Wikipedia:Reference desk/Miscellaneous
| |||||||||
How to ask a question
| |||||||||
|
| ||||||||
After reading the above, you may
. Your question will be added at the bottom of the page. | |||||||||
How to answer a question
|
| ||||||||
September 1
Can anyone help me name this song?
I only know the melody of this song. It is a rap/pop collaboration by at least 2 singers, both males i think. It is a few years old circa 2000-2004. The chorus is a "whiny" sounding voice, while the verses are sung by a soft rapper with voice resembling to Mario Winan and Diddy's. There might be the word "heart" in the lyrics. A melody of the song can be found at: http://media.putfile.com/Can-you-name-this-song Thanks a lot. Jamesino 00:17, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- I dunno, it's not performed by two men, and it doesn't sound exactly as you demonstrated, but could it be 911? —Bromskloss 08:50, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- I think it's tickling something in the depths of my memory by someone like Boyz II Men. There might be an "Everything you do... blah blah" in the melody? Jeez you've got it stuck in my head now. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:35, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
Yeah, i was thinking along the lines of something like that, sounds like a "love" song with lots of expression in the chorus. Jamesino 17:00, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
robert vaughn
How tall was Robert Vaughn when he made the Man from U.N.C.L.E. TV series?
5' 10" (approx) from here [1]--Light current 01:01, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Taller than David McCallum. (5'8") Clarityfiend 18:08, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
Bionicle wikia
Hey, how come bs01 wiki has been suspended? THAT was, like, the coolest site (next to wikipedia)! Oh well, back to the high shool wiki. --JDitto 01:05, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Probably because it sucked --Froth 03:43, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- That wiki is totally unrelated to Wikipedia. It looks like their hosting service took them down for some reason. If I had to guess, I'd guess copyright concerns, but I can't be sure. I never visited the site. - Mgm|(talk) 07:53, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
"You like masculine/feminine faces" survey.
I recall an online survey a couple of years ago that showed a number of faces, and the person taking it was to select which they found most attractive. At the end, it would tell you how many of the faces were masculine and how many were feminine, and tell you which type you selected most often. Does anyone know where this survey is currently located?
- The BBC did a series called Secrets of the Sexes (link to series). Along with it went a Sex ID test in six parts. The fifth part was similar. You were given almost identical pairs of photos in which one had been manipulated, and you had to pick the one you preferred. The two versions were apparently more masculine and and more feminine (but the differences were tiny). (link to Sex ID test here) Telsa (talk) 08:42, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
programming in other languages
How do foreigners do it? I was just looking at this page and the perl is (of course) in english! --Froth 03:17, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Learning to program necessitates learning a new language (the programming lanaguage). Mixing that with another language (like English) isn't going to affect the learning curve too badly. Programmers acquire unfamiliar symbols into their programming vocabulary all the time, it's part of the trade. - Rainwarrior 04:53, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- A much bigger problem might be if there were no manual in any language they speak. DirkvdM 08:55, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
I learned BASIC programming language before I learned the English language. I particularly remember discovering that "if" was the same as IF, only that the "then" following it wasn't mandatory. JIP | Talk 09:03, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- That's awesome. You should have just continued talking in BASIC anyways! freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:31, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- IF everyone would understand that THEN that would be cool ELSE you'd be screwed. DirkvdM 18:24, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- return "Word."; (OMGLOSTINTRANSLATION?) freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 09:51, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- IF everyone would understand that THEN that would be cool ELSE you'd be screwed. DirkvdM 18:24, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
Sandwich
Hello, Wikipedia. This is a dumb question, but bear with me. How do I make a tuna sandwich? Do I just empty a can onto a slice of bread, or what? Partisan 5 03:48, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- I mix the flaked tuna with mayo and some chopped dill pickle. –RHolton≡– 04:02, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Okay, I have a can of Chicken of the Sea some bread, and a little mayo. What can I do with that? Partisan 5 04:04, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Tuna is gross, you shouldn't eat it --Froth 04:05, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- No. First you open the can and tip the contents onto a plate. Then you dig out all the nasty bits of skin etc and proceed to chop the flesh into small pieces with a knife. At this point you may add some mayo (salad cream) or olive oil or something (not too much). Mix up well with a fork. Now get 2 slices of bread and spread them one one side with butter or margrine. Then, spread the tuna mayo mix onto one of the slices (on the butter side).Place the other slice butter side down on top and press down firmly with your palm. THen get the knife and cut the sandwich into 4 pieces. Put on plate. Sandwich is now ready to eat!--Light current 04:06, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- o_O I don't see any nasty bits of skin. And the tuna is already in small pieces. And I feel like an idiot asking wikipedia Referance dest for a sandwich recape. Partisan 5 04:11, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Just put the tuna on the bread. either mix the mayo in with the tuna or spread the mayo on the bread. —EdGl 04:16, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- If no skin and tuna in small pieces, you got it made already!--Light current 04:18, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thanks. My life now has meaning. Partisan 5 04:19, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- No. Your belly now has tuna, thats all (well maybe some bread as well)--Light current 04:37, 1 September 2006 (UTC)!
You will need to drain the tuna before mixing with mayo, I press the lid down into the can and tilt to drain it. If you have a cat, they love the juice. If the tuna is packed in oil, they will spend the rest of the day trying to lick it off their whiskers, always fun to watch ! StuRat 04:43, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
Schucks, I forgot that bit. Partisans probably got a very wet sandwich!--Light current 04:45, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Unless he got one of those Starkist fresh pack things. That is probably why there was no icky skin. — [Mac Davis] (talk) (Desk|Help me improve)
- Good canned tuna doesn't have skin in it either. You must be getting some cheap crap. StuRat 23:52, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Of course, everyone is forgetting the inventor: The Earl of Sandwich (British)--Light current 23:56, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Slumgonia is gonna declare war against Light Currencia over this matter. You want baps not slices of bread, and even if you did use slices, cutting into more than two is 51% evil. And using butter or margarine in a sandwich is racist against rational people. Anyone sensible would want a bit of sweetcorn and finely diced onion in the mayo mix, but that's just Slumgum's recommendation. ;o)
sʟυмɢυм • т • c 00:14, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Slumgonia is gonna declare war against Light Currencia over this matter. You want baps not slices of bread, and even if you did use slices, cutting into more than two is 51% evil. And using butter or margarine in a sandwich is racist against rational people. Anyone sensible would want a bit of sweetcorn and finely diced onion in the mayo mix, but that's just Slumgum's recommendation. ;o)
- Onion :OK. Sweetcorn: I no likee too much! Baps are ok as long as they are wholemeal! I like margerine and mayo!--Light current 00:18, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I like chopped celery, poppy seeds, a slice of melted cheese, and a slice of tomato with my tuna fish sandwich. BTW, what are baps ? StuRat 01:38, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- White flour hamburger buns ? That link just redirects to:
"Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha, or BAPS, is a spin-off from the Original Swaminarayan sect."
- I don't want my tuna fish on that, thank you very much. :-) StuRat 10:14, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
The first 10 years of a century
The 10 years from 10-19, are called the teens, 20-29 the twenties, and so on, regardless of what century you are in. However, what are the first 10 years, from 0-9 called. The auts, the zeros, the new century??? Is there a specific term, like the teens, twenties, for these first 10 years?
Thanks!! ~Meghan
The naughties?--Light current 04:43, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- As usual, we have an article on this. See Noughties#Names of the decade. --Richardrj talk email 05:14, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
I only call 13-19 "teens". When we start calling 10, 11, and 12 by the names "o-teen, one-teen, and two-teen", then I will include them as teens. StuRat 12:09, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- the dictionary says we can call them o-teen. change your ways sturat Jasbutal 20:02, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- I don't believe 10 year olds are normally called teenagers, they are called preteens, or "tweens". StuRat 23:50, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Or possibly Wikitweenies--Light current 23:54, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
Decades
Leaping off the previous question, when did people start thinking of time as separated in decades? The phrase "1960s," for example, carries a lot of meaning behind it, not just in terms of years but in terms of society and culture. We can think of the 50s, the 30s, the Roaring Twenties - but how far back does this go? Since we don't have a universal name for this decade, I have to assume that either 1900-1909 didn't have a well-determined name, or that name has utterly fallen out of favor. Did people call the period from 1870 to 1879 the "70s"? What about 1810-1819, the 1810s? What about the 1670s? The 1230s? and so on... How far back does the concept of decades, of separating social and cultural periods into approximate 10-year stretches more or less aligned with numerical decades, exist? zafiroblue05 | Talk 06:12, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- A guy called Ug found ten fingers on his hands and we have counted in tens ever since. Let's hear it for Ug!--Shantavira 06:28, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thats funny, I have only 8 . But I have 2 thumbs also! 8-)--Light current 16:16, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Interesting question. List of decades claims that the practice of referring to decades as historical entities became popular in the 20th Century and that it might not last far into the 21st Century. But a superficial search yielded no further references. (Luckily it was Ug and not Captain Caveman who first noticed the number of his fingers. Otherwise we'd be using octades.) ---Sluzzelin 07:17, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- So, judging by the imperial system, did Brits use to have 12 fingers? DirkvdM 08:58, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- See duodecimal for explanation. 12 can be divided by 1,2,3,4,6 and 12 without remainders, while 10 can only be divided by 1,2,5 and 10 - so explaining the twelve inches in a foot. Interestingly enough, English numbers go up to twelve before going into the -teens, instead of adding -teen (i.e. -ten) to all numbers between 10 and 20. (Dutch as well!) -- the GREAT Gavini 14:13, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- In French, they go all the way to 16 before adding the equivalent of "ten" to a number's name. — Michael J 13:27, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I suspect they must have had a different number every time they counted! Sometimes 12, sometimes 3, sometimes 8 etc.-gadfium 09:01, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Ten toes plus ten fingers, giving twenty shillings in the £1. I wonder where the guinea (21 shillings) came from … Tonywalton | Talk 11:55, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- So anyone getting less than 21 had been "stiffed" ? :-) StuRat 12:06, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Zafiroblue's question would be an interesting dissertation topic (and may already have been one). My guess is that practice of naming and assigning characters to decades began in the 1920s and was applied retrospectively as far back as the 1890s (the "gay nineties"). Wikipedia actually has articles on decades. If you check out 1890s, you will find out that it was not called "the gay nineties" until the 1920s. The alternative name for the 1890s, "the mauve decade", was also coined in the 1920s, when Thomas Beer published a book by that title. The practice of characterizing decades suggests the existence of a "public" that would be interested in looking back on trends in fashion and popular culture. It seems to me that the only way for such a practice to gain acceptance would be through popular media such as magazines or broadcasting media. The first popular magazines appeared in the late 1800s, but they tended to focus more on literature and high culture than on popular culture per se. My hunch is that this interest in popular culture was a product of the jazz decade, or the roaring twenties. But this is just a hunch and would require more research.
- Of course before the first decade of the 1900s (I think usually called "the aughts" at the time), people such as historians did refer to decades (the 1880s, for example, or the 1790s). I have not come across any evidence, though, that earlier decades were associated as much with styles of fashion or expression. Marco polo 14:11, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- After reading Zafiroblue's question again, I realize that he is interested in the practice of referring to decades at all, even without popular culture associations. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the word decade first entered English in the form decad around 1600, but its original meaning was just "a group of ten". This could be a group of ten of anything, not necessarily years. The first clear citation in the OED of the word decad used in its current sense dates to 1837. (By the current sense, I mean"a period of ten years beginning a multiple of ten years after the beginning of the century".) The spelling decade became normal later in the 1800s. Marco polo 16:03, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
I searched what is supposed to be an every word index of the New York Times. The first appearance of "gay nineties" in the New York Times was in reference to an amateur circus where people rode in conveyances of the past: "Southampton sees amateur circus," July 19, 1926, p.8. Other entries referred to "a forty-niner wagon," "an 1830 costume," "joy riders of 1840." Thus other period references were to a specific year, not a decade. There did not appear to be today's notion that the 1960's were the same from beginning to end: fashion, music, politics. The first appearance of the other form "Gay 90's" was in an ad Sept 5 1927, p 2, for the centennial of a clothing company, Arnold, Constable. Other eras in ads from the series were referred to by the specific year, i.e. 1827, 1837 rather than by named decades. The first appearance of "roaring twenties" in the NYT was May 14, 1935. p. 1 in an article on monetary policy. Secretary Morgenthau said "We felt rich on that paper during the roaring Twenties. Now we know better." Perhaps by 2015 we will learn what this decade was we are living in now. Edison 18:00, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Impressed! ---Sluzzelin 08:17, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
The use of "the sixties" creates a false impression of uniformity. Personal memory says that there was a period from our involvement in Vietnam, say 1966 until the exit of Nixon from office in 1974 which constitutes a more uniform epoch than the period from 1/1/1960 (Ike was president) thru 12/31/1969 (men had landed on the moon, and the country were in the midst of war, protest, political awareness, drug culture). Saturday Night Live circa 1976 did a spoof of a TV record ad from the future (30 years later?) looking back at the music of those fabulous whacky 70's, ascribing to the decades a nostalgic glow no one felt. Edison 20:47, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Sites that recycle old RD pages
While googling I noticed that there are any number of web pages that just consist of old Wikipedia reference desk pages. This is just one of countless examples. Why do they do it? --Richardrj talk email 11:41, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Many advertising pages seem to just list lots of random words hoping some hapless victim will find their page with a search engine, and increase their page count. At least if they have old Ref Pages, it's possible that the person doing the search might actually find the answer to their question. So, it's a slight improvement over just randomly listing words. To put it another way, copying Wikipedia is a cheap way to get some actual content for their web site. StuRat 12:00, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Is anyone allowed to do that?--Light current 14:55, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- I don't think anyone has gotten in trouble for doing it yet, though apparently the foundation is kind of pissed about it because they steal bandwidth everytime they update their mirrors. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:15, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yes they are allowed to do that, so long as they abide by the GFDL, a minimum inconvenience in this instance. --Tagishsimon (talk)
- I don't think anyone has gotten in trouble for doing it yet, though apparently the foundation is kind of pissed about it because they steal bandwidth everytime they update their mirrors. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:15, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Is anyone allowed to do that?--Light current 14:55, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
articles
Is it at all possible to have two articles by the same name? If it is, how does one go about starting the second one?
Thirteen Figure Skater
- This isn't the place to ask questions about Wikipedia... The help desk is a better place to do so. ColourBurst 14:48, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Though the answer is found at Wikipedia:Disambiguation --Tagishsimon (talk)
Puzzle of the chess board queen
8 queens can be placed on a chess board such that the power of no queen falls under the power of other 7. If we number the column of the chess board from 1 to 8 and the row from a to h so that the bottom left most corner is numbered a1, can anybody help me in naming the squares where 8 queens can be placed as said above?
- I'm not into the chess speak. What do "power" and "falling under" mean? —Bromskloss 16:07, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- [After edit conflict]
- A queen in chess can move to any of the squares diagonal to it on the board. Thus a square diagonally upleft, downleft, upright, or downright of a queen piece could be considered to fall within or fall under the "power" of the queen. I'm not even sure if that's chess terminology or anything either. +
- Queens can also move and capture horizontally or vertically, so the row and column containing a queen, as well as the diagonals from the queen, are all "under it's power". StuRat 22:54, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- I think the original question asker wants to know how to figure out the possible locations that the queens can be set in so that none of them fall under another's power, but I choose to interpret the question as "What name should I call the position where all of the queens do not fall under each other's power?" I nominate the name octoqueen draw. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:14, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
This sounds like a math homework question. Durova 16:22, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- It's the rows (ranks) that are numbered and the columns (files) that are letters, like Excel. Placing the queens as if they were knights will work. Anchoress 16:28, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- The 8 queens problem is a fairly well known comp sci problem that is often used to teach iterative refinement (assuming mastery of certain data structure concepts needed to model the board like arrays of arrays) or iterative searching. The basic algorithm involves solving by columns. Clearly all 8 queens have to be in different columns, so start by placing the first queen in A1, then try to place the next, iterating from B1 to B8. If you suceed, work on C, and so on, till you fail (by running off the top). At that point back up one column and bump that queen up a row (or to the next successful placement ___location). This search can produce all possible solutions in fairly quick time, far faster than brute force eval of random placement. The hard part (for a budding comp sci major) is actually programming it, this explanation is usually given in the problem setup. ++Lar: t/c 16:29, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- 'Name' the squares, you say? I name them 'Sarah', 'Melissa', 'Hariett', 'Lucy', 'Scott', 'Tom', 'Richard' and 'Harry'. As for where, they are, haven't a clue, sorry :). —Daniel (‽) 17:16, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- No, the squares should be named 'Elizabeth', 'Mary', 'Beatrix', etc. Or possibly 'Freddie', 'Elton', 'Liberace', and 'Oscar'. Anchoress 06:28, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- 'Name' the squares, you say? I name them 'Sarah', 'Melissa', 'Hariett', 'Lucy', 'Scott', 'Tom', 'Richard' and 'Harry'. As for where, they are, haven't a clue, sorry :). —Daniel (‽) 17:16, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
Good article candidate link does not work
Why doesn't it work?—Preceding unsigned comment added by Raylena (talk • contribs)
- Where on which page is this not working link? --Tagishsimon (talk)
Vehicle fuel economy and air conditioning
Does using the air conditioning in your car adversly affect fuel economy to any significant (say > 5%) extent?--Light current 16:13, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Depends on the car, but AFAIK, yes. --Tagishsimon (talk)
So if my car engine is 80kW (it is), then the A/C could be using more than 3kW?--Light current 16:37, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Appears to be a complex subject: New Scientist and Straightdope may be your friends. A study in the straightdope article quotes a premium of 12% for aircon in a golf GTI. --Tagishsimon (talk)
- As a sidenote, the TV show Mythbusters tested whether turning on the A/C or just rolling down the window was better for fuel economy. If I remember correctly, it depends on the vehicle's speed. Clarityfiend 17:29, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Did they aslo compare it with putting a wet towel in your neck, to name but something? I've never needed aircon in a car (for various reasons), but I keep on being surprised at how much cost and effort people are willing to go through to avoid having to think about simple solution. 12% of the car's fuel consumption is horrible, considering how much fuel cars guzzle. Is that normal for airconditioning or is it just that cars are difficult to cool down? What about leaving the window spray (or what is that called?) on? Of course, you'd need to refill it way too often and it wouldn't be the most efficient way to apply the principle, but if ac is that costly, an alternative that simply evaporates water might be something to think about. DirkvdM 18:47, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Using evaporative cooling might be a good idea, but would leave water spots where the water had evaporated. Using wiper fluid would be horrid, it would cost more than A/C, pollute the air, and leave blue, crusty dye all over the car. Distilled water would reduce the water spots, but dust from the air would still be captured by the water spots. I suppose people could just learn to live with the water spots, ugly as they are. StuRat 22:48, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Cars are these metal boxes with essentially no insulation, a large heat generator up front, and are generally painted in light-absorbing colors. They heat up faster than almost anything else out there, so it's not surprising that they take a lot of energy to cool. 12% seems a bit high, though: I don't think my car loses more than about 5% when driving at highway speeds - less than I'd lose by opening a window. --Serie 20:44, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- High performance sports cars frequently either lack A/C altogether or disconnect the A/C under full acceleration, so apparently the drag on the engine is significant. StuRat 22:43, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
Commercial use?
Dera Sir/Maddam,
I run a part time buisiness producing DVDs for the Rail Enthusiast www.uktrainwatchers.com my publisher who are Pegasus Entertainment then produce glass master copies for commercial distribution to the general pulic. My question is: can i use paragraphs in the selected Wikipedia pages verbaly to use in my production of DVDs which enhance the publics knowledge of the train watching experience.
