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May 9

Assault Amphibian School

Do we have an article anywhere for this Assault Amphibian School, possibly under a different name? It's currently a redlink at Justin LeHew, a page I helped an IP with some formatting issues a few days ago. A google search brings up this Assault Amphibian School Battalion. I found this List of United States Marine Corps battalions#Training battalions which includes a redlink to Assault Amphibian School Battalion but thats it. Just wondering if we really have no article on this or if there is another title it could be hiding under, military aficionado editors are usually so thorough it seemed weird we wouldn't have one by now. Thanks for any help or enlightenment. Heiro 01:14, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Chickens

Could a chicken survive on nothing but but it's own eggs (and water), thereby creating it's own food source?--ChromeWire (talk) 02:37, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Who fertilizes the eggs? But assuming you got past that, and assuming the chicken would eat its own eggs, only until the eggs no longer provided enough nutrition for its body to keep laying more eggs.Heiro 02:40, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Chickens regularly produce unfertilized eggs. In fact, the overwhelming vast majority of commercial laying hens are virgins. Most egg producers don't even have roosters on the premises. --NellieBly (talk) 04:22, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

That's a good point. Since energy isn't created or destroyed and only changes form (and since chickens can't photosynthesize or get energy some other way), energy from the chicken is transmitted to the eggs, so eating them would not yield more energy back to the chicken than what the chicken had expended in producing the egg. The chicken is doomed even under the assumption that it would eat its eggs; it would either die from lack of energy or lack of proper nutrition.--el Aprel (^facta-_facienda) 03:34, 9 May 2011 (UTC).

The above is pretty much correct and chickens can and do eat their own eggs. I have chickens and if left in the nest for too long, the eggs will get broken and the chickens will eat them. A chicken will lay an egg just about every day. But not all the chicken's energy goes into creating eggs. Some is used for breathing, keeping it's other organs working, and some nutrition is lost to waste (feces/urine, and yes, for the pedants in the audience, I'm leaving out a lot of detail in the composition of chicken poop). The chicken can only get back some of the energy that it puts into the egg. So eventually, it will starve. The chicken is not spherical a perfect system. Dismas|^(talk) 04:48, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Just taking a wild guess at it, I'd think maybe only 10% of the energy needed to make an egg and keep the chicken alive during that period would actually be recovered from eating the egg. StuRat (talk) 21:38, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

I have raised a lot of birds. If nothing more goes into the chicken, then it will die. It needs to replenish it's vitamins and minerals that are not stored each day in the body. Birds will help replenish calcium by eating the shells from the hatched eggs, but they will always need more. Just the energy it takes to live and move would be more than it will get back from the egg alone. 50.36.184.49 (talk) 07:46, 11 May 2011 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 50.36.184.49 (talk) 07:45, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

About memory storage

My name is prashanth.I am interested in learning about digital technology.My question is that,can memory stored in the form of light,Is there any possibilities? and witout any hard drives,flash memories.I heard about digital radar frequency technique used to store memory digitally.But it is expensive.can you suggest me about this.My email id is (removed) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Prashanth561 (talk • contribs) 03:22, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

If you mean it in the strictest sense of the data only ever being in the form of light, this can be done over (relatively) short periods of time using optical delay memory (search in Google for that term, we seem not to have an article for some reason), which is basically a whole bunch of fibre-optic cable or a whole lot of mirrors. There are experimental materials where the speed of light can be effectively made zero, and these have been used to demonstrate data storage (I'm not at a place where I can look up the ref for that). Another way to "store" light is to use a holographic memory. Franamax (talk) 06:27, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Another way to store light is on photographic film. An optic fiber is more for moving information from one place to another rather than storing it. Radar can use electroacoustic modulator to despread a Doppler frequency dispersed pulse, but that too is not a memory, but a signal processing method. Graeme Bartlett (talk) 08:19, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

finding and legally downloading songs

Assume a) someone has hi-speed internet, b) and has a credit card, and c) every commercially released song ever recorded is available, legally, for download. (I know the third point isn't true, but I want to avoid ifs/and/buts about availability.)

What are the steps, from point zero, to download a given specific song? You start with hi-speed, a credit card, and complete availability, plus a specific song you want. Nothing else, no further information. Then what?63.17.84.21 (talk) 04:32, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

I'm not really clear what you're asking... I have A and B covered. If I want a song that is available (sort of covers point C), I just fire up iTunes and download it. I could also get it from Amazon, though I've never used their service before. Are you asking about how to download iTunes or create an Amazon account? Dismas|^(talk) 04:40, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for responding. You say "fire up iTunes" and "downlaod it from Amazon," both of which presume more information than given in my premises. I'd like a more specific step-by-step approach (not comprehensive, just brief, conversational, like you're explaining it to somebody from 1997ish). Oh, and by "legally," I mean PRESUME you're paying for the song, not getting it from a friend or peer-to-peer (whatever it's called nowadays) or stealing it or getting a free sample, etc.63.17.84.21 (talk) 04:44, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Try this:

1. Go to http://www.amazon.com
2. In the search box at top, select "MP3 downloads" on the left pick-menu
3. Type the name of a song in the right box
4. You will be given a list of songs which match the name you selected. Click the "Buy MP3" button next to the song you want to download
5. After you have arranged payment (via credit card, pay pal, amazon's own system, etc) you will download the song to your hard drive.
6. Congrats, you own the song.

Now, this is not an endorsement of Amazon.com as a music service over any other, just one specific procedure you can follow to buy and download a song legally from the internet to your home computer. You can also check out Category:Online music stores and select any other service you wish. Some services charge a per-song download fee (like Amazon.com) while others charge a monthly subscription, and give you unlimited listening as long as your subscription is paid up (like Rhapsody (online music service)). Caveat emptor, as always... --Jayron32 04:53, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Jayron is assuming that your hypothetical user knows what an MP3/hard drive/search box/etc is. Is that too little detail? Dismas|^(talk) 04:59, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

I was basing my explanation on what someone who was familiar with the technology in 1997 would know, per the OPs request. MP3s, hard drives, search boxes, etc, were all common enough 14 years ago. Given that the OP found their way here, the basic operation of computers and websites seems to be within their grasp, if not the process to download music, which perhaps they have never done (to be fair, I myself have only done it occasionally, given that I still prefer CDs). --Jayron32 05:07, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

