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March 13

Methods of execution

Although lethal injection is touted as being more humane than cyanide (due to pain associated with oxygen deprivation at the cellular level, correct me if I am wrong) I have heard several suggestions as to alternative methods. One was the use of carbon dioxide but I'm not sure if this causes pain prior to rendering it's victim unconsciousness. My question is, what about sodium methoxide since it is purported to kill nerve cells before the pain of the burn it inflicts can even be transmitted? 71.100.173.119 (talk) 00:04, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

This is ugly. Topseyturvey (talk) 07:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Sodium methoxide is conveted practically instantly to sodium hydroxide and methanol in the presence of water. Believe me that it does cause painful burning sensations. I would imagine that a painless method would involve an overdose of painkillers first.87.102.94.198 (talk) 12:46, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Your answer is even uglier. Do you have any moral sense at all? Topseyturvey (talk) 06:44, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

What exactly is ugly about my answer. And since when have you had the right or the ability to morally judge me? 87.102.83.204 (talk) 09:52, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

It is the lives of human beings that you are talking about ending, not dealing with a plague of fire ants or cockroaches. If you do not understand this you suffer from the most profound form of moral turpitude. If the question was would it be quicker to kill Jews using zyklon B or carbon monoxide gas, would you have answered? Yes, I think you probably would. Topseyturvey (talk) 06:24, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Moral sense or turpitude? Give me a break. There is no lack of morality in upholding real deterrents to murder, rape and other capital crimes such as the death penalty by certain and rightful execution. Making that execution faster or by any other means a bit more humane is not lacking in morality either. What is ugly is that capital punishment is in many cases not deterrent enough. But to suggest a connection between lawful execution by the State and the victims of the Holocaust is as ugly and immoral as anyone can be. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.100.174.10 (talk) 06:03, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Even if you consider capital punishment a bad policy (as I do), why is it especially evil to seek to make it as painless as possible? —Tamfang (talk) 04:42, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

ha, there is nothing ugly about this at all, i actually think it is quiet intresting...Vagery (talk) 18:19, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Re. :Public Access to the Paranormal News

WHY IS THE FOLLOWING REMOVED: FIRST THE WEEKLY WORLD NEWS DISAPPEARS, THEN THE SUN (SUPERMARKET TABLOID) IS ALSO GONE, NOW THE EXAMINER IS NOW ALSO GONE ? WIKIPEDIA IS NOT (SUPPOSED TO BE) CENSORED. IS THE CIA BEHIND THIS, AS INDICATED BY OPERATION MOCKINGBIRD AND ROBERTSON PANEL ? MAYBE SOMEONE CAN SEE THIS QUESTION WITHOUT HAVING TO USE A MICROSCOPE. A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO BUY THESE PAPERS DO NOT CARE ABOUT WHY BRITNEY SPEARS WILL NOT KEEP HER CLOTHING ON. SOME OF THE HEADLINES ARE REALLY FUNNY SUCH AS "JIMBO WALES KICKED OUT BY A GHOST!!!!" 65.173.105.241 (talk) 00:07, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I CANNOT FIND THESE IN ANY STORE AT ALL. 65.173.105.241 (talk) 00:11, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

First, please try to refrain from using all caps, I do not appreciate being yelled at. Second, what is your question asking? I do not understand.--Omnipotence407 (talk) 00:31, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Why are the tabloid papers disappearing ? 65.173.105.241 (talk) 00:32, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

The publishers have the answer to your questions. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.100.173.119 (talk) 00:35, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Why would the CIA be behind getting rid of tabloid papers? The CIA would only care if people believed the tabloids were real. If most people believe they are a joke, mere entertainment, as most do with publications like WWN, then there is no reason to try and get rid of them. Yes, the CIA had efforts to influence the media but they didn't involve shutting down silly publications that nobody sane took seriously anyway. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 02:12, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I'd love to hear an explanation of the relevance of a 1952 UFO hearing to a 2007 tabloid closing shop. 55 years' worth of prescience is fascinating, I'm sure. — Lomn 03:38, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I wouldn't. I really wouldn't. FiggyBee (talk) 04:39, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I blame Tim Cahill hotclaws 16:05, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Scariest of all, someone stole their capslock key. How comes we have no Capslock Key Conspiracy article? Wikipedia is being censored! IT'S A SCANDAL! Sorry, it's infectious --Dweller (talk) 12:44, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Compilation

Is a compilation Illegal?--76.28.67.224 (talk) 01:54, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Short answer: No. But it is copyrightable. That's all the page is indicating. Caveat: If you mean, "Would it be copyright infringement for me to produce a compilation of copyrighted works for which I had not secured permission or a license to do so?" then the answer is probably "yes, it would be infringement."

Longer example: the titles of all the songs released last week is not copyrightable (it is just unordered information). However if I pick out my own "Special Super Hot Top Clever TEN of the Week" songs, that I, some sort of well-known music expert, have put together using my massive brain and impeccable taste, that final list IS copyrightable. If I make a list of the top ten selling songs, based on simple route collections of data, that's not copyrightable. However, if my collection/assessment method is sufficiently creative, then yes, it can be copyrightable. Make sense? Making selections of things can itself be a form of art, is basically what the law is saying. If I put together a book of "The Very Best of Socrates" I could still copyright the particular arrangement of works, even if the individual pieces of the collection were out of copyright. Obviously this, like most copyright law, has a lot of fundamental tensions in it between what counts as "sufficiently creative" to warrant a copyright. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 02:18, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Is making a compilation out of copyrighted sources Illegal?--76.28.67.224 (talk) 02:30, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

As 98 said, if you mean, "Would it be copyright infringement for me to produce a compilation of copyrighted works for which I had not secured permission or a license to do so?" then the answer is probably "yes, it would be infringement." FiggyBee (talk) 03:29, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

And by "probably" I don't mean "I don't know" but rather "copyright infringement depends on a lot of legal factors, but assuming we are not talking about really unusual circumstances, a judge would probably rule against you." --98.217.18.109 (talk) 04:42, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Making the compilation is not a problem. Selling it or otherwise making it available to others is where the various laws would come into play. That said, making the 21st century equivalent of a mix tape for your sweetie is probably not going to be an issue. --LarryMac | Talk 13:52, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

That's true. If it is for your own personal use and viewing then it's not a problem at all, it's definitely fair use. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 03:33, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

“Did you drop the set out of your ring?”

Does anyone have any information regarding the question “Did you drop the set out of your ring?”

I grew up in the midwest hearing my mother ask this when anyone dropped something.

I only have memories of the question being asked. I do not recall specifics about what had been dropped

I cannot locate anything about this question. Specifically, I am wondering if the question may have been posed only when certain things were dropped. Also, I am curious as to the origin of the question.

Anthing light you can shed on this would be helpful.

I have search Google to no avail.

Thanks. Curtisguy (talk) 03:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I've not heard that before. The context tells me that the question is literally asking if you lost the stone (i.e. diamond, sapphire, etc.) out of the setting in your ring. Could it be more a response to someone bending/crouching to pick something up? Steewi (talk) 04:33, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Could it be a response to someone spending too much time looking for something (as in it's not important unless it's a precious stone)? Julia Rossi (talk) 08:36, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

yea i think is a question as to how long you have been looking for something.....another question with para phrasing would be....you must of lost something really special cuz youve been looking forever. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 124.186.174.24 (talk) 09:59, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

In the U.S. it was a bit of trite humor expressed when someone dropped something like a shovel on a concrete floor. The "set" in a ring would have been a jewel, thus the "humor." Edison (talk) 18:29, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Cheat code for nokia 5300 & 1100 games!

I wanna know the cheat code for "Snake" game in nokia 1100 & "Tom&Jerry" game of nokia 5300. Try to avoid the links & directly give the codes. If not possible then atleast find it for "Super Mario"(P.C). I want to utilize this opportunity to ask another question. How can we enter a cheat code on a traditional t.v. video game console which will only have the turbo,play,select & four navigation keys. There will be no alphabets or numbers. Plz try to answer all the questions. May be majority will try to answer the last question but won't give the codes. Plz...I desperately need the codes for those ones! Temuzion (talk) 05:23, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

What makes you think that these codes exist? FiggyBee (talk) 06:21, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I am disinclined to do any research for somebody who makes such rigid demands of a bunch of volunteers. --LarryMac | Talk 13:13, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

There are not always cheat codes. To my knowledge none of the Mario Bros. series ever had cheat codes—at best there were little tricks you could pull off to skip levels or gain unlimited lives and things like that but those aren't "codes" in the sense you mean. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 13:13, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

That's true, not every game has cheat codes, especially not cell phone games which are simple and really don't require them. I don't quite understand your question on console cheats, but most of those are entered via a button sequence as opposed to typing a phrase. Others have a code entry screen for cheats (or a save password that you can manipulate to cheat). 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:35, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

No! There are cheat codes! If u don't believe in cheating the cell phone games try this one! The only code I know. "787898" It's code for the "Bounce" game of any nokia model. The ball won't be killed or stopped by any obstacle. That made me belive that there are codes. Still if u don't believe in codes checkout [[1]] Temuzion (talk) 03:31, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

For the Mario brothers games on the regular NES system. There is a product called a "Game Genie" that I used to have. You plug the game into the genie and then plug the genie into the box where the game goes. It has a lot of codes for the first mario bros. game including super jump, level skips, and I think it also had infinite lives or at least additional lives. Good luck finding a game genie though!! Maybe you could check at Vintage Stock or somithing. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.142.56.205 (talk) 14:21, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

[2] -mattbuck (Talk) 22:39, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Potatoe

Do they contain Vitamin C and if so how much compared to say an orange? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 13:32, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Have you checked the articles on potato and orange? A potato contains 20 mg of vitamin C compared to 45 mg for an orange. That's 33% and 75% daily value, respectively. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:37, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

(ec) and there's no e unless you're Dan Quayle. FiggyBee (talk) 13:39, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

There uſed to be an "E"! Mayhaps that is when olde spellings started becomeing archaic. I see it starting to accelerate towards every word having only 1 or 2 letters. Let us cheriſh the Engliſh language of yore. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:51, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Potato is a Taino word. Instead of cheriſhing the Engliſh language one should cherish the Maipurean languages. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 19:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Well, you learn something new every day, but did they spell it with an "E"? I doubt they used Roman letters when they made the word. Either way, we should cherish all languages, actually. English happens to be my favourite because of its incredible strangeness. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 12:45, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The OED's oldest citation for "potato" (in the singular) spells it without an e at the end anyway so I'm not quite sure what you're getting at here. -Elmer Clark (talk) 21:22, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Human Organ Smuggling.

If someone were running a human organ smuggling ring, would there be anyway they could implant a third a kidney into someone's body so that the kidney will 'stay alive' for 24 hours. It's research for a novel, I'm not running a human organ smuggling ring in real life. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 125.238.176.135 (talk) 14:57, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Damb, I was really hoping for a second liver, ill give you a tenner for yours —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:50, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I strongly doubt it. The human body wasn't designed isn't equipped to support a third kidney, so there'd be no place to "hook" it up to. Clarityfiend (talk) 16:54, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

You could go "sci-fi" and make up a way to install it. · AndonicO ^Hail! 16:57, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I suggest you read Kidney transplantation, if you have not already. Transplanting kidneys is not a simple business for your smuggler to do it temporarily. However, if you want that plot point without straining credulity too much (ie. still a lot, but not as ridiculously as with three kidneys), give your "host" only one one kidney himself (perhaps he sold one to get his business going?) Then he keeps slotting smuggled ones into the empty space. You'll have to think of some way to keep all the blood vessels etc all patent while the space is empty. And some hefty drugs to stop him rejecting them (especially as he's likely to carry several types). And some way to help him recover quickly (because presumably you want him to travel)...hmm, looks like Adonico's "sci-fi" technology might be required. Anyway, all the best with your writing. Gwinva (talk) 18:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Random related link: Girl with four working kidneys donates her extra two. —Keenan Pepper 06:07, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Pass the chianti and fava beans. Clarityfiend (talk) 20:54, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

man made

If one looks at this map http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:KaliningradOB.png

I recently met a Polish dude who said he came from near here, what I want to know is, This strip of land, is it man made or natural, and how was it made whether by man or nature, was it tides? or bulldozers? apparently one can get a train along here and see the ocean on both sides at the same time, is this true? what is this place called? is it in Poland? Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:49, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't know for sure, but it looks quite a bit like it was formed by glacial action, like the moraines that compose Long Island, NY. – ClockworkSoul 15:53, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Also, the map you show is of Kaliningrad, in Russia, about 50 miles from the Polish border. – ClockworkSoul 15:55, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Okay, i did some reading, and its in lithuanian and russia. So scrap all the previous. HOW WAS IT FORMED. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:08, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

They are Longshore bars. Cheers Geologyguy (talk) 16:10, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Google Maps has pretty good satellite images of these things, which make it obvious that they are not man-made. They're a lot bigger than they look on that map. --Sean 17:11, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I can't open the map, but from the description I think you are referring to the Vistula Spit in the Vistula Lagoon. BrainyBabe (talk) 07:25, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The two natural landforms on your map are the Curonian Spit (Lithuanian-Russian border) and the Vistula Spit (Polish-Russian border). See Spit (landform), to learn how they form. — Kpalion^(talk) 14:44, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Decs

Please excuse my ignorance, but Im a Metalhead When people use decs or two vinyl records to make sounds, do they damage the vinyls as my dad said I would when I wanted to wigywigywigy them at age 12. Furthermore, if they wanted a specific sound, would it be possible to record your own vinyl, like a cassette tape, or cd? What machine would one use to do this. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:29, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

These aren't stupid questions at all, so don't worry about asking them. On your first question, see Scratching. The article says that the action of scratching shouldn't damage the vinyl, since the stylus stays within the groove, but I certainly wouldn't let some hip-hop kid loose on my cherished vinyl collection. Of course, there are other ways of "playing" vinyl records to make sounds, some of which might involve moving the stylus across the grooves, and that would certainly damage the record. Also, people who use records in this way tend to handle them carelessly, e.g. by putting their fingers on the surface, and this is another no-no if you want to keep your records in good condition. But most such artists don't care about keeping the records pristine, since they just want to use them as a sound source. On your second question, no idea. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 16:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

{edit conflict - some more answers}

You mean mixing desks - yes the records can be damaged, there are special needles for mixing that don't cause damage (I think). Mixing with a standard record player might cause damage..

Second question - I don't think you mean record onto CD - there are CD decks that mimic the effect of vinyl mixing see scratching

Did you mean a machine to cut (make) your own records? see Gramophone_record#Production also http://eil.com/explore/guide/vinyl_making.asp the machine is called a lathe because it's a type of electrically actuated lathe.

It is possible to get a one off record made, or used to be. I think it's done with acetate records - maybe search for acetate cutting, or acetate lathe.

Hope that helps - ask for more83.100.138.116 (talk) 16:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

To clarify, i can record almost anything onto a cassette tape at home, same with a cd. but people are still using vinyls, can they put whatever they want onto them? and how is this done. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 17:11, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

No you can't really record onto vinyl, not at home anyway. As I mentioned above 'acetate cutters' (so called because the blank disk is made of acetate I'd imagine) do exist - they're like CD-R's - write once only . In general such things are very uncommon - and would mostly exist as owned by a company, or recording studio. They won't be cheap - in times when vinyl was king if you wanted a recording you'd use a reel to reel tape machine most likely.

The links above should get you started if you want to know how to record to vinyl also try searching for "vinyl lathe" eg http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue12/jsmanley.htm has a picture of such a thing near the bottom of the page.83.100.138.116 (talk) 18:55, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

The article Gramophone record has a section on home recording. It mentions two companies offering equipment "in the high four figures". Maybe they talk about ¥en. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 19:16, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

crossbow act 1989

what caused this act to be passed, or mor presisly, what was the catalist for making crossbows illegal in the UK thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:35, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

We've had this one before. It was a murder by crossbow in London, the details of which I cannot bring to mind. --Tagishsimon (talk) 18:24, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Automobile Lines

I've noticed this a few years ago (surprised that I didn't before) and I've finally remembered to ask about it here. Every single (passenger) car that I have ever seen has a line on the side. It could be an indented line, a raised line, a plastic insert, aerodynamics, or even just painted on, but there is always a line. It is almost always either one third of the way up the car, or about 3 inches from the bottom. It doesn't matter what kind of car it is - large or small, SUV or compact, economy or luxury - they all have it. My question is "Why?". Is this some kind of universal design priciple that is taboo to break? Have all cars without lines sold poorly because people didn't think they "looked right"? I used to think they were used to hide the bolts or what have you that hold the doors together, but that isn't the case. I don't know why this drives me crazy, I just want to know! Who started this, for what reason, and why is it so universally adhered to despite its extreme level of cliche? 206.252.74.48 (talk) 16:44, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I've noticed that these lines tend to correspond with the widest part of the car's body (sans side-view mirrors) so I suspect that, in addition to styling, they serve as a sort of bumper. — Lomn 17:05, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Having a look at Swage suggests that it is also to do with joining multiple pieces of metal together and in the modern day it has just become the 'normal' look and those that don't include a swage-line would perhaps not look right. To be honest I thought they would add strength to the panel. As I understand it a flat panel is not as strong as a panel that has bends/grooves in - at least that was always my understanding for the moulded-shape use for things like plastic milk-containers. ny156uk (talk) 18:20, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

A raised plastic molding down the side reduces the frequency of getting door dings from morons who swing their car doors open wide in parking lots. It also adds a bit of style. Edison (talk) 18:27, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Part of the reason for that crease is to increase the stiffness of a very thin sheet of metal, You can see the effect on a sheet of paper. First observe that it is very floppy when it is just a sheet of paper. Now make a crease in it and then open it out. The sheet is now a lot stiffer. Another reason is that the crease locally hard works the steel, raising its yield stress in that area, and making it a bit more resistant to denting. A third reason is that the presence of a restriction can control the deep drawing of the sheet in other areas. I think that's enough though! SaundersW (talk) 19:38, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Yet another part of the reason is that without some sort of "interest" added, all that flat metal would be just too boring (as if modern aero car shapes aren't boring-enough already). The fold also tends to create a skirt that stops splashed-up road dirt from getting any higher on the body.

