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April 5

Copyright in Public Libraries

how are public libraries dealing with copyright in specificity to digitization efforts?

Every library finds a different solution, but all are addressing the issue in some way. For example: I'm a school information specialist, but I've researched several digital versions of things-that-were-books with our local public library, and can point you towards several solutions which allow digital files to be lent out without physical media...everything from download-and-listen solutions like Overdrive to loaner audiobook players much like an iPod, but with no way to get the file "out". Each manages to protect its copyright inherently via the limitations of the media -- for example, Overdrive files are software-proprietary (though the software is free), and once the book is downloaded from their website, it's checked out and unavailable until I return it; the software requires that I delete the file to "return" it, and I get charged just like a book was overdue if it's late. But I've yet to see a solution that leaves it easy and open for patrons to copy, or to keep media after it has been "returned". On the other hand, as a serious user of four town libraries, I can tell you that there is still nothing in place to keep patrons from copying CDs before returning them...and no mandate to start buying only CDs with DRM, either. Jfarber 02:48, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Sole traders and minimum wage

Where would I find up to date info on Sole traders and whether thay are obliged to pay themselves the minimum wage in the UK?--SlipperyHippo 02:33, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

According to this document from the UK government, "you are not entitled to receive the minimum wage if you're... genuinely self-employed". This document defines self employed to an extent that would appear to include sole proprietorship. Rockpocket 07:36, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

The minimum wage for soul traders is typically the wages of sin. :-) StuRat 14:05, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

How the heck can a sole trader be forced to pay himself a wage, if he has a bad period he has no income, therefore no personal earnings. Silly question.90.4.126.146 14:21, 5 April 2007 (UTC)petitmichel

With respect, if I thought the answer was obvious or the question was silly, I would not have asked it here. I ask because on the first web site to come up on Google, when entering minimum wage uk it said that even the directors of the smallest startup company must pay themselves the minuimum wage. Ok this may be incorrect-- Im asking where I should find the correct info --SlipperyHippo 16:26, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

It's worth noting Slipperhippo that much of business-regulatory law doesn't apply to very small businesses, and certain regulations/requirements only come into force at set business-sizes. So (without knowing the details) say someone employing less than 10 people does not need to complete the same health & safety/pay-scheme/etc. etc. as a firm employing 100 or 1,000 staff. I don't know where to point you regarding small-business law other than to say if you were more interested try request details from a local government agency, they should be able to help point you in the right direction. ny156uk 16:05, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

You are right to suspect that the Google result may be wrong; company directors do not have to pay themselves anything, any more than a sole practitioner would - though bear in mind that the way in which each earns their money is different. Many directors do not pay themselves for the first few months while things are tight. (Note: from a UK perspective) Adrian M. H. 22:13, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

OK thanks for the sensible answers! I'd still like a refernce though.--SlipperyHippo 19:05, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

How to read faster

I have read several books and tried several methods for reading books faster, including Photoreading techniques such as mind-mapping, dipping, and super-reading. One problem I cannot get over that I think is really slowing me down is that whenever I do start reading word-for-word (in the sections that are most relevant) I must say the words "out loud" in my head in order to comprehend. If I just pass my eyes over, I don't retain it. Is there any way to train myself to comprehend without "saying" every word?

Thanks very much,

Jron5 02:53, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Try paraphrasing it in your mind, especially with difficult material. For example, "Hark, what light through yon window breaks ?" can become "What's that light shining through the window ?". StuRat 05:34, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Yes, try experimenting with general reading where you cut off your inner voice and try reading by letting your brain do all the work - just start looking over the words and letting your brain interperate them for you instead of using your inner voice to "recite" the words. Of course this might be your very stumbling block and you might not be able to do it - but that's why you might start with something simple, perhaps something in the 1st person, then try reading something written in the 3rd person, and so on. I'm not an actual "Speed-reader" per se, but I read quite fast, and find I can read things much faster if I turn off my inner voice and/or stop 'reciting' what I'm reading, and much like StuRat said, it helps if I paraphrase by letting my brain do the interpreting for me. we're just so used to analysing what we read as we're reading it, or pronouncing things as we read it - we're taught to do this in school and especially when we read 1st-person writing. Rfwoolf 07:16, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

We have an interesting article on speed reading. You might get more specific help if you explain why you want to read more quickly. Speed reading methods usually involve a drop in the level of comprehension of what is being read. There are situations where a lower rate of comprehension is acceptable - for example, you may be skimming a long technical or legal document to find the 2-3 paragraphs that you really need to read carefully. But if you are revising for an exam then speed reading may be inappropriate. Gandalf61 10:58, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

The problem you describe is called subvocalizing. Besides what that page discusses and the comments noted above, you might consult with resource advisers at your local public library or community college to help you evaluate options for the most effective training suiting your personal requirements. -- Deborahjay 21:57, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Thank you all very much for your responses. To explain my problem more specifically: I am able to read very quickly and find relevant information when I am doing my own research. For classes, however, we are often given readings where it is necessary to pick out and remember the important points. When I don't know exactly what I am looking for at the beginning and must read at least certain sections in depth, I am very slow. I will try the paraphrasing and keep working at not vocalizing. I would welcome any other suggestions as well.

Thanks very much once again, 68.73.206.95 23:00, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

If the reading material comes accompanied with questions to be answered, read these first. Otherwise, try asking your teacher or teaching assistant in advance to help you identify the relevant issues. (Don't worry about showing ignorance - you're there to learn, and the teaching staff will probably welcome your demonstrating interest!) Another suggestion: learn to highlight or mark significant material as you go. This improves with practice, but at the outset (and with particularly densely written texts) it can be daunting: how to know what to mark? and of course not to clutter up the page with what might after all be irrelevant. So instead of a yellow highlighter, try working with a light touch, i.e. using a 0.5 mechanical pencil to make check marks/asterisks/arrows in the margin, bracket significant passages, circle or box key phrases, etc. Even if you don't go back and review the text, the act of marking will help fix some points in your memory. Discover what works for you. Let your system evolve. You need reading comprehension as well as speed, so give yourself some time. This is a skill worth developing, that's useful also after graduation. -- Deborahjay 07:46, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

any legal drug to obtain instant energy

I am totally unfit and do not like exercise nor dieting. Is there a safe supplement to instant burst of energy for say a couple of hours ?

I don't think so, most I've heard of are illegal drugs such as speed, and all that.--$UIT 05:20, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Well, there's caffeine, nicotine, and plain old sugar (not a drug, but it does give you quick energy). Of course, all of these can be harmful to your health. StuRat 05:30, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Well you might find that if you commence exercising - you will gain a lot more energy - exercising can be anything from swimming (even lightly), walking, pilates, yoga, running, etc. - and this would be far superior to any ideas of taking drugs (legal or otherwise). Diet can play a role too - I would be more conscious about what you consume, for example drink more water (buy bottled water if you can't handle the taste) try to get at least 1.5 litres a day (other sources aim for 3 litres a day as an ideal goal) and lay off things like soft drinks (diet or otherwise). Stay away from things with harsh preservatives - and actually if you can cut down on salt that might help you with water retention. Finally, your sleeping patterns can affect your energy levels - you might look up circadian rhythms and see how your body releases certain hormones throughout the day that assist you with things like energy, allergies, digestion, etc.

To strictly answer your question, caffeine might be your best bet for a legal drug. Things like sugar would work too, but you might react badly to sugar, and, things like fructose might be a better form of surgar for you.

Note: We cannot give medical advice, please consult your doctor before following any medical advice. Rfwoolf 07:09, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Our article on energy drinks compares the active ingredients of some of the more popular drinks. Rockpocket 07:12, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

I highly recommend getting off your ass. It is worth it! − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 10:42, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Milk chocolate works for me: sugar + caffeine + milk solids (protein etc.) Vranak

Take Twas Now's recommendation, definatly. · AO ^Talk 12:33, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

You say you don't like exercise, but how do you feel about life? Exercise does not have to be something you hate. It doesn't even have to feel like exercise. If you're totally opposed to any deliberate form of "exercise" right now, you could start by just walking more, or taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. (If even those feel like ordeals, you're really out of shape, and it's even more important that you do something to get out of this trap!) —Steve Summit (talk) 02:47, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I doubt this is a drug, but there are Energy Gels that can quickly (15-20 minutes digestion time) give you energy. Jamesino 21:59, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Pretty much anything that affects your body is a drug. Quick bursts of energy from drugs are unhealthy at best; the best way to find energy is to use your body the way it naturally works - put food into it and breathe well while exercising. V-Man - ^T/_C 03:20, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

1st/3rd

I was wondering if there are any books in which the narrator was killed well before the end (and does not narrate from beyond the grave), meaning that the first person narrative would have to be changed into third person.Cuban Cigar 12:04, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Thats interesting. I haven't seen a book where the narrator was killed but its a cool idea. There probably is one, and if I find any I post them. Think outside the box 12:16, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

If I remember correctly DOUBLE INDEMNITY continues....??90.4.126.146 14:19, 5 April 2007 (UTC)bookwarm

I believe I've read a few like that, although I can't currently place which ones. I seem to recall the device of a found diary or letter being common in certain sorts of stories, which would then finish with the equivalent of "No more entries written. However, 5 years later a body was found walled into the old church." or whatever. Skittle 16:37, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Not a book, but a movie. Sunset Blvd. is narrated by the corpse we see floating in the pool in the first scene. Corvus cornix 18:40, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Isn't at least part of the TV series Desperate Housewives narrated by a woman character who committed suicide ? StuRat 20:37, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Both of those are 'beyond the grave' narration, which the querent specifically excluded. Oo, one that I remember in the 'found diary' category would be Witch child. Skittle 21:45, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

I might have not phrased my original as accuratley as i'd like. I wouldn't consider letters journals etc as narration, rather they are just ... well, not part of the narrative, they are an addition.Cuban Cigar 07:26, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

In the Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Agatha Christie) the story is written by a person who turns out to be the murderer. The book finishes as he puts down his pen immediately prior to committing suicide. In a sense, then, he communicates from beyond the grave.86.219.161.217 15:01, 6 April 2007 (UTC)petitmichel

hey up cuban, if i remember correctly 'song of stone' by iain banks is 1st person (present tense as well i think) and the narrator is killed at the end - something i'm sure my english teacher told us was a no-no, but hey banksy is an award winning writer he can do as he pleases - abe.195.188.254.82 12:10, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Not to sound anal, but my original question said the narrator is 'killed well before the end'. That said, I'm very thankful for the input.Cuban Cigar 13:19, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Iain Banks book Consider Phelbas has the narrator killed quite close to the end. Polypipe Wrangler 10:17, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

The Office

When does "the office" (us version) come back on air? they stopped so they could make more episodes, i just dont know when they'll be airing them.