Thank you Mr Clive Turner <email address removed>
- Hello, Mr Turner. My understanding is that you may use reproduce the content verbally, but still follow the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. See also Reusers' rights and obligations. Simply, "Wikipedia content can be copied, modified, and redistributed so long as the new version grants the same freedoms to others and acknowledges the authors of the Wikipedia article used (a direct link back to the article satisfies our author credit requirement)." Whether your commercial publisher would accept these conditions is another matter, of course. Rockpocket 17:33, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- INdeed. The section 7. AGGREGATION WITH INDEPENDENT WORKS might give them some comfort. --Tagishsimon (talk)
recreational sex + christianity
why do monks take an oath of celibacy? Why are priests celibate? I thought Catholics and other Christians too believe sex with a spouse is an integral part of...something or other...what was it important for again!?? sex as a symbol of religion or somethign? Jasbutal 18:25, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Take a look at Celibacy for some answers. If I remember correctly the early Christian church advocated celibacy for all people. This was due to the fact that they thought they were living in the last days. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 18:35, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Well they would have if that idea would have caught on. :) DirkvdM 18:50, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- An important reason for celibacy being imposed upon the early church is[citation needed] to stop church property being inherited by the children of clergymen and therefore the church loosing wealth. Also, if asked to write an essay on the causes of the reformation just write "The reformation happened so that horny priests (and a king) could get laid." you are bound to get an A. MeltBanana 19:49, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- whoa whao! I forgot to add, preferably no comments from people who grew up in Christian households and had it shoved down their throats and tried to be rebellious about it in their teens ("dude, Jesus loves me? That's so gay") so they grew apart from the Church and are now biased and cynical about every aspect of it. THanks! Jasbutal 20:00, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- That is hardly fair, such people may offer all kinds of info to help answer your question. I admit to being biased and cynical but not about religion any more then any other subject, as neither religion nor irreligion has never been imposed on me. MeltBanana 23:30, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- There aren't very many Shakers left around because of that celibacy thing. User:Zoe|(talk) 23:41, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
There are many christians throughout the world, and they cover a broad range od ideology. It would not really be easy to generalize and characterize how all christians see things, or feel. Hundreds of different sects, at least 17 major sects with more than a million members. There are many christians that participate in recreational sex. There are almost no christians that are celibate after their first sexual interaction. The more conservative branches feel that sex outside of marriage is unethical, or sinful. The very conservative branhces feel that having sex, other than the limited interaction necessary to have children is sinful (oral sex, touching of body parts, all sinful). There are some christians that feel that god gave sex as a gift, and as long as the sex is responsible and consensual, it is not sinful. Most christians, particularly protestants, would say that sex and your sexuality is between you and god, and not anyone elses business. If a generalization were to be made that applied, generally, to most christians, it would be that they think that sex is healthy and normal as part of a long-term relationship, usually involving marriage. Atom 15:01, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
As for the more direct answer to your question, as mentioned by someone else, the catholic church's stand on priests marrying and celibacy is by church policy, and more about church politics than what god wants. The church feels that monks and nuns should devote themselves, and their service, and all of their energy and being to the church. Self gratification, sexual gratification with others (that can lead to children, and responsibilities) takes energy that could be spent on the church. Atom 15:01, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- hmm. strange. I'd heard that recreational sex could bring people closer to God? Jasbutal 03:35, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- NIN-hotclaws**==(82.138.214.1 21:02, 7 September 2006 (UTC))
Vandalism?
1. How great a percentage of users acting solely as vandals would overwhelm the reverters and render Wikipedia a churning hodgepodge of vandalism, false information, and pranks? Or in the alternate, what is the minimum number of vandals operating simultaneously, 24 hours a day, that would overrun wikipedia and overwhelm the "recent changes" patrollers? 5,000? 10,000? 50,000?
Does anyone have any ideas?
2. Furthermore, how does anyone know that the old adage "one troll drives away five good contributors" is actually true? Does anyone have any verfication of this statistic?
3. Also, if trolls have more lasting damage on wikipedia, how many "vandals" does one "troll" equal in their detrimental effects on Wikipedia?
4. Do Vandals and Trolls work in tandem? In groups? What if they were part of an organisation?
Thanks.Wiki Mirabeau 19:11, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- 1.there are anti-vandalism bots. Perhaps 1 bot could revert the effects of 5000 vandals in 10 min?? Jasbutal 19:34, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- In a world where anything can be changed by anyone and nothing is permanent, it is completely up to the absolute ratio of vandals to good contributors. Each side may employ bots for temporary advantage, but as long as there is a higher percentage of good contributors to vandals then it should work. Compare this with RL where one terrorist can inflict massive damage that cannot be fixed. Here we can turn back time very easily and anyone can do it. I guess this is a bit like a democracy, if 60% of a country's population wants to vote for Bugs Bunny for president just to screw up the government I guess they could, but in reality people do like to be constructive members of society most of the time. Nowimnthing 20:16, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- but how would the bots know what is vandalism?Wiki Mirabeau 23:31, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Well if the United States page suddenly goes blank then it's probably vandalism and the bot will revert. They can also look for the addition of certain words being inserted into articles. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:01, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Brain Age Sudoku
I just got the DS game Brain Age, and I have been trying to complete every sudoku puzzles. Does anything get unlocked for completing all of them? -- TheGreatLlama (speak to the Llama!) 19:11, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
missile defense
http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=3579
How do "fog" and "overcast and cloudy" conditions cancel a missile defense test? Are detection systems dependent on weather? Are missile launches dependent on weather? why? Jasbutal 19:41, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- The complete trajectory needs to be filmed by ground based cameras.--Light current 20:35, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Radar performance (at some wavelengths) may be degraded by bad weather; perhaps they don't want to test in bad weather (difficulty with radar, risk of lightning strikes on equipment, unpredictable winds, etc.) until they've validated the system in clear weather. The testers are probably keen to see the test themselves — video recordings can be used to check missile-based telemetry and ground-based tracking; video can aid in identifying problems and failure modes; and video is a handy marketing tool if the test actually works. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 20:38, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- That said, the effectiveness of missile defence is questioned by many observers; in their view, none of the tests have been realistic simulations of what would actually be required to intercept an actual hostile missile, making the "operational" deployment of the missiles largely a symbolic gesture. --Robert Merkel 00:22, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I disagree. I have heard reports of highly accurate interceptions esp using Seawolf missiles--Light current 00:31, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Except that Sea Wolf (missile) seems to suggest that they're used to intercept Anti-ship missiles, which are in no way similar to ICBMs. So essentially, that's totally unrelated to SDI, or any SDI like anti-ICBM systems.--VectorPotential71.247.243.173 11:53, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Plain old sandals
Can anyone give a website where I can buy plain and old sandals that are still worn today by women? Thanks.
Try Ebay.com Search for "Sandals" in the category "Women's shoes." 41,429 listings, believe it or not. Buut the only ones with "old" in the description were by "Old Navy." Perhaps you have a favorite brand to narrow things down. Edison 21:07, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- "Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, they will be a mile away, and without shoes, which will make it much more difficult for them to beat the crap out of you." :-) StuRat 22:34, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- I like it!--Light current 00:52, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Why don't you try looking for geta or zori? They're old, rather plain (and cheap!), and women (in Japan) still wear them. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:34, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Actresses
How many actresses appear nude in their movies? not porn movies
- Are you including porn movies? 'Cause that would change the number by a lot. --Mnemeson 20:40, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Too few??? Give me a number of how many actresses there are total and I will find a percentage for you. It won't be based on anything real, but then neither will your number. Nowimnthing 20:43, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- truly, too few. Jasbutal 21:00, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Has nobody seen About Schmidt?? I'd say "too few" may be a dangerous answer! X-( Dismas|(talk) 23:10, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
I figured it out! 42%! :) schyler 01:47, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- No no. Thats the answer to life the universe and everything.Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy--Light current 01:50, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- No No No. It's The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. JackofOz 05:53, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- No no. Thats the answer to life the universe and everything.Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy--Light current 01:50, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- OK you win 8-)--Light current 17:07, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
RICHWOODS HIGH SCHOOL, PEORIA, ILLINOIS
Is there anybody here who goes to Richwoods High School in Peoria, Illinois? If you do, I am trying to find people to collaborate with to make the article bigger, right now it only includes some E.C. activities. If you are willing to help, you don't have to leave your real names, just your usernames so I can talk to you about it. Please leave them on this page. I would really appreciate it. EAT EM UP, EAT EM UP! (excerpt from the Richwoods fight song)- Proud Knight
- You might want to try Classmates.com, as you're more likely to find current and former students there. I'd be careful about giving them your credit card number, however, as they make it damn near impossible to drop your subscription, once they have it. StuRat 22:28, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
I wish to acquire bad-ass potentcy
I'm writing this in an overairconditioned office in Silicon Valley. The pay is great but this cushy internship isn't the vocation of idealized manhood--I worry about that a lot now. So I'd like to compensate for my insecurity by finding a job for next summer that is exotic, adventurous and manly. Wikipedians, what is the easiest way for a California boy to head on down under and become a jackaroo?
lots of issues | leave me a message 23:19, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
See Badass to start--Light current 00:08, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Jokes apart, being a sailor can be quite "manly". I'd have a lot of respect on that front for someone who worked on deep-sea trawlers, say. Sailing ships are pretty cool too - handing a topgallant in a gale is something to be proud of - but not something you're likely to fall into as a job with no experience. PeteVerdon 00:25, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- See the Australian government's visa rules. Note that if your government was a tad less anal about its own visa rules, you could probably get a working holiday visa. But, the way I read it, you can't, so you'll have to get in through one of the other categories, such as employer sponsorship.
- By the way, do you realise that as a jackeroo, there may not be eligible women within several hundred miles of your post. But, as compensation, there is always the Bachelor and Spinster Balls...--Robert Merkel 00:17, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Robert thank you. But how to find a sponsership?
- lots of issues | leave me a message 03:05, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- You need to find somebody who wants to employ you as a jackeroo. A google search for "jackeroo employment turns up a number of relevant links. Be aware that as well as potentially lonely, it can be physically demanding, difficult, and sometimes dangerous work, and you'll probably need some training beforehand, particularly if you've got no rural background. --Robert Merkel 06:05, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
..and the sheep! You could call them baaaad asses! 8-))--Light current 00:20, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- A friend of mine takes a few months every few years to follow the trade of his fathers in Alaska. The fishing boats often stay out for weeks in sub-zero weather, and the cook is always one of the crew, so you wouldn't expect any pizza or okonomiyaki. It's pretty hard physical work (fishing), and you don't get much time to sleep, but you get into a (zombie-like) rhythm and you forget what you're doing after a while. The best part is when you get back you get a fat envelope filled with about 30 grand (an average figure, apparently). I consider that pretty adventurous and "manly". freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 11:13, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- That's another great idea. Who to contact? lots of issues | leave me a message 22:53, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- This cartoon refers. --Tagishsimon (talk)
- I love xkcd. To Lotsofissues: I suggest the best way is to go to Alaska (I suggest Kodiak, Alaska) yourself and check job listings, approach boats, etc. There's not going to be a "Fish in Alaska and Become Bad-Ass" Tour Agency, or an online recruitment page, because, well, they don't do that kind of thing up there. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 07:29, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Fresh: What's a bad-ass fishing job that won't be disturbingly dangerous like Artic crabbing? lots of issues | leave me a message 22:00, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I love xkcd. To Lotsofissues: I suggest the best way is to go to Alaska (I suggest Kodiak, Alaska) yourself and check job listings, approach boats, etc. There's not going to be a "Fish in Alaska and Become Bad-Ass" Tour Agency, or an online recruitment page, because, well, they don't do that kind of thing up there. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 07:29, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- This cartoon refers. --Tagishsimon (talk)
- That's another great idea. Who to contact? lots of issues | leave me a message 22:53, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- shrimping in rock pools-hotclaws**==(82.138.214.1 21:05, 7 September 2006 (UTC))
September 2
Judicial Bypass
I read that if you are under 18 and want an abortion in Minnesota, you need parental notifcation, or a judicial bypass. The things I read seemed to say that you have to not only not want your parents involved and be capable of making the decision on your own, but that you have to prove that your parents should not be a part of this process at all (i.e., they are abusive sexually or emotionally)
Would you be able to get a judicial bypass if you just didn't want your parents to know, or do you have to have the problems?
- I'm not a lawyer, but I would guess that the intent of the law is to prevent just that, keeping an abortion a secret because you just don't want your parents to know. --Maxamegalon2000 05:20, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm not a lawyer either. MN statute 144.343 is what applies, read it and make your own interpretation. [2] It seems to say that notification of both parents at least 48 hours in advance it required. But, it also says "Any minor may give effective consent for medical, mental and other health services to determine the presence of or to treat pregnancy and conditions associated therewith, venereal disease, alcohol and other drug abuse, and the consent of no other person is required." So, notification of parents is required, their consent is not. Here is another resource on that [3]
- My guess is that the only way to proceed without parental notification, or parental consent would be to be emancipated by a court as an adult. The court would probably not be likely to do that easily unless you were over the age of 16, and then they would want to involve your parents in that process to determine how that could be in your best interests.
- They are changing the law so that it will be a crime for any adult to assist someone under the age of 18 in getting an abortion in another state, (Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota for example) But, Wisconsin requires parental consent, not just notification. Iowa requires parental consent of one parent (but a grandparent may substitute). South Dakota requires parental notification, and North Dakota requires consent of both parents. Parental notification and parental consent were stopped by the court in Illinois. I'm not recommending anything, and certainly not recommending that you look to not involve your parents in such an important thing in your life. You have the right to stay in Minnesota, and do what you think is best. In MN your parents both need to be notified, but only your consent is required. This is a good law, because involving your parents, as difficult as it may be, it what is in your best interests in the long term.
- A good resource for information to help you dedide what is best for you is [4].
- Atom 16:33, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Movie with the smallest cast
Anybody have an answer? The best I can come up with is 3: Belafonte, Stevens and Ferrer in The World, the Flesh and the Devil. Clarityfiend 02:03, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- How about 'The broken little toe'? 8-)--Light current 02:32, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Not counting movies filmed using dolls or animated characters, it's hard to have a cast with fewer than one -- see Give 'em Hell, Harry!. SWAdair 03:57, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Swimming to Cambodia. If you discount the archive footage, it has 1 cast member (Spalding Gray). Anchoress 04:40, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Sleuth had only 2, Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine. JackofOz 05:47, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Apparently we've already reached one, but I can't resist mentioning Hell in the Pacific which is one hell of a movie.--Rallette 06:39, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Can't you have a documentary without any characters ? Perhaps March of the Penguins might qualify, if you don't count the narrator or the penguins as "characters". StuRat 10:05, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Persona is a major film with a small cast. If I recall correctly, there are only four people, two of which are on for less than a minute (Nurse Alma, Elisabet Vogler, the Husband and the Doctor).
- Persona is a great movie, I could also mention Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, including only five characters (with a bar owner or something only present for about a minute). 惑乱 分からん 10:19, 8 September 2006 (UTC)
- Actually you are all wrong. The film with the smallest visual cast was Derek Jarmans 'Blue'--Light current 14:55, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'd say the color blue has a certain amount of character to it. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:30, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yes it has the character of being blue! Not much else 8-)--Light current 16:53, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I didn't specify "visual". Your bloated candidate has 4, count 'em, 4 cast members. Looks like Hairy Cambodian Swimmer From Hell takes the prize. Clarityfiend 00:07, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Consumption of bananas
I have a question about eating bananas. I feel retarded asking this, but I honestly don't know the answer. Are you supposed to eat the bottom end of a banana(the end attached to the peel after you open it from the stem)?
--216.164.193.135 02:42, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Well. My personal experience with bananas is that there is only one thing to worry about concerning the bottom end of a banana, namely a little something that projects from the peel part and sometimes breaks off and is eaten with the flesh. Especially if the banana is not quite ripe. I don't know what it is and what it contains, but it leaves an unpleasant hairy feeling in my mouth. Other than that, bon appetit.--Rallette 06:33, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yea, there's an unpleasant little spike at the bottom. StuRat 10:02, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I dont eat the bit at the bottom, so I dont get that hairy feeling. 8-) (You could probably eat the skin as well, but dont take my word for it)
--Light current 15:05, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- As long as the banana hasn't been heavily treated with fertilizers, the entire thing (peel and all) is good to eat. Since you must suspect that many/most fruits are treated, don't eat the peel, but as long as you don't mind the fact that it's a little bit harder than the rest of the flesh, go ahead and eat the spike. I bet there's a culture somewhere in the world that considers it the most healthy part. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:27, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yeah they're called monkeys. They eat this bit first, I seem to remember. 8-)--Light current 16:56, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- On a weird note, I was eating a banana today, and I realized that it didn't have a spike on either end, and neither did any of the other bananas in the bunch. I can only assume that the Japanese were sufficiently disgusted at the sight of the little brown bit that they had it genetically removed. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:38, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yeah they're called monkeys. They eat this bit first, I seem to remember. 8-)--Light current 16:56, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Pregnancy Tests
What happens when a man uses a pregnancy test (uses his urine)?--Life 04:36, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- They should read negative, assuming untampered with urine, although it might depend on the specific test kit used. See [5] (PDF) for a test done with male urine to which various amounts of hCG had been added.-gadfium 05:23, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- If its positive I d get worried.--Light current 15:08, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Either that or a temporal paradox swallows the universe. —Tamfang 17:28, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
MMORPG item spawns
Why, when a piece of loot is going to spawn on the ground in an MMORPG, does it always do so at a fixed point? Wouldn't it require less suspension of disbelief -- and be less likely to encourage camping -- if the spawn could happen anywhere (at random) within a defined area that was too big for one PC to control? NeonMerlin 04:52, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Depending on the engine, I could think of a few reasons (though not every game can be so easily excused).
- Lazy collision detection. Without good collision detection you can end up with a lot of objects in walls/water at stuff like that, which is much less believable.
- Difficulty of predicting "realistic placements". Even if collision detection works great, objects popping into existance in corners, under tables, etc. may look awkward. That would necessitate manually drawing out the possible drop points, which shouldn't be that hard, but it adds a lot of work.
- Item balance. It's a lot easier to control what items appear how frequently and at what time during the game if you just attatch them to a script.
- If you're talking about games like Quake3, it's done on purpose. The whole "rocket launcher spot" and "health boost ledge" aspect of the game has become a major strategy point, and while campers might tick you off, just realize that they're sitting ducks and you can figure out a way to beat them. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 06:42, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Also, if you play the game with the same map several times, you could get quite an advantage over your opponent. Now, who wants to play with Quake 3 with me on the map I created. :-P Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 16:39, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm talking about RPGs, not FPSes. And the range could be only seven or eight tiles across in each dimension, as long as it wasn't possible for a single person or a very small team to camp it. (A tile, for my purposes, is the amount of space one typical PC can occupy.) NeonMerlin 19:04, 8 September 2006 (UTC)
Clapping to the rhythm
What's with the way that crowds always eventually start clapping faster than the beat of the song that they're all clapping to? It really irritates my ears, and I would assume that half of the people who can't clap to the beat should end up clapping slower, thus cancelling out the annoying beat-mismatch effect! freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 06:48, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- It could have something to with the antici.................................pation. :-) SWAdair 07:14, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Crowd psychology might offer some more insights. (btw, bad music ensembles tend to rush tempi too.) ---Sluzzelin 08:11, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yes, that's true too. That's why a lot of rock bands have their drummer on a metronome. Are you attempting at a plural of tempo? freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 08:34, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Crowd psychology might offer some more insights. (btw, bad music ensembles tend to rush tempi too.) ---Sluzzelin 08:11, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Most audiences are not musical and have very little sense of time (tempo)--Light current 15:10, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Speeding up while clapping due to group dynamics is common, however it can also have to do with the fact that sound travels relatively slowly, so in big stadiums it's difficult to clap 'in time' with the concert since it's going to reach different parts of the audience at different times. People in the nosebleed seats clapping with the floor crowd will be clapping in time with the music but will seem ahead of the beat to their neighbours. Anchoress 15:40, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yes, that sounds completely logical. No matter where you are, chances are you will closer to the music (a speaker) than to the average ___location of the crowd, so that could cause some drift in rhythm. But still, if inability to sync the two sounds was the problem, I don't think the overall sound would alternate between fully synced sequences, and progressively drifting sequences. Also, a large portion of the clapping you could hear would be coming from the audience in your immediate vicinity, who wouldn't clapping with any noticable difference in timing. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:23, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
At a performance at a summercamp for musically talented children, I noticed the parents clapping with perfect adherence to the rhythm. So I conjecture that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Musically talented children tend to come from musically talented parents, or perhaps parents who have sung in a chorus, played in a band, or marched in step tend to send their musically capable children to such a camp. Others may be unable to synchronize their internal clock with an external beat, and thus must march to a different celestial drummer. In such a tempo-challenged crowd of people as the average audience, there may be a stampede effect such that each clapper wishes to keep up with the fastest, and are more influenced by their neighbor than by the musician on stage. Edison 20:53, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- For it to work everyone needs to clap in visual sync with the person on the stage leading the clapping.--Light current 20:58, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I also see a link with the accelerated clapping in a football stadium, starting with a slow clap and gradually building up the speed. This causes a sense of excitement (and fittingly ends with shouting, but that's not relevant here). People clap to music when they are excited about it, so to speed up would be fitting. DirkvdM 04:20, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Warehouse Management
Determine and discuss 5 objectives of material handling in a warehouse.
- Don't drop it, don't break it, don't cut it, don't crush it, don't ask someone else to do your homework. SWAdair 07:25, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yeah... and above all, dont eat it!--Light current 15:11, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- At least disguise it. --Proficient 07:13, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Warehouse Layout and Design
In your understanding, a good warehouse should have a good layout and design "state of the art". Why is a good layout and design so important?
