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June 2

Lawn care

Today I fertilized my lawn (st augustine grass). Then i watered it. Does anyone know how long before i see some results? (I live in a warm humid semi tropical environment-n. hemisphere) JeanLatore (talk) 00:29, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Hi JeanLatore, there's an article St. Augustine grass called Buffalo grass in Australia where I am, quoting: St. Augustine grasses will be in full bloom between springtime and summer and there are links to FAQ. Hope this helps, Julia Rossi (talk) 09:11, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

I can't speak for your grass in particular, but I find that each spring after I've fertilized my lawn, the "nitrogen" in the fertilizer (combined with adequate water) causes the lawn to become appropriately green within about a week and "heavy mowing season" commences within two weeks.

Atlant (talk) 00:53, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Consider yourselves lucky. Ah the watered lawns of yesteryear when water wasn't rationed. We're considering chives for the front yard, because food's still exempt. ;-S --76.111.32.200 (talk) 16:58, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Could you water if it's food for your sheep or rabbit? What about adding thyme in there. (And the days of those watered plastic slidey things on the grass in summer.) Julia Rossi (talk) 04:05, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

(Off track) That would be a Wham-O Slip 'n Slide. (WHAAOE!)

Atlant (talk) 11:48, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Do horses enjoy being ridden?

I remember reading 19th. century literature where it takes an hour to capture a horse in a field before riding. In those days, when horses were almost the only transport, I can imagine they disliked having to trot or gallop very long distances.

But do modern horses, kept as a hobby, enjoy being ridden? They might like the variety or exercise. Do they still run away when being caught for riding, or do they approach the rider? 80.2.200.148 (talk) 00:34, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

It differs depending upon the horse, its temperament, the rider, their temperament, the relationship between the horse and rider and how much and how good the grass on the horses field is at the time. Parelli Natural Horsemanship is much about establishing a relationship with a horse where it will want to be with you. So the answer to your question is a "sometimes". -- SGBailey (talk) 12:00, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

I would say that a riding horse craves being ridden, in general, and sulks if ignored and left alone in the pasture. This certainly supposes it is not abused by bad riders. Edison (talk) 00:46, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

While I've had a pony who could take an hour to catch, most horses come to call.They asocciate being caught with food and grooming which they definately enjoy.Most horses I've ridden seem to enjoy it, many being very keen indeed and wanting to dash off as quickly as possible. The pony who didn't like being caught had been badly treated and was eventually cured.,Horses often get to know when you come to get them ,if it's a regular time and will be found hanging round the gate.86.53.80.11 (talk) 14:03, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Yunnan tractor/truck hybrid - any term for these?

Saw these many times while I was in Yunnan. Basically it is either a tractor engine modified to include a small truck cab and flatbed or to be controlled by handlebars. Does anyone know if this is a Yunnan-only thing or does it also occur elsewhere? It doesn't appear that a single manufacturer produces these - there are no unique markings that I recall seeing, and the truck cabs can come from any model that fits. --BrokenSphere^{Msg me} 01:28, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

It is similar to the Philippine Kuliglig.--Lenticel ^(talk) 02:00, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

I've seen them in Zhejiang, but I don't know the word for them. Steewi (talk) 02:09, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

One of my tourmates coined the term "trucktor", but I don't think this is definitive. BrokenSphere^{Msg me} 02:18, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

example 2 looks like a Rotary tiller (see the last image in the article), with the tines removed, adapted to tow a trailer. Mhicaoidh (talk) 03:09, 2 June 2008 (UTC)...and so does example 1, looking at the wheels.Did it have handlebars too? That flap to the cab looks like a flexible material that would allow handle bar type turning. Mhicaoidh (talk) 03:18, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

I see what you mean. However most examples don't have this sort of set up; the cab tended to be closer to the engine and they had steering wheels. Also they seem to be treated as registered vehicles, as the ones with cabs do have license plates. BrokenSphere^{Msg me} 04:30, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Feasibility of real life batman

I have always wanted to get rid of the drug dealers, pedophiles and other assorted criminals in my town and after reading the law concerning the citizens arrest for my jurisdiction - New York, it seems that it is possible to be a sort of real life "batman" figure. Assuming you have witnessed someone committing a crime and film it, you could legally arrest lawbreakers and bring them in with your evidence. My idea is to stake out drug dealers, film them making illegal transactions then arrest them. I had hope of getting a group of friends together, getting ourselves sufficiently armed (legally of course) and making such arrests. My question is: is this realistic? Does anyone have any input or recommendations? --Baalhammon (talk) 04:24, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Usually drug dealers are better armed and better trained than ordinary citizens. I suggest that you give the evidence to the police and let them handle the stake out.--Lenticel ^(talk) 04:40, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

You are assuming that the police aren't corrupt and actually care about the community, or even more pragmatically, can spare officers from the NARC unit. There have been drug dealers in my community since I can remember, and they operate out in the open, on mainstreet, flaunting their wares. I highly doubt a drug dealer would pull a gun on 6-7 armed guys unless he had a deathwish. This does bring up an interesting point though... if frisking a suspect would be legal under the citizens arres clause of NYS law.--Baalhammon (talk) 04:50, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Drug dealers are only a small part of a drug syndicate. As I said earlier they are better armed and better trained and your group wouldn't stand a chance if their boss feels like your group is damaging his business. In my country, there are many cases and stories where drug dealers and those who pursue them "disappear" and end up floating in some body of water so I'm pretty familiar with that corruption, spare men problem.--Lenticel ^(talk) 05:05, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

No it's a very very foolish idea. The police are trained professionals employed by local/national governemnt. Groups of vigilanties going round trying to 'enforce' the law, or trying to play the role of police are liable to create as much headaches for the police (and local communities) as the people they are trying to remove/catch already do. If you have information/evidence pass it to the police. If you believe they are corrupt then take it to a higher level, pass those concerns of corruption on to the media/other government offices. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.221.133.226 (talk) 10:00, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Batman is a Super Hero, what you're talking about is a gang of vigilantes and amateur cops. Consider that in a town the size of New York, even if you could do what you're planning (And I also think it's a very bad idea.) it would not make much of a difference. In a city the size of New York, adding one or two more cops would not make a noticeable difference to crime levels. Batman is able to make a difference not only because his crazy get-up and perceived immortality strikes fear into he hearts of men, but also because Batman has the advantage of having tremendous technological resources that he can bring to bear on difficult, high profile cases that the Gotham City PD can't crack. Finaly, the majority of Gotham City's crime problem seems to center around a remarkably small number of people, Batman has the skills and resources to go after super villains that the police department lacks.

Bruce Wayne is also idle rich. He's got plenty of spare time to spend crime-fighting. You've probably already got a job. Will your current boss let you take off time to spend in court? Not only as a witness against nearly everybody you bring in, but also in your own defense when the crooks inevitably bring all sorts of charges and civil suits against you. I suppose you could wear a mask and protect your identity in true superhero fashion, but that would probably cause even more problems. APL (talk) 13:15, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Also, being a vigilante is pretty illegal afaik. That is why we have the police despite corruption. There are departments within the police that investigate corruption even in the inner ranks, so that might be a start to vent your general frustration with the so called law. Sandman30s (talk) 14:36, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

I doubt that "being a vigilante" is itself a crime; what'll get you prosecuted is breaking & entering, or assailing/detaining someone whom you have not demonstrably caught in the act of a felony. On the other hand, if you avoid these traps, the gang with the badges are going to be irritated with you for "interfering", and irritating them is always a crime. —Tamfang (talk) 19:44, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Batman also seems to operate without the burden of proof for much of the time. Most of Batman's enemies seem to either conveniently confess, or conveniently die (usually in a Batman-assisted manner) and so don't have to go through the process of a trial. As well as his convenient immortality he seems to be conveniently infallible, never killing the wrong person to avenge some crime. If he made the occasional mistake the inhabitants of Gotham would be a lot less happy with him roaming the streets handing out his own brand of justice. DJ Clayworth (talk) 15:06, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Note that the presence of drug dealers does not mean the police have not been doing anything. Arrest a bunch, pat yourself on the back, two weeks better there'll be new ones there to take advantage of the market. It's a case of classic supply and demand. The market will replace them.

Even worse: it's harder and harder to build real, workable cases against drug syndicates. The ones actually in charge of the operation hide themselves further and further from the actual crimes committed, and use violence and intimidation to stop people from testifying against them. There was a nice article in the New York Times a few months ago about exactly how hard it was to clean up one notorious little area in Brooklyn; about the difficulty of prosecution, about the difficulty of arrests, etc. The guy you see on the street making the actual transactions is the lowest level of dealer, easily replaceable.

As for vigilantism—how exactly are you going to make you case stick? With a video tape? Going to be pretty hard to convince a jury (or judge) that the tape is legitimate, that it is what it says it is, unless you're willing to testify openly in court. And if you do that, you're a dead man. So what will that accomplish? --98.217.8.46 (talk) 15:11, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Good day sir. I have a better idea for you, why don't you try to become a police office yourself. Or my least plausible answer, find a watch that turns you into ten different aliens and quick druggies butts. Of course this would require you to change your name to something that rhymes with ten like Ren. Hope I have helped in some way or maybe even made you laugh. Have a positively wonderful day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 18:15, 2 June 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

You might be interested in the Real-life superhero article. Our local alternative weekly paper, City Pages, did an article a few months ago about real-life superheroes. Some of the references and links might have some practical advice about how to go about doing your own investigations without being killed by drug kingpins. It's up to you to figure out what kind of superhero outfit you'd look good in, though. --Elkman ^(Elkspeak) 22:05, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Military officers in a number of countries had real live batmen or batwomen working for them. Some of them probably assisted from time to time in law enforcement, but others may have gone to the dark side by procuring women or black market goodies for their superiors. The comic book Batman had a servant Alfred Pennyworth who was considered "Batman's batman."Edison (talk) 00:43, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

OP should probably have a look at this cautionary tale before attempting anything like this. --zenohockey (talk) 22:59, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

can we soften hair by our own techniques?

Earlier my hair used to be soft & silky...it remains in whatever shape i comb it....but seeing my nephew i made an experiment with my hair...combing in a diffrent direction to finally make it curly. Now the curls are so strengthened that i can't make them lie down. They are always facing in random direction. Whatever is the issue now my hair is curly & ugly. I wanna make my hair soft as earlier. Put aside the silky nature first of all it's shape should be appealing. I went to a saloon & asked will u do that for me & he agreed to do that but charged such a huge amount that I can't afford. So what should I do to make my hair soft? I mean I'm asking u some simple home techniques to soften curly hair. I can't afford it in saloons. Plz help me! Temuzion (talk) 04:36, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm a little confused here. What do you mean you made your hair curly by combing in a different direction? Do you mean like when you have a ribbon and you hold it against a sharp angle (like the non-bladed edge of a pair of scissors) and scrape the ribbon against it to make it curl? I'm not sure what this is called, if it has a name. And what do you mean by making it soft? Do you mean making it straight? Did you try a hair straighteners to make it straight? There's also sprays to help protect your hair from getting damaged when you use hair straighteners. Does this or this help at all? --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 05:00, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Use a good conditioner! That worked for me! ReluctantPhilosopher (talk) 13:56, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

No guarantee, but try lemon juice, flatten (comb) your hair as much as you can for about 5-10 min. Rinse, apply aloe vera gel, rinse again, put one drop of jojoba oil on your comb and comb your hair as flat as you can. Good luck. Lisa4edit (talk) 17:02, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

You might find this a bit odd but there are lots of products marketed for African-Americans which are designed to help straighten curly hair—relaxers and straightening products that can be found at your standard pharmacy. You might try giving them a shot; I'd trust them more than the home remedies, personally, because there's a long-term market involved (and thus incentive to be correct; unlike random home remedies from the internet). --98.217.8.46 (talk) 03:38, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Binfield manor

I would like to know details about Binfield Manor house, as in how many rooms, bathrooms etc or better still a floor plan. Binfield Manor is in Berkshire, England and i believe owned by the Sultan of Brunei. If you could help or shove me in the right direction, i would be very gratefull. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.78.102.150 (talk) 09:36, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Why - are you planning to rob the place? Google Earth (and presumably google maps too) gives a pretty good resolution aerial/satellite of the house and the grounds. Astronaut (talk) 11:19, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Identify airplane

Is this a real airplane? If so any idea on the model and year. It just looks so strange but then it seems to have an engine and all the other bits. 200.127.59.151 (talk) 16:10, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Looks like an experimental design—maybe a parasite aircraft? (Doesn't look like it would be able to take off on its own.) Compare with, for example, the XF-85 Goblin. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 16:38, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

A good indication might be whether it has a registration number, if you had any other photographs. DJ Clayworth (talk) 17:59, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Clues: The tail has the colors of the Italian (or Mexican) flag. The badge near the nose looks like a fasces. HTH. —Tamfang (talk) 19:35, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

At a guess I'd say it's a one-off model built during the 1930s for racing purposes. --Carnildo (talk) 23:51, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Looks a touch underpowered to me, not to mention the lawn mower blades on the front. Could be a copy of something pre-war, one of these [1] but with a little engine intended only for trundling round the airfield, not unlike the similar craft to the left. Mhicaoidh (talk) 08:17, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Had a good look at this Italian aircraft production 1935 to 1945 and this [2] which I cant seem to link to properly and its many tributaries. But the more I look at the OP's image, despite its resemblance to say the GeeBee racers, and the Boeing p26 [3] the more I'm convinced its a toy or a parade float - so much seems wrong, lack of engine cone fairing, bad centre of gravity, poor angle of attack etc. Mhicaoidh (talk) 09:17, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

This is a replica of the Caproni Stipa, which, despite its ridiculous appearance, was a real flight-worthy airplane - see here for some original flight footage. -- Ferkelparade π 09:28, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Bravo Ferkelparade, that is amazing, my faith in the Ref desk is restored! not to mention the possibilities of heavier than air flight, though mind you 600m at 6m altitude in a straight line... You sound knowledgeable, care to do the decent thing? as we are missing this: Caproni Stipa. Mhicaoidh (talk) 10:06, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Your wish is my command :P -- Ferkelparade π 13:16, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Thank you Ferkelparade for creating a new little arrangement of nerve cells in my information sponge. Fantafrigginstic. 200.127.59.151 (talk) 15:23, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks again FP its great to see Ref Desk questions add to Wikipedia. Mhicaoidh (talk) 11:41, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Tracking old stock exchange data

Where could I get historical NYSE stock data from, say, the 1960s-1980s, without paying some huge fee? I thought about looking in old newspapers, though that seems, well, time consuming. Any place where it would be aggregated, say in print form? The company in question went belly-up in the early 1990s so there's nothing on it in Google Finance, for example. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 17:04, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Have you tried Yahoo Finance or Bloomberg.com? I tried searching for historical data for some other corporate failures but couldn't get much. Good luck! Zain Ebrahim (talk) 18:19, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

There a huge difference in availability of such data, depending on whether the historical data of interest is for a company that's still actively traded under the same symbol.

• If so, then Y!finance is as good as any.
• If not -- and this includes the case where NXTL became S, for example -- the free sources won't have anything.