This whole thing reminds me of a lesson that a teacher tried to convey to our class a long time ago. The teacher asked the class to explain the game of baseball as if the person had never been exposed to the sport at all. We all started out with something like "A player called the batter is supposed to hit the ball with a bat". To which the teacher replied "With a bat?!?!" And it went downhill from there. To me, the OP's question is being asked in a very round about way when they could have just said "I'd like to buy some songs by downloading them but have never done so. How would I go about it?" We've fielded hundreds of such questions on subjects from getting a train from City A to City B to how to grill a steak and they've never been asked in such a confusing style as this one. Dismas|^(talk) 05:18, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

See, my reading of it is that the OP is somewhat embarassed about the fact that they don't know how to download music. This reads like "See, I have this, um, "friend", and they..." sort of situations, where a person is asking a question about some third person, but they really want to know for themselves. People who are somewhat technophobic often don't have the confidence to experiment and screw around, because they often feel they can do more damage then they can do. Such people work well when given specific instructions to complete a specific task on the computer, but don't want to stray from known procedures lest they upset the demons in the magic box, or something. My mom is very much like that. She's good at working with computers so long as you teach her how to do something specific, she's a good learner and will do it right every time. But she needs to be shown everything, and would never think to just "figure it out". --Jayron32 05:25, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

I see now. Thanks for pointing out how it looks from your end. Dismas|^(talk) 05:36, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

(edit conflict)Depending on how much detail you want, this could cover pages and pages from turning on the computer to the steps to filling out each page of the registration form for each service. You have been able to navigate to this page and have enough computer proficiency to ask a question here. So, why can't you already come up with the instructions without our help? I'm not trying to be difficult, I just don't understand why you can't do this yourself. You obviously have a goal in mind and you know how much detail is "too much" or "not enough" for this hypothetical student of your own making. Am I the only one who is confused by this project? Dismas|^(talk) 04:56, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

I asked a logical question, with premises that seek a conclusion. My premises were: hi-speed, a credit card, and legal availability that requires payment. Do we REALLY need the "junior psychologist" stuff? Believe me, if I wanted to, I could ascribe all sorts of motivations underlying the accumulated postings of BOTH of you. This a reference desk. Either answer the question or don't -- junior psychology can be gotten from the guy at seven-eleven, or the barbershop.63.17.84.21 (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 06:17, 9 May 2011 (UTC).

Then ask them if you don't like the answers you got here. Heiro 06:46, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

What on earth is junior psychology? --PalaceGuard008 (Talk) 07:07, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

It would perhaps be helpful if you could tell us whether Jayron32's step-by-step response has answered the question to your satisfaction, and if not, what further information you require. --Viennese Waltz 07:23, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

I presume this is for a fictional literary or related work (film, theater) set in 1997. Would that be somewhat correct? Bus stop (talk) 07:38, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Depending on the interpretation of the question, it may not be logical. For example taken to an extreme, you could have high speed internet, but no computer or other device to use the internet. This would therefore require you to out and purchase a computer and then connected it up to the high speed internet somehow before you can even start. But this doesn't make much sense, since who has high speed internet without a way to use it? And of course even having gotten the computer to work, you need to learn how to type and use it. This may not be easy, if again taking the premises to the extreme, the person can't read or write. And once they've purchased the song, is it necessary to specify that owning a credit card is only half of the equation, they need a job or some other way of making money so they can pay off the credit card? In general there's no way to get a credit card without a way to pay it off so another thing which doesn't seem logical but if we are supposed to make no assumptions... I would note many people in developed countries in 1997 wouldn't need this level of detail, but given the criticism, it's unclear whether we are thinking of such a person. Also are they even a person, someone can be ambiguous as it could theoretically refer to an alien. Since you the OP haven't specified any of this, instead primarily criticised the entirely reasonable answered that have been received because insufficient info was provided to make it clear whether more detail was needed. It is entirely reasonable for people to make assumptions in an attempt to help. When clearly insufficient detail is provided and the question is rather strange and the questioner has criticised previous attempts to help or ascertain further info without sufficiently clearing up the points of confusion this is even more important. If those assumptions are wrong, it isn't the fault of the people doing their best to help with the limited detail provided. Nil Einne (talk) 09:33, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

The mention of 1997 is interesting. By then (at least here in USA), many people were already very familiar with the Internet and the World Wide Web, just as today, but a number of people still regarded it as a mysterious thing that Nerds did.

APL (talk) 22:08, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Um, do an Internet search for "buy [name of song here]" and click on the results until you find one that works. Quinn ^{✩ STARRY NIGHT} 02:45, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

If it asks for your credit card info, put it in, and cross your fingers ;)Quinn ^{✩ STARRY NIGHT} 02:48, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

And then spend the next month cleaning all the malware off your system... Dismas|^(talk) 02:49, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Things to do/see near the Hyde Park Corner tube station

For someone who has about half a day left after a meeting in London near the Hyde Park Corner station, what would be some things to do/see? Any suggestions? --96.227.60.152 (talk) 12:40, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Speakers' Corner might be worth a visit. (Disclaimer: all I know about its location is what I read in Wikipedia - I don't know how far it is from the tube station.) Mitch Ames (talk) 13:13, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Speakers' Corner only really functions on Sundays, unfortunately. AndyTheGrump (talk) 13:18, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

The Wellington Arch is right there, and Wellington's house/museum. Green Park and Buckingham Palace are also a short walk away. Adam Bishop (talk) 14:28, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Take a bus or taxi the short distance to Piccadilly. From there you have a choice of theatreland, Shaftsbury Ave; Leicester Square; Regent Street (Only large shops).81.14.3.87 (talk) 14:31, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

• The page for wikitravel:London/South_Kensington-Chelsea might be of use. --M@rēino 15:05, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Most of central London is in easy reach by bus, tube and taxi. You're on the western side there, but you could be in the East End of London in about half an hour, and everything in between in less. What do you like to do? There's tons to do in central London. --Dweller (talk) 15:52, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Cardiff or Bristol

I am going on a trip to London, I am also planning on taking a day or two trip to either Bristol or Cardiff, which city would be more interesting for a tourist? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.157.45.11 (talk) 13:20, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

