like you're trying to secure a baby in a shopping cart. Would you like help?  :-) --LarryMac 15:11, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Yes, the links you have provided are these buckles. I also had trouble finding an article about these on Wikipedia. 'Fastex buckle', then. Thanks! --69.138.61.168 21:36, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Jogging/swimming coefficient?

Greetings,

(Thank you for your answers concerning my American pancakes; they were a little soapy, alas.)

I was wondering where I could find the coefficient between jogging and swimming, as in, how much jogging a certain time of swimming is worth.

Thank you for your answers,

--anon.

If you google for "calorie swimming jogging" you'll find any number of tables that claim to rate one exercise against another. The trouble is that swimming is so technical that different people (same age, sex, weight) swimmng at the same speed can consume radically different amounts of energy. Jogging is less technical (although still there are efficient joggers and inefficient ones; I'd guess some are at least twice as efficient as others). So it's pretty hard for a web-page to actually tell you how much energy you're burning. Middenface 10:35, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
In what sense? Energy loss (measured in soapy pancakes)? Muscle gain? Fun? DirkvdM 07:54, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] New user questions

Yesterday, Aug 3, I registered for the first time and was confused about whether my email address will be avaialable to anyone. I DON"T want to received junk mail, so I don't want my email address to be available except to the administrators for password confirmation. Please take care of this and let me know that my email address will not be available to readers.

Also, I spent a long time editing a page, and didn't realize there was a time limit - when I went to finalize/send it, it said my time had expired and all of my changes were lost. This was annoying/discouraging.

It was also hard to figure out where to send theses comments to.

I added a title to your post. These questions sound like they should be directed to the Help Desk (I'd try to answer but I don't quite follow whatever you're asking). Well, I guess I can try: 1. Your email address isn't made public as far as I know. 2. Yes, I've lost a post due to an error before too--it is indeed annoying. It's best to copy your comment before posting just in case something goes wrong (save early/save often sort of thing). 3. I do not understand your last paragraph, sorry. digfarenough (talk) 17:52, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
  • I think that last bit of text was from your email or some sign up page. It won't be posted, but of course you shouldn't post it here if you don't want it to show up (I've removed it). If you want to avoid being accidentally logged out while editing, you should select the remember me box when logging in. This means you're logged in until you log out (be sure to log out when you're on a public computer). - Mgm|(talk) 21:21, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Finding where to ask questions doesn't seem too difficult. There aren't any confusing ads and banners and such. At the top left there's the 'help' link (maybe that should be made a little more visible - perhaps at the top of that list) and the top box at the page that that leads you to has the header 'where to ask questions'. That should make clear that your question should have gone to the help desk in stead of here. Then again, it is true that every now and then we get help desk questions here. So how did you get here? Did you follow a different route? DirkvdM 08:03, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Youtube Question

I apologize if this isn't the right place to ask this question. Anyways, I am trying to be able to post comments on Youtube, and have an account. When I try to post a comment this message shows up.

"Before you can upload, we need to verify your email address. Enter it below, and when you receive the confirmation email, then check your email and click on the link provided to confirm your account. If you do not receive the confirmation message within a few minutes, please check your bulk or spam folders."

The confirmation email showed up, and I clicked on the link, however the following message showed up. "This confirmation link is no longer valid".

So my question is, how do I post comments, when it can't confirm my email. Thanks in advanced. --Summonmaster13 16:39, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

  • If you ask for a new email or reset your password only the most recent message is valid. All others expire. If you have trouble, I guess you should contact them. - Mgm|(talk) 21:17, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Total Number of Homeowners in America

What is the total numer of homeowners in America?

What is the breakdown per state?

The US census is your friend. Nowimnthing 18:37, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Water Tables

I need to know whether a water table can change? If so, what could cause it to change? Greg Kreft 19:49, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Nothing is forever. Be more specific?--Teutoberg 20:03, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

  • Are you talking about one of those tables that are really television screens showing water, sand or something else and actually act as if they're touched if you touch the screen? I think that is touch screen technology. - Mgm|(talk) 21:15, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Why not try our snappily and conveniently named Water table article? Lemon martini 22:21, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

(Yay! My first proper edit as a real live Wikipedian!)