Atlant (talk) 12:36, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

0.50 calibre's power

I'm not quite sure where i heard this, but is it true that a 0.50 calibre bullet has enough force to tear your arm off and/or cause a brain haemorrhage even if it just passes by the intended target. Is this true and why? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.4.182.208 (talk) 20:07, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

The .50 BMG is a very powerful round; despite this, it is unable to do what you have described. However, should the bullet hit either your arm or head, it will generally be able to tear if off, depending on the range that it was fired from. Acceptable (talk) 20:57, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Also note the distinction between caliber and cartridge (firearms). A .50 caliber bullet is just a bullet. Bullets of that diameter are used with relatively non-powerful catridges as well as the monstrous .50 BMG. The cartridge is what gives it whatever power it has. Friday (talk) 21:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Is there any truth at all to the idea that a round from a high-powered rifle can hurt you with just the air-pressure as it passes? My uncles were soldiers in a civil war and said that they had heard of it happening, but I take things they say with a grain of salt. --Sean 22:18, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

The .50 BMG remains supersonic for a very long distance from the gun, and you can hear the sonic boom as it goes by. Despite this, it's not generating a very large shockwave -- nothing like the window-breaking shockwaves that airplanes can produce. If the bullet is passing close enough for the shockwave to hurt you, the injuries from the resulting collision of bullet and skin will mask them.

On the other hand, if you're standing close to the business end of a high-powered rifle, the muzzle blast of the propelling charge will certainly injure you. --Carnildo (talk) 22:55, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I have some Popular Science magazines from the 1950s and they described the testing of large rounds on deer in which they shot the bullet so it passed one inch above the animal's back and the animal died anyway. Since the rest of the magazine had pretty damn good predictions of future technology, I tend to trust it, I'll have to dig it up and see that I read it correctly. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 12:40, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Carnildo, what makes you believe that? You can feel the blast, sure, but injury? Unless you're talking powder burns or something? Friday (talk) 21:02, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

sick of masturbation..........

I am 22.I wanna give up the habit of masturbation.......but whenever I try,after sometime again I end up doing that........what should I do?????? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.99.4.69 (talk) 21:01, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Well giving up something you enjoy is generally pretty difficult (this is assuming you enjoy it). Whilst i don't quite see why you'd wish to give it up entirely certainly try approaching it from a similar vein to giving up other things: Look for your 'trigger' points - is it a 'before bed' thing, maybe you could alter your routine? Look for anything that has a 'relationship' with it - sounds daft in this circumstance but stress & smoking are often 'linked' in the smoker's eyes so putting yourself in situations whereby temptation would be greatest will test your limits more. Other than this maybe consider alternatives (though beyond the obvious, i'm fresh out of ideas). Good luck - i guess. ny156uk (talk) 21:39, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

If the reason you want to give it up is that you think somehow you "shouldn't" be doing it, than maybe a rethink is in order. It's perfectly healthy, natural and normal. Happily married and partnered people do it all the time (not to be interpreted as "all night long"), and if you don't have a partner, it's the next best thing. -- JackofOz (talk) 21:49, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

If your concern is primarily religious you might consider that there are many interpretations of sexuality within every religion. For example some liberal Christians conclude that sexual pleasure and masturbation are a gift of God.[3] --S.dedalus (talk) 22:01, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

You haven't said if you are male or female, though most folks will assume male. It might help if you have a serious concern, to explain more why its a concern, what issues there are, and what your vi3ews are on things, rather than just "wanna give it up" which for a deep-seated psychological and physiological drive like sexuality, will be not enough information for anyone to find helpful sources of advice. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 22:10, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Alternatives to masturbation have been known (and practised) for some time. If this option can not be realised, then you are either stuck with masturbation or abstinence (and nocturnal emissions).

Masturbating at your age is totally normal, indeed, I assume it to be normal at any age.

If, on the other hand (if you pardon this ambiguous ambidextrosity) you are a student of R.C. theology I suggest you reconsider your career and calling. Indeed, as FT2 says above, it would help if you were to explain the reasons for your concern. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 22:33, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Why has no one said "get a girlfriend". Otherwise I am afraid to report it's practically impossible to stop, it's a bodily function - just like sweating or pissing... Plus it's actually healthy to do so - if I really need to pick my nose I'll do it. Politely.87.102.83.204 (talk) 13:25, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

It's generally a good idea to mature socially / emotionally / spiritually before 'getting a girlfriend'. And how many 22-year-olds are fully mature?

As to the original question, I can tell you with confidence that you will not give it up, so you'll have to change your masturbatory habits to be more agreeable. Vranak (talk) 00:32, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

The concept of polite masturbation makes me giggle. HYENASTE 19:03, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

He he.

• "What are you thinking of doing today?"
• "Well, I thought I'd re-read chapters 19 through 53 of War and Peace, go to a movie marathon with all 7 episodes of Rocky, reinvent the wheel, discover the secret of happiness, and then to finish off with an hour or two of polite masturbation, before spilling my guts to Dear Diary".  :)  :) -- JackofOz (talk) 23:17, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Castration (if you are male), a very big cork if your are not, a daily dose of bromide or listen to the song 'i'm giving up wanking next tuesday' by Oz comic singer Kevin 'Bloody' Wilson.

When a man is tired of masturbation, he is tired of life; for there is in masturbation all that life can afford... samuel johnson (sorry Dr C)Perry-mankster (talk) 08:20, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Rocks in a cage

What is this thing? And what is the point of it? [4] I saw it while I was in the U.S. state of Arizona last week. There were many of them and all of them seemed to be at the corner of a barbed wire fence. I'm guessing it's just a way of holding the corner of the fence but I don't understand why someone would go through all the effort to cage these rocks for the purpose. Thanks, Dismas|^(talk) 23:04, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

The ballast of the rocks resists the lateral load of the wire. Looks like a good solution to the problem of avoiding drilling post-holes and transporting fence posts. Ingenious. --Tagishsimon (talk) 23:10, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

It's an interesting use of a gabion.--ShelfSkewed Talk 23:36, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

This is, indeed, an ingenious solution to anchoring the corner posts of a fence.

If you assume that:

• the soil is rock hard or
• the soil is loose gravelly stuff and
• there are lots of rocks handy

What more efficient / economic / ecological / and yes, highly aesthetic method can you think of ? --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 23:49, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Look like a lazy ranch hand trick. :) --S.dedalus (talk) 00:27, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Nope, a lazy guy would build a rock jack. It has a greater moment to oppose the tension in the wire, and so requires fewer rocks.—eric 01:34, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Average call center wages.

What is the average hourly wage for a person working in an inbound tech oriented call center?12.25.104.8 (talk) 23:23, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't know about average, but I get a little over $10/hour as a network technician in a call center. Useight (talk) 23:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

What country? BrainyBabe (talk) 07:27, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

This would be in the USA, specifically in the South, (e.g Texas).12.25.104.8 (talk) 15:04, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm in Utah, which uses the US minimum wage as its minimum wage. Useight (talk) 15:24, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Laws...

I have a friend in VA who I think had a pretty bad experience at school, and he wants to know if they have any statutes or laws saying that a student has the right to not give any information to a teacher. I know it sounds like it's for me, but it's really not. I just wanted to help him out, so any §'s you know of? Like I think he doesn't want to talk to his math teacher, or answer any questions, if that's more specificYamakiri ^T_C § 03-13-2008 • 23:28:53

Sounds like the 5th amendment. Useight (talk) 23:38, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

True, but can a school kid plead that in class (sorry just had to) ? I'll look into it still, thanks! Yamakiri ^T_C § 03-14-2008 • 00:42:34

I am not a lawyer, and you should ask a lawyer for legal advice. However, it's doubtful that the 5th Amendment applies to something as informal as a discussion with a teacher. However, if the teacher sends you to the principal's office, and the principal suspends you, you're then entitled to a hearing with some legal norms and the right to due process. You can then challenge the suspension in court. However, the burden of proof would be on you that the suspension is unreasonable. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 03:00, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

No, the 5th Amendment doesn't apply. It only applies in specific legal circumstances involving self-incrimination. For real crimes. Not "I didn't do my homework," or "I don't want to display my utter inability to do long-division on the chalkboard." (Note: I am lousy at math, personally, and do not judge the inability to do long-division on command to be a real failing.) --98.217.18.109 (talk) 03:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Assuming you are talking about normal types of information, there isn't anything your sad little friend can do, except maybe try and put it in perspective and push on through (only a few months till summer!). If you are talking about information of a very sensitive nature, such as in relation to his sexuality or religious preferences, these are sometimes regulated, though you'd have to check to see if that applied in this particular situation. In general though, no, there's no magic law you can cite to say, "Sorry teach, but I ain't answering that one" and not get in trouble for insubordination. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 03:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Sad little friend is a bit harsh. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 12:42, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes ... exactly what kind of "information" are you referring to? That's the crux of the question. (Joseph A. Spadaro (talk) 22:51, 19 March 2008 (UTC))

Dad's Will

Dad died last year. Mom 20 years ago. His will states that his 3 children split everything equally except that one of his children died 10 years ago. The will does not state his children and their heirs Just his children. He also made it clear that he wanted the oldest child and the 2nd oldest child to take care of everything. The oldest is the one that is living and has been made the executor of the will. The son who has died has 3 children, are they entitled to 1/3 of the estate or is it up to the executor to decide who gets what? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.247.22.9 (talk) 23:48, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Speak to a lawyer is about the only legal advice that we can give here. Dismas|^(talk) 00:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The answer to your question is likely to vary depending upon the laws that apply where you live. Only a local lawyer would know which laws apply. Marco polo (talk) 01:50, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, speaking with a lawyer would be the best thing to do. Useight (talk) 02:05, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Hope this doesn't count as legal advice but it seems odd that the will wasn't re-written considering the nine years after the death of the son. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 20:51, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Making a will at all is quite a challenge for many people. It forces them to accept they're going to die some day, which ain't easy in our hearts even though we all know it in our heads. Having done it once, it might seem a relatively simple task to then amend it down the track as family circumstances change. But there have been many cases where a revised will was drafted and the person never quite got around to signing it - e.g. Peter Brock. His article doesn't give the details, but apparently his most recent will named his 3rd partner Bev Brock (not his wife, despite the name) his principal beneficiary. After splitting from Bev and moving onto his 4th partner Julie Bamford, he had a new will drawn up to make Julie the beneficiary, but put it in a drawer and never quite signed it before his untimely death. The matter had to go to court for a resolution as to his intentions. -- JackofOz (talk) 23:45, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

It will depend upon your local intestacy laws, and as the others have said, you should consult a lawyer. I don't know where you are, but here in England & Wales the share of the dead son would be split equally between his three children; the job of the executor is to administer the estate, to pay the dead persons' debts from the estate, collect any money owing to the dead person, arrange for the selling off of property, etc. - the executor doesn't have the power to vary the distribution of the estate, which is governed by well understood rules. When someone dies without any descendants or a will, things can sometimes get complicated with family trees being traced for several generations in an attempt to find beneficiaries as the estate is split up - a couple of years ago I inherited something ridiculous like 1/2 of 1/9th of 1/3rd of the estate of a cousin of my father's who I'd never heard of; still, it was about £1250/$2500 which was a nice windfall just before Christmas! -- Arwel (talk) 21:34, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

March 14

racism confusion

i have always heard of racism as being a bad thing, but i was always raised that it was just showing pride for your ethnic background. so does anyone know exactly the meaning? i've been to different dictionary sites but all say different information. i'll admit, i'm proud of the color of my skin, does that make me racist? even though i would never judge another by their skin. can anyone give me any ideas? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.141.0.179 (talk) 03:22, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Pride in one's ethnic background is not racism. Racism is when you turn that pride into a reason to hate or hold prejudice against people who are not of your ethnic background. The problem with the KKK isn't that they like being white, it's that they hate everyone who isn't. Note that there are some exceptions, the term Black pride refers to something generally seen as positive, while White pride is usually a euphemism for racial hatred. The reasons that some terms mean one thing in one context and something else in another are historical, based on who used them and how. Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud is seen as a positive form of racial pride, whereas this is thinly-veiled (if that) support for Nazism. In this case, one is a statement by people without much power about pulling themselves up, the other is a statement by people who have historically had great power about pushing others down. Make sense? --98.217.18.109 (talk) 03:24, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

So it's ok to be proud of your skin colour as long as you are black? (sarcasm) To be honest - No - it doesn't make sense - it seems like that would only 'self-perpetuate' any problems.87.102.83.204 (talk) 10:35, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

87.102.83.204 (talk) 09:47, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Also, race and ethnicity are not the same thing. It seems odd to me to be proud of one's skin color, unless it is a particularly beautiful hue perhaps. Pride in one's ethnicity, culture, heritage, etc, seems better (though the word "pride" makes me wary -- but maybe I'm too humble!). Sometimes, I think, things like skin color "stands for" ethnicity, culture, heritage, etc. The danger of slipping into racism comes, I think, when one assumes a person of a certain skin color is of a certain ethnicity. Pfly (talk) 08:00, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

With white pride as opposed to black pride, the difference isn't that it's racist to be proud of being white, it's that people who goaround mentioning how proud they are of being white normally have a racist motive. Racist movements took white pride as slogan because it makes it seem like they are no different (apart from skin colour) from black pride groups. What both want is very different. The white pride guys like the KKK and the NF are usually white seperatists too. There's little point being publicly proud of your whiteness as it is unlikely to ever be a hindrance, whereas your African or Mexican roots easily can. Being publicly proud of a natural advantage is just poor form. Like laughing at people who wear glasses. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 11:09, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes I mostly agree - but most white people don't get the advantage that 'middle class white poeple' get. Most white people in the UK (and I'd imagine in the USA) have a little better start in life that the average korean, mexican, black person etc. In otherwords most white people are 'trash' (as it turns out including me) and don't like being told about or benefit from 'positive discimination' by the ruling classes (ie middle class liberals) etc. Just a little rant. Not directed at you personally.87.102.83.204 (talk) 15:44, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

"Racist" is what the subjugated ethnic group calls the dominant one. It's no wonder you can't come up with a definition anywhere; the word is meaningless outside the context of inter-ethnic struggle. Everybody is racist if it means "prefers to be with people who look and smell like they do", so why even mention it except as a smear? --Milkbreath (talk) 11:25, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Also, studies in Britain have shown that the multiculturalism policy that has been pursued, encouraging things like pride in ancestry and emphasising differences, has actually lead to increased racism on all sides as it developes an us vs them mentality, and encourages segreation of communities, leading to situations like that in Bradford where the town is basically half-white half-Asian, but with two distinctly seperate halves rather than one whole. So it's a viable argument that caring about your ancestry whether Anglo-Saxon or African will lead to divisions, and it makes much more sense to focus on an individuals acheivements and just be interested in their origins. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 11:35, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

How can you be proud of the colour of your skin? --Taraborn (talk) 15:59, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Did you ever take a good look at Traci Bingham? --Milkbreath (talk) 17:26, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Maybe if you have never done anything else of note or to be proud of? Or as an obvious analogy - someone who was teased/bullied at school for being ginger might in later life be proud of being a red-top despite it all, or simply because of the need for a sense of self worth. 87.102.83.204 (talk) 17:20, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

It matters somewhat where you are. I have just found that the IP address of the person who asked the original question is located in San Francisco, California. If this person, by chance, attends the San Francisco Public Schools, then he or she experiences life as a member of a minority group, since whites are outnumbered in San Francisco schools by (East) Asians, Latinos, and Blacks/African Americans. Even in the general population of San Francisco, whites are a minority outnumbered by Asians (who are a larger minority in a city with no majority group). San Francisco until recently had a black mayor. It is true that whites probably have a higher average net worth than any of the other groups and occupy a majority of the leadership positions in the private sector of San Francisco, but the experience of the questioner, if he/she is a public school student, may not be one of privilege. So it may be difficult for this person to see a problem with "white pride" particularly if he she is surrounded and even outnumbered by people proclaiming "Asian pride", "black pride", or whatever. In this context, I think that ethnic pride in general starts to be divisive and counterproductive. It really should not be encouraged by school authorities, though it probably is encouraged or even sponsored out of partisanship and/or a sense of political correctness. But in this context, it probably isn't fair to exclude the innocent and unknowing white student from the game, although the implications of "white pride" are disturbing for those of us who know the broader historical and cultural context. Marco polo (talk) 18:48, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Fair enough, but shouldn't we respect or at least assume a right to anonymity here. I really don't think we should be tracing IP's at all. I will leave a short message and question on the discussion page should you wish to discuss this.87.102.21.171 (talk) 11:06, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

If you want anonymity, you need a log-in name. It's much less personally identifying than an IP address. - Nunh-huh 11:49, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