It depends what you're interested in. Cardiff has the advantage of being in Wales, so you will see signs in Welsh and (possibly) hear the language spoken. It also has good shops, interesting buildings, great scenery in the area, national (Wales) museums and galleries, and an industrial heritage. But Bristol also has many of those features, is closer to London (hence, more time available there), has an interesting harbourside with features such as the SS Great Britain, is only a few miles from Bath which has many unique attractions of its own, and so forth. Ghmyrtle (talk) 14:52, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

PS: If you're a fan of Doctor Who you can see plenty of filming locations in and around Cardiff (but not the Dr. Who Exhibition, which is closed at the moment), and if you're a fan of Gavin & Stacey you can go to Barry Island. Ghmyrtle (talk) 15:38, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

If you want to explore other places in the Bristol area, Cheddar Gorge and Wells are also worth a visit. Gandalf61 (talk) 15:04, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Wikitravel (no relation to Wikipedia) is a good place to go for this sort of information. They have pages on Cardiff and Bristol which should help you make up your mind. --Antiquary (talk) 18:31, 9 May 2011 (UTC):

The official websites of each city's respective visitors' bureaus may be of use. VisitBristol.co.uk lists such attractions as Tyntesfield, At-Bristol, Bristol Zoo Gardens, SS Great Britain, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Valley Railway, Cheddar Caves, Wookey Hole Caves, and Westonbirt Arboretum. VisitCardiff.com lists such attractions as Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Millennium Stadium, National Museum Cardiff, Cardiff Bay, Wales Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Cardiff, St Fagans National History Museum, Big Pit National Coal Museum, and Llandaff Cathedral. Personally, since you are headed to London, I would choose to go to Cardiff to see Wales. Neutrality^talk 03:55, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

I live in Cardiff but spend a lot of time in Bristol. Personally, for a nice day out in a cool city I would choose Bristol over Cardiff in a flash. The following is a rather exaggerated expression of the differences, but I think sums them up reasonably: Cardiff city centre is flat, concrete and largely devoted to shopping, rugby, beer and professing welshness at every opportunity - which is fine if you're obsessed with designer brands, rugby, beer and Wales. Bristol city centre on the other hand, has a bit of that type of thing going on (swapping rugby for football and removing the interest in national identity entirely), but is much more notable for being hilly, leafy and picturesque with an incredibly diverse culture and near obsessive attitude to promoting art, intrigue and social equality.213.120.209.210 (talk) 09:34, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

See also Severnside derby.....  ;-) Ghmyrtle (talk) 11:16, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Why just Cardiff or Bristol? I'm sure there are a great many things a tourist could do or see within the same travelling time from London. Others will be more expert on this than me, though. 92.15.3.59 (talk) 10:40, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

May 10

Steroids

I was prescribed 5 days worth of steroids (and some antibiotics) by my doctor for an ear infection. So, this is not a medical advice question...I am simply wondering if this is basically the same stuff that athletes are getting in trouble for taking? If I was playing first base for the Yankees, would I have anything to worry about on the next random drug screening? The Steroids article is a bit technical, and is not really helpful in answering my question. Quinn ^{✩ STARRY NIGHT} 02:58, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Steroids is a giant class of biomolecules whose only commonality is the the specific 4-ring structure evident in all of them. Steroids have a wide variety of function. Cholesterol is a steroid, for example. Athletes taking cholesterol supplements (I don't know, maybe in the form of bacon cheeseburgers?) aren't doing any performance enhancing as far as I can tell, indeed any meat or animal product in general usually contains some level of cholesterol, so everyone but vegans are eating steroids every day. Certain types of steroids are used as Performance-enhancing drugs (a class of drugs which also includes non-steroids like human growth hormone and amphetimines). The steroid usually being abused is anabolic steroids, which are those steroids that mimic testosterone, another steroid compound. The medication you are taking is most likely a type of Corticosteroid, which are used to reduce inflamation, and which AFAIK, do not have performance-enhancing properties. Indeed, shots of corticosteroids are commonly used to treat athletes injuries, and are perfectly within the rules, typically cortisone. --Jayron32 04:50, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

It's worth noting that steroids are not the only performance enhancing drug class prohibited by professional sports organizations, just the most well recognized. For example hormone adjustment is commonly forbidden too, and frequently harder to detect. i kan reed (talk) 15:59, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

I think I read that excessive caffeine was banned as well, at least for some sporting events though I am not sure how effective caffeine would actually be in said events. Googlemeister (talk) 20:15, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

It would make sense that excessive 'anything' that might increase strength, recovery, endurance, energy, etc, would trigger a positive test depending on the test...so it's not surprising that caffeine could trigger a positive result. Expert opinion incoming (My qualifications are that I played some JV high school ball): Athletes that are serious about avoiding issues with their respective leagues on drug policies will make sure that their doctors/trainers review everything they plan to ingest/inhale to avoid potential conflicts between the treatment/training and the league's drug policy. --Onorem♠Dil 20:42, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Caffeine improves your reaction time, which for something like the 100-meter dash is fairly important -- being able to get out of the blocks 0.05 seconds before the other guy can easily be the difference between first and second place. --Carnildo (talk) 00:53, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Could a drug test flag your medication as something illegal? Most likely, since some corticosteroids can contain certain protein markers found in banned substances. You can read which substances are banned in baseball at the Major League Baseball drug policy. Livewireo (talk) 22:14, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Holden apollo 2.2 litre 4 cylinder engine

My car has a loss of power under acceleration and is intermitant, new spark pligs, fuel filter, air filter, so just runs bad. Any ideas please help and give me some ideas! John K —Preceding unsigned comment added by 58.169.181.16 (talk) 10:06, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Sound like a vacuum advance problem. When you accelerate, the ignition system needs to spark earlier. The unit that does this might just have a leaky pipe from the carb or a perished diaphram-(thats if its not a fuel injected engine). --Aspro (talk) 13:34, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Perhaps the air-fuel mix is off. Check that out. StuRat (talk) 21:31, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Houseplants that don't mind the dark

I though I could brighten up my bathroom with a small houseplant. Unfortunately, the bathroom has no windows, the door is usually closed and the light is usually switched off. Is there a houseplant that could survive such conditions - basically under very low lighting most of the time? Astronaut (talk) 11:11, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

You might be better having a fake plant, or a painting/stencil of plants. The prolonged darkness and large humidity range probably won't do even the most shade-tolerant plants much good. CS Miller (talk) 11:35, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

