Wikipedia:Reference desk/Miscellaneous
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Availability of sources to pre-screen for ability/aptitude for foreign language training - - anon
Admission to Stuyvesant HS from private school
My junior high does not provide applications for Specialized High School Exam. Where can I get it from? Please help. Thank you.
- I'd suggest you contact Stuyvesant. There doesn't seem to be an easy way to do that on line, so it's either snail mail, telephone, or walk in the door. -- Jmabel | Talk 04:03, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
sunset
what time was the sunset in raymond, new hampshire october 17, 2000?
- According to the U.S. Naval Observatory Data Services, sunset would have been at 5:58 p.m. EDT on that date. DannyZ 04:14, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
watergate
The article on Watergate starts with the sentence "On February 30, 1972..." As far as I know, February in our calendar does not have 30 days. Could we fix this? -anon
- Hi - welcome to wikipedia, thanks for noting this problem. Anyone can edit wikipedia. All you need to do is find the correct date, click the "edit this page" link and fix the article. If you like editing enough consider signing up for an account. Good luck! -Ravedave 06:28, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- I found the right date, June 17, 1972 and fixed the article. -Ravedave 06:33, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- You may be interested to know that we have an article about February 30. Thryduulf 07:44, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
fo ti tieng
(no question asked)
- Wikipedia does not have an article on "fo ti tieng". However, a quick Google search turns up the information that it is "a registered trademark name for an herbal product containing gotu kola (Centella asiatica), cola nut (Cola nitida), and Indian physic root (Gillenia trifoliata)". If that was not what you wanted to know, you could try again, and ask a question. — Nowhither 17:27, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
How many cars are there in the world?
How many cars are out there approximately? This doesn't include large vehicles such as trucks. Is there a good, reliable number on this?
- Arrrrr, there be about 500 million today according to [this website]. I doubt it's possible to be any more accurate, since even if one could collate all the manufacturing numbers, it would be impossible to know how many had been scrapped. Shantavira 17:27, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- It's worth noting that the hypertextbook.com website mentioned above uses articles such as Cars Emit Carbon Dioxide published online by globalwarming.enviroweb.org as references, which doesn't look like a primary source. Ojw 14:32, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Flight 93 Memorial
Is the chosen Flight 93 memorial actually going to be built? David Simpson
- Have you read the article on Flight 93? It says that it will be built but that there is some controversy around it. Dismas|(talk) 12:10, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
Defintion
What is the exact definition of Gender Bias.
- A prejudice against a particular gender. Dismas|(talk) 12:33, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- Yarr, ye be findin' more information at our sexism article. Arr. Garrett Albright 16:17, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
english translation of japanese word: tsumi
i would like to know what the english translation of the word 'tsumi' is... some sources i have found say "sin" or "crime" but i'm not entirely sure. can someone help with this one?? thanks
kattus
- I've answered you at Wikipedia:Reference desk/Language; there's no need to place your questions on more than one page. —Cryptic (talk) 14:11, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
do you have any information about hirricane katrina
- Some people would say we have some info about the hurricane at Hurricane Katrina but I wouldn't believe them if I were you, that'd be too obvious. Dismas|(talk) 14:28, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
who is the "piano man" actually?
See Andreas Grassl or http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/4177530.stm -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 15:37, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- Fascinating link. Billy Joel is another possibility. Nelson Ricardo 02:32, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
spiders
what is the name of the spider who is a medium brown color and has a golden brown fleur de lei on its back? -----Jes
- Arrr, that sound loike it be George, the European garden spider. Have ye a look at that arrticle. (They be not confined to Europe.) Shantavira 17:12, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
house of representatives
the house of representatives in the US congress has 435 members plus 4 delegates and 1 resident commissioner
- sounds about right. Did you have a question? You might check United States House of Representatives#Members and elections. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 18:08, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
AM aerial
how do I make an external AM aerial for my tuner?
- just about anything long and conductive will do for an AM radio antenna. I used to use a long length of fencing wire mounted underneath our gutter... --Robert Merkel 01:23, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Horizontal piece of wire that's approximately some fraction (1/2, 1/4 etc.) of the wavelength you want to listen to. For example 800KHz would be about 380m, so an 11m wire would be 1/32 of the wavelength. See Antenna (radio). Ojw 12:12, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Idiom
Who said the idiom first, who deduced it?
- "Never change a winning team", soccer (Bobby Charlton?)
- "Never touch a running System" information technology
- "Never change a running system", mixture of both above?
-- 172.182.61.57 19:50, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- I don't know, but all of those look like variations of "Don't change horses in midstream". --Fastfission 22:13, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- They are also not idioms. I'd call them "sayings", or maybe "aphorisms". — Nowhither 17:43, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
re: missile launch
Is a Bried a viewing platform of some sort? Thanking you,Tanya
- context? -- Jmabel | Talk 07:07, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
define the word driver
driver
- Or Wikipedia disambiguation page Driver for several articles depending on meaning. --hydnjo talk 20:54, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- Me, as soon as the lads in Swansea sort their act out. Keep off the roads! Rob Church Talk 21:59, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
RE: Aviation question on old saying??
Hello to all, does anyone know where the term... "winchester" comes from in regards to all bombs or ammunition gone???? from Aircraft??? Thanks once again, Tanya
- I don't know about the specific aviation context, but I would guess this has to do with the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and their Winchester rifle.--Pharos 22:15, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- List of such abbreviations if anyone's interested, although without explanations. Looks like they're defined by NATO. Ojw 12:04, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Do Sea Stars have a brain?
I read recently as a little known fact, that Sea Stars (star fish) do not have a brain. I would like to have this theory proved, before I use it in a workplace discussion.
Many thanks Jenn K
- Sea star indicates it is an echinoderm; that article tells us "most echinoderms, with the exception of the sea cucumber, have a brain, although it is very small." See also Sea star#Nervous System. Radagast 21:34, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- The page at http://www.wonderquest.com/sea-stars-nights-space-radiation.htm explains a bit more. They have a neural network that acts in a similar fashion to a brain but isn't located in just one place. It's more distributed over the entire body. Dismas|(talk) 21:38, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- Jenn: The concept of a "brain" as we normally think of it is really limited to vertebrates (animals who, like us, have backbones: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish). Whether other animals have a brain really depends on your definition of "brain". For example, in their heads, insects have clusters of nerve cells called "ganglia" (singular "ganglion"), which you might call a "brain", or you might not. However, while these ganglia are important, in a pinch an insect may be able to do without them. Cut off an insect's head, and it can no longer see or eat, but many types of insects can otherwise get along quite well (until starvation sets in, anyway). As for echinoderms, the article is probably talking about similar maybe-it's-a-brain ganglia (and the article should probably be updated to reflect this). Some animals, like hydras, have a completely decentralized nervous systems with no ganglia at all. Other extremely simple animals do not have nervous systems. These animals clearly do not have "brains". But for most others, it really depends on what you are willing to call a "brain". — Nowhither 18:26, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
how do i get berry juice in emerald?
i need to know, please!
- I think you're referring to the 'Berry Juice' item in Pokemon Emerald. As a sidenote, please try to write your question more clearly in the future, since I'm not quite too sure what you're asking. If that's what you're asking about, though, the GameFAQs.com site ( http://www.gamefaqs.com ) should have information on that--just search for Pokemon Emerald, and then read through the guides. A Google search might also be useful. I'm personally not familiar with Pokemon Emerald (although I am with Red/Blue/Yellow), so I can't help you directly there (sorry!). But good luck with your search, in any case. :) ~GMH talk to me 02:53, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Law/theory about keeping population in check
Two years ago while taking notes in world geography my teacher named this law or theory. It had someting to do with what keeped population stable and I think it had 3 factors, 2 of wich I think I remember (war and famine). I did some google search and even on wikipedia. If possible can you give me the name of the theory or law?
--Ice Jedi5
- Try looking at Malthusianism and Thomas Malthus. See if that is what you are recalling. DES (talk) 21:44, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- Damn edit conflicts. Yeah, see Malthusian catastrophe and Malthusianism - it was probably being referred to as Malthus' Law, though we don't have an actual article by that title. Note that it isn't generally seen as being correct under modern conditions. Shimgray 21:46, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- I tried the links provided, none of wich look familiar enough to be the thing I was looking for. Thanks anyway for the help --Ice Jedi5
- Population generally follows a a sigmoid curve - does that ring any bells? Shimgray 22:02, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- Are you referring to the population of PEOPLE in which the main controls are: birth rate; death rate; immigration (legal and illegal); and the opposite (people leaving to go to another nation), or are you referring to wildlife, in which a major factor has to do with the food chain. Overpopulation of a species can lead to over consumption of whatever it is they eat, leading to starvation, leading to underpopulation. Then there is what mankind does to try to fix things, like making it too easy for there to be wildfires. Have you heard of Mad Cow disease, the result of mistakes managing agriculture, which has now spread to Mad Deer variant, and all kinds of other wildlife. 68.179.177.137 23:06, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- Sorry, I did not notice that Wiki had kept population in check by logging me out. AlMac|(talk) 23:09, 19 September 2005 (UTC)
- Yes, I am refering to population of people. --Ice Jedi5
- The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse include War, Famine, and Death. Malthus' law inspired other people to look at this problem; they have come up with a different law (this means Malthus does not have to be right in the need for population control): see logistic function, which can have 4 parameters. But they aren't War, Famine, and Death, they are 1) Growth Rate and 2) Competition for a symmetrical logistic curve (sigmoid curve). This same theory predicts the population of the world will stabilize at 9.6 billion people, which depends on how fast it becomes more expensive to have children. We will have 9.6 billion people on Earth in this century. Growth should have stopped by then. But we don't necessarily have to control population with War Famine or Death; we just need to increase the standard of living (more jobs and capital) in all of the inhabited continents. Check out the September 2005 issue of Scientific American for more. Ancheta Wis 19:43, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- Yes, I am refering to population of people. --Ice Jedi5
polotics
What is the purpose of goverment according to the natural rights philosophers?
- Although the title refers to parasitic infections of polo horses (and players?), I would draw your attention to our finely written articles on natural rights, inalienable rights and John Locke. Gareth Hughes 22:02, 19 September 2005 (UTC) Government should only make sure ones exercise of his rights does not infringe on other rights.
sims 2 alien babies
how do I make my alien babies in sims2 grow into toddlers?
- It is vital to know the exact species of alien involved before giving any rearing advice. Using the wrong technique could result in death or injury for the mini-martian or for you. Please take the time to study our article on extraterrestrial life for more information. Gareth Hughes 00:18, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Or go straight to astrobiology... Gareth Hughes 00:20, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Or rephrase your question so someone has a clue what you are asking, or if (as I suspect) you are asking about a game, you'll probably have better luck on a gamer site. -- Jmabel | Talk 07:11, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- have you checked that you don't have the aging cheat off? and also maybe you need to buy a birthday cake and get either an adult or teenager to carry the baby to the cake so it may grow up... they should grow up normallly...remember they stay toddlers for 4 days before moving onto the next age... i hope this helps... i have the game myself so i know lots of stuff bout the sims2...Kattus 08:03, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Why not soften
Why do the laundering instructions for some fabrics indicate that softeners should not be used ? 12.73.132.172 00:29, 20 September 2005 (UTC)Dan J
- Because the fabric may not be able to withstand the "harsh" effect of the fabric softener without some degradation of the fabric. --hydnjo talk 04:03, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- It also makes materials less water absorbent, so it should not be used when washing towels. Shantavira 07:49, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
what keeps spiders away?
- Avoid having whatever it is they eat, which may be unavoidable (there is some critter in my home that likes to eat the paper than my books are made of).
- Get some other critter in your home that likes to eat spiders, which may lead to other problems with that critter.
AlMac|(talk) 03:50, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- I've heard spiders are very averse to the smell of bleach; spreading bleach along cracks and other places where they might enter may help. ‣ᓛᖁ♀ᑐ 04:32, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- "I know an old lady, that swallowed a fly..." Rob Church Talk 22:01, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- I heard on the radio that spiders won't live in a house made of mahogany. It's... Thelb4! 20:05, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
Worlds largest selling books
I would like to know which 3 books in the english language are the largest selling in the world. I believe the Bible is number 1, and had heard that Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seus was number 3. Is that correct? and what is number 2? Thanks
- I suspect a Dictionary is pretty high up there, especially in places where English is not the native language. AlMac|(talk) 07:12, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- I suspect some kind of "How to" or "owners manual" is the most bought and least read book in the western world. I mean, every home computer comes with some kind of documentation, which almost no one reads. AlMac|(talk) 07:14, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Does it count if we get it but don't buy it, like our income tax form? AlMac|(talk) 07:14, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- The Guinness Book of Records is the world's most sold copyrighted book. Fredrik | talk 07:31, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Here is where definitions get tricky. In what sense are two books "the same"? For example, the Bible is certainly the all-time bestseller. And most Bible translations are copyrighted (or were when they were first published). If you counted all sales of copyrighted Bible translations as sales of the same book, you would probably exceed the sales of the GBoR. But when talking about copyrighted works, we would generally distinguish between different copyrighted translations. Now, should we distinguish between sales of different years of the GBoR? That would make its effective sales plummet. — Nowhither 18:34, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
what is FLying Spaghetti Monsterism?
- It is a parody "religion" satirising creationism and specifically intelligent design. See Flying Spaghetti Monster. --Robert Merkel 01:36, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
2 Live Crew Lyric
Hi - I want to know the meaning of a lyric in a 2 Live Crew song, "We Want Some Pussy". In one of the lines in the song they say "Let's have group sex and do the Rambo". I want to know what they mean by "do the Rambo"? I realise that this is explicit and I apolagize if this question offends, but it is something I have wondered since I was a young teen. Cheers.
- Urbandictionary.com has what seems to be the relevant definition. Subtle fellows, the 2 Live Crew...--Robert Merkel 01:29, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Well, seeing as 2LC has put this song in six different albums, all with different motifs, it's anyone's quess. ;-) --hydnjo talk 02:12, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Origin of the Ninja v. Pirate feud
I was engaging in some light-hearted banter with friends the other day when ninjas and pirates came up. Does anybody know what the origin of this "feud" is? I googled it, and it mainly brought up mock answers, and silly articles. But is there some true, pop-culture reason or something for the ninja/pirate feud?
- Truly, the feud is rooted in mockery and silliness. Also in throwing stars, parrots, and eyepatches. Arr! — Lomn | Talk / RfC 05:15, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- I'm fairly certain that Real Ultimate Power is the source. See [2]. Garrett Albright 14:47, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
request of information
Request: The tv show "the next great champ" (everything on it, boxers(bios)(like you did with the Contender tv show), etc.), the dispute and controversy on cam'ron and mase(both rappers, how did it start all the way through to the lose touch thing), the roc-a-fella records break up(the separation between jay-z and dame dash,how and why there were a separation, etc.),roc-a-fella records history(from how they start,to the disputes and controversies to todays bases), what tracks Swizz Beatz produced(apart from hit singles like you did with timbaland) and list of diss songs from rap artist(s)(all,every last one, from the start of diss songs to the today) description on the diss songs from target,motive,brutal bars(lines from songs that hurt or disrespect the target more) and availablity.
tutor, (how to) elementary school language arts
- I suggest reading aloud to young children, with them seeing the book that is being read from. AlMac|(talk) 06:23, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
What is SAP?
- This is the acronym for a computer software company ... I forget what the letters SAP stand for.
- There is something in a tree known as sap.
- Sap is also a word sometimes used to describe a person who has behaved in a naive or idiotic way.
AlMac|(talk) 06:33, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Additional possibilities include:
- A weapon consisting of a leather bag filled with sand or lead shot.
- To Sap, a form of military engineering were enemy defenses are undermined by digging a tunnel under their foundation.
--Allen3 talk 13:33, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Secondary Audio Programming is my first inclination. I have no idea why someone would want to watch Everybody Loves Raymond in Spanish where available, though. --Maxamegalon2000 21:55, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
pictures of the band VAST
does anyone know a site where i can find pictures of the band Vast (Visual Audio Sensory Theature)????
i have some of their songs but i don't know what they look like or who's in the band...
if you could help that would be great thanks!!!!
kattus & em
- I take it you've read our article on VAST? Which would lead you to their official website? And done a Google image search? Dismas|(talk) 08:10, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Australia
What are the names of the premiers for the following states and territories. Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.--203.122.73.172 09:12, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- I've wikilinked the names of the territories so that you can go to the articles about them. The info should be there or at the very least, linked off of those articles. Dismas|(talk) 10:10, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- At each of those links Dismas has kindly created you will find the information you need in the infobox (specifally under the map on the right). The Northern Territory doesn't have a Premier, but the Chief Minister is equivalent. --Commander Keane 10:51, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
how poor is romania ?
hello again, this question is in regrds of how poor is romania ? is there a comparison ? for exapmle, how much does a house sell for in american currency ? or is it literally cheap over there ? thank yu again keep up the good work :D
- A good starting point would be taking a look at Lists of countries by their GDP. --Commander Keane 16:24, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- It sounds like you need a cost of living comparison. Many companies sell software and investigative reports on cost of living. Usually these are sold to international companies which use this information to set their internal adjustment rates for payment of oversea labor. (And stipends for expatriate workers). I have investigated this myself for my own overseas move and I did not find a lot of freely available data. The most relevant report I found would have cost $500 dollars to access. I eventually found some relevant figures by googling "cost of living adjustments" and "cost of living comparison" along with the country name. If your company is planning to move you overseas you may be able to ask them to get you some information on the cost of living. Various US government agencies also keep this information but it is not published online and is based on the cost of living at a particular consulate or expatriate community. I have found that housing is not a good measure of comparison, neither are the costs of particular goods without having a good idea of the average wages and taxes. --Darkfred Talk to me 15:56, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
A lot is incommensurate. Romanian currency is generally undervalued in terms of international currency exchange, so the local purchasing power of the leu is 4-5 times what it brings in foreign exchange. The ratio of property prices to Western Europe is comparable: if you pick, say, a city in Spain and a comparably sized city in Romanian, a comparable housing unit in Romania will cost about 15-25% of what it does in Spain: 15% in poorer rural areas, 25% (maybe a little more this last year or two) in Bucharest, or in some of the Transylvanian cities, which have stronger economies than the general economy.
Most Romanians own rather than rent their dwellings, which also makes comparisons difficult.