The latter, you've probably already discovered. -- Danh, 63.231.153.176 (talk) 22:09, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Earplug purchases

I'm interested in buying some earplugs (preferably Moldex Rockets). What sort of shop would I buy them in, in the UK? Not online, an actual physical one? :-) Thanks. ╟─TreasuryTag (talk ╬ contribs)─╢ 17:39, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

You could try contacting Moldex's UK office. They should tell you who their distributors are. Fribbler (talk) 20:08, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Music Shops in the UK sell earplugs. But I don't know about that brand in particular.Franmars (talk) 11:05, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I mean music instrument shops.Franmars (talk) 11:07, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

They are also sold in some DIY shops (especially larger ones such as B&Q) and builders merchants, to protect against the noise of power tools. 80.0.110.206 (talk) 20:37, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

The Multi-Gender Question

Good day sirs and ma'ams. This question will be strange. Are they any famous multi-gender people, and by multi-gender I mean hermaphrodites, recorded in history that were ninjas, warriors, samurai, etc? I hope this question isn't to strange and is a turn off by any means. Thank you for taking your time in answering the question I appreciate it. Have a positively wonderful day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 18:21, 2 June 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

This is about the closest I've found for your query. It's not quite what you were asking, but it's close. I hope this helps. :) --Mizu onna sango15/水女珊瑚15 19:11, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

If we're talking about people who are not just transgendered but have physical characteristics of both genders, Wikipedia does have a short list of notable intersexed people. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 21:00, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Good evening. Thank you for all the help you are trying to give me. But its not really what I am was asking. Maybe I should just ask more boldly. Are there any recorded hermaphrodites who were ninjas, samurai,knights, etc? I am looking for armed hermaphrodites who use both of there sexes to their advantage. This is the strangest though I have had. I write comics for a hobby and I would like to write about a famous hermaphrodite, not something that comes from the strangeness of my mind. So I need to find ninjas, samurai, knights, etc. that were hermaphrodites. I don't want to seem like I have strange fantasies. Have a positively wonderful evening.Rem Nightfall (talk) 22:29, 2 June 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

Since you're writing fiction, maybe you could get ideas for characters by looking at people passing as the other sex such as women pirates, ninjas included women and Joan of Arc dressed as a knight, there was Pope Joan, cowboys who were women in disguise and many soldiers in early armies were female as were sailors. The article might help with the reverse and if needed, you can herm them as you will. Julia Rossi (talk) 01:11, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

The Burnham Scale-academic qualification equivalent

I have a diploma in marketing (from the Chartered Institute of marketing), graded II/III on the Department of Educationn Burnham Scale. What is the Burnham Scale and what is the equivalent of this scales II/III qualification ie. is it equivalent to an A level or BA degree? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.212.86.222 (talk) 18:56, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Why not try the CInstM's web site ? In my day as a tutor a Dip M was equal to a BA, and gave exemption to year one of a two-year part-time Masters in Marketing.86.202.155.193 (talk) 15:00, 3 June 2008 (UTC)petitmichel

Tools

Does anyone have tools that help keep track of articles that are most watched, have been edited the most, which articles were the first to be created, etc.? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, --Mizu onna sango15/水女珊瑚15 19:08, 2 June 2008 (UTC).

Help:Special page may be of use, though some of the functionality you reference (most edited, first created, and other depends-on-early-history-of-WP) doesn't exist as there aren't records to support it. — Lomn 19:21, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Oldest articles, most linked-to pages, pages with the most revisions and Wikipedia:Most frequently edited pages. There are no logs for the watchlist. D0762 (talk) 09:18, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

"Oldest articles" is actually a non-functioning page at this point. The discussion of the oldest remaining traceable edits to the project is at Wikipedia:Wikipedia's oldest articles. Rmhermen (talk) 13:45, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I see. Thank you for the assistance. --Mizu onna sango15/水女珊瑚15 22:09, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

White foods

What cruel fiends invented white bread and white rice (or if unknown, when did they start plaguing the human diet)? Clarityfiend (talk) 19:30, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

According to this history of bread, white bread was first made by the ancient Egyptians. Historically, white bread, which is more expensive to make, was associated with wealth and privilege, and it is only recently that brown breads have been preferred by the upper classes. The cultivation of rice predates written history, but according to this history of rice, the more labor-intensive white rice was eaten by the upper classes, while the poor ate the cheaper brown rice. In both cases, although the white variety is more expensive to make and has been associated with the food eaten by the wealthy, the less processed brown variety has more nutritional value, which has resulted in the recent popularization of brown rice and brown bread among health-conscious educated people. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 20:58, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Oil price watch

Hi:

Which website offers historical and current oil price information? (Like stock websites)

Thanks.

76.65.14.129 (talk) 19:31, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Many sites that track the stock market also track crude oil prices; CNN Money is one that springs to mind quickly (see the banner at top). Google reveals many sites with a historical summary of crude oil prices; a search for "oil price per barrel history" yielded this site with a chart of normalized prices over the past 140 years. — Lomn 00:59, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Genealogy Tree

As far as I know my ancestors emigrate from Bollo d'Oletta,Corsica.My great grandfather names was Nuncio Colombani Grimaldi,son of Francisco Colombani and Maria Ignacia Grimaldi.Emigrate to Guadalupe island in the caribbean and then move to Puerto Rico,they were three or four brothers.Can you help me to find information related to my ancestors. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.207.124.143 (talk) 19:49, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

[4] has a redirect for the town, but doesn't mention anyone. It is possible that your family name got changed in the immigration process, though. There's bound to be old records in Corsica, like church records or census. (Be prepared to deal with several languages, at least French and Italian). Good luck --76.111.32.200 (talk) 16:44, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Milzwurst?

What the heck is "Milzwurst"? I had a dish of fried Milzwust at the Aumeister restaurant in Munich, Germany. The dish had two deep-fried patties of something that looked, and tasted, like a cross between meat, liver, and vegetables. It was served with potato salad, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. This is the only dish I have eaten during my whole trip to Munich that I do not know what it is, so I would very much like to know what it is. JIP | Talk 19:53, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Do you sprach the auld Deutsch? My german isn't good enough to translate the article, but a quick search-box nosey on the German -pedia shows that Milz is spleen. Fribbler (talk) 20:00, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Ah. So I have eaten some animal's spleen without knowing it. The taste was something between meat and vegetables, so I thought I was eating an internal organ, I just didn't know which. It was the cheapest item on the restaurant's "daily recommendations" menu, so I ordered that, because I knew from experience that Bavarian "würste" are good to eat. I just didn't know what the German word "Milz" meant. Had I known, I had probably skipped it and ordered normal Bratwurst instead. JIP | Talk 20:05, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

It is the Germanic equivalent to:

• the death penalty
• McDonalds

It also is a good excuse to drink lots of beer (Dr Ferkel´s - the notorious expert in sausages - venerable surgery in Munich recomends liberal dosages of Augsbuger) to forget the taste of it if you have been lucky enough to survive the gruesome punishment. If you are a Catholic, one helping of Milzwurst reduces your stay in purgatory by half an eternity but prolongs your life in Bavaria by five minutes... --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 21:38, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

I have nothing to add, except that it's Augustiner. Every other beer is That Which Has Been Passed Through The Horse's Bladder. -- Ferkelparade π 09:44, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

According to food from bavaria, the Milzwurst consists of 65% "Brät" (the filling used to make a Weißwurst, which in itself contains at least 51% veal, back bacon, boiled bacon rind, as well as herbs and spices), 25% pork, 10% spleen (usually bovine), salt, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, grated onion, lemon, and parsley. There are three varieties of Milzwurst: The most common Brühwurst type (boiling process denaturates the proteins. Pieces of spleen, 5-9 cm in diameter, get processed into the sausage, and everything is held together in an artificial casing. The Brieswurst is basically processed the same way but also contains chunks of sweetbread (thymus gland). The rarer third variety is a filled bovine spleen. --- Sluzzelin talk 11:22, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't think the Milzwurst I ate was of a common variety. It looked like deep-fried fish, but tasted nothing of the sort. It had a very mild taste, which made me realise I was not eating pure meat. I actually had to guess that I was eating an internal organ. The sausages weren't even sausage-shaped, they were shaped like discs. I have a picture of the dish, should I upload it? JIP | Talk 18:31, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Of course you should. Posterity demands it. --Tagishsimon (talk) 22:12, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Milzwurst.

Here you go then. JIP | Talk 04:45, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

(outdent) As an offal fan, I would hate to disparage the dish. Sweetbread (spleen), Liver, Kidney, Haggis. I love 'em all! Sure, give us a picture so we can see what we're missing :-) Fribbler (talk) 22:56, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Having followed the links to the German sites, and seen a picture, it is clear that we all have been overlooking an important detail. Such a Wurst is 5-9 centimeters, as mentioned by Sluzzelin -- thus, a "slice" of such a sausage would definitely look like a small pancake or English muffin. HTH! -- Danh, 63.231.153.176 (talk) 00:21, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Why was this link removed?

Please lets discuss below links if ours are inappropriate external links (wiki delited ours but accept those once). We just added it the same way with our visitor centre and other additional information. Could someone please advise why it is not allowed for us? Thanks a lot!

<point made, repeat of company links removed Julia Rossi (talk) 04:11, 4 June 2008 (UTC)>

The reply to our adding... Please do not add inappropriate external links to Wikipedia. Wikipedia is not a collection of links, nor should it be used for advertising or promotion. Inappropriate links include (but are not limited to) links to personal web sites, links to web sites with which you are affiliated, and links that attract visitors to a web site or promote a product. See the external links guideline and spam guideline for further explanations... —Preceding unsigned comment added by Manuka Health NZ (talk • contribs) 21:53, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

The reply you received should have had links to the appropriate policy. In short, adding content in which you have a vested interest is highly discouraged. In this case, the links in question were being added to drive sales to a company, not to enhance the quality of the encyclopedia article. — Lomn 00:55, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Holden's Hat

Does anybody know where i can purchase a red hunting hat similar to the one Holden Caulfield frequently wears in Catcher in the Rye ? Thank you . —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.5.206.57 (talk) 22:00, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Although I'm not sure of the direct answer to your question, it may aid others answering the question to know that from what I can surmise, Holden's hat is a red deerstalker cap, with a long peak. --Ybbor^Talk 01:15, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Horses

I had once read that horses won't sleep much unless there was another horse to stand guard. Is this true? If so, would it be alright to have a donkey in place of another horse? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.119.61.7 (talk) 23:11, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

There's something in the article Horse under behaviour and another Horse behavior which looks interesting. As you say, horses lay down to sleep with others standing guard. This is related to horses being herd animals (and prey animals). In the same way race horses are nervous types and are calmed by a companion in the stables, sometimes a goat is enough. They also settle well if there's a pony with them. Julia Rossi (talk) 00:59, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Louis XIII vs XO Cognac

To the average drinker, can one really distinguish between the taste of a $2000 bottle of Louis XIII Cognac compared to a $200 bottle of Remy Martin XO Cognac, or other much cheaper cognac? Thanks. Acceptable (talk) 23:17, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

As we are all volunteers - and, given a chance, even average drinkers - on this reference desk, please supply adequate quantities of the aforementioned beverages for copious original research to <address removed by soberbot>. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 23:29, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

Is it really $2000? I always thought it was $700ish. My dad has one, but no one in my family would ever open a bottle that costed more than $100 to drink, so I can't tell you first hand. =P --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 01:03, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes and no. There was a test done on Mythbusters about different filtered vodkas and the 'expert' got them all right, whereas the 2 presenters had varying degrees of success. It is a question of interest. My aunt (who has zero interst in cars) didn't realise my parents had switched from a saloon car to a 2-seater sports car becase it was the same colour. To her there wasn't a memorable difference. Similarly if you play me a song and miss a few notes/get a few out of key i'm not liable to notice, but maybe a musician would. If you enjoy cognac then you may notice a difference in taste, for better or for worse. Applying 'value' to it is the unthinkable part. To me $2k on a bottle of drink is unthinkable, but $600 on a lens for my camera isn't. There'll be people who think $600 on a lens is insane and that they can get just as nice photos with a $5 throaway camera - value and worth are things we apply to items, so if it sells at that price then somebody values it at that. As for taste I suspect yes you'd notice a difference, but not necessarily improvement/betterness, just that it differs. 194.221.133.226 (talk) 10:17, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

• Um, there's a world of difference between the variation in vodkas (which are essentially diluted ethanol) and the variation in cognacs. --jpgordon^∇∆∇∆ 14:17, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

In terms of what it is that differs - yes. In terms of comprehending that it is possible to distinguish between seemingly very similar products - no. The point, surely, is that enthusiasts no doubt really can tell the difference. There's a chapter in Malcolm Gladwell's Blink that covers this but with regards to the Pepsi taste test challenge... ny156uk (talk) 19:21, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Vodka is ethanol? Would my car run on it? Seriously, not meant as sarcasm, but wondering if it's fuel of any kind? Julia Rossi (talk) 01:08, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

All drinking alcohol is ethanol. Didn't the USSR have an airplane that ran on alcohol, when its crews didn't drink up all the fuel? I would guess, though, that even vodka has too much water to be safe for your car. —Tamfang (talk) 20:56, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

There is most definitely a difference. Having worked in posh hotel bars with lax (read ignorant and incompetent) management, I've had the chance to taste the super cognac (let's say to make up for unpaid hours). It's very smooth and round, you can barely taste the alcohol, no stinging of the back of the palate. I'd say there's about the same difference between them as there is between an average and a very good whiskey or wine. The good stuff is just the most velvety thing one can drink. It's hard to go back to the cheap stuff afterwards. Why not do the experiment yourself? A shot of the stuff should 'only' cost you about $200. I like it slightly warmer than room temperature and keep the cigar for afterwards. 200.127.59.151 (talk) 15:37, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

And then there is Black Pearl which, at $8,000 a bottle [5], should be saved for the night you win a big lottery. ៛ Bielle (talk) 21:09, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

If they invite you to buy it! Fess up, Bielle, how did you get invited? Julia Rossi (talk) 00:02, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

June 3

Call Centre - 3 beep caller

Working at a call centre, I used to occasionally get a mysterious 'caller' that just beeped. No one there, just a beeping sound of three quick beeps, followed by several seconds of dead air, then three beeps again. It sounded the same each time, with the third or fourth set going staticy for a second each time. After a couple minutes, it would drop. Any idea what this is? -- Consumed Crustacean (talk) 02:54, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Remote Access attempt on a wrong number? Or alien trying to contact you :) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ranemanoj (talk • contribs) 03:54, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Or maybe Robinson Crusoe sending an SOS to you. :P Aanusha Ghosh (talk) 06:05, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Someone sending a fax to a telephone number by mistake? I used to get that a lot in the office - though sometimes it would beep, sometimes it would be the annoying static/modem style noise. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.221.133.226 (talk) 10:11, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I'd guess a fax machine too, Whistle back at it (at 2225/2025 Hz) and see if it begins the Bell 103 modem-based "negotiation" sequence with you. That will confirm that it's a mis-programmed fax machine.

Atlant (talk) 12:02, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I, too, had calls like this when I did call center work. Is your call center on a toll-free number? If so, they are probably faxes being sent by cheapskates who do not want to pay the long-distance phone charges to send you a fax. They are hoping that if they call your human-answered toll-free number that you will indentify the caller as being a fax machine and transfer the call to your fax machine's extension. Helene O'Troy - Et In Arcadia Ego Sum (talk) 15:38, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Suggestions Wanted

I have to do two case-studies and one project for Environmental Education for my school. I'd be glad to get some suggestions as to what topic to choose. Please keep in mind that it should be something fairly current, and I should be able to get lots of newspaper clippings and photos ( I don't have a printer) from magazines. Something in the lines of "the plight of Olive Ridleys" and such like. Aanusha Ghosh (talk) 06:04, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

How about the recent extinction of the Yangtse River Dolphin (caused by environmental change) and comparing it to the older extinction of another species caused by a different means like hunting (eg. Tasmanian Tiger) or the introduction of foreign species (eg. Dodo). Astronaut (talk) 11:57, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Drought and water management for something closer to home. --76.111.32.200 (talk) 16:19, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Turning off light bulbs? It's something kids can do for themselves to really make a difference.hotclaws 08:03, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Purchasing Self Powered Equipment which uses NO batteries. Some even use solar power as well as a hand crank, and a radio used in Russia and Siberia uses Thermoelectric batteries powered by a flame. Not only is that "Eco-friendly", it is also part of preparing for any emergency, such as a tornado. 65.173.105.197 (talk) 00:33, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

introduction

how to represent onself at best in some interview....? and do tel me some good points to say in "introduce urself" session? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Lovindhawan (talk • contribs) 08:55, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Think of yourself as a product and the other party as your customer. What is your customer looking for? (Check their website for clues.} How can you help them do what they do. What do you offer that the next applicant doesn't? What "good points" are depends on you and the job/situation. (I assume you're talking job interview, but the rules are about the same in any interview.)