The NBC website says that a new episode will be on tonight, i.e. 5 April 2007. As they say, "check your local listings." --LarryMac 13:48, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT DETERIORATES HUMAN ABILITY

upto what extent do you support the above subject? - 61.2.76.79 14:33, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

I find it interferes with my ability to do my own homework. --Tagishsimon (talk)

1. Questions about what WE support are not reference questions. If you're looking for a bunch of opinions, I recommend asking your question on an Internet Forum.
2. On the other hand, if you're looking for the set of arguments which would let you make your own informed opinion on this topic, or you'd just like to see to what extent experts in the field support or deny the validity of the above statement, the article Technology contains several strong sections with overviews of(and links to discussions of) the various ways in which people see the relationship between technology and ability evolving over time. Jfarber 15:43, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

I don't really understand what you mean. By technical development, do you mean technological improvements or technical abilities acquired by people? And what do you mean by "human ability": is it creativity and imagination or is it technical knowledge? A.Z. 19:03, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

This article descibes a report demonstrating that "human small toes became weaker during the stage of prehistory known as the Upper Palaeolithic, and that this can probably be attributed to the adoption of sturdy shoes. The invention of rugged shoes reduced humans' reliance on strong, flexile toes to grip and balance." So in terms of little toe ability, technical development appears to have played a role. Rockpocket 20:33, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

The question can mean basically anything if the querent doesn't make it clearer. A.Z. 20:41, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Marketing

How can you find out names and addresses of new people movoing into a neighborhood? Does the Power Co. , US Post office, Phone Co. or any other source sell that info to marketers?

I doubt any federal services would sell personal information of that sort to private companies, especially with the foreknowledge that it would be used by scum marketers. − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 16:15, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

(However, my comment is based more on hope than certainty.) − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 16:16, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

I don't know where you live, but (at least In the U.S.) your hope is an absolute uncertainty. Every time I've moved (with the exception of the time I took care not to fill out any change-of-address cards or otherwise let anyone except my immediate family know my new address), I've been deluged with junk mail targeted at new move-ins ("Call us for a quote on drapes for your new home", etc.). —Steve Summit (talk) 02:40, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

If you read the fine print on the change-of-address forms, it actually says that they are funded by the Direct Marketing Association (USA), and that in return you permit them to spam you. I once heard a hilarious quote from a member of that body on the topic of the mail being unwanted by most recipients: "There is no junk mail, only junk people."  :) --TotoBaggins 10:48, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

If the newcomers are buying property, then in the US, that property transaction is a matter of public record and is often reported in the local newspaper. Marketers definitely pick up and utilize this data.

Atlant 17:27, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Domania lists dates of recent home sales around a particular address. You could probably use the address you find on a site like this to get the name. (I'm less sure about the last link, in my test in gave me the name I was looking for, but use at your own peril.) I don't know how often either site updates, so you may miss a move-in by a month or two, or the name you lookup may be the old resident. It's better than nothing. (It's morality as an invasion of privacy however, is up to you.) --Ybbor^TalkSurvey! 23:03, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Exercise...

I am working on a blog post for an exercise blog but before I posted it I had a question. Other than the usuall sports, running, bike riding, etc. what other forms of exercise are there? Or rather, other ways to burn calories... One that I came across was carrying the grocery bags makes you stronger. Any websites come to mind? --Zach 18:03, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Carrying groceries isn't a sport, or did I read that wrong? If you're looking for everyday things that you can do to burn extra calories, you could take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Dismas|^(talk) 18:12, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, I'm not saying carrying the groceries is a sport, its just a simple way to become a bit stronger (or so I've read)... If you know of any sites that give you examples of every day activities that are calorie burners is what I'm saying. Thanks!! --Zach 18:20, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Google search everyday activities burn calories returns a bunch of links that look pretty relevant. --LarryMac 18:27, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Perfect!! Thanks! Wish I thought of that search :) --Zach 18:36, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

If there are small children you associate with, you can toss them up into the air repeatedly. They love it - and your arms will tire of it long before they do. V-Man - ^T/_C 03:26, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

Are there gaming websites where you can win money without having to pay?

There are gaming sites I could visit, but in winning money, I'd have to pay for it. Are there any game sites where I can win money and NOT have to pay for it?

Bear in mind, any site doing this would have to be making money somewhere. Since it seems unlikely that they would be making enough money from advertising alone (or we'd probably have heard of them!), I would imagine any site claiming it was offering this would have a horrible, horrible catch somewhere. Just something to remember in your search... Skittle 21:35, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Poker websites have free tournaments (freerolls). The prizes aren't huge and the number of players tends to be large (which means it takes a while to get in the money), but it is ==> FREE <==. Clarityfiend 00:16, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Pogo.com gives away money on many of their games, up to around $10,000, I believe: [1]. The catch is that only a very few people ever get any money, and they get the money from advertising and premium memberships (which doubles award amounts, as well as providing other member benefits). StuRat 02:42, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Ronin Warriors OVA question

I noticed something weird in the Ronin Warrior OVAs.Everytime the warriors armor up,they say "2 ARMS!!". But when I watched the Japanese version this was never said. How come this phrase was added?

I would expect that the English version is actually using the phrase "to arms", which would sound entirely different in Japanese than "two arms". It may also be the case that "to arms" simply isn't a direct translation; it seems exclamatory rather than expository to me. — Lomn 21:29, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

But in the Japanese version "To arms!!" was replaced with a yell or battlecry or sometimes nothing at all.

A lot of things change due to translation. In general, dubbed anime gain a significant amount of material aimed at Westerners. For example, there are dialogue in English missing from a few scenes in an anime DVD that I have (Key the Metal Idol). Other examples include putting in Western jokes in place of the original (Full Metal Alchemist). Some add in dialogue explaining something that most Japanese would know, thus cutting out the original dialogue (happened in Cowboy Bebop). Japanese voice actors are also a lot more highly respected than the Western counterparts, who I (and others) believe they're better at it overall. Thus, in the case of Ronin Warriors, the actors probably thought it sounded better for them to say something instead of making a convincing battlecry. Even the name Ronin Warriors wasn't the Japanese name directly translated either, but Ronin is a good selling point, just like Wanderer Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin) became Samurai X in the U.S.). Of course, the examples I gave were the first ones that popped to mind, and there are countless more changes between the original and redubbed. There is one good thing about the dubbed tracks though. Original Japanese dubs usually only have 2.1 stereo, while the English re-dubs often have 5.1 surround. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 02:41, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Resistance training vs. Free weights

What are the pros and cons of resistance training (using 'rubber bands' and exercise bands) when compared to free weights/barbels? For example, is it more effective for muscle mass/tone, is it better on the bones, etc... Thank you. 74.14.72.116 22:03, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Resistance training has both a section on Benefits and drawbacks. More specific information on Barbells and dumbbells is more difficult to come by, but a look at Strength training should be a good place to start (particularly Strength_training#Benefits, Strength_training#Safety, and Strength_training#Free_weights_versus_exercise_machines). --Ybbor^TalkSurvey! 22:48, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Make-up of poop

So yeah...What's in boop? It smells so bad...kinda like fart

and what about poopstains?

Typically it is from colon bacteria which release gases either as they grow or if they die and their cells breakdown. An example of these bacteria is Escherichia coli. 121.45.238.81 22:59, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Try Human feces#Composition − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 01:51, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Also it comprises large amounts of cellulose, dead blood cells etc —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.109.246.75 (talk) 01:53, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

And I believe that at least part of the smell comes from bile. StuRat 02:38, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The gases in it also allow it to maintain a limited amount of buoyancy. bibliomaniac15 04:33, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

There are many resources available on the Web with advice on "stain removal" + feces (particular for source and surface). The key factor seems to be enzyme action in the laundry detergent or a pre-wash treatment, to break down the stain before it sets and become impervious to subsequent removal. -- Deborahjay 07:31, 6 April 2007 (UTC)-

Senses

The sense of sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch are senses. But, are "sense of humor" or "common sense" senses too?Coffsneeze 22:58, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

Hello, Coffsneeze. As the article on sense explains, living beings are equipped with many faculties for perceiving stimuli that go beyond the "classical" five senses you listed. (nociception for a human example, electroception for a non-human example) Common sense and sense of humor, however, use sense in a non-physiological meaning. See wiktionary's entry on sense to make sense of the possible senses of sense. ---Sluzzelin talk 00:34, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