The only one I can think of is a fern of some description. Or you could learn to love the black mould I find grows under such conditions in bathrooms ... ;) --TammyMoet (talk) 11:58, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Searching around a bit, Pilea mollis thrives in high-humidity, full-shade areas. CS Miller (talk) 12:31, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Or maybe a nice-looking plastic one? Kingsfold (Quack quack!) 12:48, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

You could grow a giant mushroom!! Jeremy Wordsworth (talk) 12:56, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Fungi are not plants. Ghmyrtle (talk) 09:13, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

If you are set on real plants (they do freshen the air), mature Sansevieria and Zamioculcas can both tolerate very low light. They will grow very slowly in such low light, but probably survive. If the plants look very unhappy after a few weeks, you could do a complementary rotation with two plants, i.e. put plant 1 in the bathroom while plant 2 is in a brighter location for ~1-2 weeks, then switch. SemanticMantis (talk) 13:14, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Or you could grow a gigantic fungus!! Jeremy Wordsworth (talk) 14:15, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

• In all seriousness, if the room is going to be dark most of the time and only get the relatively weak light of a light bulb the rest of the time, grow mushrooms. --M@rēino 14:40, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

I think the spores 'shrooms give off to reproduce might be an annoyance. Perhaps the ghost plant ? You would need to feed it wood pulp, though. StuRat (talk) 21:28, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Just make sure it's not this sort. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.197.66.134 (talk) 15:25, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Or you could grow an enormous toadstool!! Jeremy Wordsworth (talk) 15:27, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

You could invest in a small bulb, perhaps fluorescent, to provide a small amount of light the rest of the time.Grandiose (me, talk, contribs) 21:40, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Try Lucky bamboo. Maybe if you have an outlet you could install a fluorescent grow light on the wall to keep on sometimes. Quinn ^{✩ STARRY NIGHT} 04:12, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Yup. A grow light with full spectrum light will do the trick. Just read the instructions on how long to leave the light on each day for the type of plant that you pick. Most plants need 6 to 8 hours a day. Good Luck!50.36.184.49 (talk) 08:08, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

May 11

Storm Chasing car

What car would be a good car to storm chase in?Accdude92 (talk) 02:28, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

One of these. --Jayron32 03:59, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

I'll tell you, from listening to the police scanner, where the authorities here in central Mississippi basically "chase" tornadoes to update the headquarters, a Crown-Victoria or Dodge Charger seems to do just fine in tornadic weather. Something low to the ground, heavy, and with a wide wheel base, seems to do the job. Quinn ^{✩ STARRY NIGHT} 04:08, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

I'd think 4WD or AWD would be important, in case you need to drive over debris to escape an approaching twister. Run-flat tires might be important, as there's no time to change a tire when you run over storm debris and get a flat. SUVs also have more room for equipment. A fully opening sunroof might be useful, as one person could stick his head up to look for funnel clouds while another drives. StuRat (talk) 06:45, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Is this a "drive around and check out cool storms" sort of thing or a gathering of weather data sort of thing? It's the first, I would go with a low, heavy, fast car like the Crown Vic or Charger that was suggested. If you're going to be carrying equipment, you'll need something with some space. Dismas|^(talk) 07:12, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Have you seen the trunk of a Crown Vic? Cavernous is one word I would use. Googlemeister (talk) 20:45, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

If you want to carry a portable Doppler radar station, that might be a bit much for the trunk to hold. StuRat (talk) 07:25, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Why I can see Better through pinhole?

I am short-sighted. When I take a piece of paper and poke a tiny hole in it with a pin and put my eye directly against the paper and squint through the whole, objects in the distance suddenly become sharper. Why does this happen? Is it because of diffraction? Decreased aperture? Thanks Acceptable (talk) 07:26, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Our article on Pinhole glasses gives an explanation, though perhaps someone could expand on it. Dbfirs 07:48, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

See also Pinhole camera. Alansplodge (talk) 12:32, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

depth of a river

How deep is the deepest part of Muskegon River in Michigan?50.36.184.49 (talk) 07:32, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

There are four major dams on the Muskegon River (and another 28 registered dams on its tributaries). It is possible that the greatest depth occurs in one of the impoundments for these dams, but that may not be the answer you are looking for. For the greatest depth in the free-running sections of the river, likely you need to talk to local fishermen about deep holes. The depth at the Bear Creek measuring station seems to range from around 10 feet most of the year up to 15 feet in the spring.[1] 75.41.110.200 (talk) 13:21, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Muskegon Lake has a maximum depth of 79 feet with 25 feet being the dredged depth of the shipping canal at the mouth of the river at Lake Michigan[2] - although the Muskegon River immediately upstream is only 1-2 foot deep. 75.41.110.200 (talk) 21:15, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

What makes Skype worth $8.5B to Microsoft?

The news have it that Microsoft is spending $8.5B to acquire Skype. There must be some rather compelling vision about what Skype can do for Microsoft to deserve the valuation. What is it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.49.78.23 (talk) 07:56, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Here is one guess: BizInsider that basically says the per-user price paid is relatively low, and that Microsoft has piles of cash. I've seen other people speculate that it was a defensive move - they bought it so Google et al could not. We'll all find out soon enough, I'm sure. The Masked Booby (talk) 09:22, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Here's a New York Times article that is critical of the buy. They note that Microsoft stock took a moderate hit with the news. This article points out Microsoft's spotty track record with acquisitions, and again notes that Microsoft likely paid a premium to keep Skype out of Google's hands. Microsoft's stated reason for the buy is so that they can integrate Skype into their smartphones, Xbox, and Office e-mail and document software. Buddy431 (talk) 13:19, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

You are not the only one wondering. "There's no doubt that Microsoft overpaid", "Whether it's all worth $8.5bn, of course, is a different matter", "Analysts questioned the price", etc. One article yesterday called this the "dot com 2.0 event". Comet Tuttle (talk) 18:04, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Anyone have any info on whether they plan to continue Linux support? Although I have to say it would make me nervous anyway to install something from MSFT on my Linux systems. --Trovatore (talk) 00:14, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

"We will continue to support non-Microsoft platforms, because it’s fundamental to the value proposition of communications.", said Balmer. -- Finlay McWalter ☻ Talk 13:22, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

How quickly does Google process new Street View images

I think I saw the Google Street View car today. How long will it be before I can find myself online? Astronaut (talk) 11:18, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Probably never, because they've taken to using dynamic image processing to remove visible people from street view. i kan reed (talk) 13:11, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

