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November 8

Standardizing TCO estimates for cars in US

In the United States, are there any proposals to standardize methods of estimating total cost of ownership for new cars, so they can be used in a fair manner for marketing, as has been done with fuel economy estimates? Also, have any studies investigated whether presenting TCO estimates from a disinterested source makes consumers more likely to invest in a fuel-economy upgrade? Neon Merlin 01:03, 8 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Fuel economy standards are rather objective, and were made part of the regulatory scheme when dependence on foreign oil was at a high, and OPEC had the ability to impose oil embargoes on the US. Not only would the automobile industry lobby heavily against imposing a new regulatory regime, the estimates would be much less useful, given the huge differences in individual owner's habits and in driving conditions, and cost of living differences between states and even within states. The same car used for stop-and-go taxi service 24 hrs a day in Manhattan, or sitting in a driveway for a once-a-week trip to Walmart and the hairdresser by a little-old-lady, or for a 50-mile a day commute on an interstate will have hugely different usage costs. μηδείς (talk) 16:43, 8 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Order of the Bath (CB)

The list of recipients should include Jeremy Carl Groombridge (2008 Birthday Honours) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2A02:C7F:615:6C00:6C26:B30F:CF98:EAD9 (talk) 22:40, 8 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

We don't have an article that lists all Companions of the Order, only the category Companions of the Order of the Bath. If the Rev Groombridge had his own article, it should be in the category - however, he doesn't at the moment. To create an article for him, we'd need references that show he passes our notability guidelines (WP:GNG). Tevildo (talk) 23:09, 8 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

November 9

Why isn't US national debt refinanced by the Fed?

What would be the disadvantages for the US Congress, if they legislated to require the Federal Reserve to refinance at the interbank lending rate all parts of the national debt, and the federally-guaranteed debts of states and local governments, on which doing so would save the taxpayers money? Neon Merlin 01:14, 9 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

States' debts are not federally guaranteed as such, nor territories (Puerto Rico) nor municipalities, for which see "FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD.". Given the Federal Reserve is basically a polite fiction, you are asking in effect why the Fed doesn't refinance its own debt. This would mean either taking a loss, or lowering the value of bonds, neither of which would be good for the treasury or the economy. The Fed has to seek stability. If it starts printing money to pay for its debts then we are on the swift road to hyperinflation, for which see Venezuelan debt crisis. μηδείς (talk) 02:07, 9 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

The U.S. national debt panic is also largely a polite fiction. The U.S. national debt itself isn't some great evil that is weighing down the federal government, it is mostly a political tool used by certain factions to justify refusing to be useful to people groups in the U.S. that they want to punish for various reasons. The debt may be a real thing, but the U.S. economy is not particularly hampered by it. Sovereign debt financed under a fiat currency, which is simultaneously the world's most important reserve currency is basically a lisence to print money. Yes, there are consequences for if the debt grows too large compared to the overall size of the world economy, but the U.S. national debt is no where near those limits, and the debt itself is an a net good, providing stable investment vehicles for much of the world economy. The capacity of the U.S. Federal Government to support such debt is not infinite, but it's also not like we've ever come close to it being a problem. As noted here, "Debt is an issue only if you can't repay it or if other people believe you can't repay it. " And the U.S. isn't having any problems with either of those issues. This and this explain some of the nuts and bolts. Could the U.S. screw up really bad with the debt? Sure. Has it, is it, or is there any sign that it will? No. --Jayron 32 12:15, 9 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Jayron, the problem with the debt is [not "panic", a word which you iterjected into this thread, but] the cost of servicing it. I don't have the actual statistics for the current debt, but if we are paying 2-3% on $20,000,000,000,000.00 annually, that's $600 billion (about $2,000 per citizen) that can't be spent on whatever you favorite cause is. US national debt shows a $433 billion debt service cost in 2014. To phrase this as a political problem for just one ideology is disingenuous to say the least. Whether for Obamacare, a Tax Cut, or a Border Wall that money is just not there. μηδείς (talk) 17:29, 9 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Subtract from that the ~$124 billion the US would be paying even at the interbank rate. But then add back the compound interest that would be saved in future years by still cutting the deficit almost in half (an ultimately unbounded savings as long as there is a deficit, assuming the US is never going to default). Neon Merlin 23:14, 9 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

I am slightly confused, Merlin. Subtract that from what, the cost of the service? I assume the $433B figure from our article re 2014 already reflects any discounts.

