Wikipedia:Reference desk/Miscellaneous

Reference Desk

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August 4

Are any Ghost 'n Goblins games on Capcom Remixed for PSP?

I really want to know because I want the game mostly for Ghost 'n Goblins. I don't want to waste $30 on a game I won't play often. I want the two other games too, Ghouls 'n Ghosts, and Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, or I won't buy this.

Surely using Google (or the search engine of your choice) would be quicker than posting a question here and waiting for a response. I can't access any "game" sites from this PC, but here is the link directly to Capcom. Looking at the reviews on Amazon, I see that it has Bionic Commando. I'd almost be willing to buy a PSP and this game pack just to swing that grappling hook around once again. --LarryMac 13:00, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Vomit

If my Vomit is teal colored, what does that mean?

Vomit is usually or generally the color of the food that is vomitted, I believe. I may be wrong. --Proficient 03:08, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

I have found that vomit is usually the color and consistancy of what I've eaten or drank. Unless, of course, there is blood in it. Then it would be a dark reddish color. I am a translator, though, not a doctor. --69.138.61.168 07:09, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

If you are asking about the literal meaning, see teal (color).--Shantavira 07:16, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Maybe it means you've just eaten a teal? Notinasnaid 09:11, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Sigh. :-)

Also, if your vomit is teal it means you are a woman. Men know black, white, red, blue, green, brown, orange. Peach and lime are fruit, eggshell is what omelettes come in, teal is a bird, maroon is what happens to the captain after a mutiny. Weregerbil 18:07, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

There's no need for broad stereotypes like this; for all we know, the questioner might just be gay. --ByeByeBaby 06:03, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

That's another stereotype. JackofOz 01:25, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Another good question is, "If I'm getting my medical advice from Wikipedia, what does that mean?". It means you are an idiot. DJ Clayworth 13:57, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

American TV shows in Australia

Why do American TV shows in Australia often premiere much later than they do in the States? For example, Lost premiered in September 2004 in the USA, but only began in February 2005 in Australia. Likewise, the season finale of 24 wrapped up just last night here in Australia, whereas it finished in May in the USA. (The gap started out much larger, but channel 7 insisted on showing FOUR episodes a week, so we came close to catching up. Probably so they could make way for a new season of tripe like Dancing With The Stars).

Why does this happen? Why don't networks just show us new series simultaneously with the US? The reason it bugs me so much is because I can never stop myself from using Wikipedia to find out what happens in an upcoming season. Battle Ape 04:18, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Perhaps our stations are waiting to see how positive the response from American audiences is. We have five standard channels, but the USA has far more. Our stations will likely only pick the cream of the crop (ratings-wise, that is).

The US networks make agreements with producers, giving them exclusive first runs. They will then make secondary agreements to sell the overseas rights. Most overseas broadcasters (since they do not have the creative control the primary US networks have) will wait to see the product before buying it (though this isn't always the case, talent with a track record can sell based on reputation and a pitch alone).

Historically the same thing would happens with movies, but you may have noticed that big budget films are now often released globally near simultaneously. This is because DVD/internet technology has forced their hand. Its likely, as TV shows can now easily be downloaded soon after their US airing, that we will begin to see a reduction in the time US shows are aired abroad, especially in english speaking (a lot of countries dub US series into local languages, so that takes time), internet savvy countries like the UK and Australia. Rockpocket 06:51, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

In the U.S, shows usually run their new episodes from fall to spring and take summer off (when less people watch TV?) Are you sure they aren't just delaying them so they don't run during the local summer? Rmhermen 16:42, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Most countries do not run "seasons" like the US networks do (hence they use the terms series instead of season). In the UK, Channel 4 is running season 2 of Lost throughout the summer as is Australia (though it is their winter, of course). So that theory doesn't hold up, i'm afraid! Rockpocket 19:15, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Some shows may also have to go through editing, subtitling, checking and possible conversion in formats before it airs. Also, the US tend to take breaks during seasons (like Lost, which will break for 13 weeks!) while foreign markets don't tend to. --Bearbear 19:39, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Rmhermen has a good point about the seasons. Australia does has a ratings break during summer (when expensive shows like Lost are typically not shown). So it seems the Australian TV executives decided to start Lost in February - straight after the summer ratings break. Another advantage of running the shows way behind the US is more flexibility. Since the show will never be allowed to "World Premiere" in Australia, it has to run behind anyway. If it only ran one day behind, the Australian schedule would be controlled by when the American network decided to air the show (eg by American breaks, big events etc). This might not be that important though.--Commander Keane 01:41, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I can't speak for Australia, so that may well be a consideration there, but not in the UK. Note however Lost season 2 may not be the best example as there was some global co-ordination to tie in with The Lost Experience. I don't know if that was a serious consideration in the scheduling of the show, but it may have been. Rockpocket

Lost is undoubtedly a special case because of the internet 'extra content' that supports it. The internet extras coincide with the US timetable, so other countries probably want to keep as close to that timetable as they can. DJ Clayworth 13:55, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Scope of failure analysis

Does failure analysis apply only to physical systems, as the article suggests, or also to other things such as business ventures and military campaigns? NeonMerlin 06:26, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Failure analysis can be applied to most fields. Agreed, the article comes at it from a narrow perspective and could do with much improvement. --Tagishsimon (talk)

Clippy thingies

I know this sounds a little vague, but, does anyone know what the little plastic E-shaped connectors are called that are commonly used to hold a baby in the 'seat' of a shopping cart?

To clarify what they look like, one side is (I guess) a male side shaped like a curved 'E' and the other side is a female 'side' into which it slips into, then it 'clicks' and is locked in place when the outside parts of the 'E' go into two holes on the female side. To release it, you have to press on the outside edges of the female side, which puts pressure on the 'E' shape, allowing you to remove the male side of it.

I know that sounds slightly convoluted but that is as best as I can describe it. --69.138.61.168 07:06, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

A form of buckle? or just a clip? don't know if they even have a specific name. AllanHainey 09:02, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

I know what you are talking about, but I can't seem to find it in Category:Fasteners. Jon513 09:29, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Look on the body of the clip - there will (hopefully) be a patent number. Look up the patent number in the US patent database and you'll see who the "assignee" (the company) for the patent is. That will, I guess, be a large manufacturer of fasteners. Then go to their website and browse their online catalog. I'm sure there will be a technical name specifically for such fasteners. Middenface 10:44, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

I think it's called a "snap buckle". Google for images. One of the branded versions is called an airloc buckle.--Shantavira 12:23, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Fastex buckle is the predominant name for them, there's more information here.

Hmm, the above seem to call them "side-release buckles". Whatever they are, it looks as though we need an article. One reason I was interested is they they always seem to slip after I've used them for a while (they secure my rucksack, and my trousers). I found that slightly "re-sharpening" the teeth with a small file helps to prevent this.--Shantavira 15:01, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

You have these things on your trousers? Picture, please! Henry^Flower 15:16, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Strange as it may seem, I have a pair of nylon hiking pants which use a small Fastex buckle to secure the waist. The buckle halves are connected to an integral elastic web strap.

Allow me to help: Side-release buckle --Tagishsimon (talk)

It looks like you're trying to secure a baby in a shopping cart. Would you like help?  :-) --LarryMac 15:11, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes, the links you have provided are these buckles. I also had trouble finding an article about these on Wikipedia. 'Fastex buckle', then. Thanks! --69.138.61.168 21:36, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Jogging/swimming coefficient?

Greetings,

(Thank you for your answers concerning my American pancakes; they were a little soapy, alas.)

I was wondering where I could find the coefficient between jogging and swimming, as in, how much jogging a certain time of swimming is worth.

Thank you for your answers,

--anon.

If you google for "calorie swimming jogging" you'll find any number of tables that claim to rate one exercise against another. The trouble is that swimming is so technical that different people (same age, sex, weight) swimmng at the same speed can consume radically different amounts of energy. Jogging is less technical (although still there are efficient joggers and inefficient ones; I'd guess some are at least twice as efficient as others). So it's pretty hard for a web-page to actually tell you how much energy you're burning. Middenface 10:35, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

In what sense? Energy loss (measured in soapy pancakes)? Muscle gain? Fun? DirkvdM 07:54, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

New user questions

Yesterday, Aug 3, I registered for the first time and was confused about whether my email address will be avaialable to anyone. I DON"T want to received junk mail, so I don't want my email address to be available except to the administrators for password confirmation. Please take care of this and let me know that my email address will not be available to readers.

Also, I spent a long time editing a page, and didn't realize there was a time limit - when I went to finalize/send it, it said my time had expired and all of my changes were lost. This was annoying/discouraging.

It was also hard to figure out where to send theses comments to.

I added a title to your post. These questions sound like they should be directed to the Help Desk (I'd try to answer but I don't quite follow whatever you're asking). Well, I guess I can try: 1. Your email address isn't made public as far as I know. 2. Yes, I've lost a post due to an error before too--it is indeed annoying. It's best to copy your comment before posting just in case something goes wrong (save early/save often sort of thing). 3. I do not understand your last paragraph, sorry. digfarenough (talk) 17:52, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

• I think that last bit of text was from your email or some sign up page. It won't be posted, but of course you shouldn't post it here if you don't want it to show up (I've removed it). If you want to avoid being accidentally logged out while editing, you should select the remember me box when logging in. This means you're logged in until you log out (be sure to log out when you're on a public computer). - Mgm|^(talk) 21:21, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Finding where to ask questions doesn't seem too difficult. There aren't any confusing ads and banners and such. At the top left there's the 'help' link (maybe that should be made a little more visible - perhaps at the top of that list) and the top box at the page that that leads you to has the header 'where to ask questions'. That should make clear that your question should have gone to the help desk in stead of here. Then again, it is true that every now and then we get help desk questions here. So how did you get here? Did you follow a different route? DirkvdM 08:03, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Youtube Question

I apologize if this isn't the right place to ask this question. Anyways, I am trying to be able to post comments on Youtube, and have an account. When I try to post a comment this message shows up.

"Before you can upload, we need to verify your email address. Enter it below, and when you receive the confirmation email, then check your email and click on the link provided to confirm your account. If you do not receive the confirmation message within a few minutes, please check your bulk or spam folders."

The confirmation email showed up, and I clicked on the link, however the following message showed up. "This confirmation link is no longer valid".

So my question is, how do I post comments, when it can't confirm my email. Thanks in advanced. --Summonmaster13 16:39, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

• If you ask for a new email or reset your password only the most recent message is valid. All others expire. If you have trouble, I guess you should contact them. - Mgm|^(talk) 21:17, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Total Number of Homeowners in America

What is the total numer of homeowners in America?

What is the breakdown per state?

The US census is your friend. Nowimnthing 18:37, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Water Tables

I need to know whether a water table can change? If so, what could cause it to change? Greg Kreft 19:49, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Nothing is forever. Be more specific?--Teutoberg 20:03, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

• Are you talking about one of those tables that are really television screens showing water, sand or something else and actually act as if they're touched if you touch the screen? I think that is touch screen technology. - Mgm|^(talk) 21:15, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Why not try our snappily and conveniently named Water table article? Lemon martini 22:21, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

(Yay! My first proper edit as a real live Wikipedian!)

the artist that performs the song "half the man iused to be"

hi there!i would like to ask who is the artist that performs the song "half the man i used to be",as i've been told that it's a song of nirvana and i don't believe it.... i'm sorry that i ask such an unimportant question.....but i got to know anyway,if you are willing to contact me,please send me an email in[snip], as this is not my computer. thank you for your time.. frances mckee

There is a song which includes that line on The Return of the Space Cowboy.

Yesterday I was

half the man I used to be.

Maybe it's because

you're the other half of me.

 Slumgum T. C.   20:30, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

I believe you are refering to the Stone Temple Pilots song "Creep", on their album Core.--Andrew c 21:30, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Let's not forget "Suddenly/I'm not half the man I used to be/There's a shadow hanging over me/oh I believe/in yesterday". See the beatles, or yesterday. I don't think it's what you're looking for, but it's a great song anyways. --198.125.178.207 22:25, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Funny smelling CDs

When buying music CDs, I often that on opening the case, there is a strange chemical smell completely unlike anything else. It doesn't happen to computer CDs or DVDs, as it only seems to affect CDs in plastic jewel cases. If anybody has a copy of any of them, the smell is especially strong on Through the Windowpane and A Certain Trigger, at least in my music collection. So what is that smell, and how can I prevent it, given that the sensitive nature of CDs makes using a chemical airfreshener risky. smurrayinchester^{(User), (Talk)}

<gripe>I hate it when people say "chemical smell" — all smells are caused by chemicals.</gripe> —Keenan Pepper 22:54, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Why do you want to prevent it? If it bothers you that much, leave 'em open at night and let a fan blow over them or something. It's quite unlikely to be damaging the CDs. It's likely just a remnant of some chemical used in the production of the jewel case, the liner notes, the tray, or the CD (think I covered all the bases there...) digfarenough (talk) 23:36, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

CDs by Matchbox Twenty really stink. --Teutoberg 03:12, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Wow, I thought I was the only one who knew it. My ex-girlfriend bought some CD-R's, and they smell absolutely awful. I've worked with fiberglass, and it kinda smells like fiberglass resin. I have no idea why, but the smell is truly revolting. --Abnerian 04:02, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

You know what other smell is similar and also awful - the smell of metallic gift wrap. The mylar kind. --Random person

extra kwh reading itron?bersus mecanical meters

--68.202.34.54 21:51, 4 August 2006 (UTC)i dont have the money(need exponsor)test itron meters read doble kwh I TRY TO FIND AND STUDY,TEST,OR WHATEVER-COMPARE THE OLD METER (ROTATIBE) TO THE NEW ITRON CENTRON,SOLID ESTATE+WITH THE NEW METERS WITH THE SAME CHARGE THE KWH GO NEAR TO DOUBLE kWh??I DON'T GOING TO TELL YOU(FOR THE MOMENT)ALL I DO TO TEST THIS FABULOUS METER...I CALL PROGRESS ENERGY(FLORIDA)TO CHECK THE METER,IS IN THE PARAMETER THEY WANT>>>AND SAID IT READING THE CONSUME<<THAT THE PROBLEM I DON'T USE THAT AMOUNT OF kWh!!!! HERE COMES YOU:::::THIS METER IS DONE TO READ,VARIATION IN ELEC,RUMORS AND PEAK OF VOLTAGE(IN THIS READING IS WHEN THE ELECTRIC COMP,GET THE EXTRA $$$$$$$$$,IN kWh,NOT MATER WHAT YOU GET MORE kWh THAN YOU USE,AND THAT IS NO LEGAL!!!!!ITS SUPPOUST THE PEAK OF ANY APPLIANCE GET IN THE METER,AND AUTOMATIC GO DOWN TO READ CONSUME,BUT THIS SOLID STATE METER????????????????????????????DO YOU KNOW A TEST(SIDE BY SIDE)OFF ITRON CELERON & ROTATIVE METER,SAME CHARGE(ALL THE SAME)ITS SUPOUST THE READ VERY SIMILAR,ANY KWH OVER IS ILLEGAL,MY POINT IS DIRECT TO READ KWH,(COMPARE)NOT INCLUDE FUEL,TEMP,OR MONEY UNDER THE TABLE,,ONLY COMSUM KWH!!!!IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION OF A CLASS ACTION ,SEND ME THE INF.,FORMULA:SAME VOLTAGE INPUT + SAME CHARGE +/- X(WATTS,,AMPERES,,) =KWH,,ONLY IN ITRON IS DOBLE?????why??(only can change the %=1%.2% charge the power comp.)but that not justify the high reading of kwhANY,ANY INFORMATION WELCOME

I'm afraid I didn't understand a single word of that, but thank you for introducing me to the far right corner of my screen. --Daduzi ^talk 22:05, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

I speak six languages fluently.Which one are you using?It ain't English,but let's try...

"You're comparing an old Rotative meter to a new Centron solid estate meter.With the same charge on the new meters,the kwH nearly doubled.You're not going to tell us how you tested it though. When you called Progress Energy in Florida to check it,doing the tests they suggested,the amount they told is much more than you are using.

The meter is calibrated to read variations in electricity, rumors(whatever they are) and voltage peaks. Whatever test you try,you get much more kwH showing than you actually use.

It's supposed to show the peak kwH of any appliance and automatically read your consumption from there,but it doesn't. You want to know a side-by-side test of the Celeron(sic) and Rotative meter with the same charge to show that the Celeron(sic) one is showing more kwH than is correct,which is illegal.It should only be reading the kwH,not including fuel,temperature or money under the table(???)

You want to launch a class action against Celeron/Centron as their meter is showing double the kwH it should be compared to the Rotatibe with the same data put in,even allowing for some variation in the data which might affect the results."

If I've deciphered this correctly,basically your new meter is showing almost double what the old one did with the same variables and you feel this is illegal. Is it possible the new one is just malfunctioning? Why not return your meter and explain this to the Celeron/Centron sales guy and see whether they can replace it or give an explanation as to why this happening.They are likely to know the most about what their products do and don't do and shouldn't do...