I think you've missed the point. I'm not looking for my image to be recognisable to others, but I do know exactly where I was, what I was wearing and what I was doing (driving my car - the only one of that make, model and colour on that section of road at that time). When the image appears in Street View, I just need to go to that location an

May 12

Wikipedia

Is it true that Wikipedia is mainly written by teenagers, unemployed people and semi-literate internet junkies? --Aoslok (talk) 05:36, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

No. --Jayron32 05:41, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

All kinds of people edit Wikipedia. See the Wikimedia Foundation's video. Neutrality^talk 06:11, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

I would say that WP-vandalism is mainly done by those groups, but they are probably a minority for constructive edits. Googlemeister (talk) 13:25, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Hey, Citation Needed, you all! Half of Wikipedia editors are below the age of 22 [3], so while it's not true that it's "mostly" teenagers, it's pretty close. I can't find anything on employment status, but given that there are a large number of student-aged people, it seems likely that a large number of editors aren't employed. "Semi-literate" is more difficult to quantify, but it is almost certainly true (though I don't have any statistics, just my observations and common sense) that people who edit Wikipedia do tend to spend more time online than the general population. This is a self selected group of people who spend time volunteering on an Internet project after all. The one statistic that hasn't been mentioned is that Wikipedia editors are overwhelmingly male, and not in a romantic relationship (same study). Take all that as you will. Buddy431 (talk) 15:21, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Wouldn't that make wikipedia users fully literate? Knowing how to type and write (albeit with poor spelling and grammar) is a pretty good indication of functional literacy, especially when said tasks are in writing an encyclopedia. Book-learnin' isn't the only manifestation of literacy. Mingmingla (talk) 15:30, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Take another look. What the survey says is that half of the responders were under 22; 65.92% of those were readers, and only 7.42% were "regular contributors". Also, contributors (regular or occasional, I presume) had an average age of 26.14. Clarityfiend (talk) 21:13, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

That's the average age, which is only 1 year higher than the average for all respondents (25.22) or readers (24.79). I think we can presume that the median age of editors, then, will also be within about a year of the 22 years quoted for all respondents (it's unfortunate that they don't give the medians for the different categories, only the averages). Buddy431 (talk) 21:54, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Oh, Additionally, it appears that a new, more involved survey was just administered [4]. This survey does ask about employment and income, so we should be able to get a better picture of typical editors. Unfortunately, the Wikimedia foundation is pretty terrible in documenting what they do, so we have no idea when the results of this survey will be released. Did anyone take this survey? I didn't know it existed, and it seems like most people felt it was pretty poorly implemented - i.e. you can't skip questions you aren't comfortable responding to. Buddy431 (talk) 15:48, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Retired and "underemployed" people also commonly edit Wikipedia. Edison (talk) 04:19, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Re the semi-literate charge - I routinely spend a portion of my time here repairing the English in articles about sports most commonly played by the "lower classes". In my country, Australia, that includes most football codes (we have a lot here), but not Rugby Union. (The players of the latter code tend to come from the right schools.) It's quite common to find additions to articles using mangled forms of tabloid style English. Sometimes it's so poorly written that I cannot comprehend the meaning, and just delete stuff, with a polite Edit summary if I'm in the mood. HiLo48 (talk) 05:21, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

What do you give when you're not in the mood - an impolite edit summary? no edit summary at all? I hope you teach your students that it takes no more effort to be polite than not.  :) -- Jack of Oz [your turn] 00:52, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

My cranky moods generally only happen when I suggest to one of our editors less skilled in the literary arts that they take their intentions to the Talk page first, but am ignored, and more illegible garbage gets added to articles. It's a more serious sin in my eyes to not just be bad at something, but not be aware that one is bad at it and/or ignore offers of assistance. HiLo48 (talk) 01:03, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

Certainly not Mr.Aoslok.Wikipedia has a lot of work going into it at any given moment and you can see for yourself the quality of the majority of articles.The citations,the analysis,the generalizations etc.I assure you "Semi literate internet junkies" would have fared far worse.LOL

A lot of experts and specialists,who want knowledge(not just information) to be readily available for the general public, work on the topics as is evident from the discussion pages.Infact the quality of wikipedia rivals that of encyclopedia Britanica.

©Pseudo 10:12, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

I get almost the opposite opinion of the refdesk answerers. I think many of the regulars are older, with a generally high standard of educational attainment, though some of us might be unemployed or are (semi-)retired. Astronaut (talk) 10:22, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

I would be curious to know the average age and general lifestyle of the top 500 to 5000 or so most active editors, who as I understand are responsible for a disproportionate part of Wikipedia's content. See Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by number of edits for a list. I know at least some of the people listed here are not teenage semi-literate internet junkies. Unemployed, maybe. Pfly (talk) 10:28, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

electric tower and lightning protection

There is a 220 KV electric tower line overhead where I live. There is a forty meter wide swathe of land bare of long trees along where the line passes. My house is situated just outside this swathe. Do such electrical lines have protection against lightning? Do such protection, if it were in place, protect the things and people below the line? Has there been any conclusive study about the health hazard of living under such extra high tension lines? --117.253.191.105 (talk) 11:20, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

I don't know about lightning, but I think the swathe of land with no trees is there to ease maintenance. As for health issues, some years ago there was the suggestion that living near power lines increased the risk of some cancers. Then again other research denied any link. This (old) FAQ from the BBC might be useful. However, it has all gone quiet and I've heard nothing on this for 5 years or so. Astronaut (talk) 13:09, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

The lines are protected.Ground wire (transmission line) --Aspro (talk) 16:24, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

The empty swath of land is for more than maintenance. The Northeast Blackout of 2003 which saw 55 million North Americans lose electricity was triggered when one high voltage line hit one tree. 75.41.110.200 (talk) 16:42, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Atop high voltage transmission towers there is commonly in the US what is called a "static wire," equivalent to what the Wikipedia article calls a Ground wire (transmission line). The theory of lightning protection has varied over the years from the time of Benjamin Franklin to the present, as to how wide is the protection from such a wire. One engineer I worked for described it as the "'Cone of Protection,' not to be confused with Maxwell Smart's 'Cone of Silence.'" Other theorists wrote of "rolling spheres" of protection. It sucks to be the highest grounded object in a neighborhood, when it comes to the threat from lightning strikes. A 100 foot tall oak tree near my house took two major lightning strikes over the years, which finally killed it and led to its being cut down. I suspect that a nearby static line might have done the same favor, had there been one. Edison (talk) 04:16, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Contributing to Wikipedia

