Wikipedia:Reference desk archive/Miscellaneous/February 2006

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Superscript text= February 1 =

Contents

[edit] The Rocky Series

After "Rocky VI (AKA Rocky Balboa)", will Sylvester Stallone make a 7th film in the series?

IMDB shows no evidence of it; a Google search turns up only about 1900 hits, mostly jokes. I doubt it'll happen. Which, as a film buff, I consider a sitxth Way to God. --George 02:15, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually I've seen posters in Philadelphia about it being filmed around now. --Ornil 23:37, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Sly would be best advised to stop making them before he looks like Rocky [1] from The Rockford Files, to avoid any potential confusion. StuRat 18:05, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] List of Telenovelas Filmed In Miami, Florida

Can you give me a list of telenovelas filmed in Miami, Florida?

Go to IMDB, do a power search for location = "Miami" and TV movies = "ONLY TV movies". Voila! --Canley 01:12, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
You can narrow it down even further to Language Spanish. User:Zoe|(talk) 03:13, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] used travel trailers

can people buy used travel trailers from the floods, and if so how?


(removed email address - check back for your answer)-LambaJan 03:43, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

What country are you talking about? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 03:30, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
I assume they're talking about the RVs used in the disaster relief efforts following hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. This [2] link shows used RVs for sale in that area, though I doubt any were used there. You may wish to contact the American Red Cross as well as other relief organizations to ask if they're ready to sell of some of them. -LambaJan 03:43, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Considering that many families are waiting in hotel rooms to get trailers from FEMA, I doubt they are getting rid of any trailers yet. Rmhermen 18:36, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Setting of "Passions"

In which New England state is the setting of Passions?

Well according to this it's ME. What state that is I have no idea. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 03:32, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
ME is Maine. -LambaJan 03:44, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Thanks. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:08, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Guitar Tabs

Does anyone know where to get these guitar tabs?:

The Trews - Yearning or any songs from the show Trailer Park Boys including the song's Bubbles plays.

I did a quick search that turned up dry. This means that so far nobody learned the song and decided to share it in that format. This problem will continue to happen for you if you continue to rely on this resource.
The best way to learn a song is by ear because that resource is nearly always available, and because when you learn it that way it's easier to arrange it for your function.
The easiest way to learn a song by ear is to pick out the bass line, learn the key of the song from the notes in the bass line, then build chords using your knowledge of the key and the bass note as the root. For instance: I know that this bass line contains one flat, Bb, so the key is F. There is a chord here in the song and the bass note is G. Well in the key of F the G chord is minor, so the chord here is more than likely Gm. -LambaJan 04:08, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Another thing. You can also start from the melody, but this is less straight foward. If you have a melody, and you feel like it, you can take liberties with the arrangement and, say, play Halloween songs in major keys and Christmas songs in minor keys. -LambaJan 04:11, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] 2006 State of the Union

Which Cabinet member was the designated member to be absent from the Speech tonight?

What country are you talking about? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:07, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

What country do you think did the State of the Union tonight??? the United States.

Don Brash gave his 2006 State of the Union speech in Orewa last night, even though New Zealand is not a Union. No cabinet members were present. Next question please? Grutness...wha? 12:02, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Not everybody follows the internal politics of the US. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:22, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Lol! How does State of the Union imply USA? India, for example, is a "Union of States". deeptrivia (talk) 04:43, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

I know, that's why someone who knows should answer

James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans' Affairs. See, inter al., designated survivor. More info is also available at the Humanities reference desk, for which my link isn't working. Joe 04:37, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
(Hahahahahaha.) --Fastfission 04:37, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Oh, don't harass the question-askers with bloody-mindedness... yes I know, I know, but it's not helpful. Sum0 21:04, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Yeah, sorry for my part of that (although it is true that there was a State of the Union address in New Zealand the same night by the leader of the opposition). FWIW, as far as the US is concerned, ISTR that Condy Rice was still in Europe at the time, too. Grutness...wha? 09:58, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] MSN Smileys

I would like to have the msn smileys on my forum. anyone know where i can get them from?

You can simply copy them and save them to an appropriate format, then upload them.  Run!  10:01, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Though keep in mind that those particular designs may be copyrighted.

[edit] Which country produces the largest number of engineers?

Which country produces the largest number of engineers?

In total, or as a percentage of population, as a percentage of university graduates, and what do you define as an "engineer" anyway? I'm afraid you'll have to be a bit more specific than that. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 10:22, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Patience of medici

what is the patience of medici and how it works?

Here's some URL I found:

www.aworld.ru LD4All

and an old one which isn't accessible anymore:

ezboard's forum

referenced in this google's cache:

google's cache

and a part of the last one maybe:

"His magic studies caused lively interest the kingly persons, and Mary Medici was one of the admirers. To the experts of card games is known the patience of Medici - surprising magic patience,whose secret passed to it from the Di. There is nothing surprising in the..."

(retrieved from various metasearch)

thanks for any answer. (Please don't post any answer if you haven't any relevant inform--Shultz 10:51, 1 February 2006 (UTC)ation so as to let this message go to the unanswered question archive in place of the Miscellaneous one)

[edit] RN

What's the difference between a Registered Nurse and a just a Nurse?

Is there a more specific question about what you don't understand in the Nurse and Registered nurse articles? Dismas|(talk) 11:05, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes; RNs are much harder to get into bed with than regular nurses. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 23:22, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] A Swiss takes a trip to Swaziland and a Swazi takes a trip to Switzerland

(Foreword: There was no Geography category so I had to post it here.)

The country names sound so similar, I've been wondering the following for years:

1. Factoring in the fact about how the traveling Swazi has lived in Swaziland all of his/her life, what would s/he say about Switzerland once s/he visits there? What would s/he find better, worse, and brand new to her about the country?

2. Same question, except the other way around.

--Shultz 11:02, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Other a brief moment of amusement at the similarity of the respective countries' names, the traveller would have the same experience as if s/he had travelled from any western European to most countries in southern Africa. Specifically, Swaziland is a very poor, tiny, landlocked country, where over 80% of the population is occupied by subsistence agriculture, and which has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world (40% of the adult population, according to our article). Switzerland is a highly developed first world country with excellent infrastructure and a high standard of living, a prosperous, well-educated population mostly employed in the services and industrial sector, and a relatively stable system of government. I think you've neatly managed to find two extremes, and I imagine the reaction of a visitor from one to the other, regardless of direction, would be "shock". — QuantumEleven | (talk) 13:05, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Thsy are both landlocked, though. So at least the Swazi's lack of deep-sea diving, surfing and cruise ship piloting skills would not be a factor. Proto t c 13:33, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
And note that the similarity in name is more apparent than real. That's what the countries are called in English. The Swiss call their country Helvetica (or some variant, as they speak three different languages) and the Swazis call their country weSwatini. --Shantavira 15:02, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Not quite: Helvetica is only the theoretical Latin name; in reality it's Schweiz, Suisse or Svizzera. Mark1 15:20, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Australia and Austria are also frequently confused. Which is funny 'cos Oz is based on a word meaning 'south', and Austria is based on a word meaning 'east'. JackofOz 19:34, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
And both words ('Öster', 'East' and 'Australis') are actually from the same Proto-Indo-European root! Due to an old Roman confusion about the orientation of Italy. --BluePlatypus 22:30, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
How fascinating! I never knew that. Thank you. JackofOz 22:53, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Don't forget about when George W. Bush mixed up Slovakia and Slovenia. Can't say I blame him too much. The names of the countries in Slovak are Slovensko and Slovinsko. -- Mwalcoff 00:22, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Oh, but that's easy. One is the mountainous central-European Slavic country with a white-blue-red flag with a crest on the left of it, with three mountains, and the other is the mountainous central-European Slavic country with a white-blue-red flag with a crest on the left of it, with three mountains and a cross. --BluePlatypus 02:16, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Maybe he was "misunderestimating" how much people know about stuff. JackofOz 19:46, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The US State of Georgia has sister cites to the Former Soviet Republic of Georgia, so why doesn't Switzerland have sister cities with Swaziland?

Atlanta is a sister city of Tbilisi, because their state & country respective sound (and spell) exactly the same! Also, Savannah to Batumi, because they're both coastal cities.

But since Switzerland sounds so similar to Swaziland, why isn't Bern the sister city of Mbabane?

--Shultz 11:02, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Possibly the people in Switzerland and Swaziland don't care what the names of their countries sound like in English. David Sneek 11:09, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
One could also ask why the Netherlands isn't a sister country of never never land. And then there are loads of other questions that 10 wise men couldn't answer. :) DirkvdM 12:09, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
If I understand city partnership (such as "sister cities" or "twin cities"), they are not decided on things like names sounding alike - more likely, city officials from the two cities managed to reach an accord on exchanges and cooperation. The two cities are not necessarily alike, I would guess that in the case of Atlanta and Savannah, the resemblance is, if not coincidental, then a very minor factor in deciding to cooperate with their respective sister cities. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 12:20, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Never heard of Switzerland and Swaziland ever being mixed up. Switzerland and Sweden seem to get mixed up more often. A friend of mine in Stockholm got a letter from the USA (marked 'Stockholm, SWEDEN') which had a Zürich post-stamp on it. --BluePlatypus 17:45, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
This city sisterhoods were mostly founded in the communist system, so I think it's understandable that sister cities are more common in the former communist block such as Georgia (the country) or Hungary, but rare in the countries that were never under the USSR's influence such as Sweden or Swaziland. – b_jonas 21:00, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Hehe.. I could describe Georgia, USA, in many words.. but 'communist' wouldn't be one of them. :) --BluePlatypus 21:11, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, and New York is a sister city of Budapest not because it's so good for New York but because Budapest was in a communist country by the time they made this. – b_jonas 22:09, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Nonsense! Who wouldn't want to be a sister city of Budapest - Magyarország fővárosa! New York isn't even the country capital, probably for good reasons. And what kind of river is the Hudson supposed to be? It cannot compare to the mighty Danube. All proper capital cities have the Danube in it. How many waltzes does the Hudson have named after it? I'll tell you: none! Central park on Manhattan may be cool, but in Budapest they go the whole way! Margaret Island is almost all park. And the Széchenyi Bridge totally beats the Brooklyn Bridge. Go Budapest! :) --BluePlatypus 22:41, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
huh? Central Park is 3.5 times larger than Margaret Island! Rmhermen 23:20, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh yes, but it's a smaller percentage of the island. Quality, not quantity! Also, the population is much bigger than that, so the Insular Parkland Area Per Capita Quotient (IPAPCQ) is higher in Budapest. And that's commonly regarded as a very important factor in calculating the Goodness of a a city. :) --BluePlatypus 23:47, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Not strictly true, Blue P (you didn't say 'well-known' waltzes). There is a waltz-time piece called "Up the Hudson", written by one Louis Wallis in 1883 (see here) JackofOz 00:31, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
'HAH! Pacific Coast Highway|Leave a message ($.25) 00:42, 2 February 2006 (UTC)'

Trivium: In English it's 'Switzerland'. In Dutch it's 'Zwitserland'. And in German it's 'Schweiz' (don't know what it is in Romansh). And while I'm a tit. (typo deliberately not corrected :) ) New Zealand kept the Dutch 'Z' but anglicised the 'ee' into 'ea' (and translated 'Nieuw' into 'New'). And Finland is in Finnish 'Suomi', which is pronounced 'swami' buit has nothing to do with a swami. DirkvdM 09:12, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Where on Earth did you get the impression that "Suomi" is pronounced "swami"? "Suomi" is pronounced like /suomi/ in ASCII-IPA. The great thing about Finnish is that for pretty much every word (barring some rare exceptions) you can write its pronunciation in ASCII-IPA by simply copying the letters verbatim. JIP | Talk 10:54, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Finnish country-names are pretty crazy too. Germany is 'Saksa', referring to Saxons. Sweden is 'Ruotsi', referring (most believe) to the Rus', who in turn emigrated from Sweden to Russia, hence the name. So they call Russia 'Venäjä', which actually refers to the Wends, who were a different Slavic people. And the Sami and the Suomi really have the same name. It's all mixed up! The word 'Finns' in itself is just what the Swedes called them. Their Hungarian cousins also have the honor of being known around the world by a name they don't use for themselves. --BluePlatypus 15:21, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
That's true of the Georgians too. (Back to square 1). JackofOz 00:47, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] House

I can't find a website on the tv show 'House', I could find one but it didn't have anything on the characters, please help!

This tv show? David Sneek 11:13, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Here's a detailed bio of the characters. http://www.housemd-guide.com/characters.php Bizznazz

Here is a good link to episode guides:- http://epguides.com/House/

[edit] Doctor

What's the difference between a doctor and a medical doctor?

See doctor. alteripse 11:38, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Doctor Advice

Okay, let's say your a doctor and a teenage girl is having seisures, what sort of stuff would you do to find out what is wrong? Blood tests? X Rays?

Please don't post your question in more than one board - it won't get answered any faster and will probably just irritate the people who dedicate their free time to answering questions (see notes at the top of the page).
In any case, there are some good answers to your question at the Science Desk. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 12:24, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
First thing I wouldn't do is ask for what tests to perform at the Wikipedia Reference Desk. You should probably ask a real doctor. I am not a doctor. (Good lord, I would never want to become one.) But seizures can be caused by any number of things: CNS disorders, bright flashy lights (a la Pokemon), side effects of Bupropion Hydrochloride treatment...epilepsy...

[edit] weight loss

Since drinking cold water helps you to lose weight, will making yourself cold do the same?

I don't think so, unless shivering burns up a massive amount of calories. Eating less junk food and running around the block a few times every day would, though. Proto t c 13:36, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Yeah, i made that hypothesis too, and i included taking cold showers. deeptrivia (talk) 13:59, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Good, and that also helps with the earlier 'reproducing' joke. --Zeizmic 16:11, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Drinking cold water does not help you lose weight in any significant way. A litre of ice-cold water (or kilogram of ice-cold food) requires 36 calories to be brought up to body temp (36 degrees C, as per the definition of calorie). Here's the thing: A food calorie is not a calorie in this sense. It's a kilocalorie (kcal). A walk will burn about 5 kcal a minute, so that litre (which is quite a bit) will do you the equivalent of half a second of brisk walking. The idea that you can lose weight this way is only due to this mix-up of units. --BluePlatypus 17:43, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

In the swimming article, it says "the metabolism of the body increases at higher body temperature, burning more food energy". So will it help if I drank hot water?

Whilst I'm no expert on this, it sounds like someone got it the wrong way around - a higher body temperature is caused by burning more food energy (such as when you have a temperature). Your body - except when ill - does its best to keep your core temperature as stable as possible, hence you shiver in cold weather (your muscles doing 'gratuitous' work just do they can output heat) and you sweat in hot weather (the evaporation cools your skin). So if you want to burn energy (although I don't know how much energy you burn by shivering), go outside when it's cold. Better yet, go jogging outside in the cold. But beware of hypothermia and frostbite - your body can only heat so much! — QuantumEleven | (talk) 09:22, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
That sounds like more sensible advise to me. If you heed the warning, but that's mostly a matter of keeping active. I know from experience that starting a hike on a cold day (wearing yesterday's wet clothes!) is only a problem in the beginning. I tend to start with lots of warm clothes, but after just ten minutes I start to take off clothes. Kiwis even walk in shorts, no matter how cold it is. It's just a matter of staying active. That is what burns the energy (by the way, one burns energy not Joules or (oh horror) calories).
Indeed, the body wants to keep the core temperature right - neither too hot nor too cold. Drinking too much cold water is not just unhealthy, it can even be dangerous. A relative of mine once worked up a sweat, downed a pint of cold beer and dropped dead. I'm sure he lost weight pretty fast after that. :) DirkvdM 09:35, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Also, I've seen it claimed that lowering your core temperature signals your body to store more fat, in preparation for winter or other hard times. FreplySpang (talk) 21:02, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Perhaps the most noticeable weight loss benefit from drinking large quantities of water, at any temp, is that this will assuage your thirst and make you less likely to drink calorie-dense soft drinks, fruit juices, milk, etc. StuRat 16:58, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Tetris

Is there a Sony Playstation equivalent to Nintendo's Tetris? molto grazie

See Tetris variants. There's Tetris Worlds for PS2 and Tetris Plus for the PS. --Optichan 14:42, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
You forgot to say "Prego". KWH 00:58, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What is the legal age of sex in England?

The age for sexual consent in the U.K is 16 for GIRLS.

There is no age for boys, though they can be sentenced for rape once they turn 10.

It is completely illegal to have sexual affairs between students and tutors whilst still in education at any age in public schools. Even if that means you are 18 and are in 6th form/higher education.

Peace - Buck

[edit] What is a Mockumentary?

What is a Mockumentary? What subject/theme can classify as a mockumentry? Please advice.

Thanks, Chetan Patel.

It's a portmanteau word of "mock" and "documentary". Something entirely fictional but which looks like a documentary; typically humorous. Mock can be thought of in both meanings "pretending to be" and "intended mockery of". See Spinal Tap for a definitive example, though it escaped from its genre in a way I find vaguely disturbing; it may be that some subjects are just impossible to mock. Notinasnaid 18:23, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
It can also be used to describe the different genre of 'hypothetical drama' or drama documentary, such as The Day Britain Stopped or Supervolcano, which are serious documentaries, but talk about something which could happen as if it had. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 18:43, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for the info. -Chetan.

The Office may also be considered a mockumentary. Yeltensic42.618 don't panic 23:22, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

This is Spinal Tap is a pretty good example. And The Rutles. User:Zoe|(talk) 03:30, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Pretty much anything done by filmmaker Michael Moore falls into this category. A serious documentary would show all sides of an issue, while he only shows the side he is pushing. StuRat 16:52, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

There's no general agreement that a "serious documentary" must show all sides. Beyond that, most people wouldn't use the term "mockumentary" for something with which they disagreed. A mockumentary doesn't pretend to be true. I've heard films like Fahrenheit 9/11 and Stolen Honor denounced as one-sided, misleading, propaganda, etc., but not as mockumentaries. JamesMLane t c 23:25, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

"We Can Be Heroes: Finding the Australian of the Year" is a classic, quintessential mockumentary, and absolutely the funniest thing I saw on TV in 2005. Chris Lilley is "the next big thing" (remember, you heard it here first, folks). JackofOz 23:09, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] gymnastics

in men's competition, they have the event called still rings. on this event, how does one accomplish working towards this strength skill, by doing a Victorian?

19:58, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Doing a Victorian? Maybe Albert might have something to say about this. JackofOz 00:21, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Or Steve Bracks. JackofOz 00:59, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What is the FOV of these cameras?

Can anyone find out the Field of View (FOV) of these cameras?:

  • Canon ZR90
  • Canon Powershot A620

I had no luck with Google. If the same is true for everybody, how can I accurately measure the FOV? The more accurate the better. I have lots of time, but I don't want to spend any money. ---- Bowlhover 21:32, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Set one up and take a picture of a wall. If you know the distance from the camera to the wall, and the amount of wall in the resulting photo (use tapemeasures, perhaps, or just markers stuck on at regular, known intervals) then you can use trigonometry to work it out. The only limit to accuracy is how carefully you place the markers. You can get better accuracy with a greater camera-to-wall distance though.  Run!  21:58, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
In photography it's called Angle of view. So read that and Google with that term. But also read the question I asked at the talk page. Apparently, the focal length for digital cameras is given as a 35mm equivalent, so may have to be recalculated. DirkvdM 10:18, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Weight loss II

Do you lose more weight when it's cold or warm outside?

Warm. When it's cold outside, you sit indoors and watch TV. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 22:07, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
The body will metabolise fats faster in cold weather to keep warm, and so the body loses weight when the environment is cold.  Run!  22:30, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
Ilmari has a good point. The only activity I can think of which might burn significantly more calories in cold weather than in hot weather is swimming, because water has such a high heat capacity and because it moves across your skin so fast when you're swimming through it. —Keenan Pepper 23:01, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
See Ice swimming, which is healthy for other reasons too. —Keenan Pepper 23:13, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
See also weight loss above. (I changed this title to distinguish between the two). DirkvdM 10:21, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Of course, when it's really hot you lose a lot of weight, too, but it's mainly water lost by sweating. StuRat 16:46, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Making Soap Operas Out Of Love Songs

Can I make some soap operas out of love songs like "Hungry Eyes" by Eric Carmen?

Hmm. Firstly, IANAL, and Wikpedia doesn't give legal advice.
No creative act is an island, but if you made something sufficiently similar to be a derivative work you'd be infringing copyright unless you reached an arrangement with the copyright owner. But see also fair use, and consider that copyright doesn't protect a story idea; it protects specific lifting of the text, characters and whatnot. --Robert Merkel 23:59, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] is it real

hello i read the book holes the other day and i was wondering is the species known as a yellow spotted lizard exist.

No. Lewis Sachar made it up. —Keenan Pepper 23:42, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
What's a book hole? never mind, I need to learn to read a bit more carefully--64.12.116.199 23:47, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
I second that it's made up. The Hungarian translation (published by Animus) has a footnote to this effect in chapter 8. – b_jonas 12:43, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 2

[edit] who is francis lewis who is duane reade

hello i live in a part of new york city called st.albans i just drove past a street called francis lewis ave i also drove past a franchise in the pharmacy chain duane reade what i want to know is who is francis lewis and who is duane reade.

Try Francis Lewis and Duane Reade. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:34, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
They're cousins of Typsy McStagger _Slumgum 00:48, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Duane Reade is a pharmacist. It also sells other stuff. Like Hershey's. And stuff. Stuff. KILO-LIMA 13:01, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Grey's Anatomy

When is Grey's Anatomy coming back on in Australia?

Try here and you could click on the contact and ask them. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:38, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] blue 88

Blue 88s were pills given to soldiers (e.g. Battle of the Bulge) who suffered from "shell shock." I would like to know how they got this name and exactly what medicine "blue 88" was.

They got their name from the '88' guns that the German army used against the Allied forces - one of the contributing factors to shell shock, I'd imagine. And, of course, they're blue. Don't know what's in 'em though. _Slumgum 02:00, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
This site refers to it below:
But I remember he had a problem sleeping that was one of his symptoms. The Army had a sedative, we called it Blue 88, I don’t really know what it was but if you take one, you are out. He had been on those for a while and the doctor finally said he had as many as he could take. He told the nurse not to give him anymore. I remember one night he came in and he was really upset. He was demanding that he have a pill, he couldn’t go to sleep and he thought the nurse should give him a pill regardless of what the doctor said. This nurse that was on duty told him she would go get him one. What she did was she took a capsule, they were in a blue plastic capsule, and she was accountable for those things and every time they would change a shift or nurse they would inventory those pills and have the doctor’s orders there for one to be disbursed, but she took one and emptied the powder out and filled it full of powdered sugar. The guy took it and bang he was out just as fast as he would have been if she had given him the real one.
Nice to know that the placebo effect works too. Do you happen to remember any letters/numbers on the blue capsules? --Uthbrian (talk) 03:12, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
According to another website, it appears to be sodium pentothal, a barbiturate:
An alternative was to give a dog a capsule of sodium pentathol, called a blue 88, which would knock him out. The animal could then be carried aboard ship in a duffel bag with only its nose showing out of the drawstring opening. Once past the inspectors at the gangway, the dog would awaken and could be released on board and no one there would object. But the size of Fritz precluded that option. --Uthbrian (talk) 03:26, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't know about Blue 88s but during WWII (& Korea & Vietnam) both U.S.A. & U.K. troops & airmen were give amphetamines to keep them awake & ready for action, particularly after/during busy bouts of fighting. I believe the U.S.A. military still continues this practice giving uppers & downers to its airmen (don't know about U.K.) AllanHainey 12:25, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

I,(Roger 88), asked the original question. I'll tell what I recall from watching a television program, about the Battle of the Bulge, years ago. Shell shocked soldiers were sent from the front lines to some medical facility. They were given Blue 88s which would put them asleep - sometimes for days. This was the shell shock treatment. As for the drug involved, my recollection was that it was either sodium amytal or sodium pentathol (so, I believe Uthbrian is on target - or close). As for the 88 lable, I'm sure Slumgun is right - German 88 guns.

AllenHainey mentioned that some military were given uppers (amphetamines)for things such as long bouts of fighting. These would not be blue 88s (they were downers). To my knowledge, the old amphetamines are no longer used for missions that would require many hours without sleep. The reason is, several years ago a new and more affective drug became available (it also has fewer side effects). The new drug is Provigil (modafinine). It is used by pilots (on long trips)and Special Ops, etc.

Thanks for everyones input. Roger 88, Feb. 2nd. 10:30 PM

[edit] Who is "Gabriel" in the song "The Eyes of Texas?"

The University of Texas traditionally sings "The Eyes of Texas" at football games. As a Texas tradition, I teach this to my first grade class in San Antonio, Texas. They asked a very logical question -- Who is the Gabriel that blows his horn? I'm well aware of the angel Gabriel in the Bible, but I really have no idea (nor have I found any site that even addresses) if he is the person mentioned in the song. Do you know specifically which Gabriel the song references? Thank you for your help. -- Gary Cook67.11.228.87 02:29, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

(cue celebratory music...) The angel Gabriel is the correct answer. alteripse 02:32, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

You may want to check out the movie The Horn Blows at Midnight, in which Jack Benny plays an angel sent down to earth to blow his horn to announce the end of the world. THough he isn't Gabriel, he has the same role as Gabriel does in tradition. User:Zoe|(talk) 03:38, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

The Robbie Robertson song "Fallen Angel" (a tribute to his late colleague Richard Manuel) is one of many other songs to refer to archangel Gabriel. Grutness...wha? 06:24, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Passed out

Hi I was wondering if a man had collapsed in the zoo, having fits and coughing up blood, what would the doctor do to stop the fitting? They would have to stop the fits before finding out what the condition is right? Sorry I'm just interested, I'm in my first year of highscool in Australia ^_^

Frightening combination, especially if he had a rash. Unless he just happened to bite his cheek during the seizure, I would worry about Ebola or Marburg or one of those nasty hemorrhagic fevers. Actually, in answer to your question, immediate priorities would be confirming good pulse, clearing the airway, stopping the convulsions, and protecting the onloolers. Stopping the convulsions usually requires a fast trip to the emergency department (unless the local rescue squad is equipped with anticonvulsants), but most seizures eventually stop on their own. alteripse 03:47, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
By the way, you don't have to apologise for being curious. Curiosity is good. :-) Akamad 08:58, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Except for when it kills cats ;)  Run!  10:39, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Evil Music

I need a song that sounds evil for a Movie i'm making, any suggestions?

Well there's The Imperial March, but that's copyrighted. Night on Bald Mountain is another classic, and The Rite of Spring definitely has some evil-sounding parts. —Keenan Pepper 04:54, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

IMO, Haydn's 44th symphony ("Funeral symphony") has some evil-sounding parts, especially the last movement. KeeganB

The second movement of Bartok's Sonata for two pianos and percussion is creepy too. David Sneek 08:04, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
I had a friend once who said that the ambient music from the Forest Temple in Ocarina of Time "scared her [pants off]" (colorful language removed). But for me, per'aps the most evil sounding thing...is...well, most of it is E.S. Posthumus's work; Pompeii, Menouthis, and Tikal are all songs from his album Unearthed that convey quite the feeling of fright and fear. Stuff from OverClocked Remix is generally considered to be GFML if I understand correctly (the proprietor, David Lloyd, once told me in an e-mail that the licenses were basically as such: you can use it all you want, but if the author finds out and says no, or tells him they don't want their stuff on OC Remix, then you can't use it). If you visit them, I suggest for evil music Disco Dan's Triforce Majeure (listed on the Zelda 3 page) and, if the "evil" is one of those "tortured young men seeking to destroy the world but is beautiful on the inside and just doesn't realize it" types, then you should try the collaborative work Waltz of Pain (listed on the Super Mario RPG page). Sorry...I like this site, what can I say. It's fancruft for me, I know, but I have just about everything they do... Cernen Xanthine Katrena 08:22, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
If you want the sound of death, try the Cure's 'Disintegration'. Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' has some good ones in that field too, such as 'goodbye blue sky' (although that relies more on the story in the song and the contrast with the little girl's voice and the sweet guitar). The cry in 'careful with that axe Eugene' might be good for some shivers too. And you might try some death metal albums maybe (not my favourite music, so I don't know). Maybe the beginning of Stravinsky's 'Romeo and Juliet'. And Russian composers in general are pretty gloomy, such as in Rach 2 (Rachmaninov's 2nd piano concerto). And the intro music of BBC's 'World at war' still send shivers down my spine. Although I'm not sure that's what you are looking for. DirkvdM 10:37, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Stravinsky's Romeo and Juliet? Did you mean Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, perhaps? David Sneek 11:21, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Oops. DirkvdM 08:58, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
The Russians sure had gloom and melancholy licked. But the question is about evil, which is a toughie. I keep thinking of that scene from the Simpsons where Monty Burns releases the flying monkeys. That music, whoever wrote it, touches a nerve. Also, Prokofiev's 2nd Violin Concerto has some truly eerie moments, but that genre may not be suitable for a movie. How about the score from "The Exorcist"? JackofOz 12:50, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
"Battle Without Honor or Humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei, from the Kill Bill soundtrack kicks a lot of ass. Dismas|(talk) 15:11, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Kind sir...perhaps you could tell us what kind of evil you're looking for? (Also, Lizst's Totentatz is a good one...) Cernen Xanthine Katrena 19:02, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

The crazy world of Arthur Brown? "God-brother, you lie!" DirkvdM 08:58, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

Look for a eletronic music genre called terrorcore, this genre is perfect for this.

[edit] The National Anthem

all rise for the playing of. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:30, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
O Canada, you have so many moose;
Your national bird - it is a piebald goose.
It's black and white - it's never grey
It stands for everything Canadian, eh?
It stands for everything Canadian, eh!
Grutness...wha? 06:27, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
What about the Dutch national anthem? "Wilhelmus van Nassaue, art thou of German blood" and a bit further "The king of Spain I have aways honoured". Still further, Friesland and Israel are mentioned. The Netherlands are only mentioned by name once, way back in the 10th stanza. It's more of an internationale, which befits us socialist bunch, I suppose. By the way, the Nassaues may have been German, but the royal family is named after the Oranges, which are originally French. DirkvdM 10:55, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, what's the connection between Alfred Hitchcock, Faust, and the Vatican? The composer of the opera Faust was Charles Gounod. He also wrote Funeral March for a Marionette which was used as the theme for the b\w TV series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents". He also wrote Hymn and Pontifical March which was adopted as the national anthem of the Vatican City in 1949. JackofOz 11:31, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

I've always found the state song of Maryland inspirational:

"Maryland, My Maryland" (same music as "O Tannenbaum": The despot's heel is on thy shore,
Maryland!
His torch is at thy temple door,
Maryland!
Avenge the patriotic gore
That flecked the streets of Baltimore,
And be the battle queen of yore,
Maryland! My Maryland!

...

Dear Mother! burst the tyrant's chain,
Maryland!
Virginia should not call in vain,
Maryland!
She meets her sisters on the plain-
Sic semper! 'tis the proud refrain
That baffles minions back amain,
Maryland!
Arise in majesty again,
Maryland! My Maryland!

...

I hear the distant thunder-hum,
Maryland!
The Old Line bugle, fife, and drum,
Maryland!
She is not dead, nor deaf, nor dumb-
Huzza! She spurns the Northern scum!
She breathes! She burns! She'll come! She'll come!
Maryland! My Maryland!

It may be the only state song which calls for the violent overthrow of the US government. I especially like that "Northern scum" bit. User:Zoe|(talk) 17:22, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Hey; we're not all scum. Some of us northerners are just hippies (like about fifty percent of the state of Washington (where I live), or 99.8% of all Evergreen State College graduates). Cernen Xanthine Katrena 19:05, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
I think you can't beat the national anthem of the lovely micronation of Lovely:

Yesterday was dark and dingy
My temperament was rather whingey
Things had got me wonderin'
Why I lived in London
Anyway - My days were grey

Now I welcome all and sundry
Everyone can join my country
Listen if you're near them
Maybe you can hear them say...

You've got to teach the world to sing
Danny Wallace is the king
For justice and politeness are the laws that he will bring
Where the order of the crown
Is to frown upon the frown
We done a constitution and we even wrote it down...

Although the nation may be small
It's the nicest of them all
A land of opportunity
Where crime's against the law
Every subject do your part
With your hand upon your heart
A Kingdom-come-democracy to start...

It then goes on about how anyone can be a dame or lord (but not king) for the next few minutes, before a rousing recitation of the chorus a few times. Stirring stuff. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 19:31, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

The 6th verse of the UK national anthem calls for the crushing of the Scots:

Lord grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
And like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush.
God save the Queen!

AllanHainey 10:13, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

If the translation I learned in my high school chorus is correct, the Ukranian national anthem contains the best line ever: "Our enemies will die like dew under sunray." --Maxamegalon2000 14:44, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

I like the Ankh-morpork national anthem, We can rule you wholesale, which recognises that nobody ever remembers the words of the second verse anyway!

"When dragons belch and hippos flee
My thoughts, Ankh-Morpork, are of thee
Let others boast of martial dash
For we have boldly fought with cash
We own all your helmets, we own all your shoes
We own all your generals - touch us and you'll lose.
Morporkia! Morporkia!
Morporkia owns the day!
We can rule you wholesale
Touch us and you'll pay.

We bankrupt all invaders, we sell them souvenirs
We ner ner ner ner ner, hner ner hner by the ears
Er hner we ner ner ner ner ner
Ner ner her ner ner ner hner the ner
Er ner ner hner ner, nher hner ner ner (etc.)
Ner hner ner, your gleaming swords
We mortgaged to the hilt
Morporkia! Morporkia!
Hner ner ner ner ner ner
We can rule you wholesale
Credit where it's due."

-- Arwel (talk) 22:01, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] dry cleaning

I'm not sure whether this is the appropriate place to ask this question but since wikipedia has an entry on dry cleaning I would like to know: Why has every item of clothing I have had dry cleaned in my area been returned with the distinct odor of the solvent used still in the clothing? Your article outlines the process and talks about the steps taken to remove solvent residue and odor. I have used dry cleaners with whom I did not have the problem of the clothes smelling like solvent. I associate this odor problem with cheaper dry cleaners who we used to call "bulk dry cleaners". However, even when I have paid a premium price for the cleaning (between $5 and $6 to clean a sweater), the clothes come back smelling of solvent. Is there a way I can request the dry cleaner treat my items to eliminate the odor?

Janet Rossbach Shawnee, KS (Do you want to get spammed?)

I removed your e-mail address - Wikipedia is mirrored all across the internet, and you don't want to get enormous amounts of spam, do you? (read the rules at the top of the page).
As for your question - I have never had this problem, does it happen with every drycleaner that you use? Have you tried asking them about it, I'm sure it's not normal for clothes to smell of the solvent when they come back from the drycleaner's. And, just to check, are you dry-cleaning clothes that are meant to be dry-cleaned (read the label)? I know you probably are, I just wanted to check. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 09:15, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Has anyone heard of Irrevria?

It is apparently a newfangled holiday where one celebrates one's loved ones, but I'd like to know if anyone else is familiar with it.

Where did you first hear the word and are you sure you spelled it correctly? Bizznazz

Google returns no hits. I recall reading a "Fact Bite" in the Metro yesterday about a Japanese Appreciative Husband Society who advocated a specific day off work to spend time with the wife - the concept seems similar, but it wasn't called "Irrevria". GeeJo (t) (c) • 11:18, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Doing a bunch of repairs and stuff from the "Honey, do" list on the weekends isn't enough time to spend with the wife?  :-) Dismas|(talk) 14:43, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Sounds like a Hallmark holiday to me, which is one created just so businesses can sell getting cards and gifts. StuRat 16:30, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

Irrevria is a non-commercial project that was mailed out in early 2006 to dozens of people all over the United States in the form of small white boxes. Printed on the inside of the box is an explanation of what Irrevria is. Somewhat of an "anti-holiday," Irrevria was born out of two concerns. A) Holidays have been taken over and redefined by commercialism, fostering a reliance on retail to replace true feeling, thought and emotion. B) Holidays are usually celebrated one day a year and ignored the rest. Once passed, the spirit and activity inspired by the holiday ends. With that, Irrevria takes the opposite approach, celebrating up to 353 days a year.

[edit] RIVERDANCING - The sport of running & swimming mountain rivers for time

Starting about 1987 (long before the Celtic dance troup began) several friends and I regularly ran a mountain river for time. Starting about 1988 we called this sport "riverdancing". It gradualy grew in popularity. I published a booklet titled, "Riverdance Rhyme" in 1990. We practiced the sport mainly on the Arroyo Seco River near Greenfield, California. Not long after the book was published I recieved a Gazette Telegraph article from my Mother in Colorado Springs. It said that some of the swimmers at the Olympic Training Center there had begun a sport called "Riverdancing". The article said they were running and swimming mountain rivers for time. Why is there no mention of this sport in Wikipedia? I feel that it is a rigourous and beautiful sport which should be in the Olympics. -- Joseph J. Mitchener

I'm afraid I have never heard of "Riverdancing" (or anything else like what you describe), but if think that it's important and notable enough to merit an article in an encyclopedia, then write one! Wikipedia is a wiki, which means that anyone (yes, that includes you) can edit any article, just by clicking on the "Edit this page" button at the top. So, sign up with a username (because otherwise you can only edit existing articles and not create new ones) - see "why create an account?" for more information on accounts if you're not sure - and then get to writing! You may want to browse around The Wikipedia introduction to find out more about how everything works.
However, I should point out that Wikipedia has guidelines on notability - read more about it. If you write you article, make sure to back it up with external sources if you can (see citing sources). You may also want to browse through The Wikipedia policies and guidelines.
However you decide to contribute (and we hope that you do!), welcome to Wikipedia! Most of the people around here are very friendly and helpful, so don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help - you can leave messages for other users on their talk pages by clicking on the "talk" part of their signature. Good luck! — QuantumEleven | (talk) 09:12, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Muhammad Drawings

How did the Muhammad drawings get so quick reputation in the middle east, i was under the (false?) impression the general arab population werent particular well informed in international matters. - Joneleth

Word gets around very quickly these days. TV networks such as Al Jazeera are very popular in the Middle East, and they would keep the population well informed of international matters. The internet, newspapers, radio and word of mouth also help the spread of such news. Though in reality, this incident actually took a while to reach the news status that it is currently at, considering that the initial publications were in late September. Have a look at the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons article for more info. - Akamad 08:56, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Word did not get around quickly enough for one of the islamic associations of Denmark. These citizens of Denmark toured the Arab countries, displaying the pictures, to incite hatred of their own country. Because the pictures themselves were not all that shocking, this islamic group added three more worse ones. It still has taken 3 months to whip this frenzy up. Dalembert 12:00, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Not true. The Danish islamic organization brought up the pictures at one single meeting. It was not a grand tour of inciting hatred. Their point was to illustrate what they perceive as an increasingly intolerant attitude towards muslims and immigrants in general in Denmark. Which is in my opinion a fair assessment of the situation, given the rise of Dansk Folkeparti to power. It was not the Danish organization which added other images either, that was done later by other groups. It's also unfair to blame the muslims for 'inciting hatred', given that the images were intended as a provocation, and the editor of Jyllands-Posten has admitted as much. --BluePlatypus 15:01, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
I was not trying to exaggerate or misrepresent, but I took the information directly from our own article: Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons#Rumors and misinformation as I found it simply unfathomably shocking. Why are you certain your version is true? Dalembert 22:46, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Perhaps they did. I'm telling what I read in an interview with their representatives in a Danish paper. I don't remember the entire quote, but he spoke of 'a meeting' and I certainly didn't get the impression it was a tour at all. It's still the case that the worst exaggerations have been made by unrelated groups like the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Who went as far as claiming it was posters, that Norway and Sweden were involved and that Muhammed was portrayed as a pig (not true). The 'pig' assertion was also repeated by the BBC, although I believe they retracted that. I don't see what's so shocking; I do not believe this over-reaction (which it certainly is) in the muslim world was intended by the Danish muslim representatives, because this is only serving to further polarize the increasing gap between Danes and immigrants (and muslims in particular) that's sprung up in the last decade. 15 years ago, Denmark didn't even have an anti-immigration party in parliament, now it's the third largest party, and part of the government coalition. 10 years ago, Denmark had never had minority riots. They have now. The muslim leaders in Denmark have had to work very hard to distance themselves from fundamentalism and promote tolerance and integration, in the face of increasing intolerance. And now they have to work in the face misguided sympathies of muslims abroad. I don't view any of this as shocking, only as a sad victory for extremists on both sides who wish for a full-blown cultural conflict. --BluePlatypus 23:36, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

One point which seems to have been forgotten in this debate. The cartoons were of Mohammed himself. That alone made them deeply offensive to many moslems, since the depiction of Mohammed is strictly forbidden according to Islamic law. That they depicted him as a errorist only compounded the situation. Grutness...wha? 23:55, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Well that certainly explains it. And here I was thinking the fuss had something to do with whether it's ok to kill anyone in the rest of the world who fails to observe your religious custom or superstition. Thanks for clearing that up. Dalembert 00:11, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Traditionally, it's been forbidden to depict anyone. Depicting Muhammad is worse. Depicting Muhammad with a bomb instead of a turban is inflammatory. It's wrong to try to tie Islam to terrorism; Islam never permits the killing of civillians. What extremists practice is not true Islam. Superm401 - Talk 03:38, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Using that logic, since the majority of Palestinians elected Hamas, an organization that admits sending hundreds of suicide bombers into Israel to intentionally kill civilians, we must conclude that the majority of Palestinians are not true Muslims. StuRat 16:13, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
That's obviously true, and Hamas is the most violent terrorist group in the Palestinian territories, but it is not only that. It is also one of the most generous providers of social services in the Palestinian territories, less corrupt than Fatah, and becoming more moderate. If your point is that most Palestinians support Hamas's violent actions, you are probably incorrect. Superm401 - Talk 00:20, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, yes, the No true Scotsman fallacy. Unfortunately, thousands if not millions of your co-religionists have been undermining your claim. Dalembert 10:49, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
First, I am not a Muslim; I'm a Reconstructionist Jew. My point is not a fallacy. The definition of a Muslim is "one who follows Islam". Islam's central book states that "For this reason did We prescribe to the children of Israel that whoever slays a soul, unless it be for manslaughter or for mischief in the land, it is as though he slew all men; and whoever keeps it alive, it is as though he kept alive all men[...] the punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His apostle and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement" The distinction is clear; innocents should not be killed or harmed but the violent and criminal must be harshly punished. You'll find similar statements in the Torah ("Old Testament"). You're apparently confusing those who say they are Muslim and those who are; a Muslim is not merely one who claims to be, just as a fish is not one who claims to be. It is obvious that millions claiming to be Muslim commit violent crime. Some say it is in the name of God and others admit they are out for personal gain. However, it is to be expected that when an estimated 1 billion people self-describe as Muslim (often without any understanding of what this means), some will be violent. There are also millions of violent self-described Christians and violent Reconstructionist Jews and Buddhists. Superm401 - Talk 00:20, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
What is important is whether they consider themselves Muslims, not whether you do. Millions who consider themselves Muslims are willing to murder innocent civilians, at the urging of their local religious leaders. They do so because they believe Allah commands it. It's true that many Muslim leaders outright lie to get these people to do their bidding, but that doesn't make it any less true that they kill in the name of Islam. There may be violent people in all religions, but few of them are attacking others for religious reasons, as many Muslims are. StuRat 06:32, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

One problem is that many Muslims don't get direct, unbiased news, but rather get hatred filled rhetoric from their local religious leaders, built around a nucleus of "news". The leaders have an agenda to overthrow their government and install a theocracy, with them in charge. Any hatred they can whip up might help in that aim, especially if it gets their current government condemned for being allied with the "evil European and American crusaders". StuRat 16:25, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

I support Superm401 on this. The vast majority of people involved in the killings during the Holocaust were either Roman Catholic or Lutheran, at least nominally. That does not mean that the Lutheran and Catholic churches advocate murder. JackofOz 22:57, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
There is a significant difference. Few if any of the catholic or lutheran clergy in Germany claimed publicly to be doing God's work as they killed people. People on all continents have done murder and mayhem to other people in the name of God for all of human history, but one religion seems to have a current monopoly on clergy incited and justified murder. Superm401 had better watch his back if he claims that all those screaming muslims in the middle east really aren't calling for murder for religious reasons. Islam is the only religion whose followers can go to another country, murder civilians who have done them no injury, proudly claim to be doing the will of Allah, and be backed by thousands of their own clergy. Dalembert 02:00, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Well said. StuRat 02:04, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
The participants in the Srebrenica Massacre certainly claimed to be doing "God's work". There's film footage of orthodox priests blessing those participating in the massacre shortly before it. So your argument is nonsense. Pat Robertson (an ordained minister) has endorsed going to a foreign country and assassinating the civilian leader Hugo Chavez, a statement he repeated only 3 days ago. You're simply wrong. --BluePlatypus 02:31, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
I doubt if those priests thought they were blessing murderers, but just thought they were ordinary soldiers. Let's see if you can find a film of them saying they will be rewarded in heaven for massacres of civilians. You will have no trouble finding such film of Muslim religious leaders. As for Pat Robertson, he's a nut, all right, but those are just words. If Muslim religious leaders only used words, instead of sending suicide bombers, it would be a refreshing change. StuRat 06:42, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
I agree Jack. Also, I feel there are definite racist undertones to the counter-reaction to the Muslim reactions to this. For comparison: On June 28 1999, in neighboring Sweden, journalist Peter Karlsson and his 8-year-old son were injured by a bomb placed in his car. The act was perpetrated by neo-Nazis, after a series of exposé articles on them written by Karlsson. Did papers around the world rally around to reprint his articles to support free speech? Where "aryans" blamed for supporting this act? Of course not. Because neo-Nazis are recognized as a small group of extremists who do not represent the white population as a whole. Nor are they considered a serious threat to freedom of speech. Why aren't the Danish muslims worthy of the same consideration? As for the Middle-East, they are misinformed and over-reacting, but they are in no position to change the laws of Denmark either, and therefore irrelevant to any freedom of speech issues. --BluePlatypus 02:24, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
What are you smoking? The Muslims on our talk page about the cartoons seem to think Europeans are too hard on the Neo-nazis, who certainly do get blamed when some of them kill someone. There were no christian clergy justifying that car bombing! And those "misinformed and overreacting" Muslims in the Middle East are certainly calling for the murder of the cartoonists and any other Europeans within reach in the name of Allah. Dalembert 02:43, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
First off, I don't know what you're referring to with Muslims and neo-nazis on a talk page. Apart from that, you illustrate my point well. A neo-nazi murder in the name of "the aryan race" occurs, and you blame the murderers, not all white people. A murder occurs in the name of "God", and you blame the murderers, not all Christians. A murder occurs in the name of "Allah", and this reflects on all muslims. That's what's known as a double-standard. --BluePlatypus 03:14, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
No Christian clerics defend or incite Neo-nazi violence and nearly all condemn them. When thousands of Muslism clerics defend murder on the grounds of artistic or expressive offense as the "defense of god", that is a fundamental cultural and religious difference, not a double standard. As to the Muslims complaining that Europeans are too soft on Neo-nazis, go look at the Talk page of our article on the controversy and you can find more than one example if you have the patience to sift through all the crap. Dalembert 03:28, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Just as many Muslim clerics abhor and condemn all forms of violence, as defend violence. Which ones are speaking for Islam? And why is that an important issue anyway? If the Pope himself were to publicly advocate murder, and state that this is now the official position of the RC Church, that would not make it OK for Catholics to go around murdering people. Whatever support and encouragement a person may receive from their understanding of their religion's teachings, there's still the notion of individual conscience, and personal responsibility. JackofOz 04:50, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Why do you keep making things up? Of course there are anti-semitic Christian clerics. And there are many more christian clerics who support other kinds of violence. (I mentioned some above, and while we're out it, be sure to check out Fred Phelps) Most do not support any violence. Neither do most muslim clerics. You keep focusing on the extremists on one side and wilfully ignoring the extremists on the other. There are thousands of extremists christian priests in the world, nor is there any fundamental cultural difference. Besides which, I didn't mention religion in connection with neo-nazis. I make no distinction between racial fanaticism and religious. --BluePlatypus 04:52, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
The difference is in the numbers. While the majority of Palestinians voted for Hamas, an organization that admits (and is actually proud of) sending suicide bombers to kill civilians, you don't find the majority of Christians electing such groups to lead their governments. This did happen in the past, such as the NAZI era, but the point is that at the current time, the Muslim world is infected with a widespread homicidal/suicidal interpretation of Islam. Any argument that "it's just a few wackos" is negated by the Hamas victory. I also suspect that similar terrorist organizations would win elections in Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, if free elections were held today. StuRat 08:39, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Besides which you are wrong, Christians have elected such parties, and continue to do so. The Sinn Fein is the largest party among Catholics in North Ireland. Their connections with the IRA are quite open. So by your own logic, most Catholics are anti-protestant extremists. In case you hadn't noticed, since they were given political influence in Ulster, both violence and extremism has dropped there. In Lebanon, there is large Christian support for terrorist parties such as the Kataeb Party and the Guardians of the Cedars. So obviously the Christian world is infected with a widespread homicidal/suicidal interpretation of Christianity. Or maybe, just maybe, this has nothing to do with religion in itself and everything to do with politics. --BluePlatypus 00:11, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
If those parties won the majority of votes in those countries, and if they announce publicly they are proud to have blown up civilians, and have priests that support those activities, then I would indeed agree that those countries are infected with a widespread homicidal/suicidal interpretation of Christianity. Are those things all true of those countries ? StuRat 02:45, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] VCR problem

My VCR appears to be hungry it swallowed the tape from my cassette which is now stuck inside (for the second time). How can I avoid this happening in the future. Do I need to clean its heads or is there something else I can do. (No, I don't have the cash to buy a new one yet). - Mgm|(talk) 10:14, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Happened to me too a few times. It was either a matter of using a cheap or damaged cassette (not the tape but the cassette it's in) or a piece of gaffer tape over the hole to allow recording. The thing is, when ejecting a tape, most players don't leave very much room (literally) for error, so the requirements for the tape are set a bit too high. Just a little bit of a sticky-out-bit will make it get stuck. DirkvdM 11:01, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
  • No gaffer tape involved, and the tape wasn't damaged (although it is now!). I used the tape the day before with no problem. By the way, it already started making bad sounds somewhere half-way when I was rewinding the tape and then it stopped and I assumed it came back to the start of the tape, but it didn't. Sometimes the tape in my cassettes gets smashed into the side of the tape that's on the bottom when recording. Perhaps the tape is stretched too much? - Mgm|(talk) 12:44, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
There are a lot of belts inside a VCR that get worn and stretched from use. Back in the day, one could take the VCR into a repair shop and have them replaced and get everything re-adjusted. Nowadays, unfortunately, the cost of such service would be more than the cost of a new unit -- assuming you can even find one, as they seem to be disappearing from the shelves completely. All that said, cleaning the heads (gently and not too often) shouldn't hurt. LarryMac 17:58, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
"One of these days I just kick this piece of **** out the window!" --Samir, Office Space I have a VCR with a very similar problem; I use it as a TV tuner for my Samsung 710MP monitor. You should go postal on it once you get the cash; they're fairly cheap (you can get them at some grocery stores even). Cernen Xanthine Katrena 19:11, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Yes, they may be pretty cheap, but since I'm unemployed and have about 50 euros right now, I don't think I'm in the position to buy one. And with the industry forcing the VCR out of the way, I feel compelled to by VCR/DVD recorder combo to make sure I'm not stuck unable to play the scores of video tapes I have. Transferring them to DVD alone would take at least 2 months. I guess I'll drop some puppy eyes on my father and see if he can get this thing cleaned. He's got experience, and I don't feel like breaking it more myself. - Mgm|(talk) 22:04, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Puppy dog eyes are always a good tactic! LarryMac 04:12, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Buying a VCR/DVD-recorder a matter of good timing. Right now they're too expensive, but if you wait too long they may not be marketed anymore at all. But then you might try to find someone who bought one and has already copied all his tapes and so wants to sell the machine. Shouldn't be too hard. Just wait a few years and see how the market evolves. DirkvdM 09:06, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] female masturbation

(header added by ☢ Ҡieff⌇↯ 12:21, 2 February 2006 (UTC))

what is the most common way of female masturbation? -- 193.92.25.214

[edit] Housekeeping (Hotel)

Is it a suitable job for an 18 yr old?

Since I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be, could you tell us what made you think it may not be? Dismas|(talk) 14:32, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Coz it's an old woman's job. i know i'm stereotyping but that's how i feel.

Yes, you are stereotyping :) I would imagine it's probably not the most attractive job for an 18 year old (presumably in a western country), but it might be a good way to earn some money as a part-time or temporary job.
And please sign your comments with four tildas (like this: ~~~~). It helps to see who is writing what. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 14:48, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
In one sense it is an old woman's job, because young people are (to stereotype) rubbish at it. Young people tend to have little experience of cleaning house, and unless they learn very fast about things like remembering to dust the tops of doors and wipe the parts of toilet bowls you can't see, they get sacked pretty quick. Don't mistake a poorly paid job for one with low standards. That said, I (a male) did office cleaning, a not dissimilar job, as a part time job before leaving school and I found it surprisingly satisfying. You can choose to take pride in doing a good job, or choose to view it as an annoying waste of time. This applies to every job you will ever get: taking pride will get you a whole lot further without getting depressed. If you don't see this as something for the long term, just bear in mind it is much, much easier to change jobs than for an unemployed person to get one, because employers like someone with a work record. Notinasnaid 18:04, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Good job for socially anxious teen.

I'm 15, and I'd like to get a job. I get a little nervous in social situations, so I'd prefer something where I don't have to deal with customers too much. I can't work around food, either. Any recommendations/

At your age I got a job in a convenience store. Well actually my parents got it for me. I was very nervous about it as I used to be socially anxious too, but it was very easy to cope. And now I love convenience store jobs (well, for part-time placements anyway). Convenience store jobs are the easiest to get so just aim for one and don't worry about the customers; there'll always be someone around to help you deal with the more difficult ones anyway. Otherwise... search around your local area yourself  Run!  16:14, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

By the way this isn't an appropriate place to ask this ;) You wouldn't go to a library reference desk and ask for a job, would you? Actually, that might not be a bad idea. Do that.  Run!  16:15, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

If you're really trying to avoid customer interaction, you can always stack shelves at a supermarket, or washing dishes in a restaurant - but be warned, it's dull as anything. If I may make a recommendation, try going for a job which would help you develop your social skills (such as Run's recommendation) - it may be a little harder at first, but you will soon become much more confident, which will be a great thing in the long run. Good luck! — QuantumEleven | (talk) 16:19, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
  • A job without much interaction with people is delivering newspapers, unless you stuck with collecting the customer payments also. Typically it involves getting up at an ungodly time in the morning, riding bicycle through suburbia, and having a great throwing arm that can deliver newspapers to right destinations with unerring accuracy.
  • My nephew's first part time job was a golf caddy on weekends. He would carry people's golf bags, hand them whatever golf club they asked for, crawl through the bushes to recover lost balls. When they thought he had done a great job, they gaive him tips over and above his pay rate.

User:AlMac|(talk) 17:45, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

I once had a job as a file clerk at a small hospital. It was WONDERFUL . It was easy, yet kept me mentally engaged. I didn't need to even look at the patients, and I got an awesome free luch every day from corrupt sales people trying to interest doctors in drugs. -LambaJan 22:46, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Large bookstores have back-room jobs for "receivers" (you receive incoming book shipments and prepare them to be placed on the shelf the next day) that don't require much more than being able to read a title, alphabetize, and occasionally life a 40 lb box. No customer interaction at all. Not the most exciting thing, but it's a job. --Fastfission 01:48, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

Did you ever consider being a housekeeper in a hotel? -LambaJan 03:03, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

If you have talent in ANYTHING, then apply of work where that talent may be needed. There are companies that do lanscape janitorial work, like cleaning swimming pools, and doing yard work. User:AlMac|(talk) 05:05, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

How much did u get for your file clerk job & what were the hours like Lambajan? 165.21.154.9

Well, way back in 2000-2001, in Ohio, I got around USD$7.50. and my hours were during the daytime, when the family-practice was open. There were three or four doctors sharing the building and things got hectic. I was the only file clerk. It worked for me because I was in a transitional time. I just returned from overseas and was I don't remember if I was also taking college courses by then or not. If you need to be at school in the daytime then maybe you can apply to a larger hospital or some law office or something else with files and the such. Larger places may be more flexable with scheduling. -LambaJan 02:32, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Large medical centers are frequently looking for file clerkss and research assistants. The jobs themselves are usually low-stress jobs in good working conditions with enjoyable people. The drawback is that they are often not full-time or secure long-term positions. In the US, part-time jobs typically carry no benefits like insurance, so they work well for teenagers whose parents can supply the insurance coverage, but it's tough to support a family on them. alteripse 10:41, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

If you are awkward in social situations, you should avoid areas like sales, which are almost exclusively social situations. However, I think you should get a job where you overcome this social anxiety, rather than let it deepen and rule your life. Perhaps working a register at a fast food restaurant would be good for this. While you are talking with people all day, it's straightforward, they order and you enter, not much chance for social embarrassment there. Perhaps after you get comfortable with that level of social interaction you could try something a bit more demanding, like a waiter at a sit-down restaurant, where they might ask you to make recommendations, describe the food, etc. StuRat 16:04, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] future of low-cost carrier

hi, As a part of my micro-presentation i need to get a cristal clear view about "the future of low cost air carrier/airlines " the session of the presentation process will last for about 5 minutes . From this site i have got many vital informations . But the future of low cost air carrier/airlines is not provided here , or i have failed to search it .. So it will be of great help if you can discuss this for me .. It will be of great help .And please try to give the answer as fast as possible , because I need it within 2 days . Thank you . --59.93.244.46 18:15, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Sir/madam: We appreciate you turning to the Wikipedia reference desk for assistance. Answers are not guaranteed within any specific time limit; it may take up to the full length of time a question is left here (seven days) for you to receive an answer. I suggest visiting your local library or using the information you found here to "predict" the future of low cost airlines. I'm sorry I can't be of any more help. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 19:22, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Yes, in general, people who ask for major research projects will get the least satisfaction. You get the most with 'off the top of the head' answers, and mostly you get what you pay for.... --Zeizmic 22:18, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, in terms of cost theyre likely to get more expensive in the short-term future. But regular carriers are likely to offer similar deals, so prices will still stay relatively competitive. I'm not sure on projections in terms of new services or destinations offered by the low-fare carriers though. It might be worth checking out the homepages for Ryanair, EasyJet, etc and see what they have to say about their future (bearing in mind they're likely to give a slightly rose-tinted perspective.) GeeJo (t) (c) • 23:42, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
You are correct, Wikipedia has failed to provide information on the future of low-cost airlines due to a limitation in the MediaWiki server software. An upgrade (which will be available in the future) will enable anyone to consult not only past versions of Wikipedia articles on low-cost airlines and other subjects, but also future versions. KWH (feeling frisky) 04:54, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh, cool. Can I get in line to ask a question about the future too? alteripse 10:43, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, as long as it isn't a request. But depending on how far in the future the question is asking about, you might be waiting a long time for an answer. JackofOz 22:47, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Wow, that "unhistory" feature would be cool. Then we wouldn't have to edit articles, just simply forevert to future versions of pages. – b_jonas 12:34, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Slapstick Clothing Item

I vaguely recall seeing a comedy item of clothing, worn by men in suits. It was tucked under the cummerbund and would oftern roll up or hit them in the face. I have no idea what they were called, any help with be well recieved!

Usually white, and the size of an A4 piece of paper folded down the middle horizontally.

  • I distinctly remember that this featured in Disney's Peter Pan, I believe the father wore it. Would love to know what the hell it was! -Halidecyphon 19:26, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Recalling a Simpsons episode, I think it's called a dickie. --Sum0 19:37, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that it's a gag dickie.

[edit] disincorporated cities in Texas

I find the list for Georgia but not in Texas. Please help me research this and where to look for the future.

thanks so much.

garnet elkins

(e-mail removed to save garnet from a few million spam)

[edit] Fabric query

Hello, I was wondering if someone out there could direct me to information regarding this specific weave of fabric: [3] -Halidecyphon 19:38, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, I don't know exactly what kind of info you are looking for, but that's a thick knitted fabric. Possibly done by machine, but it could also have been made by a hand knitter. FreplySpang (talk) 20:53, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
I suspect they are asking which stitch was used. StuRat 15:52, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Literature regarding a new job as the president of the chamber of commerce (preferably related to economic development and diversity)

I am looking for a gift for a friend of mine. She was recently appointed as the president of the chamber of commerce for a city of about 100,000 people. She is a marketing major and her work experience is almost exclusively non-profit, so this is a major career step for her. I am looking for exceptional literature that would aid her in her new job, ideally pertaining to economic development and diversity. Suggestions? Thank you so much!

  • I assume she's already read Freakanomics. Great book. -Halidecyphon 20:42, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Maybe a subscription to an appropriate publication, like Business Week? That might help orient her to the for-profit sector. JamesMLane t c 23:46, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Emergency Departments - Internationally

I am trying to find out how many emergency departments (ED) there are in the world. I have been searching through several websites including the international hospital federation (IHF) and come up blank. If you have this data available to give out or could point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.

One of the Neurosurgeons in my group is compiling results on a study and would like to include this fact. We were able to obtain the number of emergency departments in the United States but need the worldwide figure.

--Claudia Serra

[edit] 9/11/01

How many of the total fatalities were Americans? How many were injured? How many killed were Iraqi? How many injured were iraqi? What is the ratio of 9/11 American fatalities to Iraq War American fatalities to date? what is the ratio of 9/11 American injured to Iraq War American injured to date? What is the ratio of 9/11 Iraqis injured to Iraq War Iraqis inured to date?

A "please" somewhere in those questions would have been nice! - Adrian Pingstone 21:51, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
According to Non-American casualties of the September 11, 2001 Attacks, Survivors of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and Casualties in the conflict in Iraq, 2,738 U.S citizens were killed on 11/9/01 , 88 were treated at hospitals, 0 Iraqis were killed, 0 Iraqis were injured. 2,230 U.S. soldiers have been killed as of February 2006 as a result of the invasion of Iraq, 16,548 U.S. citizens have been wounded, and divide by zero ratio of (11/09/01 / Iraq Invasion) Iraqi deaths. Iraqi deaths in the conflict are hard to pin down — 100,000 ± 93,000. Hope that helps GeeJo (t) (c) • 23:17, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Tabulated

September 11 Iraq invasion Ratio
U.S. deaths 2738 2230 1.27 : 1
U.S. wounded 88 16,548 1 : 188
Iraqi deaths 0 100,000 ± 93,000
\begin{matrix}\frac{a}{0}\end{matrix}
Iraqi wounded 0 800,000 ± 744,000
\begin{matrix}\frac{a}{0}\end{matrix}
Well, that's the Lancet study. Iraqbodycount.net puts it at >= 28,293 Iraqi deaths. Bush spoke of 30,000 deaths in December, so I think that's a fair minimum number. --BluePlatypus 23:55, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
Either way, the poster asked only for the ratio, which remains the same regardless of the number of casualties in Iraq :) GeeJo (t) (c) • 00:49, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Remember that Saddam was not responsible for 9/11 ... he was responsible for a hell of a lot of stuff but not the hijackers. So a better ratio might be with the war in Afgahanistan, or the numbers of casualities in vicinity of attacks on terrorists and insurgents in general. User:AlMac|(talk) 05:09, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, they're not linked to Afghanistan either, nor to any specific country (as a state). Maybe the 'conspirators' were mostly located there (who knows?), but that's something different. DirkvdM 09:19, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
No, actually they were intimately connected to the power structure of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Rmhermen 15:17, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
I agree. The Taliban clearly sponsored terrorist training camps. Superm401 - Talk 03:41, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Agreed. Most of the nationalities of the hijackers were Saudi, on the other hand. StuRat 15:50, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] immature gulls

Is it true that brown gulls are actually immature white and silver gulls, or are they a separate species of gulls?

You could take a look at Gull, especially Herring_Gull, for your answer. I think we shouldn't allow people to ask questions if they haven't searched yet. On a side note, what was that story with a man and woman who were walking on the beach with seabirds overhead? The woman points and says "Why, look at those gulls." The man looks and then replies "How can you tell that they're not boys?" Hahahahaha... I'll keep my day-job. СПУТНИКССС Р 23:11, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Ha, that's good! Casting a lame joke is great punishment for 'Magic box' slackers. But, I'm sure someone will answer in great detail...

--Zeizmic 00:44, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

As long as we don't hear about someone "transporting a miner gull across a stately lion for an immortal porpoise". - Nunh-huh 04:21, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
You are to be suitly emphazied for that. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:30, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Anyone who falls for those puns is truly gullible. StuRat 17:57, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
I think we should, after all, Wikipedia is an encyclopedia that anyone can edit. If you don't like these questions, just don't answer them. – b_jonas 12:54, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Ha ha ha, you...kidder, you. A healthy dose of BJAODN for this question and a plusbox for your horrible pun, Nunh-huh. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 19:00, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 3

[edit] French thoroughbred racing

What is the distance of the Group One Prix Lupin?

Read Prix Lupin. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 01:16, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] A trivia question that has me stumped...

Who is "the brewer"?

Unless you can give further information or some context, I think you're going to remain stumped. JackofOz 02:34, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

Gah. There isn't anymore information to give. That's the question in its entirety. Though it's not the mascot for that Milwalkee baseball team. It's got to be someone's nickname? I've just about exhausted Google trying to find a definitive answer. And I've come up with *nada*

Were there any other questions. Was it part of a series? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 02:43, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
This says that Mick Malthouse is known as "the brewer". Is that any help? JackofOz 03:13, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
The thought occurs to me that, if you have no idea what the context of the question is, how will you ever know if any particular suggestion is the right one or not? JackofOz 04:18, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

This question does happen to be a part of a series of questions; there are 4 others to be precise. This is the only one that I don't know the answer to though. To answer you Jack, I won't know if the suggestion is right or not until I submit all my answers. By the way, I'm going to go with Mick Malthouse. It feels right. Thanks so much for all your help, everyone :o)

Depending on where ur from "The brewer" is a famous actor (Jens Okking) from a nostalgic TV series in denmark called The Brewer. -Joneleth More Information : http://www.tvidanmark.dk/bryggeren_01.htm (on danish)

[edit] crash worship show download

There is some place where i can download a video of the show of crash worship, i am curius to know how it is??

  • Is that a question? Or a statement? KILO-LIMA 13:05, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Looks to me like a question, then a statement. As to the question, the only thing I found on 'Crash Worship' is a band by that name. [4] is their website. -LambaJan 15:31, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Yes this is a question, and crash worship is a band of that site http://www.charnel.com/charnel/bands/crashworship/.

[edit] U.S. Executive Branch

Why aren't all U.S. Government agencies under the direction of a Department instead of being independent?

I thought the vast majority of US Gov agencies were under some dept like DoD, DoE, DoJ, DoT etc. how about some examples that are independent of all departments? User:AlMac|(talk) 05:12, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, FTC, GAO, FCC, NASA, Federal Reserve Borad, GSA, NARA, NSF, OPM, SSA, SBA, USITC, USPS to name a few.

See Category:Independent Agencies of the United States Government for a full list of such agencies - the most notable you missed out was the CIA. See Independent agencies of the United States government for the reasons why they are independant. Proto | t c 14:09, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

I actually read that, but didn't quite understand why they are independent.

I would say it's because they want those agencies to operate independently. For example, if NASA was under the Department of Defense, then it might be used mainly for putting military satellites and nuclear weapons into space and ignore planetary exploration. If it was under the Department of Transportation, it might be used solely to develop a space plane for quicker commercial travel to Japan and Europe. If it was under the Department of Energy, it might be used solely to develop nuclear reactors in space and launch satellites for the detection of petroleum fields on Earth. By keeping them independent, it is felt this is the best way to stop undo influence and keep them on target with their original goals. StuRat 15:42, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Does this mean they report direct to the President, rather than to a Cabinet member? (Btw, was "stop undo influence" a Freudian slip, StuRat?) JackofOz 15:49, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
LOL, yea, "stop and undo influence" vs. "stop undue influence". And here I thought a "Freudian slip" was an undergarment Sigmund wore when he was alone at night. StuRat 17:55, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Amazing what you find out around here. JackofOz 22:44, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Black List

In the U.S. Is there some sort of Employment black list?

It seems highly unlikely (far more danger than benefit for a company using it). There have been a few instances in specific industries over the last couple centuries, some lasting several years. The last well-known example was in the 1950s, described in blacklist. alteripse 04:59, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

There has been a recent effort to create a white list of legally employable people, to try to limit jobs going to illegal immigrants. Enforcement is lacking. It is used mainly to hit some big companies, like Walmart store janitorial service. User:AlMac|(talk) 05:14, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Since those terms have racist connotations, perhaps it would be best to call them a "banned list" and an "pre-approved list" ? Another such pre-approved list is for US airline passengers, which allows frequent flyers to bypass much of security. There is a corresponding banned list for the same industry. Also, many retailers have lists of banned customers, who are guilty of shoplifting, bounced checks, etc. StuRat 15:33, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
The "racist connotations" are pretty vague. The terms were not chosen with any relation to racial categories to my knowledge. Though I am sympathetic to cases of actual racist or sexist terminological origins, I think this is a bit oversensitive. Might as well argue that "Black magic" and "White magic" be changed as well, and that the white side in checkers should no longer be simply allowed to go first by default, and so on. (As an aside, "pre-approved" means something completely different than "whitelist".) --Fastfission 22:02, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Checkers in the US are red and black, where are they white and black ? StuRat 01:58, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Maybe Fastfission was referring to chess, where white goes first. Yeltensic42 don't panic 03:31, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Intelligence vs. espionage

What's the difference between intelligence and espionage?

  • Often, a fine line. Intelligence can mean things that are not obtained in a surreptitious manner, whereas espionage generally cannot. --Fastfission 04:51, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Espionage is the surreptitious gathering of information; intelligence is the surreptitious gathering of information and subsequent analysis thereof. (in other words, espionage is one form of intellignece). Raul654 05:18, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
I thought (taking the terms more literally) that intelligence means any kind of information gathering, used in this sense more for government agencies. Some of this is legal, some of it illegal, most probably in a grey zone between the two. Espionage is of the illegal type in international settings. Of course, there is also 'industial espionage' and inteligence in the sense of being smart, but I suppose that's not what you were referring to. DirkvdM 09:26, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
That's my take on it. There are non-surreptitious forms of intelligence gathering -- searching published literature, for example. Espionage however is always surreptitious in one form or another. Things like satellite imaging fall, in my mind, into a middle ground. If it were a case of a human on the ground scoping out a site they weren't supposed to, it'd be surreptitious. But if they were standing on a safe territory and taking pictures at things visible across a border, it would be non-surreptitious. --Fastfission 21:58, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] world war 2 dutch army 103rd light infantry

was wondering if there was such a infantry lookin for info on it as my grandfather was in this infantry {my father thinks} trying to get info on it to make a memorial for my grandpa thank you for your time

See Royal Netherlands Army for "103 ISTAR-bataljon regiment Huzaren van Boreel (Intelligence/Surveillance/Target-Acquisition/Reconnaissance)". CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 05:47, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] German Banking Question

hello, I was hoping that some could help me with some information pertaining to an account in Germany. I don't speak or read German, however, my mother had an bank account there. Can you help in contacting the (Deutsche bundesport by e-mail or phone? or whom ever I need to contact?)It is my understanding that the post office and the bank combined some how.

  The card says:
  AUSWEISKARTE
  zum Postsparbuch
  Number to an account
  DEUTSCHE BUNDEPOST
  Bei Ruckzahluneg
  sind das Postsparbuch und Diese Ausweiskarte vorzulegen
  Die Ausweiskarte ist Getrennt vom Postsparbuch
  aufzubewahren
   
  Any help or guidance would be helpful,
  Thank you in advance,
  Monika Seidel
  REMOVED EMAIL
If this is a legit request from the German bank they will not release any information to someone who is not connected with your family. Also, "Deutsche bundesport" is not a bank. Free Translation says it means "German alliances sports" and Babel fish says "German federal haven" (which looks wrong). I suggest that you go to Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by language#German (de) and ask one of them for some help. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 15:26, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
However, "Deutsche Bundepost" is indeed, the German post office. "Postbarbuch" seems to mean "passbook" but I don't really know what the rest is all about. LarryMac 15:44, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
  • It relates to the German post-office bank, today Deutsche Postbank. "Postsparbuch" is indeed a bankbook or passbook. It says "IDENTIFICATION CARD for a pass-book, account number, DEUTSCHE BUNDEPOST, on a withdrawal, the passbook and this identification card shall be presented. This identification card should be stored seperately from the passbook." --BluePlatypus 17:53, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Name?

Ive tried to remember all day but i cant remember the official name for the chaos theory, can anyone help me? - Joneleth

Chaos theory and Butterfly effect might be good starting points. JackofOz 10:16, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

No im refering to the theory that everything will eventually turn to chaos i recall it had a very distinct latin name - Joneleth

Are you thinking of entropy? Notinasnaid 12:53, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

YES! Entropy! I love you. - Joneleth

[edit] rubber tree as a natural forest tree

What are the the natural forest tree features of a rubber tree? Can a rubber tree be used for reforestation? What are some facts supporting rubber trees enhancing biodiversity preservation?