Lemon martini 22:34, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Talented bit of suitle emphaziation there, Lemon martini. --Howard Train 04:39, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

It sort of looks like the poster typed in in a different language and used some online translator to get it into English. Probably all the strings of punctuation are meant to separate different sentences, as things like babelfish ignore newlines. Or am I just stating the obvious? :) digfarenough (talk) 23:32, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Why don't you ask us in your native language? --Abnerian 03:56, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Sockpuppet

I accidentally created a sockpuppet (Fsdfsdfsdfsa), and I really want it to be deleted. Is there a way that it can be deleted other than not logging in for 90 days? -- TheGreatLlama ^{(speak to the Llama!)} 23:11, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

I think that, technically, it's only a sockpuppet when used as such. It is allowable for a person to have multiple accounts, as long as they aren't being used, e.g., to provide an illusion of greater consensus or to avoid policies like the three revert rule. As for deleting the account, not sure about that one... digfarenough (talk) 23:26, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

If you're worried about it being labled as such, try adding {{user alt acct}} or request it be blocked on WP:AIV. 68.39.174.238 10:29, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Cinema

The film "The Miracle of" was released in German cinemas in 2004. What sprtin event dose it deal with?

Don't suppose you mean Das Wunder von Bern... it was 2003, though. Oh, to answer your question: the World Cup (football). digfarenough (talk) 23:29, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Monday's Final Jeopardy

On Monday, I saw that the answer (or sould I say question?) to Final Jeopardy was "Who is Einstein?" What was the question to it? (or should I say answer?) Reywas92 23:59, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Jeopardy is in summer reruns right now, which means that it's difficult to determine which episode you saw; particularly since this may vary from market to market.

Of course, I said difficult, not impossible. Never underestimate the internet: According to a search of J! Archive, the only time that Einstein was a correct Final Jeopardy question was Game #4866, November 7, 2005, in the college tournament quarterfinals. The answer given:

He declined the offer to lead a country & once said, "Politics is for the present... an equation is... for eternity"

Both women got it right, but the one man had it right, crossed it out, and put Newton in instead. What a dumbass. (BTW, the country was Israel). --ByeByeBaby 06:14, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Thanks! I'm suprised that Jeopardy plays reruns of the tournaments. Reywas92 17:45, 5 August 2006 (UTC) Sting?!?!

August 5

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Are there really no more characters to unlock in Super Smash Bros. Melee after Mr. Game and Watch? It just makes me so sad that there are probably no more characters to unlock. *sniff*-- TheGreatLlama ^{(speak to the Llama!)} 00:09, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes, he's the last character. But take heart, you may not have unlocked everything. Have you the Final Destination stage? --Froth 01:35, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Finally got it two days ago. Man, was Event 36 hard! But I still have the rest of the trophies to get! Including Giga Bowser, Master Hand, and Crazy Hand... -- TheGreatLlama ^{(speak to the Llama!)} 12:07, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Main Page

Why are anonymous users sometimes allowed to edit the Main page? -- TheGreatLlama ^{(speak to the Llama!)} 00:10, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

A very good question; I had never noticed it until you asked! --Froth 01:31, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

When was it unprotected? I looked through the last 500 edits (to 6 July 2004) and can't see it. Also take a look at this version according to the date it should be 00:59, 6 July 2004 but although the layout is different it shows the same content as today. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 02:42, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Ah didn't read that correctly. Here is where the anon edited the page but it still shows the current version. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 02:44, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

That's the very same edit that I at first saw. What happened? --Froth 03:37, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

It was April Fools Day, and spirits were high! :-D Karma Llama 12:42, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

War and Peace

I'm about halfway through War and Peace.. it's a bit over my head, but quite good so far. There's one part, though, that I'm wondering about. I'm hand typing this, so pardon any mistakes, but you should get the general idea:

--

Prince Ippolit is telling a story at a reception:

"In Moscow there is a lady, and she is very miserly. She has to have two footmen behind her carriage. And very tell ones. That was her hobby. And she had a chambermaid, who was also very tall. She said--"

Here Prince Ippolit paused to think, evidently at a loss to collect his wits.

"She said--yes, she said, 'Girl (to her chaimbermaid), put on a livery and go with me, behind the carriage, and make some calls.'"

Here Prince Ippolit snickered and laughed long before his hearers, and their silence produced a very disheartening effect upon the narrator. However, a few, including the elderly lady and Anna Pavlona, smiled.

"She drove off. Suddenly a strong wind blew up. The girl lost her hat and her long hair came down."

Here he could not hold in any longer but through his bursts of broken laughter he managed to say these words: "And everyone knew about it."

--

The whole story seems rather random to me - like a computer constructing a randomized story from various parts of speech - and the others at the party seemed to think so too- but Ippolit obviously found it quite funny and could anyone here explain the story to me please? :)

--Froth 01:29, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Just a guess but from what I recall women in those days nearly always wore a hat and kept their hair up. It may be that they are making fun of the fact that the maid is improperly dressed. As an example my maternal grandmother who was born about 1900 would never go outside without a hat. And even in here 80s would still shop for them. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 02:33, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

It sounds like the chambermaid was asked to pretend to be a footman hence the livery. The number of footmen was being used as a mark of wealth but they certainly should never have long hair. The story is strange and rather random probably in order to show Ippolit was out of place and bad at small talk. MeltBanana 02:46, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Ohhh thank you very much, that must be it, it's quite clear now. She was miserly- she wanted people to think she was wealthy by having footmen follow her. So she got her maid to dress up as a man so she could go out and visit some friends, but the maid's hat was blown off, revealing to everyone that the lady in fact only had one footman and that she faked her second! To be honest, I thought at first that the lady and her maid were going behind the carriage to make some calls on the footmen! :D --Froth 03:33, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I am also sure it is told in such an awkward way (it's even worse in original Russian) to point out that Ippolit couldn't speak Russian well (despite being Russian), only French. --Ornil 23:19, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Is Sony Still Making PSP Videos?

I went to Target to get a new PSP video, but they were all gone. A women told me Sony wasn't making them anymore. Wal-Mart didn't have any either!! On the Sony site it showed me upcoming videos. So are they just releasing them on web sites and not stores? You know, what's goin' on here? Is there something I'm not getting or...?

The UMD format did not catch on, so Target and Wal-Mart are not selling them anymore. Other companies that began to release movies on the format are starting to skip it, since the last ads I seen were perhaps in April or May of 2006. I think the shift is now towards the Blu-Ray format, which I seen in heavy release now. User:Zscout370 ^{(Return Fire)} 01:59, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I wouldn't be surprised.. AFAIK the umd movie format was a catastrophic flop. --Froth 02:00, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Not really surprising. Given the choice between a UMD that can be played on a PSP, or a DVD that can be played on anything more advanced than a microwave oven (including a PSP with a bit of jiggery pokery), most people plump for the most flexible option. Ten or even five years ago, UMD might have worked. Now, unfortunately, the proprietary format offers no advantage over the market standatd. Ah well, they know for next time. --Howard Train 04:48, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Oh, yes. Now they want to sell you even lower resolution videos on Memory Sticks. Do they really know better for next time? --Optichan 01:48, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

PSP no longer exists. In 1989 it dissolved into GroenLinks. DirkvdM 08:18, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Dirk, are you trying to imply that Sony made videos for the Pacifist Socialist Party? I wonder what kind they would have made...*imagination swirls into action* --69.138.61.168 07:50, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Why are some men more successful in wooing women?

My qusetion is , why are some men more successful in wooing women than others? I am asking this because I have a friend who is incredibly succesful in wooing women just by talking to them over the phone. It is beyond my comprehension how he manages to do it so consistently and succesfully. sumal 04:13, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I console myself in situations like this by telling myself he's probably gay. --Howard Train 04:41, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

As are the women who don't want to sleep with you, probably. DirkvdM 08:19, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I don't know why your friend is so successful; I have known some men and women who are almost supernaturally good at captivating the opposite sex, but I know this; my male friends who do extremely well with women do so not by being unusually charming, but by being better than the average male at recognising female interest. They don't waste time on women who aren't interested in them, and they can quickly recognise the signals women give off when we are interested.--Anchoress 09:26, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Since it's over the phone, I would guess charm, flattery and a sense of humour play a large part. I think our article on seduction is missing a few tricks here.--Shantavira 09:35, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Some have a natural aura. --Proficient 20:32, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

My amigo, who attracts many women, told me it works like this: the amount of time and money you put into it is the amount of success you are going to have. If you spend more time and money picking out fashionable clothes, styling your hair, exercising in order to look attractive, and thinking about humourous/charming/romantic things to say, then you are going to be more successful. I guess that's how it is for everything; you get what you put into it. --69.138.61.168 18:28, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

How do I pronounce Audrey Tautou's name?

KTHX.

Her name is given in IPA in the Audrey Tautou article. (If you don't know IPA, it's something like "Oh-dray Toh-too", and the final syllables of both her first and her last name will sound as if stressed, though strictly speaking French has no word stress.) David Sneek 07:11, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

'Been spelled AmeliePoulain for some years. --DLL 18:34, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Zipper care

Once again, a zipper has failed me. I lose quite a lot of pants this way. Pants that have hardly worn may become useless if the zipper fails because repairs or replacements can be to difficult. Is there a way to make zippers last longer? This especially happens with Fjallraven pants. The material is very durable (which makes them worth the price), but the zippers are flimsy plastic ones. I could ask them to switch to metal zippers, but I doubt if that will work. DirkvdM 09:31, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Keep them lubricated by rubbing a wax candle up and down them occasionally. And avoid those cheap ones that have very small teeth.--Shantavira 09:40, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I suppose I'd better take the pants off when I do that to avoid staining them from the inside. :) DirkvdM 17:22, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

ask YKK_Group

Well, the problem is I like this brand of pants, partly because they material (called G1000) is so sturdy (I've got a shirt that I have used extensively for ten years and it hardly shows any wear). But the zippers don't last as long as the cloth. So I'm stuck with the zippers they put in them. DirkvdM 17:22, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Any tailor should be able to replace the broken zipper with a sturdier one for you for a reasonable price. Pburka 18:19, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Shantavira is spot on in recommending lubrication of the zipper teeth with a wax candle. But, and I apologise for the indelicacy henceforth, one of the greatest problems with jamming zippers is either, stray pubic hairs, or uric acid building up in that area; in other words, don't put it away until it's clean and dry - seriously. As to ten years lifespan? You can hardly be accused of being a fashion victim eh? As to handing the offending article over to a tailor for rectification, have a care : I am one, and I do not appreciate the health and safety hazards presenting as a result of the foregoing causative issues.

Rest assured, I'll wash them before I take them to a tailor. DirkvdM 07:15, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

I lose quite a lot of pants this way gives the impression that you are walking down the street, the zipper fails and before you know it you're walking along with no pants on. And no idea where they have gone. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 08:35, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Stolen by that subversive YKK group, I presume. --DLL 18:33, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

It's the knicker scare! DirkvdM 07:31, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

About the candle wax - there are different kinds. Does it have to be a specific kind, like paraffin? DirkvdM 07:31, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I don't suppose it matters, as long as it lubricates, and obviously you want white rather than a bright colour. Most candles seem to be paraffin wax these days, but tallow candles (if you can still get them) are softer.--Shantavira 13:56, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Do you know where this particular mountain range is?

I've searched and searched, along with countless other people, and noone is yet to come across this area. I will give you the link, to where i have uploaded this image, if anyone can help me, i would greatly appreciate it!

link ==> http://img85.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6c2e1dy5.jpg

Could it be in Australia...? Dunno, but it's a start. --Abnerian 13:27, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Thats the other thing, i've searched every mountain form in Oceania period...i just can't seem to find where this place is :(

It looks to me a bit like the area around Guilin or Yangshuo, e.g. very much like this image. Google for images of those places.--Shantavira 14:40, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

SEARCH IS OFFFFFFFF!!!!! yaaaaaaay! finally! i'ts in Mogotes Valley in cuba!

Also known as the Viñales Valley. I was going to say, before you found the answer, that it looked like a karst limestone formation -- of which the Guilin area is a good example. --ByeByeBaby 18:01, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Gruesome images

I have been exploring pages that talk about gruesome diseases and deformities, and I appreciate the fact that there were no pictures of such things posted. Specifically, I am referring to the pages about harlequin skin disease and anencephaly. However, I am just wondering if there are any formally stated criteria regarding what types of images are considered to be too graphic to post. Thank you in advance -Thomas Shields

I'm not aware of any restrictions of that sort (as long as they are not in bad taste or illegal). See WP:Images for the complete policy.--Shantavira 15:57, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

You have been specifically looking for gruesome images, hoping you wouldn't find any? Or am I reading you wrong? If the subject is 'gruesome' by your standards then any illustration will be gruesome too. That doesn't mean the image shouldn't be there but you shouldn't look up that page. DirkvdM 17:28, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

There is a list of images that cannot be placed inline at MediaWiki:Bad image list. It used to have more, and the requirements for inclusion are rather fuzzy, but the page does exist. Hyenaste ^(tell) 00:07, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

LOL. I have of course thought about this before, but never considered it possible. Not gruesome, though. DirkvdM 07:17, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Images are generally added to that list if they're notoriously used to flood other (legit) pages, such as the infamous WP:ARV. This may have changed... 68.39.174.238 10:33, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Annoying/potentially irksome images that do have a place are frequently put below the top of the page, linked to, or put in an image gallery or thumbnailed to very small sizes (See for example, Xenon flash lamp, gangrene and syphilus). 68.39.174.238 10:35, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Someone should create a template for gangrene, syphilus, and others stating that the article has gruesome images. Reywas92 17:11, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Difference

what are the meanings of Meeting, Conference, Congress and Seminar? Is there any difference among these terms? What are the difference ammong them?

The difference is the connotation of those words.

To me, the connotation of meeting is just a general gathering.

A Conference would be more official and planned, perhaps for corporate purposes, and maybe a couple days.

A Congress would be official and within the government, very important, in a nice building, maybe lasting a couple weeks.

A seminar would be like a conference except where some people come to learn and others come to teach.

feel free to check the dictionary for the "standard" meanings, or just make up your own within the context!

"Seminars" = semi + arse, meaning any series of half-assed discussions. StuRat 22:32, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Meeting is the only plain, non latin word. Others tend to exaggerate the meaning of a plain meeting. --DLL 18:29, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Corporate ROI's

Do corporations think of employees in terms of ROI (return on investment),

i.e. if I make a net of $1 million in a year for a corporation and they pay me $100,000 would their investment in hiring and paying me be thought of as a 1000% ROI?

I'd guess that generally, the answer is no. It's hard to say exactly who produced a given income, with the possible exception of the salesmen (who, if paid commission, get a fixed % ROI). As an example, say Apple makes a deal to sell a billion dollars of iPods to a major retail chain. How much of that income was "made" by the sales team? The retail chain wants to carry iPods because they're popular, so maybe most of the income was really because of the marketing team. But iPods are popular not just because they're marketed well, but because they're good products, so maybe that income was really because of the product engineers. And people also like iPods because there's lots of music on iTunes, so maybe the income is partly because of the coders who made that site; or the lawyers who negotiated the licensing deal for the music. And all of these people work for Apple because they get paid regularly and get benefits and so on, so maybe part of the income is because of HR and Accounting.

Instead of this line of thought, companies tend to look at units that are more self-contained; retail companies at individual outlets, manufacturing companies at products or types of products they make, and so on. --ByeByeBaby 17:54, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

true, at a higher, 30,000 ft level I suppose companies look at self-contained units and centers.

here's a new example:

I'm a manager at an iPod manufacturing center. I buy raw materials (electrical components, plastic components, etc.) through a deal with Apple, and manufacture an iPod out of them which I sell to Apple (I don't actually know how the supply chain works, but when anyone looks at a manufacturing center from 30,000 ft they see an input $ and an output $).

Now, 0.5% of the iPods I produce are wasted because of defects. I hire someone specifically to reduce this waste and he gets it down to 0.01%. There is an assignable dollar figure I can give to this project...and now I get to report to my bosses that I know how to make good hiring choices, because this guy's ROI is ~186% or whatever.