Does that more or less answer your question? I probably won't be looking at this topic again (I usually zip through these topics once each), so if you want to follow up, ask me on my talk page. You don't mention what countries you are comparing to, or exactly what scenario you are looking at. -- Jmabel | Talk 06:28, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Police crest
What is the police crest at the bottom left of this picture?[3]
--213.18.248.22 10:09, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- The blue ring around the badge would normally carry the name of the force, but in this picture the ring simply reads POLICE. I think the scene is meant to be in Westminster, so the Metropolitan Police Service (you can see a picture of a Met police car in that article) would be the correct force. However, many scenes for the series were filmed in either Cardiff or Swansea, where the South Wales Police would be the force. However, the badge is different from that used by either force. It might be a prop badge rather than that ofa real force. Gareth Hughes 12:47, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
So you mean it's a "generic" symbol?--84.51.149.80 16:24, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Yes, it might be an invented badge used as a prop. However, the van in the background does seem to have the long blue badge that is used by the Met. I really don't know anything about the different badges used by different forces in the UK: I just know that each has its own, and might just be able to recognise tha of my local force. Perhaps you should take a look at http://www.police.uk/forces/ as it list all the different forces in the UK, and links to their official sites. Gareth Hughes 21:49, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- I've had a look through the badges of all the police forces in England and Wales (all except Dyfed-Powys have decent images on their website) and it doesn't match any that I can tell. The badge looks like it is based on the coat of arms of somewhere. My initial thought was Essex, but the Essex police badge isn't remotely similar to that. The scene in the photo is almost certainly outside the central police station in Swansea [4]. Swansea is in the South Wales Police area, like all the Welsh forces they use bilingual signs and badges (i.e. South Wales Police - Heddlu De Cymru). Thryduulf 00:51, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Budgerigar training
How do you train a budgerigar?
have you checked the budgerigar article on wikipedia? Boneyard 11:55, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Your local library should have some good books on the subject. --Commander Keane 16:18, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
callao bird
Can I see an image of a callao bird and its research.(from the Philippines)
- are you sure about that name? google doesn't turn up much about it. and what do you mean with its research? Boneyard 11:59, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Foolish or Brave
I have reasently been thinking about the different types of people in my school, and indeed different people out side of school. One thing that struk me was that there are manny people trying to be people that they are not, or are trying to acomplish somthing, and ultimatly, will never be able to do so, due to there very nature. This led me to thinking are these people foolish or, are they brave to try and be or do somthing they are not? Now Correct me if I am wrong, but the general consensouse is that, it is brave to for go peoples expectations and be somthing different, good or bad. I on the other hand am not convinced, if you try and do/be somthing but you will never acomplish it then why start in the first place? Wouldn't these people be wasting their time and effort, when they could be doing somthing much more acomplishable? But then again isn't that brave? Trying to do somthing that they will fail in? I leave this to you to answer. It would be much appreashiated. Andy p.s. sorry about the spelling and punctuation. I'm not very good at that sort of thing.
- Wow! This is the most interesting question I've seen here for a long time. It is not easy to answer as it opens up lots of ethical questions. I suggest you talk to your teacher about this so that you can discuss specific examples. Our article on courage says "some distinguish between courage and foolhardiness in that a courageous person overcomes a justifiable fear for an even more noble purpose. If the fear is not justifiable or the purpose not noble, then the courage is either false, or foolhardy". In other words, the difference often depends where you stand politically, ethically, or philosophically. For example, some people think that going into battle is a very brave thing to do, some think it extremely foolish, and some would say "it all depends..." Shantavira 12:35, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Another related thought is if you ask people, what is it that they consider to be their most important reason for existing in this world, this life, because that has a great impact on their philosophy of what risks are worth taking.
- Try to make oodles of money so as to improve quality of life for self and family.
- Do a good job raising a family, so that the kids are better off than we were when we were kids.
- Service to nation, to protect nation, and help make it stronger, and better.
- Converting people to one's particular relgious beliefs.
- Become the best at ones's chosen career.
AlMac|(talk) 18:01, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- There's a fine line between bravery and foolishness, or even insanity. For example, someone is determined to learn how to fly by jumping up and down and flapping his arms and he fgures that eventually he'll get it right. Is that person foolish? Insane? Or maybe he's enjoying seeing other people's reactions to their behavior, in which case he's possibly being brave for risking ridicule for his experiment in interpersonal relationships. How about the person who has lost both legs in an automobile accident and yet wants to become an Olympic champion? There are plenty of examples of people with missing limbs or artificial limbs who have accomplished amazing physical feats that would be out of the reach of even most healthy people, but they probably had to endure many people telling them that what they were trying was impossible.
- As an example, Christopher Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down but wanted to walk again. He achieved amazing results in being able to move parts of his body and to be able to breathe on his own for short times, way beyond what most medical experts thought he'd be able to do, because he didn't give up on that dream. Although he never did walk again, his determination and his time spent promoting work that would help others to someday walk has probably made a big difference in the future of other people with paralysis. He could have just spent the time at home, lying in bed, watching old movies, being spoon-fed ice cream; instead, he endured tremendous effort and pain and constant defeats in his efforts to get what he wanted and to travel to spread the word. Was it foolish for him to keep trying against all odds? Personally, I don't think so. Elf | Talk 19:08, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Fluorescent colours in MS Word
How do I get fluorescent colours in MS Word?--213.18.248.21 12:45, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- I assume you mean for fonts, MS limits its initial choices to colors which display well on paper but you can create custom colors. Click on the font color drop down window (an arrow next to a capital A on the toolbar) -> click "More Colors..." -> click on the "Custom" Tab. You should now have a control where you can create any color. --Darkfred Talk to me 16:17, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Collective Nouns
Is there a collective noun for a 'collection of collections' i.e. numerous collections?
Ron Redfern
- Ron: I don't think so. But you could try "metacollection". — Nowhither 18:44, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Tun Mahathir
who is tun mahathir
- He is a former Prime Minister of Malaysia. "Tun" is an honorific. See Mahathir bin Mohamad. — Nowhither 18:38, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
what does avatar mean?
See Avatar and Avatar (disambiguation). And please put soem text after the subject of your questions in future, and sign them with four tildas. DES (talk) 15:43, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
counties that relate to a street address or city/town
Hi !
Do you know if a downloadable file exists that would tell me what county a street address, zip code or city/town belongs to?
Wally Wittenberg
- It probably depends on the country. In the UK, the postcode (zip code) database is a valuable and protected object, available under licence. Notinasnaid 16:50, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Our article on List of ZIP Codes in the United States says there's a free downloadable database at http://www.cfdynamics.com/zipbase/ Shantavira 18:34, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
speed record
did mccoy attempt a new land speed record
- I can't find any references to anyone named "McCoy" doing such a thing. Maybe you could provide a first name? — Nowhither 18:43, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- It would also be helpful if it was a land speed record without any mechanical aids or with a specific sort of vehicle. - Mgm|(talk) 19:20, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
White Rabbit Restaurant, Onset, Massachusetts
(no question)
- Did you have a question? — Nowhither 18:48, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Hot Air Balloons
Does the barometric pressure have anything to do with restricting a scheduled flight? Are they equipped with an altimeter?
- Wind speed and cloud cover are much more important than air pressure itself, though these factors are all connected. The barometric pressure will have a small effect of the lifting capacity if that's what you were wondering. The article hot air balloon gives more details. They certainly carry an altimeter and quite a few other bits of gear. Shantavira 08:40, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- While the barometric pressure doesn't affect a balloon's capabilities as such, it's an indicator of what kind of weather is coming, so a pilot might say "the barometric pressure is dropping so we are going to cancel the flight", meaning that bad weather is on the way. DJ Clayworth 17:48, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
oceana
can anybody find a recipe from oceana
- Using Google brought this result. The top result is http://www.uktvfood.co.uk/index.cfm?uktv=recipes.recipe&iID=514183. Try using a search engine. Gareth Hughes 21:37, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- Perhaps you mean Oceania? If so, you can find some recipes in Wikibooks:Cookbook:Pacific cuisines, or the Australian or Tahitian sections of RecipeSource. Chuck 22:48, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
- While Oceania is a much bigger and more varied place than just Australia, if you want some "authentic" Australian bush recipes, you could try this teenager]'s collection. Particularly the witchetty grub soup (personally, I'd demand photographic evidence that somebody has actually eaten this) :) Note that we do have an article on Australian cuisine. Beyond Australia, one of the great traditional culinary practices of New Zealand and the Pacific is the Hangi. This is a cuisine that I'd actually heartily endorse :)--Robert Merkel 23:39, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
World Tour Grossings
Where is a good reference source to find out how much music world tours have grossed for any specific artist?
- Maybe Billboard? This is probably hardcopy library research. -- Jmabel | Talk 06:39, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Pollstar is apparently a good source of info regarding concert tours. Their website is here [5]. It may be something you need to go to a library for as per Jmabel.Capitalistroadster 07:49, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Rough and Brittle Hair
What is the solution for rough and brittle hair?
- You could always shave it off... - Mgm|(talk) 10:33, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
the "SORRY!" board game
How do you print out a "SORRY!" board for the boardgame "SORRY!"?
- Sorry! is under copyright and a high-res picture of its board (suitable for printing) would not be permissible under fair use laws. However, that shouldn't prevent you from finding an interpretable picture of the board and constructing one yourself. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 21:59, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Mountain lion habits and behaviors in Central Arizona
I am becoming interested in the behaviors and habits of central Arizona mountain lions.
- I would suggest you start with articles like mountain lion and progress from there. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 22:01, 20 September 2005 (UTC)
Zeitgeist
Who first used the word Zeitgeist in Phsycology?
- See Zeitgeist.
- The concept of zeitgeist goes back to the German philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder. However the word itself was coined by the philologist Christian Adolph Klotz in 1769. - Mgm|(talk) 10:35, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
the levees in new orleans .
was the levee to be fixed every year to keep it from flooding ? or a major repair one time thing or every year to keep it fix? thank you rick okoneski
- You might find some useful info via the Hurricane Katrina article.
- I believe it was an on-going effort by the local (allegedly corrupt) government to spend money on continual upgrading, and reviewing needs, with the help of Federal funds and the US Army Corps of Engineers. A major issue was whether it was supposed to be able to protect against a storm of a particular intensity, and what the drainage of water was doing to the risk of a major flood.
what is homecoming?
Homecoming can have a couple different meanings. Normally it just means "coming home". In college and high school sports, esp. American football, it is generally the first home game of the season. At the school the game is normally held on a Saturday and a dance is traditionally held that night for the students to celebrate. A Homecoming Queen and king are generally chosen from the student body as part of the celebration. Dismas|(talk) 00:08, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- The article Homecoming (tradition) might also be of help. -- Essjay · Talk 00:18, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- There was this Carling Homecoming on TV once, where big bands played in venues where they grew up near. Like there was one where the Manic Street Preachers, who used to gig in a pub opposite where is now the Millenium Stadium, and their homecoming gig would be inside the stadium. --Dangherous 13:30, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Radio Transmissions in Space
How can our radio transmissions be traveling way out in space if radio transmissions seem to weaken the farther you are from the Transmitter?
- There's no atmosphere to travel through in space (or at least very little). Thus the signal isn't running into anything. Dismas|(talk) 00:13, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- Yes, they get weaker and weaker, but they never entirely disappear. That does mean that anyone hoping to hear our radio transmitters on some planet around another star is going to need a very sensitive antenna. Our article about SETI has some interesting stuff about one planet listening for another. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 00:15, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Alaska
How many days of daylighthas Alaska through the year?
- I beleive this varies with latitude as some, but not all, of Alaska is within the Arctic circle - areas outside will have daylight every day of the year, at the artic circle I think you will get one day without daylight, with more such days the further north you go. Have a look at the Alaska article and the others I have linked as they might have some more information on this. Thryduulf 00:56, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- It's worth noting that because the Earth is revolving, every point on its surface receives exactly the same amount of daytime over the course of a year, i.e. it's daytime half the time and nighttime half the time. However, the closer you get to the poles, the lower in the sky the sun will be, so the amount of actual light received (and hence warmth) decreases. Shantavira 08:53, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- The amount of light varies greatly with latitude, and Alaska covers a lot of latitude. However, most of the state is south of the Arctic Circle; in such places the sun rises and sets every day. On the other hand, 'way up north in Barrow, Alaska the sun will set at 1:40 p.m. on November 18, 2005 and will not rise again until 1:01 p.m. on January 23, 2006. Keep in mind, however, that just because the sun is below the horizon does not mean it is dark. In fact, Barrow gets at least a couple of hours of civil twilight every day of the year. — Nowhither 01:05, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
when did the exorcism of emily Rose occur?
The Exorcism of Emily Rose was filmed in 2005. It's a movie. Fiction. Never really happened. It was inspired, apparently, by the starvation/exorcism of Anneliese Michel who died on June 30 1976. - Nunh-huh 01:42, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
what is save for a rainy day?
- The expression "Save for a rainy day" just means to put something aside in case hardship comes. For example, if you won a large sum of money someone might tell you to put some of that money in a savings account so that if something bad happened, "a rainy day", you would have that money to draw from. Dismas|(talk) 02:39, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
free website
I would like to know why there are so many free websites available on the internet; and who pays for these websites; An example of the websites I mean are:
- A website that helps you convert temperature or volume from the decimal to the metric system and vice versa. available on the internet for free; or other websites that helps one translate a text from one language to another etc.
thank you anon.
- Both questions don't have simple answers. Websites are paid for by their operators, who in turn receive revenue from advertising, membership payments, or from a supporting organisation. For example, Babelfish is supported by Altavista. Why are there so many websites? Because many people enjoy having them, or many can make money from them, or it doesn't cost much to have one....the reasons are endless really. --inks 03:38, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- Many people and organizations believe that the true value of the internet is in sharing information, and they are willing to absorb the cost of doing so to make it happen. For example, my nonprofit dog club pays a monthly fee for the right to have a web site and we can post whatever we want there. So we post lots of information that has been useful to us--text files, photos, Excel spreadsheets that we've created--so that other people can benefit from our experience and knowledge without having to pay for it. I, myself, have a personal web site that I pay a monthly fee for and on which I can post whatever I want; again, I like to share information that I think will be useful to other people. So, for example, when my dog became ill with cancer, I posted information about the cancer as I learned it; since then, I've received many dozens of emails from people whose dogs also had cancer, and they were extremely grateful to find information to help them through their painful times. Neither I nor my club post advertisements or derive any income from our web sites; we are repaid in goodwill, gratitude, and the belief that (as mentioned above) we are making the world a better place for others. Elf | Talk 17:56, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- It's worth also noting that the cost of entry for publishing information on the internet is much lower than, for example, starting a television network or a radio station, or even printing a book, magazine or flyer. Absorbing the cost (to use Elf's term) of running a small to moderate-sized web site would be trivial to someone working full-time in an industrialized nation. It's simply not much of a burden; quite fun, actually. Garrett Albright 18:59, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Searching for information on my late father Armando Molina.
I am looking for informaation about my father Armando Molina who just passed away. I received an american flag two metal plaques one that reads his name and another that says VETERAN. I can include DOB and more information,if you can contact me he was an Army soldier and in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
- Are you looking for his service records? See this link to NARA. As next of kin you can use vetrecs to request them. - Nunh-huh 03:37, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
SAF Designations.
Can anyone tell me what SAF designations mean and where I can find a full listing of them? Also SRM Designations. --ViolentGreen 02:55, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
What doeso TKO stand for
Technical Knock Out: it's a boxing term that is extensively discussed in that article. --Robert Merkel 06:14, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Largest Truck Fleet
What company has the largest truck fleet in the World?
According to the St. Petersburg Times (Florida), Walmart owns America's largest truck fleet lots of issues | leave me a message 10:12, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
what is a cat herder
- There is no such thing as a cat herder. There is an expression that goes "... is as hard as herding cats". The idea of the phrase is that cats do what they want and are very hard, if not impossible, to train. Therefore they would go all over the place if you tried to herd them together. I suppose if you called someone a cat herder, it could mean that they spend all their energy trying to do things that just won't work. Dismas|(talk) 09:00, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- Alternatively, it may be an abbreviation for cattle herder. - Mgm|(talk) 10:39, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- Good point, Mgm. I hadn't thought of that... Dismas|(talk) 12:57, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- As an aside, there was a Super Bowl commercial about 5 years ago on cat herding. [6] — Lomn | Talk / RfC 13:15, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- If there is no such thing why does this expression get 31,000 Google hits? I had not come across this before either, but it seems that since 'herding cats' is a near-impossible task, a cat herder is someone who is good at organizing people, especially getting them to do things they don't want to do, like all meet up at the same time and place. Shantavira 07:56, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
field hockey
what are short and long corners in field hockey?
- Ah! A question I am actually qualified to answer rather than just making it up as I go along :)
- Basically, a "long corner" is a free hit awarded when a team accidently plays the ball over their defensive back line. The penalty is a free hit taken from a spot on the side line, five yards from the backline, on the side closer to where the ball went out. Conceding a long corner is no big deal for the defending team; while they would obviously prefer to be in possession of the ball and/or for the ball to be at the other end of the field, it's quite an easy position to defend (you can't lift the ball into a more advantageous position directly in front of goal like a soccer corner kick).
- A "short corner", also known in the rules as a "penalty corner", is awarded if the defensive team commits a foul (such as the ball striking some part of their body other than the stick) inside the "circle" - actually a semicircle 16 yards from the goal from which the ball must be struck to score from. In these, five defenders (including the goal keeper) line up behind the backline. One attacker takes the ball from a spot on the backline 10 yards from the goal, and any number of other attackers line up around the edge of the circle. The attacker with the ball must push it to a teammate, the ball must travel outside the circle, and then it is brought back in and (if they can) take a shot at goal. If the ball is hit (with a backlift), an additional restriction applies that doesn't in general play - for the goal to count, the ball not rise higher than "the backboard" of the goal, which is about 18 inches high. A "push" or a "scoop" can be at any height.
- At the elite level, penalty corners are scored from a reasonable percentage (maybe 25%?) of the time; some teams have players who are particularly fearsome at them - there was a dutch player called Bovelander whose hit was so hard as to be almost unstoppable, and a Pakistani called Shabaz who had a deadly lofted flick shot. However, at junior and lower senior levels the percentages are much lower. They are also one of the more dangerous situations for defenders, as they often place themselves directly between an attacker with the ball and the goals.
- For completeness, if a defender commits a deliberate offence inside the circle, or one that directly prevented a goal being scored, a penalty stroke is taken, analagous to a penalty kick in soccer.
