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June 6

Roentgens Caricature Drawing

i am after a picture of Roenetgens caricature picture. where am i able to find one, if there are any availible

Um, is this image the sort of thing you're after? (I found it on this guy's website if you want to know the provenance.) If you're looking for something else, please be more specific.--Pharos 02:30, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

HAH! That's pretty good (No I'm not the original requester)! 68.39.174.238 03:36, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Plural of Habeas Corpus?

I was doing some work on a page concerning a court case here and ran across a legal/linguistic question: Should two writs of habeas corpus together be written with the plural of "habeas corpus"? Also, embarassingly enough, if that's the case, what IS the Latin plural for "habeas corpus" ? Thanx68.39.174.238 02:20, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think "X writs of habeas corpus" is the correct form. "Habeas corpus" itself cannot be pluralised. It is clear from our article why this is so. JackofOz 02:34, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Habeatis corpus, habeas corpora, or habeatis corpora, depending on whether you want to pluralize the subject, the object, or both (in respective order). These are the latin terms, not the legal terms, as you asked. Legally, I think writs is correct. alteripse 02:41, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

But none of those "pluralizations" are pluralizations of Habeas corpus as an overall noun (incstead, they're separate Latin-language sentences), so they're a little irrelevant to English. It's like asking what is the Latin plural of ignoramus... ;-) AnonMoos 03:53, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Political inclinations

Me again. I'm doing some work on the articel of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and someone suggested that the partizan complex of the judges be shown. According to Fox (I know, not the best source), it's 4 Dem., 2 Rep., and one Ind. I've been able to find one person's affiliation (Zazzali's a Democrat). Anyone have any idea how they found out what everyone's party was? Or did they just ask them all one by one? Is there a likely place these things whould be recorded (I've checked about 15 pages of Google)? Thanx again. 68.39.174.238 03:40, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

One has to remember that these judges were appointed by the governor, and presumably all or nearly all are of the same party as the governor who appointed them. I believe the party rolls are public information, though it would probably take a fair bit of bureaucracy to get to them. Short of that, the definitive source for their party affiliation would I think be the Star-Ledger story on the occasion of their swearing-in.--Pharos 03:58, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Interesting idea, however I don't see how to account for the independant one though... Do you know if the S-L keeps back issues online, or if anyone else does? I checked their site... but it immedately confused me (Sorry, it did: flat and portal-like!)! 68.39.174.238 04:20, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hmm, wait... Zazzali's a democrat... and was appointed by Whitman (A Republican)? I think I'll have to find someone with back issues of the S-L and root around in there, unless there's something else. 68.39.174.238 04:23, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

See this site. Only short excerpts are free, but I've been able to piece it together. Here's the breakdown:

Poritz, Republican according to a July 11, 1996 article.
Long, Democrat according to a September 9, 1999 article.
LaVecchia "has spent 12 years working in Republican administrations" according to a January 11, 2000 article.
Zazzali was a Democratic state attorney general (May 5, 2003 reference if that's necessary).
Albin was appointed by McGreevey and gave money to Torricelli, but we don't have an explicit statement of his affiliation.
I can't see a reason to doubt that Wallace is a Democrat, but again it isn't explicitly stated.
Rivera-Soto is a mentioned as "listed alternately as a Republican and an independent" (April 21, 2004) or as just a registered Republican (September 12, 2004), but he has given more money to Democrats than Republicans. It appears he is the "independant" Fox News was referencing, though I think that classification may be inaccurate.--Pharos 05:20, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wooooooooooooot! Thanx dude! 68.39.174.238 02:23, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

HAH! Now when I troll for other sources, look what comes up:! 68.39.174.238 03:16, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Officer on deck!"

In pop culture I've learned that soldiers/sailors signal that an officer is nearby and requires saluting by calling out the above phrase. Can anyone tell me if there's always been such a custom? - I'm especially interested in the armed forces of 17th century France.

Thanks Adambrowne666 06:04, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Just a side note: that phrase is only used by Navy and Marine enlisted. The "deck" is the ship's deck, and it comes from the days when the swabbies and sailors would be working on the deck of the ship -- rigging and swabbing and stuff -- and the officers would emerge from cabins or superstructure and these working sailors would need to notice. Nowadays, of course, the phrase is used even though the sailors and marines might be six floors beneath the top deck of the ship. Geogre 12:25, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, Geogre - but no cigar as yet - no other takers? Adambrowne666 09:31, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

OK - now moving this question over to Miscellaneous Desk, see if I have better luck there. Adambrowne666 23:12, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Berndt Lubich von Milovan

I am searching where Berndt Lubich von Milovan was burried. He died probably on April 24, 1966 in Oslo. He was a fascist born in Riga, Latvia on December 7, 1913.

Thank you for your help

Alena, June 6, 2006

Searched Find A Grave, Ancestry.com (too much results). Try them ? --DLL 20:18, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

World Cup

How many World Cup squad members play in the English Premiership, or the lower English leagues, and how does this compare with the other European leagues?

See 2006 FIFA World Cup (squads)#Player representation by league. Conscious 10:39, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Only two nations where all players play in their domestic league. Interesting!

Spain's the one that intrigues me - everyone either plays at home or in England. And the squads overall make for an interesting comparison with the almost entirely domestic squads in the early cups (see 1934 FIFA World Cup (squads), for instance). Grutness...wha? 09:51, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Lewis and Clark - how far can you canoe?

Reading several sources on the Lewis and Clark expedition raises a question - how far can you go today in canoe between St. Louis and the Pacific Ocean? It seems as though there are rivers which are navigable by canoe which would lessen the distance to traverse over the mountains that L & C weren't aware of. Admittedly, there are now dams which would require portage that L & C didn't have to face.

Hmm, I wonder if we have an article on wild rivers or list of wild rivers or list of wild rivers in North America? If not, the Google term would probably be "wild river," as that seems to be the only type of river that doesn't have a flood control or hydro electric dam on it somewhere (or a water diversion dam as with the Colorado River). Geogre 13:21, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It is certainly possible to canoe on rivers with dams. Whether Lewis and Clark could have gotten farther - maybe a little, but not enough to matter. Those large mountains just weren't going to allow a easy trade route. Rmhermen 23:58, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

List of Convicted Terrorists in U.S. Prisons

I am interested in finding a list of terrorists convicted in the last 5 years in the U.S. -- and which U.S. prison are housing them. Thank you.

As far as I know it's just Richard Reid (shoe bomber) and Zacharias Mousaui (I know that last name's spelt wrong), anyone else gets thrown in Guantanomo without all the inconvenience of trial and conviction (or aquittal). AllanHainey 14:20, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What about Terry Nichols and Eric Robert Rudolph? They are both at ADX Florence, along with Moussaoui, Reid and many other high profile prisoners.--Pharos 21:19, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The right spelling is Zacarias Moussaoui. E-s-B 14:34, 6 June 2006 (UTC)

Here is the Pentagon list of detainees, but most of them have not been tried yet [1]. Here is a list of infamous terrorists and current info about them, some in prison, some not [2]. Nowimnthing 14:48, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Shurely shome mishtake? If they have not faced a fair trial and due process, are they not infamous people accused of being terrorists? Or do we do away with traditions such as 'Innocent until proven guilty' now that there's any test of them? Sorry: bugbear. Skittle 14:52, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I just went with the how they were listed in the article. It looks like most of the ones in the list that have not been convicted have assumed responsibility for terrorist actions. Nowimnthing 15:23, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You have to read the article USA PATRIOT Act. Basicly, to protect American security almost all rights have been revoked. You can thank the American people who voted for George W. Bush, our new and glorious leader in this new crusade against terrorism. Don´t forget to praise the LORD for the new American president. Oh, and if you are against it, you might be a anti-american fanatic, perhaps... even a terrorist sympathizer; you will be checked out (privacy? forget it), and then perhaps arrested for a couple of years WHITHOUT charge and then probably forgotten. (Ahh sarcasm, don´t you just love it?) Flamarande 15:10, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I feel sorry for the Americans, whose privacy rights have been taken away. Just look at what the U.S. government did in response to 9/11 (Patriot Act, War on Terrorism, etc). It's much more devastating than the destruction of the World Trade Center and its immediate consequences. --Bowlhover 03:35, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What about us poor British? There have been some 'interesting' laws passed here too. Skittle 07:57, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Please do not 'correct' people's spelling for them. Suggesting 'I think you meant ___' is one thing, changing it yourself is another. As it is, the 'mistake' you corrected in my post was deliberate: a reference to a particular magazine. On top of the chance of this sort of thing, it is rude to alter people's words without their consent and doesn't allow any lessons to be learnt, unlike pointing errors out. Thank you. Skittle 16:00, 6 June 2006 (UTC) [reply]

I think it is absolutely great that Bush is an evil overlord who took away every single right the American citizens have and is the sole source of every problem in the world. That means that when his term is up, the entire world will turn into a utopia. How can anyone complain about that? --Kainaw ^(talk) 19:04, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not if someone of his ilk such as his brother or Bill Frist succeed him. User:Zoe|^(talk) 17:36, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Seating Plan Diagram Of Indian Parliament

I need the seating plan diagram of indian parliament i.e lok sabha and rajya sabha for a project. Please provide them.

Click here, then click on "email", then you can ask the head of security yourself and tell him all about your project. --Shantavira 18:25, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Comparison Between Indian Rupee, American Dollar And British Pound

Could you please tell me why American Dollar is strongest and has widest coverage even if British currency has the maximum value? I need this information urgently.

For a start, you can take a look at the international use section of the United States dollar article. I will see what else I can find for you. Road Wizard 18:37, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Maximum Value doesn't equate to better stability. Philc _T^E_C^I 19:07, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think that is what he/she is asking. So yeah the dollar may be considered stronger not because of it's relative value compared to other currencies (though that is one consideration) but due to it's widespread use and relative stability. Nowimnthing 19:26, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The fact that the £1 is worth more than $1 doesn't mean the pound is a better currency than the dollar or that the British economy is better than the American one. The weakness of the dollar compared to the pound reflects the fact that the US has a trade deficit with the UK. But in the US, the trade deficit tends to reflect strength, not weakness, in the economy. In some countries, such as Zimbabwe, a weak currency does reflect weakness in the economy, but, to this point, not in the US. The US remains the world's number-one economic power, and the dollar, even if it has its up-and-down cycles, is a relatively stable currency. In the future, however, the euro may come to replace the dollar as the world's currency franca. -- Mwalcoff 23:12, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In fact the Kuwaiti Dinar is the highest valued currency unit, 1 Dinar is worth US$3.46 DM Andy 05:53, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I REALLY think that to say: "the weakness of the dollar compared to the pound reflects the fact that the US has a trade deficit with the UK" is highly innacurate. Of course that may be one factor, but certainly not the main or even major factor. A currency's value is based on a vast number of variables. Very high on the list would be the relative interest rate set by the particular country's central bank, which in turn is a decision made by looking at an even more vast array of economic indicia. Monetary policy is an extremely complex art/science, one that I have only the most basic understanding of. If you want the complete answer, you'd have to ask Alan Greenspan as he is perhaps one of the very few who actually seem to have a firm grasp of this sort of thing. However, what I do know is that trade deficits, to the extent they have an effect, are only one of a vast number of variables that contribute to a currency's value.

It's also interesting to note that one of the world's "leading" currencies, the Japanese Yen (¥), a currency that is rivaled only by the US Dollar ($), the European Euro (€), and perhaps, the British Pound Sterling (£), has a surprisingly low value, for anyone who is unfamiliar with it. I certainly couldn't quote its precise value at the moment, but very roughly, it's worth something like 1¢ American, give or take. Yet it remains one of the worlds leading currencies, most likely due to the immense importance of the Japanese economy. Loomis51 22:01, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You also have to remember that what each country uses as it's basic method of valuation is completely arbitrary. Just because 1 dollar = 114 yen doesn't mean anything about their absolute worth, it just makes transactions different. Other than minor variations you are still getting the same value for the same goods. Ignoring a lot of variation here, so bear with me: If you buy a car for $10,000, someone in Japan would buy the same car for around 1.14 million yen. Each of you are getting the same product for the same price. So it is just the monetary units relative worth to other monetary units that is important, not the actual numbers. Nowimnthing 16:13, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

While you seem to have a good point, I don't think you truly understand. Currency valuations aside, it's well know that Japan is a more expensive place to live than the US. If you buy a car for $10,000, it's likely that that same car will cost you more than the amount of Yen $10,000 will buy you.

Put more simply, let's say, for the sake of argument, that 1¥ = 1¢. Let's say also that in America, a soda will cost you $1, or 100¢. As it's well known that the cost of such basic goods in Japan are higher than they are in the US, you may end up paying ¥300, or $3 for the same soda. We're clearly NOT getting the same value for the same goods.

The British Pound is worth more than the U.S. Dollar simply because it always has been. While the Dollar has made significant strides against the Pound in recent years, this has not exceeded the difference in value set under the Bretton Woods Agreement. So, historically (over the very long term), the U.S. Dollar is strong against the British Pound.--Bursar42 05:41, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Comparison of urban studies departments in the US?

Where can I get information on relative judgements on quality of teaching and research of urban studies depts at US Universities? I'm interested in some govt or independent survey. Thanks! 71.34.105.97 19:05, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I've tried to answer a question like this before and it is not as easy as it seems. Independent ranking organizations tend to rank the entire university rather than individual schools within the university. Notable exceptions being medical, business, and law schools. You can find a list of schools offering degrees in urban studies here [3]. From there you would have to do some research on each school you might be interested in to see how much they publish in journals and if there any faculty who you would like to work with. If anyone can find better info, I will be curious to see it. Nowimnthing 19:34, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks! I noticed on their website that Portland State says they ranked 3rd in the country (their US dept) in the most recent survey, but couldn't figure out which survey. I called them, but of course, couldn't find anyone who knew anything about it. 71.34.105.97 19:38, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm. You might try the Journal of Urban Affairs one of those topic specific journals are the most likely place to find rankings. Nowimnthing 20:19, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

voting

Why do we always vote on Tuesdays

One assumes that by "we" you mean citizens of the United States, in which case there is some information at Election Day (United States), as well as an informative (if overly Flash-reliant) external link. --LarryMac 19:16, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It varies between countries. The UK General Elections always happen on Thursdays. In Australia all federal, state and municipal elections happen on Saturdays. JackofOz 20:45, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That's interesting, it wouldn't occur to me that in Parliamentary systems like the UK or Australia there would be a set day of the week for elections, as up here in Canada there is no set day, an election can be called for virtually any day of the week (although they're almost invariably held on a Sunday or a Monday). Is it actually by law that the UK and Australia have elections on those days, or is it just a practice that's gone on long enough that people take it for granted (and as such it would be very unpopular for a government to break with tradition and hold an election on another day)? Loomis51 21:37, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In Australia, it is compulsory to vote - or, at least, attend the polling booth and get your name ticked off the roll. Making it impossible for Australians to meet their legal responsibility to vote is likely to be *very* unpopular.--Robert Merkel 00:19, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm aware of that Australian law. I'm just not sure how that relates to the discussion. All I can do is speak of Canadian electoral law, where on election day, employers are required by law to provide a certain number of hours off work to allow employees to vote. Loomis51 00:44, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It's on Saturday because section 158 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act says so. That's for Federal elections. I'm guessing there would be similar provisions in State legislation. JackofOz 11:53, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I believe we (Americans) vote on Tuesdays because in the olden days, some people would travel overnight to vote, and they didn't want to travel on a Sunday. Today, of course, people can't be bothered to drive 5 minutes to the polling station sometimes. -- Mwalcoff 04:37, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In the UK, there is no law stating that elections must be held on a Thursday, and on rare occasions, they have been held on other days. It is merely a tradition, and a fairly recent one - the 1931 UK general election was held on a Tuesday. Warofdreams talk 01:48, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