That's all very well but I took action on the part of the above to trace the IP address - should they really be doing that, we are after all here to help. It's not some sort of free for all. Responsibility.87.102.21.171 (talk) 12:21, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Racism comes in many forms, often unintentionally. An announcement of a forthcoming concert by "the famous black Uruguayan saxophonist Esteban Spinetti" is racist. What harm the description "black" might do in this particular case is a moot point, but that's not the point. Had Esteban been white, it wouldn't have been "the famous white Uruguayan saxophonist Esteban Spinetti". You see similar things when someone comes in for criticism and they're not from the predominant group in the society. Rather than saying "That bastard ripped me off", it sometimes becomes "That Vietnamese (Mexican/Kazakhstani/whatever) bastard ripped me off", when (assuming you're in the USA) if the bastard had been a white guy named George Smith, it would not have been "That white American bastard ripped me off". The fact that the bastard happened to be Vietnamese or whatever is utterly irrelevant to him having done whatever he's accused of, so why introduce it? Why, because any chance to identify a person who's not of your "race", particularly if it's a chance to associate that race with undesirable activity, is fair game to racists. -- JackofOz (talk) 02:13, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Apple vs Donut

Does one's body distinguish between the sugar in fruits, such as apples, (frucose, presumably) and the sugar in unhealthy donuts? i.e. will both contribute equally to weight gain? Acceptable (talk) 04:20, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

They're not exactly equivalent. See Glycemic index. Also, your body distiguishes between the concentrations of sugar, in that it's easier to eat a thousand calories of donuts (3 glazed donuts) than a thousand calories of apples (a dozen apples). —Keenan Pepper 05:50, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Fructose and sucrose are not the same thing. BrainyBabe (talk) 07:29, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Besides the differences between fructose and sucrose, as I understand it, the "unhealthiness" of donuts is related to (1) "empty calories" and (2) saturated fats. —Steve Summit (talk) 13:17, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Donuts have sugar, but they also have lots of fat, which has 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram of carbohydrate or protein. The digestive system converts the sugar or other carbohydrate into Glucose in the bloodstream so that cells can use it as fuel. Edison (talk) 19:47, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Actius

Does anybody know whether the Actius line of notebooks has been discontinued by Sharp, or do they still sell it? Thanks! :-) 125.21.165.158 (talk) 04:35, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Try the Computing desk. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 11:38, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The Olden Days

How did people in the olden days obtain heat and light in their homes before electricity was available? 220.233.83.26 (talk) 09:18, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

It depends very much where and when you mean, but gas was available in many towns before electricity, and bottled gas is still used for both purposes in caravans and isolated houses. Before that, candles were very common, and heating was often by coal or wood fire.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 10:02, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The fireplace was a fixture and country people tended to rise with the sun and make the most of daylight. Travellers had the campfire, festivals the bonfire. Lanterns and hurricane lamps were the go. Gas lamps lit streets in England in the 1800s. Even more primitively there were torches with a rod or stick topped off with a rag soaked in something flammable and set in a wall sconce or bracket. The rush light, oil lamps, candles and the diya cast light in the dark even wa-ay back in time. Julia Rossi (talk) 12:01, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Even the poorest would have had some way to make a fire, which was used for cooking as well as heat. However, the fire would die down at night, and it could be quite cold even indoors. There was less distinction before modern times between outdoor and indoor clothing. People tended to wear their coats or jackets indoors and to use heavy blankets or hides in bed. As for lighting, most people relied largely on daylight and on limited firelight and moonlight at night. Candles, torches, and other artificial lighting relied on relatively expensive oils that ordinary people could not afford to burn except perhaps on special occasions. Of course the rich made more regular use of candelight and torches. Marco polo (talk) 18:22, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The olden days? When and where? Inuit built beautifully insulated winter homes in which they could go around semi-naked. Medieval European peasants built their living quarters over the cow byre, to benefit from mammalian heat. Some people (some Ancient Greeks? reference not to hand) oriented their homes to the winter sun and used thermal mass and braziers. Many people in many places have lived in caves, but not most of our Neolithic ancestors misnamed "cavemen". One of our main needs for light is to read, but of course not all that long ago almost no one could read. Detailed sight-work, such as sewing, was done in daylight; rough knitting could be done by firelight and by touch. BrainyBabe (talk) 23:18, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

One of the things that struck me looking down at Paris from the Eiffel Tower -- though I'm sure the same can be seen in other places as well -- was the number of large, old buildings that looked sort of like Swiss cheese from above, due to the large number of vertical shafts, which are there so that interior rooms can have windows, too. —Steve Summit (talk) 23:37, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

In rural areas in my grandparents' youth, a fireplace furnish heat with wood as fuel. A kerosene lamp furnished light Edison (talk) 19:45, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Well in my youth in the 1960s and 70s we still used coal fires to keep the living room warm (and also keep the oven hot, too), and we still used the old paraffin mantle lamps and candles during power cuts. Mind you, in winter we could only keep one room in the house decently warm, so we had lots of heavy blankets on our beds, and more blankets over the windows in the midwinter to keep the draughts out (though we did get beautiful frost ferns on the inside of the glass, which you don't get with this new-fangled double glazing!). -- Arwel (talk) 21:47, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

The vertical shafts are called light wells. Plenty of people still heat with wood, charcoal, peat, coal, animal dung, etc. George Mikes said in How to be an Alien (1947) that "Continental people have sex lives; the English have hot-water bottles." (A paperback sex manual from circa 1970 said the single biggest thing that would change the British sex life was central heating, and this prediction has more or less come true.) The old saw about wood warming you thrice -- in the chopping, stacking and burning -- is also true of baking -- pies warm from the inside when eaten, but the oven warms the house while cooking. Human ingenuity knows no end. If you ever have the chance to visit the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, do go: it is absolutely extraordinary. I would go so far as to say that if you are the sort of person who poses such questions on the humanities refdesk, and thus are curious about people and cultures around the world and across time, it is worth planning a visit to England around an afternoon there. (I would not overegg the pudding by claiming the museum itself warrants a visit to England, but if you are in the country, this small annexe is a fascinating eye-opener.) BrainyBabe (talk) 20:25, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

More about skin colour

From what was said earlier about skin colour and ethnicity, why are black people called black people, but Chinese/Korean/Japanese people aren't called yellow? At least not in a non-racist context very often. Is it likely that in say 50 years, Arabs and East Asians will be called yellow people? What are the factors that make this the case or not? 81.96.160.6 (talk) 11:18, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

In Norway, you generally wouldn't call a person "black". (and the word "race" also carries negative connotations). Just to remind you that these things tend to vary between countries. (It's still a good question! :-) ) Jørgen (talk) 18:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The answer to your question has to do with history. Historically, the term yellow had connotations of "cowardly" and was used derogatorily toward East Asians, at least in the United States. So most people of East Asian descent object to being called "yellow". On the other hand, at least in the United States, people of sub-Saharan African descent were for many years labeled with the patently offensive term "nigger", which is so offensive that I almost dare not write it. (I think that it is clear that I don't condone it.) More polite, but somewhat condescending and euphemistic-sounding labels, were colored or Negro. The term African was also used, mostly before the 20th century, but people of African descent objected to being called "African" since few of them had set foot in Africa and because the term tended to suggest that they were exotic or savage. So, during the 1950s, people of African descent began to call themselves "black" and to ask that others use that label as a positive affirmation of their color. (Since then, some blacks in the United States have expressed a preference for the label African-American, and that label has gained currency among non-blacks as well.) Marco polo (talk) 19:00, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

About the African-American thing. It seems unlikely that that would spread too much. AFAIK, few other countries use a similar name for other ethnicities. In Britain, you're black or white or (insert country name here). But it seems that in a few generations when people don't really feel Chinese or Iraqi or Nigerian, they feel American or British or French, so if we're using racial identity we'll probably have to refer to skin colour. Maybe in America the -American thing will be the norm, but I've always pictured that one getting complained about as it could easily be taken as being qualifiedly American rather than unqualifiedly so. Will WASPs become Anglo-Saxon-Americans? 81.96.160.6 (talk) 20:46, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

I have a feeling that African-American will fade from use. "Black" is much more commonly used, at least in speech, in the United States. I think that African-American is somewhat the pet term of people of a certain political perspective from a certain generation. But we shall see. Also, these groups are less and less endogamous in the United States. Already, there are more and more young Americans of mixed or indeterminate race. I think that this trend is certain to continue in the future to the point (after my lifetime) where the current labels are meaningless. Marco polo (talk) 21:16, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Just a thought, which may be way off the mark. The people who identify others by their skin colours, and make judgments about them accordingly, tend to see the world in black-and-white terms. For example, a "white" racist might feel that all "white" people are inherently good unless proven otherwise, but all "black" people are inherently bad unless proven otherwise. "Yellow", "red" or other coloured-people don't fit into this paradigm, so the racists might be relatively indifferent to them and see them, metaphorically speaking, as just so many shades of "grey". I know there are many exceptions to the indifference hypothesis. -- JackofOz (talk) 23:24, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

If you want some historical context as to when, in the US, race became a strictly "black and white" issue, two pages that might be useful: Madison Grant and his successor Lothrop Stoddard. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 16:54, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Wikitravel

Hi, I may be being a bit stupid, but at my age that's alright I guess, but how do I get to Wikitravel from the Wiki Main Page? I used Wikitravel before travelling to Nice in France a couple of weeks ago, and just want to say how very grateful I am, and was, for the oodles of very useful and current information I found on that site. Just a couple of comments pertinent to Nice that were not mentioned though; firstly, always carry plenty of small change for use on the trams and buses and public lavatories; and secondly, watch where you tread - seriously - I have never been anywhere else in the world so imminently in peril of sinking beneath the waves under it's own weight in Dogshit, it doesn't matter where you look, from the steps of the Cathedral to the hundreds of excellent pavement cafes - and the locals all acknowledge the problem when it is brought to their attention, but everyone shrugs their indifference to it. Not nice if your wife just happens to be wearing a new pair of open-toe sandals from Prada. Oh, and thanks again - we really enjoyed Nice - the Dogshit apart. 81.145.242.24 (talk) 11:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Wikitravel isn't affiliated with Wikipedia or the Wikimedia Foundation and therefore won't be listed as a sister project on the Main Page. It uses the same software and general ethos as Wikipedia, but with different licensing and contribution guidelines - as do hundreds of other wiki's of varying subjects. Nanonic (talk) 11:28, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Am I to assume that the dogshit in Nice has become so integrated and notable in the city's culture as to have earned a capital 'D' ;-)) Richard Avery (talk) 15:05, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Anyway, just go to the Wikitravel article and click on the link from there. Same as you might get to Wiktionary or Wikiquote or whatever.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 18:11, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

pellet gun accuracy

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the effective and maximum ranges of the Beeman SS1000S-AW Combo air rifle after it has been broken in. Or alternatively, where I can find this information. I realize I could gather my own empirical evidence, but I haven't broken it in yet, and I was just wondering what to expect after I fire another 1,500 rounds or so. Thanks in advance. --AtTheAbyss (talk) 12:10, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

This page gives some specifications,

• Loudness: 3-Medium
• Weight: 8.50 lbs
• Overall Length: 45.50"
• Capacity: 1 round(s)
• Barrel: Rifled
• Front Sight: Fiber Optic
• Rear Sight: Adjustable for windage and elevation
• Scopeable: 11mm dovetail
• Buttplate: Ventilated rubber
• Suggested for: Plinking/Fun
• Action: Break barrel
• Powerplant: Spring-piston
• Safety: Automatic
• Repeater: No/Single-shot

and this page gives the max velocity as 1000 ft/sec. I was unable to find any information on the effective and maximum ranges though. Think outside the box 16:18, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for trying. It's more than I could find. --AtTheAbyss (talk) 12:21, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

The front sight fell out. Anyone know where I can get a replacement? I'm assuming I can just get a fiber optic (stick?) of equal diameter and cut it to length. Any other ideas?--AtTheAbyss (talk) 13:40, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

UNITED RAILWAYS, BALTIMORE, MD - RECORDS

After finding this railway in Wikipedia's initial response, I would like to find any extant records for this company. In particular, as the family genealogist, I am looking for employment records for my gr-grandfather from 1900 to 1914.

Are these records available for research? If so, would you know where I can find them?

Thank you for any help. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hdawson1206 (talk • contribs) 16:52, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

The United Railways and Electric Company is now part of the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). Whether they have kept employment records from 100 years ago, I don't know. Here is their contact page. I would try the "media relations/communications" number or the "directory assistance" number and ask about archives for the Baltimore Transit Company, which was the successor to United Railways and the forerunner of the MTA. Marco polo (talk) 18:13, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Cincinnati, "The Queen City"

Why is Cincinnati called, "The Queen City?" Have many Miss America's come from Cincinnati? Does the nickname have anything to do with gay people? Is it shaped like a crown if one uses her imagination? Thank you. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Eleanor1721 (talk • contribs) 17:21, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Queen City states that "Cincinnati, Ohio, after experiencing rapid growth in the early 19th century, and becoming one of the first major inland cities in the U.S., was dubbed the "Queen of the West", or the Queen City." jeffjon (talk) 17:23, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Here (http://library.cincymuseum.org/cinfaq7menu.htm#queencity) has the answer you are looking for ny156uk (talk) 17:24, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Democratic Republic of Congo Diet

Can you tell me what tea is drunk by people in Democratic Republic of Congo?Bunnypup (talk) 18:05, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Zoo

What is the largest zoo in Canada?Jwking (talk) 19:46, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

A Google search for "largest zoo in Canada" (hint, hint) says it's the Toronto Zoo. --Sean 19:49, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

I thought it was the Canadian Parliament. Clarityfiend (talk) 21:27, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Epilepsy

how often would someone have to have seizures to be considered epileptic? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.101.7.240 (talk) 19:33, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

According to our article "Non-epileptic seizure", epilepsy is not diagnosed by frequency of seizures but by "abnormal, rhythmic discharges of cortical neurons." Epilepsy (see) is not a single disorder but rather "a group of syndromes with vastly divergent symptoms but all involving episodic abnormal electrical activity in the brain." Also, a "diagnosis of epilepsy requires that the seizures be unprovoked". Non-epileptic seizures are caused by external factors (not brought on by "triggers" as in epilepsy) and would only recur if the external cause was applied again. Non-epileptic seizures therefore do not have a "frequency" to them at all. --Milkbreath (talk) 19:49, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

(Removed dangerous mocking nonsense) --Milkbreath (talk) 13:54, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Karyotype Doctor

What kind of doctor would generally administer a Karyotype test to examine your chromosomes for chromosomal defects in a typical North American hospital? Thanks. Acceptable (talk) 20:24, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

A geneticist, maybe ? Gandalf61 (talk) 13:42, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

More specifically, a cytogeneticist. Rockpocket 19:43, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Name my wikipedia account

I've just realised I dislike being anonymous, and because I suck at naming internet accounts, I want to hear your suggestions. A vaguely amusing play-on-words would be nice, but all suggestions will be appreciated, and one will be granted IMMORTALITY as my wikihandle. LET THE GAMES BEGIN! 81.96.160.6 (talk) 20:48, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Are you male or female? bibliomaniac15 20:59, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

You don't want to just go by your actual name? 81.187.153.189 (talk) 21:18, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

One problem is that Wikipedia ranks very highly in Google searches. If you have a particularly unusual name *cough* then it can make tracing you very easy. Sure, there are worse things to be seen associated with than Wikipedia (from the point of view of colleges, employers, and so on), but there are valid privacy concerns. Angus Lepper^{(T, C, D)} 21:28, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm male, and I don't really want to go by my actual name just because it bores me a little. i just thought this might be a bit more fun. Not too bothered about the google thing really, I'm not going to have a real userpage like facebook or anything 81.96.160.6 (talk) 21:53, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Publicgirluk. HYENASTE 22:14, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

SmexBlah haha, i saw that on some nasa sticker in my american history room. БοņёŠɓɤĭĠ₳₯є 22:20, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

You have my permission to adopt one of these. But if you choose one of my special favourites, I'll kill you. You have been warned.  :) -- JackofOz (talk) 22:59, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

he is not kiding either...Perry-mankster (talk) 23:13, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

User:Random IP Address? -- Flyguy649 ^talk 23:56, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Hey, I just picked out a name too! Oh...sorry, that's one less, isn't it? How about this? T-T-Teeth _(t-t-talk) 00:12, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Immortality-Lite. Clarityfiend (talk) 01:11, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Unacceptable? Acceptable (talk) 01:26, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Is LethegamesBgin too long? Then there's Playonwords, Grantedimmortality, Bitmofun, Not2bothered and variations. Who said your ideas suck! Julia Rossi (talk) 01:59, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Any martini name could be cool, or a weapon such as Bouncingbomb. Geez, why is mine so plain? Julia Rossi (talk) 02:06, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

If I were you I'd go with Remora Fedora. Pfly (talk) 06:27, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

How about User:Four Tildes. I've been meaning to take this myself but never got round to it.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 09:18, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

User:Eighty-One Dot Ninety-Six? --98.217.18.109 (talk) 14:43, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Two recommendations: )Do not choose a name which people may argue shows bias toward or against anything, or people will question your objectivity when you edit articles related to the username. 2)Choose a novel spelling or humorous misspelling, so that if you Google you will be able to find your own contributions. Edison (talk) 19:42, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

I just chose a "real-sounding" name that was more...interesting than my real one. -Elmer Clark (talk) 22:06, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

What's your favorite language? —Tamfang (talk) 06:36, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

User Manual for my Toyota

I have a Toyota Premio 2002. The car is supposed to be manufactured for Japan only, so the user manual that it comes with is only in Japanese. Could anyone tell me where, if at all, I can find a user manual for this vehicle in english? Ive been looking for it over the internet for quiet sometime now. But i guess my online searching abilities are limited. Reference: Toyota Premio 2002, 1.5 F If someone could help, it would be appreciated. I still havent figured out half the functions of my vehicle :) Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.9.243.111 (talk) 21:18, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

On Google I found others in the same situation, looking for that manual in English. Have you tried your Toyota dealer? See what they have to say. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:50, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

great discovery

i need help with a riddle,he discovered it but he hates it.who is he and what is it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.220.113.117 (talk) 23:12, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