- If this material isn't in the field hockey article, it really should be. I'll check :)--Robert Merkel 13:26, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Marta Bus Lines
Hi! I need to know what Marta bus line I should take from the Indian Creek Station to get to Memorial Drive?
Thanks!
- Where? There are multiple mass-transit groups known as MARTA. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 14:04, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- Original poster: To clarify, we don't know what country you are in, much less what city. (We can guess your planet, but, hey, even that might be wrong.) — Nowhither 01:11, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- But having a wild guess that you meant MARTA in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, this page lists the buses leaving from Indian Creek Station. There appears to be five of them, so have a look at the five until you find the one that you're looking for. --Robert Merkel 03:08, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
re:Re:Aviation question
Hello to all once again... I thank Pharos for the links on the winchester rifle. Sadly I had checked them once before with no success. It does refer to my question however, but not who or where it first originated from...I think I will slowly go crazy in trying to find the answer to this one. Thank you from "Downunder" Tanya.
- I've got a book on rifles that may hold the answer, but I don't have access to it right now. If I haven't answered this by tomorrow, consider leaving a message on my talk page which is linked in my signature and I'll look if I got some info at my earliest convenience. - Mgm|(talk) 21:29, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Star Wars 3
The Wikipedia Star Wars 3 page states that the DVD release of Star Wars 3 will be November 1. Will there be a VHS release of Star Wars 3?
- Yes, there will be a VHS version released at the same time. Proto t c 15:46, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Accounting - fixed asset depreciation / amortization schedules
I am searching for fixed asset depreciation schedules for not-for-profit organizations. Primarily, buildings built before and after 1986. IRS does not have specific information for not-for-profit depreciation. Miller and Wiley not-for-profit auditing materials do not specify depreciation schedules either. Local library is small and does not have current accounting books.
ropskp@juno.com
- Disclaimer: I'm an accounting student, but I haven't taken fund accounting and I'm not very familiar with not-for-profit issues. However, I believe that for IRS purposes, tax exempt organizations are required to use straight line depreciation under ADS (longer recovery period), for property placed in service after 1986. According to pub 946, the recovery period for nonresidential real property is 40 years. See pub 946 (do a text search for "tax-exempt"). If you owned the building in 1986 you may have used accelerated depreciation methods - I'm really not sure about this. publication 534 deals with pre-1987 depreciation, but it doesn't mention any special requirements for tax-exempt organizations. If this question deals with an actual company, you should really look through your records for prior depreciation schedules. If you don't have them, I'd assume that you just bought the buildings? In that case it doesn't matter when they are built, it matters when they were placed in service. If you just placed a building in service under ADS, it is depreciated over 40 years using straight line. Make sure to use the right convention in the first and last years - I think real property always uses the mid-month convention. Use table A-13 in pub 946. None of this is tax advice by the way. Rhobite 19:32, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
democratic and republican parties
- If you're looking for information on the parties of those names in the U.S., see Democratic Party (United States) and Republican Party (United States). If you're referring to the parties in some other country, see Democratic Party and Republican Party for lists of similarly-named parties throughout the world. Chuck 17:44, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Poetry
Can you submit poetry and such onto the site?
- In the context you probably intend, no. Wikipedia is not a webhost for personal use, things like LiveJournal or Blogger are far better suited. If you are instead refering to famous poetry (say, Walt Whitman), then uploading depends on copyright issues. You can generally upload small segments of a poem as fair use and public ___domain poetry can be uploaded in full at Wikisource. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 17:14, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- You can, like this, just type it in,
- So do not feel defeated.
- But as to if you should, well no,
- It will only get deleted.
low-lying areas
where do I find information regarding how to determine low-lying areas of south florida that may be flood prone.?
thank you Jean Markese
- Please do not post your email address on this page, or it will be spammed. Probably the easiest way to find out if you're in a flood-prone area is to call up a local home insurance company and ask them; they would be the ones who would know more than anyone, methinks. Garrett Albright 19:02, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- The local town office or county office might have some information on that as well. Dismas|(talk) 20:37, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
excalibur
(no question)
- What about Excalibur? - Mgm|(talk) 21:32, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
Costume designer in desperate need of help
Hello! Okay so here is the deal I am a costume designer who is working on a movie where there is a shot of someone recieving a Nobel Prize. So naturally the king and queen of Sweden are there. I need to know what the different medals they both where mean or why they wear them. I have some pictures of what they look like but I need some more info. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much! I look forward to hearing anything from you!
- The Royal Court of Sweden webpage has an English-language section, including a discussion of some of their royal regalia. The page also has a link to the "Information and Press Department" contact details (no email, just phone, fax and snailmail) which may be worthwhile contacting if you can't find an answe on the webpage. You might also try contacting the Swedish Embassy (or the most convenient consulate) in your country for help. Good luck! --Robert Merkel 03:04, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Robert Merkel's suggestion is excellent: you should drop a line asking which orders and riband and medals are worn to the (1) Awards ceremony and/or (2) the Nobel Banquet by the king and queen (depending on which your movie will show). In most pictures King Carl Gustaf seems to be wearing the Grand Cross of the Order of Seraphim (unfortunately without the collar, which is an eyecatcher), the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sword, and the Order of the Polar Star. as well as one other I can't make out, and four medals. Queen Sylvia seems to restrict herself to wearing but one Order (but has some rather nice jewelry....) - Nunh-huh 04:21, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Also, kudos to you for taking the time to ensure an accurate costume, rather than just making something up. Superm401 | Talk 08:41, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- In the UK, you'd get this sort of information (at least partly) in Debrett's or Whitaker's; both reasonably common reference books. If there is a Swedish equivalent, the local consulate is bound to have a copy available, and if you ask nicely can probably at least tell you what all the King's decorations are; if you're lucky they may have someone who knows all this off the top of their head. A good library should then be able to find you a book with high-quality illustrations of these, so you can match each one to the actual shiny thing. Shimgray 12:38, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
trees in Wyoming
Dear Sir, I would like to know what kind of trees grow in Wyoming and what kind of trees grow in the Big Piney region specifically. Thank you Robin Schwarz
- Please don't post your email address unless you fancy getting spammed (see instructions at top of page). Sorry for stating the obvious, but I would expect the Big Piney region to contain Big Pines... - Mgm|(talk) 21:34, 21 September 2005 (UTC)
- According to this site, aspen and lodgepole pine grow in the Cottonwood Creek area of Big Piney Ranger District of Bridger-Teton National Forest. Rmhermen 14:24, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
is it possible to defecate up someone's ass?
Okay, as gross/esoteric as this is, my ex-girlfriend and I basically had a yearlong ever-escalating threat war. We exchanged vows of disgusting punishment until we arrived at what I found to be a realistic threat of assault. So...given proper tubing/environmental circumstances, is it possible to use one's own excretory force to reverse flow of the out tube? Any suggestions you have are appreciated.
- "Suggestions"? I suggest you don't try it. — Nowhither 01:12, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- 쥠軔傰入兩凁! --01:26, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- གྷ༽྅ྴᆩᆺᠠ₥❤༂ฉҗ!??? --01:32, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- This was a minor plot thread in award winning 2005 film, Me and You and Everyone We Know. For what it's worth. But they didn;t go into the mechanics of it. --Tagishsimon (talk)
The way the lower intestine is set up, feces isn't expelled with much "force", its more let out than forced out. and the sphicter is more than powerful enough to prevent any unwanted entry from something mushy with little force behind it. However, if someone had a very loose anus and WANTED to get feces up their anus, then this would be very possible, albeit very unhealthy.
Military Armament Corp
Do you know the address of the Military Armament Corp in Powder Springs,Georgia?
MAC declared bankruptcy in 1976 and their designs were sold to a company named RPB [7] -Drdisque 06:51, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Font colors
Is there a table of font colors like this in WP that can be called by name rather than Hex code? --hydnjo talk 01:20, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Hi - sounds like you're looking for Web colors. This is less a Wikipedia issue than an HTML and browser issue (meaning I don't think the WP software cares what you use for a color name). -- Rick Block (talk) 02:14, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Scorpions
Why do scorpions glow under ultraviolet light?
- The quick and simple answer, is that they absorb energy in the form of UV and reflect some back as light at a visible wavelength. Several websites found via Google suggests that this ability aids hunting.--inks 02:32, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Namesake
My name is Richard Sr... my son is Richard Jr... He is expecting a new son to be named Richard. What would his title be, Richard III ?
- As far as I've always understood the system, yes he would be Richard III Although very few people would get the Shakespeare jokes he'd get. :) Dismas|(talk) 03:39, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Of course you could also go for Little Richard. :)--Pharos 03:43, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- He might get the hump about his name :) -- Arwel 10:43, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Or tiny dick? --Dangherous 13:35, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Tall buildings
After the events of 9/11, why doesn't the government recommend putting parachutes in all tall buildings?
- Just a few ideas off the top of my head as to why they don't:
- You would have to be on a high enough floor to give the parachute time to open and break your fall
- The parachutes would all have to be packed and folded properly or they wouldn't open correctly
- The expense of all the chutes and people to inspect that they're folded correctly
- The windows would have to be able to open and thus possibly cause law suits when someone decided to cash in their chips by jumping without a chute
- The space it would take up for literally thousands of parachutes
- Everyone would have to know how to put one on, release them, etc. Training for that costs even more money
- If there were a fire in a story below them, the parachute may catch fire on the way down
- People may slam into the neighboring buildings
- The time it would take to put the parachute on might be time that they could have used to escape via other methods
- I'm sure I could think of more but that's just off the top of my head. Dismas|(talk) 03:46, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Cost versus risk. Despite what you'd think if you watched the news, the actual risk of dying in a terrorist attack on a skyscraper is far smaller than dying in a car accident, let alone a heart attack. Therefore, it's a much better use of funds to install, for exampleAutomated_external_defibrillators in office buildings rather than parachutes.
- Furthermore, you might consider hiring Farenheit 911 and watching the segment, taken from one of the breakfast TV shows, of a prototype parachute for just this purpose. Let's just say it's not exactly convincing as to the practicality of the device :) --Robert Merkel 04:14, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- This parachute idea would be BASE jumping. The article indicates jumping from buldings is highly dangerous, with concerns about winds, parchute failure etc. --Commander Keane 08:52, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Fizzing or bubbling sensation in the back of my neck
Occasionally I feel a rather odd sensation in the back of my neck. It usually occurs only when my stomach is empty, and growling, though I cannot say that with absolute certainty. It lasts for only a few seconds, and can occur several times in an hour, though I've gone for months on end without experiencing it. I can feel it when it happens as well as hear it through the tissues in my head (much like the slight crackling sound bubbles in your saliva can make every time you swallow--though much more profound). I've discussed this with several coworkers who claim to have felt the same sensation. One coworker claimed it occurred after he felt a popping somewhere in his upper back, almost like (IIRC) the fluidic padding around one of his vertebra broke (much like cracking your knucles) and the released fluid bubbled its way up the spinal column. This is, however, just a guess.
Web searches (with keywords such as "spine", "fizz", "bubbling", etc.) turn up nothing substantial, with the exception of a phonetic pronunciation of the word "physician" à la fizz-ish'-in :).
Does anyone have any ideas what might be causing this or can explain what is happening?
--Silvaran 05:56, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- No. I would suggest seeing your doctor if its causing you any concerns. Capitalistroadster 06:35, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- I (far to) often go to bed without bothering to eat a proper supper, so if I sleep late I'm usualy quite hungry when I wake up and I've had this happen quite often. I'd describe the sound almost like what you get when you "choke" a garden hose (only more faint) or something like that. I'd hazzard a guess that it's somehow related to stomac rumbeling noises/vibrations that resonate up your spine or something like that. At least that's the best I can think off. Doubht it's serious beyond the indication that it's high time to eat someting. --Sherool 11:22, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
Taxable Income versus Gross Income
What is the difference between the two?? Should the figures be different and why? Ams
- The taxable income is the one over which you need to pay income taxes. This income is calculated by by substracting subsidies and tax reductions and adding other things. If I remember correctly the gross income is the one you actually earn. - Mgm|(talk) 09:56, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- And yes, they can be different, but they're not always that depends on your personal situation. If you need more info about your own tax situation, try contacting an accountant or a friend that is more knowledgeable about taxes. - Mgm|(talk) 09:58, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Ford Jaguar
what are the aims and objectives of Ford Jaguar?
- If you are referring to the car manufacturer, I would expect sell as much cars and get as much customers as they possibly can. If that's not what you want to know, I'd like you to be more specific. - Mgm|(talk) 10:01, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- As far as I can tell, the objectives are to ruin the design while dramatically improving the engineering. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 21:49, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- This isn't about the car is it? I didn't hear anything about Ford buying out Jaguar and it's not in our article about Jaguar... Dismas|(talk) 22:36, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Ford has owned Jaguar since 1990. Are you sure you're reading the right article? It's in the fourth or so paragraph in the "History" section. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 22:55, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- That'll teach me to read a bit more closely while answering phones at work... sorry... :) Dismas|(talk) 22:59, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Ford has owned Jaguar since 1990. Are you sure you're reading the right article? It's in the fourth or so paragraph in the "History" section. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 22:55, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- This isn't about the car is it? I didn't hear anything about Ford buying out Jaguar and it's not in our article about Jaguar... Dismas|(talk) 22:36, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- As far as I can tell, the objectives are to ruin the design while dramatically improving the engineering. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 21:49, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
define: health and safety act
- See Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Which country did you want this defined for? --Commander Keane 11:34, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Woodepcker Finch Information Needed
I was given a homework assignment that involves research on Darwin's Finches. I have chosen the woodpecker Finch. Surprisingly, I am having a relative amount of difficulty finding which island in the Galapagos this bird is mostly found on. If you know the answer to this, please help me out.
I'm also wondering about some information on the general structure of a woodepecker finch that may make him different from other finches. I would much appreciate your help here, too. I am not looking for details, I just need a little help to get started.
Regards, -Connor
- Connor
We don't yet have an article on the Woodpecker finch. However, our Darwin's finches article looks at the finches of the Galapagos. The Beak of the Finch (ISBN 0679400036) looks at the work of Peter and Rosemary Grant into changes in these finches. According to this article by Robert L Norton of Santa Fe Community College, the woodpecker finch is known for tool use see [8]. That should be enough to get you started. Good luck on your project. Capitalistroadster 13:20, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
PS. This site contains further info on Darwin's finches. [9]
Paris bank fire
Which is the bank mentioned in the Backup article : "A few years earlier (to 2001), during a fire at the headquarters of a major bank in Paris, system administrators ran into the burning building to rescue backup tapes because they didn't have offsite copies." ? Jay 14:01, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- In the last decade there have been two Paris bank fires. The Credit Lyonnais headquarters in 1996. And a fire at Banque de France in 1999, which I don't think anyone cared about. I can't verify the above anecdote. lots of issues | leave me a message 05:05, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Confirmed that the headquarters of the Lyonnais burnt on May 5, 2001, apparently arson. It is rumoured [10] that the disappearances of archives was intentional (the Lyonnais was, at the time, caught up in major scandals). The 1996 fire seems to be cited as an example of what should not be done on sites promoting data backups. David.Monniaux 16:18, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- Yes, Credit Lyonnais seems to be the one since it gave many Google hits on "fire" and "Credit Lyonnais". Got a case study for data backup using this fire incident as an example. Jay 07:55, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
Applicatrion of Aloe Vera extract for eye problems
Is Aloe Vera extract useful as eye drops for eye problems? Will there be any side effects if it is instilled in the eyes? L.S.Dogra, New Delhi, India
- Our Aloe article doesn't mention it being used in such a way. I would suggest speaking to your doctor about the problems with your eyes so he can make suggestions. Seeing an optician is another option. Capitalistroadster 14:37, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- If this is a commercial product that you want to put in your eyes, I would at the very least read the instructions and disclaimers on the side of the package/tube/bottle/etc. to see if it says "do not take internally or put into eyes" or something to that effect. Also, as suggested, consulting a doctor would be a good idea. Many times you can just call your doctor's office and a nurse will let you know if what you have in mind is safe or not. Dismas|(talk) 15:55, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Since most Aloe plants contain sterols and resins, according to our article, which are highly viscous oily substances, I would NOT recommend using them on your eyes. And I echo the recommendations of the previous two people. Asking a doctor or optician is your best option to solve eye problems. - Mgm|(talk) 20:24, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
24th amendment
- Did you have a question about the 24th Amendment of the United States Constitution? Dismas|(talk) 16:15, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Shower Curtain
Why does a shower curtain tend to "lean in" during a shower instead of staying against the side of the tub?
- Air currents. The hot water hits the bottom of the tub, the hot air wants to rise, it is easier for the air to go up along the outside of the curtain. Also, the colder air outside the shower is lower in pressure. The hot air in the shower is higher. Nature wants balance and so the high pressure air goes towards the lower pressure air. It's like if you open a door in an air conditioned building. The hot air outside comes in rather than the cold going out. Dismas|(talk) 16:37, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Alternate view: I remember a few years ago someone did an scientific investigation of this, but I forget the details (you might try searching the BBC News website, where I think I saw it). The overall effect is very complex, involving the geometry of the room, etc., but at base it comes down to the Bernoulli effect: the falling water entrains the air surrounding it, causing an air current. The moving air causes a drop in pressure, sucking the curtain towards it. -- DrBob 16:44, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
debt shelf
(no question asked)
- Did you have a question about "debt shelf"? Maybe this page will help you: http://www.investorwords.com/cgi-bin/getword.cgi?1329 . If not, try again, and ask an actual question. — Nowhither 20:47, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
Seeking epigram by Martial
Greetings.
I am seeking an epigram, in Latin, authored by Martial, in which he — in contrast with his usual pejorative portraits and nasty numbers — comforts a friend whose daughter has died.
Thanking you, Grumpy Troll (talk) 17:45, 22 September 2005 (UTC).