But aren't there people who reduce psychology to physiology and therefore give sense of humor a physiological meaning? A.Z. 02:22, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Of course, the sense of humor, just like the sense of justice or other similar qualities, can be explored neuro-scientifically. This involves studying cognitive processes of information though, a huge field in neurosciences, but not quite the same thing as "a system that consists of a sensory cell type (or group of cell types) that respond to a specific kind of physical energy, and that correspond to a defined region (or group of regions) within the brain where the signals are received and interpreted.". We may receive the humorous information through our perceptory senses (watching a funny situation, hearing a joke, etc), but the trigger to our brain's humor-centres (wherever they may lie) happens through cognition, which isn't part of the sensory system. ---Sluzzelin talk 02:34, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The nerve centres for humour are located in the funny bone, which is of course located in the humerus. That's why observing the chicken dance evokes so much mirth; watching the subject exercising her/his funny bones through repetitive motion stimulates a sympathetic nervous response which activates the giggolipids, which carry the nerve signals to the hippocampus, so named in a regrettable transliteration of 'Harpo Campus', the institution where the hippocampus was discovered. The existence of giggolipids explains why people find fat people funny. Don't bother saying any of this is wrong unless you can provide evidence that proves it. ;-))) Happy Friday! Anchoress 19:23, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

April 6

Portal

I need help here.Portal:Roman_Catholic_ChurchBewareofdog 00:45, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

• From the condition of that page, I assume you need coding/formatting help?--VectorPotential^Talk 00:48, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Yes I do.Bewareofdog 04:55, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Estimate of American game show contestants

How many people have appeared on at least one episode of a game show shown on national US television? List of U.S. game shows could be used as a guide. A rough estimate is okay. Thanks! Reywas92^Talk 01:49, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Wow, I'm not sure if this is a number anyone has thought to calculate before. Well, if we say, totally randomly, that there are/have been 100 notable American game shows, and that each has had 5 seasons of twelves episodes with 2 distinct (important because many people appear multiple times on the same show; see Brian Jennings) guests each episode, that comes out to 12,000 of us, which would come out to a measly .1% of the US population. Ah, the wonders of making things up! Anyway, working along these lines might get what you're after. Or counting each of those episodes, but that sounds awfully tedious. 66.195.208.91 02:49, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

You're thinking of Ken Jennings, of course. --Maxamegalon2000 03:11, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

By my link, there are obviously much more than that. I'd prefer an estimate with larger, less random numbers. That must be way off, because Jeopardy! alone, with over 5,000 episodes and two new players each, is over 10,000 contestants already. Wheel of Fortune (US game show) has three new players per episode. Thank you, Reywas92^Talk 03:47, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

And there's The Price is Right as well, with how many episodes per year, six contestants per episode, for how long? --Charlene 04:24, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The article says 6,684 episodes. And don't forget the three contestants who don't make it up to the stage. That comes out to 60,156 contestants. --Maxamegalon2000 05:23, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I'll take miscalculated statistics for 500, Alex.. If we're going to do original research (which our evolving Ref Desk policy guidelines suggest we will not be doing, ahemhem...) please note that the question being asked here is "How many people have appeared on game shows at LEAST once." As such, your current calculations are seriously flawed, enough to create a significantly overinflated estimate, because the above suggestions assume that each incidence of "person on a game show" is unique -- that is, that evey time someone is on a game show it is their first and only time on any game show.

This is patently untrue. In some game shows, the winner comes back the next day. And surely some folks have been on more than one game show before -- we only get to count them once. For example: in Jeopardy, there are most often only TWO new contestants every day, since yesterday's winner comes back to play again (cf Ken Jennings, above). And if there's a tie, the same folks come back the next day. Given that, the "three contestants per episode" calculation will itself be too high by a factor of roughly 1/3. Jfarber 02:41, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Actually Reywas92 said two new players per show per Jeopardy. The Three contestant remark was for Wheel of fortune. --Ybbor^TalkSurvey! 02:52, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Whoop! That gets us closer, but my greater point about the calculations being overinflated stands, as does the even greater one in subscript that we don't do original research here. Of course, as Anchoress points out below, there's also little reason to do the research if the OP has a set methodology in mind; applying it is merely math, and calculation is just not reference desk work. Jfarber 04:12, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

The fact that the respondents have had to be corrected in their methodology several times by the original poster indicates to me that perhaps s/he is better qualified to determine the answer her/himself. Anchoress 02:57, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Musical Genre

I play guitar in a band,we play stoner rock because is a mix of Grunge and Psychedelic rock but now we want to play a mix of alternative rock and pop/rock but we don't know the name of that genre,can someone tell me the name of alternative rock and pop/rock's mix?,THANK YOU!!! —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Lord Lutz (talk • contribs) 02:29, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

That may more be a matter for the Entertainment desk. The best answer I can give would be alt-pop-rock, but it's possible I made the term up. Or you could try "diluted pop" or "diluted alternative" on for size. My guess is that there is no one correct answer, and that you've reached a point where the subgenres are so close together it's kind of silly to draw the lines. Maybe you should just tell people you play some enjoyable music ultimately inspired by all those crazy revolutions of 60s America, and leave it at that! 66.195.208.91 02:54, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Try consulting broadcast DJs you respect, or behind-the-scenes staff such as the music librarian or playlist coordinator of a radio station playing the kind of music you're moving toward. The station's website (you can search on Google) will probably have a "Contact us" e-mail feature, since many organizations in the entertainment industry, as well as mainstream cultural institutions, don't take phone inquiries. -- Deborahjay 07:23, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

College rock. Anchoress 19:37, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Gas prices

After Katrina (or whenever prices change), the gas prices at the stations went up immediately. But why don't the station owners only change their price when they actually get a new delivery of gas? Surely the price you pay should be based on whatever they paid when they got the gas, which isn't changing? 68.231.151.161 04:20, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The Master took care of this one here. anonymous6494 04:41, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

You take out X gallons from their tank - they charge you what it costs to refill the tank afterwards. It just depends on how you look at it - and you can just guess which way they look at it. The question is - what happens when prices are dropping? Do they keep their prices high until the new delivery at the lower price comes in? SteveBaker 04:43, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

There are also expenses involved in operating a gas (petrol) station, not least the wages and taxes. You may recall that, post-Katrina, quite a few gas stations went out of business. This was because the prices they were charging were not enough to cover their internal expenses plus the next (much more expensive) tanker-load of gas (petrol). It isn't gas stations that have been making huge profits in recent years, it is oil companies and refiners. Marco polo 13:00, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The economy does not work to plan, but supply and demand. In times of crisis, retailers turn to price gouging. This is said to be an acceptable, effective method of rationing, although it is also heartless and cruel. Other reasons for pricing of petrol is transport. In Sydney, where I live, petrol is more expensive in nice neighborhoods. This is partly because lousy neighborhoods have industry that subsidise transport costs of petrol to the outlets. Weekend filling is a silly idea, as prices jump midweek. Presumably there is a fill cycle that makes it profitable to charge more on weekends, but less early in the week. DDB 14:25, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

On the other hand, we had a sudden gas shortage in Ontario (lasted a few weeks), because of a refinery fire, and a train strike. Many gas stations just went dry instead of popping up the price like they should have. Lots of people hoarded gas. Eventually gas came back, but at a much higher price. So the moral question is: should all the gas stations just close, or should they instantly jack up the price? --Zeizmic 15:07, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Here in Massachusetts (U.S.A.), prices have been rising steadily, though there has been no shortage. I think that gas/petrol prices tend to move in the same direction worldwide, although there may be spikes in areas with shortages. The spike in the area of the shortage brings in supply from elsewhere and drives prices up slightly worldwide. I have not noticed that prices rise midweek here. Stations seem to raise prices steadily and somewhat randomly throughout the week. I don't think that Americans necessarily fill up on weekends. Many people have commutes such that they need to fill more than once a week. On the other hand, posher neighborhoods in Massachusetts do tend to have higher gas prices, as in Sydney, even though the poorer neighborhoods no longer have much industry, if any. So I don't think that industry subsidizes the gas price, at least in this region. I suspect that it is more a matter of higher land prices and retail rents (and lower price sensitivity) in the "better" neighborhoods. Marco polo 15:17, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Ethanol prices

After George W. Bush's trip to Latin America and Brazil last month, the ethanol prices at the stations here in São Paulo went up. Are both events causally related? A.Z. 05:01, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Maybe, maybe not. We can't tell you for sure. But to assume so is to commit the error of Post hoc ergo propter hoc. --Ybbor^TalkSurvey! 13:44, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Cleaning scratches off my mobile phone

How do I get rid of scratches on my mobile phone screen? --Candy-Panda 05:51, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Plastic polish, maybe. In my experience there is little you can do to significantly restore the surface of a soft thermoplastic. -- mattb @ 2007-04-06T06:31Z

You get a new moblie phone! Theyre cheap enough —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.110.208.218 (talk) 21:09, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

How about clear nail polish ? StuRat 00:09, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Some have used ordinary toothpaste such as Crest to polish clear plastic, but obviously you would have to avoid getting the toothpaste under the keys or in connectors where it would interfere with operation. Edison 05:03, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I've never risked toothpaste on screens - but on other plastic it works pretty good so it's worth a try. Toothpaste is a really mild abrasive so it's good for smoothing out all sorts of scratches in soft materials. SteveBaker 17:19, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

about magnetizing current and voltage relationship in Power Capacitor for Improving Power Factor

plz tell me the relationship for magnetizing current in improving the voltage/ making the flux stronger/ improving the power factor in Power capacitor??? Regards

imran jalal —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Imranjalal (talk • contribs) 08:23, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

I would expect magnetizing current to be a big factor in inductors and transformers but not in capacitors. Where is the magnetic field in a capacitor? There would be a small one around the leads when it is connected to alternating current or when charging or discharging, but not much of a magnetic field stored in the dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. In a circuit with motors (inductive and resistive load) the current lags behind the ac voltage. Adding a power factor correction capacitor (in which current leads ac voltage) of the right size and voltage rating can put the voltage and current closer to being in phase, reducing the reactive current, which serves no purpose in the electrical distribution network, but which only reduces voltage on the circuit and increases the loading on lines and transformers. Edison 18:33, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Geelong buses

I live in Geelong, Australia and would like to know if there are any buses available for any of these these locations and times.