For example: "I'm driven by my determination to achieve excellence in all I do." Is great for some office jobs. If you're applying for a "creative" job at a company with casual office style or a job as truck-driver (no slur intended, but the priorities are different) it'd sink you faster than a torpedo. Watch out a bit with how companies describe themselves, though. The most stuck up and cut-throat company I ever worked at kept emphasizing how they maintained "a casual and friendly" work environment. (Agh!) See why they'd want to hire you and how you fit in with the company vibe. --76.111.32.200 (talk) 15:59, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Name of this machine

A friend needs to know the exact name for that machine that sits in the corner of music stores where there are about 20 CDs and it plays a small sample of each when you press the appropriate button? He wants to buy one and knowing its name would help!

Lemon martini (talk) 11:28, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't know whether there is a specific name for those used in retail, but to me it sounds like a type of programable CD changer with an all disc random play function. ---Sluzzelin talk 11:34, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I would describe it as a "music-sampling kiosk". "Kiosk" is certainly the correct generic term used by the engineers who design these sorts of free-standing, commercial, screen-and-input device computers.

Atlant (talk) 11:58, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

(edit conflict) Some stores call them "listening posts". I've seen two types, one with 6 or 8 CDs that you can listen to all the way through if you wanted (the CDs are usually displayed on the listening post), and a wall mounted device with a barcode scanner which plays short samples of every track on every CD in the store. The latter device is probably networked to a central server to make updates easier, while the first device is seved by a bank of multi-disk CD players behind the checkouts. A shop fitting company might be able to help (look for "shop fitters" in the yellow pages), but you might have more success by asking the manager of a music store where the machine came from. Astronaut (talk) 12:09, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Travelling in Australia

What is the easiest route from Brisbane International airport to Rockhampton? Frankm195378.150.174.50 (talk) 11:49, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

The easiest might be an internal flight to Rockhampton Airport. But there's also the 618 km drive by car; or you can get the train, first from the airport to Brisbane Central (20m, AUS $13 one way), then Brisbane Central to Rockhampton (7h30m, AUS $105 one way on the North Coast line). Astronaut (talk) 12:40, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Merit is not the criteria for promotion

My friend says the opposite of the subject i gave is true.I would like your opinion basically on this subject.I would like people who believe that merit is not the criteria for promotion and those who are against this subject to please site examples and prove themselves.I amreally gratefull to eeryone who bothers to answer.Make sure your answers are long.My riend is going to lose. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.109.135.156 (talk) 12:59, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps you are looking for a discussion forum; there are many such places on the internet, however the Reference Desk deals primarily with matters of fact, not opinion. --LarryMac | Talk 13:03, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Without getting into the whole debate aspect at all, I should perhaps point out that the criteria for promotion depends on the person or the authority doing the promoting -- so it's probably going to be different depending on whether it's a family firm or, say, Microsoft. It's not a binary system where it's either merit or something else. -- Captain Disdain (talk) 16:00, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

List of human resource management topics Maybe some of these will help. --76.111.32.200 (talk) 16:03, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

One could also point to studies that have shown that a variety of variables play into relative rates of promotion: sex, race, even height. If that's the case, then merit is almost certainly not the only variable that is factored in (consciously or unconsciously) into promotions. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 17:37, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I remember reading an HR Management textbook which mentioned that studies have shown that attractiveness was a statistically significant factor explaining corporate success for female employees. I wonder how they measured that. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 18:38, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I got lots of promotions and have fairly limited merit, so there may be something to what you say. Edison (talk) 22:04, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

If you are interested in a productive argument about the question somewhere (as stated this isn't likely the best place for it), I would suggest removing some of the ambiguity introduced by use of the word "merit". All kinds of qualities could be said to contribute toward a person's "merit". You might have slightly better luck with "job performance" (if that's what you mean), but even that leaves a lot of room for interpretation. You might go further than simply changing the vocabulary, in fact, and develop a full, well explained hypothesis. --Prestidigitator (talk) 23:04, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Not only female employees, *whistles* there goes Edison! It applies to television too, using stereotypical (patriarchal?) patterns of attractiveness. I take merit to mean qualifications and job performance versus eye appeal, confidence (sometimes bs), and charm. I'd say the binaries apply in image industries, don't know about others. This is dodgy but I reason that if a person is considered attractive to the employer, then they have already "pleased" or fulfilled some arbitrary expectation long before their cv hits the table. Who knows what that factor really is. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:32, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Fitness

So I used to be very active but then a few years ago suddenly got really lazy and stopped playing spots often and after a while I noticed that when I did play any sport I usually got tired quite quickly. My question is if I start getting back into shape is it possible/likely that I want be able to get fit past a certain point due to all that time spent being lazy? --212.120.247.132 (talk) 14:04, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, the more fit you are, the more enegery you have —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:26, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Unless there are other factors at work (such as getting old) there's no reason you can't get back to your previous level of fitness or better, your muscles and cardiovascular system can be trained just as they used to be. It might be hard if you're very unfit at the moment but there shouldn't be a physical problem if you put the effort in. ~ mazca ^talk 20:53, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I am 61 and was very overweight and unfit until New Year just past when I decided I just had to lose weight and get fit again. So I gave up alcohol, cut out one meal per day, stopped eating crap and substituted food such as fruit and vegetables and took nothing pre-processed, just fresh. I got my doctor to refer me to a public Gym where I pay for a 3 times a week fitness routine that's well within my physical reach but which extends me a bit further each time. I bought a bike and I go out for a 10-20 mile ride along the local canal towpath 2/3 times a week, weather permitting. And I haven't smoked for years by the way so that was a good starter for 10. And now? I am 38 pounds lighter, my cholesterol is down from 8.9 to 4.3. And my Blood Pressure is down from a ridiculous 170/120 or so to 120/75 or so immediately after exercising. I have thrown ALL my clothes out (actually, I gave them all to my local charity/thrift shop for which they were most grateful as I hadn't worn most of them due to me being overweight). And believe it or not, I am showing signs of a 6 pack, of which I am most proud even though that wasn't on my shopping list. Oh, and by the way, I am still inherently very lazy and ALL the above took and still takes a lot of commitment, but boy, am I glad I did it. Go for it !!! 92.18.121.35 (talk) 23:33, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Is that you, legend? Fitness does seem to bring better health even if you start out the otehr way around. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:39, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Abraham Lincoln

The article on Abraham Lincoln does not say if he was of mixed blood. Does anyone know? 71.100.8.192 (talk) 14:20, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't believe there is any evidence of this. If you are refering to Brent Kennedy's work on the Melungeons, note that Kennedy is known more for his enthusiasm than for his scholarly rigor. Rmhermen (talk) 14:46, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Since living and working near the site of the Lost Colony and since seeing the historical play in late childhood I have always been fascinated with the fate of the colonists and by reports of blue eyed Croatan further South on the coast of North Carolina and the Lumbee further inland. I'm not sure if this has merit or this. 71.100.8.192 (talk) 15:29, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Lordy, I can only dream of what this has to do with your desired Obama smear campaign, I had thought you had given up on us. ;-)

There were of course many baseless rumors about Lincoln being of mixed-race that have been circulating for over a hundred years, circulated by those for whom being of mixed-race would be considered the worst of all possible states, but there is not, and has never been, any real evidence of such. There has been much speculation about Lincoln's ancestry (not all of it race related), but such speculation, as far as I know, has only been speculation, and is no doubt rooted in the political ambitions of his enemies. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 15:22, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

If Abraham Lincoln had been honest enough to inform my great great grandfather that the Civil War was part of his political platform I doubt he would have voted for him. Knowledge is power. 71.100.8.192 (talk) 17:05, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Your wealth of ignorance is astounding, though it has ceased to be entertaining. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 17:30, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Sticks and stones... 71.100.8.192 (talk) 17:38, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

an aside

Is there any evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in the pocket of organized crime? 71.100.8.192 (talk) 16:31, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I call shenanigans! Rmhermen (talk) 16:47, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Certainly he did not consider the Civil War to be shenanigans, but then I have not yet asked if he consumed intoxicating beverages to excess as did Nixon and President Grant. 71.100.8.192 (talk) 17:34, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

But you will ask it, won't you? What's next, did his hat contain a number of crime-fighting gadgets? Adam Bishop (talk) 20:59, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Ah 71.100, you're doing it again. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:36, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Actually, you need to start learning not to try and push people around who visit the Wikipedia and who may ask a controversial question about race or religion unless you intend to give the impression that the Wikipedia administration is biased and one sided. If you want only people who share your points of view then I suggest you turn the Wikipedia into a private club and stop using the Wikipedia as an opportunity to bait people and then to commit hazing. 71.100.8.192 (talk) 04:07, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Please do not remove the Overfed troll box. You've been here enough to know that the refdesks are not a forum for debate/diatribes or inciting controversy for that matter. Julia Rossi (talk) 04:19, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Lincoln may have had genetic anomalies such as Marfan's disease resulting in extra nipples, may have been derided as "King Ape" by secesh newspapers, and may have slept with men or slept with men: [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , but I have seen no evidence he was a tool of organized crime. Edison (talk) 06:25, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

LOL @ Edison! xD --71.98.21.243 (talk) 00:36, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Waterproofing Product Manufacturer of CIM; Chevron Industrial Membrane

About 25 years ago, I used a product "CIM", "Chevron Industrial Membrane" for waterproofing Concrete structures like concrete roofs, wastewater ponds/tanks, etc. This product was manufactured by the CHEVRON CO.- the gasoline/oil corporation. I remember it as a black, modified urethane substance packaged in 5 gallon buckets. It was a 2-part chemistry.

I want to use it on my concrete roof in Puerto Rico as well as commercially. Can you direct me to a manufacturer? I am unable to find any data on this product.Bluecanyon (talk) 15:20, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

C.I.M. Industries is the successor company: [12] Rmhermen (talk) 16:03, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

First time - what the hell should I do?

I know Wikipedia probably isn't the right place to ask this, but seriously where else can I go? Its certainly not something I can talk to my friends etc about. OK, so I'm a 18 year old guy, never had a girlfriend or been anywhere intimate with a girl before. I'm perfectly normal I just get really weird around hot girls, its like a curse. A few days ago I went online searching for escorts, call girls etc because I'm sick of the thought that at my current rate I'll probably never have a girlfriend. And don't worry, its not peer pressure or anything - this is something I want. I emailed one on a casual dating site. We've been talking and she seems really nice, and I've explained all this to her. She wants me to stay over for the night as its my first time, but I'm really nervous. On one hand I REALLY want to do it, but on the other I'm so shitting my pants at just the thought of all the awkward situations that might occur. What should I do? I mean, I'm not asking you to tell me what to do, but some friendly advice wouldn't go a miss. What am I to expect? Am I walking into a heap load of trouble - the kind I'll need years of therapy for? 79.76.201.239 (talk) 20:14, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

We can't predict what kind of experience you'll have. Meeting up with strangers for sex can be risky. It could be a setup. Her boyfriend could be a thug waiting there to attack you and steal your money or car. More likely someone is playing with you, and you will arrive at the address at the agreed time only to find out that no one answers the door. Personally, my advice would be to get to know someone who is nice and maybe not the hottest person in town and let things develop naturally. Marco polo (talk) 20:37, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

She is a call girl and I'm paying $200 so I think its genuine. 79.76.201.239 (talk) 20:40, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Not to mention it's illegal to pay for sex in many places, so you might even be getting set up by the police. ···日本穣^{? · Talk to Nihonjoe} 02:34, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

It's not only risky in terms of STD's, but the problem with going with a 'hot hooker' the first time is that it could totally mess up your perspective on what is normal. She is a professional with a hot body trained to say all the right things, but in reality she wants your money and doesn't ever want to know you again. You don't find people like this in 'real life'. You're young so you have all the time in the world to find a nice girl and go out on a few normal dates. If looks are your priority, give it time. Eventually you will find that what counts is really what lies within. Sandman30s (talk) 20:49, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

"at my current rate I'll probably never have a girlfriend". Seriously dude, you're eighteen. The first eighteen years of your life are NOT a good predictor of how many girlfriends you'll have in the rest of your life. In the next few years a lot of things will probably happen to you - you'll leave home, get a job and a car, learn some things about women, meet new friends. Many of these will seriously increase the chances of finding a girlfriend you actually like. DJ Clayworth (talk) 20:55, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

[ec] First, I would suggest you consider what is it that truly bothers you - the possibility of never having a girlfriend, or the possibility of never having sexual intercourse? Perhaps your choice of words was a euphemism for the latter. But if it is the former, your choice of action may not have been the best.

If you do go through with this, perhaps it will comfort you to realize that:

• You are not the first, nor will you be the last, person approaching her in the exact same situation. She should be able to provide enough guidance to avoid any unpleasantness. Even if you do make a blunder, she will be used to it and not make a deal out of it.
• You have nothing to lose (except for your car, if it is stolen by aforementioned thug). You don't know her, you could screw everything up, never see her again and forget it ever happened.

-- Meni Rosenfeld (talk) 21:00, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

No indication of where in the world you are, so I can't make any specific suggestions about alternatives, they are pretty culturally varied. And 18 is not a particularly late age to be a virgin, so you may want to just see how things go for another year or two, unless you'd actully prefer to "lose it" to a sex-worker. By the way, "Certainly not something I can talk to my friends etc about" is not a good sign: why not? No one else in a similar situation you can discuss this with? Lots of shame around talking about sex? Maybe you aren't ready, which would be fine.

If you are going ahead with this, use a condom (she'll probably insist, but if she doesn't then that is all the more reason to do so). Don't lie to her about being a virgin: in all probability, she'll approach the whole thing more appropriately if she knows the score. (Sounds like you've already thought that through.) And don't be surprised if more money is really involved than the amount quoted up front. (If it's not, and if she treats you well, a tip or a gift would be a nice gesture.) - Jmabel | Talk 21:34, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Honestly, I think this is the complete wrong place to ask this question. We don't know you, man. We have no idea who you are. You say that you can't talk to your friends about this....but if they're your close friends, I'd think they already know you're unexpierienced. You're not making a very good choice, and I think you're here to look for our OK. And I think you're going to go through with it whether we say yes or no. But here is my advice: meet up with this girl in person a few times first. Go on a few dates, don't rush into things. Would you spend a night at some Shaq-sized man's house because he "seemed nice" without meeting him first? Hell no. Would you consider it if you got to know him? Well....maybe. So get to know this chick, and if she wants you at her house NOW or else, then fuck her (no, not that way). That's my advice. Now, talk to your friends. 70.105.164.43 (talk) 00:58, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

I have never been in the exact situation you describe, but I make a few suggestions. First, be aware that there is undoubtedly a non-whore female as interested in getting together as you are. Second, if you wish to proceed with this course of action, have a friend (assuming you have any friends) watch your back, to make sure you arrive at and leave the venue of the assignation safe. Third, assume that if you spend the night the trollop will steal whatever is in your wallet. Therefore, fourth, take nothing beyond the agreed payment and the driver's license needed to drive there. Fifth, take sufficient condoms to guard against the acquisition of venereal disease. Sixth, report back on how it all worked out, for the edification of other Wikipedia Reference Desk Readers. Edison (talk) 06:20, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

As George Costanza said "why pay for something that, if I apply myself, maybe I can get for free?". Your best bet for a girlfriend/relationship is to get out there and look. If my social-group is any guide then 90% of your friends partner's will have been introduced by a mutual-friends or a place of work/study and the rest will be complete strangers that met in a bar. So your best bet for finding a girlfriend is the very people you don't want to ask about the above. Be sociable, be friendly and you'll surely realise that there are many many girls in your extended social network that you will be interested in, and doubtlessly some of those will have an interest in you. Most important lesson of all: Don't be put off from a girl you like because your friends don't want her/you don't think they'll approve. Finally with the money you would've spent on paid help, buy yourself something nice like some new clothes, or something. 194.221.133.226 (talk) 07:40, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Hi again. I've decided to take everyone's advice and not go through with it. The fact that I almost fainted with nervousness just emailing her probably shows I'm not ready, and going home in an ambulance and having to explain to the paramedics the cause of my heart attack is something I want to avoid. I really do think she was genuinely nice though, that's why I selected her out of the other two who were very abrupt, but maybe that was all part of the act. Anyway, thanks to everyone who offered advice, you've given me a lot to think about - mainly not to trust any girl with my car keys! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.75.156.95 (talk) 20:21, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Oh, and by the way, I think I've been a little overfed on this one people. Abwischbar (talk) 09:51, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