The Hunt

Hi! I was recently wondering about this: In hunting nowadays, people always use an arsenal of firearms. I'm interested if people hunt animals nowadays, especially big game, using only cold weapons(knives etc.), not using modern weapons, so animals can stand a chance?--Captain ginyu 17:44, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Ted Nugent uses a bow and arrow. Spear fishing is also still practised as is trapping. Does that count? Why do you think it's more 'fair' to use primitive weapons? Most animals don't use weapons at all, but without weapons humans never would have reached our position of dominance (or probably survived at all). Also note that firearms are more likely to produce a quick and relatively painless death for the animal whereas primitive weapons are more likely to cause a slow, painful death or maim the animal. Pburka 18:14, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I disagree, hunting animals with firearms is like slaughter. I was thinking, if there is anyone who hunts animals(possibly big game), using only knives and similar weapons(not like bow and arrow, but short distance weapons)(fishing doesn't count)?--Captain ginyu 18:22, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Which part do you disagree with? I'm not sure that humans have ever hunted big game animals with knives. First of all, it's hard to get that close to an animal. It would have been much more effective for our ancestors to throw large stones and spears. There's a good description of ancient hunting techniques on the Hunting page. Pburka 18:35, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I disagree with the part you wrote Also note that firearms are more likely to produce a quick and relatively painless death for the animal whereas primitive weapons are more likely to cause a slow, painful death or maim the animal. If you don't use firearms, the animal has much more chance of surviving. I understand that people today will rather take a rifle and go hunting, than risk their lives using an alternative method. But I was thinking if someone does hunt big game animals with knives etc., perhaps for the challenge or giving animals a chance, something like that.--Captain ginyu 20:40, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

I would say that the argument is that attempting to kill an animal in this way is more likely to leave an injured animal (rather than a dead animal), and hence is likely to increase suffering (as opposed to death). It would be illegal in the UK, though the UK is also short of big game. Notinasnaid 20:50, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

LOL - "the UK is also short of big game" - Id never thought of Britain in those terms. Jameswilson

Yes Notinasnaid, but why not leave an injured animal rather than a dead one? Its wounds will heal eventually... I see my original question will probably not be answered...--Captain ginyu 03:00, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

As for the feasibility. Neanderthals didn't have the right bodies for throwing spears, so the assumption is they hunted in thick forests where they could get close to the animals so they could ram the spears in. As for animals using weapons and a more 'fair fight', what about bullfighting? The bull is weakened before the final fight by the matador, but that is also done with just people, horses, capes and stabbing equipment, no weapons that work over a distance. DirkvdM 07:30, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Commonly, an injured animal will not just get better. The three outcomes are (a) get better, perhaps after a period of pain (b) get an infection and die of it (c) be unable to hunt/forage effectively, and die of starvation (d) weakened, fall prey to another predator. (a)-(c) at least are not the motivations of many hunters. Notinasnaid 07:42, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

To answer the original question. I would suspect that most countries have a minimum requirement for the weapon to be used for hunting. As an example the NWT has this to say about the type of rifle that can be used and this about bow hunting. I can't find it on the site but it is also usually against the law to leave a wounded animal. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 08:32, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Hunitng with spears is still practiced by some traditional hunters (even of elephants) and by a few modern hunters (wild boar, for instance). Rmhermen 18:00, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

• Brett Farve hunts with a bow hotclaws**==(82.138.214.1 16:20, 14 August 2006 (UTC))

Mystery Songs

What is the "self preservation society" song off the origional Italien Job film called and what was the artist/band.

Also what is the song off the film "jonny english". it is the one off the part, if you know the film, when they are at the coronation and as jonny english is getting, kind of, arrested he uses a tv camera to tell Bough to play the DVD. Bough, at gunpoint, tells some tv technical guy to play the dvd, which is broacasted across the world to those watching the coronation, but it turns out to be the wrong dvd. instead of being the dvd about evil Sauvages plans it is the dvd of mr english singing to the song im talking about in his bugged flat. if its any help it was sung by a woman and it might be ABBA.

thank you--84.66.227.74 17:56, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

This is, in fact, covered in The Italian Job Wikipedia page. The song is called "Get A Bloomin' Move On!" and is written by Quincy Jones. Pburka 18:07, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

From 'Johnny English', might it be 'Does your mother know'? [1] Skittle 20:17, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

changing a title of an article

i have edited the text of the article, "kings highway conservative district" in wikipedia, but cannot find how to change the title of the article. i live in the district, and the actual neighborhood is called "kings highway conservation district." this needs to be edited. thanks for your help in advance. <email removed>

You can change the title of the article by clicking "move" at the top of the page, but you need to have an account and to be logged on to do that. David Sneek 19:20, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

And you should in principle ask first at the talk page, but if you know the title is just plain wrong (no possible controversy) then you can just go ahead. Especially since with an article o such a 'small' subject you will not likely get many editors to discuss it with you. I guess. DirkvdM 07:34, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

• And please remember to capitalize the article's title correctly and don't forget apostrophes, just in case it's called King's instead of Kings. - Mgm|^(talk) 18:48, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

song about a dog 1960s?

please can you help. This song is about a man who came home from war on the bus in a storm (or fog) to find his dog waiting for him to guide him home, when he got home his parents told him his dog had died while he was away.1960s or early 1970s? Thankyou.

Hi, is this the one? [2] (I did a google search on "lyrics bus war home dog died" - the first few hits were junk but this one came up partway down the page.)

The copyright date of 2006 there is clearly for the page, not the song. Doing another google search, [3] shows the song appearing on an LP in 1961. I don't know for sure that this was the first appearance, though. --Zeborah 23:36, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

Zeborah Thankyou very much that is the song I can't believe you found it. Now I know i'm not going mad!

Nembatol

Can an American Citizen, cross the border into Mexico at Juarez, find a local physician, and obtain, and fill a prescription of Nembatol, for consumption, in Mexico? With no plans to attempt to bring this controlled substance back across the border is this possible, and if so, where might I find a list of physicians in Juarez, Mexico?

I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. When you're in a place where absinthe is legal, feel free to drink absinthe. There are a few special laws, for example keeping US citizens from going overseas to have underage sex with prostitutes, but this is the general rule. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.99.220.249 (talk • contribs)

Note that Nembatol is a powerful anaesthetic typically used for euthenasia[4]. Any users responding to this query should consider any potential legal consequences of their response. I am neither a lawyer nor a physician, nor have I ever played either profession on TV. Pburka 20:36, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

it is also the leading known effective controlling agent for Neuropathic pain, now it is not fair for a pagan follower, to insert their philosophical view, into another persons request, in an attempt to hamper a disabled person. I do not believe this is the correct format for your Christian Coalition attempt to control the lives of other people, as in a fascist regime. No political opinions, or reigious views where solicitated, and none will be appreciated. Man most common fear, and controlling emotion is death. That is why mankind invented "God". because their crops failed, and they feared death, though they readily dealt it out. Mankind is the cruelest most cunning murding machine, that evolution has produced. Mankind is a virus, killing a beautiful planet, in the name of its own. Have you looked outside at the stars at night. You will find this planet, and its inhabitants the most insignificant of oddities, and freaks of nature.

But, in your case, you feel that there may be a chance, that I can make another human being suffer, so I am going to seize the opportunity. In a perfect world, with a truly civilized form of government, you would be considered a criminal. But, voluntary Euthanasia is not the idea, I had in mind, but Walter Reed, subscribes the medication to all who suffer Neuopathic pain, which in itself, can cause death.

It's been a long time since I've been accused of being a fascist or a Christian. No judgement was intended. I guessed that euthenasia might be the goal since those are the only references I could find on-line to Nambatol usage in humans. In some countries (e.g. yours) anyone assisting in euthenasia could be held legally responsible. Had I wished to prevent you from getting the information you seek I could have deleted or vandalized your post, as you've repeatedly done to mine[5][6]. Pburka 23:01, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

"The basic answer is yes. When you are in Mexico, you come under Mexican law, whatever nationality you are. There are some exceptions, but they dont affect the sort of case you mention. We have an article on Principle of territoriality which is very POV (anti), but it'll give you an idea. Jameswilson 23:42, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

As other say, you will be free from prosecution under US law (as long as you don't attempt to bring the medication back across the border or use it for certain illegal purposes). However, be very careful of falling foul of Mexican law regarding obtaining and using medication. I would strongly advise speaking to a Mexican lawyer or doctor before acting on advice offered here. In addition, can we all please continue to WP:AGF here. If a Wikipedian asks an explicit question, our voluntary role is to answer that question (with the usual caveats), not infer what nefarious purpose the questioner may have in mind. In a similar vein, please do not make accusations about the motives of one kindly offering their advice here, assume they are acting in the best faith. Thanks. Rockpocket 03:57, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

There are certain cases where the US government has made actions which are legal in foreign countries illegal by American citizens. Sexual tourism comes to mind, especially when involving minors. User:Zoe|(talk) 22:56, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

What I had in mind was driving my motor home to Mexico, and living there. No suicidal ideas, have crossed my mind. If they will prescribe the medicaiton there, then I may go live there. But, the original respondant, was attempting to force their ideolgies, and theories into my affairs. I feel this is wrong, of course I felt communism was wrong, and couldn't do anything about that either, but like all things that are wrong, they eventually, go away. Thank you for the legal advice in this matter.

Moving to mexico to get a drug seems extreme - can't you get it in the US? Also I'm relieved to see you have no suicidal intentions, when you said "I'm going to mexico to get a powerful anesthetic, and I have no intention of returning (with it)" i was worried :) --Froth 15:58, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

sole proprietorship

A husband and wife who file taxes jointly are planning to start a small home business. Are they considered a sole proprietorship or Partners in the state of California?

I'm not sure exactly, but this page about Taxation in the United States may help to answer your question. If that page itself doesn't, it might have a link to one that does. -Thomasiscool

5) Go to the Franchise Tax Board web site and look for this stuff.--Teutoberg 03:14, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

August 6

Famous One Legged Trick Cyclist

Some years ago I read a book about great eccentrics. The book introduced me to figures like the vicar in a barrel Harold Davidson and the famous flamboyant French farter Le Petomane but my favorite story was of a one legged English man who used to ride a bicycle off a high ledge into a barrel of water and emerge reciting Shakespearean sonnets or similar. He became one of the most popular entertainment figures of early 20th century Britain. I have searched online for him but with no success. Personally I don't believe wikipedia can call itself a true encyclopædia until we have an article on this man. Does anyone else know who I am talking about? --Roisterer 05:24, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

This has to be a gag posting.--Teutoberg 01:27, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

No, it's not. As someone who has about 4000 edits, and not one of them non-genuine, I can't see why anyone would think this wasn't a genuine question (after all, is a famous turn-of-the-century one legged English men who rode a bicycle off a high ledge into a barrel of water and emerged reciting Shakespearean sonnets really less likely than the aforementioned Harold Davidson?. Does anyone have a useful response for this question? User:JackofOz is usually very good at answering questions like this. --Roisterer 04:55, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Although finding proof of your deranged ravings may be bad for your mental health such a man seems to have existed: [7] [8], is this the book you read? His deeds seem to have outlived his name but may Kilpatrick's Ride (1899) have anything to do with it? MeltBanana 14:48, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I suspect Harold Davidson is going to be far more interesting than the one -legged cyclist, though I agree we should have an article on him & his art is anyone can locate good enough source info. The reference on Meltbanana's find, whilst confirmatory, looks like a dead-end in terms of names. Meanwhile Davidson: what was that about? Poor man. (Probably). --Tagishsimon (talk)

Thank you User:MeltBanana & User:Tagishsimon. The film is presumably about him (how many one-legged cyclists could there have been in fin de siecle London?). I will have to keep searching for the book that I first read about him in. --Roisterer 13:21, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Silent films

I'm working on a new short film which involves five interconnected vignettes, where there is no dialogue or speaking, only the visual elements such as lighting, angles, editing etc, and the music. The music and visuals will go hand-in-hand to tell a story, without using any words. The composition of the music and the composition of the visuals will work together to tell a story eg through pace, pitch, speed, lighting, angles etc..

I was also toying the idea that I could make this sort of a contemporary silent-film. So I'm just trying to do some research on the area-- what silent films could I watch?

It would be greatly appreciated if people could suggest to me some silent films that could help me in the preparation I do before I go into pre-production. I want to get an idea of how directors have told a story without using words. Preferably, the silent film should make good use of music to help tell the story, as the music is a VERY significant aspect of my project.

Thanks!!!

gelo 06:52, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

I made some suggestions on the humanities desk. Keep in mind though, that the music used for silent movies was often added much later. The films usually have no 'official' soundtrack, and therefore anyone can add something different - like when Giorgio Moroder wrote a disco score for Fritz Lang's Metropolis. David Sneek 07:54, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

The Kino DVD version of Metropolis used a rerecorded version of the original score by Gottfried Huppertz, but most released-on-DVD silent films don't have this luxury. You could try 'silent' films made after the advent of sound, such as Monsieur Hulot's Holiday, which contain minimal dialogue and lots of music. Ziggurat 22:33, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Good luck. --Proficient 04:10, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

How to create a Category redirect?

How do we create a category redirect? The Category:Air dispersion modeling needs a redirect of Category:Air dispersion modelling because the UK, Australia, New Zealand and some other countries use the spelling "modelling". Is there any way to create a Category redirect? Thanks in advance. - mbeychok 17:39, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

See Template talk:Category redirect#Category redirects work now - why use template? for (1) how to do it, and (2) what problems that creates.  --Lambiam^Talk 20:07, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Packing tomaotes

--Birdiez 18:14, 6 August 2006 (UTC)Why are tomatoes packed upside down for shipping?

This is just a guess but I'd think it's because the skin is thicker on the top of the tomato and if the box were set down too hard or it fell, the top would take the impact better than the bottom. Dismas|^(talk) 19:16, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Also there must be plant diseases that find a good entry near the place where the tomato was taken off the branch. Or dehydratation would be a little quicker. But it may just be of no use, as fruits are now quicly sold and eaten. Do you still store apples for winter ? I was told to store them upside down. --DLL 21:40, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

The reason might be to prevent condensation collecting in the hole (which could become a breeding ground for such diseases). But then they had better be put on their sides. DirkvdM 07:39, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

buoyancy aid

Is there any reason why we haven't an article for the buoyancy aid? Or am i misspelling it? --Dangherous 18:27, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

• You appear to have spelled Buoyancy correctly. Perhaps floatation device needs some redirects pointing to it? - 87.209.70.231 18:44, 6 August 2006 (UTC)
  • Or are you thinking of the little pillow type sleeve things that little kids wear before they know how to swim? Floatation device doesn't seem to mention them even in the see also section... Dismas|^(talk) 19:19, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Try waterwings. Natgoo 21:08, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Someone should try to make it easier to navigate. --Proficient 04:11, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

No herbs, topical creams, or balms?

In Animal Crossing, I went into Hazel's house and looked in her wardrobe. I was told "You couldn't find any herb. No topical creams. No balms. Nothing." What does this mean? Is it a reference to something? I don't really understand why it says that. --Optichan 19:52, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

You might want to check the GameFAQs (http://gamefaqs.com) board for Animal Crossing. I'm sure you'll reach far more AC players through it.

'Graphic Novel' history books

My name is Ryan Sease and I am a teacher at Santa Fe South High School in OKC. I was wondering if you knew of any books that cover topics like US Government, World History, Geography, or US History that are similiar (i.e. being like a graphic novel) to Larry Gonick's work (i.e. Cartoon History of the Universe)? I know that Larry Gonick's work is the most accessible, but I was wondering if there similiar types of work out there.

Please, email me at rsease at santafesouth dot org if you have any works as the ones like Larry Gonick's that concern topics like World History and other Social Studies topics.

Thanks!

Please do not ask for email. An answer can be given here. --DLL 21:34, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

There's Maus, of course. Brought to Light has a (polemical) history, of sorts, of the CIA. When the Wind Blows discusses a nuclear attack on the UK, and would work well in a class discussing war. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 09:44, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I understand Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo collection, Grasscutter has been used as a textbook for Japanese mythology. The Plot by Will Eisner discusses the history of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. The collected In the Shadow of No Towers, also by Art Spiegelman provides a journal of the cartoonist's experiences for a period after 9/11. Frank Miller's 300 is a speculative, but generally on base, account of the Battle of Thermopylae. Generally, though sequential art is not the preferred medium for text books and the like, it frequently, like any other narrative form, does produce accurate historical fiction and nonfiction. --Amanaplanacanalpanama 19:07, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

There's the classic Barefoot Gen, about the aftermath of Hiroshima. And recently there was a graphic novel adaptation of the 9/11 Commission Report.[9] -- noosphere 23:27, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Asiapac books produce some great graphic Chinese and Singaporean history, religion and philosophy books - funny and accurate. My favourite is a series of biographies of Chinese historical figures - the drawings really bring the subjects to life. Natgoo 18:14, 14 August 2006 (UTC)

History of a Name

I am researching a family name and wonder if there is a specific meaning to "manski" in a Polish name.

A suggestion?? You may be splitting the name up wrong. "Ski" is a common ending, ie, Polanski, and perhaps "manski" has no meaning at all.--Teutoberg 01:29, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

"Ski" is a common adjectival ending in Polish and Polish-origin Russian surnames, often associated with place names. "Warszawski" originally meant a person from Warsaw, "Moszkowski" was a Muscovite, "Rimski" meant a Roman, etc. JackofOz 01:39, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Bogart Movies

…Who was the actress or main or female lead in The Treasure of Sierra Madre with Humphrey Bogart as directed by John Houston in 1948

As you'll notice from our The Treasure of the Sierra Madre article, and the IMDb page linked from it, there appear to be no female lead, and indeed significant parts for women at all. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 21:08, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Wimin, we don't need no stinkin' wimin! Ziggurat 22:20, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Third World Country

What does the term Third World (as in country) mean? What are first and second world countries?

See Third World. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 21:43, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

The terms were coined in the cold war, only third world is commonly used now (first and second relaticely unheard of now), these terma have not been updated, and some countries remain stuck with a term they were given in the 50's. They have been pretty much replaced with other terms including LEDCs, MEDCs, or by references to stages on the demographic transition model. Philc _T^E_C^I 13:53, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

The Second World was what the Communist bloc countries were called.Courtney Akins 17:55, 12 August 2006 (UTC)

fearless

fearless is a great movie do u agree ????

Never heard of it --Froth 23:00, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Nor is this the place to ask for opinions (which won't stop some people from giving them, but that's a different matter). DirkvdM 07:46, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Geographical Maps

Where on Wikipedia can I find geographical maps of different countries? Example: Spain, etc. Thank you, Maria.