Is it possible to become an internet celebrity somewhat like youtube celebrity by contributing to wikipedia? i will only contribute if i get something in return, otherwise i am not wasting my time here. --Aoslok (talk) 12:15, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Then you may want to find something else to do. Wikipedia is a volunteer organization, and does not provide the guarantee of any benefit besides a job well done. --Jayron32 12:18, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

You likely won't get anything of that nature in return. People who edit for wrong reasons not only are wasting their time, but around here they tend to waste a lot of othere people's time too. Staecker (talk) 12:20, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

It is, however, possible; see Simon Pulsifer. Adam Bishop (talk) 12:27, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

See also Essjay controversy for another somewhat famous wikipedian. Didn't work out so great though. Staecker (talk) 14:26, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

In general, Wikipedia doesn't reward individual authors with much credit or notoriety. There are a few exceptions but most of them rather peculiar (Jimbo Wales being perhaps the most exceptional, here). If you're looking for lots of credit, Wikipedia is not a good use of your time. --Mr.98 (talk) 16:40, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Aoslok requests "something in return, otherwise i am not wasting my time here". How about a feeling of making the world a better place? To many here, that is obviously something. HiLo48 (talk) 07:06, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

The OP sounds like comedian Ken Platt who began every performance: "Allo, I won't take me coat off - I'm not stoppin'!". Such is mortality for us all. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 12:10, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Croquembouche with chocolate 'strip' around it

I was working (waitering) at a 40th once and the cake was a large croquembouche, but rather than what seems to be the usual spun sugar/toffee coating, it was covered in 'strips' of milk and white chocolate: imagine a very long flat strip of chocolate, with one side cut as though with pinking shears, wrapped around the cake to the top. Anyone have any idea what that would be called, or how to describe it more elegantly?

Thanks, Daniel (‽) 15:08, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Humm. That's got me salivating... Did they look as though they could be made with one of these widgets. http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/gumpaste/FMM/page6.pdf Or if they were smaller maybe a frill cutter http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/gumpaste/FMM/JEM.htm --Aspro (talk) 16:40, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

I'm not aware of a specific word for it, but that would come (probably0 under the general definition of a 'showpiece,' being a specific subset of candy/pastry arts which specializes in very large display pieces. They usually aren't meant to be eaten, just displayed. (Many of the execrable Food Network 'competition' shows are about making showpieces). Essentially they are a way for pastry chefs to show off their not-inconsiderable talent (and engineering skills! I saw a showpiece last year that was about eight feet tall, made of nothing but spun and pulled sugar. I was scared to even breathe near it). Making such a thing as you describe is very simple; generally one will pour melted chocolate onto a sheet of acetate, wait until it is mostly set but still pliable, then cut as needed (probably a frill cutter, as doing this in a silicone mould would be very difficult unless using gelling agents in the chocolate to maintain pliability), and use the acetate to form a circle. Peel off, and you're done. I'm not watching this page, it clutters up my watchlist, so if you have further questions please ping me on my talk page. → ROUX ₪ 09:32, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

remembering films blog

Hey. I found a blog the other day where the guy who writes it attempts to summarise the plot of films that he hasn't seen for years from memory. Now I can't find it at all. Can you help me to find it? Jeremy Wordsworth (talk) 11:04, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

afv taped on March 27, 2010

I am trying to locate a video of this show. I have not been successful... My family saw the taping, and they were told that it would air on May 2, 2010, however it was aired a week or two prior to May 2nd. Thank you in advance for any assistance. Patricia <<E-mail removed for user's security>> —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.194.92.252 (talk) 17:37, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Personally, I actually might have it recorded on my TiVo (my kids love that show), but actually getting it to you would be a bit tougher. I think your best bet, if anything, would be to go to ABC's episodes archive and see if it's there. (I'm at work so it's blocked.) If it's not there, I doubt it would be anywhere. Good luck. Kingsfold (Quack quack!) 19:13, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

I take it you mean America's Funniest Home Crotch Injuries ? StuRat (talk) 21:26, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

You can buy a compiled release on VHS or DVD if you know how your video was categorized. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 11:25, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Resource for Finding People

I had a good friend back in elementary school (early 80s) whose family moved to a different state. We kept in touch via snail mail (no e-mail in those days, and calling was still too expensive, especially for a young kid), but when they moved to a different (third) state, we lost touch, and I haven't heard from them since. I know her name and her family's names (brother and parents), their ages, where they went to church, what state they moved from, the rough time period that they were our neighbors, what state they moved to, what their Dad did for a living, and a few of their hobbies. I have tried to locate them with Facebook, Google, Zabasearch, and Spokeo, but their last name is "Jones" and their first names are also pretty common, so as you can imagine, I get a ton of search results from all over the place. Understanding that people are concerned about privacy in 2011 and not everyone wants to hear from every long lost friend from the past, it would seem that if the information I remember is bona fide, there would be an online resource where I could go and in combination put it all together and try to locate them. Do any of you experts here know of anything like that? Thanks much! Kingsfold (Quack quack!) 19:06, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

p.s. I'm already aware of the old comedy meme, "Well, if they were such good friends, they'd probably contact you." Yes, I get that. Kingsfold (Quack quack!) 19:06, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

You could try classmates.com. There you enter your school info, and they list the classmates who have also entered theirs. It's free to check, but actually getting contact info likely requires a paid membership. StuRat (talk) 21:08, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

I've had pretty good luck using peoplesearch.com. An example -- I just searched for my roommate's (ridiculously common) name in his hometown (where he hasn't lived in ten years) it pulls up John Q Roommate, three cities he's lived in (which help me make sure it's him), and also the names of other folks he's shared an address with (namely his parents and his sister).. It also gives an approximate age. Based on that, a Google search for John Q Roommate + one of the towns listed brings me to his blog and an obituary, both of which can be helpful tools to track him down. Your mileage my vary, but I've found chaining Google searches to get extra bits of information to add to the search VERY helpful. Foofish (talk) 04:23, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

This is no help! Cuddlyable3 (talk) 11:19, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Does the US have an equivalent of this site?--TammyMoet (talk) 14:50, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Penny matches