• Highton to Grovedale (before school)
• Grovedale to Highton (after school)
• Grovedale to Belmont (after school)
• Grovedale to the city. (after school)
• Grovedale to High St, Belmont (after school)

I would also like to know the respective bus stops. Thanks! --124.181.241.101 11:35, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Here is the website for one of Geelong's transit providers. Here is the route map. As you can see, routes 70 and 71 link Grovedale Secondary School with the rest of Geelong. Here is the outbound timetable to Grovedale. Here is the inbound timetable from Grovedale. These bus routes run to High St., where you can make connections to other lines. Line 14 serves a different part of Grovedale and links it to Belmont. Line 15 also serves Belmont from High St. Here is the timetable for routes 14, 15, and 19, which apparently also links Grovedale with Belmont. Here is a timetable for Line 16, which links Grovedale, High St., and Highton. For the bus stops, you will have to scout the streets shown on the network maps or else phone the respective bus companies (listed at the bottom of this page). Marco polo 12:54, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Thank you so much! That is very helpful to me! :) --124.181.241.101 13:07, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Certification for archivists

What percentage of archivists currently working in the U.S. are certified by ACA, the Academy of Certified Archivists? I am about to enter the field and wonder whether the certification fees are worth it. Thanks!

I cannot answer the specifics of your question, but I prefer to employ people who can convince me and/or demonstrate to me that they can do the job at hand, rather than those who have a bit of paper that claims that they can do it. In other words, there is little in favour of an employer simply picking those who look good on paper. Against other candidates, even those with some accreditation, you can still win out by presenting yourself really well. I would guess that the ACA accreditation will not necessarily mark you out in any significant way. Be proactive and offer to work on a short-term volunteer basis in order to gain experience, pointing out that you would like to stay there long-term if they want to keep you (otherwise, they won't get much out of the deal if they train you and you leave in three months). Hope that helps some. Adrian M. H. 15:11, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I strongly recommend talking to others in your field. Credentials matter much more in some fields than in others. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find the percentage you ask for, but dropping by a few archives and talking to the staff should help. Marco polo 15:24, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

How to organize a Wikipedia meeting

I live in Delhi/Noida. I am keen to meet other wikipedians hailing from these places. How do I get to meet them? sumal 16:01, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

You might start by getting connected with them over e-mail via the most relevant Wikipedia mailing list though I don't see one for India or the Hindi language. You might try at the Hindi Wikipedia, Wikipedia:Notice board for India-related topics, Category:Indian Wikipedians, or Wikipedia:WikiProject India? --140.247.251.165 16:30, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

You could place a notice on the talk page for the article(s) on that location saying that you would appreciate if anyone from those regions leave you a message on your talk page. Others might object to this, but it's worth a try. StuRat 00:07, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Velvet

Can a spot on velvet fabric that has been crushed be re-raised? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Bethewishes (talk • contribs) 17:21, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

Try gently brushing it against the nap. Anchoress 20:20, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Try steam

CHANEL, CHANEL, CHANEL.........

does anyone know where to buy good vintage chanel in the UK? and where's the cheapest place to buy chanel in the world (from boutiques or well known department stores) or are the prices still the same no-matter where you are?? :) XOXO —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 80.42.11.179 (talk) 17:48, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

What is chanel ? A perfume can't be vintage, so I am confused.90.27.43.195 14:22, 7 April 2007 (UTC)puzzler

The House of Chanel is a company based in Paris which sells hatue couture fashions as well as perfume. Thus, I think the question may be more about buying a vintage clothing item than perfume. I am sorry that I can't address the question of where to buy such items. --LarryMac 16:37, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

why do women need toilet paper when they piss?

Sorry for the bluntness, but this is a serious question and I honestly can't figure it out!

They are not able to 'shake it' like men. So to avoid dribbling into their pants, they wipe it with paper. Sorry for the bluntness!

Yeah thats right! They wipe their urethral meatus with paper —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.110.128.130 (talk) 23:23, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

In all seriousness, I believe our article on urination has a different answer:

In women, the urethra opens straight into the vulva. Because of this, the urine does not exit at a distance from her body and is, therefore, hard to control. (emphasis added by poster)

Harder to control = more likely to be messy, n'est pas?. The issue is not that "shaking it" is needed, in other words -- it's that men pass their urine through a tiny hole, which CAN be shaken clean; women do not, so they end up with a mess of a size requiring clean-up. Jfarber 02:24, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Short answer, if we didn't wipe ourselves we would feel all slimey and gross, and it would probably make our underwear all slimey and gross too. --124.181.241.101 08:52, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for witholding the long answer. dr.ef.tymac 21:00, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Fraud

If I have a LOT of semi-legitimate complaints for a food corporation's product, but I use a fake name, but they eventually link up all my names and track me down, can I be sued?

Wikipedia does not dispense legal advice. --Ybbor^TalkSurvey! 19:34, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I'm not asking Wikipedia, I'm asking the people who reply here. If your words do not add to the question or the response, keep silent. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 76.199.8.98 (talk) 19:48, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

The people who reply here do not dispense legal advice. Check the bulleted list at the top of the page. --LarryMac 19:56, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Neither do we respond to threats. Please do not bite the ref desk volunteers! Jfarber 02:13, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

This is not legal advise and I've never been a lawyer or studied law. However I would say if you aren't doing anything illegal or unethical then even if someone were to sue you they would lose (can't say for sure in the US though). Of course, if by semi-legitimate complains you mean you are making stuff up then you are doing something unethical so I wouldn't try it. Also, I don't see any reason why you would want to use a fake name if you have a legitimate complaint and aren't doing anything unethical. Nil Einne 20:18, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Unless it is done with intend to defraud their is nothing illegal about using a fake name. In fact the very companies you are writing too use fake names. There is no Aunt Jemima nor a real Betty Crocker. User: JeffoNYC 18 December 2010

metabolites

What enzyme would you recommend to dehydrogenate ethylbenzene into styrene?

I can't answer your question, but someone at the Science Reference Desk might be able to. Marco polo 21:54, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

paper products

I heard that Roaring Springs was involved in a class-action suit for having too much acetic acid in their paper. Will this affect their stock price?

I know nothing of the case or the company in question, but if it is true, then I suppose that it might do, but it might not. One can only speculate. Adrian M. H. 20:39, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

If you have heard this, then so have investors, and it has already affected their stock price. Marco polo 21:57, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Agreed, the company could definitely end up in a pickle and sour investors by using too much acetic acid. StuRat 00:01, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

fashion industry

Do people actually buy those weird clothes that fashion designers make? how do they make money without targeting the middle-class consumer?

I'm no fashion expert, but I think that the most outlandish stuff is probably just there to show their creativity and promote their designs, while other, more toned down designs will actually be sold. The weird stuff gets seen in the tabloids, but it's only one part of fashion design. A bit like concept cars in that sense. Adrian M. H. 20:42, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

cheat codes in software

Are there any hidden codes in commercial software?

What ever happened to the guy who made the Excel first-person game? Was he fired?

Easter egg (virtual) may answer some of this. Don't know about the second question tho. Friday (talk) 21:21, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

What Excel game? Black Carrot 03:09, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

The article says that there was a flight simulator hidden in it. [best Montgomery Burns imitation]: Excel-lent. Clarityfiend 15:58, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Lots of commercial software has hidden codes. Sometimes these are there to unlock features that allow the developers to diagnose problems - other times they turn on easter eggs that bored programmers put in to 'sign' their work. But cheat codes - not as such. I mean - cheat codes are there in games to make the game easier to play (or perhaps more difficult)...with commercial software you wouldn't want to make it any harder to use than it has to be - so any sneaky 'improvements' would be in there all the time and not be unlockable with some magic code. Easter eggs are seriously discouraged in most non-games situations because of the scope for embarrassment of the software vendor - and because they may expose security loopholes or maybe make the software less reliable. Easter eggs in games in recent years have been carefully planned - the idea of both cheat codes and easter eggs is that when your game first appears, you get reviews in magazines (free advertising!) - but after a couple of months, the magazines don't want to talk about it anymore. 'Leaking' details of cheat codes and easter eggs to particular magazines gets you an extra free mention months after the game has slipped from the headlines. This is a symbiotic relationship between game publishers and magazines because publishing cheat codes and easter eggs are a major way that games magazines get readership. The myth is that easter eggs are still slipped into games 'under the management radar' - but that's not typically been true for maybe 10 years. The original reason for 'cheat codes' was to make it easier for the game deveopers to get to places in the game quickly while debugging or demonstrating it without having to fight their way through 50 levels of mayhem each time (trust me, that gets old, fast) - the story has always been that programmers "forgot to take them out before publishing the game". The I don't know what happened to the guy who put the game into Excel all those years ago - but I guarantee if he did it today, he would get fired for sure. SteveBaker 18:17, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I might add that some bits of software have a tradition of 'easter eggs', such as Photoshop. I seem to remember they have one or more bits, and if I'm not wrong then the article should contain information about this. 81.93.102.185 11:35, 10 April 2007 (UTC)

wooden slats

why were wooden slats so popular on the walls of rooms in the 70s-80's? What's the psychological interpretation of this indoor decoration trend?

Possibly you're referring to what's termed wooden panelling, which page will also point you to one on interior decorating. Reading on those topics, there and on related Web pages is likely to provide insight on the particular style in question, regarding aesthetic, economic, and "psychological" aspects affecting its period popularity. (Also, please sign your posts with ~~~~) -- Deborahjay 22:27, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

salt domes

Why are they curved domes? Why not make them rectangular like every other building?