[edit] the artist that performs the song "half the man iused to be

hi there!i would like to ask who is the artist that performs the song "half the man i used to be,as i've been told that it's a song of nirvana and i don't believe it.... i'm sorry that i ask such an unimportant question.....but i got to know anyway,if you are willing to contact me,please send me an email in[snip], as this is not my computer. thank you for your time.. frances mckee

There is a song which includes that line on The Return of the Space Cowboy.
Yesterday I was
half the man I used to be.
Maybe it's because
you're the other half of me.
 Slumgum T. C.   20:30, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
I believe you are refering to the Stone Temple Pilots song "Creep", on their album Core.--Andrew c 21:30, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Let's not forget "Suddenly/I'm not half the man I used to be/There's a shadow hanging over me/oh I believe/in yesterday". See the beatles, or yesterday. I don't think it's what you're looking for, but it's a great song anyways. --198.125.178.207 22:25, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Funny smelling CDs

When buying music CDs, I often that on opening the case, there is a strange chemical smell completely unlike anything else. It doesn't happen to computer CDs or DVDs, as it only seems to affect CDs in plastic jewel cases. If anybody has a copy of any of them, the smell is especially strong on Through the Windowpane and A Certain Trigger, at least in my music collection. So what is that smell, and how can I prevent it, given that the sensitive nature of CDs makes using a chemical airfreshener risky. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk)

<gripe>I hate it when people say "chemical smell" — all smells are caused by chemicals.</gripe> —Keenan Pepper 22:54, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
Why do you want to prevent it? If it bothers you that much, leave 'em open at night and let a fan blow over them or something. It's quite unlikely to be damaging the CDs. It's likely just a remnant of some chemical used in the production of the jewel case, the liner notes, the tray, or the CD (think I covered all the bases there...) digfarenough (talk) 23:36, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

CDs by Matchbox Twenty really stink. --Teutoberg 03:12, 5 August 2006 (UTC)


Wow, I thought I was the only one who knew it. My ex-girlfriend bought some CD-R's, and they smell absolutely awful. I've worked with fiberglass, and it kinda smells like fiberglass resin. I have no idea why, but the smell is truly revolting. --Abnerian 04:02, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

You know what other smell is similar and also awful - the smell of metallic gift wrap. The mylar kind. --Random person

[edit] extra kwh reading itron?bersus mecanical meters

--68.202.34.54 21:51, 4 August 2006 (UTC)i dont have the money(need exponsor)test itron meters read doble kwh I TRY TO FIND AND STUDY,TEST,OR WHATEVER-COMPARE THE OLD METER (ROTATIBE) TO THE NEW ITRON CENTRON,SOLID ESTATE+WITH THE NEW METERS WITH THE SAME CHARGE THE KWH GO NEAR TO DOUBLE kWh??I DON'T GOING TO TELL YOU(FOR THE MOMENT)ALL I DO TO TEST THIS FABULOUS METER...I CALL PROGRESS ENERGY(FLORIDA)TO CHECK THE METER,IS IN THE PARAMETER THEY WANT>>>AND SAID IT READING THE CONSUME<<THAT THE PROBLEM I DON'T USE THAT AMOUNT OF kWh!!!! HERE COMES YOU:::::THIS METER IS DONE TO READ,VARIATION IN ELEC,RUMORS AND PEAK OF VOLTAGE(IN THIS READING IS WHEN THE ELECTRIC COMP,GET THE EXTRA $$$$$$$$$,IN kWh,NOT MATER WHAT YOU GET MORE kWh THAN YOU USE,AND THAT IS NO LEGAL!!!!!ITS SUPPOUST THE PEAK OF ANY APPLIANCE GET IN THE METER,AND AUTOMATIC GO DOWN TO READ CONSUME,BUT THIS SOLID STATE METER????????????????????????????DO YOU KNOW A TEST(SIDE BY SIDE)OFF ITRON CELERON & ROTATIVE METER,SAME CHARGE(ALL THE SAME)ITS SUPOUST THE READ VERY SIMILAR,ANY KWH OVER IS ILLEGAL,MY POINT IS DIRECT TO READ KWH,(COMPARE)NOT INCLUDE FUEL,TEMP,OR MONEY UNDER THE TABLE,,ONLY COMSUM KWH!!!!IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION OF A CLASS ACTION ,SEND ME THE INF.,FORMULA:SAME VOLTAGE INPUT + SAME CHARGE +/- X(WATTS,,AMPERES,,) =KWH,,ONLY IN ITRON IS DOBLE?????why??(only can change the %=1%.2% charge the power comp.)but that not justify the high reading of kwhANY,ANY INFORMATION WELCOME

I'm afraid I didn't understand a single word of that, but thank you for introducing me to the far right corner of my screen. --Daduzi talk 22:05, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

I speak six languages fluently.Which one are you using?It ain't English,but let's try...