According to Schott's Almanac, Thursdays were originally chosen as being the days "furthest from the influence of the paypacket (Friday) or pulpit (Sunday)." FWIW here in New Zealand they're normally on Saturdays. Grutness...wha? 09:56, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In Brazil we always vote on Sunday, and election day is a holiday. Anyway, I'm not sure how interesting this information is. A.Z. 01:08, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You mean Sunday isn't a day off anyway? JackofOz 10:02, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There are people who work on Sunday. Now I remember seeing a debate on TV these days about the election day in US and in Brazil. In Brazil, election day is on Sunday, and it's a holiday, and voting is compulsory. You have to be in your town to vote, but if you are not, then you have to justify not voting. So in Brazil election is in such a way everyone has to vote. In US, it is not a holiday and voting is not compulsory, so people who vote really want to vote. Maybe that's a reason why it's on Tuesday, because people got up early after the weekend sleeping more than usual and they are too tired to go voting, so that only people who really want to vote do so.A.Z. 14:37, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Trojan War infobox

There is a disagreement on whether an military conflict infobox should be included in the Trojan War. We would like to know if it is official Wikipedia policy to have infoboxes in fictional and semi-ficitonal Wars. Please answer in the Trojan War discussion page Ikokki 19:57, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The best place to get some discussion on this would be Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Military history. The final answer you should expect: there is no "official" policy, and so work out a compromise with your collaborators on the article. --Kevin Myers | (complaint dept.) 21:00, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I believe most historians consider the Trojan War to have been an actual war. Having occurred in the prehistoric period (in that part of the world), however, our accounts of it are quite sketchy, based almost entirely on the highly fictionalized Iliad, as recorded by Homer. StuRat 02:32, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think if the article is based on the fictionalized Iliad, it's the sources and not the infobox that's the problem. Apparently precedent allows such boxes on fictional battles (see Ministry of Magic#Department of Mysteries if you feel Harry Potter-inclined)

Burlesque Comedian Harry Evanson information sought

Harry Evanson was my great uncle. I know that he was a burlesque comedian. Form Wikipedia and the internet I have also found references that state that he worked with Bud Abbot of Abbot and Costello fame at one time.

I would appreciate anyone who could lead me to sources of additional information. StephenSS 20:17, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Note: anyone who finds additional sources, please also add them directly to the Harry Evanson article.--M @r ē ino 21:02, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

A quick question - was that article a live link when you posted that comment? It no longer appears to exist. Road Wizard 23:23, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No, it never had an article. -- Миборовский ^{U|T|C|M|E|666} 01:40, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Distance Traveled for water.

What is the estimated distance traveled in undeveloped countries for water? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.117.214.64 (talk • contribs)

The answer will vary HUGELY depending on the local climate. In The Gambia, for example, the answer is "a couple meters, tops." In the Kalahari desert, you might be in for a 300-km hike.--M @r ē ino 21:05, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Actually, I think the question may be about potable water. I doubt there is any sort of useful general number, but the UNDP Human Development Report country stats on access to improved water sources (linked here, scroll down to "water") would be a nice starting point to get a grasp on the situation. - BT 15:45, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Deaths?

Did any of the workers or people involved in the carving of Mount Rushmore die? (During construction, of course) --71.98.6.115 21:18, 6 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No, they are all immortal

Now now, be nice. If you mean were any workers killed while working on the carving, then no, according to [4] "Not a single worker was killed working on the carving...". The man who organised the project, Gutzon Borglum did die of an unrelated embolism in 1941 before it was completed, and his son completed the carving. --Canley 00:41, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

June 7

Untitled Question

What is the difference between logical doubt and psychological doubt? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.67.82.247 (talk • contribs)

see doubt and skepticism. Nowimnthing 01:59, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Verifying a Bushism

I've been checking the status of some Bushisms mentioned in a Sydney Morning Herald article. According to "Putting the Lie to Bushisms" at Irregular Times, two of the quotes were said by Dan Qayle. The third one is "One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures". Some web pages cite this article. But the article doesn't give any details about where or when it was said. Is the quote real or false? Andjam 02:39, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know, but I recommend the "Bushisms" column at Slate (http://www.slate.come), by Jacob Weinstein. He's been compiling the real ones for 6 years or so and has them published in book form. Geogre 05:00, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Genuine Bushisms, by both father and son, tend to feature misuse of words. Quayleisms tend to use words properly, but be either at right angles to reality or jaw-droppingly stupid. In general, if you see Bush quoted as saying something daft that's not a malaprop, it's either made up or Bush said it as a joke.--M @r ē ino 14:08, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My fav Bushism (paraphrased): "Terrorists are trying to destroy America, but we can't let them, that's our job." StuRat 20:23, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

ISTR it was actually closer to "Our enemies... never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." Grutness...wha? 10:03, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Army secret projects in New Mexico

My grandfather graduated from college with a degree in chemical engineering shortly after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. As a patriotic young man, he joined the army. Once he finished basic training, he was told that since he had the degree, he had two choices: he could be part of a secret project in southern Utah, or be part of a secret project in northern New Mexico. He chose Utah, and spent the war designing explosives. He's always wondered what the other secret project was. The obvious candidate is the Manhattan Project, but were there any other secret projects going on in northern New Mexico at the time that would have needed a chemical engineer? --Carnildo 03:10, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Possibly there was a project that was so secret (or unsuccessful) we haven't found out about it. AllanHainey 12:30, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My guess is that it was Los Alamos; I've never heard of any other secret projects in northern New Mexico of any size that would definitely require chemical engineers by the dozen. --Fastfission 18:21, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Could have been what's now Sandia also. --jpgordon ∇∆∇∆ 20:07, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure they'd need huge numbers of chemical engineers there in 1943-1944 or so. It's possible, though. --Fastfission 21:21, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm trying to figure out where the original question indicated dozens or huge numbers of chemical engineers rather than one. --jpgordon ∇∆∇∆ 04:15, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, I was going on the rather Copernican principle that assumed his grandfather wasn't special in his situation, and that it was representative of a larger trend. (I have no reason to assume this, other than the way the poster worded it, which made it sound like a matter-of-fact choice rather than something special.) --Fastfission 13:36, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, yeah -- just how many recruits with CE degrees would the Army have had? --jpgordon ∇∆∇∆ 03:33, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Muhammad according to the Hadith/Qur'an?

Does anyone know of a biography (preferably online, at this point) of Muhammad that relies heavily on the hadith and/or the Qur'an? Most of what I can find are based on cotemporary biographies and/or the sira. The Jade Knight 05:21, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Eureka Stockade

why was the Eureka Stokade important to gold miners?

Have you tried looking at our article on Eureka Stockade? Once you've read that, feel free to come back and ask about anything you don't understand.-gadfium 06:40, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Burmese greeting

What form of greeting should be used towards a Burmese Theravadin monk? Is a bow with folded hands sufficient, or is there something one would say? --Shantavira 08:20, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You might want to ask this question at the Language desk as well. If you do, however, make sure to mention that the question is here as well to prevent duplication of effort. Road Wizard 08:46, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Holy Grail

Please could you tell me whay Holy Grail is?

There is an article called Holy Grail about it. Flamarande 12:19, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Don't be afraid to use the search box. You'll find it a lot quicker.--Shantavira 12:22, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not necessarily, people have been searching for the holy grail for hundreds of years. AllanHainey 12:32, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Having recently seen The Da Vinci Code, I could tell you what the Holy Grail is, but I don't want to spoil the plot. JIP | Talk 13:44, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

When I went, they found it in the audience.--M @r ē ino 13:59, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Having read The Dark is Rising series, I can tell you it's already found and placed in a museum, but very few people know what it is. Thus Dan Brown must be wrong, because his Holy Grail didn't have any secret messages in it. Skittle 14:11, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm thinking the holy grail is definitely part of Audrey Tautou's body, but I can't decide which. (She's so hot. Especially when she calculated 26⁵ in like two seconds, that was so sexy.) 69.252.190.41 04:35, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The holy grail is hidden in a castle in St Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh's. AllanHainey 08:33, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In case you were still wondering, the above answers should show you that there's no agreement about what or where the Holy Grail is and if it even exists. - Mgm|^(talk) 09:10, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The first iteration of the myth comes from Cretien de Troyes in Roman de la Rose, and it concerns Parsifal being shown the hidden relic of the chalice (pretty clearly the chalice) of the last supper. In other words, its first appearance is in a work of fiction. While some people, like Jesse L. Weston in the famous From Ritual to Romance have suggested that the grail myth bears striking resemblances to fertility cults going back to Osiris and that there is a vegetative structure inherent, all such mythography is after the fact, and I don't think she argues that Cretien was actually working from a source like that as much as that he re-encoded a tale that had existed in folk form in various syncretized forms. Geogre 02:19, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Looking for title of video

Hi there! This is a very random question, but here goes: I'm looking for the title of a short comic video clip which a friend showed to me a while back (unfortunately, she couldn't remember where she had found it!). It's about ten minutes long and is about a dog (puppet) who 'interviews' the people standing in line for the opening night of Star Wars Attack of the Clones. The dog often has a cigar in his mouth, speaks with a strong accent (something like Italian, I think) and permanently makes fun of the people he interviews. Amongst others, he talk to several people dressed as Jedi, someone dressed as Darth Vader, a girl, and someone dressed like a wizard. I know this all sounds very strange, but does anyone have the slightest clue what I'm talking about? Thanks muchly in advance! — QuantumEleven 19:56, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It is Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog from the Conan O'Brian show. --Kainaw ^(talk) 20:00, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, that's it - Kainaw, you're fantastic :) — QuantumEleven 20:19, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Try to search out his* weather report for Hawaii some time. It's hilarious. *Triumph's not Kainaw's. Although if he chose to do one, Kainaw's might be hilarious too. --LarryMac 20:41, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I vacationed in Hawaii for 7 months. The weather report is always the same. A chubby guy in a flower shirt says, "Ahhh, the wedder. It gonna mid-80 and partly cloudy." In the late winter, he adds, "Spect a touch of liquid sunshine in da afternoon. Aloha." Then, they cut to a cool helicopter fly over Oahu while playing Kaaaia Five ... Kaaaia Five ... Now, I'm staring out across the skyline of Charleston and watching fat people board the Queen Mary II. I wish I was back in Hawaii. --Kainaw ^(talk) 13:01, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Largest libraries

I am looking for a list of the largest academic libraries in the United States, by volume or any other measure. -mercuryboard^talk ♠ 20:43, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Try Library of Congress. Wait it´s not an academic library. Try List of university libraries Flamarande 21:19, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I know about the Library of Congress. I'm looking for a list of libraries. A ranking by some measure, preferably volume. -mercuryboard^talk ♠ 21:23, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Did you try Googling it? I put in "largest libraries United States" and got a bunch of useful links, i.e. [5][6][7]. Separating out the academic ones shouldn't be hard. --Fastfission 21:24, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The LoC is first and foremost a national library, not an academic one. Widener Library claims that the Harvard library system is the largest in the world, though that's more than just one institution; [8] is a source cited for that and tells you pretty much the answer. Shimgray | talk | 21:25, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, I tried googling but didn't find any of these. Strange. Thanks! -mercuryboard^talk ♠ 21:28, 7 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hail! Hail! The Gang's All Here

I was wondering what year the song "Hail! Hail! The Gang's All Here" was written? My music states that it was written by Arthur Sullivan. Is that the same Arthur Sullivan who collaborated with Gilbert Sullivan?

Robyn Vitson

According to this site, it was written by Theodore Morse and published in 1917. Sullivan wrote the music to the song, but it's part of The Pirates of Penzance, and the lyrics for Hail Hail the Gang's All Here were not the original lyrics to Sullivan's music. User:Zoe|^(talk) 00:03, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help identifying music?

Does anyone know what this music: File:Unknownmusic.ogg is called? When was it written, and by whom? (I will delete the sound clip if it turns out to be necessary for copyright reasons.) Thanks in advance. --BrainInAVat 00:26, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think it's Sabre Dance. —Keenan Pepper 04:07, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, definitely is. GeeJo ^(t)⁄_(c) • 10:16, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

June 8

New Delhi food delivery system

Hi peeps! I was reading somewhere recently about a mobile food distribution system in India (New Delhi I think) that is considered to be the most efficient delivery system in the world. The basic idea is that business people that are far to busy to leave their office to go out for lunch have meals delivered to their door - hot, steamy, on time every time, down to the last minute. I'd really like to learn more about this system but can't find the info anywhere. Can someone help?

Thanks,

Lockie

You are undoubedly thinking of the Dabbawalas of Mumbai. DJ Clayworth 20:41, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you. That's it!

Largest University Presses

I am looking for a ranking of the largest university presses in the United States, ideally by book output, but any ranking will do. -mercuryboard^talk ♠ 02:02, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Fraternities and sororities

I am looking for a list of United States colleges and universities ranked the number of students in fraternities and sororities, percent of students in fraternities and sororities, or the number of recognized fraternity and sorority chapters. -mercuryboard^talk ♠ 02:04, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Those statistics are kept by Baron's Guide to Colleges and Universities. I'm sure they have an online presence. If not that, look for the online presence of the Pan-Hellenic Council for the US. While I doubt Wikipedia has this list or is very accurate, if it does, this data is out there. Geogre 02:53, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm looking for the data online from any source that might have it, and can't find it... The Barron's website is selling books. -mercuryboard^talk ♠ 03:25, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

French occupied couture.

I know the Nazis allowed some of the French couture houses to remain open during the occupation, but I don't know which houses. I have also read that the houses that did remain open during the occupation produced some very elaborate collections, but I have never seen any photos or illustrations of any examples. I'm also wondering if these collections pretty much maintained the 1939 silhouette, or did the clothing evolve into more of a 40's look? Thanks -

Pickerism (sic), a psychological disorder?

I am seeking information regarding pickerism (spelling may be incorrect), which I anecdotaly understand to refer to a preference for poking or stabbing with a tool or utensil. It may be a form of sexual sadism, but I do not have sufficient informations to so classify. I have been told, with no referene authority that it is commen in gay male relationships that are characterized by violence within the relationship. A "google" search only referred to some response to a question about song lyrics. I would like some more credible information regarding this phemomenon.

Thank you for your assistance.

Kristine W. Cannon 07/06/06 10:55 p.m.

Piquerism. --jpgordon ∇∆∇∆ 04:01, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ugly Laws

Does any one know of any laws against people being Physically ugly??..(any where around the world?)

No. You might get some funny looks, but you can go anywhere you like. There's a great big world beyond Coorparoo. If Shrek can do it, you can. --Shantavira 17:43, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you want to rationalize, you can claim that "rules against obesity" are "laws against ugliness". There are weight restrictions (based on laws) at amusement parks. Airlines charge for extra seats. Of course, you'd be arguing that the rules are laws and that obesity is ugly. --Kainaw ^(talk) 00:58, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There have been "involuntary euthanasia" campaigns against people who were physically disabled (i.e. T-4 Euthanasia program). Again, that's not the same thing at all as being ugly, but is in right subjective-criteria-for-fitness ballpark. --Fastfission 19:28, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The Nazis, of course, allowed disabled people to be experimented upon (as well as twins), though I can't recall the name of the doctor who supervised this. EvocativeIntrigue 16:04, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You're apparently referring to Dr. Josef Mengele. The article is actually an interesting read, but just in case, I suggest you have a bucket nearby to vomit into should the need arise. Loomis51 20:21, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Persian Mythology

I was wondering if anyone knows information about the Persian demon 'Dev', all I know is that it was a God of War but I would like to find out much more about it. Thanks in advance.