June 4

Selling bought/downloaded music

As far as I know, it is illegal to burn a CD with iTunes-bought music and sell it for money. But, I see regular, purchased CD's for sale all the time by people who bought them. The only difference is they were CD's when purchased as opposed to sound files. So, why is one illegal and the other (seemingly) not? 70.105.164.43 (talk) 00:49, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Much of the answer to the question probably lies in the First-sale doctrine article. --Tagishsimon (talk) 00:54, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes....it does. Thanks. 70.105.164.43 (talk) 01:02, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Kodansha Afternoon

Is it possible to subscribe to Kodansha Afternoon magazine in the US? If yes then how? Thank you, --E2718281828459045 (talk) 01:16, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Where do you live? If you live near Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Houston, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, London, Toronto, Honolulu, or anywhere else with a Japanese market or bookstore (not just a generic Asian market), you may be able to subscribe by going there (and some of them may even just carry the magazine regularly). There are also subscription services available via mail from stores such as Kinokuniya, Sasuga Japanese Bookstore, J-List, and so on. I order through my local market. (support the local economy!) ···日本穣^{? · Talk to Nihonjoe} 19:22, 4 June 2008

Japanese magazines like dealing through bookstores. I am unfamiliar with the one you name, but I subscribe to three others, and the only way to get them here in Honolulu is through the bookstore. My favorite Japanese bookstore offers twenty percent discounts if you settle for by-boat shipping and agree to pick the mags up at the store (rather than have the store mail them to you). In fact, since the store does mail titles, if you're in the United States and will use a credit card as security, I'll bet my local store will mail to you wherever you are. Leave me a message on my talk page if you have no luck otherwise, and I'll put you in touch. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 21:03, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Sasuga has it; and Kinokuniya may have it, too. Thank you very much for your help! --E2718281828459045 (talk) 23:11, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

About Journalism

I want to know about the scope of Journalism and Mass Communication in Future. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Keerat4u (talk • contribs) 05:20, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Just a guess, but is this for an essay entitled "The scope of journalism and mass communication in the future?" ~ mazca ^talk 08:25, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Banks in Cagayan De Oro City

how can i get a list of all banks and contact info for Cagayan De Oro City,Philippine--119.11.96.182 (talk) 08:18, 4 June 2008 (UTC)john de oros

Looks like a homework question. Anyway, try here [13] manya (talk) 09:35, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Orientation

Is "girl falling for girl" more common in girls' school than coeds?? This seems to happen a lot at mine (which is a girls' school) 117.194.224.17 (talk) 08:23, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Infatuation? Crush? Hero-worship? It's not sexual as such, and I don't know why, but yep seems common in all-girls schools. An example in a period film The Getting of Wisdom from the novel by Henry Handel Richardson. I'd guess (very OR-ly) that the same thing happens in all-boys schools too. It's usually about the younger person attaching to an older person and wanting their attention though it varies. The articles Puppy love (temporary) and the longer-lasting idea of Limerence (closer to it in some ways) cover it though more generally. Julia Rossi (talk) 10:13, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Puppy love is not to be confused with Pup-play. Edison (talk) 14:30, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Robert Graves wrote about the same thing in boys' schools, and I'm sure there are dozens of other examples. Adam Bishop (talk) 11:49, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

You might want to consult our article entitled lesbian until graduation ("LUG"). (WHAAOE!)

Atlant (talk) 19:51, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

The articles on Class S (the Japanese word for this sort of relationship) and Romantic friendship may also be helpful. Laïka 22:08, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Ah, my first crush was on a girl at my school. Yes, I'm gay and happy with the fact now, but if you're in this situation it doesn't necessarily mean you're gay. It might just be a crush, hero-worship, anything. Chill. And neither does it mean all you're friends are gay either! -- _{Escape Artist Swyer} ^{Talk to me} _{Articles touched by my noodly appendage} 23:13, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Book

I have a Japanese-learning book called Kimono. I can find about 150 mentions of this book on the Internet, but I can't find any mention of any content of the book. Anyone have a link? Interactive Fiction Expert/Talk to me 11:01, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

If you have the book, why are you asking for the contents? That aside, if you are trying to learn Japanese, throw that book away and pick up Yookoso! as it's a much better book and will teach you a lot more than Kimono. Kimono isn't worth the paper on which it's printed. ···日本穣^{? · Talk to Nihonjoe} 01:21, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

We used Kimono in early high school. It wasn't too bad, but it was a very slow pace, unless you want to go through the whole book quickly. If you want something slow paced, it could be OK, but if I remember it correctly (it was almost 15 years ago) it is best used with a teacher, as I don't remember much explanation of grammar. Steewi (talk) 04:41, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

My wife had to use it when she was teaching high school Japanese, and she hated it. Most of the time, she just made up her own lessons instead of using the book. ···日本穣^{? · Talk to Nihonjoe} 06:05, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I am planning to be a Japanese teacher at my primary school. My plan is to use Kimono the whole time. Interactive Fiction Expert/Talk to me 10:00, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Interior Decoration

I have been tasked to re-design an anteroom and also suggest suitable interior decoration ideas. Can anyone suggest me an idea/ I am clueless as to how to go about it sumal (talk) 11:32, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Sumal, how did you get yourself into this one? You'll need to have some mockups. Think compatibility with the other rooms or the building (e.g. minimalist style or post-modern utilitarian). There's a simplified process here[14] at Interior Design and what kind of anteroom – a vestibule, foyer, client waiting room, reception area? For style I guess you will find a similar premises and spy on their results with pics or for examples drag some images off the net. If no-one has relieved you with their designer friend/contact by then, you can source these things or maybe pick some brains at your local interiors store. Best of, Julia Rossi (talk) 12:08, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

interior design —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.18.33.2 (talk) 21:42, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

One of the important parts you need are the requirements. You need to ask yourself (and your client) at each stage "what is it going to be used for?", "Can that be done here?" and "is this what the client wants?". Other important questions might be "what is the over all look I want (i.e. theme, concept, style - business chic? welcoming family environment? jungle tribal?)?", "Can it physically be done?" and very importantly "How much will this cost?" Steewi (talk) 04:47, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

about countries

I want to know the population,capital,no of literates,illiterates,no of men women economy of the countries of asia. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Prajwal palasamudram (talk • contribs) 14:13, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Try the CIA World Factbook which has extensive demographic information. Fribbler (talk) 14:17, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Performance vs. Behavioral Based Interview Questions

Is there a difference between these two or are they two words for the same subject? I understand Behavioral Based Interviewing as a way to predict future behavior by understanding past behavior, but lately I am hearing the words Performance Based in relation to interview questionsFarmer13 (talk) 16:27, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Until someone more experienced comes along, they both sound like "track record" to me. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:52, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

If you Google 'Performance Based Interviews' you will be offered a vast choice of articles and refs on both performance and behaviour based interviwing. Why didn't you do this before asking here?86.209.156.25 (talk) 14:33, 5 June 2008 (UTC)DT

Geography question

Are there any instances on our Earth where the geographical shape of something smaller looks like the shape of something larger, scaled down? For example, a district looking like a city, a city looking like a country, or a country looking like a continent? JIP | Talk 18:27, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

I know one. See County Monaghan. (Better map here.) Then take a look at Iraq. :-) Fribbler (talk) 18:31, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

There are a few states in the Western United States that all look similar because they're all roughly rectangular... But I doubt that is what you were looking for.... Dismas|^(talk) 19:31, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

No, it isn't. I am specifically looking for similar shapes in different sizes - in this case, city or county vs. state, or state vs country or continent. And a rectangle is too simple a shape to be of interest. JIP | Talk 20:02, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Tuscany versus Bosnia and Herzegovina? Fribbler (talk) 20:20, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

How about the Polynesian Triangle and the Bermuda Triangle? Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 20:51, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

No, this won't do at all. They are too loosely defined, and the triangle is too simple a shape to be interesting. The County Monaghan and Tuscany exaxmples mentioned above are much better. JIP | Talk 20:57, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

I am a math teacher and consider the triangle to be the second-most interesting shape in the universe, after the circle. But okay, I see what you mean. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 21:07, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Sorry; I just read what I wrote and can't let it go, lest people think I meant that. The triangle is the THIRD-most interesting shape in the universe, after Catherine Zeta Jones. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 21:18, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

But even she´s got two circles and one triangle. What pity my math teacher never commented on his subtle libidinous geometrical fixations as honestly as Mitchell... --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 22:03, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

we have anarticle some where that tells of a rock at machu picchu that has the same profile as the mountains behind it so when you look at it from the correct angle, you will see...er... some thing —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.18.33.2 (talk) 21:45, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

For everyones perusal, an article on the Monaghan-Iraq debacle. Fribbler (talk) 23:07, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

It's artificial, but there is always The World.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 06:21, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

If you are happy with artifial examples, see our article on miniature parks a.k.a. model villages. Gandalf61 (talk) 11:47, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Many counties in Nevada look like U.S. states, for example Lincoln=UT, Humboldt=NM, White Pine=AZ, Lander/Eureka=VT/NH, etc. Dave6 ^talk 20:33, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

It's always struck me as more than just coincidental that, if reversed laterally, the Australian coat of arms, particularly the original 1908 version, would make a very nice approximation of the shape of the mainland. They even had the kangaroo's tail hanging downwards so that Tasmania wasn't forgotten. -- JackofOz (talk) 21:06, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

And here I'm thinking Australia looks like it's been drawn by Leunig with a big nose on the left and a smile at Port Augusta. Julia Rossi (talk) 05:51, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Nah - it's an old man lying on his back - with his nose pointing up at PNG and a big underbite. BTW, I note with some surprise that no-one has mentioned the World islands in Dubai that have been deliberately shaped to look like maps of countries. Grutness...wha? 06:29, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Spammers

I am getting more and more curious about why spammers bother with their increasingly more clever filter-evading ploys. I, at least, have an instinct that the more someone tries to trick me into reading an advertisement, the less honest he is, and the less legal the product he is selling is. Surely everyone else thinks this way too? Surely they cannot be anyone who sees an advertisement for penis enlargement pills disguised as an account suspension notice from a bank, containing several kilobytes of random word salad solely to fool Bayesian filters, with a hyperlink to a random throwaway URL at the end, and thinks "Oh! This is just what I need! I'll better check this out than consult a reputable doctor and pharmacist!"? JIP | Talk 20:20, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Email is, for now, free, so all they need to make it worth their while is one sale. Just one. From the millions/billions of spam mails sent, for it to be economically viable. And as they say "there's always one". Fribbler (talk) 20:23, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

In that case, that one must be either really stupid, or really sad, or both. What sort of person would do that? JIP | Talk 20:34, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Would spam, or be taken in by it? Fribbler (talk) 20:36, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Taken in by it, of course. JIP | Talk 20:44, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Lots of reasons. Naievity, desperation, those unfamiliar with the internet etc. Fribbler (talk) 20:55, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

You gave one option yourself: they could be really stupid. You can buy a million addresses for $40, so you should be able to turn a profit with a one in 100,000 success rate. 1 in 100,000 people have an IQ of less than 40. Algebraist 22:01, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

That would just be abusing the mentally handicapped (the limit is around 40 right?). I would assume the target is the elderly, who have stereotypically have little knowledge about how the internet works. Some would assume that it is genuinely someone trying to help out their love life. That would get you at least the 1 in 100,000. Paragon12321 (talk) 23:02, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Maybe anyone who's vulnerable – someone who's desire is stronger than their reason, or who lack critical awareness. Especially people who at heart seem to believe there's such a thing as easy money, miracle hair results, and other solutions to feeling needy. I don't think iq comes into that somehow. And then there's the meeting point and the bait: Hello, pigeon, meet Shark. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:48, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Also, there are two additional factors at play here: first of all, someone is always getting their very first piece of spam. I (and, I suspect, most others here) get hundreds of them every day, so they mean nothing to me. There's really no way I could ever get taken in by a generic spam message that is obviously designed to bypass filtering. And I'm not expected to, because like most recipients, I'm not in the target audience; I'm too educated, too familiar with the internet and generally too experienced with this stuff to fall for it. But that doesn't apply to a lot of users -- there are plenty of people out there who never really follow the news, who don't understand how the internet works, who are kind of naive, etc. They just aren't suspicious or careful enough. Of course, most of them still have the sense to avoid spammed products or services, but as a group, these are the kind of people who fall for obvious phishing attempts, Nigerian scams or virus e-mails.

Secondly, especially when it comes to attempts to cell Viagra or Cialis or "herbal supplements" that supposedly give you larger penis or bigger breasts or allow you to lose massive amounts of weight in just weeks, there's a simple rule of thumb: we should never underestimate the insecurities of people, especially when sexuality is involved. I would be shocked to hear that at least a few people reading this, for example, don't have pretty serious self-esteem issues and really, really wish they looked different or were thinner or had a larger penis or whatever. A lot of the spam is expressly designed with that in mind; the attempts to manipulate the reader tend to be really cheap ("Try it today - you have nothing to lose, just a lot to gain! Impress the ladies with the new tool in your pants," says one fresh piece of spam in my mailbox.), but if you're lonely and especially if your sexual experiences haven't been that great, the idea that with a bigger penis you'll be more self-confident and have more success in relationships is obviously attractive. It's stupid and completely false, of course -- but if you're in a certain mental space, it's attractive. The same goes for, oh, the spam that sells Rolex replicas or "university degrees"; they're not so much selling a product as the idea that you, too, can look like a wealthy or educated man, and all you need to do is pay a little bit of money for it.

Now, I'd like to think that most people reading this are smart enough to face facts and recognize that just because they're insecure, that doesn't mean a spammed product is going to solve their problem, but a lot of people are really willing to do pretty stupid things in order to make themselves feel better about themselves. I mean, how many people are paying for "miracle products" sold on TV shopping channels? Or how many people are willing to give their money to "psychics"? It's essentially the same principle: the exploitation of people who're vulnerable. Taking advantage of the weaknesses of the people who have needs and insecurities. No sensible person is going to fall for spam, but sensible people just aren't the target audience. -- Captain Disdain (talk) 00:03, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I find it hard to believe that "Impress the ladies with the new tool in your pants" is not a veiled insult against the kind of people who click on spam emails... Laïka 12:53, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

(outdent) I have two examples of people who would fall for spam. One was a girl who I saw on an episode of Judge Judy. Although the eBay auction that she won specified that she was bidding on just a photo of a cell phone, she thought she was bidding on the actual phone. Second, a guy I worked with thought that he had just won another eBay auction for a $5 laptop. He had actually won an auction for a list of places that sold discounted laptops or something like that. Dismas|^(talk) 02:31, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Ah, yes. That's not spam exactly, but it's certainly scam. I saw one like that on eBay: it looked like an auction for a house in Romania. Actually, it was an auction for a copy of an ad for a house, but it only said so in English, with the glowing description of the house all being in Romanian. - Jmabel | Talk 18:04, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I have seen some experienced email users believing in some SPAM mails and discussing the topic like 'You know, tonight Mars will look be as big as moon!' manya (talk) 04:19, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

This applies to the above topic, so...has anyone here ever gotten a spam text message on their cell phone? I have gotten two, and the cell phone company actually charges me because I do not have a texting plan. They consist of URLs to dating websites or a company website. No one I know has ever gotten one but me, and it is freaking me out. Thanks, The Reader who Writes (talk) 17:20, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I have gotten a few spam text messages on my work cell phone. Also, regarding who would ever respond to spam - I work in a public library, where we offer free internet access to anyone who comes in, regardless of their ability to understand what they're doing. I've actually had people ask me for help responding to spam and those annoying pop-up ads, believing they had actually won something. Shuttlebug (talk) 20:03, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I got a spam/scam voicemail message on mine. Not since *crosses self hastily like the mafia do* Julia Rossi (talk) 05:56, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Ray Island

In the days leading up to WW II, the US Army transported a crew of soldiers, redesignated as something else (civilian) to an island within about 2,000 miles of western Panama. It was called Ray Island, but I think that was code. Nothing comes up using the name. They built an air field for five P-40's. It was serviced by small ships and C-47's with additional tanks of fuel inside. Your article on the C-47 shows such tanks. They were waist-high and about five feet long. I think they held about 250 gallons each, which ought to have taken the safe range out to about 2,000 miles. An elderly friend of mine was stationed there, and apparently went in the second group of converted soldiers. There had been a small Japanese base on the island, but it was disposed of. They built a large radio tower that was hinged and could be lowered. The island was in radio contact with a base in Central or South America. The P-40's carried drop tanks and always returned to the island after long solo aircraft patrols. They probably were there to protect the canal as early warning of the rumored Japanese attack on the canal.