"You're comparing an old Rotative meter to a new Centron solid estate meter.With the same charge on the new meters,the kwH nearly doubled.You're not going to tell us how you tested it though. When you called Progress Energy in Florida to check it,doing the tests they suggested,the amount they told is much more than you are using.

The meter is calibrated to read variations in electricity, rumors(whatever they are) and voltage peaks. Whatever test you try,you get much more kwH showing than you actually use.

It's supposed to show the peak kwH of any appliance and automatically read your consumption from there,but it doesn't. You want to know a side-by-side test of the Celeron(sic) and Rotative meter with the same charge to show that the Celeron(sic) one is showing more kwH than is correct,which is illegal.It should only be reading the kwH,not including fuel,temperature or money under the table(???)

You want to launch a class action against Celeron/Centron as their meter is showing double the kwH it should be compared to the Rotatibe with the same data put in,even allowing for some variation in the data which might affect the results."


If I've deciphered this correctly,basically your new meter is showing almost double what the old one did with the same variables and you feel this is illegal. Is it possible the new one is just malfunctioning? Why not return your meter and explain this to the Celeron/Centron sales guy and see whether they can replace it or give an explanation as to why this happening.They are likely to know the most about what their products do and don't do and shouldn't do...

Lemon martini 22:34, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Talented bit of suitle emphaziation there, Lemon martini. --Howard Train 04:39, 5 August 2006 (UTC)
It sort of looks like the poster typed in in a different language and used some online translator to get it into English. Probably all the strings of punctuation are meant to separate different sentences, as things like babelfish ignore newlines. Or am I just stating the obvious? :) digfarenough (talk) 23:32, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Why don't you ask us in your native language? --Abnerian 03:56, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Sockpuppet

I accidentally created a sockpuppet (Fsdfsdfsdfsa), and I really want it to be deleted. Is there a way that it can be deleted other than not logging in for 90 days? -- TheGreatLlama (speak to the Llama!) 23:11, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

I think that, technically, it's only a sockpuppet when used as such. It is allowable for a person to have multiple accounts, as long as they aren't being used, e.g., to provide an illusion of greater consensus or to avoid policies like the three revert rule. As for deleting the account, not sure about that one... digfarenough (talk) 23:26, 4 August 2006 (UTC)
If you're worried about it being labled as such, try adding {{user alt acct}} or request it be blocked on WP:AIV. 68.39.174.238 10:29, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cinema

The film "The Miracle of" was released in German cinemas in 2004. What sprtin event dose it deal with?

Don't suppose you mean Das Wunder von Bern... it was 2003, though. Oh, to answer your question: the World Cup (football). digfarenough (talk) 23:29, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Monday's Final Jeopardy

On Monday, I saw that the answer (or sould I say question?) to Final Jeopardy was "Who is Einstein?" What was the question to it? (or should I say answer?) Reywas92 23:59, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Jeopardy is in summer reruns right now, which means that it's difficult to determine which episode you saw; particularly since this may vary from market to market.
Of course, I said difficult, not impossible. Never underestimate the internet: According to a search of J! Archive, the only time that Einstein was a correct Final Jeopardy question was Game #4866, November 7, 2005, in the college tournament quarterfinals. The answer given:
He declined the offer to lead a country & once said, "Politics is for the present... an equation is... for eternity"
Both women got it right, but the one man had it right, crossed it out, and put Newton in instead. What a dumbass. (BTW, the country was Israel). --ByeByeBaby 06:14, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Thanks! I'm suprised that Jeopardy plays reruns of the tournaments. Reywas92 17:45, 5 August 2006 (UTC)