- There's 5.34, his epigram on the death of Erotion, who was (I believe) his six-year-old slave. 10.56 is an epitaph for the same person. There's also 7.96, on the death of his friend's infant son. Were you thinking of any of these? —Charles P. (Mirv) 19:22, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
List of artists with most gold and platinum albums
While researching Platinum selling artists, I noticed that Alice Cooper was not listed. Information obtained elsewhere indicated that Alice Cooper had seven Platinum albums and 2 Gold which would have placed above Whitney Houston on the list. Was Alice Cooper not included because some of the albums were with the Alice Cooper Group and some were solo?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Kathy Brusseau
- According to the RIAA web site [11], Alice Cooper does have 7 platinum and 2 gold albums (none are listed as "Alice Cooper Group") which would outrank Whitney Houston for purposes of this list. (All eight of Houston's albums are certified platinum.) Regarding the list found at RIAA certification, I don't know if it was created systematically (i.e. some people could be left off). For example, Reba McEntire seems to have 23 gold and platinum albums, and she's not on the list either. Recommendation: edit the article if you know of other artists who outrank those on the list. --Metropolitan90 04:27, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
my favorite author
I was handed this site by a friend when I told him I would really like to know if my favorite author was still living. She hasn't put out a new book since 1998. I cannot find her on your site so here I am writing. Is horror/mystery writer Clare Mcnally still alive? And if so, how do I contact her and beg for a new book. I would really appriciate it if this could be answered. Also I would love to know where to get her out of print books. Can you help?
- A google search doesn't immediately turn up a biography, unfortunately. You might try contacting her publishers to find out if you can write to her. If you look at her books listed at Amazon, some of them appear to be published by Tor Books. You should also be able to purchase most of her back catalogue from Amazon, or indeed many other online booksellers. --Robert Merkel 00:36, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Alexis: first of all this is a public website. Don't post personal information here, unless you want every spammer in the galaxy to send you exciting offers. Second, as R.M. suggests, just about any living author can be contacted through their publisher. I would just write to the author in care of the publisher. The publisher will know what to do with the letter. — Nowhither 00:39, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Alexis,
I responded to your question on the Humanities section. Her Contemporary Authors Online article lists her address as c/o Author Mail, Tor Books, Tom Doherty Associates, Inc., 175 Fifth Ave., 14th Floor, New York, NY 10010. As stated there, I have requested the creation of an article on Clare McNally. Capitalistroadster 09:57, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
millinneals
what are they
- Do you perhaps mean millennial? It's an adjective that means "related to an millenium"; it was often used in relation with the change of millenium we had in 2001 (in the gregorian calendar). --fvw* 22:46, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Or perhaps milliner which is the word for a person who designs, makes, trims, or sells women's hats. Dismas|(talk) 22:49, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- I think you're probably looking for the so-called "millenial generation".--Pharos 01:49, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Or perhaps milliner which is the word for a person who designs, makes, trims, or sells women's hats. Dismas|(talk) 22:49, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
apollo 11
collins, the man who had to do with appolo 11. what was his first name
- Please see our article on Apollo 11. Dismas|(talk) 22:42, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
- Do you mean Michael Collins? You can find out more about apollo 11 at Apollo 11. --fvw* 22:43, 22 September 2005 (UTC)
What exactly is the program(the webpage is kind of vague). My son received a letter from them a couple years ago and recently an e-mail. Is it a scam? If not is it worth the time to attend the meeting? Thanks. Falphin 00:02, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Falphin: PtP is not a scam. The person who sent the e-mail may be a scammer who is unaffiliated with PtP. I don't know what sort of meeting you are talking about, but if it is an informational meeting, then why not go? After all, you want information about them, don't you? — Nowhither 00:46, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- I suppose, I should be a bit more descriptive. They send out the e-mail for the Student Ambassador Program. Afterwards, they send a letter(which they will probably in mid-October) out granting you an invite, which you must go online and type in the code. It will then give you the ___location of the place in the city. Whats odd, is that all the invite describes is that a teacher has picked your son and you could go to such and such place. This is the second time its happened. So a different teacher has picked him???? Its not like he's some extroardinary student, he does take the honors program but he doesn't get summa cum laude grades just magna cum laude or cum laude. That is part of the reason I suspicous and secondly when I tried e-mailing them about it the first time(the e-mail they suggested using) they never responded. But, maybe I should go. Falphin 01:41, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Falphin: That does sound like it might possibly be a scam. The problem with e-mailing is that you might just be e-mailing the scammers. I repeat that PtP is not a scam; what you need to do is communicate with someone whom you are sure is a representative of PtP. Why not look up a PtP phone number and call them? — Nowhither 22:57, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- I suppose, I should be a bit more descriptive. They send out the e-mail for the Student Ambassador Program. Afterwards, they send a letter(which they will probably in mid-October) out granting you an invite, which you must go online and type in the code. It will then give you the ___location of the place in the city. Whats odd, is that all the invite describes is that a teacher has picked your son and you could go to such and such place. This is the second time its happened. So a different teacher has picked him???? Its not like he's some extroardinary student, he does take the honors program but he doesn't get summa cum laude grades just magna cum laude or cum laude. That is part of the reason I suspicous and secondly when I tried e-mailing them about it the first time(the e-mail they suggested using) they never responded. But, maybe I should go. Falphin 01:41, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
Website about a cashed cheque
About 5 years ago I remember reading a web page about this guy who was sent a sample cheque as part of some promotional addvertising thing. As a joke he tried to deposit the cheque and was amazed when it actually went through. He then ended up in a long legal wrangle lasting several with the bank or the company who sent him the cheque. I was just reminded of this for some reason and thouht I'd try to find the page again. but my efforts on Google have been in vain. Does anyone know the website, or have better Googling skills? Jooler 00:31, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Here? I found it by googling for "cashed advertising check bank". I remembered it was American, which was the key -- I started out looking for things with "cheque" to no avail. — mendel ☎ 01:19, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Patrick Combs. http://www.man1bank0.com/ Shimgray 11:59, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- I just created Patrick Combs based on the above links. DES (talk) 16:51, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
winmx software
I want to know if winmx software is out of work??? for a time?? or for ever??? Thanks Raul
- I hear that the developers may be relocating to a different country in an attempt to avoid US jurisdiction. For now, most sites are reporting that the WinMX network is indeed down, no one knows when it will be back, if ever. Search Google News for "winmx" for more information.--inks 06:51, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- You may want to try Shareaza as a replacement. WP 00:42, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
First President
Who was the first president under the Articles of Confederation?
- See President of the Continental Congress. It was Samuel Huntington. The official title of the position at the time was President of the United States in Congress Assembled. User:Zoe|(talk) 01:35, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- It's also on the page for the Articles of Confederation. Dismas|(talk) 01:43, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
El Salvador
Where did el salvador get it's name from?
- The name means "The Saviour", and it was named that by Pedro de Alvarado. See History of El Salvador for more information. --fvw* 02:36, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
what is a hunter/gatherer?
Ireland
Why does Ireland have no forests?
- What makes you say it doesn't? Have a look at this for some irish forest. --fvw* 04:18, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Ireland does have the least forest covered area of any European country, at just 8%. See Europe#Biodiversity for more. I couldn't say a definite reason for this, but my guess would be climate and human activity such as farming.
- From Early history of Ireland: During the Bronze Age, the climate of Ireland deteriorated and extensive deforestation took place.
- From Northern Ireland: The damp climate and extensive deforestation in the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in much of the region being covered in rich green grassland.
- HTH akaDruid 08:21, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- In short, cuz they chopped'em all down! --Diderot 10:24, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
This is a point of much anger of the Irish as they accuse often attribute their lack of forests to the English deforesting the country during the 18th century in order to build their giant fleets of ships.
American cattle farm
what is the name of an american cattle farm?
We haven't to Moon yet.
Do men have landed on moon? Is Neil Armstrong the first landed on moon just a fiction? My counsin told me that men actually never went to moon, as he had heard it in a documentary programme (Discovery or NG, perhaps), is this true? Thanks
- This is a common urban legend, started by a FOX documentary, but it can be easily refuted...see for example Bad Astronomy's page on the topic -- Ferkelparade π 08:40, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- And see the Wikipedia article, Apollo moon landing hoax accusations. Fredrik | talk 08:51, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- It precedes the FOX doxumentary, though they were responsible for giving it a new lease of life; it dates back to the early seventies, though the story has got more complex since. Shimgray 11:57, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- The conspiracy theory persists, and likely will persist, simply because no proof of a landing is suitable to the theorists' style of logic. Take, for example, the 2001 photos of the Apollo 15 landing site. A true conspiracy theorist, even if forced to admit that something man-made in fact landed there, will claim that it was an unmanned landing (generally not disputed). Even a manned return to an Apollo site, showing the physical evidence of previous footprints, will somehow be disputed—most likely by claiming that the then-current landings are also hoaxes. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 16:41, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Given how good Hollywood special effects are getting, any theorist can claim some stuff nver happened. There's no such thing as a hurricane, earthquake, 9/11, War in Iraq, that's all faked by the TV to sell advertising. But for those of us who watched when things happened, before Hollywood fakery got so good, we know what happened. There's a lot we wish did not happen, like the Holocaust, but it was real. Proving it to a non-believer is another matter. AlMac|(talk) 04:43, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- If your cousin tells you "men actually never went to the moon", you probably shouldn't believe much else your cousin tells you. - Nunh-huh 06:11, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- Personally I never had any interest in this conspiracy theory, some are interesting to delve into, but with being first on the moon being such a propaganda victory in the space race, if anyone was going to question the landings it would have started immediately with the Soviets. They believed it, and they had a lot of technology watching it no doubt, so this theory immediately falls down - if the people with most to gain debating it, and probably the largest amount of third party data of the event dont even both to raise the question, why spend any time on it. Sfnhltb 12:32, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Cats throwing up
My cat throws up all the time after he eats. I have tried changing his food, water and etc. I have taken the cat to the vet but they don't know for sure what the problem is. Can you please help me out?
- To a certain extent, this is normal cat behaviour and part of the digestive process. However, if your cat really throws up daily, it is definitely a good idea to see the vet (this might be caused by worms, infections of the digestive tract, or some serious illness). Did your vet offer any ideas as to what might be the cause, or was he completely stumped? In the latter case, you might consider seeing another vet :P Ferkelparade π 10:49, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- We call it "scarf and barf". Some cats seem absolutely certain that ever bowl of food ever presented to them will most definately be the last food they ever see, and what is more, someone else might get some of it before they are sated. So they eat as much as possible as fast as possible. Not a very effective strategy, I think. Generally, our dog takes care of any problem it causes. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 23:34, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- If this is the case, would it make any sense to recommend serving many well-spaced-out and very small portions rather than leaving food out or serving large portions? - Nunh-huh 06:09, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- Well, actually, it mostly happens if we've been a few hours late filling the food bowls. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 05:38, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- If this is the case, would it make any sense to recommend serving many well-spaced-out and very small portions rather than leaving food out or serving large portions? - Nunh-huh 06:09, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- This may not help much, but my family has had several cats who were unable to eat any cat food with beef in it, vomiting every time the ate it. A vet informed us that this was due to an allergy to the red dye used. Just a suggestion.Brian Schlosser42 19:11, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- Some vomiting is normal behavior for cats, but throwing up after every meal sounds excessive to me. There may be a problem with a food allergy; have you tried food with less common ingredients like lamb? A cat may throw up if it has a hairball developing in its digestive tract: there are several medications on the market that essentially lubricate the hairball and allow it to pass through. Some cats suffer from a sort of irritable bowel syndrome that causes repeated vomiting and diarrhea, and may often be controlled with steroids like prednisone. If the cat really is vomiting after every meal, I strongly urge a visit to the vet to rule out some of the more serious disorders. Joyous (talk) 19:20, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Job Ad
Im trying to find out what exactly is included in a Job Ad and as non of the other search engines work i was wondering if you could.. thanks
- A job advertisment needs to include the title of the post, the ___location and hours of work, whether it is permanent or temporary, the prerequisites for the post, and details of how to apply for it. They often include the salary, some brief information about the company, a job reference code, and a fuller description of the post. Warofdreams talk 15:13, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
Name of a Post Mistress
According to the 1920 U. S. census, Ida Allen was a post mistess, presumably at the Keohena Village post office on the Minominee Indian Reservation in Shawano County, Wisconsin. Her husband was Edgar A. Allen, Superintendent of U. S. Indian Schools there.
What was Ida's maiden name? I need the information for completion of a family tree.
- You are not likely to find the answer here. There are many geneology sites on the Web. I would suggest finding one with a discussion group (or just go to Google Groups?) and ask your question there. — Nowhither 23:02, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
John J. Rambo
What's his second name? Jay? James? When/Where is it mentioned. thnx -- Cherubino 15:12, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Our Rambo article does not provide any info. A Google search and IMDB confirms that his middle name appears to be J. see [12]. Harry S. Truman's middle initial was S. in a similar fashion. Capitalistroadster 10:05, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
length and breadth of WTC
What was the length and breadth of the twin towers of the World_Trade_Center ? Jay 15:06, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- This image from our article World Trade Center has the dimensions. Each building was square in plan (looking down), with the shorter one's dimesions: 208 ft x 208 ft x 1362 feet. In metric 63.4 m x 63.4 m x 416.1 metres. Is that what you wanted? --Commander Keane 16:32, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Thanks, thats what I wanted. I've added this detail in the article assuming that the dimensions are the same for both the towers. I had been wondering if the Boeing 767 (length: 48.5m, wingspan: 47.6m) would have been fully contained in the towers. Jay 07:03, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
baseball
Why is David Ortiz of the boston red socks nicknamed "Big Papi"?
- According to our article on David Ortiz, fans have given the title due to his size and his hitting ability. Capitalistroadster 10:10, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
British Boxing
Hello,
I have been trying to locate film footage of a boxing match held in briminghan great britan sept 19 1955 Randy Turpin vs Polly Smith can you help me fostine
- If it's professional footage you're seeking, have you tried contacting the National film and television archive? --Robert Merkel 12:43, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
String
How long is a piece of string?? Thanks
- Twice as long as half its length. Everybody knows that. DJ Clayworth 15:55, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- 200cm, or 2 meters. Ojw 17:45, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Actually, if you really think way outside the box, the question makes some sense. What are the approximate measurements of a strand, piece, length, and coil of string, on average? Superm401 | Talk 23:08, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
WikipediA Globe
What do the symbols on the globe mean? A friend of mine think they are related to witch craft. I think they look like the Greek alphabet.
Thank you. flutem3
- It has absolutely nothing to do with witchcraft: your friend should move to the 18th century. Each jigsaw piece in the globe contains a letter from one a world alphabet. You can see a W, to the left of it is the Greek alphabet omega, below it is the Cyrillic alphabet y, and below that is the Hebrew alphabet resh (r). I'm sure other contributors can tell us what the others are. --Gareth Hughes 16:31, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Agreed, there's nothing withcraft about it, they're just characters from a lot of languages. There's two characters in the Devanāgarī script in the middle left of the logo. A number of languages including Hindi, Sanskrit, and Nepali are written using Devanāgarī. Incidentally, the characters (व and ि) are v/w and i sounds in Hindi respectively, but that i character either requires another character after it to be the one the i sound goes with, or it should have gone in front of the व to be the i sound for it, as in (वि). So the Devanāgarī example is not a complete word or sound, or at least not correct. I guess that fits into the overall logo scheme of being unfinished and in the process of being built. See here for probably a better explanation of the order ing issue than I've given. - Taxman Talk 17:31, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- The Japanese Kana characters つクイ seem to adorn the top of the globe. Grumpy Troll (talk) 17:55, 23 September 2005 (UTC).
- That would likely be ウィ, for the "Wi" sound. Though it does look more like ワィ to me, might be an older transliteration. --Pidgeot (t) (c) (e) 01:14, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- The Japanese Kana characters つクイ seem to adorn the top of the globe. Grumpy Troll (talk) 17:55, 23 September 2005 (UTC).
- No, don't listen to them, it's actually witchcraft. The "Wik" in the title is actually pronounced "Witch", as in "Witchipedia". No kidding. just kidding. --Fastfission 22:42, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Wait, are you telling me this has nothing to do with Wikka? Man, that's no fun. I'm outta here. Superm401 | Talk 23:09, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- flutem3: People who practice witchcraft, or think they do, are free to use whatever symbols they want. Some of them might use symbols on the Wikipedia globe logo. However, that is not why the symbols are there. They are simply letters from various alphabets. I would guess that your friend thinks the term "Wiki" is related to "Wicca". If so, he/she is incorrect. See the "History" section of Wikipedia's Wiki article for more on this issue. — Nowhither 23:09, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
Hello to everyone,
Thank you very much for your answers. I sent them on. I did not realize this forum existed so I am glad to find it.
Once again, many thanks.
flutem3
Audio from cassette to computer
What's a good way to transfer audio from some ancient audio cassette tapes (remember those?) to my computer? TresÁrboles 16:40, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Get a stereo coupling cable (the 1/4" plug on each end) and run it from a speaker out or headphone jack on the cassette player to the line in (or microphone, in a pinch) jack on the computer. Fire up a recording program on the computer, press play on the cassette, and go!
- There's also a product called "PlusDeck" that's a cassette deck for a computer, but that seems overly excessive to me. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 16:45, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- For software, try using Audacity which should run on most computer. Press record on the computer, play on the casette drive, and let the tape play for it's whole 72-minutes. You should then be able to see the silent sections between songs by looking at the waveform that was recorded. Select each individual song, and choose "export selection as MP3" or "export selection as OGG" to save each song. (assuming your audio casette is organised into songs...) Ojw 17:42, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Thanks to all! This is actually not for music but for language tapes I have. TresÁrboles 21:09, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
electrolytes
i have to many electrolytes in my body my doc said i neeed to some remove them from my body how do i do this? thank you upset
- Call your doctor back and ask him to clarify specifically what he wants you to do. As you've presented it, it isn't clear: "too many electrolytes" is not a common medical diagnosis, and there's not much anyone can do when instructed to remove electrolytes from their body. - Nunh-huh 18:11, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
winning
what sport uses the phrase "Winning hands down"?
- I think it probably comes poker, but the the term is used generally and not just for one specific sport or game. It's also used in other contexts as well, like for a decisive election.--Pharos 19:27, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Horse racing. See [13]
- DERIVATION: The jockey does not have to use the whip because the rider is so far ahead of the rest of the horses.