Wouldn't that make it a pyramid? Adrian M. H. 20:44, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

no, you are purposefully misreading the question.

AGF. I am not deliberately misreading anything. Maybe your phrasing needs revising, because it appears to me as if you are asking why a domed roof is round. If you are asking why a particular building has a domed roof, I cannot answer that, certainly not without knowing what the building is. Adrian M. H. 21:05, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

As Dome states, they "have a great deal of structural strength." Rectangular structures have corners, so they're weaker at some spots than others. Also, a minor point, but domes enclose the same volume with less material. Finally, they are more aesthetically pleasing. Clarityfiend 21:49, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

If you are actually asking about Salt domes, per the heading, they are not man-made but form naturally, and the highly varied shapes depend on the relative densities of the rocks surrounding the salt as it rises buoyantly. Cheers Geologyguy 22:34, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I'm going to assume you mean the structures used to store salt for use on roads during winter. They are often midway between a dome and an inverted cone. They are shaped like this because this is the shape the salt naturally takes when poured from a single location at the top. Thus, the structure fills up nicely without having to shovel the salt to fill a rectangular container. StuRat 23:56, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

cork board

Is the cork in cork board real or fake?

Cork (material) mentions its use in bulletin boards. I'm sure there are many that aren't really cork. also. Friday (talk) 21:23, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

In cork boards its real. The cheaper ones are not called cock boards —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.110.37.37 (talk) 21:26, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

I hope the cheaper ones aren't called that, or they wouldn't sell well, except in a few specialty stores, perhaps. :-) StuRat 23:50, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The cork industry is in trouble because their main market (Wine bottle corks) is vanishing (artificial corks are both cheaper and better at preserving the wine). Hence there is probably an excess of the stuff on the market - so it's very likely that corkboards are truly made of cork. SteveBaker 17:16, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Indian state names

How come the US never gets credit from INdian tribes that many of the state names use Indian words in them?

"Hey, thanks a lot America! You killed millions of our ancestors and stole the land, but at least you named Connecticut after our river quinnitukqut!" − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 05:09, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Many countries use native names for various geographical locations Nil Einne 20:21, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

franking priveledge

Is there a way I can pay my congressman to send mail for me so I get discounts on stamps and he gets cash for his franking privledge?

So you want to find a congressman dumb enough to risk his reputation and probably commit some kind of crime for a few hundred dollars? Clarityfiend 21:57, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, that's way too cheap! :) --Zeizmic 22:48, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

economy

Why does the stock market go up when there's a ton of mergers? Do mergers indicate the strength of an economy?

In mergers and acquisitions, one firm purchases another by buying its stock. This increases the demand for the bought company's stock, and according to the basic principles of supply and demand, this raises the price of the company's stock. If many mergers and acquisitions occur in close sequence, this activity can drive up the prices of stocks as a whole. We are currently in such a period. Market commentators differ on whether this activity indicates the strength of the economy or whether it stems from a glut of liquidity or easy credit. In the latter case, prices of assets such as stocks could be driven up faster than their ability to yield a return. Marco polo 22:06, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Also, people often are unreasonably optimistic that mergers will increase efficiency and improve both companies. A few years later, when the merger turns out to be a failure, companies often split up again. For example, the acquisition of Chrysler by Daimler-Benz in 1998 has now soured. StuRat 23:45, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

iPods and flat screens

I heard that high-tech electronics were banned from import into N. Korea. How do you get goods into N. Korea in the first place? Is there a trade route with S. Korea or one with China? I wish to sell goods, especially cheap food products with high caloric content such as Cinnabons to N. Koreans.

Who's going to pay for it? The "Dear Leader" and his cronies don't particularly care if the average North Korean is well-fed or not. Clarityfiend 22:05, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Well, the cronies can afford Cinnabons. For the rest, I'd aim lower, like a big vat of lard. It might sound disgusting here, but anything which would keep them from starving would likely sell there, if they could afford it, and lard is probably about all they can afford. StuRat 23:40, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Mmmm...lard. Clarityfiend 00:36, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

There are some Special Economic Zones on the border with SK, I heard.CCLemon-ここは寒いぜ！ 20:34, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Lard seems like something that would be a rather expensive option to feed the poor (not to mention difficult to transport and store) to me. It may be somewhat of an undesirable product but it's still something that comes from omnivores. Also, regardless of whether or not you could legally export luxury goods into North Korea, it being illegal in North Korean means you would get in deep shit even if you managed to bring them in Nil Einne 20:25, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

This is gonna be a fun discussion. So the above have talked about the political and economic aspects of this idea. Now, I'm going to talk about the cultural.

Considering, Kim Jong Il and his dictorship passion, I think he would see Western technology and imports, food and otherwise, as a threat to his power. Cinnimon buns, as your quoted example would probably never do in NK. As it is a absolutly a cultural import, it would/could be seen as a foreign parasite, if you will, like a viral meme. (Ok, I just lost what I want to get at, but I'll just include this bit more.) Civil war and unrest, and rebellion may ensue. So, yea, but yea, (sorry (really) I lost my ideas).100110100 12:52, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

I bet he is just fine with using "Western imperialist goods" when he is out of sight, just like the ruling pigs at the dinner table in Animal Farm. StuRat 19:08, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

Who designed the first stop sign?

Is there a memo explaining the original rationale for the stop sign being octogonal? I heard it was an octogon so you could see it and recognize it even from the side and behind it. Is this true?

Well, any unique shape would accomplish that, wouldn't it ? StuRat 23:35, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Yes, but an octagon - being a square with the corners chopped off - is probably much easier to manufacture than a pentagon (which can also be a temptation to those with Satanic leanings), a hexagon, a star, an ellipse, or almost any other regular shape I can think of. That's a logical take, but whether that was the actual reason they chose the octagon, I am not able to say. As for who chose the octagon, and when, Stop sign#History says it was an American initiative in 1922. JackofOz 06:05, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

cheaper/expensive?

Are things getting cheaper or more expensive? For example, 10 years ago was the ratio of the price of a 20oz coke to the price of a flight from NYC to LA greater or less than it is now?

See inflation. Friday (talk) 21:11, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Some things are getting cheaper, some are getting more expensive. See Mars bar

Geez, you could have made it easier - it took me a while to find the Mars bar trivia. Clarityfiend 04:47, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

research

Why doesn't the gov't give money to companies specifically for research into making their products cheaper and with less waste? why do they give it to academia who pump out tons of useless, nonpractical (but nonetheless interesting) papers every year?

Are you serious?

To answer your first question: Governments don't need to give money to companies for research into making their products cheaper, capitalism's economies of scale, of research and development and of innovation take care of that. If the costs of waste were internalized in the companies' production costs, that part might be addressed by the system of capitalism as well. Governments can use various instruments, such as taxes, tariffs and quotas on pollution or other environmental regulations for balance and incentive, and some governments do. To answer the second question: Mu. ---Sluzzelin talk 22:33, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The problem is that any subsidy given to companies could be used to favor some companies (those which give the legislators the most money) over others. Such subsidies often also come with strings that make them not so useful. For example, legislators from farm states might only agree to give auto companies subsidies if they agree to build vehicles that run on ethanol, while that may not be the best solution, since ethanol production (from corn) is currently quite limited and inefficient. StuRat 23:25, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Without basic research there would be no foundation for applied research to build upon. So while basic research does not have an immediate short-term commercial benefit, it is still essential for a strong, modern economy and thus government invests a proportion of its resources in maintaining it. Applied research does tend to realise a more immediate benefit and therefore it is more attractive to industry to fund themselves. Our article on research funding covers this in more detail. That said, governments do attempt to persuade companies to invest in research efforts that will benefit the consumer (and tax-payer) in the manner you suggest. They use subsidies, tax breaks and project-based grants (collectively called "corporate welfare" initiatives by critics) to encourage research efforts that will favour their political will. Rockpocket

Ben Folds

Why is Ben so popular in Japan where othe rAmerican musicians have not even been noticed?

This is probably a question the Japanese themselves could best answer. Maybe it's all about marketing. Maybe it's about him resonating with the Japanese culture in some ineffable way. Ian Thorpe became a cult figure in Japan, when many other famous and successful swimmers were virtually unknown there - why? better ask them. JackofOz 21:57, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The reason some Western popular musicians are "Big in Japan" is somewhat of an a mystery (and, as such, a bit of an in-joke, see Big in Japan and the end of This Is Spinal Tap). I recall a few UK bands in the mid 1990s, specifically Silver Sun and Out of My Hair who had or or two minor hits in Europe, but managed to carve a decent career in Japan (to the extent that Silver Sun now release music in Japan first (or exclusively) and in Europe as an afterthought). It hard to know quite why these bands appealed to the Japanese market but many others did not. A certain demographic among Japanese music fans, the otaku, are described as having a "fetishistic devotion [that] marks them out as a breed apart" [2], so it may simply be that Folds' first single hooked enough fans and they stuck with them. If anyone knew the magic formula sure, they would be a very rich person. If you wish to learn more, there are some studies on the subject though:

• Not-so-Big in Japan: Western Pop Music in the Japanese Market, Guy de Launey, Popular Music, Vol. 14, No. 2 (May, 1995), pp. 203-225
• How Western Music Came to Japan, Takatoshi Yoshida, Tempo , No. 40 (Summer, 1956), pp. 16-17
• The Genre Preferences of Western Popular Music by Japanese Adolescents, Alan Wells and Hiroshi Tokinoya, Popular Music and Society, Spring, 1998

Hope that helps. Rockpocket 03:35, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

marketing theory

Is there a theory that you tell the quality and need of a product by the percent spent on marketing it versus actually making and developing it? can I have a link to said theory?