I was in the store today and found a box of Diamond brand strike anywhere matches. Something on the box caught my attention and I found myself reading the rest of the box. On the back it said something like, "check out our full line of products including penny matches". So, this got me wondering what a "penny match" is. An internet search leads me to believe that it's just another name for a wooden stick match but I'd like that confirmed as well as an explanation of where the term came from. Am I right in assuming that it's because they cost a penny at some point in time? Thanks, Dismas|^(talk) 23:06, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

That seems like a lot for a match, especially long ago. Maybe a penny for 100 ? The other possibility is that it was a match that weighed the same as a penny. StuRat (talk) 23:53, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

I suspect it is just a term for wooden stick matches sold in boxes containing about 30 matches, presumably costing 1d once upon a time; there may also, in some cases, have been an association with a particular form factor of the box - cf. Penny Match Holders. Clearly the term is still in common use, such as here. --Tagishsimon (talk) 00:20, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Sorry StuRat, but don't you usually buy a BOX of matches? This article from 1930 tells you anything you wanted to know about "penny matches". The phrase is unknown in the UK - if a box of matches had cost a "penny" (ie one cent) in the US it would have cost about a ha'penny in the Britain at that time. One cent per box sounds plausable because you can buy a cheap box of matches for 30 pence now. Alansplodge (talk) 00:28, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

I'm not the one that suggested the price of one match for a penny, that was the OP. I suggested 100 matches for a penny. StuRat (talk) 01:15, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

My apologies StuRat. Alansplodge (talk) 16:31, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Peasants. I wouldn't be caught dead lighting my Gurkha His Majesty's Reserve cigar without my $48 (per hundred) Fitzsu matches. Clarityfiend (talk) 00:47, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

After lighting your cigar you can enjoy watching your 99-match firework. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 10:51, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Thanks all for the answers. I thought one penny per match was very expensive as well but neglected to state it. Thanks again, Dismas|^(talk) 01:53, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

There was an era, back in the 1840's when matches were made in cottage industry by poor people and sold in the streets by children. See The Little Match Girl. One thing the match did was to eliminate the Tinderbox, which was used by the previous generation to kindle fires, however tediously. Edison (talk) 03:57, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Our article on John Walker (inventor) who created the first friction matches, says he used to sell them at one shilling (ie 12 old pence) per box. As an agricultural worker in the 1830s was earning about 20 old pence per day[5], you can see that matches were for the wealthy only. When companies like Lundström Brothers and Bryant & May began to mass produce matches using machine tools, the price fell dramatically. Alansplodge (talk) 16:49, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

May 13

Diesel Engine

Would a diesel engine, such as those on backhoes or wheel loaders, work on the moon or could one be modified to work? Sumsum2010·T·C 05:05, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

The four major differences would be the reduced gravity, lack of oxygen, lack of air pressure, and temperature range:

1) I don't see gravity being much of a problem, and even if it was, an electric pump could be used to deliver fuel more rapidly.

2) The lack of oxygen is a serious problem. You'd need to supply that in oxygen cylinders to get combustion.

3) Lack of air pressure might cause the engine to overheat, as a fan wouldn't work to cool it. Instead, you'd need to provide a heat sink which could radiate the heat away. This might be very large.

4) The temperature on the Moon can get quite cold, so you'd need to heat the engine up electrically before it would start. It can also get quite hot, at least in the sunlight. Perhaps putting it in shade would solve that, say by building a shelter over it.

So, it could work, but I doubt if it would be practical. The thing that makes it most impractical is weight. You'd need to bring the engine, the heat sink, the diesel fuel, the shelter, and the oxygen all from Earth, at extreme cost. Nuclear power can provide energy for far less weight, on an unmanned mission, where radiation isn't a concern. For a manned mission, perhaps solar cells and batteries are best. StuRat (talk) 07:04, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for the detailed response! I had been watching a TV show about mining and minerals on other planets, so I wondered if conventional engines could be used to mine these minerals. Sumsum2010·T·C 22:25, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

StuRat's answer is very good, but I want to emphasize that the real issue is a lack of oxygen. Diesels work by burning fossil fuels (or some other appropriate combustible liquid like vegetable oil). This is easy enough to do on earth with the oxygen that is present in the air. In a vacuum this is impossible, you would need to bring your supply of oxygen and other gases with which to mix it (100% O2 wouldn't work at least with current designs) which is far more complicated than an electric motor and a battery (charged by solar or whatever). --Daniel 05:46, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

I thought of another issue. The temperature extremes could damage the engine, while in storage, due to thermal expansion and contraction. Thus, it would need to be stored in a temperature controlled environment, not just left "outside".

Something else to consider is the dust on the Moon. This would be bad, if it got into the engine. However, since you wouldn't be using the atmosphere for combustion as on Earth, but rather would have bottled "air" fed into it, keeping the dust out shouldn't be a problem. StuRat (talk) 06:46, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

Assuming you can get the fuel and oxygen, you would still have to do something with the exhaust gases. Astronaut (talk) 10:12, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

internal voice

is there a god? is there a ghost? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 180.215.177.130 (talk) 06:45, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

No. HiLo48 (talk) 06:54, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

On the other hand, there might be. HiLo48 (talk) 06:55, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

God(s) and ghost(s) have subjective reality for many people while others are not sure. Some like HiLo48 begin by being sure and then wonder whether they were right. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 10:41, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Obligatory links: God, Ghost. --Colapeninsula (talk) 11:26, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

These are things that are by nature, or at least have to the present, been more or less unverifiable. This is the realm where science has not been very useful, as it has been no more successful at proving their existences than disproving. I tend not to believe in ghosts, but my roommate is convinced that they exist. I think on both counts, especially with "is there a god", you have to decide for yourself. I cannot provide much evidence to support or refute the existence, though I do have a very strong belief surrounding that (I won't say right now whether that belief is for or against the existence). One thing of note, according to the Wikipedia Article Near-death experiences, some scientists find the phenomenon as evidence of an afterlife. Others believe that there are purely biological explanations. Who's right? We do not know yet. Falconus^{p t c} 16:16, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Also note: internal narrator, verbal thinking, self-awareness, conscience, consciousness, soul. 86.164.60.255 (talk) 20:46, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

@Cuddylable3:Please do not resort to personal attacks,chides or comments.Personal attacks violate Wikipedia policy.Thank you. Pseudo 10:48, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