- I should know because I missed it in a quiz just the other week :-( Tintin 19:40, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
the degree of a poet
(No question asked)
- Did you have a question? — Nowhither 23:15, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
100,000 Deutsche Mark note
Hello,
A friend of the family had served in Germany during WW2. How he came into possession of this Deutsche Mark note is unknown, but he thought it extremely valuable. He brought it home and often said if times got financially tough, he would redeem the note. He died recently and the relatives were handling his last possessions and found the note tucked away. It is damaged considerably,but the writing is still fairly legible. One side of the bill has 100,000 centered on it. in the lower part of the frame is a large A. The other side has the words KREIS KEMPEN centered at the top, with HUNDERD TOUSEND written in the middle section. At the bottom are the words Kempen Rh den 1 Aug 1923
We suspicion that he saw this as valuable in ways other than sentimental, but only an expert can clarify it at this point. Anything you can do to help with this will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Bob G. Stidham bham@crosstel.net
- I don't know much about this, but when you said Germany and 1923, I thought of hyperinflation. Sure enough, 1923 was the year of hyperinflation in Germany. This happened partly because the government, instead of collecting taxes, printed banknotes instead. By mid-1923, people were being paid 3 times a day, and rushing to the shops before their money became valueless. In November 1923, new Marks were issued. 1,000,000,000,000 old marks equalled one new mark. It's a very interesting period in history, but your note probably has historical interest rather than money value. I researched this on http://www.usagold.com/GermanNightmare.html, a very interesting page. Hyperinflation was not confined to Germany. According to Hyperinflation, a 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 Pengő note was issued in Hungary in 1946. Old banknotes do have some value to collectors, though they tend to be very fussy about condition. Notinasnaid 21:21, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- It is unlikely that the note could be "redeemed". The government that issued that note no longer exists. After World War II, the Government of Germany was disbanded, and two new governments were later created to govern the country: the Federal Republic of Germany, and the German Democratic Republic, which no longer exists. The former Reichsmark, which you have, was replaced by the Bundesmark in the West (FRG) and the Ostmark in the east (GDR). The Government of FRG is under no obligation to "redeem" old banknotes. As Notinasnaid suggests, you may be able to get something for it on the collectors' market, if it is in excellent condition. Ground Zero | t 21:41, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- If you take a look at our article on Papiermark (which was replaced by the Rentenmark in November 1923 and then the Reichsmark in 1924 and then the Deutsche Mark in 1948), you'll see that there is a copy of a 500 million mark note there. The Papiermark was, by August, in a state of horrible hyperinflation, and had denominations which went up to one trillion marks. I'm not sure a 100,000 mark note is worth much in a literal sense. Any value it would be would be to collectors; a quick search for marks on eBay doesn't have them going for very much. This wouldn't be very surprising, since one of the main reasons for the hyperinflation is that the currency was vastly overproduced. --Fastfission 22:36, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- What you have is piece of "notgeld" (emergency money) issued by the local authorities in Kempen in the Rhineland - I suppose "county" would be a reasonable translation of "Kreis". A great many local authorities issued notgeld during the hyperinflation period, and the notes usually have an expiration date of about a year after they were issued, so even if they hadn't lost virtually all their value in September-November 1923, it would have no value now. In any case, as Fastfission says, it's not in Deutsche Marks, which were only issued between 1948 and 2001 and which are the only German money which can be converted into current money (about DM1.95 to 1 euro). -- Arwel 14:17, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Cost of bread
How much was a loaf of bread in 1946?
- It varied greatly from place to place, just as prices do now. You could start by telling us what country or city you want to know the prices in. — Nowhither 23:14, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- However, this article says some interesting things about national bread and rationing in the United Kingdom in 1946. It suggests that 6d. was the price outside of London atfrom July onwards. In the United States of America, bread cost ten cents accordng to this site. --Gareth Hughes 23:23, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
seeking condoms
I am coming to you via your web pages on condoms and an email from Kat Walsh at your "Wikimedia Foundation" who suggested I ask you for assistance.
I am traveling to Cuba and, among other medical and public health item, am seeking a large number of condoms. I am seeking contact information on whomever it is I might best contact in this quest.
Can you help me??
thanks, richardbell
[email removed]
- Why don't you try contacting an organization like Planned Parenthood?--Pharos 21:36, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
Web Standards
I am creating an internal set of standards for web authors at work. This is a newly created decentralized model. A couple of examples are below:
Underlining – Should never be used unless it is a hyperlink. Best practices dictate that underlined items are always a hyperlink
No text to read “Click here” – Visually impaired end users (section 508) use readers to navigate. These readers leave a visually impaired end user at a disadvantage when there is no call to action. Authors should name the link or at the very least use verbiage such as “Learn more”
I would appreciate any additional thoughts on this subject.
Again, these are standards and not guidelines.
Thank you
Tim CB
- It may seem obvious, but read there's the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines from W3C. Ojw 22:02, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Tim: I don't know much about this, but I do know that your "underlining" guideline is not a good idea. Web links are generally underlined not because the website designer wants them that way, but because the user's browser is configured that way. If you simply mark links as links and let the user's personal preferences determine underlining, then you are letting users have their way. To do otherwise simply antagonizes them. — Nowhither 23:18, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Note that he didn't say "hyperlinks are always underlined"; he said "underlines are always hyperlinks". Even if your user doesn't choose to have hyperlinks displayed by underlining, it's a common practice for them to be displayed that way - so avoiding underlining for non-hyperlinks, regardless, can help avoid confusion... Shimgray 23:32, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- Okay, I suppose that's true. But to my thinking, he certainly implied that these standards involved formatting of links. I'm all for users getting control of their own displays in such matters. One way is simply to mark links as links and let the browser figure out how to format them. Another is the Wikipedia method of allowing user preferences. Both are fine. A website designer deciding that links should be underlined, is not fine. — Nowhither 11:30, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- If you say underline always means a hyperlink and the browser determines how to display links, that removes the possibility of ever using underlines. That seems unnecessarily restrictive. DJ Clayworth 16:57, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Film director
Can you help me to locate some address of a NY film director named Jack Baxter. try to e-mail me at <e-mail removed>
Sincerely eric kramer
- Eric, we answer questions here, not by e-mail. And this is a public website. Don't post your e-mail address here unless you really like spam. In any case, I don't know how to help you; perhaps someone else will. — Nowhither 23:13, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- According to the website for last year's Hamptons International Film Festival, the contact information for the film Blues by the Beach, which Baxter produced, is:
- Pax Americana Productions, LLC
- 231 W. 29th St., Suite #1001
- New York, N.Y. 10001
- tel #: (212) 279-3339
- email: jackbax at earthlink dot net
- contacts: Jack Baxter and Fran Strauss-Baxter
- I agree with Nowhither about spam, so I changed the email address to hide it from the bots; obviously, you should replace "at" and "dot" with the symbols. JamesMLane 06:50, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- According to the website for last year's Hamptons International Film Festival, the contact information for the film Blues by the Beach, which Baxter produced, is:
levitation
how does criss angel levitate?
- That is most likely a jealously guarded secret. However, to "levitate" in a live, public performance, one needs to be supported by something. Typically, there are two options:
- Thin wires
- These work especially well if they are used against a background with the same color as the wires.
- Something rigid
- This must be connected to the ground somehow. Usually some sort of misdirection is used, so that you don't notice that, say, the magician's foot is always in contact with a wall. Alternatively, a cover may be draped over the person to be levitated; this hides the rigid supports.
- On the other hand, to "levitate" on T.V. or film is an easy special effect requiring no supports at all.
- I think he may have meant Christ Angel. Superm401 | Talk 06:55, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- It seems rather more likely that he meant Criss Angel. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 11:39, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
cities in Louisana
It is hard to answer when there is not a question, but I might suggest List of cities, towns, and villages in Louisiana. Gentgeen 22:53, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
Canadian political units
Why doesn't Canada make the Territories in the north Provinces? Is there a geographical reason these are territories or is the reason something else?
- Take a look at our fine article on Provinces and territories of Canada, and the individual articles on Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory. I believe that the Northwest Territories originally included most of the prairie provinces of Canada. The territories are what remains of the more sparsely populated regions of the north of the country. As populations expanded in the south, new provinces were formed. --Gareth Hughes 23:49, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- The important difference between a province and a territory is that a territory is under the control of the federal government, while provinces have constitutional powers and autonomy. In recent years the territories have been granted most of the powers of provinces, however it is not practical to have a full provincial bureaucracy for territories with only a few thousand people. The cost of providing services to a scattered population in harsh conditions is also too great the be handled by only the local government. Thus most services are jointly administered by the federal and provincial governments, and some areas like natural resources are fully controlled by the feds. As Gareth mentioned as populations grew in other parts of the territories it did become possible for them to become provinces, but the current three territories have seen little growth and are unlikely to become full provinces anytime soon. The creation of a new province would also require that a constitutional amendment. - SimonP 01:40, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Airplane Pressurization
Why do you feel pressure in your ears on a plane when the plane is pressurized.
- Airplanes are only pressurized to a certain altitude. So you may be flying at 35,000 ft. but the plane is actually pressurized to feel like 5,000 for instance. Dismas|(talk) 23:59, 23 September 2005 (UTC)
- See Environmental Control System#Pressurization. --cesarb 00:13, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Stamp Price
What was the price of a first class stamp in 1974?(I think, though I'm not sure, that 172.149.8.51 wants to know the answer to this. Superm401 | Talk 00:05, 24 September 2005 (UTC))
- According to this site, from 1 Jan 1974 to 2 Mar 1974 the cost was 8 cents per 1 oz; from 3 Mar 1974 to 12 Dec 1974 it would have been 10 cents. - Nunh-huh 00:14, 24 September 2005 (UTC) (Insert usual caveat about this being true in America only here.... )
- In Britain, the rate for letters up to 20g was 3.5 pence at the start of the year, and increased to 4.5 pence in July and 7 pence in 1975. -- Arwel 14:29, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
looking for a definition
I would like to what "practice" means ,according to some people it is the highest form of knowledge, of course the lowest is " assumption" your thoughts thank you
- Try wikt:practice; it sounds, though, like you're discussing the difference in applied vs theoretical knowledge (which isn't generally a default meaning of "practice", though applied knowledge can be thought of as that which has been put into practice). — Lomn | Talk / RfC 03:51, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Vehicle registration plates / car number plates / license plates
What is the common name (in various countries) for the government-issued plates (alphanumeric) affixed to the rear (and occasionally the front) of a car? In North America, they're usually called "license plates", but what is the most common name in the UK, Australia, India, etc. ?
The reason I ask is because of the wild inconsistency in nomenclature in the articles included in Category:License plates. It would be nice to standardize these. -- Curps 01:49, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- I can only speak for the UK, where the most common term is "number plate", as given Category:License plates. --A bit iffy 08:10, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- Similarly, in Australia it's mostly "number plate" or occasionally "registration plate", usually shortened to "rego plate" in that case. --Robert Merkel 00:20, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
Shepherd Smith of Fox News
I have checked on many search entries and can not find a age for Shepherd Smith, the reporter on Fox News. I'd like to know his birthdate. I have enjoyed many of your bios and would appreciate having one on one of my favorite newscasters.
He is either 40 or 41. I can't find an exact date of birth. lots of issues | leave me a message 10:08, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- I will add him to Requested Articles. Capitalistroadster 10:19, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
How much do flamethrowers weigh?
How much does a flamethrower weigh? The Wikipedia article contains information about volume and dimensions, but not weight. Weird question, I know - please just humor me. Thanks. --Brasswatchman 05:48, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- I am guessing it might be related to how much unburned fuel is in it. AlMac|(talk) 18:51, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- Point taken. Okay - how about the weight of a flamethrower when it's completely empty (i.e. just the basic equipment, without fuel)? Thanks. --Brasswatchman 20:00, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- Ulp. Managed to find the answer to my own question. Anyone who's interested can click here. Thanks. --Brasswatchman 20:03, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- A google for "flamethrower weight" finds this page, with a variety in the 30 pound range. This says an M1A1 weighted 70 pounds; presumably the difference is the weight of the fuel. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 20:06, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- It seems like most of the sources said 20-30 kg, which is quite different from pounds. Superm401 | Talk 07:01, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- A google for "flamethrower weight" finds this page, with a variety in the 30 pound range. This says an M1A1 weighted 70 pounds; presumably the difference is the weight of the fuel. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 20:06, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
does north korea have sattelite?
The Taepodong-1 supposedly launched the Kwangmyongsong satellite in 1998, but most outsiders think that the third stage of the rocket failed and the satellite wasn't properly delivered to orbit. There has been no similar North Korean launch since then.--Pharos 06:48, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Why's Rita only the 17th named storm while R is 18th letter?
According to Hurricane Rita, "Hurricane Rita is the 17th named storm". I thought they named them in alphabetic order, so surely the 17th should beqin with a "Q". Why not? --A bit iffy 06:50, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
There aren't enough names beginning with the letter "Q", so it was skipped. Same with X, Y and Z. User:Zoe|(talk) 07:11, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Because they use 6 year cycles for hurricanes (3 each for male and female) and have difficulty finding 3 names of both male and female that are easily pronouncable in all North and South American languages. Additionally, if one of these Q-named storms caused significant damage, its name would be retired and they would have to find yet ANOTHER Q-name that fit the above criteria. more info -Drdisque 07:14, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- Thanks, you two. --A bit iffy 08:23, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
Fictional IP addresses
In the US, the 555 number is set aside for phone numbers. Are Private IP addresses equivalent for IPs?--84.51.149.80 07:01, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
IP's that start with 127 can generally be used for this since they refer to objects on the local machine or network. -Drdisque 07:17, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- While you certainly *could* use a 127.* address for this purpose, I can't recall an occasion in a Hollywood movie where an actual IP address was displayed recognisably. In the case of ___domain names, if a fictional website is a plot point, the producers will often register the website and provide (often disguised) promotional material for the movie on it. For instance, http://www.lacunainc.com was created by the producers of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. --Robert Merkel 09:01, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- Though note the example of katie.com - where someone produced a book with the title of the website, had the author give speaking tours under that "name", and then started making legal threats to get control of the ___domain from the woman who'd owned it five years! Shimgray 12:58, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- If I recall correctly, one of the final scenes in The Net involves revealing an IP number wherein one of the numbers exceeds 255. Bovlb 09:09, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- In the movie The Net, they used an obviously fake IP address (it was something like 68.23.258.17) - since IP addresses are the dotted decimal equivalents of four 8 bit values, 258 is an impossible. (Well, it was obvious to *me* at any rate ;) ) →Raul654 09:11, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- 192.0.2.0/24 (that is, the range from 192.0.2.0 to 192.0.2.255) is reserved for experimental use, and is commonly used in examples. —AlanBarrett 09:59, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
The source for the above info about 192...?--84.51.149.80 13:11, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- The source for that is RFC 3330. --cesarb 13:20, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
It says: 192.0.0.0/24 - This block, corresponding to the numerically lowest of
the former Class C addresses, was initially and is still reserved by the IANA. Given the present classless nature of the IP address space, the basis for the reservation no longer applies and addresses in this block are subject to future allocation to a Regional Internet Registry for assignment in the normal manner.
192.0.2.0/24 - This block is assigned as "TEST-NET" for use in documentation and example code. It is often used in conjunction with ___domain names example.com or example.net in vendor and protocol documentation. Addresses within this block should not appear on the public Internet.
But what about the first entry? If I look up one, it says it's in Toronto, Canada. Also, what does the "/24" mean?
share holding ,(policies and controlling)
HOW AN OWNER WITH LESS NUMBER OF SHARES CAN CONTROL THE COMPANY EFFECTIVELY ADMIST SHARE HOLDERS HAVING LARGE NUMBER OF SHARES?--S.Muthukannan 09:28, 24 September 2005 (UTC)s.muthu
- It depends on what you mean by "control". Shareholders in general are almost never involved in the day-to-day operations of a company. They (usually through the board of directors) hire people to run it for them. So that kind of day-to-day control is delegated. Skillful leaders who take companies in good directions are often given a relatively free hand by directors and stockholders.
If you mean controlling over the long term, there are many ways. For example, if a lot of non-voting stock has been issued, then this "owner" (your terminology) might have a majority of the voting shares. Or he might have allies who, together with him, own a majority of the shares. Or he might simply be able to take advantage of the fact that many shareholders don't pay much attention to the companies they own stock in.
Constructive dismissal
What is considered constructive dismissal in Canada
- This is really the sort of question that needs to be answered by a lawyer. The general concept of constructive dismissal is the same as anywhere, but if the answer to the question is in any way important to you, find a lawyer. DJ Clayworth 16:48, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Federal Buildings
Why did the government decided to put the Hurricane Center in the middle of a Hurricane prone area and the Severe Storms Lab in the middle of Tornado ally? Aren't they concerned about them being destroyed by a direct hit?
- Would you put a science building dedicated to studying the ocean in the middle of Kansas? In other words, they're put there because what they're studying is actually taking place there.Dismas|(talk) 18:28, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
what is the population of athens, greece?
From Wikipedia's own Athens article:
Athens has a population of about 5 million representing around the 45% of the total population of Greece. Grumpy Troll (talk) 16:07, 24 September 2005 (UTC).
who owns boston globe newspaper?
From Wikipedia's own The Boston Globe article:
"The Globe is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of The New York Times Company."
Nitro Humus
What is the chemecal make up of nitro humus?
The weight of the earth
Is it true that the Earth is getting heavier because more and more people are being born?
- No. Regardless of whether your question is serious, the Earth can only gain mass if it gains matter from elsewhere in the universe. People being born only rearranges matter already on Earth. Superm401 | Talk 19:17, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- The earth is losing mass because of all the space junk we have been sending away for the last 50 years --Ballchef 12:22, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- If I had to guess, the earth is probably gaining mass at a near-constant rate due to mass influx from the solar wind. →Raul654 12:28, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- But negligible amounts, right? Superm401 | Talk 22:11, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- If I had to guess, the earth is probably gaining mass at a near-constant rate due to mass influx from the solar wind. →Raul654 12:28, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- The earth is losing mass because of all the space junk we have been sending away for the last 50 years --Ballchef 12:22, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- And then there's bits of atmosphere getting knocked off or just floating away by themselves. It's all negligable, but I don't know which is greater.
- Anyway, you're all missing the essential point: The earth doesn't Weigh anything, it just has Mass. --fvw* 22:24, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Islam
Is Muslim the same as Islam?
- Islam is a religion. A Muslim is one of its followers. --Heron 20:43, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
UK banking
Does anyone know of league tables of customer satisfaction for UK banks? --86.131.62.194 21:43, 24 September 2005 (UTC)
- A somewhat oxymoronic concept... --Tagishsimon (talk)
- Yes, but a good question. There are plenty of websites that compare the different banks, such as [14], but I doubt whether any actually compare customer satisfaction, as that would require a large unbiased survey. However, I suggest you take a look at the indexes for the magazine which I think is called Money Which? Shantavira 12:41, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Louis XIV
Who is that on the cover of the Louis XIV album The Best Little Secrets Are Kept?