Alfred Nobel? and Tnt, or dynamite or what ever the fuck he made. БοņёŠɓɤĭĠ₳₯є 00:24, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Dynamite. bibliomaniac15 02:14, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

In what sense did Nobel ever hate dynamite? Algebraist 17:12, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

It's a commonly stated meme that Nobel regretted inventing it and started the Nobel prize out of something akin to guilt. I haven't any evidence as to whether this is true or not. But you can search for 'nobel+regret' if you wish. Not sure if nobel is the riddle's answer though.87.102.2.103 (talk) 18:29, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

If you look at our article on Nobel, you'll see this is discussed. It's not so much that he hated dynamite as he was unhappy that his only legacy would be his armaments companies, or something along those lines. Dynamite by itself isn't really something worth hating; it's not a weapon, really, not like other explosives are. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 01:46, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Einstein and the atomic bomb? That guy who made cocaine and cocaine? Yamakiri ^T_C § 03-15-2008 • 19:06:11

Eh, Einstein didn't discover the atomic bomb. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 01:42, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

I hate these internet "riddles"—poorly formed, uncleverly devised. How about—any person who discovers their loved one is dead/cheating on them/whatever something negative? There's no reason to think "discovery" means invention and there's no reason to think that everything discovered is enjoyed. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 01:43, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

I can only imagine that the people who first found the existance of the HIV or Ebola virus aren't exactly in love with their discoveries. Raven4x4x (talk) 11:48, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Another good one would be Thomas Midgley, Jr. In an attempt to fix engine knocking, he came up with the wonderful idea of leaded gasoline (petrol). Later, when asked to come up with a non-toxic refrigerant, the guy scratched his noodle and came back with dichlorodifluoromethane, the first of the now-banned chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). And to top it off, he was quite literally hoisted by his own petard — strangled by the pulley system he himself devised to get him out of bed. It has been quite accurately pointed out that Mr Midgely has "had more impact on the atmosphere than any other single organism in Earth history." GeeJo ^(t)⁄_(c) • 13:43, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

If an inventor gets the blame for all use of his product, what about the ancestor of all green plants? —Tamfang (talk) 06:38, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Me and the dog turd I found on the sole of my shoe this morning? --Dweller (talk) 12:35, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Ah you've discovered that poohsticks! Nanonic (talk) 12:39, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

March 15

Naked Talk show discussion

Is there a show where people talk on serious topics in nude? if there is, where can I find it on the Internet? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Don Mustafa (talk • contribs) 01:48, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

naked news? БοņёŠɓɤĭĠ₳₯є 02:30, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Wow. I'm seriously amazed that there was a response that precisely relevant. --Masamage ♫ 06:54, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Ive got mad skillz БοņёŠɓɤĭĠ₳₯є 00:36, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Good online source of common-knowledge facts that grade- and middle-schoolers can learn?

I'm looking for common knowledge facts that grade school and middle school students can learn and understand. (If it's not clear what I 'm talking about, think of the kind of material you'd give a youngster to prep him or her to be a quiz game show contestant). It's like trivia, except that I'm interested in facts that are worth learning. Are there any good online sources? --71.162.242.230 (talk) 04:15, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

I'd say Wikipedia is an excellent source for random knowledge. If you ever run out of ideas for pages to read, click the "Random article" button on the left navigation. Acceptable (talk) 05:20, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

(I'm assuming you're looking to try to develop your (or your students'?) general knowledge, rather than game a specific quiz since you say that you want facts worth learning – although, surely, all facts are worth learning! :-) )

A decent familiarity with Greek and Roman mythology is always good, as well as an understanding of the Bible (and other religious texts, too, although references to these (in popular culture, idiom, and so on) are generally lower in Western civilisation). Interestingly, General knowledge is a redirect to our somewhat-unhelpful article on trivia. Books like 'The Pedant's Revolt' might be of interest, since they correct some common misunderstandings. Maybe getting your hands on a basic mathematical dictionary that gives a limited introduction to a wide variety of terms is handy; if you're of an appropriate bent, you may find reading a dictionary moderately interesting (although, I will concede, not for long!). Additionally (although this isn't general knowledge), in the age of Google and Wikipedia, you can garner a fairly in-depth understanding of specific fields with a bit of work.

Of course, you should always be up on current affairs – read a variety of international and national newspapers (another benefit of the web is that you can painlessly regularly access maybe a dozen news sources that interest you). Research the history behind current events. Read magazines – National Geographic, Time, New Scientist. Angus Lepper^{(T, C, D)} 00:26, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Help : missing dollar

3 ppl went to a restaurant had lunch & paid the total bill of $75 (each paying $25 to the waiter) manager gave them $5 back they paid $2 as tip to the waiter it means that they paid $24+$24+$24=72 + $2 they paid to waiter= $74

where did the remaining $1 go? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 202.154.231.163 (talk) 06:46, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

It didn't go anywhere. The count of money is 75/0; 70/5; 72/3. I can't remember where the mathematical mistake is in this riddle, but I know it has something to do with subtracted when you should be adding, or similar. Hopefully someone else remembers better than me. Maybe someone even knows what it's called! --Masamage ♫ 06:51, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

The issue is that the $24 paid by the patrons includes the tip. All together they paid $24 * 3 = $72, with $2 going to the waiter. You don't add $2 to $72 (since it's included), you add in the $3 that they all received back. $72 + $3 = $75. (I love this puzzle). --Bennybp (talk) 07:34, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

(edit conflict at 1:35AM!) Well, the manager gave them $5 dollars back, so that means they paid the restaurant $70. They kept $3 dollars for themselves ($1 each, I presume), and gave $2 to the waiter. $70 + $3 + $2 = $75. It's all accounted for. Useight (talk) 07:35, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

This is a version of the missing dollar riddle. Gandalf61 (talk) 13:39, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Bennybp's right. I love this puzzle too.

As our very own missing dollar riddle explains (thanks for the ref, Gandalf!) this isn't so much a math puzzle as it is a wordplay puzzle, or even a word trick. For it very much relies on misdirection. If you were trying to double-check the math yourself, you would probably say something like: "Each guest paid $24. Total going in: $72. The restaurant got $70, the waiter got $2. Total going out: $72. Check. (But boy, those guys are lousy tippers.)" It's only because you've been slyly set up by the innocent-sounding but totally bogus statement "72+2=74" that you would ever have a hard time figuring out "where the missing dollar went".

Like any accounting problem, you just have to balance the "gozintas" and the "gozoutas". It's a classic conservation law. —Steve Summit (talk) 18:21, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Otherwise known as debits and credits. But I hate accounting as much as the next guy. Useight (talk) 21:05, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

www.charlottesworldwideweb.com

Is this a good idea? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.72.30.58 (talk) 07:21, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Only if it's profitable. Useight (talk) 07:30, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

If you're thinking about it, I recommend checking out the copyright status of the book first of all, and probably consulting with a copyright lawyer. As the book was published in 1952, its copyright may have expired if not renewed. On the other hand, bear in mind that the author was still alive and this is an internationally known book, so I wouldn't put money on it being in the public domain. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 11:49, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

You can easily check whether books have had their copyrights renewed in the Stanford Copyright Renewal Database. In this case, the answer is definitively yes. No lawyer necessary in something as clean-cut as that (thanks to Stanford having digitized all those copyright office records).

As for whether using a title derivative of a copyrighted book is a good idea, it's not the best idea in any case. I'm trying to think if I've heard of similar examples but not coming up with anything right now; there are lots of examples related to trademark law, though, like MikeRoweSoft.com. A worst-case scenario is that you are accused of cybersquatting and have to hand over the domain name to the publisher or something like that. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 16:34, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

There's also www.nissan.com, not owned by Nissan Motors, but they're trying to get it. Useight (talk) 01:12, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Titles of books are not copyrightable in the United States, Canada, and the UK. This is a very different matter than a trademark such as Microsoft or Nissan. Whether the White estate has trademarked "Charlotte's Web" is another matter. You really should talk to a lawyer in your locality about this. --NellieBly (talk) 06:23, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

I poked around the trademark database a bit. If it's just a trademark issue, then it's probably pretty safe. The closest I can find is an entry for a company that trademarked the term "Charlotte's Web" for web services: [5]. That doesn't necessarily mean you couldn't use it on a website, but that's the only trademarked use of the term "Charlotte's Web" that would even reasonably apply (others are for things like toys, video games, etc.), and you'd want to make it really clear what exactly your site was about. If you really wanted to be safe, you could try registering the trademark with the USPTO—it'd give you a lot more legal leverage than you'd otherwise have. Again, not a lawyer, you'd want to consult one if you were really worried. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 18:18, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Internet Networks

If I have a internet network broadcasting silently at home how do I find out what the network name is if it's broadcasting silently? 220.233.83.26 (talk) 10:18, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Log into the router? Edit: to clarify: you'll need to use a wired connection to do that. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 11:51, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

"Click It Down"

Who says "Click It Down" on Maury (TV series) and should boys do it? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 12:31, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Old company logo

Looking to find out what company may have had the following logo I found on an old match stick box. The logo is of a tire with wings, tread facing to the right. It has the words "moving forward" on it. I was thinking it was a tire company log or a raceway logo but have not been able to find a match. Judging from the match stick box, it could be 20's, 30's or 40's.

Jwmjr1 (talk) 14:27, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Do you mean it is a flip of the logo of the Detroit Red Wings, a variant of the Austin Motor Company logo or Indianapolis Motor Speedway or like this or this? Unfortunately the winged tyre is a symbol that's been used a lot in the past, even appearing on traffic signal boxes. And one more, possibly a better one - the Southern Motor Manufacturing Association of Houston, Texas used a logo along those lines in 1920. Nanonic (talk) 14:50, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

I believe the Indiana or Ohio State Police once had a flying tire logo on the sides of their cars, but it looked a lot like a flying peanut. Edison (talk) 19:37, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

slap bet

When will the next slap occur on How I Met Your Mother? Have they set a date? I've tried slapbetcountdown.com but it just redirects to cbs.com. xxx User:Hyper Girl 15:58, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Well there are just 2 slaps remaining but I suspect unless anyone is privy to the scripts that they will not know. Hopefully Marshall will be as creative as the last slap, the whole countdown/build up stuff was great. ny156uk (talk) 15:48, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

POLISH FOODS----HOW TO MAKE BAKED PIEROGIES

66.67.118.242 (talk) 20:02, 15 March 2008 (UTC)--66.67.118.242 (talk) 20:02, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't know nothing about the Pierogies. Ericthebrainiac (talk) 20:06, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

They sound like ravioli do you know how to make them? But you boil (and maybe fry them) not baked, maybe you could bake them, I'd suggest coating them with butter or something so they don't go too dry.

try http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,baked_perogies,FF.html 87.102.2.103 (talk) 22:35, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Polish pierogi are boiled and may be fried afterwards, but not baked. You may be confusing them with Russian pirozhki (baked dumplings stuffed with meat, larger than Polish pierogi) or pirogi (even larger) or even pirozhnoye (desserts). — Kpalion^(talk) 09:26, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

There is at least one Polish RD regular, user:Ouro. You could try his talk page. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 17:21, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Well, just because he is Polish doesn't mean he's a cook. I don't know how to make them and I've seen my mother make them hundreds of times. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:02, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

The Bombing of Llanview Hospital

What is the bombing of Llanview Hospital based on? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 21:26, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

See Llanview,_Pennsylvania#Disasters_and_major_events section "One Pure People Arson Attacks" it seems to have been a racially motivated bombing.87.102.2.103 (talk) 22:39, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Fraternity Row (soap opera)

What is Llanview, Pennsylvania and Pine Valley, Pennsylvania's soap opera Fraternity Row about and who are the cast & crew behind it on All My Children and One Life to Live? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 21:34, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Jonathan Lavery's brain tumor

What was Jonathan Lavery's brain tumor based on? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 21:51, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

A need for yet another crisis? ៛ Bielle (talk) 01:16, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

A roll of the GM's dice? —Tamfang (talk) 06:48, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

employment

what is the easiest and quickest way of getting a job, if I have never had one before and haven't got much experience of working. Are there any website or anything I can go to, or should i just type out a CV and deliver it to a few shops and stuff. And, how likely am I to get a job that after six months i can leave when I go to university, or have them transfer me to somewhere closer to my university? is it hopeless, or is that quite a common thing to do. HS7 (talk) 22:00, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

It's common to take your cv around to shops and businesses. And it works when you're in a new area as well. Going to a website such as seek.com, asking at job search agencies – depends what you want to do or are willing to do (such as labouring on a building site). The direct approach works pretty well for people. It adds to your cv experience and you can likely transfer your skills to wherever your university is located. Jobs pop up on uni notice boards as far as I know. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:21, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Once you do leave for university... If possible, go to the town where you'll be going to school and start applying early. Once all the students come flocking back into town, the job market will dry up quickly. If you get there a couple days early, you may get a jump on everyone else who will be looking for part time work while they go to school. Dismas|^(talk) 03:07, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

And for some employers, it isn't always a problem that you're leaving for school in six months. Last summer I got a job in the mall just for the two months until I left for university, with the understanding that I'd be back for Christmas and the next summer. In fact, when I came back for Christmas a couple months ago, they were glad to have extra staff for the holiday rush that didn't have to be trained. I don't know if you'd want to come back to the same job on your vacations, but it's something to consider. Cherry Red Toenails (talk) 04:52, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Strength/weakness: one word

I posted this at the language desk, but haven't been able to find an answer, so I thought I'd ask here.

Is there a single word for a trait or object which is both a great strength and a great weakness? Examples might include being able to see into the future, being hyper-sensitive to grammar, being extremely tall, having advanced levels of technology, etc.

Related terms are "a blessing and a curse", "Pyrrhic victory", "two-edged sword", and the common mistranslation of hamartia, but I'm hoping to find just one word. It's a pretty common literary trope, so it's gotta have a name, but I can't for the life of me figure out what it is.

It probably doesn't exist in English; we may need to delve into Greek and Latin, or possibly even assemble something. I wouldn't know where to start, though. It's hard to look things up by definition, and I can only reverse-engineer Greek and Latin stuff, not make it up myself. --Masamage ♫ 22:01, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Mmmh a single word - kryptonite - I'll try looking for a serious answer.87.102.2.103 (talk) 22:20, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Isn't that only a weakness? X) (Assuming it's green.) --Masamage ♫ 22:30, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

The argument is a bit tortuous but only supermen are affected by it - so it could be considered to be related to his strength. (A sort of faustian pact with a rock). In reality of course kryptonite doesn't actually cause superman to be strong (action at a distance).. Superman is super because he's from krypton (planet) and kryptonite is the remains of the planet. ok. not kryptonite.87.102.2.103 (talk) 22:48, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

I think you are starting with two terms which are extremely loaded: strength and weakness, those being by definition positive and negative traits.

My hypothesis is, that human behaviour has no fixed ethic parameters which - under all possible circumstances - render a particular attitude / action / whatever as positive or negative.

Depending on the current reality, some quality X may be - momentarily - a positive strength (or the opposite). The same X, in 2 weeks or in a different country or given some external event which alters the parameters, may turn into a negative weakness (or the opposite).

Reading up Spinoza, Kant, Hegel and Wittgenstein on absolute values may be an overkill. There is also Aristotle et al on virtue and stacks of religions on the topic.

Short version: I don´t know a term for mutabilitly / vicissitude / temporality / equivocality / ethic ambiguity which says it in a nutshell. Back to the Oregon trail... --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 23:30, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Sensitivity is both a great strength and weakness. The more sensitive you are, the more affected you are by both pleasant and unpleasant stimulus. Vranak (talk) 00:11, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

That's true, and a good example of the kind of thing I'm trying to describe. What I need is the name of the kind, if you see. --Masamage ♫ 01:17, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Ok, how about hypersensitive, hyperaware, or simply emotional? Vranak (talk) 02:10, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Maybe ambivalent and ambivalence come close to a certain extent. I always thought of them as only describing two opposite possibilities but wiktionary is more vague about their meaning. 200.127.59.151 (talk) 01:38, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Oh, if you're talking about the figure of speech it's oxymoron. 200.127.59.151 (talk) 01:51, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

One might be ambivalent about sensitivity. For example, "I'm ambivalent about my sensitivity. Sometimes it's a huge boon, but sometimes it gets me into awful trouble. I really can't decide whether it's my greatest strength or my greatest weakness". One might also be ambivalent about any other examples of strength-weaknesses, but that doesn't make "ambivalence" the answer to this quest. Masamage, the best minds in the known universe (that's the WP Ref Desk) can't come up with a single word to describe this, so I suggest there is none. Maybe someone, somewhere, coined such a word, and it's tucked away in the musty leaves of the OED, but it seems so out of reach as to be useless. Even if it were tracked down by one of the Noeticas of the world, nobody else would know what it meant. Sorry. -- JackofOz (talk) 01:51, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Right, thank you. I was hoping some of the best minds were fluent in the Classical languages, I guess; I'm still hoping that. But for goodness sakes, I definitely don't care if no one else knows what it means. :D --Masamage ♫ 07:24, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Just curious, Julia Masamage. What's the value of a word the meaning of which is known only to oneself? Aren't words meant to be used for communicating with, well, other human beings? -- JackofOz (talk) 17:50, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

1) Knowing a word is fun. 2) I can tell everyone what it means anyway, 3) thereby reawakening its usage. 4) I can use it in the title of a fantasy story. --Masamage ♫ 20:19, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

I see. Thanks, Masamage. And my abject apologies for calling you Julia (no offence to Julia, btw). -- JackofOz (talk) 21:42, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Ambi-something would have the correct root, maybe a exhaustive dictionary search might turn something up.