You should be able to find something in Spain or whatever other country you like, just type it into the search bar and press Go. Chris M. 23:09, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Spain has a geographical map, but not all country articles do. You could also check out the external links at the end of the article. Or you could go to Google images and type in the name of the country. Or you could have a look at Google maps, although that requires a littel study into how it works. DirkvdM 07:52, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Scattergories categories

I'm looking for a list of the categories in the game Scattergories or perhaps a link to a page with such links. If either of these can be done, it would be greatly appreciated. Perhaps just an e-mail to me? Chris M. 23:02, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Fantasy book similar to "Wheel of Time"

Looking for some new fantasy books to delve into. I enjoyed the first three volumes of "Wheel of Time" but I got bored with it because it never ended. Any recommendations?

Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is a superior example of the fantasy genre. It's billed as children's literature (but then so was The Hobbit), but it's far from childish. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 23:23, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Or Michael Swanwick's The Iron Dragon's Daughter. I know exactly what you mean about endless fantasy series, having read all the way through the interminable duo of trudge-trilogies The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever (which I entirely don't recommend). -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 23:33, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

If you want something with a little more thought to character than the average, I heartily recommend Tad William's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series. It's only three books long, it's finished, and it's good. Ziggurat 00:05, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I've never read "Wheel of Time" so my recommendation may be a bit amiss; The Dancers at the End of Time by Michael Moorcock. Thoroughly well written, frequently funny, always inventive &c &c. The first three books form the trilogy. Others are an optional afterthought. The wikipedia article is a bit crap, though. --Tagishsimon (talk)

Raymond E Fiest. Rift war, the first, although i have read 4 or five of em, is onr of the best books i have ever read, and this is not my chosen subject to read about. give it a go Magician is the first.

George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. Not as much magic but faster paced with more shades of grey in each character. Terry Brooks's Shannara series is somewhat similar but tends to go on and on. Terry Goodkind's first few books in the Sword of Truth series are very similar to Jordan, so much so that there is talk of plagerism, but they are generally faster paced; unfortunately the series really goes down hill at about book 8. If you can hold out through a few slower later novels, Jordan's last Wheel of Time book should come out sometime in the next two years provided his health holds up. Nowimnthing 16:32, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Anything and everything by Guy Gavriel Kay, but in particular, Tigana, which may be one of the best, sweetest, saddest books I have ever read. Most of his books stand on their own, not part of a series, although he has written a trilogy, The Fionavar Tapestry, and a duology, The Sarantine Mosaic. User:Zoe|(talk) 23:28, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

August 7

Russian 343rd Rifle Division

Hello, I am asking for any information on the 343rd Russian Rifle Division on the Eastern front in World War Two.

I have searched many sites and search engines and have not found very much, what information I have found says they have an untold story.

Any help would be appreciated.

• You might find more info if you know which battles the division was involved in. The Eastern Front was a big place.... Lisiate 22:12, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Winning McDonalds coin drop challenge

What's the strategy to drop the quarter into the waterfilled jar?

Wha? DirkvdM 07:54, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I think of it more as a Dairy Queen thing, but some fast food chains have a tall, thin jar near the till, filled with water, with a series of small targets little larger than a quarter a short distance up from the bottom. Air is bubbled through the water, and (I think) the targets are mounted to a central shaft that you can rotate. The money goes to a charity, and there may be a prize for landing your money on the target. I don't think that there necessarily is a strategy; the bubbling water is somewhat chaotic in motion, and quarters fall quickly through the water (since they must go through a coin slot edgewise). Your best bet is probably to practice on pennies, but beyond that, I think it's as much random as skill. --ByeByeBaby 13:13, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I don't think the mcdonald's staff will look kindly on a guy coming in with a jar of pennies and practicing all day. But if you want my advice, just bring a lot of nickels and put them all into the thing until the level of the coins in the tank is at the level of the lowest platter, then just use the spinner to scoop one up. At that point they can hardly refuse you your prize (if they offer one) - you've just donated several dollars to charity after all. --Froth 15:36, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Indeed. The chaotic system allows no easy strategies. --Proficient 04:14, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I bet if you casually unplugged it you could get it to work. But that would be pretty unethical. --Fastfission 20:05, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

What's that song?

It goes "I've become so wrong" or something, and "I becoming this, all I want to do is be more like me and be less like you". What's the name?

Apparently "Numb" [10] according to a quick Google search on "more like me and less like you". Google is a good way to answer this kind of question; there's also a reference desk section specficially for music. Phr (talk) 02:11, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes, it's Numb by Linkin Park. However, if you heard the song on the trailers for the Miami Vice movie, then that's Numb/Encore, a mix of Numb and Encore by LP and Jay-Z. smurrayinchester^{(User), (Talk)} 18:17, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Photographing a book cover

I want to photograph a book whose cover is wrapped in that shiny plastic protective stuff, so I get pretty bad reflections. I tried shooting it outdoors in shadow under overcast, to get very soft lighting, but that wasn't enough. Unfortunately the plastic stuff doesn't stay perfectly flat, so oblique lighting also gets reflected into the camera. I guess I could remove the plastic thing but I'd rather avoid that, and even if I do, the dust jacket itself is on shiny paper and has the same problem. Any more suggestions? In particular, would a polarizer help? (I'd have to go out and buy one, which I'd only do if I thought it would make a difference). See Image:Codex-seraphinianus-abbeville.jpg for an example of such reflections, though I'm trying to do a different book now. Phr (talk) 02:11, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I'd say you should remove the plastic. Then take the pic straight on with reflected soft lighting (no direct light). StuRat 04:25, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I'm not sure whether this would help, but have you thought about covering it with a piece of picture glass? We don't seem to have an article about it, but I mean the non-reflective glass used to protect pictures.--Shantavira 08:49, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I hadn't thought about that. It might be worth a try. That glass is pretty expensive though, and I guess it would have to be pressed tight against the book cover to eliminate any air gaps under the glass, which might not be easy. Phr (talk) 08:58, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

If you use ordinary glass that should help to keep the cover flat, though. Another idea is to prevent direct light, as StuRat already pointed out. Photographing outside was the right idea, but by far most light will still come from the direction where the Sun is, even on a cloudy day (we don't notice that because our eyes compensate for it). So it would be best to do that in the shade of a house. And maybe even better to do that on a cloudy day to maximise the scattering of light. DirkvdM 09:06, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Have you tried scanning it instead or is there a reason it must be a photo?

Just position it so that the main light source is on the opposite side of the book, then it cannot reflect off of the near side. Philc _T^E_C^I 13:41, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

What a weird cover. I'd try scanning it. Barring that, I'd try taking two pictures of it, one with glare on each side, and try to stitch it together in Photoshop. --Fastfission 20:04, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

East Timor Resources

What are East Timors Resources and how do they use them? Thanx

Economy of East Timor will give you an idea. David Sneek 06:37, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Page about ME

Hello, Are there any Wikipedia rules that would prohibit me from writing a Wikipedia entry about myself? How cool would that be! As!a

Yeah, check out our policy on vanity. This might be useful too. Isopropyl 04:47, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

If you create an account you can write all you wish about yourself on your user page. As for an actual Wikipedia article - have you done anything that makes you important enough to merit one? DirkvdM 08:50, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

We're all special --Froth 15:37, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I would like to point out that signing up just to make a userspace and not contribute to the project itself is using Wikipedia as a free host service which is explicitly forbidden in WP:NOT (as is self-promotion). I recommend not writing about yourself regardless of whether you're famous enough. - 87.209.70.231 10:35, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

So being special is not a notability trait. As I'm not so much special, maybe would I be notable enough ? --DLL 19:59, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

If someone else has written about you in a print publication, then you can start thinking about whether or not you deserve an article. And by then chances are that someone else will have made the article already. —Daniel (‽) 20:23, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Froth is right, we're all special. (Rant time) I object to the way the media calls any kid with cancer a "special child". It's not that they're not special, but the message seems to be that in order to be considered special, you've got to be a cute kid who happens to have a terminal disease. And kids who get run over or attacked are always "angels". Well, of course they are, but what about the kids who have the misfortune not to be run over or attacked? Are they devils or something? (End of rant). JackofOz 12:47, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

You're right, they aren't special, but they are heroes. ;-) --Fastfission 20:02, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

three in one

okay..are the reality tv series - apprentice and rebel billionaire actually true?or is it fiction.do they actually reward thsoe guyz with jobs in their companies as when in if i decided to go top trump tower al find bill,or if i go to virgin al find the guy who won. who shot tupac?is it suge knight? who shot jfk?

To answer your first question, the jobs actually exist (as one-year contracts), but are probably as much a publicity/public relations job as a "real" job. Bill Rancic probably spends more time promoting "his" building than he does negotiating with sprinkler system subcontractors. For the rest, you should read our articles on Tupac Shakur, John F. Kennedy and Capitalization. --ByeByeBaby 13:19, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Reality show means it really happened, and least in some sense. Try reading The Apprentice and Rebel Billionaire and use the search box for more information on the other topics.--Shantavira 13:17, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Merely Semantic or functioning words?

[I'm setting up a not for profit organisation (Aviation Services and Development in West Africa) and I'm having difficulties understanding what an Executive Council is and if members of this council get paid. I am also confused about the difference between a Trustee and a Patron and if either of these get paid in an NPO? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 196.29.120.70 (talk • contribs)

The rules will vary from one country to another. I suggest you contact the appropriate regulatory body in the particular country in which you are setting up this organisation. They should be able to provide you with an information pack explaining the rules. It will be the equivalent of the UK's Charity Commission or the tax department. Another local non-profit organisation might also be able to advise you.--Shantavira 13:43, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

General Colin Powell

How would I contact General Colin Powell - via email or USPS letter? Thank you.

HERE.--Anchoress 13:25, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

You'd probably have best luck at the mailing address they give:

• Hon. Colin Powell
• Secretary of State
• U.S. Department of State
• 2001 C Street NW
• Washington, DC 20520

--Froth 15:40, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Apparently Powell now works here. This company's address is here. If you write to him as Secretary of State, it might just go to the office of Condoleeza Rice. --Allen 15:47, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Oh of course! I merely saw a mailing address on the page, decided it would be taken more seriously than an email, and pasted it here so nobody would have to go to that organization's website. I should have read more carefully --Froth 15:51, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

You can always send mail to his son, Semicolon. :-) 02:07, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

That would be even funnier if his wife's name was Dot. :-p --Phelan 03:01, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes, "Colon and Dot led an idyllic life, except that it was punctuated by occasional bouts of PMS, just before her period. Unfortunately, eventual doubts regarding young Semicolon's paternity left a question mark over their lives." StuRat 03:10, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Hot conditioning treatments - how hot is too hot?

I found an awesome way to condition my hair, by gooing it with oodles of conditioner and olive oil, putting it in a plastic bag, and putting the bag on my heating pad. My hair has never been better. But I wonder, how hot can I set the pad before I'm actually damaging my hair with the heat? I asked my hairdresser, but she just said that I should quit and go back to paying her $60 for treatments in the salon, so I think she's biased. Let me make it clear, the treatments (on low) definitely work. I've been doing it for 6 months, and the positive effects are at worst reproducable (sp?), and at best cumulative. But I'm wondering how high a setting I can use? Can hair actually burn when below boiling point wet heat is applied to it?--Anchoress 13:23, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

If it's working on the low setting, no need to turn it up! Be careful not to get the heating pad wet - oil and "oodles of conditioner" may be flammable. Also I'd question the heating pad's involvement at all.. do you get the same results without heat? --Froth 15:43, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I understand the reasoning, but if hotter is better I'd like to try hotter. And definitely the heat works better. Any heat is better than none, and the heating pad is better than any other heat source I've tried. And don't worry, I've never had a leak. I use two layers of plastic bag sealed to my ponytail with elastics, it's never leaked.--Anchoress 17:24, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I'd be worried about it leaking out, say if you are forced to evacuate your house in a hurry. Hot enough oil could severely burn your scalp and even cause death. I suspect that, like most chemical reactions, heat only speeds up the reaction, it doesn't change the reaction. So, a longer time at a lower temp should have the same effect, and yet be much safer. StuRat 09:15, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Well take my word for it, safety is not an issue. And believe me, I've had long hair for most of my life (and BTW I don't condition my whole hair, just the bottom foot of it, so it never touches my scalp, it's totally sealed in a plastic bag), and I have never had such a good condition, even when I used to leave cold conditioner and oil on my head overnight. So I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'd have to leave conditioner on my hair for days, or maybe weeks, to have the same effect 2 hours with the hot treatment has on my hair. And BTW, thanks for the concern, but there's no way a substance heated with a heating pad, even on high, could cause death when applied to the scalp lol. It isn't even hot enough to burn, just a bit uncomfortable.--Anchoress 09:21, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I thought it said "heating plate", and those get hot enough to cook things. I suppose heating pads are a lot cooler. StuRat 20:10, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

LOL yeah well that would be dangerous. --Anchoress 01:59, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I thought it was pretty straightforward (cuz I said I put my hair in a bag, and put the bag on the heating pad (rather than saying I put my head in a bag and put my head on the heating pad) but maybe people are not able to picture this. I have below waist-length hair. I put the hair in a ponytail on top of my head. I take two produce bags (not shopping bags, long clear plastic produce bags, like bread bags). I put some conditioner and oil in one, then I put my hair in it, squeeze out the air and close it with an elastic at the top of my head over the ponytail elastic. Then I take a wet facecloth, wrap that around the bag, put the other bag over it, squeeze the air out of that, and seal the whole thing with another elastic. The whole thing is totally contained, and if I put a hat over my head I can actually go out wearing it. Then, I get comfy on the sofa and put the bags on the heating pad, which is resting on a pillow on the arm of the sofa above (not under) my head. My heating pad no way gets hot enough to flash oil, or even alcohol, lol. But there is no way it would ever leak, and it isn't the slightest bit unsafe. :-) Hope that clears things up for the safety-conscious posters.--Anchoress 09:31, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

When I first read this, I thought you had a wig! "...put my hair in a bag..." When I've burnt hair before, it's always been with a flame. I know hair straighteners can burn hair if left too long in one place, but I don't imagine anything you can hold your hand against without burning yourself will cause problems. Skittle 15:02, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Yeah, I put my hair in a bag along with my false teeth and glass eye, lol.--Anchoress 01:59, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

hi Anchoress, just want to ask which conditioner do you use, and do you mix it with olive oil directly? and how long do you keep the mixture before you wash your hair? Sorry for being weird and asking you this but I am intrested in soothing my hair too .

No probs. It's an awesome treatment so I love to recommend it. My hair is very long but not very thick, and I need a total of about 3/4 of a cup of mixture, comprised of: two conditioners, SBT Seabuckthorn and Redken Allsoft for chemically-treated hair, and olive oil (I don't bother getting EVOO). I need about 2 tablespoons of each of the conditioners and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and I mix them in a cup and put it on dry hair. This is important for two reasons; it keeps the mixture from getting too messy, and it keeps to a minimum the amount of water absorbed by the hair. I put the whole thing in a bag and leave it on under heat for at least an hour, preferably two. Hope that helps; don't hesitate to ask anything else you want to know.--Anchoress 11:44, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Oh I wanted to add that it's important to use conditioner with the olive oil, because the conditioner makes the oil wash away much more easily; you don't have to wash your hair 8 times before showing your face in public.--Anchoress 11:49, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I also wanted to add that re: the oil, a finer, 'cosmetic-friendly' oils like fruit seed oils (grapeseed, avocado, apricot, etc) would probably be marginally better than olive; and palm, coconut, jojoba or shea would probably be good too. I don't think any oil would be bad, but personally I wouldn't use a bleached, heat extracted or other generic cooking oil. Also make sure it isn't rancid, or you'll stink forever. As it is, I smell a bit like mayonnaise for a day or so.--Anchoress 14:54, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Thanks a lot Anchoress for sharing a precious piece of information,honestly so nice of you.Wish you all the very best in you life.

Rediffusion pole.

Is there any one out there who can tell me if there is any one still responsable for Rediffusion equipment left behind because I have a very large pole with wire leading from it in my back garden. Besides it being in the way, I am concerned that it might be unsafe. Thanks for any help given, Val.

After almost 40 years, I would expect it to manifest some kind of trouble if it were dangerous. Also if nobody's come by and claimed it yet, I wouldn't hesitate to take it down - perhaps fold it up or something and tuck it away in case you're held liable in the future --Froth 15:49, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

History : Furniture.

What was the original purpose of bed headboards?

Peter Buck

Probably to keep the pillow from falling off the back of the bed, especially while you're sleeping. See Headboard (furniture) --Froth 15:45, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Or, if you live in warmer climes, to protect your head from the centipedes and scorpions that crawl up the walls.--Anchoress 17:22, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Something to hold onto.--Teutoberg 18:23, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Especially for the seal. --Lambiam^Talk 23:54, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Never forget vanity. It may be that heaboards came about to show the difference in beds between the ordinary folk and their ruler. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 08:28, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I can attest to the pillow retention reason. My current bed lacks a headboard and, sure enough, the pillow keeps falling behind the bed. A secondary reason is that colored sheets and blankets pressing against a white wall can discolor it. StuRat 09:06, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Funny, on my bed the pillow keeps getting lodged behind the headboard, making it a pain to get it back. smurrayinchester^{(User), (Talk)} 20:47, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

It sounds like your headboard isn't high enough. My last bed with a headboard had one about two feet higher than the mattress, so you would have to throw the pillow to get it over that. StuRat 17:25, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Certainly scorpions can climb above it and onto your head. --Proficient 04:16, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

The bed frame should be placed clear of the walls, not against them. The headboard then keeps the mattress from shifting position up against the wall. While a scorpion can still climb up the bed legs, there are cures for that, too, like glue boards around the feet. StuRat 17:25, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

what's brown and dirty and comes out of Cowes?

what's brown and dirty and comes out of Cowes?