You must be wrong, if it's not on wikipedia, it does not exist! VdSV9•♫ 10:52, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Try Div (Persian mythology), perhaps this is what you are looking for. Flamarande 10:54, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hey! would you look at that... Let's add it to the Dev disambiguation page...

... VdSV9•♫ 11:04, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Prince of Orange

(no question asked)

Probable answer: Prince of Orange. --Kevin Myers | (complaint dept.) 13:38, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Plausible but unlikely answer - it was a song by Andy Partridge (of XTC). Grutness...wha? 02:50, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

And your evidence for the "unlikely" bit is ......?? JackofOz 06:38, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Implausible Jeopardy question: "Who is the son of the King of Red and the Queen of Yellow?" - Nunh-huh 06:22, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Arthur C. Clarke Article

In the Article of Arthur C. Clarke, I Couldn't found the book "The Reefs of Taprobane" from his triology "The Blue Planet Triology" in the book index.

So anyone who knows the exact details of that book, It is better to update the article. Thank You.

Sithara from Sri Lanka.

Taprobane being an old name for Sri Lanka. --DLL 22:29, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

More details on Munagapati in andhra kshatriyas

Please provide much details on munagapati in kshatriyas Is there any relation between padmashali munagapati, kshatriya munagapati

Pres.Clinton and missing plane

Does anyone know about the civilian aircraft shot down in the USSR during the cold war that was a scandinavian air liner? The plane was shot down on a frozen lake and survivers were seen by another airliner. The plane had American citizens on it. President Clinton declaired their fate an offical secret of the US early in his administration. The matter was remarked on in a work of literary fiction but was actually a fact. 24.0.47.184 16:38, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Nothing appears to match that description at our list of accidents and incidents on commercial airliners grouped by location. I would suggest that, if your only reference is a work of fiction, the incident is probably fiction. — Lomn Talk 17:05, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It was a KAL airliner, and it went into Soviet airspace from Korea. It was almost certainly not engaged in any intentional espionage, but the Soviets shot it down automatically. I'm not sure if we have an article on it, though. I'm also fairly certain that it was prior to Bill Clinton's presidency. Geogre 17:16, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Good call, though I think you're mixing Korean Air Flight 7 (which entered Soviet airspace in the vicinity of Korea) with Korean Air Flight 902 (which crash-landed on a frozen lake near Scandinavia in 1978). I still don't see any ties to Clinton or a US declaration of secrecy, though. — Lomn Talk 17:51, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, quite. There is no declaration of secrecy. (Also, if there were, it would be a pretty crummy secret if we knew about it.) It wasn't Clinton, either. I think the author our questioner read was mixing matters to come up with a plausible secret. After all, tensions between the Soviet Union and the US were nil during Clinton as the Soviet Union was nil. Geogre 21:24, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, I was going to mention that there was no USSR during the Clinton administration, since it dissolved in 1991 and Clinton didn't actually come into power until 1993. --Fastfission 14:26, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Indian history fort timeline

I am Rahul, and I need to make a project on forts of indai. Even after searching all I could, I was unable to find out these details, and if you could help me, I would be eternally graterful. -->The order in which different dyansties which came to india and built forts. if you could, what i need is something like this: |Name of ruler/Dynasty | name of fort | time it was built | if possible, a table would be great. I will really appreciate anyone who might help me out. Thanking you, Rahul (i dont know how to sign, im sorry)

To sign your comments, simply add ~~~~ to the end of your last sentence.

The article on the Mughal Empire mentions a fort called Agra that was built by Akbar. I will keep an eye out for other information for you, but Indian history isn't one of my strong points, sorry. Road Wizard 21:20, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Update - the Delhi article mentions construction of several forts. Road Wizard 21:29, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The best way to get this information would be to through the articles at Category:Forts in India and pick out the figures you need. - SimonP 21:29, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Nazi

Why was the full form of NAZI as <something something>

''== '''Socialist''' ==''

party?

Have you read the article on the Nazi Party? Within, you will note that it was a small party formed by discontents with the Wiemar government after WWI. Hitler was assigned to infiltrate it and then took the party over, changing the objectives but retaining the name. Socialism was always strong in Germany: prior to WWI it was more influential in Germany than any other European state, having won advances in protection, wages, working hours etc. for German workers. Also see National Socialism and corporate state.--Shandon 17:39, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Napolean Bonparte

What did Napolean Bonparte give to his wife for a wedding gift.....

Which one? He had two wives; first Joséphine de Beauharnais and later Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma. Road Wizard 21:08, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I believe this question comes from The Terminal, which is playing (ad nauseum) on HBO in the US just about now. Geogre 21:21, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

To Destiny. --DLL 22:27, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Googling this suggests it was a gold medallion with the inscription: "To Destiny" (whereupon she replied "But Nappie, my name's Marie.") That last bit was apocryphal.--Shantavira 15:37, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

William Shakespear's Works

Does Shakespeare' s words sell in Japan? I want to look at a sample. And I want to judge. Although there is little marketability, I think that there is idea nature. Sincerely yours Masami Kiuchi

Shakespeare's works are almost certainly sold in Japan somewhere, probably both in original English and Japanese translations. However, you can read his work in English for free by going to Wikisource. There is also a Japanese Wikisource, but I don't know enough of the language yet to see if it contains a translation of his work. Road Wizard 23:13, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
- Just pointing out that the question has been rephrased since I left my answer. My answer may or may not apply to the current question. Road Wizard 06:54, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Akira Kurosawa adapted multiple plays by Shakespeare into Japanese language films, including Ran and Throne of Blood (English titles), based on King Lear and Macbeth, respectively. Yes, his works sell in Japan, though, of course, no poetry ever translates. Geogre 02:14, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I had heard Shakespeare is quite big in Japan, there are certainly a lot of Japanese Tourists all over Shakespeareville every summer. AllanHainey 07:39, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Waistcoats

The article on waistcoats says the coat should be cut from the same material as the rest of the suit but I saw someone at the summer ball wearing a waistcoat with a white swirly sort of pattern on it that their dinner jacket did not have.

No, our article says that that was the fashion in the 19th century. - Nunh-huh 23:50, 8 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

June 9

Gospel Breakfast

What is the origin and any verifiable history surrounding the phrase "gospel breakfast". Thanks in advance for any help with this.

I think it is actually the Last Supper. --Brand спойт 11:58, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I can't verify a specific origin for the phrase, but to me it would make sense if the tradition originated from the incident in John 19, where Jesus makes breakfast , and Peter is told to take care of the flock. --Seejyb 21:06, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In all sincerity, the kind of event I associate with "gospel breakfast" is like this one. --Metropolitan90 03:04, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hmm, I see. That seems quite common (now that I've googled the phrase). But US gospel has a flavour of it's own. In a local Methodist church (in Africa) a gospel breakfast is a sober community building and direction discussing event, held on a Sunday in lieu of a formal service. That does not help the questioner much, unfortunately --Seejyb 16:51, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Shakespeare

I am beginning the process of writing articles for each of Shakespeare's sonnets. Would it be considered original research to engage in some light, unadventurous analysis of the text? I realize that sometimes criticism can be subjective, but perhaps explicative analysis of generally-held interpretations would improve ones understanding of the article and improve the quality of Wikipedia. Adambiswanger1 04:56, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It wouldn't be original research if you could source your comments. If you're writing generally-held interpretations, you should be able to find them written somewhere (such as a pedagogic book, the kind they often use in schools, or in the notes in a collection of poems) and cite these sources. If you're not sure how to include the sources, post them (and roughly what they say that is relevant) on the article talk page, drop me a note and I'll add them. Skittle 12:03, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The rule I follow (and I sometimes have to bat away charges of OR) is that if an interpretation can be found in 3 or more sources, you can regard it as non-controversial, as "common knowledge," and therefore don't need to note it. For example, saying that My mistress's eyes are nothing like the sun is a poem written to ironically praise the mistress at the same time as deflating romantic conventions is an interpretation, but there's no way you'd need to note that. Every person who says anything about the sonnet says as much, so noting is just silly. Between that extreme and, say, presenting a Greenblatt observation (repeated by 3 other New Historicists) as true, there is a continuum. The less controversial and common a reading is, the less you'd need to cite it, I'd say. Geogre 12:29, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You do still have to source 'common knowledge', but people might be a bit more lenient about leaving it in while you do. After all, many things are common knowledge and not true. Obvious it may be, but you still need to cite it, at least loosely. Skittle 13:37, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think we differ on this and must remain at difference. One needs to be able to cite, but actually citing would make articles on artworks infinite in their footnotes. Like I said, it's a continuum. The more novel and fringe, the greater the need to cite. The more obvious-as-a-stone it is, the less. Ultimately, it's up to the editor to judge carefully and to be prepared, if necessary, to cite. However, if a single person asks for a source of something absolutely the case, it might be possible to cite on the talk page. Again, it depends, and there isn't a rule, except to say that you need to be able to cite everything, but citing everything just generates clutter and devalues the citations. Geogre 14:01, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you are able to cite, the source should be in the article. If readers can't see the source, what good is it? It doesn't have to make the footnotes infinite, because if you are using a couple of books as a source for your whole 'interpretation' section, you only need to footnote them once each, at the end of the section. If the whole article draws on common ideas, you can list a couple of books as bibliography. Being able to cite is not enough, as what happens if you go off somewhere and someone wants to know how you justified something? Skittle 14:07, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks that helps alot. I'll spread the word to other editors Adambiswanger1 13:48, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Can cheat device patch codes be copyrighted?

Often when searching for Game Genie (or similar) patch codes I find the author has made claims of copyright (see The Code Hut for instance). I'm not asking for genuine legal advice, but are such claims valid under US copyright law?

The way I see it patch codes are facts, and therefore uncopyrightable. The Master Sword dealing 3 damage would be a fact, and that damage rating being stored in the memory address 7FFFFF would also be a fact. Therefore you can claim ownership of your presentation of these facts, but not of the facts themselves.

So, anyway, am I right or are they? Garrett^Talk 03:10, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

(IANAL) Yes, with the caveat that in a number of jurisdictions collections of bare facts may be copyrightable works. So if you copy a single patch code you're in the clear, but if you take a whole bunch they can come after you for that. See database rights. EdC 06:10, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Patches are computer programs and although fixing an error in an existing program is less exciting than creating a new one from the ground up, I would say that writing such a program can be seen as an act of creativity and is therefore copyrightable. It's not the fact or error that's copyrighted, but the program/patch. And facts can actually be copyrighted. I could for example write a book on the party game Mafia and copyright it. People would be prohibited from copying the exact wording of the text and present it as their own (or copy it and cheat me out of the income for said text), but they would still be allowed to write about the facts of the game (i.e. the basic day/night format, voting and common strategies). - 131.211.210.10 08:03, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Facts" in a legally defined sense cannot be copyrighted. Certain expressions can, and certain arrangements of them can, but not facts themselves. When one is talking about "facts about a fictional work," though, it begins to slide into being a derivative work very quickly. Fictional works are generally more strongly protected by courts in the U.S. than are non-fiction works. --Fastfission 14:21, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My guess is that the most relevant caselaw would be Lewis Galoob Toys, Inc. v. Nintendo of America, Inc., but that doesn't really shed light on this question. Looking at the compilations of the codes themselves, they look at a lot like they would fall under some form of "slavish copying" to me, and not creative works, though there would be a very weak argument to the fact that selecting out which codes were "beneficial" requires some subjectivity, but it would be a very weak claim IMO. In the end, I'd guess the knowledge that X code has X effect is not copyrightable, and neither is the collection of them. IANAL, etc. --Fastfission 14:21, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hm, some very interesting replies! I had no idea even the database claim has been challenged. For my part I'm only intending to pick out a few choice codes in order to embellish some guides without delaying for permission, and it looks like I can definitely do that. Thanks for all the feedback. :) Garrett^Talk 07:38, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Birklid v. Boeing Co

I can not figure out what this case is. I would be very grateful if you could help me with a brief summary. thank you.

Try e.g. this. --Brand спойт 11:55, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Newgate nonsense

Ran across this in a Newgate Calendar: Writ of Capias ad Computandum. Neither WP nor WT has anything on it. Anyone know? This was from at least ~1630. 68.39.174.238 11:17, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Writ of "amount to compute?" It sounds...strange. It may be nonsense, or it might be a one-time writ demanding loot (to be counted to determine the extent of a theft) or records of a fraud (demanding the ledgers). It could be a valid court demand, but it's nothing I've ever heard of before. Then again, the codex was still...fluid. Giles Jacob would come later, as would Shenstone and Blackmore. Geogre 12:25, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I have found a reference to it at the Legal Dictionary. From the description provided there, it appears to be a writ to arrest a defendant who has failed to appear before an auditor. Road Wizard 20:11, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Islamic Republic

Does a man who wants to run to become a member of the Assembly of Experts have to be a mullah, that is, does he need to have attained doctoral-level education in Islam? If not, do you know how many of the 86 members are not akhoonds?Patchouli 11:09, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

FYI, I believe this question is about Iran. StuRat 20:45, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wow

I recently received an e-mail, which claimed the following.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846 and John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860 and JFK in 1960. Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy while Kennedy's - Lincoln.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both presidents were shot on a Friday and both in the head. Lincoln was shot at the Ford theater, Kennedy was shot in "Lincoln" made by "Ford". Lincoln was as shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse. Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater. Both presidents were assassinated by Southerners and were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson. John Wilkes Booth was born in 1839 and Lee Harvey Oswald - in 1939. Both assassins were known by their three names and both names are composed of fifteen letters and both assasins were assassinated before their trials. Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808 while Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

A week before Lincoln was shot, he was in Monroe, Maryland. And a week before Kennedy was shot, he was with Marilyn Monroe.