- A Google search turned up this link which says her name is Karen Miller. Dismas|(talk) 03:15, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
Collective Nouns
- This isn't a search engine. In order to get a meaningful response, you should use a complete sentence to form a question. But you might want to try List of collective nouns. Dismas|(talk) 03:11, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
who were the mayors of atlanta?
See our own List of mayors of Atlanta.--Pharos 03:40, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
Airports in Ireland
- See Category:Airports of Ireland. To get a more meaningful answer, please phrase your question in a complete sentence as this is not a search engine. Dismas|(talk) 03:16, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
Private Bank in London, England
Is there really a private bank in London called "Maerkt Baumann & Co. AG" or "MBC private bank"
Address is supposed to be at 54 Lombard St. London, UK. Tel #: (+44) 779 638 7085.
I received a letter asking money from me, I would like to know whether this is a scam or not.
Thank You
Ardie Jay
- Almost certainly yes. Please see Advance fee fraud. -- Rick Block (talk) 04:22, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- According to many google sources, that is the address for the main office of "Barclay's Bank" -Drdisque 06:03, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- Hm. Maerki Baumann & Co AG is a Swiss bank headquartered in Zurich. The first hit on a Google search for MBC private bank comes up with an operation in Nigeria. On the other hand, Maerki Baumann & Co is also known as MBC, and as a private banker. Regardless, Rick is right -- it sounds like advance fee fraud. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 06:12, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- In the UK, aren't Banks required to be Public limited companys? (i.e. a "private" company, by definition, can't be a bank) Ojw 10:39, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- A public company can be a "private bank". Private banking is just jargon for the provision of wealth management services to rich folk. CalJW 05:24, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- In the UK, aren't Banks required to be Public limited companys? (i.e. a "private" company, by definition, can't be a bank) Ojw 10:39, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- 7796 is a mobile phone dialling code (see UK_telephone_numbering_plan#Nongeographic_numbering). I would be doubtful that a reputable bank would operate via a mobile! -- Arwel 19:03, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- It's an 02 code ... if someone felt like telling them about this they may disconnect that mobile number. Proto t c 13:42, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Financial Services abd Trust administrators
Is there really a company or organization dealing with financial services and administration of Trust called "Hallmark Fiduciary" in Amsterdam, Netherlands ? Tel#: +31 612773858
It appears that there are many organizations claiming providing these services, but could you find out if this were a scam or real?
Thank you.
rjdee
- Looks like a scam. --anon
surface bonding cement
TANK
HELLO I AM CALLING FROM IRAN IHAVE SOME DESIGN ABUOT DEVELOPING TANK . CAN YOU HELP ME OR SENDING ME SOME ADRESSES TO CONTACT ANY TECHNOLOGIST IN YOUR COUNTRY ARMY THANK YOU VERY MUCH
- Please do not post in all capital letters. On the chance that any of Wikipedia's editors are military design specialists, they probably wouldn't be too keen on sharing tech with you for fear of being hanged for treason… But you're free to glean whatever knowledge you may find from our article on tanks. Garrett Albright 10:07, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
Web page background sound working in Firefox without plug-in
Please could a HTML hack show how to play a background sound, in a HTML page, which doesn't show player controls and which works in Firefox without the need for a plug-in? (It's a simple WAV file.) (And don't tell me "it annoys visitors", I know that, but this is an inside joke.) Thank you! --anon
- I don't know if this works in Firefox or not, but the first thing I would try is:
<embed src="path/to/file.wav" autoplay="true" width="0" height="0" hidden="true" />
Coat of Arms
hello i am looking for the Schulz / Sinzig fammly coat of arms can you help me or point me to a place to look
- Would this hasty search satisfy your query? Grumpy Troll (talk) 15:10, 25 September 2005 (UTC).
Rhyming words
What words rhyme with 'better' and 'letter'?
- Setter. Shimgray 14:35, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- Fetter, getter, jetter, Metter, netter, petter, tetter, wetter, and Yetter. Beretta also comes to mind. Grumpy Troll (talk) 15:08, 25 September 2005 (UTC).
- Beretta rhymes only in non-rhotic accents, such as Received Pronunciation. Nelson Ricardo 18:18, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- Also offsetter, forgetter, upsetter, regretter and probably many more. DJ Clayworth 16:43, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
what are the media effects theories?
SWF to GIF converter
Could someone please point me to software which could extract the images from a SWF (Flash) animation and make an animated GIF out of them? Thank you, --anon.
What is a Bounder Trampoline
Searching for Eric Clapton Song
I am trying to locate the song "Where the Black Rose Grows" or something similar to that. It was sung by Eric Clapton and it was released before 1994.
- It was released on his CD Back Home but that was released in 2005. The name of the song is "Black Rose", although Clapton didn't write it as far as I can tell. You can find the CD at Amazon Dismas|(talk) 19:19, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
Types of Utterances
Where can I find a list of all the types of utterances that would, for instance, include the terms and definitions for: oration, eulogy, exhortation, soliloquy, monologue, encomium, paean, and obloquy. - BUNI-San 19:24, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
A dictionary would do, but a Dictionary of Rhetoric might be better. Some of these links might help. - Nunh-huh 23:33, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
Physical condition of William Sloane Coffin
Is Dr. Coffin alive or deceased. What is his condition if alive? If deceased, date of death? I am reading Credo now and wish to know. -- Howard Bell Personal information removed to avoid attention from spammers and their ilk.
- According to our article at William Sloane Coffin, he's still alive. User:Zoe|(talk) 21:28, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
NFL Football
What do some NFL quarterbacks move thier foot back and forth before the snap?
- Exact meanings would vary by quarterback and offensive system, but it's most likely to alert players behind the line of scrimmage (such as running backs and some wide receivers) that the snap is imminent. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 12:47, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Q-link
Moved from the Help Desk: Can anyone explain how Q-link works. As far as I am able to ascertain it seems to be an electronic method of remotely controlling devices such as DVDs and VCRs. The technical mnauls do not help because they assume prior knowledge? It may be a manufacturers name for somehting more generic. -- David Mottram
- Panasonic's glossary has an explanation; it appears to be an digital control data link carried over a SCART cable, to make it easier for appliances to work together (for instance, sharing tuning data). Unfortunately, I suspect it's proprietary to Panasonic. --Robert Merkel
Baptist Church
Please send me details information on how the Baptist Church was founded in the world and who founded it?
- There's no universally-accepted answer. Read our article on Baptist for more information.--Robert Merkel 06:53, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Winston Churchill Joke
This joke has been a favorite of mine for a long time:
A lady at a party goes up to Winston Churchill and tells him, "Sir, you are drunk." Churchill replies, "Madam, you are ugly. In the morning, I shall be sober."
I have always wondered - is this based on a true incident or is this a joke that was just made up using Churchill because he was always known for his genius and wit?
- I don't know (I'm not sure it's provable), but the woman in question was (if memory serves) Bessie Braddock M.P. (about whom, I'm surprised to discover, there appears to be no wikipedia article). -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 22:01, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- By the way, there's an entry for it on Wikiquote. Dismas|(talk) 23:38, 25 September 2005 (UTC)
- I had always thought that it was Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor. Our article on her outlines other exchanges between Churchill and her. However, Wikiquote attributes the woman as Braddock and the BBC agrees. [15]. Capitalistroadster 10:38, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- The Churchill Centre consider it to be Braddock - When encountered by Bessie Braddock MP with the famous "you're drunk" remark in 1946, his bodyguard, Ron Golding, was with him at the time, insisted that Churchill was not drunk, just tired and wobbly - hence his famous, devastating response. [16], for what that's worth. Shimgray | talk | 12:05, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- That said, their "Quotes and Stories" section also tells the story of "Up with which I will not put!", which is likely misattributed to WSC. So, hmm. 12:07, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
NIT2WNIT
What does NIT2WNIT mean???
- Uh...all I can come up with is "Need To Win it". Anyone else?--inks 02:11, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- It's "In it to win it" Proto t c 09:44, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Help with translating this into 1337
Alright, I know this is a very odd question, but I would like help with obfuscating this sentence with 1337. The more obfuscated the better; the more symbols used the better:
- Frequency estimation has fundamental significance in statistical signal processing.
Thanks for your help! --HappyCamper 02:56, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
i'll give it a try
ph|23/\|<\/\/1C 35+1^^/\+10h ]-[/\5+ ph|_||\||)|_|^^3|V+^|_ 51Oj|\|1ph1|</\|\|53 1n 5+/\+15+1</\|_ 51oj|\|/-\1 |o|2[]53551|\|0;!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111oneoneone111!!! -Drdisque 05:53, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Chargers' name
- Are you asking about the San Diego Chargers? If you have a question that the article doesn't answer, you'll have to phrase your question in more of a complete sentence so that we understand what it is that you're looking for. Dismas|(talk) 03:31, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
The Chargers originated in Los Angeles in 1960. At that time, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a fan chant in which a recorded bugle sound played "Da da da DA da daaaaaa" and the crowd would respond with, "Charge!". The Chargers' name was meant to capitalize on the well-known cheer. User:Zoe|(talk) 04:23, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Scott Adam's book God's Debris
What are all the factual inaccuracies in the book God's Debris by Scott Adams? I was trying to find a list off all the facts that he made up himself.
That would be Scott Adams, not Scott Adams. User:Zoe|(talk) 00:45, 29 September 2005 (UTC)
Geography Questions - Ethnicity
hello, we have a question on our geography revision...
Name ethnic groups which arrived in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia in the 1950's and 60's, another group which arrived in the 1970's & 80's and another group that arrived in the 90's and 2000's.
if you could help that would be great!! thanks!!!
165.228.131.11 04:26, 26 September 2005 (UTC)two geog students
- I would try Greeks and Italians during the 1950's and 1960's, the Vietnamese for the 1970's and 1980's and the Chinese in the 1990s although there was an earlier influx of Chinese after the goldrush. Our Demographics of Australia article contains more information about Australian population trends. Please contact me if you need more info. Capitalistroadster 10:46, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
what age is a fetus considered a baby
legally, birth, morally, well thats up to you -Drdisque 05:55, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
It depends on whose doing the considering. This is one of the most controversial issues in politics, particularly American politics, because of its implications for the abortion debate. Go read that article as well as abortion debate to get a sense of the range of opinions. --Robert Merkel 06:27, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Supreme Court
what are the names of the nine Judges in the Supreme Court?
- See the article on United States Supreme Court and you'll see that your question isn't exactly a simple one at this time in history. Dismas|(talk) 04:45, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Travel from Bahrain to Iran
Can you get to Iran by sea from Bahrain?
- It's physically possible, and at least one cruise offers them as consecutive stops [17], so the answer is yes. --Metropolitan90 06:53, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Principles
ERP configuration
what is meant by configuration of an ERP Application?
- ERP is an abbreviation that can mean many things.
See if you can find a useful link in that article. - Mgm|(talk) 09:33, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
geography
plz tell me about geomorphology of ocean floor
Lloyds "Names"
Please will you tell me what is a "Lloyds Name" and what qualifies one to become a "Lloyds Name"?
- Our article on Lloyd's of London will help you out. It states "For most of Lloyd's history, rich individuals ("Names") backed policies written at Lloyd's with all of their personal wealth (unlimited liability). Since 1994, Lloyd's has allowed corporate members into the market, with limited liability. The losses in the early 1990s devastated the finances of many Names (1,500 out of 34,000 Names declared bankruptcy) and scared away others. Today, Names provide only 20% of capacity at Lloyd's, with corporations accounting for the rest. No new Names with unlimited liability are admitted, and the importance of individual Names will continue to decline as they slowly withdraw or die off." Capitalistroadster 10:52, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Health system in India
Engrish
Rich successful China manufacturer electronic goods excellent, in this condition why instruction of manuals always confused utter English? Shantavira 12:23, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- Translation is hard, particularly for linguistic nuances
- Good products with bad manuals sell better than bad products with good manuals — Lomn | Talk / RfC 12:49, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- Also, many companies (worldwide) neglect documentation as a time or cost saving measure, and because of the difficulty of retaining good technical authors. akaDruid 11:26, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
role of the male turtledove
- Procreation? For some info, why don't you try the turtledove article? Dismas|(talk) 13:02, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Rescue markings
In the recent hurricanes, rescue workers went house to house marking the buildings with a large cross, with numbers in the four quadrants made by the cross. I know that one quadrant contains the date, another contains a number indicating survivors, but don't know what the others are. What are these called? Is there a standard, or does each agency use a different system? Thanks!
Breslov Chasidus
Breslov Chassidus probably needs an article - [18], [19].
You would probably be interested in our Breslov (Hasidic dynasty) article.--Pharos 15:59, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- Thanks - should this be a redirect? Do we need another article?
- OK, I've created a couple of redirects, which is easy to do. There's no need for two articles on the same topic of course.--Pharos 16:46, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
hurricane
Hurricane? Hurricane Katrina? Hurricane Rita?
- Or in the Pacific, a Typhoon, Different names for the generic Tropical cyclone. So, what is your question? --hydnjo talk 06:42, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
prairie grass
Why were the plains states grasslands with few trees while other parts of the country was forested? Thanks.
--69.166.8.59 15:09, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- The Straight Dope discussed this in July. [20].Brian Schlosser42 19:46, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
where can I find information about careers in the Army and RAF?
Which army and air force?
- UK
- www.mod.uk/careers/ has links to career opportunities in all branches of the Ministry of Defence, including the Army, the RAF, and the Royal Navy. Good luck! Proto t c 15:41, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- Other 'Royal' Air Forces of countries that share the British monarch:
- The RAAF — Royal Australian Air Force
- The RNZAF — Royal New Zealand Air Force
- The RCAF — Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1968 it was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Army to form initially the Canadian Armed Forces, then the Canadian Forces (CF).
- Other Royal Air Forces of countries that do not share the British monarch
- The Royal Netherlands Air Force
- The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAf)
- The RSAF — Royal Saudi Air Force
- The Royal Thai Air Force
fake student
Hi. I read an article about a fabricated student who actually graduated and was enrolled to some school again and again. I don't remember the school name, or who this "person" was, do you? Punkmorten 19:17, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
The student was George P. Burdell and he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology -Drdisque 03:29, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
boxing terms: PTS
In boxing terms what doees PTS stand for and what kind of term is that? Heres an example: winky wright vs fernando vargas= W PTS rd 8 of 8(this is not actual info just an example)
- Not an expert, but I'd guess PTS is a shorthand for a victory on points (by the decision of the ringside judges), rather than by a knockout (KO), disqualification (DQ) or technical knockout (TKO). The article on boxing has more detail on the significance of the various kinds of victories. ByeByeBaby 22:13, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
Hanseatic League, Papal decrees, Fish on fast days
Hi all you history buffs; This is a tough one . When I was in college a few millenium ago, I took a History of Religions course . In this course the professor told us that the Hanseatic trade league had persuaded( Bribed) one of the Popes to decree that on fast days meat was not allowed to be eaten and that fish should be put in its place. Fish was one of the main trading products of the league. We all know that fish are definetley part of the christian faith , ever since the loaves and fishes on the mount and Peters Gig as a Fisherman. My question to you is have their been any Papal or Church Bulls or decrees or treaties specifically made with the Hanseatic Trade League concerning fish trade and have their been any decrees by the Church requiring Christians to eat fish on Fast days? I have been trying to find an answer to this question for years and have only found one reference to Papal decree That christians should eat fish on Fridays and it had no specifific details. Thanks gang Dennis Nigrelli GOOD LUCK on this one:)
- Well obviously (since everyone remembers this, right?) Catholics were forbidden to eat meat on Fridays until some time in the 1960s, and ate fish instead. And I think they still do that during Lent. But I don't know which popes decreed what. Michael Hardy 23:16, 26 September 2005 (UTC)
- Pope Nicholas I (858-867) decreed that abstinence from flesh meat on Fridays was required. [21], but the tradition of abstaining from meat predates this (at least Tertullian) . There was never any requirement to eat fish - that's just urban legend stuff - really more anti-Catholicism than history. And the requirement certainly predated the Hanseatic League. The presently operative document is Pope Paul VI's Paenitemini (the Apostolic Constitution on Penance), published February 17, 1966. The operative Canon Law was Canon 1253: "The Episcopal Conference can determine more particular ways in which fasting and abstinence are to be observed. In place of abstinence or fasting it can substitute, in whole or in part, other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety.” The effect of this was that the bishops of a country could decide what was required on Friday, and so the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops did....saying that prayer and penance could be substituted for abstention from meat on Fridays (of course, the requirement for a substitute act of piety is often neglected in the rush for the roast beef). Other country's decisions varied. this page is helpful - 00:04, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
Latinos on television
Sesame Workshop says: "Emilio Delgado (Luis) can easily claim one of the longest running parts for a Latino actor in a continuing series as "Luis" on Sesame Street, since the show's third season." That put his debut in 1971, or a 32-season role. Can anyone think of a longer running Latino television character in a non-Latin country? For that matter, can anyone think of a character in a Spanish/Mexican/South American-produced series that has appeared that long? -- user:zanimum
boat service from los cabos
can i take a boat or ferry from cabos san lucas mexico to acapulco mexico or other cities in mexico
thanks
- La Paz, Baja California Sur, would be a more likely bet, for Topolobampo or Mazatlán. –Hajor 00:43, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Cattle & Irrigation
Is there a good way to keep cattle from breaking off irrigation sprinklers in a pasture?
The only thing I can think of is putting metal cages around the sprinklers and just dealing with the deflection caused by them. Also, an elevated ring around the sprinkler would also work.
- Depending on your circumstances of course but it may be that electrical fencing would keep the critters away from easily damaged areas. --hydnjo talk 06:34, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
Basketball
Does Shaq play basketball because he chose basketball or because basketball chose him.
- See our Shaquille O'Neal article. He started gaining prominence as a basketball player at the Robert G. Cole Junior-Senior High School. Given that he was big and tall from an early age and skilled at basketball, it probably seemed that he was interested in a career as a basketball career from an early age. Capitalistroadster 01:41, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
what is technology-formation?
What is the meaning of life?
I thought it was obvious enough! But maybe not... reproduce AND HAVE FUN!! That is if your fortunate enough to live in a free country
I looked at the Wikipedia article, but it offered no definitive answers. I want this question resolved before I expend any more energy on my high school education.