Dunno. But you forgot to link to "s". David Sneek 17:08, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Not to mention "'". David Sneek 17:08, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

You may be thinking of a very old joke enquiring what is brown and comes steaming backwards out of Cowes. The answer used to be the Isle of Wight ferry, but these ferries are now white.--Shantavira 17:36, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Three columns of Userboxes

How do you make three columns of Userboxes? If you see User:Reywas92/Userboxes, I have two columns, but I want three. Thanks! Reywas92 17:01, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

You'll probably have to remake all your tables. You would need one wikitable that looks somewhat like the one below (view the edit box—I can't make the space-before-the-line method work. Hyenaste ^(tell) 22:54, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

About me	{{userbox}}	{{userbox}}
{{userbox}}	{{userbox}}	{{userbox}}
{{userbox}}	Interests	{{userbox}}
etc...	etc...	etc...

Washington Flag

Place your cursor in the blank space on the left and click. It is the flag of Washington state. I have put this in my user page, but it is all white, and it is invisible here too. Why? Could someone please fix it? Thanks! Reywas92 17:44, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I don't know. It's an SVG picture, which means it's made of vector graphics rather than bitmap graphics. Clicking on it displays it converted to PNG, which is a bitmap format. Maybe it's something to do with SVG. JIP | Talk 17:58, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

I fixed it. You can't make it 70 pixels for some reason. — [Mac Davis] (talk)

Is it fixed? Still looks white to me. - THE GREAT GAVINI {T-C} 07:02, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Look fine to me in IE. What browser doesn't it appear in?--Shantavira 07:31, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

• Have you tried refreshing the page? - 87.209.70.231 10:31, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Wait, no, it's fine now. Phew! - THE GREAT GAVINI {T-C} 14:56, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

School question

plz i am in ghana and did go to school but could not complete my highschool.but now i want to school in the nursing field at canada .so plz i will like to know how it will go and the steps i will be taking.i dont have any relations there but i want to school there and pursue my degree thank you

I think this question would have better chances on the 'Misc' page.--Light current 16:18, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

You would probably first have to pass the GED test. Then you would need to be accepted into a nursing school. Some nursing programs may help you with the first part. Here is a directory of Canadian nursing schools [11]. Nowimnthing 19:35, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

JOB SEARCH FOR EX-LAWYER/BUSINESS MAN

Open Research Question:

I'm looking for particular professional career managers, search groups, usernets, agencies, descriptive information on empolyers, job locations and professional career availability in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and in Las Vegas, Nevada and Orlando, Florida. I find MONSTER, CAREER BUILDER, DICE and other websites entirely useless; including Korn Ferry and Futurestep.

I've made the transition from Law into marketing, sales, and executive management and I find that having a J.D. and having once practiced law (no longer active), although useful, makes me a priaha in the employment field.

Hopefully, search information, data on employers, etc. would help. Any other suggestions would be likewise reviewed with interests.

Please email me at email removed for your own good Thanks, Kit

Report

Im doing a report on Arabic Language Wikipedia and information on it is pretty scarce, I was wondering if you could provide any info, or sources? Thanks--Elatanatari 21:49, 7 August 2006 (UTC) Just General information such as a basic history, important events/milestones, distinguishing characteristics, and if possible some information about censorship.

If you don't get an answer here, you might contact some of the Users listed at Category:User ar. This is for Users of the English language Wikipedia who speak Arabic. User:Zoe|(talk) 23:39, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Thanks--69.215.245.243 19:44, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Google might be helpful. --Proficient 04:17, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Jewellery

I am looking to find a peice of jewellery i have , just to find some information on it do you have any search engines on that or would you know of any websites that might be of intrests.

I wouldn't think you'd have much luck searching the Internet unless you know a lot about it; like the type of jewelry, materials, manufacturer, age, etc. If you don't have that info, you might want to take it to an antique dealer, specializing in jewelry, for identification and appraisal. StuRat 09:00, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

EBay might help to find related objects' prices. -- DLL ^{.. T} 19:02, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Adding to the site

Is it possible to add to the site and if so how do i go about doing so?

I wanted to add a definition/biography for Richard Alvin, who at 30 was the owner of Docklands News & City & Islington News Weekly Newspapers and whose company produced the first corporate magazine for London 2012, but was also the elected Vice Chairman of the Docklands Business Club for 5 years and at 27 the youngest member of the London Chamber of Commerce Board.

My contact details are: e-mail address deleted

Anyone can edit an existing article by clicking on the "edit this page" tab at the top of the page. To start a new article requires you to create an account first, by clicking the "create account" link in the top right-hand corner of any Wikipedia page. Then if you click Richard Alvin you will get an edit box where you can start editing. Make sure that your article meets the notability requirements for people and the policies such as neutral point of view and verifiability. See also Your first article. Happy editing. --Lambiam^Talk 00:10, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Since when do you need an account to create an article? The 'how to' section for creating articles doesn't mention it, neither does the 'contributing' section.--Anchoress 00:33, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Not sure what pages you're looking at - Help:Starting a new page mentions it in the very first sentence. As for when, it was put in by Jimbo Wales following the John Seigenthaler Sr. Wikipedia biography hoo-hah. --Sam Blanning^(talk) 00:39, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Oh, OK, news to me. The articles I was looking at were both in the FAQ, 'contributing' and 'how to'.--Anchoress 00:48, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Usually it's a good idea to have an account. --Proficient 04:18, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

August 8

Waluigi Pinball Wizardry

Playing the ol' Mario Kart DS recently, I noticed that the item box roulette sound was quite a bit different on Waluigi Pinball than on the other courses (more arcadey, which is fitting, I guess). However I have no good way to prove my suspicion it does. Also, I'm don't know if any other courses have a different item roulette sound to all the others, or whether this phenomenon is confined to this one course, in this one game (don't misunderstand me, because obviously the item roulette sounds are different in each game). Can anyone help? Vitriol 01:12, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes, I've played through that course again, and the item roulette sound is definitely different. I believe that the roulettes on all the other courses are the same, as I've played through each course countless times (trying to get a rank of one star or higher on every course). Also, the roulette in previous most likely all sound the same (I only own Double Dash and this, so I may be wrong, but if Double Dash Didn't have it, the previous games most likely don't, either. -- TheGreatLlama ^{(speak to the Llama!)} 01:22, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Maybe it's an easter dreg. Vitriol 01:39, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Tequila mixto

It is my understanding that tequila not using 100% agave is designated a mixto. Further, mixto must contain at least 51% agave and bottled at the distillery to be tequila. I have now discovered that if the tequila is shipped in bulk and bottled in another country (ie USA) the agave factor may drop to 40%? Can anyone verify/clarify this as fact or folly? Thanks. --Walther40 01:57, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

BBC World / Reuters correspondent

Hello,

I'm looking for the name of a correspondent for BBC World and Reuters (i guess) in Hong Kong. The show is called World Business Report and apparently she's not on the BBC website information. Thanks!

ThelmaL 06:43, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

It could possibly be Tara Joseph, a Reuters correspondent based in Hong Kong. --Canley 23:17, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes, saw it this morning on TV, thanks anyway. ThelmaL 05:47, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Songs

This is a strange question, but I'm looking for songs/music that would have been well known in 1780's Britan (or there about) I am looking for specific examples, not types.

One example - George Frideric Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah (1742). Still well-known today - THE GREAT GAVINI {T-C} 07:05, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

You want to look at Charles Dibdin and, for example, his song Tom Bowling. Try http://www.contemplator.com/history/dibdin.html --G N Frykman 08:19, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I'm looking for something more familiar to the common man/peasent, like something that doesn't necessiraly have any musical excellence,just very familiar to many people in that time and place.

Yankee Doodle started out as a song making fun of American soldiers at about that time (a tad bit earlier, during the French and Indian War). StuRat 08:51, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Would that have been known in Britain? What about songs by Thomas Arne or his son, such as "The Lass with the Delicate Air". JackofOz 09:45, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I should think so, having been brought there by returning British soldiers. As for your suggestion, "lass" doesn't rhyme with "air", how could we fix that ? :-) StuRat 20:20, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Well, I myself personally prefer lads with delicate ... airs (ahem). That doesn't solve your rhyming problem, but the mental image certainly makes me feel better.  :--) JackofOz 22:11, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Really ? Since you were married and had kids I assumed you were straight. I guess you've decided to "pitch for the other team". Oh well, I suppose somebody has to "do crack". :-) StuRat 17:32, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

If that was a flirt, I'm sorry but I'm spoken for, and I don't play around. But I appreciate the interest anyway, and if I had the remotest idea of what you actually look like, I might even be flattered. (I do have a made-up mental image of you, but it's not a pretty sight). :--) Seriously though, I've mentioned this various times on the Ref Desk. Seems you haven't been paying attention to my posts, Stu, or read my profile carefully enough. My male partner is mentioned there before my previous history (which is really only there so that I can acknowledge my kids. Despite appearances, not all Aussies are "bastards"). JackofOz 10:44, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Ewwwww ! No, it's definitely not "a flirt". I don't get "into" guys and I don't go "down" or "under". "Not that there's anything wrong with that", to quote Seinfeld. StuRat 16:32, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

You might try things that are currently Nursery Rhymes and Traditional Songs, like Pop goes the weasel. I'm sure many others of these would be known too. Skittle 10:43, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I can't find my book of Nersury Rhymes that might help with dates, but Carols are also a good place to look. Hark the Herald Angels got added to the New Version of the Psalms in 1782, according to The New Oxford Book of Carols, While Shepherds Watched was ridiculously well known, as at one point (1700 - 1782) it was the only christmas song allowed in church. Both were added to the New Version of the Psalms by Tate and Brady and bound up with the Book of Common Prayer, and thus became known everywhere. However, bear in mind their tunes varied greatly. The tune we usually sing 'While Shepherd's watched' to (Winchester) is older than the words, so probably known then too. Look to hymn tunes and carol tunes for old melodies. The tune to the British version of 'Oh Little Town' is called 'Forest Green', the tune of 'Good King Wenceslas' is 'Tempus adest floridum'. The tune you probably know to 'Hark the Herald' was written by Mendelssohn later than your time-frame. It would probably have been fit to any popular hymn tune. Try searching for 'broadside' as well; things on them would have been well known to the public at the time of printing. Skittle 11:08, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

And finally, apparently the tune to which we sing 'God rest ye merry, gentlemen' was one of the most ubiquitous tunes in England for centuries. 'While Shepherds watched' to that would not be unusual. Skittle 11:12, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

• How about "The World Turned Upside Down"? It's said to have been played at Cornwallis' surrender:

If buttercups buzz'd after the bee,
If boats were on land, churches on sea,
If ponies rode men and if grass ate the cows,
And cats should be chased into holes by the mouse,
If the mamas sold their babies
To the gypsies for half a crown;
If summer were spring and the other way round,
Then all the world would be upside down.

--jpgordon^∇∆∇∆ 14:14, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

What about works by Robert Burns? He even came up with his own version of John Barleycorn and there's a large list here. The first printed version of Barbara Allen came out in 1780. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 15:54, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

How about "To Anacreon in Heaven"? User:Zoe|(talk) 16:37, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

And Lilliburlero. JackofOz 22:13, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

This is all very good-i only expected like 3 answers lol. Thanks to everyone who answered-i got more than i need.

Cite Additions to an article

I have recently made additions to the chevron article and am able to give very relavant proof of my criticisms, but am not sure how to do this. It basically concerning thier involvement in the 1985 Sudanese conflict. how would i do this.—Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk • contribs)

• What form is this citation in? Is it a book, a website or something else? Wikipedia:Cite your sources should get you on your way. - 87.209.70.231 10:28, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I fact as well as in the book They Poured Fire on us From the Sky by Alephosion Deng Benson Deng and Benjamin Ajak, (all southern sudanese Dingka refugese(i think they would know)) It i possable to see that when the oil fields in sudan were discovered, it coincided with the government expulsion and land grab of southern sudan by the janjaweed, to remove the native unhabitants and gain control of the oil reserves. Read your cite link, thanks but not much help.

To use that as an inline citation, you would use the following code:

<ref>{{cite book | title=They Poured Fire on us From the Sky | first=Alephosion | last=Deng | coauthors=Deng, Benson; Ajak, Benjamin; Bernstein, Judy A | publisher=PublicAffairs | id=ISBN 1586483889}}</ref>

Horrible looking, I know, but it's not all that bad once you peer at it. The <ref></ref> tags will put whatever is in the middle of those tags into a footnote wherever there is a <references/> tag. In Chevron Corporation, that's already there in the 'Notes' section (edit it and have a look), so all you have to do is add the above code to the end of whatever you wrote, and when you click 'save', a footnote number will appear at the end of your paragraph and the reference will be in the 'Notes' section. m:Cite.php has the full explanation, as well as better (colour-coded) examples.

The {{cite book}} template that I've put within the ref tags automatically fills out a suitable citation when you input the author(s), title, publisher and ISBN number as described above. You can just write the citation yourself, but {{cite book}} makes sure the style is right. --Sam Blanning^(talk) 12:41, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

If you wish to add inline citations checkout this page. TomStar81 02:09, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Minimum Markup Laws/Underselling?

What is it called when you sell a product for less than others? (As in, say, a large grocery store coming to a small store and running the local grocery store out of business by charging rock-bottom prices, and then driving up prices once there is no competition?)

A local grocery store where I live is always in trouble for charging less for gasoline than smaller convenient stores, violating "minimum markup laws," yet there's no article for the term, so I'm not sure if that's what it's called. --Demonesque 11:04, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Under cutting is the term. One under cutts the competition. This is highly unethical. But price fixing can also lead to accusations of a consortium or mafia type sydicatism

No, undercutting is different, and is neither illegal nor unethical - it's the reason capitalism works. Predatory pricing is the answer to the original poster's question, but it's selling at a loss (rather than below a certain markup) that's illegal, and only under certain circumstances. Ironfrost 11:44, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

(after edit conflict) The "it's just good business" term is loss leader (where you sell one or two headline items off cheap, in the hope of getting more punters in the door - garden centres sell growbags cheap, in the hope people will buy expensive plants to put in them). But doing it to deliberatly damage a competitor (rather than just a clever strategy for making money in the short term) is called predatory pricing. Writing a law which allows effective detection and prosecution of the former, without making introductory offers, sales, and other perfectly legal and welcome promotions is very difficult (which is why prosecutions for predatory pricing are very rare). "Undercutting" absolutely isn't the correct term - undercutting simply means "selling for less than the competition" - if you run your business better than your competitor (cheaper rent, better negiciation, lower costs, buying in bulk) then it's perfectly fair and legal that you undercut him, and it's to the benefit of the consumer. A "minimum markup law" sounds like a scheme for bad businessmen to evade lawful competion and keep fleecing the consumer. See also dumping (pricing policy) when artificially low pricing concerns international trade. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 11:52, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Thank you for your answers. :) --Demonesque 11:59, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I should explain why "undercutting" is typically legal but "predatory pricing" and "dumping" are sometimes not. If your company can actually sell for less and still make a profit, because it's more efficient, then your company should survive and push out the competitors. However, when a company isn't more efficient but has deeper pockets (lots of cash), they can sell at a loss, forcing the competition to do the same and go out of business first. The idea is then to sell more and at higher prices, after the competition has been removed. In the case of dumping, one country provides subsidies to an industry to enable them to sell at prices that otherwise would have meant a loss. The idea is to destroy the industry in other nations, then sell to them at higher prices, once they have no alternative domestic source of production. China does this a lot, and has destroyed many industries already, such as TV manufacturing in the US. StuRat 20:49, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Governments do this too, by letting airplanes run on tax-free fuel. This gives airlines an unfair advantage (and a huge one) over other transportation modes. I've once heard that this combined with the fact that airlines are having difficulties surviving means it's a pretty crappy business - if the free market were to operate here, there would be just a few airlines with small airplanes for the very rich. DirkvdM 05:27, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I don't think failing to tax fuel (iniquitous as it is) makes much difference. It's the free market which has driven prices down, and bankrupted the inefficient. If all airlines had to pay tax on fuel, it would drive everyone's prices up and move the competition on. (It might also reduce demand, leading to contraction, but that's a different issue; contraction can be hard to manage even for efficient and profitable businesses). The US could introduce fuel tax, and it could work. In Europe and smaller countries, it may not work as expected; companies could simply buy their fuel where it remains untaxed, even if they have to waste more fuel flying there, or flying with excess fuel. So the effect could be the opposite of what environmentalists want (less flights). In terms of competition with trains, for example, the tax issue is very real in Europe. Notinasnaid 17:58, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes, I was talking about alternatives like trains and ships (sea or river). Neither are a good option in the US, but in Europe they are. This would mostly influence holiday makers, to whom an extra half day travelling is often an option. But then this should be done throughout Europe to avoid people flying to a neighbouring country. Flying with excess fuel will probably not happen because airports don't allow that (for security reasons), I believe. Another option would be to not tax the energy for trains and ships either. Which would be an ironic way to get energy consumption down.