Creepy, huh? --Brand спойт 11:52, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That's as old as the hills. See http://www.snopes.com/history/american/linckenn.htm Jooler 11:56, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sometimes these things are made up, I recently recieved one qouting all these numbers about 9/11 and how they are all related to the number 911, and a passage from the koran about how an eagle cleanses the islamic world after years of hurt (supposedly reffering to america), it all turned out to be bullshit, the numbers were fiddled, and the passage was made up. Philc _T^E_C^I 12:05, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

We have an article on these supposed coincidences. See List of similarities between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. JackofOz 12:15, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Keep in mind that a coincidence is not amazing. What would be amazing is if Kennedy and Lincoln had nothing in common. You can pick any two random people and find all kinds of coincidences. There are only 12 months - so the chance is high that they were born in the same month. Go back to their grandparents. Each person has at least 4 grandparents (no W. Virgina jokes), which means they likely have 8 names (first/middle for each grandparent). The chance is very high that any two people have at least one grandparent name in common. It goes on and on. I like a comment some physicist made: A coincidence isn't amazing. A complete lack of coincidences is. --Kainaw ^(talk) 12:42, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My only comment on that is that the chance of having the same birth month as another person chosen at random is 1/12 = 8.33%. This is not exactly what I would call a "high" probability. JackofOz 12:46, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, the probability of a date falling in a particular month is not a constant, but will vary on the length of the month. If it's a month of 31 days, the probability is 8.46%; for a month of 30 days, it's 8.21%; and if it's February, the chances are 7.73%. But it's that level of magnitude we're talking about. JackofOz 13:17, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The cahnce of finding someone with their birthday in a specific month is indeed 1/12, but I suspect the chance of finding two people with their birthdays in the same month out of the list of presidents is considerably more. After all, once you have more than 12 presidents it becomes a certainty. Skittle 13:35, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, more births occur in some months than in others, so I suspect the chance would be higher than the theoretical 1/12. - Mgm|^(talk) 21:20, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Or like Penn and Teller in their Bullsh*t show talking about the virgin mary grilled cheese, "Think how many billions of grilled cheese sandwiches are eaten every year. It would be crazy to think that there could not be at least a few that looked like a woman with a scarf on her head, hell most of us have probably eaten one without realizing it." Nowimnthing 12:52, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

This is probably covered in our article mentioned by JackofOz, but the place Booth was shot (not really assassinated) is always described as a barn, not a warehouse. Also, Oswald usually went by two names in his lifetime (Lee Oswald). --Cam

While some of the data was likely massaged to make it appear to be more of a coincidence than it really is, there still does seem to be an amazing amount of coincidence there, especially if you only look at the short list of assassinated US Presidents for similarities. However, if you look at the huge list of all things ever compared for similarities (the 9-11 attacks vs Pearl Harbor, the two space shuttle disasters, etc.), I suppose you would expect to eventually find a pair with an amazing degree of similarities. Also, it's possible that Oswald arranged for some of the coincidences, based on his knowledge of the Lincoln assassination. Nut jobs sometimes do that type of thing. StuRat 20:42, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

BTW, Booth wasn't assassinated, he was simply tracked down by the authorities, who found him holed up in a barn. True, the particular officer who fired the fatal shot fired against orders, but nonetheless he was cleared of all charges of misconduct and awarded the bounty for tracking down Lincoln's killer. Rather a different story from that of Jack Ruby, I'd say. Loomis51 02:26, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

One thing the article doesn't really say is that neither Booth nor Oswald was ever convicted of the crime. There's a considerable amount of evidence that supports the view that Oswald was not the killer of JFK at all. There's certainly room for reasonable doubt. So if anyone arranged for anything to be coincidental, it's less likely to have been Oswald doing the arranging. JackofOz 05:51, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Guessing game

Is anyone aware of a game on the internet where they show you the photo of a person, and you have to guess where he's from, based on facial features, costume, etc. ? Or, maybe, any other similar games? deeptrivia (talk) 12:58, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I vaguely remember some sort of game where only a section of the face (for example, just the mouth and chin, or just the area around the eyes) would be displayed, and you would have to guess what celebrity was being shown. I don't even remember whether this was online, on TV, or in print. --Tachikoma 14:28, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, there is always gash or tash. (Disturbing image warning. Do not click this at the office.). --Shantavira 14:49, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, by similar games, I meant games involving indentification of nationality of a person based on typical characteristics, based on hints, visual or otherwise. deeptrivia (talk) 15:53, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sound like one of the sites created with the goal of proving that there is absolutely no such thing as race or ethnicity. So, they show you a black man wearing African clothing and ask where he is from. Africa, right? Nope, he's actually an Inuit in dark makup and clothing that he normally would never ever wear. See - there's no such thing as race! --Kainaw ^(talk) 19:24, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I mean, I met an Asian guy, and asked if he were Korean, and he was! I was pretty impressed with myself. Then I asked a girl if she was Thai, and she really was. If this were not enough, I asked another Asian guy if he were Vietnamese, and he really was! This is too much for me, and I want to test if I have a special gift of guessing people's nationalities. I need something like a game for testing myself :) deeptrivia (talk) 22:09, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

We used to play "Dead or Canadian" once in awhile, but not on the internet. --LarryMac 19:31, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

obesity tax

hi, i recently watched a documentary (in the UK) which basically argued that obese people should pay more income tax than non-obsese people. i found myself (to my eternal shame) thinking that the arguments where quite compelling (especially in the UK where the government picks up 100% of people's health care costs - the documentary estimated that all in all, obese people cost taxpayers £3 billion!) anyway, aside from the slightly nazi implications, are there any legal reasons (in the UK elsewhere) why such a scheme couldn't infact become reality? we do, for example, tax cigarettes on the same basis... thanks! 195.93.21.67 13:15, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't follow you. If you were convinced by the arguments, how could this be a cause for shame? JackofOz 13:30, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think a tax directly on a certain sort of people (such as increased income tax for the obese) would fall foul of Human Rights legislation. However, the actual proposals I have heard involve increasing the VAT on heavily processed foods and very fatty/sugary products, possibly using this to fund subsidies on fresh fruit/veg. This is a much closer analogy to the cigarette tax, since it is a tax on the products people choose to use, not on the people. Smokers do not pay increased income tax, but they pay more tax if they choose to buy cigarettes. Equally, people who bought 'unhealthy' foods would be paying more tax in the form of VAT, but could choose to buy cheaper, more healthy foods. Interestingly, processed food usually already carry VAT that fresh, unprocessed foods do not, but it isn't consistent. Skittle 13:32, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps instead of a Value Added Tax, it should be called a (nutritional) Value Lost Tax ? :-) StuRat 20:27, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

ps. It could be a cause of shame in the same way as my mother considers it a cause of shame when she finds herself agreeing with the Daily Mail on immigrants. The feeling often suggests you've overlooked something. Skittle 13:33, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

its not that i'm actually "ashamed" ashamed - its just that i recognise that taxing people based on how they look is a incredably slippery slope. the documentary was suggesting an income tax on fat people but i guess increased VAT on fatty foods seems much more sensible.. 21:06, 9 June 2006 (UTC)

Oh right. In any battle between the heart and the mind over your attitude to some proposal, I'd suggest you follow your heart. It may be legally and intellectually watertight, but if it still feels wrong, then as Skittle says, there's something else that's important to you that the proposal violates. JackofOz 02:30, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Our Mutual Friend, leaves, and Mr. Twemlow

I've begun to read Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens, and I'm rather puzzled by the description of Mr. Twemlow in Chapter 2. This description refers to Mr. Twemlow as a "piece of dinner-furniture". The text goes on to say:

"Mr. and Mrs. Veneering, for example, arranging a dinner, habitually started with Twemlow, and then put leaves in him, or added guests to him. Sometimes, the table consisted of Twemlow and half-a-dozen leaves; sometimes, of Twemlow and a dozen leaves; sometimes, Twemlow was pulled out to his utmost extent of twenty leaves."

I've figured out that the Veneerings must see Mr. Twemlow as someone essential to have at a dinner party, but at the same time, they must not value him as a person, hence the "piece of dinner-furniture" comparison.

I'm guessing that the leaves might refer to tables that can be extended by adding additional panels (leaves?) when hosting additional guests. Going further with this metaphor, if Mr. Twemlow is like a dinner table, then the addtional leaves must represent the additional guests, who like Twemlow, are not particularly valued as people but rather as furniture or decor--something to lend prestige to Mr. and Mrs. Veneering.

Does this interpretation sound reasonable, or am I missing something here?

Needless to say, this is not a homework question.--Tachikoma 13:40, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You're exactly right. He's a professional diner-out, like Hithladaeus in Utopia. The satire is both on him and the Veneerings, who are superficial people who don't look past the surface, and Dickens is making fun of the Victorian bourgeoise obsession with the "right" people for a dinner party. (Cf. Carlysle saying, "If Jesus Christ were to come today, people would not even crucify Him. They would invite him to dinner, hear what He had to say, and make fun of him after He left."). So, you add pairings of guests (leaves) to him to make a dinner. Geogre 13:54, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for the extremely quick response. I hope to eventually expand the article on Our Mutual Friend, and it generally helps to actually read the book before contributing to a book's Wikipedia article. At this point, I don't see the "furniture and leaves" question as being essential to such an article, but it does help my own understanding of what's going on.

Thanks again! --Tachikoma 14:05, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, I have a question. I don't expect anyone to be able to answer, but no reason not to ask it. Character names like "Veneering" or "Pistol" (Colley Cibber) or "Aimwell" (Wycherly) or "Allworthy" (Fielding) are names that describe the characteristics or actions of the characters. Is there a name for this rhetorical device? I've seen, recently, someone try to coin the term "aptonym" for people whose names are what they do (and the example was Tony Snow, who snows the press in his current job), but that smells false to me. Geogre 16:01, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm sure that such a term exists, but I can't quite remember it. The term that comes to mind is antonomasia, but I'm not sure if that's it.--Tachikoma 16:40, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not it, but thanks for the hint. It's maddening. I'm similarly sure that such a term should exist, but I still have been unable to find it. I've thought of chasing down the discussions of Theophrastus and of Humour Theory (which I have done), but nothing has yielded yet. Aristophanes gave his characters names that "meant" what they did, so there has certainly been time to come up with a term. Geogre 20:14, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Allegorical names, label names, aptronyms, euonyms (in decreasing order of my opinion of their pertinence...). - Nunh-huh 04:59, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I use compounds, too, for describing them. It's one of those things, though -- an area where it seems like the old Rhetoricians nodded. My own compound is even less elegant: "characteristic onomastics." Geogre 11:57, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

A "leaf" is an additional panel added to a table. I don't know how such things were arranged in Dickens's time, but there are many expandable dining tables for sale today. There is a divide in the middle of the table, two people pull the table at opposite ends and the divide opens up, and the leaf, a panel of the same material as the rest of the table, is inserted into the opening, making for a longer table. There are also tables in which the leaves are on hinges and hang below the table, fastened to it underneath until they are unfastened, pulled up and set in place. User:Zoe|^(talk) 16:49, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I actually own a table like that, but I never knew that the extensions were called leaves. Continuing with Our Mutual Friend, I imagine that the sentence "Twemlow was pulled out to his utmost extent of twenty leaves" must suggest that at a very large dinner party, Mr. Twemlow must end up very far indeed from the hosts. Thanks for the definition. --Tachikoma 18:08, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Talking Name might be the term you're looking for. --82.207.236.114 21:35, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That's not a bad term, whether a coinage or ancient. Thanks. (Probably Talking name, if we have an article on it.) Geogre 02:22, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Policies and procedures

I have seen P&P's used as inviolable rules and regulations yet an authorative definition is difficult to find in regards to their purpose and function. Many definitions vaguely indicated that they are 'guidelines' or 'best practices' which suggest that they are not rigid but flexible depending on the particular situation and the intent of an organization.

Anybody have anything definitive on this?

Thanks for your assistance and your time.

Christopher

You might want to have a look at the Policy and Standing operating procedure articles.

My own experience in corporations (product design) is that results are what matter. In areas such as production, accounting, and human resources, I'm sure, the policies and procedures are more important. --Halcatalyst 22:34, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ayman Al Zwahiri

Removed discussion. There was no pretence of a question, only soapboxing and chatting.

Please do not use Wikipedia as a soapbox or a chatroom. If you do not have a real question or a real answer, consider not posting your thought to the reference desk. Skittle 20:56, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

USA

I looked over United States Constitution but couldn't find an answer quickly: Does a state of the USA have the right to leave the union? What would be required for this, would a majority vote of the state's population be sufficient, or would there need to be a majority in all of the USA? In view of the recent polarization, has any non-bible-belt state seriously considered leaving the Union? I am convinced that for example California could well hold its own as a sovereign state, and would economically probably be better off than as a part of the US. dab (ᛏ) 18:37, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Does a state of the USA have the right to leave the union?" Per the American Civil War, no. As the victors, the North used what amounted to military judicial review to define statehood as a one-way-only process. See secession for more. — Lomn Talk 18:58, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Of course, it's also worth noting that the "recent polarization" is particularly hard to define. What makes the current red-state-blue-state hype objectively more divisive than, say, the divided attitudes towards the civil rights movement of the 60s? — Lomn Talk 19:00, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It might be possible, however, for federal government to allow a state to secede. I don't think there's anything in the constitution that would prohibit it, so probably it would just take an act of congress. --Ornil 19:17, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The Constitution doesn't say, either way. The North did not attack the South after succession in the US Civil War, but rather the South attacked the Union base at Fort Sumter, then the North counterattacked. So, the Civil War doesn't really answer the question. I suppose California, Texas, or many other states could survive on their own, but the real question is, would they be better off ? Having to form their own military, develop trade and political relationships with the 200 plus countries on the planet, and erect customs booths and develop import/export laws dealing with the remainder of the US would not be cheap. The "polarization" you speak of is more of a rich vs. poor/Republican vs. Democrat nature than a regional difference. California, for example, has had many poor Democrats as well as many rich Republicans (Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, for example). So, California splitting off from the rest of the US wouldn't help much unless they evicted either the rich or poor to make it more homogeneous. StuRat 19:12, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

When I studied the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, I found that after the U.S. Civil War, Congress made it illegal for a state to secede - which is why, even if every single person in Hawaii voted to secede, they couldn't do it. --Kainaw ^(talk) 19:28, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

that was what I wanted to know. So is this an amendment to the constitution, or just some law? This would mean that if some state (let's forget the "polarization" and speak hypothetically) wanted to leave, they could not unless they won a majority in the Congress? Does that also mean that if the Congress wanted to get rid of a state, and (just hypothetically, right) expelled it, that state could do nothing about it? It occurs to me that Montenegro gained independence from Serbia just by popular vote in Montenegro, the Serbs didn't get a say. Are you saying that in the US, the population would get no say at all, neither that of the leaving state nor that of the remaining ones, and that a simple Congress majority vote would be final and binding? dab (ᛏ) 19:33, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

See Texas v. White. The Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional for a state to secede once and for all in that ruling. --Kainaw ^(talk) 19:41, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That ruling just says consent of the states is needed, which I take to mean Congress. Of course, both parties would have to come to an agreement about secession, such as what to do with US property currently located in the state (nuclear weapons being perhaps the trickiest part). I suspect that if everyone in a state voted to secede, there would be no problem in getting Congress to let them go. If nothing else, the state's residents could just stop paying federal income taxes. StuRat 19:56, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No, the ruling says that under the Articles of Confederation, union was perpetual and the current constitution merely makes that more perfect. The quote is: "The union between Texas and the other States was as complete, as perpetual, and as indissoluble as the union between the original States. There was no place for reconsideration, or revocation, except through revolution, or through consent of the States." What consents of the states might mean is debatable but clearly if the Confederates didn't have it, then it cannot be as simple as one state saying so. Rmhermen 20:02, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No, no SINGLE state can, but the majority of states could approve the secession of one state. There is no process set up for this as yet, but if a state voted to secede then Congress could set up a process to get the majority of the states approvals (after all the separation issues, like possession of nuclear weapons, were ironed out). StuRat 20:13, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Also Congress is not as powerful as you seem to imply. They cannot even change the Constitution themselves. Rmhermen 20:05, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Also, if a secession did occur, I picture it being by default. That is, if a state chose to leave, the US would not be willing to go to war over it, so that would be that. Whether it was "technically illegal" wouldn't really matter. StuRat 20:13, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Also note that no US state has anywhere near a majority who would vote to secede, including Hawaii. Some US possessions, like Puerto Rico, are closer, but still not there. StuRat 20:02, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

On Congress' power - the primary purpose of Congress is to change the Constitution by ammending it. The President (executive) can feebly veto an ammendment, big deal. The Supreme Court is the only one who can say "no" and strike down an ammendment as being unconstitutional. Yes, I watched Schoolhouse Rocks as a kid. --Kainaw ^(talk) 20:08, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, the president can't veto proposed constitutional amendments -- it's strictly up to Congress and state legislatures... AnonMoos 01:57, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No, the primary purpose of Congress is to pass ordinary laws (and, of course, to get women for Democrats and bribes for Republicans). Constitutional Amendments are meant to be, and have been, somewhat rare. StuRat 20:20, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I wish that certain states would figure that out. Alabama, for instance, has over 770 constitutional amendments in the past 105 years, including things like authorising the legislature to promote the catfish industry (#492). In the constitution! Bah. — Lomn Talk 22:31, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

California had that problem several years ago, and they resolved it by rewriting the Constitution and getting popular approval for the rewrite, incorporating many of the amendments into regular provisions of the Constitution, streamlining it considerably. User:Zoe|^(talk) 20:33, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

First, with regards to the feasibilty of secession, the people of a giant state like California would have no problem holding their own. "Having to form their own military, develop trade and political relationships with the 200 plus countries on the planet, and erect customs booths and develop import/export laws dealing with the remainder of the US" would simply not be an issue. In fact, to pick a nation from each continent, the population and economy of California is greater than that of Canada, Argentina, Greece, South Africa, Saudi Arabia (yes, even with its oil its economy still pales in comparison to California) and Australia. In fact, should it seceed, it would be an obvious candidate to be the ninth nation in the newly renamed "G-9".