- A good warehouse design is essential so that important items can be located and retrieved, such as answers to student's homework questions. StuRat 07:28, 2 September 2006 (UTC) StuRat 07:27, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- The premise is bull. Whether the design should be state of the art depends on the target clientele. When my grandfather built a new warehouse (the Glaspaleis) that was very much state of the art, he had to keep the old shop open for those who didn't dare enter such a modern building (farmers mostly - among his best customers). DirkvdM 04:23, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
currency difference
i would like to know how much one US dollar is worth in Suriname, South America
- 1 US dollar (USD) is worth 2.74 Suriname dollars (SRD) according to Yahoo's currency converter two minutes ago. But it's also equal to 2.74 SRD according to the rate as of July 2006 according to the Suriname dollar page. So it might be a fixed rate. ---Sluzzelin 11:12, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Nailgun
(Note-I DON'T plan on trying this). Is it possible to pin someone to a wall (material can be altered to make the answer yes) using a nail gun (shooting them in several strategic ___location) in such a way that the person is completely incapable of freeing themselves.Cuban Cigar 12:17, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- If the nail gun is fired from close enough range, I see no reason why not.--Light current 15:14, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Sure, all you need to do is put a some good close range shots into their shirt to hold the body up and then hit them in the forehead. 9.9 Seriously though, it should be possible with loose enough clothing and subject participation to relatively safely pin a living subject to a wooden wall with a nailgun.—WAvegetarian•(talk) 15:21, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- If the nail gun is A) set so that it will not simply fire the nails all the way through the person's flesh and thus just make a hole instead of holding them pinned, B) loaded with nails long enough to hold the person's skin/limbs/etc while still going far enough into the wall to secure them. Also, the person must prefer to be pinned rather than tear even more flesh getting themself off the wall.
- Light current, in order for modern nail guns to even fire, the tip of the gun must be depressed by the material that you're putting the nail into. They aren't like typical (bullet firing) guns in that you can simply aim at something and pull a trigger. Dismas|(talk) 15:23, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thanks for that info!--Light current 15:25, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Dismas, are you talking from experience (or even, dare I say, prison)? —Daniel (‽) 18:37, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Luckily, I've never nailed myself (insert dirty joke here). I have used nail guns in the past though. Dismas|(talk) 09:35, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Dismas, are you talking from experience (or even, dare I say, prison)? —Daniel (‽) 18:37, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
I would look for nails with a large head, so the person can't just jerk the flesh loose. In crucifixion, the Romans used disks of olivewood for that purpose. Common nails, in general, would work better than finishing nails. Long drywall screws with washers might be effective, though more painful. Don't try this at home. In high schools, people have been duct taped to doors or flagpoles, with much less injury. Edison 20:57, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Okay okay okay, two points, one directly above and one further up. First, most strips of nails for the guns (both compressed air and propane) have about half a head, as they stack closer together that way, that is, angled so that the half hooks to the back of the nail above it, but the nail can still lie flat against the nail below. That is, the half a head would still be possible...painful, but possible...to rip yourself out of. Second, though not as germane to the conversation, it's not too difficult to mod the modern nailgun beyond its physical limitations (thus maing it automatic, rather than pressure sensitive). Just some filing and some of the old jamming of foreign objects. I'm a bad speller. Love--24.250.33.247 23:37, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Ok so long nails with big heads. Cuban Cigar 06:08, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
finding an rc car
hi im trying to find where i can buy this rc car http://www.wherearemypants.com/index.php?pid=56 i've followed the link on the above website but couldnt find it
thanks--81.157.200.22 13:35, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Have you tired a place like RadioShack? They always seem to have electronic/RC stuff in the background, failing that, the Sharper Image seems like a good place to look--71.247.243.173 13:37, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Viscious dogs
What is the best unarmed defence against dogs attempting to bite you?--Light current 15:15, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- The neighbour's kid. BAP IT ON THE NOSE. 81.93.102.35 15:16, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- You mean bap the dog on the nose or the kid?--Light current 15:20, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Pick up the kid and use it as a club to bap the dog's nose. I hope that's clear. —[oops, wrong number of tildes the first time] Tamfang 18:22, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Remove yourself from their immediate area. Dismas|(talk) 15:18, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- If you're unable to run, or can't run faster than the dog, then I guess the best way would be to sacrifice an arm or a leg, like you see stunt men do in all those stupid action movies. I would suggest a leg, because it's probably pretty easy to puncture an artery in your wrist, especially if you're skinny. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:12, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Dogs will always out run humans. I was wondering if ther was a martial arts solution?--Light current 16:21, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- You could carry a stick around with you. A biiiiig, hefty one would suit just fine. And always take care that there are no humans in the immediate vicinity when you swing the stick. You can hit the dog where ever you like. I'd suggest you to watch some videos of some home-runs. :-P Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 16:24, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Say I left my stick at home?--Light current 16:27, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Disturbing image warning. "If you have got a [bicycle] pump or stick, hold it at both ends and offer it to the dog horizontally. Often the dog will bite the stick/pump and hang on. Immediately lift the dog up and offer a very solid kick to the genitals. Follow up by breaking the dog's ribs and crushing it's head with a rock." Courtesy of Richard Ballantine who devotes several pages of his classic Richard's Bicycle Book to this problem (pp.170-173). He suggests numerous defences including climbing a tree, pepper spray, and a water pistol loaded with an ammonia-water solution, but if defence fails you need to attack by ramming your bicycle pump or your fist down its throat, or, if it's a small variety, "picking it up by the hind legs and dashing its brains out".--Shantavira 16:30, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- You could try to scare if off, I suppose, making some scary faces or shouting like a drunkard might just do the trick!. Practise in front of the neighbours kids. :-P. Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 16:36, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
I left my bike pump at home as well. Surely there is an unarmed method if incapacitating a dog?--Light current 17:05, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Mail carriers where I live carry mace / pepper spray. Legality varies with jurisdiction, and different countries have different rules. There are varieties specifically marketed for use against dogs, i.e. they don't injure the animal. A quick google shows you can buy these online. Antandrus (talk) 17:10, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- (ok, I am not gonna talk crap now, I promise) Well, the most logical method I can think of is to wait for the dog to make a jump for you and maybe sidestep it or punch hard enough to hurt it. If its making a grab for your legs, I'd suggest you kick as hard as you can! ;-D Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 17:15, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- I found this advice by a dog trainer, including psychological warfare, evasive tactics and also physical combat tips. He admits he's a pro and thus less afraid of dogs and better at 'reading' them. So he also has specific advice for laypeople. ---Sluzzelin 17:17, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- (ok, I am not gonna talk crap now, I promise) Well, the most logical method I can think of is to wait for the dog to make a jump for you and maybe sidestep it or punch hard enough to hurt it. If its making a grab for your legs, I'd suggest you kick as hard as you can! ;-D Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 17:15, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
(edit conflic) I was thinking more like: a sharp poke in the eyes followed by a hefty swipe in the nose, then when the dog is wondering what happened, you tackle it to the ground and stand on its neck...etc etc. At this point you have the advantage and can do much more damage before running away. Would that work? Or how about a strangle hold?--Light current 17:19, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Viscous dogs can be very hard to catch, they keep slipping from your grasp. No, erm, wait... JIP | Talk 17:40, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
I know its a sticky problem--Light current 17:42, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Some practices utility companies teach their workers: When you enter a backyard and you don't know if there is a dog there, never close the gate behind you, so you can get out quicker. Be very wary, and watch for signs of a dog when you enter property: is thre a water bowl, doghouse, chain, wear patterns in the grass, dog toys? The dog may be sleeping and suddenly appear. Always ask the owner to confine the dog, even if the swear it would never bite anyone. "Company rules, ma'am." Always carry something you can interpose between the dog's teeth and your flesh: a backpack, toolpouch, briefcase, clipboard. When the dog shows up and is aggressive, try to make a friend. Sound like you are delighted to find the dog there. Dogs may be stupid and think you mean it when you say "GOOD boy! Who's a good dog? Where's your ball?" (Make sure he doesn't think you are referring to YOUR balls). "Want to go for a ride?" An aggressive dog may decide you are a friend. Psychology is crucial, and many people have the nack of making friends with a strange dog, who doesn't rellay know if you are a guest or a burgler. Do not stare down a strange dog. It is not always a good idea to turn your back and run, because then a cowardly dog will not be afraid to chase you and bite your leg or butt. Backing away while speaking soothingly and keeping a barrier between you and the dog is a pretty good practice. Getting the owner to come and get their dog is a good idea. Multiple dogs are far more dangerous than single dogs. If you can climb something they can't that is an option, as is vaulting a fence. Pepper spray may discourage a dog unless his bloodlust is up, in which case it may just make a tasty sauce to go with your throat. Attacking a dog which has merely growled and barked is not a good idea. The owner might shoot you, and if you injure a dog you are subject to arrest. Edison 21:14, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- First, I'd try talking to it in a friendly way while you back off. If that fails, then try raising your arms to the side to make yourself look bigger and shout at it as loudly as possible. StuRat 00:19, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- If it comes down to a fight, and you are completely unarmed, I'd suggest kicking it. You can manage more force with a kick, and a dog is at the right height to get the kick directly in the face. Also, assuming you are wearing shoes, they will offer some protection, if the dog takes a bite at your foot. StuRat 00:13, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Alternatively, if you have a set of keys, use them as a weapon, trying to puncture it's eyes. Eye injuries are quite painful, so may persuade it to retreat. Also, if you succeed in blinding it in both eyes, that will give you a considerable advantage. StuRat 00:16, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Yeah thats what I thought. Blind the b****. --Light current 00:22, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- "The owner might shoot you"? Are we messing with police dogs now? And whacko policemen?
- Anyway, different dogs can react very differently. One technique I once heard for the kind of dog that bites and holds on no matter what (such as nasty critters like pitbulls) is to wrap a coat or something around your arm, offer that (it will go for the first limb it encouters) and start turning around your axis. Move towards a tree or lamppost and break the dog's back against it. Nasty business. DirkvdM 04:47, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- You seem to have forgotten that in the US, whacko policemen aren't the only ones who own guns. In Soviet Russia, the guns own whacko policemen! freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 11:02, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Do those ultrasonic devices work? After yet another dog attack the other day I'm thinking of investing, even though they look quite expensive for what they are. -- Q4 15:10, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Try a cattle prod instead, that will convince the average dog to leave you alone. StuRat 06:58, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Do dogs have carotid arteries? If so, compressing them for a few seconds by strangling would soon lead the dog to pass out, hopefully releasing its grip. --Light current 18:59, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- You might have trouble getting your fingers near the dogs neck, unless being severed and swallowed counts. :-) StuRat 06:58, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- If it really bothers you that much, you could always just try living your life in some sort of reinforced plastic bubble. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 07:24, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'll assume that you're not trapped in a tiny hut with vicious dogs outside. bibliomaniac15 19:47, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Wikipuppies:Reference Dogs
What is the best unarmed defence against Wpians attempting to blind, pepper, kick or kill you? —Preceding unsigned comment added by GoodOldPal (talk • contribs)
- Just bite. -- DLL .. T 20:57, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- WP:NPA. Assume good faith. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:36, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Looking for origin of unusual picture
I have an odd request, but I hope someone here can help! I've seen a picture (I can't find it now, typically!) and I'm trying to work out where it's from. It looks like it's done in the style of a textbook page, with a black blocky female figure (much in the style of the female figures on public toilets) underneath which is XX. To the far left of it is a similar style figure of an alien or robot, with, I think, ZZ underneath it. In between is an unusual looking figure that may be intended to be an interspecies hybrid, underneath which is written XX then under that, OO. Any ideas? Snorgle 18:11, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Never heard of it. All I can think of is try google images and search for key terms that might hit the image your thinking of it, the website its hosted on, and possibly info about it.--Mitaphane talk 20:21, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- It might have something to do with genetics. See Mendelian Inheritance or Punnett Square. bibliomaniac15 01:58, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Cuisine recommendations
(transcluded from my Userspace - Mgm|(talk) 14:36, 3 September 2006 (UTC)) Every once in a while I like to go mad with cooking and make something my family doesn't normally cook. We usually have veg, meat, potato dishes and we also eat a lot of Italian and Eastern dishes. I just made onion bahjis which went down pretty well, but now I'm looking for inspiration for my next outburst. What cuisines should I consider and what are the particularly tasty dishes in those cuisines. I just want a few guidelines to dish names and ingredients. I'll google (or visit the wikicookbook) for recipes myself. Any help is appreciated. --Mgm|(talk) 18:40, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Most tapas is pretty easy to cook. I find tortilla de patatas very easy to make (if you're patient): served with a simple green salad and balsamic vinagrette it's great. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 18:45, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- You're right that does sound tasty. Any other suggestions? - Mgm|(talk) 19:56, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Cajun is pretty easy to do well: gumbo, jambalaya, dirty rice... If you're in the States I'd suggest the Zatarain's mixes to start although I usually add extra vegetables: always okra for the gumbo, frozen if your local store doesn't sell the vegetable fresh. Works well with chicken, sausage, or shrimp (or if you're like my cousins in Louisiana, just dig up some crawfish from the backyard). Durova 20:37, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Try our Cuisine article. Maybe you can make pierogies; they are really good.—EdGl 03:48, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- North African and Middle Eastern cuisines are both rich in tasty dishes, and pretty easy to make (if you're already eating Eastern dishes you may have all the requisite spices). Very healthy too. I was also pleasantly surprised to find how delicate and tasty German food can be, contrary to the stereotype. Some things can be a bit of work, though. Anchoress 11:09, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thanks for the ideas. Keep 'm coming. - Mgm|(talk) 14:36, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- cassoulets(sp?) which are kind of bean stews are pretty nice-hotclaws**==(82.138.214.1 21:20, 7 September 2006 (UTC))
Pattern Solver
If I recall correctly, I think I once visited a website that allows you to input the first numbers of a pattern and it gives you the rest. What website was that? Thanks if you can help me. I've been trying to search through google but cannot find the website. --Proficient 20:06, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Maybe the The On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences is what you're looking for. –RHolton≡– 20:11, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- This is a classic case of forgetting to "look under your nose". The page you are looking for is at http://labs.google.com/sets. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:24, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Actually, google sets isn't really meant for patterns, only filling out hypothetical sets. I'll just walk away slowly now. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:27, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- This is a classic case of forgetting to "look under your nose". The page you are looking for is at http://labs.google.com/sets. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:24, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Trapped wind 2
Sorry, I've tried twice to append this reply to the Trapped Wind section above, but I waited 20 minutes each time while nothing happened and then just got an error page. So here's the reply:
- You may be, or are becoming, lactose intolerant like me. When I drink milk it takes some hours to have similar symptoms. You be consuming more milk in food than at home. Or you could be becoming dairy intolerant, etc.
- You may have been trying to edit a transcluded or archived page. I think that may be disallowed. --Light current 20:43, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- No I think I was consuming more beer than at home 8-)--Light current 20:54, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Gay People
How many gay people does it take for them to be able to stand in a circle and all simultaneously have anal sex with each other?--216.164.193.108 20:41, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Im assuming you mean all males here. Maybe you could do it with 3. I havent tried--Light current 20:44, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- If you dropped the circle requiremnet, maybe two could do it --- but ive not seen it yet!--Light current 20:46, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- 360°/φ(max). The sexual preference is irrelevant to the question. ---Sluzzelin 20:54, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- What is φ? Also, the sexual preference is not irrelevant, only redundant.--216.164.193.108 21:05, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
Probably one, if sufficiently endowed.
- Depends how youre defining sex President Clinton ! Not that Im saying he's gay- far from it--Light current 21:21, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
- Do you understand how anal sex works? Two isn't even conceivable, unless you have some sort of portal. Three only really makes sense if you're pretty flaccid, because all 3 guys would be pointing downwards. Since sex usually requires you to be aroused, I'm going to put the minimum at 4, though I'm leaning towards a sweaty 5. Just in case anyone's wondering by now, I'm comfortable enough with my sexuality to imagine 5 throbbing naked guys in strange formations without cringing or giggling. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 10:46, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Penetrative sex isn't the only kind of sex. Rimming is sex, too. That would only require 2, or 3 with comfort. JackofOz 11:44, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- In colloquial speech, "sex" refers to sexual intercourse, which is the common term for coitus, which necessitates arousal. If we're talking legally though, I'll take your rimming and up you (anal) masturbation, which only requires one gay person who is capable of standing in a circle to fulfill the question requirements. Now sexual preference is irrelevant. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 14:55, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Penetrative sex isn't the only kind of sex. Rimming is sex, too. That would only require 2, or 3 with comfort. JackofOz 11:44, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Do you understand how anal sex works? Two isn't even conceivable, unless you have some sort of portal. Three only really makes sense if you're pretty flaccid, because all 3 guys would be pointing downwards. Since sex usually requires you to be aroused, I'm going to put the minimum at 4, though I'm leaning towards a sweaty 5. Just in case anyone's wondering by now, I'm comfortable enough with my sexuality to imagine 5 throbbing naked guys in strange formations without cringing or giggling. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 10:46, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
We need a Government research study to gather data on this. And it may vary by culture (average weight of participants). Atom 14:40, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- No original research. But there's nothing stopping you doing private research to while the time away. JackofOz 13:19, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
I heard that it was theoretically possible for two single males to engage in simultaneous penetration (if their penises were erected downwards, and they lay in a position similar to the one illustrated at tribadism, I guess) but that it required too much energy and concentration to be enjoyable... =S 惑乱 分からん 22:47, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Disney/Dimension Films
Since October 1, 2005 Harvey and Bob Weinstein left the Walt Disney Company to make their own independant company taking Dmension films with them. Disney still has rights to join in for sequels to Scary Movie, etc.. but does Disney still own the rights to the rest of Dimension Film's Movies (Sin City, Brothers Grimm...)?
Best game ever?
What do you guys think is the best PS2 or Xbox game ever? I think i will have to side with GTA: San Andreas but Time Splitters comes a close second.
- "Best" is a highly subjective adjective. You have to define a criteria by what is meant by "best" to even start to answer that question. There is the article Computer and video games that have been considered the greatest ever that notes games that have been considered greatest by user polls, critic polls, magazine lists, and sales number. A few 6th generation(the generation that includes the PS2 & XBox) console games mentioned in the article include Resident Evil 4, the modern GTA games, Halo, Metal Gear Solid 3, Metroid Prime, Zelda: Windwaker.
- As far as my personal decision of best game ever, (taking into account personal preferences, sales, and critical acclaim) that would be Tetris. Not exactly a PS2/XBox game, but a very good one at that. --Mitaphane talk 01:36, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I think Halo: Combat Evolved is an overwhelming favorite for the Xbox (and then there's Halo 2...). As for PS2, you mentioned TimeSplitters, and that's a great game I'm pretty sure (I have TimeSplitters 2 for GameCube). I also love playing Conflict: Desert Storm.—EdGl 03:43, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I've had the most fun with Guitar Hero and Resident Evil 4, but I found Shadow of the Colossus (and its sister game Ico) to be very moving, which is a rare experience in videogames. I'd rank Shadow of the Colossus as my personal favourite this gen. Pesapluvo 06:30, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I agree. SotC and Ico are great games, very deep. Partisan 5 23:56, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
September 3
bluejay
i have a bluejay that my father in-law has raised since falling out of the nest seven years ago.he sings many songs(like the andy giffith theme song)zip-a-de-do-da and so on.he also calls the children by their first name.recently he started losing his tail feathers and is now trying to look straight up and falling over.he is not singing or calling for the kids and is acting quite odd.he falls to the bottom of his cage and seems to scoot almost in a circle,not using his legs.any advise would be very much appreciated.i know keeping a wild bird in a cage is not ideal,but this bird has never lived in the wild and would not survive on his own.please help.thank you.Jwskygrl 00:28, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- It's not in our article but this indicates that most only live to the age of 7. On the other hand you could take it to a vet. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 02:21, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yep, I think the jay's days are numbered. It would be best to prepare the kids. StuRat 04:55, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
...."he sings many songs(like the andy giffith theme song)zip-a-de-do-da and so on.he also calls the children by their first name.recently he started losing his tail feathers and is now trying to look straight up and falling over.he is not singing or calling for the kids and is acting quite odd.he falls to the bottom of his cage and seems to scoot almost in a circle,not using his legs"...first we need to establish that this is refering to the jay's behaviour and not father-in-law's :) assuming that is the case perhaps a trip to the vet is in order? Lemon martini 08:12, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
It is very sad when a pet gets old and dies, but it is part of life. You can treasure the good times you had with the bluejay, and be glad you were there for him and vice versa. Vets do not all treat "wild" animals, so you might have to make a few phone calls. It is possible that medicine or diet changes might help, but possibly the clock is running out on this fine bird. Edison 05:22, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Possible homework
What transpires in a stock buyout, when a privide firm buys out a firm on the stock market ?