By the way, not only environmentalists (should) want this. As far as I am concerned this is basically just about climate change, not the enviroment in general. And if you don't give a hoot about the climate or the environment (or don't think tere is a threat), then there is still the problem of energy sources running out, and there will be very few who don't acknowledge that problem. Although some might think that it will not affect them in their lifetime and don't want to be bothered with the consequences to others (future generations). Alas there are too many such people. DirkvdM 09:50, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Then there is the basic issue of fairness. How is it fair to passenger train and ship companies to charge them fuel tax but exempt their competition ? I suppose such a policy could be justified when the airline industry was young, but now that it's mature, such a tax advantage to one industry would be expected to lead to an inefficient allocation of resources, with more people taking flights despite the greater pre-tax costs. I wonder if those industries negatively effected can sue the government for discriminating against them. StuRat 16:42, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Which government? I believe the official excuse for this is that airports are political no-man's land. Then again, I doubt that countries have given up the right to enforce their laws there completely. DirkvdM 04:09, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Airports are not "a political no-mans land". They are each controlled by a specific government. The only exception I can think of is "duty free shops", which are exempt from the tax laws of that government. They don't sell jet fuel at those shops, though, unless you feel like running your jet on wine, LOL. (Although, if the pilots are drunk, why shouldn't the plane get drunk, too ?) StuRat 21:12, 12 August 2006 (UTC)

Incredible. When I search for the terms 'tax' and 'fuel' on the airport, aviation and list of aviation topics articles, I get nothing on this (only remarks about expensive fuel!), nor when I search for 'air' or 'plane' on fuel tax. Surely this issue must be dealt with somewhere on Wikipedia? DirkvdM 04:26, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Do I Need a Visa to this country?

I am a malysian citizen. i have a malaysian passport. do I need a visa to go Japan?

This page doesn't list Malaysia as one of the visa exempt nations, so it looks very likely that you will require a visa to enter Japan. You'll need to visit a Japanese embassy or consulate in Malasia to obtain a visa. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 12:31, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I'm really curious now since some of the countries have a 3 month period and some a 90 day period, but that makes no sense to me as 90 days isn't that far off from 3 months. Is it a country thing? ColourBurst 20:48, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

The Embassy of Japan in Malaysia website gives a lot of useful information. If you do not live near Kuala Lumpur, there are consulates in Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu. You can obtain a visa from any of these (addresses and telephone numbers). Visas are free of charge, and this page lists the various requirements. It mentions that there is a visa-exeption arangement between Japan and Malaysia, but that all Malaysian nationals are now encouraged to obtain a visa before travel. — Gareth Hughes 14:01, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Reading between the lines, I am guessing that the visa exemption was left in place formally to let Malaysia "save face," but that if a Malaysian national arrived at a Japanese airport without a visa, that person might be required to produce an unpredictable list of documents to prove that he or she did not intend to stay in Japan (e.g., a return ticket, proof of ongoing employment in Malaysia, or who knows what else) and could end up on the next plane back to Malaysia. If I were Malaysian, I would get the visa first. Marco polo 18:53, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I agree. I'm not at all proud of the fact, but it's common street knowledge that immigration officers here rarely give second glances to Canadian, US, British, or Australian passports, but are much more likely to "enforce rules" for visitors from South Asian and African countries. Racial profiling isn't exactly a topic that they talk about on the news.  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  19:46, 14 August 2006 (UTC)

Arneson

When is Dave Arneson's birthday? NeonMerlin 13:00, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Sometime in 1955

Axis of Justice

What are Axis of Justice, is it a political movement, or just a group of musicians sharing socialist ideology. What are their aims, is it purely musical, or are they actually trying to acheive something. The article is unclear. Are they actively doing anything to promote the opposition to capitolism that the article claims they have? Philc _T^E_C^I 13:34, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

cricket test match old trafford 1956

How many of the 1956 English Test team are still alive today in Aug 2006? 1956 was the year that Laker took all 19 wickets? Thankyou

Google did not provide me a useful source to help you. :\ --Proficient 04:20, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I'm looking at the article List of English Test cricketers, and clicking on the links to the ones who are listed as playing in 1956. So here goes: Jim Laker (died 1986); Godfrey Evans (died 1999); Johnny Wardle (died 1985); Trevor Bailey (still alive); Brian Close (still alive); Gilbert Parkhouse (died 2000); Doug Insole (still alive); Derek Shackleton (still alive); David Sheppard (died 2005); Brian Statham (died 2000); Willie Watson (died 2004); Tom Graveney (still alive); Peter May (died 1994); Fred Trueman (died 2006); Tony Lock (died 1995); Alan Moss (still alive); Bob Appleyard (still alive); Jim Parks junior (still alive); Peter Loader (still alive); Frank Tyson (still alive); Colin Cowdrey (died 2000); Ken Barrington (died 1981); Fred Titmus (seems to be still alive); Peter Richardson (still alive); Alan Oakman (still alive). I've left out ones where it says in the article they didn't play in 1956. --Canley 08:30, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Actually, Denis Compton (d.1997) and Cyril Washbrook (d.1999) are missing from the list above. Close, Parkhouse, Shackleton, Parks, Loader, Barrinton and Titmus did not appear in any matches. http://howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Series/SeriesAnalysis.asp?SeriesCode=0110&Scope=02 contains the series averages for England. Tintin (talk) 14:00, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Ladies' night

The Price discrimination article says nightclubs often hold ladies' nights (where women get discounts on admission and/or drinks) because a surplus of men is unpopular with both sexes. It seems to me that a nightclub (or, indeed, any institution catering mainly to heterosexually active singles — a "meat market") that has mostly women will be attractive to men, and vice versa, since it is easier to get an attractive date when there is more demand and less competition. Thus, it would tend toward equilibrium, and there should be no particular reason for the management to disturb this equilibrium. Perhaps someone could elucidate? NeonMerlin 14:32, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Some clubs have trouble getting women in and, as you have observed, this makes them less attractive to men too. These clubs hope that by attracting more women they will attract more men. (straight)Women are generally less likely to be attracted to a club full of straight men than straight men will be to be attracted to a club full of straight women. Or any women. Men seem to view clubs as an opportunity to meet women they might date (or more), women do not tend to view clubs as places to meet men to date. Thus their priorities are different. See what happened in Canal Street (Manchester). Women tend to like a club with fewer men. Does this help? Skittle 14:50, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Hmm, the article doesn't relate it, and I have no cites. Basically, women started going to the gay bars to avoid straight men. Straight men realised there were a lot of nubile young women in the bars, so they started going too. This culminated in a lot of the bars losing their character, some violence, and some bars started asking people if they were gay before letting them in. Canal Street found its feet again, but consider why those women were going to gay bars. Skittle 14:56, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I haven't read the price discrimination article (yet), and this might be a bit of a tangent, but there are other reasons why clubs and bars hold 'ladies' nights' besides trying to attract more women to make male customers happy. There are three issues: 1) women drink less than men; 2) some women feel uncomfortable going to bars alone; and 3) some women feel uncomfortable having more than one or two drinks in a bar (for safety, and also not to appear like a lush). 'Ladies' Nights' create the appearance of a safer, more fun and 'female friendly' bar atmosphere where women can relax and get plastered. The discount drinks aren't only to use women as lures for men, they're also to hopefully turn women who drop by the bar once a week with their boyfriends or co-workers into regulars.--Anchoress 15:03, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

This makes it seem like straight women do everything they can to avoid meeting straight men. JIP | Talk 15:07, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

LOL. I think it's a localised problem, not universal. No offence to any Brits reading, but I noticed Skittle cited a phenomenon documented in London, and I personally found the bar scene in the UK (when I lived there) a lot less ... refined (to put it politely) than what I was used to from the bar scene in Vancouver. It wasn't like a horror story or anything, but at pretty much all the bars and clubs I went to there were a lot more fights, a lot more juvenile behaviour (I had a guy drop his fly and piss in my purse when I refused to dance with him lol), and I was always a bit nervous leaving around closing time; it was a bit of an obstacle course outside with lots of drunk driving, lots of guys barfing and relieving themselves, and big groups of really drunk yobbos chucking beer bottles around and making a nuisance of themselves. Is Canada completely free of this behaviour? Oh no, definitely not. But for whatever reason, I found it way more common in the UK. I can completely understand London girls seeking out gay bars, because going to a straight bar in London without guys running shotgun was often more trouble than fun.--Anchoress 15:37, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

How rude, Miss Manners clearly states that the proper etiquette is to piss in a woman's shoe when she refuses to dance, not her purse ! :-) StuRat 20:39, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

No. Straight women just prefer not to be harassed (for lack of a better term) and bars are very easy places for harassment (people + drinking = logic out the window.) ColourBurst 20:36, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

(Canal Street is in Manchester). I don't think it's that there is more idiotic behaviour in the UK than elsewhere, but that the greater population density means the dickheads are always that much closer to you. Sausage fests are regarded as undesirable (within the hetero world, of course) in the US and Canada as they are elsewhere. Here is an interesting paper examining the fallacies inherent in applying a one-sided market analysis to a two-sided market (scroll down to section 2 - the eight fallacies), arguing that differential pricing in nightclubs is economically sound as men (who spend more) are more likely to go to clubs with a higher proportion of women. Natgoo 19:41, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Oops, sorry about being geography-deficient. But while I hear what you're saying, and I am not trying to turn my personal experience into a generalisation about a whole culture, but it wasn't just population density that made closing time harrowing at British pubs. --Anchoress 01:44, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I live in a small town in England (population 10,000 - only one night club) and I can assure that our local lads have nothing to learn from their big-city counterparts. Its not Saturday night if they dont end up blind drunk and having a ruck in tha car park. Jameswilson

So why would women go to a club, even at a discounted price, if not for a wide selection of straight men? If they want to meet other women, gay men or a more selective dating pool, it seems to me there should be other good places to do that (activity clubs, work, gyms, church/synagogue/mosque, etc.). I thought the purpose of going to nightclubs was short-term dating, plain and simple. Am I just not getting it? NeonMerlin 01:58, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Huh, wow. Not speaking for all women, but I have never gone to a bar or a club for 'short-term dating' purposes, I mean never. I go to meet people yes, sometimes, but just to socialise in situ, not to get picked up or to find a date. I think I'm like a lot of women who just go to dance, have a couple of drinks (no booze for me, just pepsi with extra cherries), have fun with friends, meet and chat and dance with new people, show off new shoes, unwind. Maybe that's the main problem? Men go to bars and clubs to pick up women, but women don't go there to get picked up? I know that if most of the men in a bar or club assumed I was there to get picked up/laid or whatever, I'd be hightailing it to a gay bar too, lol.--Anchoress 03:23, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Where do women generally go to find a date, then? JIP | Talk 16:15, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

The Internet? LOL. Uh, I'm not the person to ask because I get stopped on the street and asked for dates (not kidding, not boasting). But work, school, hobbies, thru friends and family, fender benders, pet cemeteries, the gym, and, uh, clubs? Lol. I've never gone to a club to get a date, but I have gone on dates with guys I met at clubs. Nothing came of it, but a date's a date!--Anchoress 16:28, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Anchoress, I think myspace is geared more towards teens and people in their twenties. I remember one of my friends going out on a date with a guy who asked her out in a bus. Anyways, "finding a date" isn't really a problem for a lot of women. "Finding a date with someone that fits into her idea of what a date should be like" is another story. ColourBurst 20:36, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Um... that was a joke? Hence the 'LOL'?--Anchoress 01:01, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

I'm guessing that it's exactly this sort of thinking that would lead a woman to want to go to a club where she's less likely to be hit upon. (Disclaimer: I'm male, and I've been happily married for over 20 years.)–RHolton≡– 03:22, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Not really. Some of my female friends actually go to clubs to dance and talk with friends. It's not out of the question. ColourBurst 20:36, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

getting a wikipedia reference

Does anyone know what to do to get your own wikipedia reference?—Preceding unsigned comment added by Babarella81 (talk • contribs)

I'm not sure I understand your question. What do you mean by a "reference"? Do you mean an article? And do you mean an article about yourself? First, please see WP:BIO to determine if you are notable enough for your own article. User:Zoe|(talk) 16:39, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Do you want an article or a user page? These are completely different things. You should only get an article if you're well known enough for someone, whom you have never met, to have heard of you and think you're famous enough to be mentioned. OTOH, you can create a user page straight away, and put almost anything you like in there - the only restriction is not to treat it like a free blog or web hotel, but instead try to keep it related to your life in Wikipedia. JIP | Talk 16:45, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

To create your own user page, click here, read the notes at the top of the page, then type away. Click "on save page" to finish.--Shantavira 17:58, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Ambiguous. --Proficient 04:23, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Animated Nature

Hello, I dont know if this is where to ask but if not can someone point me in the right direction. My father died a couple of years ago and we have been left with a book of his and need to know if we should get it valued and insured as the book seems to be very old. It is called The Victorial Museum of Animated Nature, Volume 1, Mammalia Birds and i think wrote by Charles Knight and co, Ludgate Street and printed by William Clowes and Sons, Stamford Street. It is a lovely book with over 1700 illustrations. Please come back to me with any ideas

Mel

Well some illustrated nature books are quite valuable, like those of John James Audubon. So, yes, I would have it appraised, especially if you have a first edition. StuRat 20:32, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Look for it on http://www.abebooks.com/ Hint: it is probably Pictorial Museum which seems to be of some value. MeltBanana 23:16, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Have you thought of scanning these illustrations and uploading them to Wikimedia Commons? If you're not interested in doing it yourself, there's probably some place you could donate it for a really good tax write-off. NeonMerlin 01:49, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) landscape

I am trying to understand the entire landscape of "Corporate and Institutional Banking". A very high level, tree stucture with examples, etc would be very helpful. As of now a google for "CIB" returns links to various banks, but nothing on what CIB is or what are the various services that fall under CIB, etc.

any links, leaders to this topic would be highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Regards Arun Prabhu

Military Identification Tags

What is the significance if a man gives a lady friend one of his dog tags? Is there a level of commitment implied there? Is it different in the Italian army?

That she's a bitch? Not sure if they have dogs in the Italian army. DirkvdM 05:31, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I think it's likely that the questioner is referring to dog tag (identifier) rather than Dog tags. You probably already knew that.-gadfium 06:10, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Since it presumably didn't cost him anything, I wouldn't assume it suggests any commitment whatsoever, unless he's made that explicit. These tags are of course intended to enable bodies to be indentified.....--Shantavira 08:58, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Well, that suggests that he intends to kill her and mutilate the body, leaving only the dog tags to make the identification. It obviously means that he intends to fake his own death.

On a more serious note, it means whatever the couple in question decide that it means. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 14:55, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Is it just me or is help desk getting progressively more and more snarky? Seems like only 1 out of every five or so questions are getting answered. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 16:08, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Well, alright then - you come up with a serious and helpful answer to this question. DirkvdM 16:56, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I agree with Darkfred also, and I think several people did come up with serious and helpful answers. --LarryMac 20:56, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I agree with Darkfred. Wow, guys, don't jump all over the guy. When my grandfather came back from the Korean war he gave my grandmother his dog tags that we wore all through it as a way of reaffirming his commitment to her as her husband. I suppose actually giving a dog tag to someone might imply that you are well acquainted with the person, unless you specifically apply more meaning to it. I suppose if you were going to be really romantic (read: cliche), you could say something like, "I want you to have these so that I'll always be with you, even when I'm not here." Not something I would do personally, though; I don't think I could pull it off without laughing. As for the italian army, you'll have to make your own prognosis as to whether it is different or not. --69.138.61.168 17:19, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

At first glance, it would seem like no, it does not imply commitment. But it very well depends on the context. --Proficient 11:52, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Microsoft Downloads

I came across a Microsoft Download before that allowed the admin account on your pc to apply certain settings to other users such as disable right click, only allow certain programs to run, etc. Now I cannot find it anymore and I was wondering if somebody here could help me. Thanks!! --Zach 20:44, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Maybe this is the policy tool that is included with the admin utilities. I think it was once called "Power Tools" or something. helohe (talk) 15:52, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

August 9

Brave New World

I remember trying to read that a long time ago, but it was distressing so I stopped. Anyways, I remember reading near the beginning about a laundry girl, I think it was, who had a condition meaning her teeth were red... or something... and it had something to do with coral too, I think. What was that? I realise it's probably not anything real. Could I have an explanation, please? Vitriol 03:07, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Well I searched the online text link at the end of the article it did not take me long to find:

"Henry!" Her smile flashed redly at him–a row of coral teeth.