But one need not look at a giant state like California. Even an average sized state with an average sized poplulation such as Pennsylvania or Michigan would still find itself among the richest nations on the planet, and would certainly be able to hold its own on the international scene.

Finally, with regards to the "legality" of secession, this may dissappoint many, but to the extent that the Constitution may forbid secession, the Constitution is irrelevant. To the extent that the Civil War may provide a precedent forbidding secession, it too is irrelevant. We no longer live in the 18th or 19th centuries, but the 21st, and sensibilities are simply different today.

Should a state like California hold a referendum on secession, for example, and should the people of California vote overwhelmingly to separate from the United States, and should the Government of California proceed on its course to sever all legal ties with the US, while maintaining a good faith approach to settling such sensitive issues as nuclear weaponry, etc...It is simply inconceivable that the Government of the United States would actually, in this day and age, use its military might and send troops into California, killing many Californian and US citizens in the process, to prevent the people of California from pursuing their democratic will to separate from the United States.

Fortunately, however, this is a pure intellectual, hypothetical debate, as there is no indication that any state is actually considering secession. Loomis51 01:23, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I agree with most of what you said. However, I never said it would be impossible for a state to form all the institutions needed to govern itself independently, just that the cost of doing so would likely outweigh any benefit. For comparison, the European Union has many countries which, can, and have, act independently. However, by forming the EU they hope to operate more efficiently than they could as individual nations. In the case of an independent California, for example, if a trade embargo was placed on it by the remainder of the US (say for refusing to surrender it's nukes), then it would be in deep trouble. StuRat 14:17, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

As a side note, I think that is the first time I have heard EU and efficiency in the same sentence. It may have been one of the intentions to have an efficient system, but they haven't managed to pull it off. That is not to detract from the other benefits of being a member of the EU, but just to point out that efficiency isn't one of them. Road Wizard 10:33, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Agreed Stu, that's why I stuck in the bit about "maintaining a good faith approach to settling such sensitive issues as nuclear weaponry etc...". Nukes would definitely be something HUGE to consider. I think we're pretty much in agreement on this one. Loomis51 10:22, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

culturally important sports

What would be a good criteria to determine what is the biggest or most culturally important sport of a given country? YOu can't go with "official" sport, because for example, for Canada the answer should be ice hockey, but the official sport is lacrosse. For Brazil the answer is clearly football (soccer). How could you analyze it for USA? Is American football bigger, or baseball, or basketball, for example?--Sonjaaa 18:41, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would say baseball is the most culturally important US sport for historical reasons. It's older than American football or basketball, and has deeper cultural roots, such as songs ("Take me out to the all park"), sayings ("As American as baseball, apple pie, and Chevrolet"), and the very popular baseball metaphor for sex. While technically based on earlier English games, like rounders, a mythology has grown up around it's supposed invention by Abner Doubleday, as well. StuRat 19:30, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict) In the U.S. - nationwide - football is the most viewed sport. In other words, more people in the U.S. spend more time watching football than any other sport. But, that is a huge overview. In the southeast, Nascar claims to have more viewers. A client of mine told me that a survey in Vibe found that more black men watch basketball than football. When it comes down to it, football is a very television-friendly sport, so it is viewed more. It really doesn't have anything to do with the sport itself. --Kainaw ^(talk) 19:31, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict)I could see you doing it a lot of different ways. Attendance at sporting events, television ratings, $ paid to the athletes, etc. Any of those would be good arguments supporting your view that one is bigger or more culturally significant than another. Nowimnthing 19:32, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Try Sports league attendances to start out with. Nowimnthing 19:35, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Even attendance has problems, though -- how do you reconcile baseball's 160-game season with football's 16-game season? How do you reconcile football stadiums being about double the seating capacity of baseball stadiums (about 70k to about 35k)? Of course, this also poses the question of whether such factors should be reconciled.

Ultimately, I find that the question ends up being a good topic for discussion and debate but a lousy one for a definitive answer. — Lomn Talk 22:35, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I agree. "Cultural importance" is hard to determine. I think you're best off looking at something objective, like this survey, which asked respondents to name their favorite sport. According to most surveys I have seen, football, especially the NFL, ranks number one by far. Interestingly enough, African-American adults were the most likely to choose the NFL, probably contradicting the Vibe survey.

ESPN.COM recently had one of those "SportsNation" surveys asking what users' favorite pro sport was. In all 50 states, it was NFL number one and MLB number two with the NBA, NHL and NASCAR below. -- Mwalcoff 00:20, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would say that, baseball has had more of an influence on American culture throughout the years. However, I would say that currently football is "gaining ground" as far as influencing the culture.

Name meaning

Anyone know the meaning and orgin of the name baljit. I believe it may be related to indian culture.--206.251.4.216 22:00, 9 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You might do better on the language desk, but I'm sure it's Hindi, derived from the Sanskrit bala (pure) + ajita (unconquered). Hindi typically drops the -a endings. --Shantavira 09:07, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

June 10

Anarchy (?) Sign

What does this guy mean?

File:Temporary.jpeg

Does it mean anarchy?

And what are its roots (i.e. where does it come from)?

I have been told it comes from some kind a symbol that witches used in a certain curse. Do we have an article on it? Thanks. schyler 00:28, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I actually don't have the answer for your particular question, but, I must inform you, due to your use of the word "tolled" in this particular context, you are hereby disqualified from claiming English to be your native language. Loomis51 01:35, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe he was dictating. 82.131.186.145 14:35, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry. Too many Ls. Thanks for telling me. Oh, and also, you don't have to be such an ASSHOLE about it. Its a simple mistake. By the way, you should have put a ":" between "must inform you" and "due to" rather than a "," and I think that's a lot worse than a typing error. Oh well.

I would still like someone to tell me the answer to my original question though. Thanks. schyler 01:53, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Think about it...is it just the extra L that's the problem or is there something else?

(You're right though, it's very uncharacteristic of me to act like an asshole and correct other people's spelling. I'm a bigger person than that. I just couldn't resist this time. It's your right to spell as you wish, and I shouldn't have been so harsh. My apologies.) Loomis51 02:07, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Incidentally, I don't think it was the correction of the spelling itself that was the problem, it was the way in which you did it. But I assume you were having a bad day. Skittle 20:53, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

See Anarchist symbolism. --Metropolitan90 02:58, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

To answer the original question, the A over the O is the symbol of anarchy and represents Anarchy superseding Order or "Anarchy is Order". See here. Grutness...wha? 03:04, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Then what sign may I be thinking of that witches used? schyler 13:09, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The pentagram is a similar shape, and its article mentions that it is used as a symbol of faith by wiccans. --Cadaeib (talk) 13:45, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thak you very much. That's exactly what I was thinking of. schyler 17:33, 10 June 2006 (UTC) I'm sure I remember the band "Crass" using this symbol for the "A" in their name and it did represent anarchy.Ah,the good old days of punk!(hotclaws**== 01:11, 11 June 2006 (UTC))[reply]

What is the pantone number for Wales Flag?

Wales's Flag contains a red dragon and a green land. What is the exact pantone number for that red and green color? - unsigned

Flags of the World doesn't note any pantone numbers. Possibly that's because Wales, unlike Scotland or the U.K., has no legislature interested in specifying them? FWIW, Wikipedia's Image:Flag_of_Wales_2.svg has a red that's 100/0/0 RGB and a green that's 0/47.5/0 RGB. You might also be interested in this page on pantone/RGB in flag depictions. - Nunh-huh 02:36, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you like, I'll ask the question on the FOTW mailing list (which i'm a member of) -someone there might know, though I suspect it's not actually specified. The red of Y ddraig goch will be 186, the same as that for the Union Flag (the Union Jack). I must admit I more normally think of them in terms of CMYK values, and the welsh flag's green is very close to C-80%, M-40%, Y-100%, K-0%. Grutness...wha? 03:04, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I asked, I got a reply. "The official recommendations (which will be appearing in the new Edition of BR20) are for red PMS 186, and green PMS 354." Grutness...wha? 01:23, 11 June 2006 (UTC) (and thanks to Chris Southworth).[reply]

New category suggested in topic of Jesus Christ of Nazareth: Claims of Jesus

Recommend that we add claims of Jesus ~~Christ~~, including: Jesus claimed to be the only way to God: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (The Holy Bible, John 14:6, New American Standard Version) DKS 06:02, 10 June 2006 (UTC)DKS 6/9/06[reply]

Who is stopping you? If you have the relevant facts, then just start the article. Others will help you out.I edited your statements.Patchouli 09:46, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Who will be stopping him is CFD, I imagine. New categories pertaining to Jesus will generate enormous dissent, unless the terms are exceptionally NPOV. "Claims" will strike many, I think, as implying "but not true" or "lies" or "boasts." Also, I'm not sure what such a category would include. We don't have articles on "I am the way" or "the meek shall inherit the earth." We have links to Sermon on the mount and Wedding at Canaan. Geogre 11:55, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There is already a section about what Jesus said on Wikiquote. I am not sure what a Category here would provide that a link to that page couldn't. Road Wizard 12:03, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Just curious, why is the word "Christ" crossed out twice in this question? Christ being derived from the Greek for "Messiah", it would seem that the questioner (if it is indeed the questioner who did the crossing out) is trying to make some gratuitous and innapropriate statement that Jesus was not the Messiah that Christians believe he is. If the crossing out was made by a third party, it's all the more innapropriate to edit someone else's question and cross out the word "Christ".

Just to make my point clearer, I am not a Christian and I do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. However I have enough respect for people of the Christian faith that I would never write "Christ" and then cross it out, or even worse, cross someone else's question concerning "Jesus Christ". I would simply and politely refer to the man as Jesus, and leave it at that. Many of us may disagree with who and what Jesus was, but to cross out the "Christ" aspect is simply inconsiderate of others' beliefs. Loomis51 19:47, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The crossing out was by Patchouli in this edit. Road Wizard 19:53, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Apparently this is true. How dare you, Patchouli, edit another's question in such a crass manner? As mentioned, personally, I don't believe Jesus was the Christ, but for those who believe Jesus was in fact Christ, it is their right, their "freedom of thought" as you put it on your userpage, and their writing should remain untouched. Believing that Jesus was Christ is in no way offensive to non-Christians. It's simply a belief. Editing their question is simply unacceptable and extremely rude. Please reconsider and reverse your edits. Loomis51 22:46, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I suggest that until such time as Patchouli decides to reply, you may wish to assume good faith. The editor may not have intended an insult but could have been attempting to point out a perceived conflict with a naming convention. Road Wizard 23:03, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I hadn't investigated, and I assumed that the crossing out was a crass insult as well. As it was by a 3rd party, it is even worse. Assuming good faith is good, but ignoring bad acts isn't. Let's try to respect each other. I am religious and a Christian, but I wouldn't be going about and crossing out "Buddha" and replacing it with "Siddhartha." If it were some expression of an opinion on naming convention, it would be fairly boorish to insert that opinion into a reference desk question. Geogre 03:42, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
- OK, I think we should draw a line under this issue and end this discussion here. This is hardly the appropriate forum to discuss the behaviour of an individual editor. To sum up the position, an editor has altered a question by another editor, which has been interpreted by some to be an insult; it has also been pointed out that the insult may not have been intentional, but instead a poorly explained action carried out in good faith. The correct action now, is for one person to point this out - in a polite manner - to the editor in question on their individual talk page. I would ask that other editors refrain from adding to this discussion here and also avoid any further comment on any resulting conversation at the user's talk page unless you have something meaningful to add. Thank you. Road Wizard 07:25, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I crossed the word Christ and didn't hide that by I inserting I edited your statements above. First, the original question seemed as if that person was a skeptic. Second, I do believe in freedom of thought; however, this is project page; as such, being a little artful shouldn't offend anyone except those people can't wait to get offended in order to justify vituperation.

Next, I address the issue of opinion. That, Jesus was Jesus of Nazareth is a fact. On the other hand, that he was Christ is an opinion of Christians.

On a tangential issue, I deem it reasonable to speculate that Jesus of Nazareth had a secret agreement with Biblical authors to remain celibate and sacrifice his life and that they would in turn him into a literal God. What is the big deal? Isaac Newton who was a bachelor for 85 years and made tangible accomplishments that changed the course of humanity doesn't get divine titles. Yet a guy who was pulling people's legs as a living is now deified.

A good sign of maturity is seen in the following statement: "Whenever anyone has offended me, I try to raise my soul so high that the offense cannot reach it."Patchouli 18:38, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think that statement of yours is going to draw a lot of attention. It would probably be more appropriate for other editors to respond on your talk page rather than clutter this page further. Road Wizard 19:03, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help for linking spanish articles about feudalism

I dont talk very well English, and I try to link various articles or categorys about feudalism with technical names derived from old Castilian language

Please, somelse can help me how to link:

The category Categoría:Derecho feudal thats means Feudal Right
The article Malos usos señoriales thats can be translate as "Feudal abuses" or perhaps "Feudal bad customs" (I dont know but is related to Peasants' Revolt and Popular revolt in late medieval Europe causes)

Another question, without relation is about the use of a traditional tool in agriculture, in spanish is named Trillo, in English can be translated as Threshing-board or Threshing-sledge. Is it correct?

Thanks--Locutus Borg File:Logo-Borg.gif, Talk to me 10:01, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Resistance is fuedal." :-) StuRat 14:45, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

XD XD XD --Locutus Borg File:Logo-Borg.gif, Talk to me 05:28, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

South Atlantic SAA Incident May/June 1982

I remembered reading somewhere about how a South African Airways airliner was nearly shot down by mistake by a British warship in 1982 over the South Atlantic while the plane was en-route from South Africa to somewhere in South America. The warship was on its way to the Falklands. The article said something about mistaking it with an Argentine Boeing 707 that was supposed to be shadowing the Task Force. I can’t find anything on the internet about this incident. Can anyone on this esteemed panel shed light on this incident?--Jcw69 10:46, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Haircut name?