There's also the separate issue that many people say "oh, don't worry, half the US debt is privately held". But this almost exclusively means by potentates and well-connected Americans. And the value of such bonds is not actually employed capital--only the interest is available as capital (money available for investment in new industry). So this debt (now greater than a year's GDP since the last quarter of 2015 (National debt of the United States), often considered a tipping point for less robust economies) is a huge problem. μηδείς (talk) 01:48, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Storing Fruits & Vegetables

I have to store 1 kg of mixed fruits and 1 kg of mixed vegetables - seperately of course, or together if possible - for at least 10 (minimum) to 30 (maximum) days. Basically they need to stay fresh as long as possible without a Fridge/Freezer as it is not available. What could/should I do? 119.30.45.9 (talk) 07:40, 9 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

This would depend significantly on the type of fruits and vegetables. In some case it may not even make sense to store the fruit all together. Nil Einne (talk) 07:57, 9 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

If you google the phrase "Storing fruits and vegetables without refrigeration " it leads you to various things to read like this and this and this. I that gets you started on your research. --Jayron 32 12:06, 9 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Beware the effects of ethylene, a gas given off by some ripe and most overripe fruits. The expression "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch" comes from the fact that an overripe apple will cause the remaining apples to ripen and hence rot much more quickly. In most cases, fruit like bananas last longer if you separate them and space them apart, rather than putting them in a basket as a bunch.

Each fruit also has it best temperature conditions, with refrigerating bananas also being a bad idea. Not knowing what you are storing, we can't give a blanket answer, but how long is a mere kilo of fruit going to last you anyways? There's always preservation, and my favorite, making compote.

μηδείς (talk) 01:25, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Please read Root cellar for a description of what people did before refrigerators, and what some still do today. Cullen³²⁸ Let's discuss it 17:28, 12 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Given the indent, Cullen, are you advising me to read the article, or suggesting that the OP dig a root cellar before his sabbatical? μηδείς (talk) 19:39, 12 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

November 10

Chinese bulldog?

Would it be accurate to refer to the Shar Pei as a "Chinese bulldog"? The visual similarity between the two is obvious, but are the breeds related? 2601:646:8E01:7E0B:0:0:0:EA04 (talk) 03:11, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

It depends how you define "related". Origin of the domestic dog would indicate they are all related, but it shows separate branches for European and Asian dogs. Although the Shar Pei article gives some good information on lineage, there is not very much in the Bulldog article. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 05:01, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

The bulldog seems to have it's origins in medieval England and is something of a national emblem, see What is the significance of the British Bulldog? and the traditional but violent game of British Bulldog. Alansplodge (talk) 13:08, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Bulldogs were bred for bull baiting and Shar Peis were bred for fighting other dogs therefore referring to them as bulldogs is inaccurate. This [[1]] however suggests that they are quite closely related (bottom right).--Ykraps (talk) 13:15, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Then the French bulldog should not be referred to as such, because it wasn't bred for catching bulls either? 2601:646:8E01:7E0B:0:0:0:EA04 (talk) 10:32, 11 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Based on visual similarity, it would be accurate to call them (and several others) brachycephalic dogs (literally 'short-headed', sometimes also referred to as flat-faced). ---Sluzzelin talk 22:15, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Chess zugzwang

In chess, if one's only legal move in a zugzwang is to move the figure blocking from check or from checkmate, does it count as a stalemate or a checkmate (in case of blocking from checkmate)? Thanks. 212.180.235.46 (talk) 09:10, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Your question assumes that the player's king is in check. The only legal move is to move it out of check. If he can't do that (because wherever he moves the king will be captured) it is checkmate and the game is lost. If the king is not in check but whichever square it moves to it will be captured and there is no other available piece to move it is stalemate and the game is drawn. 82.14.24.95 (talk) 12:24, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

I see 2 ways to interpret this question. If a player's only moves place himself in check (for example by moving a blocking piece out of the way), then the player has no legal moves and it is a stalemate. If a player's only moves do not place himself in check, but open himself up for a checkmate, then the player must make one of the moves (or resign) and his opponent can then checkmate him. Doe either of these answer your question?--Wikimedes (talk) 22:31, 12 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Expanding my answer a little, "discovered check" is where your opponent "moves the figure blocking from check" to another square out of the firing line. You must then either move your king to a place of safety or interpose a piece between the king and the enemy piece which can capture it. If you can't it's checkmate. Of course, if you're playing against a stronger player, every move you make opens you up to a checkmate (eventually) - in the situation Wikimedes describes, every move you make will result in checkmate (provided your opponent makes the correct responses). 82.13.208.70 (talk) 13:23, 13 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Barcolongo

What's a barcolongo? From it's use on page 354 here [[2]], I assume it's some sort of ocean-going vessel but can anyone be more specific?--Ykraps (talk) 13:46, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

This, this, and a literal translation attempt seem to point towards a longboat. --Wrongfilter (talk) 14:06, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Putting "barcolongo" into the search function of the source referred to by the OP gives a further reference to a barcolongo having 4 guns, 10 swivels and a crew of 33 men. That sounds like rather more than a longboat, which might at best mount one or two swivels. Wymspen (talk) 15:48, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Plenty of references to barcolongos here [3], armed with between 4 and 10 guns plus swivels and manned with crews of up to 60 men. Searching Barco Longo (two words)[4]] brings up references to Spanish fishing vessels of 2 to 3 masts, similar to a lugger.--Ykraps (talk) 19:56, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, and apparently we have an article on it at Barca-longa.--Ykraps (talk) 22:08, 10 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Not to be confused with the Barcalounger? μηδείς (talk) 03:36, 11 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