As the proceeding line mentions lupus I looked that up here at this very encyclopaedia and—discounting a Japanese rugby team—guessed that it may have been Lupus erythematosus Huxley was referring to, which mentions tooth reddening. Do you see how easy this internet thingy is? MeltBanana 14:23, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

animal census

I am doing a movie on human population worldwide and am looking for comparison with other semi-large animals to illustrate our proliferation. For instance, I have found that there are just under 1 billion sheep worldwide. I would like to compare with number of cattle, pigs, horses, coyotes or any other animal near our size worldwide. Thanks, Robert Simpson–

You can use the United Nations FAOStat website ([12]) for domestic animals. Search for "live animals" using "World" for the country. Pigs came in at almost 961,000,000 in 2005. Rmhermen 16:35, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Just count the legs and divide by four. -- DLL ^{.. T} 18:56, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Nike + Ipod

The Apple company has recently introduced what they call "Nike + Ipod". It is an excellent idea; one has a chip in his or her Nike shoe and it communicates with his or her Ipod making it act like an exercising database. The Ipod visibly and audibly informs the user of times, pace, calories burned, et cetera. This is all truly wonderful and I support the idea in full, however, this technology is only available for the Ipod nano; this, on the other hand, I absolutelly do not support and do not understand. Would it not be better for the Apple and Nike companies and thier customers if this technology were compatible for the video Ipods, or, better yet, all Ipods of all sizes and generations? Thank you in advance for your time and thought.

I would think the reason for this is that the iPod nano is a flash memory-based device, whereas the video iPods and all other iPods (apart from the iPod shuffle which doesn't have the screen or computing power to do this) use a small hard disk for storage. Now hard disks don't take all that kindly to being "jogged" around, while flash-memory being solid state has no moving parts and is less likely to be damaged by the owner running around with the iPod in their pocket. --Canley 08:07, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I would think the reason is they are trying to make the nano more appealing in the hop that you'll buy one, even though you don't need one. Philc _T^E_C^I 13:35, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

No, Canley is right. The hard-disk based iPods are unsuitable for any exercise more intense than walking. Taiq 13:54, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Thank you very much, I fully understand now.

Maybe you have an ipod that isn't Nano and you are concerned. :p --Proficient 11:55, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

mixametosis

Is there no article on mixametosis,the search turned up nothing, but then the search features pretty rubbish. Philc _T^E_C^I 13:33, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Your spelling is not exactly miraculous either. Try myxomatosis. JackofOz 13:41, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Still patronizing......

I googled mixemetosis, and used the did you mean, because I thought that would correct my spelling, obviously it didnt work. Philc _T^E_C^I 19:32, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

JackofOz has a point about your spelling, I do believe in the power of correction though :

"but then the search features pretty rubbish", don't you think it's a little strange this sentence has NO verb? Evilbu 13:47, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Your not reading it right, features is a verb. MeltBanana 14:32, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

No you're not reading it right (Philc's creative punctuation). 'IT' is the verb, as in 'But then the search feature is pretty rubbish'.--Anchoress 15:43, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I missed an apostrophe ok? Are you done now? Philc _T^E_C^I 19:32, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

A) Who are you? and B) Who are you talking to?--Anchoress 17:34, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I take offence at the suggestion that our contributions here are "pretty rubbish". Pretty can be a very insulting word, you know.  :--) JackofOz 14:47, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

If the 'search features pretty rubbish', that means that, when one searches, one is encouraged by a presentation of artwork made from re-used rubbish. Maybe I should look for this feature in my preferences. — Gareth Hughes 15:04, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Actually, this sentence no verb. --LarryMac 15:50, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

If you googled, then used "did you mean", I think your comments about the search feature being rubbish are misdirected. The searching was done by Google, not Wikipedia. Wikipedia's search feature isn't much cop as it happens, but your comments would carry more weight if you'd used it. Notinasnaid 17:52, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

But when I asked the question I didnt know I had mispelled it. Philc _T^E_C^I 19:34, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I tried a Google search with the misspelling and it did not prompt me with the familiar "did you mean ...?" There were approximately four pages of results with that spelling, actually. By the time I'd worked my way back to Wikipedia and Rabbits in Australia, Jack had provided the correct spelling. --LarryMac 20:54, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Now that you've got that out of your system, you might think about putting redirects together for likely mis-spellings of the word. Such as mixamatosis, mixematosis, mixemetosis, mixametosis, myxematosis, myxamatosis, myxemetosis, myxametosis, myxometosis, myxymatosis, myxymetosis, mixymatosis, mixymetosis &c. --Tagishsimon (talk)

Excuse me? Now that I've got that out of my system? Is there a reason for that tone? Pardon me for relating a data point based on the experience I had when making an honest attempt to answer the posted query. I think it's time I left the RDs for awhile. --LarryMac 12:53, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

This is a bad example because Myxo is admittedly very tricky. But as a general principle I have never liked our system of redirects from bad spellings. It does not foster people learning the correct spelling of words, but basically reinforces and rewards bad spelling. If you don't actually need the right spelling, why bother ever learning it? - this seems to be the prevailing principle. I don't have a problem with the principle of quick navigation to desired information, but I wonder if the price we are paying for it is too high. JackofOz 23:19, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I think it is wishful to think that failing to find the article is more likely to improve spelling than is redirecting to the correct spelling. Nor do I think we should place a premium on drilling spelling into users' heads at the cost of denying them ease of access to information. Finally I note that in the example in this case, Google did indeed suggest the myxy~ spelling, reminding us that this business of a consensus on spelling is a someone doubtful proposition. Other than those small points I am with you all the way, Jack. Although I'm not clear about what you think the price of the redirects is. --Tagishsimon (talk)

Bad spelling redirects are both a good idea and a bad idea. I keep spelling Manitoba as Manitobia. Without the red link I wouldn't notice that I had the wrong spelling. On the other hand, if the wrong spelling redirect does not exist, then when a user types it in and gets nothing, they may (and have) create duplicate articles. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 00:08, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

On the other hand, people can type in what they think is the spelling, and go immediately via a redirect to the right page, without ever realising their spelling was crap. Thus the error is perpetuated. Languages change, and ultimately change cannot be resisted, but this type of change is closer to corruption than what I'd call any sort of positive change. I know we're supposed to move with the times, but I still place a much higher value on correct spelling, grammar, punctuation etc than seems to be the common view these days. Maybe I'm the one who's out of step. On the other hand, Wikipedia also values these principles in the texts of our articles - yet in other of our activities we abandon them on the altar of user convenience. I know there's no "right" answer to this, but it's worth talking about. JackofOz 01:48, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

If I could dream of an ideal set of features for MediaWiki, included would be some special handling for members of category:Redirects from misspellings. For example, a link to such a redirect would appear in red, like a non-existant link, or maybe in orange or something. Also, when arriving at a page via such a redirect, a special misspelling message would appear at the top--something a bit more prominent than the current "redirected from..." message. Or instead of having a redirect page, we could have a "did you mean...?" page, with one or more possible articles for the misspelled word. If we could couple this with the orange link I mentioned earlier, it would address a significant weakness in our current handling of misspellings. –RHolton≡– 05:25, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Jack, as the English orthography#History of the English spelling system points out standard spelling was not really set until the 1800s. That may give some indication as to why a lot of people have problems with correctly spelling certain words. Usually though if people do get redircted via a misspelling there is not at the top saying where you were redirected from. When I started editing Wikipedia I realized that due to my poor spelling ability I would need to have dictionaries available in my text editor and a general dictionary. I then found that I now spell words based on a mixture of commonwealth and US spelling. As seen above I spell "realized" with a z but at the same time I spell "colour" with the u. Another problem I have is with words that are spelt correctly but are the wrong word. The one I have a problem with most often is "please" as I frequently type in "pleas". Of course the spellchecker never catches that. One thing that can be done if you are interested in correcting spelling errors is to type a common mispelling into the search box and see what turns up. Try typing "commen" and "comman" to see what turns up. However, context must be observed. As an example there were several pages using the word "Inuits" as a plural for "Inuit". Of course "Inuit" is the plural of "Inuk". I went to correct one of them and found that it was the title of a book and could not be corrected. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 12:09, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Wow. o.O --Proficient 11:56, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Unidentified Boston man

Hey, all you Bostonians, here's one for you. Many years ago, I kept a magazine clipping about a man who was found dead on a Boston street. He'd been beaten up, as I recall, and he may have been of Middle Eastern appearance. He had no documents of any kind on him, and all the resources of the authorities proved fruitless in ever being able to identify him. The thing I remember most was the date he was found: 12th July 1973. I kept the clipping for years in my "You Never Know When you Might Need This" file, but I gave it to my former partner for old times sake after we split up, because he happened to be born on, you guessed it, 12th July 1973. Does anybody remember this case, and did the guy ever get identified? I won't sleep till I find out. JackofOz 14:06, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Hmm... the boston globe unfortunately only has recent archives starting 1979... a google search was not fruitful, but you probably have tried that already. The best I can do is direct you to insomnia :) --User:bmk

I am sure him being unidentified doesn't help. :\ --Proficient 11:57, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

The Boston Public Library probably has the paper on microfilm. Most libraries will do a search for a small fee. Nowimnthing 00:26, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Candie's commercial with Pat Benatar

There is a new commercial currently airing in the US for Candie's clothes at Kohl's department stores. It shows Pat Benatar performing on stage, then a blonde woman with a guitar walks up on the stage and starts performing with her. Neither woman is identified, but I recognize Benatar. But who is the blonde woman? User:Zoe|(talk) 16:33, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

If you don't get an answer here, you could try asking on http://adtunes.com/ forums. I already checked and couldn't find anything about it already asked, though, so it probably wouldn't be any faster. :( --Demonesque 17:20, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Thanks, I'll try that. I thought it might be Ann Wilson, but this woman is younger. User:Zoe|(talk) 17:26, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Googling for Kohl Candie "Pat Benatar" suggests Cheyenne Kimball. http://www.candies.com/ also mentions Kimball. Weregerbil 17:49, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Awesome, thanks. I don't know why I didn't think of doing that! And there's an explanation as to why I didn't recognize her, I never heard of her!  :) User:Zoe|(talk) 18:00, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Purchasing Decommissioned Ships

Hello. How would one go about purchasing a decommissioned ship from a government, and/or who would one contact about such a thing? Thanks --Demonesque 17:23, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I think they just auction off ones that are only suitable for scrapping. However, if you actually want to refurbish the ship, special arrangements may need to be made. For example, they might seriously damage the ship when removing the equipment they intend to keep, unless they know the ship is scheduled to be reused. Also, old ships may not meet modern safety guidelines. For example, double-hulled tankers are required in many places, and if you buy a single-hulled, or double-bottomed tanker, the cost of upgrading it would be prohibitive. StuRat 17:40, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

But who is in charge of this? I found this website a few minutes ago:

http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/36b_index.htm

but it seems to deal exclusively with military-to-military sale. --Demonesque 17:48, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Can you tell us a bit more about why you want to buy a ship and what type of ship you want ? That might enable a more targeted answer. StuRat 16:45, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

I want a battleship. Do you suppose they'll give me one with the guns still in place? --Serie 20:55, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Unless you're in charge of a 3rd world nation with good ties to the West, probably not. I don't think there really ARE very many battleships lying around these days - they've been kind of out of style since about 1941. This is probably the next best thing, though.--Pyroclastic 21:00, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

August 6,1979 New York Yankees line-up vs Orioles

I would like to the Yankees starting line-up for that game. It was the first game after Thurman Munson's death.(August 6,1979 New York Yankees line-up vs Orioles)198.65.201.104 22:17, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Can you find any archived newspapers from that day? They would have the lineup in the box score. Actually, from the next day, really. User:Zoe|(talk) 01:53, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

The website Retrosheet contains box scores for baseball games from many years back. (They are in the process of collecting every game ever, a long process.) Anyway, according to Retrosheet, the Yankees' starting line-up on 6 August 1979 was:

1. Willie Randolph, 2B

2. Bobby Murcer, LF

3. Chris Chambliss, 1B

4. Reggie Jackson, RF

5. Graig Nettles, 3B

6. Jim Spencer, DH

7. Bobby Brown, CF

8. Brad Gulden, C

9. Bucky Dent, SS

.. Ron Guidry, P

In that game, Bobby Murcer (who was Munson's best friend and delivered the eulogy at his funeral earlier in the day) went 2-for-5 with five RBIs accounting for all of the Yankees runs. Murcer's performance included a game-winning single which drove in two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game for the Yankees 5-4. According to Yankeeography, manager Billy Martin suggested that the exhausted Murcer sit out the game, but Murcer insisted on playing. (The full account of this game is at this Retrosheet page.) — Michael J 09:38, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Current Events.

There seem to be a local Current Events link for all parts of the world except Europe? How can this be. Joneleth 23:28, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Good question! I notice that South America doesn't have a link either, and I guess that's just because no-one has created a 'Current Events' subsection of Portal:Europe yet. There is one, however, on the Portal:Latin America page, so that seems to be an odd discrepancy. I haven't really been involved enough in the portals to guess why this is the case, but hopefully someone else here knows a little more. Ziggurat 03:28, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Beyblade Manga/Anime

Moved to Talk:Beyblade 18:12, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

August 10

Wikipedia Underlining

Why are all my links on wikipedia, i.e. "random article" underlined? It happened before and I asked a random person then it went back to normal. Does anyone know what I need to do to get rid of the underlining? Or does it simply go away on it's own? It's bugging the heck out of me. b_cubed 20:43, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

If you go to 'my preferences', under Misc there's a drop-box that says "Underline links:", with the options being "Never", "Always", and "Browser Default". Simply change as required! Ziggurat 20:53, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

thanks a ton =) b_cubed 20:59, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Rules Governing Petitions

I have a teenage son who, along with his friends, are wanting to get together a petition for a skate park here in our town in Hunt County, Texas. Let me say that the only thing I know about this type of petition is that they'll need a certain amount of signatures. That's all I know. Could you please help us with information for this issue. We have been to and called the city offices in the area, but the information we have been given is not sufficient, I believe. We need to know all the particulars involved in the petition. The laws, rules, age limits for petition signers, number of signatures needed, etc. We want to do this the right and legal way. If they are to put the work into the petition, it needs to be done the right way the first time. We appreciate any help that you can give us. God Bless.

First of all, as stated at the top of this page, nothing said here replaces a lawyer. That said, I don't think that there are any laws, rules, age limits, or miminum amount of signatures. If there was a law that the petition did something (to get put on a ballat, or have a recall election) then there are different rules regarding those petitions. If you are just making a petition so the goverement will know how you feel it doesn't really matter so long as the petitioner are citizens (voting age shouldn't matter). Granted no one would care what a group of 50 10-year-old think but will care about 20,000 voting age people. see Petition and First Amendment to the United States Constitution#Petition and assembly. Jon513 01:36, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

I was writing a very similar response, but there was an edit conflict with Jon513 who has put it very well. Almost certainly, a petition of the type you mention is never going to be a binding legal document. Whether it has 5 signatures or 50,000, the petitionee is under no obligation to fulfill the request, they are merely indicitive of a level of public support for a proposal. To be frank, a lot of these petitions are generally pretty ineffective in bringing about change, and for the most part, all they are good for is making the petitioner and signatories feel better about themselves for "doing something".

Might I suggest that instead of organising a petition, that you take more proactive steps towards getting a skate park built. Sign up volunteers to help design and build the park, write or commission a report on how the park would be beneficial to your community, contact local businesses for sponsorship. It's going to be hard work, but the local council is more likely to acceed to your request and grant some land and resources to the project if you can show them that people in the area feel strongly enough about it to donate more than their signature. Good luck! --Canley 05:00, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

The only thing I see missing from the above answers is try and get some local or state politicians on board. After the teenagers may not be able to vote now but they will be able to in the future. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 11:03, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

"I'd like to help you son, but you're too young to vote." StuRat 16:49, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

In my previous location, the local youth took what might have been considered a bit of a long route to getting a skate park built, but one that paid off. A petition is probably not the best way to start, but I'd suggest, along with some of the comments above, that the first step should be to go to the city council with a group of responsible young people and have them do a presentation explaining the benefits of having a park and the potential partnerships that could be explored to make it financially feasible. The drive I'm familiar with involved formation of a registered non-profit society that fundraised literally hundreds of thousands of dollars towards the park, which left the city to provide the plot of land and a minimal amount of funding to finish it off. So, my suggestion: get a grass-roots group of youth and adults together; develop a rudimentary business plan for the park; start exploring the options for creating a society; explore fundraising opportunities; and take the lot to the council - letting the youth do the talking - to explain what you'd like to do and how it could work for both the skaters and the city. Good luck with it! Tony Fox (arf!) 20:40, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

I was blocked from attempting to begin drafting an article...

I'm new to wikipedia. I registered, logged-on and followed the instruction but got a message saying I was blocked, listing an IP number that bore no resemblance to mine and giving the reason 'gonzo.'

I assume this is some sort of hacking activity. Is there any way to work around it?

Actually, it's probably due to the fact that you appear to be using an AOL account, which has problems when interacting with Wikipedia regarding the way it assigns IP numbers. See Wikipedia:Advice to AOL users for ways to circumvent this. Ziggurat 03:21, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Timothy Treadwell(Grizzly Man) Death Audio

Does anyone anywhere know where you could listen to a clip or the whole audio of Timothy Treadwells death? I know it sounds morbid but after watching the film and looking on the discussion boards it seems like a lot of people want to hear this. Almost like a tribute to the man's final moments. Anyone heard it? Anyone know ANYWHERE to find it.

In the movie it seemed that only the ex-girlfriend and the police had access to it. I haven't heard of anyone releasing it.Nowimnthing 12:21, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Horizontal _____?

What's it called if you run, say, a peanut butter factory and you buy out your competetor peanut butter makers instead of buying peanut farms and distribution companies? Horizontal something.