What is the haircut worn by and called? 83.252.72.10 11:26, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Take a look at Hairstyle and take your pick. --hydnjo talk 12:25, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The New York Times calls Reagan's do a "40s-style pompadour." - Nunh-huh 17:29, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I want to know the name of Steve Ballmer's haircut. Isn't he going out of his way and bending over backwards to prove that he doesn't care about his looks while amassing billions of dollars. Hee-hawPatchouli 13:49, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That doesn't appear to be a haircut, but rather male-pattern baldness. I may detect a slight comb over, however, if that's what you're referring to. Personally, I think bald looks better than whatever Donald Trump has living on his head. StuRat 14:35, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Donald Trump has got actual hair on top of his head. He pulled the hair on top of his hair to show its realness in a 2005 interview with Newsweek.Patchouli 17:57, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

These guys should use a minuscule portion of their assets to implant hair on their heads instead to deciding to take their money to their graves.Patchouli 15:33, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Liar, liar, your hair's on fire!" --Halcatalyst 17:34, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

BE(Mech) pass from S S Govt Engineering college

Question moved from Help Desk. Road Wizard 12:19, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would like to know whether 1990 pass out BE(Mech) from S S Govt Engineering College,Bhavnagar,Gujarat is eligible for AMIE membership and Chartered Engineership.

Thanks S K Joshi

You might find information you need in the AMIE article. I see that there is a link to the organization there; you will probably need to ask them. --Halcatalyst 17:24, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia Policy on Philosophy of Science topics

First my background - I have a Masters degree in philosophy, with emphases on philosophy of science, ancient philosophy, and the history of ideas. I have been following a number of articles on topics that are traditionally tagged as pseudoscience in nature or discussion of philosophy or sociology of science such as Pathological skepticism and a more controversial article misnamed Objective validity of astrology. Much material that describes the viewpoints of people who hold these views. In the first topic, information on the views of the likes of well-known philosophers of science such as Paul Feyerabend and Thomas Kuhn is being deleted due to the claims that philosophers who hold these views are dubious (which seems to mean to some editors, they are not lab scientists publishing in Nature). In the second article, the topic is up for deletion because it references studies produced inside the astrological community - it reflects the beliefs of some astrologers that there may be a scientific basis to astrology. This article is being voted on for deletion by editors who think this information is not scientific so not appropriate for wikipedia. I think the article is valuable by showing attempts to prove or disprove with statistical studies - it reflects the state of affairs on a very popular topic, astrology. How can an encyclopedia be a forum for any anonymous person of any educational background to decide upon scientific validity. Shouldn't an encyclopedia be a place to survey writing and thoughts in a field? Not prove or disprove? Should 'just the facts' apply to editors who are believers as well as skeptics?

It seems that discussion of philosophy of science and information about people who believe in pseudoscientific (a loaded word itself, says some philosophers of science) is considered inappropriate for wikipedia. Topics that are in the domain of the humanities are being treated as though they are in the domain of natural sciences.

A crude uninformed censorship seems to have much support here. Can someone from humanities weigh in here, or does scientism hold the weight on wiki?

Very concerned,

Zeusnoos 13:58, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I only skimmed this comment but I second the sentiment. Glance through the page history and the comment history of Nostradamus and you'll see what I mean. Basically, the issue is that wikipedia editors with scientific training seem to think that "neutral point if view" means that objective facts take precendence over popular belief. For example, if there's an extensive literature on the occurrance of impossible things, communities discussing this, etc, the article subject Society for the Study of Contemporary Occurances of Impossible Things (SSCOIT) should contain, in the minds of these editors, essentially the single sentence "By definition impossible things cannot happen. For occurances of unlikely things, see Unlikely Occurances. For occurances of things previously thought impossible, see Occurances Previously Thought Impossible. The rest of this article focuses on the beliefs and writings of Society for the Study of Contemporary Occurances of Impossible Things (SSCOIT)." However, in fact, the rest of the article will contain a vitriolic "debunking" of SSCOIT's views. Why? Because to a scientist the "neutral" point of view is to share the fact that impossible things by definition can't and don't happen, that if they do they must not have been impossible, and if anyone writes otherwise the neutral point of view is to debunk their writings. This is just misinformation on the part of the editors: the neutral point of view is to share major parties views on (at least among serious parties) more or less an equal-opportunity basis. Thus for any article that reports views no serious scientist holds or even holds worthy of refutation (since these views do not get published in serious journals), a single prominent sentence making the view of scientists clear should suffice. It should be obvious that views that have no scholarly proponents do not generate much scholarly literature, except perhaps anthropological. In these cases the article is not a science article, but an anthropological/sociological one (despite claims by the parties quoted that their subject belongs to science.) 82.131.186.145 14:26, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It seems to me that what is needed is to keep valid science isolated from psuedoscience, much as teaching Intelligent Design is fine when it's presented as what it is, an attempt by religion to make their preexisting beliefs seem scientific, but it's not fine when presented as if it's a valid scientific theory with a level of acceptance by the scientific community on par with the Theory of Evolution. I would be happy with titling psuedoscience articles as such, say Intelligent Design (psuedoscience), and then including a paragraph in the article on why it is so classified. StuRat 14:29, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In the case of astrology, some proponents suggest or assert that it is a science, while others do not but think it more as a religion. The problem then is whether or not the viewpoints and studies of those who think it can be validated by science (along with criticism of these studies) should be presented at all on WP. Some editors think the material, which reflects how astrology as a popular culture phenomenon is thought, should be removed altogether. Zeusnoos 15:44, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The first case looks to me like pretty bad case of either someone not knowing what NPOV really means, or not knowing much about the philosophy of science and who counts as a notable voice. I think if the additions were rewritten as prose, though, and the views were more directly attributed, it would be less of an issue. Having it be a list with a list of references at the bottom is easy to see as possibly being OR and not being well-attributed to whose views they are. --Fastfission 19:26, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

These articles have generated RFC's in the past (Request for Comment, or WP:RFC), and I wouldn't be surprised that they both need new ones. The good thing about Wikipedia is that there are so many editors that good information will be offered. The bad thing is that zealots will overwhelm the staid and reliable sources on "secret history" and occult topics. Wikipedia is a target of special interests, but most of the targeted articles have such avid watchers among the ranks of admins that the NPOV version prevails. In the case of pseudo-science and fringe subjects, there aren't many watchers with access to the protection buttons or rollback, I suspect. Get an RFC started, and then get an active admin to watchlist. The Bigfoot article, for example, was absolutely clobbered by believers a while back, and one in particular. We need more sane eyes on these articles. (Not me, I'm afraid: I'm not very good at conflict and whomping on zealots. I am an admin, but I'm pretty laid back.) Geogre 02:17, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

World Cup stadium

I've heard rumours that Albert Speer jr. (or his architecture firm) has built one of the stadiums for the World Cup 2006. Could someone confirm or deny this?

~~This source say the AS&P firm built the Munich stadium.~~ Road Wizard 14:19, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
- The source I just quoted may not be reliable. The article on Munich's Allianz Arena names Herzog & de Meuron as the architects. Road Wizard 14:50, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  - [9] says AS&P did "site analysis, test designs, negotiations, coordination". So it looks like they were subcontractors, perhaps, or a failed bid? Shimgray | talk | 16:27, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You're obviously referring to the Olympic Stadium (Berlin), which is still the same it was in 1936. The article should have all the answers for you. --Dr. Zarkov 21:45, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Are you sure that is correct? I thought it was Albert Speer Sr. that was involved in the Berlin Stadium's original construction. Or do you have some information that says Albert Speer jr. was involved in some of the redevelopment work? Road Wizard 23:45, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

TV - longest running show?

What is the longest running show - à la Young and the Restless and The Simpsons - on TV? Jack Daw 15:08, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think there will be quite a few shows that claim that title (e.g. longest running show by number of episodes, longest running show by time from first episode to last). Do you want to limit your question to a particular country, or are you interested in the world wide position? The Sky at Night from the UK is claimed to be the "longest running show with the same presenter". Road Wizard 15:17, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In the U.S., Gunsmoke (20 years) is often mentioned as the longest running drama. If you count weekly news shows, Meet the Press has been on forever -- I think the first episode carried live footage of the birth of Christ. --Kevin Myers | (complaint dept.) 17:09, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Last of the Summer Wine is the longest running comedy series in the world, at 23 years, although shows like The Simpsons have more episodes (350+ to LotSW's 240). smurrayinchester^{(User), (Talk)} 17:24, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I was thinking more along the lines of programs like Friends, or Sex and the City, Days of our Lives, Simpsons, etc. There's gotta be a common name for "fiction" tv-shows :D Anyway, the longest running I've stumbled upon so far is actually The young and the restless, premiering in 1973. Jack Daw 17:52, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you're including soap operas, then Guiding Light is the longest running one on television, having a continuous television run since 1952. And it had started on radio in 1937. --Metropolitan90 18:10, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
- In the UK, the longest running by a country mile is Coronation Street. Started in about 1961, still going. Grutness...wha? 01:25, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  - It had a hiatus, but from first to last episode, I think Doctor Who ran longer. - Mgm|^(talk) 08:51, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
    - Coro Street apparentlystarted in October 1960 - Dr. Who started in November 1963 (same day as JFK died, IIRC). Grutness...wha? 06:03, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]
      - Close. JFK died on 22 Nov. Dr Who started on 23 Nov. JackofOz 06:09, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Inge Bandekow

Hi. I have been reading about Hitler and his peers on Wiki, but one person I am curious about, doesn't even have a red-link on her name. I would love it if someone would write a page on "Inge Bandekow" who married Harald Quandt, the surviving son of the Goebbels family. Thanks!! --71.8.83.75 16:48, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Harald Quandt was a step-son, not a son, of Joseph Goebbels. His wife Inge and their children are mentioned in his article. now she has a red link; if anyone knows enough, they'll write it. - Nunh-huh 16:58, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

This is not the place to ask for new articles. You can search for "Inge Bandekow" and a screen will come up inviting you to strart the new article. If you don't want to, you will find an opportunity there to request the article. That's how it's done. :-) --Halcatalyst 17:10, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, that's a highly complex mechanism for requesting articles, involving navigting through a series of pages, and I'm not terribly certain that many requested pages are ever written. If the questioner can figure out which of the hundreds of subpages to request it on, I suppose asking there might slightly increase the chances of having an article on the subject... :) The Reference Desk is certainly the place to ask for information; we just don'tt seem to have enough to offer to make an article out of. - Nunh-huh 17:24, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I have to admit I never tried to request an article using that method. Are there better ways? --Halcatalyst 19:59, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'd love to hear if anyone had had any recent requests actually honored from those pages. They are so huge I think any requests are pretty much lost. I think making red links to point to the requested subject, or asking for information here, or on the talk page of related articles, is probably a more efficient way. Red links will show up in Wikipedia:Most wanted articles if there are enough of them<G>. - Nunh-huh 20:10, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

To expand Nunh-huh's point, the red links will be seen by those with an interest in the subject. Editors are much more likely to write a red linked article on a related subject than someone with no interest churning through a very long list. They are also more likely to have access to the source material. Road Wizard 01:35, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I have attempted to solve the "Requested Articles" boondoggle. I created a category called Red links. If you create a list of redlinks in your user talk space and apply that tag, the collection will show up in the category. I think that makes things easier to find by people who like to research and write. Additionally, one can name the page in such a way as to indicate the subject, so then folks with interests in the area can find it. I keep meaning to announce this somewhere where people will actually see it, but that brings up yet another different longtime problem. Geogre 13:13, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What tag? I have tried to look for a category called "Red links", but I can't find it. Can you provide a link? Thanks. Road Wizard 13:21, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My apologies. The proper link is Category:Red list. A hazard of typing early in the day is faulty memory. I still think it's a good idea. Geogre 15:50, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I can not find any other way on Wiki to thank you guys!!! :) :) Thanks for your patience, and helping me suggest/create a red link. You are all awesome. --71.8.83.75 04:00, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Where can I find this video?

Does anyone know where I could find a video of yesterday's press conference between President George W. Bush and Prime Minster Rasmussen of Denmark? --Shadarian 17:03, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Currently, http://www.whitehouse.gov/ has the transcript and pictures. Based on my experience, the webcast usually shows up thereon in less than 24 hours just the al-Zarqawi speech.Patchouli 20:58, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

metal and big beat genre

there is a genre (or a sub-genre) of metal that is metal with big beat???

metal recorder

the previous question reminded me that I posted this about a week ago, no real answer (someone thought I might have a tin whistle). I wouldn't like to just change the article, which is well-referenced, and the fact I have a metal recorder isn't much of a reference. I'd like to find a reference on the internet to other metal recorders so that, citing them, I can change the article (Recorder). Thank you. 87.97.8.244 18:28, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How interesting. What kind of metal is it made of? Is it a rolled tube, as in tin whistles, or moulded like a flute? Is the mouthpiece metal? I've never heard of such a thing, and I would normally imagine the sound quality to be rather poor, but I'd love to hear more. I'll have a look, but it sounds like you've already done most of what I would do to look. Skittle 20:35, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Okay, from Saunders Recorders. KOBLICZEK There have been also brilliant recorders for buskers and folk groups. The "Silberton" also sold as "Gruber System" is of all heavily silver plated brass, descant, and sopranino, while the treble has a wooden body and keys for F/F#. These instruments have a wide parallel bore and something of the sound of a flute. The unusual moveable windway enables one to vary the voicing and produce husky "ethnic" effects, which "mic up" well. I am not able to obtain these to order. The best source these days is probably through the internet. Key your rquirements into Google and see what you can find. The "Concerto" had a wide bore and thin wall giving it a robust but not coarse tone well liked by folk musicians... Silberton: Cylindrical Metal Recorders, occasionally available second-hand

Also, on the same site "HOPF: These are, unfortunately, no longer available. The renaissance models are available from Kobliczek. Secondhand "Meister" trebles are well worth considering, they have an unusally small stretch for the right hand. See Kobliczek for the metal recorders."

Hope this helps. Skittle 20:44, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Vauxhall Advert song

What is the name of the song from the new Vauxhall advert shown in the UK? ITs the one with the car 'surfing' or something through the water. Its kinda.. folky or something. Dunno but its kinda catchy. Thanks.

I think this source gives the answer. They say it is a song by Lonnie Donegan called Rock Island Line. Road Wizard 01:29, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sci-fi short story, self-monitoring machine

I'm looking for a sci-fi short story, which I remember being mentioned somewhere on WP. The story was based around the concept of a machine with the sole purpose of monitoring its own actions: it was like a stream of conciousness for the machine. Something like "Switched on. Recorded being switched on. Made a record of recording having been switched on" etc. Or something like that. I also think the machine/story had a name derived from Latin/Greek, like auto-something. Thanks! Sum0 21:07, 10 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wouldn't it just go on recording the recordings of having been switched on? What could possibly be the use of such a thing? --Username132 (talk) 14:50, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

June 11

Person who said this one thing and a term

quote

I remember reading this quote one one time and it goes something to the tune of:

"Isn't it amazing how music can bring out our deepest emotions: hapiness, sadness, fear, anger, without even saying a word?"

I just can't remember who it was. I am almost positive it was a woman, but it could also be a man. I don't know. Does anybody recognize this?

term

I was playing a piece of music and it just made me feel sad (hence the quote) and I wanted to play it like I was sad, and expressing my feelings with it. What is this called? I remember doing something like this in theatre(er?) that was called something like emotional recall where you think of something sad and put that into the part your doing. But what is it applied to my situation? Yhanks. schyler 00:57, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What Said said about Indo-European

Edward Said said something some years ago about the unreality (or something) of the idea of the Indo-European, or Indo-Aryan, or Aryan, language group. At least, so say a lot of people. It seems he allegedly said something about not trusting a German who uses the words "Aryan" and "Semitic" in the same sentence.