Looks like homework! Look at link to start.--Light current 01:11, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
can't follow your scandals without a scorecard
Somehow I never did hear what depended on what the meaning of "is" is. —Tamfang 06:36, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Is Copula helpful? Rockpocket 08:26, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Maube Copulation is more helpful. In his interrogation before the grand jury, Clinton was asked: "Whether or not Mr. Bennett knew of your relationship with Ms. Lewinsky, the statement that there is 'no sex of any kind, manner shape or form with President Clinton' was an utterly false statement. Is that correct?". That question elicited the famous answer. Don't ask me to explain it; it doesn't make much sense to me. I suspect it may depend on what the meaning of "meaning" is. --LambiamTalk 11:41, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- From what I understand, the answer to the question supposedly depends on whether "is" means "currently is" or "is now or ever has been". Here's a way to think about it: How, if at all, would the question be different if the word "is" were replaced by the word "was"? Personally, I think the level of ambiguity possible makes the question poorly phrased. --Maxamegalon2000 21:39, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I see. It would be helpful is the questions posed were a little less cryptic. Rockpocket 21:43, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- From what I understand, the answer to the question supposedly depends on whether "is" means "currently is" or "is now or ever has been". Here's a way to think about it: How, if at all, would the question be different if the word "is" were replaced by the word "was"? Personally, I think the level of ambiguity possible makes the question poorly phrased. --Maxamegalon2000 21:39, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Brown US-route sign?
I was recently in Twin Falls, Idaho, and noticed that at one point along the road that was part of US-30, there was a sign pointing the way to what showed the US-30 sign, only written white on a brown background, instead of the usual black on white US-route signs (like Image:US 30.svg). I don't think I've ever seen a brown US-XX sign before, and was wondering what it meant. -Goldom ‽‽‽ ⁂ 07:00, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I've seen them in national parks before. A quick google search turned up a couple promising results: [6] and [7] The second one says that brown is used for "scenic routes" in the state of Idaho. Dismas|(talk) 09:23, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- That would have been my guess (since brown road signs are used for parks, etc), but I couldn't find anything on it. Thanks for the links. -Goldom ‽‽‽ ⁂ 17:35, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- You may wish to check out the Federal manual governing sign colors and specifications: MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices). Check out chapter 2H, Recreational and Cultural Interest signs. 192.168.1.1 20:08 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- That would have been my guess (since brown road signs are used for parks, etc), but I couldn't find anything on it. Thanks for the links. -Goldom ‽‽‽ ⁂ 17:35, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
recipe for flavoured vodka
I have a glut of raspberries, & want to make raspberry vodka. Does anything else go in besides the berries/spirit? Smootster 09:43, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- How about adding some Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur? (Aren't you wasting fresh raspberries and good Voddie?)---Sluzzelin 10:21, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Try this. Or drink the vodka and send me the raspberries. Tonywalton | Talk 10:43, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- This recipe is not a liqueur. Personally I'd leave out the vanilla bean and star anise pods. And this recipe is really simple. Something you can also do is leave the (whole) raspberries in, and eat them after you finish the drink. --LambiamTalk 11:15, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Chain
Is there a chain that exists that has gaps wide enough for an average sword to slip through?Cuban Cigar 11:17, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I assume you mean Chainmail, or Chainmail armor, in which case, certianly the answer would be yes. Though I'm not sure what an "average" sword would be considered these days--VectorPotential71.247.243.173 11:59, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- And if you're just talking chains, I think there are probably some for ships' anchors, and other similar uses, that would be big enough to allow a sword through. At least a fencing sword. Skittle 14:34, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- You could fit a dead baby through this chain. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 14:48, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- A dead baby? wouldn't a live un go through just easily if not more easily? please don't feel the need to experiment for my benefit, I am only mildly interested. MeltBanana 16:03, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- You could fit a dead baby through this chain. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 14:48, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- And if you're just talking chains, I think there are probably some for ships' anchors, and other similar uses, that would be big enough to allow a sword through. At least a fencing sword. Skittle 14:34, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
I actually ment a chain, not a chain mail armour. So it would easily fit through an anchor chain? Hmm
Age of consent
Based on this someone odd post at ANi, I've been prompted to ask, what is the youngest age of consent you can think of? and in what country is it?--VectorPotential71.247.243.173 11:57, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I imagine there are several countries where it's not defined. For example, some probably say all sex outside of marriage is illegal, so there's no need to set an age limit. As for the age of consent for marriage, there are several countries where young children are allowed to marry. StuRat 12:08, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- After looking on the "Age of consent" article here on good old Wikipedia, I believe that Yemen is the country with the youngest age of consent at 9 years old! But the catch is you have to be married, so if not counting Yemen, Iran, Japan, Spain, South Korea, Nigeria and Burkina Faso also have a very low age of consent at just 13. Jozz
Well, the context of your question is with regard to a seven year old editor, and their potential contributions. In this case, the age of consent isn't really a factor. The age of consent would be the age were legally a person could have consentual sexual interaction with someone else, and it would not be treated as a violation of law in the jurisdiction in which that happened. This brings up several issues. First, there are some laws in the U.S. that limit that kind of interaction by U.S. citizens to (I think) age 16, when they are in other legal jurisdictions. (That is it might be legal, in say, Spain, by age, but an U.S. citizen would still be guilty of a crime (in the U.S.) even though under a different jurisdiction.) Secondly, though is that the legal age of consent (for sex) has nothing to do with other factors. The legal age to smoke, to drink, to leave school, to sign a binding legal contract, to marry, or to join the military may be different in different jurisdictions.
How is the participants age pertinent to Wikipedia? That's really the question. Of course this may differ depending on jurisdiction. The english lanuage wikipedia limits this some (U.S., Canada, U.K, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and a few other places). In the U.S. unless a teenager has been emancipated by a court action, they might not be legally responsible for their actions under the age of 18. (loosely called 'the age of majority'. And even so, that is age 21 in some places.) Below that age, there are a variety of potential theoretical situations, but all of them have to do with whether the person who contributes can be held responsible for their actions. Wikipedia could ignore all of this, and allow participation at any age, and apply the same rules for blocking and banning that apply to anyone else. Or, we would set an arbitrary age limit, such as the highest 'age of majority' represented by the representaive english speaking counties, etc.
- What if a teenager, over the age of consent, and her boyfriend, also over the age of consent, take pictures of themselves in some erotic, or possibly pornographic photo, and upload it to Wikipedia Commons for inclusion in some sexuality article? In the U.S. their sexual interaction would be legal, but their photo would be legally considered to be "Child Pornography", and they, as well as Wikipedia could potentially be held liable. This might not be the case in the U.K.
- A 7 or 8 year old participant might upload copyrighted images over and over. (but this could be handled using the standard process of an adult doing that, by warning, blocking and banning if necessary.)
Atom 14:37, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Civilization
For the game Civilization 3 for the PC do you need the first and second Civilization games to play it? Thanks Jozz
NO. It works all by itself, without the previous versions. Atom 12:38, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
No, it's stand-alone. Enjoy! –RHolton≡– 12:40, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Okey thanks alot guys.
Shop opening times in small French villages
My mother is about to travel to France. What are the opening times for the shops in the small village of Visan and the little larger Vaison-la-Romaine? - 87.209.70.231 14:30, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Rain Man 1988
hey if anyone cud help id be very greatfull i am wrighting a film review on the rain man for coll and have lost my notes =[ theres only one thing i want to know and thats what the name of charlie babbits company was. thanks
- [http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/r/rain-man-script-transcript-hoffman.html Babbitt Collectibles] dpotter 02:57, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm hoping you're writing a review rather than wrighting it... - 87.209.70.231 19:50, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- If a wheelwright makes wheels, and a cartwright makes carts, it only stands to reason that a reviewwright writes reviews, right ? (and perhaps a wrongwright rights wrongs ?) StuRat 21:56, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Guitar Scales
Can anybody here explain guitar scales to me? I have a book on them and all it does is explain the theory and everyhting(which I understand) and as for fingering and practice it gives me a fingering for C,G,D,A,F,Bflat,and Eflat saying that these are moveable(which they are cuz there arent any open strings)and says that these give you seven starting points for major scales and that a good practice pattern is to do each scale from each position. It calls these in-position major scales. I just don't understand it.
- By your description above you do seem to understand it. What is the specific problem?--Light current 19:01, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Guitar_chord might be a good place to start. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 07:19, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- It sounds like it's saying that you can play any of the scales starting from any of the hand positions, as long as you're on the right fret. Possibly you might play G major starting from C major hand position, but starting on a G, not a C. Skittle 20:55, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Ive just been watching a re ren of this John le Carre story on TV. but missed the first episode,. Can anyone briefly out line what happened in it? Was is all to do with Ricky Tarr in Russia?--Light current 19:49, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Hmmmm this smells like homework to me, best not answer it. User:jozzismint
Are you jesting? How could it be homework? I left school eons ago!--Light current 20:29, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Try this link which delivers a synopsis of first episode (TV homework? I wish I had visited that school!)---Sluzzelin 20:15, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Ahh. I see. Thank you. I can now watch the remainder without wondering if I missed something important.BTW I see the page has got wrong capitalisation. This needs fixing. Yes?--Light current 20:35, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Also, I assume Ricky Tarr's character first appears in episode 2. Is that right?--Light current 20:40, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- According to my sources, he comes in at the very end of episode 1, but mostly features in episode 2. Skittle 17:34, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Scanning the synopsis given earlier, I see this is mentioned. Carry on... Skittle 17:38, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Ahh just watched episode 5 again. V. good. 8-)--Light current 22:21, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Theme music
Bloody announcer came on at the end and talked all over Nunc Dimittis. Rentwa 19:24, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yes I know terrible! Any way thanks for saying what its called. Who wrote it an where can I get hold of it please! Its got some gorgeous key changes it appears.--Light current 21:00, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
It's a modern tune I think. I think it sounds best with alto and organ, not you and electric bass (I'll have to say sorry again, he he!) Err, anyway, modern tune (although a lot of early music has similar 'other worldly' sound and mad key changes, so you can't be certain), this website says Geoffrey Burgon, and the bbc website slash radio has forums which are often good places to find out about theme tunes. I used to attend a Church service with psalms and King James Bible. Rentwa 21:23, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I agree it would be difficult to reproduce the feeling with any other instruments than boy soprano and organ. Maybe castrato and organ would be ok. (or is this a contradiction in terms?)--Light current 22:58, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Or possibly clarinet/sop sax and organ! Actually a cup muted trumpet with organ may be ok too.--Light current 00:35, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- No, I don't think any Jazz playing of it would be ok (although you can't tell till you hear). I think it needs the precision and lack of ostentatious interpretation of a church type treatment. Or maybe piano variations, if played carefully and quietly.
- Is it boy sorano btw? I thought it was 'alto'. Or is that the name for a baritone's falsetto voice? Rentwa 09:31, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Hanging a gate.
How do we hang a gate who's height is shorter than the length? We built a gate that we are having trouble with dragging.152.163.100.199 20:57, 3 September 2006 (UTC)Reneemarie Preston
- You need a diagonal piece going from the top hinge to the bottom part of the gates extremity in order to support the weight. Like a five bar gate. You dont say if your gate is wood or iron.--Light current 21:32, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Not true. Bottom hinge to top corner on the diagonal. You want compression not tension.
- Wouldn't that make it sag more?Edison 05:29, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
I'd say you need to put the gate on a low, flat cart (the type they have in gardening stores), or perhaps two, if the gate is quite long. Then you need to have some flat ground to roll the cart upon, you could lay down sheets of plywood for that. I suggest you pull the carts, instead of pushing them, for greater stability. StuRat 21:46, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- StuRat I fear you may be misunderstanding the question!. User:152.163.100.199 has hung the gate already, and its dragging on the floor at the end because its not benn designed/built quite right. 8-|
--Light current 22:20, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I think you got it wrong, as I take "How do we hang a gate" to mean "How do we hang a gate" and not "How do we properly construct a gate". I may be wrong, though. StuRat 06:48, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Well, maybe clarification from the questioner is needed!--Light current 21:05, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
A piece of steel cable and a turnbuckle to take up tension might correct the dragging, from the top hinge to the diametrically opposite corner. Make it strong enough it can support the tension. Edison 05:29, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
RESIDENT COUNSELLOR
1) COULD ANYBODY TELL ME WHO IS RESIDENT COUNSELLOR? 2) Also - he's in her pottery class at the Y. What does Y mean?
Founding editor - does it mean chief editor?
What do we mean, if we say romp about a novel?
- I'll give this one a try. "Resident counsellor" could mean a lot of things depending on the context, but maybe it is some sort of psychiatrist {or maybe attorney) who works at the business or school in question and sees patients/clients exclusively from the institution. "The Y" is short for the YMCA, an organization that often hosts classes like how to make pottery. A founding editor was likely chief editor at some point, but they might not work for the publication anymore. Someone who calls a novel a "romp" is likely praising the novel as lighthearted and fun to read. Your questions aren't really related to another; is there some sort of context that these all came up in? --Maxamegalon2000 22:45, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Yes, thank you. I think mostly I've got it. I have come across them in a book by Adrienne Brodeur that I happen to be translating at the moment ) Regarding the first item, yes, there was something like - he was her resident counsellor at college )
- In that context, the counsellor could also be the person who advises the student on what classes to take, what to major in, and things like that. It could also be, I suppose, a resident assistant. --Maxamegalon2000 23:29, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- My university had two different types of counseling, both usually done by advanced students (third or fourth year undergraduates or graduate students). A residence counselor or residence advisor received free lodging in return for managing part of a dormitory. This included enforcing rules (yes, you have to get out of bed and leave the building when the fire alarm goes off at four in the morning) and dispensing general advice about life away from home (don't go overboard decorating your dorm room, you'll have to haul all that stuff away at the end of the spring term). An academic counselor had far less intensive duties that ranged from choosing a major to wisdom about specific professors (sure, contemporary literature has a great reading list, but Professor Killyourgpa gave out only three As last year to a class of over 100 students). Durova 00:32, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
American Colleges
I am an american high school student, and I was wondering about double-majoring in college. How common is it, and does it have to be two related fields, or can it be two completely different fields? Also, can you still have a "minor" if you double major? Finally, is it possible to triple-major, or is that just insane? Thanks guys! --Life 22:34, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Yes you can add a minor. Yes, it's common. It can be in any two fields you want. Triple majoring is unusual, but no you won't be judged as insane. lots of issues | leave me a message 22:51, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
Thank you very much! --Life 22:54, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm triple-majoring in Criminology & Law Studies, History, and Sociology, and quadruple-minoring in Philosophy, Theology, Ethics and Justice & Peace at Marquette University, and I'm probably rather insane. The year after I enrolled, the university changed its policies so that only two classes per degree could overlap, and there's no way I'd be able to do what I'm doing if I had to abide by that rule. If the universities you're looking at have a rule like that, it might not matter how closely related the majors are. Most of the people I know say that they are double-majoring, and most people who double-major don't seem to be worried about minors. It really depends what you want to do after college; different careers will look differently at different majors. If you're still in high school, it might be a bit too early to be looking at multiple majors; perhaps you should just focus on what colleges offer the major you're most interested. A lot of freshman start undecided; I did. --Maxamegalon2000 22:57, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
This is my opinion only. Most employers value depth over breadth, in general. So, if employment is your higher priority, showing strength and depth in your chosen field could be better. The exception is if you want to enter a field where there is a niche in two combined areas. In my case I tried for one foot in engineering, and one foot in business management, as companies are forever trying to find strong engineering people with good business sense and management skills. Another area might be medicine and engineering, or engineering and biology(genetics). Getting triple majors and miscellaneous minors just looks distracting to most employers. They think you may lack focus.
If you plan for research and teaching, rather than the work world, well, I think that other that certain niche areas, again depth is more important than breadth (especially since you will want a Ph.D to succeed in those areas, which requires depth.) Niche areas might be, for instance combining electrical engineering and computer science (which has become its own areas -- computer engineering). Or, again, getting an M.D, and supplementing it with a Ph.D in engineering or biology (bioengineering, genetic engineering).
At any rate, with your experience level (still in HS) focus on one thing first, master it, and then choose a secondary area to master. It will take you at least six years to master the first one. Atom 15:56, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
The 2 Kidnapped Israeli Soldiers
Is it true THAT THE THE TWO ISRAELI SOLDIERS WERE CAPTURED IN LEBANON ???
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/israeli_solders.html
AND NOT IN ISRAEL as stated in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Israel-Lebanon_conflict
thanks
- Whatever you do, don't rely on sites like www.whatreallyhappened.com, but rather the sources it cites like Forbes and such. The website's name alone (okay, and it's subtitle) should be a hint they're trying to promote their opinion instead of the facts, althought facts may come out of it. Try sources that don't alledge government conspiracies. - Mgm|(talk) 22:58, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- Read the article on What Really Happened creator Michael Rivero. He's a conspiracy freak who blames everything on "the Zionists." -- Mwalcoff 23:16, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I expect it is true they were captured. Kidnapping is for kids (or were they kids ?) and is used to convey a sympathetic POV. -- DLL .. T 20:25, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Pinch pot & twist
I would be very grateful if somebody could answer two more questions, although they are also not related to each other.
1) What is a pinch pot? Of course, I know what a usual pot it?
- Google is normally your friend in these matters --Tagishsimon (talk)
2) and about alcoholic drinks, what do we mean by saying with a twist?
- We actually have an article on pinch pot. And the Wiktionary lists as one of the definitions of twist: "a sliver of lemon peel added to a cocktail, etc." I'm not particularly familiar with alcohol, though, so there might be more to it than that. --Maxamegalon2000 23:33, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- I've always understood 'a twist' in the drinks sense to be a marketing way of saying 'a bit'. So a drink with a twist of lime might have a squeeze of lime added. However, there is also that usage of a sliver of peel. Hmmm, go by context I say. Skittle 20:51, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- No, a twist of lemon or lime is most definitely a sliver of peel. Usually, a squeeze of juice is added, but that's not the twist. User:Zoe|(talk) 22:51, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
A not so funny question: ha ha, he he
I noticed a lot of people tend to use the words he he in their posts. I assume this means they are chuckling. Is this any different from what is implied by 'ha ha'--Light current 23:25, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
hehe sounds more evilish. Jamesino 23:27, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- To me, hee hee sounds a little more restrained than ha ha, which in turn is less enthusiastic than haw haw. Then of course there's the ever-popular bwahahahaha, my personal favorite. Or were you asking about heh heh? Clarityfiend 05:20, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- For some reason, I find the above post very funny, but I dont know how to respond properly yet other than to say 'bbwahahahaha' (LOL)--Light current 23:05, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- It is also important to differentiate between "heh heh" and "Hee hee." Which sound is it that you are asking for? "Hee hee" is an innocent, high-pitched quick little laugh, "heh" is a deeper-pitched expression of enjoyment. If used twice, it means something devilish. From the culture that I live in. — [Mac Davis] (talk) (Desk|Help me improve)
- To me, "heh" indicates disinterest, "heh heh" indicates a chuckle, "bwahahaha" sounds evil and "hee hee" sounds facetious.
Ho ho ho... is Santa the Pimp's groupies :) Lemon martini 08:15, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Always wondered what Santa did the rest of the year. No wonder he was so jolly. Bwahahahaha. Clarityfiend 19:59, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Yeah but The Ha, ha could be interpreted as being said sarcastically. Ie I see the joke but its not funny.-(or would that be Har, har? 8-)--Light current 14:28, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Also is bwahahaha same as LOL?--Light current 14:30, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- No, bwahahaha is used to bring out the hearty evil person laugh, LOL could sound like anything, though most MSN conversations I've had lately have it substituted for something much closer to a "heh...". If people are really laughing they'll type something a little more emphatic, like "WTFOMG HAHAHAH!!!11". freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:19, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
When I do it, its because to me haha sounds more like your laughing at someone in a bit of a cynical manner, a bit mean really, whereas hehe, is more like a laugh/giggle sort of thing... a bit more freindly.. Philc TECI 20:20, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Ah!... I mean Oh!