And is that the same as, say, owning a small gas station in a very small town and buying out profitable businesses in that town that have nothing to do with your original enterprise, like a bowling alley and a video rental store? --Demonesque 08:00, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

I think it's called horizontal acquisition if it's the same industry. --Canley 09:03, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Take a look at horizontal integration and horizontal monopoly. By the way, WP:QI is a very useful tool for this sort of query.--Shantavira 09:11, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Hey, thanks. Bookmarked it. Does anyone know if buying unrelated enterprises in a certain geographical region or otherwise captive consumer area (Like an airport) has a name? --Demonesque 09:22, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

That sounds a bit like Diversification. DirkvdM 10:33, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Logic Disiplines

I remember once hearing about the 4 disiplines of logic, but i cant remember anything else, is there anyone that can aid me? Joneleth 13:11, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Umm, google pulls up at [13]:

Overall, we can thus distinguish four notions of logic:
   * (L1) the mathematical study of artificial formal languages
   * (L2) the study of formally valid inferences and logical consequence
   * (L3) the study of logical truths
   * (L4) the study of the general features, or form, of judgements

Not sure if this was where you were heading. Our article on Logic talks about up to four rival conceptions of logic; but these don't sound like disciplines. Let us know if google's find rings any bells. --Tagishsimon (talk)

Well I dont remember exactly what the disciplines was but i remember they had distinctive greek names. Joneleth 16:55, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Some Greek names that come to mind are epistemology, ontology, metaphysics, and deontology. But are these logic? It's more philosophy. --Lambiam^Talk 21:06, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Bloodstaion pattern analysis

Anyone know where I can get some good pictures of realistic blood spatter? I've been to [14], but I can't find any others. ¡70.56.173.52 15:27, 10 August 2006 (UTC)!

• I think you should try some forensic science books. I have one creatively called "Forensic Science" by James Nordby, which has some, but focusses on other areas too. If you think buying is too expensive, try a academic library. - Mgm|^(talk) 21:27, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Knock on wood?

There was a song by the mighty mighty bostones, i think, and it went I've never had to Knock on wood But i know someone who has had to Knock on wood Sometimes i wonder if i could Knock on wood

Does any one know what it was called, it was not Knock on wood. thanks ooo, and if you could tell me what album it was on too, that would be great.

Type the lyrics (or suitable "key words" from the lyrics) into http://www.google.com/ — you may want to type "The Impression That I Get" into google next (with the quotes). Weregerbil 15:48, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

metallica

what year did cliff burton die? (the bassist who died in a bus accident) just wondering

Type Cliff Burton to the search box at the left of this page, then press "Go". Weregerbil 15:50, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

September 27, 1986. Jon513 20:38, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

27 September 1986 indeed. --Proficient 09:48, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Russian Song

Does anyone know anything about a Russian Song called "Атаз - Любэ", or if there's anywhere it would be possible to listen to a clip of it? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

There is a band Любэ that has a song Атас ("Watch out!") and an album with the same name. See further Lubeh. You can download it from mp3hotfly, presumably after payment. --Lambiam^Talk 22:58, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Thanks!

Most famous person

Who, roughly, would you say is the most famous living or dead person in the world ever? I've always wanted to know lol thanks for any help — Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.42.226.82 (talk • contribs)

I would guess Jesus, although John Lennon famously claimed The Beatles were more famous than Him.--Shantavira 18:44, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Actually, John Lennon said the Beatles were more popular than Jesus, which is slightly different. --LarryMac 20:01, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Or maybe Ghandi, or Mao Tse Tung. There are a lot more people in India or China than Europe and the USA. Notinasnaid 18:53, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

I think, collectively, the US and Europe have a population comparable to either India or China. If you include Russia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, South America, etc., (all the countries where the majority of the population is of European descent), then the populations may well be higher than both China and India. StuRat 21:17, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Well how to define being the most famous. Having (at this moment) the most people on earth that have at least heard of you (but what is having heard of?). I have never been in India in China, but if for instance every kid in China who hears of Mao, also somehow hears of Jesus, Jesus might very well be the most famous (if we allow dead people) person. About the living, maybe a president of the USA (Bush, Clinton,...) Evilbu 20:53, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Muhammed. Who hasn't heard of him. Or even the dalai lama, as having been reincarnated continuously since 1391, probably has had a lot more scope for affecting people. Philc _T^E_C^I 22:20, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

I'd say it's a tossup between the Buddha and Jesus. Jesus is known to all Christians and all Muslims, and he's been around for - twice as long - as Muhammed? Sorry, my Islamic history is weak. But - the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) has been around for about 500 years longer than Jesus, so we have to count not only all the people around today who know of him (that's practically everyone in the world), but all the people who had known of him for the hundreds of years he's been famous. To contrast that, Jesus didn't become world famous until about 500 years ago (depending on your definition of the world. I guess if the old world = 'the world', he's been famous longer than that).Anchoress 22:35, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Actually scratch that, it's probably Moses rather than Jesus. Pretty much every Christian and Muslim who's heard of Jesus has also heard of Moses, plus 4000 years worth of Jews (and a few ancient Egyptians, too). Anchoress 22:40, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

4000 years of Jews doesn't amount to much if you consider that even now there are only just over 10 million of them. DirkvdM 05:10, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes it would, as far as tipping the scale in favour of Moses over Jesus.--Anchoress 05:31, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

I don't think that being known around, say, 1000 b.c. should be a very important factor, because the world population at that time was probably only a few percent of what it is now; by far the most people who ever lived, lived in the 20th century. David Sneek 22:52, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

If that were all we were considering I would agree with you, but there's no question that the aggregate population over a further five hundred or thousand years is significant, even if the head count in a particular year is not. Anchoress 23:01, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

About 7% of all the people who have ever lived are alive right now. That leaves 93% of the people dead. No wonder I keep running into ghosts on my way to the toilet. :-) StuRat 23:08, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Everybody knows themselves (well almost everybody) MeltBanana 23:57, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

So that would make me the most famous. DirkvdM 05:14, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

'Most famous' doesn't refer to merely knowing someone. Loads of people know Hitler, but is he famous? Does 'famous' include 'infamous'? (not sure) Both Mohammed and Jesus have followers and antagonists, but everybody loves Buddha, right? Hell, even atheists do.

Anyway, let's quantify this.

• China = 1.3 billion.
• India = 1.1 billion.
• Europe = 700 million.
• USA = 300 million.
• South America = 370 million.

Africa is a mixed bag. So if we exclude that, predominantly western countries together have just a bit more people than China alone. Combine China with India and some 2.4 billion people live in close proximity to Buddhism (not entirely sure about that). The most populous muslim country (Indonesia) has 'only' 222 million inhabitants. So Buddha is right now the best known and the most loved and he has a much longer history. So if these are the choices (and I can't think of anyone else), it's Buddha hands down. DirkvdM 05:10, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Did you include Eastern Europe/Russia in your Europe population ? How about the rest of the Americas, like Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. How about Australia and New Zealand ? Add all those up and any other majority European nations I forgot. StuRat 06:59, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Looking to get my money back!

I wasn't completely satisfied with a product. Are there complaint templates available that I can use to get my money back? How often do people get cash back for complaining?

No need for a template, just write them a letter, call them, or send an e-mail. Most companies opt to send you coupons for free or cheap products rather than giving back cash, as that prevents people from scamming them for a profit. I've been quite successful at getting coupons, but it's rarely worth your time unless it's quite a valuable product, especially if they make you send back the unused portion. It's generally a better bet to return it to the store you bought it from, whenever possible. StuRat 21:11, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Actually the first question is - where are you? --Charlesknight 21:16, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Let's assume Texas, say. The next question is: what kind of product was it? A burrito? A used car? In any case, the short answer is: Most likely not, except perhaps for specific companies or specific kinds of complaints. Usually I just go back to the store with the product and express my complaint, but that may be hard if it is a dead parrot, or you ate it, or bought it from an online store. --Lambiam^Talk 21:25, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Try to buy products with the "full refund if not entirely satisfied" tag on them. Especially with food where you've eaten the evidence. There are statutory rights which will obviously vary according to location (contact you local consumer association) but a lot depends on the company. When I was little, I once complained about some chocolate and got about fifty bars and a toy panda in return so it can work. Jameswilson 22:34, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

You didn't like the chocolate, so they gave you 50 bars of the stuff? Was that a company of sadists with an overproduction? DirkvdM 05:26, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

I guess I'm just worried that my complaints will be lost in some endless beaurocracy. What I was thinking about recently was an Aiwa stereo I've had for 7 years. The CD player only works for one of my CD's (retail CD's, not burned)...think I could get something out of them?

Given that you've had it for seven years, it's highly unlikely. Here in NZ, for example, you'd have no chance. Ziggurat 23:22, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

No chance in the UK either. Seven years is more than you can expect these things to last really. Jameswilson 00:14, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

If your 7-year-old CD player refuses to play some CDs, the first thing to try is to clean the pickup lens with a soft cloth. Unless the CDs have some kind of "copy protection", in which case you should return them to the store and make a fuss. —Blotwell 09:09, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Most places give you 90 days to bitch about...er...return the product. Some give you thiry. Some give you zero. Always good to read the fine print. --69.138.61.168 06:44, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

American companies in China

Where can I find information about companies domiciled in the U.S.A. that are doing business, or planning to do business, in China?

That would be just about all of them. Walmart is doing quite well in shipping American jobs to China, with the approval of Congress and the President. StuRat 21:06, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Pull-up bar

Where can I buy a pull-up bar? EDIT: In Spain/the US? not on-line, please. Thanks in advance ;)

Depends where you are. Ziggurat 23:13, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

Probably some sporting goods store. Wizrdwarts (T|C|E) 01:43, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

A hardware store. Buy some strong plumbing pipe that is as long as the with of a corridor. Make notches in two pieces of wood and attach them to the walls. Hang in the bar and start pulling. I did that once - I always try to go for the simplest solution. DirkvdM 05:33, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Thanks to all.

Rap singer

Were there any female rap singer who used to pose naked in her video?

Full frontal? DirkvdM 05:35, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Ralston Purina jingle

When I was a child (late 1930's to early 1940's) I used to hear a jingle on the radio that I think was the Ralston Foods cereal jingle. It went something like "hut sut ralston the rillera and the rolla zu it". I'm not sure of the spelling. Is there anyway of finding out what their jingle was?–—Cdayb 01:32, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

That's not the Ralston Foods jingle, that's a song by Horace Heidt called the "Hut Sut Song" - http://www.lyricsdepot.com/horace-heidt/hut-sut-song.html User:Zoe|(talk) 01:54, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

quake ii

I just downloaded quake ii demo. Where can I download the single-player maps from the full-version so I can run them on my demo version?

I doubt you can. If you could, what would be the point of buying the full version?

Were my civil rights violated

Were my civil right violated if the police came to my house to arrest my boyfriend who had a warrant, came to the door gave himself up immediatly, and was taken to the police car. Then the police came back wanting to search my house with no warrent to do so, but did anyway. They found items in the garage i had no idea were there (because they were hidden). I was arrested and taken to jail. Did they have the right to search my house if they had the person who had the warrant already in custody? I did not concent to a search they asked and I said they could with a warrant only. Neither my b/f nor I gave permission. It was in New Mexico

It's not clear from your description whether you consented to the search. If you ok'd the search, they don't need a warrant. Phr (talk) 04:11, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Did you tell them it wasn't ok to search your house? Never let the police search your stuff, it's a waste of your time and theirs. --mboverload@ 04:25, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Clearly not in this case, the police found something illegal so i doubt they considered it a waste of their time. Unless you tell us which country you were in it will not be possible to get an accurate answer, but it does sound like they they would require your permission to search your house. Rockpocket 04:29, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

They said that this was in New Mexico which is a U.S. state. Dismas|^(talk) 12:58, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

They typically only need the permission of one person who lives in the home. If your b/f lives there, he could have given them permission, too. StuRat 06:47, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

You need a good lawyer, not idle speculation from Wikipedia people. --Tagishsimon (talk)

Actually they only need the permission of the person who comes to the door. --mboverload@ 11:10, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Note also that it wasn't your boyfriend who had the warrant - the police had the warrant. From my vast legal experience drawn from many Law and Order episodes, like everyone said, if you ok'd the search, they were justified without a warrant. However, I also learned on law and order that you need to find a good, down and dirty defense lawyer who will know all about this stuff, and will make sure your rights are protected, and make many pointed witty remarks along the way. The police will also have a very good script. --Bmk 13:51, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Film Courses in Australia

For Australians (specifically NSW/Sydney area):

Ok. I don't know if I'm too late or what, but i'm doing the HSC this year. So i've got, what, 3 months left of school.

I REALLY want to do a film course at some uni, or maybe go to a specialist school for film. But mainly, I want to do Film (celluloid & digital, theory & practical).

The problem is: I have NO IDEA where to start. I don't know what university's to look into or anything else...

I was hoping maybe people in this forum could guide me through the process of finding and applying for a course...

It would relieve much of the stress that I have at the moment about finding courses and such...

THANK YOU!!!

gelo 05:36, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Since your decision of where to attend uni will probably be affected heavily by how close it is to you, go to the website of the nearest university and look up a course that relates to what you are interested in. It will probably be a Bachelor of Arts (Film & Media) or something similar. The course details will list the requirements for entry, and there will be information on the uni website about how to apply. BenC7 08:16, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

High Res images

Hi,

Please advise, whether i can purchase high res images from you of the following:

Miro - la lecon de sky Picasso - L'arrondeoiste Riley - Shadowplay Warhol - Marilyn Anything by Mondrian

Please advise, also, any copyright infringments and are these incorporated into the final pricepoints?

Regards

Scott Lewis

Promotem

[Are you aware of how many people could have seen/spammed/hacked this e-mail address?]

[Are you aware of how many people could have seen/spammed/used this telephone number?]

Extradition or no?

A red-haired friend of mine asked me a harrowing question yesterday of which I am particularly interested in the answer.

If some guy in Germany (he said he didn't pick that country for any particular reason) shot a bullet from a really huge gun, and it went over the Atlantic ocean and hit someone really important like, the United States Secretary of State. Assuming this scenario is actually possible, would the guy be tried for it in Germany, the United States, or maybe somewhere else?

How do they handle that kind of thing? Do they call a tribunal, flip a coin, something more elaborate? Thanks. --69.138.61.168 06:35, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Well it would be the Americans who would be after his blood (and his amazing invention) as the crime would have been committed on US soil. But since this guy would have most likely been killed by the recoil, they might not need to bother.--Shantavira 08:06, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

They would most likely put pressure on the German government to capture him, and that wouldn't be hard, just go scrape him off the crater he himself produced. However, what is left and alive of him would probably not be extradited to the USA because Germany has abolished the death penalty, and it is almost certain they would execute him for that in the USA. What is going on? In the last few months, we have seen USers asking questions about shooting Mexicans and Canadians on the appropriate borders as well? Evilbu 12:16, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

How long is a lace

I once found a very old Deed dated in the 1700's which referred to a piece of land being so many laces long and ever since I have been trying to find what that length would have been. Can you help please?80.225.193.95 07:28, 11 August 2006 (UTC)Angie May

Is this in the UK? The OED, which is pretty thorough, lists no such history for the word "lace". I suspect the manuscript originally had "pace", which means about 5 feet, though this would be strange in a legal document, as it is not a legally defined distance. Can you give us the complete sentence?--Shantavira 07:59, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

How about a misprint of "acre"? But calling something would "acres long" really doesn't make any sense. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk)

bec de canard

Dear Sir Madam; I would like to find out what the above expressions relates to in relation to yachting?

Thank you

A "hélice bec de canard" seems to be a 2 bladed folding propellor. [15] 145.222.138.134 08:05, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

....which would explain why they call it a "duck beak".--Shantavira 08:14, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Sperm advancement

WHY DOES ONLY ONE SPERM ENTERS THE OVUM OF FEMALE? WHY NOT SOME MORE?

According to Spermatozoon, "Upon penetration the membrane of the egg cell undergoes a change and becomes impenetrable, preventing further fertilization of the ovum." It doesn't specify what that change is, but presumably it's a chemical one in the cell membrane. Ziggurat 12:06, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Why would more than one need to enter the egg? In basic terms, the sperm is there to provide the other half of the chromosomes. Once that's done, there's no reason for another to enter. Dismas|^(talk) 12:54, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Sperm competition. Ziggurat 12:59, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

It's because the first sperm shouts so loudly that the egg doesn't want any more sperm to enter. There's no need to shout - lower case does quite nicely. And please read the guidelines at the top of the page before you ask a question - thanks. --Bmk 15:11, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

mystery music

can i please have a list of all the background music in the film Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.

thankyou--84.71.123.209 14:17, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

IMDB is always the place to go for this sort of info; the link takes you to the Angela's Ashes page. Or Amazon for the soundtrack with a full list of titles. --Tagishsimon (talk)

TV Show

I'm trying to figure out the name of this TV show from the 90s...it's driving me crazy. I think it was on the WB (in the US), and it was about this group of explorers who are stranded in a jungle-type place. I think there were dinosaurs. I don't think it was a hit show, but there were re-runs of it all the time on weekends. JianLi 15:19, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Is it The Lost World (TV series)? Phelan 15:27, 11 August 2006 (UTC)