A great deal of Googling of what seemed to be promising combinations gave me an exposure to a colossal load of offensive garbage by lovers and haters of ES, but nothing useful. (Though there was actually one note by some heretic who said he'd like to see the actual passage before commenting on it.)

Please, can anyone point me to the actual passage in context?

I don't know what Said said (nor do I particularly care that much, since he was not a linguist, and not particularly qualified to comment on technical linguistic matters) -- but the reality of the Indo-European and Semitic language groups is established beyond question in scientific linguistics. (However, the idea of Indo-European and Semitic "races"[sic] is of course nonsense.) The German word for "Indo-European" is "Indogermanisch". In linguistic terminology, the word Indo-Aryan actually means the group which encompasses Indian languages (those related to Sanskrit) and Iranian languages. (I have no idea what "Indo-Aryan" means to Edward Said and racists, nor do I want to know.) AnonMoos 15:57, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Must say, I agree with every word except as to caring about it. Not that I'd tell anyone else whether to care; but I'm curious, and not just idly, whether such a major politico-scholastic figure, at least as perceived in the media, came up with something so absolutely stupid -- not ignorant, he wasn't that, but deliberately maliciously racist stupid -- as this appears to be. Sorry, forgot to sign the previous one -- Dandrake 16:30, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Question about reckoning one's age in China

I read or heard once, somewhere, that it was customary in China to say that a newborn baby is one year old, and to increment the age at the start of the lunar new year (instead of on the person's birthday). Is this true? And if it is true, can anyone help me find a quotable source for it? I've mentioned this point in one of the footnotes of the article United States v. Wong Kim Ark, but I would really like to include a citation if possible. Richwales 05:54, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know about China, but the custom of incrementing ones age at the start of the year instead of having individual birthdays was used in Japan until at least the last century (I am unsure whether some Japanese still continue this practice). My source for the Japanese usage is an anime called Sakura Wars, which is set in 1920s Tokyo. The explanation of the custom came about in an episode where a character from Europe grew upset that no one was interested in celebrating her birthday. I will keep an eye out for a Chinese source though. Road Wizard 10:00, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

dragonwings the grade school reading book is my source for the same understanding, and concerned chinese in san francisco around the turn of the century earthquake (1902? 1903? 1904? something like that). the protagonist was put in the wrong grade as a result. 82.131.186.141 10:47, 11 June 2006 (UTC).[reply]

See East Asian age reckoning. No citation is provided in the article though. --Kusunose 13:35, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I have now added sources for both Chinese and Japanese systems to the external links section of the page Kusunose mentioned. Road Wizard 14:35, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Mittal Steel Company vs Arcelor

On what legal basis can Arcelor refuse selling itself to Mittal Steel Company, the highest bidder? Is there even an economic justification, or is it pure Indophobia? deeptrivia (talk) 12:06, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It´s not pure Indophobia (at least I hope it´s not). It´s a mainly political issue. "They" defend that the whole sector is vital for France and therefore should be in french hands, by extrapolation European. This excuse is also used in America with the harbours. It is the same excuse everywhere. It´s called protectionism and exists in every country of this planet. We like that foreigners invest their money in our country, but as soon some as*hole shouts: "This (whatever) should be in our national hands!" everybody just turns stupid. It is supported by lying politicians because the "dumb masses of voters" will vote on them because of these double-standart measures. And still they say that democracy is always the best answer for everything. It´s plain case of not doing what we preach to everyone. Flamarande 12:31, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunately, protectionism of French companies and companies involving French interests is a thorny issue at the moment. The French government has been receiving some criticism lately for stalling in the process of liberalising their takeover rules, as part of a wider EU initiative. The accusations stem from the fact that French companies have been taking over firms in other EU countries like the UK since their rules were liberalised, but companies in other countries can't take over French ones. [10] Road Wizard 12:48, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hey, it´s not only the frogies! Everybody does it. The French are only a bit more...obvious? Flamarande 12:55, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I am not saying it is just the French, but as you mentioned the reason for the refusal is because of French interests, I thought I would provide the editor with an example where the French situation is discussed. As the article says, in that example the French can be accused of double standards, but they haven't broken any laws. Road Wizard 13:10, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Indophobia is situated between Indonesia and Montenegro. The ravenous islands grow pure scented flowers of green taxes. Yous should have been there in the summer when tigers and goats perform their rituals of love and the shepherds go cutting boughs to bbq them. --DLL 19:27, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Lyudmilla Pavlichenko

"The recruiter initally rebuked her, suggested a nurse specialization instead, but after being presented her marksmanship certificate, assigned her to the Red Army's 25th Infantry Division". Ridicolous. In the Red Army (and in the other communist Army) woman were conscripted. Vess

Where are you quoting from? I can't find an article called Lyudmilla Pavlichenko. Road Wizard 13:58, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Lyudmila Pavlichenko - The quoter put in two 'l's. I found it by putting a section of the quote into google and in quotes. --Username132 (talk) 14:46, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't see anything in that sentence that suggests she wasn't conscripted. Vess, if you think something needs correcting (and there's plenty that needs correcting) please go right ahead and edit it. If you're uncertain, leave a note on that article's discussion page. --Shantavira 15:34, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Also, women were conscripted, but they weren't always allowed to be in combat roles, and that seems to be what the article is going on about. It does sound like folklore, though, and I wouldn't be surprised if it were false, but not because the Soviet armies were actually equal opportunity in conscription. Geogre 15:48, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Getting Over" People

When trying to "get over" someone after a relationship, the best advice I can come up with involves focusing on the person's flaws and/or finding someone to replace them. Is there any other/better advice to quicken the process? --Username132 (talk) 14:27, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Try not to think about them. Think about how much better you are off (presumably). Focus on new opportunities and goals. Overcome new barriers and enjoy life. :) --Proficient 14:39, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

A sexual relationship is not the most important fact in life. Other facts include taxes, insurance, knowledge, security and peace, and more.Patchouli 15:01, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

And try to remain on friendly terms with them. They might appreciate having a friend they can turn to when their next relationship ends.--Shantavira 15:38, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Practically, the best suggestions I can offer are 1) write a letter stating your complaints, but do not send it (very important), 2) Do what you can to reduce the lost Other to the status of just any other person, as the pain of rejection is comprised both of loss and of insult ('you say that I am less worthy than someone else; I love you, so I value your opinion, so I am, indeed, worthless'), and the sooner the Other becomes "just some person with an opinion," the sooner one element of the pain is removed, 3) Devalue the lost things (affection, sex, intimacy) by reminding yourself that you are no different today from yesterday, that your life may be less rich, but it is not actually impaired. Ultimately, nothing will take the sting away, but I recommend avoiding at all cost regret. Regret will do no good to you, to the beloved, or your peace, and it will cheapen the good by alloying it with pain. Geogre 15:46, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

don't focus on their faults. I think you're trying to get over a man, so this might be unfamiliar to you, but the best way is porn. search until you find a type you find real hot, hotter than your ex at least.

Don't convince yourself they're evil, or you're better than them or put them down, all I can say, is keep on good terms with everyones, spend some time with freinds if you need support, and keep occupied. Also I wouldn't find someone to replace them straight away, because then you get those clingy "on the bounce" relationships where there only in it because they're getting over some one, and nobody likes them.

Alfred Lord Tennyson: 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Philc _T^E_C^I 22:36, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Isn't that from Romeo and Juliet? Or was only the sentiment there? Skittle 10:18, 12 June 2006 (UTC) Yeah, just the sentiment. I think I always expect them to say it, but they never do.... Skittle 10:21, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There is a Buddhist text that recommends thinking of the beloved as a bag of offal. A recent translation expresses it rather forcefully. "You have plenty of filth of your own. Satisfy yourself with that! Glutton for crap! Forget her, that other pouch of filth!" (Bodhicharyavatara 8.53) Hope this helps. --Shantavira 07:12, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would advise you to put her out of your mind, avoid all contact with her, and more or less pretend she does not exist.

The N.K. Fairbank Company

What is the value of a little catalog put out by the N.K. Fairbank Company in 1899? It deals with soap wrappers. Coolthings 15:18, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Probably very little, but have you tried checking the price of similar articles on eBay? --Shantavira 15:41, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Older Civilization in Recorded History

Based on recorded history, is the Chinese civilization older than the Mesopotamian and Persian civilizations?Patchouli 16:04, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Doing a quick Google search of wikipedia for the term "oldest civilization" brings up an interesting discussion at User talk:Mimiian. It appears to be a contentious issue. Road Wizard 16:17, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Probably the Mesopotamians slightly edged all the others when it came to the development of writing. Otherwise, the question might be hard to define in a way tha would admit of an exact answer. AnonMoos 15:46, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Linus Yale, Sr.

Was he the one that invented the Yale lock?

I think you just tried to blank your question as you had already found the answer. Unfortunately, you also inadvertently blanked most of the other questions on this page at the same time. Please try to be a little more careful in future. In case you haven't found your answer, please see Pin tumbler lock. Road Wizard 16:49, 11 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Mabogo/Mobogo the killer/bull

Has anyone any information concerning pictures/card games no longer produced un the title of Mabogo/Mobogo???? Thanks

June 12

Music

Is there a word meaning a group of musical works? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 203.20.208.10 (talk • contribs) 18:10, June 11, 2006 (UTC)

First that comes to mind is a medley, but without further explanation as to what you want, it's kind of hard. schyler 02:02, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Do you mean oeuvre? Geogre 03:35, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Or album? Or opera? Grutness...wha? 06:04, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Suite was what came to mind for me. Then you have more specific terms like song cycle. — Haeleth Talk 20:52, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

.. and not just song cycles (like Schubert's); there is orchestral and more: Smetana, Má Vlast, and of course Herr Wagner's Ring? --Seejyb 21:49, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Is a song cycle a single entity, or a group of entities? Is each song more like the movement of a symphony than a musical work in its own right? What would a group of song cycles be called?
People also talk about performing or recording the complete "cycle" of Beethoven/Mahler/whoever's symphonies, but this is a misnomer as they are discrete works and were not conceived as forming a larger group (in contrast with Smetana, Schubert/Schumann lieder cycles etc). "Set" might be a better term.
10 marks for ingenuity to Grutness for "opera", which is the plural of "opus" (work). "Opera" now mainly refers to a particular genre of music/drama, and in that sense it has become a singular word, which is why it can be pluralised to "operas" without any objection from purists. A composer who referred to "my opera" would not be talking about his/her collected works, but to a specific work, such as La Boheme. JackofOz 02:15, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I rejected "opera" as requiring an object. It is not the plural of "opus." (Still some Latin left in my head, though most of it leaked out.) Instead, it's Italian. Geogre 03:16, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Our article suggests it started out as the Italian plural of the Latin word opus. JackofOz 03:27, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Opera is the Latin plural of the Latin word opus. It is not an Italian plural. It is not clear how an Italian plural of the Latin word opus would be formed, as the rules of the Italian grammar operate on the gender, which in Italian is masculine or feminine, while opus is neuter, and further depend on which vowel (-a, -à, -e, -è, -o) is the last letter, while opus does not end on a vowel. In Italian, the word opera is either singular, and then just means "work" (of art etc.), or specifically "opera" (people singing and then dying theatrically), or it is possibly plural, but then it is a Latin word injected into the midst of an Italian discourse. --Lambiam ^Talk 11:33, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hmm, I've never seen a neuter Latin noun form a plural with an interposed -er. Geogre 11:53, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

For opus see, e.g., [11]. There is also the neuter noun genus with plural genera. Not a noun but an adjective, but also getting -er- in other cases than the nominative or accusative singular, is vetus (old), which is also the neuter form, with neuter plural vetera. --Lambiam ^Talk 12:24, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Napoleon Bonaparte

Whould it be possible for someone today to rule an empire as large as Napoleon Bonapartes?

Thanks -anon —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.193.39.27 (talk • contribs) 18:34, June 11, 2006 (UTC)

Yes, the current rulers of China rule an empire larger both population and size.

Until 15 years ago the soviet rulers also ruled a vest ad diverse empire. They used methods very similar to Napoleon- that is ruling the conquered territories as nominally independent puppet states. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 152.163.100.72 (talk • contribs) 18:58, June 11, 2006 (UTC)

Maybe. A empire is a region ruled by (usually but not always) an empress or emperor. So you could say that lots of countries now are bigger than Napoleon's empire. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 203.20.208.10 (talk • contribs) 18:52, June 11, 2006 (UTC)

It is far easier to rule a large empire now. In Napoleon's time, you didn't have instant communications with every part of your empire 24-hours a day. In my opinion, the new empires are not countries. They are businesses, such as the Wal-Mart empire. Calculate the land and people controlled by Wal-Mart and it is a viable country all its own. --Kainaw ^(talk) 13:15, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Is it possible? Yes, certainly. Russia, Canada, the United States and the People's Republic of China are all larger than Napoleon's empire in sheer size. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Indonesia (in addition to the US, Russia and the PRC, above, but not Canada) control larger populations than Napoleon did. However, the only empire still in existence today is the Empire of Japan, which is about the same in population as Napoleon's empire but much smaller in land area. —Cuiviénen 21:14, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Don't know about Japan. Its head of state may be an emperor, but Japan itself (herself?) if not considered an empire in any sense. It does not have any such title in its official name and it makes no claim to control of territories outside its borders (apart from disputed possessions such as the Kurile islands). JackofOz 23:44, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There used to be an empire of Japan. However, they lost it all in WWII. --mboverload @ 05:58, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Info on the Society for the Domination of Women

I heard about the Society for the Domination of Women on an old show from the late 50's. He was calling it something that sounded like SODA or SODAWO. I tried googling it but found nothing. Any info or place to look would be awesome! Thanks -Katrina —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 151.205.81.18 (talk • contribs) 19:40, June 11, 2006 (UTC)

It sounds to me like it would have been a joke, and even if it wasn't a joke, such an organization would probably have been rather ephemeral. But you can look at Loving Female Authority and Matriarchy... AnonMoos 15:43, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, /soda probablly was a joke. However in the theirs was an organization called the womans party it took fairly radical feminist positions (at least for the time period) and was sometimes fairly or unfairly labeled as antiman. Perhaps "soda" is spoof on them.

The very extreme feminist organisation was Valerie Solanas' Society for Cutting Up Men (SCUM). We also have an article on the SCUM Manifesto which includes a link to an online copy.-gadfium 06:06, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Salaries of justices of the SCOTUS

The POTUS makes $400,000, but what do the justices make? Do they have other sources of income? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Ronbarton (talk • contribs) 21:31, June 11, 2006 (UTC)

According to the articles Chief Justice of the United States and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the Chief Justice earns $208,100 per annum and the Associate Justices slightly less: $199,200. --Canley 05:12, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Arthur C. Clarke Book

Sorry...I didn't get my answer yet? I want to know the names of all 3 books of Arthur c. clarkes trilogy "The Blue Planet Triology" I have read one. "The Reefs of Taprobane"

But i couldn't find any of these books in his book index in wikipedia. So anyone wh knows them, plz update the article asap.