- I find "Hehehe" somewhat lesser enthusiastic than "Hahaha". The latter comes from actual laughter, the other might as well just be a closed smile with "HmHmHm"-sounds. BWUAHAHAHA is of course as unrestrained as can be. Heehee is more high pitched. In Norwegian, "Hihihih" is a form of "Heeheehee", but whenever I say "Hihi" to anyone English, they just think I'm greeting them. It's also interesting to note those who write "Ha! Ha! Ha!" and "He he he", as opposed to "Hehehe". 81.93.102.39 21:43, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Do we need a WP guideline on this?--Light current 22:54, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
"Tee-hee" would seem sneaky and mischievious. Edison 05:33, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
G36 Vs. M4/M16
Which of the 2 guns is overall, generally better- the Heckler&Koch G36 or the M4/M16? Jamesino 23:26, 3 September 2006 (UTC)
- That would be three guns in total. --Tagishsimon (talk)
- Define better. There are lots of criteria on which you might evaluate a weapon. Important ones often ignored by armchair warriors are cost and availability. --Robert Merkel 04:06, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- That said, given that the G36 was designed more than 30 years after the M16, it would be disappointing if it did not exceed the performance of the M16 in at least some aspects. --Robert Merkel 04:08, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I've fired expert with both weapons. They both use the same ammo, have the same clip capacity, and firing rate (M16 might fire slightly more). I like the M16 better, especially the carbine version, as it is lighter weight. I don't know from personal experience, but the M16 has a reputation for jamming easily when it gets muddy. I don't know if the G36 is any better, but my guess is that it might be. Atom 15:47, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Better, as in like, relliability, accuracy, ease of use, comfort, recoil and other chracteristics pertaining to firearms. Jamesino 18:13, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
September 4
I Need Help Classifying My Political Views
I can't figure out what word (libertarian, right-wing, etc.) decribes my political views. Could you help me please? Also I don't know what political party (U.S.) I would most agree with. Here are some of my views:
-I believe in government-controlled industries and a government-controlled economy. -I strongly oppose the hippie movement(except I agree with environmentalism) -I am against freedom of religion -I am generally in favor of freedom of speech, but compared to most americans I am "against" it -I believe human rights in general should be "suggestions" -I am against democracy, though I am not in favor of dictatorships nor totalitarian regimes -I am against equality
I realize that the things I have listed may seem "harsh," but that is because I can't really think of many examples, so I thought of the ones I've argued recently(which are bound to be "harsher" than most). I think of my beliefs as what provides maximum benefit to the state, and I think of most Americans' beliefs as what provides maximum freedom for the individual. What word describes me, and what party is similar? Thank you! --Life 02:42, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Communist. Try Communist Party USA. You might have issues with the equality thing, but in all Communist states thus far, some people are more equal than others. --Mnemeson 02:50, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I don't see any significant differences from Nazism, though I don't know the Nazi position on the environment. --Maxamegalon2000 03:01, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Sounds a bit Nazi, but then again a bit socialist. So Communist with Nazi over/undertones?--Light current 03:18, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Reminds me a bit of what Margaret Thatcher said about society, only in reverse: "There is no such thing as society. There are individuals, and there are families, that is all". (or something like that). JackofOz 03:33, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Umm, Light Current, Nazi is short for National Socialists, so I wouldnt be surprised if they were a bit socialist. Philc TECI 20:53, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- If you say National socialism, it sound more friendly. But doesn't give Fascism a better fit? --LambiamTalk 03:36, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Sounds a bit Nazi, but then again a bit socialist. So Communist with Nazi over/undertones?--Light current 03:18, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
I thought this might happen (suggestions of Nazism). Forget the list of stuff, those are just fun things to argue. My core belief is to provide the maximum benefit to the state as opposed to the maximum freedom for the individual. All of my political beliefs are derived from this. What would you suggest I am? --Life 03:29, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Socialist or communist--Light current 03:32, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- If your core belief is the state over the individual, then you're a hard core Socialist. The core distinction between Socialism and Communism is the state - I have a friend who fled the USSR who informs me that the reason it was the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) was that 'they were living in Socialism as they built Communism, at which point the state would wither and die'. Try Socialist Party USA, but I think they might be too liberal for you. --Mnemeson 03:34, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm quite sure the SPUSA is not waiting for members who are against democracy and equality. --LambiamTalk 03:44, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I wonder how User:Life defines "benefit to the state". In states that do not have a democratic political system, it tends to get redefined as "benefit to the ruling class". --LambiamTalk 03:44, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thank you very much Mnemeson, you have helped me a great deal. I do think Socialist Party USA is too liberal(in the U.S. sense) for me, but I guess I am a socialist. Hurrah! --Life 03:43, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- In response to Lambiam's comment, I don't mean just the ruling class, I mean basically all citizens. However, the redefinition is something I have not considered. (And by the way, I am in favor of something similar to democracy, just not outright democracy(For example, I like the idea of a consensus; however I realize that it is not feasible. I think that "majority rules", however, is bad. Once, when looking through Wikipedia about forms of government, I became attracted to Technocracy (bureaucratic), and I think that's the best thing I've found. Sort of oligarchy, but sort of democracy.)). --Life 03:52, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Can you elaborate on these two points?
-I am against democracy, though I am not in favor of dictatorships nor totalitarian regimes
Who is entitled to citizenship?
-I am against equality
What divides?
lots of issues | leave me a message 04:08, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I think User:Life is a bit confused ATM. Best not press him! 8-)--Light current 04:16, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- What hippies? Aren't they extinct, or at least on the endangered species list? Clarityfiend 05:27, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- May I suggest www.politicalcompass.org, which, through policy related questions, will plot your position on the 'political compass.' Autopilots 05:43, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
CHECK YOUR USERPAGE
In response to clarityfiend, forget the list. Those were just things that I find fun to argue because of their shock value, or things I've argued recently. Many of them people are viewing as incredibly exaggerated from what I intended. Ok, I'll elaborate those two points(many of you seem to make bad assumptions about them anyway). First, equality. I am against dividing based on race(that's just a bad idea). However, I am against complete gender-equality(meaning that I acknowledge that women and men are in fact different). I am also against the notion that "all men are created equal", when, obviously, some people are born with defects. For example, I feel that mental retards should not receive education, and should instead do manual labor. I also feel that if someone is born completely incapable of work that they should not be a citizen. I feel that those people with ability should be valued more highly in the society than those without. As to democracy, this was only there to say that I am against "western democracies" where people spend lots of money running propaganda through the populace and whoever spends the most wins. And, specifically in the U.S., that two parties with almost exactly the same ideals are the only parties with power. I made a comment above saying I liked the idea of Technocracy (bureaucratic).
By the way, whoever said check your userpage is insane. I said I am against dictatorship and totalitarian gov't, yet they accuse me of favoring that.
Actually forget everything I said, because now I am starting to view myself badly, because I went "on tilt". My belief is that the maximum benefit to the state should be the goal of everything. That is my core belief, from which all others are derived. I believe that the majority of you believe in the libertarian ideology, which I am against. There. --Life 16:38, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Why don't you try reading either of the books I suggested in answer to another question? They would help give some structure to your ideas which seem to be all over the place at the moment. What you're describing is most similar to Communism, classical Marxist-leninist views (I mean of course what the states actually strive for, rather than the things they say they want).
- The main problem for you or anyone else trying to classify your views is that you say here that your fundamental ideal is the good of the state, but you don't seem to be clear what you mean by the state. If, as you seem to suggest, the state is identical to the people, then you're a Utilitarian (or maybe a Eudaemonist?), although that philosophy led to some rather odd policies and is too woolly to have much concrete meaning - it can be used a basis for diametrically opposite ideologies quite easily.
- Btw, I'm opposed to democracy and in favour of some kind of elitist state (maybe morlocks and eloi? :) ), so please don't include me in your little tantrum! :) Rentwa 19:17, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I used to teach 'mental retards' btw. More worthwhile than 'normal' people I think. It's normal people who should be put to work. Exceptional people should be educated (they benefit most) and 'retards' as you call them deserve the best we can give them as their lives are hard enough to start with. I take back what I said about reading. You need to do a bit of feeling. Why don't you see if you can get a job working with 'retards'? After you get over your initial shock at they way they may look or act you might find it interesting to be with people who aren't clever enough to have suspicious, scheming, greedy, arrogant thoughts in their heads, people who just want to be your friend and tell you about stuff and ask you about stuff. It might even help you with your current difficulties :) . Rentwa 20:42, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
To be perfectly honest, you just sound like an ordinary Republican, with a slight personality disorder. Either that, or you're a test to see how partisan individuals respond to a person spouting nazi-like rhetoric. In which case it worked perfectly, with Republicans calling you a Communist, Democrats calling you a Nazi, and the British, comparing you to Margaret Thatcher. Always happy to play guinea pig for some random person on the internet--VectorPotential71.247.243.173 20:51, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Sounds like Kid Hitler to me. Philc TECI 20:56, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
orthobionic body person
Please, do you now what is He didn't pass his exams and will have to TA again.
And... whj is orthobionic body person?
- You mean the Six Million Dollar Man?--Light current 04:02, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- "He" is apparently a student at a college or university. "He did not pass his exams" means: he failed for his tests. "To TA" means: to be a teaching assistant. The noun "TA" is used as a verb here.
- Without context I can only guess at the meaning of "orthobionic body". It might refer to the presence of prosthetics. There is a German prosthetics company Otto Bock that has copyrighted the word "Orthobionic". --LambiamTalk 04:14, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Copyright is usually only given on creative works, and I can't see much creativity in a word. Are you sure it's not trademarked? = Mgm|(talk) 04:53, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm sure a lot of creative work went into coming up with that word :) . On the page I gave a link to, they have "Orthobionic®", presenting it as a registered trademark. But on this European page they have "Orthobionic ©". Maybe a difference between U.S. and European copyright laws and jurisprudence? --LambiamTalk 05:13, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Copyright is usually only given on creative works, and I can't see much creativity in a word. Are you sure it's not trademarked? = Mgm|(talk) 04:53, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- THats good code breaking Lambiam! So what does this character want to know FGS?--Light current 04:18, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- My code-breaking engine returned this:
- Please, can you tell me, what is the meaning of:
- "He didn't pass his exams and will have to TA again."?
- And also, "orthobionic body" means which person?
- --LambiamTalk 05:05, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- My code-breaking engine returned this:
I agree with going the extra mile in deciphering the indecipherable, but this one has gone beyond the limit. IMO, such "questions" should just be deleted outright. If they can't come to the party just one little bit, they have no right to expect any response at all. I appreciate this person has a limited command of English, but I would expect a better worded question from a visitor from outer space. JackofOz 05:20, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- This hapless user entered the questions three times. Perhaps this was the best they could do. --LambiamTalk 07:13, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Well its not as if were over busy right now!. In busier times, I would agree with Jack--Light current 20:54, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Budderghur
In the South Mahratta Campaign of 1844-45 a officer by the name of Percy Scudmore Cunningham was present at the taking of the heights in front of & occupation of Budderghur - I would like to know where Budderghur was and what it's new name is.
- Judjing by the red links, so would we! Tried Googling?--Light current 03:25, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I got one Google hit for one "Percy Scudamore Cunningham" being listed in the East-India Register, May 1850, as an officer of the Palamcottah Light Infantry, commissioned to the rank of lieutenant on 3 June 1845. Palamcottah (Palayamkottai) is in Tamil Nadu. We have an article on the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818), which is said to be "a final and decisive conflict between the United Kingdom and the Maratha empire in India" – which leaves me guessing what the South Mahratta Campaign of 1844–1845 was about. Based on maps (India1760 1905.jpg, India map en.svg), there appears to be no overlap between Tamil Nadu and Mahratta. One would guess that Budderghur was in the south of Mahratta, which however had a very large extent, covering more than half of present India. --LambiamTalk 04:50, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Is this Bodhgaya perhaps?--Shantavira 07:26, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- That seems a bit too far up north for a Southern Mahratta campaign. --LambiamTalk 09:30, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Is this Bodhgaya perhaps?--Shantavira 07:26, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Aerial combat
What would be the likely result of a C-130 Hercules being attacked by an F/A-18 Hornet? It's for a story I'm writing. The Hercules has a valuable cargo, so the Hornet only wants to force it down to the ground, not completely destroy it. Battle Ape 05:17, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Not a military expert by any stretch of the imagination, but it seems to me the only way would be to v-e-r-y carefully disable a couple of the engines with the gatling gun. I haven't a clue as to how destructive a gatling is, but I'm guessing air-to-air missiles would probably cause too much damage. Either that or open the canopy, stick a revolving red light on the front and pull it over for speeding. Clarityfiend 05:37, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- "Aw, hell, there's a traffic cop behind us." "At 30,000 feet?!" "Must have a hell of a ticket quota." Tony Fox (arf!) 06:07, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- A missle will certainly destroy the Hercules; the 20mm gatling could be used to take out the engines, but it could just as well ignite a fuel line and blow up the aircraft, or it could hit the pilot. The safest way to force it to the ground would be to fly up from behind and ram the wing. Raul654 05:42, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- This is the "safest" way??? Could a Hornet fly slow enough to station itself just ahead of and above the Hercules, then gradually lose altitude? Clarityfiend 05:52, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Mabye they could just talk to them, and if they won't comply, start placing bullet where (I assume) they won't do much harm (such as wingtips and stabilizers) to prove you're serious. If the Hercules is armed, there might be more difficulties. I wouldn't recommend ramming or any other body contact. In my imagination, chances are that the Hercules might perform an unexpected manouver and actually crash the Hornet! —85.225.228.114 07:18, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yes, the Hornet could slow to the same speed as the Herc. As far as ramming it... The Hornet pilot would have to be insane, IMO. Hercs probably have thicker skin than Hornets since the Hercules has a greater probability of flying lower to the ground in hostile territory. Therefore it has to be able to withstand small arms fire as well as that from high powered rifles without breaking up from just a few rounds. For a Hornet to be safer from other gattling gun fire, it would have to be up-armored so much that it would start affecting its flight capabilities. So, in conclusion, my vote is for gattling fire to the engines. There's a chance of more destruction to the Herc than is desired but it seems the best way with the limits of the original question. Dismas|(talk) 07:44, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Cheers. Battle Ape 12:10, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
I think you are looking at it the wrong way. The C130 has a stall speed at like 100 knots, depending on the weight of the valuable cargo you talked about, maybe 120 knots. Its top speed is around 300 knots, and since it is a prop plane, any maneuvering to go from onew to the other is going to take time. The hornet is a fighter that could fly circles around the C130, and out maneuver it any way. But it couldn't fly slow (under 150 knots) to pace the C130 flying slowly.
I think any attempt to stop the C130 risks destroying it. So, the main battle is internal, between the people involved, and not between the two aircraft. The only hope the C130 would have is if it used side mounted guns, such as a 40mm, or 105mm howitzer. Which could theorectically blow away a hornet. But, the limited field of the side mounted guns (30 degrees or so, below and to one side would make it hard to catach a hornet, and the hornet pilot would surely see and know about side mounted guns. Another option that might surprise a hornet pilot flying above and slightly behind might be if the c130 opened the loading dock door and used a shoulder mounted RPG or something like that. Or maybe some attempt at a roll to one side to put the guns in range, certainly avoidable by the hornet pilot.
Otherwise, the motivation of the Hornet would be to get the C130 to land without destroying the cargo, and so if the cargo were really that valuable, it could not afford anything other than warning fire without risking the cargo. Any attempt at minor damage would jeopardize their mission. The C130 crew would have to value their lives more than the cargo before they would comply and land it rather than risk being shot down.
I think there are enough interesting variables there to make for a variety of plot lines, depending on who you want to win. Atom 15:36, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- There used to be an RPG that simulated air combat. Rentwa 18:55, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm going to assume you mean a Role Playing Game and not a Rocket Propelled Grenade in this case. Dismas|(talk) 19:44, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yes, although there's probably and RPG that simulates RPGs. Rentwa 21:06, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Well, what I want is for the narrator (who is onboard the Hercules) to be forced to parachute out - whether from the cargo bay door being opened, or a hole being blown in the side of the plane, it doesn't matter. It would be preferable for the Hercules to somehow land and save the cargo, as well. Battle Ape 17:12, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Do not ram a C-130. SWAdair 04:15, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Of course not. I'm still making payments on my Hornet (those babies aren't cheap, you know). And whatever would I tell my insurance company? Clarityfiend 17:07, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
House names in the USA
I do several online gift exchanges where I'm the only Brit amongst lots of Americans. Every time I get lots of emails telling me I haven't put my house number in-and I notice every American address I receive has one. My house doesn't have a number,just a name-this always seems to come as rather a surprise to the Americans.So is it just a British thing or do you Yanks have house names too? Lemon martini 08:50, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- No, except maybe some rich people's homes, like Monticello. An apartment complex or subdivision has a name, but that's for the entire complex, not an individual unit. So, what's your house's name, anyway ? StuRat 09:17, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Not all British houses have names. In the U.S., "The White House" is a house name. It nevertheless has a house number: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Likewise, Monticello is 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. So yes, they have some names, but still numbers as well. --LambiamTalk 09:25, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Houses have numbers for a couple reasons, A) so that we can find the house on a map and B) so that when you call the police/fire/ambulance/pizza place/etc. they can easily find your house. They simply go to the road that you live on then go to that number. Also, because of 9-1-1, the houses are supposed to be numbered according to where they are on the road. For instance, 1900 Green Mountain Rd. would be 1.9 miles from the "start" of that particular road, 1800 would be 1.8 miles and so on. So if the pizza guy knows you live at 1900, they can go to the beginning of the road and then look at their odometer to measure off 1.9 miles and even if your house doesn't have the number on it or your mailbox is unmarked as well, they still know where the hungry people are. Dismas|(talk) 09:52, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- What Dismas says probably applies to most of the United States, but it does not apply to New England, or to most of New York and New Jersey. In the northeastern corner of the United States, there are no comprehensive urban grids and very few grids of any kind. Houses are numbered sequentially along each street, but the house number does indicate anything about the number of blocks or the distance from the beginning of the street. Partial exceptions are the numbered streets and avenues of Queens and Manhattan, New York, but in Manhattan, there is no direct correlation between street number and cross street. Marco polo 14:16, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- In the UK the postcode alone will find your house to within several metres, the address is relatively redundant completely due to this, but makes it easier for the postman. Philc TECI 21:18, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- In the US, the 9-digit Zip code serves the same purpose, although we tend to use only the 5-digit Zip code which corresponds to a particular post office. User:Zoe|(talk) 22:55, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- In the UK the postcode alone will find your house to within several metres, the address is relatively redundant completely due to this, but makes it easier for the postman. Philc TECI 21:18, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- That 1900 Green Mountain Rd. is 1.9 miles from the start of the road is only a very rough estimate. For example, in my locale (Minneapolis, MN) blocks are longer in the north-south direction than they are in the east-west direction. The north-south direction works out to be approximately 10 blocks/mile, but the east-west direction is considerably less. The numbers do always increase in the same direction though and even numbers are on one side of the street while odd numbers are on the other. The numbers are also spaced (for example, 3905 to 3909 with no 3907), which I assume is to allow further growth without having to renumber houses or have numbers fall out of order. In new developments, they may try to follow a more precise numbering scheme based distance from a known point, but it certainly is not standard across the country. —Bradley 14:50, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
My house is Holly Cottage.The next one down is Woodlands,then it's Spindles and Monte Rosa.None of the houses anywhere on our road has numbers and that's not unusual,particularly in villages and rural areas.Often you have to drive along looking for the name.It can get very confusing-we have near us a Holly House and Holly Lodge too... Lemon martini 10:51, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I have found out that houses do indeed have names, not numbers, in the UK. But I've not heard of such a thing anywhere else. Maybe it really is just a British thing. JIP | Talk 11:20, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- By the way, who comes up with these names for the houses? The owners? If it's the owners, does the name change when new owners move in? Or are they like boats and it's considered unlucky to change the names? Dismas|(talk) 12:23, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Owners make up names, and can choose to change them. But if the house ever had a number, then the number never goes away; often it will have a name too. But my house has no number, and there is no mechanism by which we could get one. Indeed, the road it is on has no name either. (This is not a large community). In the UK, a post code identifies, on average, 14 properties so it isn't as big a deal for the postman as you might think. Notinasnaid
- Trivia: Many houses in the north of Scotland have neither a name nor a number; letters are addressed simply to a named person in that locality. House numbers in the UK do occasionally change, for example if there is infill or if a street is extended at the lower end, although I know of one case in which a new house at the lower end was numbered zero.--Shantavira 14:59, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yeah I think that's cool. A lot of my relatives in Scotland live in places like that. I want to be known simply as "Gavin of Scots Peak" or something like that. In Tokyo, small residential streets aren't named and the houses aren't numbered. Most addresses consist of a three number sector code (kind of like the ones in Star Trek and a house name, but since it's often difficult even with that, maps are used a lot. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:14, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- In some places in America, you can address letters simply to "Joe Schmo, Rural Route 2" and then the city and ZIP code. With the introduction of 911 emergency service, a lot of houses that didn't have official numbers now do, although the actual numbering system differs among communities (see house numbering). Some office buildings and institutions, like Rockefeller Center and the Pentagon, are addresses in themselves (although the Pentagon, according to our article, apparently does have a street number.) I have seen some wealthy people put "names" of their houses on their mailboxes, but to use it in one's address would seem quite pretentious. -- Mwalcoff 15:57, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Its worth remembering that many rural British houses will have existed long before the global postal service as we know it was functioning. Thus numbering would be somewhat redundant when you could just send your letter to John Smith at Hill House, Cobb-on-the-Wheyy and the the local postie would know exactly who it was for. Numbers are only essential when the population density of a deliversy area surpasses a certain level. Since the US is a much younger country, its not surprising they took advantage of a universal numbering system for houses. They also used a grid system when building their urban areas, often incorporating numbers and letters in a logical manner. Thus its often possible to pinpoint the geographic ___location of a house simply from an address. Try that in the UK!