I was wondering what the german word for this might be - maybe they have a single word, eg I was thinking of stuff like doppelganger. Category:German loanwords see if you recognise anything. No guarantee the answer si in their.87.102.75.250 (talk) 10:00, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

"ambibeneficial"?87.102.75.250 (talk) 10:14, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

If (Gk) strength is δυνάμη (thunami) as in dynamic, or dynamite, weakness άσθενια and there's ambi to link them, you could try some variations like ambidynasthenia, or just dynasthenia? Or combinations of the German for strength and weakness... festigeit (or kraft) and Schwäche like kraftschwäche maybe? Just engineering, not a linguist here. I like dynasthenia. Julia Rossi (talk) 10:31, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Hmm, dynasthenia is nice. The real question is whether it would communicate what I'm trying for to somebody who spoke Greek, but it sounds right... --Masamage ♫ 20:36, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Oh, hmm. A google search for 'dynasthesia' gets nothing, but 'dynesthia' brings up two hits, one of which defines it as "undue sensibility to pain", suggesting that this combination of words means a weakness itself is strong. --Masamage ♫ 03:50, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

BTW looking at say schadenfreude, there's a greek equivalent compounded with έπι (upon), or you could use έν (in) to get endynasthenia or epidynasthenia – but the annoying thing is there must be a name that does something more than it says – like "Roman holiday" meaning to enjoy other people's suffering or the way schadenfreude (damage + joy) describes a scornful laugh with all that implies. --chipping away enjoying the ride-- Julia Rossi (talk) 11:36, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

The word you're looking for, a single word for something that is both someone's source of strength, their Muse, let us say, and their source of weakness, the thing that leads to their downfall is: Lolita. Something is your Lolita if it is both your source of strength and weakness. Just kidding. But it's the closest I've come... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.122.1.135 (talk) 14:10, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

by the by, this is how it starts: "Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul...." Surely your sin is a weakness, and your soul is your strength???  :) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.122.1.135 (talk) 14:14, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

That is an excellent metaphor for what I'm looking for, but it seems a little...loaded. XD --Masamage ♫ 20:19, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

You've (correctly, I think) excluded hamartia as a possibility, but I think the modern(-ish) use of the term "tragic flaw" is exactly what you're looking for. Our article basically just cuts off after ancient Greek examples, but the way tragic flaw is used in literary criticism is pretty close to what you're after, I think. Julius Caesar (in the play) reached the top by being unyielding and resolute... but got himself killed for being so. His unmoving nature brought him the dictatorship, but also turned people against him, to his downfall. Our articles on tragic hero and tragic irony seem a little different from what I learned way back in HS, so perhaps my understanding is incorrect, but to my way of thinking the flaw isn't actually tragic unless it was also behind the character's success as well. Matt Deres (talk) 21:56, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

In Russia are examples such as the intellectual serf whose talent was used so that his master profited from it, so maybe the Russians have a term for it (the tragic gift/fatal flaw idea). (It was in DYK a while back and I can't find him now.) Julia Rossi (talk) 01:25, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

By the way, no offense taken Jackoz, though the leetle leetle hole you dug was amusing. Actually I was thinking of you with the Russian bit -- would you know if the Russians have a term for it? Julia Rossi (talk) 01:30, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, don't know that one. I wouldn't be surprised if such a Russian word exists, though. (I don't know how I confused you 2 ladies. I must have women on the brain or something. Something terrible is happening to me :) -- JackofOz (talk) 01:48, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, "tragic flaw" is very close to what I'm looking for, except for being two words. The other thing is that...well, I've always thought the same thing about exactly what it means (regarding a character's success), and in English it kind of loses the emphasis on how the flaw was sort of a good thing at first (because 'tragic' is often just used to mean 'sad'). Alas! If only hamartia really meant that. I wonder what does. --Masamage ♫ 02:34, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

If harmartia had the meaning in greek of being a time-bomb-stain type thing, then it's only English usage that's changed. A Greek might get it. Could be time to take it back to the language desk specifically to ask for some russian experts. Especially since the Russians are famous for enduring tough things, they must know what it is to have a gift that keeps on back-firing... They invented Russian roulette after all (unless they didn't). Julia Rossi (talk) 02:51, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

It didn't really, though; according to its article, a hamartia was simply a mistake, like a sin, rather than being an overriding aspect of someone's life. It was an action someone commited. Still a tasty word for a tragic concept, but a pretty different one. Meanwhile, I will ask my Russian-speaking friend about that. :) --Masamage ♫ 03:23, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Welllll, that didn't work. Sigh. I guess I'll have to make something up, and then proceed to become so famous that it eventually ends up in the dictionary. --Masamage ♫ 02:44, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Achilles' heel? Fatal flaw? Boomerang? 80.2.195.163 (talk) 21:23, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

But it has to be good, too. --Masamage ♫ 21:41, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Jones New York

Does anyone know who the spokesmodel for Jones New York is featured in the April 2008 vanity fair and also on jonesnewyork.com under Lord and Taylor? (visit jonesnewyork.com click JNY Events click Lord and Taylor Charity Fashion Show)

EdwinHJ | Talk 23:14, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't see the particular web page you're talking about, but Shalom Harlow does most of their ads. It also looks like Angela Lindvall does some. Mangostar (talk) 15:54, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

March 16

Divorce Watch

On All My Children, how come Divorce Watch was cancelled? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 00:07, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

I've noticed that you've asked a lot of soap opera questions. We do have a specialized Entertainment Desk which is usually where these sorts of queries are asked/answered. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 04:19, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Split Trax vs. Twin Trax

On commercially produced cd's, can anyone explaint the difference between Split Trax and Twin Trax?? I,ve recently purchased a CD toting Split Trax(Vocal on right balance, Instruments on left balance)but voices are sporadic throughout disc, usually on chorus of songs only, not verses. Publisher (BrentwoodBenson)hasn't been much help answering this question. Previous CD's have had vocals on left side throughout all songs, so I'm wondering if disc is flawed ,or if I should have ordered Twin Trax instead of Split Trax.--Glekel (talk) 01:46, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Grape Soda...What the?

I drinking some Welchs Grape Soda. May I ask one question...why does the aftertaste taste like the grape flavored medicine that kids hate taking?71.143.3.182 (talk) 03:49, 16 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Probably because it's artificial flavoring. bibliomaniac15 03:53, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

There are a few varieties of "fake grape" flavoring used in both medicines and sodas. None of them take like any actual grapes that I have ever eaten. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 04:18, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Well now I know. Thank you. I won't drink Grape soda for a while. Cause that was gross grape soda. Ha, yeah it doesn't taste like real Grapes. Unless they found these grapes on some magical tree.71.143.3.182 (talk) 01:20, 17 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

The flavor of most "grape-flavor" stuff, including sodas and medicines, is called "foxiness" and is a very good approximation of what Concord grapes taste like. If you've never had them they're quite a revelation! --Sean 14:39, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Wow! If that's true, then there must be a banana that tastes exactly like that bizarre "banana" flavouring they use for candy. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 16:13, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Is that also why Welch's grape juice tastes weird and unlike French and British grape juice? Skittle (talk) 12:36, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I've never (to my knowledge) tasted French or British grape juice, but Welch's is made of concord grapes. I too was shocked when I ate concord grapes for the first time. I love them because they're just like eating grape candy. Mangostar (talk) 15:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I am agreeing with the bizarre banana flavor.71.143.3.182 (talk) 04:19, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

I always wonder how in heaven they came up with the blue raspberry flavor. bibliomaniac15 Midway upon life's journey... 04:30, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I wonder how they get any flavor. Most of the flavors taste fake and are sickening.71.143.3.182 (talk) 05:00, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Internet Networks

If you have forgotten your password to a internet network is there a way to find it again? 220.233.83.26 (talk) 09:22, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

This question would probably be better answered on the Computing ref desk. Since you've already posted it here though... What type of network specifically are you referring to? Do you mean the password to the router on your home network? Dismas|^(talk) 09:54, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Um... I mean the Wireless Network Connection at home. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 220.233.83.26 (talk) 10:08, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

You have two options: either reset the wireless router to its factory (default) settings, or try and access the router directly and find its password that way. The latter requires you to have a physical connection (ethernet) to the router, or to have a computer that already is authenticated with the router and can already sign in. Depending on what model of wireless router it is (Linksys? Netgear? etc.), the method for accessing its settings will vary. Note that if you have a password on the router settings itself, you won't be able to get into it at all (if you don't know that particular password), and will need to do the factory reset. If there is a password on the router settings screen (which is different than if there is a password needed to connect to the internet through the router) and you don't remember setting it, it might be the factory default password, and that can be looked up if we knew the make of the router.

Sound complicated? It is, unfortunately. I wish it were not the case. Even a technologically savvy person can find things like this a little time-consuming and confusing, as there are different passwords for different things and so much of it depends on knowing the specific defaults for any given router. And it's the sort of thing that's hard to explain to others because there is specific terminology (do you know the difference between your modem and your router? whether it is a WEP password or WPA?) that is easy to get confused about. It's the sort of problem you might consider finding someone you know who is very tech savvy and seeing if they can do it for you. (I've tried to explain this sort of thing over the phone to non-techie people before and it's verrry hard to walk them through it). --98.217.8.46 (talk) 22:11, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Pantyhose

How does Pantyhose keep legs warm if it doesn't hold air against the body and insulate it? Merely adding a layer against the skin does not seem like it would provide protection from the cold to me. Thank you. --24.183.39.245 (talk) 13:29, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

I suspect it acts (at least) as a windbreak, though I think you underestimate the warmth that they will bring. ny156uk (talk) 15:44, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Some people find them effective under other layers to cut the chill. Julia Rossi (talk) 02:02, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I was under the impression that pantyhose were meant not to keep legs, but rather for fashion or style purposes. Worn to hide veined legs for older women, avoid showing starkly white legs (as opposed to tanned ones), or simply to match (wearing black pantyhose with a short black dress, for example). EmilyELewis (talk) 23:45, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I haven't found that hose provides a significant warmth benefit over bare legs, but most of my thermal issues are due to wind. Kuronue | Talk 14:26, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

If you examine the hose close up (maybe using a microscope, but preferably when no one is inside them), you will see lots of little stitches all locked together but with air spaces between the threads. This air acts as an insulator. Its how most (all?) clothes keep us warm. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.76.144.62 (talk) 04:47, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Real virtual world

What is a virtual world that doesn't suck ass where there is some chance of making a living? Second Life, WoW and Entropia Universe are all out of the question. I want to experience like a simulated young USA. How can there not be something like this out there? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.225.48.193 (talk) 13:49, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

A Perfect World Ericthebrainiac (talk) 17:28, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

What do you mean by "making a living"? Making a living ingame, or being able to farm enough gold and resources to sell out of game to make a living in RL? SaundersW (talk) 17:55, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

You can do this?? HYENASTE 00:51, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Annie Oakley seemed to make something out of almost nothing so maybe that's your era. -- Julia Rossi (talk) 01:50, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Jonathan Lavery's health and well-being

I am worried for Jonathan Lavery's health and well-being because what if his brain tumor grows back? What would Greenlee Smythe and Amanda Dillon do when it happens? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 17:22, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

It's fiction, soap opera at that. Who knows. Maybe it'll have been his twin brother from outer space all along. I feel like this isn't really an appropriate question for this forum, though that may just be because I honestly can't conjure up a tiny bit of caring about the answer. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 18:16, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

First of all tumors don't just grow back - ok they do. and if it does he'll be fine - just like a child again - since everyone knows the tumour caused his strange behaviour previously - if he starts acting oddly he'll be straight back in for a brain scan I suppose. Just hope nothing can go wrong with a brain scanning machine.

Oh dear God no! Please don't even consider such a thing! I would just DIE!!! − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 18:36, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Can anything go wrong with a brain scanning machine

A brain scan is a non-invasive medical proceedure - with no risk to the suubject. Is that correct?87.102.124.155 (talk) 21:40, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

If you mean a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, it is non-invasive, but things can go wrong. They generate massive magnetic fields in order to work, and that carries with it some risk (of things getting sucked into the machine while someone is in it, or with an unknown piece of metal inside the subject being pulled out). It is a real threat, not just a theoretical possibility, and people have been injured and even died in such accidents. The problem isn't the scanning itself—it is totally non-invasive—but with the operation of the scanner. See Magnetic_resonance_imaging#Safety. Note that when properly handled, they are very safe; I'm not trying to be alarmist in any way, but since you asked about potential risks... --98.217.8.46 (talk) 21:52, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

A brain scanning machine is a man-made object. So of course things can go wrong with the mechanics. Hopefully not affecting the treatment.86.200.5.86 (talk) 15:34, 17 March 2008 (UTC)DT

Pimpinela

Who are Pimpinela? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 17:26, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

It is an Hispanic operatic soap for those affected by pimples the cultivation of which has been optimised by obsessively witnessing moronic low caloric cerebral nutrients scripted by brain dead prepubescent televisionary dickheads. Bugger it, this won´t work, either... --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 19:01, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Have a look here for a start [6]. Richard Avery (talk) 08:43, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

They are a pretty famous Argentine melodic duet (at least, down here). A sister and and brother who have been singing together for like 20 or 25 years. They have an eswiki page. Geez, I even didn't know they have already sold over 20m albums worldwide. -- ReyBrujo (talk) 11:45, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Exceptions

What are the exceptions to the rule that "every rule has exceptions?" NeonMerlin 18:39, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Obviously it varies rule to rule. Have a look at the article Exception that proves the rule ny156uk (talk) 20:46, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

If you're asking about the ability to make a logical paradox with playful bits of language.. see Self-refuting idea. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, give Gödel, Escher, Bach a spin (the book, not the article on the book). Or jump to the grand-daddy of them all, Gödel's incompleteness theorems. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 22:04, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

To give an answer, every verb in the English language contains at least one vowel. HYENASTE 00:48, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Pwn? Warofdreams talk 17:59, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I've always treated "every rule has exceptions" as a rule, which therefore has exceptions, such that, umm, some rules don't have exceptions. Hence, the original statement and its apparent contradiction are both true. Gotta love it... 63.231.161.238 (talk) 22:57, 16 March 2008 (UTC) Dan

I just ignore all rules. Useight (talk) 00:16, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Home Made Spirit Level

I recall many yeras ago seeing a contractor using a home made spirit level that consisted of a long length of clear tubing with water inside to measue various levels when laying out footings over wide areas with a number of obstacles in the way that would prevent the use of a normal rigid level such as a Carpenter's level or Laser level. Can sommeone tell me how to make such a level and explain how it works? Colin1300 (talk) 22:23, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

I think you've already got the basic idea. Some transparent tubing, bought at your local home-goods store, some barbed couplers to join multiple lengths of tubing if you really need to go a long ways, and some water and you're in business. Try to avoid entraining bubbles in the line; bubbles in vertical sections will throw off the balance as that leg of your level would be "lighter" than the non-bubbly leg.

How it works is that within a single contiguous (connected) body of water, all points on the surface of the water will be at the same distance from the center of the Earth; this is the lowest "energy state" for the body of water. So the two or more mensici will all be at exactly the same level once the water has reached equilibrium. Yes, you can "tee off" as many different branches as you like and they'll all be "level".

Atlant (talk) 22:50, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

(EC) Clear hosepipe, mostly filled with water (add some food colouring so you can see it). Leave both ends open (And keep both ends up in the air so that you have a very wide sort of U shape with water in the upright parts of the U) . Water finds its own level ... so the level of the water at the one of the pipe is at the same level as the water in the other end of the pipe. You can use the water level as a datum from which to measure the level you want. (e.g. if you want a level floor, and the level of water is above the floor, you measure levels 2' above the floor, and know that the floor must be 2' lower than the marks. --Tagishsimon (talk) 22:56, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Long cheap pipe is used for the body of the level, only the ends are transparent with stiff tubing with calibrations, or just clear vinyl.An identical stand at each end makes it even betterPolypipe Wrangler (talk) 23:42, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Ooh ooh! what about some handles at each end to hold it, and maybe some little lights so you can carry on levelling at night. Richard Avery (talk) 16:12, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

March 17

Ejaculating into condom?

In Western culture, is it customary for the man to ejaculate into the condom while the penis is still in the woman's vagina after he is done during casual intercourse? Or does the male extract the penis, take off the condom and ejaculate elsewhere? 99.240.177.206 (talk) 00:13, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I thought the whole point of the condom was not having to worry about pulling out. Is it different in other cultures?? —Keenan Pepper 00:37, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Is this in reference to a porno? Because porn is designed to excite the people watching, not the people performing. Like Keenan says, the point of a condom is to be able to ejaculate in the vagina without risk of pregnancy. In pornos, the directors want to make the money shot as visible as possible, so the man tends to pull out and then finish off somewhere more open. HYENASTE 00:45, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, my orignal question was a bit ambiguous. Does the man ejaculate into the condom? Personally such an action is slightly painful for me as the latex is stretching and forcing the semen back into the penis.99.240.177.206 (talk) 01:02, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes, the usual thing to do, though I have no sources to cite, is to ejaculate into the condom. If it's causing you pain, then you may not be allowing enough space in the tip of the condom for the ejaculate to be caught up in. A condom should not be tight against the tip of the penis. There should be a little slack at the end. If I remember correctly, it says this in the instructions on the side of a box of condoms. Dismas|^(talk) 01:43, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

In fact a condom may break if space is not left at the tip. --S.dedalus (talk) 02:32, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

If a man doesn't ejaculate into a condom while wearing it, where could he ejaculate to? Ask yourself that, and you might find yourself an answer. Neal (talk) 21:51, 17 March 2008 (UTC).