Many thanks in advance to all you helpful individuals here in Wikipedia.

(email address removed)

Thanks again!

chris climaco Philippines

Hi. We don't send replies privately. They are posted on this page only. I've removed your email address to save you being spammed. JackofOz 11:45, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

thank you for the reminder JackofOz!

Originally the Para rubber tree is from the Amazon basin; in Asia it grows mainly on plantations, so I'm not sure it is suitable for reforestation there. Perhaps Asian wild rubber trees might be more useful. David Sneek 14:37, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes. From what I was once told, most plantation rubber trees are actually pretty bad from the biodiversity standpoint, since they tend to all decend from a rather small set of specimens and have been cultivated vegatively. In other words, a lot of the commercial rubber trees in the world today are clones of eachother, which makes them very vunerable to disease. (If one gets hit hard, they all get hit hard) --BluePlatypus 17:42, 3 February 2006 (UTC)


"There can be as many as six hundred wild rubber trees in one thousand acres of rainforest. Because these trees are widely scattered in the forest, they are more resistant to disease."

http://www.theguardians.com/rainforest/htmlsite/factfile/rubber.htm

Yeah, but that is true for all trees in a (tropical) rainforest; there is such a huge abundance of treespecies that they are all very dispersed. Adding rubber trees might add a bit to the biodiversity, but since there is already so much of it, it will barely make a dent. And I don't see how the link suports the idea. It looks more like in Asia they are less prone to catching a disease because they are not native. Which is always a problem with exogenous species - the natural 'enemies' (such as diseases) that normally keep it in check are lacking, giving them the possibility to spread and elbow out the original inhabitants and are thus actually a threat to biodiversity (though I don't know if that is the case here). This is actually the biggest threat to biodiversity in the world, I believe.
I'm very suspicious of the way the question is asked. There is an assumption embedded in it, namely that rubber trees (plantations?!) are good for biodiversity. And it looks a bit like a homework question. If that is the case, then there may be a purpose of indoctrination (in the negative sense of the word). So in this case our answering of a homework question would actually be a good thing, counterbalancing the indoctrination. DirkvdM 10:21, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] ELLIE WARREN WHAT WAS THE HIGHEST CHART POSITION OF shattered glass

—The preceding unsigned header was added by 195.171.111.194 (talk • contribs) .

Shattered Glass by Dtox reached no. 75 in the British charts on November 21 1992. Don't know whether it charted in the US. Grutness...wha? 23:10, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
"Shattered Glass" by Laura Branigan reached #78 on the British charts in late summer 1987 (August?). In the U.S. Branigan's cover peaked at #13 on the Dance charts, #27 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and #48 on the Hot 100. The Branigan version also peaked at #26 in Switzerland, #43 in Germany, #60 in Australia. I have an unconfirmed report the Branigan version peaked at #16 on the Swedish charts. Dtox didn't chart on the U.S. pop charts, don't know about Dance. So Ellie Warren's version never charted anywhere? I was interested in the answer to this question as well. Abrazame 10:13, 2 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Who won the Gold Medal at the 1976 Decathlon in Montreal, Canada?

Any Guesses? --MaoJin 13:26, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

Have you checked Athletics at the 1976 Summer Olympics? David Sneek 14:12, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
You know, that's not the most obvious name for an article. It was Bruce Jenner. Proto||type 15:10, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
I made Track and field at the 1976 Summer Olympics a redirect. Should probably be done for the other Olympic "athletics" articles. Rmhermen 16:29, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Who won ? Ellie Warren ? --DLL 18:13, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Here you go, it was Bruce Jenner. - Akamad 20:47, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

It's worth knowing that the IOC maintains a database of all medal winners at all Olympics here. (and yes, it was JENNER, William Bruce). -- Arwel (talk) 22:31, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] meanings of names zachary

Try one of these sites listed in a google search. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 15:13, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] 2010 In Film

Why was 2010 in film deleted from Wikipedia?

See Wikipedia:Logs. It seems to have been deleted six times, each for different reasons. For instance, on one occasion the article contained the one word "boogers". Other times it was deleted after a discussion of suitability (linked from the log). Notinasnaid 15:06, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

To cut a long story short, any information about what films will or won't be released and the state of the movie industry in general in four years time could only possibly be speculation. It makes sense to have articles about movies one year ahead, since some 2007 movies are already well into production, but to attempt to predict things as far in the future as 2010 wouldn't really be encyclopaedic. Grutness...wha? 23:15, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

See WP:NOT#Wikipedia is not a crystal ball. --Robert Merkel 03:22, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Camila Sodi

Would you tell Camila Sodi that I said "Hi!"?

Sure. She says "hola"!! Bizznazz

Ha, gotcha. That is not a question but a request, and there should be no question mark. Your evil attempt to subvert our rules has came to nought. (Or would have, had not Bizznazz legitimated you.) JackofOz 15:30, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
It looks like a question to me. My answer would be "sorry, no". Notinasnaid 16:04, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
It would only be a question if it was "Could you tell Camila Sodi that I said "Hi!"?", in which the answer would also be no. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 21:20, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Why isn't it a question? "Would you jump off a cliff" and "could you jump off a cliff" are both questions, though not the same question, are they not? Notinasnaid 21:28, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course it is a question, but not one that can be answered with a written reply, therefore, it is an attempt to subvert us! BTW, would you pour me a nice cold beer? --Zeizmic 21:45, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
No I won't pour you a cold beer but I could. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 23:34, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
See, this is what happens when people don't suitly emphazi their questions... smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 23:42, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
I take an alternative and equally categorical position to that of Zeizmic. This is a common misconception (a candidate for "the greatest furphy of all time"). Starting a sentence with "would" or "could" does not necessarily mean what follows is a question. And ending a sentence with a question mark does not necessarily mean that what went before was a question, either. (It could just have been bad punctuation, as in this case.) The posting was not there to find out whether or not somebody would say hi to Camila (eg. to satisfy their curiosity on this very important issue); it was asking them to say hi to Camila, but phrased in a polite manner redolent of a question. It's the content, not the form, that matters here. It was a request. There was no need for a question mark. JackofOz 23:51, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
I agree that it's contextually a request, but isn't the question mark part of the form? -LambaJan 02:17, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Funny, I had just pointed out that the question above about rubber trees was actually a statement in disguise and now a similar topic comes up 5 threads further down. DirkvdM 10:35, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Spooky, isn't it? LambaJan, you have a point. If it takes the form of a question, there's a good case for including a question mark. I wouldn't say it's mandatory, though. And it's still a request. JackofOz 13:35, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Punisher

Where do I get the hack for the last Punisher Game from THQ that allows even more blood and gore?

Get an axe from the barn and start hacking away at people. No computer game can come close to the blood and gore that will give you. DirkvdM 10:40, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Don't encourage Jack Thompson. GeeJo (t) (c) • 14:42, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] essential personnel

Define essential personnel in an emergency

This would depend on the type of emergency, so you need to be more specific. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 16:41, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Emergency responders. —Charles P._(Mirv) 16:46, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] European Age

Can you tell me that What happened with European before 1000 B.C and What they had that time, What they do that time, What was there condition at that time, and so on???????????????? Please do help me and give me complete information about that?? as soon as possible..................................................

Try reading the articles on the history of Europe and prehistoric Europe. —Charles P._(Mirv) 16:33, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Everyone sat in the mud and ate rocks, while the Arabaic peoples preserved the intelligence of the past for them.
I'm sorry, that sounds like original research. Could you please cite a source which indicates that the early European peoples' diets did in fact include mud and/or rocks? smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 21:19, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Also, could you not use as many question marks, please???????? smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 00:05, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
And only use any at all after a question (the third time the confusion between question and statement comes up today :) ). DirkvdM 10:44, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
I kind of feel sorry for these sort of questions; they get one short see answer, then a load of nonsense about question marks and Suitly Emphazi... smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 00:00, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, then, maybe, next time they come around here they'll ask the question in such a way that it invites a decent response (ie 'suitly emphazied'). Then again, they may decide to never come back, which could be a shame (not a typo). DirkvdM 09:14, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
I wonder how far "suitly emphazi" has spread? I know I've seen it at least once outside the reference desk, I think it may have been in smurrayinchester's RfA. Yeltensic42 don't panic 03:39, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Google answered my question, they're talking about putting it in the glossary, and it's ended up on algebra.com. Progress....Yeltensic42 don't panic 03:42, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Is this even legal?

This site, http://www.ankhsoft.com , offers downloadable OEM software at very low prices. Just how legal is this? Shouldn't they be shut down? Javguerre 18:25, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

There is a lot of stuff on the web that is illegal. Take Limewire for example--XenoNeon (converse) 19:02, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course you're referring the distribution of copyrighted content on the Gnutella network, not the Limewire client itself, which is free software. —Keenan Pepper 19:09, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
No, in general (unless this site is an unusual one; I didn't check it specifically but I'm sure a nice person will correct me if I have unfairly maligned it): this sort of site is not legal (unless you want to get into debates about the entire topic of software license legality). They are usually deceptive too, as it isn't OEM, it's pirate software. Or sometimes nothing but a scam to get your credit card details. Sometimes they offer "academic" software. Sometimes "backups". It's very hard for software companies to track down and close down these companies, as they have web sites in exotic places, and can close down and reopen elsewhere several times a day if they need to. Notinasnaid 19:08, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Thank you all for your help. Javguerre 20:24, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Hotmail

Anyone know how to change a hotmail E-Mail. --XenoNeon (converse) 19:04, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

I did some quick searching and most of the sources say that you can't. However on the Microsoft Knowledge Base, there an article about changing addresses and messenger accounts. Take a here and see if there aren't answers to your questions. Another option would be to create the new address and then import your messages/contacts into it. The procedure for doing that will depend on the client your using but it's another option at least.
Are you talking about changing the actual Hotmail address? Rx StrangeLove 20:53, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Different methods of designing a T Shirt?

What are the different methods I could use to place a design on a tee shirt?

Off the top of my head, I can think of Screen-printing, iron-on transfers, fabric markers, or perhaps even Batik. It all depends on what kind of design you want, and if you are talking about a single tee shirt or a whole bunch of shirts, all with the same design. LarryMac 20:37, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

I've found that an effective way to put designs on tee shirts is to use iron-on transfers. You first create the design you'd like to use with a graphics program. Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop are 2 popular graphic design applications. You then need to buy tee shirt transfer paper which is available anywhere Avery products are sold. You print your design onto a sheet of the transfer paper and then iron it onto the shirt.

There are other methods, tye die for example is a good way to put patterns and colors on a tee shirt. You can read more about it here. Rx StrangeLove 20:42, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

Note that screen-printing and iron-on transfers don't last thru many washing cycles. You would need to use fabric markers, batik, or embroidery on the tee shirt to make it last. StuRat 15:19, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
And don't try doing iron-on transfers with a laser printer. Bad things will happen. Markyour words 17:45, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Yahoo! chat

I need to talk to people through Yahoo! messenger, but I can't get the web version to work (it doesn't even add buddies), I can't get my yahoo account to be accepted on Gaim (even a newly registered one gets invalid username errors) and I can't download Yahoo! messenger 7.5 because I don't have and can't get Windows 2000 or XP.

Does someone know how I should fix my Gaim problem or know how I can get my paws on a 6.0 version of messenger? - Mgm|(talk) 20:29, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

OldVersion.com has several old versions of Yahoo Messenger, including "6.1922". Hope they work for you! --Lox (t,c) 21:32, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
Image:Mgm other.jpg
  • Didn't even know that site existed. Thanks for the suggestion. If anyone has an idea on how to fix my Gaim issue, please do let me know. - Mgm|(talk) 22:15, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Is anyone else having problems logging on using Yahoo!messenger? First it doesn't recognize my freshly created account and ask me to retype my info. Now it says it's logging in, but doesn't do anything. - Mgm|(talk) 22:20, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
    • You probably have considered this but I'll ask anyway, is there a firewall active? Possible changes either in the firewall itself or firewall/gateway configuration settings in Yahoo messenger can cause it to "hang". It's especially a problem in AOL's AIM, so maybe it's something similar going on? Rx StrangeLove 22:56, 3 February 2006 (UTC)
  • I've never had any firewall problems with anything before. Wikipedia, Lulu and AIM (through Gaim) work fine for me. How would I test this? - Mgm|(talk) 08:35, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
  • And suddenly I'm getting another message (see image) is that because I'm fiddling with the connection settings? - Mgm|(talk) 08:43, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
    • Can you can still access the account at My Yahoo? If not, someone may have hacked your account. --Uthbrian (talk) 19:39, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
      • Yes, I can. I doubt hacking anyway. I just created the account and literally no one knows I have it apart from trustworthy people and I didn't share the password. - Mgm|(talk) 21:07, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
    • That's odd, have you tried it on another computer? I guess if possible I'd try to log in on a computer that's on another network, one that's outside whatever firewall/proxy you have now. I guess I should ask if there's even a firewall involved. If so you might need to add an exception to the firewalls config, or change the port Yahoo is trying to connect on. Could you describe the environment you're in a little? Are you trying Gaim on a PDA?
    • As far as the login error, the only time I ever saw that was when I tried to log in on another machine, I'm assuming that's not happening here? If you're logged in on a PDA and try on a computer you'd get that error, or if the process was running but it didn't have an active window open or it was minimized you may not know it was running. Rx StrangeLove 04:45, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
  • No PDA. I'm using Windows 98 on an approx. 266 MHz machine on a LAN. No firewall problems with anything else. - Mgm|(talk) 12:26, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 4

[edit] Qanuipit?

This is a test. I know the language and I know what it means. Can or would anybody be able to give the correct response? And make sure it's suitly emphazi. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:11, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

I Qanuipit good. -LambaJan 05:15, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm fine, by the way. Thank you very much. -LambaJan 07:09, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Qanuingittunga! How are things among the Inuktitut? Grutness...wha? 10:01, 4 February 2006 (UTC) (What do I win? :)
...you're all nuts. Sum0 12:58, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Free MSN Messenger winks

Are there any free winks available fore MSN Messenger (other than the ones that come with it, of course)? deeptrivia (talk) 05:20, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

I don't think so. That kind of wink technology isn't produced by any other chat services. The only ones which can be used are the ones that you can buy and the ones that are already there.--XenoNeon (converse) 17:13, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
One supplier called SweetIM offers this, but your buddy must also have it installed. --Christopher 13:40, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
My sister downloaded some free ones from somewhere and wants me to install them. I haven't gotten around to it yet, partly because it will probably take some time to get rid of the adware it installs as well. --Optichan 15:13, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Phaistos Disk

Why the links <Talk:Phaistos Disc/archive1> and <Talk:Phaistos Disc/Archive2> don't work ? a Wikipedia User, February 4th, 2006

Becasue they were deleted. Are you on of the people that contributed to the discussion on those pages? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 13:58, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
I've quickly gone over the two deleted pages and I will follow up as to why they were deleted. However, this is not the place for this discussion. Please follow up with any other comments on my talk page. Thanks. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 14:09, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Talk:Phaistos Disc/Archive2 CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 15:54, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What is the largest/longest game ever created and piece of software?

7121989 13:27, 4 February 2006 (UTC) Thanks in advance

As in duration of gameplay or production? Or perhaps disk size? Or perhaps longest source code? Please clarify. ☢ Ҡieff⌇↯ 16:09, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Would it be possible to get the anwsers to all those?
Sure, but not from me, sorry. Keep your eye on this page for the next week because someone else will probably have your answers. ☢ Ҡieff⌇↯ 17:53, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
  • It's hard to quantify, because even a game like Pacman goes on forever, restarting faster after the last level, and Tetris never ends as long as you can keep up. The largest game depends on what you count as a game. Some flight simulators have several tens of gigabytes of terrain data, and many online MMORPGs have huge worlds with terabytes of data stored on the servers. You'd have to be more specific about what measure you want to use. Night Gyr 21:25, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
  • As for your last question, with respect to the largest piece of software, irrespective of application of game playing, I think the ceiling has to be whatever a computer system hardware and OS will support. Some programmer will hit the ceiling, then figure out how to cope.
    • The software that I currently work with. The largest program is 1/3 of a million lines of source code, and it calls a dozen other sub-programs almost as large, all of which are needed for the application to run ... none of them are stand-alone. I have tried to modify this stuff, and seems to me it is nowhere close to the OS ceiling.
    • When i have written some software that hit some OS ceiling it was either partition memory size in that one program needed like 550 Meg of memory to execute, and that big was disallowed by the OS, or it had several thousand different data-structures indexes or pointers or flags or whatever, and I got an error message when compiling that I had exceeded some limit of how many of these could be in one program. User:AlMac|(talk) 23:47, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

Man you have to look if here have a question that you are asking before asking. Someone has answered your question about the largest (in disk space) game of the world, and is x-plane 8.0 (a plane simulator that is 10GB), with a thing (I think that is a large map, made for this game this game goes to 60GB). The largest game (in time production) is shenmue for Dreamcast it took 8 years and is the game that they used more money to produce.

The is global scenaries for xplane game, its covers almost the entire world.

[edit] First firearms war

What was the first firearms war(not conflict)??

That question will need clarification. Note that "firearms" typically refers to small, handheld weapons, but could also include cannons, mortars, etc. Some possible meanings:
  • What's the first war in which any firearms were used ?
  • What's the first war in which the majority of the weapons were firearms ?
StuRat 15:07, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

Please, answer all the 3 questions.

You need to redefine "firearms" otherwise the answer to question 3 is likly to be never. All wars would have probably used other weapons such as handgrenades or mines that are not really considered firearms. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 16:29, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Knives and bayonets are still used in warfare today, so there's never been a full-scale war in which only firearms were used. Knives are such an effective weapon for some jobs that it's hard to imagine any nontrivial infantry war ever eschewing their use. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 16:41, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Even swords appear to have been used as recently as the war in Afghanistan. Rmhermen 18:28, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
And a scottish unit in Iraq recently fixed bayonets and charged a Shi'ite militia position. Night Gyr 21:27, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
To try to answer the first versions: perhaps the early 1300's for the gonne, said to be the first handheld firearm. for the second: maybe somewhere around 1600. Any better guesses? Rmhermen 21:42, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

When I said firearms i was talking about, weapons that don`t are sword, mace,... bow, crossbow. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_weapon look here look at 1.6 until 2.6.2.5. The soldiers dont need to use only to use then, and not all type of soldiers need to use these weapons (for example if some type of soldiers used rifles, and another type of soldiers used horses and sword, this war is ok)

There is no way to say what nobleman in what country first carried his shiny new gun to war since we don't even know when or where the first personal firearms were created. The same will probalby be true of teh first unit deployed with guns. Rmhermen 00:36, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

OK tell me the first that we know!!!

OK, I will start with the Spanish conquest of most of America in the 1500's. That was done mainly with firearms, while the Native Americans had none, at that point. Do we know of an older war that used mostly firearms ? StuRat 04:11, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
There's a pretty nice article at Gunpowder warfare. Seems to indicate that the first historical reference to a firearm in battle is from the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. KWH 08:13, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Hold on, didn't the Chinese have gunpowder long before the Europeans did? Do I hear the QI alarm go off now? In other words, it's obvious, but if no-one has mentioned it before me is that an indication that it's a wrong answer? There's this little voice in the back of my head saying they knew anout gunpowder (hell, they even invented it), but never came up with the idea of using it for warfare. Like the Greeks who invented the steam engine but only used it to open a temple door. DirkvdM 09:24, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Keep your eye on the prize, DirkvdM. The original questioner clarified that their query was about personal firearms, not fireworks or gunpowder. Black powder#History talks about cannons, rockets, and bombs in China in the 13th and 14th century, but only mentions a handheld firing tube which "was primarily a nuisance, rather than a danger on the battlefield." (Thus debatably not a personal firearm in the questioner's view). Agincourt in 1415 still seems the best answer. KWH 21:16, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
That's right, they just used it for fireworks. StuRat 18:22, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, I now remember a littel anecdote. A Chinese emperor had a bunch of rockets attached to his throne to shoot him into space. He was never seen or heard again. :) Maybe he is still orbiting. Imagine Gagarin would have seen him float by. "Well, apparently God doesn't exist because I don't see ..... hold on!" :) DirkvdM 10:11, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
That'd be Wan Hu. Y'never know, he might have made it :) GeeJo (t) (c) • 15:53, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

I heard that story too. It was on "Myth Busters". As far as the Chinese using gunpowder in warfare, they actually did. They attached rockets onto their arrows to make them go further. CCLemon 15:27, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

The Battle of Crecy in 1346 is nearer the mark. Hairy Dave 11:20 22 May 2006

[edit] Weird Al Yankovic

Is Weird Al an only child?, Heegoop, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

That seems to be answered in the article on him. --BluePlatypus 17:33, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] HTML- do celebrities know it

Are any celebrities that are in the film/music business actually clever enough to make their own website?--XenoNeon (converse) 17:07, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

Certainly, almost all people are clever enough to make a website. Most simply lack the knowledge and/or inclination to do so. Markyour words 17:40, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, have any celebrities on the web actually made a website of their own. --XenoNeon (converse) 17:58, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Hundreds. If you want examples see Cindy Margolis and Asia Carrera, although looking at those articles I would caution against a visit. (I simply Googled "created her own website" within Wikipedia.) --Shantavira 18:28, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
So those weird bimbos actually know HTML?--XenoNeon (converse) 18:44, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
The second of those "weird bimbos" is a member of Mensa from what I've read. Dismas|(talk) 22:38, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Also Annabel Chong (although she later removed almost everything from it). Middenface 22:15, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
I thought I read somewhere that Wil Wheaton did his own website, but I can't confirm it. While http://www.wilwheaton.net/ is being redesigned, it has a note saying: "I know this page is incredibly ugly. That's intentional, so I get off my lazy ass and get this work done." That seems to support the hypothesis that he does it himself. JamesMLane t c 00:52, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Agreed. It's a silly question. You might as well ask: "How many people are clever enough to make their own furniture?" - the fact that most people haven't made their own furniture doesn't mean they're not clever enough to do it, just that they don't have the inclination and time to learn carpentry and do it. And if you're not interested, it's not worth your while. (And for celebrities, their while tends to be worth more than most peoples'.) --BluePlatypus 21:55, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

What's probably the most well know web site created by a celebrity? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 20:02, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

Do you mean 'actually created by the celebrity'?
I refuse to suitly emphazi my question. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 20:19, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, I have no idea. --XenoNeon (converse) 20:53, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
Too soon for an answer. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 21:00, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

Jascha Heifetz was once asked if he played any other instruments. He said "I don't know, I've never tried" JackofOz 22:40, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

ISTR that Stephen Fry is a computer whiz and was one of the first entertainment celebrities with his own homepage. Grutness...wha? 00:28, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Who played Wesley Crusher? (Doesn't he also have a wikipedia user page? ;-) ) Kim Bruning 00:35, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

That would be Wil Wheaton. StuRat 01:52, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Also, define "create your own website". My weblog runs on my own PC, but I certainly didn't write the content management system, and I only lightly modified the theme and added my own photograph as a heading. Do you expect them to write a web server as well?

Seriously, though, a number of musicians are also pretty decent artists, so it wouldn't be surprising if some of them do the graphics to their own site, and a lot of them do seem to write their posts themselves; some of them are quite engaging writers and some are just terrible. --Robert Merkel 02:59, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Well I have to go home soon so I better partially answer this. I was wondering more how people would think when they heard the word celebrity and not so much looking for the name of the well known site. And as I expected most people only think in terms of actors. Robert Merkel mentioned musicians but no one thought of sports. On the other hand, as the article points out Richard Branson is a celebrity and you would have to admit that Hunter S. Thompson is but Michael Moorcock is not. Also I refused to define what I ment by "created". So with those clues back to my question. What's probably the most well known web site created by a celebrity? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:23, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

I didn't read all the above, but one obvious remark seems to have been missed so far. You don't need to know HTML to create a website (there are loads of programs to help you with that). And you don't have to be very clever to learn HTML, anyway.
By the way, this is getting scary. In my last posting I made a reference to QI and now Stephen Fry comes up. What are the chances? More specifically, what are the chances of something like this happening to me here on Wikipedia almost every day? DirkvdM 09:29, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
So what is Will Wheatons user page on Wikipedia then? --XenoNeon (converse) 11:39, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
This is the site I was thinking of and this is it's creator. I just wanted to point out how people (myself included) don't always think of things in different ways. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 15:07, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] U.S. Army

Could you tell me if there is or was a Vietnam Era Ribbon/Medel for personal who served during the Vietnam Era and if so, what it looks like? It would be for persons who did not serve in, around, or over Vietnam proper. Thank you, L. Ray Rains

Possibly the National Defense Service Medal? Shimgray | talk | 18:29, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Bill Pickett

I'm doing a report on Bill Pickett while studying the last frontier. Your page isn't very sufficient for me because my report is about blacks in the late 1800's moving out west to settle land. Your page says that Pickett was BORN out west and all he did was have a rodeo show for his life. I need more information about his career and life as a settler going west. Either that, or my professor is stupid, because he says that Bill Pickett was one of many black people who gave up a good OR a bad life in the east to settle west on the last frontier. Please give me all the information you can find about his journey and life settling out west. Thank you.

Dear anonymous, the current article reflects all the information the contributors to Wikipedia have made available about Mr. Pickett. We're not holding anything back to make your life more difficult! In any case, while I strongly disagree with those professors who claim it is inappropriate to ever cite Wikipedia in an essay or suchlike, nor should it (or any other generalist encyclopedia) form your primary source of information! You need to go down to your campus library and do some of your own research. There appear to be a number of biographies of the man available; I did a search of the University of Texas's library catalog for Bill Pickett and found 15 seemingly relevant references.
By the way, it's always appreciated if, on the basis of your research, you wish to update the relevant article with more extensive information. Good luck with your essay. --Robert Merkel 02:51, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Correct your professor! According to OUP'S American National Biography: "born in Jenks-Branch community in Travis County, Texas, the son of Thomas Jefferson Pickett, a former slave, and Mary "Janie" Virginia Elizabeth Gilbert. The second of thirteen children, Pickett reportedly grew to be 5' 7" tall and approximately 145 pounds. Little is known about his early childhood, except that he attended school through the fifth grade. Afterward he took up ranch work and soon developed the skills, such as roping and riding, that would serve him well in rodeo. On 2 December 1890 Pickett married Maggie Turner of Palestine, Texas, the daughter of a white southern plantation owner and his former slave. They had nine children. The Picketts joined the Taylor Baptist Church, where Pickett served as deacon for many years." Lotsofissues 16:11, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Music questions

Ok this is highly specific and i would be surprised if anyone can tell me the anwsers to these music questions:

  • What is the name of the song that plays in "School of Rock" not the film but the series with Gene Simmons (KISS, in the second series at the public school, the song plays in the first episode, when they are talking about gene simmons's lifestyle in LA, specifically when some women in bikins are getting out of the sea?
  • What is the name of the song that played in an old Tiscali Broadband advert, the one i have in mind can be found here: [5], its a song that plays throughout the advert bassicaly female vocals of la la la wtc.

Thanks you so much to anyone who can anwser me either or possibly both of these questions! 7121989 19:46, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

The trailer appears to need subscription, but I say if the lyrics consist of "la la la", it's probably Can't Get You Out of My Head by Kylie Minogue (maybe Ooh La La by Goldfrapp). smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 20:59, 4 February 2006 (UTC)
No, i am afriad its neither one.

[edit] Smarties perceptual mapping

Hi, I'm looking for some information on the candy industry to do with perceptual mapping studies. Im specifically interested in brands such as smarties (nestle) and M&M's. Basically what I need is just a perceptual map which shows how the consumer views different candy brands. Thanks --132.216.228.34 21:22, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, to get you started, I like smarties because they're sour and I like peanut M&M's. The regular M&M's are ok, but they're missing peanuts. I do like how they've been getting more colorful lately, though. -LambaJan 16:26, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Aluminium or Titanium City?

Which major cities in the USA,Canada,Japan and Western Europe are major producers of refined aluminum or titanium?

Which major cities and towns in those countries are located near an aluminum or titanium mining site?

Bowei 23:49, 4 February 2006 (UTC)

wow...déjà vu! Wasn't this question answered last week on one of the reference desks? Grutness...wha? 00:34, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

I know, but this time, I'm asking about cities in the USA,Canada,Japan and Western Europe. Bowei 00:52, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

So next week: Africa, South America and Antarctica? :) GeeJo (t) (c) • 14:58, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Producing aluminium requires a reat deal of electricty. The best location for smelters is thus near cheap sources of electricity, especially hydroelectric dams. These do not tend to be in major cities, however but in places like Jonquière, Quebec and Kitimat, British Columbia. - SimonP 02:23, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

The two largest producers of aluminium are Alcoa and Alcan. Searching on the companies websites gives this map from Alcoa, and these details for North America, Europe and Asia from Alcan. You might also be interested in these production statistics. Physchim62 (talk) 02:59, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 5

[edit] air space issues

If the USA places so many restrictions on cuba then why are cuban aircraft allowed to fly through our airspace on the way to their destination

I didn't know this was true, do you have a source ? If true, perhaps the US wants to avoid setting the precedent that any country can deny flyover rights to any country they don't like, as this could hurt the US later. StuRat 01:45, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
For a while before the mid 90's there was no over flight permission granted Cuban planes, and then around that time the U.S. eased up a little on the restrictions. Mainly due to Cuban traffic bound to Canada two corridors were opened up, one in the Eastern U.S. and one in the West. Air traffic was restricted to these lanes and if I understood correctly they weren't published...though I'm not sure how you could keep something like that secret. I wasn't able to find anything very current so I don't know if 9/11 changed anything. I'll have to revisit this because I can't find the source I originally used, and I didn't find anything about current restrictions. Rx StrangeLove 04:26, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Cubana de Aviación S.A. indicates that they fly non-stop from Havana to Montreal or Toronto. So I would assume that they would have to fly through US airspace. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 05:27, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
They do now, I believe that it was a sore spot with Canada because of the extra fuel burned flying around the U.S. Here's an article from the period describing the decision to allow over-flights. Cubana is the national airline and there's a section in the article that describes an incident that led to the U.S. prohibiting over-flights in the early 80's. Rx StrangeLove 06:38, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Considering that after the Bay of Pigs invasion, the goal of the US was to hurt Cuba economically (which almost worked after the collpase of the USSR because Cuba had leaned on that contry way too much) and that tourism is now a major source of income, one would expect the US to try to hurt that. And considering that Canadians probably constitute an importsant part of that tourism this would seem like a useful method. But StuRat may very well have given the reason it's not used. I wonder, though, if there is no international organisation that regulates these things. Air space is technically part of a country's territory, but in peacetime that's a bit silly really, because the country doesn't live up there. DirkvdM 09:54, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
The US policy toward Cuba has changed over the years. We used to consider them a serious security threat, when they were a Soviet satellite state. But, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, they are little more than an annoyance. So, waiting for Castro to die and communism to end (which is almost certain to happen shortly thereafter), is now the prudent course of action. Since we aren't actively working to overthrow Cuba anymore, easing up on some of the restrictions makes sense. The US has far more serious enemies to worry about now, like North Korea and Iran. StuRat 16:09, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Why do you feel that's "almost certain" to happen? I'm quite sceptical. This seems to be an opinion most prevalent in the US, which makes me believe it's mostly wishful thinking. All the more reason to be sceptical. Bear in mind that North Korea survived Kim Il Sung, who certainly had a much larger amount of cult of personality going on. --BluePlatypus 22:53, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
North Korea has a major military, with nuclear weapons, and could also call for intervention from China in the event of a revolution. Cuba has none of that. North Korea's economy can be propped up by China and by extorting aid from the rest of the world by threatening nuclear activities. Cuba's economy has no such support, but would skyrocket were a government acceptable to the US to take over. Finally, Fidel Castro has designated his brother Raúl Castro, who is almost as old, to take over after him. He would likely die just a few years later. StuRat 02:33, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah yes, nuclear weapons. Very handy in stopping the occasional street riot. I very much doubt they'd call for Chinese intervention, NK is perhaps the most xenophobic nation in the world. It would go very much against their Juche ideals. I don't see why you raise economic backing as a factor.. Cubas economy is much stronger than North Korea's (their GDP is believed to be comprable, with half the population) Their people are wealthier, healthier and better off in just about all respects. They have far less to revolt about. I don't see why Raúl's age matters either. There's no major cult of personality around him either. As for an economic 'skyrocket', that's also wishful thinking, in my opinion. The Cuban regime needs only to point to the example of neighboring Haiti to show the economic benefits of US-backed democratization (so far: none). --BluePlatypus 08:06, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
North Korea did rely heavily on Chinese intervention during the Korean War, and would do so again, if their security was threatened by any internal or external forces. Nuclear weapons could be used, if, say, a major city was taken by rebels, to destroy that city. I wouldn't put it past the North Koreans to do just that. As for Cubans all being "happy", a lot of them wanted to escape this happiness, for some reason, and mostly went to the US. StuRat
Well, that's mostly speculation. You're assuming that a revolt would require a civil war. I don't view that as likely. That was not the case in the fall of the Soviet Union, nor in the more recent Orange Revolution in the Ukraine. I don't know any recent examples of revolts in any nuclear nation, or very many industrialized nations which has led to civil war. As for "happy", that's a relative term, but I think one can safely say that the Cubans are in general a lot happier than the North Koreans. --BluePlatypus 05:31, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Cuba, being extremely close to Miami, Florida, USA, which has a large ex-patriot Cuban population, would get lots of tourism from there, and tourism from the rest of the US as well, as it did in pre-Castro days. This would allow it's economy to improve from the current annual US$3300 income per person to something more comparable to other tourist destinations, like the Bahamas, at US$18,800, Aruba at US$28,000, Barbados at US$17,300, Bermuda at US$36,000, the Cayman Islands at US$32,300, Trinidad and Tobago at US$12,700, and the Virgin Islands at US$17,200. Cuba would also find huge new markets for sugar and other crops in the US. Haiti is the only Caribbean nation doing worse than Cuba, which is no doubt why you chose it as an example, and was doing just as poorly before US-backed democratization. StuRat 20:09, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
North Korea is even closer to South Korea, and would certainly benefit from that. So that argument goes both ways. All the nations you mention are significantly smaller and English-speaking. A fairer comparison would be to the Dominican Republic. I don't dispute Cuba would benefit from market economy. I just don't think it's going to "skyrocket" to the level of the Cayman Islands. More likely it'll rise to something like the level of the D.R. Yes, Haiti was doing poorly before the US-backed democratization (which I fully support with the only complaint that it should've happened earlier. But the fact that this nation in Cuba's backyard hasn't seemed to benefit much from its democratization makes it a propaganda tool for the Castro regime which shouldn't be underestimated. --BluePlatypus 05:31, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, but South Korea has a GDP of under 1 trillion USD compared with the United States GDP of 12-13 trillion USD, so there would be much less of a boost there. Also, as I said before, Cuba was a major tourist destination before Castro, and there's no reason to think it wouldn't regain it's former status as a premier holiday destination for Americans. StuRat 02:00, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
As for Raúl's age, it matters because he won't be able to develop much of a cult of personality, unlike Castro. Leading a revolution against a hated dictator and then ruling for decades makes Cubans admire Castro, even if they hate his policies. Nothing like this will happen with Raúl. And then, even if he does manage to hang on to power, he will be dead in a few years and the Cubans will have yet another opportunity to choose their own course. How many other ex-Soviet bloc states have chosen to permanently remain communist ? Not many. StuRat 21:15, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Castro's biggest asset is the US trade embargo against Cuba. It is widely regarded as an unfair act of economic bullying by a powerful nation against a weaker one, both by Cubans and in Latin America in general. This makes Cuba's leadership a potent symbol of independence and defiance. That asset will remain whoever is in charge in Cuba as long as the US embargo is in force. --BluePlatypus 05:31, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Not much of an asset, if you ask me. I think most Cubans would be a lot happier with a few thousand more dollars each year than with bragging rights for being the subject of an economic blockade. StuRat 02:09, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Yeah for cheap Cuban vacations and all the rum you can drink! --Zeizmic 16:02, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Anyway, if the Cubans wanted to revolt, they've got the means already. All Cubans are trained in combat and the use of arms (in case of a a US invasion). I once thought of this as an alternative to the army; train the people in resistance in case of an invasion, in stead of letting people set this up after an invasion, which would result in amateurism, hampered by an already present invader. I realised that that could constitute a threat to the state itself, but, conversely, it is a guarantee that the government will keep the people satisfied (well, satisfied enough not to revolt anyway). So why, I wondered, is this not done all over the world? It costs a lot less than an army, there's still the threat to a potential invader, and it takes away much of the means for a country to invade another one in the first place. And then I went to Cuba and learned they have it there. Beside a regular army, so they didn't take the idea all the way. But still, people have the means to revolt. Well, the skills anyway (and this is all the people, including women and children). Which is more than the 1950's revolutionaries had. DirkvdM 10:25, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
That strategy wouldn't work against an evil country, they would just kill off the entire population if any resistance was offered. Guerilla warfare only works when genocide is off-limits. StuRat 02:15, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh, and then there's the yearly 'Dia de defensa', when the whole country enacts an invasion (or rather the reaction to it). I know because I was in the middle of one. It isn't ass heavy as it sounds, though, with some burning car tyres lying around and military pulling some stunts here and there. The jets flying over low early in the morning had sitting straight up in my bed, though. :) DirkvdM 10:33, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Family Planning

I've heard that one reason why alot of people in developing countries and in the past have lots of children because of lack of available contraception.I don't understand.You need special medical stuff in order to NOT to have children?(I mean, if you're married.)Why?And if you don't want to have any or more children but can't get any contraception then what should you do? Bowei 01:08, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

If you haven't figured this out, I hope your parents won't be offended if I give away a major adult SECRET, but here goes. When a man and a woman have sex there is a chance she will become pregnant and have a child. Most adults would like to have sex a lot more times than they want to get pregnant and have children; it is one of the reasons people get married. People in developed countries can keep having sex without having lots of children by using things called contraceptives that prevent a pregnancy from happening if people have sex. Most people in the developed countries have enough money to buy these things and several ways to get them. Many people in developing countries cannot afford to buy these, or do not know much about these, or do not have any way to get them, and so they keep having sex and having children. If you don't want to have any more children but can't get any contraception, you can abstain from having sex, or you can have sex at certain times during the menstrual cycle, or you can have sex in ways that do not leave semen in the woman, or you can get pregnant but abort the fetus. Obviously there are drawbacks to each of these methods and they do not always work, and many people will refuse to use one or more of these methods for various reasons. Lastly there are other reasons that people in developing countries may want many children: for example in many countries many of the chldren die in infancy, or people count on their children to take care of them when they get too old to work and take care of themselves. If you are not supposed to know this yet, don't tell your folks you learned it here. alteripse 01:39, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm guessing you're a kid if you don't understand birth control. When any man and woman (or boy and girl, past the age of puberty) have sexual intercourse there is a chance the female will get pregnant. Birth control reduces this risk, but doesn't eliminate it. If no birth control is available, then they need to avoid having sexual intercourse or risk pregnancy. StuRat 01:41, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Leaving out the fact that they don't teach much about this stuff in God's country (for fear of more sex!), there is an amazing economic association with population growth and general wealth. When people become better off, they have less children, because lots of ankle-biters really are a pain! That is why the world population is now approaching a limit, mainly because the rural poor are getting richer. The Economist always has lots of articles on this. --Zeizmic 02:21, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

On a side note, some Christian organizations actually oppose the HPV vaccine, a vaccine which may prevent cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus. They are opposed to it because they believe the vaccine will somehow condone premarital sex. --Uthbrian (talk) 03:02, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
I suspect that it goes even farther than that, those groups want the promiscuous to die, they view it as the "wrath of God". StuRat 04:03, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
That might be the attitude of certain unenlightened individuals. I very much doubt it is the policy of the organisations. JackofOz 04:08, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
I could well believe that it is a policy of some organisations. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:12, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
If there were any with such policies, they could hardly maintain they are "christian" organisations and expect to be taken seriously. (I used the lower case deliberately. Not much point being Christian if you're not christian.) JackofOz 05:06, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
[6] [7] [8] [9]. User:Zoe|(talk) 00:39, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

I believe that all people, especially married adults, have the right to know these basic things about marriage,sex, and having children, don't you think?Bowei 05:23, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Look at Westboro Baptist Church and their God Hates Fags site. These are the sort of groups that would be more than happy to see promicuous people die. They were happy that miners died in West Virgina. But they are Christians? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 05:39, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Westboro Baptist Church, is, I'm glad to say, not a representitive Christian organisation. They have about the same relationship to Christianity as Osama bin Laden does to Islam. DJ Clayworth 17:48, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Alteripse already mentioned that having many children is a counterbalance to infant mortality. which used to be quite high. But then western medicine avoided most of these deaths, to which most western cultures have now adapted, but many other countries haven't. Also, catholicism forbids the use of contraceptives, which could at least partly explain the population growth in heavily catholic countries, such as in South America (an exception being Cuba). DirkvdM 10:08, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] sauerbraten

One time I found a website where you could order meat, and one of the things they offered was already-marinated sauerbraten, ready to cook. I'm having trouble finding this site, and is there anyway y'all could help me? KeeganB

Try Stiglmeier Sausage and we'll all met at you know where for supper later. And now I know where to buy Iron Age Pig. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:10, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

I appreciate the reply, but I'll pass on the clowns. KeeganB

[edit] fox news anchors

Is julie banderes married or single?

Google doesn't seem to have any answers on this topic; generally, the private lives of all but the highest profile newsreaders is just that unless they get congratulated on-air for their marriage, a pregnancy or the like - or unless you swear about your husband on air like Marie-Louise Thiele did once. --Robert Merkel 13:19, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Beaches names after shipwrecks

I am trying to find out if many beaches around the world have been named after shipwrecks. There is a beach in Australia called Dicky Beach which claims to be the only beach in the world named after a shipwreck. I find this hard to believe considering how many shipwrecks there have been over the centuries. I have searched using Google and others but as soon as you use "shipwreck" it comes up with info on Shipwreck Beach in Hawaii.

Any ideas?? Mise03

There are probably plenty of them. Victory Beach on the Otago Peninsula, about a dozen km from where I live in New Zealand, is also named for the ship that foundered there. At the other end of the country in Northland is Shipwreck Bay Beach. Grutness...wha? 12:32, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Loch Ard Gorge might be a candidate. JackofOz 20:03, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Bounty Bay is another. --BluePlatypus 22:46, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] World Rowing Championships

Hallo ,i am a great fan of the WORLD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS an i will be very happy if you help me to find the names of the champions of all the venues since 1962-2005. Thanks allot

Venues 2006 Dorney Lake, Eton, Great Britain (20-27 August) 2005 Gifu, Japan (28 August - 4 September) 2004 Banyoles, Spain (27 July - 1 August) 2003 Idroscalo, Milan, Italy (24-31 August) 2002 Guadalquivir, Seville, Spain (15-22 September) 2001 Rotsee, Lucerne, Switzerland (19-26 August) 2000 Zagreb, Croatia (2-8 June) 1999 St. Catharines, Canada (28-29 August) 1998 Fuehlingen, Cologne, Germany (12-13 September) 1997 Aiguebelette, France (8-9 July) 1996 Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, Scotland (5-11 August) 1995 Kaukajaervi, Tampere, Finland (25-27 August) 1994 Eagle Creek, Indianapolis, USA (17-18 September) 1993 Roudnice, Racice, Czech Republic (8-9 May) 1992 Montreal, Canada 1991 Vienna, Austria (24-25 August) 1990 Lake Barrington Tasmania, Australia (10-11 April) 1989 Bled, Yugoslavia 1988 Milan, Italy 1987 Copenhagen, Denmark 1986 Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, England 1985 Hazewinkel, Belgium 1984 Montreal, Canada 1983 Duisburg, Germany 1982 Rotsee, Lucerne, Switzerland 1981 Munich, Germany 1980 Hazewinkel, Belgium 1979 Bled, Yugoslavia 1978 Lake Karapiro, Hamilton, New Zealand 1977 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1975 Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, England 1974 Rotsee, Lucerne, Switzerland 1970 St. Catharines, Canada 1966 Bled, Yugoslavia 1962 Rotsee, Lucerne, Switzerland

[edit] That clock melody

When clocks strike the hour, they often produce a particular melody. I've always wondered about its origin. I'm no musician, but it goes something like this...

C \G# /A# \D# (pause) D# /A# /C \G#

I know nothing about letter notation, but I used "\" to represent a falling tone and "/" to represent a rising tone. If anyone can figure out what this is called, or where it comes from, I will be eternally grateful. Bhumiya/Talk 08:24, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Are you talking about the tune Westminster Quarters? --Uthbrian (talk) 08:34, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes! Thanks. Bhumiya/Talk 09:48, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Fish and chips recipe

Hello. I want to make fish and chips at home. I have some fish fillet and I will later buy some french fries. Where can I find an idiot-proof recipe on fish and chips for a guy who can't really cook? What do you recommend? What do I use as batter? --Blue387 08:46, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

(There is no such thing as an idiot proof batter)It depends on how you like your batter. For a thin, transparent cripsy batter use flour and water. For a thick gooey batter add an egg to some flour and make a thick goo. Thin with milk until the consistancy of double cream, Coat the fish in flour then batter and deep fry in hot fat until golden.

For fries peel and cut the potatos into sticks. Deep fry in medium hot fat until they go see through but not brown. Remove the fries and place in a bowl while you cook the fish (they will look greasy and yucky at this stage). Once the fish is cooked remove from the hot fat and put on some paper towel to drain. Turn the heat up full to get the fat really hot and put the fries back in again for about a minute to crisp up and brown off. Theresa Knott | Taste the Korn 10:50, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Yum, yum, makes my arteries thicken up just thinking about it! There was a guy where we used to live that still used pure beef tallow. That was the best! If you must eat junk, eat good junk! --Zeizmic 15:08, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

One must serve it on paper, so that the artery clogging grease will coalesce into a paper-grease paste, for optimal authenticity. StuRat 16:00, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

I should probably add: don't leave a chip pan unattended, or try to make fish and chips while tipsy: this is a major cause of house fires. If possible, use a dedicated deep fat fryer. These have a limiter on the temperature, so the oil can't get hot enough to burst into flames. If you have only a chip pan, make sure you have a fire blanket in the kitchen. And don't give up if the batter doesn't work at first, it is an art. Notinasnaid 22:36, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
And if you run out of grease, you can scrape some off the walls! --Zeizmic 23:01, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Don't forget a little sprinkle of vinegar. User:AlMac|(talk) 09:45, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
As Notinasnaid sais, be very careful when using a chip pan (yes, I'm pimping an article I started). For authentic fish and chips, make sure the chips (fries) are not thin. They should be large, they should be greasy, and they should NOT be brown. Plenty of salt. You may want to consume with bread and butter, and the vital side order - mushy peas. Proto||type 17:28, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] That song

in Australia there's some ads for the new season of Criminal Intent and there's a song, it's like hip hop, the guy's singing: Where y'all come from, does anyone know what it is?

[edit] WBTV History

What are Betty Feezor's husband and children doing now? Where is the lady who took Betty's place? I think her name was Billie Jean????

[edit] Why wasn't a resemblance of San Diego included in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas?

Did you know that San Diego has a bigger population and area than San Francisco (which "San Fierro" resembles)?

Well, I would've loved to see a resemblant city to San Diego on GTA:SA. Why couldn't they include that as well??? --Shultz 11:54, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Probably because it isn't as culturally distinct and recognizable as San Francisco or Las Vegas. San Fran may be smaller, but it's definitely got greater prominence in the national culture.Night Gyr 15:14, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Yup, that's probably the main reason. Bear in mind that San Fransisco is certainly far more recognizable to an international audience. (or even a domestic one, for that matter) But also, I wouldn't say San Fransisco is smaller. It's only smaller in terms of where the city limits are drawn, which has to do with the natural geographical constraint of being on a small peninsula. The metropolitan area more than twice the size of San Diego's. --BluePlatypus 22:44, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, it's got a bigger prominence of Mexicans due to its proximity, doesn't it? Also, what about that curvy Coronado Bridge? Not a lot of bridges curve like that...
There's also the Chicano Park. The Coronado Bridge article says the park under the bridge is "World Famous".
But look at the San Diego article. I've found many redeeming features of the city that would make it gameworthy.
After all, many video games make expansion packs that often add new lands to play on. Why shouldn't Take 2 / Rockstar do the same? --Shultz 00:22, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Expansion packs for that sort of game tend to be a bit naff. It's not been the style for the GTA series and probably won't be. Rob Church (talk) 02:12, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] A couple more Hagiological questions

My turn to ask rather than attempting to answer - a couple more for you saint experts:

  1. Why is it Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Raphael, but frequently just Saint Michael? The article on him says that the title of Saint is used as an honorific for him, but doesn't explain why it isn't also Saint Gabriel or Saint Raphael.
  2. Given that to be made a (non-angelic) saint, a person (theoretically at least) has to be a Christian - i.e., a follower of Jesus - how many saints died before Jesus was crucified? I know of Saint John the Baptist, but were there any others, and if there were which of them was the first to die?

Grutness...wha? 13:38, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

I'm not certain who died first, but Dismas was crucified with Jesus, according to the stories, and he is considered a saint. Dismas|(talk) 14:16, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
According to List of saints there are more than 10,000 saints and beatified people in the Roman Catholic Church alone. According to Catholic online (the have a hugh list) his proprer title is "St. Michael, the Archangel". Also if you look at Archangel it says that "There are no explicit references to archangels in the canonical texts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)." and "The New Testament rarely speaks of angels, and makes only two references to archangels, Michael in Jude 1.9..." and "...I Thessalonians 4:16, where the "voice of an archangel" will be heard at the return of Christ." (name not given). It then mentions "In later Christian tradition...three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael (and sometimes Uriel is given as a fourth)." The Catholic online listing for St. Gabriel titles him as St. Gabriel, the Archangel and St. Raphael without the Archangel added on. However the text says he is one of seven Archangels. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 15:25, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ready To Rumble

Does Ready To Rumble deserve a sequel?

Yes. Watch this space.  Run!  19:56, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Hope you can run fast! Grutness...wha? 00:48, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Nuclear Power Plants

What do nuclear power plants generate?

Power.  Run!  19:54, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
If you want to have fun, look at nuclear power, and if you want to have more fun, look at its talk page. --Zeizmic 20:01, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Nuclear power plants produce heat and radioactive waste. By using a steam turbine to drive an electrical generator, the heat can be converted to electricity. ‣ᓛᖁ♀ᑐ 20:06, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Possible answers: Controversey. The only known topic on which hippies and oil executives agree. Mutant Ukrainians. (Variant: Dead Ukrainians.) "Simpsons" scripts. Crappy 50s horror movies. I can keep this up all day. --George 00:30, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Funk. Proto||type 17:25, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] help!

Hello, how are you? The other day I was researching bridges and I found this website, Wikipedia. It is great and it is easy to get the information I am looking for. I went to google and typed in bridges of different centuries. I clicked on a link that lead me to Wikipedia. It had a list of all the different centuries and if you clicked on a century it would show you many bridges in that century. Today, however I went to Wikipedia, and if I type in bridges of different centuries, it shows me one bridge.How do I get back to the original page that lists all the centuries? I have looked all over for this answer, and you are my last resort. Thanks for taking the time to care.

There is a category Bridges by date, which will take you to subcategories like Bridges completed in the 1st century, Bridges completed in the 2nd century etc. Is that the page you mean? David Sneek 20:51, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
You could also go back to Google and search for "bridges of different centuries" again rather than using the Wikipedia search which will bring up different results. Although it sounds like the section above is the one you were after... --Canley 00:25, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
I trust you haven't deleted your history. Look under that. KILO-LIMA 18:24, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] which one

which historical figure are you most like.

While it may sometimes appear to be so, the Reference Desk isn't a chatroom. GeeJo (t) (c) • 22:53, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, this is a deliberate attempt to try and sink us into idle chit-chat! We are here to illuminate minds! (But if you added a question mark, it would be a question?) --Zeizmic 23:05, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
I guess I'm most like myself, as I was precisely one nanosecond ago (give or take a nanosecond). That counts as a historical figure, right?  Run!  23:41, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
By that reasoning, everyone who has ever lived is an historical figure. Maybe they all deserve to be remembered, but it's only the ones who have actually been written about who are generally called historical figures. Get started on that autobiography today. JackofOz 23:51, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
To be historical you have to be history. Which means dead. Right? DirkvdM 10:37, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Certainly not. JackofOz 10:45, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 6

[edit] all year round

hi iam watching the super-bowl and iam writing this during the commercials why don`t they air super-bowl commercials all year round. is it because it is to expensive.

If they don't air them during the Super Bowl they aren't Super Bowl commercials, are they? User:Zoe|(talk) 00:44, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Companies air new commercials during the Super Bowl because it is the most-watched television event in the United States and they reach the largest number of potential customers this way. These commercials often do repeat for many months after the big game.   ⇔   | | ⊕ ⊥ (t-c-e) 00:46, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
In addition, premiering a new commercial during the Super Bowl garners the advertiser a certain amount of free media. The event is watched by so many people that there is usually post-game coverage and evaluation of the ads. Here's a link to a Reuters article on the New York Times website: http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/arts/entertainment-media-superbowl.html (free registration required; reading the article will be free for at least the next week). JamesMLane t c 09:21, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, the advertisers think 'all the world' gets to see it. At least, that's a claim I heard the other day. Or are they savvy enough to understand that 'all the world' in the US means just the US? DirkvdM 10:41, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't think advertisers are stupid enough to think that all the world would be watching their ads. Even if the Super Bowl is, as the NFL says, aired in more than 200 countries -- they must be counting Trinidad and Tobago separately -- different TV networks air different commercials. -- Mwalcoff 23:47, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
The Superbowl was shown on British TV but it had British adverts (strictly-speaking the slots were sold by the British TV station). Jameswilson 02:50, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Which station? Not the BBC, as far as I know but then it may be just a part of a sports program. Actually, I don't think any European station has any separate shows on the superbowl. Well, some sports channel maybe, but I don't watch those. DirkvdM 08:49, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
it was shown on sbs6 in the netherlands, no special commercials though, i doubt that many people even watch. although it might be shown in so many countries i don't think the number of viewers is very high anywhere except in the us. Boneyard 11:36, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
ITV1 Jameswilson 23:53, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

While I read that 98% of Super Bowl viewers are in the US and Canada, there is a substantial audience for the game outside of North America. Don't forget just how many Americans there are everywhere. In Prague, the game starts at 12:30 a.m., but it's hard to find a seat at any downtown sports bar to watch it because they're all so crowded. -- Mwalcoff 02:18, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

Some of the commercials do end up being broadcast after the Super Bowl is over. I saw a Jackie Chan Diet Pepsi commercial the other day on FOX, and my parents have seen the Magic Fridge ad. I'm not sure if they were watching a Canadian or American channel though. Optichan 22:33, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wine grapes

In this article, it mentions that there is an oversupply of grapes which is dragging down the price of wine. Is there a reason why they don't just sell the excess grapes as fruit and have people eat them? enochlau (talk) 00:28, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

This is just guesswork on my part, but I would imagine that the types of grapes used for wine are not the same as those used for food. In any case, vineyards that sell to wineries aren't normally equipped to distribute grapes as food, and it would require logistical effort to change their distribution networks, especially if they are commercially contracted to specific wineries. So I suspect it could be done, but it would require a lot of effort - probably so mucha s to be uncommercial to nearly everyone concerned. Grutness...wha? 00:52, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Right, most wine grapes aren't sold as table grapes. But even if they are, it's still a problem which is similar for all agricultural surpluses. You couldn't just dump the surplus of wine grapes on the table-grape market, because that would injure the table-grape growers. And you can't dump it on the world market, because that'll get you in trouble with the WTO. You could ship them off to a third-world country, but that won't be helping them towards long-term self-sufficiency. It's a sad state of affairs. One original tactic was used by the Spaniards: They invented a New Year's Eve tradition of eating grapes at midnight. It got people to eat a lot more grapes. --BluePlatypus 01:27, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Very interesting responses, thank you. So the WTO sets export quotas for each country or something like that? enochlau (talk)
I went grape picking for two weeks as a kid (in Chablis) and the wine grapes are totally different from the (what shall I call them) wysiwyg grapes. They're small and 'ugly' in comparison (although I suspect that the wine grapes are more like the original thing and it's the wysiwyg grapes that have been engineered to be so big). Actually, we were told not to throw the mouldy ones out - they were important for the taste or something. Think of that next time you have a glass of wine. Well I suppose it's better than having wine that's been made from grapes aquashed by feet - or is that still done with some exclusive wines? DirkvdM 10:48, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Some of the finest and most expensive white wines in the world (but not Chablis) are made exclusively from mouldy grapes. See Noble rot, [10]. Anyway, about 15 years ago I purchased a little tray of tiny grapes, in a winemaking area of France. They were wonderful! Ever since, I have found shop-bought grapes to be bland at best, so the experience completely spoiled me. So perhaps table grape manufacturers work hard to avoid these great grapes getting into the market place. Size might be important: the wine crop can be ruined if late rains make the grapes swell up. Maybe there's only so much flavour in a grape, and growing it bigger just produces more dilute flavours. Notinasnaid 13:28, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course, all wine comes from "rotten grapes", although not all are to the point of having fuzz on them. StuRat 21:36, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Just to expand on what's been said above, the types of grapes that are most commonly used for making wine (Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, etc.) all belong to the species Vitis vinifera. Grapes eaten as grapes, as well as those typically used for making unfermented grape juice, grape jelly, etc., are all varieties of Vitis labrusca. Concord grapes are the most common variety of Vitis labrusca, at least in the U.S., and if you think of the characteristic taste of purple grape juice, or of grape jelly, that's Concord grapes. Vitis labrusca grapes are sometimes used for wine, though much much less commonly than Vitis vinifera--I've had wine made from Concord grapes, and guess what, it tastes a lot like ordinary grape juice, but less sweet. Chuck 21:22, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Louiro

Has anyone heard about the book The Louiro?

I looked for "The Lourio" on several websites (as I assume you already have), but couldn't find it. If you're looking for it, could you give us a little more information, or is that all there is? --Lox (t,c) 20:15, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Health insurance

What's the average cost of health insurance in the United States? Thanks, anon.

There's lot's of ways to answer that question. Our article comparing Canadian and American health care systems has some overall numbers as does the NCHC web site. Overall Americans pay $2719 for actual health care per year on average. Rx StrangeLove 03:02, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ann Brashares

Hi, I'm doing a project on authors and i heard that the author of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book series, Ann Brashares, is just a pen name for the real author. I tried searching for it on google and askjeeves but nothing significant came up. I was wondering if you know if this is true or not and if it is, what is the authors real name? Thanks for your time!

Ann Brashares doesn't say anything about a pen name, but then again it doesn't give a birthday either.--Commander Keane 04:55, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Try posting the question at http://answers.yahoo.com/. There's a Books and Authors section under Arts & Humanities. User:Zoe|(talk) 16:34, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cell Phones

Is it still true, in the U.S. that with old cell phones can still be used to call 911 in an emergency?

I am not entirely sure about in the U.S, but i do know that in Australia you can call an emergency number without a sim card in your phone. Maybe someone would like to expand...--Ali K 09:01, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
When the cell phone is going over VOIP instead of the old standard, then it might not have meaningful ccess to 911. There have been several cases in the news where someone had an emergency and could not get emergency help, because they were on el cheapo VOIP which can't do everything the more expensive connections can do.
Plus, of course you have to be in a community that has 911. I think some of the smaller rural poorer communities do not yet have it. Plus the telephone infrastructure has to be up and running. We saw with 9/11 and Katrina how fragile the phone infrastructure can be. There's also "all circuits are busy" when the phone infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing demand, such as people using the computers to talk to the Internet all day, on an infrastructure that was originally designed for people making occasional 15 minute phone calls. User:AlMac|(talk) 09:52, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Eh? I thought 911 was still the emergency number in the US. Or is it a different number on cell phones? That would be silly stupid dangerous. DirkvdM 10:56, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
No, he said a community that has it. Years after the general introduction of the emergency number 911 in the US, there were (I understand) still a lot of small towns where it had never been provided... after all, you could always call the operator and ask for the police or whatever, so why get the system changed just to add a 3-digit number? ("Enhanced" 911, where the 911 operator gets your address automatically when you call from a landline phone, came later than plain 911.) Now, the article 9-1-1 says that coverage was "not complete until the late 1990s", so it would seem that in 2006 there are no more of these small places without 911 service. Finally, since cell phones are a newer service than 911 and cell phone companies have to route the 911 calls, I would expect that 911 has always worked from all cell phones where the phone had normal service, even in a town where 911 did not work from landlines. --Anonymous, 11:30 UTC, February 6.
  • Anyway, as to the question, the answer is yes. The FCC requires that providers allow any cellphone, even unactivated or with cancelled service, to place 911 calls if it's within range of a tower. AlMac, don't confuse the issue. Cellphones don't use VOIP, that's an entirely different problem. Night Gyr 12:34, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
In some places in the U.S. the cell phone emergency number was different from the land line one. I don't know if this is still true. *99 was Chicago's. Rmhermen 19:07, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

My NOKIA phone dials the emergency number 1-1-2 without a SIM.

112 is the international emergency number for GSM networks - you can dial 112 in any country using a GSM phone without a simcard, and you'll reach the emergency operator. Natgoo 21:38, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wicca

The series called Wicca by Cate Tiernan, also known as "The Sweep", I really like those books, but I can't find a good fan site? Does anyone know where I can find one?

  • Well, I don't know what you consider to be good, but our Cate Tiernan article lists this site . - 131.211.210.10 09:00, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Height to Weight

Where can i find a good Height to Weight ratio chart for men?

Have a look at Body mass index. David Sneek 06:32, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
That appears to be about determining if one is over- or underweight, but the question appears to be about statistical info. I cant find an article on that, though. Also, since it's statistics, you'd probably have to specify for which region/country. DirkvdM 11:08, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
On a similar note, do you know of anything that compares average weight for men/women in various countries? enochlau (talk) 23:39, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Funny, we've got loads of listst, nut not on this. All I could find was a diagram of overweight in various countries.
tumb
. DirkvdM 09:01, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Errant Noises

When my TV has been sitting idol for a while, every once in a while it'll make a noise like something tapped it, or part of it moved? If you understand what i am talking about, let me know what it is.

Personally, I can't believe that I am the first pedant to note that the poster refers to his/her tv as a sitting idol. --Roisterer 06:47, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
With that covered, the answer is probably thermal expansion, as usual. While the different parts of the TV cool down\heat up, they exapand at different rates causing crackle sounds. This happens with pretty much everything, though. ☢ Ҡieff⌇↯ 07:01, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Are you nuts? It's a poltergeist of course. DirkvdM 11:10, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
The television in my bedroom makes a loud noise in the middle of every night (and so does the radiator). Most likely the external casing is involved, as this is large and lightweight and therefore quite resonant. To stop the noise, you could try easing the screws that hold it onto the internal subframe. --Shantavira 15:44, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course, don't forget the old adage: If you open up a TV, it will kill you! This is not the same as the other saying : If you worship the sitting idol, by just sitting, it will also kill you. --Zeizmic 16:51, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, I must be a multiple zombie then. :) DirkvdM 09:04, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
If he suitly emphazis his television, it would be not just an idol but a priapistic deity, and would no longer sit idol but stand erect. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 08:02, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
I think "sitting idol" should become a catchphrase along with "suitly emphazi". Yeltensic42 don't panic 04:06, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Very well, Yeltensic! It has been done. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 06:44, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Wait a sec...everyone here missed the priapism reference? Tsk tsk tsk. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 06:50, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
I didn't miss it. That's a good idea, to archive these, in case they're ever forgotten by future ref desk generations. Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:34, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Terry Bradshaw

Before the Super Bowl, when the MVP's came out, did i miss Terry Bradshaw or was he just not there? If he wasn't, WHY?

Terry Bradshaw declined to appear to stay home with his family, Joe Montana declined to appear due to disagreements over appearance fees, and Jake Scott was in Australia. For Bradshaw, that's at least the official reason; there's naturally some degree of skepticism that he opted to skip his former team's Super Bowl appearance. — Lomn Talk 14:33, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Probably has to do with his being under contract to a different network than the one covering the game. User:Zoe|(talk) 16:36, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Possibly... although Troy Aikman is a broadcast guy with the same network as Bradshaw, and he was in the lineup. — Lomn Talk 16:56, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
And Phil Simms of CBS was there.
From The San Francisco Chronicle:
"The former MVPs were guaranteed $1,000 for incidental expenses while in Detroit. The NFL also provided each former Super Bowl MVP with two first-class airplane tickets, a hotel room, a Cadillac for the weekend, two tickets to the game, two tickets to the Friday night commissioner's party, two tickets to a Saturday night party and two tickets to a Sunday tailgate party. There also were opportunities for paid appearances arranged by the NFL.
"To sources close to the league said Montana refused to attend over money. One of the sources said Montana asked for a guarantee of at least $100,000 for appearances if he came here, and the league said it would not make that guarantee. Tom Brady, who has won the Super Bowl MVP award twice, handled the coin toss to start the game, making him the first active player to perform that chore." -- Mwalcoff 23:45, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Interior Design

How do the service elements(electrical lines,plumbing,air conditioning ducts..etc)affect the interior designing projects.

Is this a homework question by any chance? - Akamad 10:14, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

The placement of them affects where the elements can go. If you're planning decorative lighting, you need to avoid joists that have AC ducts by them (if for no other reason than labor cost), but it's advantagous to have a main electrical line close-by so that a new one doesn't need to be run too far. You also need to check that the electrical service is enough for your applications. If there's an air return it's not a good idea to block it (eg. couch), and if there's an air vent you should watch what you place around there (generally light curtains get blown around). Plumbing costs a lot nomatter what you do with it. If you're planning on installing anything that needs to be plumbed with water or gas, take a look at what you can tie off of. It might be cheaper for an architect to redraw a wetbar closer to a kitchen or bathroom than for a contracter to actually plumb it in on the other side of a large space, especially if it's of the cinderblock wall-slab floor variety. -LambaJan 17:53, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Nigrelli Regiment

I have long tried to find more information on The Nigrelli Regiment as discovered in a search of my Family name" NIGRELLI" . It came up in the following response to a Search "Knötel's Austrian Army of the 18th and 19th Centuries 4 Musicians of Infantry of the 18th Century, Fifer of the Deutschmeister Regiment, Drummer of the Regiment Nigrelli KA- 5 Infantry Regiment Graf Brown ...

http://www.uniformology.com/KnotelsAustrianArmy.html". I have not been able to find out any more info.

I wonder if any of your researchers have access to more detailed historical information than I seem to be able to get my hands on. Thank You so Much for all your future efforts , sincerely Dennis Nigrelli

You'd probably have to look in a book on the history of the Austro-Hungarian army. I'm certain there are many (although perhaps not in English). This mentions a Captain Nigrelli who participated in quelling the protestant/anti-Hapsburg uprisings in Bratislava in 1672, so it could be named after him. Probably there was some Austro-Hungarian noble family by that name. Being that it's an Italian name, there are no doubt other families named that too, though. --BluePlatypus 04:37, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
You might get more responses if you asked at one of the other reference desks, too - it's hardly a science question! Grutness...wha? 06:19, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Moved it. --BluePlatypus 07:54, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Sorry Blue ,I thought I was in the History section ,I reposted but I wanna thank you for the juicy little tidbit about Capt Nigrelli. Sincerely Dennis Nigrelli

[edit] How well do horses work in snow?

Can they be ridden at all in snowy conditions? Or do they just die?

Look at the picture at Sled. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 08:34, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
And here. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 08:36, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
They do just fine. There's a reason why Iceland has their own breed of horse. And the prominent position of horses in Norse mythology should also give a clue. BTW, the Icelandic horse has its own unique gait, the tölt, which is cool. (There are some video clips here if you've never seen it before, it looks quite different.) --BluePlatypus 08:54, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Are those the only two options? The first part is about captive horses, while the second seems to be about 'natural' (free) horses. DirkvdM 11:12, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
One more point... ever hear the song Jingle Bells? --Anonymous, 11:30 UTC, February 6.
DirkvdM, what other kinds of horses are there? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:40, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, there are/were wild horses living on the Mongolian plains, where it can get quite cold. I'd say it's more likely the northern extent of wild horses has been limited more by forests and human activity than by temperature. --BluePlatypus 13:08, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
There are also all the mustangs that still run free in the Western U.S. Dismas|(talk) 13:17, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
On the other hand, horses are really not adapted for severe winter weather. They tend to break their legs on ice. They never wandered free up in Canada, but the Plains Indians could manage to take care of them. --Zeizmic 14:16, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Robert Falcon Scott attempted to use ponies during his last antarctic expedition; at least if one believes Roland Huntford Scott distrusted sled dogs. The ponies didn't fare at all well - I don't believe any survived to the plateau, still a thousand miles shy of the pole. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 16:54, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
I think horses could do well in extreme cold, if they had insulated clothes and a system to warm to air before they breathed it. It might sound silly, but it's no worse than the armor they had for horses at one time. StuRat 19:42, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
If I remember correctly, camels are thought to have moved from a very cold climate to the deserts where they can be found now. The evidence that I recall was their feet being very broad to distribute their weight over the snow and being able to go for a while without drinking water since most of it would have been frozen. Camels aren't horses, I know... Dismas|(talk) 07:43, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
The wide feet can be explained by the need not to sink in sand, as can the ability to go long ways between drinks of water. StuRat 01:45, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The fall of the USSR and Communism.

Did the fall of the USSR and Communism bring a new world order and if so how?What are the advantages,disadvantages and effects of the fall of the USSR and Communism?--196.2.95.180 14:52, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

When is the assignment due? :) --Optichan 15:49, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

That only one superpower is a disadvantage is debatable.  Run!  17:23, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

And lets not forget the big advantage that it enabled people to do their own homework. DJ Clayworth 17:37, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 22:17, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Disadvantage:

  • The stand-up comic career of Yakov Smirnoff took a dramatic downturn. StuRat 00:44, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Advantage:

  • The stand-up comic career of Yakov Smirnoff took a dramatic downturn. - Akamad 02:00, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
I bet Tom Clancy wept for days. Battle Ape 02:23, 7 February 2006 (UTC)


The fall of Communism? Did I blink? Assuming you mean Communist States in stead of true Communism, there are still some of those around. Actually, only the USSR disintegrated. I've heard this claim before and never understood it. Is this wishful thinking or has 'communism' been redefined again to make this appear true? DirkvdM 09:13, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Not just the USSR disintegrated, but most of the Warsaw Pact nations dumped communism, as well. Yugoslavia also broke up. China is now a capitalist country, too, although it remains authoritarian. Even Cuba has experimented with free markets. Perhaps North Korea is one of the few remaining fully communist nations. If not yet dead, communism certainly appears to have one foot in the grave. StuRat 01:32, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, yes, I often make the mistake of calling all of the Warsaw Pact USSR. Of course the whole thing hangs on what you call 'Communism'. I prefer to use that term in the literal sense, but most people use it in the sense of 'Communist State', which is defined as a state run by a communist party, and in that sense only the Warsaw Pact communism has disappeared. It just won't do to redefine the term to make it fit what you want to be true. DirkvdM 09:48, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
But if you only include in the list those countries which truly are communist, sharing all the wealth equally, as opposed to those who only claim to do so (as a means of keeping their peasants under control), then there are even fewer communist nations, in fact, none. How does this make communism look any more successful ? StuRat 19:24, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Indeed there are (even by definition) no Communist Nations. Who said anything about them looking successful? It isn't in the question and I didn't bring it up. You seem to be assuming too much about my intentions, which is always a bad idea because I say pretty bluntly what I think (I think I've proven that often enough). No need for interpretation. Let me restate what I said before. Loads of conclusions are drawn about Communism / Communist States. All I say is that that is impossible because of the relative or even total lack of any examples. You're just proving a previous point of mine. This is a nasty problem. If one doesn't accept that communism is all bad then one is a commie. That's a load of bull. Combating nonsense is not the same as siding with the opposite view. This misconception is extremely common and I'm saddened by the fact that even an educated guy like you can't escape it. DirkvdM 10:16, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Now when did I say "If one doesn't accept that communism is all bad then one is a commie" ? You seem to be the one jumping to conclusions here. StuRat 03:34, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Reagan Administration?

what can you tell me? --MaoJin 14:58, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

I think Reagan Administration might be able to help. Do you have a more specific question? tiZom(the man) 15:35, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Article

I want to create an article on astronomy or chemistry. PLz give me a topic on these to do this.

See Wikipedia:Requested articles for a list of article ideas on various topics. GeeJo (t) (c) • 15:13, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

The recent discovery of dark matter might make an interesting article. I know I'd like to know more about it, as I'm keeping up with the news on it. CCLemon 15:30, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

There might not be enough for a separate article in itself. I'd think it'd start as a section in Dark matter first. GeeJo (t) (c) • 15:35, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, I think with those "pure science' gabbers, everything has been generally covered. I would go over recent Nature articles and update with recent discoveries. But I warn you, the academics are snitty! (Hey, that's a joke, guys!) --Zeizmic 15:49, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Question on Cricket

Hi,

My grandfather had played cricket for Madras in the early 1900's.His name is C V Krishnaswami. Would it be possible to get more details about his matches.