Sithara from Sri Lanka. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 220.247.209.130 (talk • contribs) 05:52, June 12, 2006 (UTC)

The Coast of Coral (vol. 1), The Reefs of Taprobane (vol. 2), and The Treasure of the Great Reef (vol. 3). —Wayward ^Talk 13:44, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, all three of those are listed clearly in the article Arthur C. Clarke. What a strange place for an encyclopedia to keep such information. --Kainaw ^(talk) 14:51, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, only one of the volumes was listed in the article. I added the other two after I posted them here :) —Wayward ^Talk 15:20, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

IS the surname FRESE related to the Double Decker Bus

IS the surname FRESE related to the design, development, invention, or "in any way" to the Double Decker Bus?

First name may (or not) be Joseph, Henry, or William.

This name is of German decent around Hamburg, Germany. William Frese came to the United States in the late 1800's. Lived in Virginia.

His son was Joseph Henry Frese Sr., born in America (Virginia, died 1935 in Oakland, CA). ... I was told this man was associated with inventing the Double Decker Bus. Perhaps the design or even "re-design" area. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Minkiee (talk • contribs) 09:50, June 12, 2006 (UTC)

Depending on the exact age of the gentleman, I suspect he was not the inventor of the original double-decker bus, but it is possible that he created one of the many redesigns. One of the references in our Double-decker bus article quotes a former British Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladstone, as saying "Yes, gentlemen, the way to see London is from the top of a 'bus—from the top of a 'bus, gentlemen." As Mr Gladstone died in 1898, this suggests that at least one form of double-decker bus was well established before that time. Road Wizard 17:37, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The word "bus" is a clipping of "omnibus," and so finding exact references is complicated. In 1898, and certainly earlier, the omnibus was not going to be, of course, an internal combustion vehicle, so Gladstone was probably not referring to what the questioner is interested in. Geogre 17:45, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

General Kim Williams

Who was General Kim Williams?

All I know is that he was a scion of the House of Williams of North Wales, and was alive prior to 1800 possibly a lot earlier. He may have resided in Southern Ireland

Colinjr 17:55, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

De Berry Huguenot

Who were the De Berry brothers? And when did they arrive in England/Wales/Ireland?

They were Huguenot refugees.

Colinjr 17:58, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you type in De Berry on the search bar to the left, you will get quite a few Wikipedia articles about people with this name. Otherwise, we'd have to know more about the brothers (which is what you don't know, I guess).

I checked a French name list but couldn't find De Berry. My ancestors were Huguenot and their names are there. You could also search for "de berry" huguenot on Google or Yahoo or another and you'll find lots of information. --Halcatalyst 02:53, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Could it be a mis-hearing/mis-spelling of Du Barry? This someimes happens with "foreign" names.(hotclaws**== 12:27, 13 June 2006 (UTC))[reply]

Please identify this science-fiction short story

When I was a child I read a short story that has affected me greatly. I'd like to reread the story now that I'm an adult, but can't locate it. Here's a plot synopsis...

The planet has been entirely overrun by humans. The society measure it's progress in kilograms of brain mass, and everyone lives in very dense cities. Human waste is shipped out to sea, and kelp is harvested to eat. As a hobby, a man keeps alive the last remaining patch of grass, a bird or other small animal, maybe a lizard or something, in his apartment. One day he receives a notice form the government that his building will be torn down to construct an even larger housing complex, and he is order to vacate. He can't take his pets with him, so he destroys everything and then commits suicide.

I read this story about 25 years ago, but I think it was in an anthology of science-fiction short stories from the mid-1960s. I thought it was by Heinlein, but after searching through many of his works, I'm not so sure anymore.

Thanks for your help, Andy 216.98.254.8 19:25, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think it's by Isaac Asimov -- if memory serves, it was one of a pair of stories dealing with the "last living non-human thing", one glorifying and the other lamenting the concept. However, I don't recall the titles. — Lomn Talk 19:51, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I can confirm Asimov. Political Mind 20:38, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It actually sounds rather un-Asimov-like to me, and I've read many (but not all) of his short stories. But if others confirm, disregard this. :-) zafiroblue05 | Talk 00:33, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help!!!

My Grandfather was in World War 2 but his name is not in the world war 2 veterans list. Why is that??? His name is Raymond J. Bastian!

Not listed in what list? What country, even? Rmhermen 23:37, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There is an article List of World War II veterans. The people listed all have a Wikipedia article and are notable for other reasons than being a veteran. --Lambiam ^Talk 11:46, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

history

I want to know more about Beringia.

Well, we don't always get what we want. schyler 23:26, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Generals from wwII

Are their any WWII Generals from any nation who still live?

So far, I've only found one: Robert Moncel was promoted to brigadier general in the Canadian armed forces in 1944. Still looking, though. —Zero Gravitas 05:11, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

nineteenth century latin america

why would latin political stablility be such a challenge to latin leaders in the nineteeth century ?

See colonialism or the course materials you've probably been asked to read. Geogre 03:11, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

education in the US

What is the percentage of people in the US who have a BA or higher? What is the percentage of people in their mid to late 20's who have a BA or higher?

For information up to 2004, see NCES tables. For males and females age 25+, 27.7% had a bachelor's degree or higher. For males and females between 25 and 29, 28.7% had a bachelor's degree or higher. Ziggurat 02:45, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Manatory retirement age

What is the mandatory retirement age for British military officers?

Hitler's biological children

Are their any known or suspected biological children of Adolf Hitler?

No. - Nunh-huh 23:52, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

But what if their were, could they still be his? VdSV9•♫ 01:44, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Actually there was an utterly fascinating student film filmed in a documentary style done on what would happen if they cloned Hitler. They did it to see if genetics would make him turn into the same person. He didn't. However, when he and other people found out he was "forced" by society to start looking like Hitler. Extremely thought provoking, something you rarely see in the movies. --mboverload @ 05:56, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

And let´s not forget David Gardner and his story about 'The Last of the Hitlers' [12] --nodutschke 14:21, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Condom use

When did condom use become regular?

See the history section on the condoms article. Also: please sign your comments by adding four tildes (~~~~) to the end of each one. Emmett5 23:51, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

June 13

Most movies

File:MGM Ident 1928.jpg

World's most prolific actor?

Anybody know what actor or actress has appeared in the greatest number of movies?

Jackie, in the role of Leo the Lion.--Pharos 00:40, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Could you clarify the following?

-Are you only concerned about North American/Europeans Films?

-Do you consider a very small role, or a voice role as an "appearance"?

-What exactly do you mean by "movie"? (e.g. does a made-for-TV movie count?

--CE

heh. I like Pharos's suggestion. As far as humans go (other than mentioning the man with the gong in the J Arthur Rank movies, that is), it will almost certainly be someone from the silent movie era, since they were churned out at a great rate of knots. It was not unusual for silent movie stars to appear in a dozen movies per year. Grutness...wha? 01:46, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not the answer but; the Gunness book of records says that John Wayne is the actor with the greatest number of lead roles: 142 of 153 films. MeltBanana 02:31, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Christopher Lee would have to be up there. He has appeared in 227 films, and is still going strong. JackofOz 02:44, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure even they could match John Wayne or Christopher Lee, but pornographic 'actors' and 'actresses' appear in shockingly high numbers of "films" (especially if you count every cut of a set of scenes as a film). A pornographic actress may have a career of 18 months and appear in 100 filmic products. I suppose this is, yet again, one of those examples of why it pays to specify. Further, though, and more seriously, Bollywood outpaces Hollywood in number of films and yet has a smaller set (over time) of lead players, so I should imagine that some of the major stars of Indian cinema would pass even the infamous Kevin Bacon. Geogre 03:10, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

When this triva question is asked, the usual answer given is Tom Mix , but there were virtually all silent shorts. A British bit part actor called Sam Kydd is well-known for turning up with minor roles in hundreds of films. Jooler 10:56, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

graduation and tassels

Which direction does one move the tassel at high school graduation - right to left or left to right, and why?

According to this page tassels are worn on the right before the graduate receives the diploma, and on the left afterwards. Why? Sounds like a question for the Straight Dope. Ziggurat 02:40, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Oedipus complex

Is Oedipus Rex the first documented expression of the Oedipus complex known? In other words, are there any documented evidence of any form, expressing the ideas of Freud's Oedipus complex that date back before the play: Oedipus Rex?

Any help available would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Do you mean the psychological complex or the event? The complex was first described by Freud, to the best of my knowledge, and used the event (killing the father and marrying the mother) from Oedipus Rex as the metaphor for that complex. To clarify: the play doesn't psychologize or extend the event to a psychological directive inherent in all humans, that's the complex, and came much later. If you're asking whether there are any events in literature of a similar kind that predate Oedipus Rex, I'm not aware of any. Ziggurat 03:41, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you read the sources both the Oedipus and Electra complexes are shockingly badly named but what do you expect from a coke-head?(hotclaws**== 12:32, 13 June 2006 (UTC))[reply]

War Power of US Congress

Representative John Murtha who is an outspoken critic of the continued U.S. military presence in Iraq says that he will still continue to vote for the $8 billion monthly tab.

Prima facie, I thought that he is hypocritic. However, maybe I don't clearly understand the War Powers Clause (Article 1, § 8, clause 11) and the revelant statutes. Could it be that even if all the members of Congress like Rep. Murtha and Robert C. Byrd stopped funding the war, then they still wouldn't be able to stop the war? That it would just give ammunition to war proponents to attack Murtha and his fellows for not supporting the troops.

Can you explain this matter to me? Does there need to be 1/2 or 2/3 of Congress to stop the war?Patchouli 04:44, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It appears that you are mixing two different things. By Constitutional definition, the "war" in Iraq is a "police action". The United States has not had a "war" since World War II. Because it is Constitutionally a "police action", Bush only required authorization from Congress to use force - which he received. As for funding, Congress sets the budget. They could cut military funding in an attempt to stop the war by depleting financial resources, but the President can divert military spending from other areas (like border patrol). Congress could then pass a law about diverting funding if they liked. However, as it stands, Congress is very busy being politicians. They voted to authorize use of force. They have continually voted to authorize a lot of money to continue using force. All the while, they've been pointing at Bush and blaming him for everything. It makes me wonder if the citizens of the United States will ever hold Congress responsible or will they continue to blame President after President for the actions of Congress. --Kainaw ^(talk) 12:25, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Other than World War II, what are the other "formal wars?"Patchouli 16:03, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Highest Paid Athlete in 1986

I have spent literally hours over the last couple days searching for the name of the highest paid athlete in 1986, with our without endorsements. I found one site that said it was possibly Geoge Foster of the New York Mets. Can this be true? Thank You!!! CEP --65.111.193.170 05:18, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

timeline

Can anyone give me the timeline of indian forts? i really need help.

PS> some jerk changed this question already, no need for you to do it again. plz answer only, that would be polite, it would not show that you have been raised by orangutangs who taught you only to eat and lick your own butt.

Cherry

Another random phrase question: Does anyone know where the phrase "X is cherry" (for instance, "the car is cherry", meaning there is nothing wrong with it) comes from? Thanks in advance for any ideas! — QuantumEleven 06:43, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Fairly vulgar, but I believe it refers to the item being untouched and virginal. I.e. the usage derives from the slang usage of "cherry" for hymen. Geogre 11:47, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Tends to be "mint" in the UK,so flavour comes into it?(hotclaws**== 12:33, 13 June 2006 (UTC)) I always assumed 'in mint condition' and hence 'mint' originally referred to freshness, but that may be a little too folk-etymology. Skittle 16:02, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Editions of John Calvin's Commentaries

I have trandlated Calvins Commentaries on the Epistles of St Paul into Afrikaans. In his Commentaries on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians he dedicated it to a certain Christophorus, Count os Wittenberg. This implies that these commentaries were published in one volume. Where can I get a list of the Latin editions published during and after his lifetime? I also ned a list of translations of these commentaries in English, French German and Dutch or in any other langusge if such a translation exists. My thanks in anticipation of a reply. (I heve a neurological balance problem which makes it virtually impossible to visit liberaries) Prof. S. Postma e-mail stepostma@mweb.co.za

English Comic Verse

I am looking for the text of a comic verse,which begins:-

"Upon the river's bank serene A fisher sat, where all was green, And looked it!

At last, when light was growing dim, he saw a fish, or the fish saw him, And hooked it"

Each verse has the 'double entendre' of those shown above.

Tony

Cameron vs, Brown

In the UK who would likely win in the next general election Cameron's party (Conservative) or Browns party (Labor)? Who is personally more popular Cameron of Brown?

From my personal point of view, David Cameron has done a pretty good job at charming the media since he became leader of the Conservative Party. However, he is only now starting to reveal his party's policies, and there has been quite a negative reaction to these (particularly considering withdrawing the European Democrats from its aliance with the European People's Party). Gordon Brown is likely to be the next leader of the Labour Party (note how the name of the party is spelled). He is suffering at the moment from the fading popularity of Tony Blair's government, but many see him as good for the economy (or at least better than anyone else around). If Cameron's policies continue to meet with negative reaction and Brown is able to stamp his own authority on Labour, it's going Brown's way. Otherwise, we're in for a close race. The third party, the Liberal Democrats, also have a new leader, Menzies Campbell. He is generally regarded as too old and cautious to bring the party into better fortunes. However, if the gap between Labour and Tories is narrowed, the Lib Dems may become a vey important part of the next government. — Gareth Hughes 10:53, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Music question

I'm trying to find the name and artist of a song I heard. I heard it in the movie A Night at the Roxbury, but it is not on the soundtrack album. Part of the song (techno/insturmental) is briefly heard in a scene where the brothers are arguing in the car (I know, that's like every other scene in the movie!). The music is kind of suspenseful, agitated. Any ideas? - Cybergoth 14:46, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There are a few tracks listed in the film's entry in the IMDB that don't appear on the soundtrack. It's probably one of those. Might help to narrow your search down a bit. --Richardrj 15:07, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That was super-helpful! I found the song in 30 seconds - it's "Nightmare" by Brainbug. Thanks - Cybergoth 15:40, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Significance of metal stars on New England US buildings

Does anyone know the significance of all the stars on the sides of buildings throughout New England, USA? Some are attached to braces to anchor brick walls to a building, but why a star? And there are lots of decoration stars even on civil war era buildings. BrianInFrederick 15:04, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How to upload spreadsheet into article

Dear Wikipedia,

Can you please help me with an upload. I have done a graphical analysis of one of the movements (Lauda Jerusalem) of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monteverdi_Vespers_of_1610). I noticed that images can be uploaded but did not see any references to spreadsheets.

Thank you very much!

Stan Baker Richmond, VA

looking for typical 'Chinese' mountains

Hello,

I don't know if this belongs here, but I would like to know more about those 'typical' Chinese mountains. Whenever mountains of China (in the People's Republic of China) are shown, they show these quite tall, how to say this, sharp peaks all close to each other. I find this very beautiful, but I would like to know, what are they called and where (in what province, because China is really big) are they?

This is what I mean : http://www.georgeandpaula.com/photos/china/china15.jpg

Evilbu 16:12, 13 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

@@ Line 1,242: / Line 1,242: @@
 == timeline ==
+Can anyone give me the timeline of indian forts? i really need help.
+PS> some jerk changed this question already, no need for you to do it again. plz answer only, that would be polite, it would not show that you have been raised by orangutangs who taught you only to eat and lick your own butt.
-i'm looking a time line about cathy freeman...
-THANKS!!!!!
-...................................
-:Have you looked at [[Cathy Freeman]] yet?  [[User:JackofOz|JackofOz]] 06:27, 13 June 2006 (UTC)
 == Cherry ==