NATA EXAM

PLZ INFORM ME WITH THE SUBJECS REQUIRED FOR THE NATA EXAM AND IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE B.ARC BY AIEEE OR IIT ?? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 115.118.182.162 (talk) 08:55, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Click here for information about the National Aptitude Test in Architecture NATA Exam. Please don't write in CAPITAL letters because that is understood as shouting! Cuddlyable3 (talk) 10:39, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

2 question about Northern Canada

1. What is the most northern community in the North-West_Territories Canada? 2. I was looking for a website for Grise_Fiord Nunavut but I couldn't find one. Also can anyone name any notable people from [[Grise_Fiord]? Like as in Politician or something? Thanks! Neptunekh2 (talk) 14:10, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

From List of communities in the Northwest Territories, it would appear to be Sachs Harbour. --jpgordon^{::==( o )} 15:39, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Larry Audlaluk was awarded the Order of Canada, Looty Pijamini is an artist from Grise and there are some descendants of Robert J. Flaherty (Nanook of the North) such as Martha Flaherty. Then there is Florin Fodor who isn't from there but has "visited" the place. CambridgeBayWeather (talk) 05:31, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

Neptunekh2, as it says above, "Please, post your question on only one section of the reference desk." (I have just posted this warning on the Humanities Desk.) BrainyBabe (talk) 10:13, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

Peligre Dam

How has the dam on the Artibonite River in Haiti suffered from the earthquake? Could it collapse? 71.194.255.203 (talk) 19:00, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

Old English Coin

I have a copper coin, about 2 cm in diameter. On one side is a soldier on a horse with the words "To Hanover" above him and "1837" below him. On the reverse side is a portrait of Queen Victoria and the words "Victoria Regina" and, below the portrait, "1852". What is this coin and what is its approximate value ? 76.21.184.228 (talk) 19:11, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

This site suggests it's probably a 'To Hanover' coin (http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=3503) - the suggestion in that forum is about $2-10. Searching on eBay suggests it's worth around that much, potentially a little more (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1849-QUEEN-VICTORIA-TO-HANOVER-COIN-%2f-TOKEN_W0QQitemZ260747587868QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=232038703919&clk_rvr_id=232024376178&imp_rvr_id=232024376178&clk_rvr_id=232024376178&cguid=c5bf00ce12e0a479ed9501e5ffdd09fb). ny156uk (talk) 19:30, 13 May 2011 (UTC)

May 14

Car problem

I live in New Zealand and want to buy a secondhand car (2 adults 3 children; must have 3 3-point seatbelts in the back). Problem 1: my wife is less than 5 feet tall and can't drive most cars because she can't simultaneously reach the pedals and see out with good visibility. Problem 2: the missus is currently in the UK and I want to buy the car now; so she cannot take it for a test drive. We happen to know that a Renault Megane Scenic is OK for us, but I would rather buy a Japanese car (my perception being that Japanese imports are cheaper to buy and maintain than European or American cars here in NZ). Can anyone advise? Robinh (talk) 01:30, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

Some cars have adjustable foot pedals. I suggest those. Also get a car where you can raise the seat, which likely means a power seat. StuRat (talk) 03:58, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for this, I didn't know that any car had adjustable foot pedals. Presumably the adjustment is possible without taking it to a mechanic? You live and learn! I'll also look out for raisable seats, but the googling isn't giving me much (although now at least I have a googlable phrase, thanks to StuRat!) Best wishes, Robinh (talk) 04:10, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

They both adjust by pressing a button. My vehicle (Chevrolet Avalanche) has both of those features, but I don't think cars in NZ generally do. Still, with some searching you might get lucky. StuRat (talk) 05:02, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

I'm in the same position as your wife, and a Honda Civic is my car of choice these days: the seat adjusts forwards/backwards and up/down, the steering rack also adjusts up/down and forwards/backwards. No adjustment to the pedals was needed for me, but the dealership offered it to me free of charge. She could go to any Honda dealership and have a test drive there. Hope this helps. --TammyMoet (talk) 07:57, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

What Tammy says makes a lot of sense. Just have her go to a local dealer and ask for a test drive. They may not be that crazy about the fact that your wife won't be buying a car from them but it won't be hard to either A) avoid that detail or B) raise a stink and talk to the manager, after all your wife must have friends who she can tell not to deal with that dealer. And as far as finding a car with adjustable pedals, see this link for a start. Dismas|^(talk) 08:12, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

(OP) Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, it seems that adjustable pedals are only found, by and large, on new (ie >2010) cars, which are outside my budget. But the information about Honda Civics is good. Do Honda Civics tend to have three three-point seatbelts in the back? (there seem to be dozens of different models) Robinh (talk) 08:24, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

(OP again) and I ought to mention that *I* want to drive it too (6 foot 1), so permanent pedal adjustment isn't a good option for us either )-: Robinh (talk) 08:27, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

The only "permanent pedal adjustment" is on cars that don't allow for adjustment at all. All adjustable pedals I've ever seen can be changed as needed, with the push of a button. StuRat (talk) 08:50, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

Ah, to me "you need tools to adjust it" pretty much equals "permanent"....let alone requiring a trip to the garage! Sorry to be slow on the uptake, I've just never encountered adjustable pedals before! thanks again Robinh (talk) 08:56, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

I think the 3 point seat belts is an optional extra on some models. Why not get on the Honda website and build one yourself, see how much it will cost you? You might also find you can actually afford a brand new car (I did!) My husband drives my car too (we only have one car), and there seems to be plenty of room to manoeuvre with the driver's seat. It might be good for us if you explain why you need three point seat belts, there might be another way of approaching things you haven't considered.--TammyMoet (talk) 10:46, 14 May 2011 (UTC)

Simple formula tom figure out kilobytes per second to number of hours?

Can anyone give me a simple formula to figure out how long it will take to download a file given a constant number of kilobytes per second and knowing the total size of the file in gigabytes? It would be easier for me to see the calculation I think with a real example so say I am downloading at a constant rate of 92 kilobytes per second and the file I am downloading is 13.4 gigabytes. I know I have to do something like multiplying the number of kbs by 60 to get to minutes and then 60 to get to hours and then dividing somehow into the number of gbs expressed in kbs but I get lost in the details. Thanks.--108.54.17.250 (talk) 15:12, 14 May 2011 (UTC)