It sounds like Strategic Marketing, which you may find under marketing DDB 12:13, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

This would be a really muddled theory (if it existed). Marketing at its purest is about supplying identified needs. Quality, therefore, should reflect the need. i.e. a fast used basic product (toilet roll) is functional and the quality has to do with strength sufficient to do the job. On the other hand people want to project an image and so a rangle of coloured, perfumed, etc, rolls is available. Thus marketing is responding to identified need for status as well as function. Of course marketing (wrongly used) can create want (not need) and this is where promotional spend comes in. Finally, the amount spent on promotion (ad, PR, sales, etc.) is less important than the quality of the promotion - the ability to lock into the minds and affect the actions of the targetted people. Remember good promotion is highly targetted, thus many are unaffected or wonder what the promotion is about.90.27.43.195 14:19, 7 April 2007 (UTC)petitmichel

complaining to companies

When you complain to companies and you use false names to do so, do they get angry at you if they find out? What if you make up the complaints and they're not even real?

Asking the question a second time will not get you a different answer. Adrian M. H. 20:47, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I do not understand, I am only asking if someone will get angry at me? Does this break policy? Please, no personal attacks.

We cannot get involved in commenting on a situation or action that may have legal issues around it. You have intimated that you might want to make up complaints and use false names. Hopefully, that was just a hypothetical question, but we just should not go there. And nobody is attacking you; don't be over-sensitive. Adrian M. H. 21:02, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

When you waste police time, they charge you for service (in many nations). Banks charge for service. People who make up nuisance complaints can be charged with a range of different things, and possibly serve jail time. Posting lies on the internet can result in computer equipment being confiscated and serious fines issued. I know after one such lynching, the townspeople gathered in times square and cheered, as the poor schmuck was struck with tomatoes and rotten fruit. DDB 12:09, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

You might be interested in the Wendy's finger case. As DDB has aptly put it, and I also mentioned in response to your earlier question, making stuff up is not a good idea and can get you into some serious shit. Even making stuff up to your partner is a bad idea Nil Einne 20:30, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

baby killing cults

Are these true or just from urban legends?

See blood libel. jnestorius^(talk) 20:37, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

The articles on child sacrifice and infanticide might interest you as well. Cult is hard to define, but rituals of sacrificing infants don't appear to have played a significant part in our anthropological history. ---Sluzzelin talk 20:52, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I forgot to add, I have defined a cult as any faith or religion less than a century old. Perhaps this will help when you are trying to answer my question.

I couldn't find any sources credibly reporting this occurence in new religious movements . This doesn't mean it never happened anywhere, I only scanned a limited amount of sources. To answer your question: No, the claims are almost certainly not true, but the origins of these misconceptions date back way outside the realm of urban legends, as explained in the article jnestorius linked to. ---Sluzzelin talk 21:51, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

But check out Moloch and the history of Carthage. alteripse 22:47, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Toilet times

Why exactly are women allowed longer to go to the toilet than men in a factory situation? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.110.208.218 (talk) 21:11, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

There's little the reference desk can do to help explain the policies of some unnamed company. This may be a question to ask the foreman. Friday (talk) 21:17, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

No you misunderstand: this is/used to be general pracice in most factories regardlesss of the company.

Could be the 'wiping time' 8-)

Could be the de-kecking and/or 'wiping time' 8-) —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.110.37.37 (talk) 21:22, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

Here are some reasons women take longer in the bathroom at work:

1) Women have to deal with feminine hygiene products.

2) Women need stalls for peeing, and stalls take up more room than urinals. The result is that, given two bathrooms with the same square footage, there are fewer places to urinate for women than men. This, combined with the other factors, leads to lines (queues) in women's rooms that slow things down further.

Dubious. most female toilets have more stalls that male urinals

Not if they are the same sized bathrooms. You can fit about 50% more urinals in a bathroom than stalls, so 3 urinals for every 2 stalls. StuRat 05:49, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

3) Women are more likely to go to the bathroom to pass gas, than just let fly in the office.

How do you know thay can hold gas longer than men? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.110.128.130 (talk) 23:27, 6 April 2007 (UTC).

Men could probably hold it, too, but just don't bother. StuRat 05:49, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

4) Women frequently fix their make-up in the bathroom, while most men only put lipstick on at home. :-) StuRat 23:12, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

For 1, it can be 3-7 days. And if they take longer only during those days, everyone will know when their periods are, which could be embarassing. And women can get infections there too. For 2, I really doubt there's more stalls than there are stalls plus urinals in the men's bathrooms, but I've never been in a women's restroom. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 01:36, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Really?? You haven't lived. The stuff they talk about would curl your hair.  :) JackofOz 06:38, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Females produce less gas than males, but more urine. I understand there is a hormonal difference. DDB 12:03, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

In the abscence of any satisfactory answers above I suggest that the reason is that it takes women longer to

• find an empty cubical
• enter said cubicle and disrobe sufficiently
• sit down - pee - do the wiping
• get dressed
• come out of cubical
• wash hands- fix hair make up etc

Would that be fair? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.109.190.127 (talk) 17:52, 9 April 2007 (UTC).

Well, that would explain the messes I occasionally find in my office cubicle. :-) StuRat 20:12, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Quote: Praise from Caesar

What is the origin of the phrase "Praise from Caesar is praise indeed?"Jamesbatic 21:30, 6 April 2007 (UTC)Jamesbatic

There is a biblical phrase "Praise from on high" or "high praise." Possibly this is an adaptation, and so its etymology might never be known. DDB 11:58, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for your reply; however, I'm unable to find any such passages in the Bible ... much praise of God, and some praise by God of man, but nothing seeming to fit. I'm intrigued that such an apt phrase seems to have no origin. I guess the internet is not yet the ultimate source of all knowledge!  :)Jamesbatic 05:23, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Possibly from Horace Satires 2.1.84: iudice laudatus Caesare "praised by such a judge as Caesar"?—eric 22:45, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

The quote is a pretty close fit, but the context does not seem to agree with what I understand to be the meaning of the expression. I have seen suggestions that attribute this to Shakespeare, but a search of the complete works has not produced any result ... appreciate your efforts on my behalf!Jamesbatic 05:23, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Edit conflict

Why in Wikipedia people often write "after edit conflict" on their edits after experiencing edit conflicts? I mean, does it matter to people reading the posts whether they were posted after edit conflicts or not? A.Z. 22:16, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

It's (among other things) to indicate that the (ec) poster is acknowledging that her/his contributions may already have been made by the pre-ec editors, but s/he isn't going to bother reading the other contributions and retooling their post accordingly. BTW, 'not going to bother' isn't meant pejoratively, it's just the way I talk. I do the 'ec' thing too, and it's often because I'm afraid that the time I spend reading and re-tooling will be wasted because I'll encounter more edit conflicts with my revised message anyway. Anchoress 22:20, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Thank you! A.Z. 22:25, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

(edit conflict) Oh well, I lost my reply to an edit conflict (Irony no?) but I thought I'd share my template anyway--VectorPotential^Talk 22:27, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I agree that's probably the major reason. For some people, it's also an ego thing. Some editors see the Ref Desk as a race to be the first to answer a question - not that there's anything wrong with that - and like to be able to honestly claim they were typing their answer while the first poster was beating them to the "Save page" button. That way, even if they got beaten to the button, they know they weren't far behind. Something to do with testosterone/oestrogen and competitiveness. Anyway, it's all jolly good sport. JackofOz 22:29, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

You might as well just say testosterone. Both men and women have it, and I doubt estrogen is the cause of messageboard competitiveness. ;-) Anchoress 22:31, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

That's really interesting. I didn't know I would learn that some people see the reference desk as a race when I asked here about edit conflict. Some questions lead us to some places unexpected at the time when we ask them. A.Z. 22:37, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Word. Be grateful for that, by the way. Seeing as none of us are reimbursed for time spent, there's only intangibles available to motivate us. None of this would work if it weren't for a blend of competitiveness, gossipiness, and intellectual generosity. Black Carrot 00:10, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

And you're right, BTW, it's probably testosterone in both cases. Estrogen handles other stuff. Black Carrot 00:11, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

(edit conflict) All the above answers were exactly what I was about to say! --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 01:33, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Which perfectly illustrates my point.  :) JackofOz 03:49, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Damn! All of you got in ahead of me! :-) --Anon, April 8, 06:04 (UTC).

Not just an ego thing but a 'fick I spent 10 minutes writing a reply and I'll be damned if I'm going to abandon it' thing as well. In other words, if editors have spent an amount of time writing something they want to get it out even if it's just a repeat, not because of ego but because they don't want to feel their time was a complete waste. Even more so if this is the second reply, e.g. because you somehow lost an earlier reply. (Obviously the point anchress is important as well.) Ironically this was an edit conflict too... Nil Einne 20:37, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

aka Sunk cost. dr.ef.tymac 20:46, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

That brings me to the purpose of the RefDesk, and our target audience. Imagine you're a student or whatever, and you ask a question here. Are you more interested in a single, accurate, concise answer to the question, or are you more interested in a number of people telling you essentially the same thing? Sure, if you have additional information to provide, or some humorous aside, or an argument that the foregoing answer is incomplete or inaccurate, of course it's ok to provide your alternative view. But if there's nothing (or nothing much) different from what someone else has already said, it adds nothing (or nothing much) to the debate, so the purpose of sending it can only be: "I was going to say the same thing, and now that I've spent 10 minutes typing it up, I'm going to say it anyway". If that's not an ego thing, what is it? Not that there's anything wrong with ego. You're entitled to believe that sending your answer causes the work you've done not to be reduced to a waste of time. The questioner may well have a different viewpoint, and after all it's principally the questioners to whom we're of service here, rather than each other, or ourselves. JackofOz 00:15, 10 April 2007 (UTC)

Seeing as none of us are reimbursed for time spent ... huh??!! You mean you are not getting monetary compensation for your Wikipedia contributions? *LOL* How quaint! dr.ef.tymac 20:33, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

For the same reason people write Comment before comments in AFDs, I reckon. Recury 19:45, 10 April 2007 (UTC)

General knowledge Q.