Thanks Prashant

Is this him? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 18:25, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack is generally considered the authoritive source on cricket information, although it's coverage of English cricket is more detailed, you should be able to find some information. One suggestion would be to look in the Almanack for important games he may have played, and then go to a library and see if you can find the reports of the games in old newspapers. --BluePlatypus 04:11, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
According to the Cricket Archive website, your grandfather played three first class games for Madras and one first class match for the Indians against the Europeans. Go here for a list of the matches he played. If you then click on the links on the page, you can see how your grandfather performed in each of the matches. As an aside, I note that no cricketing source I have at hand has any details about your grandfather, so if you know any (such as date of birth or what CV stands for), then they would be very pleased to hear about it. --Roisterer 08:55, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
S Muthiah's 'The Spirit of Chepauk and V Ramnarayan's Mosquitos and other Jolly Rovers are two recent books that cover Madras and Tamil Nadu cricket. They are easily available in India and you may want to take a look. Tintin (talk) 05:42, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Btw, if you are really serious about it, you may try to contact S Muthiah (mentioned above) through The Hindu. He writes a weekly column which is mostly about Chennai's past and is supposed to be an authority in the history of the city. Tintin (talk) 05:49, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Quick question about a peculiar instrument

What's the name of that (country?) instrument that makes a "ptoing" sound? I'm not sure if this is the same instrument, but on cartoons there's one depicted as a small thing you put over your mouth and move the lips and etc in order to modulate the sound. The mouth works then as a cavity resonator. It's probably the same one.

Jaw harp. Rmhermen 18:56, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, that's it! Thanks. ☢ Ҡieff⌇↯ 03:40, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Web Sites

Are there some websites that feature stick characters living in harmony?

As far as I know, stick figures are featured only when fighting one another in amusing fashion. Presumably, however, the various stick figure factions live in harmony until they fatally intermingle. — Lomn Talk 19:44, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
You can make one. -LambaJan 20:58, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Super Bowl

What happens to the shirts and hats printed for the losing team?

I believe they are shredded. --Blue387 20:44, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
The NFL has an agreement with World Vision, a charity that donates the apparel to people in needy countries. Other sports have differing policies. Rx StrangeLove 21:21, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Why can't they be sold or given to homeless people?

Selling them wouldn't work, as nobody would want to buy a hat that says "Seattle Seahawks, Winners of Super Bowl XL." Sure, now it might seem cool, but not when everyone has one. As for giving them to homeless people, apparently they do donate it to charity, see Rx StrangeLove's response. Rory096 22:04, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually I happen to own a Buffalo Bills SuperBowl Champions hat, (not that I would ever wear it as they lost every year,) but they are still around somewhere --T-rex 06:24, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Presumably a lot of sportswear pirates make 'winner' shirts for both teams in the hope that the profits from getting the actual winners shirts to market quickly makes up for the fact that the loser's shirts will be much less popular. DJ Clayworth 16:02, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
It's not necessarily pirates. The winning team has shirts and whatnot immediately after the game, so the authorized vendors must have prepared at least some supplies for each team. As further evidence that the "wrong" ones are donated: Years ago, I heard an interview with an American who went into a very poor village in Africa. He was surprised to find himself surrounded by children wearing "Buffalo Bills Super Bowl Champions" t-shirts. (The Bills were the losing team for four years in a row in the early 1990s.) JamesMLane t c 08:37, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Setting of "Days Of Our Lives"

In which U.S.state is Days Of Our Lives set in?

Our article Days Of Our Lives has two things to say: "The serial is set in the fictional village of Salem." and "...Salem was supposed to be Salem, Massachusetts since Marie mentioned moving to Boston once she got married to Tony." I don't really think that there is a better answer than that! Hope that helps, --Lox (t,c) 20:35, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
previously answered. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 21:50, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
It was previously answered? Is this going to be the next Good Burger? Yeltensic42 don't panic 04:18, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Tracing the where-abouts of a person

In 1992, I believe, the BBC presented a program about a Jewish woman. She had been hidden by the Dutch during WWII and revisited the people that saved her life. I would like to find out whether this person is still alive and, if so, where. Her name is Steffi Robertson. Help is greatly appreciated. Bill Schrimmer

I've googled her name and none of the results are in English. But they might still be worth checking. --Optichan 20:56, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
The first result [11] of that google search is a short description, in Dutch, of the documentary you saw. It is in the archives of the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam; you could try contacting them at info at jhm.nl , perhaps they know more about her. David Sneek 21:06, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] SS Uniforms and Holocaust secrecy

Why did the SS officers have skulls, a universal symbol of death, on their hats if they wanted to keep what they were doing during the Holocaust a secret? Wouldn't these skulls have given something away? Captain Jackson 21:05, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Not really, the totenkopf was a fairly common motif in the German military since Frederick the Great. Other armies have used similar iconography since throughout history. The Adam's head in early Orthodox Russia, the Jolly Roger on ships, even the Queen's Royal Lancers use a skull insignia. The human skull is one of the most potent symbols around (Skull (symbolism)) GeeJo (t) (c) • 21:16, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
Apart from that, the SS uniform was designed in 1932. According to the German wikipedia the skull was added around 1935. I suppose at that time even in the SS hardly anybody had an idea what was being planned. David Sneek 21:17, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

I can understand using the skull in overt military units, but putting a skull's head on an SS hat was sort of helping to give away their evil little secret. What would you think if you saw a police officer with a skull on his hat? Captain Jackson 21:27, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Many of the Schutzstaffel groups were military units, though. Rmhermen 21:34, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Sports Pittsburg Pirates

You mean Pittsburgh Pirates? what about them? GeeJo (t) (c) • 21:53, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

Do you mean Pittsburgh Pirates (NHL) 1925-1930 or Pittsburgh Steelers, named the Pirates from 1933 to 1940. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 21:55, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] contact info

Wikipedia,

I am trying for the life of me to figure out how to contact anyone from the crew of Grays Anatomy. After hours of online research I am not sure what the best way to find out is. I have looked at official sites and done google searches... Do you know contact info for peter horton the shows producer or any other members of the shows crew? If not do you know where I can find out contact info for peter or any other member? Thank you,

Nate 67.168.180.46 23:52, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

The production company for Grey's anatomy is listed on IMDB as "The Mark Gordon Company", and it's in the Los Angeles phonebook. Be aware that TV producers are very busy people, so they probably won't be up for an idle chat; fan mail is probably best sent as just that - mail. If you need to contact entertainment people on a regular basis you might consider subscribing to IMDBPro (linked from the IMDB. --Robert Merkel 03:57, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 7

[edit] behavior

What are short-run influences on a person's behavior that increase risk-taking? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.190.54.18 (talk • contribs)

Desperation, high potential payoff, peer pressure or social expectations, underestimation of risk or overestimation of success. alteripse 01:26, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Or ignorance/lack of knowledge of the situation. GeeJo (t) (c) • 08:34, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Ignorance alone isn't enough and awareness of ones ignorance will even have the opposite effect. It's ignorance combined with ignorance of ones own ignorance. Add megalomania (the opposite of ignorance of ones own ignorance) and you get a really explosive combination. Also, ignorance is rarely short-term (alas). DirkvdM 09:21, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Also, alcohol, and doubtless many other intoxicants. Notinasnaid 09:42, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Testosterone. StuRat 21:46, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Love. -LambaJan 02:24, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] British alien pod invasion film

As a boy (1956-1962) in Germany I saw a British film (black and white) which had alien pods landing near a village and infecting folks (black marks on their necks); this is not the American (1956) version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"; at the end of the film, the villagers were walking zombie-like to a facility that looked like a refinery - cylindrical tanks (3);

The people were actually the food for what was in the tanks.....the end of the film had the tanks exploding with a mass of what looked like burned marshmallows rising from each tank.

Did I dream I saw this film? Can anyone steer me to the title/year of this film?

Thanks much John Kolberg

Might this be The Day of the Triffids? This was a colour film, but most of the other clues seem to fit. JackofOz 02:13, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Correct author John Wyndham wrong story though I think it's The Midwich Cuckoos (filmed as Village of the Damned (1960 film) and Village of the Damned (1995 film). CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 05:15, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Good book, by the way. Well, at least I thought so when I read it as a kid. DirkvdM 09:24, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
After rethinking it I don't think that's right either. They were not food for the tanks. It almost sounds like Damon Knights story To Serve Man but I don't think that was filmed. Have a look through List of science fiction films and Classic “They Come Here” Sci–Fi Movies (1950-1969) to see if anything rings a bell. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 05:40, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
"To Serve Man" was an episode of one of the SF TV series -- either The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits, I can't remember which, right now. User:Zoe|(talk) 16:39, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, if only one were to have access to an encyclopedia, one could find such things as To Serve Man (The Twilight Zone). User:Zoe|(talk) 16:40, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Possibly Quatermass II or one of the others in the series? MeltBanana 20:42, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

That's the second time I've made overseas calls to track down info. But this time my father, (he's now is convinced I'm insane) who read and watched most SF from the late 40's onward couldn't place it. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 08:00, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Emblem, coat of arms, logo, seal

What's the difference between an emblem, a coat of arms, a logo, and a seal?

Have you read Coat of arms, logo, and Seal (device)? Dismas|(talk) 05:45, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How do I get myself to like studying as much as I (currently) like playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas right now?

I have this procrastination problem because for a while now, I've always wanted to finish the game before finishing my homework but it turns out my game has gone on for too long.

This becomes a major problem, so how can I get myself to like studying as much as that game, so I effectively replace that game as a recreational activity, with studying? I want to want to study, because I know I would get so far ahead, thinking studying is fun and all, so how do I get myself to feel that way? --Shultz 06:27, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

You've taken the first and most essential step by asking for help. (I would give you the next step except I never got around to finding out what it was; I was too busy watching some game on TV. I am the least qualified person in the world to talk about how to avoid procrastination.) Seriously though, you've demonstrated a committment to addressing the issue, and now you will discover there is no magic answer. Just keep being committed day after day. JackofOz 09:00, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
A very important problem that lies at the basis of our societies (well, that's where one would put education, isn't it). People are eager to learn. They're wired for it (or how does one say that?), much more than other animals. And this especially goes for teenagers. So they should be really eager to learn. And I beleive they are. Still, we present education in such a way that they hate it. So we must be doing something very very wrong. One positive move is in Dutch education, where things are left more to the own initiative of kids, deciding when to do what and how. Another rather long-standing option that alas hasn't made any major inroads yet is Montessori. But it has evolved enough to have educational facilities at all levels, it seems. This is rather a drastic step, but you might see if there is such a school around where you live. Doens';t have to be montessori, there are other similar types of schools, but this is the oldest, so probably the best starting point. DirkvdM 09:35, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Pavlovian Behavior modification could work. Alternatively, you could get addicted to the stupid but related game [here http://nobelprize.org/medicine/educational/pavlov/] and then realize that studying is actually more fun. -Halidecyphon 09:41, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Would it help if you thought about the advantages studying would have over playing the game. Look at the positive effects you'd get. Good marks for your exam and a chance at a good job later on. That kept me going. - Mgm|(talk) 10:56, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
I know through the experience of myself and my sons that the only good motivator is pain. The pain of being called a fat lazy slob, and the pain of getting bad marks. Focus on the pain! (Also works for excessive drinking) --Zeizmic 13:10, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
You know... When you play that game or watch television you are studying. You're on the learning end of very effective teaching tools. What are they teaching you? Well obviously not what the boring studying would teach you. Don't blame yourself for the failure of the education system to teach you in effective and entertaining ways, and don't blame them either (they're underfunded). You're all victims of this unfortunate situation. You need to rise above it. (Also, become friends with doers and you'll be a doer too.) -LambaJan 14:14, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, it's worth keeping in mind that you may not be able to. GTA is a brilliant game, you know. Third declension Latin nouns and Heron's formula just can't stand up to that level of awesomeness. So it might be better to accept that studying some things just isn't all that entertaining and so you should persevere for other reasons - it's useful knowledge, it's good for your brain, trigonometry makes you a blast at parties, that sort of thing. Alternatively, you could also try studying things you enjoy. I suspect any number of our film majors just couldn't find anything else they could stand to do for four years. --George 17:46, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
LOL. You guys are nuts. I don't get half of what you're saying, but I sure hope it is meant in jest. :) "become friends with doers and you'll be a doer too." What on Earth does that mean? And "Focus on the pain". You had me worried for a second, but the drinking-example cleared that up.
Actually, more seriously, that may just be at the core of the problem. When you go boozing you know you're going to feel bad the next day. But does that stop you? No. Even though you know from experience that there is a certainty that you will get nasty results just a few hours later. That's a very 'clear and present danger'. And still you do it. Compare that with other people telling you that there is a good chance (you know it's not a certainty) that ten years from now you'll have a decent pay. If the hangover threat doesn't work then how on Earth is such a vague reward going to work? It's simply the wrong kind of motivation. And the right motivation is right under our noses. Kids love learning. All we need to do is present the experience in a fun way. Or maybe just leave them to it and find their own way. Well, ok I admit that diplomas are useful. So let them do exams and such of their own choosing in their own time, with the only requirement that they get a certain amount of study points in a certain amount of time. I find this very important and I've thought about it a lot and I've come to the conclusion that the answer is somewhere in that vicinity. DirkvdM 21:28, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
How 'bout: Do all the things that are bad for you, and you'll turn out like Dirk? --Zeizmic 22:42, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, some good advice at last. :) DirkvdM 09:58, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Maybe I am nuts, but that was good advice. If you associate with people who do what they're supposed to do instead of procrastinate, you'll most likely pick up on their habits and values and start behaving that way yourself. -LambaJan 02:33, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
I've never played GTA, but I think that, with most of these games, part of the allure is that you receive frequent and immediate positive reinforcement, which makes you want to continue playing. Studying also has positive reinforcement but it comes much less often and much more slowly, so it doesn't have nearly so strong an effect in shaping your behavior.
For that reason, some people find some benefit in setting up artificial rewards. I'm no longer in school, but I often use the technique of making a to-do list, with the tasks broken down into small chunks. That way, each time I complete part of the task, I get the reward of crossing it off my list. (The list is often on my hard drive, but even then, I really do cross it off, although changing the font to strikeout takes more time than a simple deletion would. A visible string of crossed-off tasks also functions as a reward by giving me something to feel triumphant about.) Like others who use this method, I sometimes finish a task before getting around to adding it to the list; that entitles me to add it to the list just for the pleasure of immediately crossing it off.
For example, "I finished my homework -- Yay!" is a reward but maybe not enough. Change it to "I finished my math homework -- Yay!" and "I finished my French homework -- Yay!" Even better would be something like: "I scanned the French passage and made a list of the words I didn't know -- Yay!", "I looked up and wrote down the meaning of each unfamiliar word -- Yay!", and "I went back to the original passage and translated it by referring to the list I'd made -- Yay!" "And, oh, wow, having done all that, I've finished my French homework -- Yippee! I'm really hot stuff!"
If this kind of cheering doesn't give you enough bang, you might scope out your homework, list the tasks, assign each task a point value, and resolve that when you've accumulated 100 points you're entitled to take a GTA break or have a cookie or whatever. Then finishing each small component gives you immediate positive reinforcement, as you score a few more points. JamesMLane t c 09:00, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Wow, that's really good advice! Complimented JamesMLane -LambaJan 03:24, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cost of aircraft carrier

Hello, I was just thinking how much it'd cost to buy a new or second hand aircraft carrier, destroyer or frigate? Anyone know? Thanks AllanHainey 08:07, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Since you can't "buy" such things as such (they are not off-the-shelf products - probably because the shelf would have to be really big!), it's difficult to give an exact price. However, as an idea, this quotes about $2.5 billion USD for a conventional (ie non-nuclear) carrier, and our article on the subject lists about $5 billion USD for a nuclear carrier. From the same article, however, you can see that the prices can vary considerably - for instance, the Indian navy's new carrier will cost about $750 million. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 08:47, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Can private persons with large enough wads of cash buy aircraft carriers, or are they regulated for official navies only? JIP | Talk 09:31, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
There was this issue of a Dutch submarine being sold to a provate person a year or two ago, but I can't remember details nor find anything on it now. Of course, ships are sold to private persons for scrap. But with navy stuff they'd have to be stripped of any 'secret' parts. And then there is the issue of sailing it (if that is the idea). I supose that isn't a problem in international waters (or is it?), but the ship would also have to be serviced, and there won't be too many ports that can handle an aircraft carrier. And most of those will be military. I suppose. DirkvdM 09:49, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
For an example of "Terrorist" groups (USA's definition) running their own navy, see the Tamil Tigers article Ojw 15:19, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
A set of 3 chunky new Australian air warfare destroyers, which will be close to state of the art when completed, will cost about 6,000 million AUD (about 4.5 billion USD), but that figure probably includes the weapons systems and the maintainance contract. --Robert Merkel 11:32, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

The Russian government, and perhaps some of their neighbors would be only too happy to accept oodles of cash from you to sell one of their old rust buckets, and the Russian Mafia will be happy to take it off your hands, killing you in the process, after you get it operational again, because the international terrorists are anxious to get their hands on something like this. User:AlMac|(talk) 05:45, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

As the Indian Navy article says, an old Russian aircraft carrier goes for about $1.5 billion dollars. No, Osama won't be buying one any time soon. --Robert Merkel 12:24, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
A 1940s-era British aircraft carrier was listed on eBay back at the end of 2003 for about four million pounds, apparently.. dunno if it ever sold... CDC (talk) 04:30, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] san jose city college 1979 first team, division one all american for 3rd base in baseball

I am looking for a magazine or any other document that shows the san jose city college 1979 first team, division one all american for 3rd base in baseball. If anyone can find this answer and give me a website or anything i would really apreciate it. Thank you very much

[edit] why the vikings became skilled sea men

hello i would like to know why the vikings were skilled seamen

Well, the root of the word "Viking" is actually "man of the bay", and originally only referred to sailors, so in order to actually be a Viking, you needed some prerequisite skill at seacraft — however, the term has become somewhat corrupted to mean any Viking-era Scandinavian. As to why Scandinavians were so adept at naval warfare, partly it was the fishing culture of the time, but mostly it was due to the establishment of the Leidang (actually to protect them against Vikings.) GeeJo (t) (c) • 09:17, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, kind of. Nobody knows for certain the origin of the term "viking", another theory is that it's the people of Vik, as in a place-name, which may have been the Oslofjord-Skagen area. "Viking" as a term for an expedition and a member of such an expedition came later. But I don't think it was ever a generic term for 'sailors'. --BluePlatypus 11:06, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, any people who live by the sea will become adept at sailing. This is true for most European people because Europe has so much coastline and that is probably an important reason why Europe 'conquered the world'. Further back in time, it goes for the Greeks, the Romans and most countries that followed. The Vikings were jut the most adept around the 8th century (thereabouts). Why they were successful sailors exactly around that time in stead of earlier or later, I don't know. DirkvdM 09:59, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

The main Viking nation (Denmark) consisted of 100s of islands including naval routes to possesions in Norway and Sweden which forced almost any settlement that wishes to trade to become adept at sailing. Also to keep in mind that back then sailing were immensely faster than walking across land so it was often faster to sail around for example Jutland instead of walking across it making a need for seamanship greater. Further more Dirk Vikings werent just adept around the 8th centuary, theres just only viking raids records of that era, ancient vikings boats salvaged proofs that the scandinavian people were adept at sailing long before that. - Joneleth

That's anachronistic. Denmark, Sweden and Norway did not exist as kingdoms at the time (nor could they therefore have posessions). There were Norwegians, Danes, Jutes, Geats, Gotlanders, Swedes and possibly Rus. And there were further subdivisions of those groups. Beowulf refers to 13 different groups of Danes, 3 groups of Swedes and 3 groups of Geats. The consolidation of these petty kingdoms into Denmark, Sweden and Norway, together with the contemporary conversion to Christianity, are the events that define the end of the Viking Age. --BluePlatypus 11:59, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Regardless of how u want to define or split up the viking populations fact remains that Scandinavia, and primarily the area today known as Denmark consisted of many 100s islands which forced everyone to know sailing to a certain degree, and as to possesions i mainly refer to colonies on the coast of norway from vikings in the area known as Denmark. - Joneleth

Norway and Sweden have hundreds of islands as well. The Stockholm archipelago alone has 24,000. There were no viking populations, because there was no "viking people". What colonies in Norway are you referring to? Kaupang? I've not read anywhere that it was founded by Danes. Or that they really know who founded it, or any Viking-age age settlement. For instance, there's speculation that Birka may have been founded by Frisians. I disagree with your description that Denmark was 'the main Viking nation', and the implication that Viking culture (as if there was a single one) spread from there. There's no evidence of that. --BluePlatypus 06:07, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

And to clarify what I said, the Vikings (or whichever Nordic people) were the most adept in Europe (or at least best know for it) around the 8th century (and for some time thereafter). Of course these skills didn't come out of the blue and they must have been good sailors long before that. Anyway, we agree oj one thing. It's the mere presence of water that makes people build boats and learn to use them. Which were the major colonising nations? Great Britain, Netherlands, France, Spain and Portugal. Now look at a map and what do they have in common? Right, the Atlantic. The Belgians just weren't trying hard enough, I suppose. :) DirkvdM 21:41, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Belgium didnt exist until 1836 so apart from trying to avoid being annexed back into the netherlands, and establishing an new government. I'll say they were fairly excused considering they still managed to colonise the most valuable part of africa.

It is not only the presence of waters, but population pressures as well to force people across it. There are areas containing a great deal of coastline in the New World, yet I do not know of any advanced sailors developing. In Polynesia such pressures created an advanced while the low levels of pressure in New World is evident.--Birgitte§β ʈ Talk 21:38, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Voiceovers - removal

If I have a .wav of a piece of music with a voiceover, how do I edit the voiceover out?--anon

With great, great difficulty. If you have a copy of the voiceover without the music, some specialist editting software could subtract the two, leaving just the music, but it would be nearly impossible using just Sound Recorder or similar. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 11:24, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Audacity is a good bit of software to point at in this case. Good luck -- voice removal is tricky and rarely ends up with great results. kmccoy (talk) 03:07, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
If it is a stereo signal, there is a chance of success by inverting one channel and adding them together. I never did it, though. --Zeizmic 13:03, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
So, is this question pretty much like "I have a photo of a car with someone stood in front of it. How can I remove the person from the photo so I can read the license plate?" Notinasnaid 14:35, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
The March 2006 edition of Australian Personal Computer magazine came with GoldWave 4.26 that has voice erasing functionality. It's not free though. I tried it with a few songs that I had - it works reasonably well. enochlau (talk) 14:45, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Typically the voice over will be in a particular frequency range. You can filter out that frequency range, and hope you don't happen to hit something else that's also at that frequency (cross fingers). Kim Bruning 22:52, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wiki?

What does Wiki stand for? Where did the name originate?

It certainly doesn't have origins in the word wicca, although some people who ask questions at the reference desk seem to think so. --Optichan 14:39, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Wika is a Neopagan religion found in many different countries, though most commonly in English-speaking cultures.

But Wikia is a company that hosts wikis! Thryduulf 17:53, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
That's what they want you to think. Sum0 23:18, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Reuben Wiki is a New Zealand Rugby League player, and Mt. Wiki is in Alaska, IIRC. Grutness...wha? 05:44, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] computer key board

How do I print the symbols for cents, and other often used symbols not listed on the keyboard? I know there is a list of them but don't remember what it is called.

Thanks for your assistance Barbara Bonner

  • It depends on what operating system you have (e.g. Mac OS X, Windows 98, ...)
If you have Windows, you can run the program called CharMap. Here is a quick tutorial. Since Microsoft seems to move it around on the Start Menu from time to time, I usually just click Start/Run then type Charmap in the box and click OK. LarryMac 16:38, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Try holding Alt and typing 0162 on your number pad. That should give you "¢". That's the cent symbol in most fonts. --Optichan 16:42, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Thats great. Where can you get a list of the Alt + nos. for al the symbols?

They're listed in the status bar at the bottom of Character Map. --Optichan 16:51, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, they are, but not as of Windows XP. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 08:07, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
I use XP and they are certainly there. For example, for ¢, it says "Keystroke: Alt+0162". Ardric47 00:38, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
Some software such as MS Word and certain free text editors, such as EditPad Lite byt not MS Notepad or MS Wordpad have a character map built in. Which makes it a lot easier. Also the available characters available may differ based on font type used. So if you put in a character and the person viewing the file does not have that font they will only see things like ???? or a row of small boxes. Have a look at Inuit and see what you see in the first line. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 17:37, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Hmm, we really ought to have this character map in Wikipedia somewhere, but the best maps I can find are at Windows code pages and Western Latin character sets (computing), which are given only in hex. --Shantavira 18:34, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

If you haven't succumbed to the Beast of Redmond and you're working in WordPerfect, Ctrl+W gives you access to numerous special characters. In my version (WordPerfect 12, Home Edition), there are fifteen separate sets of characters. The ¢ sign is in menu 4 ("Typographic Symbols"), number 19, so it shows up in Reveal Codes as 4,19. I inserted the cents sign in the previous sentence by creating it in a WordPerfect document, then cutting and pasting it here. (I hope it shows up as a cents sign for everyone. If Gates could figure out a way to block it, I'm sure he would.) JamesMLane t c 09:17, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Posting on Wikipedia

Hello,

Recently I noticed that there was an entry for an organization called Democracy Matters that does a lot of gret things on democracry reform issues. I'd like to do the same for our organization. We are the Greenlining Institute, a multi-ethnic public policy research and advocacy Institute that works to empower low income and minority communities. How can I post information about us?

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hector Javier Preciado Director - Strategic Communications 510-926-4008 Please don't post your e-mail address.

Simple answer: Click here. Click on "Create this article". Type your article. (Click on "help" if you need help). Click on "Save". Voila! --Shantavira 18:40, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
On the other hand, writing an article about your own organisation is not a very good idea, according to Wikipedia's autobiography guidelines. If your organisation is sufficiently notable, someone else will write about it in due course. /130.243.135.145 20:15, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
As an Easterner, I never heard of this organization, which seems to emphasize California work. Quick research confirms its notability, though. I've started a stub. At least it links to the organization's website, so the reader can get the extensive information that ideally would be in our article. JamesMLane t c 09:44, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Alexa Vega

Hi does anyone know the name of a movie starring Alexa Vega who plays a girl named Vanessa who is bullied by her 'friends' to the point where she tryes to kill herself? I saw it yesterday but I didn't see the name,haha, thnx.--Cosmic girl 17:30, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[12]? Frencheigh 17:34, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Thank you :) --Cosmic girl 19:30, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Was that a spoiler? Now I have no reason to watch the movie. --Optichan 20:14, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] US security agencies' HQ's in 1969

Where was the headquarters for National Security Agency (NSA), US Naval Intelligence (ONI) and the CIA located in 1969?

Please, help and thank you for your time.

USA - Joneleth

Are you writing a spy story? The CIA has been at its current location in Langley, Virginia since 1959. The NSA has been at its current location on the army base at Fort Meade, Maryland since 1957. I'm not positive, but I think in 1969, US Naval Intelligence was called NAVINTCOM (Naval Intelligence Command) not ONI, and I'm pretty sure they would have been headquartered at The Pentagon. --Canley 22:24, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
According to something I saw on one of the TV Science and History channels (I forget which one), the Pentagon was under construction on the eve of WW II, then they accelerated construction right after Pearl Harbor. Prior to that the various different parts of the War Dept were scattered all over DC. User:AlMac|(talk) 15:37, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] ESE Student Rights from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

I am looking for information regarding ESE student rights.

My son is disabled; (from a traumatic brain injury). Asa result, he is in mostly parallel level ESE classes in highschool (10th grade) because of his need for the specialized services. We are content with his ESE classes.

He has the full use of only one arm/hand.

He needs to fulfill the requirement of 2 years of the same foreign language to be able to attend a University. He is a good student except in the Regular French class were he struggles as a result of his disabilities. They only supply ESE sign language which is a 2 handed class. The sign teacher told me that he does not have one-handed sign instruction.

There are other language classes available, but none are ESE. His interest is in French. He is in a regular French class and bordering between a “D” and an “F” as a result of the class type and the fact that they are not implementing his IEP Adaptations. (ie. Studyguides for test, oral response, etc.)Otherwise, he is learning, but not passing the tests.

I had asked for them to modify the class to an ESE format for my son but was told that the teacher is not certified ESE and that there are not enough students to warrant creating one.

Are there any regulations from the IDEA that can help me in this matter?

72.144.172.196 19:15, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Which country ? StuRat 21:26, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), the nation's law that works to improve results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. It's a U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services agency.
There's a lot of material hereand here but it's over my head a little. But you can start there anyway. There's a number you can call (1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327)) for questions. Rx StrangeLove 23:01, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Articles

how do i stop my article from being case sensitive? (only searching on the exact use of capital letters does search function lead me to the page). - Joneleth

Article names will always be case-sensitive. It's often a good idea to create a redirect. Say I have an article at "jUmPy" and I want to make sure that a search for "jumpy" goes there. Assuming "jumpy" isn't yet created, start that article with the content
#REDIRECT [[jUmPy]]
and now searches to "jumpy" will be forwarded to "jUmPy". Hope this helps! — Lomn Talk 20:05, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
You could create redirects from some of the alternative capitalizations and spellings, so that those pages automatically direct people to the article. --Optichan 20:08, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Note that a useful standard is create a redirect with the entire thing lowercase, so whenever there's any doubt on casing you can always just type it without any capitals. ☢ Ҡieff⌇↯ 23:56, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
... and, if you do this, any capitalization will match this redirect when "Go"ing to the article (but not when linking). Unless you want to catch miscapitalized links, there's almost no point in adding multiple redirects with different capitalizations other than one that is all lowercase (or all uppercase). -- Rick Block (talk) 05:46, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Note that you do need to worry about the first character, which is not case sensitive on Wikipedia. Apple and apple will take you straight to the same article. --Shantavira 14:25, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Spanish Americas

Hi - Can anyone lead me to a list of Mint Marks on Spanish colonial coins. Many coins are similare and only the Mint Mark identifies the country 1750 to late 1800

Well, for starters heres a list of some Spanish new world mint marks. Here's another spreadsheet that looks like it may be more complete but without any illistrations. There's a nice overview of the Spanish Dollar here on Wikipedia. Rx StrangeLove 22:42, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Bows

Is there any name for the stick-thing part of a bow?

Is there any info in Bow (weapon)? --Optichan 20:19, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Or I guess you might be refering to Bow (music). Please clarify. --Optichan 20:21, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
I mean weapon, and no, there isn't. I once saw it refered to as a 'stave', is that the proper term?
I think the wooden bit is the bow as it is the most vital part, bow-strings by comparison are easily produced. My dictionary says stave is a name for the shaft of a lance but does not mention arrows. MeltBanana 20:54, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

The bow is the wooden part, with upper and lower limbs, nocked at each tip for the bowstring, and a central grip and arrow rest.

Thank you!

[edit] Impossible Objects

You can't tell me you think these can exist.
You can't tell me you think these can exist.

How can a sane person come up with that? who comes up with impossible objects? I can't even discern them and much less come up with one...--Cosmic girl 20:25, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Two-pronged thingies with three prongs? Those are great. --Optichan 20:32, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Like what? And maybe they're not sane. Maybe they're eccentric, or only slightly insane.
Anyone who is interested in how the human brain perceives depth will also be interested in corner cases (or some similar concept). That can be artists or biologists, I guess. A famous artist who explored shapes like this was M.C.Escher. -- Kim Bruning 20:39, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Thought of him too (being a fellow Dutchman and al that - not that I have nationalist sentiment or pride or something like that, oh dear no, that would be way too un-Dutch). Anyway, he got a lot of inspiration from arabic art. Arabs generally being muslims were not allowed to depict people (let alone Mohammed, let alone as a terrorist, but I digress again). So they focused on abstract art and came up with quite some cool mathematical designs. They were also very good mathematicians and I now wonder which of the two was the inspiration for the other (assuming there was a connection). DirkvdM 21:54, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, they are not completely impossible. There is an artist (perhaps someone will recall the name) who specialises in creating these things in 3D. The catch is that the illusion only works when looking at them from a certain very specific angle. --Shantavira 14:30, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Impossible Triangle sculpture, East Perth, Australia
Impossible Triangle sculpture, East Perth, Australia
Yes, the illusion only works from a certain angle, and that's the catch. It doesn't exist in the same way as the drawing, which could presumably be viewed properly from all angles if it was possible. But of course, they can't because they aren't. --Optichan 14:46, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

Arabic Art doesn't seem to have much about impossible objects yet. Kim Bruning 14:50, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

Indeed, the drawing lets you see the 'scene' from just one angle. But you're used to that in a 2-dimensional image of a 3-dimensional scene, so the illusion is stronger. But you couldn't make a drawing from any angle of most of those 'objects' (for example the bottom one shown). Or is that the point you wanted to make? DirkvdM 10:31, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Don't forget Roger Penrose. From all that I've read about Escher, he got this idea from Penrose. Never heard the Arabic theory before. See Penrose triangle. deeptrivia (talk) 03:40, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] hire purchase

Being indecisive? DirkvdM 21:55, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Or just British. See hire purchase. --Anon, 22:48 UTC, February 7.

[edit] Lobsters in love

Do lobsters fall in love for life? and if so please can i have some reputable proof apart from Friends and Lucky Lobster.

--Quidom 21:39, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Do lobsters fall in love at all? I don't know. If you want to know whether they mate for life, then no, they don't. —Charles P._(Mirv) 01:52, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] job search firms - payment

How do career/executive search firms make money? Are they typically paid by the individual looking for a job? By the corporations/companies searching for employees? A combination of both?

What is the typical rate? Is it usually a percentage of the individual's annual salary? If so, what percent is normally received? Is the payment contingency based (they are paid after an individual is placed in a job), or some amount up-front and the remainder paid upon placement? Are there other arrangements that are common?

Once again that magic answer box on the left comes to our assistance. Type in 'recruiter'. If I was nice, I'd put it in a link, but I won't. --Zeizmic 22:39, 7 February 2006 (UTC)


Well, that wasn't very nice, please see WP:BITE. If you can't be WP:CIVIL then maybe answer questions that you can be more helpful on.
Take a look here: recruiter...there's not a lot of detail but it's a start. Rx StrangeLove 05:58, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Zeizmic is the only one allowed to be rude; he's the official Reference Desk Grump. =P —Keenan Pepper 05:29, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Ahem. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 06:36, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Plane crash

Has there ever been an incident where a traveling Professional team has gotten into an Accident where all or some of the passengers were all killed. If so, what did the team do in the aftermath?

They tried to stay Alive. (Follow the link.) StuRat 22:51, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, see Munich air disaster. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 22:47, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
Sort of, see Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 about how a plane carrying a rugby team when down in the Andes and the survivors resorted to cannibalism to survive. Though not "professional", it qualifies for the other aspects of your question, they did go down in a plane, they were on a sports team, and some of the passengers were killed. Dismas|(talk) 22:51, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
For still other examples see the site www.planecrashinfo.com. Follow the "famous deaths" link and look at each decade's page under that, and look for the word "team". (If you see "details in database", then you can get a little more information about the accident by going back to their home page, then doing "go to database" and looking for the date. ) You could then try doing web searches (or looking in Wikipedia) for the team to see what they did afterwards. --Anonymous, 22:55 UTC, February 7.
Also Torino in the Superga air disaster and Zambia Zambia_national football team#The Gabon air disaster. Jameswilson 00:09, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
In the U.S., no pro team's plane has crashed, but several college teams have been involved in crashes. One famous example was the 1970 Marshall University football team, most of whose members died after what I believe was the second-last game of that season. The next game was canceled, and the following year the team regrouped with the few players who weren't on the plane and a bunch of new recruits. Earlier that season, 14 Wichita State University players died in another plane crash. The team canceled its next game but played out its season with its surviving players, losing every game. -- Mwalcoff 02:41, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
In 1961 a plane carrying most of the United States Figure Skating team crashed on the way to the World Championships. Wasn't there a crash involving the University of Evansville basketball team? And a van crash involving an Oklahoma State University women's team, though I don't remember in what sport. User:Zoe|(talk) 22:16, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
The Evansville crash was in 1977. -- Mwalcoff 02:59, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
In the U.S., in 1959, a plane crash killed a 'team' of proffessional musicians: Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. -LambaJan 03:34, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wed Page Development

Is the 'Meta Keywords' tag still used by search engines or webmasters as a search tool on webpages?

See Meta tag. They're not used as much these days because of a tendancy to "keyword stuffing". --Canley 02:18, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Fish and chips

I have heard that the origin of 'chips' was from Thomas Chippendale, who enjoyed sliced potato with his fish. It's feasible, given the timescales, but I can't actually verify that it is true. Can you help?

I don't think there's any reason to believe it. As it happens, the Oxford English Dictionary's online version is temporarily available free right now, as part of a promotion with the BBC, so you can check it yourself at this page. You'll see that the word "chip" has existed since about 1330 and was used in reference to food (at that time, bread) as early as about 1440. On the other hand, their first citation for the word specifically in connection with potatoes is from Dickens, dated 1859, and their first cite in the phrase "fish and chips" is from 1876: long after Thomas Chippendale's death in 1779. This part of the dictionary probably hasn't been updated since around 1970, but if someone as well known as Chippendale was really associated with the word, we can assume they would have known about it by then. --Anonymous, 23:10 UTC, February 7.
Potato chip dates from 1859, apparantely, [13], and it seems more likely it came from the older sense of a chip of something, a small slice of wood, etc. Sum0 23:11, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Life Expectancy

Why do women generally live longer than men? This is a bonus question for a school assignment that I have been working on for quite some time. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

See an article detailing tht topic. Superm401 - Talk 01:19, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

- Trevor

[edit] Disney owned companies

Does the Walt Disney Company own Dimension films and Pixar Animation Studios, and if so are they part of the Buena Vista Movie Group? thanks

See Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group. Yes, Pixar Animation Studios is part of the BVMG, but Dimension Films isn't any more, it became part of The Weinstein Company when Harvey and Bob Weinstein left Disney in 2005. --Canley 02:15, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Rose thorns

I have thorns in my fingers from gardening due to the fact that I was not wearing any gloves. They have been there for ten months and I've had to painstakingly remove them one by one since they are small, fine and needle-like. What bothers me is when I think they have all been removed, it seems that several more appear in the same spot the next day. Any help would be appreciated as I am having trouble healing and have been to many doctors with no success. Thank you.

We are not doctors here, and in general our free medical advice has been terrible. If you want to practice self-surgery, then here's a gross link [14]. But it does say that advanced imaging is recommended. --Zeizmic 00:58, 8 February 2006 (UTC)


Thank you for your help. Advanced imaging is probably best & I never thought of doing that.

Don't forget to put in a good word for me at the 'old grump' trials. :) --Zeizmic 12:48, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Sorry, not sure what you mean by 'old grump' trials??

--~~ ← Is that your signature? --Optichan 22:36, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

Not sure what you mean, because if you read Wikipedia, how to ask a question, they say to end it with --207.96.195.219 (for whatever reason, I don't know)
It makes a link to your user page, but it doesn't help much in this case because you don't have one. —Keenan Pepper 05:31, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Thank you for that information, you are correct (the reason is because I just found out about Wikipedia recently and don't really know much about it except that they may be able to help when people have questions.

[edit] February 8

[edit] Roy Disney

Roy Disney, Nephew of Walt Disney had resigned the Walt Disney Company a few years ago. Is Roy still resigned or is he working again at the present?

Roy E. Disney goes through the whole Roy Disney vs. Michael Eisner situation. Interesting stuff! ...Looks like he's still involved with the company, but doesn't really have a formal position - he's a "Director Emeritus." tiZom(the man) 02:10, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Flagship of the RAN

What is the flagship of the Royal Australian Navy?

Looks like it's HMS Illustrious (R06). She became the Fleet Flagship on 4 August 2005. Rx StrangeLove 06:22, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

That's the flagship of the Royal Navy, not the Australian one. If they do have one, I'd guess it's either HMAS Anzac (FFH 150) or possibly HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01). HMAS Anzac is the lead ship of their most advanced class of ship. Sum0 14:36, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I suspect if they name a new one, they'll wait for their air warfare destroyers or their chunky new landing craft, all of which will make the RAN a much bigger force than it is right now. There doesn't seem to be any reference to a current flagship on the RAN's site.--Robert Merkel 04:21, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Dean

what's the diff between a dean and a principle??

a Dean is in charge of a department/faculty. A Principal is in overall charge of the school/university. GeeJo (t) (c) • 08:54, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
This varies between countries. I'll assume the above refers to the US. In other countries the Dean may be in charge of the University, or may be in charge of Theology. DJ Clayworth 17:58, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually I live in the UK — Deans here oversee faculties rather than individual departments (which is why my original response listed both.) Principal still ranks higher though. GeeJo (t) (c) • 20:06, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Pie and chips

In the latest issue of Viz, Biffa Bacon's long-lost uncle McDekka serves haggis for everyone, but it turns out there's only enough for young Biffa, so he nips oot ter the chippy and gets the rest three pie and chips. What kind of pie is it? JIP | Talk 09:09, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

If they are in Scotland, scotch pie. If they are in England, gristle and gravy in soggy pastry. Notinasnaid 09:39, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
They are most certainly in England. Biffa says that McDekka is only his ordinary uncle Dekka in Scottish disguise. What does a scotch pie contain? JIP | Talk 09:56, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Anyone living in England (or Scotland) will most likely assume a steak and kidney pie - a staple item on the menu of fish and chip shops. (Though not the only possibility - chip shops also typically offer chicken and mushroom pies.) Maid Marion 11:39, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
What about eel pie or am I just to old? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:52, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I've never seen eel pie on a chip shop menu, but maybe I just don't get out enough. There seems to be quite a theme of chip shops on this page today. I'm used to something more elevated! Maid Marion 12:00, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I guess it was probably a London thing and may have died out by now. I was thinking back more than 30 years. But see Eel Pie recipe. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 12:18, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Bluetooth

Good morning,

Would a Canon BU 10 Bluetooth adapter allow a Canon i90 printer to be connected to a Apple iMac G5?

Hi there. You might not find any pros to answer your question here, maybe you should try to contact Canon. Mrtea (talk) 18:10, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Human seeing

How far a human can see???

I recently saw 2.2 million light years. Notinasnaid 12:22, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
The Triangulum Galaxy is about 2.4 Mly away and can sometimes be seen under ideal conditions. Ardric47 00:45, 13 February 2006 (UTC)


Eyes open or closed?

It's a matter of how bright the light source you are looking at is. I don't think there is any biological limitation to the distance you can see so long as the object you are looking at is bright enough. For example, your hand will not be visible from, say 50m away. But a light that is the same size as your hand will be. - Akamad 12:30, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I remember from my old boy scout manuals, that you could judge distance by what the naked eye could resolve. There was even a table. That would be interesting if somebody could dig that up. --Zeizmic 12:52, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
The human eye, as many other eyes I imagine, can respond to just one photon of light. And there is no limitation to the distance that a photon can travel, so a human can see an infinite distance. You probably won't notice a single photon though, as your eye will be saturated by other, more numerous photons most of the time. Supposedly, you can detect a single photon by adjusting to absolute darkness and then staring into a piece of radioactive material. I can't remember what material is appropriate and you'd probably get cancer of the eye anyway.  Run!  16:00, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm a bit skeptical about a single photon being enough to trigger either a rod or cone to send a nerve signal. Do you have any proof of this ? StuRat 19:07, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I've heared that a single photon is enough to trigger a chemical reaction in the rod but isn't enough for us to really see it, that is, the signal probably won't get to the brain. I'm not completely sure of this though. – b_jonas 19:39, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I think b_jonas is right. According to google [15] the eye has special filters to prevent a single photon from causing a signal - else our visual senses would be swamped with random 'noise'. Regarding my previous comment about radioative material - a radioactive decay event produces many photons, enough to create a signal when the focus onto a single cell in the eye :)  Run!  20:43, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
¿¿¿According to Google??? DirkvdM 10:42, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
You can see stars, can't you? (I suppose that's the point Notinasnaid wanted to make.) And stars can gang together in galaxies, making them visible over even larger distances. I don't know what is the most distant object one can see, though. By the way, you don't specify 'with the naked eye', so what is the farthest object one can see with a telescope? Fairly close to the big bang, I believe, so that would then be in the order of billions of light years. DirkvdM 10:42, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
If you are interested in Earthly things, then it depends on what height you are in. If you are at ground level, you can't really see far because of earth's curvature. --Vsion (talk) 14:27, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Unless it curves the other way, such as in the centre of North America, where the land slowly rises to the West, towards the Rockies. It seems that that is one of the places on Earth where you can look furthest. DirkvdM 18:37, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Critiques?

Hi!

I was wondering where some good places on the internet are where I can ask people to critique my HSC short-film screenplay (7 pages). I really need the critiques soon so I can perfect this piece before I start shooting (in around 3 weeks time).

Also, if anyone HERE wants to critique it, just let me know & i'll send you the URL to the screenplay.

Thanks! gelo 12:12, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

I can't, because then you would sue me when I make my next major film. --Zeizmic 12:54, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I'll critique it. -LambaJan 02:50, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

"Never criticize a person until you've walked a mile in their shoes. That way, when they try to beat the crap out of you, they will be a mile away, and without any shoes. This will give you a nice running head start." StuRat 06:13, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

  • criticizing and critiqueing are two different things, Stu. - Mgm|(talk) 09:40, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Slightly different, but quite closely related. StuRat 04:00, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Did you think to walk a mile in his shoes before saying that? (This is neither critique nor criticism - it's a question :) ) DirkvdM 19:02, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Thanks guys. LambaJan, email me at urban.filo@gmail.com and i will send you the URL to the screenplay.

[edit] credit card security

I know the three-digit security code on the back of my credit card, so is there any reason why I shouldn't obliterate it in case it gets stolen? --Shantavira 14:43, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

Think of the concept of a convenience store clerk looking at a vandalized credit card. --Zeizmic 15:24, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Read all about it at Card Security Code. hydnjo talk 18:00, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Daffy Duck

Does Daffy Duck have a middle name? If so, what is it? Please and thank you18:16, 8 February 2006 (UTC)64.113.201.5

Daffy Duck is a fictional duck and has no middle name. Wikiquote has a list of quotations by Daffy Duck. Thank you. --Shantavira 19:22, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Does too. Daffy Dumas Duck. There's an amusing discussion of it at Talk:Daffy Duck. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 04:09, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Well as it says there, "this is obviously just a joke" once you see the context, rather as though you suddenly called yourself "jp challenger gordon" in this context. I rest my case. --Shantavira 14:55, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Angelina Jolie contact information

I am wondering if you could help me find a contact address for Angelina Jolie as I would like to contact her or one of her agents regarding her work with children.

Thank you so much for your time and attention.

Angelina Jolie is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commisioner for Refuges. You can learn more about this at UNHCR_Goodwill_Ambassador including an external link to the UN page where you can contact the UNHCR. JACooks 19:19, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
I would not want to be on the same list as Jack Thompson. --Optichan 22:04, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
It appears that link needed to be disambiguated. Fortunately he is not castigating 'murder simulations' in developing nations on behalf of the UN. Where would he find the time? KWH 04:33, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] brad pitt

Is Brad Pitt gay?

No, he is currently dating Angelina Jolie. - Akamad 19:54, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
And if you're simply being archaic and asking if he's happy: Yes, he is currently dating Angelina Jolie. GeeJo (t) (c) • 20:02, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
It would be truer to say that only Brad himself could really answer your question. The best we can say is that (a) there is no evidence he is gay, and (b) there is plenty of evidence he is straight. JackofOz 20:24, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
(c) Angelina Jolie isn't that great. ☢ Ҡieff⌇↯ 02:25, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Although doubleplusgood to look at, she does have those two, nearly three, burdens known as children...  :-( And one of them is being credited to Pitt, so that lends credence to the argument that he is not in fact homosexual. Dismas|(talk) 15:40, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] NHL 2K6

Is NHL 2K6 better than ESPN National Hockey Night?--216.191.40.138

Check the reviews and decide for yourself. --Optichan 22:11, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] harry potter and the goblet of fire PC

does harry potter and the goblet of fire game for PC have cheat codes?

I checked GameFAQs and all it lists are unlockables. --Optichan 22:13, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Could you really live happily knowing you cheated at Harry Potter? You'll alway's carry the memory of cheating when you brag about beating it, or when you're watching the movie... I think I want to cry. -LambaJan 02:55, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Just think of it as a Deus ex machina, it's not like Rowling is averse to those herself :) GeeJo (t) (c) • 16:11, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
LOL! -LambaJan 03:42, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] mercury man

do mercury man comics really exist?

Yes, search Mercury Man and ytou will find the answer.
Suitly emphazied. GeeJo (t) (c) • 20:18, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wikipedia warriors

Internet flame warriors is a wellknown classification of the residents of usenet, messageboards and mailing lists. Does any such classification exist for wikipedia editors ? :-D Tintin (talk) 21:42, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

Gods among men? Nah, that's probably on Admins :-D LarryMac 21:52, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
POV pushers? Vandals? Trolls? Admins are the warriors of good! - Mgm|(talk) 09:43, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
And you can take his word on that because he is an admin. :) DirkvdM 10:46, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
You could be a Wikipediholic User:AlMac|(talk) 10:17, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] iTunes

I've managed to rather screw up my MP3 collection. I think I know how to get it back (if not, expect further questions) but for the time being, just a few queries:

  • iTunes can consolidate all my MP3s into one location, ordered by album and artist, etc.
  • I deleted a few of the original MP3s, assuming that the consolidated copies would remain. However, it would seem that somewhere along the line the consolidated copies were deleted too. I suspect iTunes as the culprit, but I'm not sure if that's what it does.
  • So if iTunes does delete the consolidated library MP3s when I delete the original, how do I ask it, very kindly, not to do it?

Thanks y'all. Sum0 21:59, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

My friend, with a Mac, was always deleting her digital photos, mainly because of the way they use linked lists. Sometimes it helps to know a bit more about the guts of the computer. On the more helpful side, music libraries on a PC almost always ask if you want to delete the original as well as the library link. --Zeizmic 22:37, 8 February 2006 (UTC)
Are you using the Windows or Mac version? Both versions have a preferences setting that either consolidates the files (copying them into organised folders in the iTunes folder), or leaves them where they are and links to them. If the songs were not set to copy to the iTunes folder when they were ripped, deleting them will delete them permanently. When you delete a song in the consolidated folder, it should also ask you if you want to delete it from the library or delete the file as well. How did you delete them - using the operating system or iTunes? --Canley 04:18, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
The problem's with the Windows version, and I deleted the files in the operating system. The thing is, the copies in the consolidated folders have also been deleted, so I assume it must have been iTunes that did it. Wait, I think I've tracked down the problem: the files in question weren't consolidated in the first place. Thanks for your help anyway. Looks like I have some frantic backup-restoring to do... Sum0 16:07, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Meaning of Maori name in English

Can you please tell me the English meaning of the name of a town in new Zealand called Hokitika.

Thankyou

M

The only things I can find is here and someone says it means "place of return". However, this claims it means "a good place to go away from". Huh. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:42, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
The origin of the name is uncertain. It is said that Kaiapoi Maoris attempted to capture a pa here, but their chiefs were drowned while crossing the river. The leaderless attackers thereupon retired. Literally, the name means “to return directly” or “to turn back again”. [16] -LambaJan 03:02, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

According to A.W.Reed's Place names in New Zealand (a fairly reliable authority), "Hoki = to return, tika = directly. The story behind the name is that a band of Ngai Tahu warriors in search of greenstone were about to attack a Ngati airangi pa when the chief of the invaders wa drowned while trying to vcross the river. The leaderlessparty then returned directly to their home village. A similar explanation derives from an alternative rendering of the name: Okatika which, according to tradition, had the meaning of "retreat"." Grutness...wha? 05:53, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 9

[edit] St. Giles Street London

Hello, I was wondering if you or somebody else knew the year that St. Giles houses were torn down to make room for New Oxford street in London? And if houses remained or which areas the poor went to once displaced?

I have no other details, but two books I checked (The Book of London edited by Michael Leapman, and A History of London Transport by T.C. Barker and Michael Robbins, volume 1) both say that the street was constructed through this area during the 1840s. --Anonymous, 05:25 UTC, February 9, 2006.

[edit] Baile Funk

There is any english band or group of baile funk ??

Dear lord, I hope not. I hope this terrible thing is confined in this terrible place Brazil is, so I can safely move to somewhere far away from it and don't worry ever again with such things. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 06:21, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Anime/Grandizer/ForceFive

Is there an anime wiki? There should be. If not where would I find info on the Force Five robos like Danguard Ace or DVDs of Grandizer?

Yes: http://www.anime-wiki.org/ ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 06:26, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How do you relax after you get home from school?

I always get home from school and can never find any way to relax myself menatlly, got any suffestains? Im 13 year old girl

Well, I used to take a shower and then a nap. Does that help? ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 02:55, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
I used to play music and sing along. -LambaJan 03:05, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

I listen to music and read something I find interesting,talk to a friend or watch a movie...you can take a nap right after you arrive, sleep helps you process all the information of the day, so that way it won't overwhelm you for the rest of the day.--Cosmic girl 03:45, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

TV can put you into a trancelike state, just try to keep from drooling. StuRat 05:55, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
When I was that age, my parents had a silly rule about me not being allowed to watch TV or other entertainment until I could show that I had done my homework, so arranging evidence of the appearance of that was a high priority, so that I could see certain favorites. On those nites with neither homework, nor a favorite show, I was back then also a book-a-holic, and sometimes also comic books. I cannot remember when I first got a moped, I think it was age 14, but I loved to go riding it in places without much traffic, like scenic trails. User:AlMac|(talk) 05:58, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Being a 19-year-old male, it wouldn't be anywhere near appropriate for me to mention how I relax after a hard day at college...so...I recommend that if you don't have any housework to do, and you generally wait until later in the evening to do homework, that you get yourself a single Tylenol PM and a glass of water, and go curl up on the couch in front of some old Deep Space 9 reruns. (Terry Farrel is particularly gorgeous in her little uniform. Mrrrawr.) Cernen Xanthine Katrena 07:56, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Do anything, I just need to avoid the wikipedia website. Oops ... too late, I'm in now... --Vsion (talk) 14:21, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Just don't think about the schoolwork until 5:00. Spend around an hour and a half listening to quiet music, take a hot bath while doing so, and curl up with a nice big thick novel in your living room while you're still warm. Steer clear of rock music. It totally disrupts the rejuvenation process. I'm an insomniac, so I spend this time being a lazy lug-a-bed. --Δ

Well, you may write your first telenovela. Or, you could watch Mexican soap operas at the times that they come on Univision or Telemundo--12.18.90.47 23:09, 16 February 2006 (UTC)user: Eric

[edit] What is this song called?

I need your help, i have no idea what this song is, but i want to download it onto my ipod. help!

okay, i think these are the begginig lyrics, im not sure though,

Hes comin out, hes comin out, hes comin out, its there! ( backround girls, UHH!

Try this [17] Google search. -LambaJan 03:07, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

hhahahahahhahhahahahaha! I think I know what song you are talking about!!! :D it's a cool song by the band Gorillaz! and the lyrics are like this : it's coming up, it's coming up, it's coming up, it's DARE! ( I'm not so sure, I'll chek on google... I guess I should've done that before I answered, but oh well...) the song is called DARE...cool song... congratulations for your taste in music. here : [link to copyvio website removed] --Cosmic girl 03:40, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Wikified the band and the song (yes, we have an article on it!)
Ooh, good catch. I wouldn't have figured it out, even if I listen to Demon Days quite often. I need to improve my phonetical analysis ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 04:04, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Same here...I listen to that band all the time and I know exactly what song you're talking about now too. — Ilyanep (Talk) 04:07, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

'cool'---maybe it has something to do with my not being a native english speaker...and yeah, demon days is a cool album. My sister says she thought the song went like: 'it's coming up, it's coming up, it's coming up 'each day', hahhahaha! --Cosmic girl 17:02, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Dare. And have a read of that article to discover one possible interpretation of what is "coming up". Rob Church (talk) 02:25, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] about skinheads

are some skinheads mexican?

huh?...well maybe... if a nazi couple gave birth to their child in mexico...yeah. :|--Cosmic girl 03:37, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Skinheads 're generally descendant of Europeans, I really doubt that Mexico has some. In Latin America homever they're very rare, as far as I know there are some small groups in the "Cono Sur" area (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile) but nevertheless they're still uncommon there.
Logical fallacy! Not all nazis are skinheads, and not all skinheads are nazis... But all Nazi-Skinheads are nazi. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 03:57, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
  • I suggest you read the links Kieff gave above, Cosmic girl. To know the answer to the question, you first need to know exactly what a skinhead is. - Mgm|(talk) 09:47, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, there was a group of skinheads or neo-Nazis or something, led by a guy who was later "outed" as having a Hispanic mother... I wish I could find the story online. android79 14:29, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

I know what a nazi is, and I know what a skinhead is...I was just kidding, thought it was allowed.--Cosmic girl 17:03, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

It's totally allowed, and it was a good one. I think he thought you were the one who asked the question, and that your joke was part of it. These misunderstandings come up sometimes when people scan instead of read. -LambaJan 03:55, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Nah, I just don't get jokes. -__- ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 05:27, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Lost

What is the black smoke in the tv series Lost?............I have missed the last two episodes.........if the answer was not there please don't tell me...........C

I'm under the impression that if you miss an episode, you're eternally screwed and will have no chance of ever figuring out what's going on. But I might be wrong. :) --Optichan 14:54, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Nah, with Lost you never know what's going on whether you miss an episode or not. GeeJo (t) (c) • 15:56, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
The simple answer is that (the last time I saw an episode) nobody knew. DJ Clayworth 19:08, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] wikipedia.com

who is the author of this site? i've looked around the site but i haven't found who the author is. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.91.242.165 (talk • contribs)

I am, among thousands of others. We each wrote a part of it. StuRat 06:08, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
See Wikipedia for more info on how this site works. Also have a look at Wikipedia:Citing Wikipedia incase that is what you are looking for. - Akamad 06:43, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Click on the "History" link at the top of any article and you will see he usernames of the individual authors of that article. Grutness...wha? 09:31, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
No-one, because there is no wikipedia.com. It redirects to wikipedia.org, but that doesn't make the two the same. DirkvdM 10:56, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
It was wikipedia.com until 2002. Yeltensic42 don't panic 04:43, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] USS Belleau wood...ships crew listing

I am searching for a person who served on the above ship from 1942 to 1945. His last name was Shields. He served with Air Group 24 and the Pacific Task Force 58. This is all the information I have about the subject. I believe this person is deceased, but I would still like to know if he served on this ship and any other information that is recorded that is relevent. Thank you. I will return for any answer you can provide on this site. "C".

I doubt the information youre after is available on the internet. However, it may be worth trying the sources at this page for more. GeeJo (t) (c) • 19:43, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
If you are the next of kin of this individual you can request service records from the National Personnel Records Center, and can even request them online at vetrecs.archives.gov.
If not, you will need to get authorization from the next of kin; if you can't get authorization you will be able to get a limited amount of information available to the general public under FOIA authorization. KWH 18:45, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
I just realized how foolish that sounds, since you only know the last name and you are looking for a crew manifest.
You may be able to get muster logs for the ship at the addresses specified here. Maybe once you find the person's full name from the log, you can try to get the service record per the above. KWH 18:53, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
How much wood would a woodship ship if a woodship would ship wood ? --DLL 22:48, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] EXIF Data Manipulation

I'd like to be a smartass at my deviantART page and include EXIF data on my uploaded film images...are there programs out there that will allow me to manipulate that data? Cernen Xanthine Katrena 07:47, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

I'm going to be a smartass on the Reference Desak and the answer suitly emphazi is YES. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 13:49, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
On the Reference Desk we like to answer questions helpfully, thanks. Sum0 18:52, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
For a slightly less smartass answer, try Google. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 14:25, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Normally my answers are helpful (I think) but Cernen is a regular answerer of questions here as well. And, as such, I didn't think he would mind the smartass answer. But just on the off-chance I left an apology on his talk page. I would not have done that to a casual user of the desk. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 23:21, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh for goodly-sake! he/she has a site devoted to the fine art of 'disdain for Ref-Desk idiots'. Makes me look like a Happy Muffin. --Zeizmic 23:47, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Wow, am I that suitly emphazied? I must be a sitting idol here! Cernen Xanthine Katrena 06:34, 10 February 2006 (UTC) (CambridgeBay: I don't mind because you used the words. Hahaha.)

[edit] "T-virus"

Is there any virus which looks like or is like the "t-virus" of the Resident evil games? I don't mean a virus who turns people into zombies but, a virus that makes you eat flesh.

You don't need a virus to eat flesh. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 12:32, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
i don't believe that any virus actually makes you do something weird like eat flesh or start singing and dancing or ... Boneyard 12:56, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Some viruses do, however, alter behavior. For a particularly nasty example, see rabies. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 13:39, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
...and Toxoplasma  Run!  14:01, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
You may be interested in reading this. --Optichan 14:51, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
yuuuukk! I knew I hated cats for a reason.... --Zeizmic 15:29, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] World War II

What was World War II called when it first broke out?

We'll find out once it's happened. There hasn't been any World War III. During the Cold War, some people used the term to refer to a speculative war between the respective sides. But the Cold War is now over, so the term isn't useful in that sense. Some people are using it to refer to the Cold War itself. But as far as the most people are concerned, there hasn't been any WWIII. ("The Cold War" is still by far the most common term) --BluePlatypus 17:06, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, this World War III was a creation of 152.163.100.199 (talk · contribs). Check it out for yourself. --Optichan 17:16, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Well.. it's still an decent answer to the wrong question. :) --BluePlatypus 19:59, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Okay, to make this more explicit, the question asked about World War II, and then some joker edited it to refer to World War III, hence BluePlatypus's answer. As to the original question: if you look in the OED under World War, you will find that "World War II" was used by Time (magazine) in their issue of September 11, 1939. So it was called by that name pretty much from the outset. I think the fact that it originated in Time -- which affected a breezy style and was published in a country still at peace -- also accounts for the prevalence of that form, which could be viewed as slightly flippant (numbering world wars like chapters of a book?) in comparison to the more formal "Second World War". (Such expressions were also used sometimes even before the war, discussing future events, just as possible future wars are given higher World War numbers today. The OED cites "World War No 2" as early as 1919.) --Anonymous, 17:43 UTC, February 9, 2006.
By the way, I believe that in England the term 'Great War' still refers to WWI. DirkvdM 19:19, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
This brings up any interesting language issue. "Great" originally meant "large", but has come to mean "wonderful". I suspect the change in meaning took place in the 1950's, as the Great War and Great Depression weren't considered to be exactly wonderful events. StuRat 21:44, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Many elderly people in Australia still refer to WWI as 'The Great War', and WWII as 'The World War'. BTW, the WWI and WWII terminology is not shared by all countries, it seems to be an English-language thing. In USSR/Russia, WWII has never been known as anything other than "The Great Patriotic War". JackofOz 21:57, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Looking through the interwiki links of World War II, it seems that equivalents of that name (or the alternative the Second World War) are used in many other languages than English, so it is certainly not unique to English. Swedish, my mother tongue, uses andra världskriget, literally the Second World War, wars are not usually capitalised in Swedish. WWI is named analogously. However, when Swedes colloquially speak about "the war" without specification, they refer to WWII, which affected Sweden profoundly, despite the fact that we were not directly involved. From what I've heard, the use of la guerre in a similar way in France refers to WWI. /130.243.135.145 23:28, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
I would think it would depend on the time frame. As the remaining WW1 vets die off, the phrase "The War" is more likely to apply to WW2. I am also guessing that Germany never refers to either war, just as Japan ignores WW2 in it's history classes. StuRat 00:44, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Obviously you don't know the first thing about Germany, then. The ignorance of that statement is its saving grace; You probably don't realize how offensive it is to most Germans, either. Now go read about Vergangenheitsbewältigung. --BluePlatypus 08:02, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
You're "highly offended" that I guessed wrong ? Then I am "highly offended" that you say I don't know the first thing about Germany, when I have studied both World Wars, the rise of Adolf Hitler, Paul von Hindenburg, Otto von Bismark, Kaiser Wilhelm, and read Mein Kampf. If you can stop being offended for no apparent reason, then I will as well. StuRat 11:48, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
I didn't say I was "highly offended". And yes, I do think that by guessing that Germans don't speak about the war and imply that they want to cover up the dark parts of their past, that you are quite out of touch with German mentalities, attitudes and the entire postwar German culture in general. I don't know any nation in the world who has worked more at coming to terms with their past. Certainly not Japan, USA, France, Italy.. any of them. Germany pull no punches when it comes to the dark sides of their history. You're promoting a stereotype, and a grossly unjust one at that. So yes, that is offensive. Maybe you should read less Mein Kampf, and more Günter Grass? The latter is certainly more relevant to Germany today. --BluePlatypus 16:50, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
When I was in Germany during the '70s, I was the object of a diatribe from a German teenager about how the Americans had ruined his country during the war. User:Zoe|(talk) 04:21, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Hmm, there are a few obvious responses:
  • Germany should accept the blame for it's own destruction, as a consequence of invading most of Europe, declaring "total war", and committing genocide. StuRat 19:47, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
  • The Russians did more damage to Germany than the US during WW2, by killing off more Germans and then effectively holding East Germany hostage for decades. StuRat 19:47, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
  • I believe the US was instrumental in rebuilding West Germany under the Marshall Plan and protecting it under NATO. StuRat 19:47, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh great, another word changing meaning through usage. ==LarryMac 01:37, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
About the Great Patriotic War claim, it's not true. The Great Patriotic War refers to a) 6/22/1941 - 5/9/1945 only, b) Eastern front only. The whole war is indeed called The Second World War in Russian. --Ornil 23:27, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

In response to the original question, if I can be uncharacteristically pedantic for a moment, we might need to get clear on what is meant by "when it first broke out". The German invasion of Poland occurred in late August/early September 1939. At that stage the war had not technically begun because no country had declared war on any other country. That did not happen till 3rd September, when UK declared war on Germany (and Australia and a couple of other countries immediately followed suit). But from the perspective of the beleaguered Poles, it mattered not a whit that there was no formal declaration of war; hostilities had certainly commenced, and they were being massacred in their thousands. Was this part of the war, or was it merely the precursor to war? Was the assassination of Franz Ferdinand a part of WW1, or was it merely the thing that led to the war breaking out? JackofOz 02:45, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

As a sidenote, while there is broad consensus among both historians and the general public that WW2 started with Hitler's invasion of Poland and ended with Japan's capitulation, there is actually some debate among historians whether these dates make sense - if we let WW2 start with Poland and thus view it as mainly Hitler's war, why not have it end with the capitulation of Germany? If we let it end with Japan's capitulation, why not have it start in 1937 with Japan's invasion of mainland China (which was not fundamentally different from Hitler's invasion of Poland)? Or might it even make more sense to say that 1937 and 1939 mark the starting dates of two large-scale, but local conflicts that became one big, unified world war with Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour and the subsequent declarations of war of the US on Japan and of Germany on the US? -- Ferkelparade π 08:39, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
That's very thought-provoking, Ferkelparade. Since the whole of history is a continuum, where does one draw the line. JackofOz 13:52, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
This is similar to 4 July being celebrated as the anniversary of the United States, even though the United States didn't formally exist until 1783. Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:44, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Our national day, Australia Day, is the anniversary of an event that happened on 26 January 1788. The word Australia hadn't even been coined then. We didn't become a unified nation for another 113 years (1 January 1901). JackofOz 00:19, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Did Canada start with the British North America Act of 1867, or in 1982? Did France start with Charlemagne, or with its current constitution in 1957? Did Germany start with Bismarck, or the post-Cold War reunification? Come to think of it, did the Cold War end with the fall of the Berlin Wall on 12 November 1989, or was it when the Soviet Union dissolved on 31 December 1991? Did Wikipedia start on 10 January 2001 as part of Nupedia, or on 15 January when it became a seperate site? Yeltensic42 don't panic 06:01, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Calendar System info

Erm, which calendar did they use around 4 B.C? --XenoNeon (converse) 18:07, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Hint: Type the magic word over in that funny box on the left. I just did it to check it out, and it's wonderful! Sorry to be so rude (Actually, I'm not!) --Zeizmic 18:34, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
What? The calendar aricle doesn't give a mention. There may well be a Wikipedia article, but I would like to know the title of this, as I do not know the name of the calendar. --XenoNeon (converse) 18:46, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Which calendar did who use? Many people still use different calendars today. Rmhermen 18:48, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
There were lot's of calendars in use at that time all over the world. For example you can read about the history of the Hindu_calendar in it's article, there's a discription of the history of the Chinese calendar here. Here's a good online source for calendar history. Hope this helps. Rx StrangeLove 20:14, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
The original poster is, I think, most likely to be asking about the calendar used in the Roman Empire at that time. That would be the Roman calendar and more specifically the Julian calendar, which the one we now use is derived from. --Anonymous, 09:11 UTC, February 10, 2006.

[edit] Ray jackson

What happened to Ray Jackson, the fifth (and least celebrated) member of the Fab Five?

He wasn't drafted by the NBA and played in the CBA for a few years and then played in Europe after that. [18] I'm not sure of too many details beyond that though. Rx StrangeLove 20:04, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Making Your Own Telenovelas

Is it true that making your own telenovelas is a way of converting your anger into something positive? It works for me.

Then haven't you just answered your own question? GeeJo (t) (c) • 20:37, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Let me ask another then. Is the word 'telenovela' understood in English? (And whose English?) If so, I assume in the meaning of 'soap opera'. DirkvdM 06:39, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, I haven't heard it before, but think I can decipher it. A novela is a short novel, and a telenovela would therefore be a televised short novel. Personally I prefer the old fashioned way for working out anger, a nice killing spree. :-) StuRat 09:26, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Telenovelas are Spanish-language soap operas. Although, unlike American soaps and such shows as Eastenders, which seem to run on endlessly, telenovelas run for several episodes then come to an end. They're quite common on Spanish-language stations in the US, and presumably, their home stations in Latin America, although I don't know if they've crossed over to Spain or not. User:Zoe|(talk) 04:23, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Sounds like what we call a miniseries in the US. Perhaps the most famous one is Roots (TV miniseries). StuRat 04:46, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, I thought it was a Spanish thing, but the [Wikipedia] indeed says it originated in Latin America. DirkvdM 09:55, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Alt Cigarettes

Does anybody know what chemicals and additives are added to alternative cigarettes such as Magic and Herbal Gold?

Their website states that Herbal Gold includes "Marshmallow, Yerba Santa, Damiana, Passion Flower, Jasmine and Ginseng". [19]. The same site indicates that Magic has the same mixture. As far as additives go, they claim not to add any. Several FTC settlements indicate that though these cigarettes do not contain any additives they are not any safer and the makers of Magic and Herbal Gold are limited in what health claims they can make. [20] Chemicals are another story, any substance when burned produces carcinogenic chemicals. Rx StrangeLove 20:41, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Agreed, it's just bad to inhale any smoke, period. StuRat 21:37, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
Especially marshmellow smoke, I imagine. Though that still doesn't compare to the shit that is put in some perfumes and after shave. Imagine sitting next to someone, forced to inhale dog poo and stuff. And it's just as carcinogenic, it seems. Then again, nothing can beat the exhaust fumes of cars. DirkvdM 06:43, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes something can beat car exhaust - it's called tobacco smoke. Rmhermen 17:35, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Put someone in a closed running car with the exhaust pipe mounted on the inside. Put a bunch of heavy smokers in another car. See who dies first and get my point. DirkvdM 13:07, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Hold someone under water for fifteen minutes in one room and in another have someone drink scotch for 15 minutes. See who dies first. From this we can see that water is more dangerous than alchol.Brian Schlosser42 16:51, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] RE: Alt Cigs

What chemicals would be added to make them burn because I can't imagine those herbs burning naturally on their own or people able to smoke those herbs/roots without the aid of chemicals.

You shouldn't make a new section for a reply. Just click the [edit] link on the existing section and add your reply there. Anyway, those "herbs/roots" will burn easily if they are dry enough. —Keenan Pepper 23:40, 9 February 2006 (UTC)
I just looked that up, and normal ciggies have a citrate compound added to the paper to make it continuously burn. There is now a big movement to remove that citrate, so that you have to keep huffing to keep them lit. --Zeizmic 23:43, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 10

[edit] What to do?