- The more recent tradition of naming newer houses is a somewhat middle class tradition in the UK. Consider the reputedly common name that many Scots give their retirement property: "Dun roamin". Hilarious. Rockpocket 18:09, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- The use of house numbers has not always been universal in the U.S. In some areas, it was only introduced recently, after the introduction of 911 service. There's an old story: A post office got a letter addressed as follows:
- Wood
- John
- Massachusetts
- The letter was delivered. Extra-credit points for whoever can tell me where the letter was delivered to. -- Mwalcoff 22:35, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- John Underwood, Andover Massachusetts. But I cheated, I've seen it before. :) User:Zoe|(talk) 22:58, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- The use of house numbers has not always been universal in the U.S. In some areas, it was only introduced recently, after the introduction of 911 service. There's an old story: A post office got a letter addressed as follows:
- In some places in America, you can address letters simply to "Joe Schmo, Rural Route 2" and then the city and ZIP code. With the introduction of 911 emergency service, a lot of houses that didn't have official numbers now do, although the actual numbering system differs among communities (see house numbering). Some office buildings and institutions, like Rockefeller Center and the Pentagon, are addresses in themselves (although the Pentagon, according to our article, apparently does have a street number.) I have seen some wealthy people put "names" of their houses on their mailboxes, but to use it in one's address would seem quite pretentious. -- Mwalcoff 15:57, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yeah I think that's cool. A lot of my relatives in Scotland live in places like that. I want to be known simply as "Gavin of Scots Peak" or something like that. In Tokyo, small residential streets aren't named and the houses aren't numbered. Most addresses consist of a three number sector code (kind of like the ones in Star Trek and a house name, but since it's often difficult even with that, maps are used a lot. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:14, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Trivia: Many houses in the north of Scotland have neither a name nor a number; letters are addressed simply to a named person in that locality. House numbers in the UK do occasionally change, for example if there is infill or if a street is extended at the lower end, although I know of one case in which a new house at the lower end was numbered zero.--Shantavira 14:59, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- But you do need to distinguish the case where people name a house which has a number - and will not usually use it in the address - from the case where the house has no number and its name is the only way of designating it. ColinFine 21:15, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- There are also some houses which have numbers, but have also had names since they were built and are known to the post office by their names. This can happen to an extent that the name will get a letter to the door, but the number won't. It's all very confusing. Skittle 21:18, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Forgive me if I've mentioned this before. This discussion reminds me of when the composer Giuseppe Verdi was asked his address, and he replied "I should think Italy would be sufficient". JackofOz 06:08, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- There are also some houses which have numbers, but have also had names since they were built and are known to the post office by their names. This can happen to an extent that the name will get a letter to the door, but the number won't. It's all very confusing. Skittle 21:18, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Request for radio transscript
I enjoy Longwave 252 every Sunday from Ireland 9am to 10am can I have a transscript of the articles and music from Sunday 3 September 2006
Angus McAulay
(ssh... do you want to get spammed?)
- Maybe Rte Radio 1's website can help you out here. (Apparently that's what you're listening to when tuning into 252 Longwave). ---Sluzzelin 12:07, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Who knows how to work a Canon XL2?
I have borrowed an XL2, but I have no idea how to use it.
I'm looking to get the Depth of Field effect...where a certain object is in focus, and everything inside or outside of that distance creeps towards a blur. How do I achieve this? Eg. I have a subject...say...10 metres in front of the camera....how do I get it so that the subject 10 metres away is in focus, but everything else is not?
gelo 14:03, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
The things that you have control over are: How fast the film is, how well lit the subject it, how close you are to the subject, what things are in the frame of the picture (the subject, and other things), what aperature you use, what the shutter speed is, the focus you give to the picture (what things are within focus, versus out of focus), and the focal length of the lens you are using.
Depth of field is created primarily by your choice of aperature, the length of the lens, and how far you are from the subject. Large lens openings (f/2) are more sensitive to the depth of field (narrower band), and smaller aperature (f/22) will give a long/broad/wide depth of field zone. The lens you use will limit which aperature options you have. Obviously if you use a small aperature, you have to make sure that your lighting and film will work with that. Aldo the farther away from the camera, the more depth of field you can get. If you want your subject up close and things in the distance blurred, then get up close to it, and use a larger aperature.
It's been a long time since I used an analog camera, so I hope this helps, and I haven't made it more confusing. I learned from experimenting. Atom 14:28, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- A small Depth of Field means that the effect you want to achieve is strong. So this means: the larger the aperture, the stronger the effect. Use a large aperture, but with a correspondingly fast shutter speed or not-so-sensitive film so that you don't get overexposure. See also Depth of field#Aperture effects. --LambiamTalk 15:57, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
Downloading videos - is there a trick to do it on this site?
The Junior Eurovision Songcontest is starting again and the Belgians have a massive site this year with a lot of videos. I tried recording today's pre-selection episode, but thanks to the US Open it didn't start on time and my recorder didn't record the right bit. Now, I did see videos for those shows are up on the site and I want to download them for save keeping until I'm sure they bring them out on DVD or something, but Internet Explorer isn't cooperating and Firefox doesn't recognize the plugin (and all my downloader tools don't recognize it either). Is there a way to download these? It would save me a lot of homicidal feelings toward whoever finds it neccesary to not follow the tv schedule. Any help is appreciated. (I use a Windows 98 system, please only suggestions that work for that) - Mgm|(talk) 17:23, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- What's the link to their website? Bearing in mind that there's a good chance the videos are only meant to be streamed, and not downloaded. --Mnemeson 19:10, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I can't believe I forgot that. Will drop in that link when I get home to the favorites folder I stored the site under. - 131.211.210.10 07:26, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Cartoon Geezer? (Looney Tunes?)
I could swear I remember there being a skinny, stooped, toothless old man (with a beard, maybe?) in some of the Looney Tunes cartoons, but after combing Wikipedia and performing a half-dozen Google searches, I can't seem to find a trace of him online. Am I hallucinating? Is he from some other cartoon world? -- Avocado 17:38, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- All I could think of was the 2000 Year Old Man TV cartoon series. (Check this picture for memory comparison). Unless you're thinking of clean-shaven Mr. Magoo... ---Sluzzelin 19:22, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Nope, not Mr. Magoo. And definitely not the 2000 year old man (gee, I'd forgotten about him!) --Avocado 23:57, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- No but I think Ive seen him in Mr Magoo. Did he have a walking stick and white beard?--Light current 20:56, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- um.... I don't remember. He might have. But if he had a beard, it was short. -- Avocado 23:58, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- No but I think Ive seen him in Mr Magoo. Did he have a walking stick and white beard?--Light current 20:56, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- There should be a page on old bearded cartoon geezers and Jasper Beardley should be on it too. ---84.75.129.157 21:43, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Could he have been Scottish? I have some vague recollection of an old grumpy Scottish-dressed male cartoon character. --21:50, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- Possibly... that sounds vaguely familiar, but I'm not certain.... -- Avocado 23:57, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- You're not thinking of Groundskeeper Willie, perhaps? freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:17, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Possibly... that sounds vaguely familiar, but I'm not certain.... -- Avocado 23:57, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I know exactly the character you're talking about, but I cannot remember any of the cartoons he was in. User:Zoe|(talk) 22:59, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- I remember an old guy leaning on a cane. His dentures ended up in his equally decrepit dog's mouth, I think. Clarityfiend 17:12, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Could it be Poopdeck Pappy from the Popeye cartoons: [8] ? Or maybe Mr. Natural ? StuRat 06:05, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
![[8]](http://www2.gascp.com/kinders/k92/k92_249.gif){kind=link}
- From the picture, I think we can safetly assume that Mr. Natural had a nice full set of (natural) choppers. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:15, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- YES!!! That's it. A Google image search confirms... Poopdeck Pappy s the guy I'm thinking of. Thanks, StuRat! -- Avocado 23:50, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- You're quite welcome ! StuRat 03:35, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
What is the name of this file cabinet part/accessory?
In many file cabinets each drawer has a repositionable steel wire piece for keeping the files in the drawer together and upright (when the drawer is not full). It is shaped like this
__
/ \
.------/ \------.
| |
Is there a name for this part? If so, what's it called?
- I think it might be called file divider or more specifically wire file divider. ---Sluzzelin 18:43, 4 September 2006 (UTC)
- The pointy out part is called a tab, and I would presume the entire sheet would be called something like a "tab divider" or "tab separator" if there was an official name for it. See file_folder for no useful information. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 16:08, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
New Slogan
Instead Of Wikipedia the free encyclopedia. How bout Wikipedia ending Ignorance as we know it?
Email me at (email addr removed) if you like it.
- If we knew it, we wouldnt be ignorant, would we?--Light current 00:42, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Ignorance is bliss. Russian F 01:25, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- There are a lot of very, very happy people out there. George Bush must be positively ecstatic. Clarityfiend 16:58, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Wikipedia doesn't end ignorance. People have to do that for themselves. ColourBurst 13:49, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- "Enduring ignorance as we know it" might be better. sʟυмɢυм • т • c 13:53, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
September 5
ECP/Condoms
So Emergency Contraception is effective if you take it up to five days after you have unprotected sex; if you take it, and then four days later you fuck up again, is it still good, or do you need to take it again?
Also, can a guy not being circumcised have an effect on the likelihood of a condom to tear? It seems like this happens to us a disproportionate number of times, and we've checked and double checked that we're doing everything right.
- Dear anonymous, see Wikipedia:Medical disclaimer. Basically, the advice you will get here is worth precisely what you paid for it. On a matter of this consequence, I'd speak to a professional.
- That said, you can read the Plan B website. Note the following from the FAQ:
- You should not have unprotected sex after taking Plan B®, because Plan B® will not protect you from getting pregnant.
- Also, if you read the material on that website, the elimination half-life, you'll find that the drug would be mostly excreted out of the woman's system after 4 days.
- So, a woman would almost certainly not be protected four days after taking Plan B.
- As to your other problem, I do suppose you're using a water-based lubricant? If you're using something else, that may be causing the condom to break. Beyond that, consult your doctor; if you're continually having problems with condom breakage maybe it's time to consider some other method of contraception. --Robert Merkel 01:06, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
It's always a good idea to use a condom in conjunction with some other method of birth control. Really this is too important an issue to discuss with anyone other than a medical doctor. Durova 07:50, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
stealing references
I'm doing a ton of research, writing one of those papers where each sentence has a unique footnote-reference. So, naturally, I'm reading other papers and books where each sentence has a footnote.
Is it standard procedure to just steal their references and use them as my own, even if I haven't actually looked them up ? Jasbutal 01:30, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- You could probably just refer to that one book. Russian F 01:34, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Generally, it's not good practice to cite sources you haven't read. Cite the book you have read. If there's some quotation in the book you've read, from a source you haven't, and you absolutely cannot get your hands on that original source, there are recommended ways to cite such things: see your style guide for recommendations. --Robert Merkel 01:40, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- It's not good practise, but if they use a direct quote and you're confident they didn't get it wrong, bearing in mind that it is out of context, there's nothing to stop you using it. It would, however, be much better to read the original, or at least cite 'Source x, quoted in y' --Mnemeson 02:08, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Please at least look up the work in an index and read the abstract. You can avoid a substantial amount of embarrassment with even that minimum of effort. :D There's work out there that indicates that many scientists don't read all their references. This New Scientist article discusses a somewhat controversial study out of UCLA that suggest scientists don't read 75% of the papers that they cite. (Note that they use the accuracy of citation information as a proxy for paper reading; in many cases the scientists may have read the paper but copied the citation info incorrectly.) Strictly speaking, though, it's quite unethical to include a citation that you haven't looked at. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 02:17, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- great, well I'm an engineering student, so I'll just do as my professional researching professors do. (btw I didn't read that link, I just assumed you got it right). Thanks for the comments all. Jasbutal 03:32, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- If i cite a reference that i have not read extensively, i always make sure i read the abstract at least and, whenever possible, skim read the results and conclusions. You'd be surprised at how often you will be asked to expand on the one source you didn't read. However, should you not wish to, or be able to, you could always use the old "Smith et al, and references therein" line. Works a treat and covers your ass. Rockpocket 06:28, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Sometimes the purpose of a reference is mainly to give credit to whoever first had some idea, or to refer to related work, rather than to lend support to some statement you're making. Then it is more acceptable (to me) not to actually have read the source. If the implied aim is to increase the credibility of a claim, then there is an element of intellectual dishonesty if you haven't read the paper and accept the evidence and reasoning presented as supporting the claim (assuming the authors were honest). My experience in tracing references is that a good deal, at the end of the chain, do not actually support what they are supposed to. --LambiamTalk 09:13, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
maths thicko needs help!!
Can anyone please tell me how to work out the number of combinations a set of figures have? For example, How many three letter combinations there are in the English Alphabet, or How many different 6 number lines there are for 49 lottery balls? Also, could I please be really cheeky and ask for the answer to be given in a simple to read way, I have real problems with 'jargonese@' !! Thank you so much for your time. Natalie
- We wont give you the answer, but we may tell you how to do it!--Light current 02:11, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- You're looking for information about some of the simpler problems in combinatorics. That article gets pretty hardcore pretty quickly, so you might want to look at permutations and combinations, and the article on permutations (see Counting permutations in the latter article). TenOfAllTrades(talk) 02:22, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Thanks so much, I'll go and have a look. I have already looked at the first article and got hopelessly lost about four words in!! I'll check out the other ones. Thanks again.
- For the number (and a list) of all three-letter combinations, see Three-letter acronym (26 x 26 x 26). That one is easy, the second question is more difficult because once a ball is drawn it cannot appear in the sequence again, so the drawn ball is removed from the possibilities: 49 x 48 x 47 x ... x 2 x 1. --Canley 04:40, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I stand corrected. We have given you the answer!--Light current 04:57, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- here at the misc desk, we have bags of enthusiasm, a wide variety of specialist knowledge and suitle emphaziation to boot, and we try to answer any question we can. The folks at the maths desk are probably better placed to help you than we are though. Howard Train 05:09, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I think us enthusiasts have handled it quite well. Mind you-- a lot of us are actually the same people! 8-)--Light current 05:15, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- We always do, Light Current. Always. Howard Train 05:17, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- In the reference desk, you're not supposed to ask about homework, yet often providing a few answers can spur the thought of the inquirer's learning of a new concept. --Proficient 06:00, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I hate homework questions as much as anyone here, but she did ask very politely, didn't just copy the question from the homework, and wanted to know how to solve the problem, not just an answer. Those pointers to articles are, um, a bit complicated! Anyway, my response to the second one was wrong! There are six lottery balls drawn so it doesn't go down to 1, it's 49 x 48 x 46 x 45 x 44 x 43. --Canley 13:25, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- ... or maybe 49 x 48 x 47 x 46 x 45 x 44. But the order of the six numbers in each entry isn't important (1-2-3-4-5-6 is the same entry as 6-5-4-3-2-1) so this calculation counts each possible entry many different times - in fact, each entry is counted 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 times. So the number of different possible entries is (49 x 48 x 47 x 46 x 45 x 44) / (6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1), which can be written more concisely as 49!/(43! x 6!) or a tad under 14 million (see National Lottery). Gandalf61 16:04, 5 September 2006 (UTC) (moonlighting from the maths desk)
- Yes, I give the answer wrong twice! Let this be a lesson to anyone asking homework questions! --Canley 14:17, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
golf prize money
what are the usual splits in percentages for golf prize money? the first place is usually 18%, but what happens from there on?
- Good luck finding out. It seems barely any of the official tour sites even quote the total purse money, never mind the prize money for 2nd, 3rd, etc. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:55, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Looking for the title of a children's book
Hi! I read a children's book about ten years ago and would like to try and find it again. I thought it was called "The Royal Magician" but it seems as though I've remembered the title incorrectly. It has 6-8 short stories about a royal family and their magician. The first few stories concern the Princes and their future wives (one princess lives in the clouds so they build a ladder out of gold; one princess lives at the bottom of the ocean so the magician swaps the sky and the sea). In other stories, the magician turns the queen into a spider; the magician competes with another magician; the magician and a prince travel to the world of dreams. If anyone has the real title or an Amazon (etc.) link, I would really appreciate it. Many thanks!
- Maybe you're thinking of Midnight Magic by Edward Irving Wortis aka Avi? WP has a bit of information on the book. The author's article links to Avi's website.---Sluzzelin 09:06, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Sadly that's not it, but thanks for your suggestion.
2 corinthians
what's all this in 2 corinthians 2:14-16 about aromas and stenchs and such? death -> death, life -> life, why no life -> death, and why no death -> life? Jasbutal 03:46, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Paraphrasing Paul: To them that will be saved, the word of Christ that we are spreading is like the savour of life. But to those that will perish [because they do not accept it], it is like the stench of death. --LambiamTalk 08:42, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Galatians 2:20?
several questions :
1. is this about Paul destryoing his ego and his personality and saying that he is nothing?
2. what's with Paul saying he was crucified too ?
3. Does this have something to do with taking the lord's supper?
Jasbutal 03:46, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
4. Does this have something to do with homework? We don't answer homework questions as a rule (because if we do, you don't learn anything) but we're happy to point you in the right sort of direction. Try Second Epistle to the Corinthians and Epistle to the Galatians for starters, and try back here or at the humanities desk for more help if you're still stuck. Howard Train 05:16, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I know your homework rule offtherails, or howard train. this ain't homework. Epistle to the Galatians has nothing on 2:20. Second Epistle to the Corinthians doesn't have anything either. 70.225.173.251 05:22, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- An attempt at paraphrasing this: Through our acceptance of the Christ, we became one with him, and as he was crucified, our previous persona died with him, and we were reborn through him. This has not specifically to do with taking the Lord's supper. It is the Paulinian doctrine that we cannot be saved through (keeping to) the (old) Law, but only through the grace of God, as made possible by the death of Christ. --LambiamTalk 08:53, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- A sort of pre-Lutheran sola gratia then? -- the GREAT Gavini 15:34, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
diamonds
how can you tell if a stone is a diamond in a ring yes they scratch glass but is ther another positive way to tell other than going to a jeweller
- Even for jewellers it's sometimes difficult to tell for sure whether a stone is in fact a diamond. You have to train your eye with a lot of practice, so for starters you need access to a lot of diamonds and fake products. You also need some special equipment. See diamond simulant for further information.---Sluzzelin 10:08, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Easy, cover a sloped piece of something smooth, with vasaline, loads of vasaline, then useing water wash all your debri down the slope, a bit at a time, the small glass looking things that stick to the vasaline are diamonds, the gravel that does not (non of the gravel will stick if done properly) then just pick em off and have em cut. or at least thats how its done on subsistance mines in Africa. Benn there done it trust me.
- Diamonds are also very good conductors of heat - if you put it in your mouth it should feel as cold as metal. Not practical if the stone's set in a ring of course. Or do that thing with vaseline - he seems to know what he's talking about. Rentwa 16:17, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
If it will scratch a diamond, it's a diamond. --Serie 21:49, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
rules of Touch football
Hello, I would like to know about a specific rule in Touch, If a try is awarded by the field or main referee, everybody gets back on side, the line or touch judge says it was a forward pass, can the try be disawarded, and is there such a term in this sport? thanks for your time
- I know virtually nothing about touch footy, but I like the word "disawarded". Thanks. JackofOz 12:24, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I don't know the specific rule in this case, but in most sports the referee is supposed to consult his/her "line judges" before awarding points. But if they don't do it, once the try has been awarded I'm pretty sure they can't take it back. I couldn't find anything specific in the International Touch rules except " Referees may consult with line judges and/or touchdown zone officials prior to making decisions." (right at the bottom). – AlbinoMonkey (Talk) 13:15, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Since there are no "tries" in American touch football, I am trying to imagine what touch soccer (association football) could be like (hmm. you can't touch the ball but you can grab the ball handler...) What version of football are we discussing here? Rmhermen 16:13, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Rugby Football I imagine, but a kiddy version (Touch Rugby) where you don't wrestle each other to the ground... Skittle 17:15, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Quick Question
I recently created an article about US indie band Like A Fox, but when I returned to it today, I found the entire thing had been deleted, and wasn't on my watchlist or contributions list. Can someone explain why this has happened?