What does it mean "in western culture"?87.102.13.144 (talk) 12:12, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Western culture, although I think condoms are designed to work the same way everywhere. FiggyBee (talk) 12:21, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Can't find the article condom use in western culture, please help. ok joke - why though? Is it expected to be different elsewhere?87.102.13.144 (talk) 12:58, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

It could be; it's a big wide wild world out there. Who knows how they do it in other countries. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 14:24, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

When putting on a condom DO NOT leave an air bubble at the top. Instead, pinch the end between thumb and forefinger, to leave room for the semen. [7]. Many condoms feature a reservoir tip, you might prefer those [8]. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 17:42, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

It is indeed true that sexual practices vary across cultures; see Dry sex for a life-threatening example (the article itself is not gruesome, no images). So the questioner is quite right to frame the OP that way. BrainyBabe (talk) 08:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

drinking laws in spain

moved from help desk Julia Rossi (talk) 00:33, 17 March 2008 (UTC) Phillstirland (talk) 09:10, 16 March 2008 (UTC)hello. i hope you can help. we are going on holiday in august this year, ( 2008 ), to lloret de mar, in spain, and my son will be 16 when we go. i am a careful and concerned parent that is seeking knowledgable advice. i have read your table of ages to purchase and to drink. however the drinking ages vary from each article or site you visit, and so it is not clear exactly what age you can actually drink in a bar in spain. can you please help me as some say you can drink at 16 in a bar but cannot purchase, which tells me that i can purchase alcohol for my son. yet some say the drinking age is 18. thankyou for your advice. phillstirland

Hi, could you call the Spanish embassy where you are, or one that has an info line? Even a travel agency could help until knowledgeable types come along here. Julia Rossi (talk) 01:57, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't know what the actual laws are, but in any event I don't think they're really enforced. Neither I nor my 17-year-old-at-the-time (or 18? I'm not sure) sister got carded a single time during our ten or so days in Spain recently. Mangostar (talk) 15:57, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Sound Waves of Jet Fighters

Could the sound waves of Jet fighters such as the F 16 and what the Blue Angels fly break glass?71.143.3.182 (talk) 01:13, 17 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Yes, although the plane ("what the Blue Angels fly" is the F/A-18A, incidentally) would have to be flying fast and low:

Sonic booms may cause minor damage such as shattered glass but structurally sound buildings should not suffer damages from overpressures less than 16 psf. Sonic boom exposure to communities typically does not exceed two psf. Some public reaction could be expected between 1.5 and 2 pounds. Rare minor damage may occur with 2 to 5 pounds overpressure. The strongest sonic boom ever recorded was 144 pounds per square foot and it did not cause injury to the researchers who were exposed. The boom was produced by an F-4 flying just above the speed of sound, at an altitude of 100 feet.[9]

FiggyBee (talk) 07:04, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I just wanted to know. An airshow was happening, luckily nothing was broken, but when a Jet overshadowed my house it sounded like one of my windows exploded. It was kinda scary.Why do Jet's sound waves seem to be coming from the opposite direction from where they are flying?71.143.3.182 (talk) 07:10, 17 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

They don't, normally, although it may be hard to pinpoint a fast-moving aircraft as you'll hear where the plane was when it emitted the sound, rather than where it is now. If it sounds like it's in the opposite direction it may be a quirk of your local geography (you hear an echo off a hill or building rather than the aircraft directly). FiggyBee (talk) 07:31, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Things to see in Eastern and Central Ontario

Hello,

I will be traveling from Southwestern Ontario to Ottawa in a couple of weeks. I'm planning to take Highway 7 there and Highway 2 back, although those plans are not definite. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas for interesting things to see or do between Toronto and Ottawa, such as scenic drives, oddball roadside attractions, good diners, or just normal things worth seeing. I've already been told that I cannot think of taking this trip without stopping at the Big Apple in Colborne. Any other suggestions? '

Or, to make this a proper Reference Desk question: What scenic drives, oddball roadside attractions, good eating places and things worth seeing are there between Toronto and Ottawa?

Thanks. -- 99.236.161.4 (talk) 03:29, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Asking for facts, not opinions, is what makes a "proper Reference Desk question." --LarryMac | Talk 13:42, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Kingston has ridiculously good restaurants. 207.148.157.228 (talk) 14:06, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

And plenty of prisoners, too, to spice up your road trip. − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 18:31, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Might be a little detour, but how about Algonquin Provincial Park? You'll be getting in ahead of the blackflies. --Trovatore (talk) 18:36, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

The lift lock in Peterborough? JohnAspinall (talk) 18:54, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I recommend taking the scenic drive off the 401 through Prince Edward County, via Sandbanks Provinical park. The scenery is great, you get to see more of Lake Ontario than you would otherwise and you get a ferry ride at the end. Sandbanks is a fine Provincial park as they go, worth a stop if you like that sort of thing but nothing special. The 'Big Apple' is a a huge apple with apple-related displays and the opportunity to buy huge quantities of Apple-related products. Since you have to stop somewhere, there is as good as anywhere. DJ Clayworth (talk) 21:20, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for your tips. As for Kingston's "ridiculously good restaurants," any suggestions? -- 99.236.161.4 (talk) 23:11, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

The Hungry Goat, I think it's called. Good food and a community feeling -- announcements, books, a place to hang out. BrainyBabe (talk) 08:08, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Life Expectancy

What was the country that had the highest life expectancy in the world in 1900, at the beginning of the 20th Century? What was its life expectancy? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bowei Huang (talk • contribs) 04:22, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

This paper has figures for life expectancy at birth in selected developed countries circa 1900. The highest for males is Australia with 53.2 years and for females 56.8 years. I'll have a further look for any better source! SaundersW (talk) 14:59, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

BOMB DISPOSAL

HI, I WANT TO ASK YOU PEOPLE THAT IS THERE ANY WEB WHICH TEACHES BOMB/EXPLOSIVE DISPOSAL TECHNIQUES KINDLY GUIDE ME TO THAT LINK. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 221.132.115.187 (talk) 12:07, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Are you aware that shouting has been known to trigger unexploded bombs? Writing in all capitals is considered SHOUTING here. -- JackofOz (talk) 12:25, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps it was REALLY URGENT? We may never know the answer. Savvo (talk) 12:47, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Maybe his initial untutored efforts in this arena left him with hearing loss, and he doesn't know he's shouting. --Milkbreath (talk) 13:17, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

"...don't poke fun at a poorly-written question. The reference desk necessarily involves communication between questioners and respondents from different backgrounds and cultures."--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back (talk) 13:24, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

If you're learning them for your personal use, a website is not going to be a good source. If you have unexploded ordnance you'd better contact local officials of some sort.

If you're interested just as a matter of interest, our article on bomb disposal techniques is not a bad place to start. As the article points out, current techniques are often not discussed publicly because knowing them would allow a bomb-maker to create ways to disable them.

If you'd like to see a tense British television show on the subject, I particularly have enjoyed Danger UXB. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 14:20, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for pointing that series out, 98.217; it looks really interesting. *And* available on DVD - birthday present sorted!--Kateshortforbob 21:09, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

My (U.S.) library also had the book the UXB series was based on, "Unexploded Bomb" by Major A. B. Hartley, M.B.E, RE, and it was more explanatory than the movie and a real aid in understanding what was going on in the movie. The clockwork delay devices were there to further demoralize the population and to kill emergency workers and bomb disposal people. The clockwork was likely to stop near the end of its run, because activating the actual detonator placed extra mechanical demands on the clockwork. A battery or capacitor would eventually lose its charge, but the clockwork could still be there waiting for a very long time, until the bomb was moved or a heavy truck drove by and started it ticking the last few ticks before detonation. Edison (talk) 14:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Free pictures of Irak war

Hi. I'm looking for copyright free pictures of bombardments in Irak. Is there such a thing, i.e. a copyright status for pictures taken by the US army that would be close to the Nasa copyright? How do newspapers deal with the printing of pictures taken by US army or British army photographers? Do they pay to print or are these pictures given to the papers with restricted copyrights (no alterations for example)? Thank yous. Keria (talk) 13:42, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Photos taken by US Army photographers in their official capacity as members of the US Army are usually public domain. You can find a lot of Iraq pictures, free to use, at the US Department of Defense's image server website: http://www.defenselink.mil/multimedia/. But be aware they are official releases—they are often selected to make soldiers look especially heroic or the enemy look especially bad. About half of the Iraq photos are soldiers giving children hugs and things like that, which I'm not sure is actually quite representative of how they spend their time! But they're free photos. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 14:13, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm just wondering where this "Irak" place is. Malcolm XIV (talk) 19:42, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

The country's name is Arabic, so there isn't any official spelling with Roman letters. Please remember that there are people from other countries posting questions here. It is spelled "Irak" in the Turkish language, for example. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 20:30, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm talking about Aïreq of course :). I'm looking for good quality pictures of the bombing of Baghdad but I'm having a hard time finding any. I want to re-use the pictures for colages (in a non-partizan way just looking for a city under siege with big explosions) and I'm wondering about the copyright issue. Keria (talk) 21:18, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Irak is also how it is spelled in many other languages (German, Russian, etc.). Believe it or not, using a "Q" to designate a "K" sound is not entirely as common as one might think! Anyway, collages are tricky copyright-wise so you're right to be looking for public domain things! Unfortunately such images seem rare—unsurprisingly the Army/Air Force/etc. doesn't seem to have had a lot of people running around on the ground in Baghdad taking pictures at the time, so the only images we really have are those by foreign press services, for the most part. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 22:00, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm not an Arabic speaker, but I believe it's not exactly a "K" sound -- it's further back in the throat. It's still a stop, not a fricative, but it has a slightly "duller" or more "muffled" sound than the letter K in English. That's probably why a different letter was chosen. --Trovatore (talk) 02:29, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Sure, but in any case it's going to be an imperfect transliteration, and probably a very old one at that. In any case, far more languages seem to transliterate it as "Irak" than "Iraq", and from what I can tell it was even transliterated as "Irak" in English through most of the 20th century as well. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 04:41, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Ahem

Been curious about something:
1. Why do most modern (western) women shave their vaginas as opposed to the sventies and before when the opposite was commonplace? Is this different for different cultures?
2. Is it common for wives to give their husbands blow-jobs? Or is this reserved for prostitutes and porno movies? Is this different for different cultures?
Anon

How do you know what most western women do? I bet those who are a little older (shall we say) don't do it. But how can I tell?86.200.5.86 (talk) 15:30, 17 March 2008 (UTC)DT

The word vagina does not mean what you apparently think it means. People trimming pubic hair may be more common now- I don't know a good way to tell. Oral sex is a very common practice. Friday (talk) 15:52, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

The shaving of pubic hair is certainly not a modern idea. The removal of pubic hair by both sexes was encouraged by the Prophet Muhammed, and nudes have traditionally lacked body hair in Western art, from classical times to the Rennaisance. More prosaically, removal of body hair was common in ancient, mediaeval and later times for the control of lice. As to why almost all pornographic models of the 1970s sport bushy growths, people were quite keen on hair in general at that time, so it could simply be a matter of fashion. Another possible explanation is that at the time the industry was completely unregulated, and having hirsute models was one way of "proving" the girls were of age. FiggyBee (talk) 16:41, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Most women don't shave their pubic hair. Some do. And yes, oral sex (both male and female) is relatively common (but also not nearly universal) in all kinds of relationships, including marriages. --Masamage ♫ 16:43, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

1.Asking a 'why' question is rather irrelevant. I would imagine it depends on the individual. I do assume, however, that women shaving any pubic hair is more feminine. 2.I don't think so. Neal (talk) 21:45, 17 March 2008 (UTC).

Because Cosmo says Brazilian is in this summer and that blowjobs enhance pleasure. Kuronue | Talk 14:33, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Songs in Pecados Ajenos

What songs are heard when Natalia Ruiz de Mercenario and Adrián Torres start to kiss each other in Pecados Ajenos? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 17:17, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Mexican Hat Dance! Recury (talk) 18:27, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

KISS ME, I'M IRISH (Corona Beer Ad)

About 8 or 9 years ago I went on a Surf trip down in Baja Mexico. I think the place was called La Fonda. There was a umbrella table outside of the apartment we sublet. Around this and the patio was a CORONA Beer advertisement decoration. Description is like a stereotypical 'Dirty Mexican' style dude. He's got a sombrero on. He's got some nasty teeth(some gold caps). A liken to 'Gold Hat'/Alfonso Bedoya in John Huston's 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (film)', you know"stinking badges"? Great stuff. The Ad has Shamrocks and the guy smiling with the words underneath 'KISS ME, I'M IRISH'. Can us Wiki's get together and find me a pic of that online? Much obliged. --i am the kwisatz haderach (talk) 17:27, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Black and White Push-Processing

Hi. I recently shot a roll of Ilford Delta 3200 Professional film (rated at ISO 1000). I developed it in D-76 (stock) for 13 minutes at 20 degrees Celsius. I shot the roll at EI 6400. My negatives are fairly thin, but definitely usable. Is it normal for negatives pushed this far to come out thinner than normal negs, or should I have developed longer? Thanks! Steevven1 ^{(Talk) (Contribs) (Gallery)} 19:44, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Sports on period

Generally speaking, when female athletes are participating in a sport during their period, does their performance decrease? For example, if an elite female 100m sprinter is running in the Olympic finals during her period, even a little decrease in speed will result in large difference in place standings. Is this often discussed in sports? Thanks. Acceptable (talk) 21:18, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Since when do women ages 46-54 (50th percentile 51) run the 100 meter on Olympics? Hmm.. Neal (talk) 21:41, 17 March 2008 (UTC).

Menstruation can occur in girls as young as 12. Acceptable (talk) 21:51, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Oh, I interpreted as menopause. My bad. By 'period' I thought the older period, since I didn't think 12 year and 8 month old girls participated in the Olympics.. Neal (talk) 21:53, 17 March 2008 (UTC).

For Confusionists: see menarche / menstruation / menopause and ignore period. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 22:41, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Mmm. Your understanding of 'period' is rather confused. 219.90.204.132 (talk) 08:41, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

You may want to read about exercise amenorrhoea. Bovlb (talk) 21:57, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

It's my understanding that elite athletes don't tend to get periods (as noted by Bovlb, Amenorrhea), since their body-fat percentage tends to be so low. So it doesn't really come up. (Neal, period means menstruation, not menarche or menopause) I found this article about menstruation in athletes, which you may find useful. [10] Skittle (talk) 12:19, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Bee Mass

I came home today and discovered a rather alarming collection of bees on the side of my house. A picture is here: [11] . I'd rather not spray them as I've no reason to want them dead, as long as they dont plan on taking up permanant residence there. Is this collection of bees something I should be concerned about? 65.12.220.107 (talk) 21:56, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I'd call an exterminator. There's no way of knowing if they're planning on staying or not. They won't die off on their own until November or so, so I'd make a phone call as fast as possible. Especially if you have children. Useight (talk) 22:44, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

You need to call someone today. Bees can cause damage to property (wax seeping into plaster and gyprock, for instance) that can cost quite a bit of money to repair.

Not getting the exterminator out ASAP can also have insurance repercussions. About one in every 200 people is prone to severe, even life-threatening reactions to beestings. Treating a severe allergic reaction can climb into the five-figure range in the US even if the victim has an Epi-pen and takes all due steps. If you've had reasonable time to get rid of the nest and haven't done so, the victim might have grounds to win a lawsuit against you for negligence, and your insurance might not cover it because you didn't address the problem within a reasonable period of time. --NellieBly (talk) 23:06, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Oi, thanks for the info all. Guess I'd better put on a jacket and a paintball mask and grab some killer. 65.12.220.107 (talk) 23:09, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

If you do not want to kill them there may be a beekeeper in your area that will come out for free and attempt to trap them (he will want to keep the bees of course). Don't try and do it yourself, you will get stung 161.222.160.8 (talk) 02:40, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I still say don't do it yourself, call an expert. Useight (talk) 23:57, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Yep, call the bee keeper (apiarist) they take alll the sweat out of it and the bees get to live as well. (Insecticide could aggravate them anyway, then everyone's unhappy.)Julia Rossi (talk) 02:52, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm putting in another vote for calling a beekeeper. Bees are wonderful little flying cows and are having a rough time in many places right now. I googled for Template:Websearch and the first link said "We have several beekeepers who are willing to catch swarms in central North Carolina...". Perhaps you could search for a similar thing where you are? --Sean 13:26, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Childless

I've decided that I'm never going to have children. How can I avoid a feeling of emptiness and wasted opportunity? Vitriol (talk) 22:28, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Be like Bruce Wayne/Batman. Adopt some children. Neal (talk) 22:30, 17 March 2008 (UTC).

I like your first idea. Vitriol (talk) 22:34, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

The optimal method in life is: Allow for plan B (not to mention C and D and ...). --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 22:36, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Do volunteer work, perhaps with kids, perhaps not. Last summer I volunteered with a "life skills" class for teenagers who come from crappy family backgrounds, and it was awesome. There are also daycares, retirement homes, ESL schools for foreign exchange students (did that, too--got paid!), summer camps, food kitchens, sports teams to coach, pools to lifeguard, libraries to read stories at, and on and on. Being helpful for free is a lot more fun than it sounds like it should be--and it's less time-consuming than most of the other things we do. You also get a lot of warm fuzzies for it. --Masamage ♫ 22:41, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Most people who are childless by choice never have a feeling of emptiness and wasted opportunity. That's because they don't value their lives by whether someone in 300 years who doesn't even remember their name will carry 1/1,024th of their DNA. Unfortunately, a small minority of people who have children are, as far as I can figure out, deeply insecure, narrow-minded, and jealous. They can't stand that anyone can choose to be different from them; it puts their choice into question if everyone doesn't agree with them. So they call the childless "empty" and say they've "wasted opportunity". The same people often pop out with racism and homophobia, and again for the same reason: they can't stand anyone to choose differently than they did, because they see any dissent as criticism. --NellieBly (talk) 23:15, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

And on the contrary, not having kids will soon someday be the new fad. Especially if you take into consideration world overpopulation. Anyways, did it occur to anyone that not having kids still doesn't mean you're unmarried/without a spouse. Married couples can decide not to have kids. Heh. Neal (talk) 23:33, 17 March 2008 (UTC).