My mom is getting her tax refund check tomorrow. The problem is that, I dont know whether to get:

I'm most conflicted with the last two. Can someone steer me in any direction? I'll take anything not on the list as well. Thanks. Pacific Coast Highway|Leave a message ($.25) 00:19, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

You could donate it to an underprivileged college student whose student loans and scholarship were slashed to pay for your tax refund--152.163.100.199 20:50, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
So now there is a new holiday when kids get presents - tax refund day ? I suppose some method is needed to prevent parents from investing in their families future, so why not this method ? StuRat 00:38, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

I'd personally buy an ipod video, but if u like playstation, I suggest you wait and buy playstation 3.--Cosmic girl 02:41, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Get a Nintendo DS 24.91.16.229 05:10, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Tell your mum that she doesn't need to buy anything for you as you are going to get a part time job and will buy them yourself and she should spend the money on something for herslf. Good brownie points. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 05:18, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Stay away from the iPod. The PS3 or PSP are both good choices, but I'd lean towards the PSP for you. Wimbo Jales 05:26, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Wait six months and buy whatever's out then. It'll be much nicer than whatever's out now. Night Gyr 06:02, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What is the legal status of the following activities in the USA

  • Recording a television program for personal use.
    • Sending it to a friend.
  • Recording a music video from a TV program for personal use.
    • Sending it to a friend.
  • Recording a song from radio for personal use.
    • Sending it to a friend.
  • Recording a song from live internet stream for personal use.
    • Sending it to a friend.

deeptrivia (talk) 03:33, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

I believe that, unless stated otherwise in the credits, all of those activities are technically illegal. However, unless you sell them they aren't likely to know, or care, that you made copies. StuRat 03:44, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
But I guess, recording TV programs is something everybody does...isn't it? Otherwise, most use of VCRs would be illegal. And if you can record something on TV, then why not on radio and internet? And you can always share your personal things with friends. deeptrivia (talk) 04:01, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
I have seen a few shows, mostly PBS, that say something like "you may make one copy for personal use, provided you destroy it within X number of days". The X days seemed to vary from show to show. So, this would be the only case where it is officially legal. There are many other things like this, for example most people only yield at stop signs, they don't come to a complete stop. And many sexual acts are still technically illegal, though never enforced. StuRat 04:13, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
I think personal use is generally legal, but making copies for friends is either illegal or bordering on it. I'm not a lawyer, and these things can get rather complicated, but I remember from reading that disclaimer that copy shops have for making personal copies that there is a fair use stipulation that basically covers your own private study. -LambaJan 04:19, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
See Fair Use. Most of the personal use recording ones would fall under safe as part of the betamax decision, but now that DRM is coming into play you'd need to circumvent copy protection to do so, which is a violation of the DMCA. So the copying itself isn't illegal, but circumventing the copy protection is. Tricky. Night Gyr 06:08, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

There was a US Supreme Court decision on VCRs. If I remember correctly, they ruled

  • It ok if you buy or rent some movie or whatever to view on your VCR.
  • It ok if you tape something from TV when it broadcast, so that you could view it at some other time.
  • It not ok if you view it again and again and again etc.
  • It ok if you have friends and family visit your home and view stuff on your TV or VCR.
  • It not ok if your VCR tape is passed out to other people's homes to access.

User:AlMac|(talk) 10:28, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

It is not always legal to share personal things with friends and family. You have to look at the conditions associated with the purchase. Computer software for example is often licensed to a particular person, and/or computer, User:AlMac|(talk) 10:32, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Basically, can I record streamed music from my soundcard and save it as MP3 files? This way, no law would be broken (unless there's a specific law against this), and i'll have all the latest MP3s without paying anything! What law prevents this? deeptrivia (talk) 19:33, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Basically, there's no "basically" about it! Here's copyright law in a nutshell: The author or copyright holder of a work gets to dictate the terms of copying. You don't. Unless "fair use" is involved. But "fair use" is a very grey and complicated area, and sane rules of logic don't necessarily apply.
Strictly speaking, if you record streamed music and save it as an MP3, and if the source of the streamed audio was a copyrighted work, you are breaking the law -- plain old simple copyright law. You made an unauthorized copy; you're not supposed to do that.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's really, necessarily, ethically or morally wrong for you to do that, and the legal system might even agree with you... depending. Depending on a lot of things, including the copyright law's fair use provisions, and precedents such as the Supreme Court VCR decision which AlMac talked about.
But, again, be careful with your logic. It may be obvious to you, for example, that since your browser makes a temporary copy in its cache of an item you view, it's therefore "obviously" legal for you to make a permanent copy. It may be obvious to you that since it's okay to record a song off the radio by holding a microphone up to the speaker, or record TV shows with a VCR, it's therefore "obviously" okay to record songs or videos off of Internet broadcasts. But those conclusions are not obvious to the legal system that interprets and enforces copyright law, especially given the influence of the big media companies, whose definitions of your rights tend to be quite conspicuously narrow. Steve Summit (talk) 20:44, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

(Obligatory disclaimer - I am not a lawyer, this is not legal advice). See our article on Time shifting. Recording from television or radio is considered fair use if it's for the purpose of time shifting (e.g, it's on at 2PM but you won't be back from work so you need to "shift" the time) or space shifting (e.g, you friend gets it on his TV but you don't, so he records it and gives it to you). It is a violation of copyright law to keep these recordings indefinitely. Raul654 19:40, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Of course, actual enforcement is a different matter. I grew up watching Star Wars taped from TV until we wore out the tape. — Laura Scudder ☎ 22:26, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Why isn't it ok if you view it again and again and again?

Because, as mentioned above, technically, the reason VCRs and recording off the TV is legal is only for the purpose of "time shifting", ie you want to watch a TV programme but it's on at an inconvenient time, so you can tape it and watch it later. You wouldn't be able to watch the original programme more than once, so I guess they argue that you shouldn't be able to watch a "time shifted" (recorded) programme more than once either. And once again, IANAL, but that's my understanding. AlbinoMonkey (Talk) 12:35, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Another way of looking at it (which is pretty closely related, actually), is to ask whether you have arguably deprived the copyright holder of revenue by your actions. If you watch it once, as AlbinoMonkey said, that's just like you watched it the one time they broadcast it, and they are (or ought to be) fine with that. But if you like it so much you want to watch it over and over, then maybe you should have bought the studio-produced VHS or DVD release. (Where it gets more complicated, of course, is if there is no studio-produced version for you to buy even if you wanted to. And then there's also the argument that you didn't want to watch it again that much, that if you'd had to pay for the privilege you wouldn't have, that you're therefore not depriving them of any revenue by watching your own copy.) -- Steve Summit (talk) 14:44, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Thanks everyone! That was enlightening :) deeptrivia (talk) 01:25, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Mt St Helens

When Mt St. Helens started to erupt a while back, Why did people go to watch it, knowing that they were in an area that in 1980 got hit by the blast? Are they dumb or just oblivious?

For excitement and adventure and really wild things, of course! And curiosity. I, for one, wouldn't mind getting killed like that, you see. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 06:35, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

I think it takes more time than 26 years for sufficient pressure to build up for a major explosion like the one in 1980, perhaps centuries. StuRat 09:21, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

It's moderately safe right now. I have a picture in front of me from my seismic journal of some scientists installing a GPS right on the edge. I'd love to do that! You can also follow the Volcanocam. Right now, in the morning, you can see the infrared glow of the current ash pile. --Zeizmic 13:54, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
That's the dangerous thing about areas with zeizmic activity. The more realxed they've been in recent history, the more dangerous they are when they do become active again (more built-up stress unleashed). DirkvdM 09:59, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Why didn't anyone establish 666 as North Korea's country code instead?

850 sounds like such an innocent number, but North Korea is anything but. Who is responsible for assigning country codes? Why couldn't they set 666 or 187 as North Korea's? Wouldn't those numbers fit in with the nature of the country (evil and murderous)? --Shultz 05:39, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

North Korea as a country can't be labeled "evil and murderous". It may well be that the people in power are that but as to the general population I very much doubt it. Look back and it's only a few years ago that people held the same thoughts about tbe old Soviet Union. Was it not Ronald Regan that called them the "Evil Empire"? So why saddle a country with a number that would be perceived, by Christians only, as representing evil? In a few years the government might chang so why antagonize a whole population for a quick laugh. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 06:06, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Why antagonize them? Well, 1M members of the Korean People's Army, 5M more in reserve (already beyond 25% of the population), plus more who are -fiercely- loyal to the regime. Those who aren't quite that loyal would possibly (if they get to know about it in the first place, in a country w/ severe censorship) agree that these numbers fit in with the type of regime North Korea has.
Cambridge, I hope the government implodes and gets absorbed by the ROK's. Don't hold your breath though. Who knows if the regime will change in 3 or 30 years. The sooner the better, however. --Shultz 06:28, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
one suspects that the same question would apply to 616 (the alternate of the beast), 668 (the neighbor of the beast), 999 (the beast-and-a-half) and every three-digit number you can think of besides 850. then, too, i imagine that the folks at the International Telecommunications Union (to answer your second question) are sensible enough not to assign any country the code guaranteed to send any number of fundie newspaper exegetes into hysterics. —Charles P._(Mirv) 06:37, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
p.s. since Thailand's country code is 66 and they're grouped geographically, if any country does get that number it'll be somewhere in S.E. Asia—nowhere near north korea, iran, venezuela, or whoever god is going to tell george w. to invade next. —Charles P._(Mirv) 06:40, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Suppose the telephone companies thought your town was evil. How would you feel if 666 was established as the area code for your town? That gives you an idea of why it isn't done. Besides which, North Korea is a zone 8 country under the International telephone numbering plan, so it would need a code beginning with 8. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 07:00, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Radio stations don't have such qualms, apparently. The local ABC station in Canberra is known as "666 ABC Canberra". And, being a government-owned organisation, the ABC is funded by the Australian taxpayer. We're a pretty weird mob admittedly, but I don't think we go as far as devil worship. I didn't understand the reference to 187 - could somebody please explain that to me. JackofOz 07:13, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
numeric code for murder in the state of california. See 187 (murder). —Charles P._(Mirv) 07:19, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Thank you. JackofOz 09:02, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
I grew up in the town of Newington, Connecticut (USA) where the main telephone exchange was 666. (667 and 665 had been added by the time I left). I don't recall any huge outcry to have it changed, nor do I think I turned out to be particularly evil. Of course there's a nearby state park called Devil's Hopyard, so maybe all of Connecticut is inherently evil. --LarryMac 15:19, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm sure you're right. The evidence is overwhelming. JackofOz 15:31, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh really? The entire North Korean army is fiercely loyal to the regime? I take it you've spoken to many North Korean soldiers? What do you base this assumption on? Former soldiers are not underrepresented among defectors. Unless you've been talking to them, I see no reason to believe they are any more or less loyal than the rest of the population. --BluePlatypus 07:42, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
While following route 66 on a map of the USA I found that one of the side roads is called route 666. And a related anecdote. Some universities in the Netherlands were called 'hogescholen' (high schools). When the government decided that they should all be called 'universiteit', the Catholic University of Tilburg was faced with a problem; catholic is spelled with a 'k' in Dutch and 'kut' is the Dutch word for 'cunt'. So they decided to name themselves after the province (apparently they found their religion more important than the city of residence).
But closer to the original subject. Is the meaning of numbers in the various cultures taken into account? Maybe 850 is a 'rude' number in Korean culture. And the one serious question hasn't been answered yet. Who assign these numbers? The List of country calling codes article doesn't say. And why does North America have such complicated numbers? DirkvdM 07:21, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
the International Telecommunications Union—see my first answer above. (The article now says this.) Why North America's numbers are so complex, I couldn't say, but North American Numbering Plan explains how they work. —Charles P._(Mirv) 16:45, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
  • If you value your job (and sometimes your life), being loyal to your government, even if they're evil, is a good thing. That doesn't necessarily mean they agree. It could just as easily be survival instinct at work. Most collaborators in WWII weren't evil, they just looked out for themselves and their family. - Mgm|(talk) 08:50, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

My favorite area code is for Cape Kennedy, Florida, USA (where rockets are launched). Their area code is 3-2-1. I suspect whoever does the area code assignments in the US has a sense of humor. Then again, you won't soon forget that area code, will you ? StuRat 09:14, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

As to highway numbers, US 666 was renumbered. --Anonymous, 09:20 UTC, February 10.

This was one of the most ridiculous questions I've seen. In effect, it was "Why didn't an international and impartial organisation take the majority political views of one nation (or one small group of nations) as an universal, non-disputable truth, and use that to also side with one particular religion, and then use that as an act against another nation, who won't probably even notice the meaning of the act because they have a different majority religion, when the only thing they'll ever gain from it is being able to snicker at how foolish it makes the nation seem?". JIP | Talk 10:11, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

That sums it up very well, JIP. :) --BluePlatypus 10:25, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
As for U.S. 666, it was renamed because of controvery relating to Satan. There are also local legends in the Southwest (the region it runs through) about scary things happening along it. Also of some interest, I'm aware of two towns in Michigan (Hell and Paradise) that have a round-trip distance between them of 666 miles. But JIP's right, the whole thing is ridiculous. I think the "question" a while back about Tupac was even more ridiculous, though... Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:16, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
The truly ridiculous questions tend to be ignored, This question has prompted well over a dozen comments and some interesting reading.  :-) hydnjo talk 13:05, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
The Tupac "question" also prompted a lot of comments; I'm starting to think that if a question is very ridiculous, it draws attention. Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:21, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
It certainly got "our's". ;-) hydnjo talk 18:25, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Transfer of football player

When a player is bought by one club from another club, does he have any share from the money of transfer? For example, Chelsea bought Ghanian midfielder Michael Essein from French club Lyon this season by over 20 million pound. Did Michael Essein has any share from this over 20 million pound which chelsea paid to Lyon?

Usually the player would not get a share of that, unless there was a clause in his contract (with Lyon, in this case) that gave him the right to a percentage. David Sneek 14:16, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
He would though have got a separate signing-on fee spread out over the period of his contract. In the old days players in England got a flat rate 5% of the transfer fee. 81.131.80.196 00:38, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
The idea is league parity. If this player is better than whoever he's being traded for, the money makes up the difference. -LambaJan 03:40, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Meta Questions

A question about the Reference Desk, for those who might know. Has anyone ever figured out why so many random folks from the internet end up at this URL when they are looking for answers? Has anyone looked at the server logs to see what search terms people are using to find it? (Clarification: I mean the Google or other search engine terms as indicated by the referer.) KWH 06:52, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Followup: We all know about Do your own homework. We also know that there are numerous teachers and professors who edit Wikipedia. Have there been any hilarious examples of an educator finding their own pupil posting homework questions on the Reference Desk? KWH 06:54, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

first question: the main page (which gets i don't know how many hits a day—lots) has a prominent link to ask a question, and the second link on that page leads here. many more people probably use the search box, but that's basically invisible to anyone who's not reading the server logs.
second question: i've never seen anything like that; even if it did happen, the teacher would be more likely to bring it up with the student offline, saying much the same thing that people here say. —Charles P._(Mirv) 07:00, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Thanks, but those answers were boring. Anyone got better ones? KWH 13:00, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

I'm in one of my low cycles. I'll leave this to somebody else... --Zeizmic 13:48, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
These dull questions can't inspire me. David Sneek 14:26, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Sometimes I get the distinct impression that there are vast underground networks providing support services to people who are, shall we say, not interested in learning how to fish. For example, I maintain the C FAQ list, and since I want feedback on it I publish my e-mail address with it, but for years my reward has mostly been that I get people emailing me "asking" (more like insisting) that I do their homework for them. In fact, a friend who shares the same predicament once discovered (after figuratavely grabbing one of these questioners around the neck and forcing the answer out of him) that both of our addresses were on a list somewhere of what amounted to "suckers who are likely to help you out if you email them". We never found the actual list, but it made a certain amount of sense.

Similarly, since Wikipedia is "hot" right now (in sort of the same way that Usenet and FAQ lists were ten or fifteen years ago), it wouldn't surprise me to learn that multitudes of random people out there are saying to each other, via whatever person-to-person informal support networks they use, "Oh, you need help? I don't know, but try posting to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:RD/M. They answer everything!" Steve Summit (talk) 23:43, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

But then why do people come here and ask "How many legs does a cat have?" without looking up the cat article, which is easier to find or just google cat legs? I diagree <suitly emphazi>thogh</suitly emphazi> with David Sneek. This is amore interesting idea than the type of question that can be answered by saying "Try Wikipedia Article" CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 13:25, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Fair enough, let me try to give another boring answer then. The premiss of the first question is incorrect. Given the popularity of wikipedia, the number of "random folks" that end up at this URL is surprisingly low. I don't think we get more than 100 questions a day on the 5 WP:RD subpages, and a lot of them are from fellow wikipedians. If the service offered here was suitly emphazied, the reference desk would be a sitting idol for curious people and students loaded with homework everywhere. David Sneek 14:14, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
I agree with David, we're certainly not being over-run. I often check to gauge how many of the really bad questions are from "first-timers" and find that it is a majority (subjective, I realize). Also, I've sometimes seeded my response so as to elicit an additional comment from the questioner and rarely do I get one leading me to believe that some expect a "live" person-to-person response and disappointedly go on. My pet peeve was the confusion between the RD and the HD. I think that WP:ASK really helped in that area. My suggestion, FWIW, have fun here, comment in the areas that "tickle your fancy" and ignore the rest. hydnjo talk 16:16, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh my god, am I the first person to notice that "suitly emphazi" is falling into regular use here? 12.72.246.157 09:15, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Song in JARHEAD? What is it???

What's the title and artist of that song played during the montage, when all the marines get back home? I think it played to a piano tune...very mellow.

I think you mean Soldier's Things by Tom Waits. David Sneek 12:05, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
hehe, funny. i went home that night after watching jarhead with that song in my head, and put on the dvd for coffee and cigarettes -- iggy pop and tom waits! thanks! gelo 07:35, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] street of europe in 10,000 bc

i want to know that wat happened with them in 10,000bc n wat they had at that time i want to know all information abt the street of europe plz tell me as fast as u can thank you

Have a look at the 10th millennium BC and Mesolithic articles. David Sneek 17:22, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

I think the only "roads" at that time might be trails where people walked, similar to "Indian trails" in the US. StuRat 19:45, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Disabling anti-virus prorgam

Sir/madam

Installing a game to my comp. a warning stated; "Disable anti-virus BEFORE installing this game". How can I disable that program without uninstalling it? I would not know how to install it again. Thanks, hope you can help.

Frank

What anti-virus program do you use? Usually there's an icon in your system tray (or notification area, as Windows XP calls it) that you can use to temporarily disable it. If you can't disable it from that menu, there should be an Options menu item or something similar in the menu. You might be able to disable it from the Options dialog box. --Optichan 18:52, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Although most of the time it tells me to disable my anti-virus software, I just leave it running. It doesn't do any harm usually. --Optichan 19:09, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Where did you get the game? For all you know it is a trick to get you to install some viruses. User:AlMac|(talk) 21:45, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

For what it's worth, I never once disable anti-virus software when installing things. To my mind, an installer which needs to work around my anti-virus software is not doing it right. Rob Church (talk) 02:33, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Question

Why does people who are about to get an lethal injection get thier arm chemically cleansed first? - Joneleth

So, in case the lethal injection is aborted by a pardon they won't get an infection ? StuRat 19:34, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
um, if they receive a pardon after they receive the injection, isn't it a bit too late?--152.163.100.199 20:48, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
No, because first they administer anesthesia thru the IV, then they wait some time for that to take effect before they add poison to the line. StuRat 00:32, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
152, you were probably talking about cases where the pardon is given after the person has died. There are numerous instances of pardons being given posthumously, and convictions being quashed posthumously (see Miscarriages of justice). Agreed, it's a bit late for the poor guy/gal by then, but at least the family has a small degree of comfort. JackofOz 00:46, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
I think it's just standard practice. Alcohol swabs are cheap, and there's no reason to make a special exception for this one kind of injection, even though it's technically superfluous. —Keenan Pepper 20:58, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
This was in the external links for lethal injection.  Run!  21:51, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Received the nth email asking "where are there locks on the doors of a 24/24 7/7 shop ?" and so on. This subject is on the list. --DLL 22:59, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Some of them do close occasionally, say on Christmas, but all of them may need to close sometimes, for repairs, emergencies, strikes, etc. StuRat 02:22, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
because, at the end of the day, it is still a medical procedure. Despite the fact that the poor guy/gal is going to die, there is no reason for it to be an unclean procedure. Kind of like the "you're not allowed to stab someone with a rusty bayonet" rule of warfare. --HerGhost.

[edit] A controversial Jesus movie made for TV

My professor cannot remember for the life of him the title of a made-for-television movie about Jesus that was nearly cancelled because of a lack of sponsorship caused by a loudmouthed televangelist who claimed it was blasphemous, but one company swept in and rescued it. I don't know the title, nor the sponsor, but he said it made the news. Anyone have any ideas on what the title was or who the sponsor was? Cernen Xanthine Katrena 19:45, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter!! Or maybe not. Problem is, almost any movie about Jesus is going to make someone angry. So your question could relate to almost any such film. I guess you could try looking at Dramatic portrayals of Jesus. --BluePlatypus 20:12, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Sometimes it doesn't even have to be Jesus, here in Greater Orlando, Florida a TV show about a priest who's addicted to painkillers (I think it's called the Book of Daniel or something) isn't being aired because of the controversy Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:01, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
D'oh, BP: I already checked Dramatic portrayals of Jesus. As a semi-regular purveyor of reference desk irritability, I do the whole "check before asking" bit...but I appreciate the advice. Sadly, none of the links provided has anything to do with his question. As for the Book of Daniel, it's really sad they're not airing it in Florida; it's absolutely hilarious. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 07:57, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
I doubt this is the one you are talking about, but Jerry Springer: The Opera was almost, but not, banned from the BBC, leading to lots of media attention (especially from the Daily Mail), partly due to the way Jesus was portrayed (and partly due to the 2,000 odd swear words (actually about 100, but sung by a choir of 20)). smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 11:40, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't think it's everywhere in Florida, just this area. (I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't being aired in the northern panhandle though either, that area is stuck in the Dark Ages, but they're probably showing it in Miami). Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:25, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
It's not showing anywhere --LarryMac 20:45, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] PSP,homebrew and civilization 2

I have a PSP (Playstation Portable), and Im a bit tied of the games that i have, so I want to have my old CIvilization 2 PC game on my PSP. I have firmware 2.60. Is it possible??? If it is, is there any instructions on the internet??

Thanks on behave (sorry my bad english)

A PC game? I'd have to say no. Are there any PC emulators for consoles? --Optichan 20:34, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, I don't know about the PSP, but people run all sorts of stuff on XBox. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 23:56, 10 February 2006 (UTC)
That's because an X-box is essentially a special purpose PC. It runs Windows, it has a hard drive, it quacks like a duck, ergo, it's a PC. As to running a old PC game on a PSP, I suppose that its technically possible, but I can't imagine anyone taking the time to do it. You'd be better off buying a tablet PC to play it on. Brian Schlosser42 17:18, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] song

umm there's a song i really like, but i only heard once, and am not sure what its called. its a dance/beats typ song, so i dont think mnay peopel would have heard it, as its defnitly not main stream. all i know is that the chorus goes somthing like: must be together baby everytime.. something like that. i really dont know much about the song, so im hoping someone can help me out.-alissa lytio

I Googled "must be together baby everytime" and found a Janet Jackson song called Together Again that might be the song you are looking for. I have no idea if this song is a "dance/beats typ [sic] song", or how "main stream" it is, but I wouldn't count on getting any more help than this. Good luck. CrypticBacon 01:40, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Sounds like... maybe a Daft Punk song? -LambaJan 03:50, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

perhaps Music Sounds Better With You? it was produced by Thomas Bangalter (one of the daft punk crew.) Ooh baby, I feel right, music sounds better with you, love might bring us back together?

[edit] ALL-CAPS Wikipedia titles

I am having a bit of trouble locating this information in the Manual of Style. When are all-caps permitted in article titles? This article caught my eye: GODIVA (a Swiss metal band). Since Godiva redirects to Lady Godiva, should it be moved to Godiva (band)? CrypticBacon 01:21, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

My guess would be that GODIVA is the name of the band; similar to The B-52's; normally, apostrophes aren't used for plurals, but the apostrophe is in the name of the band, as I pointed out on the talkpage. Yeltensic42 don't panic 04:52, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
I guess the project page that comes closest to your requirement is Wikipedia:Naming conventions (capitalization), but as you said there is no suggestion as to what is to be done for an all-caps article title. By the way, don't use reference desk for asking questions about wikipedia. Use Wikipedia:Help desk for that. Jay 16:30, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
  • You can simply add a note on top of Lady Godiva saying:
Godiva redirects here. For the Swiss metal band, see GODIVA. - Mgm|(talk) 12:54, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Or better yet,use the messege which is already there. -Mgm|(talk) 12:57, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
  • All Caps titles are okay if those are the common name for the band. Godiva (band) can also redirect to GODIVA. Generally we try to stay away from using modifiers, like (band), if we can make a distinction another way. - Mgm|(talk) 12:57, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 11

[edit] Who can I hire to make my Blog? (posted Feb. 10, '06. evening)

Hi. I'm intelligent, but I'm a cyber-dummy! I'd like to start a Blog but I need a Blog Expert to so this for me & I will of course pay him or her. Please advise! Thank you, Calif. senior.

What exactly do you want ? If you just want a site where you can post your thoughts, that's quite easy. StuRat 03:19, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
You may be interested in our articles on blog and blog hosting service. --Robert Merkel 03:38, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Magic Schools

I remember when I was little I always thought magic schools were just fiction but when I read in the newspaper about a french girl that went to a magic school I realised they actually had magic schools, any sites where there is some info where some schools are? I wouldn't mind going to one... Of course I'm not talking bout Hogwarts is such, that is fiction, but I know there are Wiccan schools.

What country? Do you mean somewhere like this? Try Googling "school of magic". --Shantavira 18:41, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

Nah, 'cause that's more performing arts, I'm talking about actual Wicca.

Since "real magic" is total BS, and only illusions exist, it would be quite difficult to run a school to teach "real magic". StuRat 01:22, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
As for Wicca in particular, I don't know if any Wiccan groups have any equivalent to a Christian seminary where one studies full-time for years. Certainly classes exist, and books. Whether it's possible to gain "real" power from Wicca, or any other faith, is of course a matter of opinion. -- Pakaran 02:37, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

Yeah...classes...how can I find more information on that?

I'm not sure if what you're trying to seek is something that many Wiccans would be interested in teaching. That aside, I personally think that gaining "magic" in the terms you describe it from a class is a physical impossibility (putting aside the future possibilities of mimicking it with technology, see e.g. transhumanism). -- Pakaran 05:35, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] S/T in albums

When a band releases an eponymous album, they add S/T to the title. What does that mean? ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 03:03, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

Such albums are also described as self-titled. Perhaps S/T is that? --Anonymous, 03:55 UTC, Feb. 11, 2006.
That's probably it then! Thanks. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 04:14, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Categories in Wikipedia

How many categories are in Wikipedia?

You could look through Wikipedia:Browse. The total number would change from day-to-day as categories are created and deleted. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 05:13, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] American Sex Statistics

Does anyone know how many times the average American will have sex in his or her lifetime? I think this is very important, especially considering how important we make sexual orientation out to be. Captain Jackson 04:50, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

Clarification, please. Is it important that they have sex many times, or is it important that others know how many times they have sex? How is the knowledge that the average American has sex 5,000 times (say) in their lifetime related to their sexual orientation? Why would Americans' sexual frequency be any different from that of people from other countries? JackofOz 05:57, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Such statistics are alway very dodgy. The only way to find this out is to ask people and this is typically something people lie about, giving the answer that they think is most acceptable for their age/gender/subculture/whatever.
And by 'America' do you mean the continent or the country on it that is often referred to by that name? DirkvdM 13:18, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
There are actually two continents, North America and South America, and then there are areas like Central America and the Caribbean which are definitely part of the "Americas" but are difficult to classify specifically with either continent. StuRat 17:15, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, you could of course join the rest of the world and call the one continent 'America' and then (very logically) call its components North-, South- and, if you wish, Central-America. And then there would be no confusion about whether 'South America' refers to Florida and Texas. Or you could be a 'true blue American' and remain obtuse about this. :) DirkvdM 10:06, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
I think most US residents consider those 'southern states' as part of the 'southern region' of the country, but 'South America' is generally regarded as referring to the continent. Even by 'true blue Americans.' -LambaJan 04:01, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
I know. I was just pointing out the illogicality of it. How can 'South Something' not be part of that 'Something'? DirkvdM 08:46, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
I think StuRat is right on this, DirkvdM. It's not a question of obtuseness, but of geographical definition. It's not one continent but two. If the level of the sea were higher (which may not be very far away), they wouldn't even be connected by an isthmus, so the appearance of contiguity is temporary. By your argument, the Netherlands is part of the same continent as Korea and South Africa. I don't think so. "The Americas" includes both continents, but "America", at least to Australians, means the USA and nothing else. I don't think you'd find many Canadians or Mexicans who'd be happy to know they lived in "America", by your definition. (It's a very brave stance to claim to be speaking for the entire world, but nice try.) JackofOz 09:12, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
A logical ordering into continents is a bit of a problem because indeed that would make Africa and Eurasia one big continent which is just too big to be practical for everyday use. So they're split in two. How 'the American continent' is designated is a matter of (fierce) dispute. In English (and therefore in Anglophone countries) it is split (although that is something recent - the term 'America used to refer to the whole in English too). In Europe it is generally regarded as one continent. I don't really know about the rest of the world. But now you go and do what StuRat did too, namely present the 'truth' you were brought up with as some absolute truth. All I did was point out the illogicality of that and be a bit, well, alright, obtuse in the way I presented the argument. DirkvdM 12:25, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
There's a terminology/psychological thing going on here, I think. If South America were called "Dirkia", and North America were called "Sturatia", the temptation to think of them as the one continent wouldn't be nearly as great.
Also note that the Sandwich Islands (now the Hawaiian Islands) and the South Sandwich Islands (near Antarctica) are not the same island chain, by any possible definition, any more than North and South America are one continent. StuRat 02:35, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
When I went to school, I was taught that Australia was the world's largest island and Ayers Rock was the world's largest monolith. Both statements are no longer considered true. The Ayers Rock/Uluru claim was never true because we now know it isn't a monolith at all. But Australia being an island has only become untrue because of a definitional change. Australia is now classified as a continental land mass, which is mutually exclusive of an island. That redefinition seems to be the prerogative of geographers, and we just have to live with it. So we've deferred to Greenland for the island thing (but we still have the world's largest monolith, Mt Augustus, which most Aussies have never even heard of.) Geographical definition says North and South America are different continents. Whether it's logical is a separate question entirely. JackofOz 12:55, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

"America was originally named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, then people got sick of calling it Vespuccia and changed the name to America." - Dave Barry

StuRat 17:18, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

Well I could give you an answer, but I have to confess that 1) I don't have the necessary book in front of me and 2) I'm too lazy to crunch the numbers. If you're interested enough, a nearby academic library will almost certainly have a copy of The Social Organization of Sexuality by Laumann, et al.[21] The tables in that book contain data on the frequency of sex for Americans between 18 and 65; from that you could make a guesstimate. --George 01:34, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] age

Whats the leagel age for having sex in India?

I think Sexual Offences Laws - India might help. --Silvaran 07:26, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Heterosexual, 16; homosexual, illegal. Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:31, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] NBC's Olympics programming schedule thingy music thing

Okiedokie, second question now, this time about the olympics. (Well...more specifically, NBC's coverage of said.) There's a rather uptempo, kind of action-y feeling song that they're playing that reminisces of other music I've heard; trouble is, I haven't a damn clue who wrote it, or plays it...anyone have any ideas? Cernen Xanthine Katrena 08:00, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

They been playing John William's Olypic March from the 1984 games, as well as the older Olympic song that I son't know what its called. Its pretty up tempo, and sounds familiar because John William's songs always sound familiar...Brian Schlosser42 17:29, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wikipedia Storage?

Hi there. Im just currently doing an essay on new internet trends and changes etc, and am talking about how wikipedia is now more commonly used more than any encyclopedia before, and how there are less issues/incorrect informations in wikipedia than any book based encyclopedia.

What i was getting to the point about, is version control, and how it is used. Say if i search for "ECU" as an example, the description about ECU comes up, is that description stored in a database? If so, are the other versions too?

I was just wondering about expansion, if this was the case, do you need massive hard drive capabilities etc?

Thanks for your time.

Apparently, Wikipedia and all of its sister projects could fit on a 200GB hard drive (that was on the reference desk before).  Run!  12:00, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
And even less if you leave out the images. 1 million articles at an average of 10 KB would come to just 10 GB. That's two dvd's. By the way, Nature (the magazine) tested Wikipedia against the Encyclopedia Birttanica a while back and found there were more errors in Wikipedia. But the difference wasn't too big. The real shock here was that the Encyclopedia Brittanica contained so many errors. And you have to take into consideration that Wikipedia has only been around for a few years and is still a work in progress. Well, it will always be of course, but it is now in the difficult stage where it's (almost) a serious reference work but not yet complete. I'd say give it another 5 or 10 years and it'll be the best reference work ever known to mankind. But more than time, expert peer reviews are needed to separate the facts from the speculationsand such. And a lot of articles need an improvement in style, but time alone should take care of that. DirkvdM 13:29, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
It should be noted that Nature only compared science-related articles. I'd expect we're a bit weaker on Humanities given the demographics that make up the majority of Wikipedia editors. GeeJo (t) (c) • 13:39, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
And anything that is even remotely controversial probably contains a lot of errors.  Run!  15:12, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course, some scientific topics are controversial. Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:29, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
It should also be noted though that on average the wikipedia articles were longer than the Brittanica ones, thus making wikipedia as if not more accurate in some cases in the sense of errors per word.
According to Wikipedia:Database download, "As of September 2005, a compressed full database dump (text only), including old page versions, is about 40GB," and "As of January 2006, the image dump for the English Wikipedia was about 76GB." - Akamad 00:08, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wicca

The wicca series by Cate Tiernan are actually based on the religion, but is everything they say bout the religion in the book true? Because they said that you have to study Wicca for a year to become a full wiccan or something, but I havn't found that rule on any site, in fact it said Wicca has no rules...

I don't think either answers your question directly, but we do have articles on both Cate Tiernan and Wicca. Note that there are apparently many different strands of Wiccan belief, so I doubt there's a simple "yes or no" answer to your question. --Robert Merkel 12:01, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
I believe that some groups do have requirements for study before formal initiation (but others don't have a concept of initiation, and many Wiccans practice alone). So yeah, it's pretty variable. I can't speak to the book because I haven't read it, and what I know about Wicca is based on things my friends have said. -- Pakaran 05:38, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Quad and inline skates

After reading the articles on quad skating and inline skates, I was curious: in terms of riding characteristics, how do they differ? According to the article, it's easier to turn sharp corners with quad skates (which makes sense), but do they differ in other ways? And why are inline skates faster, if they both have the same number of wheels and bearings (assuming they are of similar quality and characteristics)? And what about brakes - inline skates tend to have heel brakes, while quad skates have toe brakes, is there a reason for that? Does one type of brake work better in certain situations than the other? Thanks in advance! — QuantumEleven | (talk) 13:47, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

I would expect the inline skates to be less stable. That may sound bad, and it is bad for beginners, but this lack of stability can also allow for tighter turns, etc., in the hands (or on the feet, as the case may be) of an expert. StuRat 19:19, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Stu, did you mean quad when you said inline? I think you can have a sharper turning radius with quads because the length of the wheel assembly is shorter than inline; and inline are faster because the flat plane gives you something stable to throw your weight into when making the moving motions. I have heard of inline skaters who liked doing tricks who would rig their skates so that the middle two wheels would be slightly lower than the two outer ones to improve the turning radius, but this obviously had negative effects on speed. -LambaJan 04:11, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] WikiWax

Anyone know what's going on with WikiWax (the site, not the article)? They've been unavailable for a while now. hydnjo talk 16:21, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

Perhaps someone there forgot to pay their hosting bill? Safari says: "Failed to open page: Safari can’t open the page “http://www.wikiwax.com/” because it can’t find the server “www.wikiwax.com”." 12.72.246.157 09:08, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Guitar Neck Separation

I'm having some problems with the bolted neck on my guitar, which has now seperated about 1cm from the main body after someone decided to kick a ball at it. The threads seem to be now useless, so does anyone have any ideas on how i can rectify this? I'm thinking about trying to use wood glue on it, but i feel this will be pointless due to string tension. Any ideas? -Benbread 18:13, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

It sounds to me (assuming there are no cracks) like the screw threads are stripped. I would suggest taking it to musical instrument store for repairs, especially if it's valuable. Using a tap and die set to place somewhat larger bolts in the same holes (without cracking the wood) would be my instinct, but this might affect the resonance, so someone trained in musical instrument repair should really take a look at it. Also, don't just force a larger bolt into the holes as this could crack the wood. StuRat 18:37, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
Thanks for the info :) I've consulted Gibson about repair, and the possibility of it still being under warranty. You are right, the threads are stripped, so i'm thinking some slightly larger bolts would do the job, but i don't want to risk it, even though the guitar is hardly valuable.
NO! Larger bolts is a bad idea. I have to deal with this problem all the time with pipe organs, which you don't want to change around for historical reasons. If you can take to to someone under warranty then go for it, but if you can't then this is a simple repair that I used on a different part of my guitar.
Ok. I have done this type of repair. Since the threads are stripped, I would glue ( white wood glue ), three tooth picks (Good oak ones )in every hole, and put something in the holes (smaller than the screws) that are big enough to hold the tooth picks tightly in place. Trim off with a wire cutter. sand the tops off until flush. Let them cure for at least a couple of days. Since I assume that you are using typical 3/8" screws, Id go in with a 1/4" drill bit going real slow to start the holes so you dont crack the wood near the side of the back. Put it all back together, turning the screws near the side of the back very very slowly. and watch for cracks. If you see cracks or any seperation STOP, back it out, and ream it out some more. I also took the time to remove the varnish from the back of the neck, and make the mating surfaces as smooth as possible. Be very carefull NOT to overightnen the screws. After you put it together, wait a few days to string it. When you string it, tune the guitar to The key of A, then G, then up to E. After you get it up to E, leave it sit for an hour, then check the tuning. tune it up, and check the tuning up again. If you still having speration problems, then the tuning will keep falling out.
I would also note: Gibson guitars, in the online manual for the LesPaul recommend replacing only ONE STRING AT A TIME. ( and keeping all the others tuned up during the process. ).
Best of luck and send us a picture. ~~----
The principle is to fill the hole with real wood. You need to be judicious. If you fill it too much then you'll need to re-drill an appropriatly sized pilot hole so that you don't split the wood when you re-screw it. If you don't want to go through all the trouble of filling with a dowel piece and redrilling, then you can simply make up the appropriate mass of wood with one or a few lengths of toothpick pieces. Cut them to length, dip them in a good wood glue (titebond) and screw in the original screws before the glue dries. The appropriate amount of wood is enough for the screw to use and not enough for the screw to push out far enough to split the wood. The appropriate length is rather short, like between 1/3 and 2/3 the length of the hole. Some people like to specially make plugs of beechwood that are 1/3 the length of the hole or less that are pre-piloted and screw them in with a bit of wood glue (the idea for this method is to give something for the end of the screw to latch onto), but this often isn't necessary. It's a judgement call for you. The basic thing is to put some more wood in there, with glue, and screw it in before the glue sets. -LambaJan 04:32, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
This is good advice, but don't sue me if you mess up. -LambaJan 01:52, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] U.S. Postal Service

Does the U.S. postal service prefer roadside mailboxes rather than mailboxes on houses? Who started putting Mailboxes on the roadside, and when did they do it?

I would say it depends on the population density. In a sparsely populated area, driving from mailbox to mailbox is more practical, while in densely populated areas delivering on foot is more efficient. In densely populated areas, they really prefer the system where a block of mailboxes is provided for each apartment complex, as that means the least work for them. StuRat 19:08, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
BTW, does any other country have roadside mailboxes. Why dont American criminals (or just naughty children) routinely empty them? Jameswilson 02:11, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
The rural areas where they are used are typically low crime areas and there are very severe penalties for interfering with the mail. StuRat 02:41, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't know if they empty them, but petty criminals and naughty children/adolescents (the categories overlap, yes) routinely entertain themselves by smashing the boxes, usually with a baseball bat or other bludgeon swung from the window of a moving car. See Mailbox baseball. —Charles P._(Mirv) 02:31, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Geesh, is there anything that we don't have an article about?  ;-) hydnjo talk 03:45, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
It is also common now in the U.S. (or at least here in Florida) for new suburbs, like the one where I live, to have a block of mailboxes as in an apartment building. And, as with apartments, they have locks, to deal with naughty/petty children/adolescents/criminals/terrorists. Yeltensic42 don't panic 06:34, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
As far as why they don't empty them, what would be the point? Sure a bit of vandalism since that person won't get their mail for a day but other than that there is little to gain. Money isn't sent through the mail much at all any more so you can't spend what's in there. Catalogs, while nice to look at sometimes, are available just by calling the company and asking for one. Credit card offers are blank and rather pointless to steal. Credit card statements don't have the expiration dates so it would be hard to profit from that. It's just nearly pointless. Dismas|(talk) 22:03, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
I dont know - identity theft maybe, bank stuff, social security numbers. Anyway Im relieved to hear that youthful exuberance is alive and well in the suburbs. Jameswilson 00:53, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
What's the point in vandalizing Wikipedia? Yeltensic42 don't panic 01:15, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
Like many things, Canada follows the US in having large numbers of roadside mailboxes. My own take on why this is the case is that it's a combination of practicality and tradition. American houses, especially in rural areas, are much further away from the road than in (say) Britain. Having to go to each house would add a huge amount to the time taken to deliver mail. And the postal services in US and Canada tend to be designed largely to reduce costs more than to make things easier for customers.
Incidentally, in my part of Canada I understand that new houses are not being built with mailboxes on the house, even in densely-populated urban areas. Instead each group of twenty or thirty houses has a central group of mailboxes to which you must go to collect your mail. DJ Clayworth 17:11, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
Yeah, just like here (the blocks of mailboxes, I mean). I guess it's probably like that everywhere in the United States and Canada now. Yeltensic42 don't panic 03:40, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
It's real peculiar here in Las Vegas. It seems to vary from development to development. My side of my block is all individual roadside mailboxes. Across the street is a cul-de-sac (7 houses or so, very common design here) that has a single centralized mailbox. The similar cul-de-sac a block away has individual boxes on their houses. My guess is that some or another deal is made with the USPS when a development is established -- this is, after all, a town where if the developers don't pay to pave a street, the street doesn't get paved. Ours is locked, by the way -- we weren't here more than a week when we noticed one day all the mailboxes on the block with their doors lying open, and then heard that Las Vegas has the highest rate of identity theft in the country... --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 04:48, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Another Soap Network

After SoapNet, what other soap network are we going to expect and what is that network's format going to be?--12.18.90.3 20:09, 11 February 2006 (UTC)Eric

This isn't really a new idea. I remember Sky Soap appearing back when Sky was an analogue system. GeeJo (t) (c) • 21:38, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

In australia we have road side mail boxes and one of my best child hood memories is when we filled some poor persons mail box up with fire works and exploded it.. he he.. no one steals your mail, what good is it but to its owner?

This isn't really the place for confessions. You might try PostSecret though. GeeJo (t) (c) • 16:18, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Recent news on CNN

On a recent CNN evening broadcast, there was a segment about a web site that offers registration to input biographical information. After you complete registration, you print out a tag with visible numbers that you stick in a car window. If you find an attractive person entering a car with a sticker mentioned above, you can go to web portal, enter this number and obtain bio on this person. It was promoted as a new form of blind dating. Can some one help identify this protal?

What about those poor singles who don't have a car? Are these stickers bicycle-friendly? DirkvdM 10:11, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
We need more information. Are you absolutely certain you saw it on CNN and not another news channel? Do you recall which program aired the segment, or at least recall roughly what day it aired? --Aaron 16:31, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Sounds rather bizarre, as you'd need to see them entering or leaving their car, which basically means hanging around in a car park. So why not just ask them for their biographies then and there? --Shantavira 17:48, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Whats wrong with good old-fashioned Dogging (dont know if Dutch cyclists are allowed though). Jameswilson 00:57, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

I did find the site: www.flirtingintraffic.com. Its really cool and free.

[edit] Series of 1928 E U.S. 5 dollar bill

I have a 5 dollar bill with a red seal and red serial numbers. It is the Series of 1928 E. I would like to recieve information on this bill. How much is it worth? as well as other information on its history. Please send me an email soon. My e-mail address is ertnmjp2@hotmail.com. Thank you. Sincerely, Evan Treadway --66.218.254.243 20:29, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

If a recent Ebay listing is any indication it's not worth that much. In some other auctions/listings I saw the prices all hovered around the $10.00 mark. You can read a little about it and other like it in the United_States_Notes article. Rx StrangeLove 00:05, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] how come

hello wikipedians i was watching the tense hours before stanley williams excution at san quentin on my television and i was wondering how come they don`t excute people in broad daylight. can you guys tell me why.

Firstly, I'm going to assume you're talking about executions in the United States rather than by firing squad in other countries, which ARE typically done in "broad daylight". Secondly, your question is ambiguous. Do you mean in the middle of the day or in the middle of the town square? If the former, it's mostly tradition, and since any time is as good as another, there's no real reason to change it. If the latter, there's the matter of security to consider, and also dignity of the prisoner and for the prisoner's family.GeeJo (t) (c) • 23:16, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
I believe David Feldman wrote they do executions in the middle of the night so as to avoid undue attention. -- Mwalcoff 00:48, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 12

[edit] I have 7 bumps on my head

and three bright green arrows on my head, they light up and blick, also are powered by bioeletric eels, what am I? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 152.163.100.199 (talk • contribs)

A human being who typed a riddle into the Reference Desk? ;-) -- AJR | Talk 01:00, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
a fkn freak. gelo 01:34, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
...whose talk page contains many warnings. :-( --hydnjo talk 01:46, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, it is an AOL-registered IP, so it's pretty likely the messages arent for this poster. GeeJo (t) (c) • 02:39, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
A gyroscopic stabilizer for dolphin biotechnology. ‣ᓛᖁ♀ᑐ 02:36, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
LOL, now you're reminding me of User:Khranus' Dolphin brain article. -- Pakaran 02:42, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Not suitly emphazied. 12.72.246.157 09:12, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Hey, even anons are starting to use that. What have we unleashed? DirkvdM 10:14, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
We've created a monster!! Yeltensic42 don't panic 01:18, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

A monster? -LambaJan 01:54, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

See Phrenology

[edit] Difference

In a lot of books, the subject is Wicca and Witchraft, what is the difference? I know that the difference between a wiccan and a witch is that a wiccan goes by a philosophy...

The Wicca article has some material about the differences. There's some terms and concepts explaned also. Rx StrangeLove 06:57, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Generally the practicioners of witchcraft have been persecuted wherever they are in the world. I cannot think of a single nation where they were the bosses, and at the same time the nation believed in literacy for the masses. Thus, anything written about witchcraft tends to be by people other than the witches, so I would take with a lot of grains of salt the veracity. User:AlMac|(talk) 11:41, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Amazon.com

Hi guys. I live in Australia and there is this really good DVD on Amazon.com that i want to buy. i cant find the dvd at any stores here in australia, so i was hoping i could buy it from amazon.com.

however, i dont know whether they sell, ship or deliver to australia...

so could someone just clarify this for me? CAN i buy something from www.amazon.com and have it sent here? gelo 02:02, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

  • By the way, I want to make sure you're aware that Australia and the United States do not use the same television transmission protocol, so unless you have a DVD player that will convert between NTSC (the American system) and PAL (the Australian system), the DVD will not display properly on your TV. In addition, your DVD player must be capable of overriding DVD region codes, which are specifically designed to prevent people in one part of the world from viewing DVDs intended for another part of the world. (The United States is Region 1; Australia is Region 4.) --Aaron 02:18, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
OK. So how can I know if my DVD player CAN play it or not? gelo 02:31, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
What's the make and model number of your DVD player, gelo? --Aaron 04:10, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't know, but I'm sure the answer is on its way shortly. Unfortunately a lot of people find out the hard way about this, by being sold a DVD using a foreign region code but without any kind of marking on it to alert the buyer that it may not be suitable for a standard DVD player. I had such an experience, so now I always check before buying. (I'll get to see All About Eve one day - my time is coming.) JackofOz 03:32, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, almost all DVD players are designed to only play DVDs embedded with the region code where they were bought (players sold in America only work with Region 1 (US and Canada) DVDs, UK players only work with Region 2 (Western Europe) discs, etc.). The good news is that a majority of DVD players can be easily modified to become "region-free", often just by pressing a few buttons on the remote control in a certain order. You're not supposed to know about this of course, but thanks to the Internet, it's very easy to get the codes for your player, if they exist. Of course, solving the region code problem will not fix the NTSC/PAL problem. Unless your DVD player or television is designed to convert between the two formats on the fly, you're going to be out of luck regardless. But it should be noted that DVD players that offer that conversion, and can be region hacked, are easily available for as little as US$50. In fact, I just bought such a player a few months ago, from Amazon. --Aaron 04:19, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
I will check what make and model my dvd player are when i get home. but for now, i would like to know: is this all the same case when playing a dvd on the computer? or can a computer play any dvd whatsoever?

Probably not. The ones in North America are set to region 1. They can be set to any region up to (I think) 5 times and then they will lock in the last region used. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 09:09, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

However, the Internet again comes to the rescue. For most DVD readers, you can find a hacked firmware update online that will make the drive region-free. And, of course, if you use a DeCSS-based program to watch DVDs, it doesn't really matter what region your drive is set to. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 19:02, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
All of this is to stop software piracy, of course. KILO-LIMA 20:37, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The MTV Sunday Stew

What shows are we going to expect on the MTV Sunday Night Stew?

I'm not expecting any. User:Zoe|(talk) 03:22, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Associated Dry Goods/May Department Stores 1986 merger

Hello,

I could really use some help for figuring out a tax basis. (I received some Associated Dry Goods stock as a childhood gift. Associated Dry Goods merged with May Department Stores in 1986, and May Department Stores merged with Federated Department Stores in 2005.) Because I received a payout for fractional shares as a result of the 2005 merger, I now need some information to use as the basis for figuring out my capital gains. The information I need is: 1)the exact date in 1986 that Associated Dry Goods merged with May Department Stores, and 2)the price per share of May Common Stock on that date. I can't tell you how much I would appreciate it if you could e-mail me this information at Darjimbea@aol.com. Thanks so much!Darjimbea@aol.com 03:26, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

It appears that according to this New York Times story, the merger was approved around October 3 or 4, and the deal was for ADG holders to get 1.72 shares of May for each share they held... perhaps you already knew that. I think to get that price per share you may need to go to the library and pull the October 3, 1986 stock prices from whatever newspaper is available. I'm not expert on the exact tax strategy problem you are facing, but a little brief reading indicates that this is an arena where the IRS would have the same difficulty as you in determining the cost basis; as long as you do not grossly underestimate the gains (and therefore underestimate the tax liability) the IRS will accept your calculation on faith. (Although IANAL, IANACPA, cross my heart and hope to die.) KWH 00:46, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Gaining access to military records of a family member

We are trying to learn more about our brother who was in the First Marines during WWII - he rec'd two purple hearts - was blown off a cliff in Bouganvillea. The family is wanting more information on our brother (he is deceased) Whom can we contact in the Military or public information center? KNC

Check here for a start: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/ CrypticBacon 04:56, 12 February 2006 (UTC)


[edit] Taiwan seems to only be highly developed on the western coast.

Why is it virtually all Urban on just the west coast of Taiwan? Why are the inlands and eastern coasts almost all rural? --Shultz 04:30, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

  • For military used,mainly. This is one of the reasons. Belows are for refering to.--HydrogenSu 11:57, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
因為台灣早期的政府(KMT)為了要與中共*(PRC)對抗 選擇把所有的軍事重地 設在西部.
如南方的鳳山 是可以和未來美軍登陸協同作戰(大概由菲律賓駐紮之美軍 由屏東港登入).
而且台灣位居世界重要戰略地位. 一但被共產世界攻佔 將嚴重威脅世界安全.
目前我國總統陳水扁(President Bien) 為了個人私人的政治利益 擅自意慾廢除"國統會" 勢必嚴重威脅台海安全 與世界安全 利益等. 我身為台灣人 非常憂心. 希望不會發生任何戰爭 確保世界和平.
並希望美國政府(USA)能夠及時阻止陳水扁荒唐的作為.

--HydrogenSu 11:39, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

  • Ummm, why are you speaking in that language at the en.wikipedia? hydnjo talk 01:53, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
It is common for coasts to be more urban than inland areas; people have always been drawn to bodies of water to use for transportation (well, since they've had boats, at any rate). I don't know why the west coast would be more urban than the east coast, but it could be because it is facing the mainland, where the earliest inhabitants would have arrived from. Yeltensic42 don't panic 06:12, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
The islands geological features play an important part. Taiwan is very mountainous in the center and the east. On the other hand, the western part of the island has gently sloping plains making farming and travel easier. Most of the major cities are located in the west because of the advantages the geology brings. There is a larger number of native populations in the east however. [22] [23]. Rx StrangeLove 06:45, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
The distribution of major urban centres on one coast is common to many countries, for historical, resource-related or other reasons. Have a look at a few countries - in Australia, the best farming land is on the east coast, and that's where most of the population lives. Same in New Zealand. In the US, much of the poopulation is still in the historically important north-east, and similarly Canada's is in the area just north-east of the Great Lakes. Taiwan has the resource-rich area in the West and - for psychological reasons - they might like to keep Mainland China where they can metaphorically keep a closer eye on it. Grutness...wha? 08:25, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course, now California is the most populous U.S. state (even though New York is still the largest city) and the sunbelt is growing the quickest; it seems that the population of the U.S. is spreading itself thinner over the available land. Yeltensic42 don't panic 17:33, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
California only has the largest population because it has the largest area (except for Alaska, which is too far north to be populous). If the East Coast had a state the size of California (say where New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virgina, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia are), then that state would be more populous. 18:46, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, Texas is also bigger than California. California is the most populous because most people agree that it has the best climate. After it started getting crowded, they started moving to Florida, which I guess is meant to be sort of a poor man's California. Yeltensic42 don't panic 01:23, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
In California, you can survive without air conditioning. User:Zoe|(talk) 03:25, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
Kinda really depends where you are. Weeks of 90 to 100 degree (F, of course) in parts of LA are survivable, perhaps, but most unpleasant without air conditioning. The Central Valley (where much of the agriculture is) has average highs of around 100 in the summer as well. There's a lot of California that doesn't benefit much (if at all) to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 04:00, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
There's a reason why Florida was the least populous state in the South until around 1930...and why few moved here until the 1960s. Yeltensic42 don't panic 04:05, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] HCE

Is Hyper-Cerebral Electrosis real, or just a joke?

A paragraph at Exploding head tags it as a "persistent urban myth". CrypticBacon 04:59, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Craft

Wow! I just saw the film, it's great, is there a website with the spells? I looked up the craft on Wike, but it only had the imdb thing as an external link, can anyone help? Cheers

It's fiction. There might be something out there about the spells, but you won't be able to get them to work (I'd gladly bet a hundred dollars against a used kleenex that you can't). -- Pakaran 06:08, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Meaning that 'real' witchcraft isn't fiction? DirkvdM 10:17, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

Meh I've done a few spells that've worked, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't insult what people believe/religions.

Would these spells happen to be things that have perfectly valid and logical natural explanations? I'm betting "yes" on that one.  Run!  11:23, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
I just did a spell to keep the Sun from exploding, and sure enough, it didn't explode ! StuRat 18:36, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
It will eventually, a few billion years from now. STURAT IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT! Proto||type 12:56, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm not insulting religion. I'm stating that basing a magical experiment on a fictional movie may be misguided. -- Pakaran 21:33, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Car stats 2005

How many people died in the United States from car accidents in 2005? (And at what age on average?)

How many people were injured in the United States from car accidents in 2005?

Thanks for helping.

--- Bryan

I had trouble finding any 2005 information. We might have to wait a while before it becomes more widely available. But for 2004 stats, see http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/test5/?table_sort_748377=7. It also breaks down the fatalities into age groups. In terms of injuries, this is a hard statistic to obtain considering the definition of an "injury" can be subjective. But a rough estimate given on this page state it as 3 million. - Akamad 19:35, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
This was someone else's question and I sneaked the age-question in with the purpose of pointing out the shocking facts to people, but it worked better than I hoped. The first 'key fact' mentioned in the first link above is Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages three to 33.
What could be done about this? Speed limits, seat belts, coming down hard on drunken driving and many other approaches have already had their effect (in the 1970's the death toll was about a four- or five-fold of what it is now). So what else can we do? Fewer cars would be one idea. But we don't want to curtail people's mobility, so we'd have to put more people in one car. Another idea would be a professional driver at the wheel. And what do we get then? Right, public transportation.
If the enormous death toll among young people doesn't impress you, think of the cost of losing those lives, supporting the handicapped who survived and the cars themselves of course. Or the air pollution being a health problem for people living near busy car lanes (effectively turning them into heavy smokers) and probably causing a climate change. Or losing time when commuting because you have to drive the car, causing you to loose something like an hour every day, that could be spent in a useful way in a train or cab.
The unwillingness to seriously tackle the problems caused by the holy cow have created a situation in which there's loads of room for improvement. So why don't we? The objection I hear most is that public transport is so lousy, it's for losers. But that's precisely my problem. Make it large-scale, standardised and with a fine grid and high frequency and it'll be better than having a private car. Among the thousands of big cities in the world where this could work, there isn't a single one that has made a serious effort. If only one would try it, that would be enough to convince the rest of the world. Just the one. Just this one hurdle needs to be taken. Anyone? (any mayors reading this?)
There, I've said my thing.  :) DirkvdM 20:48, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Dirk, you should go to Paris, Berlin, or Munich. They have fantastic, widely used public transport systems, combining light rail, metro, buses and trams which completely trump car use even out to the medium-distance suburbs. But that only happens because the government invested very heavily in the infrastructure, and because the cities are compact (relative to their population) - you would have trouble doing the same thing in a sprawling mess such as Houston. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 08:51, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
If you're from Houston you might find the public transport in those cities impressive (I haven't been to Houston, but if it's comparable to Phoenix I sympathise with you - public transportation is even totally non-existent there on Sundays). But compared to what a lot of third world countries have it's quite pathetic. And the train-network is nothing compared to the Netherlands. Third world countries don't have a lot of private cars, so public transport is a whole lot better there than in Europe (which in turn is a whole lot better then North America). But even that is not what I have in mind, namely all transportation of people in one integrated system that transports several people per car, where you can get on and off less than 100 m from your point of origin and destination (exactly door-to-door would probably not work). You too are reasoning from the existing forms of public transportation, which, like I said, is always a problem here. Maybe another term should be used. I'm thinking more of a system of taxi sharing, possibly with minivans. DirkvdM 12:59, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
If you want to reduce accident deaths and injuries, one other thing that could be done is making the fitment of Electronic stability control for all cars compulsory. Of course, it wouldn't make such a big difference if people actually knew how to drive, but that's too much to hope for. --Robert Merkel 00:03, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
I didn't know about that, but it seems like something very complex that will have little effect (then again I can hardly judge that by the article). But another 'intelligent car' solution is that train of cars that completely takes over the driving (except for the first car maybe). Alas I forgot the name. Cars that happen to be going the same way team up to form a train, with minimal distance between the cars. This, of course, requires automation. But I've seen working prototypes. There's still one person in each car, but the cars are close together, causing less air friction and therefore fuel consumption (and thus cost, climate change and health hazard). And if the first car makes a mistake the closeness of the cars actually makes them safer (though the other one is probably screwed). And the driving is hands free, making it legal again to phone from the car. This works on highways, but probably not (yet) in cities. It would be a start, though, but not as easily implemented as a good public transportation. And of course the two could be combined. But does anyone know the name for this system? DirkvdM 08:32, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
You're looking for automated highway system. It's still a prototype, and likely many years from widespread implementation, because it requires extensive modification of the infrastructure. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 08:51, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
That's it, thanks. Like you say, it will take some time to implement this and like I said it won't work everywhere (or else it will take ven longer to develop). So a solution like I propose above with oof-the-shelf material and infrastructure is for now the way to go. If only one city somewhere would implement it, its superiority could be proven. DirkvdM 12:59, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Bliss desktop from Napa Valley?

The article on Bliss - the default wallpaper that Windows XP comes with, claims that its taken from a photograph taken in in the Napa Valley region. Based on this I had added this info in the Windows XP and Napa Valley articles also. But looks like this may not be true and there are counter-arguments at Talk:Bliss (image). I searched at the Microsoft site and websites related to Napa Valley, but there is no mention of the fact that the photo is from the valley. Any clues as to the correct source? Jay 11:45, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Blocke ads

Go to 33 pol. There should be two pictures. The one on the right I can see fine but the one on the left is saying blocked ads. When I follow the link I also see "blocked ads". If I click on the link on the image page it opens in a blank page and if I try to save it a window opens and closes too fast to see what happened and nothing is save. The picture on the right is fine and I can, if I wanted to, save it. I'm on XP with a IE based (Maxthon) browser. Any ideas why ones ok and the other is not. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:54, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

Your firewall or browser is blocking it. The url for the image is http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ad/Seosehpol_inside_night.jpg/250px-Seosehpol_inside_night.jpg. That "ad" in there makes the firewall think it's advertising. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 11:59, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
That'll teach me not to look proper! I knew that yestrday. I will of course hhave myself suitly emphazi right away. But why are some images loaded into a directory with ad in them? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 12:29, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
It's the browser setting. I finally mananged to find IE (I'm at work) and sure enough the picture works. Which makes me wonder how many other people have this problem without knowing why. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 12:32, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
It's the first byte of the cryptographic hash of the picture, converted to hexadecimal. So, ad is in fact 0xad, or 173 in decimal. Around 1 in 256 pictures will have that directory name. It's not MediaWiki-specific; I've seen other sites that use exactly the same kind of system. --cesarb 16:59, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] gardening

How does high altitude (8200 ft.) affect the choice of plants for a garden 20 miles from Boulder, CO (5000 ft.)? -S.T.

Books on rock gardening have suggestions for plants that live in mountainous regions. —Keenan Pepper 16:53, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] HMS Ganges

Where would i find the rcruitment list of HMS Ganges? Years 1902-1914. Hms Ganges Assoc.,National archives,& Veterans Agency don't hold them. Was it done in various towns, cities throughout UK? Regards, Owen

[edit] Chuck e Cheese locations

Hello my name is David and I am trying to settle a bet with a friend of mine.

I know there was a Chuck e Cheese location in Burlington Ontario Canada at or around the year of 1980. I have looked on there official website but can come up with no answers. Can you please give me the address where is was located?

Thank you so very much for your time.

If you don't get lucky and find someone here who remembers the place, then I would suggest contacting a public library in Burlington and ask if they have phone books or business directories from that period, and can look up the address. --Anonymous, 19:00 UTC, February 12, 2006.

[edit] are their such books

hello wikipedians i have two questions about books which may or may not exist THE FIRST was mentioned on mystery science thearter 3000 a woman was reading a book called the beast in the jungle about a man who has been looking for something special in his life with a woman whom he likes the woman dies and he ends standing in front of the womans grave realizing she was the thing he was looking for all his life.the second is about a group of prisoners of war who have make their dreamhouse to keep from going crazy. PLEASE TELL ME DO THESE BOOKS EXIST OR NOT.

The Beast in the Jungle is the title of a novella by Henry James and is probably the source of your show. I don't recognize the other plot. alteripse 18:31, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

The second sounds reminiscent of The Bridge on the River Kwai, although that was of course about building a bridge, not a house. --BluePlatypus 19:16, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] windows clock question

when a turn off my pc, and then turn on the pc again, the PC is on the same day and time, how i fix this??

Isn't that how its supposed to be ? The PC should always give the current time and not be affected by rebooting. Jay 20:07, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

Yes. but my PC show the same time of when he was turned off, not the curent time and day.

Possibilities include:
  • defective CMOS battery. Solution: replace battery
  • weird NTP problem. Solution: turn off your NTP client
-- Finlay McWalter | Talk 20:26, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

I had a 1979 VW Rabbit with the same problem. It had an analog clock which stopped when the car was turned off. Apparently the battery voltage alone was insufficient to power the clock. StuRat 21:06, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

Your Rabbit had a clock? My family's '81 doesn't, although it does have a fuel injection system and a pretty little decal bragging about it.

—WAvegetarian•CONTRIBUTIONSTALK• EMAIL•22:43, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

If your PC is getting old, it'll almost certainly be the CMOS battery. They are usually quite straightforward to replace. --Shantavira 09:19, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] why don`t they make them all the same

hi was reading gelo3`s question about a dvd he wanted to buy and i was wondering why don`t they make dvds and dvd players so they could play anywhere in the world.

Regional lockout explains. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 19:52, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Not very well, it doesn't. I'm no fan of region coding, but the Regional lockout article is, to my eye, unreadably POV. Some explanation of the manufacturers' goals behind these schemes (no matter how much we as consumers might disagree with those goals) would render the article less POV and, incidentally, make it useful as an answer to this question. Steve Summit (talk) 21:45, 12 February 2006 (UTC) [P.S. Okay, yes, there is a little "Advantages for producers" section; I didn't notice that at first.]
Well, actually, they do. Except that they're of the computer variety and you're thinking of stand-alone machines for video only. And then for just one video format. A computer can handle all types just a matter of software. The only reason for a stand-alone machine is that you might not want to have a computer in your living room. DirkvdM 13:03, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] question about superman

my brother said that the superman doens't fly, he use your another abilities in some way to fly, this is true??

I believe that in the original version, the planet Krypton was supposed to have had much greater gravity than Earth, so the "people" from there were much more muscular and could jump great distances in the low gravity of Earth. As evidence of this, the phrase "able to jump tall buildings" was used in the intro to Superman, and being able to jump tall buildings would be quite trivial to anyone who could fly, wouldn't it ? In later versions, they seem to have done away with all this theory and just allowed him to fly without any explanation. StuRat 21:00, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
It supposedly has something to do with Krypton having a red sun and Earth having a yellow sun. Superman's powers don't work on any world with a red sun. User:Zoe|(talk) 03:29, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
(nerd hat on) Unless things have changed since Byrne's '86 reboot, Superman is basically somebody with crazy-ass telekenesis that is "channeled" to allow him to do certain things like fly, be very strong, etc. His flight is telekinetic, not biological -- he's using the power of his mind to move himself around, not negating gravity physically or expelling a gas or something. (nerd hat off, checks for 'hat head')66.129.135.114 14:22, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
That sounds like yet another, more recent, explanation. He apparently changes back stories as often as his cape. StuRat 00:28, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Exodus 2006

As I was browsing the web late one night I stumbled across this site:

http://www.exodus2006.com/

At first I looked at the site with mild amusement. Apparently, its a site seeking to make people aware that the world is coming to an end, and offering various proofs to back its case up.

The page on the Bible Code has no information on various codes that proponents claim to hold water. In fact, the Exodus2006 site has a number of codes that they claim were found in advance of events that they describe.

I tried to get some information from the Bible Code page on Wikipedia, but it really didn't answer my question about how valid could these claims possibly be? Are they worth getting worked up over? Or is it likely that these same people found codes that actually werent valid, and silently removed them from the site?

--Shadarian 22:14, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

It's crap, ignore it. StuRat 01:02, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
You might be interested in timeline of unfulfilled Christian Prophecy. My opinion is that, as StuRat said, these claims are total rubbish and should be put back into the metaphysical limbo where they came from. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 08:42, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] TBA

Where exactly is the TBA in Canberra?

The Traditional birth attendant or the Trockenbeerenauslese? GeeJo (t) (c) • 23:29, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Perhaps the location is yet To Be Announced. --Canley 01:05, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
If I were a betting man, I'd say you might be looking for the TAB (ie. off-course betting shop, see also Australian and New Zealand punting glossary)? It's known as ACTTAB, and there are many outlets. Just ask somebody, or check in the phone book. JackofOz 01:50, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] 4 Elephants and a Tortoise

This Uncyclopedia "view of the earth from space" http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Image:Earth-orbit.JPG with 4 Elephants and a Tortoise supporting a flat earth is a parody of something i've seen before, but for the life of me i cannot remember what. This is starting to annoy me, does anyone have idea what it is? :) -Benbread 23:00, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

Possibly the Discworld? Or perhaps jsut the myth it was based on (though you have to wonder what the turtle is standing on. GeeJo (t) (c) • 23:23, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 13

[edit] Wikipedia vs. Microsoft

Does anyone know what the large paired valleys and peaks in this Alexa rank graph might represent? The valleys correspond to a drop in page views for Microsoft (but not Wikipedia), while the peaks correspond to an increase in page views for both. [24] ‣ᓛᖁ♀ᑐ 01:53, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

  • Weekends. If you poke around on Alexa, you'll notice that most sites have big troughs every seven days. Microsoft is probably one of the few sites relatively immune to that trend given that so many people need to access microsoft.com at all times of the day and night in order to fix problems with Windows. (And I presume Internet Explorer loads some microsoft.com site as its default home page out of the box, which a lot of people probably never bother to change.) --Aaron 05:40, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Interesting thought but I'm not sure that explains the graph as there is one peak and one dip (per website) over the course of a month. There should be at least four of each (per website) for that theory to hold. Oooooh - extend the range of the graph and the relationship goes back for about half a year.  Run!  09:58, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
I suspect artifacts in the Alexa internet data, either in their raw data collection (which is not unbiased, and subject to all sorts of anomalies) or perhaps due to changes in the way they crunch it. There were other weird anomalies in December-January for other sites also. Steve Summit (talk) 15:48, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Two sports-related questions

1) I don't watch a lot of American professional football, but this year I happened to be a captive audience for some of the playoffs. I noticed some video effects I hadn't seen before: somehow or another, the line of scrimmage is displayed in some camera views, as if it's painted on the field. Fox has a different effect that they display between plays, and it looks like the players can run over it. Is it some sort of green screen thing? Or what?

2) At the current Winter Olympics, there are now blue lines painted on the snow on the downhill and on the halfpipe. Aesthetically, they are quite unpleasant; instead of the skiers zipping down the beautiful white snow, someone's spraypainted ugliness on it. Also, on the ski run, there are sometimes lines crossing the course. What are these about?

Thanks! --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 04:11, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, it could be worse, instead of blue lines they could have used yellow spots in the snow to guide the skiers. StuRat 05:27, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
That is just so cool. Thanks! --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 07:06, 13 February 2006 (UTC)
I believe the ski lines are about depth perception. At the speeds the skiers are going, and largely surrounded by white, it's easy for them to become disoriented. The old solution used to be pine branches scattered near the track; I presume the blue lines are the high-tech version. DJ Clayworth 22:45, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] idiom

what is the meaning of " putting all your eggs in one basket"

Try this: [25] --Zeizmic 22:29, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

It means "try to distribute risks evenly". For example, the employees of Enron, who had their incomes, assets (in the form of Enron stock), and retirement funds all controlled by Enron, found out how bad it can be when you don't distribute risks evenly. Had they had their assets in some other form and had their own retirement accounts (IRA's, 401k's, etc.), then they would have fared much better when Enron went under.

Interestingly, there are times when it isn't advantageous to distribute risks evenly. In the literal example, putting all your eggs in one basket makes perfect sense if you need all of them for a recipe. In that case, breaking one is just as bad as breaking them all. However, if you only need one egg for the recipe, and are really clumsy, it might make sense to transport them one at a time, until you manage to deliever one unbroken. StuRat 23:33, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] the size of wikipedia

how many gigabytes/terabytes is the entire sum of wikipedia pages? how much does it grow every day?

Thanks so much.

Chris--68.121.254.253 22:20, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Miscellaneous#Wikipedia_Storage.3F. Markyour words 01:33, 14 February 2006 (UTC)


[edit] Who lived there?

Hello I am trying to find who lived at a certain address in the UK in the1960/70s Do you know of any website or government organisation who could supply this information? Thank you J.Chapman

Try Royal Mail, if the address is still there they'll know where it is & if it isn't they could give you the address of the local Post Office & someone there might remember where it was. AllanHainey 12:34, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
try your local county record office, see if they have the electoral registers for that time frame. They must surely keep one copy when all the copies in locallibraries have been discarded -- I've consulted electoral registers for 1917, so I know at least some are retained.Malcolm Farmer 13:26, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 14

[edit] Non-Operating Business

Hi, I started a business or created a corporation on California last March but unfortunately I wasn't able to get the funding and the business has never been running and it is non-operative. I was hoping maybe someone might be able to help me I called IRS about this month's ago and they only told me that I just needed to send a letter telling them that the business is non-operating. Do I need to include this on my tax forms, where would I send the letter, do I include it with my other forms? I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

OK, I think it's bad enough when people give medical advice here, but never, ever, seek serious legal or tax advice. Ask the Enron guys, they got all their accounting advice here... --Zeizmic 00:52, 14 February 2006 (UTC
Heh, heh. Why don't you call IRS again? Or even go in and see them? Lisiate 02:18, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Go see any accountant that prepares taxes and they can tell you what you need to do. If you had expenses in setting up the business you may be able to claim that as a business loss and a deduction on your personal return. Any basic tax question you have can be answered by going to www.irs.gov, downloading the 1040 form and it's instructions, then keep downloading additional forms and instructions as needed when they apply to your situation. See also the various publications. Of course it may or may not be worth your time to do it yourself, and that is why there are accountants. - Taxman Talk 14:37, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
I seem to recall that you need to amortize the expenses of starting a business over 5 years.. maybe I'm thinking of something else. Rhobite 19:08, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] If aliens were to look for the capital of our planet, would they make this mistake?

It would be understandable for an alien civilization to have a world capital, in other words, a capital of their planet.

Therefore say an exploratory ship enters our solar system and finds sentient life on one of the planets. That would be us, on Earth. They download the total sum of human knowledge by scanning our planet, and searches through all of our languages.

They see that a bell is "the ship's soul" in our culture. (I learned that a ship's bell is the soul of ships when we went over a unit about the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald in school several years ago.) Therefore, they deduce that the "soul of our planet" must be on Earth somewhere.