--Pasadena 12:07, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- First, questions about Wikipedia should be asked at the Wikipedia:Help Desk rather than the reference desk.
- I've checked the records and the reason why the article was deleted was that somebody thought it met one of the criteria for speedy deletion, as listed on WP:CSD. Specifically, they thought it met criteria 7 under "articles", which reads:
- Unremarkable people or groups/vanity pages. An article about a real person, group of people, band, or club that does not assert the importance or significance of its subject. If the assertion is disputed or controversial, it should be taken to AfD instead.
- The working definition of what a musician or group need to have achieved to be appropriate for a Wikipedia article is listed at WP:MUSIC; as the article stood, there's no evidence that they meet any of the criteria there for notability.
- So, if you want to recreate the article, make sure that evidence of notability is included in the article (for instance, by linking to reviews from newspapers).
- This is not a comment on the group's talents; I went to their website and downloaded a couple of tracks; they're not half-bad. --Robert Merkel 12:23, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Non-notable band pages are never speedied, they are always given a minimum chance to prove their value in a proper AfD. If it had been speedied, it should be undeleted and given a second chance at AfD. That being said, I just checked the logs, and it seems there has never been an article under the name "Like a Fox" nor "Like A Fox". Maybe you spelled the name wrong and you just can't find it now? Google doesn't turn up any Wikipedia results either.
- I guess it's this: Like a fox. --LambiamTalk 17:09, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Non-notable band pages are never speedied, they are always given a minimum chance to prove their value in a proper AfD. If it had been speedied, it should be undeleted and given a second chance at AfD. That being said, I just checked the logs, and it seems there has never been an article under the name "Like a Fox" nor "Like A Fox". Maybe you spelled the name wrong and you just can't find it now? Google doesn't turn up any Wikipedia results either.
- If it's spelled correctly than the only other thing I can assume is that an editor deemed the article to be of the blatant copywrite enfringement type, and promptly had the history deleted. I'm not sure if that appears in the logs or not. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 15:35, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Actually, the A7 criteria for speedy deletion includes non-notable bands. Indeed, one of the template shortcuts that can be used is db-band. I've used that one many a time. Tony Fox (arf!) 16:06, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I understand that the criteria is there, but it is almost never used in that context, and shouldn't be used, except for the rare occurence where vandalism can be masked as a vanity page, e.g. "Content was (ILOVELU3Y is a wicked band from Timbuktu, bUY thier ticketz from me!)". freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 06:56, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Actually, the A7 criteria for speedy deletion includes non-notable bands. Indeed, one of the template shortcuts that can be used is db-band. I've used that one many a time. Tony Fox (arf!) 16:06, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Thanks for the help everyone, I'm fairly new to editing and creating, as you may have been able to tell! Thanks again. --Pasadena 19:52, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I have never understood the reason for deletion of non-notable articles. Even non-notable photos aren't deleted and tehy take up a whooooole lot more disk space. So if that isn't the problem then what's wrong with unnecesary articles (unless the info should go elsewhere, but that's not the issue here, is it?). DirkvdM 06:52, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Non-notable photos are supposed to be deleted, if they are orphaned, and if they aren't orphaned, then they are usually supposed to exist, aren't they? The reason there are a lot of orphaned photos that aren't deleted is that they're so much harder to come across by mistake, and not that many people patrol orphaned pictures. Stupid little articles with only one sentence are, by contrast, very easy to find. While we're on this point, though, it seems to be that disk space is the least of the foundation's worries. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 07:00, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- To DirkvdM, if non-notable articles were not deleted then we wouldn't be able to see the real articles for all the cruft. Do we really need articles on you or me. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:27, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Non-notable photos are supposed to be deleted, if they are orphaned, and if they aren't orphaned, then they are usually supposed to exist, aren't they? The reason there are a lot of orphaned photos that aren't deleted is that they're so much harder to come across by mistake, and not that many people patrol orphaned pictures. Stupid little articles with only one sentence are, by contrast, very easy to find. While we're on this point, though, it seems to be that disk space is the least of the foundation's worries. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 07:00, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Well, I've already got one on me. :) The only way I can see the cruft getting in the way (for users) is when one uses the all pages special page. This is, however, not a paper encyclopedia in which one looks thing up alphabetically. Maybe they get in the way for some administrative purposes (I can't think of any, though). In that case they may be tagged such that they can be excluded from such activities. Actually, tagging artcles for their encyclopedic status might make sense. Such as stubs, articles with shaky sources, biased articles. This could then be used to either ignore those or actually seek them out for certain purposes, the way you can exclude minor edits from your watchlist. DirkvdM 06:34, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Cambric
64.12.116.199 12:25, 5 September 2006 (UTC)I am retoring an old sailboat. The sails are missing. They were made from a fabric called Camric. Where can I find this material? Thank you. Pat Mahaney
- Open a phone book and start calling around to boat shops. Chances are, they'll know of someone local to you that sells it. Dismas|(talk) 12:29, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Specifically you wil want to look for sail lofts. Rmhermen 16:09, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Circumsized vs non--circumsized
Do girls prefer men with circumsized penises or non-circumsized penises? 64.230.87.170 12:31, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- The best answer would probably be "neither". When a penis is erect, there is no discernible difference between the two visually. Factors that may influence one versus the other for some people might be:
- Generally speaking, uncircumsized men may be more physically sensitive, and re-active.
- Generally speaking, circumsized men can be cleaner, and so oral sex can be more appealing. (See Smegma)
- Uncircumsized men are a greater risk of having HPV (which at any given time, about 75% of the population has naturally).
- Please see the circumcision article.
- An uncircumsized man who keeps himself clean, and focuses on the satisfaction of his partner will find nearly all women to not notice or care whether he is circumsized. She will be more focused on the multitude of other factors, such as his personality, intelligence and charm.
- I presume it would depend on the girl in question. --Mnemeson 12:53, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- What Mnemeson said. Marnanel 12:55, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- And the penis. Anchoress 12:57, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- What I never quite got (I went to look for it in the article) is why more than half of the men in the USA are circumsizes, even though USA is in general a Christan country. I don't know anyone here who has been circumsized. Western Europe isn't that religious (well, at least not my country) but it shouldn't even matter (the article claims that Christianity does not demand circumcision). So why?? (Is it true that by default male babies born in USA hospitals are immediately circumsized without anaesthetics, unless you really go to heroic lengths to prevent that? If so, if due to (rare) circumstances my baby were to be born there, I think I'll chain myself to him to watch over him every second..)Evilbu 13:45, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- This is a sensitive topic on wikipedia but I will assume you are not trolling. We have suffered numerous editors whose only goal was to turn every article even remotely mentioning babies or genitalia into a pro- or anticircumcision screed. I can assure you that no baby in US hospitals is circumcised unless the parents request it and sign the consent (I think this misconception likely originated as another example of misleading anti-circ propaganda). The procedure in hospital nurseries is often performed without anesthesia but takes less than a minute. At this point it is a custom continuing mainly because most adult men in this country are circumcised. I assume the origins of the spread of circumcision in the US in the mid-20th century are argued about in the circumcision article, but I have no intention of checking. alteripse 14:23, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I think that U.S. doctors in the early 20th century believed that circumcision was healthy because it helped prevent infections. So circumcision became routine in hospital-delivered babies. As most babies were delivered in hospitals as the 20th century wore on, most American males were circumcised. Then, by the 1950s or 1960s, circumcisions were perpetuated by parents' belief that circumcision was normal and their desire that their child not be stigmatized or ridiculed when, say, showering in a public place. Since the 1960s, there has been a growing countermovement against circumcision in the United States, mainly among the well-educated, probably related to the movement toward more organic and natural living. Marco polo 14:34, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I largely agree with what Marco polo said. Certainly in the 50's and 60's almost all males were circumsized, as it was considered medically appropriate. In only a few cases has circumcision been for religious reasons, and I do not know of any christian religions where that is important.
- I disagree with the latter part of the previous statement though. The anti-circumcision movement has been a fringe movement, with little influence over American society, and few people even registering it on their radar. Again, the primary reason that it has declined, to where something like 55% are circumsized now, is because of the perceptions by doctors that it may not be medically necessary. The other factor is that most parents lean heavily towards circumsizing if the father is circumsized, and not if the father is not. Primarily my view is that the level of education is not a factor either way in the decision. If so, it would be very slight, as perhaps better educated parents might rely on the doctors recommendation as only advisory, where less educated may rely on a doctors advise more heavily.
- I participated/assisted when both of my boys were circumsized. I can assure you that in the U.S. NO child is circumsized without the consent (almost always signed) of the parents. The procedure was painless, and took less that 5 minutes, including the prep time and all. There was no pressure by staff to make a decision in either direction. This is only my experience though, and I wouldn't know about circumcision by non-medical personnel.
- With the recent scientific study showing a causal link between genital HPV and Cervical Cancer in women, I anticipate a trend back towards recommendations for circumcision by Doctors. But that is just my guess, only time will tell.
- With respect, how do you know the procedure was painless if it didn't happen to you? Did the circumcizees express that opinion? 71.136.77.241 05:49, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I doubt that HPV will have any effect as the link has been known for a while (apparently since the 1970s) and there are now two effective vaccines against it. Rmhermen 16:06, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- I agree with Atom that the anti-circumcision political movement is small in scale and not wide-based. When I wrote "countermovement against circumcision", I was not referring to the "anti-circumcision movement", which I agree could be characterized as "fringe" (though I don't like the word because it is dismissive). What I really meant was a change in sentiment away from favoring circumcision. It is a little speculative, but I do think that there is a connection to education, in that well-educated people are more likely to be aware that circumcision is no longer strongly recommended for medical reasons, and because I think that people who are interested in more natural living tend to be college-educated children of the 60s and more recent decades. I think that these people would tend to be biased against circumcising their children, even when the father is circumcised. On the other hand, less educated immigrants would probably also tend to be biased against circumcision in cases where it is not common in their cultures of origin. Marco polo 18:43, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
I think we're going a bit off-topic. Jamesino 21:23, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Non-circumsized penises are generally considered more beautiful, since no porn actor is circumsized.
- That is just not true. JackofOz 23:16, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- It depends on the girl. --Proficient 03:32, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- The first part does depend on the other party (who would not necessarily be a girl); but I've seen plenty of circumcised guys in porn. JackofOz 01:44, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Marlboro Man
My name is Cynthia Bromund and I was doing some research on my Uncle Doanld Bromund who I was told was one of the original Marlboro men. I couldn't find any information on him at all and your site does not even mention him. I never knew him and he is deceased. I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction. Thanks, Cynthia Bromund (email deleted to prevent spam)
- Cynthia, as you say, our article on the Marlboro Man doesn't mention any Bromund (I presume his name was Donald?). Have you tried contacting Altria (who owns the Marlboro brand) to see whether they have a company historian? --Robert Merkel 14:23, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- That sounded kind of accusing and hostile. ._. Try creating the article. --Proficient 03:32, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
MAD magazine
why is MAD magazine No 202 february with special The Mad "Star Wars" musical feature not listed anywhere. I did'ent print it. g7
- The parody you're probably thinking of is "The Force and I" and appeared in Mad #203 (not #202). Eventually someone will add it to WP's List of Mad Magazine Issues. In fact, using this reference, you could add it right now :).---Sluzzelin 14:33, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Wind speed
Where can I find information pertaining to the frequency of wind speeds that are equal to, or exceed 30 miles per hour in my area (zip code 23140)?
Ron
- The NCDC would have it on CD-Rom or in bound copies, but I can't seem to find it online anywhere. Nowimnthing 19:52, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- probably not much.
- http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/ilands/fig13.html Jasbutal 23:18, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Stating your zip code without stating your country is a bit sillly, isn't it? DirkvdM 06:56, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Zip codes
How many countries have Zip codes apart from USA? Could you pluck a couple out for me? 8-)--Light current 22:24, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
A Nightmare on Elm Street
I have heard from various people that A Nightmare on Elm Street was actually written in Sumner Washington on Ellm street in a old house. Is this true? Was there another movie or book that is written there? 71.231.48.33 15:58, 5 September 2006 (UTC) Dustin H.
- I found no reference confirming this. "Elm Street" might have been picked because it is a very common and easily identifiable street name; there are over 5000 Elm Streets across the United States. Wes Craven was probably living near Hollywood at the time he wrote A Nightmare on Elm Street. The house seen in the film is located in Hollywood, California. ---Sluzzelin 16:58, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
THE RETURN OF POLIO
WITHIN THE LAST WEEK, I SAW A ARTICLE FROM LUBBOCK, IN THE ABILENE REPORTER NEWS AND IT WAS AN ARTICLE ABOUT POLIO BEING SEEN TO RETURN IN THE ELDERLY, THE REASON I AM SO INTERESTED IS THAT AN ELDERLY GIRLFRIEND OF MINE NOTED HERS HAS RETURNED AND DID SO SEVERAL YEARS BACK, SHE HAD IT WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG AND SHE FEELS IT HAS RETURNED. CAN YOU PLEASE FIND THE ARTICLE AND E-MAIL IT TO ME, THANK YOU.
email removed for your protection from the forces of evil
- While I could find no such article on the newspapers website, you appear to be talking about Post-polio syndrome, not new polio infections which are no longer seen in the U.S. Follow the links for more details. Rmhermen 19:26, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Wikipedia has an article on post-polio syndrome. As always, it should not be construed as medical advice, and if medical advice has been added (out of policy) by some editor, you should keep in mind that there are no expert qualifications required to edit Wikipedia. --Trovatore 19:28, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
I ignore people who shout, so I haven't read your question. DirkvdM 06:57, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- What Dirk is trying to say is to please avoid using all-capitals when writing, it's the internet equivalent of shouting (which I'm sure is not what you intended). — QuantumEleven 09:33, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Korean Historical Drama or Film and crazy cooking show
I was watching the asian channel in the la area the other night and found a really good historical film or drama from korea. I am trying to find the name. All I know is that it was set post ww2, and before the korean war. One family ran a restaurant and the mother-propieter's son-in-law was a proffessor somehow involved with politics.
There's a fast paced korean show that also comes on late wed nights, I think called 'Delicious TV' any info on this show?
Thanks in advance.
If anyone knows any other korean films, dramas historical in nature or cooking shows could you post them for me?
Arbcom
Can a Mediator from the Mediation Cabal bring their case to the Arbitration committee? WikieZach| talk 20:05, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- This goes to the help desk. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 06:51, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Inappropriate Content
One of your featured articles about Andre Agassi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Agassi) contains a phrase in the main text that is questionable:
"he banged his wife and came on her face"
Because this is a wiki, I attempted to edit this inappropriate text, but could not find the phrase in the editing window. How does one proceed from here?
- It may have been removed already; vandalism usually is. Anchoress 20:43, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yep, it was removed almost immediately. Howard Train 21:02, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- You probably downloaded the page during the brief interval after the vandal struck and before a regular editor fixed the damage. The "history" file shows a log of changes - you could check that if something similar happens in the future. Durova 21:01, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- Indeed. It gets fixed quickly. --Proficient 03:34, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- To the original poster: If you see vandalism like that, the easiest way to go about removing it is by reverting the edit. This is usually done by looking at the history, and loading up the edit just before the vandals edit. Edit and save that page, and the newer edit (i.e. the vandal's edit) will be removed cleanly. Andre's page was a very visible page at that time, though, so you have to be careful that someone hasn't reverted it already, so if you're not sure, it might be easier just to leave a note on the talk page for someone else to clean it up. freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 06:49, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
_Oral_chatrooms
Are there any chatrooms over there I can use to chat with other people via voice so I can practice my English? Thanks in advance.
- When using flight simulation games, people are sometimes talking to each other (primarily for coordinating aircraft movements, especially around airports, just like in real life). You can learn alot about air traffic control at the same time! :-) Also for other types of games, voice chat is used. Sometimes, the voice chatting functions are a part of the game, sometimes you have to use a separate program. —Bromskloss 21:20, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
Thank you, buddy. Any flight simulator recommended? Any other ideas? :P
- Not really, I don't know what people use these days. But I sure would like to play with these (Scandinavian Airlines System Flight Academy), and I bet you would too! Please let me know if you get there so I can come over, will you? ;-) —Bromskloss 10:02, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- You could also simply try to find someone who speaks English and has a relatively recent version of MSN Messenger or Skype (those have voice chats) and agree to speak at a certain time. - Mgm|(talk) 09:30, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yahoo messenger has voice chat rooms. Philc TECI 16:11, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
If you speak even a little English and have some computer skills, you might be able to get a job as a technical support person for any American computer or software company, and talk to people in the US all day long while getting paid for it. Edison 23:43, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
hispanic population
I'm trying to get a somewhat accurate number for the area i live in and any other information that is available
- Okay, it would help to know the name of the area in which you live... --Tagishsimon (talk)
See if this helps, U.S. Census office Atom 22:18, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- That would only help if they were from the US. Why not list similar pages for every country on Earth? Ah, yes, of course: census. Not quite every country, but 29 of them isn't bad. This includes Spain, and if you want info on hispanics - they're the originals. Whose panic, by the way? :) DirkvdM 07:07, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
why is there so much buzz about her? Jasbutal 23:19, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
- In a job changed less frequently then the president's
- Talks to more Americans then the president
- Has nicer legs then the lot of them (apart from Lincoln)
- Is a woman
- Simultaneously makes news more accessible/stupid supposedly
- Causes edit conflicts
MeltBanana 00:13, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Her selection as anchor gives the impression that future news will be even more fluff than it is now, reporting on celebrity gossip and puppies down wells, while completely neglecting international affairs. If so, the level of ignorance this will generate in the next generation may have profound negative implications for the future of the US, and the world. StuRat 03:21, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- It's weird. --Proficient 03:35, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
i hate her
She has a sweet smile and far nicer hair than her predecessors since 1948, Bob Schieffer, Dan Rather, Walter Cronkite, or Douglas Edwards. Unlike her 4 predecessors, the network used computer graphics to make Katie look thinner in publicity photos. Edison 05:15, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Umm, does she have a different number of legs than the rest of us?-gadfium 08:24, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- No, but the consensus seems to be that they are nicer to look at than those of many other ladies. And, more to the point, they are quite easily visible on TV. --Richardrj talk email 08:29, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Well, now we had the first episode, and the hard hitting news story was...a pic of the Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes baby, Suri. Then, instead of having an interview with someone intelligent, they had an interview with Bush. StuRat 05:14, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
September 6
Rafael and Fernando
Does anyone have any information about these names? Like famous people by these names, the meaning of these names, ect. They're Spanish names. Russian F 02:17, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
PS. I need the answers fast. Russian F 02:24, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Raphael is a famous renaissance painter, and, perhaps even more significantly, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. :-) StuRat 03:07, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- You can find information by looking at articles on those names. --Kiltman67 03:09, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Also, while googling for your answers, I ran across this web site you might find useful. SWAdair 03:11, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Assassins
Are there any known currently working notable assassins? I'm thinking along the lines of Carlos the Jackal and not mafia men or terrorists such as someone who worked specifically for a terrorist organization. You know, just your hired gun sort. Just curious, I'm not looking to knock over a gov't. Dismas|(talk) 02:46, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I never would have guessed that we have an article List of contract killers. Wikipedia has everything. SWAdair 03:15, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- why are they all men? Jasbutal 03:50, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thanks for that but of those, most were in the mafia and all are either dead or in prison. Dismas|(talk) 04:11, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Well if they weren't and they were on that list they'd soon be anyway. DirkvdM 07:16, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thanks for that but of those, most were in the mafia and all are either dead or in prison. Dismas|(talk) 04:11, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- why are they all men? Jasbutal 03:50, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Go into your local 'bad part of town'. Find someone who looks quite mean/tough and also looks like they're in need of a chemical pick-me-up. Offer them an 'incentive' to solve your current 'problem' (payable upon completion). Unless your target is anyone that matters, it shouldn't be too hard for your man to get up close and personal with blade/claw hammer/crowbar/etc.. The bonus here is that you get to watch (you'll need to tag along with him as he'll probably insist on immediate payment - if you offer him half upfront, there's a chance he'll just piss off somewhere to shoot up and take you for a mug). --Kurt Shaped Box 10:01, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm not actually looking for anyone... I just wondered if there are any notable ones around. I've always been interested in spy movies and various other undercover operative type movies so I thought I'd ask, that's all. Dismas|(talk) 12:27, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Sorry mate - I don't move in those sorts of circles. :) If there are any real 'notable' ones around (i.e. guys capable of taking out someone that *does* matter) and they're any good at their profession, no-one will know who they are until they mess a job up. I'd imagine that *good* hitmen (i.e. ones that will do the job properly and remain silent if caught) are very hard to find - and expensive. --Kurt Shaped Box 18:09, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I don't move in those circles either, but I once attended a police training course in Puerto Rico (although I have never been a cop). One of the exercises was to prove the guilt of a guy who'd hired a hitman. We had access to his bank account records, but I completely missed the payment, because I couldn't believe you could hire a killer for such a small amount of money. It was considerably less than a thousand dollars.-gadfium 01:34, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm afraid you've fallen for the Hollywood portrayal of hit men as glamorous, international businessmen who are incredibly good at what they do and therefore, get paid millions. The reality is that the average hit man is probably semi-retarded and their "brilliant plot" is to knock on the door then beat the guy who answers it to death with a baseball bat, for just enough money to get their next drug fix. StuRat 01:55, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
I imagine that most professinal killing these days are done by professional teams connected with a goverment *put on tin foil hat now*. Jon513 18:24, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
drugs + jobs
I'm applying for a fed job. What risks are there for me if they find I used illegal drugs? Jasbutal 04:02, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Maybe you should reconsider applying if you do indeed use illegal drugs. It will look bad and the chances are very good they will find out, as they will probably require a urine sample before allowing you to take up the job. --Proficient 05:34, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- i smoked pot 2 months ago, it's not like I'm going to fail a urine test...but good point in that if I ever try to apply again they might have a file on me. But fuck that, all the ex-prez's smoked . Jasbutal 05:38, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Rather depends on the country. There won't be many (civilised ones) where such tests are done. Drug test#Detection periods says cannabis can be found in your hair up to 90 days after last use. DirkvdM 07:21, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- You'll get fired? --Kurt Shaped Box 09:52, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Avoid eating any baked goods with poppy seeds on them, since this supposedly can create a false positive on drug tests. Also breathing marijuana fumes second hand can supposedly create a false positive. If you get caught and later become a politician, radio commentator, or supreme court nominee you can say it was a "youthful indescretion" regardless of how old you were at the time.Edison 15:49, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Say you sucked but did not inhale... or whatever bullshit the dude came up with. Philc TECI 16:09, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- "Tried it once, didn't like it, did nothing for me." might work too. --Kurt Shaped Box 18:10, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
baseball
Number of pitchers who have hit a home run in their own no-hitter--66.217.130.164 04:21, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I would be surprised if the total was a non-zero number. You would basically have to:
- Take all the games played
- Divide that roughly in half since pitchers in half the league don't even bat
- Take out all the games with a hit by both teams
- Then take out all the games where there weren't any home runs scored (just normal runs)
- According to No-hitter:
- Two pitchers have homered while pitching no-hitters. Earl Wilson of the Boston Red Sox hit a home run during his June 26, 1962 no-hitter against the Los Angeles Angels. Rick Wise went one better: in his June 23, 1971 no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds, the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher hit two home runs.