You could re-choose not to have kids, this time on the basis that it's for whatever your positive reasons are. That probably sounds pretty glib; it wasn't meant to be. I appreciate that one might make such a choice, freely, consciously, and for the very best of good reasons - and still experience feelings of regret and emptiness down the track; and nobody can guarantee those feelings won't arise at some time. It's how you deal with them when and if they do arise that matters, not trying to avoid them to begin with. If you already anticipate them, you might want to examine why you've made this decision. That's why I say re-choose, but after becoming really clear in your heart about exactly why you're making this choice; then write it down and keep it somewhere safe. It will serve you well to be reminded of this when and if such negative feelings arise. The more you consciously try to avoid some emotional issue, the more likely you are to actually bring it about, because your brain is focussing energy on it. What we resist, persists. -- JackofOz (talk) 09:21, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Instead of creating lives, how about saving them? It's ridiculously cheap and easy to do. Find a charity you trust (there's one linked on my user page if you're short of ideas) that you'd like to support and then either send them money, fundraise on their behalf (hey, that'll fill your spare time nicely - and you'll make great friends along the way) or lobby, donate gifts in kind, advocate on their behalf among your friends... There's so much needless death, illness and general misery in the developing world and it's astonishingly fixable, so long as the charity you're supporting is reputable, has its eyes wide open and doesn't throw money away on administration or into corrupt officials' pockets. --Dweller (talk) 11:45, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

STATES IN THE USA

HOW MANY STATES ARE THERE IN TH USA? I HAVE READ MANY DIFFEREN PASSAGES SAYING 52 54 I HAVE READ ON YOUR SITE THAT THERE IS 50 STATES BUT I WAS TOLD THAT YALL HAVE NOT UPDATED YALL INFO. THIS IS THE LINK OF YALL PAGE WHERE I GOT THE INFO http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.96.159.184 (talk) 22:42, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

There are 50 states. Anyone who says otherwise is just plain wrong. Useight (talk) 22:45, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

So many trolls out there. Neal (talk) 22:50, 17 March 2008 (UTC).

Probably not a troll. I was in a room full of Canadians, and they had no idea how many states there were in the U.S. -- 50, 51 or 52. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 23:08, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

That's true, but I was referring moreso to the caps. ;/ Neal (talk) 23:23, 17 March 2008 (UTC).

Well, Americans don't know how many provinces Canada has either, much less name them. It doesn't really matter anyway. That's why maps were invented. I bet that most Canadians and Americans can't name a single Mexican state either. As long as you can locate a country on a map you'll do fine - but most people can't do that either. Chris16447 (talk) 23:27, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!Leamarie411x2 23:47, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Well said... :1 Boomshanka (talk) 23:52, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

True enough, but considering how often Canadians fret about turning into the 51st state, you'd think they'd be able to figure out how many states the U.S. has without Canada! -- Mwalcoff (talk) 07:52, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Same for Down Under. I've had arguments with folks who are convinced the USA has 52 states (that's not including Canada, Australia, NZ, etc; just the home-grown ones). When I've disagreed and said it's only 50, they've said that it used to be 50, before Alaska and Hawaii came on board. I say, no, it used to be 48 before then. Then it was 49 for a while, then it was 50. But they still disagree. This is usually in a situation where we're not near the internet or any reference books; a library, for example (no, only kidding - a social gathering, more likely). After half an hour of fruitless discussion, I just walk away. These are the people who laugh at Americans for not knowing the difference between Australia and Austria. Oh dear. -- JackofOz (talk) 09:00, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I think maybe it stems from misassociation. The number seems familiar, so they attribute it to the number of States. After all, there are 52 weeks in a year; 54 cards in a deck (including jokers); 76 trombones in the big parade... Malcolm XIV (talk) 09:20, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

99 Red Balloons. Useight (talk) 00:36, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Also keep in mind that American events with representatives from all the states, like the Miss America pageant, will often have 51 or 52 participants, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There are actually 55 entities represented in the US House of Representatives -- DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa have nonvoting delegates. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 10:57, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

You could urge them to take the next opportunity to examine the (6×5+5×4) Stars & (13) Stripes. —Tamfang (talk) 07:06, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

What, you mean there are 63 states? Or are the stripes for the 13 provinces and territories of Canada? That's part of America, isn't it? :-) --Anonymous, 14:08 UTC, March 19, 2008.

On our way to a College Bowl tournament in 1981, a couple of us passed some time by trying to name the fifteen SSRs (we missed two), the thirty-two counties of Ireland (we got about half), and the states of Mexico (I forget how we did). —Tamfang (talk) 07:06, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

(resetting indent) There are also many Americans who don't know the names of the states. There's a running joke up here in Vermont about non-Vermonters asking "What state is that in?" when we tell them that we're from Vermont. Just last week I had to explain to a guy, who was born and raised in Washington DC, where Vermont was. I was in DC at the time. Dismas|^(talk) 09:33, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

This is sounding a bit like the urban myth that a large percentage of US high school student are unable to shade in their own country on an outline map ofthe world. That said, almost all the americans I've ever met have been pretty knowledgeable people. Astronaut (talk) 09:43, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

This survey does show a grim picture, though. 1/3 of the respondents (Americans 18-24) think the US population is "1 to 2 billion", etc. --Sean 13:33, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Which might just mean people have a hard time getting a handle on large numbers, though. I doubt most people really appreciate the difference between 300 million and 1 billion people. I also imagine most city-dwellers fail to take into account, in an intuitive sense, how less dense (population wise) much of the central region of the country is relative to the urban regions. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 16:06, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

There is a continuing column in New Mexico magazine called "One of our 50 states is missing", in which people report real-life encounters with people who don't know that New Mexico is a US state. In most cases, Americans. Corvus cornix_talk 17:22, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

"Wait, are you telling me there's a New Mexico?" 206.252.74.48 (talk) 18:50, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

If I were in that position, I imagine I'd ask whether they think New York and New Hampshire are in England. (I've visited the Old ones more recently than the New, though i reside in California.) —Tamfang (talk) 07:02, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

It's especially funny when they ask if we take dollars, or only pesos. Or if they need a passport to get in. Sigh. seresin | wasn't he just...? 07:07, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

It was right to link to Education in the United States. Nothing they teach you in American schools (up to college, that is) is of any use. They only teach you what is on the standardized tests, because that is all this country cares about. God forbid they teach you something that isn't on the test - like the names of the states. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:24, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

A resident of Ferndale, Michigan (less than 50 miles from the Canadian border) once asked me, "Do you guys have pizza in Canadia?" —Preceding unsigned comment added by Santegeezhe (talk • contribs) 17:30, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Largest French Prison?

Can anyone tell me what the largest prison (the one with the most prisoners) in France is? I know that the Fresnes Prison is the second largest, but I can not find what the largest is. Any help would be greatly appreciated. EmilyELewis (talk) 23:12, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

You might like to google the Saint-Martin-de-Ré correctional institution (or Ile de Ré prison) which we don't have an article about. Julia Rossi (talk) 03:02, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

According to the beeb, Europe's largest prison - the 3,800-strong Fleury-Merogis near Paris--Tagishsimon (talk) 12:06, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

legal

was just wondering..if a company or person is sued for like 10 million.They appeal.before the appeal ends does the guilty company or person pay.or does the appeal have to end.just for basic knowledge. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.220.113.117 (talk) 23:59, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

From what I can figure, in a civil case where one party is suing another, there can be a settlement between them when a contract is organised out of court. But when a case has gone through to a final outcome, a finding, the loser can appeal. Usually an appeal is heard in a court of appeal that's higher than the trial court and depending on their powers, may overturn the appeal if it's found the lower court didn't make the correct finding for example; rather than examining material and making their own finding. Mostly I guess the appeal has to end and the finding be accepted. Usually the party found against pays. If you're asking about out-of-court settlement take a look at Settlement (litigation). Julia Rossi (talk) 08:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It seems to me that the question is asking whether a party found liable in a lower court must pay while an appeal is pending, or whether they can wait to pay until after the appeal is over. The answer is that the liable party gets to wait while the appeal plays out. (Perhaps there is some obscure exception but I can't think of any.) In some cases this can be a very very long time. For example, in litigation relating to the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the case has been in appeals for 14 years since the jury awarded $5 billion in punitive damages. If this happens, a judge will normally require the defendant to pay interest on the money that it has delayed paying, if the defendant is ultimately found liable after the appeal. Mangostar (talk) 16:21, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

March 18

When is It Acceptable

I have a few um...peculiar questions. This will probably be some odd questions.

When is it acceptable...

To pee in the shower?

To use the middle finger?

To pull down your pants in front of public?

To burp as loud as you can in public or in a restaurant?

To run around town screaming your heart out?

To do all of the questions above without looking insane?

Thank you, Always Cardinal Raven71.143.3.182 (talk) 06:04, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Always, sometimes, never, never, never, never. But that's just one opinion.HYENASTE 06:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Amen--88.109.88.16 (talk) 07:27, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

"When on television"? --Masamage ♫ 07:36, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Not on television. I'm talking real life. I should say where more then when. Cause I know some cultures find somethings more acceptable then we do.71.143.3.182 (talk) 07:40, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Rva

Shy John Safran ran naked through the streets of Jerusalem wearing only the scarf and beanie of his favourite football club, St Kilda. I think it was the second day he did it again to get his body on video and more people in the background that the police collared him. Otherwise, the loony bin. And you seem to be trying for something here CR, is this for your book? then Safran's a good study in breaking the fear barrier. (Ps, the middle finger is a must for driving in traffic in Australia. You wouldn't get by without it. ) Julia Rossi (talk) 08:13, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

See Saturnalia and Carnival. As to where, Berkely,California is my recommendation. Rhinoracer (talk) 10:27, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It depends on the circles you are in. When I was at University on a good night out all the above could happen. If I did it now I would be Send to Coventry by my neighbours and my wife. -- Q Chris (talk) 10:31, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Since you are a cardinal, assuming you're from the Vatican, I suggest asking the Pope. Neal (talk) 12:49, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

Yes, I am writing a book a book about freedom and society complexes of what is allowed and wasn't allowed.The naked thing I am exploring most because I see no real deal in nakedness. I'll check that guy out he seems to be of some good reference. Cardinal can mean red. I was going for Red Raven. But cardinal sounded much cooler. I'm not religious in any shape or form. I have my own views of how life had gotten started. Ha, Well I will have to do Middle Finger push ups before I go to Australia. 71.143.3.182 (talk) 16:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Mind you, and with all due respect to my highly esteemed countrywoman Julia Rossi, there are actually some Australian drivers who don't actually find it necessary to actually use the middle finger ... ever, actually. I'm sure she must be talking about other people. I have assessed her to be a gentlewoman of substance and integrity, she is as well-mannered as I am, and she would never allow herself to be provoked into such coarse behaviour. Then again, she may live in a metropolis, where God-knows-what goes on. I live in the real Australia. :) -- JackofOz (talk) 21:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I hope you know I was joking. I myself rarely use the middle finger. I find it highly rude. We are adults and we should be able to solve our problems with words. Not with violence or with fingers. Its a childish thing to do. That's my opinion on it as well. If you have nothing to say to me then sticking the finger in my face I will disregard you. Or that is my thinking.

How do you have a verbal discussion in different vehicles at 70 MPH? HYENASTE 01:15, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

My thoughts on nudity are that we see ourselves naked in the showers all the time and we see ourselves naked when we go to bed with our spouses. There should be no problem with being naked on television. Nudity shouldn't be censored. We have reduced the human body to something disgusting and something only used in a sexual manner. We have made the human body to be hidden behind our clothes. Yet, our ancestors when we were caveman or maybe even more primitive didn't wear clothes.

Peeing in the shower is just when I am lazy and I don't want to get out of the shower. Shoot it all goes down the same drain. In my view sometimes burping can be disrespectful, but most of the time its like saying "thanks I've been fed well." The only time you should have to pull down your pants in public is when you really need to go to the bathroom and can't find a toilet....then again you might get arrested. Sometimes you just need to run and let all the stress out. Running around and screaming isn't a big deal, but people might view you as crazy. Guess I'm just laid back. Thank you, Always Cardinal Raven71.143.3.182 (talk) 22:36, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Nice catch O Jackoz, how astute you are to assess me like that – I should have included that it is a gesture of the metropolitan culture and needs to be used selectively so as not to provoke road rage. Any visitor needs to be aware that it can't safely be used when stuck in traffic but only when making a clean getaway. If Cardinal Raven perfects the middle finger push-up and is ever dragged onto the bitumen in such a situation, merely demonstrating his pushup power would send the offender/s slinking away, using the respect gesture with the pinky and thumb oops, index of both hands. ; ) Julia Rossi (talk) 23:07, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

One for CardinalRaven more re Safran is here[12] an interview on ABC television. I didn't know cardinal meant red and makes sense of the cardinals flocking in that colour at Vatican get togethers. Thank you, and best with your book, Julia Rossi (talk) 23:17, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for more information on Safran. We learn something new everyday. colors deep red: a deep strong red color, like that of the robes of a cardinal. This is in my dictionary. Thank you for the good luck on my book. I have already published two scientific articles in two different magazines before. So I'm just trying to accomplish more with a book now. Yes, I'm perfecting that middle finger push up right at this moment. Its like playing piano keys. One, two, one two.lol!

Thank you,

Always Cardinal Raven71.143.3.182 (talk) 23:22, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

You're welcome, congrats and lol : )) Julia Rossi (talk) 23:58, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Since its has been all ready spilled on this field. Could you help me with a title I am really bad at that?71.143.3.182 (talk) 03:52, 19 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Can you sum up your proposal/content for some background or would something from Safran's point of view be helpful? Julia Rossi (talk) 06:14, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

While you;re working on that how about things like these for working titles, Choose an empty street (crossing the line and other issues in sociobiology), Naked dinner (towards a personal ethic in socio...), T-shirt warnings (and other clues to staying eccentric and safe in public). this is fun Julia Rossi (talk) 06:26, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Shaved heads

For some time now, I've considered shaving my head. The reasoning being, I'm a middle aged guy with prematurely grey hair which, judging by the amount left in the shower tray, has now started to receed. It's quite a big step to take, so I have a some questions before I get out the scissors and razor:

1. Can anyone convince me the "style" looks good on middle-aged white guys like me?
2. How often would I need to re-shave (blade or electric?) to keep it looking smooth-ish?
3. How much other weekly (or daily, or monthly) maintenence is required?
4. Would my dandruff stop?
5. Is sunburn a major hazard?

Many thanks. Astronaut (talk) 09:56, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

welcome to the rest of the planet! Most 'middle aged guys' and some a lot younger go for a short shaved haircut eg military style -with the buzzing clippers at a hairdresser or whatever why not try that first. eg try crew cut or buzz cut that should be a lot less hassle that keeping your head shaved and shiny. Take a look around on the street - you'll see lots of middle-aged white guys who have done just that.

Someone else can advise you on total baldness - but yes apparently sunburn can be an issue.87.102.74.53 (talk) 11:50, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

But don't forget that many guys look really good with shaved heads, and are often, though clearly not always, advertisng their "gay" sexuality. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.145.241.167 (talk) 14:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Sure they are. Neal (talk) 14:51, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

You should try a shaved head. Many middle aged men look better with shaved head then some weird comb over or trying to save what's left of your hair *cough cough* Donald Trump. I think that its a wonderful style. Don't worry about sunburn just put some sunscreen on your bald head. It will keep your head shiny and smooth there is a plus to sunscreen. I can't help you on the rest though. I've never shaved my head and I don't think I will have to for a while. Since I'm in the age group of 18-29.

As always, Cardinal Raven71.143.3.182 (talk) 22:40, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Yeah, convinced of that!--88.109.88.16 (talk) 14:54, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Ask the barber/hairdresser for a number-one comb – the closest. A number-two comb gives a fuzzy finish. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Just about anything looks better than a comb-over, IMHO. Preserve your dignity and keep it short. Steewi (talk) 00:38, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

TRADE FAIRS

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN A TRADE FAIR, TRADE SHOW,TRADE EXHIBITION AND TRADE MISSION —Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.113.72.74 (talk) 10:10, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

There's no need to shout (typing all in UPPERCASE is usually considered shouting).

Anyway, I think a "Trade Fair", "Trade Show" and "Trade Exhibition" are pretty much the same thing - an event where those employed in a certain type of industry get together to show off their new products to each other and to potential new customers. A "Trade Mission" is usually a group government and private sector employees sent to foreign country with the purpose of developing trade between the two countries; for example, here is the calendar of trade missions undertaken by the US dept of commerce. Astronaut (talk) 10:31, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

south east siberia

I wish to travel to Birobidzhan does it have an airport? how would I go about finding an english speaking person to show me around? are there hotels/b&b's and are there resteraunts? Thanks l'chiyem 193.115.175.247 (talk) 13:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Dough

This article is very lacking in vital info. eg airports, hotels and places of interest. please help —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

As far as I can find out, the nearest large airport with international service is at Khabarovsk some 200 km to the east. You can probably use the Trans-Siberian Railway to take you the last bit of the journey (2 hrs). You might find it easier or more interesting to get to Vladivostok instead and spend a night on the train. Once in Birobidzhan, I would be very surprised if a city of nearly 80,000 people did not have hotels and restaurants - Google Earth has a photo of a Hotel Vostoc. The city's official site has a list of tourist businesses and some info in English. As for English speakers, I suspect you will easily find several people who do speak English, but take a Russian phrase book. Astronaut (talk) 15:50, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Airborne Bugs in Planes - NOT A MEDICAL ADVICE QUESTION!!!