Then they find a city named "Seoul", which sounds so similar to "Soul" that they think, "All right. We found it. This city MUST be the capital of planet Earth. We could assume that they regard their world capital as "the soul of their planet".

I guess to go out on a limb (in terms of typing this), they even decide to try and make contact with the planet's leader. But in order not to frighten the citizens of the metropolitan area, they send their landing craft to a narrow band of uninhabited land, ~37 miles north of Seoul to prepare to meet humans and make contact with what they believe is the leader of Earth.

So, could aliens mistakenly believe that Seoul is the soul and capital of Earth? I've been curious about this for a while now and the thought of this possibility keeps coming back. --Shultz 03:05, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Answer - This question is very good, but unfortunatly you pass the answer in your desire to be clever with the Soul/Seoul notion. Aliens coming is definitly possible. People give aliens the ability to find our planet but do not consider how much about our infrastructure. Now back to your question, could the Aliens find the capital? Well 1) if they were given all human knowledge like you say, "through scanning", then of course they would know how our country is divided. 2) Even if they didn't they would go to the places of highest population, ergo the New York city approaches (Independance Day). Seoul is a very large city, but UN meetings and things like that could lead one to believe that maybe the is the head of the world, which as anyone on this planet knows is quite the opposite. 3) They would probably go the route of using their superior intellectual abilities to find out where humans were originally civilized. That could be many places depending on your school of thought. Africa, Egypt, Jerusalem...etc. The important question is not if they would make the mistake of going to Seoul, it's what the Aliens are doing in the first place. Are they going to go War of the Worlds on us and drain our blood onto the streets in the form of vegetation. Or will they do a K-Pax Kevin Spacey thing and just visit for "the produce".

I think that it's time for your nap now.  ;-) --hydnjo talk 03:09, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Gee, why do you tell me THAT? Anyway, is it reasonable to assume that aliens will mistakenly believe that Seoul is the soul (hence Capital) of our planet? --Shultz 03:19, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
It's fun speculating about extraterrestrial life. I always thought it curious that, in 50's and 60's B-movies about discovering life on other planets, and TV shows like Star Trek, all the inhabitants of the alien planet spoke the same language. Why would they make that assumption, even for dramatic purposes, when our experience is so vastly different? JackofOz 03:31, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Maybe the aliens used to all speak different languages, but over time as the planet became one nation (which also seems to be the case, usually) the languages were narrowed down to one. (After all, it's possible that in the distant future everyone on Earth will speak Mandarin or English). The other thing that's odd is how common it is for the aliens to speak English. Good thing Douglas Adams used the Babel fish to get around that. Yeltensic42 don't panic 03:49, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
No, wait! You forgot to consider the language mergings! That means in the future, all humans will speak some sort of Chinglish! Oh, the horror!! D: ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 04:24, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Perhaps they would choose to assume that Passo del Sole, Switzerland was it! (Emphasis on the word Sole)  ;-) --hydnjo talk 04:01, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
But they'll see that Passo del Sole isn't notable nor large enough, so they'll decide that it couldn't be the capital of the planet. Seoul has over 11 million people so they'll think that would have to be the case. --Shultz 04:20, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

This list may be of some use to you. BrokenSegue 04:35, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Shultz, your question is unanswerable so our answers can have no meaning. We have no idea if aliens exist nor what their thought processes would be. In which case we cannot guess what their thoughts on the Capital of the world would be so any guess is as good (or as useless) as any other guess - Adrian Pingstone 09:36, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Not to mention the outright assumption that English is the only language in the entire universe. JIP | Talk 11:20, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course it is. I have no doubt in my mind that all extraterrestrials speak American English. --Optichan 14:37, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Prosfilaes, I hope you're reading this. The reform of English spelling we've been discussing doesn't just involve this planet, it's a much bigger problem apparently. JackofOz 14:45, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

It's possible that they wouldn't have a concept of a "capital". It might be that their government is centered wherever the ruler happens to be, or that they are governed by some kind of general consensus of the population. Or something else too alien for us to think of. Even here on Earth, South Africa and the Netherlands each have multiple capitals, while some small nations (such as Singapore, Monaco and Vatican City) don't have a capital which is separate from their overall territory, and such US states as New York, Illinois, Nevada, Pennsylvania and California have a capital which is so much smaller than the financial/population center that aliens might see the later as more important (and I wouldn't necessarily disagree with them). -- Pakaran 15:47, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

  • I'm sure that if aliens are smart enough to visit us, they're also smart enough to do their own homework and investigate by intercepting and deciphering our communications before assuming anything. - Mgm|(talk) 19:48, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
    • It's obviously a plot for some kind of story / play / script / novel you're trying to write. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone would believe a race of space-faring aliens would be retarded enough to think Seoul was the soul of the planet. Particularly when it's only similar to the word 'soul' in English, which, when last I checked, wasn't the native language of South Korea. Proto||type 12:52, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
      • Actually, in Slovak, Swedish, and Finnish, their word for "Seoul" is indeed "Soul". (The Swedish form will have a dotted accent, however.) --Shultz 18:48, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
        • Too bad the word for soul in any of those languages is something other than "soul". (And the Finnish name is sometimes also written with a dotted accent: Söul.) JIP | Talk 12:19, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Maybe this planet is another planet's hell? KILO-LIMA 20:32, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Sub-question back to you, Shultz. How do you think they would tell who the leader of the 'capital of the world' was? (I always thought the'd pick the person with the most piercings...) 205.188.117.68 05:18, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

  • I think this is a rather clever plot device for a novel or play, even if it is a terrible pun. Just b/c aliens have superior technology doesn't mean that they are culturally superior. They might be totally baffled, for instance, by the concept of a species that speaks multiple languages. If you assume that flaw, then the Seoul-soul thing is plausible.--M@rēino 16:00, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Joe and Chuck Scarborough

Are Joe Scarborough and Chuck Scarborough related? They share the same name and have ties to the Republican Party - Chuck donated money to Republican candidates while Joe was a congressman from Florida. Also, it is possible that Chuck Scarborough is old enough to be Joe's father - Chuck, born 1943, Joe, born 1963. Related or coincidence? --Blue387 03:32, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Chuck is described as a 'Pittsburgh native' and has been anchor of WNBC since 1974. Joe is described as being born in Atlanta, GA and went to high school in Pensacola, FL. The postulate is not completely disproven, but signs point to 'no'. KWH 03:48, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Is there a connection to the Master Musicians of Joujouka and pederasty?

Several people (and maybe it was in a Burroughs text, too), when mentioning the Master Musicians, often bring up the little boy, sewn up in goat skins, representing the goat god Bou Jeloud. Allegedly, he engages in sex acts with the some of the festivals participants. is there any truth to this? Am I getting it confused with some other pedophilic festival?

[edit] High grade truffles and mushrooms

How do high grade truffles taste like? How do they compare with mushrooms? --HappyCamper 04:39, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

The description in the article you linked is fairly accurate—including the bit that says "no description, however, has ever fully sufficed to make their flavor imaginable without having tasted them in some quantity." (I've had them maybe twice and have eaten truffle-infused oil a few times more.) One doesn't use them like mushrooms: the paper-thin slices that the article are a common preparation, or a pinch or two of finely-grated truffle might be sprinkled over the dish. —Charles P._(Mirv) 04:50, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
I remember once going to dinner with a group of colleagues, in Italy. One ordered a truffle rissotto, the most expensive thing on the menu. When it came - heaped high with slices of truffle - he complained "it's nothing but rice and mushrooms". I wonder what his criteria for choosing it were... Notinasnaid

[edit] What kept Hitler from invading Switzerland and Sweden?"

this question was given as the example and i want to know the answer.

And that's the reason it's been asked before as well. For one of those times, see this link. Dismas|(talk) 05:26, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
I hope this doesn't become the next Good Burger....Yeltensic42 don't panic 19:38, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
No, that's the guy who keeps asking us why he's using songs to create his telenovelas. I keep deleting them. User:Zoe|(talk) 22:11, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How many car crashes are there a second in the U.S.?

How many car crashes are there a second in the U.S.?

I couldn't find numbers for the US. But for Europe it's 2 million per year costing 127 000 lives [26]. There are approximately 40 000 American lives lost on the road every year [27], therefore, an estimate would be 630 000 car crashes in the US per year (assuming that US and Europe have the same fatalities to crashes ratio). Which is 0.02 crashes per second, or about 50 seconds per crash. - Akamad 06:45, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Based on Car Accident Statistics] there are 6,000,000+ accidents a year (40,000+ deaths) so the figures would be closer to 0.2 accidents a second and 0.02 automobile deaths a second. And a accident every 5 seconds and an an automobile death every 50 seconds. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 10:17, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

One problem with computing this sort of statistic is defining what you mean by a "crash". Is it a crash if you bump into the next car while crawling along at less than 1 mph and there's no damage? Or if it's 4 mph and the only damage is a tiny dent? Or a big dent, or a broken window, or a bashed-in door? Where's the cutoff? You might say the cutoff is whatever the law says about having to report the accident to the police, but that won't be the same everywhere either, not from one country to another or from one US state to another. And for that matter, do you really want only "car" crashes (and if so, is an SUV a sort of car?) or should accidents involving trucks and motorcycles count?

Okay, the European press release Akamas cites doesn't say exactly what it counts as a "crash", and it switches between talking about "road traffic crashes" and "car crashes" too. But have a look at this PDF document from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It tabulates all motor-vehicle crashes reported to the police in the US in 2004 (the stats for 2005 aren't available yet), and it says "Fatal - 38,253; Injury - 1,862,000; Property Damage Only - 4,281,000; Total - 6,181,000."

So if that's the statistic you want (and if not, perhaps you can find the one you want somewhere in that fat report), then it'd be about 10 times Akamad's estimate (presumably the difference is mostly for the sort of reasons I outlined, i.e. statistics on a different basis). 6,181,000 crashes per year is one crash every 5.1 seconds or, if you really want to put it that way, just under 0.2 crashes per second.

Drive safely, eh? Or even consider public transit. --Anonymous, 10:20 UTC, February 14, 2006.

This link, which was given in a recent thread a few days ago says 6 million crashes. But such data are pretty arbitrary because, as said "what constitutes a crash?" This insurance company probably bases it on reported crashes (they may have to pay for). A more interresting piece of info would be what it costs (after all, which point are you trying to make with the data?). And that was 230 billion US$ in 2000. Which is roughly 2% of the US GDP. That's an impressive figure. Losing 2% of the money you make on just this one cause! Then again, owning a car costs at least 3000 € per year (in Amsterdam - that'll be less in the US). Which is about 10% of the average GDP per capita in a western country. Imagine spending 10% of the money you make on just getting to the job and back (which represents probabbly about 80% of the normal use of a car - that's a guess, but probably not too far from the truth). DirkvdM 13:27, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Book suggestor?

Hi. i was roaming around on a forum a while back and i came upon a guy who gave a link to this site where you input several of your favorite books/authors, and the thing takes these and recommends other books/authors that you would like.

however, i never saved the website or bookmarked it.

anyone know what this site may be? gelo 09:26, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Amazon will do this for you based on what books you browse on their site as well as what you buy... Just a thought. Dismas|(talk) 09:31, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Hmm...tnx, but that wasn't it im afraid....anyone else have any clues? gelo 11:09, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Are you thinking of Gnooks? It's explained [28] and you might want to look at Recommendation system as some of the links might help out. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 12:31, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
I missed this. It might be useful. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 12:36, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Years ago, there was a website called Firefly.com which was probably the first application of Collaborative filtering. It was subsequently bought out by Microsoft and then shut down. The article does list several similar services though. --LarryMac 19:49, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

There is a subscription database called NoveList that attempts to link books to readers after readers have put in their favorite author or some favorite books and subjects. Depending on where you live, NoveList might be available to you from home if you have a valid library card. For example, New Yorkers can access NoveList remotely with their library cards. Check with your local library. It too might have a subscription to the database that it can pass on to you.

[edit] Kotomae in Management/ Business sense

Hi. I would appreciate it if anyone could kindly enlighten me on what is Kotomae in the field of Business Management Culture. All I know is that it is a Japanese word and is about controlling your finances by trying to foresee or forecast your expenses & investments.

Thanks. Mike --202.228.229.72 09:55, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Happy Valentines Day

This isn't really a question, so I'll phrase it as one in order not to get queried.

Is there any reason why a person couldn't post the following statement here? :

  • To all those readers and users who haven't received a Valentine today so far, and don't believe they have any reasonable prospect of getting one, and would like one ... Happy Valentines Day. There, I hope that made you feel better. Enjoy your day.

JackofOz 11:27, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

I can't think of any reason why you should not be able to post that here. So if you want to go right ahead. I don't think anyone will mind. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 13:06, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Why, thank you, CBW. Consider it done. JackofOz 13:10, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Well thanks for the kind thoughts I feel suitly emphazi. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 13:37, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh, so that's how you feel when you get a Valentine! I've always wondered. What a revelation this site is!JackofOz 14:35, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

...and here is a very special Valentine's Day heart for each of you: [29] StuRat 23:10, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

<grumpy>I don't want any happy valentinos. That's a US thing and posting that here is cultural imperialism. </grumpy>. <somewhat more seriously>What is a valentine anyway? No, don't tell me, I don't want to know. Posting this question suggests I care!</somewhat more seriously> DirkvdM 11:24, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Too late, try valentine. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:33, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Have a Jill Valentine, Dirk. --Optichan 14:37, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
When I grew up I believed that "Valentine's Day" is so named in remembrance of Rudolph Valentino and his swooning fans of the 1920s. Is there a grain of truth in that? 192.121.232.252 12:08, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Not the slightest - see St. Valentine's Day which was around a lot earlier than old Rudy. JackofOz 12:16, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Donald Duck comics question

What is the Donald Duck comics series called where Donald and Fethry are working for a secret government institution whose job is to fight malevolent extraterrestrial aliens? The characters in the institution include a large, brown-skinned pig as the leader, a tough, hot-tempered female agent and some kind of blue alien with a snout. I know it's "Päihitämme Avaruuden Muukalaiset" in Finnish but what is it in other languages? JIP | Talk 12:25, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

The institution was called TNT (Tamers of Nonhuman Threats). I think the comics are just called the TNT series. --Canley 02:54, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] I need help with research topic

I am having a hard time finding information about a method for establishing boundries between self, relationships, friends, aquantances, and strangers. The method I want to use is called circles or boundaries. It is designed like a dart board with five different colored rings. Is their an article or other source that I can find it in? I really need this for a class project about abuse prevention.

[edit] dollar bill weight

My grandpa used to say, anytime someone would say "what do you want...",A pound of twenties. How much does a twenty dollar bill weigh? Thank you very much for any help

  • Merkin money is said to weigh about 1 gram per note. One of your "pounds" is 454 grams in real units, so it's the weight of 454 notes. If they are all twenties then you'll have $9080 or about €7640 in real money. JIP | Talk 16:08, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
According to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (the U.S. agency that prints paper money) all bills are about a gram, so a pound would be 454 notes [30]. By my own calculation, they would be worth $9,080, though I wouldn't trust that figure too much, since the given weight only has one sig dig. I weighed a new $20 bill in a Calibron X scale (handy if you're a geek interested in chemistry, and came up with almost exactly 1.1 g, so $8250 is probably closer. Clearly, there's been some inflation since your grandfather said this :). Incidentally, the hardest part of this research was folding the bill such that it would stay in the scale. -- Pakaran 16:15, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
I'll bet the humidity has a significant effect on the weight of a bill. StuRat 23:03, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

And money laundering makes the bills really soggy. --Zeizmic 01:09, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

  • Hey, I left my wallet in my trouser pocket once, and the notes survived!--Bjwebb (talk) 10:48, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] U2 Query

> I know this is a long-shot but here goes anyway. > > On April 1st 2006 I am to be a best man to my friend, who is a lifelong > and fanatical U2 fan having travelled the globe to see > > them perform. > > The long and the short of it is, I am trying to get in touch with the band > to see if I can get some best wishes from them - especially > > Bono! > > Not sure if you can help, and I know this is a long shot, but any help would > be a good start. > > thanks for listening. > > PJR


Best wishes to the groom and his bride to be, The Edge (sorry Bono isn't here but i'm sure the rest of the lads hope the big day goes well)

More seriously, you could try contacting U2's record label, Island Records. You might have more of a chance if you offer a donation to one of Bono's pet causes if he provides the message.
You could also ask around at the fan forums at u2.com to see if anybody else has had any luck with this kind of thing, and how they went about it.--Robert Merkel 23:51, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Economics question

What does it mean when a country (i.e. China) wants to float its currency? --Heather

Floating a currency is the opposite of binding it to another. A bound currency's value follows the value of another currency exactly, so their ratio is always the same. When a currency is floated, it is thrown at the mercy of the world's free currency market, so its value is determined on how much people want to buy it, not by the value of another currency. JIP | Talk 16:55, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
It's worth mentioning that this usually occurs only in the situation when the currency is believed to be over-valued. That is, it has been pegged at a value significantly above what it's free-market value would've been. So in practice, floating the currency works as a devaluation, at least in the short-term. --BluePlatypus 17:17, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
That's not the case in China, where their currency is thought to be consistently undervalued (to make their exports cheaper in other countries and thus help create a trade surplus for China). StuRat 22:57, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

To put this in a layperson's terms: The official exchange rate of the Comoros franc is 491.97 francs to the euro. It will remain at 491.97 until the government or central bank changes its mind. If Comoros were to float its currency, it could go up to 200 per euro or down to 49,000 per euro or whatever. -- Mwalcoff 04:33, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

A lot of former French colonies had their currency pegged to the French Franc, in keeping with the French colonial ideal that the inhabitants should become equal 'citoyens'. So the colonies were basically part of France. So even if the currency wasn't equal to the French Franc, at least it should 'float with it' (our richess is your richess, so our ups and downs should be your ups and downs). The odd exchange rate is most probably a esult of France switching to the €. Similarly, the currencies of the countries that adopted the € are now effectively pegged to each other by virtue of being the same. Which is probably a major cause for the positive development of the ecomonies of Portugal and (especially) Ireland (although subsidies played a big role here too). DirkvdM 11:33, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Wow. Nice explinations. But not the simplest. Simplist explantion. Suppose you call the currency to be floated: BRICKS. now just apply the law of supply and demand. If you have a fixed price, the price of BRICKS is tied. Now if you very the price so that if the demand is high ( a lot of people want BRICKS ) then the price of BRICKS goes up. If the demand is low, the price of BRICKS goes down. Now read this explation again with the word DOLLARS for BRICKS. and that is the beginning of forien exchange. Read this: [31] --~~

[edit] Pabeng River

I am trying to find out what river this. All that comes up in Google search is the poem that I am researching. This is a Victorian era anglised name for a river in the Burma are during the Third Burmese War. Any ideas what the current name is or is just too small of a river to noted anywhere on the internet?--Birgitte§β ʈ Talk 17:31, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

This is just a guess, but I wonder if there's any connection with the city of Luang Prabang and Khong Phabeng waterfall, both on the Mekong River in neighbouring Laos? Perhaps Pabeng or some variety of it was an old or poetic name for the upper Mekong? Grutness...wha? 21:38, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
There's a place called Pak Beng or Pakbeng at the Mekong River too. [32] -- David Sneek 22:08, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Unfortunately it looks like both those areas were in French territory at the time and this would be in the British sphere. --Birgitte§β ʈ Talk 12:25, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
That's true, but the Mekong does form part of Burma/Myanmar's border - and mountainous Southeast Asian border areas may not have been as rigorously demarcated in Victorian times, so the war may have spilled over slightly into IndoChine/Tonkin/whatever Laos was back then. Grutness...wha? 00:34, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Regular expressions

I am wanting to write a number of regular expressions that contain the characters ) and |. How can I quote them so that they are taken literally? --Gareth Hughes 19:23, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Usually special characters are escaped by using the backslash, however you have to account for any additional pre-processing being done prior to the regex processor getting ahold of your string. See | here, under Special Characters and Programming Languages. --LarryMac 19:42, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Thank you, Larry. I was using the backslash, but I couldn't work out which characters needed escaping. The link was very helpful for helping me rewrite the expressions. --Gareth Hughes 15:12, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] snowboarding terminology

How to tell a McTwist from alley oop? Snowboarders, all forms, can write definitions for the snowboard entry. I have no idea where to begin this, but am curious after watching the Olympics.

In snowboarding, a McTwist is a general term for any 540 rotation while they grab the board - doesn't matter where, or with which hand - and they will be upside down half way through. In an alley oop, they do the same move, but they don't grab the board. Note that in skateboarding, a McTwist is a specific name for a Mute 540, where you grab the toe (left) side of the board with your right hand (or right side with your left hand if you're left footed) whilst in the air. Proto||type 12:44, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Is this story offensive?

I heard this story at a university students' party from a woman. She said she had told it to her female friends and they considered it offensive.

There were two monkeys, one male and one female. Both had been raised among humans, so they didn't know they were monkeys, and they had never met each other. Then people decided they should mate. So they put the monkeys in the same cage. They looked at each other, but because they didn't know they were monkeys, they couldn't care less about each other. Both the male monkey and the female monkey just kept on masturbating.

I, and every other male student present, had a "yes, and?" feeling. None of us were the least offended. The female students present did not comment but I don't think they were offended either. What is your opinion about this? JIP | Talk 19:40, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

I personally do not find this offensive. However, it may be offensive to someone who considers masturbation a taboo subject due to social or religious influences. --Lox (t,c) 20:20, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
Not offensive, but not really that funny either... android79 20:46, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
That's what I thought, too. I was looking forward to hearing a humorous anecdote, such as that one with the monkeys who are sprayed with cold water whenever they reach for a banana, but then the story ended with the masturbation and I was left wondering whether there was a point. JIP | Talk 20:53, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
In my opinion, any story involving monkeys and masturbation is always funny. - Akamad 01:26, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
The woman's female friends need to "get some". --Nelson Ricardo 03:52, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm not easily offended and in this case, assuming it's a true story, I don't even see any reason for offense. Would people who are offended by the use of the word 'masturbation' want to ignore some truths? I suppose there are such people, but I'd say "Fuck 'm" and of course not care if they were offended by my saying this. :) Assuming it's a true stroy I also don't see any humour in it. It's just a scientifically interresting story and I'm not too surprised either. If the monkeys were raised as peers by humans (in how far is this possible?) it makes sense that they don't see other monkeus as their peers. I just wonder about one thing. What kind of monkeys were they? Chimps can recognise themselves in a mirror. And I suppose the same goes for all apes. Now if they were apes raised in a human environment they must have encountered mirrors. So how did they deal with not looking like the humans they took themselves to be? If they did, that is, because I don't think that's necesaarily the case.
Another thing is that maybe they didn't understand the concept of sex. In a natural surrounding they would have seen their relatives and others in the group mate. When deprived of such, ehm, carnal knowledge, could they have figured out the concept of sex? Does it need figuring out? In how far is it a natural drive? Humans don't generally grow up seeing their parents mate. But they have various other ways of learning about it (eg videos of someone else's parents :) ). Suppose two humans grew up without any way to learn anout sex, would they figure it out? And don't throw Blue Lagoon at me. :) DirkvdM 11:55, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't see what's offensive about it, either. Could we have a clue? I guess it'd be offensive to some people who find any sex-talk offensive. But.. Well, welcome to the 21st century already. --BluePlatypus 17:42, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
The question demonstrates that labelling something as "offensive" doesn't work. Offence is an individual emotional response to, in this case, hearing a story. Some people may feel offence when they hear it, others have different responses (humour, indifference, curiosity). A person who feels offence and who says "I find X offensive" is not describing his or her own experience, but making a judgment about something external to themself. We could never reach consensus about whether a story is "offensive" or not. But what we can all agree on is that Person A feels offence, and Person B doesn't. Therefore, if you know (or strongly suspect, which seems to be why you're asking the question in the first place) that some people do feel offence at such a story, that is a good reason to be cautious in the use of it, unless you're in the business of wilfully offending people. To paraphrase BluePlatypus from the discussion about the word 'negro': Whether the literal meaning is offensive or not is irrelevant to the connotations associated with the [story], and is no excuse to offend people by using it. JackofOz 08:45, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Who is the person with the most degrees in the world?

I heard of a then 22-year-old Spaniard who had 56 (now probably more, or probably his head exploded due to knowledge overload ;D) and his IQ was measured at an astounding 197 level; it is quite impressive, so I wondered who had the 'Guiness record', googled for a while but didn't find anything useful. Any ideas? --GTubio 22:30, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

well googling on "Guinness" rather than "Guiness" might have helped. You might not count it as "kosher" degrees, but the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh holds the record for most honorary degrees (150). Grutness...wha? 00:59, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Which, of course, doesn't mean squat apart from the fact that some people seem to like him. DirkvdM 11:57, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I actually googled Guinness, just made that moronish mistake while typing this. And, as DirkvdM has said, those honorary degrees have absolutely nothing to do with what I am interested in. Thank you all, I'll keep searching. --GTubio 12:20, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

How could anyone earn 56 degrees by 22? Didn't they require the guy to submit a thesis for, at least, some degrees? Didn't he need to take some time-consuming classes, such as spending hours in a lab that one simply cannot do anything else? Can a student go to two schools at the same time? -- Toytoy 08:06, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Operation Gladio

Can anyone explain what's Gladio, a supposed NATO secret army (or something like that)??? The article is a bit confusing, and I don't know many military terms like "stay-behind organization" or "black ops forces". Thanks.

For the meaning of 'stay-behind', see Stay-behind. Essentially the plan was that if Russia conquered western Europe, these groups would act as terrorists freedom fighters bombing and shooting the Russkies. Unfortunately the Italian groups got a bit ahead of themselves and started the bombing and shooting before the Russian invasion. Markyour words 22:58, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

See, I don't know, maybe Operation Gladio ? StuRat 01:37, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I think the questioner has already seen that. David Sneek 09:20, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Mota

Who Is Claude Speed,The Guy From The Gta Series?

Claude Speed is the name of the player character from Grand Theft Auto 3 Flea110 00:25, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

The actor who played him in the FMV sequences of GTA2 is Scott Maslen, who plays DS Phil Hunter on British cop show The Bill. --Canley 02:46, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
See Claude Speed for more information. --Canley 02:47, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 15

[edit] How to best protect a falling egg

I will soon be competing in a contest in which an egg (probably "size large") will be dropped from about 7 meters onto a hard floor. I'm to make something to prevent the egg from breaking when it hits the floor (to be connected somehow to the egg, not placed on the floor before it's dropped). What is the best/most efficient way of doing this? Flea110 00:34, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, there's a parachute, but it's quite tricky to get one that works properly so it may take quite a bit of experimentation. You could also suspend the egg, with something like rubber bands, inside a large box. Another option is just to put a lot of soft material between the egg and the bottom of the box, like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc. For something a bit unconventional, how about floating the egg inside a salt-water filled bag ? If you can combine different methods together, you can protect the egg even better. StuRat 01:01, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

...or you could ram the egg back up the chicken's butt and toss it off the roof. LOL. StuRat 01:03, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

This is the most common science contest in the world. Try out Google on this, and get some ideas. Most of the time they put on some different constraints (such as you can only use 10 paper clips), in order to make it interesting. --Zeizmic 01:05, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Try putting it in a child's inflatable swimming armband. Make sure that the pressure is on the 'ends' of the egg, not around the middle.
Slumgum 01:08, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I think I'm going to go with the egg wrapped in some bubble wrap, the bubble wrap being suspended by rubber bands, the rubber bands connected to a spiky/pointy exoskeleton of...maybe balsa wood? Any ideas on what to use for exoskeleton material? Flea110 02:35, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

The best way to think about this is from several different physics perspectives; you must either: decrease the effect of gravity's acceleration on the egg (through a parachute, parasail, etc), decrease the effect of the kinetic energy imparted by the sudden deceleration of the egg (by "springy" items like springs, foam rubber, rubber bands, bubble wrap which can absorb energy) or else conduct the force of the impact to the egg's surface in a distributed manner (possibly through some form of truss, or miniature geodesic dome). I'm shooting from the hip here because I can't remember what happened when I last did or saw this sort of contest (over 20 years ago) but I think that the last might be most effective; if the egg could be suitably attached in multiple places to the crossmembers of a proper geodesic dome-sphere, much of the force would be absorbed by flexion of the "sphere" and the remainder distributed to the attachment points. A tetrahedron truss would be a far simpler case of the same effect, though with drawbacks. Blends of all 3 approaches wouldn't hurt. This is all, of course, dependent on the materials you are allowed to use. KWH 04:24, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I suspect that, by a tremendous margin, the biggest concern is keeping the egg from contacting anything hard (e.g. the ground). Second is distributing the force over the surface of the egg, and then as long as that's done I doubt the actual amount of [de]acceleration will matter. Eggs are actually pretty strong, but brittle (try manually crushing one). So I worry about suspending the egg with bands, because unless they're extremely taut, I picture the egg continuing on happily once the rest of the structure's stopped and dashing itself against the ground (and then springing back to the center of the structure). So with these in mind my only specific idea is what me et al. did in 5th grade with materials restricted to masking tape and (fairly rigid) drinking straws. Tape the middle of each straw to the egg (wrapping each tape fully around) at more-or-less random angles, so you end up with a spiky ball of straws tangent to an egg (no longer visible itself, it's covered with tape :). So it's equally safe from all sides, and when it hits nothing's going into the egg directly, force goes into the tape surrounding it. The preceding worked from ~2.5 meters (the only height tried). Getting the tape off is a hassle, I assume that's okay.

Party balloons also work wonders (again, subject to any restrictions you may be under as to what you are allowed to use.) Ideally, four of them in a tetrahedral configuration, held together by string (or better, tape), with the egg in the middle so it doesn't fall out. The baloons weigh next to nothing, provide a huge surface (which will increase drag enormously, slowing down the egg's fall), plus a huge air cushion to take the blow on impact. Of course, this is assuming that you're dropping the egg onto a non-spikey surface, so for those egg-drop experiments onto foot-long razor-sharp spikes, you may need to think of a different solution. Egg drops are so much fun! :) — QuantumEleven | (talk) 08:57, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I don't know how much time you have to prepare the egg, but if you have, say, at least ten minutes, you could boil it hard. – b_jonas 11:10, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
It's not a great article, but we have one on this too: Egg drop competition. – b_jonas 11:12, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
A slowly leaking helium filled balloon with the egg in a padded basket below. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:22, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Let me generalize the last two comments. Google for egg dropping competitions, see what the rules of such competitions prohibit but yours don't, and use that. – b_jonas 11:54, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

What about inserting the egg (with a thin layer of bubble wrap) into the middle of a fairly large stuffed animal with a balsa wood exoskeleton? The balsa wood would hit the ground first, distribute the shock of the impact to the arms and legs of the stuffed bear, while the egg is safe in the middle of the bear's belly? Flea110 06:34, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

If the egg is already falling, as the question implies, there isn't much you can do to protect it except put down something soft for it to fall on. AllanHainey 11:40, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
I competed in one of these once. We ran out of ideas and wrapped the egg up in my coat.

...bad idea. Sum0 16:04, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

I did this before too, with balloons, bubble wrap, polystyrene cups, and plastic bags, among other sundry items. It was the easiest contest EVAR. Vitriol 00:15, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Football transfer record for non-international

Does anyone know what was the highest fee paid for a footballer who has never played for his country? The two highest fees I know are for Dean Richards (footballer) and David Villa. Although the latter was paid in Euros, the fee was calculated at the time to be 7.99 million pounds (£). Richards went for £8.1m. I know that the uncapped Denílson went for £22 million, but later went on to play for his country, so he doesn't count.
Slumgum 01:08, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

If it was in total, Paolo di Canio has never played for Italy, and has had about 32432 transfers. Edu (6 million pounds) has never played for Brazil. If Carlo Cudicini ever gets sold, it may well be for more than £8m (he's never played for Italy at senior level, so technically could now qualify to play for England), but at the moment, I'm pretty sure you won't find one more costly than Dean Richards, who was both grossly overpriced, and extremely crap - a lethal combination as regards this record. Proto||type 12:35, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Hitler

Did hitler die a virgin? my teacher says he did but i find this hard to believe if he had a wife. please help me find the truth--68.96.48.203 01:32, 15 February 2006 (UTC)Keenan 2-14-06

Your teacher is a great example of the sad state of education in our country. (I assume you are American.) Just nod your head and agree. You know the truth and that's all that matters. Although difficult to prove, Hitler most likely was not a virgin. --Nelson Ricardo 03:49, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I'd say it was impossible to prove that he died a virgin (because he could have had sex and never told anybody); but it is possible to prove he died a non-virgin if evidence was produced that he had sex. JackofOz 07:25, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Whoa, your name is Keenan too? Anyway, it's suspected that Hitler was homosexual. See Hitler#Adolf Hitler's sexuality. —Keenan Pepper 03:49, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
And the relevance of this to whether he died a virgin or not is .....? JackofOz 07:25, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Even if he was homosexual which can't be proven without doubt, that still doesn't mean he was a virgin. Homosexuals can have sex too. - Mgm|(talk) 09:35, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I can attest to that. JC 14:21, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
It is of course impossible to prove anything, but Eva Braun includes some interesting information. It is apparently true that Hilter married Eva Braun on April 29, 1945. But they committed suicide together on the 30th, which doesn't give a lot of time. Enough time, of course, but not much time and Hilter was probably pretty busy, and under the circumstances they may not have felt like it. But of course not everyone waits until they are married and "there was gossip among the Führerbunker staff that Eva was carrying Hitler's child". I'm sure your teacher will love to have this evidence presented. Notinasnaid 08:25, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
You can always make up some evidence - PhotoShop in a Hitler mustache on an ultrasound baby pic. :-) StuRat 06:12, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] GoDaddy

One of my clients asked me some questions about GoDaddy and since I dont use it very often, I was wondering if someone could help me here. Here are my questions:

1. How do you change the font color of a marquee in GoDaddy?

2. How do you "bookmark" (as in, clicking on a link and it take you to another part of the page) a website like the have done here: http://www.hchybr.com/volunteerinformation.htm in GoDaddy?

Thank you VERY much for your time!!!!! Zach 02:54, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, the second question is to do with "HTML Anchors", there is plenty at google or you could look at this for example. I don't know what you mean by the marquee though, could you please clarify (or perhaps someone else knows what you mean!) --Lox (t,c) 06:54, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Beginings of Segregation

hey guys, i need help with something...If you can link me to any helpful websites, or have your own factual knowledge on these questions, i would be so grateful!

How did Segregation begin between blacks and whites start?
Info. on beginnings of segregation (after slavery ended)
Info. and pics. on racism, and segregation from about 1865-1940s ('50s)
About the lawsuit- "Separate but equal"

                                             ♥Hot FLIP

Assuming you mean in the US, see Plessy versus Ferguson. StuRat 04:11, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I'd say segreagation started by some blacks moving out of Africa, turning white and the Sahara desert drying up and the Mediterranean flooding. Then again, I might have piled one anachronism on top of another here. DirkvdM 12:12, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Were they originally black, though, and turned white? I would have thought they started out with pink skin, like apes, and then the ones who left stayed that way and the ones who stayed eventually turned black. Or maybe I'm just dumb :). Yeltensic42 don't panic 17:01, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually primates, and to some extent all mammals, have a mix of black and pink skin. Black skin is more common on exposed areas, like the noses, and pink skin is more common under fur, inside the mouth, etc. There are exceptions, however. StuRat 05:59, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Not all primates have black noses (Rowan Williams, for example). JackofOz 06:07, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
They'd probably have evolved the dark skin to keep from getting sunburnt when they lost the hair, but I can't think of why they'd have evolved pale skin. The darker a color, the better it absorbs heat, and going north, it gets colder. Therefore, we can think that if they had started out with dark skin, they might have kept it, so as to keep warmer in the cold north. But then again, I don't know what I'm talking about. DuctapeDaredevil 03:04, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Dark skin is just to keep from getting sunburned, so people further north don't need it. Hmm, I hadn't thought of that before, how darker colors would absorb more heat and be useful to keep warm further north...I guess it doesn't work that way with skin? Maybe someone who knows more about it will come along and explain it to us...DirkvdM? StuRat? JackofOz? Keenan Pepper? Do you know the answer? Help! Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:22, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Dark skin would help you keep warm and light skin would keep you cooler, but there are more important factors which control skin color evolution...
You are correct that dark skin is to prevent sunburn (and also skin cancer). Light skin, however, is needed where the Sun's rays are weaker to allow enough sunlight through to provide for the synthesis of vitamin D. Since we now can get that as a supplement, it's no longer an issue, so, in a million years, we may all be black, LOL. StuRat 05:53, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm not sure about this, but if the skin is dark and therefore absorbs the heat, it'll be at the surface, where it is more easily lost. However, to assess this one would have to know how much heat (ie infrared radiation) gets reflected, how much gets caught in the skin and how much penetrates, for blacks and whites. Do we have an article on that? DirkvdM 09:11, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't think it'd be that it was in place of whatever is ragulating body temp. now, but that it would help when it's a cold day. I notice sometimes the wind chill factor can be negative, but I don't notice much because it's very sunny. DuctapeDaredevil 05:12, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

You might also find useful information at African American history and related articles. --Robert Merkel 14:03, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

wow...thanks for the links, and some weird bias, Yeltensic42 don't panic...But this isn't really what i was asking, i cant explain it...but segregation didn't really start when africans started moving out of africa, well it did but not quite it was more of like slavery... i think that my Proff. told me that, that made them closer (whites needed blacks, as slaves)...let me rephrase my question...Do you guys think that segregation (between blacks and whites, and yes, in the US) began after the civil war? Use facts, along with it's bibliography, to back up your argument. By "segregation" i mean, when blacks had "the same things" as whites but not in the same way...you get what i'm trying to say? Anyway, I'm going to be doing a history "exhibit", so most of the things on my dislpay will be pictures (about this, my subject) but with captions to describe a "story" of the pic., so if you guys find good pictures through these time..."I love YOU!!!" By the way, I just realized that I haven't posted any question/topics in wikipedia for a really long time! (as some of you might remember my penname) I would always start to get off the subject and talk about something else...like what i'm doing right now...stopping...okay...getting back to the subject... ♥ Hot F.L.I.P.

What bias...? But yeah, I remember your username, it's "Fine Little Island Person". (BTW, "don't panic" isn't part of my username). Yeltensic42 don't panic 03:05, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Bias....your point of view.....but whatever. wow! you remember what it stands for? awesome! umm.. yeah i know it wasn't part of your username, i just accidently copied and paste it along with your name (did this because... actually i have no idea why i lazily copied and paste your name in my editing.) ♥ Hot F.L.I.P.

Again, assuming you mean formal segregation in the US, that is, the "seperate but equal" doctrine listed in the title, then that started with Plessy versus Ferguson. StuRat 05:53, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, the 'equal' thing may have been the theory (I don't know), but (probably very much like in South Africa) in practise it didn't work out that way. When my (white) parents were in Florida in the 1950's they sat down in a bus behind a black guy, who consequently got moved to the back (giving my surprised parents a nasty look). The theory may have been that there was simply a segregation between the 'races' (albeit with the blacks at the back, which is probably not a coincidence), but in practise it was the black guy who had to move, even though my parents were the ones who broke the rule. DirkvdM 09:11, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Right, I'd assumed the question asker already knew that it wasn't really equal, but perhaps it was worth saying. Here is a famous photo of "WHITE" and "COLORED" drinking fountains, making it quite obvious the two were not equal:[33] StuRat 20:59, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
They are inherently equal, but in some places the law and common practice have not always acknowledged that (or have given it lip service only). That's the problem. JackofOz 01:43, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
The "separate but equal" doctrine refers to equality of the facilities for each race, not the equality of the races themselves. StuRat 03:12, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

So....segregation (literal seperation...not slavery) did start before the civil war (that ended in 1865)...right? ♥ Hot F.L.I.P.

I suppose so, in that slaves lived in slave quarters, not the main house, if that's what you mean. StuRat 00:48, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Oscar/aggressive fish

We bought two oscars one albino tiger sriped and one red. They seem to get along but how do we know if they have bred? There is slimy stuff appearing at the bottom of our tank. There is a filter and all they do is lay around but they are alive. WE are worried that they are not active. Please help us.

Tim and Marsha Baker

Well, for the first question, if there are any other fish in there you'll know they've bred. Someone else will have to answer the rest, though. Yeltensic42 don't panic 07:04, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I found a page about Oscar breeding using Google: [34]. You may want to join the MSN group at [35] and post a message there. --Uthbrian (talk) 09:52, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Unsolved Mysteries Case

When I was about 8 years old, I watched a story on Unsolved Mysteries about a young girl who was killed. It was one of the most frightening things I had ever seen. Although any adult would not consider it anything exceptional, it terrified me for months. What I remember is that the girl was abducted from her house during the night, probably through a window which was picked open, and she was murded. Her body was found, and she was buried in a green coffin, which they showed. Damn did that green coffin creep me out. This episode would have aired sometime around 1992. Does anyone know the name of this girl or of any links about the case? Thanks. Captain Jackson 05:16, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Where can I find the source of this figure?

I found this quote at a site:

'Angling currently contributes £3.4 billion to the UK economy and provides substantial employment in rural areas.'[36]

Just what I was looking for. Trouble is, the site gives no source for this figure. I've googled it but no response. Can anyone help? Cheers.

My guess is the Countryside Alliance or some such lobby group with interests in protecting angling would be the source of such a figure. Check with them. --BluePlatypus 12:43, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
You could try DEFRA they collect statistics on agricultural/rural/fishing stuff & if they don't have it they'll no doubt be able to direct you to some other branch of government that has the statistics. AllanHainey 11:47, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Fixed your link. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 14:21, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Pagan/english translator

I have been searching for several weeks on many search engines, trying to find a translator capable of exchanging the english language to pagan and vise verse. I have had no success. Do you have any knowledge of where I may find such a translator? Any suggestions would help, even if there are no guarantees for success. Thank you for your time in this matter.

John Aller AKA: nagurra

You might as well stop looking. "Pagan" is not a language. —Charles P._(Mirv) 06:28, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
afterthought: Is there a specific pagan text that you are trying to translate? If so, posting an excerpt (or linking to it if it's available online) might help clear up which language it uses. —Charles P._(Mirv) 06:31, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Paganism refers to religion. So the question can only make snese if you're trying to translate a religious text and even then I don't get it. Or are you referring to another meaning of pagan? Maybe some dead Burmese language? DirkvdM 12:17, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm assuming you mean Gaelic. Which may explain why you've had no success. Try searching for Irish or Scottish Gaelic instead of Pagan. --87.82.1.43 15:50, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

"It was a perfectly decent English poem, until you translated it into Gaelic and runed it." StuRat 20:40, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Difficult to type words

Can you give any examples of words that are very hard to type? I've got an example myself, but I'll keep that for tomorrow so as not to 'lead the witnesses' (or what should I call that here?). DirkvdM 10:23, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Words that use only the fingers on one hand might qualify (this would apply more to people who were properly trained in typing, but probably not to those who just 'picked it up'). Some left-hand examples are: databases, desegregated, effervesced, revegetated, reverberated, stewardesses, sweetbreads, vertebrates and watercress. Some right-hand examples are: monopoly, lollipop and polyphony.JackofOz 10:46, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Short words that get typed fast such as teh, subts, tset and so on. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 10:53, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I think the words where left and right-hand letters alternate can be typed the fastest, but are also easier to mistype because you swap two letters. – b_jonas 10:59, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Also any words in a language other than your own. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 13:11, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
And any words which are similar to other, more commonly typed words (or contain letter combinations similar to them. If you regularly had to type the word "thought", and then needed to type the word "though", you';d find it very difficult to stop yourself adding the final "t" if you were typing quickly. As to the ones using the same hand, two I always have troupble with are recidivist and Ethiopia. YMMV. Grutness...wha? 00:42, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Turns out the very first reply, by JackofOz, points right at one of the problems with the word that inspired me to this question, the Dutch word staatssecretaris (undersecretary of state). It's all letters on the left side of the keyboard (except one). But on top of that there are many repeating letters, and even almost a repeating rhythm, but not really, so the fingers get confused. Maybe this last 'rhythm bit' has to do with me playing the piano. I keep on practising the word (I'm helping out on the Dutch Politics articles) but I always have to do it letter-by-letter, like an absolute beginner. DirkvdM 09:22, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Keep on practising those left-hand piano pieces I told you about a while ago. Piano practice comes in handy in all sorts of places. JackofOz 20:22, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] longest word

what is the longest word in the english language

There's an article on this here: Longest word.--Rhi 11:42, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Yup, the 'gogogoch' placename I learned at school is in there too. But I'm now disappointed to learn that it was made up just for the purpose of being the longest placename. DirkvdM 12:30, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Why be disappointed? "What's the name of that big city in New York State?" "That's easy: New York!" "No, that doesn't count, that was made up just for the purpose of being the name of that city." Steve Summit (talk) 20:13, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Thank for your help (sorry about the grammar; I was in a hurry)

Oh no, you don't get away that easily. It's debate time again. Lots of words are just made up (eg. "Google") and quickly become accepted as legitimate words. I've often wondered why such "lexical entities" (for want of a better term) as Llanfair ... gogogoch and pneumono ... coniosos, and others, fail the test. These "entities" appear millions of times in print and all over the web but they are still denied the status of "word". This is rather counter-intuitive. They consist of letters, in a certain order, and they have a known meaning, so why aren't they words? Who gets to make these decisions, and what criteria do they use? JackofOz 13:13, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is a medical term, ergo it will never be given the status of 'word'.
(Says who? Steve Summit (talk) 20:13, 15 February 2006 (UTC))
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is not a medical term. It's a collection of letters designed to [1] be long, and [2] look medical, but is used not at all by physicians, pathologists, or, as far as can be determined, anyone else in the course of their daily work. - Nunh-huh 03:50, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Are hepatitis and Casablanca not words? JackofOz 20:26, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Llanfair is a place name, so the same applies here. Words like floccinauccinihilipilification and antidisestablishmentarianism are in the dictionaries, so these do count as the official longest words in the English language. --87.82.1.43 15:54, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
That a word is not found in dictionaries is in itself no proof that such a word does not exist. It means the writer of the dictionary either (a) is not yet aware of the word, or (b) has chosen to exclude it because of the scope of the dictionary (eg. the Concise Oxford has far fewer words than the Oxford), or (c) has decided it isn't a word at all. That last reason would exclude the above examples and dord from most dictionaries, yet what does Wikipedia say ? - Dord is one of the most famous errors in lexicography, a word accidentally created by the G. and C. Merriam Company's staff and included in the second edition of its New International Dictionary, in which the term is defined as "density". If I were to describe a similar error as "another dord", that would be a proper use of the language. By any reasonable definition, "dord" is now a word despite its erroneous birth, yet lexicographers are still holding out. Same argument for Llanfar and pneumono. JackofOz 20:26, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Probably Titin. GeeJo (t) (c) • 16:07, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Pardon me for stating the obvious, but trying to find the longest word is a lot like trying to find the largest number. If you think you've found the largest number, you can always add 1 to it, and -- hey presto! -- you've got an even larger number. If you think you've found the longest word, you can always slap an "anti" or "pseudo" or something at the beginning, or an "ism" or "est" or "er" or "esque" at the end, and make an even longer word. (And of course there are lots more prefixes and suffixes than the few I've mentioned.) Steve Summit (talk) 20:13, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Gaames mascots size

Anyone know what is the lenght and the height of mario, sonic, alexkidd and donkey kong???

A few centimetres each, I think. JIP | Talk 12:22, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Am I dumb or does this depend on the screen size? Or both? (Let's keep all options open.) DirkvdM 12:32, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Let's go with number of pixels. --Optichan 14:56, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
I think there are some games where we're told how tall the protagonist is supposed to be; I can't remember at all where this information is from, but two feet rings a bell for Sonic. Yeltensic42 don't panic 16:56, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Thanks to Super Mushrooms, Mario's size can vary even in a single game. But he is usually portrayed as being shorter than his brother Luigi. Of course, we don't know his height either. --Optichan 17:26, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, Bob Hoskins played Mario in the film version and "Captain" Lou Albano played him in the live action television series. Hoskins is 5'4½'' according to Celebrity heights, and Albano is 5 ft 10 in according to our own article on him. So the best bet is that Mario is 5'4½'' normally, and Albano snacked on Super Mushrooms before every show to gain the extra 5½ inches. GeeJo (t) (c) • 21:15, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I was not talking about the size of image that you see on the screen, I was talking about of the size that character have, since scale can vary in each game.

[edit] line-cartoon

There was this animated cartoon in the 70's (I think) that consisted of one line, basically a 'distortion' of a single line that went horizontally across the screen. What was it called? DirkvdM 12:41, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Linus på Linjen? JIP | Talk 13:00, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
The Dot and the Line? Probably not. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 15:23, 15 February 2006 (UTC)
"La Linea" originally enough, in the original Italian. --BluePlatypus 15:55, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

There is a current series of ads for Hilton hotels playing in the US which uses the same method. Apparently the ad showing Paris Hilton with the caption "millions of men have entered the Paris Hilton, often two or three at a time, some by the back door, so why don't you ?" didn't test well with the focus group. StuRat 21:46, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I liked their slogan: "Experience a night in Paris". --Zeizmic 13:50, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Yes, it's La Linea. Of course, I could have thought of that! Actually, I thought it was Spanish, but it turns out to be Italian (the talking is totally unintelligible, as I remember it). It's highly original with a simplicity that betters even Nijntje (sorry, Dick). Actually, it's a piece of art (almost Zen?) with a good deal of humour thrown in for good measure (although that was probably intended more the other way around). It's been years (decades?) since I've last see it and I'd love to see it again. The dot and the line sounds interresting too, by the way. And is Linus på Linjen a Scandinavian name for it or is that a reference to our hero Linus Torvalds? DirkvdM 15:01, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

It's just a Scandinavian name, it has nothing to do with Torvalds. If you say "Linus" in Finland, everyone knows it's about Torvalds, but in Sweden you can't go two metres without bumping into someone named Linus. JIP | Talk 15:31, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Origin of Jaffa Cakes

Finnish or British?
Finnish or British?

Hi, a friend wants to know who invented Jaffa Cakes, the tasty chocolate-covered, jam-filled biscuitcakes. He says that some Finnish people believe they're a Finnish invention, whereas many Brits think they're a British thing. It goes without saying that the British must have invented them, but can anyone provide proof? — Matt Crypto 13:19, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Although 'jaffa cake' is now a general term, the original Jaffa Cakes were created by McVities, who are unquestionably a British company (now owned by United Biscuits). That's not definitive proof, though. Hmm. Proto||type 13:44, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Copyright Licensing Agency

What is the purpose of the CLA? Surely they can't license other people's copyrights without permission?--Keycard (talk) 18:53, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

  • I believe they serve as a middle man. Instead of every small publisher or author running their own licensing department, they pay these guys to take care of all of it for them. Somewhat like ASCAP for music. The technical term for this sort of busines seems to be copyright collective. But no, they can't license without permission -- they no doubt get permission to be a designated licenser or something like that first. --Fastfission 19:49, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] graphic artist

I am trying to find employment for an individual with a degree in Graphic Arts. She also has taught art to advamced students and has done some work as a "currator" in a volunteer capacity. I am wondering if there is some job title that may take advantage of these skills that I have not thought about. Can you help me?

tshenk--Tshenk 20:11, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

In order to answer that, we would need to know what you've already thought of. Have you considered creating graphics for web sites ? This could be done from home. StuRat 21:38, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Japanese/Chinese Band in Times Sq., New York

Hi, I was in New York City in the 3rd and 4th of Febraury and I remember there being a Japanese (or Chinese) band playing in a building in Times Sq. They were not playing outsite, but there was a plasma screen showing the band playing so that people outside could see. When they were coming out I walked past one of the singers and [deliberately] banged into him (I was in a rush!). But what I would like to know is: who is this band? I also remember seeing them (if it was the same band) last year. Thanks. KILO-LIMA 20:25, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

It appears to be a solo artist (perhaps with backup singers) named Rain who was playing at MTV's TRL Studios in Times Square on that day.[37] KWH 07:13, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] animal anus picture

For miscellanious reasons, I need photos of the following animal's anuses. They don't have to be direct, they can be photos where the animal's anus is simply visible:

  • -fox
  • -wolf
  • -coyote
  • -husky
  • -alaskan malamute

I had no luck in finding them myself. Thanks, --septumatic

This is my favorite reference desk question ever -- not because it's wierd, because it is, but because it is so obviously encyclopedic in nature. I am so sorry I can't help. --James S. 23:25, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, let's speculate what it's for... ok, maybe not. --Zeizmic 02:41, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Perhaps a new Wiki encyclopedia of animal anuses ? Or an addendum to our black hole article ? StuRat 05:35, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
When your not the lead dog, all the views are the same.
  • Try searching Google for "fox tail" or "fox hind". People might not ... er, call a spade a spade.--M@rēino 16:06, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Homies

How Many Spanish-Speakers Are In The U.S.A?

Try Spanish in the United States and Languages in the United States. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:10, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 16

[edit] Rich Author

Who Is The Richest Mexican Novelist In The World?

♥Hot F.L.I.P.

This is little more than a guess, but possibly Laura Esquivel? Grutness...wha? 10:35, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

who is using this penname?! umm sorry, but it is already used by....me! can you please change it, it might confuse others.....i'm asking many random questions.....including this, which i didn't write!Plus your question has been already asked (by you) soo many times...stop asking! especially if your going to use my "name". the real- ♥Hot F.L.I.P. (the one who gets off topic a lot....posted "separate but equal")

[edit] The Muhammad Cartoon

With all these Arabs and muslums that are rioting, taking hostages, and making threats to kill the people who made it, aren't they concerned that they are just confirming the cartoon in the eyes of the world. Or is just that they aren't thinking ahead as usual. Responding to a cartoon depicting Muhammad as a Terrorist by trying to kill everyone just confirms it for me.

Not a question. --Zeizmic 02:36, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
It's at least phrased as two questions, though question marks would be an improvement. I think the answers are pretty clear:
  1. Probably not.
  2. Someone is certainly thinking ahead. ‣ᓛᖁ♀ᑐ 03:09, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

It seems to me that this hypersensitivity to any type of insult can work for the West. Just find a nice isolated spot in the Middle East, erect a giant flag with Mohammed doing something immoral with a camel, and surround the place with thousands of land mines. Since the crazies put such a high value on protecting the image of Mohammed and such a low value on human life, they should be willing to charge the flagpole until they get through. Certainly dying in such a cause will get them a dozen virgins, so everybody's happy, right ? After they destroy that flagpole, erect another one somewhere else, and so on. We will have the Muslim world purged of these idiots in no time. StuRat 05:30, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Since I can't dissuade you from your Islamic generalizing, I want to at least inform you that it's 72 virgins.  :) Superm401 - Talk 06:30, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Although according to one cartoon heaven is running out of them. DirkvdM 09:43, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Hence one of the better cartoons, of somone entering the afterlife and hearing "sorry, we're all out of virgins..."!
There's a theory that Syria just wants to dissuade the Americans (sort of a more blunt clue for the ones who don't understand Iraq) from trying to invade, with a warning about the sort of violence they might find there, hence the televised riots. Ojw 09:26, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
They certainly wouldn't want to protect the image because any image of Mohammed would be insulting. Also, to storm it they'd have to check where it is, for which they'd have to look at it, which is also 'not done'. Maybe they could hire an infidel to point them in the right direction? That would be ironic. And anyway, even if it would work it wouldn't last too long because there are precious few people who would do something like that, despite what politicians and media are trying to make you think. Let's get upset about stuff that really kills a lot of young people, like (yes, here I go again) cars. Cars kill about half a million people a year. How many people got killed through terrorism last year? I don't know really (anyone?) but if it's 'half a thousand' then road kills are a thousand times more important than terrorism (let alone a bit of fake indignation). Let's stop getting all worked up about a few nuts and a few staged uproars that have little effect in the grand scheme of things. DirkvdM 09:43, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
I think it's a bit unfair to call the indignation caused by these cartoons "fake". I just find it quite funny that the European/U.S press is fully behind the idea of free speech for these cartoons, but were absolutely horrified when the competition for cartoons about the Holocaust was announced. GeeJo (t) (c) • 10:41, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
The difference is that the West values human life, while the Muslim world puts a much higher value on symbols of their religion. Therefore, most people in the West don't find murdering millions of civilians funny, while many in the Muslim world apparently do. This also explains why some Muslims respond to any perceived insult by threatening to kidnap and kill people. StuRat 20:27, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Mmm-hmm. But the Mohammed cartoons were not created to be funny, they were created to be controversial — The Holocaust cartoons were commissioned as a response. Not because theyre funny, but because they'll produce controversy. Again, you're making derogatory generalisations about the Muslim community, without much to back it up. I can't remember ever seeing Muslims in my area tumbling about in laughter after watching Schindler's List, for example. You also seem to believe that there are no Muslims in "the West", or that none were offended by the cartoons, which doesn't make much sense given the protests that have taken place throughout Europe. GeeJo (t) (c) • 21:39, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Perhaps pleasure would be a better word to describe how many Muslims feel when they see the murder of Westerners, such as when Palestinians and others were dancing in the streets following the 9-11 attacks. StuRat 03:45, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
There may be many Muslims physically located in the West, but those rioting are not integrated with the West, rejecting democratic, secular concepts like Freedom of the Press. In my opinion, allowing people to immigrate to your country who are opposed to all the values of your society is a huge mistake, and those who are unwilling to integrate should be deported back to the culture that they apparently prefer. There should be a series of steps any new immigrant should be required to meet to stay in a country, including learning the language, the laws, and history of the new country. And some branches of Islam, like Wahabism, should be banned outright as fundamentally incompatible with Western Democracy. StuRat 03:34, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't know about the US, but here in the etherlands (and probably most of Europe) immigrants weren't just 'allowed in'. They were desperately needed and sought after to do the dirty work we decadent westerners refused to do any more. Now we've found that apart from being able to work they are also humans with their own desires and beliefs and such. And now we're stuck with them and since we don't wish to adapt to what we asked for we demand that they adapt to us. DirkvdM 07:55, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
There is another option, you can grant short term work visas, then deport anyone who refuses to leave of their own accord when the work term ends. You don't need to give away your country (to people who want to completely change all of it) just to find workers. StuRat 01:46, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
I disagree that protesting against the cartoons means that you're protesting against free speech. I attended a protest against the decision by the British Government to go to war against Iraq. That doesn't mean I'm against democratic government. It means I disagree with the specific decision implemented by a single example of such a government. You'll find most Muslims in Western communities have no problem with free speech in general, they simply find the specific images to be highly offensive. Having a peaceful protest is simply an escalation of the process of writing a complaint. Activism != Terrorism. I also find it slightly hypocritical that you defend the extollment of one form of speech which you find acceptable (the cartoons), and then denounce another idea (Wahabism), that you disagree with, and believe that anyone who has such beliefs should be deported. GeeJo (t) (c) • 14:15, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Peacefully protesting against the newspapers that printed them is fine. However, protesting the nation as a whole, by boycotting products of that nation, burning their flag, storming their embassy, etc., is designed to force that nation's government to control the press, which is very anti-free speech. And trying to take hostages over the cartoons is far worse. As for Wahabism, defending free speech has it's limits, and when somebody tries to call for terrorism, this should not be protected. And immigration policy is unrelated to free speech. Any country has the right to prohibit entry of people who will do more harm to their country than good. StuRat 01:40, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
people who feel strongly about an issue usually don't think there actions very well through. i also don't believe it is as much of how muhammad is shown, but that he is shown. there are also stories about local leaders adding cartoons which are worse just to start some extra reactions, it's all kinda typical. Boneyard 12:06, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
There's no contradiction between being "fully behind the idea of free speech for these cartoons" and being absolutely horrified at an expression of free speech. Free speech is ugly; that's kinda the whole point. You have the right to say something someone might find offensive. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 16:30, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Not according to the law. There are laws prohibiting things such as racial vilification, and glorification of terrorism. JackofOz 20:18, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
That depends on the country. In the U.S., even hate speech is considered protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.--Pharos 20:35, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Indeed, and the House of Lords recently blocked the clause of the anti-terrorism bill making glorification of terrorism a crime in the United Kingdom. GeeJo (t) (c) • 21:21, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Yesterday they passed a separate law outlawing glorification of terrorism. JackofOz 21:44, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
The House of Commons passed it, the House of Lords still have to ratify it, and there's some question as to which way their decision will fall. See this BBC article. GeeJo (t) (c) • 22:25, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
It's funny how eager some people are to curtail the freedom of speech of others in order to preserve their own. DirkvdM 15:14, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What do you call this?

http://i1.tinypic.com/nwfqqv.jpg

I think there's an article about this on Wikipedia but I can't find it. Thanks. 203.173.191.106 02:14, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

It's called a soda gun, apparently. --Robert Merkel 02:42, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Thanks 203.173.191.106 02:54, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
What's the copyright status of that image? I notice the article is missing one. —Keenan Pepper 04:46, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
And here I thought it was an early version of the phaser. JIP | Talk 12:02, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Sandman: Brief Lives

I need a relatively detailed description of both sides of Delirium's envelope-list from Brief Lives. Can I have said description, or maybe a link to a picture? DuctapeDaredevil 02:55, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Chapter 3, page 12, lower right panel
The back of the envelope is shown. It's torn at the top. Four names are written on it, with the right side of the envelope being the "top" with respect to the writing. The names are (line breaks as on the envelope):
the lawyer
tHe ALDERMAN
Etain of the
Second Look
the dANCiNG
woman.
"alderman" is written in fairly blockish capitals. The E in "Etain" is somewhat curvy, unlike the E in "alderman." The "he," "Second," and "ook" in "the Second Look" are in cursive. The i's in "Etain" and "dancing" are dotted with little flowers.
Chapter 4, page 14. The envelope is seen in the top middle, top right, and middle left panels. The back is seen in the top middle panel; I can't tell which side is supposed to be shown in the other two. No writing is visible on the envelope in any of these.
Chapter 7, page 4. In the top right panel, the front of the envelope is seen. There is a cancelled stamp in the upper right, and some writing in the upper left where a return address would be, but no specific words or letters can be made out. The center, where a delivery address would be, appears blank.
In the bottom left and middle panels, the envelope is seen, but no writing is visible, nor is it clear which side is supposed to be showing.
Chapter 7, page 5. The front of the envelope is shown in the upper right panel. Again, something in the upper left, but can't be made out. However, this time there appears to be a delivery address in the center:
Sant--
The Nor--le
Dashes do not actually appear on the envelope; I use them here to represent parts of the address covered by Delirium's finger. I assume this is meant to be "Santa, The North Pole". The upper right of the envelope is also hidden by Delirium's hand.
In the middle left panel on that page, the front is shown again, but the only markings--again not legible--is in the upper left, as per a return address. The rest is hidden by Delirium's hand. In the middle right panel, the envelope is falling, Delirium having dropped it. The back is shown; it appears to be the same as on Chapter 3, page 12, except that the i in "dancing" is dotted only with a circle, and the two n's in "dancing" are lowercase. I suppose you could the c is also in lowercase, but since a lowercase c is a lot like an uppercase C, save for the size, I can't really say.
Chuck 05:12, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Thank you so much!! You are like some kind of god, and I'm gonna worship you now. 172.165.27.15 05:57, 19 February 2006 (UTC) (Who happens to DuctapeDaredevil, but on FireFox)

[edit] The phrase "김일성 시" redirects to Seoul. What does that stand for?

Does anyone have any idea what "김일성 시" stands for and why it redirects to Seoul? Someone here ought to know Korean, or maybe know a Wikipedian friend that knows Korean. If you know a Korean, have them take a look at it and tell us what it says and how it has anything to do with Seoul. Thanks. --68.102.193.78 05:24, 16 February 2006 (UTC)The preceding unsigned comment was added by User:Schultz, who also created the redirect. Markyour words 12:45, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

PS: "서울" is Hangeul for Seoul so the other phrase must stand for something else. --68.102.193.78 05:27, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

I don't know any Korean, but it's probably the Korean name for Seoul. Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:26, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Like I said, "서울" is Hangeul for Seoul so the other phrase must stand for something else. --68.102.193.78 05:45, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
I fed this to a translator [38] and it reported "Kim Il-Song hour". The Korean Wikipedia [39] clearly shows that 김일성 is Kim Il-sung (I don't read Korean but it has dates of birth and death on it). Interestingly "시" alone is translated as Poem, and may have more meanings. I wonder if it's a political statement. Someone could always ask the contributor... Anyway, is it Wikipedia policy to include original foreign language renderings in the English, in this way? Notinasnaid 09:12, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Redirects are cheap. If we can redirect from the original name, even if it does not use the same alphabet, why not? --cesarb 11:48, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
There's no point asking the contributor (Schultz), because he is also the questioner (Schultz). I'll delete it. Markyour words 12:45, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
One reason not to start these redirects is that languages are ambiguous. A single word in one language may have more than one English translation. And different languages may use the same letters to mean different things. Then there are cases where the foreign word already has an English meaning (e.g. nova). So such redirects can never be more than a random sampling of foreign words. Or, each English article has the potential to start with a disambiguation for stacks of non-English words. Such a universal Wikipedia sounds interesting, but also sounds a major policy shift... Notinasnaid 15:22, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Some more research [40] shows that while 시 doesn't mean city by itself, it is used at the end of some contructs about cities, including "뉴욕 시", New York City. Now, [41] suggests that the phrase can also be translated through "Kim Il-sung Si" to "Kim Il-sung City". That article talks about some speculation, for which no evidence was found, that Seoul might have been renamed if North Korean had won the war. But that's a long way from it being an uncontroversial redirect. Notinasnaid 15:34, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
That's original research and [[Wikipedia:NOT] is a crystal ball.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  03:41, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Quote

Who is the U.S. Economist quoted as saying: "when a man marries his housekeeper the GNP goes down"? Thank you.

It was the British economist Cecil Pigou, who noted the anomaly that if we hire somebody to clean our house, the GDP goes up, but if we marry our housekeeper, the GDP does down. [42]. JackofOz 05:41, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Those are the smartest U.S. economists. Superm401 - Talk 06:33, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
In other words no-one. That should teach you to unsuitly overemphazi your questions. :) DirkvdM 15:18, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The film "Death of a Son"

Can anyone please tell me how the TV film shown in 1988, called "Death of a Son" and starring Lynn Redgrave and Malcolm Storry ends. With thanks.

The son dies? Thuresson 02:37, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Thank you for the answer. However the son died at the BEGINNING of the film. The last part of the film was the British court case against the man who supplied the drugs to the son and which caused his death. My question is what was the verdict in this court case? With thanks.

According to All Movie Guide the play by Tony Marchant was based on a true story so the answer shouldn't be impossible to find. Is this movie about young people with diabetes dying suddenly? I found the following (link):
In 1989 Dr Patrick Toseland, then a senior and well-respected pathologist at Guy's Hospital, London, was asked to investigate 19 deaths reported by doctors in the previous 18 months that had occurred in young people with diabetes. The deaths were unusual - they all happened suddenly, they all appeared to follow a rapid decline in blood sugar levels and the deceased were all using 'human' insulin. Dr Toseland thought that this sort of sudden death in young diabetics was something new.
Try searching for "dead in bed syndrome". Thuresson 20:00, 17

February 2006 (UTC)

This film is nothing to do with diabetes, As the "All Movie Guide" states: A 3 year court case was the result of a mother's fight to convict the man who killed her son with a lethal drug overdose injection as told in this true story. But what was the verdict in this court case?

[edit] Antony Armstrong-Jones photograph

I have in my possession a photograph taken by Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1956, which I would like to include in a book I've written. I have tried all the picture libraries, and I can't seem to find any way of contacting Lord Snowdon's organisation that might deal with the copyright of his pictures. Has anyone any suggestion how I might proceed with this? I would be very grateful for any advice. Thank you David Barry

Missed this one. Why not go here and try either the Public Information Office or the Press Offices. They don't have a lot of email contact but they do have phone numbers. Are you this Dave Barry? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:30, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Hello and welcome to Arnold's Pizza Shop!

Why is this prank funny? and why is it avalible after Arnold Strong fryed a black man? --Mussel876 16:39, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Then pls mark for deletion. --Zeizmic 17:43, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Um, mark what for deletion? This is way over my head, except that I observe that Arnold Strong is an early screen name of Arnold Schwarzenegger, suggesting its use carries overtones of social commentary, or deliberate obfuscation. Notinasnaid 11:45, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What is the vaccuum brand that makes the least amount of noise?

Yeah, this is so Consumer Reports, but I can talk about my new Roomba robot vacuum! It doesn't make much noise, but it really works, and is fun to watch. If I were smarter, I could hack it! --Zeizmic 20:46, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Really? Maybe my Roomba is old-school, but I'd never call it quiet. That does not make me love it any less of course. A full-house in-wall vacuum system is quiet where you use it (but noisy as heck wherever the motor is). Also, not particularly easy to install after the house has been built. --LarryMac 20:55, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
Noise doesn't travel through vacuum (maybe you watch too much Star Trek?). So a vacuum itself making noise is even more impossible (in as far as there can be levels of impossibility, such as in fuzzy logic, but I digress). And just in case you're talking about a vacuum cleaner, considering that a vacuum is by definition nothing, I wonder how one goes about cleaning it. That sounds like a very Zen problem. DirkvdM 15:22, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
I can't tell where Zeizmic or LarryMac are from, but it's quite normal for a vacuum cleaner to be referred to as a 'vacuum' over here. (In the USA I thought it was generally called 'hoover'.) JackofOz 21:48, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
In Dutch it's called a 'dust sucker'. But that's no excuse to call it a 'sucker' for short. :) DirkvdM 07:58, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Can you give me a link to the list of acceptable excuses?  :-) JackofOz 08:08, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
The noise of the vacuum cleaner is based on the motor and other mechanicals. I have found the Dyson vacuum rather quiet in comparison to others. Now when I vaccum, I listen to my iPod with a pair of studio monitor earphones and it makes the vacuum really quiet! FunkyChicken! 15:13, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Office 2003 Activation Help

Hey guys, I recently re-installed my operating system. However, when I tried to re-install Microsoft Office 2003 Standard Edition it wouldn't let me re-activate the product because it said my registration code had already been used. Do you guys know of any crack that can generate the confirmation id for me?--God of War 21:24, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

It's probably not needed; you could call Microsoft and ask them to unblock the activation. --cesarb 21:36, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Since nobody actually owns Office for the home, I suspect it's something tricky. I ran into that problem, that I couldn't get easy copies of a modern version anymore. So I went totally over to OpenOffice and haven't looked back. --Zeizmic 21:46, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Just today I discovered that when someone saved a .doc file as an .html file with msWord it expanded it to almost 500 kB. OpenOffice made it into just under 100 kB, which made a big difference since it was to be sent by email. Actually, when I trimmed it by hand the size was close to 40 kB, so msWord had made it about 10 times too big with loads of unnecessary nonsense. So that's one up for Open Office (and one more up for a good oldfashioned handjob). DirkvdM 15:33, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
He didn't ask for zealotry, he asked for an answer. Luigi30 (Ταλκ) 14:48, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Closer to 12 times too big.
  • I have run into this problem after having to wipe hard drives due to virus problems. Just call Microsoft, tell them you had to re-install the operating system and the nice person in India you will speak with will give you teh activation code. This also works with Windows. One thing, the next time you have to go through this you'll have to do the same. Just another reason to hate Bill Gates. FunkyChicken! 15:09, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Pressure Cookers

How high do the temperature and pressure become? All I can find is that food cooks much more quickly in them (tastes better, too).

Hint: Pressure cooking Lots of great physics in pressure cooking. My mother-in-law put a great big dent in the ceiling with one! --Zeizmic 23:29, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
You can vary the boiling point of water ( lower it ) with more pressure. My parents had a pressure cooker with a varible pressure rating of 15 psi, 30 psi and 45 psi. Made GREAT mashed potatoes. Artoftransformation 01:05, 17 February 2006 (UTC)--
Raising the pressure actually raises the boiling point, so allows you to cook food hotter without it boiling. StuRat 02:14, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, I had always understood that the higher temperatures meant more vitamins and stuff (taste?) were lost (broken down), but does the fact that you don't need to go up to the boiling point make a difference too? This sort of info is lacking from the article. Since I won't be the only one who thinks of this first when hearing the word 'pressure cooker', such info should really be in it. DirkvdM 15:39, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Taste might go, but since the cooker is completely sealed, I don't see how any vitamins would be lost. They'd be there somewhere, even if in the juice (yummy). JackofOz 21:40, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Yeah, but they're said to break down in high temperatures. DirkvdM 07:59, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
But that could be balanced by the much shorter cooking times. It's hard to say which one would preserve more vitamins. Also to answer the original question, on one manufacturer's website they state that at the 15lbs of pressure their cookers operate at, temperature inside the Pressure Cooker reaches 250 degrees.[43] The same page claims more nutrients are retained. That's possible, but I have more faith in the temperature number since that's easy to measure. The higher pressure models that Artoftransformation referred to would obviously have higher temperatures. One that has selectable pressure sounds pretty cool. - Taxman Talk 16:13, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
You use a manufacturer's site to check on how healthy their products are? That's about the least reliable source imaginable. Thanks for the effort anyway. :) DirkvdM 18:53, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Job Question

Dear Whoever Receives This:

Please forward my question to the appropriate representative. Here it is...

In all sincerity, I am trying to find a job I could do from my own computer or residence. I've always been a hard working, honest, loyal, trustworthy individual and there was never any drug activity in my life. Personally, I'm chemically-allergic, so my life has never been corrupt with drug problems.