I have tried several military sites, but only found two references to Ray Island. They came from a graves registration list at a hospital near the west (or south) end of the canal. The bodies were brought to the hospital and their dates of death were the day before the record was created at the hospital. One was listed as a supervisor. I cannot find my notes, but the deaths seemed to be accidental. My friend left after about a year, and no one died while he was there. He joined the service after Pearl Harbor, was trained as an aircraft mechanic and was stationed in Panama for about six months before he was asked to volunteer to convert to the apparent civilian status. I'd like to find his island for him. Thanks for your help. Joseph Jordan (email address deleted) 72.17.181.190 (talk) 22:31, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Have you or your friend tried asking the Army about this? (Or possibly the Air Force, in case this was considered an Army Air Force operation and the USAF inherited the records.) --Anonymous, 23:29 UTC, June 4.

Mayonnaise

Every once in a while I'll here in one place or another that mayonnaise spoils quickly; that it shouldn't be left out for more than a moment or it'll go bad; that hollandaise sauce must be used quickly because the mayonnaise will spoil quickly, etc. In my house (all my life) we don't even bother refrigerating mayonnaise. We keep it in the cupboard. Not only doesn't it go bad quickly, it's quite shelf stable. Oh, I don't mean it'll last forever, But a good month or two without refrigeration is not a problem. So why is it falsely thought—even singled out—that Mayo is especially delicate and prone to spoilage?--70.107.9.159 (talk) 23:17, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

I suspect it is the difference between mass produced and home produced Mayonnaise; the understanding grew with home made stuff, and is incorrectly applied to the manufactured stuff. There's some minimal comments at Mayonnaise which support this thought. --Tagishsimon (talk) 23:21, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

(after edit conflict)I find the same thing with butter and cheap bread. These thing used to spoil easily. Hence the keeping-in-the-fridge carry on. But science has given us preservatives (for good or ill), meaning these products now have much, much longer shelf lives. Fribbler (talk) 23:23, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

That must be it, or at least it fits very well. Thanks to you both.--70.107.9.159 (talk) 00:18, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

IMHO, preservatives are part but not all of the story; the bigger factor was raw eggs. Anything, anything made with raw eggs was and is potentially infected at the source. [Homemade mayo is just oil and eggs, right?] Refrigeration remains the only good way to keep that kind of "situation" under control.

-- Danh, 63.231.153.176 (talk) 01:06, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Thing is, though, that mayonnaise can now be kept out of the fridge and still not turn rancid. Fribbler (talk) 01:12, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Commercial mayo hasn't been made with raw eggs for a couple of decades now. (Hmmph -- I'm sure I meant to post that as part of the previous comment!) Ergo, store-bought mayo doesn't carry that risk any more.

-- Danh, 63.231.153.176 (talk) 13:35, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I heard that the myth about mayonnaise going rancid quickly started because it is often added to things which can go bad quickly if unrefrigerated such as deli meats or fish. The irony is that mayonnaise, because of its acidity, actually helps preserve foods. --D. Monack | talk 23:30, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for all the answers and discussion. By the way, I do know the difference bwteen here and hear; I just looked at my opening post and was embarrassed.--70.107.9.159 (talk) 03:12, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Weird fish or "Weird ?!"

Someone sent a pix of a weird looking fish to the Rense homepage, and a link just below the pix claims it is a BATFISH. The pix of this thing is HERE. It was caught off of Cuba and the link that is below the pix can be accessed, so that the claim of this being a "Batfish" can be checked out. I was going to send it to the Paranormal Project guys and the Project Cryptozoology guys as well. Really, WHAT is this thing?! 65.173.105.197 (talk) 23:49, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

The link doesn't work. Fribbler (talk) 23:50, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Fixed rotten link. 65.173.105.197 (talk) 23:53, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Looks to be the cubifrons species alright. Hardly paronormal or cryptozooilogical. Many marine creatures appear to be weird. It's an unusual environment to us. And the term Batfish, is often used to describe fish that we think odd looking. Then again imagine a fish seeing a platypus or an elephant. They would think they were absolute abominations. Fribbler (talk) 00:03, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

June 5

toaster oven settings

What do the keep warm, broil, bake, and toast pizza settings on a toaster oven do? There is already a timer and a temperature dial, so what else can you control? --MagneticFlux (talk) 02:50, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Some (I'm particularly thinking "keep warm" and "toast pizza") are likely shorthands for common operations, much like the "popcorn" button on microwaves. "Broil" and "bake" suggest basic functionality in line with time and temperature -- on standard ovens, these terms represent use of top and bottom elements, respectively. I'm not up on my toaster oven anatomy, but I would expect these to represent either the same basic functionality or some approximation thereof.

(Some) toaster ovens can also vary which heating element they switch on for specific tasks. For example, "toast" might energize both the top and bottom elements whereas "bake" only energizes the bottom elements and "broil" or "top brown" energizes just the upper elements.

Atlant (talk) 11:37, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Also, some toaster ovens have a convection feature. When you utilize the "bake" setting, a fan is activated that circulates the heated air from the elements. (great feature for reheating eggrolls).10draftsdeep (talk) 19:05, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

"Keep warm" probably alters the activation pattern of the heating elements, either by running them at low power or by rapidly switching between on and off, in order to keep radiated heat from browning whatever is in the oven. It probably also keeps the oven temperature at a level below the low end of the temperature dial. --Carnildo (talk) 21:37, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Good to see a toaster oven question again, its been a while. Mhicaoidh (talk) 10:01, 7 June 2008 (UTC) Indeed it was 23 May 2007, the great international toaster oven / milk packaging conference. Mhicaoidh (talk) 10:07, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Metrix

What is a metrix? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.28.116.1 (talk) 02:53, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Umm, I don't know what metrix [15] is. I wonder whether you are actually looking for Matrix or Metric? manya (talk) 04:34, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Are you talking about Met-Rx, the nutritional supplement? Many people say they're having "a Met-Rx" when they mean a shake or smoothie made up with one of the supplements, as Bridget Fonda does in Jackie Brown. Remember when Samuel L. Jackson leaves the apartment, and Fonda asks DeNiro if he wants a Met-Rx? He follows her into the kitchen, and...well. It's a good movie. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 06:28, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Or are you referring to Metrics which is a way of quantifying several things. Dismas|^(talk) 11:49, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Nextdoor painters got paint on my car, cost $125 to remove now they won't respond.

It cost $125 to get the paint of my car. The apartment manager said she talked to painting people and that they would send me a check in the mail. It has been almost 2 months since the incident, still no check. Apartment manager said company told her they sent the check a week ago. She gave me the guys number and he won't return my calls. What is the next step to getting my money? Who should i contact now because I am pretty sure they are avoiding me and are hoping i just forget about this and let it pass. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.7.126.152 (talk) 06:17, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Forget the painters. Go for the building owners. Berks911 (talk) 07:03, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

"The cheque is in the post" is one of the world's oldest excuses. Ask your lawyer for advice. Astronaut (talk) 11:41, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Wouldn't many lawyers cost more than the $125? Not legal advice, ( I have no idea if you have a case or not.) but Small Claims Court might be the right place to pursue something on this level. APL (talk) 12:44, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

There are lawyers that charge a smaller rate (possibly for a short amount of time, I'm not sure) that might also be able to advise you. I've seen ones that charge $50 or so for a short session to settle stuff like this. But yea, a small claims court might still be a better idea. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 19:51, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

+44999

Would the phone number 0044999 connect to the UK emergency services? ----Seans Potato Business 12:39, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Nope, I just tried it, and before anyone complains, I would have hung up before I got an answer. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 12:45, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't know how it might work in the UK, but I know from personal experience (OR alert!) that hanging up after accidentally dialing 911 still resulted in a call from the police, checking to see if there was an actual emergency. --LarryMac | Talk 15:03, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I tried it too, from my mobile. "The number you have dialled cannot be reached at this time, please try again later". Hopefully the UK's emergency services aren't taking a break :-) so I'd have to say it's not possible. Fribbler (talk) 12:50, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

There are categories of phone numbers that can be dialed only within a country. Presumably, 999 in the UK and 911 in the US are in such a category. Marco polo (talk) 12:55, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

So how do you phone the emergency services from another country? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:33, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I can't imagine you'd need to, but the embassy could probably put you through to that country's police service if need be. Laïka 15:43, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Maybe I am missing some vital clue here, but what would be the purpose of calling the UK emergency service from the continent?

"Hi, it´s me! I am wandering here in the middle of the Black Forest - which is in Germany, just in case you don´t know - and there is this nasty Big Bad Wolf stalking me! Can you send a bobby quicksmart to my rescue or surely I will be eaten alive..." --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 21:51, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Well, I can imagine a situation in which you wanted to report an emergency to the UK police—for example, if you were engaged in a phone conversation with someone in the UK and something awful befell them while you were talking to them (and they were in a situation where they obviously couldn't call emergency services themselves). I don't think we should assume that everyone calls emergency services for themselves (I've called them a few times, never for me, always for others). In a world as networked as ours is today, I can imagine a lot of scenarios in which someone might need to do so in such cases (chat rooms, etc.). --98.217.8.46 (talk) 22:52, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, exactly. This does happen in real life. It could be any form of rapid communication. What you do in such situations is to call the telephone operator where you are (long-distance operator if that's a separate number) and explain the situation. "This is an emergency. Something has happened to my sister and I need to contact the police in London, England." --Anonymous, 22:59 UTC, June 5, 2008.

Where is there a list of operator numbers for different countries? --Seans Potato Business 13:02, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

You should probably use the number 1-1-2. That works all over the EU, including the UK. Richard B (talk) 14:27, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

In many countries, 1-1-2 just redirects you to the local services, though. Laïka 14:53, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Light switches and wiper blades

For the last 14 years, I've driven Jeeps, so my experience is a bit one sided. The windshield wiper controls have always been such that if I push up on the stalk, the wipers turn on. First intermittent and then on constantly. If they are on intermittently and I turn a little inset dial upwards (from my perspective as the driver) the frequency with which the wipers go back and forth increases. Although on my wife's Toyota, pushing down on the talk turns the wipers on. And turning the inset dial upwards doesn't increase the frequency of wipes but instead increases the amount of time in between wipes. So, this got me thinking (strange thing to think about, I know) about whether this is a standard American vs. Foreign car thing or if it has something to do with light switches. Here in the States, up turns the lights on and down turns them off. So are light switches in Japan opposite of those here in the States? Dismas|^(talk) 14:33, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't think it can be broken down that cleanly. My Chrysler's wipers behave the same as the Toyota described, which is not only an American car but part of the same corporate conglomerate as Jeep. As for light switches, that convention only holds if the electrician is careful. — Lomn 14:50, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I've seen both types of controls and other variants too. My Saab has down for intermittant, up for speed 1 and up again for speed 2, and the little dial goes up to increase the gap between intermittant wipes. IIRC the Peugeot I had before that was like the jeep, but the intermittant control moved left to right and long ago my father's Honda van had the wiper control on the left side of the steering wheel (a bit freaky when the wipers go as you turn down side streets!). As for light switches, I don't know about cars having an American vs Foreign "thing", but American household light switches appear to work upside-down compared to our switches here in the UK. Astronaut (talk) 16:41, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Among the cars my family have we have a Vauxhall (UK GM brand), a Mercedes and a Honda - all three have wipers with roughly the same function direction as your Jeep. ~ mazca ^talk 21:49, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

100% rule

In a Wikipedia article about Gnatt charts there was a reference to the 100% Rule; what is the 100% rule? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Rita Barbara (talk • contribs) 16:29, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

The article Gantt Chart links to this. But business-speak scrambles my brain, so I physically can't read it to decipher what it means. :-) Fribbler (talk) 16:34, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

In short, the "100% rule" means that your schedule needs to account for all of the activity related to the whatever-it-is, and none of the activity not related to the whatever-it-is. 100%. No more, no less. — Lomn 16:45, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

do people in some cities have a specific personlity?

For example, are people in NY less polite or people in the South more open? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.58.205.37 (talk) 16:57, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I heard that people from large cities are ruder than those from the countryside. Astronaut (talk) 17:21, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

As with all such generalizations, this sort of thing should be defined carefully. Do all inhabitants of NYC have a specific personality? Of course not. NYC as a general culture, though, is distinct from rural Mississippi. Getting into "more or less polite" is difficult -- what defines politeness? If person A is more polite in one regard than person B but less polite in another, who is generally more polite? Articles such as demographics of New York City raise the question of whether its feasible to even define an average New Yorker. — Lomn 17:51, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

One survey revealed that people in New York were the most polite in the world. Corvus cornix_talk 18:00, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

"Polite" is, of course, a cultural matter. In much of America, it is considered polite to tell someone they look marvelous no matter how they look. In NYC, probably not, especially if you know them at all well and whatever makes them look sub-marvelous is fixable. In much of America, irony is inherently sarcasm and inherently "negative". Many New Yorkers use it almost continuously in their speech. In much of America, it is considered impolite to speak while anyone else is speaking. In New York, if you don't do that, you'll never be heard, because someone else will have started talking before the first one stops. New Yorkers, as a rule, don't find each other rude because of any of these things; it's people from other cultures who find them so. - Jmabel | Talk 18:16, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

And politeness depends on who you are as well. Black women in the South get treated pretty differently by white men than they do in New York City, for example, in my experience. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 21:29, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

As a contributor from across the pond. In what way are they treated differently? Just to ask. Fribbler (talk) 22:41, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Increased willingness to treat them as stupid, to use the term "girl" with them more than they would with white women, increased likelihood to blame the messenger, etc. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 18:06, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Ya wanna know what's rude? Slow-moving gangs of tourists spread across the entire sidewalk so that honest, hard-working New Yorkers can't get by them without having to walk in the gutter. We're not rude. We've just lost patience with annoying out-of-towners. --Nricardo (talk) 02:15, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Art Carney pretty much summed it up for me with one of his quotes from The Honeymooners: "Life is like a sewer: what you get out of it pretty much depends on what you put into it." I've been to a lot of places that are allegedly "rude" (Paris, New York City, etc.) and never found the average person to be rude. But that's probably a reflection of how I approach folks, smilimg, engaging them in appropriate small talk, and the occasional self-deprecating joke. Not unlike how I approach the Reference Desk, when you come to think of it!