Yet again, my wife has caught a serious head cold and URTI (breathing problem that exacerbates her normally controlled asthma). Yet again, she had to be hospitalised and nebulised with oxygen and ventalin after yet again, returning from a continental holiday by air. We are not seeking medical advice - we have that in buckets already - but does anyone here know of an effective face mask she could wear during future flights to prevent her breathing in other people's exhaled and distributed bugs? I understand that airlines only refresh a proportion of the used oxygen exhaled by those on board due to the pohibitive cost of refreshing it all and heating it up. So yet again, any preventative advice would be most welcome and gratefully received. Thanks in anticipation. 81.145.241.167 (talk) 14:40, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Try not to fly, ever.--88.109.88.16 (talk) 14:53, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Remember those flu masks some people wore when everyone was panicking about SARS? Try to find one of those. However, one with a filter would work better, but those are more expensive, need replacement filters, and draw looks from the ignorant. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 15:02, 18 March 2008 (UTC)206.252.74.48 (talk) 15:00, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't believe that the cold bacteria can just fly around by themselves—they are usually attached to things like saliva, etc. So a simple mask ought to work pretty well if all we're talking about here is your standard cold. But remember that if someone sneezes and it makes its way to, say, food you put in your mouth, that undoes any effect the mask might have. Lately I've started to feel like Howard Hughes when I'm on an airplane—I view children as disease vectors more horrific, I refuse to touch anything with my bare hands, I start to suspect the people next to me as being sources for all of my future misery! It's not entirely rational but after you get sick a few times on a plane it makes one pretty miserable, and there are times when I do a lot of flying. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 15:59, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Can anyone tell me if there is something better than GagaLive for an embedded, minimal Flash chat client? Without ads, cost free and supporting IRC.

(moved to Wikipedia:Reference desk/Computing)

Trolls

Without Pwning me too bad, im not really sure what a troll is in internet terms. I readWP:troll, and i still dont get it. the sentence "Trolling refers to deliberate and intentional attempts to disrupt the usability of Wikipedia for its editors, administrators, developers, and other people who work to create content for and help run Wikipedia" just sounds like a vandal to me.the juggreserection ^IstKrieg! 14:51, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

So you basically believe that a troll and a vandal are not the same? Neal (talk) 14:53, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

well no, they just sound like the same thing.the juggreserection ^IstKrieg! 14:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Right, take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Internet%29. Vandals don't talk, they just vandalize. Trolling involves conversing. Neal (talk) 14:56, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

(ec) A troll, in internet terms, is someone who is disruptive for the sake of being disruptive; they get their kicks from upsetting people and they post things in order to see the reactions it causes. Wikipedia vandals are not necessarily trolling; they may be bored, showing off to their mates, trying to prove a point, or have any one of a number of motives. Wikipedia mainspace isn't a very attractive environment for trolls because, as Neal said, it doesn't involve conversation; the trolls message will just be removed rather than being responded to. FiggyBee (talk) 14:59, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

oh. I see. thanks for clearing that up.the juggreserection ^IstKrieg! 15:24, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I am a troll hence, I feel that it is the wikipedians who find problems with the thought patterns of others that have the problem not the trolls, if a wikipedian gets upset at what some one else has written, they call him a troll, this is not the said trolls fault, but the fault of the wikipedian. please expand. lol —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:31, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Not really. The purpose of a troll is to upset and disrupt, so it's their fault when they do so. If someone upsets and disrupts by accident, that's not trolling (though it may be mis-labelled as such). AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 15:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Agreed. A troll is defined by what their objective is. A troll isn't just someone in a minority view. Neal (talk) 15:47, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

A practiced troll doesn't even look like a troll at first—they throw out some sort of comment that looks genuine and then get people to pull their hair out trying to explain why it is wrong, stupid, whatever. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 15:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Of course stupidity, ignorance or naivety (see hanlon's razor yet again) is always an explanation. I believe the troll also gains benefit from wasting your time.87.102.47.176 (talk) 16:49, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

4 edits up starts I am a troll therefore... so all the answers under there, are VERY VERY FUNNY. people do tend to make arses of them selves on occasion. LMFAO! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 17:17, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Oh don't worry, I saw the "lol", but decided to inform anyway. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 00:23, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Trolling is essentially just the internet equivalent of prank calling. It can range from amusing for all involved to outright hate speech. --S.dedalus (talk) 03:16, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

And, hence the expression "don't feed the trolls" arose - which means that you shouldn't give the troll more food (don't respond) as he thrives off responses. Ignore him and hopefully he goes away. Sandman30s (talk) 10:45, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Saving a few seconds at a long red light via elaborate and questionably legal maneuvers...

The maneuver I am referring to is skipping a long red light (US driving system) by making a right turn on red, moving into the center lane, making a U turn, switching to the outermost lane, and then making a right turn. See a diagram here. I am looking for the name of this "turn." Thanks in advance, 152.3.44.183 (talk) 17:43, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I'd just call it "impatient", doubting that it has any particular well-recognized name (note that "well-recognized" is the key here). — Lomn 17:54, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I would have sworn there was a Wikipedia article on this at some point. I looked everywhere and couldn't find it. 152.3.44.183 (talk) 18:18, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Not quite the same, but you may be thinking of a Michigan left. Bovlb (talk) 19:17, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Any junction where you have to make that manoeuvre is called a Superstreet. Laïka 20:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It's called an xkcd, silly. Mac Davis (talk) 08:32, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Note that in some jurisdictions there are laws against "circumventing" traffic control devices. (The one I warned of when I learned to drive was skipping a red light by cutting through a parking lot.) Depending on where you are, it may be illegal to "skip" a red light by doing a Michigan left-type maneuver. -- 128.104.112.85 (talk) 14:56, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

You could plausibly claim you changed your mind about which direction you were going in. I've heard of this law before but it was always explained to me specifically with the example of cutting through a parking lot. If you stay on the street the whole time, would it still be illegal? Not sure how they're word a law like that. Friday (talk) 15:01, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I did this manoeuver some years ago when I was young and foolish. It was 2am, the London streets were deserted apart from me... and a police patrol car. They pulled me over and asked about my "interesting" manoeuver. I was rather embarrassed, but as I was clearly not drunk and had not done anything unsafe, (there were literally no other cars around and I'd not gone through any red lights) they let me go. As far as I recall, I didn't even turn the key in the ignition for about 10 more minutes, while I finished trembling, lol. --Dweller (talk) 15:35, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

presidents

i had asked a riddle he invented it and hated,and got a lot of un helpful answers.on my own research,i googled and found benjamin frankling invented bifocals because he hated wearing glasses.i was so clos i received a bonus clue..that the guys first name ryhmes with the current us presidents.so help... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.220.113.117 (talk) 20:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

could it be gorge washington carver the inventor of peanuts...he hated the stuff —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.220.113.117 (talk) 20:49, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

The inventor of peanuts? -- JackofOz (talk) 20:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Apparently George Washington Carver invented stuff using peanuts. :) As to the riddle, I sure don't know. The first name rhymes with the current President's? What the heck rhymes with 'George'? --Masamage ♫ 21:01, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It has often been said he invented peanut butter (and many other things), though he didn't actually. Alas. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 22:06, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It should be noted that the answers you consider "unhelpful" are due to (as has been noted numerous times) the utter lack of rigor to these riddles. There exists no one unique solution to such vague clues, and I suspect your friend is playing some version of this game every time you come back with an answer. I recommend instead challenging him to explain why your answers are wrong. — Lomn 21:50, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

You also need to be more precise if you're going to get anywhere. Last time the 'riddle' was he discovered it but he hates it. Discovery and invention are not the same thing. Algebraist 22:19, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Could it possibly be Ascanio Sobrero who invented nitroglycerine and kept it a secret for a year because he was so disgusted and frightened by his discovery. Yes, I realise Ascanio doesn't rhyme with George or Walker, Richard Avery (talk) 08:31, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Neodymium Hook Magnets

Are these type of magnets good to be used on bathroom wall tile?--logger (talk) 22:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

As long as the magnets are coated in nickel, and no body gets their skin pinched, they're fine. Mac Davis (talk) 08:31, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Does magnet stick to tile - no. Unless it's a metal tile.?83.100.183.180 (talk) 14:23, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Grad

Where could I get a red tuxudo suitable for grad?Jwking (talk) 22:47, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Dunno - maybe a donut shop?87.102.47.176 (talk) 23:10, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Costume hire, wedding hire, somewhere theatrical? sounds creative so even asking around design students if you know any. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:39, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

The Junction? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.76.144.62 (talk) 02:54, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

March 19

Names

Why do we call famous people by the names we do? I mean, why is it that we call some people by their full names (e.g. Percy Bysshe Shelley, Ralph Waldo Emerson), others by their initials (e.g. H. G. Wells, J. D. Salinger), some by just their first and last names (e.g. Charles Dickens, Edith Wharton), and still others by a combination (e. g. Dwight D. Eisenhower, F. Scott Fitzgerald)? – Psyche825 _(talk) 00:45, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

When it comes to the J.D. Salingers, H. G. Wellses and F. Scott Fitzgeralds of the world, we call them that because that's the authorial name that appears on the cover of their books, rather than "Jerome Salinger", "Herbert Wells" or "Francis Fitzgerald". As for the Shelleys, Emersons etc - it seems to be just that we've come to know them by their full names, and referring to "Percy Shelley" or "Ralph Emerson" would now sound odd, because nobody says that. Which doesn't really answer the question of how this habit started in the first place, I acknowledge. On the other hand, we do also refer to them by surname only - Shelley, Dickens, Shakespeare - exactly as we do for John Keats, Robert Frost, Henry Lawson etc, as Keats, Frost and Lawson. The other side of the coin is that composers are more often than not referred to by surname only (Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms), except for living composers. But some very well-known long-dead composers always get their full name, most notably César Franck. Why this is so is a mystery to me. -- JackofOz (talk) 01:05, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Famous people aren't always known by the names they prefer. Lee Harvey Oswald was just "Lee Oswald" to those who knew him, but he died before he could get the Dallas PD and the media to stop calling him that. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 02:14, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I've heard (perhaps it was speculation) that criminal suspects' names are often given in full to lessen the chance of embarrassing the hypothetical R. Lee Oswald, James Robert Ray, John Donne Gacy, and so on. —Tamfang (talk) 07:22, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Sometimes it's the real world's equivalent of disambiguation. I've no idea how chuffed Pitt the Younger was about his epithet (probably less happy than Pliny the Younger was) but it's handy being able to differentiate the composers called Bach, the Bushes called George etc As such, the need for disambiguation sometimes will come after the person's time, in which case they'll have no say in the matter. Pliny the Elder died when his namesake was a nerdy stick-at-home scholar, as the latter makes clear in his own tale of the former's death. --Dweller (talk) 11:33, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Depth parameter

How is this parameter calculated when determining the depth of a Wikipedia? Please be as detailed as possible. -- Leptictidium (mammal talk!) 01:12, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

According to m:List of Wikipedias it's ((Edits/Articles) × (Non-Articles/Articles) × (1 − Stub-ratio)). Algebraist 02:21, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Scivias online?

Does anyone know where I can find a copy of Hildegard of Bingen's _Scivias_ as an e-book or webpage or something similar? 71.220.109.203 (talk) 01:22, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Unfortunately it is a book which has only been translated fairly recently in the 20th century—the original is out of copyright, clearly, but any translation would be copyrighted, which reduces its chance of being online in anything other than Latin, and even that seems wanting. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 04:25, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

At least some of the book is on Google Books here. Astronaut (talk) 11:33, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

US census -- basements

I'd like to get statistical data on where in the United States basements are more common. I know that generally that the West and South don't have them and the Midwest and Northeast do, but I'd like some hard data if possible. The basement article gives some interesting information about what types of soil are necessary, etc., but again, it'd be nice to have data.

(I'd also ideally like it for around 1980, but if that wasn't possible, I'd survive).

I found this list of census data available for 1980—amazingly out of all of those variables I couldn't find anything that would help me with this task. But maybe you are more clever than I am? --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 02:02, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Can't help you with census results i'm afraid, but US basements are generally obligatory nowadays in areas most susceptible to deep ground frosts so that services like gas, water, electricity etc. can be located below the house at a level below the frost line. As a resident of Scotland, where we don't usually have basements, and where we have cold water storage tanks in the attic, it sounds like a good idea to me. So I would tend to concentrate on the northern states were I you. Good luck. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.145.241.243 (talk) 18:49, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Who is Louis C. Waldman?

I really want to know who Louis C. Waldman is. All I really know is that he was living circa 1902 and was an "certified architect in Riverside, California. He was an active architect around this time. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 123abd? (talk • contribs) 02:24, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Try this: go to the Wikipedia page on Riverside, California. Follow the external links at the bottom of the page to the municipal government's website and the local history societies. The city's website will give you the contact information for the local library, which is usually the best place to search for historical information on a local person. (826-5213). The historical societies also offer contact information, as well as links to old phone directories. Good luck! WikiJedits (talk) 13:10, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Alarm clock

For years, I have owned this alarm clock whose design I have always liked. However, it no longer works properly. It appears to be a copy of a regular alarm clock and it is made in China based on the sticker on the bottom. Does this particular design look familiar? Is there a replacement somewhere? It could be a brand name like Braun but my Google search leads me nowhere. What can you tell me about my alarm clock? --Blue387 (talk) 03:03, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Googling (hint hint) gray desk clock (images) gets you something close-ish but newer in Seiko. Julia Rossi (talk) 06:34, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

If it's the case you like you could 'easily' get a replacement mechanism - I assume it's quartz. Make friends with a proper jeweler and hopefully they should be able to just pop a new mechanism in?83.100.183.180 (talk) 14:22, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Blister

When a person has blister, such as from a burn, what is the liquid that forms it? The article on blisters simply calls it a "liquid". —Preceding unsigned comment added by 195.194.74.154 (talk) 08:40, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

It's serum — blood with red blood cells and clotting agents filtered out. [13][14][15]. Weregerbil (talk) 09:45, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

See Blood plasma --Tagishsimon (talk) 15:16, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Rush Plant

Can anyone get me a picture of the pith of a rush plant? 220.233.83.26 (talk) 09:21, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

No, but in a couple of months, once they start growing again in my water garden, I could mail you some ;-). Seriously, there's nothing too unique about rushes (juncus) as compared to any of the fibrous grasses you may have seen.

Atlant (talk) 12:14, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Strange illnesses

What are some of the strangest human illnesses? 200.127.59.151 (talk) 11:34, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I do not think "strange" is aa good category for an encyclopedia. You might look at the existing article on rare disease. WikiJedits (talk) 13:03, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat describes a number of very unusual mental illnesses. --Sean 13:28, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps leprosy or ebola. Useight (talk) 15:12, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

What's the one that renders the sufferer insensible to pain? 200.127.59.151 (talk) 16:28, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis? Skittle (talk) 17:42, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I knew someone who had that condition, his girlfriend liked kicking him at random. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 19:10, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

vandalizing the vandals

I tried to fix some vadalism stating that this can make green hair grow out of ones arse. however, I sem to have made a bit of a mess, could someone with more knowlege plese fix this up for me as I feel quilty now thanks Phencyclidine

I took care of it. Just a couple missing }} at the end of the info-box template. --LarryMac | Talk 15:42, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Well done Captain Cheers and Beers and PCP —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:11, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Oven - What does "the war" and "the ovens" refer to?

Was talking to an old man recently and he kept talking about the war and the ovens what was he on about? wiki the ovens comes up with nothing as does google. thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:35, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Presumably the old man was referring to World War Two and The Holocaust. The end of this section should answer your questions. --Dweller (talk) 16:52, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

The Nazis burned the corpses of their concentration camp victims in ovens like these ones at Buchenwald concentration camp. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 16:56, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Consider the possibility that old men occasionally talk to fools. I do, even in soliloquy. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 18:33, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Most likely the second world war. But also depending on the age of the user it could refer to world war two, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Iraq: part two. Its basically assuming that you understand which war they served. БοņёŠɓɤĭĠ₳₯є 20:10, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

lord of the trolls

I am of the opinion that some people enjoy or benefit from the actions of internet trolls, whilst not being trolls themselves. Such persons might exhibit an 'authorative' or 'holier than thou' attitude and seek out positions of responsibility - in short relying on trolls to justify their existence on the net.

Joking aside (ie Answer=administrators) has the internet or popular culture got a name for such people or such activity?83.100.183.180 (talk) 17:08, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't know of a specific term, but here we tell people not to feed the trolls. You may hear people refer to such folks as "drama queens" but this is a more generic term. Friday (talk) 17:14, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I think his question was "is there a word for people that appreciate trolls/trolling." And such people are not trolls themselves. Good question. I don't think there is 1 (can't instantly think of 1). I'd have to think about it. Neal (talk) 19:28, 19 March 2008 (UTC).

Maybe petty king? Vranak (talk) 20:08, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Mmh that's an interesting answer - and a good one. Thanks hadn't even thought of that.83.100.183.180 (talk) 20:32, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Ratcatcher Shirt

My granddaughter takes riding lessons...part of the show apparel is a "ratcather shirt". HOW IN THE WORLD DID THE SHIRT GET THAT NAME? Where did it come from? Help. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.156.188.254 (talk) 20:19, 19 March 2008 (UTC)