- Note that this refers to Major League Baseball only. Remember that the designated hitter rule only went into effect in 1973. –RHolton≡– 13:23, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- According to No-hitter:
<3 the beat
Why are some people attracted to incredibly repetitive beat intensive music that often lacks any of the melody/structure so common in most other types of music? freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ 06:44, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Beats me. (Seriously). JackofOz 07:07, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Boom tsh! tsh..tsh..tsh..tsh. etc.
- Its probably because it just, like, yknow, sounds great, yaknowwhatimean? By the way, i love you, dude. Seriously, i expect there may be some atavistic connection to the tribal drumming of our forefathers. Rockpocket 07:13, 6 September 2006 (UTC)\
- And also because it can be fun to dance to. --Richardrj talk email 07:24, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I recently heard that there is a connection between musical beat and heartbeat. So the beat will affect your mood. A slow beat will calm you down and a fast beat will give you a rush, like you're doing something exciting. A normal heart rate is aroun 70 bpm for men and 75 for women. Note that for adolescents it's about 80-100 bpm. So what's normal for them sounds agitated to adults. If I interpreted the theory right, maybe this should be added to Beats per minute. DirkvdM 07:30, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thats very interesting, DirkvdM, and would fit in with the atavism theory. One might imagine tribal drumming to precede or follow hunts or rituals where a increased heartbeat would be expected. If you wanted to be Freudian about it one could even make an argument that there is a womb memory of your mother's heartbeat that is envoked by repetitive beats. Consider the old, "give a puppy a ticking clock" technique to comfort it. Rockpocket 07:52, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- But you get some very good music that is fast but you can also get some really shit music that is fast. Isnt the question more reffering to how some songs have crap repeatitive non changing non musical beats, that can be made by people completely barren of any talent, and other are exceptional music. Philc TECI 16:03, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Many times this can be subjective. --Proficient 03:31, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
success and happiness
what is success and how is it related to happiness?
- Inversely, if you believe your average celebrity moan about how tough their life is now they are rich and famous. Then again, these guys claim a study that shows "chronically happy people are in general more successful in their personal and professional lives." However, they claim it is not always true that "success and accomplishments bring happiness". So there you have it. But, of course, what is really important is what you define as successful in your life. You could always read about success and happiness and decide for yourself. Rockpocket 07:25, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- If you're happy about you're life, you're successful. If you're filthy rich and unhappy, you've failed. DirkvdM 07:33, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
If we try to correlate wealth with happiness, I suspect that somewhere between middle class and upper class would be optimal, with those living in poverty unhappy for obvious reasons, and those with extreme wealth unhappy due to the constant stalking of reporters, risk of kidnapping, and possible guilt over whatever they had to do to get all that money in the first place. StuRat 07:59, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Neither can be quantified, any one at the bottom of the "success structure" they are exposed too, will be completely ungrateful for the fact they are towards the top over all i.e. someone who lives in new york, but does a menial office job who gets paid a decent salary, but is constantly surrounded by people who get paid more and work less, will have little or no thanks for the fact that pretty much the entire population of africa and a lot of south america and asia would kill to live his life. Philc TECI 16:07, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Steve Irwin videoclip.
Not to sound morbid, but is it possible the footage of Steve Irwin's death will be leaked and appear on sites like Youtube and Ogrish?
- I was waiting for someone to bring this up. I sincerely hope the film never gets seen. Some things should be left alone. --Richardrj talk email 08:34, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Hear, hear! Durova 13:09, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Not unless one of his camera crew or the police investigating his death decide to leak. - Mgm|(talk) 09:26, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Investigating? Is every death "investigated" nowadays, no matter how obvious it was? —Bromskloss 09:43, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- It's certainly *possible* that the clip will be made public in the future. Probably via the usual journalist + police officer 'of negiotiable devotion to duty' route. --Kurt Shaped Box 09:51, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Some would say it's ghoulish or insensitive to want to see such a video, but I guarantee that if it became publicly available, there would be enormous interest in it from his admirers and others, which is hardly surprising. How often have we all seen the Zapruder film of JFK's head being shot away? It seems to be human nature to be attracted to horrific scenes, car smashes, shark attacks, death in any form etc. JackofOz 10:06, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Many people will watch it simply to see an arrogant fool die by the sword he lived by.
- That seems a bit harsh, although I do agree that he was rather careless about safety. StuRat 10:33, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'm inclined to agree with the anon. It was only a matter of time before his reckless behaviour towards wild animals for the sake of 'good TV' would lead to a sticky end and leave his children without a father. I know about all the conservation work he did but the guy always struck me as an overly-macho prat. --Kurt Shaped Box 10:46, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- An alternative point of view is that he was gradually being cajoled into undertaking more and more dangerous stunts by the TV companies, and being paid more and more money for taking risks that he might not otherwise have taken. If I were the TV producer who commissioned that stingray film, I'm not sure I would be able to sleep very soundly in my bed at the moment. Yes, I know he didn't *have* to do it, but sometimes it's difficult to refuse risky undertakings when a large cheque is being dangled in front of one's face. --Richardrj talk email 12:06, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- The guy took the ratings and money from the "good TV" and turned it into funds to benefit animals, the environment, and conservationism. He wasn't "macho" in the traditional sense—it was never, ever, about his "conquest" of the animals, it was always about admiring how strong they were, how important they were. His behavior towards the animals was never "reckless", and part of his constant message was that nature was worth respecting. Remember that TV makes things up to look as risky as possible—when he did die, it was because of a totally fluke accident, a one-in-a-million shot from what is normally a non-fatal stinger. It's really too bad he died like this; he did a lot of good work in education and conservation, and his silliness made it all the more exciting for children. As for the video itself; people are often drawn to the macabre, so it is no suprise that people might be interested in it, though I hope it gets sealed away somewhere. --Fastfission 17:24, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Whenever I saw his show, it seemed that his entire 'angle' was to antagonize otherwise-peacefully-minding-their-own-business animals into attacking him and *just* get out of the way of their jaws in time whilst grinning like a fool for the cameras. Based on current reports, it seemed that he annoyed the stingray too. --Kurt Shaped Box 18:03, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- What's ironic (?) is that he was apparently not engaged in particularly risky behavior at the time. This wasn't a case of pushing the limits for good tv. –RHolton≡– 13:01, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yeah, getting killed by a stingray is probably about as unlikely as getting killed by a dolphin. Sure it can happen, but no one worries about it. Sure he increased his chances of being killed by an animal just due to his line of work, but that could be said about anyone. A firefighter has a greater chance than most of being killed by a fire but that doesn't mean that they are foolhardy. Nowimnthing 14:38, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- If Steve Irwin had been a fireman, he'd be one who deliberately started fires in order to charge in, put them out and emerge as the hero. --Kurt Shaped Box 17:58, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- KurtSB, I don't know where you are or what reports you've seen, but every report I've seen here, including the police media conference, says that there was no evidence that there was any antagonism going on, rather, Irwin was simply passively observing it. Some individuals have speculated he must have antagonised it, but those who've seen the video deny any such activity. (and for the record, I was never a fan of Irwin). JackofOz 20:35, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- According to what I've heard, and unless the story has changed in the last six hours, the ray was being 'boxed in' by Irwin and his cameraman. It's like trapping a rat in a corner - it's not a good idea, no matter how peaceful the creature is suppose to be. --Kurt Shaped Box 20:43, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I would expect everyone involved to deny any responsibility or blame, to avoid being sued by the family. However, as stingrays aren't aggressive animals, you really need to be way too close to them and annoying for them to sting you through the heart. Had he been at a respectable distance, it wouldn't have been possible for them to sting him at all. StuRat 00:17, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- Sorry to interrupt all the needless nastiness about the dead guy, but the answer to the question is no. Irwin's manager has said that the tape will never see the light of day. [9] TheMadBaron 20:04, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Unconfirmed reports that it was shown on Queensland TV the night of his death. If so, I would be suprised if it doesn't find its way to the net pretty soon...Downunda 22:18, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I very much doubt that. If that were true, the extraordinary level of coverage his death received would guarantee the video would have been shown ad nauseam by now. JackofOz 22:44, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
It would be no worse than the videos of police chasing cars ending in fatal crashes which are shown every day on TV, or the videos of car suicide bombings on the news. Edison 23:46, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- People always find a way of leaking things. I expect the videos to leak out eventually. --Proficient 03:35, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Bad standards
Hello. I don't know where this question belongs, so I chose miscellaneous. There are some standards that seem virtually unchangeable, inspite of their relative inadequacy and inspite of improved suggestions at our disposition. I'm thinking of the QWERTY layout on keyboards, the hour/minute/second system, angular measurement, the calendar system etc. My question: Is there a word for these seemingly inefficient yet persistent standards? Thank you. Pat83.77.215.216 09:38, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I don't know if there's a word for it, sorry, but I'm curious what you feel is so inefficient about hours/minutes/seconds and the calendar. As for the QWERTY layout, it's not that way all around the world. Though I know what you're getting at. At this point it would be harder to get everyone to switch over to a differently standardized keyboard layout than it's really worth. Dismas|(talk) 09:49, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- The anon is not the only one to feel the calendar/time measure is inefficient. See Calendar reform, Swatch Internet Time and Decimal time. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 10:26, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
For many things it's absolutely critical that there be a standard, but what the standard is is totally unimportant. For example, alphabetical order. It would be just as useful if the alphabet was arranged in any other order, but changing from the current order to another order would be extremely painful. The layout of the keyboard is one of these things. It might be slightly better if the keyboard was in alphabetical order, but dealing with the changeover would create all types of problems (for example, touch typists would need to learn to type all over). The French actually tried to change to digital time and dates during the French Revolution, but similarly found that the changeover was prohibitive. StuRat 10:29, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I'd agree with StuRat about the importance of standards, except I'd say a particular standard might be arbitrary, but not unimportant. The chosen standard is what makes the particular order important. Btw, the French did introduce the French Republican Calendar, but abandoned it after 12 years of use. JackofOz 11:40, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Thank you, all, for responding. Dismas asked about which inefficiencies in time measurement I was referring to. CambridgeBayWeather has basically answered this question. Simple operations, such as calculating my age expressed in days, take me forever. Figuring out which date and day of the week it will be 200 days from now makes my head hurt. I may be somewhat challenged, arithmetically, but I have no difficulty comparing or adding, subtracting, and multiplying prices in Euros or figures expressed in units of the metric system. These challenges in calculating time keep our synapses busy and may be desirable. I was mainly curious on whether there was a word for this kind of standard. Pat83.77.215.216 12:54, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I think some people call this the "QWERTY phenomenon". In case you were wondering, 200 days from today will be Sunday, March 25, 2007. – b_jonas 14:02, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Richard Feynman in his book Surely You’re Joking makes the point that sin and cos and tan are not the best way to present a function because it looks like s times i times n. he perfered using symbles simmalar to a square root sign, which make clear that it is a function acting on something. Jon513 17:36, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Yes. THe word is traditional (or conventional)--Light current 18:30, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Well, days are the length they are, and so are years, not much anyone can do about that. It's built into fundamental astronomical facts about the Earth's rotation and orbit. I suppose hypothetically you could opt for a 100-day year, or a 1000-day year, but then you'd completely break the correspondence between the time of year and the weather/length of day. --Trovatore 20:58, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thank you, CambridgeBayWeather for pointing out those articles to me. Though, I still don't mind the current system as I so seldomly care, much less need to know, what day of the week it will be however far off in the future or past. But then I guess that just makes me self centered... I can live with that. :-) Dismas|(talk) 21:07, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- I don't see how you come to that self-flagellatory conclusion. Go easy on yourself, Dismas. :--) JackofOz 22:41, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Thank you, CambridgeBayWeather for pointing out those articles to me. Though, I still don't mind the current system as I so seldomly care, much less need to know, what day of the week it will be however far off in the future or past. But then I guess that just makes me self centered... I can live with that. :-) Dismas|(talk) 21:07, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- The transition from a current bad system to a better system is too much of a change to make it worthwhile in the short run. --Proficient 03:37, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Firsst world war
Hello,
I would like to ask the help of anyone in trying to trace my grandad's service in the war. His name is Septimus Craggs and he served the whole war in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you. --"""
- I would start by trying the contact link at the bottom of the Royal Army Medical Corps site. They might be able to help with where to find the information or may even be able to provide it. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:30, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- A good place to look is the National Archives website. They have recently digitised the entire collection of WW1 medal records - my understanding is that pretty much everyone who served in that war received some kind of medal, so it's a very comprehensive database. I searched your granddad's name for you and came up with this. You have to pay a small fee and they will send you a scan of his original medal card. This will tell you about what medal(s) he was awarded and maybe some more details about where he served and so on. Hope this helps. --Richardrj talk email 11:36, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
MySpace information.
I'm doing a speech on MySpace for my class, and I'm having trouble finding the following facts;
-On average, how many hits a day does MySpace have?
-Where is it ranked among website in terms of popularity?
Thanks, Tyler
- Try Alexa. Here is their MySpace report [10]. Hope this helps. Skittle 14:22, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
poetry
I'm currently working on a challenging crossword puzzle and I'm hoping for either an answer or directions towards finding the answer. My question is what would complete this clue: Before, to a poet. Three letter answer E E with the middle letter missing. Any idea?
Thanks 68.226.188.185 17:33, 6 September 2006 (UTC)Ellen
Ere. --Rallette 17:41, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Able was I ere I saw Elba. (Napoleon?)--Light current 18:45, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Where did the term 'El Jefe' come from?
Any help?
- It's spanish for 'The Boss.'--24.250.33.247 20:46, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- From Spanish approximation of French "chef" (chief), I guess, ultimately from French sound change evolution of Latin caput (head). (Btw, this is a typical "language" reference question.) 惑乱 分からん 22:37, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
Unit Unvestment Trust Documents
There were documents on how to set up a unit investment trust on this site. Now i cannot find them. Please tell me where to go to locate that information.
Please reply to me at (email address redacted)
Thank you
- Wikipedia's search engine isn't as sophisticated as google's. If you can't find the results you want using wikisearch, go to google and type 'wiki unit investment trust' which is quickest and should work. If that gives you too many answers try 'unit investment site:wikipedia.org' or some combination of these two. Rentwa 21:55, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- This query might help --Tagishsimon (talk)
What two colours make pink?
Serious question
- Red and white? --Richardrj talk email 21:15, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- Depends whether you are talking additve or subtractive color formation.(ie paint or filtered light)--Light current 21:58, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- In computer paint software; approximately Red 100%, Green 50%, Blue 50%, I'd guess. (In CMYK Magenta is basically Pink in itself.) 惑乱 分からん 22:21, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
- In CMYK, about a 35% saturation of magenta plus a 15% saturation of yellow makes pink. Pantone "Sachet Pink" is M=50, Y=5 so there's quite a bit of gamut inside "pink". Sachet Pink in RGB is R=255, G=160, B=191. dpotter 02:18, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Disney/Dimension Films
Since October 1, 2005 Harvey and Bob Weinstein left the Walt Disney Company to make their own independant company taking Dmension films with them. Disney still has rights to join in for sequels to Scary Movie, etc.. but does Disney still own the rights to the rest of Dimension Film's Movies (Sin City, Brothers Grimm...)?
- This was asked before. Check through the archives. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 23:33, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
September 7
Can cereal be patented ?
I saw an ad for new Fruity Cheerios today, which looks to be a rip-off of Froot Loops. Can they be sued ? StuRat 00:22, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- In the case of serial infringements, I think they could be 8-)--Light current 00:26, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- Cereal can only be patent the exact recipe that is used. If it was found that General Mills happened to steal Kellogg's recipe then they could be sued. However, if General Mills was able to just experiment around a little and make something similar, then they're home free. This is why knock-off brands (like Wal-Mart's Great Value series) are able to have their own versions of every popular food product out there. It's always why they never taste quite the same. Of course, I don't really know law, but that's how I guess it works.--SeizureDog 00:48, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- For those unfamiliar with Fruity Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios are quite distinct from Froot Loops. They are about half the size, do not have that sugary-coating, and are more fruity flavored than sugary sweet. While Froot Loops are puffed, Fruity Cheerios have a harder, more cheerio-like texture. So the recipe seems to be completely different rather than only slightly changed. Hyenaste (tell) 02:33, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- In the United States, patents used to last seventeen years from the date they were granted, but now they last twenty years from the application date. Of course, the recipes for cereal probably change from time to time, but if Fruit Loops were patented when they first came out (I'd guess that was forty years ago) anyone is free to make cerial according to the old recipe.
- If a cereal company does not have a patent, anyone is free to experiment until they copy the taste and appearance. --Gerry Ashton 03:55, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- They could declare the recipe a trade secret. DMacks 04:40, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Cure for acid burns on the tongue
Of course, it's really not as serious of a question as it can sound. What I'm referring to is when one eats too many sour foods (like Sour Skittles) and it burns your tastes buds to where it really hurts to eat anything. Does anyone know of any way to counter-act this?--SeizureDog 00:51, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- Milk is good for this type of thing, since it contains both water and fat, so is able to dissolve both water-soluble and fat-soluble chemicals, and thus dilute them. Of course, if the damage to the tongue is already done, then you will just have to wait for the tongue to heal. StuRat 00:55, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- Neutralize it with a base. --Proficient 03:40, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Number of College Student in the US?
Facebook is supposed to have 7.7 million members and be at 80% saturation of the college market. Is that correct? How many college students are in the US? How Many High School Students are in the US? 10 million college students seems low to me. 
STHayden [ Talk ] 02:55, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
- Looks like 14.5 million undergrads in 2003 [11]. Rmhermen 03:30, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Poet G Venora LaMarche
Please add this author to the list of Poets. G. Venora LaMarche has published two Poetry Chapbooks. The first titled "Crazee Lady, Too" and the second is "This Life: Orison of Life" both published by Publish America. The first was released in 2005 and "This Life" is released in July 2006. G. Venora was born 1941 and presently resides in Wichita Kansas.