Atlant (talk) 21:56, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Having grown up in the south of England, but living in the North, I can say that what is considered polite varies even in this range. So things which are strongly ingrained in me (like avoiding all eye-contact with strangers in public and the straight-forward-to-me-and-yet-quite-complicated-when-I-think-about-them rules about when it is appropriate to acknowledge or talk to strangers and what it is appropriate to say in that case) can come across as cold or rude up here, as they seem to be less strongly applied. But I have to consciously remember the difference to not feel people are being rude when they break these rules towards me. So we both strike each other as rude when being as polite as we can be :) 79.74.56.70 (talk) 04:56, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Baseball v. Basketball

In high school i played baseball and hated basketball. I found basketball to be uncilivised, gauche, and suffering from a low-class image that attracted the wrong characters. I remember i was in the distinct minority in H.s. as most students thought basketball was the "cool" sport and baseball was passé. My question is do high schoolers feel this way today? JeanLatore (talk) 19:14, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I currently attend high school and I can say that basketball is one of the cool sports, but certainly not the "coolest". Football and baseball rule high school sports in my experience. However, this may have to do with geography, so...I live in the U.S. Not sure about anywhere else.69.251.130.210 (talk) 19:19, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

As of 2006, US high schools saw approximately 10% more participation in boys basketball than baseball.[16] Given that a baseball roster is larger than a basketball roster, that suggests that basketball holds a distinct popularity edge. The discrepancy between basketball and softball for girls is even larger. Notions of whether or not sports are seen as uncivilized, gauche, or passé are likely beyond the verification of the Ref Desk. — Lomn 19:21, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Thank you. I am also asking about those that are 'fans' of professional basketball and baseball as well as playing it. Most of my fellow students that didn't play on the basketball team at least played pickup basketball on a regular basis and rabidly followed the NBA. I myself tried to have nothing to do with the sport or the NBA. It just really seemed low-class. JeanLatore (talk) 20:39, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Pardon my impertinence, Jean, but I suspect these notions of "class" and "the wrong characters" would definitely place you in a rapidly diminishing minority. My recommendation is to like or dislike things based on criteria that have nothing to do with the perceived "class" of the participants. -- JackofOz (talk) 20:54, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes. I'm not sure what you mean by "class" but, in your world, what sport would someone from a higher "class" play if he/she were really good at basket ball and not-so-good at baseball and they had to choose one? Zain Ebrahim (talk) 22:22, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Just as a matter of interest, what class of person would generally be interested in "Anal Sex with Sluts"? -- JackofOz (talk) 22:39, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

In case anyone shared my initial shock at reading that, I think Jack's referring to Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 May 17#Anal Sex. Right? Zain Ebrahim (talk) 22:50, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

It's certainly relevant, but my query related to the first item mentioned here. -- JackofOz (talk) 00:57, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

JeanLatore, were you at high school when the basketball cards were big? Julia Rossi (talk) 06:28, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

yes i was, why? JeanLatore (talk) 12:33, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

(econ) I'll just pop it here though to answer, because other people have said a similar thing with basketball being so dominant and other sports being backgrounded, even eclipsed. They were annoyed with the um, commercial popularity and marketing that went on but if they liked basketball they went for all that – cards, shirts, signature shoes and hero worship. It was world wide. And I don't know, but it does seem as if basketball was relatively down-classed before that rise. Julia Rossi (talk) 13:20, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Do remember that the popularity of different high school sports depends on the location of the high school. Football is huge in Texas. I do not know the geographical distributions of the sports controlling for popularity, but surely there is some variability there. From Eastern North Carolina, yes, basketball was more popular than baseball (if we judged based on attendance at the games).--droptone (talk) 13:10, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Robins

Why are Robins so bold and able to approach an area where people are working in the garden when all other wild birds like blackbirds and starlings fly away? 86.154.171.134 (talk) 19:41, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

From the European Robin article, "[A Robin is] relatively unafraid of people and likes to come close when anyone is digging the soil, in order to look out for earthworms and other food freshly turned up ... Robins also approach large wild animals, such as wild boar and other animals which disturb the ground, to look for any food that might be brought to the surface." D0762 (talk) 20:00, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

An American robin approached within 3 feet as I was hoeing and rototilling a garden. Then he chirped at me a bit, not with any apparent hostility, just like a neighboring gardner saying "Hot enough for you?" I have seen them make a nest in a small tree at a height of 5 feet (less than 2 meters) next to a busy sidewalk. It is amazing how fearless they are of humans. This is despite reported human eating of robins during famine. Edison (talk) 03:00, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Edison: do you believe that robins know it? Should we tell them?GoingOnTracks (talk) 15:52, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Oh, they know. They know. Fribbler (talk) 18:08, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Like pigeons, really. They won't even fly out of the way of an approaching car, preferring to walk. Plus, if you've ever been to Trafalgar Square, which is more famous for its pigeons than it is for Nelson's Column, you'd know what it's like to be covered in the blighters when you are trying to have a sandwich.--ChokinBako (talk) 21:04, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Hi. One time we were having a picnic, and this sparrow came by. Even if it would shooed, it would hover and fly right back, sometimes approaching within inches. Hope this helps. Thanks. ~AH1^(TCU) 22:16, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

What is the absolute simplest, easiest, and cheapest way to pop and individual popcorn kernal.

Easily, inexpensively, and simplisticly pop one individual popcorn kernal. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.191.102.55 (talk) 21:45, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I'd probably just stick it in a microwave for short bursts until it pops. ~ mazca ^talk 22:03, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

Microwave popcorn packets contain more than just popcorn. There is also a layer of oil in them. So I'm not sure if microwaving a single kernel would work or not.

Also, with just a single kernel in the microwave, it is mostly empty. Using a microwave when it is empty can damage it. --Bavi H (talk) 02:14, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Do you have a reference for the claim that a microwave would be damaged by operating it empty or with one grain of popcorn? What is the minimum safe load, in grams of water equivalent? Edison (talk) 02:56, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Not sure how this source is, but I remember the same thing mentioned before on the ref desk about empty microwaves. However, I wonder if there is a minimum safe load. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 03:10, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Next easily, inexpensively could be a lighter under a spoon or tinfoil with the said kernel and oil drop. Julia Rossi (talk) 06:39, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm not an expert on microwaves, but I don't think you're supposed to put silverware or aluminum foil in them. Oh, with a lighter. Gotcha. That'd probably work. Useight (talk) 07:37, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Actually, spoons are safe in a microwave. Tin foil (aluminium foil, or whatever you want to call it), is what makes the sparks. Don't you watch Mythbusters?--ChokinBako (talk) 20:26, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Edison: I remember reading the manual for one of the microwaves that we've had saying it could damage it if it's used while empty. I did a quick search of microwave oven manuals online and they seem to agree that you shouldn't use them while empty. I don't know if having a single kernel of unpopped popcorn in a microwave is enough to prevent damage to it, but thought it might be wise to err on the side of caution. --Bavi H (talk) 02:05, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I believe the issue with empty microwaves has to do with the properties of microwaves(the actual waves themselves). They tend to be reflected from metalic object and absorbed in other things. Thus, when you have food in the microwave, the food is able to absorb the rays, and no damage is done. However, when there is nothing in the microwave, the rays bounce off the metalic walls and eventually reach the microwave emitter. This can damage it, causing it to become inoperable or to explode.

On a side note, anyone ever considered an air popper? I don't go shopping for popcorn poppers every day, but I think they still sell them. It would easily pop one kernal of popcorn(the kind that comes in a bag with nothing but kernals). Leeboyge (talk) 05:49, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I Wonder if you could use the Sun and a magnifying glass.--APL (talk) 03:20, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

nvidia quadro nvs 140m

Will I be able to play Spore with this graphics card?--96.227.101.82 (talk) 22:01, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

The system requirements for Spore have not been released. According to the article, you will easily run the creature creator. I would guess that you'll manage the real game. Paragon12321 (talk) 22:14, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

June 6

geography

When does a hill become a mountain? At what height? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Dubczak (talk • contribs) 00:28, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

See The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain. — Michael J 00:42, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

That's fiction; if you want the Entertainment reference desk, it's over that way. In real life, as both the Mountain and Hill articles say, the answer is that there is no answer -- there's no particular height where the word changes. --Anonymous, 02:07 UTC, June 6. 2008.

Are there hills/mountains whose status is disputed? Edison (talk) 02:54, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

In my city we have a Mt Rogers, a Mt Taylor and a Mt Ainslie, but none are higher than 800m above sea level, and are mostly no more than 100m higher than the rest of the city. The distinction often depends on the place you're talking about. In Australia we don't have many high altitude areas, so some things are classed as mountains that would barely be hills in Bolivia, Nepal or Switzerland. Steewi (talk) 03:23, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Um, Bob Avakian at Oklahoma State is more certain in his 2000 feet or over above mean sea level (answer here[17]). My teachers used to like definitions like that, though living in Steewi-land, I'd need to have my calculator for levels of mean seas to be sure, Julia Rossi (talk) 06:35, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

That'll be a Graham then. The division into Munros, Corbetts and Grahams is rather more useful. In Sussex there is a Mount Harry which is 195m high. I'm sure it's not the smallest mount though.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 06:43, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

It can differ according to geological composition, also. For a quick NZ comparison, take the Auckland volcanoes: Mount Eden is the tallest (mainland), yet only 196m (643 ft). The non-volcanic Takaka Hill, on the other hand, is 760m (2493 ft), and the Rimutakas (highest point 940m - 3084 ft) are almost always referred to as the Rimutaka Hills. I suspect that anything over 1000m is called a mountain by most. Gwinva (talk) 08:22, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks, I remembered the film and just bought an old copy. The question was asked of me by an English lady who moved to CA from Wisconsin. In Wausau there is Rib Mountain which is 586 ft. according to my Nat. Geo atlas. Thanks everyone - Dubczak. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Dubczak (talk • contribs) 00:35, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Geographers may come up with definitions, but locals have their own pride and ways of naming things. Steewi is certainly right about topographical context. Even within Switzerland, my city sees the Üetliberg as "its" home mountain, and calls it a mountain too (Berg is German for mountain). A friend of mine from the Engadin said this molehill of shabby 400m above civilization wouldn't even have a name where he grew up. ---Sluzzelin talk 11:41, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

We just discussed this, probably on this very reference desk. Please take a look back in the archives for the last several weeks.

Atlant (talk) 14:00, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Well remembered! See Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008_May_12#Mountains. ---Sluzzelin talk 15:53, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Yep.. and to add to my earlier comment about there being no authority enforcing something like this, remember that most peaks were named long before their heights were known. Even if the namers had some standard in mind, which is unlikely, they wouldn't have been able to adhere to it in anything but a vague way. Bob Avakian at Oklahoma State might be interested to learn about the many mountains in Oklahoma that are under 2,000 feet tall. Like U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Bull Mountain, Choctaw County, Oklahoma -- 837 feet tall. There are many many others. Pfly (talk) 18:18, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

There's Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, "with hills over 60 feet (18 m) high" (!). --LarryMac | Talk 18:34, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Mount Trashmore? Surely with a name like that it HAS to be a landfill! Bit blatant, isn't it?--ChokinBako (talk) 21:06, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

According to the article, it was a landfill. Now it's a mountain! Fribbler (talk) 21:09, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Land of opportunity

Nowadays what is the equivalent of America in the beginning of the XX century? GoingOnTracks (talk) 00:51, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

I believe the term Land of opportunity is likely still fitting for America. We pay some of the highest wages, we do have a lot of job opportunities for people from the poorer countries and we have okay immigration policies. Then again, all of those could be improved but I don't necessarily think another country would be called that reasonably. After all there are still an enormous amount of immigrants coming to America, so they likely think it's the Land of opportunity. Chris M. (talk) 03:54, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Land of opportunity refers to the ability for anybody to make money/a successful living. So what you are looking for is a nation whereby social-class isn't hugely important to your chances of success, where formal educational level isn't a major barrier to stop you being a success and where your colour/creed/nationality etc. is not a barrier to success. The USA is not alone in being able to claim the above criteria are met, but it is certainly still a good example country of one that can. I'm not sure whether the emerging economies of China and India would be able to state the above entirely, but certainly there are many people in these nations that are making a (relative) fortune who have no formal education and are from a lower social class than the traditional business-world. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.221.133.226 (talk) 08:41, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Resignation of T. Michael Moseley

Recently, the Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley and the Secretary of the Air Force have been forced to resign over a variety of mismanagement issues in the branch. A central issue was the accidental fly-over of a B-52 with 6 live nuclear warheads. But suppose the B-52 crashed with the 6 live nukes on-board, would it really have been that much of a danger to the public? The detonation of nuclear warheads is an extremely precise sequence, so aside from spewing radioactive materials, how likely is it for the nuclear warheads to have exploded? Acceptable (talk) 01:05, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Would "spewing radioactive materials ... really have been that much of a danger to the public?". Ever heard of the Chernobyl disaster? - "In the aftermath of the accident, 237 people suffered from acute radiation sickness, of whom 31 died within the first three months". -- JackofOz (talk) 02:01, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

A more realistic analogue would be the Palomares incident. There was a significant risk to people due to the spilled radioactive materials, but it was certainly not like the huge fire that spread a much larger amount of contamination at Chernobyl (probably the materials at Chernobyl would have been more radioactive, too, but I'm guessing on that). --Anonymous, 02:15 UTC, 2008-06-06.

They would not have gone off in a nuclear blast if, say the plane had crashed and burned. A "dirty bomb" would have been the worst result. If the pilot and bombardier had gotten an "itchy trigger finger" and learned they were nukes and tried to nuke a city, they could presumably not have done so due to the lack of codes (check me on this: supposedly a ballistic missile sub can but an air crew can't without codes the President or designated command authority carries). That leaves the problem of cancer deaths or radiation poisoning from the "dirty bomb" if a bomb had crashed/burned, and the problem that there were several nuclear warheads withoutthe usual level of security, a chain link fence at an airforce base, rather than a guarded bunker. If Party A had placed a load of nukes on a plane, which neither the crew nor the base authorities knew were there, and Party B were so inclined, they might be able to get their hands on enough nukes to take out six major cities, if their people had the expertise to eventually bypass the security measures. Edison (talk) 02:52, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

The Palomares incident was minor compared to some others listed at List of military nuclear accidents; however, even the release of radioactive materials is quite unlikely in a crash. Several similar accidents have, in fact, occurred. Rmhermen (talk) 14:28, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

If the airplane had crashed, the most likely result is that the plutonium in the bombs would have broken free (they're solid, dense objects that can easily punch through the bomb casing and the airplane's skin), and the military would have been looking around the crash site for a while with shovels and geiger counters to find all the bits. --Carnildo (talk) 21:05, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Not likely - see the list I mentioned. Rmhermen (talk) 00:12, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Physicians setting own work schedule

I heard that physicians in North America can set their own working hours. Is this true? Is this only applicable for physicians in a private practice or will public hospitals also allow this practice? If true, to what degree of flexibility do they have in doing so? Thanks. Acceptable (talk) 03:46, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

If you're a private business of course you can set your own hours. Although I doubt you'll maximize the profitability of the doctors' office if you worked from midnight - 8am.--droptone (talk) 13:13, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

On the other hand, that specific shift is relatively lucrative if you're in veterinary medicine, judging not only from the number of emergency vet clinics that are only open evenings and weekends, but also on what I've had to shell out to have my cat repaired during those hours :-)} .

(Those hours are also attractive to those veterinarians who don't want to bother (or be bored to tears) with the more mundane aspects of running a practice, such as routine shots, toenail trimming, and so forth.)

-- Danh, 70.59.116.253 (talk) 23:01, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

1930's USNavy Semi-Ridgid Diridgeables

Back in the 30;s, the US Navy owned and operated a small fleet of Zepplin type aircraft. ALL were eventually lost in weather related crshes! Among them were the "ACRON"(Sp.?), the "MACON" (Sp.?), the "Los Angeles", and at least one more .... PROBABLY at least two or three more !!

I'm now 86 years old, and remember well having seen both the Acron AND the Macon fly gracefully over my home in Buffalo, NY, each on seperate occasions. Both had their own fighter escort fighters in a hanger deck on board. They would launch those 'planes while in flight (using a trapeze device), then retrieve the planes using the same trapeze. I'M SURE there was AT LEAST one more, named (as I recall) after some mountain range, and could well be more that I don't recall.

I want to pass on this bit of aviation history on to my Grandkids, but want give them the entire story, with airship names. Can you help me .... PLEASE !! THANX !!

JIMCAV —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.204.23.148 (talk) 04:40, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

USS Shenandoah (ZR-1). See also List of airships of the United States Navy.—eric 05:39, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

What is e to the power of i pi equal to?

Someone told me about this mathematics equation, but I don't understand it. Can you please help.--Un poisson pour manger a la bouche, s'il vous plait. (talk) 08:14, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

−1. See Euler's identity. Algebraist 08:26, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

For future reference, the reference desk does have a mathematics section. -- Meni Rosenfeld (talk) 08:27, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Work Visa in UK

A Japanese friend of mine, living and working here in the UK for a year, just had a short 5-day holiday in Italy with his family (also living here with him). When he arrived back in the UK, he was told at the airport his work visa was now invalid and that he had to apply for another one.