Who was first Indian Women to fly aboard? Please help me to answer this Q. --Nirajrm Δ | [sign plz] 23:44, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

Aboard what?

Questioner presumably means abroad, i.e. overseas. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 00:19, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Do you mean "fly abroad"?CCLemon-ここは寒いぜ！ 00:21, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Just in case you're asking about female pilots, Sarla Thakral seems to have been the first female pilot from India (1936). Wikipedia has nothing on her, but a short section on Air India's female pilots. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Sluzzelin (talk • contribs) 00:30, 7 April 2007 (UTC).

Not sure if she was the first female pilot from India to fly abroad though Nil Einne 20:39, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Nor am I, in fact I doubt it. Then again, we still don't know whether Nirajrm meant abroad, aboard (an aircraft), or something else altogether. Nirarjrm, what did you mean? ---Sluzzelin talk 23:55, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

April 7

Sources

There's a news story going around that somehow drew my eye: Police: 5th Graders Charged After Classroom Sex. I tossed some keywords into Google to find out more. I discovered something odd, though. No matter how many articles I read, I wound up with very little additional information. In fact, not only did they all say nearly the same thing, they all used nearly the same words to say it. [3] has a listing of some of them, under the "169 more versions of this story are available" link. How does something like that happen? Are they all just cribbing off each other, or was there a single press release of some kind that they're all "paraphrasing", ie quoting without citation? If the latter, is there a way to get hold of it? Black Carrot 00:22, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

The key is probably this line which appears underneath the story in your first link -

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.

Many news outlets receive stories via wire services, such as the Associated Press and use them verbatim. You might be able to see the story at the AP website. --LarryMac 01:57, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Such stories are subject to strong legislation. Journalists who give identifying details can be very harshly treated, as can any news providores. The truth is, this is not in public interest for immediate examination and the possibility of further damage to the children's interests is incalculable. However, if you are interested in such stories, you can hear much by talking to Elementary School or Primary School teachers .. unofficially. DDB 11:47, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

What on earth are you talking about? --LarryMac 16:42, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I think he said that, if I found out the kids' names, I might visit the school personally and make fun of them. Which would doubtless hurt their feelings more than being arrested did. Anywho... Thanks for the Associated Press tip. That's what I was looking for. Black Carrot 17:35, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

What DBB is talking about, BC and LarryMac, seems pretty clear to me. The laws and journalistic standards which protect minors allow very little of this sort of story to "come to light" -- which in this case seems to have led to a perfectly common and legitimate pattern in which that small amount of information which can be reported without compromising these standards was covered by the AP, which was then picked up and passed along legitimately by other news media. Of the many very valid reasons why such laws and standards exist, "if I knew what happened people might confront the kids personally" is pretty trivial, and hardly mentioned in the legal cases on this subject. More commonly, the premises for such protections include a) the legal assumption that children should not later (as adults) be held socially responsible for acts they committed when they were children, which can only be accomplished if one does not name names when children end up in court, and b) the idea that minors have limited abilities to protect themselves, and as such need extra protections from law (such as anonymity) that adults may not get. As DBB suggests, to get a general sense of how this SORT of thing COULD have happened, speaking to someone intimately familiar with the age group, the dynamics of classroom peer dynamics, and the school settings which frame this and other events, will garner some understanding of theory, and help one understand why this could have been both possible and in some cases unavoidable given the current state of classrooms and schools...though it certainly would not give you information about these particular kids, nor does it suggest you should try to track them down for any reason. Jfarber 19:44, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I interpreted BlackCarrot's question "How does something like this happen?" to be in reference to all of the seemingly identical news stories he found. I was in no way attempting any comment on the topic of the particular news story; nor would I in the context of the reference desk. --LarryMac 21:38, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I interpreted this the same way. But I think the relatively small amount of information is part of what drives the similarity of news items. AP sources with more information may be more noticibly different in different news outlets, given more material to pick and choose from. Small stories cannot be rehashed much without losing so much they're not worth mentioning. This is, then why the journalistic (& more often closed-court) standards of kid cases are relevant to the phenom of multiple almost-similar stories. Jfarber 02:45, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

To clarify here, there is no law in the United States preventing media from reporting the name of juvenile crime suspects. Courts have struck down such laws as unconstitutional. -- Mwalcoff 01:08, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

You make a good point. It could be a shortage of data that them from reporting separate stories. Black Carrot 07:36, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

What is the song playing here called?

[4]-I can't think of it. ~Siggy

Probably because it isn't a real song. It sounds like a little midi ditty created specifically for the site. Basic, basic chord progression, drum beat and arpeggio 'melody' common to thousands of songs. Anchoress 02:00, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Actually, it's "Wizards in Winter", from Trans-Siberian Orchestra's The Lost Christmas Eve album. — Kieff | Talk 00:33, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Oh! LOL my bad. Anchoress 04:08, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

I thought it sounded something like trans-siberian orchestra... ~Siggy —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Russian F (talk • contribs) 19:07, 8 April 2007 (UTC).

Bloody sex offender

I'm trying to find the current status of the notorious criminal Joseph E. Duncan III to edit the article on him, to see if he's sentenced or executed yet. But I can't find anything. Also I can't find what profession he is. Please help, Thanks! Wooyi^{Talk, Editor review} 01:50, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Google is my friend. Anchoress 01:58, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I found that his trial is delayed to next year...ehh...but I haven't find anything from google about his profession before becoming a criminal. Can anyone help? Wooyi^{Talk, Editor review} 04:24, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

What was that song called in Blades of Glory?

The song Chazz and Jimmy were skating to the 1st time? It was something about closing one's eyes. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 71.172.28.176 (talk) 02:33, 7 April 2007 (UTC).

I personally haven't seen the movie, and can't say anything with certainty, but the Internet Movie Database has only two soundtracks for the movie [5]: "Blades of Glory" and "Hot Blodded." Although I would assume that list is incomplete, but check if either of those songs jog your memory. --Ybbor^TalkSurvey! 03:00, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

It believe Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (aka the theme from Armageddon) got the nod over Chazz's preference, My Humps. Rockpocket 04:38, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Arbitration on Paranormal Topics on Wikipedia ?!

What is going on ?! 65.163.113.145 03:14, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I don't know!!!!eleven!!1111 Can you give us some more information so we can figure out what you're referring to? Which articles? What do you disagree with about their arbitration? Did you try the talk pages, or is there a project where you can ask this question on the project pages!? Jfarber 04:04, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

You were expected to use your paranormal powers to divine the name of the page in question. If you're unable to do so, then you fail to qualify to arbitrate the discussion. :-) StuRat 05:42, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

See Wikipedia Project Paranormal's Talk page. 65.163.113.145 04:17, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

As near as I can tell, there's not much there. The project page you refer to makes a wild claim that "an arbitration will go on regarding paranormal topics at Wikipedia", but the page THAT claimant links to seems to be little more than a pretty standard conflict between two people about whether a bit of language is POV which seems to have degraded into an equally common rantfest that is making them both look bad while causing some members of the talk page's regular "crew" to take sides. Why that would be a threat to "paranormal topics on Wikipedia" is absolutely beyond me. Insert slightly humorous snarky comment about tinfoil hats, anal probes and fairies here. Jfarber 05:50, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I think Marion Bradley covered this with her Darkover series. It was the fault of the terranan who rejected the idea of female chastity. DDB 11:38, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Can anyone identify this aeroplane for me?

Earlier this evening I was going through my family's slide collection for the purpose of digitising them with my brand new scanner, and I came across this. It's an airliner landing at what I think is Kingsford Smith International Airport, though it may have been an air show at a smaller airport; neither of my parents can remember exactly. Anyway, can anyone identify the make of the aircraft and airline? Thanks. —DO'Neil 09:28, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Can't help you with the aircraft, but I can tell you it's not Kingsford Smith airport.--Shantavira 10:58, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Ask at the talk page of WikiProject Aircraft. I bet someone will know. Adrian M. H. 13:00, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I think it is a Fokker F28, even though it looks like the plane in the picture has a shorter nose. -Lapinmies 16:38, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

No idea about the aircraft, but I'd be prepared to bet money it's not Sydney but Canberra Airport. -- JackofOz 05:47, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Broadest shoulders

Who is the person with the broadest shoulders in the world? Guess some bodybuilder. Thanks. --Taraborn 14:21, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

My guess is the tallest man, since your shoulder bones don't exactly increase when you "beef up". --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 17:38, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Since when was shoulder breadth measured from inside the shoulder? Muscles can add a good few inches. I'd bet somebody with Andre the Giant's build. Black Carrot 17:44, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I too would expect it to be the tallest person in the world. My understanding is that most humans have several consistencies. Things like their foot size being the distance between their elbow and their hand or (more related to this question) that their height is the same as the distance from one finger-tip to the other. Not sure this is true, but if it is I would suspect that means the shoulder-width of that person would be proportional to their height. Obviously these sort of 'rules' aren't 100% perfect but i've heard it is pretty accurate. ny156uk 00:12, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Reed Ice Cream Company

My grandfather C.F. Becker and Claude Reed opened this ice cream company in 1929. I used to visit my grandfather when he lived in Dundee. I'm 71 and all my relatives who knew him are gone. Do you have any info on his exact address in Dundee or any other info on the company other than what I found on MTOGuy's blog or how I can reach anyone who may have info. C.R. Becker lived in Iowa Falls IA and had a cigar and news store prior to moving to Omaha. I grew up in Iowa Falls and now live in Florida. Any help or direction would be appreciated

(personal info removed to prevent spam) —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 63.215.27.165 (talk) 15:26, 7 April 2007 (UTC).