I've virtually like an 'orphan' because all my personal family helping hands are dead and many died young, so I'm trying to find a way to survive by myself. My previous full-time work group members were all laid off in the USA at the end of 2001. There was no job fault conduted by us. We were merely a cost reduction for a major corporation. However, despite this simple reason, and the fact I've been dropping off resumes a great deal, I've not found anyone interested in a good worker. Might there be something I could do for you via my computer or residence? If so, please contact me at my personal e-mail and we can chat more and I'm willing to share with you the IMPRESSIVE work tasks that I've already done. Thank you,

Nancy Nowicki My Personal E-mail is: email removed

Email removed to prevent spam. --cesarb 22:17, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm not suggesting you list your resume here, but you could at least tell us what type of work you do. StuRat 23:21, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

On the other hand, we're batting zero for getting people high-paying jobs... --Zeizmic 23:31, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

You mean there is a high paying job around this place? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:16, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
From what I gather, there are only 3 employees of Wikimedia who get payed for their work. - Akamad 03:34, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Good thing spellcheckers are free ;) Luigi30 (Ταλκ) 14:51, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How do we know what is fact vs what's personal opinion in Wikipedia?

Question in title only

Based on the article itself, you don't. This is why all good articles include outside references (Wikipedia:Verifiability). GeeJo (t) (c) • 22:28, 16 February 2006 (UTC)
For all facts? In trhat case I wonder if we have a single good article by your definition. Of course the same could be asked for any encyclopedia or other source. A good indicator is the subject. If it's uncontroversial it probably won't be biased (which, however doesn't mean it's true). When it's about, say, communism, you can expect everyting to be POV. But then, that goes for other sources on the Internet even more than for Wikipedia because here, POV's are somewhat balanced out. DirkvdM 15:43, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Note that I didnt say that all facts needed to be referenced, merely that the articles needed to be. GeeJo (t) (c) • 12:45, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
I think it was the New York Times that did a test of a handful of articles in the Encyclopedia Britannica (was it?) and compared them with their equivalent Wiki articles. Britannica averaged something like 98% accuracy to Wikipedias 97%, and when you factor in that Wiki is several times larger than Britannica, it doesn't seem like that much of a big deal anymore. Of course those figures were for standard articles (bios, country descriptions, events, and the like) so you have to take many more vague wiki articles with a grain of salt. In general though, if you're paying attention, you can trust the stuff that's in Wiki.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  17:04, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
That was Nature magazine. Considering how often people think things are from the US when they're not it isn't surprising they often overestimate the importance of the country (as if there is a need). DirkvdM 08:01, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Author

Who Is The Richest Novelist In Spanish Language?

See above. If the question was not answered before then it's unlikely that it will now. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 23:52, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Nobility And Royalty Jauregui

What Members And Families Of The Nobility Or Royalty Have Jauregui As Their Last Name?

Probably Spanish but looking at Juan de Jáuregui maybe not. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk)

[edit] Stereotypical Canadians

I'm making a list of Canadian stereoptypes (humorous, false, true) to introduce to my students, and this is what I have so far:

The stereotypical Canadian:

  • … eats Kraft Dinner for every meal.
  • … is named Doug or Jen.
  • … thinks Canadians speak with no accent.
  • … will drop the gloves with any American who suggests that Canadians say “aboot” instead of “about”, or that we live in igloos.
  • … says “eh?” at the end of every sentence.
  • … is called a “hoser”, or a “canuck” by Americans.
  • … loves only 2 things: beer and hockey.
  • … always wears heavy winter clothing (a flannel lumberjack shirt, Kodiak boots, and a tuque)
  • … tries to deke out everyone and everything.
  • … listens to music on a ghetto blaster.
  • … buys candy with a loonie or a toonie.
  • … says prolly instead of probably.
  • … goes to work on the vomit comet.
  • … doesn't like people from T-dot (or T.O.)
  • … watches the CBC, especially Hockey Night in Canada and This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
  • … worships maple syrup and the maple leaf, common loons, and beavers.

Can anybody think of any more? Funny and true ones are best. The object is to intruduce words, images, and culture tidbits that someone outside of N/A or Europe might not have heard of.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  00:05, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Ultra polite. Tom Holt, English author even noticed this in at leat one of his books. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:14, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Eats ketchup chips and poutan.
Plays funny ice games with rocks and brooms.
-LambaJan 00:35, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
That would be poutine, yumm : ).  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  03:24, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
The stereotypical Canadian is an American without a gun
Slumgum 00:48, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Watching a few old episodes of Due South might give you some more ideas... Grutness...wha? 01:17, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
They not only lack guns, but have healthcare. Yeltensic42 don't panic 01:46, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
  • They like to drink 2-4's (24 packs of beer).StuRat 01:58, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
  • They like to pretend they have a queen, so had to borrow one to put on their money. StuRat 02:05, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
  • ...doesn't tip properly at an American restaurant? KWH 02:29, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Never heard that one before. I don't think the kids will get it though, they don't have the concept of "tipping" here at all : /.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  03:26, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
That's actually more something for a similar list about USians. In my experience, they're the ones who stand out by overtipping. Or tipping at all for that matter. DirkvdM
  • Google "you know you're from canada when" --Nelson Ricardo 03:25, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
  • too polite to win at the Olympics. --Zeizmic 12:58, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Picking nits, but if you go to work on the "vomit comet" and don't like people from T.O., you've got a bad case of self-loathing... "vomit comet" is (to my knowledge) the slang for all-night buses in Toronto. I'd drop the "comet," anyway -- that's a very regional reference and doesn't speak to Canadians in general. I'm wearing a flannel shirt and Kodiak boots RIGHT NOW, by the way... :-) MattShepherd 14:27, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
The sometimes refers to the TTC in general, not exactly sure why. I just included it because its an interesting tidbit : ).  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  16:58, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Apologises when you tread on their foot. Thinks a beer commerical is a patriotic symbol. You can probably find a copy of the Joe Canadian commerial to show if you look hard enough. DJ Clayworth 17:09, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
You know, I think I just may : ). It's easily found on google video.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  11:44, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

off colour, off topic thing deleted. --Zeizmic 18:10, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

A Canadian is someone who:

  • climbs on a mountain and yells at the top of his lungs how he is better than you because he is quieter and more humble.
  • talks like an American, looks like an American and acts like an American but remains adamant that Americans are nothing like him.
  • wears a little Canadian flag on his backpack so no one thinks he's American.
  • stays up at night worrying that someone, somewhere out there doesn't like Canadians.
  • always goes out of his way to find the Canadian angle on anything. ("Did you know the guy who designed this year's Super Bowl logo is Canadian?")
  • is named Gord.
  • tells jokes about people from Newfoundland.
  • follows all four major sports -- pro hockey, junior hockey, minor hockey and women's hockey.
  • thinks the rest of the world also buys milk in balloons. -- Mwalcoff 00:42, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
OK, I'm curious, they buy milk in balloons ? StuRat 01:14, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
See the milk article. Milk in Canada is sold in 1 1/3 litre bags that resemble rectangular water balloons. Samw 02:48, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Cool, anyone have a pic ? I'd like to see that. They might even become my second most favorite type of milk bag. StuRat 03:05, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
See [44] Samw 04:35, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 17

[edit] Who Is.......?

Who Is Moises Ramses Jauregui? Unsigned question by User:206.170.104.24

[edit] City

What Mexican City Has THe Largest Population Of Japanese And Filipino People? Unsigned question by User:206.170.104.24

[edit] Who Was?

Who Was The Best Soccer Player In The World In 1989? Unsigned question by User:206.170.104.24

There wasn't a FIFA World Player of the Year award until 1991, but the 1989 European Footballer of the Year was Marco van Basten, who would have got my vote for World's best.
However, Ruud Gullitt was voted best player by readers of World Soccer (1989 World Soccer Awards).
Slumgum 00:54, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Novelist

Which Writer\Author Can Be A Combination Of Jorge Luis Borges And Nathaniel Hawthorne? Unsigned question by User:206.170.104.24

What's the prize in this literature quiz? Notinasnaid 08:53, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Literature

Which Author\Writer Can Be A Combination Of Jorge Luis Borges And H.G. Wells? Unsigned question by User:206.170.104.24

H.G.Borges? Seriously though, I'd suggest Ray Bradbury, but there are any number of possible answers, since Borges was a lot closer to science fiction than you'd think, and Wells often wrote with a magical realist sense of both social conscience and whimsy. Unless, of course, the question is asking for a predominantly science fiction author who also wrote in a wide number of literary genres, in which case Poul Anderson, or a predominantly science fiction author who also wrote essays on a vast array of subjects, in which case Isaac Asimov. Nah - go with Bradbury. Also, the question is posed in the present tense, and Bradbury's the only one of those three still alive, AFAIK. Grutness...wha? 10:34, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] dragon ball Goku question

[Is there] anoyone [who] is [a] comics, anime, or cartoons character ... that can beat Goku (at the end of dragon ball gt)???

No.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  19:19, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Dr Manhattan could liquidise him in about three seconds, but that's just my educated conclusion. Sum0 15:10, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Heavy

What Is Heavy Metal Literature And Who Is The Most Famous Heavy Metal Novelist?

Alexandre Dumas, père perhaps (for The Vicomte de Bragelonne and its ferrous hero)? JackofOz 01:32, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Whoa, if you're talking Dumas, what about The Man in the Iron Mask? And wasn't there a children's book about a steamshovel and another about Thomas the Train Engine? alteripse 02:42, 17 February 2006 (UTC) Oh. I just looked up the Vicomte and discovered it's the same book. Great minds... alteripse 02:43, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

(wink) JackofOz 04:32, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Michael Moorcock, novelist and metaller (not truly heavy, mind - Blue Oyster Cult and Hawkwind couldn't be really classified as HM). Grutness...wha? 02:27, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Bon Jovi

Who Is The Bon Jovi Of Literature?

Bon Jovi is.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  03:34, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Reminds me of a Peanuts cartoon where Lucy was lying around listening to Schroeder playing, and when he was finished she said "Schroeder, one day you're going to be the Beethoven of music". He looked suitably nonplussed and couldn't think of a thing to say. JackofOz 05:18, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
I wish I had the kind of memory that could just quote random Peanuts clips.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  16:42, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Yeees .. I am kind of special. But this wasn't random, it was at least 5% related to the foregoing. JackofOz 21:34, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Richest

Who Is The Richest Writer\Author In The World?

J. K. Rowling. -LambaJan 03:51, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Nope. Donald Trump is a writer and author (Donald_Trump#Books), and is worth more. I am pretty sure Bill Gates has written a book, too. J.K. Rowling was, however, the first person to earn $1 bn solely from book sales and book-related stuff, such as her percentage take from merchandise sales, the Harry Potter movies, the movie merchandise, etc. Proto||type 12:46, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Crowd Advertising

I need the specific word/words that describe a specific type of advertising:

Most often related to sporting events, this is when each individual person within a specific section of a crowd holds up a small sign/poster (preplaced in their seats) in order for the larger sign to be put together.

Such signs are called "flip cards" and they are mostly used for "pep" and rooting rather than advertising. Also occasionally for hijinks, as when Yale students disguised themselves as the "Harvard Pep Squad" and tricked Harvard well-wishers into revealing "We Suck" (instead of "Go Harvard" [www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1290646/posts]). This was a variant of the The Great Rose Bowl Hoax of 1961 - Nunh-huh 03:45, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Thought I answered this a few hours ago; I guess I forgot to save. The phrase I think the original poster is looking for (although it doesn't necessarily refer to advertising as such) is card stunt. --Anonymous, 18:30 UTC, February 17.

[edit] Novelist

Who Is The RIchest Novelist In The World?

  • See above. - Mgm|(talk) 10:03, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Spanish

Who Is The Richest Novelist Of Spanish Language In The World?

this question has been asked already look above for the answer and if there is not a answer stop asking.
indeed, cleary no one here knows the answer, try doing some searching yourself or perhaps try the spanish wiki. Boneyard 11:36, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

Maybe Isabell Allende.--Cosmic girl 23:02, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Giving a Name a meaning

Hello! I have a difficult question, but if you can help me that would be the greatest thing. My wife has a beautiful name but it has no official meaning. I would love more then anything to give that to her as a gift. I've search the internet and their's probably only a few people in the world with that name. I've also search many websites for a meaning and there's none. But it does mean everything to me. Please! Can you help me?

Sincerely, Jonas

It would help massively if we knew your wife's name. However, numerology and related methodologies may serve as inspiration for some meaning. Besides, almost any name will mean something, or be very close to something, in at least a few languages - mine is nearly a politeness particle in Japanese, as well as having a religious Hebrew meaning (okay, so that's where it's derived from)! --Sam Pointon 03:45, 17 February 2006 (UTC) (edit: apologies for the grammar and stuff. Wiki-ing at quarter to four in the morning does that to me).
Well, he did say it was a difficult question. Maybe he was referring to the fact that he wants us to come up with a meaning of something without us knowing what it is. This is the third time I bring this up today, but that sounds rather Zen. DirkvdM 15:57, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
The meaning of your wife's name is that you can refer to her without having to go and get her or take out a picture of her. Therefore one meaning of your wife's name could be "more expressive then any picture" or "easy to carry around". MeltBanana 16:52, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ethnic

Hi,Here Is My Question What Race I Am?:I Was Born In Mexico,My Father Is Of Spanish And Northern African,Arabian Ancestry And My Mother She Has Native American Ancestry And Some Asian Ancestry,I Just Want To Know Ethnicity I Am.Thank You.

If you have to choose, perhaps Mestizo comes the closest. Or you could just pick "All of the above" on any form that asks. StuRat 03:56, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
You're human. You already demonstrated that you know your ethnicity. In addition to what Stu said, you could also consider using 'Mixed,' or not answering. -LambaJan 04:16, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
'Human' would be the best answer to a question about race. JackofOz 04:31, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
See our article on ethnicity - it's a somewhat nebulous concept, and it becomes meaningless to try and pigeonhole people into ethnic groups when there is so much mixing going on.
Also, just as a suggestion, you may want to reduce your usage of the Shift key - in English, there is no need to capitalise every word (if you want an in-depth discussion, see capitalization), and it makes your question a bit difficult to read. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 09:01, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Let me pose you a question. You're part Spanish, part North African, etc etc etc, but which race to you consider yourself to be - which do you identify with? Do you think of yourself as a Mexican, a native Mexican, Spanish? The race you are in your heart is probably closer to what you should consider as an answer to your question than any dividing up by fraction of this and fraction of that. I think of myself as a Celt, for instance, because many of my lines of ancestry go back to Ireland and Wales - some of them a long way back. I have ancestry from other places, too, but I identify with the Irish lineage most strongly. I have friends who consider themselves equally of Maori and British descent, despite only having 1/8 Maori lineage. It's how you feel that's the important thing. Grutness...wha? 10:51, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Let me be the third one to point out that your race must be human (there are no separate human races - there's just one human race). If you're asking about your ethnicity in the sense of skin colour and nose size and such, there are few indication in the information you give. That your father's ancestry is of Spanish, North African and Arabic ancestry says nothing. All sorts of ethnicities live in those regions. Spain is actually one big melting pot, with Celts in the North West, a strong Arabic history in the South and Germanic tribes passing through (and settling) about a millennium and a half ago. The North African and Arabic ancestry makes a semitic line probable, but that's all. Most likely, though, I';d say the best we can say is that you are your own mix. You're unique. But then everyone is, so what's all the fuss? DirkvdM 16:07, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

And while I'm on the subject. The fact that on my CV my place of birth shows that I'm from Curaçao probably makes potential employers think I'm black, which I'm not. Of course that should not make a difference, but the truth is I hardly ever get any responses to my job applications. DirkvdM 16:13, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Surely you could add a small picture of yourself to your CV? - Adrian Pingstone 16:57, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Some employers would then say "Who is this guy who thinks it's appropriate to attach a picture?", though!
I don't include a pic of my face on my resume, but do find it very illustrative to include, along with my letter of resignation, a nice pic of my butt. StuRat 06:06, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
That way at least your ex-boss knows who was messing with the photocopier at the office Christmas party. Grutness...wha? 12:53, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
On the matter of mixed races, here's a nice story of bureaucracy collected with some related stories and thoughts by the same person. --Anonymous, 18:40 UTC, February 17.
That's a rather telling story. I don't know if Australia is ahead of the world in this respect, but asking questions over here about race in relation to employment or security clearances would be in breach of all kinds of anti-discrimination laws. It wouldn't happen; and a person would be within their rights to refuse to answer if it did. JackofOz 21:30, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
But I bet that wasn't always true. --Anon, 05:05 UTC, Feb. 18.
Certainly not. See White Australia policy. JackofOz 06:08, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
An approach to the question, emphasized by DirkvdM's experience, is that much of what one gets "labeled" in these matters depends on how others perceive you. In one context, someone with a "mixed" background would be called one thing, in another, something else. Context is pretty important in questions of this sort, especially since some of the available categories are not even present in some countries than they are in others. --Fastfission 19:21, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Indeed. There are several anthropologists who treat this for what it is. One even told the story about how he's white, his wife is black, and his daughter is black in the U.S., but white in Brazil because in the U.S. it's standard to follow this ridiculous discriminating policy of Hypodescent, whereas in Brazil there are several terms for color and someone inbetween can be light brown one day and dark brown the next. -LambaJan 21:22, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cricket Ratings

How are cricket ratings calculated?What is the diference between SAMSUNG and WISDEN cricket ratings and which one is better?Among all the ratings which one is the most authentic? --221.135.192.53 04:53, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Are they actually calculated? I thought they just some numbers up over tea and then rounded up. Sorry, couldn't resist.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  19:13, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
The details of neither system are available publically. Some vague details of Samsung/Espn ratings are available at http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/scr/scrdetails.jsp

[edit] The U.S. And the U.N.

What would it take for the U.S. to withdraw from the U.N.? Whose decision would it be?

Since the relationship with the UN is conducted via treaty, I would think the US Senate would pass a bill to repeal adoption of the treaty (as was done in the case of the ABM Treaty), which would need to be signed by the President, or overridden by a 2/3 majority, to take effect. The decision of whether to evict the United Nations from New York would also have to be made. StuRat 07:08, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Alternatively the United Nations could vote to expel the United States, but the chances of this happening are somewhere betweeen 0 and infintessimal. Thryduulf 12:39, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Then again, all non-negative numbers are between zero and infinitessimal. As to the question, the US already don't acknowledge the International Court of Justice, which to me seems like an essential part of the UN (the legal leg of the trias politica), so they're already half out of it. What made it possible for the US to withraw from that would probably be nough to take the final second step too, although I mustr admit I'm just guessing here. DirkvdM 16:17, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
  • For future reference, you might want to look up infinitesimal. It does not mean infinite. --Anon, 18:25 UTC.
My mistake (and a stupid one at that). DirkvdM 08:31, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
I think it's actually the International Criminal Court that the U.S. doesn't recognize, unless our articles on them are wrong. Of course, it wouldn't be very surprising for the U.S. not to recognize either of them... Yeltensic42 don't panic 17:02, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
The article does state that the US ignored a ruling in 1984 concerning Nicaragua. This would only make sense if they didn't recognise the court anymore. The article does state that the US "withdrew its acceptance" after that. Considering the dominance the US have in matters concerning the ICJ (military interference in other countries) that would merit a more prominent place in the article. I'll remedy that. DirkvdM 08:31, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
*shakes head* Why am I not surprised? (about the U.S., not the article) Yeltensic42 don't panic 21:29, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Considering the number of Muslim nations in the UN, can we expect the international courts to implement aspects of Sharia law, like having women's testimony count for half as much as men's ? StuRat 01:56, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Which you consider wrong. And I do too. But who are we to judge that? And in general, who is to decide that? Since there is no objective method to determine which culture is in the right the only alternative is democracy. And in my book that means giving at least the most prominent cultures a say, in accordance with their sizes. And this system is as workable an approximation of that as one can get. Given how new the notion of worldwide international law is, we should give them some slack and also accept difficult decisions. If a major country starts ignoring them they will back down and the whole thing will never get off the ground. And I'm not just thinking of the ICJ but of the UN as a whole. Ironically, the US was instrumental in the founding of these institutions. Their backing gave other countries confidence that it might work. The lack of backing just means wars of all kinds will keep on existing longer. DirkvdM 09:33, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
I certainly don't want any citizens of my country judged based on Sharia law, do you ? Incompatible legal traditions is just one of many reasons not to have a permanent world court. StuRat 05:04, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
The UN was not founded to be a world government designed to reflect the values of the world's most-populous nations. The US never would have approved participation in such a body. The UN was an organization that grew out of the WWII Allies, which is why the US, UK, France, Russia and China still have veto power on the Security Council. It's important to remember that traditionally, liberal democracies have been a minority of states and would not have survived if subject to a vote of the rest of the governments of the world. -- Mwalcoff 18:23, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
But the UN was founded as a way to stop future wars and a broad basis was needed for that.
I don't get that last bit. Are you saying that democracy wouldn't have survived if other governments would have had any say in it? Sort of the way socialism doesn't work well in Cuba due to the interference of the US? If the UN would have adopted a similar position, it certainly would have collapsed. But it is in the very nature of the UN being a collection of states with different cultures that it wouldn't do such a thing. The variation mellows things down and that was pretty much the point I suppose (preventing war). I'm not sure I get what you're driving at, though. DirkvdM 08:29, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
Say it's 1975, and instead of a relatively powerless UN, we have a real world government. Under your proposed system, the Communist countries and their allies, with more than 50% of the world's population, would have controled the UN. (Only about 20% of the world's people lived under democratic governments back then.) Would you have expected Mao and Brezhnev to live and let live? Heck no. -- Mwalcoff 01:09, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
(de-indented for small screens)
You seem to assume that the Socialist States (to use a more correct term) would have formed one block. Just look at the constant bickering between the USSR and China and it's obvious that would not have been the case. But even if it were, they would just represent half of mankind. That is not enough to do anything controversial. They would have needed the suport of many other countries. But the point is that that is the broadest basis one can have. Which is a whole lot better than one country (ie the US) policing the world according to what they think is right. And that leads to cultural blindness. Take Iraq. I'm pretty sure most people were very happy to get rid of Hussein. But still there is heavy opposition to the invading forces and the leaders they've appointed. They (ie the US) must have done something very wrong. I won't speculate on what, since I'm also a Westerner. But if it would have been a joined effort with some middle eastern or muslim or whatever forces participating, they might have said "Hold on, yuo can't do that. That may be normal where you're from, but this is a different culture and you're unintentionally insulting people." Or what ever. I suppose you catch my drift. Power should never be concentrated too much. It leads to misuse, corruption and arrogance.
To use your argument in reverse. Supose there were just one country that policed the world. like now, except that that country were, say, China. How would you feel about that? Actually, we might be headed there in the not too distant future. Is the alternative of the UN starting to sound more appealing to you now? DirkvdM 15:36, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
But again, buried in your question is the assumption that there is no moral difference between democratic nations and authoritarian ones. It sounds like you would expect exactly the same behavior from the US if it ruled the world as if Nazi Germany or Imperial Japan had ruled the world. Do you expect the US would set up death camps and kill off anyone they don't like ? StuRat 08:48, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] cartoon reference

I could probably discover this if I spent enough time digging through http://home.nc.rr.com/tuco/looney/tunes.html, but it's more fun to ask here. Anybody remember the name of that old Warner Brothers cartoon where after 10 minutes of committing assorted mayhem against each other, the guard dog and the wolf -- or maybe there was rooster involved -- would call it a day, punch out through the time clock, say "See ya tomorrow, Ralph", with no lingering animosity towards each other at all?

(I'll even say why I'm looking: I want to use it as a metaphor for how I wish Wikipedia editors could get along with either after they've finished with a day's slugfest on opposite sides of the POV issues in some article.) Steve Summit (talk) 05:09, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

  • Well, lookit that. A bit of searching suggested their names were Sam and Ralph, after which a google search for "sam ralph sheepdog wolf" gave, as hit #2, our own Sam Sheepdog and Ralph Wolf. --Steve Summit (talk) 05:24, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
I liked the scene where the greedy wolf was carrying the entire herd of sheep, and straining under the weight, and unable to see with a face full of wool, when he ran into the sheepdog. The wolf then returned each sheep to it's respective spot before being beaten mercilessly by the sheepdog. StuRat 07:20, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
I just have to mention that one of my best working relationships was described by onlookers in terms of the Sam and Ralph cartoons. We each were adamant about our points of view and the approach we'd take for various problems (I was a programmer, he was a business analyst), we'd argue vehemently (if not quite as violently as Sam and Ralph), and at the end of the week, we'd go out for a couple beers. --LarryMac 20:08, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
I suspect that many prosecutors and defense lawyers have the same relationship, arguing with each other in court only to meet for drinks after work (where they plan how they can get elected and make the laws even more needlessly complex, so they will get even richer interpreting them). StuRat 06:00, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] baby shoe copper plating

need information to learn how to copperplate baby's shoes with copper

It's called bronzing. This article is a very old stub. If you Google for it, you come up with lists of companies who do it. --Zeizmic 13:03, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Sand

What happens to sand in nature? What natural processes occur which convert sand into something else to keep the balance? Or is sand accumulation inevitable?  Run!  15:47, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Sand can turn into glass with enough heat; this happens in nature when lightning hits it. It's an interesting thought though - what if everything wears down to sand in the future? We'll all be killed!
Slumgum 16:14, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, it's not 42, it's sand! We've cracked it!!! DirkvdM 16:21, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
That's why I recently changed my username. :) YeltensicSand don't panic 17:04, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
Sand can become part of conglomerate rocks or sandstone, etc. or be subducted along fault lines back into the magma from whence it came. Rmhermen 17:11, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Hint: Rock cycle --Zeizmic 17:13, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Sand becomes sandpaper also. Alas, Wikipedia is not paper. Sand castle ? --DLL 19:31, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Meaning

what is the Meaning of "The incompetence boggles the mind"

If something is said to "boggle the mind" it means that is is unbelievable, incredible, etc. In this case it would appear that someone's incompetence (*cough*bush*cough*) is at an unbelievable level.  Run!  18:04, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] RBD's English CD

What songs are we going to expect from RBD in English? And what is the name of RBD's English CD?

We are not expecting anything. User:Zoe|(talk) 00:52, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Considering I have no idea who "RBD" is, I would be quite surprised to get anything from them. Even more so if it's not in English. Dismas|(talk) 15:56, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
The CD should be named "Rebel" - they started in a telenovela called ReBelDe. Also, they're the only meaning of that trigram. Let us create the disamb page : Reverse Brain Drain, Русский Банкирский Дом, Red Blue Devils, Revue Burkinabè de droit ... --DLL 21:24, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] us production of 13 million.....

What does the US produce 13 millions tons of a year?

A clue is tomatoes.

I vote we kill any non-questions that aren't signed. I think they are all from the same behaviourly-challenged individual. --Zeizmic 23:14, 17 February 2006 (UTC)
I answered a few of these gameshow questions and I didn't get a reward or even a thank you. I'm starting to waiver in my motivation. I like the questions that people ask when they don't already know the answer, but really want to. When you answer those ones someone becomes happier. -LambaJan 05:28, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Yea, we might never ketchup with all these questions. StuRat 05:47, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
 freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  throws 13 million tons of tomatoes at StuRat
StuRat removes the tomatoes from his hair and makes salsa from them for his nachos. StuRat 18:36, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Mmmm... You know... That's a lot of salsa to keep for yourself... -LambaJan 06:08, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Are you calling StuRat a big-head?  :-) JackofOz 22:24, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
As in crammed full of knowledge ? StuRat 05:08, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Money

Who is the richest mexican and mexican-american in U.S.A?

Forbes says the richest Mexican is Carlos Slim Helu, head of América Movil and the fourth-richest person in the world. -- Mwalcoff 00:56, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 18

[edit] Who Is...?

Who Is The Ray Bradbury Of Mexico?

Ray Bradbury. Accept no imitations. Grutness...wha? 07:48, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
ME. I'm sorry that Ray spent his life imitating me. Signed : Leon Trotsky. By delegation : --DLL 21:16, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] copper john

why was copper john erected outside of the auburn state prison i can imagine a museum or library as a more suitable location.

[edit] The Chevrolet logo

Does Chevrolet have a name for their logo? User:Zoe|(talk) 00:52, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

It is commonly referred to as the Bow Tie; I am not sure if that's considered official. --LarryMac 02:07, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Chevron is taken.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  11:33, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
I add a question. Those words derive from latin caper (goat), which gave chèvre, caprice, chevron (goat ; slanting beam ; division of the field (heraldry) ; and badge) in french, and, for people's names, Chevrolet and others.
It is clear why the cars choose the logo. But why does the second meaning of chevron, beam, derive from the first, goat ? The others keep the same shape "^" ? --DLL 21:13, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
William C Durant noticed the design in the pattern of a wallpaper in a French hotel room. He ripped a piece of the paper off the wall and took it back to the USA for the Chevvie logo. JackofOz 21:33, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Etymonline says it's from the old French word for "rafter" and "the likely connection between goats and rafters being the animal's angular hind legs." --BluePlatypus 23:09, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Who is Siranney?

Mentioned by Virginia Woolf as a Persian essayist. Anyone know more about this person, is there a more persian spelling, or do I have to buy Ernest Rhys' Modern English Essays. MeltBanana 02:15, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

I think the name 'Siranney' is a gross agluttination of either Avicenna (which itself is an agluttination of ibn-Sina) or Al-Farabi. -LambaJan 06:04, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Effects of being vegetarian and non- vegetarian on health.

I would like to have detailed information about effects of being vegetarian and non vagetarian on the human health. Not only the basics but thorough information, ideas and views on this concept.

For the former, you can get a good start by reading our Vegetarianism and Vegetarian nutrition articles. Not sure about the latter; our Omnivore article is a stub.
"Carrots and lettuce ? You want me to eat carrots and lettuce ? That's not food, that's what food eats !" StuRat 05:42, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm a vegetarian, but I eat eggs and dairy. If I weren't living in the U.S. then there's a good chance I wouldn't be a vegetarian. They put so much nasty stuff in the food here. I really don't like rBGH, which comes out not only in meat, but to even a greater extent in dairy products. Because of that I like to stick to organic dairy products when I can, but I'm blue collar and was born rather lactose intolerant, so I usually just do without dairy or eggs. They're a rather small part of my diet. I don't miss them, and I don't miss meat. Good food is good on its own merits, and when it's good you're not concerned with the lack of whatever pleasentries you've grown accustomed to. -LambaJan 06:14, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
How often do you think dairy cattle become your meat? Those are the cattle that get bovine somatotropin to increase milk production. I posted aquestion at talk:dairy farming to get confirmation but suspect that your fears are groundless (and even ground-beef-less). alteripse 22:14, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
During the 2004 international rainbow gathering I was effectively forced to eat vegetarian (getting my own meat and storing it was rather problematic). This included loads of fruit, especially water melon. Which means loads of sugar. Which was probably the major cause for me getting a urinary tract infection (which I only recently completely got rid of - almost 2 years later!). I suppose one cause is that fruit isn't very 'natural' anymore. The original fruits were probably not quite as sweet (although this is just a guess). Then again, the meat we can buy here isn't very 'natural' either (though I don't know in what respects) and I don't know what effects that might have. Another example is some relatives of mine in South America who had several orange trees and therefore drank orange juice like water. As a result they got stomach ulcers from the acidity. So even non-sweet fruits are bad for you. I suppose the big secret is to vary your food intake. Which means fruit, veggies, grains, meat, dairy products and what have you.
Food pyramid
Food pyramid
Funny, the food pyramid here shows 'low fat' milk but no warning against sugars. Whilst sugar is a bigger health hazard than fat. It's more fattening for one. A pointer is that milk and meat naturally contain fat, but sugar is refined and added to food in way too high concentrations. Again, it's how 'natural' the food source is that counts. So my health advise rule-of-thumb is "Go with nature, that's what we evolved with". And we didn't evolve as vegetarians. DirkvdM 08:53, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
True, but we did evolve as, say 90-95% vegetarian, with meat being a "rare treat", like it is for many other primates. So, having a bucket of fried chicken every day is most definitely "not natural". Most of the nutrients we need come from fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, with only a few coming solely from meat. Therefore, to be healthiest I suggest a 90-95% vegetarian diet, with the "rare meats" being ones that are the healthiest, like cold-water fish, such as salmon. StuRat 18:32, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Hmm, I don't know the size of your buckets, but that does sound rather over the top (you're not talking 20 l buckets, I hope :) ). Which brings up a point that may be more important than anything else. Moderation. It doesn't really matter much what you eat, as long as it's varied and in moderate amounts. Then again. You're right that meat was probably a treat for most of mankind's evolution. But when someone shot, oh, say, a mammoth, I don't think our ancestors gave their cholestrol levels or whatever much thought and filled their bellies many times over for days in a row. So that would also be 'natural' but I'm not sure if that necessaraily means it's healthy in this case (still could, though, as long as it's an occasional occurrence). DirkvdM 19:44, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
"Shot mammoths" ? And did they use their night vision scopes, too ? LOL. StuRat 00:59, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, yes, I suppose bow and arrow were not the right tools to catch a mammoth. Even with night vision. DirkvdM 09:44, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
But why do you advise 'rare meats'. And what do you mean by it? The type of meat that is rarely encountered? Before the age of river pollution salmon was nowhere near rare and there will still be places where it abounds. In Maastricht (where I grew up) maids used to specify they didn't want to get salmon every day before accepting a job because that was the poor man's meat. DirkvdM 19:44, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
By "rare meats", I meant those meats which were eaten only on rare occasions (that would have been all meats). I'm sure salmon abounded in cave man days, too, but were hard to catch with just a spear. So, most days they would have had the settle for berries and such. StuRat 00:59, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
I remember reading about Scottish workmen in the 19th century complaining about having to eat salmon every day. User:Zoe|(talk) 07:10, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Hmm, I'm starting to doubt now that meat was a rare extra. Human communities rose mainly at seashores and along rivers. Nets and poison would have ensured regular catches of fish. The only question is how long ago this started to be the case. Bears manage to catch fish. And humans have been much more agile and intelligent for a long time on the evolutionary scale. A possible problem with this might be that they were not sedentary. But even then they would have known where in their extended territory they would have to go to get some good catches at that time of year. And many probably would have been sedentary if one place gave a constant supply of fish (or whichever meat). I have always understood that humans started to become sedentary when they developed agriculture. But that doesn't make sense to me anymore now. If you've found a river with plenty of salmon, then why move elsewhere? DirkvdM 09:44, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
It might be advisable to move in the wet season, when the river floods and/or in the dry season, when it dries up. Also note that they couldn't just stay where the food was, as they also needed other things, like fresh water and shelter, such as caves. Before sanitation they would also need to move on when they had polluted the local area with fecal matter. Other more powerful tribes might also chase them off, as could many wild animals. StuRat 08:59, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wikapedia: An Academic Resource?

Hey Wikapedian-

I'm a student at the new UC in Merced, CA. In my writing class, we've been asked to write a paper on the usability of Wikapedia as an academic resource for university students. What are your thoughts? Can you offer me an insider perspective? I've been looking at accuracy, type of writers/editors involved, accessibility, speed of article revision, and academia perception. (Actually, I tried to post a question that the user community could answer, but I wasn't quite sure where to put it.)

I would really appreciate your perspective, and I know it would add a lot of weight to my paper.

Thank you very much for your time!

Have a beautiful day!

Blessings,

Merissa

Merissa, if you check Wikipedia:Press coverage there are numerous articles by others on the reliability and appropriateness of using Wikipedia as a press or academic source; if you want an amusing spray on the topic and can figure out a way to get access to it, the Australian news magazine The Monthly has an article claiming that the Wikipedia is, essentially, too accessible to students leading to laziness. My own take on the matter is that Wikipedia is useful as a background source, and occasionally can be cited to provide a general background to introduce a reader to a topic they are not expert in (almost like an extended footnote rather than a fact-establishing citation). You might also conceivably quote the Wikipedia if it provides a nice turn of phrase that says something you've established by further research you want to say. Otherwise, it, like every other general-purpose encyclopedia, is not really suitable for citation in tertiary-level academic work. --Robert Merkel 07:18, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
So we're paper weight to you? Thanks a lot. :) But more seriously, I often warn against using Wikipedia as a serious source just yet. It's still a work in progress. However, in the meantime it's certainly useful, but more in the sense that Robert pointed out, as a good starting point, to pick up some ideas and terminology and use that for further research. After which it would be nice if people came back to the article to add their findings to it. (Note that this is pure communism - take what you need and add what you can.) Nature magazine compared Wikipedia to the Encyclopedia Britannica and found they both contained mistakes. Let this be a warning for any sort of referencing - no source is completely reliable. Wikipedia contained more mistakes (though the difference wasn't too big), but it has only existed for a few years. How long does it take to write an encyclopedia? If we've come this far in a few years, what will the future bring (say another 10 years - or 100 years even)? Also, Nature only looked at articles on hard sciences. In the case of articles on more 'social stuff' there's a lot of POV (Point Of View - a much used flame-term here). Especially concerning controversial topics (apropos communism :) ). At the moment, with such articles, you'd be lucky to find a balance of POV's. But quite often people don't just add their own POV or bias, but remove those of others as well, deleting possibly correct facts while they're at it, resulting in revert wars. So far, rules have been fairly relaxed (which made sense to get the thing off the ground), but at the moment there is a drive to get people to cite their sources, by inserting this message after certain clais in articles: [citation needed]. Which would then have to be replaced with somethig like a link backing the statement up. Hopefully this hasn't started too late.
But, most importantly, if you want to find info on the Internet, few sources are as reliable and/or complete as Wikipedia. You should just check this source as you should any other source - on the Internet or on paper. As far as citing is concerned, a problem is that Wikipedia constantly changes, so anyone checking on your citation might have to dig into the history. So I'd say add the date to any citation.
And you may quote me on all that. :) DirkvdM 09:27, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
We get a fair few wikipedia-related questions here... do you think the reference desk should have a wikipedia section?  Run!  10:31, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
That would probably attract a lot of the wrong questions, for example ones best handled at the Help desk.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  11:30, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Wikipedia is unusable. People keep joking here. Don't belive anything they say on this forum. If you want articles of scientific quality, go to Uncyclopedia. (Btw this site is called Wikipedia, not Wikapedia.) – b_jonas 12:02, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

I agree with Robert Merkel's comment that no encyclopedia (including this one) is a suitable source for serious scholarly purposes. Among encyclopedias, one insufficiently noted advantage of Wikipedia is that, through the talk page and the article's history, you can see more than the finished product. You can often see what points have been in dispute, why the current wording was chosen (to convey an undisputed fact without taking a position on a related but contentious issue), etc. On matters in controversy, these features can greatly improve the reader's understanding of the subject. JamesMLane t c 11:16, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Wikipedia is not a perfect thing - there WILL be errors, omissions, bias and any other kinds of problem you could imagine. However, these problems are very much exposed. You can SEE the history of the article - who wrote what, who changed what. In many cases you can talk directly to the author(s) and ask questions. With other sources, you really have no way to do that. There is a lot to be said for openness. Also, if you check a book out of the library and find an error in it - what can you do? In theory, you could write to the publisher - asking to pass the correction on to the author - who (if still alive and gives a damn) MIGHT put out a correction in some future reprint. But most academic books don't go through a whole lot of reprints - so if they are wrong, they STAY wrong - possibly for hundreds of years. With Wiki, if someone spots and error they can just fix it...right there and then. This eliminates obvious errors very quickly. This approach is particularly good for scientific matters where a discovery is made. For example: The tenth planet. Look in almost any book on planets - and unless it was published in the last couple of years, it'll say there are 9 planets - period. Those books (which are incorrect) will be on library shelves for another 50 years. But there have been several new discoveries that could be classified as planets in the last year - and doubt as to whether Pluto should be classified as a planet. As events unfold, Wikipedia changes within hours to days. But this mutability is also a bad thing - vandalism, sometimes blatent (someone changed the phrase 'Solar System' to 'Cheese grater of doom' yesterday - it was fixed within about 10 minutes) - but sometimes annoyingly subtle (changing the diameter of a planet by say 10%). These things DO get fixed - but that's a small consolation if you happen to be researching there at the time when it's broken. My personal observation is that whilst the 'big headline' articles (things like 'Planet' and 'Computer') get vandalised very frequently - the kinds of detailed things that people might really need to know ('Leopold II of Belgium', 'Top mounted intercooler', 'Garrett Texas') are almost never vandalized. I do rely on Wikipedia - avoiding the places where vanalism is common - and realising that every source you use can contain errors. SteveBaker 19:32, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Exist WIKIRESEARCH?

Hy! I live in Romania and I like very much the Physics Research. Exist Wikiresearch? If yes, where? If not, when? Thanck you! -- Abel Cavaşi 06:52, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Let me try to put that into proper English:
"Hi! I live in Romania and I am interested in physics research.
 Do you have any articles on this topic ?  If yes, where?
 If not, when do you expect to add them ? Thank you!"
The answer: Yes, we have many such articles. Can you narrow it down a bit, to a specific area you are interested in, like cold fusion, perhaps ? StuRat 07:59, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
No need to tease him about his English; it's probably better than your Romanian! Steve Summit (talk) 14:47, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm not teasing, but offering what I believe to be his meaning so others (especially those who can barely read English) can understand it and respond. StuRat 18:09, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Thank you for trying to translate. I like it, but I meant that as if there is Wikipedia, Wiktionary, Wikibooks and so on, is there Wikiresearch? I ask this because I am searcing for a place where it is possible to make open-minded researces in every topics. Your help in correcting my english is always welcomed. -- Abel Cavaşi 19:27, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for clarifying that. I think there was a proposal to create a new Wiki site which would allow original research, but I don't know what happened to it. StuRat 02:08, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, that sounds like a very good idea. Actually, this was one of the very first uses of internet, with researchers exchanging findings. And it was in exactly such a seting (at CERN, which you should know if you're into physics) where Tim Berners Lee thought up the World Wide Web. I supose this still goes on at universities (outside the www, though, so you'll have to get the right url's somewhere). If this were done on Wikipedia (or rather a sister project) then I suppose it would all have to fall under the GPL (ie open source). But there will be enough scientists around the world interrested in this. Actually, I myself have suggested an alternative to the Big Bang theory on the science help desk a while ago. Which raises the question if anyone can get in on this. serious physicists might not want to be bothered with the nonsense a philosopher like me comes up with. There could be some sort of portal (not in the techie sense of the word) where the nonsense is filtered out by hobbyists. Actually, I'm realy starting to like this idea. I wouldn't be able to participate seriusly, but it would be fun to see scientists at work, seeig how they work out ideas. As a philosopher of science I'm thrilled by the prospect. DirkvdM 20:05, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Part of my life pokes into the research scientist world, and most of them are pretty primitive in the Internet-department. I mean, they use these things called books! You still generate the best brainstorming in the hallways of conferences. For research publication, they are very formal (their income depends on it!). --Zeizmic 20:45, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Ok! You are very receptive and very profound. What can we do for Wikiresearch? -- Abel Cavaşi 09:11, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

Would it be nice to create Wikiresearch ? That would leave Wikipedia free from humbug ... But I remember my friend Denis (Diderot).
Mature research needs a place to express itself. The official knowledge of a particular time and place is closed to new ideas and applications that differ too much from the acceptable, good-thinking ... and this for good reasons too.
Same as academics do, Wikipedia cannot bear to include personal research. So it takes plenty of time to see personal research confronted, mixed with official knowledge, a process that could enrich both.
I imagine here brotherly links between established articles and newbies articles such as Big Bang alternatives (medium bang ? greater splash ?)
Denis was bold enough to criticize established knowledge and religion in his encyclopedic contributions, in a time when it could be risky ... we are not trying here. So *yes* to Wikiresearch, with plenty of links there and here. --DLL 22:09, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
But how does one go about setting up something like that? I have no experience in that department. I suppose it should be suggested in the right place. But where is that? DirkvdM 08:40, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] grape juice?

What's the best way to a grape juice stain out of a pair of slacks? any magical chemical cleaners? figured you folks'd know about that kind of stuff--64.12.116.11 22:51, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

  • This was posted on the Archives. I moved it here. -LambaJan 11:03, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
All that oxycleanTM style stuff seems to work well for things like that.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  11:27, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Indeed, I highly reccommend keeping a supply of OxiCleanTM in every home. -BillyMays 02:17, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Do quail fly?

To what extent do quail fly? (The Wikipedia article describes them as 'terrestrial birds') Would a quail hunter normally shoot the bird on the ground or in the air? ike9898 13:30, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

See the movie 'Wedding Crashers'. --Zeizmic 13:59, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Quail are flushed out and shot while in the air. Dismas|(talk) 15:52, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
As are Texas lawyers. User:Zoe|(talk) 07:16, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Illinois-Time Change

Does the state of Illinois observe a time change?

If you mean a Daylight Saving Time change, yes. The midwest state that's been odd in this regard is Indiana. --Steve Summit (talk) 15:21, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
Arizona and several other states in its neck of the woods are also like that. Yeltensic42 don't panic 21:35, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
No, not several other states in its neck of the woods. Arizona stands alone. User:Zoe|(talk) 23:28, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Huh...I wonder if they changed over? Oh well, just Arizona then. Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:40, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Temple in Jesus' Day

Is it possible to get a picture of the Temple in Jesus' Day? I need it for a class I teach. Thank you, Maureen Smith

No pictures of the Second Temple survive from that era. However, a few artist's reconstructions have been made (some of which are shown in the article.) GeeJo (t) (c) • 18:01, 18 February 2006 (UTC)
How about this drawing (from this page) scanned from Nordisk familjebok? Thuresson 20:28, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Galavision

Will Galavision make more English soap operas?

"More"? Have they ever? User:Zoe|(talk) 07:19, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Highly doubt it. They get all their soaps from Latin American countries, which are dime a dozen except for the most popular ones. -- Rune Welsh | ταλκ 22:33, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Sexuality

What is a big hogan? I have searched everywhere for a definition. Thanks for your help.

According to Urban Dictionary it probably refers to the penis. —Keenan Pepper 22:00, 18 February 2006 (UTC)


[edit] Five Kilometres

Suppose I had to walk from my appartment to campus over a distance of 5 kilometres through a North American urban environment (ie down town big city). Would I be right in assuming that it would take me about 30-40 mintues? Duomillia 00:03, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

Are you including the recuperation time for your injuries from all the muggings ? StuRat
Heh. I'd allow a little longer than 30-40 minutes. I do a lot of urban walking (especially lately - my car died recently), and although I don't live in North America, the time taken would be pretty similar in most western countries. I find that ten minutes per kilometre allows for a small amount of lee-way when I'm trying to get somewhere, which would be 50 minutes for five kilometres. If you're prepared to do it with a little less lee-way, then I'd say you'd still be looking at about 40-45 minutes. Look at it another way - most people walk at around 4 mph - to do five kilometres in half an hour means travelling at a little over 6 mph. Grutness...wha? 00:34, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
FWIW, my regular ~2km (possibly a little longer) walk through central Oxford takes twenty to thirty minutes, depending on traffic and what I'm carrying.
As regards "pretty similar", North America suburban (or not-city-centre) is a bit less pedestrian-friendly, I find, so might take longer than equivalent European areas, but dense urban should be much of a muchness. Shimgray | talk | 00:39, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah...memories. Say hello to the city for me. Haven't been there since I was a wee kid (I used to live near Banbury). Grutness...wha? 07:26, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
A "downtown big city" environment may have heavy pedestrian traffic and frequent intersections with traffic lights, both of which will reduce walking speed. Even if you're a fast walker, I think you might easily find that walk taking a full hour, maybe even more. Of course these things will vary by time of day and also, perhaps by more than you think, from one place to another. --Anonymous, 00:40 UTC, February 19.
Half an hour for 5 km means 10 km/h. That's not walking. That's running. On easy flat terrain with no obstacles I walk at a speed of 6 km/h (one km every 10 mins - an easy rule of thumb). Many crossings of busy streets could easily halve that speed, so I'd say more it would take more like an hour and a half. Then again, I walk fast, but also I'm referring to a comfortable walking speed, so you may have to adjust for those factors.DirkvdM 10:05, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Your time may vary due to several factors such as your walking speed, pedestrian density, walking surfaces, route, topography, time of day, weather conditions, etc. Best thing to do is try it for several days and see the length of time and average them out. That should give you a good estimate of typical times. FunkyChicken! 16:17, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

I always consider my walking speed to be 4 km/h in average when making such calculations. This allows for stretches where I walk faster (due to lack of obstacles, etc.) and parts where I walk a bit more slowly (stuck due to traffic lights, going uphill, etc). I find it works quite well for me. -- Rune Welsh | ταλκ 22:37, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 19

[edit] Movie Theater Previews

Is there a website somewhere that lists the Previews shows in Theaters before the movie starts, and what previews played before what movies?

As for the second part, I don't think they always show the same previews with a given movie. StuRat 00:37, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, I did hear that The Waterboy achieved boosted box-office success because Star Wars nerds knew there was an Episode One trailer before the film. I don't know how they found out this info though.
Slumgum 01:04, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
I would guess it spread by word of mouth, probably via the Internet, once the first nerd saw the trailer. StuRat 03:14, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Knowlege of Sex and Reproduction

Before I ask you this question, I have four points to tell you:

1.Some people who're against sex education in schools say that knowlege of what causes pregnancy should only come from parents.

2.The problem with this is that most parents are unwilling or reluctant to tell their children about these facts.They want them to find out themselves when they grow up and get married.

3.Many people around the world don't know and aren't told what causes pregnancy, and then they get married and have sex, and by the time they know and find out about that, they already have children!

4.I believe that all humans, especially married adults, have the right to know these facts about what causes pregnancy.Don't you think that way too?

How much, and how many percent, of all people, at the time they first got married, knew about this fact?(Tell me the answer to that for the whole world, but if you don't know that, tell me the answer for a particular country or the Western world.)Bowei 00:34, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

I am sure nowadays in Britain the answer is that 100% know it (from parents , TV soap operas, friends, sex education). But it wasnt always so. I remember a friend who said that her grandmother didnt know until she got married for example. But that was very unusual. PS - we still have a lot of teenage pregnancies despite that knowledge. Jameswilson 02:09, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

Note that quite a few people might have sex the first time without knowing that that can lead to pregnancy. This seems like the more important statistic to me. StuRat 03:11, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
I think that's probably pretty low though; most people learn pretty young that sex has something to do with pregnancy. What is, I imagine, more of a problem is that people who have sex and have really mixed up ideas about its connection with pregnancy, i.e. that you can't get pregnant the first time you have sex, or that the "pull out method" is effective, and so forth. This is one of the main reasons that people with very low sexual education have very high teen pregnancy rates -- not because they don't know that sex and pregnancy are related, but because they have very youthfully confused ideas about the details of it. In any event, if you google "sex education statistics" you'll come up with lots of helpful sources. Our article on sex education might be of some use also. --Fastfission 16:59, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
I remember an anecdote about a girl using grape jelly instead of spermicidal jelly. Is that true? —Keenan Pepper 17:38, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Was she trying to make a penis butter and jelly sandwich ? StuRat 20:55, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
*groan* —Keenan Pepper 20:58, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
I have no doubt that every known substance has at some time been been inserted into a human orifice for contraceptive or sexual purposes, out of curiosity, or to cause pleasure or pain. I don't know about the grape jelly one specifically. JackofOz 20:20, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Dimension Films

When did Disney start making movies with Dimension Films? I know they stopped making movies with Dimension Films on October 1, 2005 because the Weinstein Brothers left Disney. --70.24.236.84

[edit] Vida Guerra

Guys who knows Vida's address(not internet address, real), plz write me [email]

Question asked by 62.183.50.164. User's email address removed by Thuresson 08:00, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
I suggest you visit her management agency here and ask them how to contact her. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 09:06, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] UK Service Records

Is there anywhere that i could get a hold of family members armed forces records in england without telling them (Surprises see!)

We are not paranoid here. I suppose you need the exact address, floor, &c. to leave a clean bomb and/or try extortion. Go on. --DLL 21:48, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
British military service records are held and released by the Veterans Agency of the Ministry of Defence for the British Army, the RAF, the Royal Navy and certain Non-British and Commonwealth forces. You may have a problem obtaining them without the knowledge, permission or death of the subject, due to privacy legislation and the like, as I believe even family members can only obtain records of deceased personnel. --Canley 02:33, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Links

As a frequent visitor to Wikipedia; I have often been struck by the fact that of the many Links in a given article, most are blue, and others red. My question is, what is the difference between the blue and the red Links? Replies to my question may be emailed to: REMOVED Menahem

Blue are links with articles and red are links that require articles. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:48, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
A wiki is in an unending process of creation. To create an article, either enter its address in your browser's bar, or enter its name while editing an existing article, save and click the red link. In both cases you are, if logged in, allowed to write and save. To visit a link, try clicking ... only blue (default color) ones link to existing content.
That does not go by itself on the Internet and makes wikis, like Wikipedia, an experience. --DLL 21:42, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
  • A dark blue link means there is another Wiki article that expands on that word or phrase if you click on the link.
  • A light blue link takes you off to some web site somewhere outside of Wikipedia.
  • A purple link is a link to an article that you've already visited.
  • A red link means that the author of the article you are reading thinks that there OUGHT TO BE an article with this name - but that it doesn't exist yet.

If you click on a red link, you'll be dumped into a text editor and you'll be able to start writing an article on that subject. So only click on a red link if you have some information to supply about it. For example, I'm working on the Mini article right now. (The Mini is a car.) The history of that car involves the British Motor Heritage Centre - about which nothing has been written. By making a link to a non-existant article called British Motor Heritage Centre, I'm flagging that I'd like for someone to write this - but also, if someone comes along later and writes about the center for some other reason, then my Mini article will automatically point to it without me needing to do any more work. When a lot of articles point to the same red link, the name of that link shows up in Wikipedia:Requested articles which is frequented by people who are interested in researching new articles. Red links are a large part of how Wikipedia grows. SteveBaker 19:46, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Business

Hello When i business is failing and their Financial Ratio is below 2:1.. what can that business do to improve its problem.. Thank You..

There are many Financial ratios, so it is unclear what you are referring to. But when you boil it down you either need to increase revenue or decrease costs. That may take better or more marketing or you may simply not have a product or service that enough people want to buy. - Taxman Talk 16:19, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Law & Order Font

Does anybody know the font used in the Law & Order intro? - Super Sam 13:39, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

Looks like Albertus to me. If not, you could try uploading the image to this website which claims to be able to identify fonts from an image. --Shantavira 17:24, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
What a cool site. It says it's Linotype's Friz Quadrata [45], (or one of the same family) and it looks very close indeed. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 23:23, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
Good job. Thanks, guys. - Super Sam 20:28, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Education in US

how should i prepare for the SAT? I am in grade 11. hen can i give the test

  • There's some good books on how to prepare. Try Amazon.com or your local book shop. - Mgm|(talk) 14:36, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
There are also tutoring courses that you can take. Ask your guidance counsellor about good ones in your area. -LambaJan 19:37, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

Practice tests! PRACTICE TESTS! Do 10 practices and you will improve by at least 100 points. Don't bother with courses. You will only be assigned the same practice tests in a classroom setting. The Kaplan SAT prep book is the most realistic. A good starter. 132.239.90.179 23:52, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

Take the test more than once (expensive, though) Rmhermen 15:20, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
A note on this: My high school guidance counselor told me that it's not worth it to take the SAT more than three times, as most people don't improve their scores by much. —chair lunch dinner™ (talk) 01:04, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cricket

Please can someone tell me the origin of the term "Popping crease" in cricket. I know what it is but not how it came to be called so. Piggy --212.32.127.152

The OED says "Probably the crease originally marked the line which the ball, when bowled or trundled along the ground, must have passed before it might be ‘popped’ or struck." --Shantavira 17:33, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
In the early days of the game they used to have only two wickets and there was a hole where middle stump now is. To complete a run, the batsman needed to 'pop' his bat into this hole, while the fielders needed to put the ball in it to run him out. The name 'popping crease' came from this. When the race between the batsmen and the fielders resulted in too many fielders injuring their hand, the rule was changed so that the batsmen now just have to reach the 'popping crease' to complete a run. Tintin (talk) 03:34, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] game creator

what is the best easy game creator (like, rpg maker series) for create game like mario, sonic... games???

Game Maker? ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 18:19, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
That's what I use. Or what I did use before I gave up on creating an RPG battle engine. My advice is to not pay for the full version unless you are truly interested in programming video games. --Optichan 22:07, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
The Games Factory is good, since it's kind of a 'half-way' between simple 'click-and-create' software and full programming. I've made several platformers and RPGs on it. (Actually, the sequel, Multimedia Fusion is out now) smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 22:59, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] geography

Hello I want to know the place of an island in germany .I think it is called "island of horses",that first time I heard about it in a movie with this title .I do not know its name in german.thankyou

Hm. I wonder if that movie was based on the children's classic book "Island of Horses" by Ellis Dillon (as seen here at Amazon's site), which is set on an island (off the German coast IIRC?). If so, it was about a fictional island. Grutness...wha? 01:46, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
  • You may be referring to the German tv movie from last year "Die Pferdeinsel" (the island of horses, about a woman who tells his son his father is a Canadian cowboy), but I think there's actually no island in Germany with that name. There is a place called Pferdeinsel though but that's no island, since it's in Birkenhördt, Palatinate.--RiseRover|talk 11:50, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Test cricket matches between South Africa Vs Australia in 2006.

kindly inform me date and venues of all 3 test cricket matches between South Africa vs Australia in March/April 2006 in South Africa. Thank you,

CricInfo knows all. --Robert Merkel 21:59, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] History of the champagne flute

When were champagne flutes introduced in the USA, and when did they become the popular stemware from which to drink champagne?

For the history: I don't know; for the popularity, it's very simple: no-one who has champagne glasses and needs to drink champagne will obviously drink from a tumbler. It's just really a simple fact, really. Try Googling or MSNing for a more specific answer. KILO-LIMA 20:16, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

I think what is being asked here is this: "In the '50s or so, people mostly drank champagne from wide, flat stemware glasses - but these allow the bubbles to escape quickly so the champagne goes flat. Champagne flutes are more popular these days because they are tall and narrow and keep the champagne fizzy for longer. When did this change happen?" -- having said that, I don't know the answer. In Europe (dunno about the USA), the flat glasses were the only thing a civilised person would drink champagne from in the 1950's - but by maybe the 1970's most people were using flutes...you can't put a precise data on a change like that...it's a gradual thing. There is a fancy restaurant in Dallas, TX that still uses the wide/flat glasses in 2006 - so the change isn't over yet. SteveBaker 20:04, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] emergency medical technicians who have died from aids

You need to ask a question. For example: "Have any of them died of AIDS", or "How many of them have died of AIDS", or "When was the first one to die of AIDS?". You get the idea? What exactly is your question? JackofOz 22:18, 19 February 2006 (UTC)

Some EMT's have certainly died from AIDS - but that may not be as a result of their jobs. Some EMT's are gay, others are IV drug users...so you'd expect some to have died of AIDS just like the rest of the population. If you are asking about EMT's who contracted AIDS because of their jobs - then the answer is almost certainly yes. Surgeons and nurses have suffered accidental skin punctures from needles and scalpels during surgery on AIDS patients - and contracted AIDS as a direct result of that. My wife has been a surgical assistant and after such injuries has had to take AIDS tests - so far, she's gotten away with it - but it's a scarey thing. These days, when they do surgery on AIDS patients in the USA, they take great precautions - full-face masks, double gloves, etc. However, the majority of victims in the medical community come about from needle-stick injuries related to patients who have AIDS but who have either not been tested yet - or from patients who KNOW they have AIDS but do not report it when they are scheduled for surgery. EMT staff probably have no way to know whether emergency cases might have AIDS - and they certainly use scalpels and needles and must be just as vulnerable to stick injuries as surgical staff. As to the exact numbers - or who was first - I'd be very suprised if this information is known (or even knowable). There is evidence that AIDS has been around for a hundred years at a very low (and undiagnosed) level - it would be suprising if no EMT people had contracted AIDS in that long period before the disease was widely recognised. SteveBaker 20:16, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 20

[edit] Sharpie in space?

Would a Sharpie marker work in space? By this I mean if you were on the outside of a space station that you could write on, and you happened to have a Sharpie in your hand, could you write something? Given all the factors that outer space provides.

They work upside down, so I don't see why not. They work by capillary action, not gravity. —Keenan Pepper 03:19, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Isn't capillary action affected by gravity? - Mgm|(talk) 08:26, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
Everything's affected by gravity if it has mass. But the point is that capillary action is stronger that gravity (that's how trees get water up their trunks).  -- Run!  08:43, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't know what a sharpie is, but a marker contains ink and I imagine that would evaporate much quicker in space, so one probably needs a well sealed container for it and put the cap back immediately after use. Which is true here on Earth too, so "As here below, so above", but even more so. DirkvdM 09:02, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
A Sharpie (notice the spelling) is a line of markers that are very popular in the U.S., if not several other countries. In the U.S. at least, the term, "Sharpie", has pretty much become a genericized trademark. Dismas|(talk) 10:59, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
Hmm. Is the question whether it would work in zero gravity, or in a vacuum, or both? --Shantavira 10:42, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
The only problem with using a Sharpie in a vacuum would be the ink freezing solid. —Keenan Pepper 18:05, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
Would it? Dry out faster than usual I could believe, but for it to "freeze solid" it would have to lose heat, and the only way you can do that in space is by black-body radiation, right? (Concession to the wise guys out there: yes, most Sharpies are black.) How long would it take for an impermeable plastic bag containing, say, 10cc of water at 10°C to freeze in the vacuum of space? --Steve Summit (talk) 18:54, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
The ink would both evaporate and freeze — the effect is known as evaporative cooling. Specifically, some of the ink will evaporate until the remainder has cooled down enough to freeze. The frozen ink may continue to sublimate, but only slowly. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 22:30, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

The lunch baggie would blow up and burst. --Zeizmic 19:22, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

Steve's impermeable bag is the wrong model; it retains pressure, but a marker pen with its porous tip does not. At zero pressure, water will not remain liquid, although at most temperatures it will evaporate rathern than freezing. I have the impression that this is true for most substances that are liquid under everyday conditions, but I don't actually know; I also don't know what the solvent in a Sharpie is. --Anonymous, 21:53 UTC, February 20.
Liquid water wouldn't make the bag blow up and burst, but (the shame!) I forgot about the boiling in the absence of pressure. Right.
I don't know what the solvent in a Sharpie is, either, though I'm sure its freezing point is rathern lower than water. (Not that it really matters in this case.) —Steve Summit (talk) 14:13, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

The pen would bloop all over the pocket of your shiny spacesuit. This is what happens to pens in your bag on plane trips, if the luggage compartment gets depressurized. I see them now selling 'plane safe' pens. You probably want these in your Inter-Galatic Pocket Protector. --Zeizmic 00:38, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Sooo... What if I were Canadian and wanted to drink milk from a bag in space? -LambaJan 18:31, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) was established in 1989 by the Canadian Space Agency Act. The agency operates like a government department. The president is the equivalent of a deputy minister and reports to the Minister of Industry. The president oversees five core functions: Space Programs, Space Technologies, Space Science, Canadian Astronaut Office, Space Operations.

As for the bag milk, it would have to depends on which bag we are talking about. Is this Steve's impermeable bag model, or a entirely new one? The implications of drinking milk from an ordinary lunch baggy are probably too complex to figure out, but an ideal impermeable bag perhaps could let us know more about this. The only other problem I see is drinking the milk which I would imagine would be prone to the same difficulties of the Sharpie solvent, evaporative cooling.

[edit] Special treatment

What kind of trouble could a person get into if he/she lied about his/her race in order to get special benefits? KeeganB

Lying about something in order to get some sort of benefit is likely to fall under criminal laws about fraud; the law in detail, and the zealousness of prosecution of unusual cases, will both vary by jurisdiction. If not fraud, then it might be a civil tort, and you could get sued. For specific legal advice, of course, this is not the place to ask. --Anonymous, 06:23 UTC, February 20, 2006.
I don't know much about Dutch law, but if a contract is illegal you can safely sign it because you won't be bound by it. Extrapolating from that, assuming that it would be illegal to reserve special treatment for specific 'races', you can safely lie about it because it's the other party that is likely to get into trouble with the law. Having said that, there is only one human race, Homo sapiens sapiens, but that's a different issue. Then again, while at it, do laws in various countries recognise the concept of more than one human race? And what country do you live in anyway? DirkvdM 08:51, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
In some countries there's Affirmative Action policies to promote some traditionally discriminated races. --RiseRover|talk 12:28, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
For example, here's an excerpt from the Constitution of Canada:
Equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of law
15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
Affirmative action programs
(2) Subsection (1) does not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
Note that the word "race" is used. Dirkvm asserts that "there is only one human race", but that is a biological statement, and we're not talking about biology here. Discrimination by race obviously has existed and still exists, whether races are biologically definable or not. --Anonymous, 17:10 UTC, February 20, 2006.

I was just curious, I'm not looking for legal advice. I've heard that people have lied about race or whatever you want to call it in order to get benefits. They got away with it because it would've been politically incorrect to make a fuss about it. KeeganB

Ah, do you mean the opposite, like claiming you're part of a 'traditionally discriminated group' to get benefits that result from 'positive discrimination' laws? I wonder if I might do something similar, being from the Antilles, which is usually associated with blacks (but I'm white). I'd have to look into Dutch law on that. Thanks for the tip (even if you weren't aware of it :) ). DirkvdM 15:46, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Study Project Help.

I am a student of Public Administration. As a study project, we are asked to visit an organisation and get answers of certain questions ( which we have to think ) from their management.

The problem is that I don't have many question that I can get approved from my teacher. So, if anyone can help me with some good questions about management so that there will be a good number of question to choose from.

That's pretty vague, so let me give you a vague answer. :) Look up the relevant articles here, such as management and ask if certain things you find there apply to the organisation or how they deal with them and such. DirkvdM 08:55, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] consumer prtection act violation

how many consumer protection act violance cases had been recorded in last ten years in india  ?

You should start getting the impression that we don't do India questions very well. We are waiting for Sub-Continent Contingent to get onboard. --Zeizmic 00:35, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What's the Average Lifespan of a Homosexual Man in the US?

I know Cameron's figure of 43 years is wrong. Has anyone calculated such a figure using a valid methodology? If so, what is it?

Why should it be significantly different from a heterosexual? And who is Cameron? --Shantavira 10:45, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
There's many reasons it should be significantly different...AIDS is still an issue that affects gay communities much more than others. Teenage suicides are also sifnificatly higher among homosexual teens than among heterosexuals. Plus, there might be any number of community/lifestyle choice issues involved (a higher/lower probabilty to pick up smoking, to work out, or whatever). I don't know if the Census Bureau has anything on the issue, but I'd be surprised if there was no significant difference (although 43 years is certainly not a sensible estimate - significant differences in life expectancy usually fall in the order of +/-5 years) -- Ferkelparade π 11:07, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
This is Paul Cameron and if you google the above phrase this is what you get. Also read this. He appears to have used "special" figures to come up with the 43. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 13:39, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
What an inventive use of statistics. The key factor seems to be the distribution of ages of people in surveys who identified themselves as homosexual. By ignoring any idea that people might have grown up in an era where they would have concealed their sexuality, might have decided they can't be bothered to identify themselves as a 65-year old homosexual, or might have lost all interest in sex, or even changed orientation, this leads to the conclusion that homosexual people must die younger. Notinasnaid 17:54, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
One factor that might make homosexual men live longer is their relative affluence (which significantly increases life span). StuRat 00:50, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
I know of no really solid data on this question (though I do know of less-than-solid data). Fundamentally, it's a an impossible question to answer as things stand. Since not all homosexual males will admit to being homosexual, even if you could design an otherwise perfect survey you still couldn't get a good answer. And those pesky bisexuals! Don't get me started. Sorry I can't be more helpful. --George 07:03, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Are there any solid stats on the relative affluence of homosexual people cf. other people? I know what StuRat says is a common perception, but since there are a lot more gay people than those who publicly identify as gay, the appearance of affluence could well be based on the lifestyles of the very people who are most likely to be "out" and visible, ie. young, confident, earning good money, and usually without dependants. This sample seems inherently skewed to me. Maybe the gay people who are not out tend to have a similar degree of affluence, but by definition we have no knowledge of their demographics. JackofOz 11:49, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

One would expect that those who identify as homosexual would be less likely to have children; this is the major reason I've heard for the disposable income difference. Kids are expensive. moink 11:52, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
I get that, and that's still focussing on those who are out. I'm not convinced about the affluence and the longer lifespan that are supposedly enjoyed by gay men as a whole. To borrow Notinasnaid's and George's point, there is a significant proportion of the gay population who are not out. There are a lot of gay people in traditional husband-wife marriages, most of whom have kids (who are expensive). A significant proportion of marriages in western societies end in divorce, and ones involving gay people would be no less affected (perhaps more so given the sexual disconnect). Divorced people and affluence don't usually go together either. JackofOz 13:22, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Sure, but those who are out are going to affect the average. Anyway, now we're getting into the definition of homosexual. That is, we could talk about those who identify (even if only to themselves) as homosexual, those who publicly identify as homosexual, or those whose behaviour qualifies as homosexual in the eyes of many. The chosen definition will have a significant effect on the results. moink 13:34, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
I think we agree that before we ever get to the stage of measuring the demographics of a group of people, we need to be very clear on exactly which group of people we're talking about. There's no reason why that principle would not apply here. But I don't think that this is the right forum for that discussion. JackofOz 14:05, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How does one request an article to be written?

I have looked on Wikipedia for some subjects which have no articles or links. Some of these should, in my opinion, have their own article. Is there a standard way to suggest or request the writing of an article? 71.105.244.25 12:55, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

If you wish for Wikipedia to have an article about something, but don't know enough about it yourself, go to Wikipedia:Requested articles. But if you have written the full text yourself but can't submit it because you don't want to register an account, go to Wikipedia:Articles for creation. JIP | Talk 13:18, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
I had been looking for that second link for the last five minutes... I thought that it would be linked from the first link but I don't see anything on "Requested articles" that goes to "Articles for creation". Is that odd to anyone else? Dismas|(talk) 13:23, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Japan and Pearl Harbour

I'm a bit confused. I asked this question in my history class but did not get a satisfactory answer from the teacher: Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbour specifically? And why couldn't they have attacked any other point? --201.221.201.102 15:09, 20 February 2006 (UTC)Carmen

Why do people rob banks - that's where the money is. Why attack Pearl Harbor - that's where the boats are. Why couldn't they attack somewhere else - but they did. They hit the Philippines nine hours later. Rmhermen 15:17, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
They also attacked a number of British possessions. (Japan went to war against both countries simultaneously.) Pearl Harbor, however, was the headquarters of the US Pacific Fleet, and since the US was at peace, much of the fleet was staying in port. If the Japanese could destroy numerous US battleships and aircraft carriers in a single attack, the US would be unable to use them to fight back. The idea was to start the war with a blow that would make it unwinnable for the other side. --Anonymous, 17:20 UTC, February 20.
This was less successful as the U.S. had a large shipbuilding industry to replace/repair the damage. Today we have little shipbuilding capacity but disperse the fleet better. Rmhermen 17:52, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
Japan needed oil and other strategic materials, which were embargoed, and thus they needed to conquer the Dutch East Indies and Borneo. This would almost certainly provoke a war with the US. To deal with this, they'd need to get rid of the two major assets the US possessed which could stop the invasion, and stop the shipping back of resources:
  • The Philippine Islands, a major US base right slap in the middle of all the supply routes Japan would have to use, from which aircraft and ships could wreak havoc
  • The US Pacific Fleet, which could do just the same if it chose to. Without either of these, the US would be unable to make any real resistance to Japan in the western Pacific.
So, they invaded the Philippines, for point 1. For point 2, they needed to destroy the fleet. The entire US Pacific Fleet (to all intents and purposes) was, at this point, sitting in Pearl Harbor. So... a gamble. Could they hit Pearl Harbor at the outbreak of the war, destroying the US fleet before it was able to go to sea? As history records, no. But that was the goal; they attacked Pearl because it had the fleet; they attacked the fleet to protect their invasions elsewhere. Shimgray | talk | 00:09, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

I would think they would have had to do at least three other things, to at least hope to delay their defeat:

  • Guard the tip of South America to prevent ships from the Atlantic ocean from entering the Pacific theatre.

Why didn't they do those things ? They would have lost the element of surprise after Pearl Harbor, so the US would be on the alert. Also, guarding the tip of South America would have seriously challenged their supply chain, since that's well over 10,000 miles away from Japan.

Of course, even had they done all this, the US could still eventually bring in ships from the other side, by going past the southern tip of Africa or passing thru the Suez Canal (assuming they could get past the Germans). Once the US had the atomic bomb and could get within airplane range of Japan, the war would have ended, in any event.