November 11

US resident

Hi! I've checked online but the answer is not very clear... I would like to know if a European citizen could become a US resident without any degree or a job. I make some money online and I get paid on PayPal. I hope to make enough money to be able to move to the US next year. Could I become a resident if I am financially independent but without a degree or an "official" job? 42.114.193.66 (talk) 17:56, 11 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

We don't give legal advice here. This site does, sort of. See what they have to say. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 18:22, 11 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, see DV-Program, also called Diversity Immigrant Visa or GreenCard. For this Year, the application period has extended until 22 November due technical issues. Apply at https://www.dvlottery.state.gov and see instructions first. In general states around the world look for the best qualified people. No one wants a social burden. It is up to the individual to apply for Visa or citizenship where he or she feels most comfortable. States who are unable to provide a minimum of respect of freedom, welfare, respect and human rights, keep their citizens in the country by imprisonment, limiting free speech, stealing confident, exclude from education and information. This exactly is are way for producing future social burden. Do not support making money for any rogue state. When being a vicim, fill the I-589 form to apply for asylum. --Hans Haase (有问题吗) 20:31, 11 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

No advice means no advice. μηδείς (talk) 21:07, 11 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

November 12

Who owns the Wikimedia Foundation?

Who ultimately owns the Wikimedia Foundation? Is it Jimbo Wales or is it an independent company not owned by anyone?--Sau226 (talk) 15:14, 12 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

The article Wikimedia Foundation explains the structures very clearly: as a non-profit, charitable organisation no-one can really be said to own it. Wymspen (talk) 16:29, 12 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

For an introductory explanation of the legal principle in the United States, where the WMF is headquartered, read Who Really Owns a Nonprofit?. The short answer is that the public at large "owns" nonprofits. Cullen³²⁸ Let's discuss it 17:38, 12 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

This has been confirmed in the courts. See Charitable trust. The government asked the question when it wanted to sell the Horserace Totalisator Board. As it wasn't theirs to sell they passed the Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004 to correct the deficiency. This came into effect in 2011 and the Tote is now apparently owned by a bookmaker.

Similar problems arose with the sale of the Trustee Savings Bank. The government said nobody owned it. After many conflicting court decisions [5] the House of Lords finally decided that it was owned by the state. Legislation was passed to enable the sale to go ahead. Again, the sell - off of Abbey National (a building society) resulted in litigation. Our article Mutual organization says such entities are owned by their members. The Norwich Union, a mutual insurance group which became a joint - stock company, was owned by the with - profit policyholders of the life insurance company. 82.13.208.70 (talk) 14:38, 13 November 2017 (UTC)[reply]

November 13

@@ Line 87: / Line 87: @@
 == US resident ==
-{{hat|Per our guidelines we do not provide legal or financial advice, see a legal professional or contact the [[US Consulate]]. [[User:Medeis|μηδείς]] ([[User talk:Medeis|talk]]) 21:07, 11 November 2017 (UTC)}}
 Hi! I've checked online but the answer is not very clear... I would like to know if a European citizen could become a US resident without any degree or a job. I make some money online and I get paid on PayPal. I hope to make enough money to be able to move to the US next year. Could I become a resident if I am financially independent but without a degree or an "official" job? [[Special:Contributions/42.114.193.66|42.114.193.66]] ([[User talk:42.114.193.66|talk]]) 17:56, 11 November 2017 (UTC)
 :We don't give legal advice here. [https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/obtaining-permanent-residency-in-the-us This site] does, sort of. See what they have to say. ←[[User:Baseball Bugs|Baseball Bugs]] <sup>''[[User talk:Baseball Bugs|What's up, Doc?]]''</sup> [[Special:Contributions/Baseball_Bugs|carrots]]→ 18:22, 11 November 2017 (UTC)
@@ Line 93: / Line 92: @@
 :Yes, see DV-Program, also called [[Diversity Immigrant Visa]] or GreenCard. For this Year, the application period has extended until 22 November due technical issues. Apply at https://www.dvlottery.state.gov and see instructions first. In general states around the world look for the best qualified people. No one wants a social burden. It is up to the individual to apply for Visa or citizenship where he or she feels most comfortable. States who are unable to provide a minimum of respect of freedom, welfare, respect and human rights, keep their citizens in the country by imprisonment, limiting free speech, stealing confident, exclude from education and information. This exactly is are way for producing future social burden. Do not support making money for any rogue state. When being a vicim, fill the [https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-589.pdf I-589 form to apply for asylum]. --<span style="color:#00A000;">Hans Haase ([[User talk:Hans Haase|有问题吗]])</span> 20:31, 11 November 2017 (UTC)
 ::No advice means no advice. [[User:Medeis|μηδείς]] ([[User talk:Medeis|talk]]) 21:07, 11 November 2017 (UTC)
-{{hab}}
 = November 12 =