- 42? :)
- On a personal opinion, there's no meaning. Why you think there should be one? And in this scenario, since there is no answer to "why?", we could pretty much just focus on finding out how. But that's just me... Kieff | Talk 11:36, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- It depends on what the meaning of 'is' is. Qaz 11:40, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- Guess what! You get to choose your own answer. Luckily, it's a multiple choice test and if you are truly blessed you can choose more than one answer. Most grown human beings try to do one or more of the following:
- acquiring as much as you can of
- knowledge
- wisdom
- wealth
- bodily pleasures
- power over other people
- piety or holiness points
- redistributing as much as you can of any of the above to other people
- attempting to contact or stay in contact with God
- helping as many people as possible to acquire some of the above
- building loving relationships with a limited number of people
- avoiding relationships with people and focusing on
- your inner life
- an imagined world
- changing the non-human environment or animals around you
- killing or injuring those who have offended you
- feeling sorry for yourself because you haven't been given enough of one of the above
- whining that "there's nothing to do here"
Of course, you can always toss in your cards and hope for another deal with another consciousness... Make a good choice. alteripse 12:16, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- What? Oh... I've been watching TV. But, I built a computer that could answer the question...
Bussiness proposal
Please help me to draft a business proposal for US based company
- Um, you could start by reading our (relatively brief) article at business plan. Have you considered going to a library and borrowing a book on the topic? You might also benefit from some of the material on Wikibooks' School of Business, but I have no idea at what state that project is in.
- However, given that you're presumably doing this to, ultimately, make money for yourself, if you want extensive assistance on preparing a business plan you will probably have to pay for that assistance. --Robert Merkel 14:32, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
herstory or history?
I would like to find out about herstory. They dont seem to teach it in schools. Can anyone help me?
Let me introduce you to Rocky and Bullwinkle and their way-back machine. Step in. We will set the dial to 1976. Ignore the bell bottoms, leisure suits, and the upcoming election between Ford and Carter. There is no internet but if you hang around on a college campus and look for the people who use the word womyn, they will be able to teach you some herstory. Once they became the prevailing viewpoint in academia, of course, they reverted to calling it history because the word never did derive from the masculine possessive pronoun and was one more perversion of the language for the sake of political correctness. Do we have an article on herstory? Since it turned blue, you can click and learn more. alteripse 14:43, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- Alteripse is being a bit curmudgeonly. If I may put what I think was his main point (aside from his distaste for language-twisting) a little bit more diplomatically: while feminist history is a valuable and (in my opinion) necessary view of our past, *any* one perspective on history is likely to provide an incomplete view. Variety is the spice of life! By the way, women's history and history of feminism may also be of interest to you. --Robert Merkel 14:49, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- Me a curmudgeon? I gave a concise accurate answer that included the historical, social, political, and linguistic dimensions in an entertaining, learner-friendly narrative. With a free wiki-link! What more could 'e ask for? alteripse 15:04, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- He could ask to see you "pull a rabbit out of this hat".... Thanks for the image of "Peabody's Improbable Herstory". <g> - Nunh-huh 00:27, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Careful! No sexist pronouns. We don't know that 'es a he, now, do we? I think you need a refresher couse in language sensitivity. alteripse 00:38, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- There are no accidents. - Nunh-huh 02:46, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Careful! No sexist pronouns. We don't know that 'es a he, now, do we? I think you need a refresher couse in language sensitivity. alteripse 00:38, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- He could ask to see you "pull a rabbit out of this hat".... Thanks for the image of "Peabody's Improbable Herstory". <g> - Nunh-huh 00:27, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
what is nymphomax
- Do you mean nymphomaniac? --Gareth Hughes 16:09, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
2001 film list
perhaps 2001 in film can help -Drdisque 17:57, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
Finertia
I've been to the site itself and all (it's a lifestyle community with an emphasis on healthy living), but still don't know what the name really mean?--221.219.138.61 19:08, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- So why don't you ask them? They would most likely know better than we do. Dismas|(talk) 20:20, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
What was the population of China in 1880?
- This page suggests around 370,000,000 people. Shimgray | talk | 20:28, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
The Five People You meet in Heaven - is this book third person omniscient
- Do your own homework. Read the book. Does the narrator say "I", "you", or "he"? Is the narrator fully aware of only himself or everything? — Lomn | Talk / RfC 19:53, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
Prime Minister
What is the last name of the prime minister that has ten letters in it.
- Don't shout please. Now, your question is vague. What is the last name of the prime minister whose name has 10 letters? what is the last prime minister to have a last name of ten letters? Is it ten or any ten and up? What country's prime minister? Anyway, I'll guess that List of Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom can help you out. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 19:57, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- Interesting trivia: no UK PMs have had exactly ten letters in their last name, though a few have had ten-letter titles. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 20:04, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- There have been no holders of the office of Prime Minister of Australia with 10 letters either. As our Prime Minister article shows that nations ranging from Afghanistan to Yemen have Prime Ministers, I would suggest looking at the list for the country you are interested in to refine your search. Capitalistroadster 00:45, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- How odd. There is also no Prime Minister of Canada with ten letters in his/her last name, though we have six, seven, eight, lots of nines and an eleven. ("St. Laurent" would count if you perversely decided to include the dot but not the space). DJ Clayworth 14:43, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Pokemon
Who 'invented' the Pokemon franchise? It's... Thelb4! 19:54, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- according to the Pokemon article you linked to, Satoshi Tajiri created the little deamons. Gentgeen 20:26, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
how many miles is it from new haven, connecticut to hartford, connecticut
- Why not try mapquest.com or http://maps.google.com/ ? Dismas|(talk) 21:39, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- It's about 40 miles. -Nunh-huh 00:22, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Music Sample
I've been listening to Sexy by the Black Eyed Peas for a while now, and I just can't place the music they 'borrowed' for it. It's the violin bit at the beginning, which pops up again throughout the song and at the end in reversed violin and guitar. I'd appreciate some help. -Flatluigi 21:33, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- Flatluigi,
The credits on Allmuisic.com for Elephunkcontains no credits for violin see [22]. However, this VH1 interview [23] from August 2003 states that Sergio Mendes played the piano on the track "Sexy" and the band got an orchestra in for "Where is the Love" so perhaps they got the violinist to play on the track. Sorry I can't help you more. Capitalistroadster 01:01, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Now that I listen to it again, it is possible that it's a saxophone. Would I be breaking any copyright rules if I upload to Wikipedia said sample? -Flatluigi 01:13, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- If it's just a sample of the violin and if the sample is deleted once your question is answered, I don't think there'd be any law problems. - Mgm|(talk) 07:55, 28 September 2005 (UTC
Alright. Media:BEP_Sexy_Sample_1.ogg is the section I'm asking about. I'm currently uploading the other section with it. -Flatluigi 01:00, 29 September 2005 (UTC)
Media:BEP_Sexy_Sample_2.ogg is the second one. Thanks for your help. -Flatluigi 01:13, 29 September 2005 (UTC)
Punctuation
Articles printed in magazines end with a speclized symbol indicating that it is the end of that particular article. What do you call that symbol or puncutation mark?
- You're probably referring to printer's dingbats, aka printer's ornaments. - Nunh-huh 00:19, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Ostrich Meat
About how much calories and fat would about 1 ounce of Ostrich meat contain?
- That would be hard to say since the amount of fat per lean meat could vary greatly. Dismas|(talk) 23:55, 27 September 2005 (UTC)
- but it's still possible to say something about it. According to this page: [24], fat content varies from 1-4%, and there are about 110 kcal/100 grams. Taking the fattiest cut, the "oyster", as 4% fat, the content in 100 grams would be 29 grams of protein, 67 grams of moisture, 4 grams of fat, and (29 grams * 4.3 kcal/gram) + (4 grams *9.02 kcal/gram) = 160.8 kcal. The percentage of calories from fat would be 36.1/160.8 = 22%. 100 grams is about 3.5 ounces. So one ounce of ostrich "oyster" meat would contain 8 grams of protein, 19 grams of moisture, 1 gram of fat, and 46 kcals. - Nunh-huh 00:17, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Numbers I've found for 1 oz Ostrich Meat, cooked: 32 calories, 0.7g fat. But some sources do seem to vary. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 00:09, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
King Arthur
... is this way, past the toilets and the second on your left. --fvw* 00:09, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
ambiguous comments make it hard to.......just whta the speaker meant
- …Understand? I don't know, your question is kind of vague. Garrett Albright 12:36, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Fvw (above) is inviting you to click on his link. Shantavira 17:33, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
what is an axe murderer?
- A person who commits Murder using an Axe. Capitalistroadster 01:05, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Western Movie Theme Songs
- Our List of Western movies and Western (genre) articles may be good places for a search. Capitalistroadster 01:15, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Talking in freefall
I had several questions about skydiving. Is it possible for skydivers to talk during freefall, and can they even breath before the open their parachute?
- yes and yes, though each bears a note. Talking would be better stated as shouting during skydiving due to ambient wind noise. Unassisted breathing may not be possible under some HALO/HAHO jumps due to the altitude at jump; however, this is in no way a result of the jump itself. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 02:51, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Dentists
If you clean your teeth real well, is there really a need for Dentists? Why can't regular doctors learn oral surgery?
- Cleaning your teeth real well doesn't eliminate dental disease, so yes, there is really a need for dentists. And many oral surgeons are "regular doctors", if by that you mean they have an "M.D." degree. - Nunh-huh 03:57, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Teeth cleaning may reduce frequency of caries but does not prevent all dental problems and their are many other things that can happen to your teeth. The separation of dentistry from surgery and medical practice is partly a matter of historical contingency. In the Middle Ages physicians were distinct from barber-surgeons who also performed surgical and dental procedures. Between 1300 and 1600, haircutting and dentistry became separated from surgery because people tended to specialize in one of the activities. After about 1800, surgery became a part of medical practice. The basic science training of physicians and dentists is similar but has become part of training only in the last century (the split predates it). The other main historical reason is the dentistry is also a craft of manual skills relatively easy to separate from those needed for surgery or medical practice. A lot of dental school is learning the manual craft and it would add a couple of years to medical school to teach physicians to do this. Especially for manual skills like surgery and dentistry, you want someone to do it a lot to be good at it. Finally, as Nunh-hunh says, there are oral surgeons who got there through dental school (DDS) and those who got there through medical school (MD). alteripse 09:19, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Worldwide Cumulative GPA Results
Does anyone know where I can find statistics on average worldwide cumulative GPA results and also by country/area? Thanks for any help with this.
- Such data would probably be largely useless, as educational standards vary greatly from country to country (or even from school to school, at least in the US). android79 04:39, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- AFAIK, "GPA" is a US concept. Guettarda 04:44, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- GPA is used at University level in New Zealand. I know, I've been at Uni far too long. I suspect it would be pretty trivial to assign a numerical value to a grade and count them up anyway - which is a good thing. It would allow me to compare country X which goes by A, B- etc., and country Y, which goes by "Exellent", "Merit", etc. If I can convert them to numbers, I can run Stats™ on them. Not the most elegant of examples I know, but the point is made.--inks 09:14, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
IB Schools in Asia
Does anyone know who were the first 2 IB schools in Asia? Thanks for this.
- Our International Baccalaureate article doesn't advise of the history of the program in Asia. The International Baccalaureate Organisation does not provide such information either. I would suggest contacting the IBO direct at their Asia-Pacific office listed on the contacts page here see [25]. Capitalistroadster 05:00, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Chad Chunning
What did Chad Chunning do from quitting nirvana until joining his new band?
- Our Chad Channing article states that he was in a band called The Methodists before joining East of the Equator. The Allmusic.com article provides more information on him including additional band membership. Capitalistroadster 05:05, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Bob Jones
Can anyone tell me anything about Bob Jones
- Our Bob Jones article lists a number of people by the name of Bob Jones:
- For the Christian evangelist who founded Bob Jones University, see Bob Jones, Sr..
- For Bob Jones, Sr.'s son, and second president of the university, see Bob Jones, Jr..
- For Bob Jones, Sr.'s grandson, and third president of the university, see Bob Jones III.
- For the New Zealand property tycoon and former politician, see Bob Jones (New Zealand).
- For the professional ice hockey player, see Bob Jones (hockey player).
charmane star
what movie did charmane star do a double penetration scene in ? what is the movies title ? what year was the adult movie released and by what adult film company was it distibuted by ? at your website a page on charmane star mentions trivia on her that mentions a double penetration scene but does not name the movie she did it in.
will
How to write a monologue
I was just wondering, what are the basic parts when it comes to writing a monologue. We have to do a radio monologue and it's really annoying me.
I hope you can help. Thanks
- is this monologue for english?? i have to do one too!!! i think you go to the same school as me...it's possible... i'm guessing if you are doing the same one as me, you have to present it on a tape, right? well anyhow the one i have to do, (the positioned radio monologue), you have to pick two speakers, and have them say their opinion in their discourse... meaning if you got like a yobbo as one, they must talk like a yobbo and use words a yobbo says... and the other speaker has their discourse too... for example one person talks about going to uni after high school and the other talks about doing an apprentinceship...
- Kattus 11:37, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
A monologue is a speech. You have a message and an audience. Your job is to communicate the message in words so that it will understood by the audience and elicit the response you want. Are you having trouble deciding what the message should be, or what response you want from the audience, or are you having trouble with deciding how best to get the message across? alteripse 11:41, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
skydiving
What's the procedure for learning to skydive?
Most people join a sky diving club at the local airport or join the paratroopers. Trial and error is not a recommended method. alteripse 11:41, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Just throw yourself at the ground, and miss. --Douglas Adams 13:31, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Which describes flying, or putting yourself into orbit, not skydiving :) Generally, the club will familiarise you with equipment and procedures, before progressing to tandem, and finally solo jumps. You usually "pack" your own parachute.--inks 20:16, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Skydiving is just flying in a strictly downward fashion. :) — Lomn | Talk / RfC 20:26, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Which describes flying, or putting yourself into orbit, not skydiving :) Generally, the club will familiarise you with equipment and procedures, before progressing to tandem, and finally solo jumps. You usually "pack" your own parachute.--inks 20:16, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
What does the word erradicate mean?
Nothing, but eradicate means to totally remove, literally to rip out by the root. alteripse 11:41, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
how come feburary only has....
how come feburary only has 28 or 29 (leap year) days when every other month has 30 or 31?? why didn't they divide all the months up evenly???
- Our article on February has an excellent link to your exact question being answered on The Straight Dope. But answering your second question: because the division of the months was a long, stupid and biased process. I guess we could easily split the months evenly today, but the social inertia that'd require to break would be way too big to consider "convenient". While we're at that, see also: dozenalism Kieff | Talk 12:06, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Well, also, 365 isn't an easy number to divide easily. (365 and a quarter is even harder). Let's see, we could have five months of 73 days. Or 73 months of 5 days. Some societies have done it with 12 months of 30 days and then a big party for the remaining 5; there's a lot to be said for that. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 16:14, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Personally, I like that last idea. ;) - Mgm|(talk) 16:46, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- That would be the French Republican Calendar -- 12 months of 30 days, and either 5 or 6 days' holiday which aren't in any month. Ojw 18:42, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
About this part in Half-Life²...
Before HL2 came out I watched a few videos, one of them depicted this part of the game (... with Barney and some resistence folks, then two striders came in.) The thing is, I got HL2 and finished it a couple of weeks ago and never saw that part of the game.
So I was wondering, did that part get cut off the final version, or was it made just for demonstration, or I just did something wrong while I was playing it? Kieff | Talk 11:55, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Probably just got cut from the final version. Lots of stuff that was in HL2 previews got cut due to AI/playability problems (e.g., the famous blue tentacle-thing) or changes in the plot (e.g., the whole icebreaker section). If you read Half-Life: Raising the Bar, you'll see tons of stuff that never made the final game. I suspect at least some of it will appear as expansion packs, etc. -- Bob Mellish 17:47, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
city area of Pyongyang
did you have a question??
- We have an article on Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea (North Korea). Garrett Albright 12:31, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
bussiness in pusan
- We have an article on Busan/Pusan. There are probably many businesses in this large South Korean city. Garrett Albright 12:38, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
hockey
Hello,
Who was the first Swedish born player inducted in the Hockey Hall of fame?
Thanks for the help!
i did a google search with the keywords 'first swedish hockey player hall of fame' and this website seems to tell me that Borje Salming was the first Swedish player inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame... hope this helps you... Kattus 12:25, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
how does a human being have the XXXY chromosome?
my biology teacher told us that it is possible (but rare) to have XXXY as your chromosomes instead of the usual XY or XX... is this true and how is that possible? does the person have any genetic complications because of this and what are they then..because the 'XX' part is female and 'XY' is male so wouldnt they be male and female at the same time???
can someone explain it or give a website that does? thanks! Kattus 12:13, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Please see Chromosome#Chromosomal aberrations, although your teacher was probably talking about Klinefelter's syndrome (which is XXY, not XXXY). -- Rick Block (talk) 14:18, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
How does it happen? We think that at an early stage of zygote development, when chromosomes duplicate and separate into 2 cells, the separation failed to occur, leaving the surviving cells with one or more extra chromosomes. This is called nondisjunction. The reason the effects are so minimal for the people with multiple X (compared with having multiple copies of chromosome 21 or 1, for example), is that the second (and any excess beyond 2) X chromosome in mammals is mostly inactivated (Lyonization) in most cells most of life and therefore causes relatively little trouble. Whether one is male depends (over 99% of the time) on whether one has a functioning Y chromosome. The number of X chromosomes does not matter: both males and females have X chromosomes. You can have 1 X or 5 X chromosomes and you will be female as long as you do not have a functioning Y. See sex differentiation for more details. alteripse 17:58, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Hockey #2
Hello!