I find this strange as he has been to other EU countries before and this has never happened before. He has always been able to return to the UK on the same visa, after all there is no restriction on movement for workers throughout all EU member states.

Could it be on account of the fact that during his stay in Italy he also visited Switzerland (not an EU member state) for a few hours and this cancelled his work visa?--ChokinBako (talk) 14:34, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Most visas have an expiry date. I presume your friend has checked that his visa hasn't simply run out. ៛ Bielle (talk) 18:40, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks, but I know for a fact that he had a one-year visa. Perhaps it's just over-zealous immigration officials at Manchester Airport not understanding that Europe is all one state. I myself was turned away recently from Manchester Airport by staff for Flybe telling me I needed a passport to travel to Frankfurt, when I've never needed one before, being a British National.--ChokinBako (talk) 20:16, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

You do need a passport for Frankfurt surely? Germany is in the Schengen Agreement area, but you and I are not, being in the Common Travel Area? Fribbler (talk) 20:21, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

I've been there and never needed it. I've also had visitors come over here (from Stuttgart) and they've never needed a passport.--ChokinBako (talk) 20:29, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Hmm. I've always needed it going to continental Europe (from Dublin), and they were quite strict about that, stating that photo-id was all you needed for the UK but a passport was needed for Schengen countries. Fribbler (talk) 20:32, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

It's pretty foolhardy to travel anywhere by air and not take your passport. I would take it even on an internal flight because you never know what type of "incident" might happen. As for work visas, different visas come with different rules for various nationalities, your friend should check those rules carefully to see if he is allowed to leave the country, leave the EU, go home, and/or return on the same visa. If in doubt, contact the British Embassy at home or the Foreign and Commonweath Office here. Astronaut (talk) 08:12, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps your friend had single-entry visa. So after he left the UK he had no visa more. BTW, there are some restrictions for workers within the EU. Jobseeker from the Poland, for example, should apply for a visa if they want to work in Spain. And last: the EU is not a single state, it is a federation of states.GoingOnTracks (talk) 12:38, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks everyone. But like I said, he has been to the continent many times before (since coming to live in the UK) and this has never happened before. Also, he had a visa to last the full year, so why it has become invalid suddenly is a total mystery. So, I was wondering if it was because he visited Switzerland for a few hours last weekend. Anyway, his company will sort it out. Thanks for the replies.--ChokinBako (talk) 13:26, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Arab Street hookers

Is arab street hookers videos are shot in Arab world or in America? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.30.202.29 (talk) 14:48, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

America. They are produced in america for an american audience in Miami, FL by the same company that does the "Bang Bus" vids. JeanLatore (talk) 17:17, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

London Underground from a foreigner's perspective

I'm curious to know what you yanks think of the London Underground. How does it compare to American urban underground travel? Abwischbar (talk) 18:30, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Heres someones opinion (click the second result, it's blacklisted for some reason so I can add a direct link). Fribbler (talk) 18:44, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

(ec) The D.C. Metro is nice enough, but you would be horrified at the state of the Philadelphia and New York subway systems. Dark, filthy, noisy, smelly, confusing, teeming with element, the Tube is like a carriage ride in the park in comparison. But don't listen to me, I love the Tube. Long live Mornington Crescent. Mind the gap. Way out, man. --Milkbreath (talk) 18:49, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

This is not really a reference desk question, and I'm not a "Yank", but I am a transit fan and I'll answer anyway.

• I think the Underground is excellent for the way it covers so much of the city -- only the New York system is comparable in North America. (In both cases, the reason is that the systems have been around for over 100 years and were largely constructed at a time when labor was cheap. In both cases there is a large chunk of the city with little or no coverage [South London, Staten Island], but the city center and other parts are well served.)
• The downside of an older system is that it can be prone to breakdowns and parts of the system may have been designed for out-of-date traffic patterns or other out-of-date constraints. London has both problems. For example, many of its older interchange stations have very poor layouts, such as King's Cross and Bank, compared to say Washington where every interchange station was designed as an interchange station. And then there's the silly layout of stations at Heathrow — this one not a relic of the 19th century but of the airport authority changing its mind as to the location of Terminal 5. (On the other hand, some newer interchanges in London have been well designed with convenient same-level layouts. And several North American subways don't serve their cities' airports at all.) Chicago also has both problems (two derailments a few days apart just recently); New York seems to do better these days, despite the age of its system.
• Some Underground stations are attractive; some are ugly. The renovation program in recent decades has generally done a good job. New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago are way behind here, partly because their station architects seem to think that the station stops at the platform edge and anything near the tracks should look black. Newer systems like Washington, Toronto, and especially Montreal do better.
• Signage in London Underground stations is generally excellent. The use of consistent names for lines, with the American system of compass points for directions (ironically not used in New York), is a big win. On the other hand, the idea that a line can fork to different destinations (and that some trains don't run all the way to the terminus) is confusing to the newcomer. If New York methods were used, the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow and to Uxbridge would have one color on the map, but different route letters or numbers.
• The Underground is way better than New York as to seating comfort, but New York has air-conditioned trains and London doesn't. Some of the smaller systems, such as Washington, do well in both respects.
• Trains on the Underground are small compared to most North American systems, and on most of the system they don't move very fast either. One large problem is that when they get full, station stops become very long, further slowing things down. Also, the way you typically have to step up or down to board an Underground train is a source of inconvenience and must lengthen station stops. North American subways have the platforms level with the train floors or very nearly so.
• Underground fares are high by North American standards.
• The use of zonal fares means that ticket checking at exits is required, whereas the flat fares on most North American systems mean it's possible to pay your fare at the entrance and then not carry anything. (However, on farecard-based systems like New York and Chicago you'll probably be carrying a card anyway, and Washington has some distance-based fares and tickets are checked on exit.)
• Underground fares don't include free transfers to buses. Neither did New York until recently, but now it does, and at least some other North American systems do. (I really like the system in Toronto, where I live: at many subway stations the buses come into the fare-paid zones and open both doors and you can just walk freely from one vehicle to another.)
• New York has express trains on many lines, and 24-hour service; London has only a couple of lines with any sort of expresses, and shuts down around midnight. But most North American systems shut down overnight too.

--Anonymous, 19:36 UTC, some bits added 22:08 UTC, 2008-06-06.

But the problem with Toronto is that there are only two lines. The buses and streetcars enter fare-paid zones kind of randomly, and they are much, much slower than the subway. How many times has the streetcar broken down, seemingly always at the stop prior to the one at which you are standing? I've never been to London or New York but at the very least their subway maps are more interesting to look at. Adam Bishop (talk) 03:11, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

You can reduce both the cost and the bother of ticket-checking by getting an Oyster card. Algebraist 09:43, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Heat Wave/ Heat Storm

A Heat Wave/ Heat Storm has just started. Sources are the news weather outfits and the Weather Channel. Got temps in the upper 90s, humidity is really bad, got a drought going on as well. Heat indexes are in the dangerous range. A persistent High pressure cell has entrenched itself in the Southern US and it has caused temps to skyrocket. Can someone write a article about this ? 65.163.115.204 (talk) 21:28, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Not unless it becomes notable. Wikinews might have something on it though. -Eron^Talk 21:31, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Breaking news, summer is hot! Adam Bishop (talk) 03:05, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Hi. Meanwhile, in the central US, thunderstorms are poping up with tornadoes. A tornado was also reported in Alberta, and severe thunderstorms with hail occured in Ontario and Michigan. My original research predicts in 600 years in the southern US, air temperatures of 120+ Farenheit in June will be not unusual. Thanks. ~AH1^(TCU) 22:24, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Shark vs. Lion...

Who of them is stronger in a possible confrontation? 190.49.95.223 (talk) 21:53, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Piece of cake. If the confrontation takes place underwater, the shark will have a significant advantage. If it's on dry land, the opposite will be true. Friday (talk) 21:54, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Aah, but what if it's a landshark? Clarityfiend (talk) 23:38, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree with Friday. However, I think it would be a more plausible scenario if the shark confronts a crocodile (shark swim upriver or an encounter in a river delta) or a crocodile confronts a lion (Lion goes to a croc infested waterhole).--Lenticel ^(talk) 00:54, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I bet the croc could take the shark, any shark. *Checks the internets...* discovery channel says salt-water alligator would lose to a great white, though nile croc takes lion. Chris M. (talk) 06:29, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Although I think the troll might have won this particular encounter. Richard Avery (talk) 07:42, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

If a shark can beat a crocodile and a crocodile can beat a lion, then surely a shark can beat a lion. See Animal Face-Off. --Russoc4 (talk) 01:10, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Some sorts of sharks aren't as dangerous as others though. And you have to take into account the possibility that they might not both be perfectly average members of their specis. What about a lioness though, they're the real hunters in the lion's family, the males just look big and dangerous to frighten everyone off, but don't seem to spend much time actually fighting.HS7 (talk) 18:22, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Hostage Scenario

Frequently in the movies we see a pistol-wielding hostage taker behind the hostage and putting the gun to the side of the hostage's head, threatening to shoot if the police do not drop their weapons. In real life, how likely is it that the hostage taker be able to squeeze off a round should the police to choose to fire on him? I'd imagine the range has an effect on this because if the police fire from a long distance, the hostage taker is able to see the gun flash before the bullet hits him and respond accordingly.

But suppose the police officer approaches to within several feet or metres from the hostage taker and fires. Would the hostage taker be able to pull his own trigger in that split second? Acceptable (talk) 22:34, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Daylight or night, that guy will NOT see a muzzle flash. Military and SWAT weapons have flash suppressors on them. A sniper team could take the guy out easily. 65.163.115.204 (talk) 23:11, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Also do NOT count on the guy spotting any smoke either. Smokeless ammo has been and is still used, since World War I. 65.163.115.204 (talk) 23:14, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

As for noise, forget that one in a urban setting, too damn noisy, also, govt and some SWAT outfits use weapons that have silencers on them.

The only way your guy will know he has been hit, especially in a head shot, is that he got hit by a sledgehammer, sees blood, gore comming out of him, as he is dying from said shot. 65.163.115.204 (talk) 23:18, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

But does he/she have enough time to pull the trigger the instant he/she feels the bullet on his/her forehead? Acceptable (talk) 00:02, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

The most important risk to the hostage in such a situation must be that the cop's shot won't hit where it's meant to. The cop might not be a perfect marksman, the criminal might unexpectedly move just as the cop fires. If the criminal notices a bullet passing an inch from his head, he just might pull his own trigger. Or if he gets hit in a place that kills him but not instantly, he can recover and shoot the hostage. Or for that matter, the cop's shot might itself hit the hostage. In Hollywood the principal good guys almost always hit where they're aiming and the bad guys hardly ever do -- reality works a little differently. --Anonymous, 01:55 UTC, June 7, 2008.

I don't know if this is a myth, but isn't there the trigger-squeeze reaction that happens when you get shot that is involuntary? I thought that was the mail rationale against sniping the hostage taker. Chris M. (talk) 06:32, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Whether there was a muzzle flash or not, the guy would not have enough time to react before the bullet hit him. Police operate at close range. We are not talking about artillery from 25 miles away. As for the 'noise factor' that someone mentioned, a bullet travels faster than the speed of sound. If he was hit in the head and killed instantly (again, this rarely happens), he would never hear the shot. However, there is always the possibility that he would squeeze the trigger at that moment or in the split second before he falls. It's not recommended practise to shoot a hostage taker in this situation unless it is imminent that the hostage is going to die.--ChokinBako (talk) 13:36, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

June 7

Hospital chain of command

I've searched all over the interwebz, seriously, and could not find a list that makes sense. What is the chain of command in a hospital? I know it might be different for teaching hospitals, but I'm just asking for the typical, like who's the absolute number-one head-hancho, who's under them, and so on... All I've found is confusing paragraphs that make no sense and don't really answer a whole lot. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.164.111.148 (talk) 00:34, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

In the UK their is typically an Executive Board which is responsible for the management of the hospital. If you link here[18] you will see the Trust Board chaired by the Chief Executive who is the 'head honcho'. You will see that the board is composed of various senior members of the hospital and several members (Non-Executive Directors) who represent the local community which the hospital serves (these latter are elected for a fixed term). Each of the Senior Hospital Members of the Board will have a cascading hierarchy below them which they represent. Richard Avery (talk) 07:36, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

International payments

Say I'm European but living in Argentina and sell drawings on my website to the US and Europe. What would be the easiest way for customers to pay me? I have bank accounts in France and the UK. Thank you. 200.127.59.151 (talk) 01:47, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

PayPal, perhaps. --Nricardo (talk) 02:06, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

For your European clients, I would use the bank account. GoingOnTracks (talk) 12:40, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

US League of Savings Institutions

What was the US League of Savings Institutions? (see http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/1989.html) Salinay (talk) 01:46, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

This page says it was "a former national organization representing the thrift industry" and that after a merger and a name change it became part of "America's Community Bankers" (ACB), another group that Wikipedia doesn't have an article on. Then last year there was another merger and ACB in turn became part of the American Bankers Association. --Anonymous, 02:07 UTC, June 7, 2008.

Question

Why do some females have masculine middle names? Interactive Fiction Expert/Talk to me 10:54, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

maybe they're named after someone? i have a feminine middle name and i'm a male. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.101.1.186 (talk) 13:54, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Are you sure it's a masculine name instead of ones much more commonly used as male names when they are for both sexes, such as Alex and Andy? Which names were used for their middle names, if you're ok with reveiling. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 14:10, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

It's an insidious plot by the supersecret female cabal within the WP:CABAL to grab all the names for themselves. Look what they did to Beverley, formerly a man's name, e.g. Beverley Baxter, Beverley Robinson. Clarityfiend (talk) 18:03, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

It's not just first names. Anne Rice was born Howard Allen O'Brien, and Barack Obama's mother was born Stanley Ann Dunham. Corvus cornix_talk 19:18, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Middle names can be a way of absorbing other family lines, an inherited name that isn't part of the family name even if you're female, and sometimes turn up repeatedly, sometimes not. Carson McCullers b. Lula Carson Smith, might be an example. Julia Rossi (talk) 01:34, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

In Latin-America, it's not uncommon for a girl to be named Maria Juan or Maria Jose because there are so many Marias, or a boy to be named Juan Maria because of all the other Juans. There is often also a religious aspect to the choice. Steewi (talk) 12:34, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

United States Of America

Q:When is the national blonde brownie day celebrated in the U.S —Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.194.193.239 (talk) 12:28, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Copied from science desk by CycloneNimrod

January 22 — Matt Eason ^{(Talk &#149; Contribs)} 14:26, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Can we assume that blondes were involved in assigning a date for national blonde brownie day ? :-) StuRat (talk) 18:36, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Friend contemplating suicide

I need serious help. A friend of mine last night told me he was going to kill himself (on AIM). I have no idea where else to go. I really could not tell if he was joking either, I've never known him to be so serious and still end up joking. He's not some loser with nothing going for him; he's smart, has a lot of friends, is a moderately good athlete, and has a bright future, but I can't convince him of those facts. There always is a chance he's joking, so I don't want to get physciatric help for him. When I told him "cya monday" (several times), he never responded in the affirmative? How do I help him? I'm really scared. 70.105.164.43 (talk) 13:23, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

if you think that he's serious, the best thing to do would be get psychiatric help for him. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.101.1.186 (talk) 13:38, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

If you refer someone to him for help, at worst he'll think you overreacted. If you don't refer someone to him for help, at worst you'll blame yourself if he does do something. So I think finding a way to call attention to him is probably best for everyone. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 14:58, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

If he is a teenager, it would also be appropriate to tell his parents what he told you. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 21:01, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

eggs

well, i really enjoy eating eggs, but my dad said that eating too many of them is bad for you. i only eat 2-4 eggs a day though, so is it bad to eat a lot of eggs daily? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.101.1.186 (talk) 13:35, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