StuRat 00:26, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

See, you're getting ahead of yourself now :-) The purpose wasn't to destroy America's ability to bring a fleet to bear against Japan... it was to destroy America's ability to bring a fleet to bear against Japan any time in the near future. Put yourself in the viewpoint of a Japanese war planner, middle to late 1941.
At best, the attack would stop the war before it even started, if America sued for peace after having its fleet destroyed. This is implausible in hindsight, but it's not difficult to imagine a Japanese war planner convincing himself it would happen - remember that in late 1941, France had collapsed less than a year ago, and it was a reasonable bet that the Soviet Union could completely collapse in the near future, both major powers under sudden shock attacks.
At worst, a succesful destruction of the US fleet (and capturing the various forward bases in the Pacific up to Midway) would buy a few years before the US could put together a major fleet and start trying to island-hop to Japan. And at this point, Japan would (in theory) be in a stronger situation than they were in 1941 - they'd have the strategic materials they need, they'd have had years to fortify forward bases and build up the navy... they'd certainly have a better chance of winning a straight-up fight in 1943/4 than they would in 1941.
Either way, the plan went, Japan would be in a better strategic position after making the strike. As matters turned out, it was both unlucky - the carriers escaped Pearl - and based on false assumptions - the Americans proved capable of throwing vastly more resources into the fight than the Japanese ever anticipated - but this wasn't known at the time... Shimgray | talk | 00:50, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Some other possible considerations. If the strike at Pearl Harbor delayed US response sufficiently long for Japan to really take control of the resource-rich areas they took control of they might have been able to defend them more successfully. They probably were also banking on the US not wanting to get into a major war essentially in order to recapture someone else's territory. DJ Clayworth 18:10, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
The enemies of the US seem to consistently underestimate the American reaction to attacks against it. Just as the Japanese seemed to assume the US would just give up after Pearl Harbor, so did al-Queada seem to assume there would be no serious response to 9-11. I talked in a chat room to an Arab after 9-11 who basically told me the US was just a "paper tiger" and wouldn't do anything. I told him he was nuts, we would attack whatever nation was found to be harboring the terrorists. And once that was determined to be Taliban Afghanistan, that's exactly what we did. I think they make a grave mistake by seeing any US withdrawal, such as from Vietnam, as a sign that the US won't fight even when attacked. This logic is completely wrong. A direct attack on the US causes it's voters to demand an immediate response. StuRat 09:56, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Graffiti and copyright

Let's assume the following question is about a piece of graffiti in the United States, to avoid varying international answers. I know that graffiti can be removed without any legal problems, since the work is defacing someone else's property. But say a photographer happened by, appreciated the design, and took a photograph — showing only the single piece of graffiti with no surrounding space. Who would own the copyright of the photo produced? The original artist? the owner of the building? the photographer? Or does graffiti enter the public domain when it's made, and Bridgeman Art Library Ltd. v. Corel Corporation would mean anyone could print the photograph without credit? GeeJo (t) (c) • 16:35, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

I would imagine that the simple answer is: the courts haven't decided yet. Probably because a case of such nature has never come up. We could argue all day about the morals, but copyright lawyers would have more experience in the field. Let's hope one sees this question ;)  -- Run!  17:40, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

This could end up as a typical US sue-fest. Photog takes picture of building and gets a bundle from a tabloid. Graffiti artist sues for money. Building owner sues graffiti artist for damage. City sues building owner for eyesore. Since the graffiti was an encoded bomb-recipe, Justice Department sues city. Terrorists blow up building, cases ended. --Zeizmic 18:14, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, I'm not a lawyer, and this isn't the place for real legal advice. But I assume you knew that already anyway. So here's my take anyway: In the USA, buildings are copyrighted since 1990. However, that copyright does not extend to photographs of buildings taken from a public place. So, so far you have license to the photograph. Now as for the graffiti, that could be interpreted either as a standalone creative work or as a derivative work of the building. I doubt there's enough case law to establish that. But to qualify as a derivative work it needs to be incorporating parts of the original. In other words, my guess is that it'd have to have some kind of relationship to creative parts of the architecture of the building itself (other than using it as a canvas). So I'm leaning towards it being an independent creative work. I don't see how whether the graffiti was legally painted or not has anything to do with it's copyright status. It may very well affect your ability to profit off that copyright (if it was illegaly painted, it'd probably be awarded to the owner of the building), but not the elgibility for the copyright in the first place. Now for photographs. Photographs are in general always copyrighted, unless the photographer puts it into the public domain. The copyright status of the motif is irrelevant. The only issue here is to what extent it is a derivative work of the graffiti artist and the architect, and mainly the graffiti artist. Since most graffiti artists won't step forward and claim copyright for obvious reasons, the photographer can in practice claim full copyright. So in summary, no you are not allowed to copy other people's pictures of graffiti without license. Just like you're not allowed to copy other people's recordings of public-domain classical music without license. I also think that a graffiti artist, should he/she choose to come forward and is able to prove 'authorship', would probably be successful in a copyright claim against someone who'd photographed their works. The compensation would be very low though, since the economic compensation for graffiti artists doesn't tend to run very high. --BluePlatypus 18:41, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
I should address Bridgeman v. Corel before someone asks. That case adresses a very specific case, namely where the photos are made as realistic a reproduction as possible (and of public-domain art). Most photos don't fit into that category, and I doubt a photo of graffiti taken in the street would. Camera angle, lighting, etc give a lot of creative choices. It's a very, very thin line to walk on. --BluePlatypus 19:05, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

In the U.K. the graffiti artist Banksey has recently published a book of photographs of his graffiti (Wall and Piece), most of which has been done illegally. He has copyrighted it, though that said I don't know how far he's gone in enforcing it as I've seen unauthorised T-shirts with copies of his work on them. AllanHainey 16:17, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

There seems no doubt that the graffiti artist owns the copyright on his work - the copyright law doesn't talk about what media the work was done on - and you don't have to register work for copyright to apply - so he owns his graffiti's copyright. So now we are down to the question of whether a photograph of a copyrighted work is covered by the original author's copyright. The answer is pretty vague. If I take a photograph of some random street scene, I capture the front page of that newspaper that guy is holding, the Coke can that the woman over there is holding, the sign on the front of that store, the engine grille on that Jeep, and the top-left corner of that graffiti...all of those things are individually copyrighted. Does that mean I can't take a photo of a street scene and own the copyright on it? No! Of course not. I own the copyright. On the other hand, if I line up my camera exactly over a picture of Mickey Mouse and take a nice, crisp, high res photo of him - do I own the copyright? Hell no! Disney would be on to you with more lawyers than you can count. Somewhere between these two extremes is the actual legal 'tipping point' - but where? It's extremely ill-defined. The case described here sounds most like the Mickey mouse example - so I'd say that in the case we are discussing, the original artist would own the copyright on the graffiti - and could therefore claim that the closely taken photograph infringes on it...but a lot depends on the context in which the photograph is used, the size and resolution, all sorts of things. In a newspaper article lamenting the terrible desicration of a landmark - I bet you'd be on sound "fair use" grounds - in a coffeetable book full of photos of great graffiti - I think you'd be in trouble. But I Am Not A Lawyer. SteveBaker 20:30, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] newspapers

why are certain newspapers(times of india,hindustan times) costlier on sundays and some(indian express) cheaper on sundays.why cant they have uniform weekly rates

Sunday papers are usually costlier because they have more effort go into them; they give more content, and come with inserts such as magazines and free giveaways (CDs). Why they would be cheaper I'm not sure.  -- Run!  18:50, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
The number of pages may relate to the cost. More work = more pages = higher price.--Commander Keane 18:52, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
Generally speaking, newspapers receive the vast majority of their income from advertising, not from newsstand sales or reader subscriptions. Thus, some newspapers (particularly the more popular ones) charge more on Sundays for the reasons mentioned above - more content means they can get away with a higher price because the readers consider it worth the extra cost - while other newspapers charge less simply to get as many people to buy it as possible (thus allowing them to raise the rates they charge advertisers). --Aaron 22:54, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
The number I've seen for my local paper is that revenue is split about evenly between three sources: subscription fees, big advertisers, and classified ads. --Serie 23:08, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] how many towns in wyoming

hi i am doing a school project in Lusk and i was wondering how many total towns are in Wyoming as of the most recient cencuss?

Try getting an atlas and then count the number of towns listed under the Wyoming index. StuRat 00:04, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
That wouldn't do too good: The atlas may leave some out or include some unincorporated communities.
Wyoming has 99 municipalities, according to the Wyoming Association of Municipalities. You'll have to do some more digging to find out how many are cities and how many towns. -- Mwalcoff 01:14, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Unless Wyoming, or the U.S.A. has some official categorisation of what makes a town or a city then its going to be fairly arbitrary in any event. AllanHainey 16:20, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
In Wyoming, cities have at least 4,000 people; towns don't. -- Mwalcoff 17:40, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Number of countries in the world

While watching the Olympics the other day, I heard that there are 85 countries competing this time. That made me curious as to how many countries there are in the world today. A breakdown of countries by continent would be interesting, but not necessary. Thanks for the help. Ginger--67.52.50.206 22:41, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

From Earth:
"There are 267 administrative divisions, including nations, dependent areas, other, and miscellaneous entries. Earth does not have a sovereign government with planet-wide authority. Independent sovereign nations claim all of the land surface except for some segments of Antarctica. There is a worldwide general international organization, the United Nations. The United Nations is primarily an international discussion forum with only limited ability to pass and enforce laws."
However, the List of countries only has "243 entities considered to be countries", with the breakdown by political status, and the Annex explains where the other 24 went. СПУТНИКССС Р 22:52, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
It's interesting that FIFA, with 205, has more member countries than the UN, which has 191.
Slumgum 22:59, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
Fifa uses some historically seperable subnational "countries" which aren't politically independent. Scotland and England are members, for one... I think a number of dependencies also participate independently, who again aren't countries. The usual figure for "countries", in the sense of "like the UK or France or Bulgaria", is 193 - the 191 UN members, plus the Vatican City and the Republic of China. There's half a dozen more with a more-or-less serious claim to de-facto independence, but which aren't recognised; they're generally not included, but are on a different level from the recognised-but-not-independent dependencies like, say, Bermuda. Shimgray | talk | 23:06, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

"Country" turns out to be a nebulous concept which varies depending on the context, particularly in sporting contexts. Three examples:

  • The United Kingdom is one country at the Olympic Games, but six countries at the Commonwealth Games. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, and Jersey will be competing against each other in Melbourne next month.
  • China since 1997 has included Hong Kong, but at the Olympics they still send separate teams.
  • Before 1991, the United Nations recognised the USSR as a member, but also recognised the Byelorussian SSR (now Belarus) and the Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine), both of which were part of the USSR. So the USSR had 3 votes whereas every other country had one. JackofOz 23:25, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

There is no one answer. I collect flags, and keep a list of the current flags of the 240 entities I tend to refer to as countries (flags change, so it's good to keep up to date). Consider the following list - which of these are or are not countries: Wales, Catalonia, Somaliland, Northern Cyprus, Greenland, Zanzibar, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bermuda, French Guiana, Puerto Rico, Guam, Norfolk Island, Palestine? Ask any group of experts, and they'll give you a different list of which of these are or are not "countries", depending on which definition they use. it's one of those nebulous "you know what it is when you see it" type terms like "commonwealth". (Oh, and BTW Jack - does that mean Guernsey's not competing at the CGs?) Grutness...wha? 23:37, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

Quite right. I read the following sentence at Commonwealth Games too quickly: The four constituent countries of the United Kingdom — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — send separate teams to the Commonwealth Games, and individual teams are also sent from crown dependencies such as the Isle of Man and Jersey. I forgot to compute the "such as". I've checked about Guernsey, and it is competing. So that makes at least 7 countries for the UK, not 6. JackofOz 23:59, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
If "country" means a country generally recognized as independent, you can start with the 191 that are members of the United Nations, plus the Vatican, which has declined to join, making 192. Then there are a number of places with disputed situations, which may function in practice as independent countries but where international recognition is incomplete or entirely lacking: these include Taiwan, Northern Cyprus, and Somaliland, and I bet there's a list of them somewhere on Wikipedia. If you don't want to get precise about those, a reasonable answer is "about 200". If you have a more expansive notion of "country", then it's larger. Hmm, I see that I missed an answer above that says more or less the same as this one. Sorry for the repetition, but now that I've said it, you know it's right. (Grin)
Incidentally, I have seen it explained that the reason the USSR demanded separate UN membership for two of its member "republics", as mentioned above, was to balance the separate memberships of places like Canada and Australia, which it viewed as not entirely independent of the UK. That wasn't really true by the time the UN was formed in 1945 (although earlier in the 20th century it had been); but the USSR was a powerful country and as a matter of practical politics it was easier to go along. --Anonymous, 23:48 UTC, 2006-02-20.
It's probably worth clarifying the status of the Republic of China - whilst the independence of the nation is disputed diplomatically, it's generally seen as on a somewhat different level to places like Northern Cyprus; hence my "193". (Incidentally, an offer was made at Yalta for a quid-pro-quo where two US states would get a vote as well... FDR declined to take it.) Shimgray | talk | 23:55, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
Was this what was referred to as "Roosevelt's claptrap"? JackofOz 04:00, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Just in case anyone is wondering, like I was, "FDR" refers to Franklin Roosevelt, a former president of the USA. Don't ask me what the D stands for. What is it with those middle names anyway? Signed DJvdM. :) DirkvdM 18:47, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
There's this really great website called Wikipedia or something, which tells you that it was Delano, his mother's maiden surname. JackofOz 05:19, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

According to "An Oral History of the Founding of the United Nations" brought out by Yale University, the votes given to Ukraine and Byelorussia by the United Nations arose out of a bungling by the United States Administration. In the course of a courtesy telephone call between Roosevelt and Stalin the former said "'Marshall Stalin, I have just been getting a report from my Secretary of State on the the morning meeting and he told me that there was agreement on everything.' Stettinius started to grab at Roosevelt's sleeve, but Stalin came back quickly 'and the two republics too?' And Roosevelt said, 'Yes.' Once the error was made, Roosevelt thought about later saying to Stalin that it was a mistake but decided against it."

Thanks. Most interesting. I have a lot of respect for FDR, but this is just one more example of a politician whose inability to admit a mistake led to a bad outcome for lot of people for a long time. JackofOz 11:37, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Did it? There are major UN votes which were decided because the USSR didn't participate (ie, sending troops into Korea), but offhand I can't think of any General Assembly ones where the Byelorussian and Ukranian votes were the swing votes. Shimgray | talk | 17:15, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
A great article on this question is How many countries are there in the world?. To quote:
Of course, all of this does not answer the original question. That should be somewhere between 194 and 239, but nobody seems to have a good answer.
– b_jonas 11:38, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
See Sealand. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 15:13, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
And Conch Republic. LOL. -LambaJan 05:10, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Benskonia and Tirben. The Montevideo Convention sets very minimal standards, and my bedroom meets them. Yeltensic42 don't panic 06:36, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline - it helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer. (Frank Zappa)' -- Ferkelparade π 06:46, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Whut?

How come Pokémon can be caught in Poké Balls, while humans can't be? One would presume Pokemons and humans are both made of meat. Vitriol 00:00, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Has anyone tried to catch a human in one? Obviously in the games you can't do it, and it probably hasn't been mentioned in the cartoons or comics. Maybe people shouldn't keep other people as pets - especially not for fighting against other pets. It's either something Nintendo thought of, and decided to steer clear of; or just never thought of.
Try it in real life!
Slumgum 00:16, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
It'd make travelling by train a billion times easier, I guess. Or you could just use a teleporter widget from the cartoons, but there'd need to be loads of them. Vitriol 00:18, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
I have a theory! Maybe the lands of Pokemon were cut off from the mainland, so lots of interestingly different fauna evolved there, like it did in Australia. Then humans arrived later! Vitriol 00:21, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Maybe couping Pokemon up in ball-cages that are smaller than they are and only letting them out to fight other Pokemon is cruel and it's illegal to put humans in Pokeballs. There should really be legislation against treating the Pokemon that way. In the U.S. it's illegal to have cock-fights and the U.K. recently banned fox-hunting. There are other animal protection laws in these and most other industrialized nations. Frankly, I'm shocked that these children weren't prosecuted already. -LambaJan 02:02, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, somebody told me that in an early episode of the cartoon a Poliwag hit a Pokeball back at Ash with its tail and he got caught. And then someone else said they could remember that... So, uh, I didn't need you guys at all. Vitriol 02:06, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Suspension of disbelief :) ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 03:16, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Whoa! Sorry, I wasn't trying to be mean or anything! I was purposely not suspending my disbelief to make a joke. Admittedly it did have undertones of criticism toward the media, but it was all in good fun, and I wasn't making fun of you. On the contrary, I was hoping you'd find it funny. ... Maybe I should think about using phony html brackets... -LambaJan 03:43, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Why you're thinking my comment was directed at you? õ_o ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 22:08, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
I thought Vitriol's was. I was responding to him. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings. -LambaJan 05:09, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

Pokemons aren't made of meat you heretic.--Cosmic girl 23:00, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

If people aren't supposed to eat Pokémons, then why are they made of meat? --Fastfission 17:04, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 21

[edit] all other factors equal, how might the depth of a lake affect the development of a lake breeze

Not until you make a nice signed question over on the Science side. --Zeizmic 00:32, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Suitly emphazied.  -- Run!  17:14, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cars

Are Nuclear powered cars possible?

I think we went over this a while ago. Basically, you can't get a nuclear source to have a high energy density (volume and mass), and to be generally safe. If you have a 'plug-in' and it's charged from a nuclear reactor, is it a nuclear-powered car? --Zeizmic 02:52, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Everything's *possible*, but lots of things aren't practical. I'm guessing, but I'd imagine that the minimum volume and mass taken up to make a reactor achieve criticality with standard power reactor fuel, and the necessary space around that for water, control rod insertion, and the like, is simply too large. In that case, you'd need to use highly enriched uranium for the fuel (like the US navy does on its much larger submarines) and obviously, having bomb-grade uranium in private cars represents a huge proliferation risk. And that's not even counting the mass and volume required to build a reactor containment that would have to be strong enough to stand any conceivable crash (much more than the crash protection provided to the human occupants). A slightly more scalable approach might be an RTG, but, again, the power density is not great, there's a proliferation risk (for a dirty bomb), and the shielding required would be enormous.
If you're interested, the US did seriously research the possibility of a nuclear aircraft (do a google search for "nuclear aircraft" for more information). --Robert Merkel 22:23, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
A US B-36 (renamed the NB-36) aircraft carried a functioning nuclear reactor - including all of the lead shielding (including a foot-thick leaded glass windshield!!). It flew in the vicinity of Fort Worth, Texas from a secret airbase that is now owned by FedEx. However, it wasn't powered by the reactor - that would have been the next step. The problem was that it couldn't carry enough shielding to adequately protect the pilot and (from memory of a TV documentary some years ago) everyone who ever flew in the aircraft eventually died from radiation-induced cancers and such. Given that, it seems unlikely that a sufficiently well-shielded reactor could ever be made small enough to fit into a car. There are after all lower limits on the amount of radioactive materials required to maintain a self-sustaining reaction - and even for stuff like plutonium, that's several kilogrammes. Once the reaction is enough to produce energy, you need a ton of shielding and you're too heavy to make something you could call a "car". Maybe a large truck. Having said that, there are smaller nuclear power sources used in spacecraft. These are small enough to fit in a car - but not designed to generate much energy - or to be particularly safe. SteveBaker 20:46, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Where do I download...

I want to nkow where to download the program winhack2.0 I have searched all over t6he internet and have found nothing.I used many of the best websites nkown,(at least I think they are the best),I have used google,plexxa,and many more,And yet I have found nothing.I want to use this program to edit my money in a game called runescape.I have read some of the questions here about it.Some of them answered what I wanted.Others didnt.I read a question about the programs,Hack32 and Winhack2.0.So far I have Hack32 Bu I just need Winhack2.0.Please if you find any informations on where i can get this program.Tell me and I will thank you so much!!!

You want us to help you cheat in a MMORPG? I don't really think I want to help you... But have you tried a Google search? --Optichan 16:52, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Based on the 'hack' in the name, I'd assume it's open source. Have you tried sourceforge?

[edit] Weekend newspapers

This was inspired by the Sunday newspaper question above. I throw the employment/real estate/cars/business sections of the weekend papers into the recycling bin because they are usually of no interest to me. This amounts to more than half the bulk of the paper. There's got to be a better way than having to buy the whole product when you don't want a lot of it. I don't mind paying the extra 50 cents. The more serious issues are waste and environmental impact. I can see all kinds of practical problems with giving consumers the option of purchasing only the sections they want, but if that could be implemented it would be very attractive. Has this ever been attempted in a major city, and was it successful? (By the way, reading a newspaper online does not work for me.) JackofOz 04:39, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

  • Well, if the newpaper companies thought there was a market for specialized smaller papers, presumably they would be available. There are of course other ways to distrubute the unwanted paper sections on one's own: viz. either unsoliticited at transit hubs (likely to attract puzzled faces) or through something organized online like craigslist (though quite unlikely to work efficently in the real world). But really, the only practical solution is regular paper-sharing with co-workers, family or friends of diverse interests.--Pharos 07:58, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Remember that newspapers, as mentioned above, make most of their money by selling readers to advertisers, not by selling papers to readers. Without the employment/real estate/cars/business sections, which probably are filled with ads, the paper would very likely cost a lot more than 50 cents extra. David Sneek 08:06, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Or to take a different approach and drawing on the quote "I don't mind paying the extra 50 cents." they charge more for the paper because they can. Also, selection by section would reduce circulation of some sections, and therefore decrease what the paper can charge advertisers. So they would never do this unless they must.
I read my newspaper (NRC) online. No paper at all. And it's cheaper (10 € per month). And it's easier to keep articles. DirkvdM 18:57, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Nah, for me it just ain't the same. There's a romance about a newspaper, similar to the solidity of a bound book, that's irreplaceable. Plus, online I can't get various bits and pieces like Letters to the Editor, sudoku, movie listings, etc. JackofOz 20:19, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
I tend to prefer books over reading the same information online, but I doubt that will last; it makes more sense for information to all be digital, thus saving trees and storage space, so probably people born after a certain point won't prefer books anymore. Then they'll make fun of us curmudgeonly bats. Ah well. Yeltensic42 don't panic 06:29, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
I think it's only a matter of time before online newspapers offer sudoku, I'm sure the capability must be there already. Yeltensic42 don't panic 06:29, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Hey, I'm in my fourties and I prefer reading from a screen. So it's not just a matter of when you're born. Also very important are a good computer screen and desk chair. And one can look straight ahead, preventing a pain in the neck. And holding up a book is (oh irony) bad for my rsi. DirkvdM 08:09, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Unfortunately, I lose the advantage of looking straight ahead, because my computer is on a low sort of chest of drawers, my room lacking the space for a desk, which means I sit on my bed and look downward toward the screen. But I'm guessing that more people will be/already are following your way, the advantage of, um, paper to smell being outweighed by the advantages you mentioned (not to mention the little tidbit that one can do a lot more with computers). Yeltensic42 don't panic 08:53, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

You're right to decry the waste and environmental impact. From the publisher's point of view, though, these are externalities. One of the defects of a market-based system is that it encourages socially harmful conduct under such circumstances, because the harm isn't suffered by the decisionmaker. A publisher would incur significant labor costs in making available different editions of the paper. The resulting benefits would be diffused widely throughout the society, to beneficiaries (including some not yet born) who don't pay anything for the benefit they get. Therefore, the publishers generally won't do it. The only example I can think of is that the Washington Post publishes a "National Weekly Edition" that's aimed at people living outside the Washington, D.C. area. It includes "national news, political, and cultural coverage" from the regular edition. [46] This is the unusual case where there's enough of a market for a particular "pruned" edition that the publisher can make a profit by producing an edition that's tailored to that market. JamesMLane t c 11:40, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Ah, yes, NRC Handelsblad, which I referred to earlier (the newspaper I read online) has also started publishing a short version of their newspaper, nrc.next. DirkvdM 12:17, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Thanks folks. Now that I know why it is so, I can relax and enjoy my weekend, including the newspapers. JackofOz 01:20, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] beer (?) label

I saw a label on a bottle of (what i assume was) beer on a TV show and I was wondering what it was. I couldn't read the writing on it, but I've seen it before, so here's the best description i can muster.. It was mainly yellow/gold and black, in the centre is a barrel/keg with two bees on it, above each other. The name is in a big arch which goes over the top of the barrel. That's about as well as I can remember it. I guess it's some kind of honey beer due to the bees, but I could be wrong. If possible, please suitly emphazie your answer (whatever the hell that means!) AlbinoMonkey (Talk) 06:50, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

a couple of thoughts: 1) what country was the programme set in? (yeah, I know, there's export beer, but it may give a clue); 2) have you had a look at List of commercial brands of beer, to see whetehr that will jog your elbow memory? Grutness...wha? 07:46, 21 February 2006 (UTC) (PS - suitly emphazi is an in-joke here, generally referring to a question that is very poorly written, after one time when a questioner asked us to suitly emphazi an answer).
I wonder if that (probably one-off) questioner knows how much enjoyment he/she has given to many people. See, life has a purpose after all. JackofOz 08:15, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
I hate to cut short promising research projects, so I won't reveal the answer too obviously but to get the answer visit this link [47] and scroll down to see the logo you describe. Notinasnaid 08:44, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
D'oh! No wonder it sounded familiar! Still, it did prompt me to upload a photo of some cans to Speight's, so it wasn't a waste of energy for me :) Grutness...wha? 08:57, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
My favorite part of this question is the picture of the honies.  :-P Dismas|(talk) 10:42, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Thanks!!! AlbinoMonkey (Talk) 02:26, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Price tag of a full scale war

The cost of the Iraq War and certain military consumables (missiles come to mind) has got me thinking. If, next monday, aliens invaded the United States and it was forced into a full-scale war for its very survival, how long could it afford to equip and supply all its armed forces? 219.93.29.135 09:28, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

why would money matter in such a case? Rmhermen 15:09, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Money matters in a war if lack of it prevents the war being fought. This can happen because either workers or soldiers refuse to work without getting paid, or because someone outside the country won't give it something it needs without being paid. The first may seem unlikely but might be more common that you would think. Both affected the UK during the early years of WWII, and Britain had so sell off a lot if its assets to raise money for the war. In the case of alien invasion it would seem reasonable that other countries would probably assist the US; or do we merely mean foreigners here? In any case the US has a lot of assets it can sell off. DJ Clayworth 18:02, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Why is it that in films with attacking aliens it's always the US that gets attacked? Does Hollywood have a deathwish or something? :) And to raise another smiley - why would the rest of the world interfere? For one, a reasoning might be that it's about time that the US experiences what it's like to be invaded by a superior force. And of course those countries that have been invaded by the US (about half the planet?) will be too busy laughing their balls off. But somewhat more seriously, if the aliens picik the US specifically, they might have a reason. And if the US don't manage to fight them off, what chance do the others stand. (Why do you think hardly anyone has ever dared to interfere when the US attack yet another country?) And would they really want to piss these guys off if aparrently they're only interrested in the US? DirkvdM 19:14, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
In British films and TV shows (like Dr Who), England always gets attacked, which seems even less likely, it being smaller and less important than the US. StuRat 04:07, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
"Just once, just one damn time, I wish the Earth could be invaded by hostile aliens that AREN'T immune to bullets." - The Brigadier, on Dr Who StuRat 04:13, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
As for your rabid anti-Americanism, the US hasn't invaded anywhere near half the countries on Earth. And other countries, like Spain, England, and the former Soviet Union, certainly have invaded/occupied more, either in terms of land area or current population. StuRat 04:07, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, I'm not all that rabid, I just like to stir things up a bit. But apart from that, I just react to whatever comes up here and that is the US most of the time (when was the last question that was about, say, the Netherlands - would above question have been asked about the Netherlands, for example?). The other countries you mention have done a fair bit of invading, but that was in the past and therefore not relevant here. DirkvdM 08:15, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
If you only count the present, then the US is really only occupying one country, Iraq. (The small force in Afghanistan can hardly be considered sufficient for an occupation.) And both countries have democratically elected governments now, which are free to request that the US leave, so perhaps neither should be called an occupation, at this point. Meanwhile, China continues to occupy Tibet, Russia continues to occupy Chechnya, and numerous other countries occupy foreign territory. So, even by your definition that ignores the past, the US still isn't the sole source of evil in the world that you make it out to be. StuRat 09:39, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
In such a conflict, the United States has a big advantage over the UK and most other developed countries: it is a net exporter of food. It is also reasonably self-sufficient with respect to the raw materials and production needed to wage war. If the actual combat could be limited to reasonably useless areas such as the ranchlands of the Western US, and bomb damage to cities minimized, the United States could keep fighting for a long time. --Serie 22:56, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
If such aliens had the ability to perform interstellar travel on such a scale as to conduct an invasion of the US, the technological basis of their society would probably be be so far ahead of Earth's that if they'd devoted any significant part of that technology to warfare, resistance, to paraphrase the Borg, would be useless. Unless they had some unforseen fatal flaw in their battleplan that was exposed by some clever, combat-hardened Earthlings (think Mars Attacks!).
In any case, the idea that an attack on the US by aliens would be ignored by the rest of the world is pretty laughable. As Leon Uris wrote (though he probably nicked it from elsewhere)
It was me against my brother; me and my brother against our father; my family against my cousins and the clan; the clan against the tribe; and the tribe against the world. And all of us against the infidel.
Hostile aliens from outer space would count as the ultimate unifying infidel IMHO.
Finally, getting back to more terrestrial concerns, your idea of a "full-scale war for its very survival" ignores that if the very survival of the United States was at stake, nuclear warfare would almost certainly ensue. The use of a substantial fraction of the US nuclear arsenal would wipe much of the population of most countries off the face of the Earth, and would do so at a quite small cost. Of course, a nuclear-armed opponent could do the same to the US, National Missile Defence boondoggles notwithstanding. ----Robert Merkel 03:12, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
For clarification, I was merely reacting to the notion that aliens would resrict their attack to the US. DirkvdM 12:22, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Linux trademark

Now that the Linux trademark has been alloted to Linus Torvalds, he would have to renew it periodically. What will happen if he is (for some reason) unable to pay the money to renew it? —Masatran 10:24, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

This is just my guess, but I think someone else (like the FSF) would gladly pay it for him. – b_jonas 11:26, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Who said this ...

I would appreciate finding who said this quote, and where it is found.

"Some people go through life walking down the centre of the road, to them, that's their life's highway ..... but that's not my way. The cliff edge is where you'll find me ..... taking the risks dreaming the dreams."

Thanks, in anticipation

EB, Australia

I looked around and couldn't find anything. These [48] [49] [50] are some good sites. You'll probably be able to search better than I since you know where you heard it. Chances are it's a paraphrase in one way or another, which makes searching difficult. The first link, for quoteland, has a good article about what I'm talking about. -LambaJan 18:28, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Patent challenge resolution

Good day,

hydnjo referred me to this resource for a question I hope can be addressed here.

If an inventor's patent is challenged by another entity, how can one obtain information to resolve such a dispute by determining who received the patent first (perhaps even location where said patent was obtained is vital?) Folajimi(talk)

This is the Legal Thing again. What country? In most of the world, it is 'First to File', but in the US it is different. Patents are big bucks for the lawyers, everything goes to a major court case, so a single inventor is usually screwed unless he makes a deal with the devil (scummy patent company). My old professor (big inventor!) used to say, that the best thing to do was to sell your patent to a big company, and then become their main salesman for the product. --Zeizmic 15:53, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Thanks for replying to my inquiry. Your input is greatly appreciated.
The alleged victim filed the patent in the U.K., and even sued for patent infringement there (even though the alleged infringement happened in the United States.) However, as you suggested, he lost the case because the entity he was up against had become a monopoly. How can I find additional information to verify if the allegation is bogus? Do documents presented in such a suit become "part of the public record" for lack of a better phrase? If so, how can I obtain such information? Folajimi 16:23, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

You'd have to go into a Patent Lawyer database, and that ain't free! --Zeizmic 17:40, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

You absolutely need a patent lawyer here. Accept no substitutes. DJ Clayworth 17:56, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

That is unfortunate. Based on your responses, I can only assume that the access necessary to resolve this issue would cost an arm and a leg. If such an issue remains unresolved, is that grounds for nominating the affected (offending?) "article(s)" for deletion? Folajimi 21:19, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
What? Is somebody bitchin' that their patent got stolen by a big bad corporation? If that's true, then you should go through the usual request for second opinion, etc. Things on the Wiki must be neutral and verifiable. --Zeizmic 21:48, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, I discovered the dispute by accident; I was looking for additional information on the subject (i.e. the alleged offender) in the article when I came across a book authored by one of the descendants of the alleged victim. According to the relative I contacted regarding this matter, it seems that the story has been passed down by oral tradition.
Call me paranoid, but I am concerned that such stories can create situations that could get ugly in the future. If I can find evidence to make a valid conclusion one way or the other, that would be great.
Perhaps it could even be seen as a win for Wikipedia? Folajimi 01:04, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
It seems perfectly in order to refer to this claim, but it should be referred to as an assertion and the source (book) mentioned. It should not be presented as a fact unless someone can confirm it. (But even then it becomes troublesome if others cannot check this). Notinasnaid 09:00, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

Ok, you got me absolutely totally confused. I'm leavin' this popcan. --Zeizmic 01:15, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wikipedian internet culture

Under what circumstances would it be "patronizing" to provide someone with links such as WP:CIVIL, WP:NOT, WP:NPA, WP:AGF on Wikipedia? Perhaps "patronizing" is not the correct word to use here, but I wonder whether their usage is a bit, well...um...inclined on the ruder side?

For example, these shortcut links are all made of capital letters, so it would seem that if it were given to someone, it could be almost interpreted as a sort of unrefined diplomacy. What would be other more pleasant and viable alternatives? These shortcuts are used in part because they are simple to type of course. Are these sorts of redirects specific to Wikipedia? Surely there are other sites which moderate their users in a different manner?

I hope this post doesn't degenerate into too much streams of consciousness though - so with the caveat aside, what are your thoughts? --HappyCamper 15:24, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Well I try use the full version rather than the shortcuts. They are mostly used for newer editors who may not understand what they mean so they full version is better. To be really rude use them on someone who's been here for 6 months or more. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 15:33, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
There is a tendency in every community to evolve jargon, and then use it in a way which at best unconsciously acts to exclude or alienate newcomers. Jargon is part of what gives a sense of community, but it has a cost and it is surely polite to avoid it. There is really no excluse to post something in a reply, such as WP:NPA unless it is absolutely clear that all of those particating in a discussion would be familiar with both the page and its contraction. It isn't about the capital letters, it's the complete incomprehensibility of it as it is read. Otherwise, Wikipedia:No personal attacks should surely be used, everytime, by everyone. I wouldn't describe the use of this jargon as ever condescending (unless, perhaps, it was used as a put down for someone who was proclaiming themselves an expert, and the reply wanted to suggest otherwise by using something unfamiliar). Perhaps Wikipedia:Civility should suggest that the indiscriminate use of WP:CIVIL is uncivil. Notinasnaid 15:38, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
See also WP:WOTTA. --cesarb 15:52, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Try telling someone to assume good faith or be civil when they're already doing so would be quite rude. - Mgm|(talk) 10:10, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

It seems to me that if someone has to be told these things then they are either (a) raw newbies or (b) seasoned Wikipedians. In the first case, these people need to be corrected - but they won't understand a string of letters - so spell them out in full, give a sentence to explain WHY you think they are breaking that guideline and that's the best you can do. For experienced Wikipedians (who should know better), I think there is nothing wrong with giving the short form link - but they'll know what it means and actually giving the link carries the implication that you think they DON'T know about it and should go read it. That might be construed as an insult of some kind - so perhaps the kindest thing is to just say what your problem with them is - and leave out the link until/unless they claim that there is no such rule or something equally stupid. SteveBaker 20:52, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Stages in WRC Extreme 2 and WRC 3 on PS2

Can someone please tell me the names of all the stages in the Playstation 2 Rally Games, World Rally Championship Extreme 2 and World Rally Championship 3 please. Thanks.Col du Turini 17:58, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

See GameFAQs - www.gamefaqs.com Proto||type 12:14, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

Thanks Proto, but they are not there. Sorry! Col du Turini 18:48, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ngo-Kentunjia_division

The following request was made by Wariba in the form of an article entitled Ngo-Kentunjia_division in mainspace. Since it seems to belong here, I've tagged that for deletion and copied the request here. Tonywalton  | Talk 17:04, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

good day mr/mrs please this sender is looking for information on the physical enviroment of Ngokitunjia Division of the northwest province of Cameroon.That is the climate, soil, rainfll, temperature, geographical location. i will be very greatful iuf you provide me with this information through e-mail address removed

This seems a bit too specialised for the Reference Desk; maybe it's better place this question on the discussion page of the Northwest Province, Cameroon article. David Sneek 20:45, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Tables in wikipedia

How do I get article text to wrap around tables in the same way that it wraps around images?  -- Run!  18:47, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Use style="float: left" in the header line of the table (the one with the {|). --cesarb 19:46, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Study here
Slumgum 19:49, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] A New Article on Wikipedia

I know I can edit information on Wikipedia. How do I write a whole new article. Ithaca High School has an entry, but Cascadilla School (Ithaca's other high school) does not. I used to teach there and I would like to write an article about it.

-Veronica205.231.26.11

click here and type away! Sometimes it can be difficult to start an article from scratch, but it really doesn't matter. Just list facts if that's all you can think of. The article will eventually get cleaned up.  -- Run!  21:38, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, we have recently blocked anonymous users from creating new articles (they can only edit). If you'd like to create a new article, please create your own Wikipedia account. It's free, extremely fast and you don't even need to supply an email address. :) ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 22:05, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
I like the ":) ?"
It says "Am I happy?"  -- Run!  22:23, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh it's part of your sig. I blame my resolution.  -- Run!  22:24, 21 February 2006 (UTC)
The "?" is an unicode character you're not seeing. It's a little radioactivity trefoil. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 05:51, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh, I always saw an 'A' in it. An 'A' in a circle. That's the anarchism sign. :) DirkvdM 08:21, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How do i get rid of this weird feeling?

uggh, i dont know what this weird feeling im having is! you see, i feel love sick, i like this guy i will never meet when i grow up, i have lots of energy, i feel lke something is missing, i dont know what but i feel sorta empty inside! i feel anxious for something, it is hard to breathe, like i have butterflies inside, i have been in my house for two days straight, and i realllllllly want to have sex with someone, like i feel rea.lly horny! i also feel like i need to go mall shopping and eat lotsa cake! What is happening to me and why do i feel this way and how can i frickin get rid of it because it is making me sad! and anxious and happy! Help! im only a 13 year old girl!

welcome to your teenage years! I'm afraid that there's a very good chance that what you're feeling is simply some more of your adult hormones kicking in. You're going to have to get used to it, because for the next couple of years that will be happening every now and again. There's some info at Puberty (though admittedly it doesn't directly talk about the sort of things you're feeling). But be warned, the teenage years can be fun, scary, and very depressing all within a very short space of time - it's just your mind and body making all the necessary changes for an adult life. Grutness...wha? 00:41, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
I know this will seem a little disjointed, but I think you should read the Advertising article. Of all the things my teachers ever taught me, this is what I appreciate the most. Even to this day. At your age, with your emotions, this knowledge is critical. Also, count to 50 before deciding your parents are wrong. -LambaJan 04:59, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Yeah - these are hormones - annoying little biological thingies doing their job of turning you from a kid into an adult. This change requires lots of biochemical activity to change you physically and mentally. Sometimes this is obvious - sometimes it's darned subtle and can creep up on you. During the process you are going to feel all sorts of odd things. The important thing is that you still have a brain. It can allow you do 'Do The Right Thing' despite all of the other weird stuff that's going on. At the time, this seems like a hard thing to go though (and not just for girls - we guys have similar problems) - but the good thing to know is that it only lasts a few years - then it's over. Also, remember that it's PERFECTLY NORMAL - your Mom went through it, so did Madonna, and also the Queen of England. The trick is to survive through this change without screwing up too badly along the way. You know the big 'No-no's - and you don't need anyone to tell you what they are or what the consequences might be. You can do it - and we're all on your side! SteveBaker 21:06, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
That is the best description of being 13 I have read. I say treat the symptoms: start a new hobby (or put more time into an old one) as a focus for your undirected energy. Category:Hobbies might be a place to start if you need inspiration. And... good luck. --150.203.32.254 09:06, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Have any of you guys been on homestar runner wiki Before? I need help!

Now, on this website, its like wikipedia, but on the bottom when you want to post a questain, it says type in code name, and i do but than it says i did somethin wrong! i need help :(

I presume you're trying to create an account? You're supposed to type in the six distorted letters in the coloured image below the code box (it stops people writing programs or scripts to create false accounts). Just make sure you are putting in the right code. I the same problem on Wikisource the other day, so maybe it's a MediaWiki problem. --Canley 05:19, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
That probably means that you misspelled the code (which is an easy mistake to make, it can be pretty hard to read; this has happened to me). Just try again, and hopefully it'll come out right (they'll give you a different image code, which might be an easier one). (They use the same thing for the account creation screen). I think they introduced that in response to the NSMC vandalbot, which automated account creation, or edited anon; the image code prevents or obstructs it from doing so. Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:24, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Canley and I posted at the same time, but I guess our answers weren't entirely the same. Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:26, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
As a side note about the NSMC, it also motivated a temporary lock on account creation, something that's happened with only two other users there, our own Willy on Wheels and a certain other person whose name begins with a Y. Yeltensic42 don't panic 09:00, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Are Captchas case sensitive? Do I have to type the upper case characters and the lower case characters as they display them to me? I've always done so, but haven't bothered to experiment. User:Zoe|(talk) 19:04, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
No, it isn't necessary, unless it's different elsewhere from HRWiki. Yeltensic42 don't panic 01:04, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 22

[edit] Game

Who is the richest game designer in the world?

  • Board, card or computer games? I think in the computer games department, the creators of Simcity, Tombraider and Civilization are strong contenders as is Roberta Williams. When it comes to board games, I guess Klaus Teuber and the Parker Brothers would make a good choice. - Mgm|(talk) 10:15, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
The creators of Trivial Pursuit would probably be a reasonable guess. If you have access to a newspaper archive, there was an article in the Toronto Star in September 2004 about this, which hints that the actual creators would have received huge amounts of royalties.
If we're talking computer game designers, John Carmack is probably more of a programmer than a designer, and he may not be the richest, but he sure has the most fun with his money; he builds rockets with it...--Robert Merkel 02:34, 23 February 2006 (UTC)


Definitely it is the Wright guy. Remember that The creators of Trivial Pursuitcould not protect their game ... (My IP address is not permanent.) Please let me know if you think what I am doing is vandalism. I certainly do not intend to be known as a troll.

[edit] Book Publisher

What Is The Name Of The Biggest Spanish-Language Book-Publisher In The United States?

[edit] Art

Who Is The Richest Art Designer In The World?

According to a recent survey (that I can't offhand find links to), the aggregate sales of work by Jasper Johns total more than those by any other living artist. But artist=art designer? and sales=wealth? Not the same in either case. it all depends what you mean by "art designer". Artist? Fashion designer? Architect? Graphics designer? This needs to be a little more suitly emphazi'd. Grutness...wha? 00:48, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] sports

How much revenue did the three major sports leagues generate in 2005?

In what country? User:Zoe|(talk) 04:15, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
And which leagues would be considered the "major" leagues? Dismas|(talk) 04:35, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Which sports are we talking about? Almost every sport has one major league. - Mgm|(talk) 10:16, 22 February 2006 (UTC)


I greatly dislike these unsigned, unacknowledged quiz questions. Are all from the same ignorant person? --Zeizmic 13:32, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Boscoe Nursery Rhyme

A long time ago, I had found a nursery rhyme site on the web that had a record of all the twisted versions of said rhymes. However, I can't find it anymore and one of the rhymes on there doesn't seem to appear ANYWHERE else...but I remember hearing it as a kid before too. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone could confirm for me of the rhyme actually existed and what the hell Boscoe is (and no it's not that creepy doll from that UK show or some chocolate...i already looked at both of those)...the Rhyme goes like this:

I hate Boscoe, it's not the drink for me

My Mommy pours it in my milk to try and poison me

But one day I fooled Mommy,

I poured it in her tea,

and now I have no Mommy to try and poison me

If anyone could help me out, I'd be BEYOND grateful...it's driving me crazy! lol. thanks!

~ Maria

  • The drink was called "Bosco" (no "e") which might be why you can't find any other reference to it, and it actually was a chocolate-flavouring for milk The original song this is sending up was the advertising jingle for Bosco which went:
"I love Bosco, it's rich and chocolatey
Chocolate-flavored Bosco is mighty good for me
Mama puts it in my milk for extra energy
Bosco gives me iron and sunshine Vitamin D
Oh, I love Bosco, that's the drink for me"

--Canley 04:37, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

  • Here is a pic of Bosco and a site where you can order it: [51] StuRat 04:44, 22 February 2006 (UTC)


Thanks so much! it actually makes sense now...because it was supposed to be a 'twisted' version of a nursery rhyme (though in this case an ad jingle) so...yeah...that was very informative and VERY helpful so thanks again!

~Maria

I've got a feeling that this comes from a book "Beastly Boys and Ghastly Girls" by William Cole. It has a LOT of poems like this...but I could easily be wrong. SteveBaker 21:17, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] DVD maker

Hi guys. I was wondering if there were any FREE programs out there that would allow me to create a divx (.avi) file into a DVD-disc, playable on any dvd player. now, ONE THING. it must allow me to also add subtitles to it. the subtitles are in .srt format...so....

any help would be highly appreciated! gelo 10:32, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

May we assume that you're on a Windows machine? Dismas|(talk) 11:42, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Yep. gelo 11:48, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

Too bad, I do all my video transformations on my AMD64 Linux machine. There is no good stuff on ms; either it costs a lot, or it's full of trojans. I also gave up on trying to write dvds for dvd players; there's a lot of fussyness with the players. --Zeizmic 12:53, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

Nice coincidence. I also have an AMD64 with Linux (Suse, but possibly switching to Debian). And my sister wants me to edit two DVD's into one for use in a standalone player (I myself only use them on the computer). So what programs do you use? DirkvdM 12:28, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

I use ffmpeg and mencoder for transformations. I use X-CD-Roast for DVD writing. I've made a dvd of slides using something like dvdslidemaker. The dvd's seem to work on everybody's dvd player except mine! So I just pump them to an old Linux computer that has a PVR350 card in it, directly connected to the big tv. I haven't tried actually editing using something like Kino. --Zeizmic 12:58, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, I'd better not use your DVD player then. :) Thanks for the tips. DirkvdM 10:45, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Record number of people served by restaurant

What is the highest (largest) number of people served in a single day by a single restaurant site in the U.S.? Same question for the world?

My reason for this search is to compare the 7,806 servings of pancakes by the Kiwanis Clubs of Lakeland, FL on 2/18/06.

Thanks!—Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.101.46.193 (talk • contribs)

[edit] How many zipcodes are there in the USA

I am trying to complie a list of all the zipcodes in the USA but am getting conflicting numbers. so I'm looking to find out how many so I purchase the correct listing. thanks 216.153.212.58 15:52, 22 February 2006 (UTC)Jill Messier

Have you checked our article on ZIP Codes? It details that codes can change (thus the most recent list is best) and links to ZIP code downloads from the Census Bureau. — Lomn Talk 15:59, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] salary's of people in the film industery

I am a media student and I was wondering if you could help me, I would like to know the salary's of the following people and if they are on any particular contract. Producer Associate producer Best boy Clap boy Dialogue editor Set decorator Swing gang Clapper loader Camera operator 213.122.38.167 18:46, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

It depends. In any case, producers are probably on a cut of the movie's profits (or more likely the box office take; profit margins for films are notoriously fudged) rather than a salary. In any case, there are better places for salary searches; assuming you're in the United States, you could try sites like salary.com or enquire with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the labour union in the industry. --Robert Merkel 02:44, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
  • It would also depend on the film's budget and the particular skill the person brings to the project. A good dialogue editor or camera operator is likely to earn more than a mediocre one. - Mgm|(talk) 11:07, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Timber

Is Western Red Cedar cladding an approved cladding under NZS3604

This is a question relevant to New Zealand.

Hmmm. I'd give the reference desk at your nearest research library (National Library of New Zealand, or the nearest university is a good bet) a call and see if they have a copy. In fact, your nearest technical college might also have a copy in their library, so you could try them. We don't get that many builders answering questions here, I'm afraid. --Robert Merkel 02:53, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
I've consulted a master carpenter in New Zealand, and he says it's approved provided it has been treated for exterior usage in accordance to at least H3 code for exterior cladding. H4 or H5 treatments would be required, however, for usage in piles, foundations, or fencing. StuRat 10:33, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Which definition of the most expensive film

Hi, I was arguing the other day that Cleopatra is the most expensive film ever made however this is only when considering inflation and adjusting it as appropriate. Otherwise it is stated that King Kong is the most expensive film, now i have read a few articles on this and come to now definitive conclusion, I would presume that Cleopatra should have the title would this be the correct anwser.

Well, you've hit on the key point: whether or not inflation should be considered. There is no universal agreement, so many lists of money-related items will have parallel listings for base and inflation-adjusted values. — Lomn Talk 22:43, 22 February 2006 (UTC)
Which is how we do it at List of most expensive films. --Fastfission 04:29, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
I firmly believe inflation should always be considered. Otherwise, record amounts of money are miraculously spent every year on everything. This hardly qualifies as a "record" to me. StuRat 01:06, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Some films have cost human lives. How much are they worth, accounting for inflation?
Slumgum 01:16, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Insurance companies assess the average human life as being worth between $20,000 and $1,000,000. See value of life. Proto||type 12:45, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] John Kruk

i was looking information about John Kruk, but a fund the it sais thar he has 2 older brothers, im not shure about how many he realy have, but i just know that Norman Kruk is missing there, why???

According to our article, he has three brothers. No source is given though, so if you can find anything showing that he has a brother named Norman, feel free to update the article. <font style="padding : 0px 1px 1px 1px; border : 1px solid #809EF5; background: #FFFFFF ; color: #99B3FF">GeeJo (t) (c) • 18:54, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What?

What Author Can be A combination of Edgard Allan Poe And Jorge Luis Borges?

Didn't you ask this question before? It's not a factual question anyway; go speculate with your friends about it. —Keenan Pepper 03:26, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Sounds like a quiz question. I don't think you can expect us to get excited about your quiz. Notinasnaid 10:21, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Unless you're looking for the writer of romance novels, Edge Aluis Porges. DJ Clayworth 19:56, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Edjorge Alluis Poerges ? StuRat 01:02, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Or perhaps Jorgard Luan Borgoe. GeeJo (t) (c) • 14:06, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] A LEITURA NO PROCESSO DE LEITURA

Para escrever uma monografia a respeito, quais os topicos que devo ressaltar, e os autores indicados.Pode me orientar

Please suitly emphazi to English, since this is the en.wikipedia. Yeltensic42 don't panic 01:05, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Wikipédia em língua portuguesa? —Keenan Pepper 03:24, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Barely makes sense in Portuguese language. --Nelson Ricardo 04:39, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Does the Portuguese Wikipedia have a reference desk? I tried to find it to copy and paste the question there, but I didn't see it anywhere, largely due to the fact that broken Spanish is the best Portuguese I can manage. Yeltensic42 don't panic 04:57, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
I just looked and I don't think they do. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 07:06, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Being a native portuguese speaker, I must admit the question is rather vague (either that or I don't know what specific thing is being addressed.) But I believe the user is trying to write about Wikipedia and wants to know which aspects should he or she focus on and what authors should be mentioned. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 07:06, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

He is making monograph about "The reading in the reading process". He want to know what topics he should stand out, and what writers he sould look.

[edit] February 23

[edit] prepaid gift certificates

Can prepaid gift certificates to restuarants, amusement parks, book stores, etc expire in California? I heard that a law was passed that prohibited this and I have many prepaid coupons that have "expired"- What do I tell the estabishment , cite law, etc when they refuse my coupon - thanks - Marv

Googilizing is what we do best. [52] --Zeizmic 00:46, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't know if it's true or not, but if so, I suggest you print out a copy of the applicable law, with references to where they can go to confirm it, and hand it out to anyone who gives you any hassle. I doubt if they are intentionally violating the law, they probably don't know about it. StuRat 00:58, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Louisiana Highway 1

How long in miles is Louisiana Highway 1? [preceding unsigned comment by User:Eelajohn@aol.com entered at 03:02, 23 February 2006]

Hmm. Our Louisiana State Highway 1 article doesn't exist yet, but we've got a List of Louisiana numbered highways, and it has an external link to http://southeastroads.com/la_route_log.html, which takes us to http://southeastroads.com/la_state_highways.html, which says 702. --Steve Summit (talk) 03:31, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Aw, think a minute! Where would they fit a highway 700 miles long into a state the size of Louisiana? It's only about 250 miles from the northern boundary of the state to the Gulf coast, and its east-west extent is about the same.
My Rand McNally Road Atlas, which is the 2001 edition, shows LA 1 extending diagonally from Zylks in the northwest corner of the state to Grand Isle on the Gulf coast south of New Orleans. From northwest to southeast, the atlas shows successive distances in miles (between villages, junctions, etc.) of 3 7 4 11 14 from Zylks to Shreveport, 6 6 5 15 5 4 11 11 to Natchitoches, 7 12 2 7 4 5 2 7 4 4 to Alexandria, 10 9 13 8 11 5 7 8 10 to New Roads, 6 3 6 2 10 to a point across the river from Baton Rouge, 4 5 3 4 8 10 to Donaldsonville, 4 4 6 8 8 15 to Raceland, and 5 11 3 6 4 11 20 to Grand Isle. That's a total of 39+63+54+81+27+34+45+60 = 403 miles.
This number could be a few miles off for several reasons (the map is sometimes unclear as to the endpoints of the indicated distance, and near New Roads it isn't even clear exactly which road is highway 1; I may have mistyped or introduced another error; and of course the distances being summed would have each been rounded). But "about 400 miles" (or about 650 km) is certainly right. Unless, of course, the state of Louisiana has decided to extend highway 1 in a bizarre V shape or something, since my atlas was printed.
Zylks, Natchitoches, New Roads, Raceland ... they do have some interesting place names in Louisiana, don't they?
--Anonymous, 07:18 UTC, February 23, 2006.
Did you actually look at http://southeastroads.com/la_state_highways.html? I wanted to make sure the original poster did. (And I unfortunately overlooked that the question specifically said "in miles".) —Steve Summit (talk) 14:03, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
No, I didn't, because if it said the road was 702 miles long, it obviously was not to be trusted. --Anon, 17:15 UTC, Feb. 23.

Well, that site now says 436.20 miles... --- Dralwik|Have a Chat My "Great Project"

[edit] Graffiti and Copyright II

This question occurred to me when I was looking into the question raised at Graffiti and copyright above. In my reading I found out about the Visual Artists Rights Act, which adds to the basket of rights protected by US copyright a protection of "moral rights of attribution and integrity for visual art works." Artists also "were granted some rights to prevent destruction of works incorporated into an architectural structure."

This definition as well as the full definition in the statute seems to me to encompass graffiti, since the above discussion seemed to come to some consensus that (even illegal) graffiti was copyrightable by the author. The statute also indicates that an author can assert these rights even if they do not have title to the original work or even the copyright any longer. The applicable bit of law is at Title 17 Section 113(d).

Does this give a graffiti artist the right to sue the building owner for violating their moral rights if their work is removed/destroyed in a way not compliant with the statute? Or is copyright law non-applicable to the graffiti? What am I missing here? KWH 04:24, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

The law won't act to enforce an illegal act or right. Thus if the graffitti is illegal the artist wouldn't be able to sue the building owner. Also if he did he'd be admitting he painted it & would get sued for graffitti. AllanHainey 10:39, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Is there a named legal principal at work there? I'm saying that it is assumed that the artist/vandal is willing to admit to the graffiti act and pay any statutory fines and defend against countersuit, but if the vandal/artist decides to sue to enforce these rights, does the judge dismiss or summary judge under some principle, or do they let it go to trial? KWH 06:27, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
If by "graffiti" you mean "murals painted illegally or without the consent of the wall owner" (legally produced murals, whether graffiti or not, do of course fall under the VARA), I would think that even if strictly speaking the artist may have rights granted by the VARA, he could not enforce them because if he tried to do so he'd face stiff fines for having "defaced" someone else's property. Do a Google search for +graffiti +"visual artists rights act", you'll find lots of pertinent links. OTOH, sometimes illegally produced graffiti become art: see the case of the Swiss artist/sprayer Harald Naegeli (the "Sprayer of Zurich"). He was arrested in 1984 and spent some time in jail for his graffitis, but today even the city of Zurich is actively preserving and restoring as artworks the very few of his graffiti that have survived. :-) Lupo 10:58, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
This lovely lady seems to have done the research on it, "The Visual Artists Rights Act and Its Application To Graffiti Murals: Whose Wall It It Anyway?", unfortunately it's not linked. KWH 06:27, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

I don't know the name of the legal principle (& I speak from a UK POV so U.S.A. legal principles may be different) but its generally accepted that the law won't uphold an illegal contract or support an illegal act (eg if a hitman did a killing, didn't get paid & sued the guy who hired him the courts wouldn't uphold this as breach of contract as they don't recognise the original illegal act as valid). AllanHainey 15:22, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

IANAL (of course) but it sounds like it might fit the definition of abuse of process. OTOH, there are plenty of other cases that seem to fit that just as well and yet a judge allows them to continue (q.v. SCO v. IBM). Perhaps contributory negligence? But that would be more bizarre, since it essentially reaffirms that the vandal incurred damage by having their vandalism removed from someone else's building.
Any other ideas, class? (No, Allan, we already called on you ;-) KWH 04:00, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Making a DVD

I'm having problems with burning DVDs - I was wondering if I could get some help. I'm using Click to DVD to put some AVI files on brand new blank DVD-Rs. Unfortunately, once the DVD is made, there is no sound when I play the movies. There is sound on the menu screen. I'm stumped. Anyone have any idea what I can do?

--Shadarian 04:27, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

  • Are these your own films? It may be a form of piracy protection. - Mgm|(talk) 11:14, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

It's a format incompatibility. The avi's need conversion, and if you have windows, you are SOL (sh*t out of luck). --Zeizmic 14:48, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

But don't you think this is good? I don't think you would upload a copyrighted image onto Wikipedia that clearly says "no redistribution", so why would you redistribute copyrighted films on your own time? KILO-<sub>LIMA 20:09, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Hey, I have put AVIs on DVD, don't see why having Windows would be problematic. I used WinAVI once, however I didn't like it that much. Nero Vision works well, however I have only used it with separate VOB files. Afterdawn, and Doom9 are a couple good sites, you could always google within those sites, and google as is. Willzyx 00:50, 2 March 2006 (UTC)

They're not copyrighted films - they're my own movies. Either way, I guess I am SOL. Oh well.--Shadarian 18:40, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

I once used SOL to mean 'Smiling Out Loud'. Hope I wasn't misunderstood. :) DirkvdM 10:48, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] im making a poll, need input!

which of the brothers chaps are hotter, matt or mike?

  • neither, they are both black holes of lameness

well screw you too!

  • Personally, I prefer girls, but to get any sort of meaningful answer a last name would help a lot. - Mgm|(talk) 11:16, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
This is a reference resource, so it is rather pointless to ask opinions as we don't have any. References resources have a tendency to take questions quite literally, and would probably suggest you approach these guys with a thermometer and check for yourself, since we have no idea who they are. --Shantavira 14:23, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
The Brothers Chaps are the creators of Homestar Runner, and their last name is Chapman. Yeltensic42 don't panic 15:37, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Since when was the reference desk NPOV? Don't be silly. As for my opinion, they are both about equally attractive, if attractive is a word allowed to be used to describe authors of webcomics.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  07:20, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Stay tuned next week for Countdown:The Hottest Wikipedian. Yeltensic42 don't panic 07:47, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] johnny depp porno rumor?!

my brother told me that he was watching this talk show and johnny said he was going to be in a porno, was he just kidding , or is he actually going to do it?!!!

I find this suggestion DEPPraved. StuRat 09:16, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Unfortunately/fortunately (whichever you prefer) he was kidding, here is the quote:
"These kind of characters are not so far from my own personality, but I don't want to become typecast as an eccentric. Maybe next time I should do something totally different and film a cracking porn with Tim Burton. That would really send my popularity down to the depths!"[53]
Akamad 11:18, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] John Goodman (actor)

Is John Goodman still alive?

Very much so. See John Goodman. JackofOz 06:07, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

I saw this but couldn't find if he's still alive, there's a rumour, he died late last year

Well, if he has died, neither the IMDB (http://us.imdb.com) nor http://www.deadoraliveinfo.com knows about it. That's good enough for me. It's pretty much impossible to prove that someone's alive if they haven't shown up in the news lately, but he's well enough known to make it hard to believe he could be dead and all these sites not know about it. You could always find out who his agents are and give them a call, if you like. --Anonymous, 07:35 UTC, February 23, 2006.
And of course these days it's relatively easy to find out whether someone has shown up in the news lately. Google news finds this quip from http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/article/17020604.php, dated February 17:
Russian beauty Lana Antonova, one of the discarded candidates to be the next Bond Girl, will be part of "Slipstream", based on a screenplay by Anthony Hopkins. The film, said to have been shaped around Hopkins wild thoughts on Life, Death and God, will be headlined by John Goodman and Kevin McCarthy.
So if we can believe that, we can narrow the window to the past week; he certainly didn't die late last year. —Steve Summit (talk) 14:32, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Well searched! I looked for something like that myself, but gave up before getting that one. There were too many hits either referring to his past work or to other people with the same name, and I couldn't think of an another search term that would help to narrow things down. --Anon, 17:21 UTC, Feb. 23.

He can survive as long as he's not classified as a comedian, because fat American comedians drop like flies: See John Belushi, John Candy, Chris Farley. The next to drop should be Louie Anderson. StuRat 00:48, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Silly you. John Candy was so Canadian. Canadian Bacon.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  07:08, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

He has to be alive then, thanks for everybody's comment.

[edit] Aggressive ISP behaviour

I live in Atlantic Canada, and am currently subscribed to Aliant. At a friend's place (who is subscribed to Rogers), I've noticed a number of strange behaviours:

  • Idle SSH connections are dropped after about 5-10 minutes.
  • Bittorrent is erratic on standard ports (6881-6889), but perfectly fine on 1720.
  • Large downloads will stall and never pick up.

I've never experienced any of these issues with Aliant. I can leave an idle SSH connection open for days and it's still usable. Can anyone confirm any of the above issues, specific to Rogers?

--Silvaran 07:57, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Never ascribe to conspiracy, what can easily be explained by stupidity. --Zeizmic 13:00, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Ahh, gotta love Hanlon's razor. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 15:16, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
I've seen the dropping of idle SSH connections when dealing with some kinds of NAT devices (they can't track the connection if they see no packet for a couple of minutes). A workaround for that is to enable the keepalive option on the SSH client, which will not let the connection go completely idle. --cesarb 15:12, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Large downloads will stall and never pick up. -> this looks like a common issue with torrents with few or no seeders. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 15:16, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
The downloads are piped through your regular ol' HTTP or FTP request. I needed four attempts to download the latest Eclipse. --Silvaran 17:21, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
When I lived in Toronto I encountered a salmagundi of problems with Rogers. It started with dropped connections at random intervals, and got considerably worse; I had had to reset my router dozens of times a day to keep the connection running. After a couple months and numerous complaints (one of the worst—and busiest—compaints departments I've ever encountered) they started accusing me of being an "abusive user" to which I promptly blew my top, got a 3 month refund on my services, and signed up for Bell instead. Rogers apparently doesn't differenciate between massive spurts of upload hogging (something you would expect from a user running a server) and long-term low bandwitdh transfers (my DL/UL was at a consistant 20kps 24/7, which shows up quite high on the monthly download quota).
Not only was the Bell service 100x smoother (and quite a bit faster, in my area), their tech support was much more accomodating, which I can only assume is a result of the fact that 90% of their customers aren't complaining on a regular basis.  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  07:04, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Customs

I bought an item from ebay for $493 which will be shipped to here (Australia) from Hong Kong.

now, my question is about customs. they do random checks, and if my item is checked itll take an AGE to get to me, and plus ill have to pay taxes BIGTIME.

my mate tells me that the tax-free threshold for stuff like this is <$500. so he says I should be fine.

but im not sure about this? could someone clear this up for me?

thanks. gelo 13:03, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

A random check shouldn't cause much delay as long as the paperwork is in order and the item is legal and does not attract any import duty. Australia is particularly fussy about importing any organic material, e.g. foodstuffs. This site will give you detailed info. --Shantavira 14:16, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
I've looked over the website. Haven't been able to find a price... everything is very complicated on there. :( gelo 04:40, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't know the specifics about Australian customs, but one things I've learned in dealing with customs is to be truthful and not try to avoid paying duties. The best way is often to use a large, commercial shipper like FedEx or DHL, and make sure that the person doing the shipping properly declares the contents, country of origin, and value. The shipping company should take care of the rest. kmccoy (talk) 04:52, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Aha, here is the relevant page. Looks like you get up to $1000 before they impose duty. I think that my previous advice is also still good advice. :) There may be some forms to fill out, and in my experience in the US, a company like FedEx or DHL knows exactly what forms need to be filled out on either end. They also usually have a good relationship with the customs office to ensure that there aren't any problems. kmccoy (talk) 04:59, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Nice! im only $493 so i should be fine! right?

one more thing. are custom conditions different in different countries? like, would the $1000 tax-free threshold be the same for customs offices around the world? gelo 06:43, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

You should be fine. But, of course, this is not legal advice. You're the importer and you're responsible for ensuring that you meet your obligations. Shipping with a major company is your best way of doing that, since they'll take care of everything for you.
Customs vary from country to country, and item to item. One thing I should have mentioned above is that the $1000 limit doesn't apply to alcohol and tobacco, according to that site. I think the duty-free importation limit on a package to the US is $200 USD. But every country will have its own rules. That's another good reason to use a major shipper -- they'll know the rules for every country in which they do business. kmccoy (talk) 06:58, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] price

do you have any cadillac's for 800 $
User:67.66.219.252

no.
Slumgum 13:57, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
WTF? —Keenan Pepper 14:33, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
I do. It's a small, plastic, toy one, and I can sell it for $800 if you want. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 15:02, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
800 American dollars, Canadian dollars, or Ankh-Morpork dollars? --Sam Pointon 15:28, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

When I was younger and needed a car to drive to work I had a budget of US$500. I found a BMW for that, but when I drove it, it became appearent that it was really worth US$0 and the price was raised dramatically for name value. I ended up getting a VW. That was a nice car. Trust me, you don't want any Caddie that's that cheap. -LambaJan 03:37, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

I think Wikipedia currently has a special on Cadillacs. You should be able to pick one up for less than $800. --Optichan 19:18, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Voice Over'd Postman Pat Clip

This is a severe long shot, but a friend showed me yesterday a clip of a postman pat episode voiced over with a new dialogue (one containing a huge amount of profanities) - i found it extremely funny but cannot find it anyware, looking on both Google and Gnutella P2P. Does anyone know of this, or could at least point me in the right direction? Many Thanks -Benbread 14:04, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, i found the clip, after lots of searching with google i changed the search from "remix" to "dubbed" and there it was. If anyone is interested this is the clip:

http://media.putfile.com/postman-pat66

Warning: strong language.

[edit] is that true

hello i was watching a segment on the situation with tucker carlson about how art wasn`t being admired for art`s sake and they said that the movie trans-america starring falicty huffman was so bad they had to subpoena people to see it. is that true.

No. Tucker Carlson has a habit of exaggerating. Transamerica (film) has sold $4 million in tickets, which is rather good for a movie about a transsexual that cost $1 millon to make.--M@rēino 15:12, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

See also: Hyperbole and The dozens for similar statements of dubious accuracy. GeeJo (t) (c) • 10:00, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Difference between "prize fighting" and "boxing"

In English law, a number of cases and textbooks refer to "prize fighting" as being illegal, but "boxing" being legal. On Wikipedia, prize fighting simply redirects to the boxing article, and is simply given as another name for boxing. What is the distinction? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. TomPhil 14:48, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Are you sure that the law is existant or correct? Webster's defines "prize fighting" as "professional boxing". However (looking down the page), this site defines "prize fighting" as "Prize fighting: fighting, [especially boxing,] in public for a reward or wager." So perhaps boxing is legalised becuase it's safe (in an abstract term), and prize fighting as un-authorised fighting in public, thus breach of the peace. KILO-LIMA 20:07, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
I believe this falls afoul of government morality: "Any human activity is highly immoral if the government doesn't get a cut, whereas, the same activity should be actively encouraged if the government does get a cut". StuRat 23:41, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
This is just a theory, so don't lay too much store on it, but ISTR that at one time betting on fights was illegal in Britain. So a prize fight may simply mean one on which bets are laid as to the winner. "Boxing" is also a more precise definition, since it has to conform to the Queensberry Rules and be licensed - it could well be that a "prize fight" doesn't have these stipulations. Grutness...wha? 00:56, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
I though prize fighting was just bare knuckle boxing not conforming to the Marquis of Queensberry Rules. AllanHainey 12:01, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Conflicting information resolution.

The conversation previously located here has been moved to the Help desk; the content is entitled conflicting information resolution, just as it was here. Folajimi 23:37, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] COMPOSITION -1

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SATIRE AND PROSE WRITING STYLES?

(email address deleted)

In prose writing, you do your own homework. In satire, we make humor about you doing your own homework. --Anonymous, 17:25 UTC, February 23, 2005.
I'm afraid I don't speak Caps Lock. Please ask again in English.  -- Run!  18:09, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

There's that witty Anon-person again! I don't acknowledge that you are smarter than me until you sign up. --Zeizmic 18:12, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

maybe they are signed up but don't want to be suitly emphazi by us. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 19:09, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] specific name

What I am I considered as if my mother is Black and my father is 1/2 Brazilian and 1/2 Cuban? --199.20.30.254 20:21, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Where do you live? Racial categories (which seem to be what you're asking about) are very much culturally constructed, so you might be considered one thing in Brazil, another in Cuba, and a third in the United States. —Charles P._(Mirv) 21:51, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
Also note that "Cuban" and "Brazilian" could mean anything from Native American (Indian) to Spanish (which could be a European/Arabic blend) to African. (I suppose their are Asian Brazilians, too, but you probably would have mentioned if you were part Asian.) StuRat 23:25, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
You're a mutt. --Serie 00:16, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
steady there, Serie. (S)he's a human. 199.20.30.254 (catchy name!) - you might like to check the item under the heading Ethnic, further up this page. It may help you get a handle on things. Grutness...wha? 00:59, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Does it matter? I tend to change ethnicities as the mood strikes me. Or depending on the context. For instance, in your case I'd count myself as Brazilian at least during the football World Cup. --BluePlatypus 21:01, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
StuRat already pointed in this direction, but I'll make it more explicit. You're mixing two things up, ethnicity and nationality. Then again, being Cuban can almost be considered an ethnicity because of their unique mix of ethnicities. And I really mean mix, not living side by side with a bit of mixing in the distant past because people there really don't give a shit about skin colour and that sort of thing. So they mix freely and have probably done so for a long time. And I believe something similar goes fro Brazil. So you could call yourself one of the most complete humans that walk this Earth. How does that sound? DirkvdM 10:58, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
Ethnicity and nationality are not distinct things, especially in the Americas. E.g. most people in the USA speak English and celebrate Thanksgiving, regardless of their race, religion or origin. You can't draw a line between 'national' and 'ethnical' elements of a culture. --BluePlatypus 18:57, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh, by 'ethnicity' I meant what is usually erroneously referred to as 'race' - skin colour, nose shape and that sort of thing. Is there really no better name for this? However, to continue on the subject, I'd say nationality is what your passport says and ethnicity is where your ancestors are from ('what your parents' passports say', so to say). DirkvdM 09:11, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Thinking of relocating to Middletown, Ohio

What are the schools for an elementry student and the job market like. The area etc.

You can look at [54] google search. The city has a surprizingly good site. I wish I could tell you more. I'm from Ohio, so I can tell you general things about the state, but citywise I can only speak for NEOH. -LambaJan 03:54, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Only thing I know about Ohio: You DO NOT want to speed in that state! It's the only place I've ever seen an officer walk out into oncoming traffic to flag down a speeder! Dismas|(talk) 16:51, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
LOL! Once I saw an officer had two cars on the burm waiting to take tickets from him, and he tried to flag me down also. I pretended to not know what he wanted. He was too busy to come after me. -LambaJan 03:38, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
Come to think of it, he may have been having muscle spasms. ;-) -LambaJan 04:11, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
I was younger then. I rarely go over the de-facto speed limit anymore. -LambaJan 06:06, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] First Amendment

i may be completely off here, but i remember hearing [or maybe it was a dream] that Abe Lincoln suspended First Amendment rights during part or all of the civil war. specifically, the right to criticize the gov't. is this true? thanks.

Sedition was made illegal during the American Civil War; our article on Abraham Lincoln unfortunately exaggerates that to "suspended the First Amendment". — Lomn Talk 22:26, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
It was briefly illegal before that, see the Alien and Sedition Acts. StuRat 23:18, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Remarkably, Woodrow Wilson had Congress do it again with the Sedition Act of 1918. Some historians say that the act was written specifically to incarcerate Socialist Candidate Eugene V. Debs, who tended to lay it on the Democrats a lot harder than he did on the Republicans. Considering that Wilson consistently refused to pardon Debs, even after the law was repealed, it's a pretty good theory. --M@rēino 01:43, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] MBA programs

Hi! i am willing to know about all the way that i would have to go through to do MBA i am in Quebec, Canada but i am still unknown to the system of studies in this province, because I find it very complicated to understand. i am studying at an adult centre and doing maths sec-4, english sec-3 and maths GSM-242. I have to choose between acconting and business management(marketting) programs in CEGEP(colleges) but I want to know which one is better to do. Can u give me information on both of these programs.