Who is the first Team to have won the Stanley cup?
again i googled and wikipedia seems to have an article on the Stanley Cup.... so there you go! go down to 'Early Years', the last sentence on the first paragraph in that section should tell you the first team to win...
how do you... wikipedia skills
i would like to know how you make a website link say a keyword so that when i post something up i dont have long website addresses (for example, when i answered the hockey question)... and how do you link the wikipedia articles so that again a keyword is highlight in blue and underline... like everyone else does... could you help? that'd be great thanks! Kattus 12:37, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- See Wikipedia:How to edit a page for your first question. As for the second question, a link will be blue if a linked article exists, and red if it doesn't exist. For example, we probably have an article for banana, but I doubt we have an article for xczv.nm,weroiu because I typed that by randomly smashing on my keyboard. Please use the Wikipedia:Help Desk for other questions along these lines. (See? I don't bite all newbies…) Garrett Albright 12:46, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
so does it automaticly links to the article?? or do i have to link it myself - but how?? Kattus 12:50, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- [[banana]] comes out as banana. For the most part, the article text stays the same as you wrote it when you press submit (of course it's translated into html when you view an article in the normal way), so you can see exactly how people do things when you edit an article/section. Frencheigh 12:55, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
so for example in the Hockey question above where i wrote 'i did a google search with the keywords 'first swedish hockey player hall of fame' and this website..." how do i make the word 'website' actually be a link to the website that is beside it... id love to know how to do that (if its possible) Kattus 13:00, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- You are looking for piping. To pipe a wikilink, you would use something like [[Banana|test1]], which looks "test1" but links to Banana. URL's (external links) can be piped too, but generally all external links go down the bottom in the "External links" section. Wikipedia:External link has more info, including how to pipe extenral links, which is different to internal wikilinks. (An example might be [http://www.banana.com test 2], which looks like: test 2. --Commander Keane 13:12, 28 September 2005 (UTC
well i know what you're talking bout now cos i read the wikipedia editing help and i figured out the keyword thing..you know how you type [ and then the website and then two spaces and then keyword and then close it with ] but yeah thanks for all your help everyone!! i really appreciate it! Kattus 13:20, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Two sapces? One space works, is two good etiquette or something? --Commander Keane 16:20, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
meh!! thanks anyway! Kattus 22:04, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Re: Wikipedia article: Uniformed services of the United States - more than 7?
Besides the seven services listed, why aren't the many other uniformed services of the United States listed? For example, within the United States Department of the Interior there are uniformed members of the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In the United States Department of Agriculture there are uniformed members of the United States Forest Service (several different types of Park Rangers, for instance). Perhaps other operating units of the DOI and USDA also have uniformed members. Perhaps other U.S. Cabinet-level departments have uniformed members as well. Why are none of these uniformed services of the United States listed? Is it simply because they are not military(naval)-ranked like the NOAA Commissioned Corps or the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps? Is it because they don't operate under military rules? (If so, shouldn't the title "Uniformed services of the United States" be qualified by some statement that indicates this limitation to the definition?) Or is there some other distinction? Courtneymitchell 13:49, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- And don't forget the uniformed service at McDonald's. --Gareth Hughes 14:19, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
The very first sentence in Uniformed services of the United States includes a link to uniformed services, which makes it clear that "uniformed services" does not just mean "any government employee who wears a uniform." What more do you want?Also, for future reference, issues you have with a specific article are usually better handled on the talk page for that article rather than here. Chuck 20:27, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Sorry, that was an overly snide response. Let me rephrase it. The uniformed services article notes, "Uniformed Services refers to bodies of people in the employ of a state that are not employed on standard terms of contract, but have some element of additional discipline, and wear a uniform." (emphasis mine) So it's not just any government agency whose employees wear a uniform. If you think it would be helpful to include this qualification within the Uniformed services of the United States article too, feel free to go ahead and add it there. Chuck 22:31, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
how do you cure ringworm?
ROOT FINDING METHODS
Is bisection or newton raphson faster? it's bisection, right? less iterations?
- Depends on the situation. When Newton-Raphson works correctly, the convergance is quadratic, so the number of correct digits is roughly doubled each iteration. For bisection, the error is cut in half each iteration (so there's about 3 iterations to a decimal digit). There are cases where Newton's method simply doesn't converge, (a zero on an inflection point can do this, it keeps overshooting back and forth), but the bisection method doesn't suffer from this. Frencheigh 16:14, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- If Newton-Raphson was never faster than the Bisection method then we wouldn't hear about it, why bother with something that is slower and doesn't work sometimes? So, Newton-Raphson is probably faster than bisection most of the time (particularly since it uses extra information, the derivative). I could be wrong, but this is what makes sense to me.--Commander Keane 16:27, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- In practice, it is sometimes a good idea to use both. First use bisection to get a starting point for which Newton-Raphson is likely to converge, then use Newton-Raphson to achieve desired accuracy. If Newton-Raphson fails, improve the bisection estimate further and iterate. Fredrik | talk 17:20, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- It's also worth pointing out that slower algorithms are frequently taught first due to complexity. For example, virtually every Computer Science student is familiar with bubble sort even though merge sort or quick sort is preferable for virtually any large set. Consequently, "I've heard of it; therefore it's useful" isn't an optimum strategy. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 20:31, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- If Newton-Raphson was never faster than the Bisection method then we wouldn't hear about it, why bother with something that is slower and doesn't work sometimes? So, Newton-Raphson is probably faster than bisection most of the time (particularly since it uses extra information, the derivative). I could be wrong, but this is what makes sense to me.--Commander Keane 16:27, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
New Orleans Levy Funding
What happened to the projects to update the levy system in New Orleans from when Clinton started funding the project to it's breakdown?--66.145.213.254 16:59, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- See our article Hurricane preparedness for New Orleans.--Pharos 18:10, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
house painting after World War I
Chairman, Joint Chiefs
Can the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stay in the military when thier term is over? How is the Chairman Chosen?
amusemn
amusement rides
What exactly is your question? Bart133 (t) 23:33, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
What do you call the printed brochure at a funeral?
I'm not asking about the eulogy, or the obituary, or an elegy--but about the printed thingy with a poem or prayer, the brief biography of the person, perhaps a photo--etc.
- I've called it and heard it called a program (fortunately, I've not been to many funerals), but I'm not sure if that's the official name for such a thing – there may not be one. Funeral isn't much help. android79 18:26, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- In Britain, it's known as an order of service; programme sounds far too much like something printed for an etertainment or sporting event. --Gareth Hughes 18:31, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Are you talking about the cards that are often printed for funerals with a picture, possibly of Jesus Christ or some depiction of a saint, on the front and the person's name on the back with their date of birth and death? The back also sometimes has a small prayer or biblical passage printed on it. In the United States, I've often heard these being referred to as "prayer cards". I don't know if that's the official name for them though. Dismas|(talk) 23:26, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- That's unlike the order of service that Gareth mentioned. For a funeral, it generally list the name of the deceased person (so you know you're at the right one), gives the order of the service (listing hymns, readings, communion, etc.). Sometimes it has the words for hymns, and sometimes has a photo or two of the deceased person, details of any post service get together, and perhaps details of a charity to which you're invited to donate. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 23:34, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Are you talking about the cards that are often printed for funerals with a picture, possibly of Jesus Christ or some depiction of a saint, on the front and the person's name on the back with their date of birth and death? The back also sometimes has a small prayer or biblical passage printed on it. In the United States, I've often heard these being referred to as "prayer cards". I don't know if that's the official name for them though. Dismas|(talk) 23:26, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- In Britain, it's known as an order of service; programme sounds far too much like something printed for an etertainment or sporting event. --Gareth Hughes 18:31, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
cedent
Hello:
What is a "cedent"? The term is used often in the insurance industry.
Please advise.
Thanks!
David
- It is probably a person who cedes something. This is not a good way to use the English language. --Gareth Hughes 18:36, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- I guess they could have called them the cedar. DJ Clayworth 19:57, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Star and Moon Atoll
I have an aerial view of two atoll's or islands next to each other shaped like a star and a crescent moon. There are large boats in the water around them, but I cannot find anywhere on the web where these atolls or islands are located. They look just like the Star and Crescent of the Red Crescent organization. I would like to know where they are located. --SG
2 sticks butter are how much in the metric system?
Hello!
I have a wonderful recipe for even more wonderful "chunky chocolate cookies", which I found in a cookie bakery in New York City. But they gave me a recipe which is aimed more to the U.S. public, because there is no single indication of ingredients made in the metric system.
But that's fine; I don't think that teaspoons look in the U.S. that much different than in Europe and I can calculate how much 350° F are (or 300 when I use the convection oven...), but how much are two sticks (unsalted...) butter (United States) when indicated in a baking recipe?
- Fourteen milliheartattacks. Seriously, though, butter is sold in the US in 1-pound packages of four quarter-pound sticks. One stick is 4 ounces, which is equivalent to a half a US cup. Cup indicates that there is only a 13-mL difference between US and metric cups, so you're probably safe using a metric cup of buttery goodness to make your cookies. android79 19:59, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Thanks a lot!! Hmmm, yummy! Dani_skr, 20:05, 28 Sep 2005 (UTC)
methamphetaime/recovery symptoms
Good restaurant
What's a good restaurant in midtown, Atlanta, Georgia? Just looking to take some friends to dinner there, less than $20.
Penis enlargement
Do any of those penis enlargement pills actually work, or are they all snake oil?
- Nope, snake oil. Penn & Teller devoted an episode of their television show Bullshit! to this in fact.
Vitamin C
IS it possible to overdose on vitamin C?
- It is possible to overdose on any substance. Paracelsus, considered the father of modern toxicology, made a statement that is often paraphrased as "the dose makes the poison." Meaning, any substance is poisonous if you ingest enough of it; conversely, any substance is non-toxic in a sufficiently small amount. This MSDS for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) cites an LD50 of 11900 mg/kg in rats, and 3367 mg/kg in mice. Even if we use the lower number for mice and apply it to humans, it would take a few hundred grams of vitamin C (remember that vitamin C tablets are usually measured in milligrams) to be fatal. Chuck 20:15, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Six Flags, atlanta, ga
Has anyone ever died at six flags in atlanta?
- Searching through RideAccidents.com, which bills itself as "the world's single most comprehensive, detailed, updated, accurate, and complete source of amusement ride accident reports and related news," I found one report of a death: an employee was killed on May 26, 2002, when he was in a restricted area beneath the track of Batman The Ride, and was struck by the leg of a passenger. Chuck 22:10, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
Child porn
If you're under 18, and post pictures of yourself online, will you get arrested for chid sexual abuse? I need an answer NOW
- Probably depends on which state you're in. In any case, if you're talking about nude or suggestive pictures, I'd advise against it regardless of the legality of it. On the Internet, everything lasts forever. android79 20:01, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Can you 'abuse' yourself? Dubious legal argument at best. Recently, 2 underage girls in NZ presented themselves at a "gentleman's club", claiming to be over 18, and saw a few "clients" each. IIRC Neither were prosecuted. Having said that, some places still make it illegal for you to kill yourself. I would go with what Android79 suggested.--inks 20:08, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Teen girl charged with posting nude photos on Internet "charged with sexual abuse of children, possession of child pornography and dissemination of child pornography." Frencheigh 23:07, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- American law enforcement just gets wackier all the time. (I am American). How did the case turn out?Nelson Ricardo 00:32, 29 September 2005 (UTC)
ME
What are the top 5 mechancal engineering schools in the nation?
- That depends a whole lot on your metric. For starters, what nation? Assuming we can get a definitive answer there, do you care about just undergraduate, just graduate, or both? Do you want opportunities for undergraduate research at that campus? If graduate, masters vs doctorate, and what particular area? The list builds. Then we get into things like the realization that you won't (hopefully) spend all your time in class, so what about the campus-wide aspects, distance from home, cost, etc, etc? Point is, there are no definitive rankings, and any rankings that purport themselves definitive (c.f. U.S. News) won't be tailored to your specific goals.
- However, to put in my 2 (useful) cents, you will get out of college what you put in. For undergraduate in particular, everybody's curriculum will be comparable. I'd look at things like campus life and industry affiliation (you do want a real job eventually, right?) over whether or not a prof has a Nobel Prize. Also consider things like school and class size: you may get a better education at a small school with generic profs who work regularly with students than at a big name school with lots of research where teaching is delegated to grad students. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 20:42, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
diet coke
Is aspartame bad for you?
toilet bowl cleaner
OK, I've got a crazy idea. You know those toilet bowl tablets? They're bleach tablets, same thing you put in a swimming pool, ie calcium hypochlorite. Can I save some cash and just use the chlorine tablets for my pool in my toilet bowl, or will something go horribly wrong?
sanitizing tap water
IF you don't have iodine, can you sanitize water with a couple of drops of bleach?
- Apparently you can as a last resort: this page from the CDC contains instructions in the "Water" section. Do keep in mind that too little bleach won't sanitize the water, and too much can cause personal injury. Please see Wikipedia's medical disclaimer. — File:Ontario trillium sig.pngmendel ☎ 01:18, 29 September 2005 (UTC)
What's a good stock broker
what's a good stock broker that allows otc bb trades and is less than 10 bucks a trade?
White noise
Do noise cancelling headphones actually work?
- Yes. active noise cancelling headphones do actually work. But of course, you don't get 100% noise cancellation - monotonous sounds (like car or aircraft engines) get cancelled out quite well, but human speech and music doesn't. My noise cancellation headphones are awesome when flying (as a passenger), and pilots of light aircraft use them too. --inks 20:24, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
tesla coils
is there a max # of volts the human body can take (not talking about amps, i know we can only take a little bit of amperage) but is there a max voltage the human body can take?
- If there are no amps then your body can take any number of volts. You may, in high school, have done the experiment where you stand on something insulated and then touch a Van de Graff generator, and your hair stands on end. That charges you to millions of volts, but because there is no current it isn't dangerous. DJ Clayworth 21:08, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
deliverence
Who was the actor who played the banjo boy in deliverence? is he still alive today and if so does he act?
- Here is the Internet Movie Database page about Deliverance (1972), which has a complete cast list. If you don't find it there I suggest asking at that site, because they have a much more movie-focussed readership. DJ Clayworth 21:10, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- We have an article on Deliverance as well as Billy Redden, the actor who played "Lonny" the banjo player. Redden is alive and was recently in the movie Big Fish although he is not an actor by profession. Dismas|(talk) 21:41, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
contact lenses
are the night and day 30 day contacts safe? i know they're fda approved, but leaving something in your eye for 30 days, can't that cause infection?
- I would suppose that if you don't care for your eyes then yes, they could cause infection. Although if the FDA approved them, I would think that they believe them to be safe. Please consult a doctor if you have any problems with your eyes, and follow the directions on the packaging of any medical products. Dismas|(talk) 21:52, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
fish poisoning
how many ppl die from that fish that's poisonous but ppl still eat it?
- From the Fugu article: "Some sources claim that about 100 people die each year from fugu poisoning, while others sources say only 10 to 20 per year, and still others state only 1 person dies each year from fugu. This reported variation may be the result of different sequences of years being studied..." Chuck 21:13, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
dividends
HAVE THE STOCK HOLDERS RECIEVED THEIR DIVIDENDS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2004? OR WAS THERE BACKUP WITHHOLDING?
- Which stock? Stocks don't all issue their dividends on the same day. Chuck 20:54, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
do you know the muffin man?
the muffin man? the muffin man?
lord forest
is there a movie with a character called lord forest?
- Using IMDB's character name search returned A Royal Demand. Chuck 21:21, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
wireless internet
what's the max distance for a wifi conncetion?
- In the Wi-Fi shootout competition at this year's DEF CON, the winning team managed to sustain an 11Mbps connection over a distance of 125 miles, using one 12 foot dish antena and one 10 foot dish. (Slashdot report) Of course, in any normal situation, the range will be far less: our article on WiFi suggests 45-90m (150-300 feet) as typical for access points sold for home use - the actual range is dependent on many variables, for example physical features such as walls absorbing the signal and reducing range. I would say the best way to find out what range you'll get in a specific ___location with specific kit is to test it. -- AJR 22:29, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
longhorn
when's windows longhorn coming out?
- Why not read our article on Windows Longhorn and find that out plus a whole lot more? Dismas|(talk) 21:00, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
tallulah falls, ga
does anyone know if the river there is open to kayaking?
sustainable height
what's the highest distance someone can fall and still live (comatose = alive, for this question)
- There are quite a few factors to take into account there. Is the person landing on their feet or their head? What are they falling onto, grass or concrete? etc. Dismas|(talk) 20:56, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- Do they have a parchute? Were they concious at the start of the fall? Thryduulf 21:13, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- In certain circumstances the answer is infinte (in theory) - if they are in free-fall and have apropriate protection from space (e.g. a space-suit or being inside a spacecraft that is also in free-fall) then the whole time they spend in orbit they spend falling.
- The longest time in space aboard a single flight is 437-days, 17-hours, 58-minutes, 04 seconds (onboard Mir by Valeri Polyakov). If we assume for simplicity that exactly 437 days of that was spent in orbit, and that mir had a 90-minute orbit (it was 89.1 minutes) and that each orbit was exactly 25,000 miles.
- Our article on Dr Polyakov states he is still alive, meaning he must have survived the fall of over 174 million miles. Thryduulf 21:41, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- If we avoid being extra-terrestrial Free-fall metions some plummeters. MeltBanana 23:15, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
![[3]](https://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/gallery/doctor01/800/02.jpg){kind=link}
![[24]](http://www.ostrichesonline.com/pictures/meat/aoanutritiontable.jpg){kind=link}
most toxic toxin
what's the most toxic poison? ie, smallest dose can kill someone
- Oxygen. No dose whatsoever is uniformly fatal to humans. — Lomn | Talk / RfC 20:45, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
- According to the sci.chem FAQ (scroll down to question 10.5), tetanus toxin, botulinum toxin, and Shiga toxin lead the list, each with an LD50 around 1 ng/kg. Wikipedia's own articles give the edge to botulinum toxin and claim that the lethal dose is 300 pg/kg. Chuck 23:06, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
biggest mosque
which is the biggest mosque of the world
- Shah (King) Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, Pakistan mentioned at List of mosques. the prayer hall alone is 1.19 acres. MeltBanana 21:21, 28 September 2005 (UTC)
food
what is tuna called in hawaii?
Referencing Wikipedia
If you had to refer to wikipedia in a bibliography, how would you put it?
hurricane katrina
how did katrina affect overpopulation in places like dallas and houston
RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video list
Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask or even if I'm wasting your time, but I'm looking for a reference list for all the titles released on RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video, particularly the "Magic Window" series which were issued in the custom clamshell boxes.
I've looked almost everywhere else I can think of, so I hope you can help!
Thanks, Ian Dickson Brighton UK
Cities populations
I am looking for the most recent populations of the following cities, Baton Rouge,Alexandria, New Orleans,Shreveport,Lake Chareles,Lafayette,Monroe all cities are Louisiana cities.
myths of authoritarianism
What are the six myths of authoritarianism?