(EDIT CONFLICT)--::Eating "too much/too many" of anything is bad for you. Ask him what he means by too many, and if the answer is something like "5,000/day", then you are still well within the limit. 2-4 is not bad at all. Many people have two eggs for breakfast, an egg sandwich (or two) for lunch, and something at dinner with eggs in.--ChokinBako (talk) 13:44, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

You might suffer from flatulence eating too many eggs. sumal (talk) 13:42, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Wow, no on linked the egg article yet? According to studies, eating two eggs a day doesn't increase your risks of heart disease. Even if you eat more than that, the results are debated. Eating 2-4 a day isn't that bad, especially if you don't eat every yolk. For example, scramble 4 eggs by discarding two of the yolks, and you're intaking a lot less cholesterol and fat. I knew people who used to eat half a dozen hard boiled eggs and discarded every yolk, for example. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 14:05, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

This link from the English food standards agency says "There is no recommended limit on how many eggs people should eat." However, as Wirbelwind pointed out eggs contain cholesterol and high cholesterol levels in the blood increase the risk of heart disease. This link also makes for an interesting read. D0762 (talk) 15:42, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I've noticed the flatulence phenomenal too. Why does eating too many eggs increase flatulence? Acceptable (talk) 22:39, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Because they are rich in polysaccharides.--ChokinBako (talk) 01:02, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

A little to much information there, Acceptable. 79.76.195.209 (talk) 14:19, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

I was taught that I shouldn't have more than four a day. Or it might have been four a week. I forget why, but I'm quite sure it wasn't just cholesterol. Or maybe it was. Is this one of those things that's less of a problem if you build up to it gradually rather than never eating any then suddenly having half a dozen in a short time?HS7 (talk) 18:11, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

I disagree with all the previous advice. This site lists one large hard-boiled egg as containing 71% of your daily cholesterol intake limit: [19]. That only leaves 29% left for all the other food you eat in the day. And fried eggs are even less healthy than hard-boiled eggs. So, I'd keep it down to just one egg a day on average. If you wish, you can have 2-4 eggs once or twice a week instead of one egg each day. StuRat (talk) 19:04, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Global warming

I do practice environmental safe practices as far as possible. Will it make a difference in any way, particularly when I see many flouting such practices? sumal (talk) 13:56, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Not on your own. One out of billions! But if we all....86.219.37.202 (talk) 14:39, 7 June 2008 (UTC)DT

It's a tricky question. If you're the only one doing it... no. But if you are one of millions... maybe. But even then, environmentalism is one of those things that suffers from scale—it's easier to pollute that it is to conserve. It's easier for one person to do more damage than it is for another to prevent. I can be very careful with my disposal of motor oil, but it only takes one guy with a big enough drum to pollute a fairly large area. Personally, and this is an opinion, I don't believe anything significant can be done by small, individual initiative except for making a social and political climate acceptable for real, large-scale initiatives (like setting emission caps). --98.217.8.46 (talk) 14:55, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Personally, I save plastic bottles and reuse them. My fridge has about ten bottles of tap water or orange squash in it, using bottles I have bought in the shop and reused. I do this for economic reasons as well as environmental ones. It's cheaper to use tap water than to buy so-called 'mineral water' in the shop. The tap water is safe where I live, too, so it's not a problem. Obviously as my 'collection' of bottles gets too big, I throw some out, but it's not as if I am buying and throwing away two or three a day as I would if I wasn't do what I am doing now. Basically, if you don't think your contribution will make a difference environmentally, think about what economic benefits there are to recycling and saving energy, and go that way.--ChokinBako (talk) 15:19, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree with .46: the main effect of individual-scale environmentalism is get people used to the idea that it's not madness for societies to be less rapacious than they could be, even if that means some loss of convenience. I personally try to minimize how much plastic I consume because thinking about things like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch make me feel physically ill and humiliated as a member of this society. --Sean 17:20, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Some measures which you can undertake can make a difference to your immediate surroundings. For example, using organic rather than chemical pest control will probably make a difference to your garden. Warofdreams talk 00:57, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

You can avoid pesticides on the whole by making your garden inviting to birds, small spiders and lizards. Using green/er products boosts those kinds of businesses. I wouldn't be put off by being one of millions, y'know anything big begins with one small step and all that. Other people will catch up with you eventually. Go with the awarenes imho, maybe even join/start a local group, it can bring communities together. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:27, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Don't forget that if people see you do it , they may copy you, so the goodness spreads.The more people who behave in an environmentally friendly way, the more "fashionable" it becames and the more polititions and big buisness will respond to it.Locally, our supermarket has started recycling plastic bags and using less packaging.This has all been brought about by consumer demand. You could be the one person who is the one who makes the change.hotclaws 08:03, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Until recently, my local supermarket was giving away free plastic bags, which were quite large, sturdy and durable. We had a choice of one of these or the usual little plastic bags that you end up throwing away. I got one of these better ones and I use it every time I go there. They have since started charging 10p for these bags, but a lot of supermarkets are charging 5p each for the smaller, flimsy ones, so it's a good deal cheaper, uses less plastic, and leaves less waste. The UK government has been thinking of charging people for leaving 'too much' waste, which is silly, really, because I can see a future where people with too much waste will either be dumping in the public bins or in their neighbours' bins to avoid the charges.--ChokinBako (talk) 10:23, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Wikipedia's first article?

I'm just wondering what the very first article on Wikipedia was, and if it's still around.--Aervanath lives in the Orphanage 17:34, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

See the archives. Dismas|^(talk) 17:41, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

...which links to WP:OLDEST — Matt Eason ^{(Talk &#149; Contribs)} 17:43, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

British Special Forces

Do the British special forces require members/recruits to be able to see well without glasses or contacts? --212.120.247.132 (talk) 17:56, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Most national special force units require their recruits to have 20/20 correctable vision. I'd imagine the British special forces would expect the same. Acceptable (talk) 20:16, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Do you mean correctable to 20/20 (6/6) as in if their vision was ok with galasses then that's fine? Fribbler (talk) 20:22, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Suppose their vision is 20/40, for example, and they are wearing glasses. The candidate's eyesight must be able to be corrected to 20/20 through laser eye surgery- usually PRK. The eyesight of some people may be so bad that even surgery will not be able to correct it and some people's eyes may not be suitable for surgery. In either of these cases, the candidate would usually be disqualified unless they already have perfect 20/20 vision. Acceptable (talk) 22:37, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Men's fashion: T-shirt-under-polo problem

A popular casual fashion in my demographic is a T-shirt under a polo shirt. The problem is that, just about every time I wear this combination, the sleeves of the T-shirt eventually drop down past the sleeves of the polo, thus giving the getup a haphazard quality. I never see this happen to anyone else (unless I'm not looking hard enough)...is there some special fold I should give the T-shirt sleeves, or some other fix, that could prevent this? --zenohockey (talk) 19:39, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

cut off the t-shirt sleeves —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.227.104.166 (talk) 19:52, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I've had similar problems with various short-sleeved attire worn over a T-shirt. I get around it by folding the sleeves of the T-shirt into the T-shirt. It bulges a bit on the shoulders, but with a little practice you can fix that.--ChokinBako (talk) 21:14, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I typically wear two layers too (one undershirt, the t-shirt, and another shirt on top), but this never happens to me. Even when I wear very tight overshirts, I've never had this problem. It sounds to me like the undershirt you're using is too big. Try getting a smaller size that fits more tightly. --71.98.7.54 (talk) 07:56, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Shorten and hem the Tshirt sleeves.hotclaws 08:03, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Chuck Palumbo making Chavo Guerrero Jr. a motorcycle

Is it true that Chuck Palumbo is building Chavo Guerrero a motorcycle? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 23:31, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

June 8

Smoke Detector

I have a wired smoke detector here with a 9V DC backup and it beeps twice roughly every 20 minutes. It happened last night, I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it stopped. Now it's repeating the beeping tonight. Now, it says on the back that if it beeps every minute, then the battery needs changing. It's definitely not the battery, because I removed the smoke detector and took it out and tested it with my tongue as I do with 9V's. Something also peculiar, after I took the battery out, then it started to beep once every minute. Seems strange that it could beep without a power source, unless there's a capacitor still charged. Any thoughts on this double-beep every 20 minutes? --Russoc4 (talk) 00:48, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

If you have 'wired' it and are using the 9V DC as a backup, then taking the 9V out is not going to cut the power source, is it? You'd be best checking that out.--ChokinBako (talk) 00:57, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

By 'wired', I mean it plugs into a 120VAC source, but even after I unplug it from the ceiling, remove the battery, and wait, it still beeps. But that's not the point. The point is that it beeps while it's up on the ceiling. --Russoc4 (talk) 01:03, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Right, well, by 'beep', do you mean a single beep or the actual alarm going off (mine is a beeping alarm, this is why I ask about the beep). In answer to one of your questions, though, I do think many modern smoke alarms do have a charger inside so they can still work during a power outage.--ChokinBako (talk) 01:08, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

A single, short beep every minute while the battery is out. Two short beeps every twenty minutes while plugged in. If we're talking morse code, then you can call them dots. I've made a clip with Audacity. It's almost identical to the smoke detector: [[20]] --Russoc4 (talk) 01:15, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

I could only imagine that there is something wrong with the power source. Either that or it is actually set to give you a notification that it is working, which is HIGHLY unlikely. Mine just has a little light for that, and that keeps me awake sometimes, but a beeping noise like the one in the sound clip would drive me insane. You'd be best contacting the manufacturer.--ChokinBako (talk) 01:29, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

I'll ask around. I looked on the manufacturer's website and they say nothing about double beeps like that. I'll keep looking into it. Thanks. --Russoc4 (talk) 01:41, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Why not phone the manufacturer? It could be an error signal, meaning that you need to replace the detector. --Anonymous, 09:10 UTC, June 8, 2008.

Right. I'd also read the manual to see whether there isn't a switch that controls whether it reassures you that it's on by beeping or flashing. --Milkbreath (talk) 15:11, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Many smoke detectors will continue to give an "attention required" beep for a considerable time after they are depowered. The usual reasons for the beep are;

• The battery has gone flat
• Mains power has been lost
• A recent smoke detection is now cleared

You seem to have eliminated battery as a problem and proved that the battery fault beep is different from the one you are hearing now. Given that, you need to check that the 120V ac power is being supplied. Most usual reason is that the breaker has tripped. Most houses have a separate breaker for the smoke detectors so you will not necessarily have noticed the power going off. So go check your fusebox/consumer unit. If you have more than one detector in your house, you can also try swapping them around. If the fault moves with the detector, then get a new smoke detector head, if the fault stays at the same position, then you have a wiring fault. Other than that, get in a qualified electrician - don't mess with the wiring yourself. SpinningSpark 17:53, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Medical dish

Is there a name for those kidney-shaped metal dishes that doctors put things in after pulling them out of the human body? I've mostly seen these on TV, but I have seen it once or twice in real life, so it seems to be pretty standard procedure. Therefore, I figured there must be a specific name for them. Is there, and what are they called? 137.186.173.69 (talk) 01:27, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

A quick Google Image search suggests that they are called kidney trays [21]. --Russoc4 (talk) 01:38, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Kidney dish has pics and Emesis basin doesn't. cheers, Julia Rossi (talk) 02:11, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

I've always known them as kidney dishes, and google likes that also [22] Gwinva (talk) 02:27, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

math tutor

Where is the best place I can an online math tutor (paid)?

Don't point me to the Math RD please, it's nice for a couple of questions, but I need someone who goes through my exercises and tell me what I am missing, what I have to learn.

GoingOnTracks (talk) 02:36, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

I can't recommend any tutors myself, but people should be able to give much better answers if you indicate what mathematical level you're at, and what sort of exercises you'll be doing. Teaching GCSE maths isn't like teaching finals. Algebraist 07:21, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

I am interested in all pre-collegue topics. Even if I don't need them, it will also be nice learning in advance. Is there any eBay of tutoring out there? GoingOnTracks (talk) 12:02, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Probably everywhere on the internet you will find someone who can teach high-school maths. There are certainly thousand low-pay Russian mathematicians with a good level of English hanging around.

Twilight hack

Does it work with the gamecube version? --The Dark Side (talk) 13:31, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Alien sex pic question

I'd like to know, if its at all possible, what film or show this picture and this picture of a woman having sex with an alien is from. Can it be bought in the shops? Paradoxer (talk) 14:42, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Are you sure they are having sex? The alien looks dead to me. SpinningSpark 17:37, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

It's an "artistic" photo shoot by a guy named Terry Donovan. Here's the original one that the first blog got it from; here's more on Donovan's website. Not safe for work. (Note that all this required me to do was to check the original Wired.com blog post and figure out what it was linking to.) It is not from a film or a show. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 19:06, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Horses - mucking out stables

In relation to the above subject, what does to 'set fair' mean? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.151.8.57 (talk) 14:49, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Disposing of the evidence

Hi, this is a oddball question. After I've masturbated, I usually hold my foreskin closed tight at the end of my penis to keep the cum from seeping out, then quickly run to the toilet where I deposit the load and flush. Is this what most guys do, uncircumcised of course. I can't imagine cuming onto a tissue or something, but do people? What is the most common method? Wasy Ples (talk) Wasy Ples (talk) 17:53, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Looking for work

I know, this isn't an advice site and I really should find somewhere a bit more appropriate to ask about stuff like this, but I can't be bothered.

Anyway, the thing is, I've been trying to find a job for a while, but there are some things I'm not sure about and thought maybe people here could help, what with many of you being normal people, who have seen more of the world than me. the first problem I'm having is with writing a CV. I'm not sure I'm doing it right. are there any things I have to do, stuff I have to write about, specific ways of doing parts of it, or can I just write about myself for a while, like an essay? And would they want to know what sort of person I am, what books I like, what I do in my spare time, stuff like that? I did read the article, but I'm still confused, it didn't help much. And secondly I'm having trouble finding any vacancies to apply for, they've all suddenly disappeared a few days ago. I tried a few websites but none of them were much help, especially as almost every job they find needs some sort of previous experience, which I don't have yet. Is there anywhere I can go or anything I can do to find jobs that don't need much experience? A final problem that I'm going to have soon and might as well prepare for now is that I am moving half way across the country in a few months, and would like also to apply for a job there, but I'll not be able to visit anywhere there until I actually move. Would that be a problem? is there any way of arranging everything before, so that it's almost all sorted out by the time I get there?

HS7 (talk) 18:02, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Your best information will come from people located in England, as you appear to be, based on the information on your user page. Resumés (CVs) tend to have a prescribed form or forms depending on where you live and what kind of job you are seeking. An essay is not a format I have ever seen for a CV. Your local employment bureau will likely have examples of good CVs posted and may even have free workshops in how to prepare a good one. If you have absolutely no experience at all -no jobs during the hols, no babysitting, no grass-cutting, no volunteer experience, no membership in clubs or other interest groups where you took a leadership role- it's an uphill battle to get your first one. As for moving "halfway across the country", you have the options of a few cheap day-return bus or train trips to look around. Most big cities carry newspapers from across the country, and, if they don't have hard copies, such papers are often available on line. Good luck! ៛ Bielle (talk) 18:59, 8 June 2008 (UTC) P.S. "I can't be bothered" should never appear where a potential employer might see it. If you can't be bothered to do some research for the beginning of the rest of your life, how likely are you to be bothered to go that extra bit on the job? Just a thought, that. ៛ Bielle (talk) 19:02, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Cherries

Why are cherries so expensive? Also, is there a way to ask a question such as this to the author(s) of the Cherries article? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Scottmarks (talk • contribs) 18:08, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Personally I didn't even know that cherries were unusually expensive. I would have guessed this was due to the general worldwide increase in food prices, but this response to the question on Yahoo! Answers suggests that storms have damaged areas where they are grown.

There's no way to ask "the author(s) of the Cherries article" because it doesn't have a single author - that's the nature of Wikipedia.--213.94.148.138 (talk) 18:23, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Medicine Desk

Why is there a Medicine Desk when wikipedia can't give medical advice, and why is that desk never used? What is its purpose then?