I'm guessing you're a Francophone. You should say "I want to know..." not "I'm willing to know..." and "I am unfamiliar with the system..." not "I am still unknown to the system..." StuRat 00:33, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
In Canada what you do at a CEGEP, and also in your undergraduate, has little effect on getting into most MBA programs. Your marks and work experience are far more important. The best advice is to pick a subject you enjoy and think you will do well in. - SimonP 04:13, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
You may find greater success in your studies if you improved your English. Put off the MBA a few years. --Nelson Ricardo 01:38, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 24

[edit] Alien

Hi,Here Is My Question:What Is The Name For The Aliens From The Moon?,because the aliens from mars are martians,I just Want To Know.

Of course there aren't any, but a future name for people living on the moon might be Lunans, I guess. StuRat 00:30, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Selenites has been used in science fiction books of the last century. alteripse 00:34, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Also Lunarians or Lunarites. --Anon, 00:36 UTC, Feb. 24.
Or the Mooninites from Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Yeltensic42 don't panic 01:19, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
"The Mooninites are clearly superior to you. That goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway, because that's how we do it on the Moon."--M@rēino 01:52, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Loonies. —Charles P._(Mirv) 01:45, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Lunarians would be the etimologically correct, I think. "Lunatics" has also roots on "from the moon" ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 04:36, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Their names are Cloyd and Gidney --LarryMac 05:33, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] George W. Bush Jr. Term 1

Hello, I was wondering if there was a list of poster advertisements and popluar sayings from Bush Jr. Term 1. If someone could help me out there that would be great!! Thanks --Zach 03:44, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Bush's verbalisms are a popular conversation starter. There's http://www.dubyaspeak.com/ but you'll have to figure them out by date (of his first term).  freshgavinΓΛĿЌ  06:45, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] 70's Television

Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right place to send this question, but I figured I may as well try. Having grown up in the 60's and 70's I spent a lot of time in front of the tube. Probably too much. But there was a show that has come up in conversations with friends called "Here Come The 70s". This was a weekly show that showed interesting new things based on current and upcoming technology, sort of like "Daily Planet". I have tried searching for information on it many times using various search engines, and this is the first time I found anything at all. Unfortunately only a name and date. I would love to get a copy of the shows intro or at least the theme song. But I cant even try looking for it because I have no name or artist to go by. Can you help? I would really appreciate it.

Steve Toronto

CTV "Here Comes the '70s" 1974

I just googled on exactly the above, and got this page, which seems to have some names on it. If that line doesn't pan out, but you now know it was a CTV show, maybe you should try phoning or writing to CTV. There must be someone there who keeps track of their old shows and can tell you whether anything has been released. --Anonymous, 05:41 UTC, February 24, 2006.
Here's some more info. The theme song was definitely by a group from Toronto called Syrinx. (I remember seeing them in concert around that time). Besides the nude lady of the lake, you may recall a trio (saxophone, synthesizer, drummer) standing on a tiny island in the middle of the water playing the theme song. The synth player was Doug Pringle. You might be able to track down a copy of the recording through him. Find Doug here Good luck.

--Stephen Grant, Ottawa, May 2, 2007

[edit] FIFA 06

Hello. This message is for anyone who may own the video game FIFA 06. In the opening video sequence under the caption "This is our faith", and in the FA Premier League highlights video, there is a Manchester United players kneeling down on the pitch looking very upset or something like that. I'm a PlayStation 2 fanatic, but not a soccer fanatic, so I'd be interested to know who that is--M Johnson (talk • contribs) 12:05, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

I think it's Ruud van Nistelrooy. --BluePlatypus 20:56, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] PORSCHE

how much time does porsche takes to roll out a complete car from scratch.

It doesn't roll out a complete car from scratch. deeptrivia (talk) 18:50, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Define scratch. DirkvdM 11:00, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
Meaning start with the dough, yeast and water, put it in the mixer... how long before you roll it out?
Porsche have a pretty detailed tour of a manufacturing plant online. It does not give any specific timeframes but it sounds as though they run the line continuously and as rapidly as neccessary, having optimized their processes to make sure that assembly workers can concentrate on quality. Therefore, the question of "how much time from scratch"...doesn't quite make sense. We could say that they complete x cars in a 12 hour day, but that doesn't mean they make x/12 cars from scratch per hour, and thet it takes them 12/x hours to make each one. KWH 21:09, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

Do you mean "what is the current length of time from initial concept to production" at Porche ? StuRat 20:12, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

Or "what is the time taken to produce a single Porsche, from the first cut of metal to the final product?" I think we may need some clarification on your question... — QuantumEleven | (talk) 09:33, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] martial arts

Most Martial arts were not created to be the best martial art of the world, some martial art were not created jus for fighting, so there are martial arts that are better then others (kung fu is better than boxing). So my question is, what is the best martial art of the world??

See weapons of mass destruction and the United States of America. -- Toytoy 16:43, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Flower arranging, definitely. What? It was considered a martial art by the Japanese, at least! GeeJo (t) (c) • 17:03, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Well it changes. For a while in Europe, broadsword was the best, nowadays assault rifle training is more important. Of course, if you are talking about unarmed combat, probably a hybrid, not a single system (this is usually what soldiers are taught). Rmhermen 17:59, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
which unarmed martial art is best depends on what one wants to do with it. military combatives (e.g. Sambo (martial art) or Krav Maga) are good for putting an opponent out of action as quickly as possible. police officers, who aren't supposed to hurt people more than is absolutely necessary, tend to use softer styles of unarmed combat akin to judo or aikido. for exercise, fun, or general self-improvement, perhaps other styles are best. —Charles P._(Mirv) 18:58, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Kalarippayattu is the favorite in Kerala. "The best" is subjective. deeptrivia (talk) 19:04, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Define 'best'. It's not just subjective, it's vague. Some are more graceful, some are better at sending the other guy to kingdome come. Do you want the focus to be on 'martial' or on 'arts'? (It is an odd combination of words, isn't it?)
Having said that, one I like is where one can only use any force used by the opponent (by amplifying it so that the opponnent actually hurts himself, and proportionately to their aggression). So that's the ultimate pacifist fighting style. But I forgot what it's called. Anyone? DirkvdM 11:05, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Male porn stars

Which male porn star has the largest "real" penis ?

Do you mean in a jar, or somewhere else? User:Zoe|(talk) 19:25, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

The guy would be Ron Jeremy. His size is 9.75".

That has just got to be surgically enhanced. KILO-LIMA 22:59, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
Ron Jeremy must be the only person whose Wikipedia article lists his penis size in the infobox alongside his age, height and hair colour... :) — QuantumEleven | (talk) 09:31, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Nope, it's a standard part of the template: Special:Whatlinkshere/Template:Male adult bio. —Keenan Pepper 13:31, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
I don't believe that Ron Jeremy has the longest penis among porn stars. First, there have been porn actors in the past who Jeremy himself has said had longer penises than he. In a biographical movie on John Holmes (I'd have to look up which one), Jeremy recounts that Holmes used to call him "little dick," which he presumably was compared to Holmes' quite legendary endowment. More generally, I've worked in the adult industry and seen thousands of penises in thousands of movies and images - including Ron Jeremy's more times than I care to remember - and I feel quite confident that I've seen noticably longer penises than his. Indeed, I'd refer you to some images on the web but I suspect that would violate any number of Wikipedia rules and possibly American laws. Ultimately, though, given the exaggeration in this area that is common to porn actors, it's probably not possible to say for sure. --George 23:14, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

Lol, I had to put this. According to girls at my school the AVERAGE size for the TOTAL MALE population is 9 in. That means porn stars must have what, a size of 15in? Jon

Something tells me there are going to be a lot of disappointed young ladies at that school. I'm glad I don't have to "measure" up to those expectations. Danthemankhan(talk) 05:36, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
I think the girls at your school are a bunch of liars. Without wanting to sound, um, weird, Rocco Silfredi is probably 'bigger' than Ron Jeremy. Proto||type 16:11, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
There's also Jonah Falcon, although his "stardom" is debatable. --LarryMac 20:05, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Doesn't anyone here remember the Clarence Thomas nomination hearings? (Hey, what's this on top of my Coke can?) --Aaron 20:10, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Websites to upload pictures from?

What are some websites that I can upload pictures on? Not Imageshak though.

Try Flickr. User:Zoe|(talk) 19:28, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Also Photobucket is pretty popular.  -- Run!  19:38, 24 February 2006 (UTC)
Dmoz (www.dmoz.org) is a good place to look if you want to find a website. -Halidecyphon 20:58, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] First Fare paying passenger flight

When was the first fare paying flight and which Air Line was it. What was their logo.

If by "airline" you mean to imply a scheduled flight, then the first was the St. Petersburg – Tampa Airboat Line's flight from St. Petersurg to Tampa (in Florida), on January 1, 1914. See under Tony Jannus. Wikipedia doesn't seem to have an article about the company, but there are several web pages about it, such as this one (which you would find at the top of a Google search for "first" and "airline"). this one, and (www.suite 101.com/article.cfm/airline_liveries/109196) this one. According to that last page, the regular fare for the trip was $5, but the first ticket was auctioned off and went for $400, which was donated to the City of St. Petersburg.
None of the pictures on these sites show any markings on the plane or any logo on the timetable. Presumably as the only airline in existence, they did not feel3 they needed any. The tail is not clearly visible in the photos, though, so they might have had something painted on it.
It seems possible that people would have paid for special charter flights (whether for transportation, sightseeing, or just thrills) a bit before that; I don't know. Barnstorming, it says at that article, "did not become a formal phenomenon until the 1920s"; but it might have happened in a small way earlier.
--Anonymous, 23:45 UTC, February 24, 2006.
It would have had to have been in a small way because planes were not very big in those days. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 03:49, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
The question doesn't specify the type of aircraft. It merely says 'flight'. That would include balloons. Don't know any answer, though, just wanted to point this out. Of course the zeppelins come to mind, but there were other types of balloons before that. Actually, the Balloon (aircraft) article says manned ballons started to 'take off' in the 18th century. But the List of early flying machines even mentions manned kites in China, as reported by Marco Polo. Sounds pretty modern. And cool. If only we would be more open to other cultures and times we would not be doomed to reinvent stuff all the time. Still don't have an answer. though, just some interresting trivia. :) DirkvdM 11:18, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
My understanding is that the first commercial airline flights as we know them were offered by what is now United Airlines, when it was effectively part of Boeing. The "Early beginnings" section of our United Airlines article has more (see also the "Before 1950s" section of the Boeing article). —Steve Summit (talk) 16:16, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
Sir, your understanding is mistaken. Look at the dates on those pages and see the answer I already gave above. United's claim is only to be oldest airline in the United States. The oldest airline still using its original name, by the way, is KLM.
The fact that I, a Dutchman, didn't know that, may be an indication of the Dutch aversion to national pride. But let me point out an interresting bit of trivia; since the 'K' in KLM stands for 'royal', it is now a French company and France doesn't have a king (either bold or not), one might conclude that KLM no longer exists. DirkvdM 09:19, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Fortunately, acronyms sometimes take on lives of their own and no longer mean what they originally meant. QANTAS originally meant "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service", but it goes all over the world now, and QANTAS just means QANTAS. JackofOz 19:37, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
The point about balloons and dirigibles is a good one, though. --Anonymous, 20:56 UTC, February 25.
www.suite 101.com/article.cfm/airline_liveries/110594 - This article says that KLM may not be the oldest and this "might" be the first airline to offer the first fare paying flights. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 21:32, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 25

[edit] Mass marketing in magazines and on the internet

Hello:

I need to know if there is an equation or set of equations that can estimate what percentage of a magazines circulation will buy a product advertised in that magazine. Or what percentage of an internet sites traffic will buy a product advertised on that website.

Thanks for the help:

Doug Henry--69.129.40.36 07:58, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

I doubt it, since the response will depend on the product and pricing, as well as the advertisement. StuRat 20:05, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Passing a blank parameter in a template

Hello internet,

I'm not sure this si the best place to ask but I'll ask anyway. I am using Mediawiki on a personal website, setting up templates for users to quickly input data into parameters. I studied the Meta guide, it shows how to set a default value for a parameter using pipes. However, it seems that in whatever configuration I'm using, pipes in a parameter don't work.

Also, If I leave a parameter undefined, it will desplay the paramter (complete with curly braces) instead of being blank.

Is there some part of the configuration files I need to edit to make this work?
Thanks
Mylakovich 08:35, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

Not that I'm aware of. But you could pass &nbsp; (yuk). -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 20:01, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
You don't need a &nbsp;. You can just leave it completely empty. Superm401 - Talk 21:07, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
The fact that you said "Hello internet" is awesome.

[edit] The Yashins

Hi all - a question I've been pondring while watching the Winter Olympics... is Russian ice hockey star Alexei Yashin any relation of the USSR's finest soccer goalkeeper (and occasional ice hockey netminder) Lev Yashin? Grutness...wha? 09:45, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Skype

What is behind the name Skype? How was it chosen? Does it represent something specific such as IBM (International Business Machines)? Or is it a combination of names, etc.? --Thom

Hmmm...our article doesn't seem to say, nor does their official website. Google and Ask Jeeves turned up nothing. I wonder if they're trying to keep it a secret, LOL. I e-mailed them to ask, but who knows if/when I'll hear back. Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:14, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
It probably means nothing - companies mostly choose names that are memorable, make a nice logo, or sound 'companyish' (e.g. HyperMegaGloboCorpia)  -- Run!  19:07, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
I thought that was when you use the toilet on an airplane, or is that called a "sky pee" ? StuRat 20:02, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
CNET News has an interview with the creators of Skype here [55]. They had this to say about the name:
Skype does not mean anything. It just sounds good, and the dot-com domain name was available. We hope people will start saying, "I'll Skype you" instead of "I'll call you," which means "I'll call you without paying any rip-off per-minute charges and with superior better-than-phone quality."
--jh51681 21:31, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
One thing they could have had in mind is that it rhymes with "type"; don't they have a slogan,"Don't type it, Skype it!"? Yeltensic42 don't panic 17:57, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Quick! Register that as your trademark for something and then sell it to them!  -- Run!  15:58, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

By Jaanus on November 01, 2005 in Insight

I often get asked “where did the Skype name come from?” A creative version was offered by one of our forum readers:

it’s a Chuvash word … meaning “The whole world can talk for free”

The truth is a bit different, but at least as interesting :)

So somewhere a few years ago, Niklas and the other guys started thinking of this new thing they are going to make, which would let the world talk for free. And so they needed a name for it.

One of the names they came up with was “Sky peer-to-peer”, which got soon shortened to “Skyper”. But as happens in the Internet world, some of the domain names associated with “skyper” were already taken, so they thought what the heck, let’s just drop the “r” and make it “Skype”. It sounded good and the domains were available.

Initially the name didn’t make sense to many people. (Probably still doesn’t.) They go “Skype, what is that? A bird? Or a disease?” But after people learn about what Skype can do for them, the name seems to kind of work.

I found the above on another forum.

69.37.111.244 18:02, 4 March 2006 (UTC)Thom

[edit] cost to fly air force one?

I would like to know how much it costs to fly air force one with the pres. on board, including related costs like the cargo plane bringing in the motorcade cars the day before etc. Please respond to my email: <e-mail removed> Thank you, greg Hildebrandt

Please read the instructions above....Dont put your e-mail here unless you want millions of spam
wow thats the first time i did that!!!! no probs right??)Jayant, 17 Years, India|(Talk) 19:14, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
And a little googling...it takes $56800-per-hour to run the big bird according to the U.S. Air Force Jayant, 17 Years, India|(Talk) 19:38, 25 February 2006 (UTC)
Bloody hell. How many third world people could live off that for a year? Dozens, if they don't ask for too much. And that's just one hour! Then again, any commercial flight wouldn't cost all that much less (say 100 passengers paying that, that's 500 € per passenger - you don't get too many flying hours for that). And there are a whole lot more of those (htat all important element that is so often forgotten). DirkvdM 09:30, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes..i think that is a little too much that a country should spend on one man... But thats part of his Job isn't it?? fly around in a plane bigger than the length of the street in which i live...i think he should travel on a hot-air balloon.....ha ha..... Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 16:02, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
If we just count the federal government directly, the US President runs an organisation with an annual expenditure of two trillion dollars a year, millions of employees (there's 1.4 million soldiers alone), and whose mistakes could potentially throw millions into misery. If flying them round in Air Force One lets the President do his job more efficiently, it's cheap at the price. --Robert Merkel 21:29, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Ah, but you aren't seeing it rationally! ;) See, if he has to fly around in a battered Cessna 152, he's much more likely to get killed in an assassination. Then the US has to go to war with whoever planned the assassination, which costs a lot more than if he just flies around in a shiny 747 in the first place. Or... something like that. :P Sum0 16:38, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, because it's a well known fact that the Air Force One is impervious to surface to air missiles. -LambaJan 17:29, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Actually, the best defence is to adhere to policies that are good for the people of the world, then they won't want to attack you. -LambaJan 17:36, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
There's still always the crazy guy doing it to impress the actress. Superm401 - Talk
Tautologous question: any plane carrying the US President in his official role is Air Force One. Sam Korn (smoddy) 17:39, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Any USAF plane, anyway. Our articles report the use of a Navy One on one occasion, with the framework in place for an Executive One and a Coast Guard One. Army One and Marine One are invariably helicopters, but both services operate fixed-wing aircraft, so it's again possible... Shimgray | talk | 19:47, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Didn't know there could be so many of something that is 'One'. :) DirkvdM 09:39, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] cost to fly air force one? Part 2

An overzealous admin apparently blocked a dynamic I/P from editting the above item, and I happened to get that I/P, so I will add my reply here instead:

I believe Air Force One does have anti-missile systems, and is also accompanied by fighter jets, and they don't file a flight plan, so they would be far more difficult to shoot down than a commercial flight, hence the added expense. StuRat 06:30, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Rebuilding Windows Media Library

After moving/renaming/deleting various music and video files on my computer, Media Player is still leaving the empty red links in Media Library (i.e. when I click on a song that has since been deleted, it searches for a few seconds, turns the song title/info red, then plays the next song in line). Is there some way I can make Media Player purge its index of media files and completely rebuild it? Thanks! --CrypticBacon 20:10, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

I belive you have to give WMP the entire new location of the file(s) you want to play. That is, delete the existing files in Media Library, put all the specific music you want into one folder (it is quicker if you do this as you can select "Import a folder") and then it should do it automatically. Of course, you will then have to correct any other information that is a mistake, as well as your personal ratings you give it. KILO-LIMA 22:44, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

Well that wasn't too hard... I selected "All audio" and highlighted every item on the list and then selected "delete from Media Library". Next I went to "Tools" and selected "Search for Media Files", and that's it. Thanks for the help. --CrypticBacon 23:19, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Email address for Bruce Jay Friedman (Author)

Can anyone help me contact Bruce Jay Friedman? We worked together while serving in the US Air Force. Although It's been more than 50 years I would like to contact him.

According to Amazon, his publisher is Avalon Travel Publishing, which has a website at www.travelmatters.com. Publishers don't usually give out their authors' addresses, but you can write to him c/o Avalon Travel Publishing, 1400 65th Street, Suite 250, Emeryville, CA 94608. --Shantavira 10:27, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Temporal Lobe Transient

What is a temporal lobe transient? Is there a connection between temporal lobe transients and bipolar disorder?

It stems from a hypothesis by Michael Persinger roughly stating that our sense of self (no article?) is governed by the temporal cortex, and that transient changes in its activity can elicit out-of-body experiences and other paranormal phenomena. I'd approach it with one or two healthy doses of skepticism. Cheers, David Iberri (talk) 23:06, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] fiduciary

I am a trustee of a trust whose beneficaries are still living overseas. I am seventy years old with no family and no one to rely on in case of death. Will it be advisable in my case to hire a fiduciary concern and what would the pros and contras be?

Any advise you could give me shall be very much appreciated.

Julio C. Mas

The trust should have backup provisions that at the minimum provide for the beneficiaries to appoint a new trustee if needed. That should be the default law anyway, but I don't know about your/the trusts jurisdiction. I doubt you have the right to hire a corporate trustee of your own accord, but if you do, the trust document would say. Best bet is to talk to the beneficiaries and ask what they want to do. At worst, adding a corporate trustee as successor wouldn't hurt if there is no one else the beneficiaries want to have handle the role. The upside of the corporate trustee is they provide continuity. The downside is cost and impersonal treatment. They have no vested interest and I've seen plenty of examples of people that have to fight with their corp trustee to get benefits they are entitled to under the trust. But that can happen with any trustee. It's of course going to vary so shopping around would be a good idea. Also try reading our articles on fiduciary, trustee, and trust. - Taxman Talk 04:16, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Oh and of course, I'm not an attorney, I don't even play one on TV. This is not, nor is the preceding legal advice, and you'd have to be insane to actually take them as such. :) - Taxman Talk 19:22, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 26

[edit] rosicrucian

Does the rosicrucian order have Secret Agents?

If it were posted here, they wouldn't be very secret anymore, would they? :) kmccoy (talk) 04:06, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
But they are secretive. See this site for something rather more entertaining than the Wikipedia article. --Shantavira 11:58, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Blind

Can Someone Tell me The Names Of All Blind Superheros? User:206.170.104.24

Daredevil is one.
Slumgum 01:23, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Zatoichi. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 01:30, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Doctor Mid-Nite, The Black Bat, List of people with visual disabilities#Fictional and Mythological Characters. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 01:36, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Category:Fictional blind characters and, um Wonderman
Slumgum 01:43, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
How about Ray Charles? I would "suitly emphazi" that he's more so than Wonderman. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:27, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

Notice how modest 206.170.104.24 is. All words in the question are capitalised, except for 'me'. :) DirkvdM 09:32, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

This is a fine example of modesty. It could actually be taken to the next level: 'Can someone tell the names of all blind superheroes?' Then there is no mention of the self, which would arguably make the poster a blind superhero. lol. -LambaJan 17:24, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Don't forget Michel Strogoff either :) – b_jonas 12:03, 3 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Lost A train?

I read this legend that an A train on the New York City Subway was lost and never found in 1935. Is this true? I tried using Google but found nothing. --Blue387 05:26, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

It's most likely an urban legend. Trains can't just disappear. Where would they go? Who could possibly "steal" a whole train? ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 06:09, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course, this sort of thing does come up in fiction. The story "A Subway Named Mobius" by A.J. Deutsch comes to mind at once, although that took place in Boston (and the 1996 movie version, "Moebius", in Buenos Aires). But in terms of reality, forget it. --Anonymous, 08:05 UTC, February 26.

I can't imagine a train full of people disappearing, but I suppose if an old train was sold for scrap and not properly recorded as such, it might be a "lost train". StuRat 06:19, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

Well, the magician David Copperfield did make a train disappear. But I don't think it was a New York City subway train. – b_jonas 12:00, 3 March 2006 (UTC)
A train is swallowed by an alien in Men in Black --DLL 21:01, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] making out!? slang terms?

okay, now in making out, i dont know what this whole 1,2,3rd basing it is, can someone help me? 1st base, second base, third base, homerun.

It's an analogy to the steps on a relationship, home run being sexual intercourse. There doesn't seem to be a standard (ie. some say 3rd base is oral sex, others would say that's already in home run). ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 06:06, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Once again, Wikipedia comes through, it seems we already have an article about said matter: Baseball euphemism. - Akamad 07:31, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Hmmm, oral sex as a prelude to copulation? Is that a US thing? Also, I know little about baseball, but I thought a homerun was doing all bases in one go. Is that also a US thing? Is it normal there to 'fuck on first dates', as Kevin Bloody Wilson so eloquently put it? That is a common notion people outside the US have, as shown in a previous thread. DirkvdM 10:38, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
I'd guess oral sex is a prelude for recreational sex, not copulation (which is strictly aimed at reproduction, AFAIK) ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 12:38, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
For most people, most of the time, copulation is not aimed at reproduction but at having a good time. Oral sex can be a part of any sexual encounter. It can be a prelude to intercourse, or a postlude, or it can be the main sexual act itself. JackofOz 19:30, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
You might like List of sexual slang. I find it quite amusing. KILO-LIMA 12:40, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
First base is usually making out; 2 and 3 are the vague ones. Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:01, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
This is probably what you want: Baseball euphemism. KILO-LIMA 21:24, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Fern

Today I bought a fern, I'm not sure what type it is though, it's indoor....I don't have a digital camera unfortunately :( can anyone help me?

No, we can't. You'll have to tell us a lot more other than "it's indoor" so we can figure what type it is. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 08:21, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Check out the fern article... it has pictures of some types of ferns.. try to search for some similarities...or you could just search in google for some more photos... Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 09:43, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

Related question I've just thought of: what's the name of those "quizes" where you answer a series of questions about an organism, working you through a tree of questions which eventually leads you to its specific species? I remember doing those in biology class.  -- Run!  10:18, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

I dont know whats the official name of the game is...but i used to play a lot and in lots of other topics..... we used to have a limit of 20-questions and you could answer only in a "yes" or a "no"... i used to call it "20 Questions" ...but it was a long time ago and name's probably different now...Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 12:02, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes it is certainly similar to the "20 Questions" game, but it's not actually a game - it's a system for helping biologists to identify species. I just can't think of the name.  -- Run!  12:07, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Scientific classification? David Sneek 15:33, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
A classification key? [56] (we don't have an article) Oh yes we do, it's Identification keySum0 16:33, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
I always thought it was called Animal, Mineral, Vegetable. Which redirects to 20 Questions, although I'm not convinced they are the same game. Proto||type 16:15, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
The former is described as a popular variant of 20Q.  -- Run!  16:51, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Question about Bourbon...

In the Bourbon Whiskey page, it gives the specs for what Bourbon is and what rules it must follow to make it. It also says that Jack Daniels is NOT Bourbon because of the filtering process, but there is no filtering specs for Bourbon. I was wondering if the Bourbon specs are incomplete, and if there is in fact a filtering rule one must follow, along with the others, to have made actual Bourbon.


Thank you!

Chris

See Lincoln County Process and Tennessee whiskey. It appears that Bourbon whiskey is not filitered. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 20:45, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

Jack Daniels is classified as Teneessee whiskey since it's filtered three times through a sugar-maple charcoal filter, which is a requirement for being able to be called Tennessee whiskey. -Leo

While on the subject of bourbon, I once bought a bottle of Four Roses and it was even worse than Johnny Walker. Do all bourbons stink or is it just this brand? DirkvdM 09:45, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] smb3 all stars maps

Anyone know where to get complete pictures of maps of super mario bros 3 all stars, of all maps?? I found you can look here http://www.vgmaps.com/Atlas/NES/index.htm#SuperMarioBros3 . But this is not the all stars version, so if anyone know the all stars version put here. And this version don't have the monsters.

Why? Are the NES and All-Star versions different, apart from graphics? And anyway, why do you need the enemies too? If you need help with the game, try here, because the GBA and All-Star versions are the same, I think. Ignore the e-Reader parts. Vitriol 20:11, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

I saw at one place, i think thatwas here on wikipedia, that snes and nes versions have the same maps, but the gba have minor corrections and changes.

[edit] Thomas K. Spencer

Did you know that the founder of the Tampa Tribune was a Confederate?

Thomas Spencer

Thomas K. Spencer was born in Pasco County but resided in Hillsborough County most of his life. He devoted his youthful efforts to the printer's trade and was a pioneer in the newspaper business in Florida. At 15, he enlisted in the Florida Infantry as a drummer boy. He served a year before his superior officers became aware that he was under the required age and sent him home with a military discharge. But with martial spirit he re-enlisted, this time as a blockade runner. He was captured by the enemy and languished in a military prison for seven months. As soon as he was released, he was off again in a cavalry company for the Southern cause. He was the last man in the Confederate service of the state of Florida, having been sent with dispatches and not returning until twenty days after the surrender.

After the war, Spencer returned home and attempted to revive The Florida Peninsular newspaper. Later he founded The Tampa Tribune. Under President Cleveland's first administration, Spencer was Collector of Customs, and in 1893 he was elected Sheriff, a position he held for eight years.

As Sheriff, Spencer planned and began the work that stands as one of the monuments of his official career - the system of good roads which have brought Hillsborough County favorable notice and proved of inestimable advantage to its residents. In office, he was over watchful to his duty, and he executed the important tasks of the public trust with a conscientious regard for its responsibilities. Levin Armwood, the first black deputy sheriff, worked for Spencer and on May 27, 1895, sheriff Spencer wrote: "To whom it may concern . . . This is to certify that Levin Armwood is a Deputy Sheriff in and for Hillsborough County and is authorized to carry prisoners to court." Hillsborough County's Armwood High School was named after Levin Armwood's Daughter, Blanche.

Because of illness, Spencer retired from public life on January 1, 1901, and was in fact, seriously ill with LaGrippe, which developed into pneumonia. He died on May 6 at the age of 56. In accounts from his obituary, it was noted that "no citizen had done more for the upbuilding of Tampa as he, and he gained the respect and love of its citizens."

Interesting, but how is this a question? Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:03, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

If you think he deserves an article, then write one. StuRat 06:15, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

Assuming it's not a copyvio. Superm401 - Talk 21:21, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
'Tis one : http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/Sheriffs/12_T_Spencer.htm. --DLL 20:48, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Shakespeare

I just watched Shakespeare in Love. After completing a page, Shakespeare puts some sort of powder on the paper and blows on it to spread it. What is this powder and why does he do that ? Tintin (talk) 15:03, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

I dunno, perhaps to dry the ink? ☢ <span style="font-size:110%">Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 15:34, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Before the use of a blotters, sand, sometimes from sand shakers, was used to absorb the excess ink. Rmhermen 18:48, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Stick arena cheats- speedgear.etc

How do you cheat in Stick Arena? (www.stickarena.com) I already have Speedgear but how do you get black names, the knife and go in walls? Is there any other programs? Thanks! --69.157.26.167 16:59, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

Please don't ruin other people's fun, thanks. Sum0 15:49, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Frog legs

Which species of frog is most often used to make this delicacies? Vitriol 18:15, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

I'd put my money on the edible frog (Rana kl. esculenta). --David Iberri (talk) 21:44, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Edited. Vitriol 21:56, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
It would surely depend on what country. I did see somewhere that in the US some people catch bullfrogs for the legs. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 23:15, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Mountain chicken (Leptodactylus fallax) are the species eaten in Montserrat (which name includes an opinion on their flavor.) Rmhermen 23:31, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Other species in the U.S. include green frog (Rana clamitans), the leopard frog (Rana pipiens), and the pickerel frog (Rana palustris), and the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) [57]
Of course the most common types of frogs used for their legs are the ones from this species. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 23:39, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Death? Vitriol 00:02, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes. All frogs are dead when eaten. US$6.95 a pound.
Although some live ones are licked for a trippy experience. DirkvdM 09:47, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
By the way, at that exchange rate I'd quickly sell all my pounds (if I had any). DirkvdM 09:49, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Inrage. Does the word strike chords?

How do you start a debate on a new word, inrage, and its definition posted here on Wikipedia?

DOST THOU MEAN 'ENRAGE'? Vitriol 19:22, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
You sound inraged. Take a chill pill, it might put more imphasis on your imphatic side, and ixclude anger from your edits. --Sam Pointon 19:27, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm not enraged, I'm just suitly emphazing it :D Vitriol 19:28, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
The poster is not talking about the existing word 'enrage'. They specifically said "a new word, inrage". They haven't told us what it means or why such a new word is required. That's OK because their question was not about having the debate here, but about finding out where to go to have the debate. I don't think there's any such place. Except for internal Wiki-jargon, the creation of new words is something that happens outside Wikipedia, and then we record the words and their various meanings. That's the theory anyway. But I'm sure if the poster gave us a clue about 'inrage', we could have an unofficial mini-debate here and maybe even extend our imprimatur. JackofOz 20:20, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Try Ethan Winthrop. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 20:36, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
Ha-ha! Vitriol 20:54, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

Inraging is not the rage here, take it over to that language place I never visit. --Zeizmic 00:58, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How do i know..?

I'm a 14 old girl, i've never had sex before but i masturbate. Is there a way i could know if i'm virgin or not? (without seeing a doctor)

What, with a pole? Try hymen, but beware, it's not often helpful. Anyway, I think you're still a virgin, as in a virgin has never had sex before. There's not anything medical about it. Vitriol 19:53, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
'Virgin' is a (mostly) subjective term, with many many shades of grey. In some uses, any sexual activity (including masturbation) at all would disqualify you as a virgin, wheras with some other uses of the term, only full-blown vaginal intercourse counts. In other words, you, and prettymuch only you, know if you are or not. --Sam Pointon 20:03, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Try the first few lines in our article Virgin. Other people may think differently, but I would just go with the common meaning. People who didn't have sex are virgins. - Mgm|(talk) 09:06, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] the moon

What year was the lunar landing?

The first manned lunar landing was in 1969. See moon. Shimgray | talk | 20:19, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
or try Moon landing. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 20:24, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
The question doesn't say 'manned', it just says 'landing', in which case it was 10 years earlier, in 1959, with Luna 2. Then again, it doesn't say 'first' either. Actually, it says the lunar landing, which makes the question unanswerable because there have been many. But we've covered all possible interpretations now, I think. If we limit it to human landings, that is. DirkvdM 09:59, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
The last manned mission was in 1972 and the next is planned ... or not ... after 2006. --DLL 20:42, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Perfect Soap Opera

Does anybody have any idea about the perfect soap opera? If anyone does, what would it be and what would be the perfect theme song for that soap opera?

Neighbours.
Slumgum 23:16, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
This was by far the best. But to the original question. What country are you talking about as people in different countries have different tastes. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 23:20, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Yeah, Slumgum is right. I hate most soaps, but Neighbours is fun to watch. - Mgm|(talk) 09:07, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Knights

Does anyone know of any online resource which provides the list of people who were knighted by the British King/Queen ? I am looking for the listing for a person who was knighted in 1936. A few articles that reported it has quoted his name slightly differently than his real name. An official listing would help to identity at what point the typo happened. Tintin (talk) 00:05, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

Can you give both spellings of his name? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 03:42, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Try searching the London Gazette. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 04:28, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
If you find such a list, all in one place, I'd love to know about it. I've been trying to find such a list off and on for some time now. The answer that I usually get is the same as you have received above, "Search newspaper X". None of the official sites of the British monarchy seem to have it. Dismas|(talk) 05:26, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
  • CambridgeBayWeather, Vizzy is the one I am looking for. His family name was Gajapathiraj/raju, which literally means 'master of elephants'. Some of his family members are prominent politicians in India and they too spell their name this way. But in Wisden, the name appears as 'Sir Gajapat*a*iraj Vijaya Ananda'. The change of one letter makes the the name a little less sensible but when writing about his knighthood, people seem to follow the Wisden version (see [58] for eg). Tintin (talk) 14:40, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
No luck. Sorry. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:54, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
The London Gazette has it, as it lists all knighthoods and awards (military and civil) from 1900 on - you need to search the archives. The listing for 21 July, 1936 recognises Rajkumar Vijaya Ananda Gajapatiraj, of Vizianagram, knighted on July 16, 1936. Natgoo 00:50, 5 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] February 27

[edit] A map program for mobile

Is there any (java, possibly) program that can be uploaded onto my mobile phone that shows maps, but also fits the following circumstances:

  • free
  • can be uploaded onto my phone from my computer, not downloaded from the mobile browser
  • doesn't have to download new map sections, instead, the entire map comes downloaded with the program (entire map can just be a map of the city, not the entire country)

thankyou--User3141592 00:41, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

What country? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:48, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

You can refine your question by googlizing 'java maps'. I just did it and it comes up with a bunch of java mapping applets. What actually works on your phone is something you have to try, and nobody can answer here (but they'll try ...) --Zeizmic 02:07, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

It all depends on what mobile phone you have. What sort of mobile phone do you have? Proto||type 16:05, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

It's a Motorola V190 and it has java2 thing. i need maps for around toronto and hamilton.

[edit] themesong

Where can I listen to/download the "Don't forget your passport" themesong? (it's a travel show) --User3141592 00:46, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

Try asking here or here. They may make it available or know where you can get it. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 01:44, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Try some p2p file sharing softwares.... like Ares or edonkey2000.... they might have the song and a lots more... Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 20:16, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Similarities and Differences Between My Network TV and Univision

What are the similarities and differences between My Network TV and Univision?

  • I refer you to the articles about these two networks, but for clarity, My Network TV will be broadcast in English while Univision broadcasts in Spanish. (This sounds like a homework question, but I can't determine what kind of class would assign it.) --Metropolitan90 02:18, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
It is a new model for publicity : buzz in WP:RD. Don't help! --DLL 20:32, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Theodore Sedgwick

Why is (Judge) Theodore Sedgwick not listed in the Sedgwick Family catagory when you have a page for him in Wikipedia. (It was an interesting article.) You list Edie, Kyra and Misha Sedgwick only in the Sedgwick family catagory.

Maybe I'm missing it but the article doesn't seem to mention that he is/was related to Edie, Kyra, and Misha. Therefore he may be from a different Sedgwick family. Dismas|(talk) 04:02, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
P.S. I see where someone just recently added a few sentences about the relationship to the article on Edie Sedgwick but they did not provide a source. If it can be confirmed, then he should be added to the category. Dismas|(talk) 05:06, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

It's twue, it's twue. - Nunh-huh 07:36, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "Odin`s Curse"?!?

I m almost sure that i saw an article here that was called like this(the title of course). I read in it that this was a disease that kills people by stoping their breath while they are a sleep. So they cant go to sleep or else theyl die. Victims are generaly babies, as the patient doesnt live that long. It was also called "obganjes"

Can anyone tell me something about this article? Could it be that it was erased? Cause i can t seem to find anything about this anywhere. Has anyone else seen it

Thank you

Try Ondine's curse. You're welcome. alteripse 04:37, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ear Wax Problem

Lately, I have been getting a lot of ear wax in my right ear. What can i do about this besides using q-tips (which doctors say not to use). Sometimes it's so much it blocks hearing for a while. Other times chunks the size of small peas just tend to fall out. Is there an over the counter medicine i can buy, or would a trip to the doctor be in order?

I've heard that you could use hydrogen peroxide to clean your ear.. i am not sure how you can use it... but probably the best thing you can do is to go see a doctor.... Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 05:45, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

That warning not to use Q-tips in the ear is just to keep them from getting sued by idiots who jam them in and puncture their eardrums. The only reason to put a cotton ball on the end of a long stick is to make it fit in the ear. Just be careful when you use them. If you really don't want to use them, there are ear cleaning systems involving a liquid cleaning fluid squirted into the ears. In any case, after a bath or shower the wax will likely be warmer and more humid, both of which will soften it up. One final comment, a large amount of wax in one ear may be due to an irritation, such as an object in the ear canal. I suggest having a doctor look in the ear to see if they can identify and fix the problem. StuRat 06:06, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

I would also recommend seeing a doctor, like the people above suggested.
If the doctor tells you there's no problem, you can read MedlinePlus for more info. I think the OTC ear drops that contain carbamide peroxide are more effective than the home remedies. Brands include Auro® Ear Drops, Debrox®, E.R.O® Drops, Murine® Ear Drops. Some may come with ear syringes, which are rubber bulbs with an opening at the tip (image). You can buy these separately, and you use them to squirt water in your ear to rinse out the earwax. If you use an ear syringe, avoid inserting the nozzle into the ear canal and try to use water that is close to body temperature-- squirting hot or cold water in your ear will make you feel dizzy and sick to your stomach. After you remove the wax, you can dry out the ear with low heat from a blow dryer. Also, you can use the ear syringe on a weekly basis to prevent this problem, according to the MedlinePlus article.
As stated in the MedlinePlus article, don't use any of these remedies if you have a ruptured eardrum. --Uthbrian (talk) 08:47, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
A simpler solution is to use a shower head with a 'narrow squirt mode' (pardon my lousy English). I used to use shampoo to clean my ears, but that just aggravated the problem (it wasn't as bad as you describe it, but came close). I suppose that was a reaction of the body. The earwax is there for a reason (whichever it may be). Remove too much and the body will produce more. When I stopped using shampoo (altogether, by the way, but that's a different story) and switched to the shower squirt, that had very positive effects. Now that shower head is broke and doesn't give the squirt anymore, but I no longer need it because the problem is gone. An alternative might be a syringe. With plain water - cheaper and better for the ear. But because it's so cheap manufacturers aren't interrested. They don't make money from giving good advise, only from selling stuff. A very general problem and I'm still thinking on how it could be solved. Until I have, be very wary of anything that comes with a ®. :) DirkvdM 10:10, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

The doctors have this great little plastic loop that just scoops out the wax. --Zeizmic 13:05, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

I recently saw a product called Earigate advertised in a magazine. It says that it's a revolutionary solution to prevent earwax blockage. The nozel device was developed by an ENT (ear, nose & throat doctor) It squirts 100% natural source sea water(from an aerosol can) into the ear without forcing it against the eardrum. It's probably available in pharmacy. Their website is www.earigate.ca. Good luck.70.48.197.214 16:28, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

When I was in alaska the doctor used this large needle looking thing to squirt a warm salt water solution in my ear. It felt really good.--God Ω War


05:38, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Saline solution for contact lenses would also work. It's sterile, which is important, as you don't want to cause an ear infection. Distilled water would also work, but might be absorbed by the skin in the ear canal, causing it to swell. Water with the same salinity as the body won't do that. StuRat 09:26, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Camcorder

Is the Sony HDR-HC1 compatible with iMovie software that comes with the new iMac Core Duo computers?

Thank you, Harvey

  • Well, Apple lists it for sale on their iLife page, so I'd say either the answer is "yes" or Apple's being a real apphole. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 17:40, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Salt on a railroad track

Why is putting salt on a railroad track dangerous?

Putting pennies on a railroad track is dangerous. We always tried to do it as kids, but we weren't smart enough to glue them down with bubblegum, so they always jumped off before the train hit. Seriously, I suppose you are thinking of winter deicing, and salt has a nasty habit of doing terrible things to steel. Think of an unrustproofed Yugo in Canada! --Zeizmic 16:45, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes, salt encourages rusting. Something to do with raising the number of ions in water. This is why cars rust quicker in humid cities near the coast. Proto||type 14:02, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How can open a .iso file?

How do i open and run a .iso extention file on my PC? It should be a game but it has a .iso extention. 86.129.82.87 16:12, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

ISOs are cd images. Most likely you will need to burn it to cd, and then boot from it. Dending on your cd software, you should make sure that you burn it as an image, rather than burning the iso file as a file to the disk. I rather suspect what you have is illegal though.
(after edit conflict)
An .iso file is an image file, probably meant to be burned on a CD or DVD. Open your CD/DVD burning program and select a command like "burn image" , select the ISO file, and burn it to a CD/DVD. See the documentation with your CD burning program on how to do this. When the burning has finished, put the disk in your CD/DVD drive and run it. We have a good article on .iso.
Alternatively, you can use a program like Daemon Tools to "mount" the image as a virtual drive - what this does is fool your computer into thinking that it has another CD drive, with a disk in it with the contents of the ISO file, which you can then run the same way you would have run the 'real' version above.
I should note that, unless you own the game in question, what you are doing is illegal. — QuantumEleven | (talk) 16:32, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
just to ease your minds i created the game however it is only stored as an .iso 86.129.82.87 16:44, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
You created a game and don't know how it works? What program did you use to create it? --Optichan 17:03, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
That does stretch the imagination. However, you did come back, which is rare. --Zeizmic 17:22, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Incidentally (I appreciate that this isn't remotely what the original questioner was really asking) it is possible to "open" an ISO file; as it's an ISO 9660 filesystem, you can mount it and then move around in it just like any other read-only filesystem,
  • On Microsoft Windows XP, this program from Microsoft allows you to make a virtual CDrom device, and then mount and unmount ISO images into it.
  • On Linux (and other *nix type environments) you can do it (I guess, I've never done it with a CD image, only HD images) with losetup to make a bound loopback device, and then mount -t iso9660 to mount it.
-- Finlay McWalter | Talk 17:34, 27 February 2006 (UTC)


I use Nero Image drive to mount my images. Works perfectly every time and is a great when you want to put rip some movies off your dvds so you can take them with you on your laptop easily. I bought it from the kazaa store. It was on sale for 0$ !!. However, I had to wait in a long line to get it.--God Ω War


05:35, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Free speech and thought bubble clip art

I'm looking for clips of speech and thought bubbles for a presentation, ideally in OmniOutliner stencil format, secondly in any mainstream outline format, but any common format would do... Thank you!

[edit] List of Former Socialist Countries?

I am a college freshman and I am doing a project about socialism. Part of the project is to find a list of former social countries, I have looked in countles books and spent tons of hours on the internet and i have found nothing, all i find are fromer communist countries and in my class there is a group doing communism so i can not use that list. So if anyone could help i would greatly appreciate it.

It's a definitions issue. You'll have to clarify what you mean, since the word 'socilism' is used very differently in different contexts. eg. USSR stands for Union of Soviot Socialist Republics, the Nazi were National Socialists, and the Labour Party in England used to be socialist which is why you're getting confusion.
It seems your first task is to decide what constitutes a Socialist country. I presume you have read the article Socialism in detail, and followed all the links from that. One of the links is to Socialist parties, so it should be easy to go down those and see which ones have been in government. For any that have, that country is former socialist.
What makes you think Socialism does not include Communism? And don't say 'because there is another group doing communism'. That probably won't be an acceptable answer at college level. You'll need to decide for yourself, and if you think Socilism includes Communism then you should say so in your report. DJ Clayworth 18:17, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Communism is to Socialism what militant fundamentalism is to religious belief - It's largely a question of degree. Mind you, the same is true with political conservatism and fascism, and any such definitions are going to contain a fair degree of the writer's own point of view. As to Socialism, many countries have had socialist governments, they just haven't called them that. After all, boiled down to its simples forms, cosocialism is government of the people, for the people, and by the people. Which sounds vaguely familiar. It would be fair to say that, by some definitions, Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal was socialist, although, of course, it was never officially called that, since so many Americans seem to think that anything socialist is automatically a Bad Thing, and Roosevelt himself declared frequently that he was anti-Socialist. Then again, Nixon declared he wasn't a crook. Grutness...wha? 01:09, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Let me also point out that it's a matter of definition. And there have been loads of discussions on this at the various articles' talk pages (which sometimes make more interresting reading than the articles themselves if you can stomach some bitching). To me, Communism is an idealised state (not 'State') in which everyone does what they can and takes no more than what they need. That is a very widely used definition of something and then of course there has to be a word for it. And the word is 'Communism'. So it won't do to use that word for something else. But then a lot of people do and we're stuck with that too. Basically, Socialism can be either State Socialism (what is commonly referred to as 'Communism') or a socialist element in the politics of a country. And in the latter case it's a matter of degree. Almost all countries in the world are capitalist (including the poor ones, so if anyone talks to you about the collapse of the USSR proving that Socialism doesn't work, throw that back in their faces - but I digress :) ). All of those countries have some level of Socialism thrown in to soften the sharp edges of capitalism a bit. In the US this is minimal. In Scandinavian countries it goes furthest, as far as I know (and they are dominant among the highest scorers on the Human Development Index, so you can throw that in the faces of those people too :) ). So by my definitions (and I'm not quite the only one), the difference between Communism and Socialism is by no means a matter of degree, but there is a matter of degree between the various implementations of Socialism. First of all, you'll have to decide what you mean by Socialism and probably check with the Communism group what definitions they use.
But I now notice you say you need a list of former socialist countries. What does that mean? Countries that are no longer Socialist (whatever that means) or Socialist countries that are no more? DirkvdM 10:17, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Almost all Western European countries have had Socialist parties in power at some time or other (maybe not Ireland?). But Ive never heard them described as former Socialist countries. I would take that as meaning the former satellites of the USSR in Eastern Europe. But if its supposed to be different from Communist? Youd better check what exactly your professor means. Jameswilson 00:24, 1 March 2006 (UTC) ( this post moved here by JackofOz because it seemed the right thing to do)

[edit] Bumblebee Man

On Spanish dubbed versions of The Simpsons, what language does the Bumblebee Man character speak? --Maxamegalon2000 19:25, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

English???? Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 20:07, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
I'd imagine that in at least Castille versions, he'd be speaking Mexican Spanish, probably with a (to Castilian ears) exaggerated and funny sounding Mexican accent. --BluePlatypus 22:07, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Of course, they'd probably change the lines somewhat then. Bumblebee Man's Spanish isn't so good, although I think the Spanglish is part of the joke. :) --BluePlatypus 22:37, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
That's a really good question. I'm going to ask it on the Spanish reference desk. —Keenan Pepper 23:11, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
Hossmann says there are two Spanish versions, one for Spain and one for Latin America. In the Spanish one Bumblebee Man speaks Spanish with an exaggerated Mexican accent, as BluePlatypus said. Don't know about the Latin American one. —Keenan Pepper 00:04, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Some Spanish girls I knew had never heard of Fawlty Towers, which surprised me. A year later they said that Spanish tv now also showed it and they especially liked Manuel, the Mexican waiter. :) DirkvdM 10:22, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
We have an article on The Simpsons in French, is it time for The Simpsons in Spanish? - SimonP 14:28, 28 February 2006 (UTC)


Just like the Version in Spain, Latin America Bumblebee man speaks with a heavy country Mexican accent!!!. LG

[edit] February 28

[edit] My Ipod

Hello, I have an ipod and I was wondering how I can have an audiobook in the audiobook section. I put a book on there but it is just listed as songs. Can anyone help me? Thank you very much. --Zach 00:14, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

  • Using iTunes, try changing the Genre in the "Get Info" for the track to "Audiobook". --Canley 02:29, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
    • Tried it and it didnt work. Thanks anyway. Any other sugestions? Zach 21:45, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
      • What's the format of the file? Did you download it from Audible.com? I think it has to be a .AA or .M4B format to appear in the Audiobook category. If it's an AAC, I think you can just change the extension (in Windows) to .M4B and it should work. --Canley 23:46, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Work

Hi,I want to know what is the hard and honest work with the more money paid and material success?

Stomping grapes in southern France. --Zeizmic 00:47, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
It is very rare to find a job with "hard and honest work" that ends up being one of the highest paid. The two things are usually mutually exclusive. Grutness...wha? 01:20, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Try becoming an actor or something..... although it is very hard to work honestly... but you might find that hard work truly pays off..... atleast.. thats what i think.... Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 07:39, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Define 'hard and honest work'. Sounds like manual labour and that will not get you rich (with the possible exception of sports if you want to call that manual labour). But a 'traditional trade' like plumbing, which is a combination of hard and dirty work and some expertise, can give you a decent income in countries where most people are too 'decadent' to want to do it. DirkvdM 10:27, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Obviously, from the lack of response, I won, and he's off to stomp grapes. :) --Zeizmic 18:29, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

A job will not give you material success. Living within your means will. -LambaJan 06:17, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Format of My Network TV

What is the format of My Network TV?

A format designed to format listener's and viewer's heads. This is publicity I guess. Help to stop it. And do not click ... they have had a counter installed on the WP article. --DLL 20:34, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] IP address tracker for location

Is there a website that traks down the exact location of the IP. I know some just give you the city but is there one that gives you the address or the exact location? Thanks a lot!

  • In essence, no. There are websites which may give you the postal address of the registered owner of the IP (if there is one): see Wikipedia:Vandalism#Trace_IP for a list. Most of the time it will be an ISP who, if required to by law, may be able to track down who used that IP at a particular time from their records. Imagine if your exact location was accessible to anyone everytime you logged on to the internet - you can see why I don't think this will happen anytime soon. --Canley 02:36, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] MSN IP

Is it possible to find the ISP of whoever you are talking to on MSN Messenger?

Do you mean the IP or the ISP? — QuantumEleven | (talk) 08:16, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
MSN conversations are conducted through Microsoft servers (may not be true as of MSN 7.5), so you can't find their IP simply by talking to them. However, when you transfer a file between you, your computers connect directly. The IP of the person you're talking to then turns up in some sort of "netstat" thingy which can be accessed through the command line program. Someone else probably knows more about that one. -- Run!  09:21, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Why not on 7.5? KILO-LIMA 17:42, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
I heard 'somewhere' that Microsoft just decided to allow direct connections on the latest incarnation. Probably rubbish.  -- Run!  19:44, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Hello

Hi,I am a college student and my current study is literature,and i was wondering that there is a guy who just ask questions about jorge luis borges,i am a very fan of him,and just for curiosity:what author is/was a mix of jorge luis borges and stephen king?

Well 206.170.104.24 why do you ask so many similar questions on the reference desk and why not sign them? CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:26, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Maybe it's time he starts the article List of Jorge Luis Borges hybrids. It wouldn't be the stupidest article on WP, for sure. --BluePlatypus 04:53, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Was he also the annoying QuizMeister? --Zeizmic 18:52, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Greg Egan - Egan's Law?

In one of his earlier stories, whose title I've forgotten, the Australian SF writer Greg Egan wrote (bitterly) about the tendency of modern mystics to invoke quantum physics in their dogma -- from memory, he talked about how much these people love the Uncertainty Principle, and also how little they understand the actual meaning of the whole quantum thing. Since then, I've noticed the phenomenon several times - recently in "What the Bleep Do We Know" movement - and was thinking of naming the principle 'Egan's Law' - until I saw there's a law of the same name in the States.

Can anyone help with the title of the story, and perhaps suggest a name for the law? Adambrowne666 04:46, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cybersex

Is there an age of consent in the United States for cybersex? Interrogus 05:11, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

If you mean sending pictures to each other then you both need to be over 18.--God Ω War


05:31, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
I meant text. Interrogus 05:36, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
First, see Wikipedia:legal disclaimer. That said, in some jurisdictions, I believe specific laws have been introduced to specifically make seeking sex from minors online a crime, I believe, and I'm sure that there's plenty of eager prosecutors just itching to try such laws out. So if there's more than a year or two's difference between the ages of the people involved, particularly if one is over 18 and one isn't, the senior party is likely to be running very substantial risks. See grooming a child and cybersex for the limited amount of information Wikipedia has on the topic. --Robert Merkel 09:26, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Falkland Islands

The 1833 invasion of the Falkland Islands article states:

After the possession of these miserable islands had been contested by France, Spain, and England, they were left uninhabited. The government of Buenos Aires then sold them to a private individual, but likewise used them, as old Spain had done before, for a penal settlement. England claimed her right and seized them. The Englishman who was left in charge of the flag was consequently murdered. A British officer was next sent, unsupported by any power: and when we arrived, we found him in charge of a population, of which rather more than half were runaway rebels and murderers. (The Voyage of the Beagle.)

If this is true, maybe the Argentine government renounced sovereignty with that sale and the Falklands are really British, but the Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands article also says:

Great Britain abandoned their settlement in 1774, and formally renounced sovereignty in the Nootka Sound Convention.

So apparently the Falklands are neither Argentine nor British. Is this correct?

  • The majority of people who live there consider themselves to be British. The British government considers them to be British. The UK has control over the islands. I doubt any historical facts are going to make the Falklanders suddenly consider themselves Argentinian. So, in my opinion it's British for all extents and purposes. --BluePlatypus 07:33, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
  • All intents and purposes, too. StuRat 09:13, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Whoops, I should finish my coffee before writing. I meant to write "for all in tents with porpoises". --BluePlatypus 09:31, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

For all intense corpuscles. --Zeizmic 12:52, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Being in a fair-minded mood, I'll put the other side of it. The 2,000 Falkland Islanders are of British descent so obviously they consider themselves to be British. The Argentines say their presence is just a natural consequence of the illegal British occupation and is irrelevant to the original dispute. They are illegal settlers and cannot be allowed a veto. Jameswilson 00:35, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
THe most recent successful (re-)conquest of the Falklands was by the British in 1983 so Britain has soverignty. AllanHainey 12:25, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
This only answers a question of de facto, rather than de jure, sovereignty. Nobody claimed that Paris was legally German during the early 1940s, and similarly, no one claimed it as American thereafter. Hmmm, there's a thought.... — Lomn Talk 13:43, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
Keep your dirty fingers off Paris...!!! ;-) — QuantumEleven | (talk) 09:01, 2 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Vandalism on this page....??

Hi... Can i know how many times has this page been vandalised? Thank you.......Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 07:44, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Nobody keeps count, but you could make an estimate by sampling some changes and counting the proportion that are vandalism, then finding out the total number of page edits. --Robert Merkel 09:21, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
also, it depends on your definition. Quite a number of the questions we get on this page are deliberate trolling, - do you count that as vandalism? And do you count the facetious responses to those trolls? Grutness...wha? 23:40, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Vandialism++. Isnt that the C language?


i mean general vandalism like blanking out the page....and writing some gibberish.....
Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 10:32, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
You can go the history of the page, and view the differences between the latest and next-to-latest entry. Does that look like vandalism? If so, count 1. Now click the link to view the previous revision. Does that look like vandalism? If so, add 1. Repeat until satisfied or bored. Notinasnaid 11:25, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
Ha ha... .. i was only thinking whether if we can have a vandalising counter on this page.. i think that many people would find it interesting.....its just a thought.... Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 13:08, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
I, for one, would rather that not happen. Then they'll start popping up all over the wiki and get really annoying. Having them on user pages is one thing, but on these pages is another. Dismas|(talk) 13:11, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
Also there are those out there who would see it as a challenge to increase the number of vandalisms. Grutness...wha? 01:06, 2 March 2006 (UTC)
But i think it could work both ways.. Most of the vandals are people who haven't registered or are very new to wikipedia... Many of them dont know that an article can be reverted very easily and probably think that we labour to restore an article again... and they also dont know that we could block out their ip's.. so they think that they are safe.. if we had a vandalism counter i think many of those vandals would know that they are being watched... but then again, its just a thought...:-) Jayant, 17 Years, India|(My Talk) 17:02, 2 March 2006 (UTC)

OK, let's think about a vandalism counter. If you do not intend to follow counts yourself manually, it must be a program that does the job. What shall we teach to the program ?

When the page is 100% blanked, count. Only if it is not archiving, else forget. When the page is 20%, 40%, ... lets us decide what to count. For a paragraph itself : if it contains the words "Gödel", "television", "bush" (but not ambush nor Kate Bush), "Intellignet Desgin" ... let us create a section for suspect words. And so on. The whole affair is not so simple, think about it. --DLL 19:52, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Installing Linux on D Drive

I can install Linux on my C drive, but it won't boot when installed on the D drive of my Windows 98 PC. Here is the warning I get:

Analysis of the Master Boot Record (MBR)
----------------------------------------
No LILO found in the MBR.

Warning !

The partition in which LILO will be installed cannot be booted
directly from the BIOS (because it is not in the MBR and is 
not on a primary partition on the first hard disk).  There
does not appear to be another boot manager which is capable of
booting this partition.  If you continue you may not be able to
boot this partition.

The partition type is LINUX NATIVE. I tried disconnecting the C drive, in which case it installs and boots fine. I also tried swapping the two hard drives (unplugging each and plugging them into the other connector), and I get the same behavior, so it's not the disk, per se, but the fact that it's the second disk, or D drive, that causes this problem.

So, the question is, how do I add a "LILO" to the Master Boot Record for Drive D or otherwise get Linux to boot from the D drive ? StuRat 09:41, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

  • The message seems fair enough: most PCs cannot be booted from their D drive. Do you have a switch in your BIOS to control which is the bootable disk? If so, try switching it, and your D drive is likely to become temporarily C. If not, then there is no way to boot Linux on D except to install a boot loader like LILO onto C. Or, set up a boot floppy. Notinasnaid 15:16, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Well, flipping a switch on the BIOS would be a hassle everytime I want to switch between booting Windows 98 and Linux, so that's out, even if I did have the switch. StuRat 23:36, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
In that case the problem is not solvable on D alone. The system will boot from C or boot from A. You have to have a boot loader on one of those disks which then starts the boot process from D. I have made good use of boot floppies in this situation, to avoid disturbing the C drive. The RedHat distributions I used would offer me this choice. Notinasnaid 09:05, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
  • What distro are you installing? It should give you an option to install LILO onto the C: drive which will then give you a choice of which OS to use on boot. Keep in mind if you reinstall Windows after Linux it will typically wax your MBR and you'll have to reinstall the MBR before you'll be able to boor to Linux again. To make it clearer, installing LILO in the MBR on the C drive will allow accessing the Linux bootloader you have installed on the D drive. Oh and don't forget to make sure your jumpers are set up right. - Taxman Talk 18:58, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
I have a very old distribution, Caldera OpenLinux 1.3. StuRat 23:43, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Get two $15 hard disk caddies, and put whichever disk you want into it -- the OS you choose will always be on disk "C" then, and no need to wait for the dual-boot menu. Ojw 20:08, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
I tried that, but this PC won't boot from external hard drives connected via a USB port. StuRat 23:26, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
The answer I got below here might also solve your problem, although I haven't tried it yet. But I'm confused about your use of the terms C drive and D drive. I know those as msWindows terms and whichever drive (or rather partition) you boot that OS from it calls the C drive (msWindows changing the names of partitions can be extremely confusing (and dangerous!) and I suspect your confusion arises from too much exposure to msWindows). Are you referring to the master and slave on one connector or drives on different connectors? In the former case the jumpers would certainly need to be changed (unless they're sata). I've got a feeling I don't need to tell you this, but the Linux designations hdc1, sda5 and such would make more sense (although that too mixes up connector (in the letters) and partition (in the number)), but at least they're a clearer designations. Oh, and it also advised to make the drive at the end of the ribbon the master, though I don't know what effect it might have if you didn't do that (I always do).
Notinasnaid, what do you mean by that most pc's cannot boot from their D drive (whatever that is). Linux can boot from any partition on any drive. Or are you referring to the MBR? DirkvdM 21:07, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Ok, using Linux terminology, I'm trying to boot Linux from /hdc, meaning the master on the secondary controller. I have Windows 98 on /hda, meaning the master on the primary controller. I was hoping to select the hard disk to boot from by hitting the DEL key during startup to get into setup and change the boot disk. This would be an easy way to select either Windows 98 or Linux to run. My workaround is to put both on /hda in different partitions. This works, but requires that I use FDISK to swap the active partition, then reboot to get the other O/S. This is a bit of a hassle. StuRat 22:55, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

You should be able to access the BIOS. You could check here to see if you need a different keyboard command for that. Although this should be displayed on your screen as you boot (on a cold monitor this info might be gone by the time you get an image, though, so boot again when it's warm). DirkvdM 08:53, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
Let's try and clarify "boot from". Most PCs will boot only from the active primary partition on C, A, or a CDROM. The place it boots from is the place where the initial bit of boot program is read. This initial boot program CAN then load the boot program from a different disk, so that it appears to be booting from D or whatever. But crucially there's nothing you can put on D alone that would get the boot program on D to run. And the Windows boot loader will simply boot the copy of Windows on C. I can't remember whether it is safe for Windows to run Lilo on C, hence I use a boot floppy. The lilo command can be used after installing Linux to make a boot floppy if you can figure out the man page. Notinasnaid 09:05, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
(More) Hence, the (partial) question how do I add a "LILO" to the Master Boot Record for Drive D is the wrong question. You can install LILO all you want on drive D, but your PC won't look there at boot time. More incidentals: some older versions of Windows only run if they are installed on a C drive. More recent versions relax this somewhat (but not completely), but will not cope with the drive letter changing after installation. Notinasnaid 09:10, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
It is still not clear what you mean by D. That's an msWindows designation that can mean loads of things. If you only have one drive it's the second partition. If you have more than one it's the first partition on the primary slave (or was that secondary master?), unless the active msWindows resides there, in which case it's the first partition on the primary master. I think. msWindows moves in mysterious ways. Why not use the clear designations like 'primary slave' and such? Or Linux shortcuts like hdb? In which case it's also easier to say 'primary partition'; just add a one; hdb1. DirkvdM 11:38, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
I already clarified this above. Here it is again:
"Ok, using Linux terminology, I'm trying to boot Linux from /hdc, meaning the master on the secondary controller. I have Windows 98 on /hda, meaning the master on the primary controller." StuRat 00:50, 2 March 2006 (UTC)
Yeah, got that, I was talking to Notinasnaid. DirkvdM 07:23, 3 March 2006 (UTC)

Ok, so first up why are you still using an old distro? You can just download and burn a new one.Try Ubuntu or Mandrake or even Elive! Oh well, your life. ;-)

  • Patient: "But docter, if I install lilo on /dev/somevg/wierdplace, it won't work!"
  • Exasperated docter: "So don't do that!"

You want to install lilo on the MBR of /dev/hda. That's where it's supposed to go. Even if linux is installed on "the D drive" lilo still goes on /dev/hda. You'll still be able to boot into windows!

So ok, now you install lilo to /dev/hda. But what if it turns out that I accidentally lied, and now you can only boot into linux? Argh! Then you have a silly old distro that didn't automatically get even that right! :-P What silly people! Ah, but even then, don't get yourself in a twist. Here's what to do if you find yourself in that predicament:

Just boot into linux anyway. Now go to the linux command line as root, and edit /etc/lilo.conf with your favorite editor. If you have no favorite, try pico or nano.

Add the following lines to the end (assuming C: - pardon, /dev/hda - has only the one (important) partition, which I guess it does) :

 other  = /dev/hda1
 label  = boot_into_windows
 table  = /dev/hda

Save the file

at the root command line, type:

mount /boot   #(This is just a precaution. If it gives an error, we probably
              # didn't need it. Just ignore any errors here, and continue)

lilo          # <- this reinstalls lilo with your new settings.

And reboot.

Now select the option boot_into_windows for windows. Your other options should still be there for when you want to go back to linux

If at some point in time you want to remove lilo, then IN WINDOWS, open a dos box, (on windows98 start->run and type command.com <and hit enter>) and do:

fdisk /mbr

HTH, HAND. :-) Kim Bruning 09:28, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

Hey, I didn't know that it doesn't necessarily go into the MBR of the same drive. This might explain some problems I once had when I removed a drive. Not a smart way to do it I'd say. Is that a Lilo thing or Linux in general? (I use Grub.) But it isn't necessarily hda1 because I don't have that. My two IDE drives are designated hdc and hdd because they're on the secondary connector (the dvd drive drive is on the primary connector one). So would it then go into the MBR of hdc1 (the first hd in 'alphabetical' order)? DirkvdM 11:53, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
It would go on the one and only disk your PC will actually boot from. If you know what disk that is, you are set. Notinasnaid 14:23, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
It's not a LILO or Linux or Grub thing; it's a PC BIOS thing, since it's the BIOS that has to load the bootloader from the MBR. --cesarb 14:32, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
There is no one and only disk the pc will boot from. If I connect only one hd it will boot from that (I just tried it with two hd's to make sure I'm not imagining things and it worked). I just realise why this might work in my case. Whenever I install a new OS I disconnect all other hd's to avoid mistakes (I learned this the hard with with msWindows and the habit stuck). So the boot loader is installed on the same hd the OS is on (it can't go anywhere else). So I don't even need any of the hdx's - the two OS's I mentioned are on my two sata drives, which booted just fine without hda, hdc or hdq or whatever.
Cesarb, I find it odd that during installation of the OS the boot loader would be installed by the BIOS. Which would then put it in the first hd (alphabetically). And then upon booting you can specify in the BIOS which hd to boot from, but it still looks in that first hd for the boot loader? That cannot be because I can boot the installation I use now, on sda5 (first logical partition on first sata drive) with or without any other hd connected. And it's not like it regards sda as the first drive, because the same works with my win98 installation on sdb1. Or did I misunderstand you? DirkvdM 15:32, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for the answers everyone ! StuRat 00:50, 2 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Dynamic boot manager

Is there a utility or method I can use (maybe something on a floppy) that analyses my computer upon startup, detects any OS's installed on it and then give sme a list I can pick one from? I have several OS's on my computer(s) and every time I change something I have to change the boot loaders on each drive. Which is a pain, but sometimes an OS simply doesn't start anymore, such as when one makes the mistake of installing msWindows after Linux. Such a tool would circumvent this problem and it seems to me this shouldn't be too hard - if only one knows how. This would also solve StuRat's problem hereabove (which is what inspired me to ask this). DirkvdM 10:38, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

While this page is not a search engine, Google certainly is. There's lots to choose from, Smart BootManager looks interesting and is free. --LarryMac 16:48, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm sorry I didn't Google first. Although it seemed like something that should be easy to make, I assumed this would be something obscure because else what are those other boot managers for? Compared to this they seem horribly clumsy. Well, I'll try it out and maybe find out why. :) Thanks. DirkvdM 20:35, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
I was just having a little fun, since a common response on the desks is "this isn't a search engine." Hope you didn't mind! Good ol' OS/2 used to come with a boot manager; Microsoft seems to be the only vendor who wants to be the single allowed OS vendor allowed on your PC. --LarryMac 21:03, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Look for your BIOS to have the ability to boot from 'D:' or boot order 'DtoA' or Boot HDD-1. Then you can use grub for your linux experments, and not mess with windows.
It's msWindows that's the experiment now because I can't get XP installed. Linux is my mainstay OS. DirkvdM 08:20, 2 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Did Tom Scholz receive any assistance on Boston's 1st album?

QuizMeister strikes again! --Zeizmic 18:53, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Yes. I believe that Bradly Delp helped him out on Vocals. Just a guess...

[edit] When was the Italian peninsula united under one goverment??

March 17, 1861. David Sneek 21:18, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Wouldn't the correct answer be "never". San Marino has never been part of the Italian Republic. The Vatican City's status after 1871 was always a bit of a question mark, and it has definitely been a sovereign state since 1929. JackofOz 21:55, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
See the Italy article.
Slumgum 21:50, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Only philatelists care about San Marino and the Vatican... I mean, how many divisions have they got? David Sneek 22:07, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Two, with a total of fifteen teams :). Grutness...wha? 23:48, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
Philatelists have feelings too. Not to mention the Sammarinese people. Sammarinese philatelists would no doubt be doubly sensitive to us pretending they don't exist. I think we need to answer the question asked, which was about the Italian peninsula (a geographical entity), not about the nation of Italy (formerly, in Bismarck's words, a "geographical expression", but now a political entity). JackofOz 22:42, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
  • A learned Italian once told me that Italy wear blue (at sports) because it was the heraldic colour of the family that claimed the Italian peninsula as its own. I can't find anything to back this up. Does anyone else know?
    Slumgum 22:46, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Kinda seems to me the peninsula was rather well united in Roman times. But that's probably not what the questioner wanted. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 00:24, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Why do short-sighted people always have a small handwriting?

Wouldn't it make more sense if they'd write larger? David Sneek 21:35, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Because when they write, their nose is squashed right up to the paper, leaving little room for pen movements. At least that's what I noticed in Grade 3. --Zeizmic 22:33, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
I'm (very) short-sighted, and I don't have particularly small handwriting, just illegible handwriting (it has once been described as looking like "a dyslexic spider on acid crawled across the page.") -- AJR | Talk 23:13, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
So then the answer is that they don't always have small handwriting. ;-) You sound like you may be interested in Graphology. -LambaJan 06:11, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

Full disclosure: the question is from Aristotle's Problems. I read it a few years ago, and in my limited (myopic) experience his observation seems to be quite accurate. David Sneek 10:01, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Grapes

Who is the richest man in the grape industry?

We're on to you QuizMeister 207. I'll be starting to delete from now on, unless I get a bunch of whiners whining. --Zeizmic 23:41, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
I forget - is it seven whiners whining, or is that trollers trolling? Oh, and the answer may well be Bill Gates Grutness...wha? 00:01, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
The richest man in the grape industry is in actual fact a woman. I can't tell you her name as the vast right wing conspiracy of leftists that run Wikipedia have the information suppressed. I can tell you that she speaks only Latin, is a combination of Enid Blyton and Florence Nightingale and answers to the name Hi there richest person in the grape industry. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 01:18, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
Didn't he appear on one of the seasons of The Batchelor? ;) --Robert Merkel 03:34, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
I can't believe that I live in Canada and din't think of this guy eh! CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:08, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
Any idea how he got the name "Grapes"? I don't really see much of a similarity between cherries and grapes. --Optichan 16:31, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
The only thing I could find is here. You need to search for "grapes" and you get the sentence
'Mr. PATTERSON is credited with starting to market the Grapes nickname by which Mr. Cherry is known to Friends and television fans. The nickname is said to have come from an encounter with the late Eddie Shore, who dismissed an argument over money by saying, "That's just sour grapes."'
and this is Eddie Shore. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 19:56, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] swimming

what were the commonwealth games swimming uniforms like in the early 1900's and what are they like now? angelique gabriel--210.11.188.16 23:50, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

There were no Commonwealth Games in the early 1900s - the games were first held in 1930, as the "British Empire Games". I would imagine that competitors in swimming competitions around 1900 would have worn swimsuits identical to ones worn by anyone going swimming at that time, i.e. covering a lot more of the body than modern suits do. Swimmers in the moder games will, I imagine, wear the same sort of hi-tech swimsuits as anyone in top swimming competitions. -- AJR | Talk 00:09, 1 March 2006 (UTC)
If you know what they wear in the Olympics, then you know what they wear in the CGs - it's not like different technology is needed because the water used to be in the Empire. Have a google search for inages of people like Ian Thorpe (probably the best swimmer in the Commonwealth) and you'll see the sort of swimsuits worn. Grutness...wha? 05:52, 1 March 2006 (UTC)