Dundee in what state? Did he live there in 1930 and do you know the names of other persons living at the same place, to aid in searching the census files. Edison

tobacco

Is there fiberglass in chew tobacco? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 66.61.116.228 (talk) 17:17, 7 April 2007 (UTC).

Yikes! I hope not. Fiberglass is a nasty skin irritant - you definitely wouldn't want it in anything you plan to put into your mouth. But on the other hand chewing tobacco is sufficiently dangerous by itself that it might as well have fiberglass for all the difference it would make. SteveBaker 17:45, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Dipping_tobacco calls that an unsubstantiated rumour. -- Diletante 17:50, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

It's a rumour according to Snopes as well: article. Dismas|^(talk) 18:29, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

It's obviously false. The tobacco companies don't want you to die...that fast. Clarityfiend 06:47, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Training specific muscles

Hi, I just have a few questions about muscle training:

• How do I build the muscle that is on the side of my arm, like in-between the biceps and triceps on the surface. It kinda looks like a bump. I think this is called the Brachialis. A well-defined brachilias shows good seperation of the biceps and triceps i think. Here is a diagram
• How do I build the muscle on the back of my shoulder?
• How do I get well defined deltoids like this photo Picture —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Hustle (talk • contribs) 18:35, 7 April 2007 (UTC).

I would appreciate it if you could tell me how to build these muscle regions using free weights and resistance bands. Thank you very much. Hustle 18:22, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Wet cat food without wheat gluten

The Fat Man is having cat food issues. My cat will only eat the chunks-and-gravy style of wet cat food (the sort that contains tainted wheat gluten, which is being recalled by pet food manufacturers). Are there cat foods that offer gravy-and-chunks style foods but do not contain wheat gluten? Is it even possible for manufacturers to achieve that texture without using the forbidden ingredient? Note: I am not looking for just any wet or canned cat food. I am only curious about the gravy-and-chunks texture.--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back 19:05, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Okay I was able to find a pretty useful link myself after much searching. If anyone else is interested in grain-free (and therefore wheat gluten-free) wet cat food, here's an article by a vet. It seems fairly independent and does not promote one particular brand, so I don't consider it spam: [6]--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back 19:54, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

You might also consider feeding your cat regular people food (like lunch meat or tuna fish) until the pet food issue is completely cleared up. StuRat 02:39, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

I think now they'll find melamine in a lot of things! Cats seem to be the most sensitive. Luckily, my monster bag of dry dog food lasts over 6 months, but I don't have a problem getting another one now, since there won't be much in dry food, and dogs aren't that sensitive. --Zeizmic 15:20, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Indie Rock

I posted a question like a week ago about alternative rock and pop rock but this time i am asking:what are the musical traits of indie rock?i hope i will receive a answer,thank you.

Well the Indie rock article is flagged for lacking sources, but it seems on target and quite comprehensive. Did you read it? If so, do you have further questions? Anchoress 23:56, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

Indie rock is used for bands of a wide variety of styles, so it is not easy to pin down an "indie rock sound". − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 15:50, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

April 8

MCA question paper

Can any one tell me any web site where i can find MCA entrance question paper(it should be free downloadable) Or any one can send me the question paper. just send me the clickable link through which it can be download directly. thanks i will be very thank ful. one imp point I am an indian so the question paper should be for india —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 203.145.188.130 (talk) 03:19, 8 April 2007 (UTC).

Cows

Are there more cows in Vermont or Michigan? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Pythagoraspanda (talk • contribs)

According to the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, there are an estimated 1,060 thousand head in Michigan and 265 thousand head in Vermont.—eric 05:34, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Singer

I am a 19'yr old guy who simply lovs singing and music'I try to create a musical atmosphere of the song just with my voice and then gets lost into it.After singing to myself for a fe minutes I start studying but what I hae sung rverberates in my mind and I involuntarily start humming what Ihave sung.This posing a prblem to my concentration.I cant altogether sop singing because I am addicted to my own voice.What should I do? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 210.210.53.45 (talk) 13:14, 8 April 2007 (UTC).

When you study, read the words in your books out loud. That will probably make the singing voice in your head disappear. Skarioffszky 15:03, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

I guess you might try tricking your brain into listening to other music - try listening to music on headphones. Maybe pick something in a style you wouldn't normally sing to - classical maybe. SteveBaker 17:04, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Avianca airlines

Does Avianca airlines (or did it ever) have any flight from Rome, Italy to Vienna, Austria? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 209.139.109.140 (talk) 13:47, 8 April 2007 (UTC).

According to our article on Avianca destinations, it has never flown to either of those places.--Shantavira 15:31, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

No, the article makes no such statement: it does not claim to be a complete list of places that the airline has ever flown to (and given that this is Wikipedia, I wouldn't trust it if it did). However, in this case it seems very unlikely that there was ever such a flight, simply because airlines based in one country don't typically get permission to fly between points in two other countries, especially not when the countries aren't even closely related ones. See Freedoms of the air#Eighth freedom. --Anonymous, April 9, 2007, 03:08 (UTC).

Are there other free sites besides Pogo.com?

The answers to my last question are good, but...are there any other sites to try for money than Pogo.com? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Sirdrink13309622 (talk • contribs) 16:28, 8 April 2007 (UTC).

Sexuality

Do girls find gay guys as enticing as guys find lesbians? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 84.13.132.232 (talk) 18:08, 8 April 2007 (UTC).

The article on Shōnen-ai (see also Yaoi) offers a weak, uncited argument that at least in some cases, the answer might be "yes". Sorry that's not a very general answer. -Haikon 18:35, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

I'm not sure about the supposition of the question; are you talking about actual lesbians or stereotypical lipstick lesbians? jnestorius^(talk) 23:35, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Fag hags do. Rockpocket 00:40, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Some women are, some aren't. This might shock you, but women aren't all cookie-cutter identical on the inside. --Charlene 02:37, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

I think your premise is flawed. Not all guys (even straight ones) find lesbians enticing. JackofOz 02:49, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

If it helps, the common wisdom is that men like to watch lesbians have sex, and women like to have gay friends. If you want something more solid than stereotype, I'm afraid I can't help you. I've never heard of anyone doing an in-depth controlled study of the subject. Black Carrot 07:42, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Plenty of women on 4chan say that they would find a straight guy doing homosexual stuff attractive/sexy, though of course there are no women on the internet. Plus that's original research. -Wooty Woot? contribs 07:46, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Ironically, considering the variety of prejudices and pre/misconceptions about the scope (or lack thereof) of female sexuality, I read a study recently where men and women were studied for their sexual response to different visual sexual stimuli. What they found was that men were very 'monogamous'; straight men were aroused by hetro sex and female gay/bisexual. Gay men were aroused by gay male sexuality. But women... Well, regardless of sexual orientation, we were turned on - if not equally, then to an unexpected degree - by hetro, gay men, gay women, dogs going at it, three-ways, masturbation, people sticking their fingers in and out of donut holes (OK the last one I made up), you name it. So it seems it's women who are really broad-minded about sex: men just like to joke about it. ;-))) Anchoress 07:59, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Where is this "study" you speak of? I'm female and I find this reply questionable... --124.181.241.101 08:37, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

I don't remember where I saw it or what it was called. I read it at least 14 months ago. Sorry. ;-) If I feel 'in the mood' I'll go look for it. Anchoress 08:41, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

question

Have there ever been any questions on here which haven't been answered? 147.197.215.15 22:56, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Yes, many. And there are many more that are answered poorly. We used to keep a list of unanswered questions (see Wikipedia:Reference Desk archive unanswered 2005) but now they are simply archived with the answered ones. Rockpocket 23:03, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

Taxes

I want Wiki pedians on here to help me with my taxes this year. I think it would be a good idea, seeing they are due soon. I have questions. Gatorphat 02:52, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

I don't know if this explicitly falls under our "no legal advice" rule, but common sense should tell you that you should get your tax questions answered by a professional accountant. Your money isn't something I would recommend staking on the advice of strangers on the internet. -- mattb @ 2007-04-09T04:45Z

You might find some useful information in our Category:Taxation in the United States. Check out also the Free File Alliance (if you earn under $52k). Rockpocket 07:19, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

I recommend you transfer all your money to me. I'll make sure the IRS gets their share. Black Carrot 07:45, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

"Gimme got stuck in a bottle"

I remember as a kid i was told this everytime i use the word "gimme." Does anyone know the tale behind this phrase? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 209.30.45.124 (talk) 04:36, 9 April 2007 (UTC).

Maybe a pun on Genie (Djinni)? The story of the genie stuck in a bottle becomes "gimmi stuck in a bottle"?? It's a long shot - but it's the best I've got! SteveBaker 04:48, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

That's much better than my thought about a reference to the movie My Life as a Dog (with "Gimme" perhaps a nickname for Ingemar ?). I see we don't mention the scene in question in our summary, so here's one that does: [7]. StuRat 05:37, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

paypal transfer

if i were to get money from a survey website for taking their surveys and it goes into my paypal account is there a way to get that money intu my bank account.--logger 06:37, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Yes, although it's been years since I've done it. There is a way. Dismas|^(talk) 07:41, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Just checked. Go to their website at http://www.paypal.com/ then click on the word "Help" in the upper right of the page. The very first question on the page is "How do I withdraw funds from my PayPal account?". Dismas|^(talk) 07:45, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Bayo beans

Are bayo beans and pinto beans the same? I'm having trouble finding the answer.